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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/919,025, filed Mar. 20, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The instant invention is directed to vertical wall-mounted tracks that guide roll-up industrial doors, as well as roll-up industrial doors that are adapted to break away from the vertical track when contacted by a predetermined force.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventional roll-up industrial doors often include vertical tracks for guiding the door during its upward and downward travel. These tracks may include a back wall and two perpendicular side walls arranged to form a C-shaped channel.
INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION
[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a track for a roll-up industrial door. The track may include realigners adapted to divert the path of the industrial door as it is opened or closed. For example, a realigner may include a tapered portion to maintain a portion of the door within the track as the door is closed. Another realigner may have a tapered portion arranged to direct a portion of the door onto the track after it has been removed from the track. The tracks may be utilized in conjunction with a break-away industrial door having a flexible frame adapted to come out of the guide track upon application of a predetermined force.
[0007] In a first aspect, a vertical jamb for an industrial door according to the present invention may include a first guide at least partially defining a longitudinal track, the first guide including a first guide length and a second guide length arranged substantially coaxially, the first guide length spaced apart from the second guide length to define a first discontinuity; a second guide mounted parallel to the first guide, the second guide at least partially defining the track; and a first realigner proximate the discontinuity for directing a portion of an industrial door outside of the track back into the track as the door is being retracted. The first realigner may include a surface that is obliquely angled with respect to the track and that is at least partially outside of the track.
[0008] In a detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the first guide may include a third guide length arranged substantially coaxially with respect to the first guide length and the second guide length, the third guide length spaced apart from the second guide length to define a second discontinuity. The track may further comprise a second realigner proximate the second discontinuity and the second realigner may include a surface that is obliquely angled with respect to the track and that is at least partially outside of the track. The vertical jamb may include a third realigner proximate the first discontinuity and a fourth realigner proximate the second discontinuity. The first realigner, second realigner, third realigner, and fourth realigner may each include a pair of non-parallel, obliquely angled segments extending from within the track to outside of the track.
[0009] In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the first realigner may be mounted to at least one of the first guide and a surface to which the first guide is mounted, and the first realigner may extend from an inner side of the first guide length, through the first discontinuity, and beyond an outer side of the first guide length. The first realigner may include a parallel portion mounted substantially parallel to the first guide. The vertical jamb may further include a second realigner proximate the first discontinuity. The angled portion of the first realigner may be arranged to direct the portion of the industrial door into the track when the industrial door is being retracted and the second realigner may include an angled portion arranged to direct the portion of the industrial door into the track when the industrial door is moving in a downward direction. The second realigner may include at least one end having a curved surface. The vertical jamb may further include a top guide for directing the portion of the industrial door into a top of the track when the industrial door is moving in a downward direction.
[0010] In a second aspect, an industrial door assembly according to the present invention may include an industrial door mounted to a roller and a pair of door jambs opposing one another, each of the door jambs including a vertical track defining a line of travel along which the industrial door travels, the vertical track comprising a first track section and a second track section arranged coaxially and parallel with the line of travel, the first track section spaced apart from the second track section to provide a first gap therebetween, and a third track section arranged parallel but not coaxially with the first track section and the second track section; a first realigner mounted proximate the first gap, the first realigner having a surface at least partially outside of the vertical track, the surface being obliquely angled with respect to the line of travel; a second realigner mounted proximate the first gap, the second realigner having a surface at least partially outside of the vertical track, the surface being obliquely angled with respect to the line of travel.
[0011] In a detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the first realigner may have a length greater than a length of the second realigner. The surface of the first realigner is oriented generally perpendicular to the surface of the second realigner.
[0012] In another detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the vertical track may further include a fourth track section spaced apart from the second track section to provide a second gap and a third realigner and a fourth realigner mounted proximate the second gap so that the third realigner directs the portion of the industrial door that has been removed from the vertical track into the vertical track during movement of the door in the first direction and the second realigner maintains the industrial door within the vertical track during movement of the industrial door in the second direction.
[0013] In yet another detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the vertical track may include a top realigner mounted to a top of the first track section, the top realigner having an diverging opening in an upward direction.
[0014] In a third aspect, a method of realigning a break-away industrial door within a channel according to the present invention may include the steps of providing a retractable break-away industrial door; providing a channel through which the industrial door vertically travels; providing at least one opening along the channel having at least one diverter mounted proximate the opening; and retracting the door so that at least a portion of the door removed from the channel contacts the diverter and is repositioned within the channel by continued retraction of the break-away door.
[0015] In a detailed embodiment of the third aspect, two diverters may be mounted proximate the opening, the first diverter forming an inverted Y-shape with a central channel and the second diverter forming an upright Y-shape with a central channel, the central channel of the first diverter and the central channel of the second diverter coinciding with the channel. The method may further include the step of lowering the break-away industrial door after the step of retracting the break-away door, the step of lowering the break-away industrial door including maintaining the break-away industrial door within the channel using the second diverter.
[0016] In another detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the step of providing at least one opening within the channel having at least one diverter may include providing at least two openings within the channel, each opening having at least one diverter mounted proximate the opening. Two diverters may be mounted proximate each opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a frontal view of an exemplary door jamb fabricated in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of an exemplary industrial door assembly, showing the exemplary doorjamb of FIG. 1 from a side view;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the exemplary doorjamb of FIG. 1 being utilized to realign an industrial door within the track of the jamb;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a frontal view of an alternate exemplary door jamb fabricated in accordance with the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment doorjamb including a track.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below to encompass methods of continuing or reestablishing an industrial door within a vertical track after the door has been displaced from the vertical track, as well as apparatuses for continuing or reestablishing an industrial door within a vertical track after the door has been displaced from the vertical track. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments discussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5 , an exemplary door jamb 10 in accordance with the instant invention includes a block C-shaped fiberglass platform 12 having opposed left and right sides 14 , 16 and a center section 18 having an exposed surface 20 (see FIG. 5 in particular). The center section 18 provides a mounting substrate to which a plurality of right angled fiberglass brackets 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 are mounted. In this exemplary embodiment, four right angled brackets 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 are mounted to the center section 18 in a generally vertical orientation to partially define a vertical track 30 between opposed angled brackets 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 . Vertical space is left between the lower angled brackets 22 , 24 and the upper angled brackets 26 , 28 to provide a discontinuity 32 .
[0024] Referencing FIGS. 2 and 3 , an exemplary industrial door system includes a pair of door jambs 10 , an industrial door 34 (see FIG. 3 , shown in phantom), and an industrial door roller 36 that is repositioned by a roller motor 38 . The door 34 is generally repositioned by the motor 38 engaging the roller 36 to rotate the roller either clockwise or counterclockwise. In this exemplary embodiment, clockwise rotation of the roller 36 is operative to lower the door 34 , while counterclockwise rotation of the roller is operative to raise the door. It is to be understood, however, that alternative rotational patterns may be utilized such as, without limitation, using clockwise rotation of the roller 36 to raise the door 34 and counterclockwise rotation of the roller to lower the door.
[0025] In exemplary form, the industrial door 34 may comprise a solid paneled door, a flexible fabric/plastic curtain, a combination of the foregoing, or any other type of door operative to retard motion through an opening. In this exemplary embodiment, for purposes of explanation only, the exemplary industrial door 34 is a break-away door comprising a plastic curtain with internal weighted framing 40 to weigh down the curtain and ensure that the curtain drops vertically at approximately the same rate on opposing lateral sides. The weighted framing 40 of the door is also flexible and operative to deform, preferably bow outward, when a predetermined contacting force is applied to the curtain.
[0026] By way of explanation only, the exemplary break-away industrial door 34 may be utilized for car washes. In such a circumstance, the curtain may be lowered intermittently at the end of the washing and/or drying cycle between consecutive automobiles. During this upward and downward movement cycle, it is conceivable that the door becomes stuck in the down position and an automobile inadvertently drives into the door or the driver of the automobile is impatient and prematurely exits the car wash by displacing the door. In these circumstances, the frame of the door is adapted to bow outward in the direction of contact, thereby lessening the widthwise or lateral dimension of the door until the widthwise dimension is less than the widthwise dimension between opposite door jambs, thereby resulting in the door frame being expelled from the track. Alternatively, the frame may bow inward toward the interior of the car wash when subjected to strong winds. Thus, the exemplary door jamb 10 takes into account realigning of the door from both the left and right sides.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , each discontinuity 32 cooperates with plastic realigners 42 , 44 to automatically realign the industrial door 34 within the track 30 upon raising of the vertical door (direction “R” in FIG. 3 ). In exemplary form, the discontinuity 32 comprises an eight inch gap between the lower angled brackets 22 , 24 and the upper angled brackets 26 , 28 . The top pair of realigners 42 each comprise three inch wide bar stock fabricated from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, with a total length of ten inches having a forty-five degree bend inset approximately four inches from one end of the bar stock to provide a vertical portion 46 and an angled portion 48 . The vertical portion 46 is mounted to an interior surface of the upper angled brackets 26 , 28 defining the track 30 , while the angled portion 48 extends outward through the discontinuity 32 . In this manner, the realigners 42 cooperate to form a Y-shaped taper that operates to funnel the door back into the track 30 as the door 34 is raised. After the door is sufficiently raised so that all of the door is within the track, given the retracted or partially retracted position of the door 34 , the door may be further retracted or may be lowered to a closed position.
[0028] In exemplary form, the door 34 is lowered to a closed position after the frame 40 is realigned in the track 30 by the top pair of plastic realigners 42 . On the descent of the door 34 (and frame 40 ), the bottom pair of aligners 44 are operative to ensure that the door 34 does not deviate from the vertical path established by the track 30 . In this exemplary embodiment, the bottom pair of realigners 44 each comprise three inch wide bar stock fabricated from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, with a total length of six inches having a forty-five degree bend inset approximately two inches from one end of the bar stock to provide a vertical portion 50 and an angled portion 52 . The vertical portion 50 is mounted to an interior surface of the lower angled brackets 22 , 24 defining the track 30 , while the angled portion 48 extends outward through the discontinuity 32 . An outer end of the angled portion 52 has a curved surface 53 to inhibit the door 34 from snagging on this end as the door is retracted upward, presuming the door is out of the track 30 . In this manner, the realigners 44 cooperate to form a Y-shaped taper that operates to maintain the door along its vertical orientation as the door descends within the track 30 and passes beyond the area of the discontinuity 32 .
[0029] Referring again to FIG. 1 , the exemplary door jamb 10 also includes a pair of polymer initial aligners 54 that each comprise three inch wide bar stock fabricated from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, with a total length of twelve inches and having a forty-five degree bend inset approximately four inches from one end to provide a vertical portion 56 and an angled portion 58 . The vertical portion 56 is mounted to an interior surface of the upper angled brackets 26 , 28 nearest the door roller 36 , while the angled portion 58 extends upward toward the door roller. The angled portion 58 of each aligner 54 is curled to ensure that if the door is completely outside the track 30 and accordingly retracted, the ends of the angled portion will not snag on the door as the door travels therepast. In this manner, the aligners 54 serve a dual purpose to allow the door to be rolled up even when it is completely out of its track 30 , as well as forming a Y-shaped taper that funnels the door into the track 30 when the door is unrolled.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4 , it is to be understood that while the exemplary door jamb 10 has been shown and described in FIGS. 1-3 with a single discontinuity 32 , it is also within the scope of the invention that the door jamb 10 include multiple discontinuities. Each additional discontinuity may include realigners 42 , 44 to facilitate repositioning of door 34 back into the track 30 , as well as maintaining the framing 40 within the track. Those of ordinary skill will readily understand that the number of discontinuities may depend on a number of factors that include, without limitation, the type of industrial door, the height of the opening closed off by the door, the frequency of travel of the door up and down, the typical repetitive distance traveled by the door, and the dimensions of the discontinuities themselves, which may vary.
[0031] While each of the foregoing aligners 44 , 54 includes one end that includes a curved surface (such as surface 53 in FIG. 3 ), it is not a requisite for the end to be curled to fall within the scope of the invention. By way of example, and not limitation, the ends of the aligners 44 , 54 may be straight or have a slight bend.
[0032] Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatus herein described constitute an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the invention contained herein is not limited to this precise embodiment and that changes may be made to this embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of the invention, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein. Finally, it will be apparent that additional claims may be inherent in the invention and not expressly described herein.
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A track for a roll-up industrial door. The track may include realigners adapted to divert the path of the industrial door as it is opened or shut. For example, a realigner may include a tapered portion to maintain a portion of the door within the track as the door is shut. Another realigner may have a tapered portion arranged to direct a portion of the door onto the track after it has been removed from the track. The tracks may be utilized in conjunction with a break-away industrial door having a flexible frame that is adapted to come out of the guide track upon application of a predetermined force.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to a device and method for measuring and evaluating individual cell voltages of a fuel cell stack.
STATE OF THE ART
[0002] A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts chemical energy produced by a reaction directly into electrical energy. For example, one type of fuel cell includes a proton exchange membrane (PEM), often called a polymer electrolyte membrane, permitting only protons to pass between an anode and a cathode of the fuel cell. At the anode, diatomic hydrogen (a fuel) is reacted to produce hydrogen protons that pass through the PEM. The electrons produced by this reaction travel through circuitry that is external to the fuel cell to form an electrical current.
[0003] Because a single fuel cell typically produces a relatively small voltage (around 1 Volt, for example), several fuel cells may be formed out of an arrangement called a fuel cell stack to produce a higher voltage. The fuel cell stack may include plates (e.g. graphite composites or metal plates) that are stacked one on top of the other, and each plate may be associated with more than one fuel cell of the stack. The plates may include various channels and orifices, for example to route the reactants and products through the fuel cell stack. Several PEMs (each one being associated with a particular fuel cell) may be dispersed throughout the stack between the anodes and cathodes of the different fuel cells.
[0004] The health of a fuel cell stack may be determined by monitoring the individual differential terminal voltages (i.e. cell voltages) of the fuel cells. In this manner a particular cell voltage may vary under load conditions and cell health over a range from −1V to +1V. The fuel cell stack typically may include a large number of fuel cells, and thus, common mode voltages (voltages with respect to a common voltage (ground)) of the fuel cells terminals may be quite large (i.e., some of the voltages of the terminals may be as high as 100 Volt, for example). Unfortunately, semiconductor devices that may be used to measure the cell voltages typically are incapable of receiving high common mode voltages (voltages over approximately 18V, for example). One solution may be to use resistor dividers to scale down the terminal voltages. However, the process of scaling down reduces the measurement accuracy and moreover the resistor tolerances may introduce measurement errors.
[0005] Prior art document U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,684-B proposes a cell voltage measurement system comprising a plurality of voltage scanning units, each being associated with a group of cells of a fuel cell stack. The scanning units may have ground references at potentials greater than a ground reference of the fuel cell stack. However, under certain conditions negative cell voltages may occur, that are potentially dangerous for fuel cells. The disclosed cell voltage measurement system only provides protection against this situation by using expensive circuits capable of digitising both positive and negative voltages. Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,684-B further discloses the use of control lines to select one cell at a time for measurement by means of two analogue multiplexers, which may be shifted over one cell with respect to one another (i.e. input terminal D 0 in the first multiplexer is connected to input D 1 in the second). One multiplexer is used to shift a reference and the other one to shift the signal to be measured. When considered at system level, for each measurement a different reference voltage is applied. This yields not only an expensive solution, but also requires the proper programming of a processor.
AIMS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention aims to provide a system and method for measuring individual fuel cell voltages, that allows the use of semiconductor devices and wherein also negative cell voltages can be measured.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a system for measuring individual cell voltages of a fuel cell stack, said system comprising a plurality of voltage scanning units (VSU). Each VSU is arranged for being connected to a group of cells, belonging to the fuel cell stack, said group of cells being provided with terminals that allow measuring a cell voltage. Each VSU comprises a filter/regulator providing a voltage reference signal V ref , said voltage reference signal being applied to a first terminal of a first cell of the group of cells. The VSU further comprises
an A/D converter, said A/D converter arranged for being fed with a supply voltage V sup+ and for receiving at a first input the voltage reference signal V ref , and a multiplexer arranged for consecutively connecting the other terminals of the group of cells to a second input of the A/D converter.
[0010] Preferably the voltage reference signal V ref is smaller than V sup+ in absolute value.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment the system for measuring individual cell voltages further comprises a main controller being connected to at least one VSU of the plurality of VSUs.
[0012] In another embodiment each VSU comprises a protocol driver comprising a unique identification for the VSU. Advantageously the protocol driver is arranged for communicating with said main controller. The VSU may further comprise optocouplers.
[0013] Preferably the supply voltage V sup+ is drawn from an AC power bus, connected via capacitive coupling to the filter/regulator.
[0014] In an advantageous embodiment each group of cells consists of four cells.
[0015] In another object the invention relates to a method for measuring individual cell voltages of a group of cells belonging to a fuel cell stack, said group of cells being provided with terminals. The method comprises the steps of
connecting a voltage scanning unit (VSU) to the group of cells, providing a voltage reference signal to a first terminal of a first cell of the group of cells, applying the voltage reference signal to a first input of an A/D converter, said A/D converter being comprised in the VSU and being fed by a supply voltage V sup+ , connecting consecutively a voltage signal from the other terminals of the group of cells to be measured to a second input of the A/D converter.
[0020] In an alternative embodiment the method further comprises the steps of, in case a measured cell voltage signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, calculating the minimum, average and maximum voltage of the fuel cell stack and perform a correcting action based on the calculated minimum, average and maximum voltage.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 represents the lay-out of the system according to the invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 represents more in detail a scheme of the voltage scanning unit shown in FIG. 1 .
[0023] FIG. 3 represents a system with more than one fuel cell stack. It also shows the use of a common mode reference.
[0024] FIG. 4 represents a software flow chart.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] In the system according to the invention the fuel cell stack is partitioned into (non-overlapping) groups of fuel cells. The measuring circuit is referenced to the lowest voltage in the group. So, when referenced to the stack negative terminal, each fuel cell group has a different common mode voltage. In this way the common mode voltage for the measuring circuit never exceeds the maximum allowed for a semiconductor device to be used. By limiting the number of cells in a group, an adequate measurement resolution and accuracy can be maintained. The measuring circuit digitises the measured voltages and transmits them to a main controller. To measure all cell voltages in a fuel cell stack, several measuring circuits are required.
[0026] The system uses two main hardware components: the voltage scanning units and the main controller, which is a computer on which a specific software program is run. This computer drives the voltage scanning units, evaluates the data collected from them and retransmits the results of this evaluation. Using the same method, other sensors than those for voltage measurement can be connected to the main controller. The term voltage scanning unit (VSU) refers to a device capable of digitising one or more voltages, each voltage being associated to a different cell of the fuel cell stack. The main controller refers to a computer device capable of communicating with the VSUs and with other controllers used to control the fuel cell stack system.
[0027] The fuel cell stack 1 is divided into groups of adjacent cells. Each cell of a single group is connected to the same VSU 2 (see FIG. 1 ). The terminal at the lowest voltage level in a group is connected to a positive reference voltage (V ref ), derived inside the VSU. More specifically, each VSU comprises a rectifier 26 , filter and regulator 23 to be used as a regulated power supply for the measuring circuit and in which the V ref is derived using a precision voltage reference. The other terminals of the group of cells are then connected to the various inputs of a multiplexer device 21 . The multiplexer routes the cell voltages to an analog-to-digital converter 22 (ADC). All VSUs are identical. V ref can be chosen to have the same value for all VSUs, which simplifies calculations according to equations 1a, 1b . . . . If very high precision is required, V ref can be determined for each VSU individually, each VSU then has its own set of equations. This would require additional storage in the main controller.
[0028] The positive reference voltage V ref inside the VSU is chosen to be higher than V sup− , i.e. the negative power supply to the ADC (see FIG. 2 ), but lower than V sup+ . Typically V sup− is the ADC's ground. Because the voltage at the negative power supply terminal of the ADC also serves as the internal reference for all A/D conversions, the results of the different conversions in one ADC (V ADC1 , V ADC2 , V ADC3 , . . . ) can be written as a function of the different cell voltages (V cell1 , V cell2 , V cell3 , . . . ) and of V ref :
[0000] V ADC1 =V ref +V cell1 (equation 1a)
[0000] V ADC2 =V ref +V cell1 +V cell2 (equation 1b)
[0000] V ADC3 =V ref +V cell1 +V cell2 +V cell3 (equation 1c)
[0000] The result of any conversion in one ADC (V ADC1 , V ADC2 , V ADC3 , . . . ) is a value between 0 and V sup+ . Applying this to equations 1, it can be seen that in a group of cells (cell 1 or cell 1 +cell 2 or cell 1 +cell 2 +cell 3 . . . ) any voltage between −V ref and V sup+ −V ref can be measured.
[0029] As an example, a group may consist of four cells, the power supply V sup+ to the ADC may be 5 Volt and the reference voltage V ref may be 1 Volt, so every channel of the ADC can measure a voltage between −1 Volt and 4 Volt. As this range must be shared by four cells, this allows measuring individual cell voltages between −0.25 Volt and 1 Volt. This shows a major advantage of the present invention, as negative cell voltages may occur under certain conditions.
[0030] Each VSU 2 contains a protocol driver 24 that can receive commands and transmit data to and from a main controller 3 over a data bus. Every protocol driver 24 in a VSU 2 contains a unique binary ID that allows individual addressing using only the data bus. The data bus at the main controller 3 and at the VSU 2 can have a different common mode voltage, so galvanic isolation is required. This is accomplished by using digital opto-couplers 25 .
[0031] It is required to measure cell voltages during start-up and shut down, i.e. when the cell voltages can be very low, so power for the operation of the VSU 2 can not be derived from the fuel cells. Therefore the VSU draws its power from a power bus. The power bus carries a square wave alternating current power. The power consumption of the VSU is very low so it can be connected to the power bus with simple inductive or capacitive coupling (capacitors 27 ). The advantage of capacitive coupling is its lower price and weight compared to inductive coupling. Both coupling methods can ensure sufficient galvanic isolation to offset the common mode voltage.
[0032] The second main hardware component in the system is the main controller 3 . The main controller has three tasks: communication with the VSUs, power bus control and interface to other fuel cell stack system controllers.
[0033] A single common data bus connects all VSUs 2 and the main controller 3 . On this bus the main controller is the master, the VSUs are the slaves. The master initiates all communication either to all VSUs simultaneously or to one individual VSU by addressing it through the unique binary ID stored in the VSU. This eliminates the need for additional individual galvanically isolated connections between each VSU 2 and the main controller 3 .
[0034] The main controller accesses the VSUs simultaneously for initialisation and for instructing them to perform an A/D conversion. The consequence is that all cell voltages are acquired at the same time. After the acquisition and the conversion, each VSU is accessed individually and sequentially in order to retrieve the results of the conversion. Once the results (V ADC1 , V ADC2 , . . . ) retrieved, the individual cell voltages (V cell1 , V cell2 , . . . ) can be calculated using the relationships described in equations 1a, 1b, 1c, etc . . . . A data table in the main controller links the individual IDs of the VSUs to the position in the fuel cell stack of the cells connected to it.
[0035] As already mentioned, a single common power bus supplies power to all VSUs. A pulse width modulated (PWM) output of the main controller generates a signal that is used to alternatively connect each of the power lines to the positive or negative voltage of a dedicated DC power supply. The main controller measures the voltage of this power supply to allow setting ideal values of the PWM's frequency and duty cycle. An additional output of the main controller is used to disable the power line drivers in order to minimise power consumption.
[0036] For correct and reliable operation of a fuel cell stack, cell voltages should be within certain limits, depending on the operating conditions of the fuel cell stack. When one of the voltages exceeds the limits, one or more fuel cell stack system controllers (not shown in the figures) can take corrective actions. To define these actions, not all cell voltages are required: normally the minimum, the average and the maximum cell voltage suffice to define the actions (e.g. reducing the electric load or increasing the air flow rate or the hydrogen flow rate). A software routine in the main controller of the voltage monitoring system therefore calculates these values, identifies the cells associated with these minimum and maximum voltages and transmits this information to any other fuel cell stack system controller requiring it. Compared to transmitting all individual voltages, this substantially limits the bandwidth required for the communication and relieves the other system controllers of these tasks. The communication can be performed by any standard.
[0037] If a fuel cell stack contains a large number of cells and a high sampling rate is required, two or more data buses can be created. The VSUs are distributed evenly over the data busses and communication is performed simultaneously, thereby increasing bandwidth and sampling rate for each additional bus.
[0038] In a specific embodiment more than one fuel cell stack can be provided. As shown in FIG. 3 the various stacks can communicate with the main controller over the data bus and the VSUs in the stacks can be powered via the same power bus.
[0039] The system (with either one or more stacks of fuel cells) may advantageously be provided with means for monitoring the common mode voltage of a stack. Especially when the number of cells increases, it may be useful to bring the main controller to a voltage that is e.g. about half way between the highest and lowest voltage in the system. Such a connection is also shown in FIG. 3 . For security reasons the current flowing in the connection between the stack and the main controller is to be monitored by said main controller, e.g. with a monitoring device as described in EP-1265076-A1. This requires thus some additional hardware that may be integrated into the main controller.
[0040] The main controller of the cell voltage monitoring system contains software. The tasks performed by this software are (see also FIG. 4 ):
1. Initialisation of the main controller, 2. Maintenance of a table, called the ID table, identifying the VSUs with their individual ID and with their position within the fuel cell stack, 3. Initialisation of the VSUs, 4. Regulation of voltage, frequency and duty cycle on the power bus, 5. simultaneous initiation of voltage conversion, 6. individual reading of data stored in the VSUs, 7. evaluation of this data and transmission of relevant information to external devices, 8. reception of data packets from an external device in order to modify the ID table, 9. reception of data packets from an external device containing calibration data, 10. reception of data packets from an external device requesting diagnostic data, 11. transmission of diagnostic data; for example, but not limited to, all the cell voltages within one group.
[0052] To guarantee cyclic operation with a known cycle time, a timer in the main controller 3 generates an interrupt signaling the start of a measurement cycle. If not all VSUs are read before the next interrupt occurs, a cycle time violation occurs. This is an error situation in which normal operation is no longer guaranteed. Errors may occur during communication between main controller and VSUs. The software provides for retries and, if errors persist, for a means of signaling the problem to the other system controllers.
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A system for measuring individual cell voltages of a fuel cell stack includes a plurality of voltage scanning units (VSU). Each VSU is arranged for being connected to a group of cells, belonging to the fuel cell stack, the group of cells being provided with terminals that allow measuring a cell voltage. Each VSU comprises a filter/regulator that provides a voltage reference signal V ref , that is applied to a first terminal of a first cell of the group of cells. The VSU further includes a multiplexer arranged for consecutively connecting the other terminals of the group of cells to a first input of an A/D converter, whereby the A/D converter is further provided with a second input for receiving the voltage reference signal V ref . The ADC is further arranged for being fed with a supply voltage V sup+ and for A/D converting a signal derived from the signals at the first and second input.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] An application refers to a software program, which on execution performs specific desired tasks. In general, several applications are executed in a run-time environment containing one or more of operating systems, virtual machines (e.g., supporting Java™ programming language), device drivers, etc., as is well known in the relevant arts.
[0002] Developers often use Application Development Frameworks (ADFs) (which are by themselves applications) for implementing/developing desired applications. An ADF provides a set of pre-defined code/data modules that can be directly/indirectly used in the development of an application. An ADF may also provide tools such as an IDE (integrated development environment), code generators, debuggers, etc. which facilitates a developer in coding/implementing the desired logic of the application in a faster/simpler manner.
[0003] In general, an ADF simplifies development of applications by providing re-usable components and integrated development environments, which application developers can use to define user interfaces and application logic by, for example, selecting components to perform desired tasks and defining the appearance, behavior, and interactions of the selected components. Some ADFs are based on a model-view-controller design pattern that promotes loose coupling and easier application development and maintenance. Oracle Application Development Framework is one example of an ADF that utilizes this design pattern.
[0004] Oracle ADF includes libraries of standards-based Java Server Faces (JSF) components with built-in HTML5 and Ajax functionality. With these components, web deployed user interfaces can be developed with a level of functionality and interactivity previously reserved for thick-client applications. The components offer data interaction, data visualization, and encapsulated browser side operations in a set of easy to use components that makes rich client application development easier than ever. Oracle ADF further provides a data-binding framework that simplifies binding UI to business services through a simple drag and drop operations in the IDE. This is done while still keeping the independence of the business service from consuming interfaces. With the framework, the UI developer is insulated from the underlying implementation of the business service layer. This makes the process of building the UI truly decoupled from the implementation of the business service layer, better positioning the application for implementation in a service-oriented architecture.
[0005] Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) frameworks can be used to theme or style web-based applications. A CSS framework is generally a pre-prepared software framework that is meant to allow for easier, more standards-compliant web design using the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) language. Functional frameworks can come with more features and additional JavaScript based functions that are mostly design oriented and unobtrusive. Some notable and widely used examples are Bootstrap or Foundation. Very few frameworks will allow developers of a client interface to quickly change a framework's look and feel visually if that framework uses a CSS preprocessor. The reasons for this are because it is very expensive to perform the preprocessing instructions and it is difficult to run the preprocessing client side (usually because the frameworks are written in languages that cannot be run on a web browser).
[0006] Accordingly, what is desired is to solve problems relating to building application user interfaces using CSS frameworks, some of which may be discussed herein. Additionally, what is desired is to reduce drawbacks relating to building user interfaces using CSS frameworks, some of which may be discussed herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The following portion of this disclosure presents a simplified summary of one or more innovations, embodiments, and/or examples found within this disclosure for at least the purpose of providing a basic understanding of the subject matter. This summary does not attempt to provide an extensive overview of any particular embodiment or example. Additionally, this summary is not intended to identify key/critical elements of an embodiment or example or to delineate the scope of the subject matter of this disclosure. Accordingly, one purpose of this summary may be to present some innovations, embodiments, and/or examples found within this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description presented later.
[0008] In various embodiments, methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media are disclosed that allow developers working within desktop applications to create application-specific documents that integrate with web-based applications. Using a desktop integration framework, a developer can design documents having components that provide user interfaces to data associated with data models of the web-based applications. In one aspect, how a component looks and is configured can be dynamically driven at runtime based on aspects of its underlying data model.
[To be Completed Based on Final Claims]
[0009] A further understanding of the nature of and equivalents to the subject matter of this disclosure (as well as any inherent or express advantages and improvements provided) should be realized in addition to the above section by reference to the remaining portions of this disclosure, any accompanying drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In order to reasonably describe and illustrate those innovations, embodiments, and/or examples found within this disclosure, reference may be made to one or more accompanying drawings. The additional details or examples used to describe the one or more accompanying drawings should not be considered as limitations to the scope of any of the claimed inventions, any of the presently described embodiments and/or examples, or the presently understood best mode of any innovations presented within this disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of components of a system environment by which services provided by the components of an embodiment system may be offered as mobile cloud services, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a workspace for creating and theming user interfaces according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for generating a CSS preview according to one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method performed by a service for handling a change to style information associated with a user interface (UI) component according to one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method performed by a client device for handling a change to style information associated with a user interface (UI) component according to one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a simplified diagram of a distributed system for implementing one of the embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary computer system, in which various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. The figures and description are not intended to be restrictive.
INTRODUCTION
A. High Performant and High Fidelity Previews for CSS Preprocessing Framework
B. System Environment
[0019] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of one or more components of system environment 100 by which services provided by one or more components of an embodiment system may be offered as cloud services, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, system environment 100 includes cloud infrastructure system 102 that provides cloud services to one or more client computing devices 104 , 106 , and 108 . Client computing devices 104 , 106 , and 108 may be used by users to interact with cloud infrastructure system 102 . Client computing devices 104 , 106 , and 108 may be configured to operate a client application such as a web browser, a proprietary client application (e.g., Oracle Forms), or some other application, which may be used by a user of the client computing device to interact with cloud infrastructure system 102 to use services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 .
[0020] It should be appreciated that cloud infrastructure system 102 depicted in FIG. 1 may have other components than those depicted. Further, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is only one example of a cloud infrastructure system that may incorporate an embodiment of the invention. In some other embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 102 may have more or fewer components than shown in FIG. 1 , may combine two or more components, or may have a different configuration or arrangement of components.
[0021] Client computing devices 104 , 106 , and 108 may be portable handheld devices (e.g., an iPhone®, cellular telephone, an iPad®, computing tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA)) or wearable devices (e.g., a Google Glass® head mounted display), running software such as Microsoft Windows Mobile®, and/or a variety of mobile operating systems such as iOS, Windows Phone, Android, BlackBerry 10, Palm OS, and the like, and being Internet, e-mail, short message service (SMS), Blackberry®, or other communication protocol enabled. Client computing devices 104 , 106 , and 108 can be general purpose personal computers including, by way of example, personal computers and/or laptop computers running various versions of Microsoft Windows®, Apple Macintosh®, and/or Linux operating systems. Client computing devices 104 , 106 , and 108 can be workstation computers running any of a variety of commercially-available UNIX® or UNIX-like operating systems, including without limitation the variety of GNU/Linux operating systems, such as for example, Google Chrome OS. Alternatively, or in addition, Client computing devices 104 , 106 , and 108 may be any other electronic device, such as a thin-client computer, an Internet-enabled gaming system (e.g., a Microsoft Xbox gaming console with or without a Kinect® gesture input device), and/or a personal messaging device, capable of communicating over network(s) 110 .
[0022] Although exemplary system environment 100 is shown with three client computing devices, any number of client computing devices may be supported. Other devices such as devices with sensors, etc. may interact with cloud infrastructure system 102 .
[0023] Network(s) 110 may facilitate communications and exchange of data between clients 104 , 106 , and 108 and cloud infrastructure system 102 . Network(s) 110 may be any type of network familiar to those skilled in the art that can support data communications using any of a variety of commercially-available protocols, including without limitation TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol), SNA (systems network architecture), IPX (Internet packet exchange), AppleTalk, and the like. Merely by way of example, network(s) 110 can be a local area network (LAN), such as one based on Ethernet, Token-Ring and/or the like. Network(s) 110 can be a wide-area network and the Internet. It can include a virtual network, including without limitation a virtual private network (VPN), an intranet, an extranet, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an infra-red network, a wireless network (e.g., a network operating under any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics (IEEE) 802.11 suite of protocols, Bluetooth®, and/or any other wireless protocol); and/or any combination of these and/or other networks.
[0024] Cloud infrastructure system 102 may comprise one or more computers and/or servers. These computer systems or servers may be composed of one or more general purpose computers, specialized server computers (including, by way of example, PC (personal computer) servers, UNIX® servers, mid-range servers, mainframe computers, rack-mounted servers, etc.), server farms, server clusters, or any other appropriate arrangement and/or combination. In various embodiments, one or more computer systems or servers associated with cloud infrastructure system 102 may be adapted to run one or more services or software applications described in the foregoing disclosure. For example, one or more computer systems or servers associated with cloud infrastructure system 102 may correspond to a server for performing processing described herein according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] One or more computer systems or servers associated with cloud infrastructure system 102 may run an operating system including any of those discussed above, as well as any commercially available server operating system. One or more computer systems or servers associated with cloud infrastructure system 102 may also run any of a variety of additional server applications and/or mid-tier applications, including HTTP (hypertext transport protocol) servers, FTP (file transfer protocol) servers, CGI (common gateway interface) servers, JAVA® servers, database servers, and the like. Exemplary database servers include without limitation those commercially available from Oracle, Microsoft, Sybase, IBM (International Business Machines), and the like.
[0026] In certain embodiments, services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 may include a host of services that are made available to users of cloud infrastructure system 102 on demand, such as online data storage and backup solutions, Web-based e-mail services, hosted office suites and document collaboration services, database processing, managed technical support services, and the like. Services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 can dynamically scale to meet the needs of its users. A specific instantiation of a service provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 is referred to herein as a “service instance.” In general, any service made available to a user via a communication network, such as the Internet, from a cloud service provider's system is referred to as a “cloud service.” Typically, in a public cloud environment, servers and systems that make up the cloud service provider's system are different from the customer's own on-premises servers and systems. For example, a cloud service provider's system may host an application, and a user may, via a communication network such as the Internet, on demand, order and use the application.
[0027] In some examples, a service instance instantiated by cloud infrastructure 102 may include protected computer network access to storage, a hosted database, a hosted web server, a software application, or other service provided by a cloud vendor to a user, or as otherwise known in the art. For example, a service instance instantiated by cloud infrastructure 102 can include password-protected access to remote storage on the cloud through the Internet. As another example, a service instance instantiated by cloud infrastructure 102 can include a web service-based hosted relational database and a script-language middleware engine for private use by a networked developer. As another example, a service instance instantiated by cloud infrastructure 102 can include access to an email software application hosted on a cloud vendor's web site.
[0028] In certain embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 102 may include a suite of applications, middleware, development service, and database service offerings that are delivered to a customer in a self-service, subscription-based, elastically scalable, reliable, highly available, and secure manner. An example of such a cloud infrastructure system as embodied in cloud infrastructure service 102 is the Oracle Public Cloud provided by the present assignee.
[0029] Cloud infrastructure system 102 may provide the cloud services via different deployment models. For example, services may be provided under a public cloud model in which cloud infrastructure system 102 is owned by an organization selling cloud services (e.g., owned by Oracle) and the services are made available to the general public or different industry enterprises. As another example, services may be provided under a private cloud model in which cloud infrastructure system 102 is operated solely for a single organization and may provide services for one or more entities within the organization. The cloud services may also be provided under a community cloud model in which cloud infrastructure system 102 and the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 are shared by several organizations in a related community. The cloud services may also be provided under a hybrid cloud model, which is a combination of two or more different models.
[0030] In some embodiments, the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 may include one or more services provided under Software as a Service (SaaS) category, Platform as a Service (PaaS) category, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) category, or other categories of services including hybrid services. In some embodiments, the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 may include, without limitation, application services, platform services and infrastructure services. In some examples, application services may be provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 via a SaaS platform. The SaaS platform may be configured to provide cloud services that fall under the SaaS category. For example, the SaaS platform may provide capabilities to build and deliver a suite of on-demand applications on an integrated development and deployment platform. The SaaS platform may manage and control the underlying software and infrastructure for providing the SaaS services. By utilizing the services provided by the SaaS platform, customers can utilize applications executing on the cloud infrastructure system. Customers can acquire the application services without the need for customers to purchase separate licenses and support. Various different SaaS services may be provided. Examples include, without limitation, services that provide solutions for sales performance management, enterprise integration, and business flexibility for large organizations.
[0031] In some embodiments, platform services may be provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 via a PaaS platform. The PaaS platform may be configured to provide cloud services that fall under the PaaS category. Examples of platform services may include without limitation services that enable organizations (such as Oracle) to consolidate existing applications on a shared, common architecture, as well as the ability to build new applications that leverage the shared services provided by the platform. The PaaS platform may manage and control the underlying software and infrastructure for providing the PaaS services. Customers can acquire the PaaS services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 without the need for customers to purchase separate licenses and support. Examples of platform services include, without limitation, Oracle Java Cloud Service (JCS), Oracle Database Cloud Service (DBCS), and others.
[0032] By utilizing the services provided by the PaaS platform, customers can employ programming languages and tools supported by cloud infrastructure system 102 and also control the deployed services. In some embodiments, platform services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 may include database cloud services, middleware cloud services (e.g., Oracle Fusion Middleware services), and Java cloud services. In one embodiment, database cloud services may support shared service deployment models that enable organizations to pool database resources and offer customers a Database as a Service in the form of a database cloud. Middleware cloud services may provide a platform for customers to develop and deploy various business applications, and Java cloud services may provide a platform for customers to deploy Java applications, in the cloud infrastructure system.
[0033] Various different infrastructure services may be provided by an IaaS platform in cloud infrastructure system 102 . The infrastructure services facilitate the management and control of the underlying computing resources, such as storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources for customers utilizing services provided by the SaaS platform and the PaaS platform.
[0034] In certain embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 102 may provide comprehensive management of cloud services (e.g., SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS services) in the cloud infrastructure system. In one embodiment, cloud management functionality may include capabilities for provisioning, managing, and tracking a customer's subscription received by cloud infrastructure system 102 , and the like. In various embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 102 may be adapted to automatically provision, manage, and track a customer's subscription to services offered by cloud infrastructure system 102 . A customer, via a subscription order, may order one or more services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 . Cloud infrastructure system 102 then performs processing to provide the services in the customer's subscription order.
[0035] In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1 , cloud management functionality may be provided by one or more modules, such as order management and monitoring module 114 . These modules may include or be provided using one or more computers and/or servers, which may be general purpose computers, specialized server computers, server farms, server clusters, or any other appropriate arrangement and/or combination.
[0036] In exemplary operation, a customer using a client device, such as one or more of client computing devices 104 , 106 or 108 , may interact with cloud infrastructure system 102 by requesting one or more services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 . The customer may issue service request 134 cloud infrastructure system 102 using a variety of means. Service request 134 may include placing an order for a subscription for one or more services offered by cloud infrastructure system 102 , accessing one or more services offered by cloud infrastructure system 102 , or the like. In certain embodiments, the customer may access a cloud User Interface (UI), cloud UI 132 , cloud UI 134 , and/or cloud UI 138 and place a subscription order via these UIs. The order information received by cloud infrastructure system 102 in response to the customer placing an order may include information identifying the customer and information identifying one or more services offered by the cloud infrastructure system 102 to which the customer intends to subscribe. After an order has been placed by the customer, the order information is received via the cloud UIs, 132 , 134 , and/or 138 .
[0037] In this example, order management and monitoring module 114 sends information received from a customer to an order database to have the order placed by the customer stored in recorded. The order database can be one of several databases operated by cloud infrastructure system 102 and operated in conjunction with other system elements. Order management and monitoring module 114 may forward information that includes all or part of the order information stored in the order database to an order management module. In some instances, the order management module may be configured to perform billing and accounting functions related to the order, such as verifying the order, and upon verification, booking the order.
[0038] Order management and monitoring module 114 may communicate all or part of the order information to an order orchestration module that utilizes the order information to orchestrate the provisioning of services and resources for the order placed by the customer. In some instances, the order orchestration module may orchestrate the provisioning of resources to support the subscribed services using the services of an order provisioning module.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the order orchestration module enables the management of business processes associated with each order and applies business logic to determine whether an order should proceed to provisioning. Upon receiving an order for a new subscription, the order orchestration module sends a request to the order provisioning module to allocate resources and configure those resources needed to fulfill the subscription order. The order provisioning module enables the allocation of resources for the services ordered by the customer. The order provisioning module provides a level of abstraction between the cloud services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 and the physical implementation layer that is used to provision the resources for providing the requested services. The order orchestration module may thus be isolated from implementation details, such as whether or not services and resources are actually provisioned on the fly or pre-provisioned and only allocated/assigned upon request.
[0040] In certain embodiments, order management and monitoring module 114 manages and tracks a customer's subscription order. In some instances, order management and monitoring module 114 may receive information indicative of any provisioned services and/or resources associated with the customer. Order management and monitoring module 114 may be configured to collect usage statistics for the services in the subscription order, such as the amount of storage used, the amount data transferred, the number of users, and the amount of system up time and system down time.
[0041] Once services and resources are provisioned in the above example, service result 138 may be sent to customers on client computing devices 104 , 106 , and/or 108 informing the customer of the provided services and/or resources. In instances where service request 130 includes a request to access a service or have a service perform one or more operations, service result 138 may be send to customers on client computing devices 104 , 106 , and/or 108 providing the requested access or results of any operations, services performed, or data requested.
[0042] In certain embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 100 may include identity management module 114 . Identity management module 114 may be configured to provide identity services, such as access management and authorization services in cloud infrastructure system 102 . In some embodiments, identity management module 114 may control information about customers who wish to utilize the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 . Such information can include information that authenticates the identities of such customers and information that describes which actions those customers are authorized to perform relative to various system resources (e.g., files, directories, applications, communication ports, memory segments, etc.) Identity management module 114 may also include the management of descriptive information about each customer and about how and by whom that descriptive information can be accessed and modified.
[0043] In certain embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 102 may also include infrastructure resources 116 for providing the resources used to provide various services to customers of cloud infrastructure system 102 . In one embodiment, infrastructure resources 116 may include pre-integrated and optimized combinations of hardware, such as servers, storage, and networking resources to execute the services provided by the PaaS platform and the SaaS platform.
[0044] In some embodiments, resources in cloud infrastructure system 102 may be shared by multiple users and dynamically re-allocated per demand. Additionally, resources may be allocated to users in different time zones. For example, cloud infrastructure system 102 may enable a first set of users in a first time zone to utilize resources of the cloud infrastructure system for a specified number of hours and then enable the re-allocation of the same resources to another set of users located in a different time zone, thereby maximizing the utilization of resources.
[0045] In certain embodiments, a number of internal shared services 118 may be provided that are shared by different components or modules of cloud infrastructure system 102 and by the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 . These internal shared services 118 may include, without limitation, a security and identity service, an integration service, an enterprise repository service, an enterprise manager service, a virus scanning and white list service, a high availability, backup and recovery service, service for enabling cloud support, an email service, a notification service, a file transfer service, and the like.
[0046] In certain embodiments, a number of external shared services 120 may be provided that are shared by different components or modules of cloud infrastructure system 102 and by the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 . These external shared services 120 may include, without limitation, a security and identity service, an integration service, an enterprise repository service, an enterprise manager service, a virus scanning and white list service, a high availability, backup and recovery service, service for enabling cloud support, an email service, a notification service, a file transfer service, and the like.
[0047] In various embodiments, external shared services 120 may include one or more components that provide access, data transformation, automation, or the like to enterprise computer system(s) 126 . Access to enterprise computer system(s) 126 may be shared by different components or modules of cloud infrastructure system 102 and by the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 . In some embodiments, access to enterprise computer system(s) 126 may be shared by service instances provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 that are restricted to one or more subscribers.
[0048] In further embodiments, external shared services 120 may include external application programming interface (API) services 128 that are shared by different components or modules of cloud infrastructure system 102 and by the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 . These external API services 128 may include, without limitation, APIs provided by other third party services or entities.
[0049] Various different mobile cloud services may be provided by mobile cloud service (MSC) 122 in cloud infrastructure system 102 . MCS 122 facilitates communication between a mobile computing device and enterprise computer systems (e.g., enterprise computer systems 124 and 126 ) according to some embodiments of the present invention. MCS 122 may include one or more memory storage devices (“local storage”) used to store enterprise data and authentication information. Enterprise data may be received from enterprise computer systems 126 or from client computing devices 104 , 106 , or 108 or may include enterprise data converted by cloud infrastructure system 102 , or combinations thereof. Authentication information may be received from identity management system 116 and/or generated by cloud infrastructure system 102 . In some embodiments, authentication information may include information indicating security authentication of a user with regard to a request for a service.
[0050] Enterprise computer systems, such as enterprise computer systems 126 may be physically located beyond a firewall of cloud infrastructure system 102 at a different geographic location (e.g., remote geographic location) than cloud infrastructure system 102 . In some embodiments, enterprise computer systems 126 may include one or more different computers or servers. In some embodiments, enterprise computer systems 126 may be part of a single computer system.
[0051] In certain embodiments, enterprise computer systems 126 may communicate with cloud infrastructure system 102 using one or more different protocols. Each of enterprise computer systems 126 may communicate with cloud infrastructure system 102 using a different communication protocols. Enterprise computer systems 126 may support the same or different security protocols. In some embodiments, MSC 1112 may include an agent system to handle communication with enterprise computer systems 126 .
[0052] A protocol may include a communication protocol, such as SPDY. A protocol may include an application protocol such as an HTTP-based protocol. In some embodiments, enterprise computer systems 126 may communicate with cloud infrastructure system 102 using a REST or SOAP communication protocols. For example, REST protocol may support a formats including URI or URL. Enterprise Data formatted for communication using REST protocol may be easily converted to data formats such as JSON, comma-separated values (CSV), and really simple syndication (RSS). Enterprise computer systems 126 and cloud infrastructure system 102 may communicate using other protocols such as remote procedure calls (RPC) (e.g., XML RPC).
[0053] In some embodiments, MCS 122 may include an adaptor interface configured to support communication with one or more services provided by cloud infrastructure service 102 , some of which may support different protocols or techniques for communications. In some embodiments, MCS 122 may include an adaptor interface configured to support communication with enterprise computer systems 126 , some of which may support different protocols or techniques for communications. MCS 122 may include one or more adaptors each of which may be configured to communicate according to a communication protocol, a type of enterprise computer system, a type of application, a type of service, or combinations thereof. A communication protocol supported by an adaptor may be specific to a service or one or more of enterprise computer systems 126 .
[0054] In certain embodiments, client computing devices 104 , 106 , and 108 may each implement an application that can provide specific user interfaces to communicate with MCS 122 . A specific UI may be configured to communicate using a specific communication protocol. In some embodiments, specific UIs may include callable interfaces, functions, routines, methods, and/or operations that may be invoked to communicate with MCS 122 . Specific UIs may accept as input parameters for communicating with a service provided by cloud infrastructure service 102 or with enterprise computer systems 126 for enterprise data and/or to request a service. In some embodiments, communication through MCS 122 may be converted for communication using a custom communication protocol. In some embodiments, specific UIs may correspond to a custom client in an application.
[0055] MCS 122 may include one or more callable interfaces, e.g., an application programming interface (API). Callable interfaces associated with MCS 122 may enable an app on a mobile computing device to communicate requests to MCS 122 . Callable interfaces associated with MCS 122 may support a common or standard interface, which may allow requests including their parameters to be received from apps according to a standardized protocol, architectural style, and/or format (e.g., a REST protocol). Callable interfaces associated with MCS 122 may be configurable by a user of any one of computing devices 104 , 106 , or 108 . Callable interfaces associated with MCS 122 may receive requests for services according to a communication protocol. Device application developers can connect to MCS 122 for their custom applications. In some embodiments, a callable interface associated with MCS 122 may be configured by the same person that develops an app, such that the person can implement a custom app to communicate with MCS 122 .
[0056] Callable interfaces associated with MCS 122 may further enable enterprise computer systems 126 to communicate with MCS 122 according to a standardized protocol or format. Similar to application developers, those who manage enterprise computer systems can implement code (e.g., an agent system) that is configured to communicate with MCS 122 via one or more callable interfaces. Callable interfaces associated with MCS 122 may be implemented based on a type of a computing device, a type of enterprise computer systems, an app, an agent system, a service, a protocol, or other criterion. In some embodiments, callable interfaces associated with MCS 122 may support requests for services including authentication, compression, encryption, pagination with cursors, client-based throttling, non-repudiation, logging, and metrics collection. In some embodiments, callable interfaces associated with MCS 122 may be implemented for custom business-related services, such as authentication, policy enforcement, caching of responses, throttling of calls to MCS 122 , translation between asynchronous and synchronous patterns, logging of calls to underlying services, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, callable interfaces associated with MCS 122 may enable users to load custom code for implementation by cloud infrastructure system 102 . The custom code may implement one or more callable interfaces associated with MCS 122 for cloud infrastructure system 102 , which can enable users to access custom services or other enterprise computer systems.
[0057] Protocol translators associated with MCS 122 may process a message to determine a communication protocol for a message and/or to convert a message to a communication protocol for a destination. Protocol translators associated with MCS 122 may convert a request received from client computing devices 104 , 106 , or 108 . The request may be converted from a format of a communication protocol supported by client computing devices 104 , 106 , or 108 to a format of a communication protocol supported by a service provided by cloud infrastructure service 102 or enterprise computer systems 126 . Protocol translators associated with MCS 122 may convert a response received from a service provided by cloud infrastructure service 102 or enterprise computer systems 126 . A response may be converted from a format of a communication protocol supported by a service provided by cloud infrastructure service 102 or enterprise computer systems 126 to a format of a communication protocol supported by client computing devices 104 , 106 , or 108 .
[0058] Security services associated with MCS 122 may manage security authentication for requests received from any of client computing devices 104 , 106 , or 108 . Security services associated with MCS 122 may protect the integrity of customer processes and enterprise data. To prevent system or data from being compromised, security authentication may occur when a request is received from client computing devices 104 , 106 , or 108 . Security authentication may be performed before a request is dispatched for processing by cloud infrastructure system 102 . The security authentication determined for a user may enable a user associated with a mobile computing device to have authorization to request services via MCS 122 . The security authentication may reduce efforts for a user to authenticate for different requests and/or services requested via MCS 122 . Security services associated with MCS 122 may be implemented as one or more functional blocks or modules configured to perform various operations authenticating security of a request.
[0059] Authentication services associated with MCS 122 may manage security authentication for requests received from client computing devices 104 , 106 , or 108 . Authentication services associated with MCS 122 may determine security authentication for a user associated with a computing device that sends a request to MCS 122 . Security authentication may be determined based on a time period, which may be tied to operation of an app (e.g., launching an app), a request, a computing device, an enterprise computer system, other criterion related to a request, or combinations thereof. Security authentication may be verified and granted for any one of the following, such as an individual request, one or more enterprise computer systems, a particular service, a type of service, a user, a computing device, other criterion for determining security authentication, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 102 may store authentication information of users received from enterprise computer systems or authentication systems supporting enterprise computer systems. Cloud infrastructure system 102 may determine authentication by performing a lookup function to determine whether an identity of a user associated with a request has authority to make such a request. The stored authentication information may include information such as the type of requests, functions, enterprise computer systems, enterprise data, or the like that a user may be authorized to access. In some embodiments, infrastructure system 102 may initiate communication with a requesting computing device to determine authentication.
[0060] In some embodiments, security authentication may be determined based on a role associated with a user requesting a service. The role may be associated with a user requesting access to MCS 122 . In some embodiments, a user may request services as a subscriber or tenant of MCS 122 who may be granted access to resources and/or services provided by MCS 122 . Authentication may correspond to a user's subscription to MCS 122 , such that a user may be authorized to request services via MCS 122 as a subscriber. In some embodiments, the subscription may be limited to a particular set of resources provided by MCS 122 . Security authentication may be based on the resources and/or services accessible to the user of MCS 122 . In some embodiments, a request may be provisioned a template during execution called a “runtime environment.” The runtime environment may be associated with resources that are allocated for a request, a user, or a device.
[0061] In some embodiments, authentication services associated with MCS 122 may request an identity management system to determine security authentication for the user. The identity management system may be implemented by cloud infrastructure system 102 (e.g., as identity management 114 ) or by another computer system that is external to cloud infrastructure system 102 . Identity management 116 may determine security authentication of the user based on the user's role or subscription for accessing MCS 122 . The role or subscription may be assigned privileges and/or entitlements with respect to an enterprise computer system, a service provided by an enterprise computer system, a function or feature of an enterprise computer system, other criterion for controlling access to an enterprise computer system, or combinations thereof.
[0062] Various different application development frameworks (ADFs) may be provided by application development frameworks (ADFs) 124 in cloud infrastructure system 102 . ADFs 124 provide the infrastructure code to implement agile SOA based applications. ADFs 124 further provide a visual and declarative approach to development through one or more development tools (e.g., Oracle JDeveloper 11g development tool). One or more frameworks provided by ADFs 124 may implement a Model-View-Controller design pattern. Such frameworks offer an integrated solution that covers all the layers of the MVC architecture with solutions to such areas as Object/Relational mapping, data persistence, reusable controller layer, rich Web user interface framework, data binding to UI, security and customization. Extending beyond the core Web based MVC approach; such frameworks also integrate with the Oracle SOA and WebCenter Portal frameworks simplifying the creation of complete composite applications.
[0063] In certain embodiments, ADFs 124 make it easy to develop agile applications that expose data as services by coupling a service interface to built-in business services provided by cloud infrastructure system 102 . This separation of business service implementation details is performed in ADFs 124 via metadata. Use of this metadata-driven architecture enables application developers to focus on the business logic and user experience, rather than the details of how services are accessed. In certain embodiments, ADFs 124 store implementation details of services in metadata in a model layer. This enables developers to exchange services without modifying the user interface, making the application extremely agile. Additionally, the developer creating the user interface does not need to bother with business service access details. Instead, developers can focus on developing the application interface and interaction logic. Creating the user experience can be as simple as dragging-and-dropping the desired business services onto a visual page designer and indicating what type of component should represent that data.
[0064] In various embodiments, developers interact with ADFs 124 to create modules forming enterprise applications. The enterprise applications can be executed within the context of cloud infrastructure system 102 . In various embodiments, developers interact with ADFs 124 to create modules forming mobile applications. The mobile applications can be executed within the context of cloud infrastructure system 102 . Features of the present invention described below may be implemented using any desired combination of programming language and application development framework as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts by reading the disclosure provided herein.
[0065] One or more frameworks provided by ADFs 124 may be embodied as Oracle ADF in one example. Accordingly, a framework in ADFs 124 can be based on a Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern. An MVC application is separated into: 1) a model layer that handles interaction with data-sources and runs the business logic, 2) a view layer that handles the application user interface, and 3) a controller that manages the application flow and acts as the interface between the Model and the View layers. Separating applications into these three layers simplifies maintenance and reuse of components across applications. The independence of each layer from the others results in a loosely coupled, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA).
[0066] In various embodiments, ADFs 124 provide tools and resources allowing developers to create an application in the form of multiple layers, each layer containing code modules/files implementing desired logic according to pre-defined specification. Thus, in one embodiment, ADFs 124 enables the application to be developed as four layers: a view layer containing code modules/files that provide the user interface of the application, a controller layer containing code modules that control the flow of the application, a model layer containing data/code modules that provide an abstraction layer for the underlying data, and a business services layer containing code modules that provide access to data from various sources and handles business logic.
[0067] In certain embodiments, ADFs 124 let developers choose the technology they prefer to use when implementing each of the layers. EJB, Web Services, JavaBeans, JPA/EclipseLink/TopLink objects, and many others can all be used as Business Services for ADFs 124 . View layers can include Web based interfaces implemented with JSF, Desktop Swing applications and MS Office front ends, as well as interfaces for mobile devices.
[0068] In one aspect, the view layer represents the user interface of the application being developed. The view layer can include desktop, mobile, and browser-based views, each of which provides all or a portion of the user interface and is accessible in a variety of manners corresponding to view type. For example, web pages may be sent by the application in response to receiving client requests containing corresponding URLs. The web pages may then be displayed by a browser on a display unit (not shown) associated with a requesting client system, thereby enabling users of the requesting client system to interact with the enterprise application. ADFs 124 support multi-channel access to business services allowing reuse of business services and access from a Web client, a client-server swing desktop-based application, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, mobile devices such as a smart-phone, or the like.
[0069] The code files/modules forming the view layer (such as web pages) may be implemented using one or more of hypertext markup language (HTML), Java server pages (JSP), and Java Server Faces (JSF). Alternatively, the user interface may be implemented using Java components such as Swing, and/or extensible markup language (XML). As further noted, the user interface may leverage a user's experience and familiarity with desktop applications, such as Word and Excel by Microsoft.
[0070] As noted above, the relevant user-developed code/data modules are provided in each of the layers. However, each layer typically contains other pre-defined code/data modules provided by ADFs 124 . Some of the pre-defined modules may be used during development, for example, as templates for developing the web pages, for including desired functionality in the developed code etc. Other pre-defined modules (such as a URL rewriting module) may be deployed along with the developed application and may provide additional functionalities (mapping of requested URLs to internal names) to the user during execution of the enterprise application.
[0071] A controller layer contains code modules/files that control the flow of the application. Each controller object contains software instructions and/or data implemented according to a desired manner of presenting information in the view layer. The desired manner may include the specific web pages to be displayed when links in another web page are clicked/selected by the user, the page to be displayed when errors occur during execution, indicating the specific data to be stored/retrieved, etc.
[0072] In one aspect, the controller layer manages the applications flow and handles user input. For example, when a Search button is clicked on a page, the controller determines what action to perform (do a search) and where to navigate to (the results page). There are two controller options for web-based applications in JDeveloper: the standard JSF controller or the ADF Controller that extends the JSF controller functionality. Whichever controller is used, application flow is typically designed by laying out pages and navigation rules on a diagram. An application's flow can be broken into smaller, reusable task flows; include non-visual components such as method calls and decision points in a flow; and create “page fragment” flows that run inside a region of a single containing page.
[0073] The code modules/files forming the controller layer are often implemented as Java servlets receiving the client requests and sending desired web pages as corresponding responses. Controller objects may also be implemented, for example, as Apache Jakarta Struts controllers or according to the JSF standard.
[0074] A model layer contains data/code modules that connect various business services to the objects that use them in the other layers, such as to the controller objects discussed above or directly to desktop applications as shown. Each abstract data objects of the model layer provides a corresponding interface that can be used to access any type of business service, executing in an underlying business service layer. The data objects may abstract the business service implementation details of a service from a client and/or expose data control methods/attributes to view components, providing a separation of the view and data layers.
[0075] In one aspect, the model layer consists of two components, data controls and data bindings, which utilize metadata files to define the interface. Data controls abstract the business service implementation details from clients. Data bindings expose data control methods and attributes to UI components, providing a clean separation of the view and model. Due to the metadata architecture of the model layer, developers get the same development experience when binding any type of Business Service layer implementation to the View and Controller layers.
[0076] In certain embodiments, ADFs 124 emphasizes the use of the declarative programming paradigm throughout the development process to allow users to focus on the logic of application creation without having to get into implementation details. At a high level, the development process for a Fusion web application usually involves creating an application workspace. Using a wizard, libraries and configuration needed for technologies selected by a developer are automatically added and an application is structured into projects with packages and directories.
[0077] By modeling database objects, an online database or offline replica of any database can be created, definitions edited, and schemas updated. Using an UML modeler, use cases can then be created for the application. Application control and navigation can also be designed. Diagrammers can be used to visually determine the flow of application control and navigation. Then, an underlying XML file describing the flow can be automatically created. A resource library can be used to allow a developer to view and use imported libraries by simply dragging and dropping them into the application. From database tables, entity objects can be created using wizards or dialogs. From those entity objects, view objects are created to be used by pages in the application. Validation rules and other types of business logic can be implemented.
[0078] In this example, a business services layer manages interaction with a data persistence layer. It provides such services as data persistence, object/relational mapping, transaction management, and business logic execution. The business services layer can be implemented in any of the following options: as simple Java classes, EJB, Web services, JPA objects, and Oracle ADF Business Components. In addition, data can be consumed directly from files (XML or CSV) as well as REST. Thus, each business service manages interaction with a corresponding data persistence layer, and also provides such services as object/relational mapping, transaction management, business logic execution, etc. The business services layer may be implemented using one or more of simple Java classes, Enterprise Java Beans, web services, etc.
[0079] Business components represent a business service implemented using, for example, Oracle ADF Business Components, to provide interaction with databases, web services, legacy systems, application servers, and the like. In one embodiment, business components of the business services layer contain a mixture of application modules, view/query objects, and entity objects, which cooperate to provide the business service implementation. An application module can be a transactional component/code module that UI clients communicate with for working with application/transaction data. The application module may provide an updatable data model and also procedures/functions (commonly referred to as service methods) related to user transactions.
[0080] An entity object may represent a corresponding row in a database table and simplifies the manipulation (update, deletion, etc.) of the data stored in the corresponding row. An entity object often encapsulates business logic for the corresponding row to ensure that the desired business rules are consistently enforced. An entity object may also be associated with other entity objects to reflect relationships existing between rows stored in the underlying database.
Mobile Cloud Infrastructure
[0081] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of one or more components of a system environment 200 by which services provided by one or more components of an embodiment system may be offered as cloud services, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, system environment 200 includes one or more client computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 that may be used by users to interact with cloud infrastructure system 202 that provides cloud services. Client computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 may be configured to operate a client application such as a web browser, a proprietary client application (e.g., Oracle Forms), or some other application, which may be used by a user of the client computing device to interact with cloud infrastructure system 202 to use services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 .
[0082] It should be appreciated that cloud infrastructure system 202 depicted in FIG. 2 may have other components than those depicted. Further, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is only one example of a cloud infrastructure system that may incorporate an embodiment of the invention. In some other embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 202 may have more or fewer components than shown in the figure, may combine two or more components, or may have a different configuration or arrangement of components.
[0083] Client computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 may be may be portable handheld devices (e.g., an iPhone®, cellular telephone, an iPad®, computing tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA)) or wearable devices (e.g., a Google Glass® head mounted display), running software such as Microsoft Windows Mobile®, and/or a variety of mobile operating systems such as iOS, Windows Phone, Android, BlackBerry 10, Palm OS, and the like, and being Internet, e-mail, short message service (SMS), Blackberry®, or other communication protocol enabled. Client computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 can be general purpose personal computers including, by way of example, personal computers and/or laptop computers running various versions of Microsoft Windows®, Apple Macintosh®, and/or Linux operating systems. Client computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 can be workstation computers running any of a variety of commercially-available UNIX® or UNIX-like operating systems, including without limitation the variety of GNU/Linux operating systems, such as for example, Google Chrome OS. Alternatively, or in addition, client computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 may be any other electronic device, such as a thin-client computer, an Internet-enabled gaming system (e.g., a Microsoft Xbox gaming console with or without a Kinect® gesture input device), and/or a personal messaging device, capable of communicating over network(s) 210 .
[0084] Although exemplary system environment 200 is shown with three client computing devices, any number of client computing devices may be supported. Other devices such as devices with sensors, etc. may interact with cloud infrastructure system 202 .
[0085] Network(s) 210 may facilitate communications and exchange of data between clients 204 , 206 , and 208 and cloud infrastructure system 202 . Each network may be any type of network familiar to those skilled in the art that can support data communications using any of a variety of commercially available protocols, including those described above for network(s) 210 . Network(s) 210 may be any type of network familiar to those skilled in the art that can support data communications using any of a variety of commercially-available protocols, including without limitation TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol), SNA (systems network architecture), IPX (Internet packet exchange), AppleTalk, and the like. Merely by way of example, network(s) 210 can be a local area network (LAN), such as one based on Ethernet, Token-Ring and/or the like. Network(s) 210 can be a wide-area network and the Internet. It can include a virtual network, including without limitation a virtual private network (VPN), an intranet, an extranet, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an infra-red network, a wireless network (e.g., a network operating under any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics (IEEE) 802.11 suite of protocols, Bluetooth®, and/or any other wireless protocol); and/or any combination of these and/or other networks.
[0086] Cloud infrastructure system 202 may comprise one or more computers and/or servers (not shown). Computers and/or servers associated with cloud infrastructure system 202 may be composed of one or more general purpose computers, specialized server computers (including, by way of example, PC (personal computer) servers, UNIX® servers, mid-range servers, mainframe computers, rack-mounted servers, etc.), server farms, server clusters, or any other appropriate arrangement and/or combination. In various embodiments, computers and/or servers associated with cloud infrastructure system 202 may be adapted to run one or more services or software applications described in the foregoing disclosure.
[0087] Computers and/or servers associated with cloud infrastructure system 202 may run an operating system including any of those discussed above, as well as any commercially available server operating system. Computers and/or servers associated with cloud infrastructure system 202 may also run any of a variety of additional server applications and/or mid-tier applications, including HTTP (hypertext transport protocol) servers, FTP (file transfer protocol) servers, CGI (common gateway interface) servers, JAVA® servers, database servers, and the like. Exemplary database servers include without limitation those commercially available from Oracle, Microsoft, Sybase, IBM (International Business Machines), and the like.
[0088] In some implementations, cloud infrastructure system 202 may include one or more applications to analyze, consolidate, or process requests, data feeds, and/or event updates received from users of client computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 . As an example, client computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 may send one or more requests to an application to create, update, or delete data. In another example, client computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 may send data feeds and/or event updates that include, but are not limited to, Twitter® feeds, Facebook® updates or real-time updates received from one or more third party information sources and continuous data streams, which may include real-time events related to sensor data applications, financial tickers, network performance measuring tools (e.g., network monitoring and traffic management applications), clickstream analysis tools, automobile traffic monitoring, and the like. Cloud infrastructure system 202 may also include one or more applications to display processed request, data feeds, and/or real-time events via one or more display devices of client computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 .
[0089] In certain embodiments, services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 may include a host of services that are made available to users of cloud infrastructure system 202 on demand, such as online data storage and backup solutions, Web-based e-mail services, hosted office suites and document collaboration services, database processing, managed technical support services, application development frameworks, and the like. Services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 can dynamically scale to meet the needs of its users. A specific instantiation of a service provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 is referred to herein as a “service instance.” In general, any service made available to a user via a communication network, such as the Internet, from a cloud service provider's system is referred to as a “cloud service.” Typically, in a public cloud environment, servers and systems that make up the cloud service provider's system are different from the customer's own on-premises servers and systems. For example, a cloud service provider's system may host an application, and a user may, via a communication network such as the Internet, on demand, order and use the application.
[0090] In some examples, a service in a cloud infrastructure system 202 may include protected computer network access to storage, a hosted database, a hosted web server, a software application, or other service provided by a cloud vendor to a user, or as otherwise known in the art. For example, a service can include password-protected access to remote storage on the cloud through the Internet. As another example, a service can include a web service-based hosted relational database and a script-language middleware engine for private use by a networked developer. As another example, a service can include access to an email software application hosted on a cloud vendor's web site. In certain embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 202 may include a suite of applications, middleware, and database service offerings that are delivered to a customer in a self-service, subscription-based, elastically scalable, reliable, highly available, and secure manner. An example of such a cloud infrastructure system is the Oracle Public Cloud provided by the present assignee.
[0091] In various embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 202 may be adapted to automatically provision, manage and track a customer's subscription to services offered by cloud infrastructure system 202 . Cloud infrastructure system 202 may provide the cloud services via different deployment models. For example, services may be provided under a public cloud model in which cloud infrastructure system 202 is owned by an organization selling cloud services (e.g., owned by Oracle) and the services are made available to the general public or different industry enterprises. As another example, services may be provided under a private cloud model in which cloud infrastructure system 202 is operated solely for a single organization and may provide services for one or more entities within the organization. The cloud services may also be provided under a community cloud model in which cloud infrastructure system 202 and the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 are shared by several organizations in a related community. The cloud services may also be provided under a hybrid cloud model, which is a combination of two or more different models.
[0092] In some embodiments, the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 may include one or more services provided under Software as a Service (SaaS) category, Platform as a Service (PaaS) category, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) category, or other categories of services including hybrid services. A customer, via a subscription order, may order one or more services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 . Cloud infrastructure system 202 then performs processing to provide the services in the customer's subscription order.
[0093] In some embodiments, the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 may include, without limitation, application services, platform services and infrastructure services. In some examples, application services may be provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 via a SaaS platform. The SaaS platform may be configured to provide cloud services that fall under the SaaS category. For example, the SaaS platform may provide capabilities to build and deliver a suite of on-demand applications on an integrated development and deployment platform. The SaaS platform may manage and control the underlying software and infrastructure for providing the SaaS services. By utilizing the services provided by the SaaS platform, customers can utilize applications executing on the cloud infrastructure system. Customers can acquire the application services without the need for customers to purchase separate licenses and support. Various different SaaS services may be provided. Examples include, without limitation, services that provide solutions for sales performance management, enterprise integration, and business flexibility for large organizations.
[0094] In some embodiments, platform services may be provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 via a PaaS platform. The PaaS platform may be configured to provide cloud services that fall under the PaaS category. Examples of platform services may include without limitation services that enable organizations (such as Oracle) to consolidate existing applications on a shared, common architecture, as well as the ability to build new applications that leverage the shared services provided by the platform. The PaaS platform may manage and control the underlying software and infrastructure for providing the PaaS services. Customers can acquire the PaaS services provided by the cloud infrastructure system without the need for customers to purchase separate licenses and support. Examples of platform services include, without limitation, Oracle Java Cloud Service (JCS), Oracle Database Cloud Service (DBCS), and others.
[0095] By utilizing the services provided by the PaaS platform, customers can employ programming languages and tools supported by cloud infrastructure system 202 and also control the deployed services. In some embodiments, platform services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 may include database cloud services, middleware cloud services (e.g., Oracle Fusion Middleware services), and Java cloud services. In one embodiment, database cloud services may support shared service deployment models that enable organizations to pool database resources and offer customers a Database as a Service in the form of a database cloud. Middleware cloud services may provide a platform for customers to develop and deploy various business applications, and Java cloud services may provide a platform for customers to deploy Java applications, in cloud infrastructure system 202 .
[0096] Various different mobile cloud services may be provided by mobile cloud service (MSC) 212 in cloud infrastructure system 202 . MCS 212 facilitates communication between a mobile computing device and enterprise computer systems (e.g., enterprise computer systems 224 and 226 ) according to some embodiments of the present invention. MCS 212 may include one or more memory storage devices (“local storage”) used to store enterprise data and authentication information. Enterprise data may be received from enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 or from mobile computing devices 204 , 206 , or 208 or may include enterprise data converted by cloud infrastructure system 202 , or combinations thereof. Authentication information may be received from identity management system 216 and/or generated by cloud infrastructure system 202 . In some embodiments, authentication information may include information indicating security authentication of a user with regard to a request for a service.
[0097] Enterprise computer systems, such as enterprise computer systems 224 and 226 may be physically located beyond a firewall of cloud infrastructure system 202 at a different geographic location (e.g., remote geographic location) than cloud infrastructure system 202 . In some embodiments, enterprise computer system 224 may be different from enterprise computer system 226 . In some embodiments, enterprise computer system 224 and enterprise computer system 226 may be part of a single computer system. Each of enterprise computer systems 224 and 226 may communicate with cloud infrastructure system 202 using a different communication protocols. Enterprise computer system 224 and enterprise computer system 226 may support the same or different security protocols. In some embodiments, MSC 2112 may include an agent system to handle communication with enterprise computer systems 224 and 226 .
[0098] In certain embodiments, one or more of enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 may communicate with cloud infrastructure system 202 using one or more different protocols. A protocol may include a communication protocol, such as SPDY. A protocol may include an application protocol such as an HTTP-based protocol. In some embodiments, enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 may communicate with cloud infrastructure system 202 using a REST or SOAP communication protocols. For example, REST protocol may support a formats including URI or URL. Enterprise Data formatted for communication using REST protocol may be easily converted to data formats such as JSON, comma-separated values (CSV), and really simple syndication (RSS). Enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 and cloud infrastructure system 202 may communicate using other protocols such as remote procedure calls (RPC) (e.g., XML RPC).
[0099] In some embodiments, MCS 212 may include an adaptor interface configured to support communication with one or more services provided by cloud infrastructure service 202 , some of which may support different protocols or techniques for communications. In some embodiments, MCS 212 may include an adaptor interface configured to support communication with enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 , some of which may support different protocols or techniques for communications. MCS 212 may include one or more adaptors each of which may be configured to communicate according to a communication protocol, a type of enterprise computer system, a type of application, a type of service, or combinations thereof. A communication protocol supported by an adaptor may be specific to a service or one or more of enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 .
[0100] In certain embodiments, mobile computing devices 204 , 206 , and 208 may each implement an application that can provide specific user interfaces to communicate with MCS 212 . A specific UI may be configured to communicate using a specific communication protocol. In some embodiments, specific UIs may include callable interfaces, functions, routines, methods, and/or operations that may be invoked to communicate with MCS 212 . Specific UIs may accept as input parameters for communicating with a service provided by cloud infrastructure service 202 or with enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 for enterprise data and/or to request a service. In some embodiments, communication through MCS 212 may be converted for communication using a custom communication protocol. In some embodiments, specific UIs may correspond to a custom client in an application.
[0101] MCS 212 may include one or more callable interfaces, e.g., an application programming interface (API). Callable interfaces associated with MCS 212 may enable an app on a mobile computing device to communicate requests to MCS 212 . Callable interfaces associated with MCS 212 may support a common or standard interface, which may allow requests including their parameters to be received from apps according to a standardized protocol, architectural style, and/or format (e.g., a REST protocol). Callable interfaces associated with MCS 212 may be configurable by a user of any one of computing devices 204 , 206 , or 208 . Callable interfaces associated with MCS 212 may receive requests for services according to a communication protocol. Device application developers can connect to MCS 212 for their custom applications. In some embodiments, a callable interface associated with MCS 212 may be configured by the same person that develops an app, such that the person can implement a custom app to communicate with MCS 212 .
[0102] Callable interfaces associated with MCS 212 may further enable enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 to communicate with MCS 212 according to a standardized protocol or format. Similar to application developers, those who manage enterprise computer systems can implement code (e.g., an agent system) that is configured to communicate with MCS 212 via one or more callable interfaces. Callable interfaces associated with MCS 212 may be implemented based on a type of a computing device, a type of enterprise computer systems, an app, an agent system, a service, a protocol, or other criterion. In some embodiments, callable interfaces associated with MCS 212 may support requests for services including authentication, compression, encryption, pagination with cursors, client-based throttling, non-repudiation, logging, and metrics collection. In some embodiments, callable interfaces associated with MCS 212 may be implemented for custom business-related services, such as authentication, policy enforcement, caching of responses, throttling of calls to MCS 212 , translation between asynchronous and synchronous patterns, logging of calls to underlying services, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, callable interfaces associated with MCS 212 may enable users to load custom code for implementation by cloud infrastructure system 202 . The custom code may implement one or more callable interfaces associated with MCS 212 for cloud infrastructure system 202 , which can enable users to access custom services or other enterprise computer systems.
[0103] Protocol translators associated with MCS 212 may process a message to determine a communication protocol for a message and/or to convert a message to a communication protocol for a destination. Protocol translators associated with MCS 212 may convert a request received from mobile computing devices 204 , 206 , or 208 . The request may be converted from a format of a communication protocol supported by computing devices 204 , 206 , or 208 to a format of a communication protocol supported by a service provided by cloud infrastructure service 202 or enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 . Protocol translators associated with MCS 212 may convert a response received from a service provided by cloud infrastructure service 202 or enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 . A response may be converted from a format of a communication protocol supported by a service provided by cloud infrastructure service 202 or enterprise computer systems 224 or 226 to a format of a communication protocol supported by mobile computing devices 204 , 206 , or 208 .
[0104] Security services associated with MCS 212 may manage security authentication for requests received from any of mobile computing devices 204 , 206 , or 208 . Security services associated with MCS 212 may protect the integrity of customer processes and enterprise data. To prevent system or data from being compromised, security authentication may occur when a request is received from mobile computing devices 204 , 206 , or 208 . Security authentication may be performed before a request is dispatched for processing by cloud infrastructure system 202 . The security authentication determined for a user may enable a user associated with a mobile computing device to have authorization to request services via MCS 212 . The security authentication may reduce efforts for a user to authenticate for different requests and/or services requested via MCS 212 . Security services associated with MCS 212 may be implemented as one or more functional blocks or modules configured to perform various operations authenticating security of a request.
[0105] Authentication services associated with MCS 212 may manage security authentication for requests received from mobile computing devices 204 , 206 , or 208 . Authentication services associated with MCS 212 may determine security authentication for a user associated with a computing device that sends a request to MCS 212 . Security authentication may be determined based on a time period, which may be tied to operation of an app (e.g., launching an app), a request, a computing device, an enterprise computer system, other criterion related to a request, or combinations thereof. Security authentication may be verified and granted for any one of the following, such as an individual request, one or more enterprise computer systems, a particular service, a type of service, a user, a computing device, other criterion for determining security authentication, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 202 may store authentication information of users received from enterprise computer systems or authentication systems supporting enterprise computer systems. Cloud infrastructure system 202 may determine authentication by performing a lookup function to determine whether an identity of a user associated with a request has authority to make such a request. The stored authentication information may include information such as the type of requests, functions, enterprise computer systems, enterprise data, or the like that a user may be authorized to access. In some embodiments, infrastructure system 202 may initiate communication with a requesting computing device to determine authentication.
[0106] In some embodiments, security authentication may be determined based on a role associated with a user requesting a service. The role may be associated with a user requesting access to MCS 212 . In some embodiments, a user may request services as a subscriber or tenant of MCS 212 who may be granted access to resources and/or services provided by MCS 212 . Authentication may correspond to a user's subscription to MCS 212 , such that a user may be authorized to request services via MCS 212 as a subscriber. In some embodiments, the subscription may be limited to a particular set of resources provided by MCS 212 . Security authentication may be based on the resources and/or services accessible to the user of MCS 212 . In some embodiments, a request may be provisioned a template during execution called a “runtime environment.” The runtime environment may be associated with resources that are allocated for a request, a user, or a device.
[0107] In some embodiments, authentication services associated with MCS 212 may request an identity management system to determine security authentication for the user. The identity management system may be implemented by cloud infrastructure system 202 (e.g., as identity management 216 ) or by another computer system that is external to cloud infrastructure system 202 . Identity management 216 may determine security authentication of the user based on the user's role or subscription for accessing MCS 212 . The role or subscription may be assigned privileges and/or entitlements with respect to an enterprise computer system, a service provided by an enterprise computer system, a function or feature of an enterprise computer system, other criterion for controlling access to an enterprise computer system, or combinations thereof.
[0108] As discussed above, in certain embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 202 may include identity management module 216 . Identity management module 216 may be configured to provide identity services, such as access management and authorization services in cloud infrastructure system 202 . In some embodiments, identity management module 216 may control information about customers who wish to utilize the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 . Such information can include information that authenticates the identities of such customers and information that describes which actions those customers are authorized to perform relative to various system resources (e.g., files, directories, applications, communication ports, memory segments, etc.) Identity management module 216 may also include the management of descriptive information about each customer and about how and by whom that descriptive information can be accessed and modified.
[[Mobile Composer]]
[0109] Various different infrastructure services may be provided by an IaaS platform in cloud infrastructure system 202 . The infrastructure services facilitate the management and control of the underlying computing resources, such as storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources for customers utilizing services provided by the SaaS platform and the PaaS platform.
[0110] In certain embodiments, cloud infrastructure system 202 may also include infrastructure resources 218 for providing the resources used to provide various services to customers of cloud infrastructure system 202 . In one embodiment, infrastructure resources 218 may include pre-integrated and optimized combinations of hardware, such as servers, storage, and networking resources to execute the services provided by the PaaS platform and the SaaS platform.
[0111] In some embodiments, resources in cloud infrastructure system 202 may be shared by multiple users and dynamically re-allocated per demand. Additionally, resources may be allocated to users in different time zones. For example, cloud infrastructure system 202 may enable a first set of users in a first time zone to utilize resources of cloud infrastructure system 202 for a specified number of hours and then enable the re-allocation of the same resources to another set of users located in a different time zone, thereby maximizing the utilization of resources.
[0112] In certain embodiments, a number of internal shared services 220 may be provided that are shared by different components or modules of cloud infrastructure system 202 and by the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 . These internal shared services 220 may include, without limitation, a security and identity service, an integration service, an enterprise repository service, an enterprise manager service, a virus scanning and white list service, a high availability, backup and recovery service, service for enabling cloud support, an email service, a notification service, a file transfer service, and the like.
[0113] In certain embodiments, a number of external shared services 220 may be provided that are shared by different components or modules of cloud infrastructure system 202 and by the services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 . These external shared services 220 may include, without limitation, a security and identity service, an integration service, an enterprise repository service, an enterprise manager service, a virus scanning and white list service, a high availability, backup and recovery service, service for enabling cloud support, an email service, a notification service, a file transfer service, and the like.
[0114] In exemplary operation, a customer using a client device, such as client device 204 , 206 or 208 , may interact with cloud infrastructure system 202 by issuing service request 234 to one or more services provided by cloud infrastructure system 202 . The customer may place a subscription order via these UIs, interact with one or more web-based applications, services, or the like. In certain embodiments, the customer may access a cloud User Interface (UI), cloud UI 228 , cloud UI 230 and/or cloud UI 232 to issue service request 234 . In some embodiments, service request 234 is initiated in response to the customer interacting with a local UI. After service request 234 has been made by the customer, provided service 236 is received. Provided service 236 may be received via cloud UIs, 228 , 230 and/or 232 .
Previews for CSS Preprocessing Frameworks
[0115] A CSS framework can be a standardized set of concepts, practices, and criteria for dealing with common types of problem that originate from use of the CSS language. The CSS framework can be used as a reference to help developers approach and resolve new problems of a similar nature. In the world of mobile web design, there exists a variety of frameworks defined as packages. The aim of most CSS frameworks is to provide a common structure. These can be made up of a structure of files and folders of standardized code (HTML, CSS, JS documents etc.) which can be used to support the development of user interfaces.
[0116] There are a variety of types of CSS frameworks drawn, for example, to the presentation layer of an application. A designer may have content to be presented in HTML documents with defined CSS style sheets so it can ultimately be viewed in a browser. The designer can utilize CSS source code provided by a CSS framework to create a grid in which the developer positions different elements that make up a user interface in a simple and versatile fashion. Currently the rise of responsive web design techniques, which facilitate the development of websites that can adapt to various resolutions for different mobile and desktop devices, is leading to the emergence of responsive frameworks.
[0117] Within CSS frameworks, a distinction can be drawing between at least two types of frameworks according to their complexity: simple frameworks and complete frameworks. Simple frameworks are often called simply “grid systems.” They often offer style sheets with column systems to facilitate the distribution of different elements according to an established design. Complete frameworks usually offer configurable features like styled-typography, sets of forms, buttons, icons and other reusable components built to provide navigation, alerts, popovers, and more, images frames, HTML templates, custom settings, etc.
[0118] FIG. 2 is an illustration of workspace 200 for creating and theming user interfaces according to one embodiment. In this example, workspace 200 includes UI designer interface 205 . UI designer interface 205 provides a canvas onto which developers of applications can build user interfaces. UI designer interface 205 can be part of a CSS framework or part of a standalone application that utilizes one or more CSS frameworks. In various embodiments, UI designer interface 205 provides a template allowing developers to position user interface elements or components to build user interfaces. As shown in FIG. 2 , UI designer interface 205 includes components, 210 , 215 , 220 , 225 , and 230 each having different sizes and arranged differently according to a predetermined layout. Other templates and layout can be utilized.
[0119] In one aspect, a developer can utilize CSS source code provided by a CSS framework to position different elements that make up a user interface. In certain embodiments, in addition to a variety of tools to create elements of user interfaces, UI designer interface 205 also provides developers tool to create the style, look, and feel of these user interfaces. The CSS source code can adapt the user interface to various resolutions for different mobile and desktop devices.
[0120] Referring again to FIG. 2 , workspace 200 includes theme editor 235 . Theme editor 235 provides developers with access to attributes of components 210 , 215 , 22 , 225 , and 230 than can be styled using CSS. In this example, theme editor 235 includes component attributes 240 . As shown, each attribute (e.g., A1) can have a corresponding value (e.g., V1). Developers can specify values of attributes using a variety of input mechanisms, such as input fields, selection boxes, direct CSS editing, or the like.
[0121] UI designer interface 205 or theme editor 235 can be embodied as a CSS framework that includes one or more CSS preprocessors. CSS preprocessors take code written in a preprocessed language and then convert that code into CSS. Some of the more popular CSS preprocessors are Sass, LESS, and Stylus. CSS preprocessors are not CSS and therefore are not bound by the limitations of CSS. The preprocessed language can give a developer more functionality than CSS as long as it eventually makes sure everything is output as CSS.
[0122] For instance, in SASS, a developer could have a variable TEXT=blue. If the developer wanted red text, the developer could simply set TEXT=red. The resulting CSS code might look like:
[0000]
.foo { color: red }
.bar {color: red } (and so on)
[0123] The more advanced the processing, the longer the time it takes to produce the resulting CSS code. There are two primary industry solutions to this, one being to attempt to mimic the results of a CSS processor by hardcoding what should change when a developer makes a change. The second is to run the preprocessor for real, and incur any performance cost. The problem with these industry solutions are that they are either expensive to build (mimic processing) or too slow and taxing (running processors for real).
[0124] In various embodiments, a developer can change an attribute of a currently selected component (e.g., component 210 with a bold outline). If the original value TEXT is “blue,” and the developer wanted red text, the developer could simply set the corresponding attribute using theme editor 235 . Developers are not burdened with having to write custom code that mimics the result of a preprocessor as techniques according to various embodiments provide high performant and high fidelity previews without rely on running the preprocessor whenever a change is made.
[0125] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of method 300 for generating a CSS preview according to one embodiment. Implementations of or processing in method 300 depicted in FIG. 3 may be performed by software (e.g., instructions or code modules) when executed by a central processing unit (CPU or processor) of a logic machine, such as a computer system or information processing device, by hardware components of an electronic device or application-specific integrated circuits, or by combinations of software and hardware elements.
[0126] In step 310 , CSS source code written using a CSS framework is received. The CSS source code can be written using features that extend the CSS language—allow variables, mixins, functions, and many other techniques to make CSS more maintainable, themable, and extendable for developers. In step 320 , a CSS preview is generated using a CSS preprocessor in response to the CSS source code. In certain embodiments, the preprocessor (e.g., Sass or LESS) interprets the CSS source code as written in a corresponding scripting language base CSS. In step 330 , the CSS preview is stored. The CSS preview can be used to visualize user interfaces being built using UI designer interface 205 of FIG. 2 .
[0127] In step 340 , which may occur in parallel or subsequent to any preprocessor activity, locations of one or more partitions are determined using the CSS source code. In general, the CSS source code is segmented and partitioned into small parts that can be modified by the user (variables, selectors, etc.). In certain embodiments, each partition is a segment of a CSS preprocessor language defined based on a policy so that the partition is the most discreet configurable unit of a CSS pre-processor. This may include policy criteria that a partition can only have as a dependency other partitions (and no other external factors). A partition includes a set of one or more tokens. Each token is cataloged and its location in the CSS source code recorded. In one example, if the variable “header_color” is used in 50 places throughout the CSS source code, each location is recorded such that if the variable is changed by a developer in theme editor 236 , the variable can be changed in each of the 50 locations throughout the CSS source code.
[0128] In step 350 , dependencies are determined for the one or more partitions. Dependencies can include dependencies in variables, values, functions, preprocessor statements, or the like. In other words, a determination is made as to what is the minimal set of tokens that will be affected by a potential change. In step 360 , usage is determined for the one or more partitions. For example, is the variable “header_color” used in a function, procedure, to define another variable, or the like.
[0129] In step 370 , ordering of the one or more partitions is determined. There may be an order to which the variable “header_color” is applied. This ordering is determined and recorded. In certain embodiments, the ordering is defined by the rules of CSS (i.e., position in a document and selectivity based on specificity of CSS selectors).
[0130] In certain embodiments, each partition can be normalized. That can include statically completing functions, including additional source files, replacing variables, or the like as much as possible. There can be some portions that cannot be normalized, such as custom functions or language specific features.
[0131] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of method 400 performed by a service for handling a change to style information associated with a user interface (UI) component according to one embodiment. Implementations of or processing in method 400 depicted in FIG. 4 may be performed by software (e.g., instructions or code modules) when executed by a central processing unit (CPU or processor) of a logic machine, such as a computer system or information processing device, by hardware components of an electronic device or application-specific integrated circuits, or by combinations of software and hardware elements.
[0132] In step 410 , a change to a style is received at the service from a client device. For example, a developer building user interfaces on the client device using a development framework provided by the service receives the CSS preview views the styling of the user interfaces. The developer can change one or more styles associated with all or part of a user interface (e.g., by modifying attributes or variables within the preprocessor scripting language). In response to a change to a style, the client device causes a request to be sent to the service to change to the style and receive updates CSS. In certain embodiments, the client device determines the partition affected by the change. The client device can sent the partition to the service with the change.
[0133] In step 420 , the partition affected by the change is analyzed. For example, the partition is analyzed to determine whether the partition has been completely normalized or whether the partition still requires the preprocessor to do some work. Other processing may be performed to the partition at this step, for example, to inject additional information, augment aspects of the partition, decimate portions of the partition, or the like.
[0134] Accordingly, if a determination is made in step 430 that the partition has been sufficiently normalized, a result of the change to the style is computed in step 440 . In various embodiments, the result can be determined using find and replace techniques. Other string manipulations techniques may be used, as these operations do not require the time or resources of running the CSS preprocessor.
[0135] In step 450 , an instruction is generated that enables the client device to compute the result of the change to the style without having to resend the change to the service. The instruction includes any necessary information to regenerate the result. A response can be sent to the client device in step 480 that includes the result of the change to the style and the instruction to compute the result of future changes to the style. Since the partition can be computed in a technology agnostic fashion, it can be computed in the future solely on the client (for instance using a script execute by a web browser). This makes future changes to the same partition appear near instant to the user.
[0136] If a determination is made in step 430 that the partition has not been sufficiently normalized, the partition is sent to the CSS preprocessor in step 460 . The CSS preprocessor only has to run on the partition rather than the entire CSS source code. Since the partition is significantly smaller in most instances than the entire starting preprocessor code, a result can be generated significantly faster—almost in real time.
[0137] In step 470 , the result is received from the CSS preprocessor. In step 480 , a response is sent to the client with the results of the CSS preprocessor. In either case, once the client device has the result, the client device can inject the resulting CSS code according to the original ordering of the partition in the preprocessed CSS code. Since CSS rules are order dependent, this ensures that the order is preserved when a change is made to just one partition.
[0138] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of method 500 performed by a client device for handling a change to style information associated with a user interface (UI) component according to one embodiment. Implementations of or processing in method 500 depicted in FIG. 5 may be performed by software (e.g., instructions or code modules) when executed by a central processing unit (CPU or processor) of a logic machine, such as a computer system or information processing device, by hardware components of an electronic device or application-specific integrated circuits, or by combinations of software and hardware elements.
[0139] In step 510 , a change to a style is received at the client device. As discussed above, a developer can change one or more styles associated with all or part of a user interface (e.g., by modifying attributes or variables within the preprocessor scripting language). In response to a change to a style, the client device determines the partition affected by the change in step 520 .
[0140] In step 530 , the client device determines whether it has instructions for computing the partition affected by the change. For example, the partition may have been sufficiently normalized such that the service sent an instruction that enables the client device to compute the result of the change to the style without having to resend the change to the service. The instruction previously received at the client includes any necessary information to regenerate the result in response to future changes to the style.
[0141] If a determination is made in step 530 that the client device has instructions for computing the partition affected by the change, the partition is computed in step 460 . Since the partition is computed on the client device, a result can be generated significantly faster—almost appearing instantaneously. The result can then be injected into the CSS preview based on the ordering of the partition in step 570 .
[0142] If a determination is made in step 530 that the client device does not have instructions for computing the partition affected by the change, a request is sent to the service in step 550 . As discussed above, the request can include information identify the change to the style, the partition affected by the change, as well as other information that the service can use to provide a suitable response. The partition is computed on one or more servers associated with the service. Since the partition is significantly smaller than the entire CSS source code, a result can be generated in near real-time. In step 560 , a response is received from the service that includes a result of running the CSS preprocessor on the partition. The result can then be injected into the CSS preview based on the ordering of the partition in step 570 .
CONCLUSION
A. Distributed System
[0143] FIG. 6 depicts a simplified diagram of distributed system 600 for implementing one of the embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, distributed system 600 includes one or more client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and 608 , which are configured to execute and operate a client application such as a web browser, proprietary client (e.g., Oracle Forms), or the like over one or more network(s) 610 . Server 612 may be communicatively coupled with remote client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and 608 via network 610 .
[0144] In various embodiments, server 612 may be adapted to run one or more services or software applications provided by one or more of the components of the system. In some embodiments, these services may be offered as web-based or cloud services or under a Software as a Service (SaaS) model or a Platform as a Serves (PaaS) model to the users of client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and/or 608 . Users operating client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and/or 608 may in turn utilize one or more client applications to interact with server 612 to utilize the services provided by these components.
[0145] In the configuration depicted in FIG. 6 , software components 618 , 620 , and 622 of system 600 are shown as being implemented on server 612 . In other embodiments, one or more of the components of system 600 and/or the services provided by these components may also be implemented by one or more of the client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and/or 608 . Users operating the client computing devices may then utilize one or more client applications to use the services provided by these components. These components may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. It should be appreciated that various different system configurations are possible, which may be different from distributed system 600 . The embodiment shown in the figure is thus one example of a distributed system for implementing an embodiment system and is not intended to be limiting.
[0146] Client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and/or 608 may be portable handheld devices (e.g., an iPhone®, cellular telephone, an iPad®, computing tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA)) or wearable devices (e.g., a Google Glass® head mounted display), running software such as Microsoft Windows Mobile®, and/or a variety of mobile operating systems such as iOS, Windows Phone, Android, BlackBerry 10, Palm OS, and the like, and being Internet, e-mail, short message service (SMS), Blackberry®, or other communication protocol enabled. Client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and/or 608 can be general purpose personal computers including, by way of example, personal computers and/or laptop computers running various versions of Microsoft Windows®, Apple Macintosh®, and/or Linux operating systems. Client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and/or 608 can be workstation computers running any of a variety of commercially-available UNIX® or UNIX-like operating systems, including without limitation the variety of GNU/Linux operating systems, such as for example, Google Chrome OS. Alternatively, or in addition, client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and 608 may be any other electronic device, such as a thin-client computer, an Internet-enabled gaming system (e.g., a Microsoft Xbox gaming console with or without a Kinect® gesture input device), and/or a personal messaging device, capable of communicating over network(s) 610 .
[0147] Although exemplary distributed system 600 is shown with four client computing devices, any number of client computing devices may be supported. Other devices, such as devices with sensors, etc., may interact with server 612 .
[0148] Network(s) 610 in distributed system 600 may be any type of network familiar to those skilled in the art that can support data communications using any of a variety of commercially-available protocols, including without limitation TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol), SNA (systems network architecture), IPX (Internet packet exchange), AppleTalk, and the like. Merely by way of example, network(s) 610 can be a local area network (LAN), such as one based on Ethernet, Token-Ring and/or the like. Network(s) 610 can be a wide-area network and the Internet. It can include a virtual network, including without limitation a virtual private network (VPN), an intranet, an extranet, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an infra-red network, a wireless network (e.g., a network operating under any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics (IEEE) 802.11 suite of protocols, Bluetooth®, and/or any other wireless protocol); and/or any combination of these and/or other networks.
[0149] Server 612 may be composed of one or more general purpose computers, specialized server computers (including, by way of example, PC (personal computer) servers, UNIX® servers, mid-range servers, mainframe computers, rack-mounted servers, etc.), server farms, server clusters, or any other appropriate arrangement and/or combination. In various embodiments, server 612 may be adapted to run one or more services or software applications described in the foregoing disclosure. For example, server 612 may correspond to a server for performing processing described above according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0150] Server 612 may run an operating system including any of those discussed above, as well as any commercially available server operating system. Server 612 may also run any of a variety of additional server applications and/or mid-tier applications, including HTTP (hypertext transport protocol) servers, FTP (file transfer protocol) servers, CGI (common gateway interface) servers, JAVA® servers, database servers, and the like. Exemplary database servers include without limitation those commercially available from Oracle, Microsoft, Sybase, IBM (International Business Machines), and the like.
[0151] In some implementations, server 612 may include one or more applications to analyze and consolidate data feeds and/or event updates received from users of client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and 608 . As an example, data feeds and/or event updates may include, but are not limited to, Twitter® feeds, Facebook® updates or real-time updates received from one or more third party information sources and continuous data streams, which may include real-time events related to sensor data applications, financial tickers, network performance measuring tools (e.g., network monitoring and traffic management applications), clickstream analysis tools, automobile traffic monitoring, and the like. Server 612 may also include one or more applications to display the data feeds and/or real-time events via one or more display devices of client computing devices 602 , 604 , 606 , and 608 .
[0152] Distributed system 600 may also include one or more databases 614 and 616 . Databases 614 and 616 may reside in a variety of locations. By way of example, one or more of databases 614 and 616 may reside on a non-transitory storage medium local to (and/or resident in) server 612 . Alternatively, databases 614 and 616 may be remote from server 612 and in communication with server 612 via a network-based or dedicated connection. In one set of embodiments, databases 614 and 616 may reside in a storage-area network (SAN). Similarly, any necessary files for performing the functions attributed to server 612 may be stored locally on server 612 and/or remotely, as appropriate. In one set of embodiments, databases 614 and 616 may include relational databases, such as databases provided by Oracle, that are adapted to store, update, and retrieve data in response to SQL-formatted commands.
B. Computer System
[0153] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary computer system 700 , in which various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. The system 700 may be used to implement any of the computer systems described above. As shown in FIG. 7 , computer system 700 includes bus subsystem 702 and processing unit 704 that communicates with a number of peripheral subsystems via bus subsystem 702 . These peripheral subsystems may include processing acceleration unit 706 , I/O subsystem 708 , storage subsystem 718 , and communications subsystem 724 . Storage subsystem 718 includes tangible computer-readable storage media 722 and a system memory 710 .
[0154] Bus subsystem 702 provides a mechanism for letting the various components and subsystems of computer system 700 communicate with each other as intended. Although bus subsystem 702 is shown schematically as a single bus, alternative embodiments of the bus subsystem may utilize multiple buses. Bus subsystem 702 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. For example, such architectures may include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, which can be implemented as a Mezzanine bus manufactured to the IEEE P1386.1 standard.
[0155] Processing unit 704 , which can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits (e.g., a conventional microprocessor or microcontroller), controls the operation of computer system 700 . One or more processors may be included in processing unit 704 . These processors may include single core or multicore processors. In certain embodiments, processing unit 704 may be implemented as one or more independent processing units 732 and/or 734 with single or multicore processors included in each processing unit. In other embodiments, processing unit 704 may also be implemented as a quad-core processing unit formed by integrating two dual-core processors into a single chip.
[0156] In various embodiments, processing unit 704 can execute a variety of programs in response to program code and can maintain multiple concurrently executing programs or processes. At any given time, some or all of the program code to be executed can be resident in processor(s) 704 and/or in storage subsystem 718 . Through suitable programming, processor(s) 704 can provide various functionalities described above. Computer system 700 may additionally include a processing acceleration unit 706 , which can include a digital signal processor (DSP), a special-purpose processor, and/or the like.
[0157] I/O subsystem 708 may include user interface input devices and user interface output devices. User interface input devices may include a keyboard, pointing devices such as a mouse or trackball, a touchpad or touch screen incorporated into a display, a scroll wheel, a click wheel, a dial, a button, a switch, a keypad, audio input devices with voice command recognition systems, microphones, and other types of input devices. User interface input devices may include, for example, motion sensing and/or gesture recognition devices such as the Microsoft Kinect® motion sensor that enables users to control and interact with an input device, such as the Microsoft Xbox® 360 game controller, through a natural user interface using gestures and spoken commands. User interface input devices may also include eye gesture recognition devices such as the Google Glass® blink detector that detects eye activity (e.g., ‘blinking’ while taking pictures and/or making a menu selection) from users and transforms the eye gestures as input into an input device (e.g., Google Glass®). Additionally, user interface input devices may include voice recognition sensing devices that enable users to interact with voice recognition systems (e.g., Siri® navigator), through voice commands.
[0158] User interface input devices may also include, without limitation, three dimensional (3D) mice, joysticks or pointing sticks, gamepads and graphic tablets, and audio/visual devices such as speakers, digital cameras, digital camcorders, portable media players, webcams, image scanners, fingerprint scanners, barcode reader 3D scanners, 3D printers, laser rangefinders, and eye gaze tracking devices. Additionally, user interface input devices may include, for example, medical imaging input devices such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, position emission tomography, medical ultrasonography devices. User interface input devices may also include, for example, audio input devices such as MIDI keyboards, digital musical instruments and the like.
[0159] User interface output devices may include a display subsystem, indicator lights, or non-visual displays such as audio output devices, etc. The display subsystem may be a cathode ray tube (CRT), a flat-panel device, such as that using a liquid crystal display (LCD) or plasma display, a projection device, a touch screen, and the like. In general, use of the term “output device” is intended to include all possible types of devices and mechanisms for outputting information from computer system 700 to a user or other computer. For example, user interface output devices may include, without limitation, a variety of display devices that visually convey text, graphics and audio/video information such as monitors, printers, speakers, headphones, automotive navigation systems, plotters, voice output devices, and modems.
[0160] Computer system 700 may comprise a storage subsystem 718 that comprises software elements, shown as being currently located within a system memory 710 . System memory 710 may store program instructions that are loadable and executable on processing unit 704 , as well as data generated during the execution of these programs.
[0161] Depending on the configuration and type of computer system 700 , system memory 710 may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)) and/or non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.) The RAM typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated and executed by processing unit 704 . In some implementations, system memory 710 may include multiple different types of memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). In some implementations, a basic input/output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer system 700 , such as during start-up, may typically be stored in the ROM. By way of example, and not limitation, system memory 710 also illustrates application programs 712 , which may include client applications, Web browsers, mid-tier applications, relational database management systems (RDBMS), etc., program data 714 , and an operating system 716 . By way of example, operating system 716 may include various versions of Microsoft Windows®, Apple Macintosh®, and/or Linux operating systems, a variety of commercially-available UNIX® or UNIX-like operating systems (including without limitation the variety of GNU/Linux operating systems, the Google Chrome® OS, and the like) and/or mobile operating systems such as iOS, Windows® Phone, Android® OS, BlackBerry® 10 OS, and Palm® OS operating systems.
[0162] Storage subsystem 718 may also provide a tangible computer-readable storage medium for storing the basic programming and data constructs that provide the functionality of some embodiments. Software (programs, code modules, instructions) that when executed by a processor provide the functionality described above may be stored in storage subsystem 718 . These software modules or instructions may be executed by processing unit 704 . Storage subsystem 718 may also provide a repository for storing data used in accordance with the present invention.
[0163] Storage subsystem 700 may also include a computer-readable storage media reader 720 that can further be connected to computer-readable storage media 722 . Together and, optionally, in combination with system memory 710 , computer-readable storage media 722 may comprehensively represent remote, local, fixed, and/or removable storage devices plus storage media for temporarily and/or more permanently containing, storing, transmitting, and retrieving computer-readable information.
[0164] Computer-readable storage media 722 containing code, or portions of code, can also include any appropriate media known or used in the art, including storage media and communication media, such as but not limited to, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage and/or transmission of information. This can include tangible computer-readable storage media such as RAM, ROM, electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible computer readable media. This can also include nontangible computer-readable media, such as data signals, data transmissions, or any other medium which can be used to transmit the desired information and which can be accessed by computing system 700 .
[0165] By way of example, computer-readable storage media 722 may include a hard disk drive that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk, and an optical disk drive that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk such as a CD ROM, DVD, and Blu-Ray® disk, or other optical media. Computer-readable storage media 722 may include, but is not limited to, Zip® drives, flash memory cards, universal serial bus (USB) flash drives, secure digital (SD) cards, DVD disks, digital video tape, and the like. Computer-readable storage media 722 may also include, solid-state drives (SSD) based on non-volatile memory such as flash-memory based SSDs, enterprise flash drives, solid state ROM, and the like, SSDs based on volatile memory such as solid state RAM, dynamic RAM, static RAM, DRAM-based SSDs, magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) SSDs, and hybrid SSDs that use a combination of DRAM and flash memory based SSDs. The disk drives and their associated computer-readable media may provide non-volatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for computer system 700 .
[0166] Communications subsystem 724 provides an interface to other computer systems and networks. Communications subsystem 724 serves as an interface for receiving data from and transmitting data to other systems from computer system 700 . For example, communications subsystem 724 may enable computer system 700 to connect to one or more devices via the Internet. In some embodiments communications subsystem 724 can include radio frequency (RF) transceiver components for accessing wireless voice and/or data networks (e.g., using cellular telephone technology, advanced data network technology, such as 3G, 4G or EDGE (enhanced data rates for global evolution), WiFi (IEEE 802.11 family standards, or other mobile communication technologies, or any combination thereof), global positioning system (GPS) receiver components, and/or other components. In some embodiments communications subsystem 724 can provide wired network connectivity (e.g., Ethernet) in addition to or instead of a wireless interface.
[0167] In some embodiments, communications subsystem 724 may also receive input communication in the form of structured and/or unstructured data feeds 726 , event streams 728 , event updates 730 , and the like on behalf of one or more users who may use computer system 700 .
[0168] By way of example, communications subsystem 724 may be configured to receive data feeds 726 in real-time from users of social networks and/or other communication services such as Twitter® feeds, Facebook® updates, web feeds such as Rich Site Summary (RSS) feeds, and/or real-time updates from one or more third party information sources.
[0169] Additionally, communications subsystem 724 may also be configured to receive data in the form of continuous data streams, which may include event streams 728 of real-time events and/or event updates 730 , that may be continuous or unbounded in nature with no explicit end. Examples of applications that generate continuous data may include, for example, sensor data applications, financial tickers, network performance measuring tools (e.g. network monitoring and traffic management applications), clickstream analysis tools, automobile traffic monitoring, and the like.
[0170] Communications subsystem 724 may also be configured to output the structured and/or unstructured data feeds 726 , event streams 728 , event updates 730 , and the like to one or more databases that may be in communication with one or more streaming data source computers coupled to computer system 700 .
[0171] Computer system 700 can be one of various types, including a handheld portable device (e.g., an iPhone® cellular phone, an iPad® computing tablet, a PDA), a wearable device (e.g., a Google Glass® head mounted display), a PC, a workstation, a mainframe, a kiosk, a server rack, or any other data processing system.
[0172] Due to the ever-changing nature of computers and networks, the description of computer system 700 depicted in the figure is intended only as a specific example. Many other configurations having more or fewer components than the system depicted in the figure are possible. For example, customized hardware might also be used and/or particular elements might be implemented in hardware, firmware, software (including applets), or a combination. Further, connection to other computing devices, such as network input/output devices, may be employed. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement the various embodiments.
[0173] In the foregoing specification, aspects of the invention are described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited thereto. Various features and aspects of the above-described invention may be used individually or jointly. Further, embodiments can be utilized in any number of environments and applications beyond those described herein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the specification. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
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In various embodiments, methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media are disclosed that allow allows developers of user interfaces to see quick and accurate previews after changing content that needs to be processed via a cascading style sheet (CSS) framework such as LESS, SASS, or Trinidad. These frameworks typically take a significant period of time to transform their framework code into CSS.
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BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved safety grab protection device and, more particularly, a device that does not damage or cut the safety rope during braking and works in whichever direction it is attached on the rope.
There are a variety of safety clamps and connectors used in the scaffolding and other related industries. Each of these devices for one reason or another is in some way inferior to the present invention.
For example, Meyer (U.S. Pat. No. 3,179,994), Healy (U.S. Pat. No. 3,852,943) and Gibbs (U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,218) all disclose safety devices that contain a single cam braking arm. These devices work in only one direction and if attached to the safety rope in the wrong, upside-down, position the cam will not stop or protect against a fall. Dalmaso (U.S. Pat No. 4,560,029) has a double cam safety action but it suffers from the same problems as Meyer, Healy and Gibbs since it works in only one direction.
Gripping devices such as Vanderdonck (U.S. Pat. No. 1,362,905), Bear (U.S. Pat. No. 1,434,802), Endsor (U.S. Pat. No. 1,926,975), Lackner (U.S. Pat. No. 1,959,722) and Sharp (U.S. Pat. No. 4,140,207) appear to work in both directions have other serious flaws that make them potentially dangerous to the user. One significant problem that many of these devices suffer from is the fact that the brake cam is either tooth shaped or sharp edged which will damage the rope or even cut it when the brake cam is wedged against the safety line. Certain of these gripping designs are of such a configuration that they create the possibility that they may unexpectedly fall off the rope. Other cam levers are made of multiple parts including such parts as springs which can freeze during cold weather making them inoperable, and certain other devices will only work with one size of rope.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a safety grab protection device where the cam arms that come in contact with the rope will not damage the rope when the cam is wedged against the rope during braking and the device will also work no matter if it is attached in the up or down position to the safety rope.
It is a further object of the invention for the device to be attachable and detachable at any point on the life line. The invention further contemplates a safety device that will work on either 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch line.
The present invention provides a safety grab protection device operable bi-directionally for connecting a safety belt lanyard to a vertical safety rope or the like. The device comprises a clevis-like housing through which a safety rope can be reeved, a unitary brake cam for disposition between the ends of the clevis-like housing, the housing being apertured through its ends and the cam having a bore for alignment with the housing apertures, a removable pin for insertion through the apertures and the cam bore to pivotally join the cam to the housing. The cam also has arms extending to either side of the bore, normal to the axis of the bore so that arms are selectively articulable about the bore to pivot into apposition with the bight of the housing for alternative wedging of a rope against the bight and a rope engaging intaglio formation at the ends of the cam arms.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of the safety grab protection device of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a cut away view of the safety grab protection device in FIG. 1 of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the safety grab protection device of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the safety grab Protection device of the invention taken along the line 4--4; and
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the safety grab protection device of the invention taken alone the line 5--5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Broadly considered, the present invention provides a safety grab protection device that operates bi-directionally when the cam arms have a rope engaging intaglio formation, the result being a device that will work even if installed in the upside-down position and due to the curved, knurled, safety rope contoured brake surfaces of the cam arms the device will not damage the rope but will provide a marrying type braking action.
As seen in FIG. 1, the safety grab protection device of the invention comprises a clevis-like housing 10, a unitary brake cam 20 and a removable pin 30.
The clevis-like housing 10 must have a swallow width dimension A to allow a rope 17 to be reeved through it. In most cases this will mean a 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch rope. The housing must also have an aperture 15 through which a pin 30 can be inserted to connect the cam 20 to the housing 10.
The unitary brake cam 20 has a through bore 25 which when aligned with the housing aperture 15 can be connected together by a pin 30. The pin connection allows bi-directional movement of the unitary brake cam 20, as shown in FIG. 2. FIGS. 1 and 2 also show that the brake cam 20 has an aperture 27 through which a workman's lanyard can be attached.
The brake cam 20 has arms 40 extending to either side of the bore 25, normal to the axis of the bore 25. The arms are selectively articulable about the bore and can pivot into apposition with the bight 17 of the housing 10 to wedge the rope 50 against the bight 17.
Each of the cam arms 40 have a surface configuration 45. This surface is a rope engaging intaglio formation. The rope 50 is an intertwined helix. The arm surfaces 45 are a curved, knurled, intaglio image of the safety rope's countour 50. Thus, when the arm surfaces 45 come in contact with safety rope 50 there is a marrying of the respective concave and convex portions of the two knurled surfaces.
FIG. 2 besides showing the bi-directional movement of the brake cam 20, also shows that the arms 40 are equidistant about the brake cam bore 25 to allow free movement of the safety rope 50 through the housing 10 when the cam 20 is in an unlocked position.
FIG. 3 also shows from a plan view that rope 50 will be able to move freely through the housing 10 when the cam 20 is in an unlocked position. FIGS. 3 and 4 accurately show the surface 45 of the cam arms 40 that form the curved, knurled intaglio image of the safety ropes contour 50. This surface 45 will not cut into the rope but will create a marrying type contact between the rope 50 and the cam arms 40 and more precisely the matching of the contours of the cam arm surfaces 45 and the rope contour. The contoured surface of the cam arms 45 act as a negative image of the helically shaped rope 50 providing a bonding or marrying of the peaks and valleys to create an extremely strong frictional alignment that prevents a sharp edge or surface from digging, pinching or cutting the rope. The cam arm surfaces 45 of the present invention prevent any damage occurring to the rope 50 by marrying the rope 50 and the cam surfaces 45 and then wedging the rope up against the bight 17 of the housing 10.
FIG. 5 shows that the cam arms 40 wedge the safety rope 50 against the bight 17 at not more than a 45° angle from the brake cam bore 25. FIG. 5 also illustrates how the contoured cam brake surfaces 45 marry the helically shaped surface of the safety rope 50 to create the braking action bond. When the cam is in the locked, contact with the rope 50 position, there is more than a single point of contact with the rope. Since the cam surface 45 mirrors the rope's shape, a large portion of the cam arm surface 45 forms a marrying surface contact with the rope 50, creating a superior bond with no sharp or potential rope cutting or damaging contact between the brake cam arm 40 and the safety line 50.
The clevis-like housing 10 and the unitary brake cam can be made of a variety of materials as long as they comply with the Fall Protection provisions of 29 C.F.R. 1926. The preferred embodiment of this invention is that the housing 10 and the brake cam 20 are constructed of aluminum.
For the purpose of giving those skilled in the art a better understanding and appreciation of the advantages of the invention the following illustrative tests were conducted on the safety grab protection device.
EXAMPLE I
A load test was applied to the safety grab protection device. This was accomplished by hanging a new 5/8 inch polypropylene rope and then attaching to it the safety grab protection device. On the cam ring of the safety grab protection device a lanyard was attached and at the other end of the lanyard a two ton come along was attached. A three ton Dinomonatur was attached to the end of the come along with the other end of the Dnomonatur being secured to the ground.
The test began at 0.0 lbs. and the weight was increased at a rate of 50 lb. load intervals until 200 lbs. was reached, at this point the rope started to stretch.
The weight was continuously increased and at 500 lbs. the reading on the Dinomonatur would vary about 75 to 100 lbs. When 1000 lbs. was reached the reading on the Dinomonatur would vary about 100 lbs. The test was concluded at 1000 lbs.
The safety grab protection device was not damaged at all. Likewise, the 5/8 inch poly rope was not damaged either. As for the lanyard it was stretched but not damaged.
EXAMPLE II
Three sample safety grab protection devices were tested for Tensile Strength in accordance with Standard Laboratory Procedure using two (2) Clevis and Pin Assemblies (5/8" Diameter Pins). The results follow in Table I:
TABLE I______________________________________ Ultimate Breaking Strength inSample Tension, LBS______________________________________TENZALOID 5480355-T6 6120355 3640______________________________________
The Occupational Safety and Hazard Association (OSHA) requires that all component parts have a braking strength of 5400 lbs. The data from Table I shows that the Tenzaloid and 355-T6 aluminum samples had acceptable braking strengths, while the 355 aluminum was unacceptable.
Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the invention and appended claims.
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A safety grab protection device that both operates bi-directionally for connecting a safety belt lanyard to a vertical safety rope and has contoured cam surfaces that engage the safety rope in such a way that the shape of the braking surfaces engage the rope without damaging it.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to pulse compressors and relates more particularly to an optical system that can expand and compress optical pulses while substantially retaining the temporal profile of the pulse.
In the figures, the first digit of a reference numeral indicates the first figure in which is presented the element indicated by that reference numeral.
In a conventional optical pulse compressor like that illustrated in FIG. 1, a frequency sweep is imparted to a travelling wave pulse of light by a phase modulation mechanism so that the frequency at the trailing end of the pulse is higher or lower than at the leading end of the pulse. This swept frequency process is referred to as a "chirp" because an audio pulse of comparable shape sounds like the chirp of a bird. When this pulse is transmitted through a dispersive optical element in which the frequency components at the leading edge of the pulse travel slower than the frequency components at the trailing edge of the pulse, the trailing end of the pulse compresses toward the leading edge of the pulse producing a pulse of reduced width and increased amplitude.
In one class of embodiments of such pulse compressors, the frequency chirp is imparted to the input pulse by self-phase modulation in an optical fiber (see, for example, D. Grischkowsky and A. C. Balant, Appl. Phys. Lett. 41, 1 (1982)). In another class of embodiments, the frequency chirp is imparted by electro-optic phase modulation (see, for example, D. Grischkowsky, Appl. Phys. Lett. 25, 566 (1974); or B. H. Kolner, Appl. Phys. Lett. 52, 1122 (1988)). In either case, a quadratic or nearly quadratic time-varying phase shift across the temporal envelope of the pulse results. After the pulse is chirped, it passes through a dispersive delay line such as a diffraction grating-pair which produces temporal compression of the pulse (See, for example, Edmond B. Treacy, "Optical Pulse Compression With Diffraction Gratings", IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, Vol. QE-5, No. 9, September 1969).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, a pulse compressor is presented that operates on a temporal pulse in a manner analogous to the operation of an optical imaging system. This pulse compressor can therefore be viewed conceptually as a temporal imaging system that utilizes at least one temporal lens and at least two dispersive paths. This temporal imaging system is developed in analogy to a spatial imaging system.
Such a temporal imaging system provides a number of useful advantages. Just as a spatial optical imaging system can produce an image that is larger or smaller than the optical object, this temporal imaging system can be used to compress or expand an optical pulse. When this temporal imaging system is used to produce a temporal image compressed in time, it functions as a pulse compressor that converts an input pulse having the same shape as the input pulse but having a reduced temporal scale. Thus, particular optical waveforms could be prepared on a long time scale to allow accurate preparation of the waveform and then it can be compressed for applications in coherent spectroscopy and nonlinear pulse propagation experiments. Optimum long pulse shapes could be prepared for high power amplification and subsequent compression. For communications applications, data streams could be encoded at nominal rates and compressed and multiplexed for high density optical communications. As in other types of pulse compressors, this temporal imaging system can be used to produce narrower temporal pulses of increased amplitude as well as to produce pulses having steeper transitions. These steepened transitions are useful in high speed switching and these narrower pulses are useful in high speed sampling.
When this temporal imaging system is used to produce a temporal image expanded in time, it functions as a pulse expander that is analogous to an optical microscope. It can be used to expand ultrafast optical phenomena to a time scale that is accessible to conventional high-speed photodiodes. This temporal imaging system could extend the range of direct optical measurements to a regime that is now only accessible with streak cameras or nonlinear optical techniques.
In a streak camera, an optical pulse is directed onto the cathode of a cathode ray tube. The carrier frequency of the optical pulse is high enough that the photons have sufficient energy to emit electrons by photoelectric emission. As a result of this, an electron beam from the cathode is produced that has the same temporal variation as the temporal variation of the optical pulse. This electron beam is scanned across the face of the cathode ray tube, producing a streak that has the same spatial variation in intensity as the temporal variation in intensity of the optical beam. The spatial variation of the streak intensity is measured, thereby measuring the temporal variation of the optical pulse. Unfortunately, a streak camera has a temporal resolution limit of about 5 picoseconds and is limited to light of frequency greater than the work function of the cathode divided by Planck's constant.
Examples of pulse detectors utilizing nonlinear optical techniques are presented in Chapter 3 of "Ultrashort Light Pulses", Springer Verlag, 1st Edition, Volume 18, edited by S. L. Shapiro. Such techniques include second harmonic autocorrelation techniques and sum-frequency cross-correlation techniques.
In the second harmonic autocorrelation technique, an optical pulse is split into two beams that are injected along paths oriented relative to the crystal axes of a crystal such that an output beam is formed that has a component proportional to the product of these two pulses. The delay of the pulse in one beam relative to the pulse in the other beam is varied, thereby producing an output signal that varies in time as the autocorrelation function of this pulse. Such a pulse detector is useful in analyzing pulses that are generally Gaussian in shape, but are not useful in determining the temporal profile of more complicated pulses.
In the sum-frequency cross-correlation pulse detectors, a first beam contains a relatively wide pulse of complicated temporal profile and the other contains a much narrower substantially Gaussian shaped pulse. As the relative delay between these pulses is varied, the temporal profile of the first pulse in the first beam is determined as the cross-correlation between these two pulses.
Just as a spatial imaging system can produce an inverted image, the temporal imaging system can also produce an inverted image. In the temporal case of an inverted image, the leading edge of the input pulse becomes the trailing edge of the output pulse. Such temporal inversion can be useful in signal processing applications such as convolution where time reversed waveforms are needed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 illustrates a typical prior art pulse compressor such as is used in chirp radar.
FIG. 2 illustrates a spatial imaging system.
FIG. 3 illustrates the phase modulation effect of a spatial optical lens.
FIG. 4 illustrates a temporal imaging system.
FIG. 5 illustrates the imaging and magnification effect of a temporal lens.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The temporal imaging system is developed in analogy to a spatial imaging system. An optical spatial imaging system generally consists of a set of N spatial lenses SL 1 , . . . ,SLN, an input spatial path SP 1 , an output spatial path SP N+1 and N-1 spatial paths SP 2 , . . . ,SP N , each between a pair of adjacent lenses. Such a system is shown in FIG. 2. A temporal imaging system can therefore be produced if temporal analogs of the above optical lenses and spatial paths can be produced.
In the temporal imaging system presented herein, it is recognized that dispersion in a temporal path is the temporal analog of diffraction in an optical spatial path. It is recognized that a dispersive temporal path is the temporal analog of an optical spatial path diffraction. It is also recognized that a set of N+1 dispersive temporal paths can be combined with a set of N temporal lenses to produce a temporal imaging system. In the following, the temporal analog of a spatial optical lens is first discussed and then the temporal analog of the spatial paths is discussed.
Spatial Optical Lens
That an optical phase modulator can serve as a temporal lens to compress or expand an optical pulse is analogously illustrated by reference to FIG. 3. In FIG. 3 is shown a spatial lens 30 having a first spherical surface 31 of radius R 1 , a second spherical surface 32 of radius R 2 and an index of refraction n. In the paraxial approximation, the optical rays are treated as if they pass through the lens along a path substantially parallel to the axis 33 of the lens. The presence of this lens increases the optical pathlength of a paraxial ray at a distance r from axis 33 of the lens by an amount (n-1)·{Δ 1 (r)+Δ 2 (r)} which, to lowest order in r is equal to r 2 /2f where f is defined to be equal to {(n-1)·(R 2 -1 -R 1 -1 )} -1 and is called the focal length of the lens (a similar derivation is presented in J. W. Goodman, "Introduction to Fourier Optics"). Thus, in the paraxial approximation, to lowest order in f, a lens introduces to an optical wave of wavenumber k an additional phase Δφ=k·r 2 /2f. Thus, a spatial lens can be viewed as a phase modulator that modulates the phase of a ray at distance r from axis 33 of the lens by an amount that varies approximately quadratically with r.
Temporal Lens
This quadratic phase variation in the spatial domain as a function of r can be mirrored in the temporal domain by use of a phase modulator that produces a phase modulation substantially equal to θ(t)=A+Bt 2 for some constants A and B (i.e., the output signal v out (t) is equal to v in (t)e i θ(t) where v in (t) is the input signal to the phase modulator). Such phase modulation can be approximated by timing the modulation signal that drives the phase modulator such that the temporal pulse to be imaged is centered over an extremum of the phase modulation. The modulation signal can be any shape that has such extremum, provided that the shape is predominantly quadratic over the duration of the optical pulse. A sinusoidal modulation signal is particularly easy to generate and is therefore a useful choice. This temporal lens will function as a positive lens (i.e., a converging lens) or a negative lens (i.e., a diverging lens) depending on whether said extremum is a minimum or a maximum of the phase modulation.
The input temporal signal has the general form u in (t)e i ωt where ω is the angular frequency of the optical carrier signal and u in (t) is the modulation function of the carrier signal. This modulation function is also referred to as the "envelope function" of the optical pulse input to the temporal imaging system. The term A introduces a constant phase shift that does not affect the envelope function. Thus, such temporal modulation is an analog of the corresponding spatial imaging system in the paraxial ray limit.
As shown in texts on Fourier optics, such as the text "Introduction To Fourier Optics" by J. W. Goodman, the optical paths in the above spatial imaging system are governed by the mathematics of optical diffraction. It is well known that the mathematical equations for spatial diffraction are analogous to the mathematical equations for temporal dispersion (see, for example, S. A. Akhmanov, A. S. Chirkin, K. N. Drabovich, A. I. Kovrigin, R. V. Khoklov, and A. P. Sukhorukov, IEEE J. Quantum Electron. QE-4, 598 (1968)). There is a correspondence between the time variable in the dispersion problem and the transverse space variable in the diffraction problem.
Spatial Optical Paths
To see this correspondence, it will be shown that the envelope function of a temporal pulse obeys substantially the same differential equation as does a spatial wave. For a charge free medium, Maxwell's equations are
∇×E=-∂B/∂t ∇·B=0(1)
∇×B=∂D/∂t ∇·D=0(2)
where E is the electric field vector, B is the magnetic field vector and D is the dielectric displacement vector equal to E (where is the dielectric constant). From standard vector calculus, these two equations imply that
∇.sup.2 E=μ.sub.0 ∂.sup.2 D/∂t.sup.2( 3)
For a monochromatic optical signal of angular frequency co in the paraxial ray limit, E has the form u(x,y,z)e i (kz-θt) where k 2 =μ 0 (ω)ω 2 and u is an envelope function for the optical pulse. In this situation, equation (3) reduces to
∇.sup.2 u=2ik∂u/∂z (4)
The paraxial approximation also assumes that the term ∂ 2 u/∂z 2 is negligible in equation (4) so that the wave equation (3) reduces to the functional form of a 2-dimensional diffusion equation (4) in which the time parameter of a diffusion equation is replaced by the parameter z and in which the two spatial variables are x and y. Since this equation is linear in u, we can add together solutions for different frequencies so that this result is not limited only to monochromatic fields. It will now be shown that the dispersion problem also has the same functional form.
Temporal path in dispersive medium
A temporal pulse can be decomposed into a linear sum of monochromatic signals. The phenomenon of dispersion results in different propagation velocities for these various Fourier components. If we solve equation (3) for each plane wave Fourier component, we can sum together the whole spectrum with each corresponding propagation constant to construct the real time pulse. If we limit our analysis to z-directed plane waves, we let
E(z,t)=u(z)e.sup.iωt (5)
and thus
D(z,t)= (ω)u(z)e.sup.iωt (6)
When this form is used in equation (3), that equation becomes
∂.sup.2 u/∂z.sup.2 =-ω.sup.2 (ω)u(z)(3')
which has the solution
u(z)=u.sub.0 e.sup.iβz (7)
where β is the frequency-dependent wave number:
β.sup.2 (ω)=μ.sub.0 (ω)ω.sup.2. (8)
From equations (3') (7), we see that the function u(z) satisfies the differential equation
∂u(z,ω)/∂z=-iβ(ω)u(z,ω)(9)
for a particular angular frequency ω.
A temporal pulse consists of a slowly varying envelope function times a carrier travelling wave signal. Equivalently, this means that u(ω) is nonzero except in a narrow range about the carrier wave angular frequency ω 0 . Therefore, in equation (9), β(ω) can be expanded to second order in a power series about ω 0 to give
∂u(z,ω)/∂z=-i{β.sub.0 +β.sub.1 (ω-ω.sub.0)+β.sub.2 (ω-ω.sub.0).sup.2 }u(z,ω) (10)
where β k ≡(1/k!)∂ k β/∂ω k evaluated at ω=ω 0 . The temporal Fourier transform of this gives
(∂u(z,t)/∂z+v.sub.g.sup.-1 ·∂u(z,t)/∂t)=iβ.sub.2 ·∂.sup.2 u(z,t)/∂t.sup.2(11)
where v g is the group velocity of the pulse and is equal to β 1 -1 . This equation can be further simplified by transformation to the travelling wave coordinates τ≡t-z/v g and z. In this coordinate system, equation (11) becomes
∂.sup.2 u/∂τ.sup.2 =(iβ.sub.2).sup.-1 ∂u/∂z (12)
Equation (12) has the same functional form as equation (4) so this temporal pulse travelling in a dispersive medium satisfies substantially the same form of equation as spatial transmission of a wave with associated diffraction. Thus, the functional behavior of the temporal pulse through a dispersive medium corresponds to the functional behavior of a spatial beam along a spatial path. In equation (12), the travelling wave coordinate 96 is analogous to the lateral parameters x and y of equation (4). The parameter z plays the same role in both cases.
FIG. 4 illustrates a temporal imaging system and is analogous to the spatial imaging system of FIG. 2. This temporal imaging system consists of N+1 temporal paths TP 1 , . . . ,TP N+1 and temporal lenses TL 1 , . . . ,TL N .
Because of this correspondence, a temporal imaging system generally consists of a set of N temporal lenses TL 1 , . . . ,TL N , an input signal path TP 1 , an output temporal path TP N+1 and N-1 temporal paths TP 2 , . . . ,TP N , each between a pair of adjacent temporal lenses. Because of the functional behavior between the spatial and temporal cases, the temporal imaging system exhibits the same magnification as the spatial imaging system. For example, for a single lens spatial imaging system, the magnification M is equal to -S 2 /S 1 where S 1 is the distance from the object O to the spatial lens and S 2 is the distance from the spatial I to the image. S 1 and S 2 satisfy the lens equation 1/f=1/S 1 +1/S 2 where f is the focal length of the lens. Under conventional sign conventions, S 1 and S 2 are each positive for real objects and images and are each negative for virtual objects and images. When M is negative, this just indicates that the image has been inverted.
In the temporal domain, the inversion of the image means that the leading edge of the input pulse becomes the trailing edge of the output pulse. Such inversion can be used in signal processing applications, such as convolution, where time reverse waveforms are needed.
In the above analysis, the paraxial approximation was utilized for the spatial imaging system and, in the temporal imaging system, β was expanded only to second order in ω-ω 0 and the modulation signal was also expanded only to second order in time about the time of an extremum point of that signal. If higher order terms are retained, then various types of aberration arise just as they do in the spatial imaging case. Thus, such aberrations should be small in the same way they must be small in the spatial imaging case. When greater clarity of imaging is required, these aberrations can be corrected in a way fully analogous to the spatial imaging case.
FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate analogous spatial and temporal imaging systems in which the spatial and temporal lenses are collinear, but, just as there are noncollinear spatial imaging systems, there can also be noncollinear temporal imaging systems. Indeed, the equivalence between the spatial and temporal lenses and interconnecting signal paths means that there are temporal imaging systems analogous to each of the spatial imaging systems utilizing just lenses and interconnecting paths.
In the above discussion of the spatial optical lens, it was indicated that to the lowest nonzero order in the transverse distance r from the optical axis of the lens, the spatial optical lens introduces additional phase variation of the form k·r/2f where k is the wavenumber of the optical wave and where f is defined to be equal to {(n-1)·(R 2 -1 -R 1 -1 )} -1 and is called the focal length of the lens. Similarly, in the above discussion of the temporal lens, it is indicated that the temporal phase modulator introduces a phase substantially equal to A+Bt 2 . The A term introduces a constant phase that does not affect the shape of the pulse, but instead introduces a phase shift into the carrier signal on which the pulse is carried. The Bt 2 term is therefore analogous to the k·r 2 /2f term in the spatial lens case and shows that the temporal lens has an effective temporal focal length f t equal to ω/2B where ω is the angular frequency of the carrier signal. Just as a simple spatial lens satisfies the optics equations:
1/s.sub.1 +1s.sub.2 =1/f (13)
and
M=-s.sub.2 /s.sub.1 (14)
(where s 1 is the distance from the object to the lens and s 2 is the distance from the lens to the image), so also does the temporal pulse satisfy analogous equations
1/t.sub.1 +1/t.sub.2 =1/f.sub.t (15)
and
M.sub.t =-t.sub.2 /t.sub.1 (16)
where M t is the temporal magnification factor, where t k (for k=1, 2) is equal to 2ω 0 ·z k ·β 2 .sup.(k), z k is the spatial length of the kth dispersive path TP k , and β 2 .sup.(k) is equal to one half of the second derivative of the wavenumber of the carrier signal in the kth dispersive medium evaluated at the frequency ω 0 of the carrier signal. In FIG. 5, an input pulse 51 passing through temporal length t 1 of dispersive path TP 1 , temporal lens TL 1 , and temporal length t 2 of dispersive path TP 2 , has a wider pulse width than the resulting output pulse 52, indicating that the absolute value of the magnification is less than 1 in that system. For the single temporal lens of FIG. 5, the magnification of the imaged pulse is negative so that the leading edge of input pulse 51 becomes the trailing edge of output pulse 52. Just as a plurality of lenses can be used in tandem to image an object field, so too can a plurality of temporal lenses be utilized in tandem to temporally image an input temporal waveform. The dispersive paths and focal times must be chosen to produce an imaged pulse at the output O.
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A temporal imaging system is presented consisting of a dispersive input path, a phase modulator producing a phase modulation substantially equal to A+Bt 2 , and an output dispersive path. This temporal imaging system can be combined with other temporal lenses to image input signals in the same manner that spatial lenses can be used to image light from spatial sources. In particular, this temporal imaging system can be used to expand, compress and or invert input temporal signals.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/689,979, filed on Jan. 19, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/215,086, filed on Jun. 25, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,674,879, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/716,202, filed on Mar. 9, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,405,266, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/264,546, filed on Nov. 1, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,205,380, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/813,601, filed on Mar. 30, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,168, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/283,890, filed on Oct. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,505, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/741,933, filed on Dec. 20, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,659, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/171,784, filed on Dec. 22, 1999, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to water-soluble and non-peptidic polymers, and methods of controlling the hydrolytic properties of such polymers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Covalent attachment of the hydrophilic polymer poly(ethylene glycol), abbreviated PEG, also known as poly(ethylene oxide), abbreviated PEO, to molecules and surfaces is of considerable utility in biotechnology and medicine. In its most common form, PEG is a linear polymer terminated at each end with hydroxyl groups:
[0000] HO—CH 2 CH 2 O—(CH 2 CH 2 O) n —CH 2 CH 2 —OH
[0004] The above polymer, alpha-,omega-dihydroxylpoly(ethylene glycol), can be represented in brief form as HO-PEG-OH where it is understood that the -PEG- symbol represents the following structural unit:
[0000] —CH 2 CH 2 O—(CH 2 CH 2 O) n —CH 2 CH 2 —
[0000] where n typically ranges from about 3 to about 4000.
[0005] PEG is commonly used as methoxy-PEG-OH, or mPEG in brief, in which one terminus is the relatively inert methoxy group, while the other terminus is a hydroxyl group that is subject to ready chemical modification. The structure of mPEG is given below.
[0000] CH 3 O—(CH 2 CH 2 O) n —CH 2 CH 2 —OH
[0006] Random or block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, shown below, are closely related to PEG in their chemistry, and they can be substituted for PEG in many of its applications.
[0000] HO—CH 2 CHRO(CH 2 CHRO) n CH 2 CHR—OH
[0000] wherein each R is independently H or CH 3 .
[0007] To couple PEG to a molecule, such as a protein, it is often necessary to “activate” the PEG by preparing a derivative of the PEG having a functional group at a terminus thereof. The functional group is chosen based on the type of available reactive group on the molecule that will be coupled to the PEG. For example, the functional group could be chosen to react with an amino group on a protein in order to form a PEG-protein conjugate.
[0008] PEG is a polymer having the properties of solubility in water and in many organic solvents, lack of toxicity, and lack of immunogenicity. One use of PEG is to covalently attach the polymer to insoluble molecules to make the resulting PEG-molecule “conjugate” soluble. For example, it has been shown that the water-insoluble drug paclitaxel, when coupled to PEG, becomes water-soluble. Greenwald, et al., J. Org. Chem., 60:331-336 (1995).
[0009] The prodrug approach, in which drugs are released by degradation of more complex molecules (prodrugs) under physiological conditions, is a powerful component of drug delivery. Prodrugs can, for example, be formed by bonding PEG to drugs using linkages which are degradable under physiological conditions. The lifetime of PEG prodrugs in vivo depends upon the type of functional group linking PEG to the drug. In general, ester linkages, formed by reaction of PEG carboxylic acids or activated PEG carboxylic acids with alcohol groups on the drug, hydrolyze under physiological conditions to release the drug, while amide and carbamate linkages, formed from amine groups on the drug, are stable and do not hydrolyze to release the free drug.
[0010] Use of certain activated esters of PEG, such as N-hydroxylsuccinimide esters, can be problematic because these esters are so reactive that hydrolysis of the ester takes place almost immediately in aqueous solution. It has been shown that hydrolytic delivery of drugs from PEG esters can be favorably controlled to a certain extent by controlling the number of linking methylene groups in a spacer between the terminal PEG oxygen and the carbonyl group of the attached carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid derivative. For example, Harris et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,662, describe PEG butanoic acid and PEG propanoic acid (shown below), and activated derivatives thereof, as alternatives to carboxymethyl PEG (also shown below) when less hydrolytic reactivity in the corresponding ester derivatives is desirable.
[0000] PEG-OCH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CO 2 H PEG butanoic acid
[0000] PEG-O—CH 2 CH 2 CO 2 H
PEG propanoic acid
[0000] PEG-O—CH 2 CO 2 H
carboxymethyl PEG
[0014] In aqueous buffers, hydrolysis of esters of these modified PEG acids can be controlled in a useful way by varying the number of —CH 2 — spacers between the carboxyl group and the PEG oxygen.
[0015] There remains a need in the art for further methods of controlling the hydrolytic degradation of activated polymer derivatives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The invention provides a group of water-soluble and non-peptidic polymers having at least one terminal carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid derivative group. The acid or acid derivative group of the polymer is sterically hindered by the presence of an alkyl or aryl group on the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group of the carboxylic acid (α-carbon). The steric effect of the alkyl or aryl group enables greater control of the rate of hydrolytic degradation of polymer derivatives. For example, both activated carboxylic acid derivatives, such as succinimidyl esters, and biologically active polymer conjugates resulting from the coupling of the polymers of the invention to biologically active agents, such as small drug molecules, enzymes or proteins, are more hydrolytically stable due to the presence of the α-carbon alkyl or aryl group.
[0017] The sterically hindered polymers of the invention comprise a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having at least one terminus, the terminus being covalently bonded to the structure
[0000]
[0018] wherein:
[0019] L is the point of bonding to the terminus of the polymer backbone;
[0020] Q is O or S;
[0021] m is 0 to about 20;
[0022] Z is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl and substituted aryl; and
[0023] X is a leaving group.
[0024] Examples of suitable water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbones include poly(alkylene glycol), poly(oxyethylated polyol), poly(olefinic alcohol), poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(hydroxypropylmethacrylamide), poly(α-hydroxy acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, poly(N-acryloylmorpholine), and copolymers, terpolymers, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the polymer backbone is poly(ethylene glycol) having an average molecular weight from about 200 Da to about 100,000 Da.
[0025] Examples of the Z moiety include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, and benzyl. In one embodiment, Z is a C 1 -C 8 alkyl or substituted alkyl.
[0026] The leaving group, X, can be, for example, halogen, such as chlorine or bromine, N-succinimidyloxy, sulfo-N-succinimidyloxy, 1-benzotriazolyloxy, hydroxyl, 1-imidazolyl, and p-nitrophenyloxy.
[0027] The invention also includes biologically active conjugates of the polymers of the invention and biologically active agents and methods of making such conjugates.
[0028] By changing the length or size of the alkyl or aryl group used as the Z moiety, the polymers of the invention offer an increased ability to control and manipulate the hydrolytic stability of polymer derivatives prepared using the polymers. Better control of the rate of hydrolytic degradation enables the practitioner to tailor polymer constructs for specific end uses that require certain degradation properties.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The terms “functional group”, “active moiety”, “activating group”, “reactive site”, “chemically reactive group” and “chemically reactive moiety” are used in the art and herein to refer to distinct, definable portions or units of a molecule. The terms are somewhat synonymous in the chemical arts and are used herein to indicate that the portions of molecules that perform some function or activity and are reactive with other molecules. The term “active,” when used in conjunction with functional groups, is intended to include those functional groups that react readily with electrophilic or nucleophilic groups on other molecules, in contrast to those groups that require strong catalysts or highly impractical reaction conditions in order to react. For example, as would be understood in the art, the term “active ester” would include those esters that react readily with nucleophilic groups such as amines. Typically, an active ester will react with an amine in aqueous medium in a matter of minutes, whereas certain esters, such as methyl or ethyl esters, require a strong catalyst in order to react with a nucleophilic
[0030] The term “linkage” or “linker” is used herein to refer to groups or bonds that normally are formed as the result of a chemical reaction and typically are covalent linkages. Hydrolytically stable linkages means that the linkages are substantially stable in water and do not react with water at useful pHs, e.g., under physiological conditions for an extended period of time, perhaps even indefinitely. Hydrolytically unstable or degradable linkages means that the linkages are degradable in water or in aqueous solutions, including for example, blood. Enzymatically unstable or degradable linkages means that the linkage can be degraded by one or more enzymes. As understood in the art, PEG and related polymers may include degradable linkages in the polymer backbone or in the linker group between the polymer backbone and one or more of the terminal functional groups of the polymer molecule. For example, ester linkages formed by the reaction of PEG carboxylic acids or activated PEG carboxylic acids with alcohol groups on a biologically active agent generally hydrolyze under physiological conditions to release the agent. Other hydrolytically degradable linkages include carbonate linkages; imine linkages resulted from reaction of an amine and an aldehyde (see, e.g., Ouchi et al., Polymer Preprints, 38(1):582-3 (1997), which is incorporated herein by reference.); phosphate ester linkages formed by reacting an alcohol with a phosphate group; hydrozone linkages which are reaction product of a hydrazide and an aldehyde; acetal linkages that are the reaction product of an aldehyde and an alcohol; orthoester linkages that are the reaction product of a formate and an alcohol; peptide linkages formed by an amine group, e.g., at an end of a polymer such as PEG, and a carboxyl group of a peptide; and oligonucleotide linkages formed by a phosphoramidite group, e.g., at the end of a polymer, and a 5′ hydroxyl group of an oligonucleotide.
[0031] The term “biologically active molecule”, “biologically active moiety” or “biologically active agent” when used herein means any substance which can affect any physical or biochemical properties of a biological organism, including but not limited to viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, animals, and humans. In particular, as used herein, biologically active molecules include any substance intended for diagnosis, cure mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in humans or other animals, or to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being of humans or animals. Examples of biologically active molecules include, but are not limited to, peptides, proteins, enzymes, small molecule drugs, dyes, lipids, nucleosides, oligonucleotides, cells, viruses, liposomes, microparticles and micelles. Classes of biologically active agents that are suitable for use with the invention include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, fungicides, anti-viral agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-tumor agents, cardiovascular agents, anti-anxiety agents, hormones, growth factors, steroidal agents, and the like.
[0032] The terms “alkyl,” “alkene,” and “alkoxy” include straight chain and branched alkyl, alkene, and alkoxy, respectively. The term “lower alkyl” refers to C1-C6 alkyl. The term “alkoxy” refers to oxygen substituted alkyl, for example, of the formulas —OR or —ROR 1 , wherein R and R 1 are each independently selected alkyl. The terms “substituted alkyl” and “substituted alkene” refer to alkyl and alkene, respectively, substituted with one or more non-interfering substituents, such as but not limited to, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, and the like; acetylene; cyano; alkoxy, e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, and the like; lower alkanoyloxy, e.g., acetoxy; hydroxy; carboxyl; amino; lower alkylamino, e.g., methylamino; ketone; halo, e.g. chloro or bromo; phenyl; substituted phenyl, and the like. The term “halogen” includes fluorine, chlorine, iodine and bromine.
[0033] “Aryl” means one or more aromatic rings, each of 5 or 6 carbon atoms. Multiple aryl rings may be fused, as in naphthyl or unfused, as in biphenyl. Aryl rings may also be fused or unfused with one or more cyclic hydrocarbon, heteroaryl, or heterocyclic rings.
[0034] “Substituted aryl” is aryl having one or more non-interfering groups as substituents.
[0035] “Non-interfering substituents” are those groups that yield stable compounds. Suitable non-interfering substituents or radicals include, but are not limited to, halo, C 1 -C 10 alkyl, C 2 -C 10 alkenyl, C 2 -C 10 alkynyl, C 1 -C 10 alkoxy, C 7 -C 12 aralkyl, C 7 -C 12 alkaryl, C 3 -C 10 cycloalkyl, C 3 -C 10 cycloalkenyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, toluoyl, xylenyl, biphenyl, C 2 -C 12 alkoxyalkyl, C 7 -C 12 alkoxyaryl, C 7 -C 12 aryloxyalkyl, C 6 -C 12 oxyaryl, C 1 -C 6 alkylsulfinyl, C 1 -C 10 alkylsulfonyl, —(CH 2 ) m —O—(C 1 -C 10 alkyl) wherein m is from 1 to 8, aryl, substituted aryl, substituted alkoxy, fluoroalkyl, heterocyclic radical, substituted heterocyclic radical, nitroalkyl, —NO 2 , —CN, —NRC(O)—(C 1 -C 10 alkyl), —C(O)—(C 1 -C 10 alkyl), C 2 -C 10 thioalkyl, —C(O)O—(C 1 -C 10 alkyl), —OH, —SO 2 , ═S, —COOH, —NR 2 , carbonyl, —C(O)—(C 1 -C 10 alkyl)-CF 3 , —C(O)—CF 3 , —C(O)NR 2 , —(C 1 -C 10 alkyl)-S—(C 6 -C 12 aryl), —C(O)—(C 6 -C 12 aryl), —(CH 2 ) m —O—(CH 2 ) n —O—(C 1 -C 10 alkyl) wherein each m is from 1 to 8, —C(O)NR 2 , —C(S)NR 2 , —SO 2 NR 2 , —NRC(O)NR 2 , —NRC(S)NR 2 , salts thereof, and the like. Each R as used herein is H, alkyl or substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl.
[0036] The invention provides a sterically hindered polymer, comprising a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having at least one terminus, the terminus being covalently bonded to the structure
[0000]
[0037] wherein:
[0038] L is the point of bonding to the terminus of the polymer backbone;
[0039] Q is O or S;
[0040] m is 0 to about 20;
[0041] Z is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl and substituted aryl; and
[0042] X is a leaving group.
[0043] The polymer backbone of the water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer can be poly(ethylene glycol) (i.e. PEG). However, it should be understood that other related polymers are also suitable for use in the practice of this invention and that the use of the term PEG or poly(ethylene glycol) is intended to be inclusive and not exclusive in this respect. The term PEG includes poly(ethylene glycol) in any of its forms, including alkoxy PEG, difunctional PEG, multiarmed PEG, forked PEG, branched PEG, pendent PEG, or PEG with degradable linkages therein.
[0044] PEG is typically clear, colorless, odorless, soluble in water, stable to heat, inert to many chemical agents, does not hydrolyze or deteriorate, and is generally non-toxic. Poly(ethylene glycol) is considered to be biocompatible, which is to say that PEG is capable of coexistence with living tissues or organisms without causing harm. More specifically, PEG is substantially non-immunogenic, which is to say that PEG does not tend to produce an immune response in the body. When attached to a molecule having some desirable function in the body, such as a biologically active agent, the PEG tends to mask the agent and can reduce or eliminate any immune response so that an organism can tolerate the presence of the agent. PEG conjugates tend not to produce a substantial immune response or cause clotting or other undesirable effects. PEG having the formula —CH 2 CH 2 O—(CH 2 CH 2 O) n —CH 2 CH 2 —, where n is from about 3 to about 4000, typically from about 3 to about 2000, is one useful polymer in the practice of the invention. PEG having a molecular weight of from about 200 Da to about 100,000 Da are particularly useful as the polymer backbone.
[0045] The polymer backbone can be linear or branched. Branched polymer backbones are generally known in the art. Typically, a branched polymer has a central branch core moiety and a plurality of linear polymer chains linked to the central branch core. PEG is commonly used in branched forms that can be prepared by addition of ethylene oxide to various polyols, such as glycerol, pentaerythritol and sorbitol. The central branch moiety can also be derived from several amino acids, such as lysine. The branched poly(ethylene glycol) can be represented in general form as R(-PEG-OH) m in which R represents the core moiety, such as glycerol or pentaerythritol, and m represents the number of arms. Multi-armed PEG molecules, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,462, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, can also be used as the polymer backbone.
[0046] Branched PEG can also be in the form of a forked PEG represented by PEG(-YCHZ 2 ) n , where Y is a linking group and Z is an activated terminal group linked to CH by a chain of atoms of defined length.
[0047] Yet another branched form, the pendant PEG, has reactive groups, such as carboxyl, along the PEG backbone rather than at the end of PEG chains.
[0048] In addition to these forms of PEG, the polymer can also be prepared with weak or degradable linkages in the backbone. For example, PEG can be prepared with ester linkages in the polymer backbone that are subject to hydrolysis. As shown below, this hydrolysis results in cleavage of the polymer into fragments of lower molecular weight:
[0000] -PEG-CO 2 -PEG-+H 2 O→-PEG-CO 2 H+HO-PEG-
[0049] It is understood by those skilled in the art that the term poly(ethylene glycol) or PEG represents or includes all the above forms.
[0050] Many other polymers are also suitable for the invention. Polymer backbones that are non-peptidic and water-soluble, with from 2 to about 300 termini, are particularly useful in the invention. Examples of suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, other poly(alkylene glycols), such as poly(propylene glycol) (“PPG”), copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol and the like, poly(oxyethylated polyol), poly(olefinic alcohol), poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(hydroxypropylmethacrylamide), poly(α-hydroxy acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, poly(N-acryloylmorpholine), such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,384, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and copolymers, terpolymers, and mixtures thereof. Although the molecular weight of each chain of the polymer backbone can vary, it is typically in the range of from about 100 Da to about 100,000 Da, often from about 6,000 Da to about 80,000 Da.
[0051] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing list for substantially water soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbones is by no means exhaustive and is merely illustrative, and that all polymeric materials having the qualities described above are contemplated.
[0052] Examples of suitable alkyl and aryl groups for the Z moiety include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, and benzyl. In one embodiment, Z is a C 1 -C 8 alkyl or substituted alkyl.
[0053] The optional CH 2 spacer between the α-carbon and the Q moiety can provide additional dampening effect on the rate of hydrolytic degradation of the molecule. In one embodiment, m is 1 to about 10.
[0054] The X moiety is a leaving group, meaning that it can be displaced by reaction of a nucleophile with the molecule containing X. In some cases, as when X is hydroxy, the group must be activated by reaction with a molecule such as N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) in order to make it an effective leaving group. Examples of suitable X moieties include halogen, such as chlorine and bromine, N-succinimidyloxy, sulfo-N-succinimidyloxy, 1-benzotriazolyloxy, hydroxyl, 1-imidazolyl, and p-nitrophenyloxy. In one aspect, the polymer has a terminal carboxylic acid group (i.e. X is hydroxyl).
[0055] In one embodiment, the polymer of the invention has the structure
[0000]
[0056] wherein:
[0057] POLY is a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone, such as PEG;
[0058] R′ is a capping group; and
[0059] Q, m, Z and X are as defined above.
[0060] R′ can be any suitable capping group known in the art for polymers of this type. For example, R′ can be a relatively inert capping group, such as an alkoxy group (e.g. methoxy).
[0061] Alternatively, R′ can be a functional group. Examples of suitable functional groups include hydroxyl, protected hydroxyl, active ester, such as N-hydroxysuccinimidyl esters and 1-benzotriazolyl esters, active carbonate, such as N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbonates and 1-benzotriazolyl carbonates, acetal, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrates, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, active sulfone, amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, thiol, protected thiol, carboxylic acid, protected carboxylic acid, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, maleimide, vinylsulfone, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, glyoxals, diones, mesylates, tosylates, and tresylate. The functional group is typically chosen for attachment to a functional group on a biologically active agent. As would be understood, the selected R′ moiety should be compatible with the X group so that reaction with X does not occur.
[0062] As would be understood in the art, the term “protected” refers to the presence of a protecting group or moiety that prevents reaction of the chemically reactive functional group under certain reaction conditions. The protecting group will vary depending on the type of chemically reactive group being protected. For example, if the chemically reactive group is an amine or a hydrazide, the protecting group can be selected from the group of tert-butyloxycarbonyl (t-Boc) and 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc). If the chemically reactive group is a thiol, the protecting group can be orthopyridyldisulfide. If the chemically reactive group is a carboxylic acid, such as butanoic or propionic acid, or a hydroxyl group, the protecting group can be benzyl or an alkyl group such as methyl or ethyl. Other protecting groups known in the art may also be used in the invention.
[0063] Specific examples of terminal functional groups in the literature include N-succinimidyl carbonate (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,281,698, 5,468,478), amine (see, e.g., Buckmann et al. Makromol. Chem. 182:1379 (1981), Zaplipsky et al. Eur. Polym. J. 19:1177 (1983)), hydrazide (See, e.g., Andresz et al. Makromol. Chem. 179:301 (1978)), succinimidyl propionate and succinimidyl butanoate (see, e.g., Olson et al. in Poly ( ethylene glycol ) Chemistry & Biological Applications , pp 170-181, Harris & Zaplipsky Eds., ACS, Washington, D.C., 1997; see also U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,662), succinimidyl succinate (See, e.g., Abuchowski et al. Cancer Biochem. Biophys. 7:175 (1984) and Joppich et al. Macrolol. Chem. 180:1381 (1979), succinimidyl ester (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,670,417), benzotriazole carbonate (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,650,234), glycidyl ether (see, e.g., Pitha et al. Eur. J. Biochem. 94:11 (1979), Elling et al., Biotech. Appl. Biochem. 13:354 (1991), oxycarbonylimidazole (see, e.g., Beauchamp, et al., Anal. Biochem. 131:25 (1983), Tondelli et al. J. Controlled Release 1:251 (1985)), p-nitrophenyl carbonate (see, e.g., Veronese, et al., Appl. Biochem. Biotech., 11:141 (1985); and Sartore et al., Appl. Biochem. Biotech., 27:45 (1991)), aldehyde (see, e.g., Harris et al. J. Polym. Sci. Chem. Ed. 22:341 (1984), U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,784, U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,714), maleimide (see, e.g., Goodson et al. Bio/Technology 8:343 (1990), Romani et al. in Chemistry of Peptides and Proteins 2:29 (1984)), and Kogan, Synthetic Comm. 22:2417 (1992)), orthopyridyl-disulfide (see, e.g., Woghiren, et al. Bioconj. Chem. 4:314 (1993)), acrylol (see, e.g., Sawhney et al., Macromolecules, 26:581 (1993)), vinylsulfone (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,461). In addition, two molecules of the polymer of this invention can also be linked to the amino acid lysine to form a di-substituted lysine, which can then be further activated with N-hydroxysuccinimide to form an active N-succinimidyl moiety (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,462). All of the above references are incorporated herein by reference.
[0064] R′ can also have the structure —W-D, wherein W is a linker and D is a biologically active agent. Alternatively, the polymer structure can be a homobifunctional molecule such that R′ is -Q(CH 2 ) n CHZC(O)X, wherein Q, m, Z and X are as defined above.
[0065] An example of a multi-arm polymer of the invention is shown below:
[0000]
[0000] wherein:
[0066] POLY is a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone, such as PEG;
[0067] R is a central core molecule, such as glycerol or pentaerythritol;
[0068] q is an integer from 2 to about 300; and
[0069] Q, m, Z and X are as defined above.
[0070] Further examples of the polymers of the invention include polymers of the structure
[0000]
[0000] wherein:
[0071] PEG is poly(ethylene glycol); and
[0072] X, m and Z are as defined above.
[0073] The polymers of the invention, whether activated or not, can be purified from the reaction mixture. One method of purification involves precipitation from a solvent in which the polymers are essentially insoluble while the reactants are soluble. Suitable solvents include ethyl ether or isopropanol. Alternatively, the polymers may be purified using ion exchange, size exclusion, silica gel, or reverse phase chromatography.
[0074] In all the above embodiments, the presence of the α-alkyl or α-aryl group (Z) confers upon the polymer greater stability to hydrolysis due to the steric and electronic effect of the alkyl or aryl group. The steric effect may be increased by increasing the size of the alkyl or aryl group, as would be the case in replacing methyl with ethyl. In other words, as the number of carbon atoms in Z increases, the rate of hydrolysis decreases. As noted above, use of this steric effect may also be applied in combination with the electronic effect obtained by variation in the distance of the Q moiety from the carboxyl group (i.e. control of the value of m). By controlling both m and Z, the rate of hydrolysis can be regulated in a more flexible manner.
[0075] Since the enzyme catalyzed reactions that cause enzymatic degradation involve exact spatial fits between the enzyme active site and the polymer, steric effects can be very important in these reactions as well. The polymers of the invention can also be used to better regulate or control enzymatic degradation in addition to hydrolytic degradation.
[0076] When coupled to biologically active agents, the polymers of the invention will help regulate the rate of hydrolytic degradation of the resulting polymer conjugate. As an example, when the polymers of the invention are coupled with alcohols or thiols to form esters or thioesters respectively, the esters or thioesters are more stable to hydrolysis. Thus, a drug bearing an alcohol or thiol group may be derivatized with a polymer of the invention and the hydrolytic release of the drug from such esters or thiolesters can be controlled by choice of the α-alkyl or α-aryl group.
[0077] The invention provides a biologically active polymer conjugate comprising a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having at least one terminus, the terminus being covalently bonded to the structure
[0000]
[0000] wherein:
[0078] L is the point of bonding to the terminus of the polymer backbone;
[0079] Q is O or S;
[0080] m is 0 to about 20;
[0081] Z is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl and substituted aryl;
[0082] W is a linker; and
[0083] D is a biologically active agent.
[0084] The linker W is the residue of the functional group used to attach the biologically active agent to the polymer backbone. In one embodiment, W is O, S, or NH.
[0085] Examples of suitable biologically active agents include peptides, proteins, enzymes, small molecule drugs, dyes, lipids, nucleosides, oligonucleotides, cells, viruses, liposomes, microparticles and micelles.
[0086] The invention also includes a method of preparing biologically active conjugates of the polymers of the invention by reacting a polymer of Formula I with a biologically active agent.
[0087] The following examples are given to illustrate the invention, but should not be considered in limitation of the invention.
EXPERIMENTAL
Example 1
Preparation of mPEG-O—CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO 2 H and mPEG-O—CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO 2 NS (NS═N-succinimidyl)
[0088]
[0089] Reactions:
[0090] 1. Preparation of mPEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CN
[0091] MPEG 50000 H (4.0) g) and methacrylonitrile (1.0 ml) were stirred for three days at room temperature in a mixture of benzene (5.0 ml), dichloromethane (6.5 ml), and KOH (50% in H 2 O; 0.15 ml). To the resulting mixture was added 200 ml of 10% aqueous NaH 2 PO 4 . The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes before extracting with 200 ml of dichloromethane (100+50+50 ml). The organic phase was dried over MgSO 4 , concentrated, and precipitated into ethyl ether (50 ml). The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum at room temperature to obtain 3.17 g of white powder. NMR: (dmso-d6, ppm): 1.0438 (d, α-CH 3 ); 2.55 (m, CH); 3.51 (br m, PEG-CH 2 CH 2 —O—).
[0092] 2. Preparation of mPEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CONH 2
[0093] mPEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CN (3.17 g) was dissolved in 14 ml of concentrated HCl and the solution was stirred three days at room temperature. The resulting solution was diluted to 300 ml with water and 45 g of NaCl was added. The product was extracted with dichloromethane (3×100 ml) and the extract dried over MgSO 4 . The solution was concentrated and the product precipitated in ethyl ether (50 ml). The product was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum at room temperature to obtain 2.6 g of white powder. NMR (dmso-d6, ppm): 0.714 (d, α-CH 3 ); 3.51 (br m, PEG —CH 2 CH 2 —O—).
[0094] 3. Preparation of mPEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO 2 H
[0095] A solution of 2.6 g of mPEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CONH 2 in 100 ml of 8% KOH was stirred at room temperature for three days and the pH was then adjusted to 2.0 with HCl. The product was extracted with 100 ml of methylene chloride and the extract dried over MgSO 4 . The solution was then concentrated and the product precipitated by addition to 200 ml of ethyl ether. The product was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum at room temperature to obtain 1.7 g of white powder. The product was further purified by chromatography on DEAE sepharose with the column first eluted with water and then with 1 M NaCl. The product was extracted from the NaCl eluent with methylene chloride and the organic layer dried over MgSO 4 . The methylene chloride solution was concentrated and the product precipitated from about 30 ml of ethyl ether. It was collected by filtration, and dried under vacuum at room temperature to obtain 0.8 g of white powder. Gel permeation chromatography on Ultrahydrogel 250 displayed a single peak.
[0096] 1 H NMR (dmso-d6, ppm): 1.035 (d, α-CH 3 ); 2.55 (m, CH); 3.51 (br m, PEG backbone CH 2 ). The integral ratio of the PEG backbone protons to that of the alpha methyl protons indicated 100% substitution.
[0097] 4. Preparation of CH 3 —O-PEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO 2 NS (NS═N-succinimidyl)
[0098] CH 3 —O-PEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO 2 H (0.6 g) was dissolved in 50 ml of methylene chloride, N-hydroxysuccinimide (0.0144 g) and N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.026) in 2 ml of methylene chloride was added. After stirring overnight, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated under vacuum. The product was precipitated by addition of the filtrate to isopropanol, then collected by filtration and dried under vacuum to yield 0.4 g of white powder. Comparison of integration of the PEG backbone protons with those on the NS group indicated 100% substitution.
[0099] 1 H NMR (ppm, dmso-d6): 1.20 (d, C H 3 —CH); 2.81 (s, NS); 3.51 (br m, PEG —CH 2 CH 2 —O—).
Example 2
Preparation of mPEG-O—CH 2 CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO 2 H and mPEG-O—CH 2 CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO 2 NS
[0100] Reactions:
[0101] 1. Preparation of CH 3 —O-PEG-O—CH 2 CH 2 C(CH 3 )(CO 2 H) 2
[0102] Diethyl methylmalonate (9.6 ml) in 150 ml of dry dioxane was added dropwise to NaH (2.4 g) in 60 ml of toluene under argon. MPEG 5000 mesylate (30 g) in 250 ml of toluene was azeotropically distilled to remove 150 ml of toluene and the residue was added to the above diethyl methylmalonate solution. After refluxing the mixture for 3-4 hours, it was evaporated under vacuum to dryness and dried in vacuo overnight. The dried material was then dissolved in 200 ml of 1N NaOH, the solution was stirred for 2 days at room temperature, and the pH adjusted to 3 with 1N HCl. NaCl was added to the solution to a concentration of about 15% and the mixture was then extracted with 350 ml of CH 2 Cl 2 in several portions. The combined extracts were dried over Na 2 SO 4 , concentrated under vacuum and the product precipitated by addition of isopropanol/ether (1:1). The product was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum overnight to obtain 24.7 g of product as a white powder. GPC (Ultrahydrogel 250) showed the product to be 98% pure.
[0103] 1 H NMR (dmso-d6, ppm): 1.27 (s, CH 3 —C); 1.96 (t, CH 2 C H 2 —C); 3.51 (br m, PEG —CH 2 CH 2 —O—).
[0104] 2. Preparation of CH 3 —O-PEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO 2 H
[0105] CH 3 —O-PEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH 2 C(CH 3 )(CO 2 H) 2 (20 g) was dissolved in 300 ml of toluene and the resulting solution was refluxed for 3 hours. The solution was then concentrated under vacuum and the residue precipitated with isopropanol/ether (1:1), collected by filtration, and dried under vacuum overnight to obtain 18.8 g of white powder. GPC (Ultrahydrogel 250) indicated the product to be 95% pure.
[0106] 1 H NMR (dmso-d6, ppm): 1.061 (d, C H 3 —CH); 2.40 (q, CH); 1.51 (m, C H 2 —CH); 1.80 (m, C H 2 —CH 2 —CH); 3.51 (br m, PEG —CH 2 CH 2 —O—).
[0107] 3. Preparation of CH 3 —O-PEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO 2 NS(NS═N-succinimidyl)
[0108] CH 3 —O-PEG 5000 -O—CH 2 CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CO 2 H (3.8 g) was dissolved in 40 ml of methylene chloride and N-hydroxysuccinimide (0.094 g, 1.07 equiv.) and N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.166 g, 1.07 equiv.) in 3 ml of methylene chloride was added. After stirring overnight, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated under vacuum. The product was precipitated by addition of the filtrate to a 1:1 mixture of isopropanol and ethyl ether then collected by filtration and dried under vacuum to yield 3.2 g of white powder. Comparison of integration of the PEG backbone protons with those on the NS group indicated >95% substitution.
[0109] 1 H NMR (ppm, dmso-d6): 1.235 (d, C H 3 CH—); 1.76 (m, 1.90 m, —O—CH 2 C H 2 CH—); 2.81 (s, CH 2 CH 2 on NS;) 2.91 (m, —O—CH 2 CH 2 C H —); 3.51 (br m, PEG —CH 2 CH 2 —O—).
Example 3
PEGylation of Lysozyme with Activated α-Alkylalkanoic Acids
[0110] To 4 ml of lysozyme solution (3 mg/ml) in 50 pH 6.5 buffer (50 mM sodium phosphate/50 mM NaCl) was added 20 mg of the N-succinimidyl ester of the PEG alkanoate and the progress of the reaction at 22° C. was monitored by capillary electrophoresis at a wavelength of 205 nm. The area of the peak corresponding to unreacted protein was plotted against time and the half-life of the lysozyme in the PEGylation reaction was determined from that plot. The half-life using N-succinimidyl mPEG 5K α-methylpropanoate was 100 minutes, while that of N-succinimidyl mPEG 5K α-methylbutanoate was 120 minutes. The half-life for PEGylation using either of the non-α-alkylated analogues, mPEG 5K N-succinimidyl propanoate or mPEG 5K N-succinimidyl butanoate, was 30 minutes.
Example 4
Hydrolysis Rates of N-Succinimidyl mPEG α-Alkylalkanoates
[0111] Hydrolysis studies were conducted at pH 8.1 and 25° C. In a typical experiment, 1-2 mg of the N-succinimidyl ester of the PEG alkanoate or PEG α-alkylalkanoate were dissolved in 3 ml of buffer and transferred to a cuvette. The absorbance at 260 nm was monitored using a Molecular Devices SpectraMax Plus uv-visible spectrophotometer. The hydrolytic half-life was determined from the first-order kinetic plot. For N-succinimidyl mPEG 5K α-methylpropanoate and N-succinimidyl mPEG 5K α-methylbutanoate, the half-lives for hydrolysis were 33 minutes and 44 minutes respectively, while for the corresponding non-alkylated analogue, N-succinimidyl mPEG 5K propanoate and mPEG 5K butanoate, the half-life was 20 minutes.
Example 5
8-arm-PEG 20KDa α-Quinidine α-methylbutanoate
[0112] 8-arm-PEG 20KDa α-methyl butanoic acid (2.0 g, 0.1 mmol) was azeotropically dried in vacuo with CHCl 3 (3×50 ml) and was redissolved in CH 2 Cl 2 (25.0 ml). To this clear solution was added quinidine (0.50 g, 1.5 mmol), DMAP (0.15 g, 1.2 mmol), and HOBt (cat.). DCC (0.310 g, 1.5 mmol in 1 ml of CH 2 Cl 2 ) was then added and the mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature under argon for 17 h. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo and the residual syrup was dissolved in toluene (100 ml) and filtered through a plug of Celite. The toluene was removed in vacuo at 45° C. and the residue was treated with 5 ml of CH 2 Cl 2 and triturated with 2-propanol (300 ml). Further drying in vacuo afforded a pure product (2.0 g, 99%) with 100% substitution as indicated by 1 H NMR.
Example 6
Hydrolysis study of 8-arm-PEG 20KDa -Quinidine α-methylbutanoate by reverse phase HPLC
[0113] A C-18 column (Betasil C18, 100×2, 5 Keystone Scientific) was used in a HP-1100 HPLC system. Eluent A was 0.1% TFA in water, while eluent B was acetonitrile.
[0114] For the hydrolysis study in pure buffer, the quinidine conjugate was dissolved in 10 mM phosphate buffer for a final concentration of 8 mg/ml. The resulting solution was pipetted into sealed vials (0.2 ml each) at 37° C. At timed intervals, a vial was taken and to it was added 0.2 ml of acetonitrile. After filtration, the sample was analyzed by RP-HPLC with UV detector at wavelength of 228 nm. Least squares kinetic treatment of the data yielded a half-life of 46 hours for hydrolysis.
Example 7
(Pivaloyloxy)methyl mPEG 5KDa -α-methylbutanoate
[0115] mPEG 5KDa α-methylbutanoic acid (16.8 g, 3.4 mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile (500 ml) and was concentrated in vacuo to about 100 ml. Dichloromethane (100 ml) was added under argon and the solution was allowed to stir at room temperature. To this clear, colorless solution was added DBU (2.4 mL, 16.2 mmol) followed by chloromethyl pivalate (2.4 ml, 16.6 mmol). The solution was allowed to stir at room temperature under argon for 17 h. The solution was then concentrated to dryness, dissolved in 2-propanol (300 ml), and cooled in an ice bath to give a white solid that was collected by filtration. Further drying in vacuo gave (pivaloyloxy)methyl mPEG 5KDa -α-methylbutanoate (14.5 g, ˜86%) as a white solid. 1 H NMR (dmso-d 6 , 300 MHz) δ 1.08 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz, OCH 2 CH 2 CH(CH 3 )COPOM), 1.14 (s, 9H, OCH 2 CO(CH 3 ) 3 ), 1.55-1.69 (m, 2.8H, OCH 2 CH A H B CH(CH 3 )COPOM), 1.73-1.85 (m, 1.3H, OCH 2 CH A H B CH(CH 3 )COPOM), 2.49-2.60 (m, OCH 2 CH 2 CH—(CH 3 )COPOM), 3.51 (bs, 454H, PEG backbone), 5.70 (s, 1.9H, COCH 2 POM) (POM=pivaloyloxymethy).
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The invention provides a sterically hindered polymers and conjugates formed therefrom that comprise a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having at least one terminus covalently bonded to an alkanoic acid or alkanoic acid derivative prior to conjugation, wherein the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group of the acid or acid derivative group has an alkyl or aryl group pendent thereto. The steric effects of the alkyl or aryl group allow greater control of the hydrolytic stability of polymer derivatives. The polymer backbone may be poly(ethylene glycol).
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present patent application claims priority from German Patent Application No. 10 2006 048 182.8, filed on Oct. 10, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention pertains to a navigation system, particularly for a motor vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1 , as well as to a method for simultaneously displaying isolines on a road map according to claim 11 .
[0003] Navigation systems for determining the instantaneous position, for example, of persons or motor vehicles, or for determining and displaying driving routes are known. Navigation systems of this type generally comprise a display device or a monitor, on which a section of a road map can be illustrated. The monitor usually shows, in essence, the course of roads and paths within the displayed map section, as well as at least a few characteristics of the surroundings such as, for example, the contours of buildings, city areas or tree-covered regions.
[0004] Navigation systems of the generic type are usually able to display the corresponding road maps on different scales. In this case, a map section is displayed on a certain scale, for example, due to a corresponding command that is input by the user, or a certain map scale is automatically selected—particularly in dependence on the current position and/or the current driving speed—such that a very fast and intuitive orientation is possible at all times based on the displayed map section.
[0005] However, when larger map scales are selected by the navigation system while driving at higher speeds or on interurban routes, in particular, it may occur that only relatively little information is displayed on the monitor of the navigation system. For example, only the most important connecting roads, larger built-up areas or large forested areas are displayed on large map scales. This can result in only a few, if any, orientation elements being displayed on the respective monitor image in addition to the main roads while driving—particularly in sparsely populated areas.
[0006] This naturally results in the disorientation of the user because the image illustrated on the monitor practically does not provide any clues that would enable the user to check the concurrence between the map image illustrated on the navigation system and the actual surroundings or landscape in such instances. This inherent limitation of the state of the art in the illustration of maps on navigation systems can affect the driver's orientation, particularly in unfamiliar areas, or even lead to possibly hazardous uncertainty of the driver of the motor vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Based on these circumstances, the present invention aims to develop a navigation system and a method for illustrating a road map which make it possible to overcome the inherent disadvantages of the state of the art. The invention should make it possible, in particular, to achieve a significantly improved and intuitive orientation based on the image displayed on the monitor of the navigation system; it should furthermore be possible to utilize the device and the method very easily and simultaneously with great flexibility, wherein the product should also allow a cost-efficient illustration of images.
[0008] This objective is attained with a navigation system according to claim 1 and a method with the characteristics of claim 11 .
[0009] Preferred embodiments form the objects of the dependent claims.
[0010] The navigation system according to the invention is intended, in particular, but by no means exclusively, for position finding and navigation while driving a motor vehicle. For this purpose, the navigation system itself conventionally comprises a processor as well as a display device for displaying a road map.
[0011] The inventive navigation system, however, is characterized in that the processor is designed for selecting isoline data and for displaying isolines contained therein on the display device. In this case, the road map illustrated on the display device and the corresponding isolines of the illustrated road map can be superimposed on the display device.
[0012] Consequently, the information content of the illustrated road map can be significantly broadened due to the additional incorporation of isolines. This applies, in particular, to large map scales, on which pure road maps possibly show only a few details for the orientation of the user in the actual surroundings, as has been explained above.
[0013] In the context of the invention, it is not important which particular geographic characteristics are specifically represented by the isolines as long as these particularly graphic characteristics can be used for increasing the information content of the illustrated road map. According to one especially preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the isoline data comprises elevation data in the form of contour lines of identical elevation.
[0014] Such elevation data which is present in the form of isolines that represent closed contour lines, wherein each contour line represents a line of identical elevation in the terrain, makes it possible to substantially improve the readability of the map and therefore the intuitive orientation thereon. Even in instances in which no other orientation characteristics at all are displayed on the map, the contour lines of identical height illustrated on the monitor of the navigation system enable the user to get an impression of the shape of the terrain in the immediate surroundings. This allows a simple and intuitive comparison between the image illustrated on the monitor and the actual surroundings at all times such that the orientation can be significantly improved, particularly in unfamiliar areas.
[0015] According to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the areas bordered by an isoline are shaded or filled with a certain color value or with a certain gray-scale value in accordance with their numerical value. This makes it possible to achieve an even better perception and distinction of the isolines. In addition, an apparently plastic map illustration can be realized—due to the different color shades of the individual contour lines—such that the fast and intuitive perception of the situation illustrated on the road map is significantly improved, wherein this aspect is particularly decisive while driving. However, not only conventional 2-D or bird's-eye view map illustrations benefit from this embodiment of the invention. The overview, in particular, of perspective map illustrations such as 2½-D or Quasi-3-D can also be significantly improved in this fashion because apparently three-dimensional contours or elevations and depressions of the landscape become visible due to the isolines such that a fast orientation can be achieved based on an intuitive comparison with the actual contour of the respective terrain.
[0016] The invention can be realized regardless of the form in which the isolines are made available and processed by the processor as long as this data can be combined with the data on which the road map is based.
[0017] According to one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the isoline data is stored in at least one separate isoline data file that is independent of the road map. In other words, the data that forms the basis of the road map is not dependent on the data, on which the isolines are based.
[0018] This is particularly advantageous because the isolines can be thusly illustrated on the display device completely independent of the data structure that forms the basis of the respective road map. This also makes it possible, in particular, to easily superimpose isolines on road maps that do not feature isoline information (such as, for example, elevation data). In addition, the coordinate transformation for illustrating a road map including isolines in the form of different views, particularly in 2½-D or Quasi-3-D, can also be realized in a particularly simple and reliable fashion because the isoline data is made available separately.
[0019] This embodiment of the invention furthermore makes it possible to either alter the data of the road map independently of the isoline data or, vice versa, the isoline data independently of the road map or to exchange the corresponding database with an update or another database, namely without affecting the other database in any way. For example, it is possible to utilize road maps or isoline data of different suppliers without impairing the joint illustration of the road map and the isolines on the display device of the navigation system.
[0020] According to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an isoline data file is assigned to a certain limited geographic area on the road map only. In other words, this means that the isoline data of the illustrated geographic region is contained in a multitude of isoline data files, wherein each isoline data file only contains the isolines for a certain section of the road map or for a certain partial geographic area of the geographic region.
[0021] This makes it possible to achieve a superior structuring of the database and to reduce the storage capacity or the data transmission required for illustrating the isolines, wherein only the respective isoline data files are required or accessed which are assigned to a certain limited partial area of the geographic region illustrated on the road map.
[0022] According to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an isoline data file comprises a multitude of data file segments, wherein each data file segment contains the isoline data of a certain geographic area tile of the geographic area corresponding to the isoline data file. This makes it possible to realize very simple and fast access, particularly sequential access, to the isoline data for an instantaneously illustrated section of the road map. This requires only a minimum of data file and computing operations because only the area tiles contacted by the instantaneously illustrated section need to be taken into account and therefore only the corresponding data file segments of the respective isoline data file need to be read out.
[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the isoline data is contained in the isoline data file in the form of closed polygons. This results in a particularly low storage requirement and reduces the number of computing operations required for the coordinate transformation and for displaying the isolines because the corner points of a polygon can be very easily recalculated into the respective map projection used, namely also with very little computing capacity.
[0024] According to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the polygons are sequentially arranged in the data file segments of the isoline data file in the drawing sequence. This embodiment provides the advantage that the respective isoline data file or the corresponding data file segment of an isoline data file which corresponds to the instantaneously illustrated section of the road map can be processed within the data file in a purely sequential fashion without jumps. In this context, it is particularly preferred—in the sense of reducing unnecessary computing operations—to also arrange the point coordinates of a polygon or of an isoline sequentially in the isoline data file, namely in the sequence in which the points of the polygon are illustrated on the monitor of the navigation system.
[0025] In other words, this means that the isolines corresponding to an instantaneously illustrated section of the road map can be generated by sequentially reading the corresponding data of the data file segment of an isoline data file and forwarding this data to the graphics unit, wherein only a minimal number of data file offset lookups is required during the readout of the isoline data in order to read out all isoline data required for the instantaneous illustration on the monitor. This embodiment of the invention consequently makes it possible to also realize a smooth illustration of the road map including the superimposed isolines on the monitor of navigation systems that only have relatively little computing capacity.
[0026] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, several isoline data files or several sets of isoline data files exist for one and the same geographic area. In this case, the several isoline data files or the several sets of isoline data files are respectively assigned to different image scales. This makes it possible to utilize isoline data with respectively matching, optimized detail accuracy for different image scales of the road map—for example, when illustrating large map scales—without having to process unnecessarily accurate and therefore dispensable data by means of the processor of the navigation system.
[0027] The invention furthermore pertains to a method for simultaneously displaying isolines and a roadmap on the display device of a navigation system. In this case, the inventive method comprises the steps described below.
[0028] In a first step, the geographic position of the navigation system is initially determined or an already determined geographic position is initially acquired. Subsequently, the section of a road map corresponding to the determined geographic position is displayed on the display device or the illustration of the corresponding section of the road map on the display device is prepared by the processor of the navigation system in another step.
[0029] The processor then selects an isoline data file that matches the determined geographic position of the navigation system and the instantaneous scale of the road map. Subsequently, the isolines enclosed or contacted by the current map section are read out of the selected isoline data file. The isolines are finally illustrated on the display device in another step by means of corresponding drawing routines. The isolines and the map are illustrated in a superimposed fashion in this case.
[0030] According to one particularly preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the isoline data is formed of elevation data in the form of contour lines of identical elevation. Due to the utilization of contour lines of identical elevation, the readability and the intuitive orientation of the user on the map are improved because the shape of the surrounding terrain with depressions and elevations can be recognized due to the additional and simultaneous illustration of the contour lines on the road map.
[0031] According to other particularly preferred embodiments of the inventive method, the isoline data is stored in at least one separate isoline data file that is independent of the road map or an isoline data file is assigned to a certain limited area on the road map. In this case, an isoline data file preferably comprises a multitude of data file segments, wherein each data file segment of the isoline data file contains the isoline data of a certain geographic area tile. This results in very simple and fast access, particularly sequential access, to the isoline data that is assigned to an instantaneously illustrated section of the road map or a section of the road maps to be illustrated. This is achieved with a minimum of data access and computing operations because only the area tiles or data file segments contacted by the instantaneously illustrated map section or the map section to be illustrated need to be taken into account and read out.
[0032] According to other preferred embodiments of the inventive method, the isoline data is contained in the isoline data file in the form of closed polygons, wherein the polygons or isolines are sequentially arranged within the isoline data file in the sequence in which they are generated on the monitor or display device of the navigation system. In this case, it is particularly preferred—in the sense of reducing unnecessary computing operations—to also arrange the point coordinates of a polygon or an isoline sequentially in the isoline data file in the sequence in which the points of the polygon are illustrated on the monitor of the navigation system.
[0033] According to other embodiments of the inventive method, areas bordered by an isoline or by a polygon are shaded with a certain color value or a certain gray-scale value in accordance with their numerical value when they are displayed on the monitor of the navigation system or the isolines are drawn successively in the sequence of their numerical value, for example, in accordance with their increasing elevation above mean sea level. An even better perception of the map image and an apparently plastic map illustration can thus be realized due to the different color shades of the areas bordered by an isoline. Since the isolines are generated in accordance with the sequence of their numerical value, such a relief can be generated on the monitor in a particularly simple fashion and with particularly little computing capacity, namely because the complete isolines or polygons are drawn in a successive fashion and can respectively be completely filled out with the corresponding color value without having to computationally subtract the areas of subpolygons when the respective superpolygon is filled out.
[0034] According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive method, a multitude of isoline data files or several sets of isoline data files exist for one and the same geographic region. The multitude of isoline data files or the several sets of isoline data files are respectively assigned to different image scales and contain the isolines in correspondingly different resolutions. This makes it possible to utilize isoline data files with respectively matching, optimized detail accuracy for different image scales of the road map. It is simultaneously prevented—for example, when illustrating large map scales—that unnecessarily accurate and therefore unnecessarily extensive data needs to be handled by the processor of the navigation system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The invention is described in greater detail below with reference to the Figs. that show merely exemplary embodiments.
[0036] The Figs. show:
[0037] FIG. 1 , a schematic representation of a geographic region, within which a navigation system is situated;
[0038] FIG. 2 , a representation according to FIG. 1 of the geographic region shown in FIG. 1 , namely with superimposed tiling;
[0039] FIG. 3 , a representation according to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the geographic region shown in FIG. 2 , namely once again with superimposed tile structure;
[0040] FIG. 4 , an enlarged representation according to FIGS. 1 to 3 of a section of an image illustrated on the monitor of a navigation system, as well as the data file structure of the corresponding isoline data file;
[0041] FIG. 5 , a schematic representation of the data file structure of an isoline data file according to FIG. 4 ;
[0042] FIG. 6 , a section of an image illustrated on the monitor of a navigation system in the form of a 2-D view;
[0043] FIG. 7 , a representation according to FIG. 6 of a section of an image illustrated on the monitor in the form of a 2½-D or Quasi-3-D view; and
[0044] FIG. 8 , a representation according to FIG. 6 of the image illustrated on the monitor in FIG. 6 without isolines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a geographic region or a map M, within the map region of which the navigation system such as, for example, a navigation system of a motor vehicle, is currently situated. One can distinguish a few schematically illustrated area boundaries, as well as the instantaneous geographic position P of the motor vehicle and of the navigation system which is determined by the navigation system and marked with “P,”
[0046] FIG. 2 shows the same map region M as FIG. 1 , wherein a grid is superimposed on the map region M in FIG. 2 . In this case, the grid corresponds to a logical division of the map region M into tiles. The division of the map region M into tiles serves for storing the isoline data assigned to the map region M—for example, the data of isohypses or contour lines—in corresponding isoline data files in a precisely structured fashion.
[0047] The square B bordered by a bold line in FIG. 2 symbolizes the extent of the geographic area B or the extent of one of the six isoline data files A, B, C, D, E, F assigned to the map region M. In this case, the coordinates of the corner points [Top.Left] and [Bot.Right] of the square B are defined as follows based on the given boundaries of the geographic area B [GeoArea.left], [GeoArea.right], [GeoArea.top], [GeoArea.bottom]:
[0000] Top.Left={GeoArea.left, GeoArea.top}
[0000] and
[0000] Bot.Right={GeoArea.right, GeoArea.bottom}.
[0048] In order to reference the section IV or the tile IV of the isoline data file “B” and to directly access the corresponding section IV within the isoline data file “B,” within which the current geographic position P of the navigation system is situated, it is necessary to deduce the corresponding section IV of the isoline data file “B” based on the current geographic position P.
[0049] This is preferably realized as described below (on the example of the geographic area B and the tile IV situated therein).
Referencing the tile-ID and the isoline data to be drawn which is contained therein based on the geographic position P (x, y) of the navigation system: a) Determining the number of columns [Number.Columns] based on the given width of the geographic area B [GeoArea.Width} and based on the given width of the tiles [Tile size.x]:
Number.Columns
=1+(GeoArea.Width/Tile size.x)* b) Determining the column [Current.Column] in which the navigation system is currently situated at the position P based on the given left boundary [GeoArea.left] of the geographic area B, based on the geographic width [x] of the instantaneous position P and based on the given width of the tiles [Tile size.x]:
Current.Column
minimum of {(x−[GeoArea.left)/Tile size.x, Number.Columns−1}* c) Determining the number of lines [Number.Lines] based on the given height of the geographic area B [GeoArea.Height] and based on the given height of the tiles [Tile size.y]:
Number.Lines
1+(GeoArea.Height/Tile size.y)* d) Determining the line [Current.Line] in which the navigation system is currently situated at the position P based on the given upper boundary [GeoArea.top] of the geographic area B, based on the geographic length [y] of the instantaneous position P and based on the given height of the tiles [Tile size.y]:
Current.Line
=minimum of {(y−GeoArea.top)/Tile size.y, Number.Lines−1}* e) Determining the serial number [Tile.No] of the tile in which the navigation system is currently situated at the position P:
Tile.No
=Current.Line*Number.Columns+Current.Column *) The numeral 1 is respectively added and subtracted again in order to make it possible to carry out the calculation with integral variables in this case. Since possibly created decimal places are cut off in this case, a residual line or residual column at the edge of the geographic area may be respectively lost. For reasons of simplicity, a line and a column generally are therefore additionally stored, namely regardless of the fact whether it respectively is partially filled or empty.
[0067] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , this results in the value Tile.No=4 for the serial number of the tile IV containing the instantaneous position P of the navigation system. The position P of the navigation system therefore is situated in the tile IV.
[0068] FIGS. 3 and 4 show how the corresponding isoline data is determined and illustrated on the monitor of the navigation system based on the previously determined number of the tile IV, the geographic position of which corresponds to the position P of the navigation system.
[0069] For this purpose, the navigation system merely needs to initially select the isoline data file B that belongs to the geographic area B and subsequently jump to the position 1839 that corresponds to the previously determined tile IV within the selected isoline data file B. In the present example, the isoline data belonging to the tile IV begins in the isoline data file B at the position identified by the data file offset pointer 1839 .
[0070] The navigation system therefore jumps to the position in the isoline data file B which is identified by the pointer 1839 and now only needs to successively process the isolines 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . . . beginning at this position and successively illustrate the polygon data contained therein on the monitor.
[0071] This process is symbolically illustrated in FIG. 4 , on the left side of which a monitor section of the navigation system that corresponds to the area tile IV is illustrated with an area characteristic W (for example, a forest) displayed on the monitor and with a number of already drawn polygon data or isolines 1 to 4 . The corresponding data file segment of the isoline data file B which is assigned to the geographic area B in FIG. 3 is schematically illustrated on the right side of FIG. 4 .
[0072] The isoline data file B comprises a data file header H that contains information for identifying the data file (in this example, “File B”), information on the size of the geographic area B covered by the isoline data file B, as well as information on the maximum number of corner points per polygon 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . . . The latter serves, in particular, for adjusting a corresponding data file buffer with such a size that the maximum polygon size [max.points] expected just fits into the data file buffer already before the actual drawing routine in order to save space.
[0073] After the data file header H, the isoline data file B contains the data of the nine tiles I to IX of the isoline data file B in a linearly continuous fashion, wherein the isolines 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . . . contained in the respective tiles I to IX or the corresponding polygon data are respectively indicated for each of the tiles I to IX. This data comprises, in particular, the number of colors used in the respective tiles I to IX and the corresponding color values of the polygons 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . . . , as well as the numerical values linked with the polygons or isolines 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . . . (in the case of isohypses, in particular, the elevation above mean sea level) and the actual coordinates of the corner points of the polygon data or isolines l, 2 , 3 , 4 . . . . In this case, the data of the individual isolines or polygons 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . . . , as well as the data of the corner points of each polygon, are contained in the isoline data file B in the form of a strictly successive linear arrangement.
[0074] This specific arrangement of the data contained in the isoline data file B provides the decisive advantage that the corresponding drawing routines of the navigation system can process the data of the isoline data, file B beginning with the corresponding data file offset (in the discussed example, the tile IV with the data file offset 1839 ) without any data file jumps. Consequently, the data contained in the isoline data file B can be cycled in a purely successive fashion and with a minimum of computing operations such that the polygons or isolines 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . . . can be illustrated on the monitor of the navigation system in the correct sequence—with the lowest computing expenditure possible and with the highest drawing speed possible.
[0075] FIG. 5 once again shows in more detailed and graphical form the data file structure of one exemplary embodiment of an isoline data file B. One can distinguish, in particular, the data file header H with the comprehensive tile information on the geographic area B covered by the isoline data file “File B,” as well as the data file segments 1 , II, III, IV . . . serving as placeholders and containing the information on the individual tiles I to III and, with respect to the tile IV, the contents and information on the individual isolines or polygons and subpolygons 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . . . contained in the tile IV.
[0076] This figure also makes it clear that the special, strictly linear data file structure of the illustrated isoline data file B makes it possible to achieve a particularly simple and fast calculation and illustration of the isolines 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . . . on the monitor of the navigation system. In addition, such an isoline data file can—as already described in detail above—be combined with the data of any road map, wherein the road map and the isoline data can always be simultaneously made available, handled and, if applicable, exchanged or updated completely separate of one another.
[0077] In FIGS. 6 and 7 , it is once again graphically symbolized which decisive improvements can be achieved in the illustration and intuitive perception of a road map if the road map is illustrated with additional isohypses or contour line data. Although neither FIG. 6 nor FIG. 7 by no means shows a true three-dimensional illustration, the perspectively tilted 2½-D or Quasi-3-D illustration shown in FIG. 7 and the 2-D illustration shown in FIG. 6 that corresponds to a bird's-eye view impart a downright plastic image of the landscape relief due to the isolines that are shaded differently in dependence on the elevation above mean sea level.
[0078] FIG. 8 shows the road map illustrating exactly the same map section as FIGS. 6 and 7 , however, without isolines and without corresponding shades of gray. In comparison with the map illustrations according to FIGS. 6 and 7 , one can immediately recognize the minimal information content—for example, for the driver of a motor vehicle—and the thusly very limited orientation options of the road map according to FIG. 8 .
[0079] This clearly demonstrates that the invention makes it possible to decisively improve the quality of the illustration of road maps on monitors of navigation systems, as well as the associated intuitive orientation of the user in the surroundings.
[0080] The invention makes it possible, in particular, to combine existing road maps with separate isoline data, namely of any arbitrary origin, in a constructively and technically simple and therefore cost-efficient fashion.
[0081] The invention consequently provides a decisive contribution to improving the illustration of road maps on navigation systems, as well as to improving the orientation and safety of the user during the utilization of navigation systems, particularly in motor vehicles.
LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0000]
M Geographic region, map
P (x, y) Current geographic position
A, B, C, D . . . Partial geographic area, isoline data file
I, II, III, IV . . . Area tile, data file segment
1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . . . Isoline, isohypse, polygon
H Data file header
W Area characteristic
[Number.Columns] Number of columns of the geographic area
[Number.Lines} Number of lines of the geographic area
[Current.Column] Column of the geographic area that contains P
[Current.Line] Line of the geographic area that contains P
[GeoArea.Width] Width of the geographic area
[GeoArea.Height] Height of the geographic area
[GeoArea.left] Left/western boundary of the geographic area
[GeoArea.right] Right/eastern boundary of the geographic area
[GeoArea.top] Upper/northern boundary of the geographic area
[GeoArea.bottom] Lower/southern boundary of the geographic area
[Top.Left] North-eastern corner coordinate of the geographic area
[Bot.Left] South-western corner coordinate of the geographic area
[Tile size.x] Width of the tile
[Tile size.y] Height of the tile
[Tile.No] Serial number of the tile that contains P
[max.points] Maximum polygon size of the isoline data file
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The invention pertains to a navigation system, for example, for a motor vehicle, as well as to a method for simultaneously displaying isolines and a road map. The navigation system comprises a processor as well as a display device for displaying a road map. The invention is characterized in that the processor is designed for selecting isoline data and for displaying isolines ( 1, 2, 3, 4 . . . ) on the display device, wherein the illustrated road map and the isolines that correspond to the illustrated road map can be superimposed on the display device. The invention allows a much better and intuitive orientation for the user with the aid of the expanded illustration on the monitor of the navigation system. The method and navigation system ensure a technically robust combination of existing road maps and separate isoline data, namely of any arbitrary origin, which can be realized in a cost-efficient fashion.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of synthesis of cyclophanes and their method of application and utility as polymer precursors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cyclophanes are a subset of organic structures that are well known and characterized. Several excellent reviews and books have been published that cover the methods and applications very well.
Briefly, cyclophanes and other related benzocycloid compounds are organic molecules that have structures where a cyclic carbon or heteroatom substituted chain is attached to two or more positions of an aromatic ring. The term cyclophanes is used to describe compounds that have a relationship or a structure that broadly fits into this structural category.
One of the more highly researched cyclophane compounds is the paracyclophane structure. In one set of cyclophane compounds (as shown in the structures of [n]metacyclophanes (I), [n]paracyclophanes (II) and [n,n′]cyclophanes below), we see structure III as a general structure for paracyclophanes.
In this substitution pattern we note that the simplest member of the series is where n=1. In this case the molecule is named [2,2′]paracyclophane. This molecule and derivatives thereof are an important class of compounds that are able to form a variety of polymer structures. For this reason they are highly desirable organic intermediates that have been used as precursors for conformal coatings for numerous applications. In these applications the molecule shown in III (n=1) is normally heated in a vacuum to produce a significant vapor pressure and to force a disassociation of the molecule into a highly reactive intermediate. This pyrolytic cleavage of the [2.2°]paracyclophane results in two molecules of the reactive intermediate p-xylylene (shown below).
Additionally, the reactive intermediate p-xylylene may be formed from the “dimer” by utilization of a pyrolysis discharge under reduced atmospheric pressure. (ref. Gorham U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,754). This procedure has commonly been called the “Gorham process”.
As the structure indicated, the reactive intermediate, p-xylylene is a long-lived intermediate species that has the ability to react to form a highly desirable polymer. In particular this polymer is a conformal coating that has the ability to coat surfaces in relatively uniform layers that are highly resistant to chemical solvents, gases, and biological attack. The p-xylylene is deposited in a vacuum onto a target surface for conformal coating. On the surface it reforms into a repeating unit of poly(p-xylylene), also known as parylene. In the case of no substituents in the aromatic ring or the aliphatic side-chains other than hydrogen, this polymer compound is called parylene-N.
Para-xylylene, as a valuable reactive intermediate, has had its synthesis primarily through the pyrolysis of [2,2′]paracylophane. Thus, the synthesis of [2,2′]paracyclophane is a critical stable intermediate in the utilization of p-xylylene and the polymer parylene.
Synthesis of [2,2′]paracylophane is through the route of the 1,6-Hofmann elimination of quaternary ammonium salts.
This route going through a quaternary ammonium salt, although widely used, suffers from several drawbacks. The paracylophane is usually produced in low yields using a multi-step processes.
Additionally, due to the low yield and large amount of side-products, extensive purification of the resultant dimer is an additional process procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Heretofore, the restriction of the known vacuum process for both the pyrolysis of the dimer and the deposition of the monomer to produce the polymer has increased the cost and limited the utility of the polymer's applications.
A variety of substitutions for the various hydrogen atoms and substitution of heteroatoms in place of the various carbon atoms in the rings and chains have been made. It would be desirable to have an efficient and effective method for the formation of these compounds, both known and unknown.
Thus, there is a need for an improved synthesis of the stable intermediate dimer of xylylene ([2,2′]paracyclophane) and derivatives related to that compound and general structure. Also, a general method for the formation of cyclophanes, and related compounds with various substituents, via a low cost method is desired. Also needed is an improved method to apply the xylylene (or substituted xylylene) monomers to make coatings and other polymer products derived from this reactive intermediate.
It is therefore an object of this invention to alleviate the costs and problems described in the known processes described above. First a general method for the formation of the reactive intermediate xylylene is shown. Secondly, a method whereby the formation of the stable intermediate chemical compound such as [2,2′]paracyclophane (“the dimer”), and related structures, is shown for utility in existing manufacturing processes. Third, it is also shown to describe a direct and economical method for the application of the monomer to the target without the need for reduced pressure, or any pressure change for that matter.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention an apparatus and method to form the reactive intermediate p-xylylene through the use of a heated a pyrolysis reaction tube into which a flowing stream of a mixture of inert gas and nitrous oxide with xylene vapor in an inert carrier gas at atmospheric pressure with the exit gases nonvolatile reaction products being condensed onto a cooled vessel is disclosed.
In another embodiment, an apparatus and method to mix cool nonreactive gases into the hot reaction stream, resulting in cooling of the elevated temperature of the reaction gases and thus improving the ability of the reactive intermediate to condense and adhere to the surface, is disclosed.
In another embodiment, an apparatus and method to have the reaction proceed at an increased pressure and an expansion value at the exit of the heated pyrolysis reaction tube to provide expansion cooling of the hot gases below their inversion temperatures by the Joule-Thomson effect is disclosed.
In another embodiment, an apparatus and method using organic starting materials with substituents including chloro, dichloro, methoxy, and methyl are disclosed.
In another embodiment, an apparatus and method for using organic starting materials with meta and/or ortho orientation of the substituents on the aromatic rings is disclosed.
In another embodiment, an apparatus and methods for the indirect radical formation and/or ionization of the starting material through the reaction of the starting material (e.g. p-xylene) with a plasma and/or combination heating source is disclosed.
In another embodiment, substitution of nitrogen for argon and/or other essentially inert gases is disclosed. 1
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the basic apparatus for producing reaction 1; and
FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of the basic apparatus for producing reaction 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Apparatus Description for Reaction 1:
Now referencing FIG. 1 where starting material feed 1 is introduced into chamber 4 by utilization of a pumping mechanism (not shown) for liquid or solid feeds.
Typically chamber 4 would be a heated tube or other evaporation device to volitilize starting material feed 1 .
Starting material feed 1 is evaporated and mixed with inert gas 2 in chamber 4 . Inert gas 2 may be any of a group of inert gases such as but not limited to Argon.
The resulting volatile mixture 3 is transported to chamber 6 and subsequently mixed with nitrous oxide 5 , to produce chemical reaction mixture 7 .
Reaction chamber 8 is typically heated to approximately 450° C. to 800° C. to enable the reaction and allow the vaporization of the reaction products to be expelled as products 9 , onto collection surface 10 .
Apparatus Description for Reaction 2:
Now referencing FIG. 2 where starting material feed 1 is introduced into chamber 4 by utilization of a pumping mechanism (not shown) for liquid or solid feeds.
Typically chamber 4 would be a heated tube or other evaporation device to volitilize starting material feed 1 .
Starting material feed 1 is evaporated and mixed with inert gas 2 in chamber 4 . Inert gas 2 may be any of a group of inert gases such as but not limited to Argon.
The resulting volatile mixture 3 is transported to chamber 6 .
The formation of the gaseous plasma 5 , is from chamber 12 , that is electrically connected via conductor 14 to electrical plasma generator 13 . Gas feed 11 is a feed of a suitable gas for conversion to gaseous plasma 5 by induction into chamber 12 resulting in gaseous plasma 5 .
Volatile mixture 3 is subsequently mixed with gaseous plasma 5 in chamber 6 to produce chemical reaction mixture 7 which is transported to reaction chamber 8 .
Reaction chamber 8 is typically heated to approximately 450° C. to 800° C. to enable the reaction and to allow the vaporization of the reaction products to be expelled as products 9 , onto collection surface 10 .
Reaction 1:
To form the reactive intermediate p-xylylene, a pyrolysis reaction tube was constructed. The main element in the heated area was an Inconel (nickel alloy 600) tube (0.325″ OD×0.277″ ID×60″ length, Grainger #3ACP8). The tube was electrically heated to the indicated temperatures. A flowing stream of argon gas mixture comprised of nitrous oxide (Airgas # UM1070) with xylene vapor (Aldrich #134449-4L) in the carrier gas of argon (Airgas#UM 1006) was introduced to the tube at a total flow rate of 20 to 100 mL/minute at a temperature of 450° C. to 630° C. and at atmospheric pressure. The ratio of gases is adjusted to provide approximately molar stoichiometric ratios of 1:1 (xylene to nitrous oxide). The exit gas was comprised of a clear colorless flow of reactive gas. Condensation of the gas onto a cooled glass vessel resulted in the deposition of a colorless to cream colored solid. This solid is soluble in 95% ethanol. The solid was compared to a sample of [2,2′]paracyclophane (Aldrich #P225-5G-A) by TLC analysis (15% ethyl acetate in hexane on silica plates) and was shown to give identical rf.
In this reaction it is presumed, but not proven, that the reactive p-xylylene reactive intermediate is formed and subsequently dimerized in the reaction tube or during condensation onto the glass container. This reaction used to synthesize the dimer, in comparison with the known “Gorham process”, results in a vast improvement in the overall synthesis yield of the dimer and also results in a vast improvement in the purity of the dimer directly from the reaction. It is understood that variation in the stoichiometric amounts of the reactants may be adjusted to provide for greater or lesser yield with associated purities varying to provide a more economical process or better overall production efficiency without substantially deviating from the scope of this invention. Subsequent purifications of the materials from this reaction can be performed on this material in a manner that is much easier to accomplish than with previously taught processes.
The reaction is shown below.
As the reaction temperature is increased to >650° C., the deposition of the xylylene monomer can proceed directly onto a solid substrate target without the necessity for isolation of the intermediate dimer. Deposition of the exit gas at above 650° C. reaction temperature upon a cool glass plate resulted in formation of an ethanol insoluble substance that displays characteristics of a parylene polymer. However, solubility characteristics clearly show that the material is insoluble in all common solvents (i.e. hexane, xylene, ethyl acetate, ethanol, water).
Increased amounts of nitrous oxide results in partial and/or complete oxidation of xylene with reduced formation of the desired cyclophane or its polymer. Close control of the stoichiometry is desired in this gas phase reaction.
Cooling of the elevated temperature gases exiting from the reaction tube is necessary. If the reaction gas is at too high of a temperature, the ability of the reactive intermediate to condense and adhere to a surface is greatly reduced. To this end, a device to mix cool nonreactive gases into the hot reaction stream has been devised. Additionally, the reaction may proceed at increased pressure (above atmospheric pressure), and an expansion valve may be used at the exit of the reaction to provide Joule-Thomson effect cooling of the hot gas when the gas is below its inversion temperature.
The method may be extended to other substrates such as the ones shown below.
It should be noted that substituents such as the ones noted above (chloro, dichloro, methoxy, and methyl) are not the only aromatic substituents that are capable of being modified by this process into reactive intermediates and their subsequent polymers. Additionally, the paracyclophanes and compounds derived thereof are not exclusive to this process. Meta and ortho orientation of the substituents on the aromatic rings are also viable reaction starting materials. The reaction can be generalized to include all compounds that are capable of reaction with nitrous oxide or its intermediate reaction products and also contain hydrogen atoms stabilized by the presence of an aromatic ring. Typically such hydrogen atoms are located in a position alpha to a phenyl ring (benzylic position). Micheal structures removed from the alpha aromatic ring positions are known to give similar reactivity to the hydrogen alpha to the aromatic ring position as is well known to those versed in organic synthesis. However, the reactivity of such hydrogen atoms is not limited to alpha and/or Michael positions from an aromatic ring or the aromatic ring such as benzene. Other aromatic stabilizations are known for many different rings, fused rings, and non-ring systems, as known to those versed in the art of organic Chemistry. Such starting materials may preferably have the presence of two hydrogen atoms that are capable of being removed to form partially oxidized starting materials. These preferred materials may optionally have the ability to dimerize, trimerize, oligiomerize, or polymerize. The example used in this invention is p-xylene.
Alternatively, a plasma gas can be used with the aforementioned starting materials to form the intermediate oxidized products that may subsequently react to form reaction products that are oxidized forms of the starting materials which may be monomers, dimers, trimers, oligiomers, or polymers.
Treating the reactive surfaces that may contact the products of these reactions using plasma cleaning of the surface prior to exposure to the reactive intermediate is well known. However, that process is incidental to this method of forming the chemical compounds necessary for the coating or polymer.
A method for the formation of plasma is well documented and known to those familiar in the art of plasma formation. An example, Reaction 2, of such a plasma reaction utilizing the method similar to described in Reaction 1, is another embodiment for this general method.
Since the reaction is similar for all compounds claimed for this method, the use of p-xylene will be used for discussion purposes. It is clear to those versed in the art of Chemistry that the utilization of similar compounds would give similar results, and therefore exhaustive discussion of structural differences in reactivity would add little, if anything, to the teachings of this discovery.
Reaction 2:
To a quartz tube of ⅜″ diameter and 12″ long is attached a 1/16″ 316 stainless steel tube connected to a gaseous source (such as argon or nitrogen). The stainless steel tube is positioned such that it is a short distance from a grounded electrode (approximately 5 mm to 15 mm). A plasma generator (InfoUnlimited PVM-400, to 50 kHz, 0 to 6000V) is connected to the 1/16″ tube and the grounded electrode. The grounded electrode is positioned and connected such that the gases after having passed over the grounded electrode are allowed to mix with an argon/p-xylene mixture. The resultant mixture is allowed to pass through a ⅜″ diameter×12″ tube at a temperature ranging from ambient to 800° C. The electric power is supplied to the generator sufficient to allow reaction of the xylene or other starting materials to proceed mostly to completion. Full reaction of the starting material is not necessary. At lower temperatures (ambient to 500° C.), a solid is formed in the exit tube. At high temperatures (500 to 650° C.) the output of the tube can be mixed with cooling gases and/or directed to a cooled solid or liquid target to condense dimer. At even higher temperatures (650 to 800° C.) the output of the tube can be mixed with cooling gases and/or directed to a cooled solid or liquid target to condense monomer. Subsequent polymerization of the condensed monomer is likely to occur rapidly.
Substitution of nitrogen for argon and/or other essentially inert gases are possible without substantially deviating from this procedure. Additionally, modification of the electrode polarity, electrode materials, containment material, and temperatures are possible without significant deviation from the scope of this invention.
Since condensation of the “monomer” of p-xylene is difficult due to the high temperatures of the reaction, it is advantageous to add cool inert gases to the reaction products. Methods for doing this are very simple and well known.
In place of the cool gas method for cooling the reaction products, there is some advantage to allowing the reaction to proceed at a higher pressure and allowing the reaction products to expand into a lower pressure environment. Joule-Thomson cooling occurs, and the reaction products are very rapidly cooled. Subsequent condensation onto the target can then take place with a lower heat load on the target.
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An improved process and method for the formation of stable intermediate cyclophanes. Embodiments describe a general method for the production of substituted and unsubstituted cyclophanes. The components include a pyrolysis reaction tube that may be electrically heated into which a flowing stream of nitrous oxide with xylene vapor in an optional inert carrier gas at atmospheric pressure. The exit gas is condensed resulting in the deposition of [2,2′]paracyclophane. Additionally a process and method whereby the reactive intermediates of the reaction described above can be directly deposited and polymerized at atmospheric pressures or thereabout is disclosed.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/155,951 and 10/155,952, filed on May 28, 2002, now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to an oral composition having a function in lubricating the mouth and preventing the formation of stains on the surfaces of the teeth. The active ingredients of the composition are a polyvinyl alcohol and a metal chelating agent.
The invention also encompasses a method of treating xerostomia comprising of administering to an affected individual a lubricant composition containing an alcoholic polymer and a metal chelating agent in an orally acceptable vehicle.
2. The Prior Art
Xerostomia commonly known as “dry mouth” is a condition in which the salivary glands do not produce sufficient quantities of saliva. This causes discomfort that can in some cases be quite severe. Without saliva, the mouth burns and the throat and tongue can undergo physiological changes. Teeth can also decay rapidly and the tongue can become smooth, cracked and vulnerable to infection.
The mouth is one of the body areas most exposed to the external environment. Normally, mucous forms a continuous protective layer in the nose, mouth and throat. A patient suffering from xerostomia not only has decreased fluid in the mouth, but also an insufficient quantity of mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharides to hold fluid in contact with the cells and create a barrier to irritation and infection.
Cases of xerostomia may vary from the mild, in which only slight dryness is experienced, to severe cases in which the patient will have serious problems with mastication, swallowing, digestion, speech, and the like. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,100 to Balslev et al., there is a number of causes of xerostomia, including the physiological (e.g., age, menopause, postoperative conditions, dehydration), as well as the psychological (nervousness). The reasons for mouth dryness may also be pharmacological (e.g., as a common side effect of many medications, including anti hypertensives, diuretics, anti-arthritics and anti-depressants) or as a result of radiotherapy. The most severe cases of xerostomia are caused by radiation therapy after head and neck surgery and by autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Sjogrens Syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Until recently, the treatments for xerostomia have had significant drawbacks. For example, symptoms of mild xerostomia can be somewhat alleviated by consumption of fluids, hard candy and throat lozenges. Because of the susceptibility of xerostomia patients to tooth decay and gum disease, however, the increased sugar intake associated with conventional candy and lozenges is of real concern. In addition, fluids or candy are typically not effective with more severe cases of xerostomia, nor do they provide long-lasting relief with mild cases.
Artificial saliva and salivary substitutes have been proposed as palliative treatments for the symptoms of xerostomia, which preparations have physical and chemical properties that simulate those of natural (human) saliva.
Artificial salvias of the prior art include compositions, which contain ions that mimic those found in natural saliva; glycerin, as well as carboxymethylcellulose-based preparations to provide the proper level of viscosity. Fluoride ions are sometimes included to prevent demineralization of tooth enamel. These compositions have not found wide acceptance as many patients find, that such preparations are irritating or distasteful, and that their lubricating effect is of relatively short duration. This lack of wide acceptance is believed due, at least in part to the fact that the artificial saliva preparations of the prior art do not fully possess the rheological characteristics of natural saliva which are responsible for natural saliva's lubricating effect. An article entitled “Lubrication and Viscosity Features of Human Saliva and Commercially Available Saliva Substitutes”, M. N. Hatton et al, J. Oral Maxillotac. Surg. 45, 496-499 (1987), contains a full discussion of the problems associated with the presently available commercial saliva substitutes in the treatment of individuals with diminished salivary gland function.
In view of the problems, which occur when salivary secretion is deficient, it will be understood that it would be most desirable to have an oral lubricating composition for human use, to relieve the above-mentioned discomforts and inconveniences incurred by xerostomia or by a greater or lesser tendency to dryness of the mouth. Such a composition should have lubricating properties which are as close to the properties of the natural saliva so as to provide to the patient long-term relief from the symptoms of xerostomia or dry mouth.
The uses of lubricating polymers are well known the ophthalmic area. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,535 to Sherman discloses a rewetting solution that is particularly useful for rigid silicone copolymer contact lenses, including extended wear lenses. In one embodiment, the rewetting solution contains the combination of hydroxyethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,189 to Su et al. discloses ophthalmic solutions for improving the exchange of fluid in the area outside a hydrogel contact lens in the area underneath the hydrogel contact lens, in order to permit tear exchange to occur, thereby preventing the accumulation of waste matter and debris under the lens. The solution contains a hydrogel-flattening agent, for example urea, glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, or an amino-ethanol. Surfactants that are useful in the solution include poloxamer and tyloxapol. Suitable lubricants include hydroxylethylcellulose, polyvinylalchol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.
For a lubricating polymer to be useful in the oral cavity it should be non-irritating and have adhesive properties. Various polymers have been proposed for use in establishing adhesive contact with mucosal surfaces. See, for example, Biegajski, U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,478 to Lowey, U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,314 to Lowey, U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,323 to Yukimatsu et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,365 to Kwiatek et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,996 to Suzuki et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,299 to Suzuki et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,369 to Mizobuchi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,092 to Fankhauser et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,142; Nagai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,163 to Nagai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,848 to Browning, U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,580 to Schiraldi et al. Typically, these adhesives consist of a matrix of a hydrophilic, e.g., water soluble or swell able, polymer or mixture of polymers which can adhere to wet mucosal surfaces. Such polymers are inclusive of hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, dextran, gaur-gum, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, pectins, starches, gelatin, casein, acrylic acid, acrylic acid esters, acrylic acid copolymers, vinyl polymers, vinyl copolymers, vinyl alcohols, alkoxy polymers, polyethylene oxide polymers, polyethers, and the like. These adhesives may be formulated as ointments, thin films, tablets, troches, and other forms. Often, these adhesives have had medicaments mixed therewith to effectuate slow release or local delivery of a drug rather then treat xerostomia or dry mouth.
Some of the polymers described above have several drawbacks. For example materials such as Carbopol (carboxyvinyl polymers), are not water soluble thus leave a tacky, greasy residue in the oral cavity of the wearer, and can cause sustained oral irritation and some forms of adhesives remain in the oral cavity for only short periods of time, e.g. generally not more than about 10 or 20 minutes, and therefore cannot provide for delivery of a substance over an extended period of time.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,054 discloses a composition to treat xerostomia, which comprises of an aqueous solution of at least one polymer and at least one electrolyte, wherein the aqueous solution is preferably buffered and optionally contains at least one mucin. The polymer can be chosen for instance from the group which consists of scleroglucan, guar gum, xanthan gum, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid and polyvinyl alcohol. The therapeutic composition according to the invention can serve as saliva substitution agent, artificial tear water, in a mouth rinse or in a toothpaste. The aforementioned patient teaches that the mucin is critical because saliva mucins can adhere to both the surface of the teeth and to the oral mucosa and polyacrylic acid subsequently binds to the mucin in order to form a protective layer.
For a lubricant to be effective, it has to interact with the surfaces it is protecting. Referring to U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,054, the disadvantage of combining polyvinyl alcohol with an electrolyte is that the cation may interact with the polymer and cause precipitation of polyvinyl alcohol. Further, saliva is known to contain high concentrations of electrolytes, which may cause further precipitation of polyvinyl alcohol thus leaving a granular feeling in the mouth. Hence, the addition of a metal chelating agent to a formulation containing polyvinyl alcohol will aid in its anti-xerostomia properties. Further inclusion of salivary mucins have other disadvantages including; the mucins are biopolymers which are difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities and suitable purity, they are expensive and they may be obtained from animal salivary glands which may make the use of mucin unsuitable for some consumers and patients. Hence, there is a need to develop products that will retain moisture in the oral cavity that will be inexpensive, and will be acceptable to a majority of consumers. It will also be beneficial to develop products that have added benefits such as prevention of dental stains or accumulation of unaesthetic materials on tooth surfaces and also to prevent irritation/inflammation occurring as a result of dry mouth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Polyvinyl alcohols also referred to as polyhydroxy polymers are well known for their excellent adhesion to hydrophilic materials. Currently, as indicated above they are used for lubricating eyes. The use of polyvinyl alcohols for treating dry eyes has been detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,658, which teaches that polyvinyl alcohols interact with corneal surfaces and adsorbs fairly tenaciously so that it cannot be easily rinsed off from solid surfaces, related to the eyes. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,658 teaches that two types of polyvinyl alcohols are necessary to provide a stable lubricating film. Polyvinyl alcohol with high acetate content (but not more than 27%) is quite surface active and is capable of lowering the surface tension of water from 72 to 42 mN/m. On the other hand, polyvinyl alcohol that is fully hydrolyzed exhibits almost no surface activity at the water-air interface. In general, the lower the surface tension of a liquid, the more it will wet a given solid surface. It has now surprisingly been found that formulations containing a polyhydroxy polymer are effective in lubricating the mouth and have an added benefit of preventing the accumulation of stain on tooth surfaces.
It is not understood why the inventive compositions are effective at both lubricating the mouth and preventing the accumulation of dental stain. Without being bound to a particular theory it is thought that polyhydroxy polymer coats the surfaces of the teeth thus providing a physical barrier onto which stains may adhere. This is in contrast to the normal stain formation mechanism whereby the materials directly adhere to the surfaces of the teeth. The lubricating action of the inventive composition my also be related to the adsorption of the polyvinyl alcohol to the mucosal surfaces.
Thus, the object of the present invention is to provide a composition and a method for lubricating the tissues of the mouth and at the same time preventing the accumulation of stain on tooth surfaces. The composition consists of formulating of a polyvinyl alcohol, metal chelating agents and a fat soluble vitamin. Surface active materials are also included aid in the solubilization of surface debris and to further reduce the surface tension in order to assist in the formation of a lubricating and a protective film on the surfaces of the teeth and the mucosal surfaces.
Anti-inflammatory agents can also be added to the composition to provide relief from irritation arising from mouth dryness.
The inventive composition may be administered in any orally acceptable vehicle e.g., tooth paste or mouth wash.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a known, commercially available polymer prepared by replacing acetate groups of polyvinyl acetates with hydroxyl groups. The alcoholysis reaction proceeds most rapidly in a mixture of methanol and methyl acetate in the presence of catalytic amounts of alkali or mineral acids. The polyvinyl alcohol and the synthesis thereof are described in greater detail by D. L. Cincera in Kirk-Othmer ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY, Third Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York (1983), Volume 23, pages 848-865.
The Air Products and Chemicals Inc sell the polyvinyl alcohol used in the composition described herein under the trademark Airvol™. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the use of any specific polyvinyl alcohol, and that any equivalent polyvinyl alcohol of pharmaceutical grade can be used to achieve equivalent results.
The polyvinyl alcohol used in this invention composition may be either fully hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed material having average molecular weight ranging from 2,000 to 125,000. It is preferred to use polyvinyl alcohol having an average molecular weight of about 30,000 to 110,000. The concentration of the polyvinyl alcohol will vary according to the type of the oral care composition.
In mouth rinses and tooth paste compositions a concentration of about 0.1% to 5% w/w is preferred, whereas in a tooth gel formulations i.e. dentifrices without the abrasives a concentration of 2% to 20% is preferred. Lozenges and chewing gums may have concentrations of 0.1% to 20%.
Agents, which chelate metal ions, are essential ingredients of the present invention. The purpose of the chelating agents is to prevent sequester the metal ions which may bind to the polyvinyl alcohol and promote its precipitation and therefore interfere with the film forming capabilities. The metal chelating agents include a condensed pyrophosphate compound. For purposes of this invention “condensed phosphate,” relates to an inorganic phosphate composition containing two or more phosphate species in a linear or cyclic pyrophosphate form. The preferred condensed phosphate comprises of sodium pyrophosphate but can also include tripolyphosphate, hexametaphosphate, cyclic condensed phosphate or other similar phosphates well known in the field. The metal chelating agent may also include an organic chelating agent. The term “organic phosphate” includes phosphonic acid, di and tri phosphonoc acid compound or its salts, oxalic acid and or its salts. The preferred phosphonic acid is sold under the trade name of Dequest 2010 and is called 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid. The chelating agents are incorporated individually or in any combination in the oral care compositions of the present invention in an amount within the range of 0.01 to about 10.0% by weight and preferably from about 0.25% to about 3.0% by weight.
Lipophilic materials are also included in the composition. U.S. Pat. No. detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,658 teaches that polyvinyl alcohols the polymer adsorbs fairly tenaciously and can be removed by the shear action when the formation contaminated with lipids. For a surface film to be stable the shear action is important because it enables the film to move with the movement of the mucosal tissues. Hence, in order to promote the mobility of the film formed over the mucosal surfaces a safe lipophilic material is included in the composition. It is well known that people with dry mouth have irritated or inflamed mucosal tissues. The irritation may be due to oxidative damage hence; it is preferred to include lipophilic materials with anti-oxidant properties to the composition. These materials may be anti-oxidants such as butyrated hydroxy toluene or fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A, D and E. The preferred lipophilic material with anti-oxidation properties is Vitamin E. The term “vitamin E” as used herein includes tocopherol (vitamin E) and derivatives thereof, for example dl-.alpha.-tocopherol, tocopherol acetate (vitamin E acetate ester), tocopherol succinate (vitamin E succinate ester), etc. As extrapharmacopoeial species, there may be mentioned, for example, alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, tocopherol nicotinate (vitamin E nicotinate ester), tocopherol phosphate (vitamin E phosphate ester) and tocopherol linolenate (vitamin E linolenate ester). Vitamin E is incorporated in the formulation from about 0.01% to 3% (w/w).
Other lipophilic materials with anti-inflammatory and anti microbial activities may also be included in the composition. The purpose of adding these ingredients are that they act as preservatives of the composition due to their anti-microbial action and they can also act to control inflammation occurring as a result of mouth dryness. These agents may be selected from the following group, which includes halogenated diphenyl ethers, halogenated salicylanilides, benzoic esters, halogenated carbanalides, and phenolic compounds. The most preferred anti-inflammatory agents are substantially water-insoluble members of either the halogenated diphenyl ether group or the phenolic group, in particular those compounds described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,894,220 and 5,800,803, which are incorporated herein by reference.
The most preferred water-insoluble or lipophilic agent (herein defined as a compound having a solubility in distilled water at 25° C. of less than 1000 ppm) is triclosan (trade name Irgasan DP300). Triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether, CAS No. 338034-5) is a broad spectrum antimicrobial/anti inflammatory agent with a molecular weight of 289.5, having very limited water solubility at physiological temperatures (20 ppm in distilled water at 20° C. and 40 ppm in distilled water at 50° C.). The safety of triclosan has been well established and its use in oral care products, primarily water-based toothpastes in which the triclosan, typically at a concentration of about 0.30 percent by weight, has been solubilized.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of triclosan will be at least about 0.10% percent by weight of the ingredients formulating the composition, depending upon the solubility of the antimicrobial compound in the composition. According to an alternate embodiment, the concentration of the antimicrobial agent is 0.3%. The concentration of the water-lipophilic anti-inflammatory compound will be in the range of between about 0.05 percent and about 2%.
Surfactants are also included in the inventive composition. The purpose of the surfactant is to aid in the solubilization of surface debris and to further reduce the surface tension in order to assist in the formation of a lubricating and a protective film on the surfaces of the teeth and the mucosal surfaces. The surfactant also assists in achieving thorough and complete dispersion of ingredients throughout the oral cavity and renders the compositions more cosmetically acceptable. Non-ionic surfactants also maintain the flavoring materials in solution. In addition, non-ionic surfactants are compatible with the polyvinyl alcohol polymers of its invention, providing for a stable, homogeneous composition.
The surfactants are included from about 0.5 to 50% of the weight of the composition and preferably from about 1% to about 33% by weight of the composition.
Surfactants useful in the practice of the present invention include non-ionic organic surface-active polymers such as polyoxyethylene-polyoxy-propylene block copolymers such as Pluronic 108 and Pluronic F-127 marketed by BASF. Pluronic 108 has a molecular weight of 3200 and contains 80% of the hydrophilic polyoxyethylene moiety and Pluronic F127 has a molecular weight of 4000 and contains 70% polyoxyethylene. Other surfactants include alkali metal alkyl sulfates of 8 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably of 10 to 18 and more preferably of 12 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyls thereof such as Tween 20, which is a and sodium lauryl phosphate. The surfactants may also include sodium cocomonoglyceride sulfate, sodium linear tridecylbenzene sulfonate, N-lauroyl N-methyl taurate and nonionic surfactants such as a water soluble polyoxyethylene monoester of sorbitol with a C.sub.10-18 fatty acid ester of sorbitol (and sorbitol anhydrides), consisting predominantly of the monoester, condensed with about 10-30, preferably about 20, moles of ethyleneoxide. The fatty acid (aliphatic hydrocarbon-monocarboxylic acid) may be saturated or unsaturated, e.g. lauric, palmitic, stearic, oleic acids. A mixed surfactant system consisting of polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers (Pluronic F-108 and Pluronic F-127), polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) and sodium lauryl sulfate is preferred however the surfactants can be used individually or in any combination thereof.
Humectants used to prepare the aqueous vehicle include glycerin, sorbitol and polyethylene glycol of molecular weight 400-2000.
Examples of preservatives useful in the practice of the present invention include benzoic acid, sodium benzoate cetylpyridinium chloride, thymol etc. Triclosan is preferred because it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its anti-microbial properties.
Alcohol such as ethanol can also be included in the composition as a preservative and a flavor enhancement.
Materials that prevent dental caries such as sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate can also be included. Sweeteners suitable for use in the composition include xylitol, saccharin and sorbitol. Other compounds which provide beneficial effects such as potassium nitrate which prevents dental hypersensitivity, compounds of zinc or barium which prevent halitosis and compounds which release active oxygen such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide and metal peroxides can also be incorporated into the composition.
A typical mouth rinse or spray prepared in accordance with the practice of the present invention contains the following ingredients in percent by weight based on the weight of the total formulation.
Ingredient
% by Weight
Water
77.74
Glycerin
8
Xylitol
4
Polyethylene glycol 600
3
Pluronic F-108
3
Pluronic F-127
1.3
Polyvinyl alcohol
0.66
Sodium pyrophosphate
0.5
Oxalic Acid
0.5
Dequest 2010
0.4
Tween 20
0.4
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
0.2
Vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate)
0.1
Triclosan
0.1
Flavor
0.1
The mouth rinse was prepared by dispersing the polyvinyl alcohol (average molecular weight 100,000; degree of hydrolysation 86-90 mol %) in cold water with vigorous agitation. The mixture was then heated to boiling with agitation until a clear solution was obtained. Then glycerin, sodium pyrophosphate, oxalic acid and Dequest 2010 were added. After the materials were dissolved the Pluronics were added and the mixture stirred until a clear homogenous solution was obtained. Then xylitol and SLS were added. In a separate container a second mixture was prepared which contained Tween 20, polyethylene glycol, triclosan, Vitamin E and flavor. The mixture was added to the first container. To prevent excessive foaming, a safe antifoaming agent e.g., antifoam A can be added to the mixture. Further alcohol e.g., ethanol can be added if desired to improve consumer acceptability.
To examine the moisturizing effects of the mouth rinse detailed above, six subjects who complained of dry mouth were recruited to participate in the study. All subjects brushed their teeth with a leading fluoridated toothpaste, rinsed with water and then rinsed with the mouth wash shown in table 1. The subjects were then asked if their mouth felt lubricated and moisturized at 5 minutes after rinsing, 30 minutes after rinsing and one hour after rinsing. All subjects reported that their mouth felt lubricated and moisturized. Further the subjects also reported that their mouths felt cleaner. The study was then repeated using a leading mouth rinse. All the subjects reported that their mouth felt cleaner but did not have an effect on the lubricity or the “dryness” of their mouth. The data therefore, indicates that the inventive composition lubricates and moisturizes the mouth.
The mouth rinse was then tested to examine the stain prevention capabilities. Extracted human teeth were soaked in 30% hydrogen peroxide to remove all the stain. Baseline color was then measured using the Minolta chromameter. Color readings were obtained in the L*,a*, b* color coordinates. The teeth were then soaked for seven minutes in the mouth rinse described in the table above. The teeth were then incubated in stimulated saliva for five minutes and the color re-measured to determine if the mouthwash would prevent accumulation of pellicle and keep the teeth white. The teeth were then transferred to a chromogenic mixture containing 10% coffee, 10% tea and 2% non-dairy creamer. The incubation was performed for one hour in order to determine if the rinse would prevent stain accumulation. The teeth were then removed, placed in distilled water and the color was measured. The change in color was calculated using the standard CIE L*a*b* color difference equation. The results indicated that the inventive composition prevented accumulation of stain on tooth surfaces. The results are as follows:
TABLE 1
Demonstration of prevention of pellicle accumulation
E (color after incubation in
E (whitened teeth)
mouth-rinse and saliva)
Delta E
Control
76.88
75.86
1.02
Treated
79.52
79.20
0.32
In the table above control refers to treatment with a commercial mouth rinse, and treated refers to the inventive mouth rinse. The data shows that the inventive mouthwash accumulates less pellicle and keeps the teeth whiter.
TABLE 2
Demonstration of prevention of stain accumulation
E (color after incubation in
E (whitened teeth)
mouth-rinse and stain broth)
Delta E
Control
76.88
73.92
2.96
Treated
79.52
77.90
1.62
The delta E of the treated sample is lower when compared to the delta E of the control sample indicating that the inventive composition will prevent stain accumulation.
A study was then performed to examine the stain removal capability of the mouth rinse. The stained teeth above were then soaked in a commercial mouth rinse or the inventive composition for one minute and color was measured. The calculation in color change were performed using the CIE L*a*b* color difference equation.
TABLE 3
Demonstration of stain removal
E (color after
mouth-rinse and
E (color after incu-
stain broth incubation)
bation in rinse)
Delta E
Control
73.92
73.48
0.42
Treated
77.90
78.59
−0.69
The table above shows a delta E of −0.69 of teeth after incubation in the inventive rinse indication that the rinse removes stain when compared to a popular mouth rinse.
A typical dentifrice such as a toothpaste or gel can be prepared in accordance with the practice of the present invention contains the following ingredients:
Ingredient
% by Weight
Water
54.6
Polishing agent
14
Glycerin
10
Xylitol
4
Polyethylene glycol 600
3
Pluronic F-108
3
Silica thickener
3
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
1.5
Carrageenan gum
1.5
Pluronic F-127
1.3
Sodium pyrophosphate
1
Polyvinyl alcohol
0.66
Dequest 2010
0.4
Tween 20
0.4
Sodium Flouride
0.24
Vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate)
0.1
Triclosan
0.3
Flavor
1.0
Abrasives or polishing agents useful to prepare the dentifrice compositions of the present invention include finely divided silica, dicalcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, insoluble sodium metaphosphate and tricalcium phosphate.
Thickeners include silica thickeners, carob bean gum, carrageenan gum, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose alginates, gantrez, polyvinyl pyrrolidine and various carbopols
Humectants include glycerol, sorbitol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and/or mannitol.
Aspartame or saccharin may be used as the artificial sweetener, and the flavor may be based principally or partially on limonene and may contain menthol or other physiologically cooling agent to give it a special appeal.
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An oral lubricant having usefulness for alleviating the symptoms of dry mouth and preventing accumulation of dental stains based on a polyvinyl alcohol polymer containing composition in an orally acceptable carrier or vehicle. The invention relates generally to an oral composition having a function in lubricating the mouth and preventing the formation of stains on the surfaces of the teeth. The active ingredients of the composition are a polyvinyl alcohol, a metal chelating agent, lipophilic vitamin, surface active material and a phenolic anti microbial agent with anti-inflammatory properties.
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This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/902,360, filed Jun. 22, 1992, (now abandoned).
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to a guiding bow or a flyer for an elongated element in a twisting or winding apparatus and to a twisting or winding apparatus comprising such a guiding bow or flyer.
Only the term "guiding bow" is used in what follows. This term also refers to the so-called flyer. A guiding bow is used to guide an elongated element in a twisting apparatus or in a winding apparatus.
The term "twisting apparatus" both refers to an apparatus used for twisting and to an apparatus used for untwisting. A double-twister or buncher is comprised in the term "twisting apparatus". The term "winding apparatus" both refers to an apparatus used for winding and to an apparatus used for unwinding.
The term "elongated element" refers to wires, filaments, yarns, cords, cables or strands. In relation to the present invention, the term "elongated element" more particularly refers to metallic elongated elements such as iron wires, steel cords or copper cables.
The desire for high production output makes that the guiding bows often rotate at high rotational speeds in the above-mentioned apparatus. As a consequence, high centrifugal forces are exerted upon the guiding bows and make construction of the guiding bows and their fixation to the rest of the apparatus critical. Another disadvantageous consequence of the centrifugal forces is that axial forces may be exerted upon the bearings of the apparatus. This reduces the life span of the bearings and increases considerably the maintenance and replacement costs of the apparatus and bearings.
Still another drawback due to the presence of guiding bows is that a lot of noise is produced during the rotation of the guiding bows.
Reduction of the weight of the guiding bows by making them out of a material which is substantially lighter in weight than steel, such as e.g. carbon fiber or a composite material, has led to guiding bows which lack the necessary rigidity and stiffness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to avoid the drawbacks of the prior art.
It is another object of the present invention to reduce the weight of the guiding bows.
It is yet another object of the present invention to decrease the centrifugal forces exerted upon the guiding bows.
It is a further object of the present invention to decrease the energy losses during rotation caused by the presence of the guiding bow.
It is still another object of the present invention to decrease the level of noise produced during rotation of the guiding bow.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guiding bow for an elongated element in a twisting or winding apparatus. The guiding bow comprises a core and a sheath. The core is made of a load carrying material and the sheath is made of a synthetic material which does not necessarily carry load. In this way the functions of the flyer have been divided. The core resists the external forces and gives the required rigidity. As a representative example, the core may be made of carbon fiber. The sheath may be made of a synthetic material and may be used to give a streamlined shape to the transverse cross-section of entire guiding bow or to protect the more expensive core material against damage caused by possible fractures of the elongated element.
The term "streamlined" refers to a minimum dimensionless drift coefficient which is smaller than 0.40, preferably smaller than 0.30. The dimensionless drift coefficient will be defined herein below. The minimum dimensionless drift coefficient is the drift coefficient of the guiding bow when this guiding bow is so arranged with respect to the direction of movement that it has a minimum stream resistance.
The guiding bow may be--at least partially--made of a material with a specific gravity lower than 4 kg/dm 3 . Examples of such a material are aluminium, carbon fiber or fibre reinforced composite materials.
Preferably, openings are provided in the sheath at the bottom side of the guiding bow. This facilitates the wiring of the apparatus.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a winding or twisting apparatus which comprises at least one guiding bow as described hereabove. The twisting apparatus may be a double-twister or buncher.
Preferably, the guiding bow is arranged with respect to its direction of movement and has a cross-sectional profile such that the dimensionless drift coefficient C D is lower than 0.20, e.g. lower than 0.15 or lower than 0.10. The lower the drift coefficient the lower the stream losses are during rotation of the guiding bow.
Preferably, the guiding bow is arranged with respect to its direction of movement and has such a cross-sectional profile that the dimensionless lift coefficient C L is negative. A negative lift coefficient gives rise to a lift force F L which is directed in the other sense than the centrifugal force. As a consequence, the lift force may compensate at least partially for the centrifugal force.
The terms drift coefficient and lift coefficient are well known in the art but in order to avoid all doubts their formula are given here below:
F.sub.D =C.sub.D ×A×1/2pv.sup.2
F.sub.L =C.sub.L ×A×1/2pv.sup.2
whereby F D is the drift force;
F L is the lift force;
C D is the dimensionless drift coefficient;
C L is the dimensionless lift coefficient;
A is the surface of the profile to be concerned;
p is the specific gravity of the fluid;
v is the relative velocity of the profile with respect to the fluid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein
FIG. 1 is a transverse cross-section of a guiding bow according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-section of another guiding bow according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a guiding bow according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic assembly view of a double-twister.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The guiding bow 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 guides a steel cord 3. The guiding bow 1 comprises a core 5 and a sheath 7. The core 5 is made of carbon fiber and the sheath 7 is made of a synthetic material which has been extruded around the core 5 and which defines in a transverse cross-section of the guiding bow, a streamlined profile to the guiding bow 1. That part of the carbon fiber core 5 which is in contact with the steel cord has been coated with a layer 9 of a suitable hardmetal.
The guiding bow is rotating in the direction v and a centrifugal force F C is exerted upon the guiding bow 1. The other forces which are exerted upon the guiding bow 1 are the drift force F D and the lift force F L . It is generally known in the art of aerodynamics that the magnitude of these two forces F D and F L are dependent upon the cross-sectional profile of the guiding bow 1 and upon the direction of the profile with respect to the direction of movement v. This direction may be characterized by the angle α. The cross-sectional profile of the bow and the angle α should be chosen so as to minimize the drift force F D . The cross-sectional profile of the bow and the angle α should also be chosen such that the lift force F L has a sense of direction different from the sense of direction of centrifugal force F C since, in contradistinction with airplanes, a lift of the bow is not desired here. In case this is not possible, the cross-sectional profile of the bow and the angle α should be so chosen that the lift force F L is as small as possible.
FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The core 5 is surrounded by a sheath 7 which gives the streamlined profile to the guiding bow 1. The sheath 7 is such that it may be quickly replaced.
FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of a guiding bow according to the present invention. The bottom side of the sheath 7 of the guiding bow 1 is provided with openings 11 which facilitate the wiring of the bow 1.
By way of example, FIG. 4 shows an assembly view of a double-twister 13 comprising two guiding bows 1 according to the present invention. The wiring of the double-twister 13 is such that a 2+1-steel cord construction will be manufactured.
The double-twister 13 comprises two half-shafts 15 which are supported by means of bearings in a housing 17. The two half-shafts 15 are connected by the two guiding bows 1. A cradle 19 is stationarily mounted on the two half-shafts 15. The two half-shafts 15 are driven by means of an electric motor 21. The functioning of the double-twister is as follows :Two steel filaments 23 which are drawn from two supply bobbins 25, are guided through a distribution disc 27 and come together at an assembly point 29. They are further guided through the first half-shaft 15 and over a first guiding pulley 31 where they receive a first twist. The filaments 23 are then guided via the guiding bow 1 to a first reversing pulley 32 where the filaments 23 receive a second twist. Inside the rotor of the double-twister a third filament 33 is drawn from a bobbin 35 and brought together with the filaments 23. The three filaments 22, 23 are guided towards a second reversing pulley 32 where the filaments 23 are partially untwisted and where the filament 33 is twisted a first time around the filaments 23. The filaments 23,33 are guided via the second guiding bow 1 towards a second guiding pulley 31 where the filaments 23 are untwisted completely and where the filament 33 is twisted a second time around the filaments 23. The finished cord 37 then passes through the half-shaft 15 and is wound upon the bobbin 39. Conventional rotational speeds of the guiding bows 1 lie between 3000 and 6000 rpm.
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A guiding bow (1) for an elongated element (3) in a twisting or winding apparatus. At least part of the length of the guiding bow (1) has a transversal cross-section which is streamlined. The core (5) of the guiding bow may be made of a load carrying material, the sheath (7) of a synthetic material.
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RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation application of Ser. No. 663,041 filed Mar. 2, 1976.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention
This invention relates to attachments to faucet spouts to modify the stream of a fluid flowing therethrough and more particularly to a non-aerating spout attachment having a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart, apertured, flat plates and at least one screen spaced downstream from the plates.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Present day faucet spouts typically have a threaded coupling on the end thereof to receive a mating threaded end of a spout attachment device. Known spout attachments operate to modify the nature or quality of the stream emanating from a spout by aerating the stream, reducing the turbulence of the stream, or otherwise changing the characteristics thereof as it flows through the attachment. However, no known spout attachment provides a high quality non-aerated stream which is clear, free of mist, spray or other turbulence, and so soft that it is essentially splash free with the economy and efficiency of the attachment taught and claimed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A spout attachment in accordance with the invention provides a laminar stream which is free of turbulence and so soft that it is essentially splash free without aeration. The attachment includes a housing defining a closed, nonapertured sidewall about a central passage having an inlet end and an outlet end longitudinally spaced downstream from the inlet and, at least two longitudinally spaced-apart, parallel flat plates positioned within and extending across the central passage, each of the plates having small apertures therethrough distributed substantially uniformly throughout the plates, and at least one longitudinally spaced screen positioned within and extending across the central aperture, the screen or screens being longitudinally spaced downstream from the plates and parallel therewith. The central passage has substantially straight and smooth sidewalls in the longitudinal direction and a substantially constant crosssectional area throughout its length. A large number of apertures are uniformly distributed throughout each plate to provide a substantially uniform flow velocity profile across the entire central passage and have a total aperture area between 30% and 35% of the total area of each plate. To obtain the desired flow velocity profile, the apertured plates are preferably separated by a distance of at least approximately one aperture diameter, but no more than about 21/2 to 3 aperture diameters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the invention may be had from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view, partially broken away, of a laminar stream spout attachment in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of an apertured plate for the spout attachment shown in FIG. 1
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a screen for the spout attachment shown in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the improved flow characteristics provided by the spout attachment shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As shown in FIG. 1, a laminar stream spout attachment 10 in accordance with the invention includes a housing 12 having a housing shell 14, an upper cartridge 16, and a lower cartridge 18, a flow control assembly 20 and a laminar stream assembly 22. The flow control assembly 20 is not an essential feature of the present invention and may be of the type described in copending application Ser. No. 558,071 filed Mar. 13, 1975 for FLOW CONTROL DEVICE.
The housing shell 14 extends with a generally cylindrical shape from an inlet end 30 to an outlet end 32 longitudinally spaced downstream of the inlet end 30. External threads 34 are provided on the shell 14 near the inlet end 30 for coupling to a faucet spout indicated at 36. It will be appreciated that internal threads might alternatively be located adjacent the inlet end 30. At the outlet end 32, the shell 14 terminates in a flange 38 which extends radially inward toward a central passage 40. The lower cartridge 18 is a resilient, generally annular member having an internal circumference 50 and an annular notch 52 in the internal circumference 50. The lower cartridge 18 is disposed in abutment with an inside surface of flange 38 and also in abutment with the inside cylindrical sidewall of housing shell 14. The notch 52 extends longitudinally from a position spaced a short distance from flange 38 to the end of cartridge 18 adjacent the inlet end 30. The upper cartridge 16 is a resilient generally annular member having a notch 52 mating with lower cartridge 18 in a lap joint and extends in mating relationship with the interior sidewall of shell 14 longitudinally upstream from the notch 52 to an end 54 adjacent the inlet end 30 of spout attachment 10. A washer 56 is disposed adjacent the end 54 to make a sealing compression coupling between the end 54 and a spout 36 to maintain the cartridges 16 and 18 in contact with each other as well as flange 38. Two diametrically opposed mating and notch pairs (not shown) may be positioned along a mating surface 58 between the upper and lower cartridges 16, 18 to couple the two cartridges together and prevent relative rotation therebetween. An interior surface 60 of upper cartridge 16 is substantially coterminous with the interior surface 50 of lower cartridge 18 to provide the central passage 40 with nearly equal cross-sectional areas on opposite upstream and downstream sides of the laminar stream assembly 22.
The laminar stream assembly 22 extends from a downstream end 62 of upper cartridge 16 longitudinally downstream toward a downstream termination of notch 52 at a surface 64. The laminar stream assembly 22 includes two flat, parallel, spaced-apart apertured plates 70, two flat, parallel, spacedapart screens 72 and annular spacer rings 74 positioned between each adjacent pair of plates 70 and screens 72. While two plates 70 and two screens 72 are illustrated by way of example, it should be appreciated that the number of each may be increased without detracting from the performance of the invention. In fact, it has been found that only one screen 72 is required if at least three perforated plates 70 are employed in the laminar stream assembly 22.
It is important that the spacer washers 74 have an internal circumference which is co-extensive with internal surfaces 50 and 60 to provide the central passage 40 with straight smooth walls in the longitudinal direction and a uniform cross-sectional area throughout the region of the laminar stream assembly 22.
Referring more particularly to FIG. 2, in a preferred example, the flat, circular plates 70 are made from brass sheet or strip with a thickness of about 0.016 inch (0.041 cm). The apertures 78 through plates 70 are arranged in a matrix of rows and columns with a uniform center-to-center spacing of about 0.044 inch (0.112 cm) along both the rows and columns to provide a density of 500 apertures per square inch (77.5 apertures per square cm). With an aperture diameter of 0.028 inch (0.071 cm) the total area of the apertures 78 is approximately 31% of the total area of each plate 70. It has been found that in order to obtain the high quality, non-turbulent laminar flow of which this invention is capable, the total area of the apertures of each plate should be between 30% and 35% of the total area of each plate. It is also important that there be a large number of small holes uniformly distributed across the entire portion of a plate 70 which intercepts the central passage 40, although the exact pattern in which the apertures 78 are arranged is not critical.
It is furthermore necessary that the distance between plates 70 relative to the diameter of the apertures 78 be such as to enable the stream to adjust and redistribute after it passes through the first or upstream plate to provide the desired uniform velocity profile. It has been determined that the plate separation distance should fall between about one aperture diameter and about 21/2 or 3 aperture diameters. Thus, in the embodiment under discussion, the distance between plates may range from about 0.028 inch (0.071 cm) to about 0.084 inch (0.213cm). In accordance with one practical example of the invention, a distance of about 0.050 inch (0.127 cm) is employed. The same distance separates the lower plate 70 from the upper screen 72 and applies as well to the distance between the two screens 72. Thus, all of the spacers 74 have about the same height of 0.050 inch (0.127 cm).
Referring now to FIG. 3, in the preferred example, each screen 72 has a 40-square mesh and is made from monel or stainless steel wire having a diameter of 0.010 inch (0.025 cm). In this example, each of the screens 72 is in the shape of a flat circle. It has been found that only one screen 72 is sufficient if at least three plates 70 are employed in the attachment 10.
The substantial improvement in stream quality which is obtained with the spout attachment 10 in accordance with the invention may be further understood with reference to the diagram shown in FIG. 4. The horizontally extending dimension represents distance along a diameter of the central passage 40 adjacent the outlet end 32 with one extremity of the diameter indicated by 0, the other extremity of the diameter indicated by D, and the circular center indicated at C. The vertical axis indicates a flow velocity profile increasing vertically upward from 0 at the horizontal axis. As indicated by curve 90, a fluid stream with laminar flow typically has a parabolically shaped flow pattern with substantially zero flow adjacent the sidewall and a maximum flow velocity near the center of the flow passage. However, the parallel spaced-apart plates 70 and screens 72 of the present invention modify the flow velocity pattern and redistribute the stream kinetic energy to provide a much more uniform and constant flow velocity across the entire cross-sectional area of the central passage 40. As a result, the flow velocity profile indicated by curve 92 is attained with a much broader, flatter and lower magnitude peak. Because the velocity is more uniformly distributed over the entire crosssectional area of the stream, the maximum velocity is reduced to provide a softer, essentially splash free stream and turbulence resulting from flow velocity changes across a diametric plane of the stream is substantially eliminated.
Although a laminar stream spout attachment in accordance with the invention has been described and illustrated for the purpose of enabling a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, any modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements within the scope of the attached claims should be considered to be within the scope of the invention.
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A laminar stream spout attachment which may be threadedly secured to a faucet spout includes a pair of parallel, spaced-apart perforated plates and a pair of screens positioned downstream from the plates. The perforated plates distribute the flow velocity profile more uniformly across the stream diameter and the screens operate to further trim the stream to provide a high quality stream which is clear, straight, free of mist and spray, soft and essentially splash free.
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[0001] The present invention relates to novel alkanesulfonamides of the general formula I and their use as active ingredients in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also concerns related aspects including processes for the preparation of the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more compounds of the general formula I and especially their use as endothelin receptor antagonists.
[0002] Endothelins (ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3) are 21-amino acid peptides produced and active in almost all tissues (Yanagisawa M et al.: Nature (1988) 332:411). Endothelins are potent vasoconstrictors and important mediators of cardiac, renal, endocrine and immune functions (McMillen M A et al.: J Am Coll Surg (1995) 180:621). They participate in bronchoconstriction and regulate neurotransmitter release, activation of inflammatory cells, fibrosis, cell proliferation and cell differentiation (Rubanyi G M et al.: Pharmacol Rev (1994) 46:328).
[0003] Two endothelin receptors have been cloned and characterized in mammals (ET A , ET B ) (Arai H et al.: Nature (1990) 348:730; Sakurai T et al.: Nature (1990) 348:732). The ET A receptor is characterized by higher affinity for ET-1 and ET-2 than for ET-3. It is predominant in vascular smooth muscle cells and mediates vasoconstricting and proliferative responses (Ohlstein E H et al.: Drug Dev Res (1993) 29:108). In contrast, the ET B receptor has equivalent affinity for the three endothelin isopeptides and binds the linear form of endothelin, tetra-ala-endothelin, and sarafotoxin S6C (Ogawa Y et al.: BBRC (1991) 178:248). This receptor is located in the vascular endothelium and smooth muscles, and is also particularly abundant in lung and brain. The ET B receptor from endothelial cells mediates transient vasodilator responses to ET-1 and ET-3 through the release of nitric oxide and/or prostacyclin whereas the ET B receptor from smooth muscle cells exerts vasoconstricting actions (Sumner M J et al.: Brit J Pharmacol (1992)107:858). ET A and ET B receptors are highly similar in structure and belong to the superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors.
[0004] A pathophysiological role has been suggested for ET-1 in view of its increased plasma and tissue levels in several disease states such as hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, sepsis, atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, renal failure, migraine and asthma. As a consequence, endothelin receptor antagonists have been studied extensively as potential therapeutic agents. Endothelin receptor antagonists have demonstrated preclinical and/or clinical efficacy in various diseases such as cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage, heart failure, pulmonary and systemic hypertension, neurogenic inflammation, renal failure and myocardial infarction.
[0005] Today, only one endothelin receptor antagonist (bosentan, Tracleer™) is marketed and several are in clinical trials. However, some of these molecules possess a number of weaknesses such as complex synthesis, low solubility, high molecular weight, poor pharmacokinetics, or safety problems (e.g. liver enzyme increases). Furthermore, the contribution of differing ET A /ET B receptor blockade to the clinical outcome is not known. Thus, tailoring of the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties and the selectivity profile of each antagonist for a given clinical indication is mandatory. So far, no endothelin receptor antagonists with a pyrimidine core structure containing an n-alkanesulfonamide unit attached to the 4-position of the core pyrimidine have been reported [2, 3, 5, 6, 8]. We have discovered a new class of substituted pyrimidines of the general formula I below and found that they allow the specific tailoring described above.
[0006] In addition, compounds exhibiting mixed as well as ET A -selective binding profiles have been identified.
[0007] The inhibitory activity of the compounds of general formula I on endothelin receptors can be demonstrated using the test procedures described hereinafter:
[0008] For the evaluation of the potency and efficacy of the compounds of the general formula I the following tests were used:
[0000] 1) Inhibition of Endothelin Binding to Membranes from CHO Cells Carrying Human ET Receptors:
[0009] For competition binding studies, membranes of CHO cells expressing human recombinant ET A or ET B receptors were used. Microsomal membranes from recombinant CHO cells were prepared and the binding assay was carried out as previously described (Breu V., et al, FEBS Left 1993; 334:210).
[0010] The assay was performed in 200 uL 50 mM Tris/HCl buffer, pH 7.4, including 25 mM MnCl 2 , 1 mM EDTA and 0.5% (w/v) BSA in polypropylene microtiter plates. Membranes containing 0.5 ug protein were incubated for 2 h at 20° C. with 8 pM [ 125 I]ET-1 (4000 cpm) and increasing concentrations of unlabelled antagonists. Maximum and minimum binding were estimated in samples without and with 100 nM ET-1, respectively. After 2 h, the membranes were filtered on filterplates containing GF/C filters (Unifilterplates from Can berra Packard S. A. Zurich, Switzerland). To each well, 50 uL of scintillation cocktail was added (MicroScint 20, Can berra Packard S. A. Zürich, Switzerland) and the filter plates counted in a microplate counter (TopCount, Can berra Packard S. A. Zurich, Switzerland).
[0011] All the test compounds were dissolved, diluted and added in DMSO. The assay was run in the presence of 2.5% DMSO which was found not to interfere significantly with the binding. IC 50 was calculated as the concentration of antagonist inhibiting 50% of the specific binding of ET-1. For reference compounds, the following IC 50 values were found: ET A cells: 0.075 nM (n=8) for ET-1 and 118 nM (n=8) for ET-3; ET B cells: 0.067 nM (n=8) for ET-1 and 0.092 nM (n=3) for ET-3.
[0012] The IC 50 values obtained with compounds of general formula I are given in Table 1.
TABLE 1 IC 50 [nM] Compound of Example ET A ET B Example 1 3.96 >1000 Example 2 5.99 989 Example 3 38.2 >1000 Example 4 6.34 >1000 Example 5 3.6 >1000 Example 6 17.1 >1000 Example 7 16.3 367 Example 8 11 549 Example 9 5.2 187 Example 10 42.6 689 Example 11 5.3 59 Example 12 59 469 Example 14 27 767 Example 15 125 729 Example 16 12 79 Example 17 33 599 Example 18 205 841 Example 19 22 155 Example 20 81 >1000 Example 21 2 216 Example 22 8.7 349 Example 23 1.99 85 Example 24 2.8 542 Example 25 6.5 899 Example 26 19 881 Example 27 2.8 153 Example 28 2.9 595 Example 29 8.4 402 Example 30 2.3 111 Example 31 1.8 180 Example 32 11 >1000 Example 33 40 >1000 Example 34 6.5 159 Example 35 11 >1000 Example 36 1 350 Example 37 4 417 Example 38 0.8 109 Example 39 0.6 236 Example 40 19 636 Example 41 28 678 Example 42 5.7 105 Example 43 1.6 258 Example 44 7 301 Example 45 1 69 Example 46 1.6 185 Example 47 2.9 >1000 Example 48 23 >1000 Example 49 2.3 >1000 Example 50 397 >1000 Example 53 1.1 824 Example 54 18 >1000 Example 55 1.3 454 Example 56 1.6 359 Example 57 6.9 >1000 Example 58 0.66 838 Example 59 6.8 >1000 Example 60 0.8 427 Example 61 1.1 271 Example 62 5.5 >1000 Example 63 25 >1000 Example 64 3.5 >1000 Example 65 1.4 >1000 Example 66 1.5 >1000 Example 67 13 >1000 Example 68 1.2 563 Example 69 1.2 314 Example 70 0.46 >1000 Example 71 3.6 >1000 Example 72 0.60 936 Example 73 0.59 277 Example 74 0.63 >1000 Example 75 3.5 >1000 Example 76 1.1 >1000 Example 77 2.3 >1000 Example 78 10 >1000 Example 79 2.1 >1000 Example 80 1.5 >1000 Example 81 0.54 >1000 Example 82 1.27 >1000 Example 83 0.49 640 Example 84 0.56 118
2) Inhibition of Endothelin-Induced Contractions on Isolated Rat Aortic Rings (ET A Receptors) and Rat Tracheal Rings (ET B Receptors):
[0013] The functional inhibitory potency of the endothelin antagonists was assessed by their inhibition of the contraction induced by endothelin-1 on rat aortic rings (ET A receptors) and of the contraction induced by sarafotoxin S6c on rat tracheal rings (ET B receptors). Adult Wistar rats were anesthetized and exsanguinated. The thoracic aorta or trachea were excised, dissected and cut into rings of 3-5 mm lenght. The endothelium/epithelium was removed by gentle rubbing of the intimal surface. Each ring was suspended in a 10 ml isolated organ bath filled with Krebs-Henseleit solution (in mM; NaCl 115, KCl 4.7, MgSO 4 1.2, KH 2 PO 4 1.5, NaHCO 3 25, CaCl 2 2.5, glucose 10) kept at 37° C. and gassed with 95% O 2 and 5% CO 2 . The rings were connected to force transducers and isometric tension was recorded (EMKA Technologies SA, Paris, France). The rings were stretched to a resting tension of 3 g (aorta) or 2 g (trachea). Cumulative doses of ET-1 (aorta) or sarafotoxin S6c (trachea) were added after a 10 min incubation with the test compound or its vehicle. The functional inhibitory potency of the test compound was assessed by calculating the concentration ratio, i.e. the shift to the right of the EC 50 induced by different concentrations of test compound. EC 50 is the concentration of endothelin needed to get a half-maximal contraction, pA 2 is the negative logarithm of the antagonist concentration which induces a two-fold shift in the EC 50 value.
[0014] Because of their ability to inhibit the endothelin binding, the described compounds can be used for treatment of diseases, which are associated with an increase in vasoconstriction, proliferation or inflammation due to endothelin. Examples of such diseases are hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, coronary diseases, cardiac insufficiency, renal and myocardial ischemia, renal failure, cerebral ischemia, dementia, migraine, subarachnoidal hemorrhage, Raynaud's syndrome and portal hypertension. They can also be used in the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis, restenosis after balloon or stent angioplasty, inflammation, stomach and duodenal ulcer, cancer, prostatic hypertrophy, erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, amaurosis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, gram negative septicemia, shock, sickle cell anemia, glomerulonephritis, renal colic, glaucoma, therapy and prophylaxis of diabetic complications, complications of vascular or cardiac surgery or after organ transplantation, complications of cyclosporin treatment, pain, hyperlipidemia as well as other diseases, presently known to be related to endothelin.
[0015] The compounds can be administered orally, rectally, parenterally, e.g. by intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intrathecal or transdermal administration or sublingually or as ophthalmic preparation or administered as aerosol. Examples of applications are capsules, tablets, orally administered suspensions or solutions, suppositories, injections, eye-drops, ointments or aerosols/nebulizers.
[0016] Preferred applications are intravenous, intramuscular, or oral administrations as well as eye drops. The dosage used depends upon the type of the specific active ingredient, the age and the requirements of the patient and the kind of application. Generally, dosages of 0.1-50 mg/kg body weight per day are considered. The preparations with compounds can contain inert or as well pharmacodynamically active excipients. Tablets or granules, for example, could contain a number of binding agents, filling excipients, carrier substances or diluents.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The invention consists of the compounds described in general formula I and their use as endothelin receptor antagonists and especially their use as medicaments for the treatment and prevention of diseases related to the endothelin system:
wherein
R 1 represents lower alkyl; R 2 represents aryl; heteroaryl; lower alkyl; R 3 represents aryl; heteroaryl; R 4 represents hydrogen; trifluoromethyl; lower alkyl; lower alkyl-amino; lower alkoxy; lower alkoxy-lower alkoxy; hydroxy-lower alkoxy; lower alkyl-sulfinyl; lower alkylthio; lower alkylthio-lower alkyl; hydroxy-lower alkyl; lower alkoxy-lower alkyl; hydroxy-lower alkoxy-lower alkyl; hydroxy-lower alkyl-amino; lower alkyl-amino-lower alkyl; amino; di-lower alkyl-amino; [N-(hydroxy-lower alkyl)-N-(lower alkyl)]-amino; aryl; aryl-amino; aryl-lower alkyl-amino; aryl-thio; aryl-lower alkyl-thio; aryloxy; aryl-lower alkoxy; aryl-lower alkyl; aryl-sulfinyl; heteroaryl; heteroaryl-oxy; heteroaryl-lower alkyl-oxy; heteroaryl-amino; heteroaryl-lower alkyl-amino; heteroaryl-thio; heteroaryl-lower alkyl-thio; heteroaryl-lower alkyl; heteroaryl-sulfinyl; heterocyclyl; heterocyclyl-lower alkoxy; heterocyclyl-oxy; heterocyclyl-amino; heterocyclyl-lower alkyl-amino; heterocyclyl-thio; heterocyclyl-lower alkyl-thio; heterocyclyl-lower alkyl; heterocyclyl-sulfinyl; cycloalkyl; cycloalkyl-oxy; cycloalkyl-lower alkoxy; cycloalkyl-amino; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl-amino; cycloalkyl-thio; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl-thio; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl; cycloalkyl-sulfinyl; X represents oxygen; a bond; Y represents oxygen; —NH—; —NH—SO 2 —; —NH—SO 2 —NH—; —O—CO—NH—; —NH—CO—O—: —NH—CO—NH—; Z represents oxygen; sulfur; —NH—; n represents an integer selected from 2; 3; 4;
and optically pure enantiomers or diastereomers, mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers, diastereomeric racemates, mixtures of diastereomeric racemates and the meso-forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
[0026] In the definitions of the general formula I—if not otherwise stated—the expression lower means straight and branched chain groups with one to seven carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of lower alkyl and lower alkoxy groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec.-butyl, tert.-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, iso-propoxy, butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec.-butoxy and tert.-butoxy. Lower alkylendioxy-groups are preferably methylen-dioxy and ethylen-dioxy groups. Examples of lower alkanoyl-groups are acetyl, propanoyl and butanoyl. Lower alkenylen means e.g. vinylen, propenylen and butenylen. Lower alkenyl and lower alkynyl means groups like ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, 2-methyl-propenyl, and ethinyl, propinyl, butinyl, pentinyl, 2-methyl-pentinyl. Lower alkenyloxy means allyloxy, vinyloxy and propenyloxy. The expression cycloalkyl means a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon ring with 3 to 7 carbon atoms, e.g. cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl, which may be substituted with lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, amino-lower alkyl, and lower alkoxy-lower alkyl groups. The expression heterocyclyl means saturated or unsaturated (but not aromatic), four, five-, six- or seven-membered rings containing one or two nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms which may be the same or different and which rings may be adequatly substituted with lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, e.g. piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyranyl, 1,4-dioxanyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydropyrrolyl, dihydroimidazolyl, dihydropyrazolyl, pyrazolidinyl and substituted derivatives of such rings with substituents as outlined above. The expression heteroaryl means six-membered aromatic rings containing one to four nitrogen atoms, benzofused six-membered aromatic rings containing one to three nitrogen atoms, five-membered aromatic rings containing one oxygen or one nitrogen or one sulfur atom, benzofused five-membered aromatic rings containing one oxygen or one nitrogen or one sulfur atom, five membered aromatic rings containing an oxygen and nitrogen atom and benzo fused derivatives thereof, five-membered aromatic rings containing a sulfur and a nitrogen atom and benzo fused derivatives thereof, five-membered aromatic rings containing two nitrogen atoms and benzo fused derivatives thereof, five membered aromatic rings containing three nitrogen atoms and benzo fused derivatives thereof or the tetrazolyl ring; e.g. furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, thiazinyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridazinyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, 5-oxo-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 5-oxo-1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 5-thioxo-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 2-oxo-1,2,3,5-oxathiadiazolyl, whereby such rings may be substituted with lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, amino, amino-lower alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethyl, carboxyl, carboxamidyl, thioamidyl, amidinyl, lower alkoxy-carbonyl, cyano, hydroxy-lower alkyl, lower alkoxy-lower alkyl or another heteroaryl- or heterocyclyl-ring. The expression aryl represents unsubstituted as well as mono-, di- or tri-substituted aromatic rings with 6 to 10 carbon atoms like phenyl or naphthyl rings which may be substituted with aryl, halogen, hydroxy, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkenyloxy, lower alkynyl-lower alkoxy, lower alkenylen, lower alkylenoxy or lower alkylendioxy forming with the phenyl ring a five- or six-membered ring, hydroxy-lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkenyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl-lower alkynyl, lower alkoxy-lower alkyl, lower alkoxy-lower alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, cycloalkyl, hydroxy-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl.
[0027] The expression pharmaceutically acceptable salts encompasses either salts with inorganic acids or organic acids like hydrohalogenic acids, e.g. hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid; sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, citric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, methylsulfonic acid, p-toluolsulfonic acid and the like or in case the compound of formula I is acidic in nature with an inorganic base like an alkali or earth alkali base, e.g. sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and the like.
[0028] The compounds of the general formula I might have one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and may be prepared in form of optically pure enantiomers or diastereomers, mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers, diastereomeric racemates, mixtures of diastereomeric racemates and also in the meso-form. The present invention encompasses all these forms. Mixtures may be separated in a manner known per se, i.e. by column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, HPLC or crystallization.
[0029] Because of their ability to inhibit the endothelin binding, the described compounds of the general formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be used for treatment of diseases which are associated with an increase in vasoconstriction, proliferation or inflammation due to endothelin. Examples of such diseases are hypertension, coronary diseases, cardiac insufficiency, renal and myocardial ischemia, renal failure, cerebral ischemia, dementia, migraine, subarachnoidal hemorrhage, Raynaud's syndrome, portal hypertension and pulmonary hypertension. They can also be used for the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis, restenosis after balloon or stent angioplasty, inflammation, stomach and duodenal ulcer, cancer, prostatic hypertrophy, erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, amaurosis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, gram negative septicemia, shock, sickle cell anemia, glomerulonephritis, renal colic, glaucoma, therapy and prophylaxis of diabetic complications, complications of vascular or cardiac surgery or after organ transplantation, complications of cyclosporin treatment, pain, hyperlipidemia as well as other diseases presently known to be related to endothelin.
[0030] These compositions may be administered in enteral or oral form e.g. as tablets, dragees, gelatine capsules, emulsions, solutions or suspensions, in nasal form like sprays or rectally in form of suppositories. These compounds may also be administered intramuscularly, parenterally or intraveneously, e.g. in form of injectable solutions.
[0031] These pharmaceutical compositions may contain the compounds of formula I as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts in combination with inorganic and/or organic excipients which are usual in the pharmaceutical industry like lactose, maize or derivatives thereof, talcum, stearinic acid or salts of these materials.
[0032] For gelatine capsules vegetable oils, waxes, fats, liquid or half-liquid polyols may be used. For the preparation of solutions and sirups e.g. water, polyols, saccharose, glucose can be used. Injectables can be prepared by using e.g. water, polyols, alcohols, glycerin, vegetable oils, lecithin or liposomes. Suppositories may be prepared by using natural or hydrogenated oils, waxes, fatty acids (fats), liquid or half-liquid polyols.
[0033] The compositions may contain in addition preservatives, stability improving substances, viscosity improving or regulating substances, solubility improving substances, sweeteners, dyes, taste improving compounds, salts to change the osmotic pressure, buffer or anti-oxidants.
[0034] The compounds of general formula I may also be used in combination with one or more other therapeutically useful substances e.g. α- and β-blockers like phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine, atenolol, propranolol, timolol, metoprolol, carteolol and the like; vasodilators like hydralazine, minoxidil, diazoxide or flosequinan; calcium-antagonists like diltiazem, nicardipine, nimodipine, verapamil or nifedipine; ACE-inhibitors like cilazapril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril and the like; potassium activators like pinacidil; angiotensin II receptor antagonists like losartan, valsartan, irbesartan and the like; diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide, acetolamide, bumetanide, furosemide, metolazone or chlortalidone; sympatholitics like methyldopa, clonidine, guanabenz or reserpine and other therapeutics which serve to treat high blood pressure or any cardiac disorders.
[0035] The dosage may vary within wide limits but should be adapted to the specific situation. In general the dosage given daily in oral form should be between about 3 mg and about 3 g, preferably between about 10 mg and about 1 g, especially preferred between 5 mg and 300 mg, per adult with a body weight of about 70 kg. The dosage should be administered preferably in 1 to 3 doses per day which are of equal weight. As usual children should receive lower doses which are adapted to body weight and age.
[0036] Preferred compounds are compounds of formula II:
wherein
R 1 represents ethyl; propyl; iso-propyl; butyl; R 2 represents aryl; heteroaryl; and R 3 , R 4 and n are as defined in general formula I above and optically pure enantiomers or diastereomers, mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers, diastereomeric racemates, mixtures of diastereomeric racemates and the meso-forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
[0040] Also preferred compounds are compounds of formula III:
wherein
R 1 represents ethyl; propyl; iso-propyl; butyl; R 2 represents aryl; heteroaryl; R 4 represents hydrogen; heteroaryl; and R 3 is as defined in general formula I above and optically pure enantiomers or diastereomers, mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers, diastereomeric racemates, mixtures of diastereomeric racemates and the meso-forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
[0045] Another group of preferred compounds, are the compounds of formula IV:
wherein
R 1 represents ethyl; propyl; iso-propyl; butyl; R 2 represents aryl; heteroaryl; R 4 represents hydrogen; heteroaryl;
and optically pure enantiomers or diastereomers, mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers, diastereomeric racemates, mixtures of diastereomeric racemates and the meso-forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
[0049] Another group of preferred compounds, are the compounds of formula V:
wherein
R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 as well as Y, Z and n are as defined in general formula I above and optically pure enantiomers or diastereomers, mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers, diastereomeric racemates, mixtures of diastereomeric racemates and the meso-forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
[0051] Also preferred compounds are the compounds of formula VI:
wherein
R 1 represents ethyl; propyl; butyl; R 2 represents aryl; heteroaryl; R 4 represents hydrogen; heteroaryl; A represents hydrogen; methyl; ethyl; chlorine; bromine; and n represents the integers 2; 3;
and optically pure enantiomers or diastereomers, mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers, diastereomeric racemates, mixtures of diastereomeric racemates and the meso-forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
[0057] Another group of preferred compounds, are the compounds of formula VI:
wherein R 1 represents ethyl; propyl; butyl; R 2 represents heteroaryl; A represents methyl; chlorine; bromine;
and optically pure enantiomers or diastereomers, mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers, diastereomeric racemates, mixtures of diastereomeric racemates and the meso-forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
[0062] Preferred compounds are:
Ethanesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide; n-Propanesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-ylamide; Ethanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)ethoxy]-5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; n-Propanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; Ethanesulfonic acid {5-(4-bromo-phenyl)-6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide; n-Propanesulfonic acid {5-(4-bromo-phenyl)-6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide; Ethanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide; n-Propanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide; Ethanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; n-Propanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; N-[6-[2-(5-Bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-methanesulfonamide; Ethanesulfonic acid [5-(2-chloro-5-methoxy-phenoxy)-6-[2-(5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; Butane-1-sulfonic acid [5-(3-methoxy-phenoxy)-6-[2-(5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; Ethanesulfonic acid [5-(4-bromo-phenyl)-6-[2-(5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; Propane-1-sulfonic acid [5-(2-chloro-5-methoxy-phenoxy)-6-[2-(5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide;
[0078] Especially preferred compounds are:
N-[5-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl]-methanesulfonamide; Ethanesulfonic acid [5-(4-bromo-phenyl)-6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; Propane-1-sulfonic acid [5-(4-bromo-phenyl) 6 -[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; Propane-1-sulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; Ethanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; Propane-1-sulfonic acid [5-(4-bromo-phenyl)-6-[2-(5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; Ethanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-chloro-5-methoxy-phenoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; Propane-1-sulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-chloro-5-methoxy-phenoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide.
[0087] Compounds of the general formula I of the present invention can be prepared according to the general sequence of reactions retro-synthetically outlined below. For simplicity and clarity reasons sometimes only parts of the synthetic possibilities which lead to compounds of general formula I are described. The literature references given in brackets [ ]are set forth at the end of this paragraph.
[0088] G represents a leaving group like alkylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl or halogen.
[0089] R 4 represents:
[0090] In Scheme 4 the symbols R 3 and R 4 represent the same as defined in general formula I above.
REFERENCES
[0000]
[1] W. Göhring, J. Schildknecht, M. Federspiel; Chimia, 1996, 50, 538-543.
[ 2 ] W. Neidhart, V. Breu, D. Bur, K. Burri, M. Clozel, G. Hirth, M. Müller, H. P. Wessel, H. Ramuz; Chimia, 1996, 50, 519-524 and references cited there.
[3] W. Neidhart, V. Breu, K. Burri, M. Clozel, G. Hirth, U. Klinkhammer, T. Giller, H. Ramuz; Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1997, 7, 2223-2228. R. A. Nugent, S. T. Schlachter, M. J. Murphy, G. J. Cleek, T. J. Poel, D. G. Whishka, D. R. Graber, Y. Yagi, B. J. Keiser, R. A. Olmsted, L. A. Kopta, S. M. Swaney, S. M. Poppe, J. Morris, W. G. Tarpley, R. C. Thomas; J. Med. Chem., 1998, 41, 3793-3803.
[ 4 ] J. March; Advanced Organic Chemistry, 4th Ed., 1994, p. 499 and references cited there.
[5] EP 0 743 307 A1; EP 0 658 548 B1; EP 0 959 072 A1 (Tanabe Seiyaku)
[6] EP 0 633 259 B1; EP 0 526 708 A1; WO 96/19459 (F. Hoffmann-LaRoche)
[7] for the Synthesis of 5-membered heterocycles see: Y. Kohara et al; J. Med. Chem., 1996, 39, 5228-5235 and references cited there.
[8] EP 0 882 719 A1 (Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd)
[9] D. G. Crosby, R. V. Berthold; J. Org. Chem., 1960; 25; 1916.
[10] U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,294, 1980, (Bayer AG);
[11] WO 01/17976; WO 01/46156; WO 01/81335; WO 01/81338; WO 02/24665; WO 02/208200 (Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd).
EXAMPLES
[0102] The following examples illustrate the invention. All temperatures are stated in ° C.
[0000] List of Abbreviations:
[0000]
CyHex cyclohexane
DBU 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-en(1,5-5)
DCM dichloromethane
DIPEA diisopropylethylamine
DMAP 4-dimethylaminopyridine
DMF dimethylformamide
DMSO dimethylsulfoxide
EtOAc ethyl acetate
Hex hexane
HV high vacuum conditions
MCPBA m-chloroperbenzoic acid
min minutes
rflx reflux
rt room temperature
THF tetrahydrofuran
t R retention time.
[0119] The following compounds were prepared according to the procedure described above and shown in Schemes 1 to 4. All compounds were characterized by 1H-NMR (300 MHz) and occasionally by 13 C-NMR (75 MHz) (Varian Oxford, 300 MHz; chemical shifts are given in ppm relative to the solvent used; multiplicities: s=singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet; m=multiplet), by LC-MS (Waters Micromass; ZMD-platform with ESI-probe with Alliance 2790 HT; Column: 2×30 mm, Gromsil ODS4, 3 μm, 120A; Gradient: 0-100% acetonitril in water, 6 min, with 0.05% formic acid, flow: 0.45 ml/min; t R is given in min.) or by Finnigan Navigator (LC-MS 1 ) with HP 1100 Binary Pump and DAD, column: 4.6×50 mm, Develosil RP Aqueous, 5 μm, 120A, gradient: 5-95% acetonitrile in water, 1 min, with 0.04% trifluoroacetic acid, flow: 4.5 ml/min) by TLC (TLC-plates from Merck, Silica gel 60 F 254 ) and occasionally by melting point.
Example 1
[0120]
[0121] a) At 0° C. a solution of diethyl 2-(p-tolyl)-malonate (14.2 g) in methanol (50 ml) was slowly added to a solution of sodium methylate (9.4 g) in methanol (300 ml). Upon completion of the addition the reaction mixture was allowed to warm up and formamidine hydrochloride (5.4 g) was added. The mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the remaining residue was treated with 2 N hydrochloric acid (150 ml). The suspension was stirred for 0.5 h. At 0-5° C., the pH was carefully adjusted to 4 using 10 N sodium hydroxide solution. The precipitate was collected, washed with cold water, isopropanol, and diethyl ether and dried under high vacuum at 65° C. to give 4,6-dihydroxy-5-(p-tolyl) pyrimidine (11.2 g) (or a tautomer) as a white powder.
[0122] b) At rt N,N-dimethylaniline (10 ml) was added to a mixture of 4,6-dihydroxy-5-(p-tolyl)-pyrimidine (5.1 g) and POCl 3 (75 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at 70° C. for 16 h. The excess of POCl 3 was distilled off and the remaining oil was treated with an ice:water mixture and extracted three times with diethyl ether. The combined organic extracts were washed with 1 N aqueous hydrochloric acid followed by brine, dried over MgSO 4 and evaporated. The remaining brown oil was crystallised from isopropanol. The pale yellow crystals were collected, washed with cold isopropanol and dried under high vacuum to furnish 4,6-dichloro-5-(p-tolyl)-pyrimidine (4.1 g).
[0123] c) Ethanesulfonyl chloride (24 g) was dissolved in THF (30 ml) and cooled to 0° C. Then ammonium hydroxide solution (25%, 40 ml) was added via addition funnel followed by stirring at rt for 1 h. The THF was removed under reduced pressure and the remaining solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to give ethanesulfonamide (7.2 g) as an oil which was dissolved in MeOH (100 ml) followed by the addition of potassium tert.-butoxide (7.4 g) and stirring for 30 min. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was washed with diethyl ether and dried at HV to give ethanesulfonamide potassium salt (9.7 g) as a white, hygroscopic powder.
[0124] d) 4,6-dichloro-5-(p-tolyl)-pyrimidine (717 mg) was dissolved in DMSO (5 ml) and ethanesulfonamide potassium salt (927 mg) was added and stirring continued for 14 h at rt. The solution was poured onto ice/water and acidified by 2 N HCl to pH 3-4. The precipitate was filtered off and washed with water and diethylether to give ethanesulfonic acid (6-chloro-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl)-amide (370 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.09, [M+H] + : 312.10.
[0125] e) Ethanesulfonic acid (6-chloro-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl)-amide (363 mg) was added to a solution of potassium tert.-butoxide (427 mg) in ethylene glycol (7 ml) and stirred at 100° C. for 7 days. The reaction mixture was then poured onto ice/water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The crude product was purified by chromatography over silicagel with DCM/MeOH=9/1 to give ethanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (310 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 3.47, [M+H] + : 338.13.
f) Ethanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (135 mg) was dissolved in THF (15 ml) and sodium hydride (80 mg) was added followed by stirring for 15 min at 50° C. Then 2-chloro-5-bromo-pyrimidine (162 mg) was added and stirring was continued for 8 h at 70 C. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice water, acidified with solid citric acid and extracted with ethylacetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent was evaporated. The crude material was purified by plate chromatography with ethyl acetate/hexane=½ to give ethanesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide (68 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.64, [M+H] + : 496.19.
Example 2
[0127]
[0128] According to the procedure described in Example 1f) ethanesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide (73 mg) was prepared by reaction of ethanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (84 mg) with 2-chloro-5-sulfanyl-pyrimidine (130 mg). LC-MS: t R : 4.55, [M+H] + : 462.24.
Example 3
[0129]
[0130] According to the procedure described in Example 1f) ethanesulfonic acid (6-[2-(5-methoxy-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide (65 mg) was prepared by reaction of ethanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (84 mg) with 2-sulfono-5-methoxy-pyrimidine (103 mg). LC-MS: t R : 4.25, [M+H] + : 446.35.
Example 4
[0131]
a) n-Propane sulfonyl chloride (20.7 g) was dissolved in THF (40 ml) and cooled to 0° C. Then ammonium hydroxide solution (25%, 40 ml) was added via addition funnel followed by stirring at rt for 1 h. The THF was removed under reduced pressure and the remaining solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to give n-propane sulfonamide (10.99 g) as an oil which was dissolved in MeOH (100 ml) followed by the addition of potassium tert.-butoxide (10.6 g) and stirring for 30 min. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was triturated with diethyl ether. The white solid was isolated by filtration and dried at HV to give n-propanesulfonamide potassium salt (13.4 g) as a white, hygroscopic powder.
[0132] b) To a solution of 4,6-dichloro-5-(p-tolyl)pyrimidine (Example 1b; 717 mg) in DMSO (5 ml) and n-propanesulfonamide potassium salt (1016 mg) was added. Stirring was continued for 14 h at rt. The solution was poured onto ice/water and acidified by 2 N HCl to pH 34. The precipitate was filtered off and washed with water and diethylether to give n-propanesulfonic acid (6-chloro-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl)-amide (765 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.44, [M+H] + : 326.13.
[0133] c) n-Propanesulfonic acid (6-chloro-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl)-amide (489 mg) was added to a solution of potassium tert.-butoxide (900 mg) in ethylene glycol (10 ml). The solution was stirred at 100° C. for 7 days. The reaction mixture was then poured onto ice/water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The crude product was purified by chromatography over silicagel with DCM/MeOH=9/1 to give n-propanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (390 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 3.76, [M+H] + : 352.13.
[0134] d) n-Propanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy) 5 -p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (115 mg) was dissolved in THF (15 ml). Sodium hydride (60 mg) was added followed by stirring for 15 min at 50° C. Then 2-chloro-5-bromo-pyrimidine (135 mg) was added and stirring was continued for 8 h at 75° C. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice water, acidified with solid citric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The crude material was purified by plate chromatography with diethyl ether to give n-propanesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide (65 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.91, [M+H] + : 510.13.
Example 5
[0135]
[0136] n-Propanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (88 mg) was dissolved in THF (10 ml) and sodium hydride (46 mg) was added followed by stirring for 15 min at 50° C. Then 2-chloro-5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidine (88 mg) was added and stirring was continued for 8 h at 75° C. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice water, acidified with solid citric acid and extracted with ethylacetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent was evaporated. The crude material was recrystallized from methanol to give propane-1-sulfonic acid (6-[2-(5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyo-pyrimidin-4-yl)-amide (64 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.82, [M+H] + : 476.29.
Example 6
[0137]
[0138] n-Propanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (115.5 mg) was dissolved in THF (10 ml) and sodium hydride (60 mg) was added followed by stirring for 15 min at 50° C. Then 2-methanesulfonyl-5-methoxy-pyrimidine (138 mg) was added and stirring was continued for 8 h at 75° C. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice water, acidified with solid citric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent was evaporated. The crude material was purified by plate chromatography with diethyl ether to give propane-1-sulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-methoxy-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide (61 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.51, [M+H] + : 460.27.
Example 7
[0139]
[0140] a) To a solution of 4,6-dichloro-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl (prepared as described in [6] and [11]) (1.74 g) in DMSO (5 ml) was added ethanesulfonamide potassium salt (1.62 g). Stirring was continued for 10 days at rt. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice/water and acidified by 2N HCl. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and dried at HV to give ethanesulfonic acid [6-chloro-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (1.75 g) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 3.77, [M+H] + : 422.15.
[0141] b) To a solution of potassium tert.-butoxide (366.5 mg) in ethylene glycol (5 ml) was added 1,2-dimethoxy ethane (5 ml) and ethanesulfonic acid [6-chloro-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (420 mg). The reaction mixture was heated to 85° C. for 7 days, concentrated in vacuo, poured onto water, acidified by 2N HCl, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The precipitated product was washed with diethyl ether, filtered and dried at HV to give ethanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (400 mg). LC-MS: t R : 3.45, [M+H] + : 448.24.
[0142] c) Ethanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (89 mg) was dissolved in THF (10 ml). Sodium hydride (60 mg) and 2-chloro-5-bromo-pyrimidine (100 mg) were added and the mixture was heated to 75° C. for 48 h, then poured onto water, acidified with solid citric acid and the precipitate was filtered off. The crude material was purified by crystallization from methanol to give ethanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (54 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.23, [M+H] + : 605.90.
Example 8
[0143]
[0144] a) To a solution of 4,6-dichloro-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl (prepared as described in [6] and [11]) (1.74 g) in DMSO (5 ml) was added n-propanesulfonamide potassium salt (1.77 g). Stirring was continued for 10 days at rt. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice/water and acidified by 2N HCl. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and dried at HV to give n-propanesulfonic acid [6-chloro-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (2.17 g) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.14, [M+H] + : 434.13.
[0145] b) To a solution of potassium tert.-butoxide (366.5 mg) in ethylene glycol (5 ml) was added 1,2-dimethoxy ethane (5 ml) and n-propanesulfonic acid [6-chloro-5-(2-ethoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-amide (420 mg). The reaction mixture was heated to 85° C. for 7 days, concentrated in vacuo, poured onto water, acidified by 2N HCl and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The precipitated product was washed with diethylether, filtered and dried at HV to give n-propanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (401 mg). LC-MS: t R : 3.67, [M+H] + : 462.26.
[0146] c) n-Propanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy) 5 -(2-methoxy-phenoxy) [2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (92 mg) was dissolved in THF (10 ml). Sodium hydride (60 mg) and 2-chloro-5-bromo-pyrimidine (85 mg) were added and the mixture was heated to 75 C for 16 h, then poured onto water, acidified with solid citric acid and the precipitate was filtered off. The crude material was purified by crystallization from methanol to give n-propanesulfonic acid 16-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)[2,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl]-amide (54 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.44, [M+H] + : 619.77.
Example 9
[0147]
n-Propanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (92 mg) was dissolved in THF (6 ml). Sodium hydride (40 mg) and 2-chloro-5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidine (71 mg) were added and the mixture was heated to 75° C. for 6 h, then poured onto water, acidified with solid citric acid and the precipitate was filtered off. The crude material was purified by crystallization from methanol to give n-propanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (61 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.37, [M+H] + : 586.19.
Example 10
[0148]
[0149] n-Propanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (92 mg) was dissolved in THF (6 ml). Sodium hydride (40 mg) and 2-chloro-5-methoxy-pyrimidine (92 mg) were added and the mixture was heated to 75° C. for 6 h, then poured onto water, acidified with solid citric acid and the precipitate was filtered off. The crude material was purified by crystallization from methanol to give n-propanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-methoxy-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (61 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.10, [M+H] + : 570.22.
Example 11
[0150]
[0151] Ethanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (89 mg) was dissolved in THF (6 ml). Sodium hydride (40 mg) and 2-chloro-5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidine (71 mg) were added and the mixture was heated to 75° C. for 48 h, then poured onto water, acidified with solid citric acid and the precipitate was filtered off. The crude material was purified by crystallization from methanol to give ethanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (58 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 4.15, [M+H] + : 572.19.
Example 12
[0152]
[0153] Ethanesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (89 mg) was dissolved in THF (6 ml). Sodium hydride (40 mg) and 2-chloro-5-methoxy-pyrimidine (92 mg) were added and the mixture was heated to 75° C. for 46 h, then poured onto water, acidified with solid citric acid and the precipitate was filtered off. The crude material was purified by crystallization from methanol to give ethanesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-methoxy-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2′]bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide (61 mg) as a white powder. LC-MS: t R : 3.87, [M−H] + : 554.02.
[0154] According to the procedures described in the Examples 1 to 12 and in the literature [5], [6], [7], [8] and [11] the compounds depicted in the following tables of Examples 13 to 16 can be prepared.
Example 13
[0155]
R 1 :
R 4 :
A
Q
[0156] In the Examples 14 to 84 the retention time t R is given in minutes and the molecular mass is always given as [M+H] + for the LC-MS analyses. Standard measurements were made on a Waters Micromass LC-MS system. For Example 57, a Finnigan Navigator LC-MS system was used (see page 31).
Examples 14-84
[0157]
Ex. Nr
R 1 :
R 4 :
Q
LC-MS
14
t R : 4.05 [M + H] + : 592.09
15
t R : 4.11 [M + H] + : 542.21
16
t R : 4.34 [M + H] + : 558.20
17
t R : 4.29 [M + H] + : 514.09
18
t R : 4.08 [M + H] + : 464.16
19
t R : 4.43 [M + H] + : 480.07
20
t R : 3.83 [M + H] + : 512.00
25
t R : 4.83 [M + H] + : 634.12
26
t R : 4.47 [M + H] + : 584.38
27
t R : 4.75 [M + H] + : 600.24
32
t R : 4.69 [M + H] + : 541.99
33
t R : 4.52 [M + H] + : 492.11
34
t R : 4.86 [M + H] + : 508.12
35
t R : 4.31 [M + H] + : 540.14
21
t R : 4.70 [M + H] + : 548.03
22
t R : 4.28 [M + H] + : 498.23
23
t R : 4.62 [M + H] + : 514.17
24
t R : 4.06 [M + H] + : 546.27
36
t R : 5.09 [M + H] + : 576.20
37
t R : 4.69 [M + H] + : 526.29
38
t R : 5.01 [M + H] + : 542.23
39
t R : 4.49 [M + H] + : 574.24
43
t R : 4.86 [M + H] + : 562.06
44
t R : 4.45 [M + H] + : 512.21
45
t R : 4.78 [M + H] + : 528.20
28
t R : 5.17 [M + H] + : 554.14
29
t R : 4.79 [M + H] + : 506.30
30
t R : 5.11 [M + H] + : 522.27
31
t R : 4.54 [M + H] + : 554.43
40
t R : 4.59 [M + H] + : 527.11
41
t R : 4.22 [M + H] + : 478.10
42
t R : 4.61 [M + H] + : 494.17
Ex. Nr
R 1 :
R 4 :
A
Q
LC-MS
50
t R : 4.44 [M + H] + : 496.01
51
t R : 4.36 [M + H] + : 446.20
52
t R : 4.71 [M + H] + : 462.11
47
t R : 4.42 [M + H] + : 481.95
48
t R : 4.21 [M + H] + : 432.17
49
t R : 4.59 [M + H] + : 448.14
53
t R : 4.64 [M + H] + : 545.79
54
t R : 4.35 [M + H] + : 497.86
55
t R : 4.70 [M + H] + : 513.72
56
t R : 4.16 [M + H] + : 545.93
57
t R : 1.07 [M + H] + : 507.94
58
t R : 4.91 [M + H] + : 559.80
59
t R : 4.53 [M + H] + : 511.95
60
t R : 4.87 [M + H] + : 527.92
61
t R : 4.31 [M + H] + : 559.86
62
t R : 5.65 [M + H] + : 534.14
63
t R : 5.23 [M + H] + : 486.31
64
t R : 5.57 [M + H] + : 502.34
65
t R : 4.90 [M + H] + : 534.44
66
t R : 4.93 [M + H] + : 515.96
67
t R : 4.48 [M + H] + : 466.15
68
t R : 4.85 [M + H] + : 482.14
69
t R : 4.26 [M + H] + : 514.21
70
t R : 5.21 [M + H] + : 573.86
71
t R : 4.80 [M + H] + : 525.99
72
t R : 5.12 [M + H] + : 541.92
73
t R : 4.55 [M + H] + : 573.97
74
t R : 6.11 [M + H] + : 524.06
75
t R : 4.94 [M + H] + : 474.23
76
t R : 5.28 [M + H] + : 490.31
77
t R : 6.09 [M + H] + : 564.18
78
t R : 5.69 [M + H] + : 514.39
79
t R : 6.01 [M + H] + : 530.34
80
t R : 5.36 [M + H] + : 562.30
81
t R : 5.48 [M + H] + : 588.13
82
t R : 5.06 [M + H] + : 539.28
83
t R : 5.38 [M + H] + : 556.11
84
t R : 4.82 [M + H] + : 587.41
Example 85
[0158]
R 1 :
R 4 :
R 3 :
Q
Example 86
[0159]
R 1 :
R 4 :
A
Q
Example 87
[0160]
R 1 :
R 4 :
R 3 :
Q
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The invention relates to novel alkansulfonamides of structure (I), wherein R 1 is a lowel alzyl group and the other variables are as defined in the description, and their use as active ingredients in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions. The invention aslo concerns related aspects inluding processes for the preparation of the compounds, pharmaccutical compositions containing one or more of those compounds and especially their use as endothelin receptor antagonists in the treatment and prevention of diseases associated to the endothelin system.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to door operators for doors on transit vehicles such as buses and trains. Some vehicle doors have a single panel mounted at an outside edge of the door opening. Many vehicle doors have two panels, each mounted at an outside edge of the door opening. The panels usually swing outward to permit entrance or exit of passengers. Often, the doors are caused to open or close with a pneumatic cylinder or electric motor and a well known teeter assembly mounted over the top of the door opening. The space available for mounting the door operator over the door opening is often limited. Automatic opening and closing of the doors is controlled by the vehicle driver at stops for picking up and discharging passengers. It is an essential feature of door operators that the doors cannot be pushed open by passengers leaning against the doors, for example, while the vehicle is moving. However, in an emergency there must be a manual release that can be operated by a passenger. Generally, passengers must be able to operate the manual release with no more than 20 pounds pull force.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,279 entitled “Power Door Operator for Multi-Passenger Mass Transit Vehicles” discloses an electric door operator and illustrates the manner in which the spaced doors are rotated open and closed by the action of the teeter assembly connected to drive rods and pivot levers fixed to the vertical door shafts on which the doors are mounted. FIG. 1 of the '279 patent is incorporated herein by reference. This application is directed to an improved system for driving the teeter assembly with an electric motor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An electric door operator for opening and closing one or a spaced pair of transit vehicle passenger doors comprises a structure for being mounted adjacent an opening for the doors. A rotatable input shaft is mounted to the structure with an electric motor secured to the input shaft for driving the input shaft, a first stage pinion positioned on the input shaft, and an electric brake mounted to the input shaft. An output shaft is rotatable relative to the structure and has a teeter mounted thereon with journal bearings at at least one end thereof for engagement with drive bars for opening and closing the doors. An output gear is fixed to the output shaft for driving the output shaft.
[0006] A first stage shaft is rotatable relative to the structure and has a first stage gear fixed to the shaft in a position to engage the first stage pinion on the input shaft. A second stage pinion with a sliding connection to the first stage gear shaft enables axial movement of the second stage pinion between engaged and disengaged positions with the first stage gear.
[0007] A second shaft is rotatable relative to the structure. A second stage gear is fixed to the second shaft and arranged for engagement with the second stage pinion. A third stage pinion is fixed to the second shaft for directly or indirectly transferring torque to the output gear fixed to the output shaft.
[0008] A drum cam shaft is rotatable relative to the structure. A drum cam is axially movable relative to the drum cam shaft. A pin extending from the drum cam shaft engages a cam slot in the drum cam. A lifting plate is fixed to the drum cam and extends to engage a slot in the first stage pinion to move the first stage pinion between engaged and disengaged positions. A disengagement lever and an engagement/disengagement cam are fixed to the drum cam shaft. A pin extends from the disengagement lever.
[0009] A mechanical release is fixed to a slotted end piece. The aperture in the slotted end piece receives the pin extending from the disengagement lever. When the mechanical release is actuated, the drum cam shaft rotates the pin extending from the drum shaft and the drum cam moves to lift the lifting plate and first stage pinion to the disengaged position.
[0010] Briefly, according to a specific embodiment of this invention, there is provided an electric transit door operator for opening and closing a spaced pair of transit vehicle passenger doors. A housing is provided with a base plate for being mounted over an opening for the doors. A rotatable input shaft is mounted over the base plate and parallel thereto. An electric motor is secured to the input shaft for driving the input shaft; a worm is centrally positioned on the input shaft; and an electric brake is mounted to the input shaft at an end opposite the electric motor.
[0011] An output shaft is rotatable relative to the housing and has a teeter mounted thereon with journal bearings at opposite ends thereof for engagement with drive bars for opening and closing the doors. A gear is fixed to the output shaft for driving the output shaft.
[0012] The input shaft is rotatable perpendicular to the output shaft and has a worm fixed to the input shaft in a position to engage a worm gear. A second stage pinion with a sliding connection to the gear shaft enables axial movement of the second stage pinion between engaged and disengaged positions,
[0013] A second shaft is rotatable parallel to the output shaft. A second stage gear is fixed to the second shaft and arranged for engagement with the second stage pinion. A third stage pinion is fixed to the second shaft. The third stage pinion directly or indirectly transfers torque to the output gear fixed to the output shaft.
[0014] A drum cam shaft is rotatable on a drum cam shaft parallel to the output shaft. The drum cam is rotatably and axially movable relative to the drum cam shaft. A pin extends from the drum cam shaft engaging a cam slot in the drum cam. A lifting plate is fixed to the drum cam and extends to engage a slot in the second stage pinion to move the second stage pinion between engaged and disengaged positions. A disengagement lever and a disengagement cam are fixed to the drum cam shaft.
[0015] A cable sheath bracket fixes the sheath of a release cable to the base plate. A release cable is fixed to a slotted end piece. The aperture in the slotted end piece receives the pin extending from the disengagement lever. A return spring urges the slotted end piece away from the cable sheath bracket. When the release cable is pulled, the drum cam shaft rotates the pin extending from the drum cam shaft and the drum cam moves to lift the lifting plate and second stage pinion to the disengaged position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Further features and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view in partial perspective of an electric door operator according to this invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view in partial perspective of an electric door operator according to this invention in which the housing has been removed to better observe the moving parts; and
[0019] FIG. 3 is an end view in perspective of an electric door operator according to this invention with the housing and brake removed to better observe certain of the moving parts.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a structure or housing 12 supports or encloses most of the moving elements of the door operator. A housing has a base portion to which the moving elements are indirectly or directly mounted. The teeter 14 is mounted on an output shaft 16 . The teeter 14 has a drive arm 15 mounted to the output shaft 16 with journals 18 , 20 at one or both ends for receiving drive rods (not shown). The teeter can rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise to operate the drive rods. Mounted on opposite sides of the housing 12 are electric motor 22 and electric brake 24 connected to each end of an input shaft 26 . The electric motor can be controlled to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the electric motor 22 is coupled to the input shaft 26 at one end and to the electric brake 24 mounted to the input shaft, for example, at the other end. The electric brake is spring biased in the braking position with an electric release. An electromagnetic coil (not shown) inside electric brake 24 releases a spring actuation such that when no electric power is available the motor shaft is locked in position. Thus, a passenger leaning on a door will not force it open. Electric power is only required to open or close the doors and not to maintain the doors closed. Other fail safe braking systems can be used.
[0022] When the electric brake 24 is released, the electric motor 22 can turn the input shaft 26 either clockwise or counterclockwise. The motor may be brushless in one embodiment.
[0023] Mounted on the input shaft 26 is worm 28 . A gear shaft 30 is mounted rotatable, and preferably, perpendicular to the input shaft 26 . A worm gear 32 is fixed to the gear shaft 30 in a position to engage the worm 28 . A second stage pinion 34 has a sliding connection on the gear shaft 30 enabling axial movement of the second stage pinion 34 between engaged and disengaged positions with the worm gear 32 . Under normal conditions, the worm gear 32 is mounted to the lower portion of the gear shaft 30 and engages the second stage pinion 34 with pins 33 (see FIG. 2 ) or the like.
[0024] This arrangement allows for the emergency release of the input shaft 26 from the teeter 14 permitting manual opening of the door in an emergency. Alternatively, second stage pinion 34 may have one or more arm extensions received in one or more recesses in worm gear 32 . With such arrangements, the electric door operator may be permitted to selectively engage the second stage pinion with respect to the worm gear, and thus, disengage the door operating mechanism entirely from the doors.
[0025] A second shaft 36 is mounted rotatable, preferably parallel, to the gear shaft 30 . A second stage gear 38 is fixed to the second shaft 36 and arranged for engagement with the second stage pinion 34 . A third stage pinion 40 is fixed to the second shaft 36 . Said third stage pinion 40 is for directly or indirectly transferring torque to the output gear 48 fixed to the output shaft 16 . In the particular embodiment illustrated in the drawings, there is a third shaft 42 having a third stage gear 44 fixed thereto for engagement with the third stage pinion 40 on the second shaft 36 . A fourth stage pinion 46 is fixed to the third shaft 42 for engagement with a fourth stage or output gear 48 fixed to the output shaft 16 . An advantage of this embodiment is that the gear ratios may be altered to vary the output torque available given the electric motor selected. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the frictional forces between the second stage pinion 34 and the first stage gear 38 at the time of disengagement by axial movement of the first stage pinion can be minimized.
[0026] A drum cam shaft 50 is rotatable perpendicular to the housing 12 . A drum cam 52 slides over the drum cam shaft. A pin 54 extends from the drum cam shaft 50 engaging a cam slot 56 in the drum cam. A lifting plate 58 is fixed to the drum cam 52 and extends to engage a circumferential slot 56 in the second stage pinion 34 to move the second stage pinion between engaged and disengaged positions. The cam slot 60 in the cam drum may have dwell portions 60 A and 60 B at each end thereof. In this case, the drum cam slot has a cam lifting portion having a face that extends circumferentially and axially and at the ends thereof has substantially circumferential dwell portions. As drum shaft 50 is rotated, the pin 54 travels from one dwell portion to the other either raising or lowering the drum cam 52 as the pin rides in the slot. The dwell portions 60 A and 60 B enhance engagement and reengagement of the first stage pinion and the worm gear by allowing some additional rotation without lifting or lowering the drum cam. In the illustrated embodiment, ball bearing 62 is press fit on the drum cam shaft 50 and abuts the housing 12 to axially constrain the drum cam shaft. Alternatively, a slot and retainer (not shown) and/or snap ring may be positioned on the drum cam shaft with a bearing or bushing to restrain axial movement of the drum cam shaft.
[0027] Referring again to FIG. 1 , a disengagement lever 64 and engagement/disengagement cam 66 are fixed to the drum cam shaft. A pin 68 extends from the disengagement lever 64 . A cable sheath bracket 70 is provided for fixing the sheath 72 of a release cable 74 to the housing 12 . The release cable is fixed to a slotted end piece 76 . The aperture 78 in the slotted end piece receives the pin 68 extending from the disengagement lever 64 . A return spring 80 urges the slotted end piece 76 away from the cable sheath bracket 70 .
[0028] When the release cable 74 is pulled, the drum cam shaft 50 rotates the pin 54 extending from the drum cam shaft 50 and the drum cam 52 moves to lift the lifting plate 58 and second stage pinion 34 to the disengaged position.
[0029] The engagement/disengagement cam 66 has spaced engagement cam surface portions 66 A and disengagement cam surface portions 66 B. An electrically operated actuator, for example, a solenoid 82 is fixed to the housing 12 for pulling a spring biased stop 84 away from the disengagement lever such that when the release cable is pulled, the slotted end piece 76 rotates the disengagement lever 64 and the rotation of the disengagement lever rotates the engagement/disengagement cam allowing the spring biased stop 84 to enter the disengagement cam surface portion preventing return of the first stage pinion to the engaged position until the solenoid is activated. Typically, actuation of the solenoid is only controlled by the vehicle operator.
[0030] Once the cable is released but before the disengagement lever 64 is rotated out of the emergency disengaged state, the cable may be spring biased by return spring 80 to return to the pre-emergency position urging the slotted end piece 76 to the opposite end of the aperture 78 (slot). Although the spring 80 may urge rotation of the engagement lever to the engaged position, the spring biased stop 84 in contact with the disengagement cam surface portion 66 B prevents such rotation. Accordingly, the aperture in the slotted end piece 76 allows the cable to move back to its pre-emergency position but the worm gear 32 and second stage pinion 34 remain decoupled. The aperture (slot) 78 further allows a secondary drive to actuate the emergency release.
[0031] In one embodiment for transit bus doors, the decoupling of the electric door operator would allow the transit doors to freely rotate. Accordingly, in the emergency release state, the current design minimizes back-drive force by decoupling the spur gears in from the worm gear.
[0032] In order to return the transit doors to an operational state, the solenoid 82 is used to retract the stop 84 to allow the disengagement lever 64 to rotate back to the operational position. Such rotation of the lever is accomplished by a torsion spring 86 around the drum cam shaft urging the drum cam into the engagement position thus moving the second stage pinion into engagement with the worm gear. Thus second stage pinion 34 may be reengaged with the worm gear 32 once rotated into a position for engagement. This positioning may be accomplished by dithering of the motor 22 .
[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, sensors are provided to detect the door open and/or closed positions of the teeter 14 and to detect when the worm gear 32 and second stage pinion 34 have been reengaged. As seen in FIG. 1 , a target tab 88 rotates with the output shaft between sensors (for example, magnetic or optical sensors) 90 , 92 enabling detection of the open and closed positions of the teeter 14 (and consequently the transit doors). Also as seen in FIG. 1 , a target tab 94 rotates with the drum cam shaft 50 and is aligned with sensor 96 when the disengagement lever is in the engaged position. This is useful in order to command the discontinuance of motor dithering used to urge reengagement of the worm gear and the second stage pinion. The sensors could be located at various other positions and could be replaced with limit switches.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0000]
12 structure
14 teeter
15 drive arm
16 output shaft
18 journal
20 journal
22 motor
24 electro/mechanical brake
26 input shaft
28 first stage pinion (worm)
30 gear shaft
32 first stage gear (worm gear)
33 pin
34 second stage pinion
36 second shaft
38 second stage gear
40 third stage pinion
42 third shaft
44 third stage gear
46 fourth stage pinion
48 fourth stage gear
50 drum cam shaft
52 drum cam
54 pin
56 slot
58 lifting plate
60 cam slot
60 A dwell portion
60 B dwell portion
62 ball bearing
64 disengagement lever
66 engagement disengagement cam
66 A engagement cam surface
66 B disengagement cam surface
68 pin
70 bracket
72 sheath
74 cable
76 slotted end piece
78 aperture (slot)
80 return spring
82 solenoid
84 stop
86 torsion spring
88 target tab
90 sensor
92 sensor
94 target tab
96 sensor
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An electric door operator for opening and closing one or a spaced pair of transit vehicle passenger doors for being mounted over an opening for the doors. A rotatable input shaft has an electric motor secured to the input shaft for driving the input shaft, a worm centrally positioned on the motor shaft, and an electric brake mounted to the input shaft at an end opposite of the electric motor. A drum cam lifts a pinion from a worm gear disconnecting the worm gear from an output gear train in an emergency.
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This is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/908,459, filed Jul. 6, 1992, now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
Sorting, packing, identifying and shipping fungible goods.
Definitions
Primary Data Generating Device: a unit, located at each packing station, designed with a microprocessor, LCD window, and keypad. This unit receives data from the central computer, generates a unique code number, displays the data on the LCD window, and returns data entered via the keypad.
Secondary Data Generating Device: a unit as above, but with an optional code scanner added. This unit is preferably located after the packing station, and is used to produce supplemental information to the previously assigned unique code number (such as additional packing, inspection, for example).
Central Computer: a central control means including a program for storage, retrieving and processing information.
Code Signal Generator: circuitry l or producing ASCII code.
Machine Readable Code: but codes, encoded magnetic strips, optical code symbols, and their equivalents.
Packing Station: work or assembly location where goods are assembled or collected and placed in a container.
2. Background
Bar code, magnetic strips, optically read characters and the like, have a long history of highly successful application. Grocery store check out lines are a very visible example of the early use in adaptation of bar code reading. Credit cards have now adopted a magnetic strip encoding which accomplishes the same purpose. These are examples of machine readable symbols.
The discussion of the background of this invention will be directed to the most obvious art to which the present invention is related, namely systems for identifying units of items assembled at a packing station and transported to a second station wherein the container carrying the multiple number of units is monitored by means of a code symbol applied to the container as it leaves the packing station and is transported to a designated terminal. More specifically, the prior art fruit packing houses are the environment in which the present invention is being reduced to practice, and therefor, reference will be to a fruit box as the container. reduced to practice, and therefor, reference will be to a fruit box as the container.
At the time of this invention, the prior art practice has been to place a multiple number of bar code labels on the box container, usually on its top. Each bar code is a dedicated digital source of information. For example, it is common practice to place at least two labels on each box, the first of which is the packer person number which is used solely for the purpose of accounting and payroll.
The second label placed on the top of the box is for one specific bit of information such as the size or type of items in the container. The item code label source is located at the packing station and is a roll of labels that the packer keeps at that station. When a packer is required to move from one station to another, the roll of labels pertaining strictly to that packer is taken along to the new location. The item labels stay at the one station as long as there is packing of that size or type to do. If another size is to be packed at that particular station, then another roll of labels must be obtained that pertains to the new item.
Occasionally, a third or fourth code label is required. For example, master cartons are used to hold bags of fruit and a separate label is required to tell the weight and type of the individual bags within the box.
At the present stage of the art, if all of the information above is needed, and it often is, then three or four rolls of labels are needed. The chance for error by mispositioning of labels multiplies greatly when there is more than one label. Labels often wrinkle when being installed, and then cannot be read by a code scanner. Sometimes the operator places the label in the wrong orientation for reading and it cannot be read by a scanner.
The prior art system lacks the capability of identifying the number of boxes between packer station and a subsequent code reader. Therefor, human intervention is required to estimate the number of boxes on the conveyor if there is a specific number of containers required to fill an order, and then order the packer to stop when the required order is completed.
In summary, the prior art system begins with the packer placing items in a box. Then, as many as three or four code labels are attached to the top of the box and the packer records completion of the act on one or more counter means. The box is then placed on a conveyor belt and will go through a scanner. The scanner will scan the labels and then send the information to the ink jet printer if one is in use. The scanner will send that same information to a sortation system, if one is in use.
The major drawback of the above described prior art system is that the boxes are not identified until they get to the scanner. At that point, the packer of the box is identified. If a box is removed from the conveyor belt at any time before reaching the scanner, there is a discrepancy between the number of boxes the packer alleges to have been sent and the number that is received.
The prior art system is time consuming. The packer puts the fruit in the box, affixes up to four labels on the box, takes care of the personal counter and takes care of a house counter to let the supervisor know how much of a special order size has been packed. Then the box is put on the conveyor belt.
Another negative aspect of the prior art is that the printed bar code labels are very expensive. Elimination of numerous bar code labels to only one bar code label in an average packing house could amount to as much as $25,000.00 or more in savings on labels per year.
It is an object of the invention to reduce human error in packing, identifying and accounting for a packing house line.
It is another object of the invention to reduce the cost of a code control system in a packing house environment.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a redundant information deposit withdrawal and control system working in harmony with a master control to avoid down time.
It is another object of this invention to combine a mix of information from code labels and predetermined information in memory means, to set up auxiliary functions such as an ink jet printer for fully identifying the contents of a box.
It is the primary object of this invention to accept and store all information concerning a packed box from multiple information sources, and when completed, such information is not confined to the bar code label.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A system that identifies the contents, packer, and other management information of a container by the use of a single machine readable code decal manually affixed to the container instead of a multiplicity of decals. This is accomplished by a data generating device at one or more packing stations which generate data that defines the meaning of the code decal. A central computer receives data from the data generating device and from an optional secondary data generating device located after the packing station. The machine readable code decal allows the initiation of a search of information in the central computer for control functions of processing equipment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic of a packing house packing line and programmed control thereof; and
FIG. 2 is a mini-processor having a key pad for generation of code signals and a LCD window for display of information.
GENERIC CONCEPT
As a basic generic concept, this invention involves a packing facility for unitizing a plurality of pieces in one container.
A packing station, whether it be for fruit or manufactured items, is the assembly point where multiple numbers of units are placed in one box or container.
From the packing station, a conveyor carries the packaged assembly to a designated terminal. As described, the system's backbone is simply a packing station, a conveyor, and a terminal. The invention is involved in incorporating that backbone system into a novel control system.
One of the control components is the central control means which includes a program for storage, retrieving and processing information. In short, a computer.
At each packing station, there is a primary data generating device. A key pad is provided for use by the packing operator to generate ASCI code to the central control means. The data generating device informs the central control means of the packer number and what the packer is placing in a container. A secondary data generating device may be used after the primary, to provide supplemental information to the previously assigned unique code number. Separately from the employee at the packing station, an input means is provided whereby a supervisor can instruct the data generating device and/or the operator in various aspects of the packing process. The supervisor's information is placed in the central control means along with that generated by the data generating device.
Similar in appearance, but radically different in total context, a machine readable code label is placed on the top of the container before it leaves the packing station. According to this invention, that label has one dedicated function, and that is to identify the packer, container type, contents and other managerial information A code reader, such as a bar code scanner, is positioned between the packing station and the terminal, and that reader is programmed to transmit the content of the code label to the central control means. The central control means then instructs the function of the ink jet printer and sortation station.
Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by a specific example, including drawings, in order that those skilled in this technology may better understand the practice of the invention. The invention is, of course, not limited to this specific example but includes all the features and advantages described above.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Although equipment and programming are used in the present invention, these features are within the art and easily obtained and incorporated. The invention resides in the system displayed and explained herein.
Because the first reduction to practice is taking place in a citrus packing house, reference generally will be directed to citrus packing. The invention lends itself with minor adaptation such as addition or deletion of optional scanners, printers, sortation computers and the like, for packing individual goods in shipping containers and other assembly line type of product handling.
In the FIG. 1, a packing unit 10 consists of a plurality of packing stations 12. A primary data generating device classifies the contents of the container being packed at that station. The packer in station 12 affixes a unique marking device on the carton and presses a "packed" button 15, (See FIG. 2). The contents of the box are then represented by the unique marking device, such as a bar code label, and this information is stored in the main computer. Again, a secondary data generating device may be used for supplemental information.
A code reader, such as a bar code scanner 16, is placed in position to decipher coded labels placed on the containers as they pass by the scanner on the way to a terminus. The decoded unique information is directed to the main computer for determination of the contents of the box. The main computer relays the contents of the box to printing device 18 and a sortation computer 42.
In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, an ink jet printing station 18 is placed after the scanner 16 for printing information as to size, brand, or other such information on the box at station 18. Thereafter, the box is moved to a sortation station 20 where it and other boxes are directed onto loading chutes according to size, brand, or other necessary and desired information. This invention is in the embodiment of a control system to control an entire packing house program. The intent is to provide efficiency and to reduce human involvement, error and conflict.
To carry out these goals, information is deposited and withdrawn from a central computer in a manner that will provide this control efficiently.
A central computer 22 and a backup computer 24 consist of microprocessor, hardware and software.
At the beginning of the packing process, a unit foreman enters the data required to define the contents of the cartons being packed at each packing station into the central computer. Selected portions of this packing information are transfered from the central computer to the data generating device. This information for each individual packing station is displayed on a station data generating device LCD screen 38. See FIG. 2. This information may be changed during the packing process by the foreman or by the packer employee at the direction of the foreman. If the packer makes the change, the foreman can view the change on the central processing unit 22 CRT screen to insure that the packer made the change correctly.
See FIG. 2. At each work packing station 12 is a microprocessor 28 which is a data generating device. Each data generating device has a series of mode keys 30 which are indicated by the drawings as spur 1 through spur 6. In order to aide those who have difficulty in reading, symbols are used to guide the packer in use of the data generating device 28. When a packer is assigned to a packing station in the packing unit, that packer presses spur 4 along side the symbol of a person placing objects in a box. Each station data generating device generates an ASCI code peculiar to that particular packing station. The code is sent to the computer 22 and initiates a response from the computer 22 directing the packer to key in the packer's assigned work number. The request will be displayed on the LCD screen 38. The worker uses a key pad 32, each with an ASCI code generating system, to inform the computer 22 and 24 of the packer's number. That number is then stored in memory in the central processor and can be read at any time for other purposes. No packing data is permanently stored in the station data generating device 28.
Before the packer begins shift work, a roll of machine readable labels is provided and the labels are dedicated to that particular packer for that particular work period. A roll of labels with this encoded information also contains a sequential number in order that the first box packed may contain the lowest, and the final box packed the highest number, so that visual mathematical confirmation can be made at the end of the work period as to the number of boxes packed. When the packer first activates spur 4, the LCD screen 38 will reveal the lowest number on the roll of labels and will update each time the packer presses packed button 15. The use of applied coded labels is similar to prior art practice, except that only one uniquely coded label is needed for each carton under this system to completely control the packing house operation in an improved and more cost effective manner.
The information put into the computer 22 from a foreman's station 36, together with the packer identification label placed each carton and the input from button 15, enables the system of this invention to completely control the packing process.
In the prior art, when up to three or four labels with various codes are placed on the carton, there is always the chance that the carton may be removed from the conveyor line prior to reaching the scanning device, thereby loosing all track of the packed carton.
In this invention, the packed boxes, bearing one coded label, pass from the packing unit 10 on a conveyor 14 to a scanner reading station 16. There is no way to prevent the removal of boxes from the conveyor prior to reaching the scanner 16, but the packer, having pressed button 15 with each box packed, will accurately record the number of boxes that should arrive at the scanner 16. If there is a discrepancy, the matter can be investigated at once and resolved between packer and management.
When the packer punches the packed button 15, it informs the computer 22 and its redundant computer 24 that a box has been packed and provides the coded information for the control computer 22. This information is now available for all future uses including carton printing, carton sortation and stacking, as well as sales and accounting information. It also monitors the number of boxes a particular person packs, the number of boxes per unit of time packed, and whether the packing rate per carton is generating enough earnings to guarantee minimum wage.
The packed box travels from the packing station to the scanning station by means of a conveyor system. Before the packed box arrives at the scanning and printing station, the packed box is conveyed onto a timing belt (not shown) which is moving at a rate of speed greater than the normal conveying system, thereby creating gaps between packed cartons. When the scanner sensor sensing a carton the scanner is turned on and all coded information on top of the carton is read. When the scanner senses the carton has passed, it turns off the scanner and transmits all coded information to the central computer 22. The central computer transmits information about the contents of the packed carton to the printing station. When the printing station senses the carton, the printing commences.
The central computer 22 also transmits information to the sortation computer 42 which determines the destination of the box in the sortation lineup.
In the prior art as known at this time, more than one code label must be placed on each box in order to guide the box through the system and provide information concerning the box. Accuracy depends upon careful placing of labels and even with four labels, the information is limited and is of limited usefulness for management reports and decision making.
The difference between the prior art and the present invention is greater than was expected when originally conceived. One outstanding example is ability to pack exactly the number of special order cartons required to fill an order. In the prior art, packers were requested to pack a specific number of cartons each to fill the special order. This required the use of a second counting device to enable the packers to pack the exact number of cartons required to fill the special order. The foreman did not know how many cartons had been packed for the special order until the cartons reached the scanner. If the packers packed the exact number of cartons required to fill the special order and the inspector or someone else did not remove any of the special order cartons from the conveyor prior to the time that the carton reached the scanner, then the number of cartons packed for the special order would equal the cartons specified in the special order.
However, in practice, the general outcome was to either have a few cartons too many or too few. The foreman then had to instruct the packers to pack additional cartons or the overage had to be removed from the sortation system. This practice was time-consuming and required a premium be placed on special orders.
With this invention, the foreman does not have to assign a specific number of cartons to a packer and therefor the second packing counter is not required. In fact, no foreman or packer intervention is required to fill special orders, thereby saving time and money.
Under this invention, special order quantities are entered into the central computing unit and when a carton meeting the specifications of the special order passes under the scanner the central computing unit assigns the carton to the special order and instructs the ink jet printer to print special order information on the carton.
When the requirements of the special order are met, the special order information is automatically removed from the central computing unit, therefor all special orders can now be filled electronically without human intervention, thereby increasing accuracy and decreasing effort, mistakes, and expense.
The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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The disclosure is made in a fruit packing house, but the concept is applicable to any packing where multiple units are packed into containers and moved from a packing station to a shipping destination. The system employs computer techniques to identify the packer, container type, contents and other managerial information, by use of a single readable code label placed on a container.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention, in general, relates to a herbal antiviral composition capable of curing hepatitis-B and other related viral diseases. More particularly, the present invention provides for a herbal composition comprising extract of plant Cyperus rotundus and/or plant Cyperus scariosus and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, methods of making the same, pharmaceutical formulations thereof and methods of treating acute and chronic hepatitis, hepato-cellular carcinomas and liver disorders due to infection by Hepatitis-B Virus (HBV) in humans using said natural herbal medicament.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] “Hepatitis” means “inflammation of the liver” and can be caused by a virus called Hepatitis B and more recently other subtypes C, D, E, F and G are reported to cause human hepatitis. Other types of infection (bacteria, fungal and TB), toxic drugs, poisons, alcoholism, vascular disorders and immune system diseases also cause hepatitis in humans.
[0003] It is estimated that 350 million people are infected with hepatitis-B virus worldwide. Around 50 million cases diagnosed annually. The carrier rate is as high as 20% in people from Asia and Africa. Hepatitis B is usually transmitted through blood transfusion, sexual contact, and saliva. It can be transmitted from infected mothers to newborn infants and become persistent HBV carriers. A chronic HBV infection can be entirely benign with normal liver blood tests (chronic carrier state) or may be an aggressive inflammation process that can lead to severe cirrhosis. The risk of liver cancer (hepatoma) is high in cirrhosis caused by HBV.
[0004] In the recent years, chemotherapy for hepatits and other liver disorders has witnessed tremendous activity and resulted into two FDA approved treatments for hepatitis B. The first drug Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) gives 20% lasting response in treated patients. A new drug, Lamivudine is under intense investigation with respect to its role in the management of Hepatitis B. According to Dienstag et al., Lamivudine mono therapy in hepatitis patients for one year had shown positive effect with respect to histology, virulence and biochemical features. Other drugs, which are under development, are Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys), Emtricitabine and Zadaxin (thymosin-alpha) etc.
[0005] There are many herbal compositions that have been developed for hepatoprotective and acute hepatitis diseases that comprises Andrographis paniculata, Phyllanthus amarus, Phyllanthus niruri, Eclipta alba, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Panax ginseng, Licorice Root, Piccrorhiza kurroa, Tinospora cordifolia and Cichorium intybus etc.
[0006] To overcome the challenges posed by hepatitis B and other subtype viral infections, major research activities have been directed at developing new pharmaceutical formulations, which are in turn aimed at developing a formulation to have antiviral property, anti HbsAg activity, hepatoprotective activity and immunomodulating activity. The recent research is also aimed at safe and effective treatments for Hepatitis B virus infections, hepato cellular carcinoma, and hepatoprotective and immunomodulation activities.
RELATED ART
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,570 to Thyagarajan et al. discloses a pharmaceutical formulation useful for the treatment of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other viral infections of the liver and a process for its preparation
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,819 to Lavie et al. discloses the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, comprising Hypericum perforatum extracts for the treatment of hepatitis.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,426,098 to Yang et al. discloses Herbal composition for hepatic disorders comprising Salvia miltiorrhiza and Polyporus umbellatus.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,350 to Hwang et al. teaches the process for preparing an anti-viral medicinal product from chinese herbal medicines.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,316 to Mehrotra et al. discloses a novel polyherbal composition for hepatoprotective activity and composition for treatment of conditions related to hepatitis B and E infection.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,072 to Zhou et al. discloses the composition that includes polysaccharides derived from mushroom viz. Maitake, Shiitake, Reishi, Poria, Cordyceps and Hericium for the treatment of viral infections of the liver.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,089 to Shawkat et al teaches the preparation of herbal mixture includes Ecballium elaterium in the form of nasal drops for the treatment of hepatitis.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,207 to Hakky et al discloses a herbal composition comprising Cyperus rotundus for the treatment of compromised immunodeficiency in humans.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is the principal aspect of the present invention to provide for the hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of the extracts of plant Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus scariosus alone or in combination thereof.,
[0016] In another aspect, the present invention discloses the efficacy of the extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus against hepatitis B virus.
[0017] In one another aspect, the present invention discloses the efficacy of the extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus against HIV virus.
[0018] In still another aspect, the present invention provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising herbal extract with pharmaceutically acceptable carrier wherein the herbal extract is prepared from the herbal plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus.
[0019] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for a pharmaceutical composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus or a pharmaceutical composition comprising said extract of said plants, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or otherwise.
[0020] In one another aspect, the present invention provides for determining the role of a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus in clearance of HBsAg in circulation and suppression of HBsAg production.
[0021] In still another aspect, the present invention provides for determining the role of a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus scariosus in inhibiting HBV-DNA polymerase enzyme which is required for the replication for the virus, thus acting as antiviral preventing the multiplication of virus itself.
[0022] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for determining the role of a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus scariosus in inhibiting Reverse Transcriptase enzyme, which is required for the initiation of HBV replication.
[0023] In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides for determining the role of a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus scariosus as hepatoprotective and anti hepatotoxic properties against the liver cell toxicity by hepatitis virus and other hepatotoxic agents.
[0024] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for determining the role of a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus as immunomodulator to potentiate the immune system of HBV infected patients towards viral clearance and protective antibody (anti HBs) responses.
[0025] In yet another aspect, the present invention discloses methods of treating hepatitis B patients using a medicament comprising therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus with pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0026] It is also an aspect of the present invention to develop a method of treating liver disorders including liver cirrhosis, hepato-cellular carcinomas.
[0027] In one another aspect, the present invention discloses methods of producing extracts from plant Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus.
[0028] In one preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural hepatitis B antiviral composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the extract of plant Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus, wherein the extract is prepared by all parts of said herb Cyperus rotundus and preferably its rhizomes/roots.
[0029] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural hepatitis B antiviral composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the extract of plants, Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus, wherein the extract is prepared by all parts of said herb Cyperus scariosus and preferably its rhizomes/roots.
[0030] In one another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural hepatitis B antiviral composition comprising methanolic extract of rhizomes/roots of plant Cyperus rotundus.
[0031] In one another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural hepatitis B antiviral composition comprising methanolic extract of rhizomes/roots of plant Cyperus scariosus.
[0032] In still another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural hepatitis B antiviral composition comprising an equi molar mixture of methanolic extract of rhizomes/roots of plant Cyperus rotundus and rhizomes/roots of Cyperus scariosus.
[0033] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method of extraction of plant materials Cyperus rotundus and/or, Cyperus scariosus with organic solvents for example n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, alcohol, methanol and water etc.
[0034] In yet another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method of screening crude extracts of plant material Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus scariosus for HbsAg suppression and methanol extract of Cyperus rotundus being most active with 94.19% of suppression activity followed by alcohol extract of Cyperous rotundus with 90% suppression activity.
[0035] In still another preferred embodiment, there is provided a detailed study of chemical and biological efficacy of methanol extract of Cyperus rotundus in Hepatitis B viral infections and other liver disorders.
[0036] In one another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method of obtaining the active fraction of methanol extract of plant Cyperus rotundus by subjecting the extract to bioassay-guided fractionation employing hexane soluble fraction (J-1), dichloromethane soluble fraction (J-2), ethyl acetate soluble fraction (J-3), methanol soluble fraction (J-4) and water-soluble fraction (J-5).
[0037] In yet another preferred embodiment, there is provided a screening of bioassay guided fractions and ethyl acetate soluble fraction (J-3) being most active with 98% of HbsAg suppression followed by methanol soluble fraction (J-4) with 64% of suppression.
[0038] In still yet another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method of purifying the active fraction (J-3) by column chromatography over silicagel with gradient elution of dichloromethane, ethylacetate and methanol resulting into two most active purified fractions eluted with 25% ethyl acetate in dichloromethane fraction (J-8) with 84% suppression activity and 50% ethyl acetate in dichloromethane fraction (J-9) being the most as 98% suppression activity.
[0039] In yet another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural antiviral composition for use in the treatment of Hepatitis B virus comprising a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plant Cyperus rotundus comprising Alkaloids, Bitters, Glycosidic compounds, Tannins, Fixed oils, Procyanidins, Anthraquinone glycosides, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, Terpenoid glycosides and amino acids as active constituents.
[0040] In yet another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural antiviral composition for use in the treatment Hepatitis B virus comprising a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plant Cyperus scariosus comprising Alkaloids, Bitters, Glycosidic compounds, Tannins, Fixed oils, Procyanidins, Anthraquinone glycosides, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, Terpenoid glycosides and amino acids as active constituents.
[0041] In yet another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural antiviral composition against Hepatitis B virus containing a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier wherein the composition is in an oral dosage form.
[0042] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural antiviral composition against Hepatitis B virus comprising making syrup containing a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus in an amount of 50 mg to 500 mg and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers comprising Sugar D 30 (3.4 to 3.75 gm), Citric acid (0.01 to 0.02 mg), Methyl paraben sodium (0.01 mg), Propyl paraben sodium (0.0025 mg), Strawberry flavor (0.005 mg) and DM Water (Qs) per 5 ml of dosage form.
[0043] In yet another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural antiviral composition against Hepatitis B virus comprising making granules containing a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus in an amount of 50 to 500 mg and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers comprising Microcrystalline cellulose (100 to 450 mg), P.G. Starch (about 50 mg), Lactose (50 to 300 mg), Dibasic calcium phosphate (50 to 250 mg), DM Water (Qs) per 300 to 900 mg of dosage form.
[0044] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural pharmaceutical composition comprising granules (500 to 900 mg) as per paragraph [0047] and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients comprising Sodium starch glycolate (about 30 mg), Calcium carbonate (about 14 mg), Cabosil M5 (about 3 mg) and Magnesium stearate (about 3 mg) for further compression to obtain tablets.
[0045] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural pharmaceutical composition comprising granules (300 to 500 mg) as per paragraph [0047] and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients comprising Cabosil MS (about 2 mg) and Magnesium stearate (about 3 mg) for further filling in capsules.
[0046] In one another preferred embodiment, there is provided a delivery system containing natural antiviral composition against Hepatitis B virus wherein the delivery system comprises tablets, capsules, pills, granules and syrups, powders, concentrates, dry syrups etc.
[0047] In yet another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural antiviral composition against Hepatitis B virus comprising a potency equivalent of the extract ranging from about 5 mg to about 2000 mg.
[0048] In still a preferred embodiment, there is provided a method of treating Hepatitis by administering to a patient a natural antiviral composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of extracts of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or otherwise.
[0049] In still another preferred embodiment, there is provided a natural antiviral composition, wherein the composition is used for inhibiting cell growth, suppression of production of HbsAg, inhibition of reverse transcriptase enzyme, destabilization of viral RNA in the cell, stimulation of the immune system by the way of macrophage activation, proinflammatory cytokine production and Nitric oxide production and reverse oxidative damage by TBH and complete protection to the hepatocytes.
[0050] In still another preferred embodiment, there is provided a process for obtaining a natural antiviral composition against Hepatitis B virus, the process comprising extracting Cyperus rotundus rhizomes by percolation, filtering the plant extract, concentrating the plant extract to dryness on rotatory evaporator or on steam bath at optimum temperature and producing a herbal composition comprising the said dry extract and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0051] In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process for preparation of a novel herbal composition. The method comprising, extracting plant extract from Cyperus rotundus rhizomes by hot soxhalation, filtering the plant extract, concentrating the plant extract to dryness on rotatory evaporator or on steam bath at optimum temperature and producing a herbal composition employing the said dry extract and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0052] In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process for preparation of a novel herbal composition. The method comprising extracting plant extract from Cyperus scariosus rhizomes by percolation, filtering the plant extract, concentrating the plant extract to dryness on rotatory evaporator or on steam bath at optimum temperature and producing a herbal composition employing the said dry extract and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0053] In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process for preparation of a novel herbal composition. The method comprising extracting plant extract from Cyperus scariosus by hot soxhalation, filtering the plant extract, concentrating the plant extract to dryness on rotatory evaporator or on steam bath at optimum temperature and producing a herbal composition employing the said dry extract and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] Further objects of the present invention together with additional features contributing thereto and advantages accruing there from will be apparent from the description of preferred embodiments of the present invention which are shown in the accompanying drawing figures.
[0055] FIG. 1 HepG2.2.2.15 cells showing complete elimination of HBV specific DNA fragment following 12 days of incubation with CY 23 Lane 1 control shows amplification of 523 bp; Lane 2 shows partial elimination following 6 days of incubation with Cy 23; Lane 3 marker; and Lane 4 shows complete elimination viral DNA fragment (no amplification) following 12 days of incubation with Cy 23
[0056] FIG. 2 PCR of restrict digested DNA samples from Liver tissues of wild ducks run on 2% agarose gel, Lane 1-7: Clinical samples (Liver) showing amplification of 1192 bp ccc DNA specific to duck hepatitis B virus; Lane 8: DNA marker-Phi. X 174 DNA-Hind III Digest
[0057] FIG. 3 Agarose gel showing PCR amplification 1192 bp fragment of cccDNA specific to DHBV (lane 2).
[0058] FIG. 4 Agarose gel showing PCR amplification 1192 bp fragment of cccDNA specific to DHBV (lane 2) against DHBV negative samples, which do not show any amplification (Lane 3, 4 and 5).
[0059] FIG. 5 Agarose gel showing PCR amplification 1192 bp fragment of cccDNA specific to DHBV (lane 2) in the positive control group where as no amplification was seen in lane 1 (Normal Control) and Lane 3 (Cy 23 treated). Lane 4 is the DNA marker.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] The present invention involves the selection and identification of the herbs and obtaining the extract by subjecting the same to solvent extraction. The bioassay guided fractionation of the extract to identify the active markers or active fraction and to develop effective and safe composition for the use in human beings and animals in Hepatitis B and all kinds of liver disorders and hepato carcinoma patients.
[0061] Cyperus rotundus Linn a pestiferous perennial weed with dark green glabrous culms, 0.5-2 ft. high, arises from a system of underground tubers. It is found throughout India up to an elevation of 6,000 ft. The plant has an elaborate underground system consisting of tubers, rhizomes and roots. The tubers are white and succulent when young, and hard and black when mature. (Nambiyar, Madras agric. J., 1944, 32,47). The tubers of the plant have an aromatic odour. It is reported to contain mainly terpenoids along with few saponins and alkaloids. Around 20 sesquiterpenoids have been isolated from C. rotundus. (Biol. Pharma. Bull. 25(1), 128-30 (2002).
[0062] The tubers are said to be diaphoretic and astringent, and in indigenous medicine they are given for disorders of the stomach and irritation of the bowels. The roots have been reported for emmenagogue, sedative, antispasmodic, demulcent and hemostatic and uterine disorders. It is tonic, stomachic, expectorant, diuretic, antifibrile, decongestant and antirheumatic. (Wealth of India, Raw Materials, Vol. 11, C.S.I.R., Delhi, 1950.) The root extract of C. rotundus possess tranquilizing activity and it had also shown smooth muscle relaxant activity on rabbit ileum. It also showed significant antipyretic and antiinflammatory activities. (Indian J. Med. Res. 1970, 58, 103).
[0063] Cyperus scariosus delicate, slender sedge, met with in damp places in Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and eastern and southern parts of India. The plant produces deep brown tubers with aromatic odour, which are used for the same purposes as the tubers of C. rotundus. The tubers are used in perfumery. They are tonic, stomachic and are considered stimulant for the heart (Caius, J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc., 1935.38167).
EXAMPLE 1
[0000] Preparation of Extract from Cyperus rotundus by Percolation Method:
[0064] The shade dried material of tubers/rhizomes/roots of Cyperus rotundus was pulverized to coarse powder and about 1 Kg each of powdered material placed in different flasks and extracted with n-hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, water, chloroform and methanol (1:1), methanol and water (1:1) and ethyl alcohol and water (1:1) at room temperature for 24 h to 48 h., then plant extracts were filtered and concentrated to dryness on rotatory evaporator or on steam bath at optimum temperature and under reduced pressure.
EXAMPLE 2
[0000] Preparation of Extract from Cyperus rotundus by Hot-Soxlation Method:
[0065] The coarse powdered material of tubers/roots/rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus was subjected to hot-soxlation using solvents n-hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, water, chloroform and methanol (1:1), methanol and water (1:1) and ethyl alcohol and water (1:1) at optimum temperature and recycled until extraction is completed, then plant extracts were filtered and concentrated to dryness on rotatory evaporator or on steam bath at optimum temperature.
[0066] All extracts such as n-hexane extract (CR-1), dichloromethane extract (CR-2), chloroform extract (CR-3), ethyl acetate extract (CR-4), acetone extract (CR-5), ethanol extract (CR-6), methanol extract (CR-7), water extract (CR-8), choloroform:methanol (1:1) extract (CR-9), methanol:water (1:1) extract (CR-10) and ethanol:water (1:1) extract (CR-11) prepared from the tubers/rhizomes/roots of Cyperus rotundus by using percolation method or hot-soxlation method were subjected to HPTLC (High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography) and HPLC (High performance Liquid chromatography) in various mobile phases on precoated TLC plates (Merck) and ODS column for qualitative and quantitative estimation of marker compounds and active principles. It was found that the extracts CR-1 to CR-11 were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to each other.
EXAMPLE 3
[0000] Preparation of Extract from Cyperus scariosus by Percolation Method:
[0067] The shade dried material of tubers/rhizomes/roots of Cyperus scariosus were pulverized to coarse powder and about 1 Kg of powdered material was placed in different flasks and extracted with n-hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, water, chloroform and methanol (1:1), methanol and water (1:1) and ethanol and water (1:1) at room temperature for 24 h to 48 h, then plant extract were filtered and concentrated the filtered plant extract to dryness on rotatory evaporator or on steam bath at optimum temperature and under reduced pressure.
EXAMPLE 4
[0000] Preparation of Extract from Cyperus scariosus by Hot-Soxlation Method:
[0068] The coarse powdered material of tubers/rhizomes/roots of Cyperus scariosus was subjected to hot-soxlation using solvents n-hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, water, chloroform and methanol (1:1), methanol and water (1:1) and ethyl alcohol and water (1:1) at optimum temperature and recycled until extraction is completed, then plant extract were filtered and concentrated the filtered plant extract to dryness on rotatory evaporator or on steam bath at optimum temperature.
[0069] All extracts such as n-hexane extract (CS-1), dichloromethane extract (CS-2), chloroform extract (CS-3), ethyl acetate extract (CS-4), acetone extract (CS-5), ethanol extract (CS-6), methanol extract (CS-7), water extract (CS-8), choloroform:methanol (1:1) extract (CS-9), methanol:water (1:1) extract (CS-10) and ethanol: water (1:1) extract (CS-11) prepared from the tubers/roots/rhizomes of Cyperus scariosus by using percolation method or hot-soxlation method were subjected to HPTLC (High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography) and HPLC (High performance Liquid chromatography) in various mobile phases on precoated TLC plates (Merck) and ODS column for qualitative and quantitative estimation of marker compounds and active principles. It was found that the extracts CS-1 to CS-11 were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to each other.
EXAMPLE 5
[0000] Screening of Plant Extracts for HBsAg Suppression Activity:
[0070] The extracts CR-1 to CR-11 and CS-1 to CS-11 were subjected to biological screening in PLC/PRF/5 cells for invitro HBsAg suppression activity. These cells were maintained in DMEM supplemented with 10% Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) and antibiotics (100 IU/ml of penicillin and 100 μg/ml of streptomycin) till they achieved 80% confluence in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO 2 at 37° C. The cultures were massaged by trypsinization upon confluence on a regular basis.
[0071] The stock solutions of the plant extracts CR-1 to CR-11 and CS-1 to CS-11 (50 mg/ml) were prepared in Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) or in water as per the solvent specification. The working solutions of the plant extracts (10 mg/ml) were prepared in serum free Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) and filter sterilized.
[0072] For assaying the effect of the extract on HBsAg expression, cells were seeded into a 96-well tissue culture plate at a density of 5×10 4 cells per well and incubated for 24 h. The cells were then washed twice with incomplete medium and incubated with various concentrations of extracts in serum-free DMEM for 24 h Culture supernatants were then collected and HBsAg in culture medium was measured by an ELISA system. The levels of HBsAg suppression in the treatment and in the control groups were recorded.
[0073] The results of HbsAg suppression activity of various extracts are summarized in Table-1
TABLE 1 Suppression of HbsAg Extract Suppression of HbsAg (%) Extract (%) Control 0.00 Control 0.00 CR-1 0.00 CS-1 0.00 CR-2 0.00 CS-2 0.00 CR-3 0.00 CS-3 0.00 CR-4 0.00 CS-4 0.00 CR-5 20.50 CS-5 16.50 CR-6 90.08 CS-6 79.50 CR-7 94.19 CS-7 85.35 CR-8 20.90 CS-8 24.50 CR-9 17.80 CS-9 16.25 CR-10 12.50 CS-10 14.50 CR-11 32.14 CS-11 28.74
[0074] Among all 22 extracts screened for the suppression of HBsAg activity, the methanol extract (CR-7), ethanol extract (CR-6) of Cyperus rotundus and the methanol extract (CS-7) and ethanol extract (CS-6) of Cyperus scariosus were shown promising activity. In order to study the detailed mechanism of action and efficacy of the extract in Hepatitis B patients, the most active extract i.e. CR-7 from Cyperus rotundus was taken up for further evaluation and hereafter CR-7 is recoded as CY-23.
EXAMPLE 6
[0000] Screening of CY-23 the Cell Models PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2.2.2.15 Cells
[0075] The plant extract CY-23 effectively suppressed the production of HBsAg in both the cell models studied namely, PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2.2.2.15 cells. CY-23 was able to suppress the surface antigen production in a dose dependent manner. A concentration of 200 μg/ml was found to be ideal for the extract to suppress the HBsAg production to the extent of 95% in PLC/PRF/5 cells and to the extent of 85% in Hep.G2.2.2.15 cells. The details on the level of suppression are presented in the table 2 and 3 below.
TABLE 2 Level of Concentration Suppression (%) (ug) CY-23 Control 200 95 0 100 85 0
[0076]
TABLE 3
Level of
Concentration
Suppression (%)
(ug)
CY-23
Control
200
85
0
100
64
0
EXAMPLE 7
[0000] Bioassay Guided Fractionation of CY-23
[0077] The extract CY-23 is subjected to bioassay guided fractionation in to hexane soluble fraction (J-1), dichloromethane soluble fraction (J-2), ethyl acetate soluble fraction (J-3), methanol soluble fraction (J-4) and water-soluble fraction (J-5). All these fractions J-1 to J-5 subjected to HbsAg suppression activity on PLC/PRF/5 cell lines. The results are summarized in the table-4
TABLE 4 Suppression Fraction No. (%) Control 0 J-1 0 J-2 14 J-3 98 J-4 64 J-5 13
EXAMPLE 8
[0000] Characterization and Purification of Active Fraction J-3
[0078] The active fraction J-3 subjected to HPTLC over precoated silica gel plates (Merck) and run in different mobile phases. The plates were air dried and sprayed with Anisaldehyde-Sulphuric acid reagent to visualize spots. Fraction J-3 also subjected to chemical identification tests using in house methods to identify the principle active compounds and markers. The fraction J-3 mainly comprises flavonoids, terpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, anthraquinones, glycosidic compounds, procyanidins, bitters, tannins and fixed oil. The active fraction J-3 was subjected to column chromatography over silica gel and eluted with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol with increasing polarity to yield 8 semi purified fractions, J-6 to J-13. All these fractions (J-6 to J-13) were screened for HBsAg suppression activity in PLC/PRF/5 cell line at 100-ug/ml concentration and results are given in table-5.
TABLE 5 Fraction No. Suppression (%) Control 0 J-6 1 J-7 20 J-8 84 J-9 98 J-10 74 J-11 22 J-12 13 J-13 38
[0079] The most active fraction J-9 with 98% suppression activity was shown positive test for terpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarines, aurones, phenolics and their corresponding glycosides etc. The active fraction J-9 also subjected to HPLC for marker identification on ODS column in mobile phase of Solvent A (0.05% Orthophosphoric acid in Methanol) and Solvent B (0.05% Orthophosphoric acid in Water) and detected in PDA detector.
EXAMPLE 9
[0000] Chemical Identification of Active Marker Compounds in CY-23:
[0080] The active extract CY-23 was subjected to various chemical test to identify marker compounds present in the, extract. The identification of these marker compounds helps in standardization of the active extract for various biological test and clinical trial and commercial production of the drug. The main constituents of CY-23 are terpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, anthraquinones, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, bitters, procyanidins, glycosidic compounds and fixed oils etc.
EXAMPLE 10
[0000] Down Regulation of Surface Antigen and Elimination of Hepatitis B Virus by Extract CY23
[0081] Infection by Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) frequently results in acute and chronic hepatitis and is also associated with a high risk of developing primary hepato-cellular carcinomas in humans. Although immunization against HBV has been effective in preventing chronic infections, effective drugs to eradicate HBV in chronic carriers are still not available, so an extended search is necessary for newer drugs. The species specificity in the infectivity of HBV makes it difficult to evaluate a putative anti-HBV agent using animal models. Close resemblance of Duck Hepatitis B Virus (DHBV), with the human hepatitis B virus has made it possible to evaluate the efficacy of the anti-HBV agents in ducks infected with DHBV. Thus, Duck model studies are considered to be ideal for evaluating such effects. Further, cell culture systems provide an alternative to in vivo models and permit screening of large number of potential anti-HBV agents.
[0082] In the present study, surface antigen suppression and HBV virus elimination activities of herbal extract CY-23 were examined using two hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expressing human hepato-cellular carcinoma cell lines, PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2.2.215. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for study of amplification of DNA specific to HBV, Reverse transcriptase inhibition assay, immunomodulatory effects and Hepatoprotective ability against oxidative damage to hepatocytes were some of the other studies performed to evaluate the efficacy of the plant extract.
[0083] An effort was also made to isolate the Duck Hepatitis B Virus from the clinical samples received from the wild ducks. The efficacy of the plant extract to eliminate the DHBV was assessed in experimentally infected Pekin ducks in a duck model study.
EXAMPLE 11
[0000] Cell Viability Assay
[0084] After removal of the culture supernatants, MTT assay was performed to assess the viability of cells. In brief, 80 μl of serum free medium with 20 μl of MTT (5 mg/ml in phosphate buffered-saline) were added to each well and the plate was incubated at 37° C. for 4 h. Then, 100 μl of 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate (in 0.01 N HCl) was added and the plate was incubated again overnight at 37° C. in a 5% CO 2 incubator to solubilize the formazan crystals. The plates were read on a micro plate reader using a reference wavelength of 690 nm and a test wavelength of 540 nm.
EXAMPLE 12
[0000] Assay for HBsAg Binding Activity
[0085] Serial dilutions of the extracts were mixed with an equal volume of sera positive for HBsAg and the mixture was incubated for 2 h at 37° C. The mixture was then assayed directly for HBsAg using an ELISA kit.
EXAMPLE 13
[0000] HBV Virus Elimination
[0086] In this experiment the ability of the plant extracts to eliminate the HBV virus particles was examined. Hepatitis B virus transfected HepG2.2.2.15 cells were incubated with the plant extract prepared in serum free DMEM for 12 days at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO 2 . The cells were given media change with or without the plant extract on every third day. On day 12, the cells were trypsinized and DNA was isolated. The viral DNA extraction was carried out by treating the cells with 200 μl of 5M guanidine-thiocyanate, 50 mM Tris HCl (pH 7.5), 10 mM EDTA, 0.3 M 2-mercaptoethanol and 2% SDS. The mixture was heated to 65° C. for 2 minutes and cooled. The nucleic acids were then phenol chloroform extracted. The extracts were treated with 1/10 th volume of 3 M sodium acetate and 2.5 volume of isopropanol and were incubated at −20° C. for 1 hour. The pellets were re-suspended in 1× TE (10 mM Tris, 0.1 mM EDTA, pH.8), treated with the Proteinase K (20 mg/ml) and RNAse (5 mg/ml) incubated for 1 hour at 37° C. The DNA was finally extracted by ethanol precipitation.
EXAMPLE 14
[0000] DNA-Specific HBV PCR
[0087] The DNA was amplified using primers (300 ng), dNTPs (100 μM each), Taq polymerase (5 units) and MgCl2 (2.5 mM). The PCR program (MJ Research PTC-100, USA) included 1 cycle of 5 min at 94° C., 30 cycles of (30 s at 94° C., 50 s at 53° C. and 150 s. at 72° C.) and one cycle of 5 min. at 72° C. The primers were forward primer (5′-CTG TGG AGT TAC TCT CGT TTT TGC-3′) and backward primer (5′-CTA ACA TTG AGA TTC CCG AGA TTG-3′) as reported by Ying and others. The amplified product of 523 bp a fragment in the core gene of HBV genome was visualized by ethidium bromide (Sigma, U.S.A) staining on an agarose gel (2%) by electrophoresis and documented (Pharmacia Biotech, Image Master VDS)
EXAMPLE 15
[0000] RT Assay
[0088] Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme responsible for reverse transcription of viral DNA from RNA and thus help in the production of virion and the surface antigens. The plant extract was assessed for its ability to inhibit the RT activity. The procedure in brief involved incubation of the extracts directly with the RT and assess its ability to synthesize DNA from the dNTPs provided in the medium. The newly synthesized DNA was then conjugated with the help of DIG labeled complementary DNA strand and the intensity of color produced further to addition of substrate was measured with the help of an ELISA reader.
EXAMPLE 16
[0000] Immunomodulatory Effects
[0089] The immunomodulatory activity of Cy 23 was assessed in cell line models using mouse macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) and in mouse fibroblast cells (L929).
EXAMPLE 17
[0000] Assay for Immunostimulatory Effects
[0090] Mouse macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells were plated at a cell density of 1×10 5 cells/well in a 96 well micro titer plate. After 24 h of incubation they were treated with filtered extract (200 μg/ml), Lip polysaccharide (1 μg/ml) or media and incubated for a further period of 18-24 h. The supernatants as such or diluted ( 1/10 th or 1/20 th ) were transferred to pre-incubated (24 hrs) L929 cells (4×10 4 cells per well). Prior to addition of the supernatant the cells were sensitized with 50 μl of Actinomycin-D (0.33% prepared in DMEM). After 24 h of incubation, 20 μl of MTT (5 mg/ml) and 4 hour later 100 ul of SDS (10%) were added to dissolve the formosan granules to estimate the cell viability following the transfer of supernatant from the RAW cells. The viability of RAW 264.7 cells (an indicator of extract toxicity) was estimated by adding MTT after the transfer of its supernatant to L929 cells.
EXAMPLE 18
[0000] Nitric Oxide (NO) Estimation
[0091] Macrophages are part of immune system (innate immunity) which phagocytose the intruder organism and kill them by release of toxic Nitric Oxide (NO). In this experiment, the ability of the plant extract to stimulate the macrophages for NO production was measured as nitrite released from mouse macrophage cells. Mouse macrophage cells were plated in 96-well culture plates (1×10 5 cells/well) and incubated for 24 h at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2/95% air. The spent media from each well was aspirated and replenished with fresh media and further incubated for 48 h with desired concentration of extract in presence or in absence of Lip polysaccharide (LPS 1 ug/ml). NO production in the supernatant was measured by micro plate assay. Cell supernatant was mixed with an equal volume of the Griess reagent (1% sulfanilamide and 0.1% N-[napthyl]ethylenediamine dihydrochloride in 2.5% H 3 PO4) at room temperature for 10 min. The absorbance at 540 nm was determined in a micro titer plate reader. Nitric oxide estimation was carried out using standard curve plotted against known quantity of sodium nitroprusside. Results presented are in μM concentration obtained from mean OD of triplicate wells of each group.
EXAMPLE 19
[0000] Hepatoprotective Effects of CY 23 (In vitro)
[0092] The hepato-protective ability of Cy 23 against oxidative damage to the liver cells was evaluated in HepG2 cells. These cells were plated at a cell density of 50000 cells per well in a 96 well micro-titer plate in DMEM supplemented with 10% FCS and incubated for 24 hours in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO 2 and 95% air. The cells were then challenged with various concentrations of 10 mM TBH (Tertiary Butyl Hydro peroxide). The oxidative damages to the liver cells in presence and in the absence of Cy 23 were measured by MTT assay. The absorbance recorded at 540 nm was converted to the percent toxicity in each group.
EXAMPLE 20
[0000] Hepatoprotective Effects of Cy 23 (In vivo)
[0093] The Hepatoprotective ability of the Cy 23 was studied in experimental animal model. The study was conducted Wister rats against the hepatotoxic agents like Carbon tetra chloride (CCl 4 -ml/kg body weight), Thioacetamide (100 mg/kg b. wt) and paracetamol (2060 mg/kg b. wt). The animals were divided into three (3) groups viz. normal control, positive control and group treated with cy 23 for 7 days followed by single dose of hepato-toxic agent (n=6). The serum enzyme levels were estimated for assessment of protection offered by Cy 23. Other parameters relevant to the study were also estimated.
EXAMPLE 21
[0000] In vivo Duck Model Study
[0094] Ducks are considered to be ideal animal model for screening and evaluating the efficacy of antiviral agents against DHBV, which has a close resemblance with the human hepatitis B virus. As such anti DHBV agent could also be equally putative in combating the hepatitis on account of hepatitis B virus in human beings.
EXAMPLE 22
[0000] Duck Hepatitis B Virus Isolation
[0095] In the present investigation, clinical samples of wild ducks were received from the various parts of Southern India. Samples were preserved under cold conditions till it is processed. The viral DNA extraction was carried out using 200 μl of homogenized sample treated with 0.75 ml of 5M guanidine-thiocyanate, 50 mM Tris HCl (pH 7.5), 10 mM EDTA, 0.3 M 2-mercaptoethanol and 2% SDS. The mixture was heated to 65° C. for 2 minutes and cooled. The nucleic acids were then phenol chloroform extracted. The extracts were treated with 1/10 th volume of 3 M Sodium acetate and 2.5 volume of isopropanol and were incubated at −20° C. for 1 hour. The pellets were re-suspended in 1× TE (10 mM Tris, 0.1 mM EDTA, pH.8), treated with the Proteinase K (20 mg/ml) and RNAse (5 mg/ml) incubated for 1 hour at 37° C. The cccDNA was finally extracted by ethanol precipitation and restrict digested with EcoRI.
EXAMPLE 23
[0000] cccDNA-Specific DHBV PCR
[0096] The Eco R1 digested cccDNA was amplified using primers, dNTPs (250 μM each), Taq polymerase (and MgCl2 (2.5 mM). The PCR program (MJ Research PTC-100, USA) included 1 cycle of 5 min at 94° C., 30 cycles of (30 s at 94° C., 50 s at 53° C. and 150 s. at 72° C.) and one cycle of 5 min. at 72° C. The primers were forward primer 2771 (5′-GAA TCT GAT TTC CAA TA-3′) and backward primer 1579 (5′-ACG GGT CTA CTA TTT TA-3′) The amplified product of 1192 bp was visualized by ethidium bromide staining on an agarose gel (2%) by electrophoresis and documented. The positive samples were identified and were as used for experimentally infecting the ducks in future studies.
[0000] Experimental Induction of DHBV Infection in Pekin Ducks
[0097] This study was conducted to experimentally induce the DHBV infection in pekin ducks. Day old ducklings were infected with the DHBV virus isolated from the wild ducks earlier and the onset of viremia was confirmed by PCR amplification cccDNA fragment of viral genome from the liver biopsy samples collected from the birds.
[0098] Ten (10) day old pekin ducklings inducted from the Central Duck Breeding Farm Hesarghatta, Bangalore. India were divided into two groups of 5 each control and treatment respectively. The ducklings identified by leg bands birds received all the humane care and management practices as per standard rearing practices prescribed.
EXAMPLE 24
[0000] DHBV Inoculation DNA Isolation and PCR
[0099] On Day 3, five ducks injected 200 ul of 1/1000 th dilution of the Duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) isolated earlier from the wild ducks. On Day 15, the ducks were secured, anaesthetized and sacrificed by severing the jugular vein. The visceral organ liver was collected DNA was isolated. The DHBV specific viral DNA was amplified by PCR and viral specific DNA band was visualized and documented.
EXAMPLE 25
[0000] Antiviral Properties of Cy 23
[0100] This study was conducted in Pekin ducks. Thirty-day-old pekin ducklings were inducted in this study. They were divided in to three groups v.i.z. control, positive control (DHBV infected) and treatment (DHBV infected plus Cy 23 administered) often (10) each. The control group received the oral doses of saline for 12 weeks where as the positive control group received a single injection of 200 ul of DHBV viral culture i.p. isolated from wild ducks earlier in our laboratory. Treatment group received a dose of virus as in the positive group followed by CY-23 orally at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight daily for 12 weeks. Birds of all the groups were subjected for liver biopsy on Day 15 to confirm and demonstrate the presence of DHBV infection. At the end of 12 weeks ducks of all the groups were anaesthetized and sacrificed. The liver along with the other visceral organs was collected for various studies.
RESULTS
[0000] Cell Viability
[0101] Cell viability assay conducted in the PLC/PRF5 and Hep.G2.2.15 cells indicated that the extract was not toxic to the cell lines at various concentrations tested. The cells resumed normal growth after re-plating them into fresh medium.
[0000] Assay for Interference
[0102] Assay for direct binding of HBsAg with the extract showed that the plant extract did not interfere with the enzyme immunoassay of HBsAg determination. Also, HBsAg was found to be less in lysates (in 1% Triton X-100) of the cells incubated with the extract as compared to lysates of control cells.
[0000] HBV Specific DNA PCR
[0103] The polymerase chain reaction of the DNA extracted from the Hep.G2.2.15 cells continuously treated with the plant extract CY-23 for 12 days indicated the elimination of HBV viral particles from the treated hepatocytes. After 30 cycles of PCR, the treated group did not show amplification of the viral band however the control group showed amplification of a strong viral band ( FIG. 1 ).
[0000] Assay for Immunostimulatory Effects
[0104] The assay conducted in the cell lines indicated that the supernatant of the macrophage cells were able to elucidate more than 50% death in the ACD sensitized L929 cells comparable to the levels in LPS group. The control group however did not exhibit the same level of damage. Further, MTT results of macrophage cells indicated that the plant extract was not toxic to the cells. Hence the death in L929 cells following the transfer of supernatant from RAW cells was not on account of plant extract toxicity but due to the cytokines released from the activated macrophages. The death of L929 cells indicates that the plant extract was able to stimulate the macrophage to produce the pro-inflammatory cytokines mainly TNF.
TABLE 6 Groups Survival (%) Control 100 CY-23 49.33
[0105] This experiment indicated that the macrophages were activated by the plant extract to produce nitric oxide to the levels comparable to LPS group, indicating that the plant extract was able to stimulate the innate immune system of the body and thus help preventing the invading organisms.
TABLE 7 Groups NO(μM) NO(μM) Control 2370.75 2291 CY-23 3176.75 3233.5 CY-23 + LPS 3784.5 3654
Reverse Transcriptase Assay
[0106] The RT assay indicated that the extract was able to inhibit the reverse transcriptase activity to the extent of 63%.
TABLE 8 Groups Inhibition (%) Positive 0 CY-23 63
Hepatoprotective Ability of CY-23
[0107] The experiment conducted in Hep.G2 cells revealed that the plant extract CY-23 was able to revere oxidative damage caused by TBH and offered complete protection to the hepatocytes. The death rate in the TBH treated group was 47.47% while addition of CY-23 to TBH completely protected the cells indicating its Hepatoprotective ability as in the group treated with CY-23 alone or the normal control.
TABLE 9 Groups Toxicity (%) Survival (%) Control Nil 100 TBH 47.47 52.53 CY-23 Nil 100 CY-23 + TBH Nil 100
In vivo Duck Model Study
DHBV Virus Isolation
[0108] The PCR amplification of DNA isolated from the liver homogenate samples showed amplification of DHBV specific viral genome in 7 samples illustrated in FIG. 2 and table-10 as below.
TABLE 10 Number of Samples Screened 54 Samples showed PCR amplification 07 Samples showed No. amplification 47
Experimental Induction of DHBV in Pekin Ducks
[0109] All the five ducklings which received the i.p injection of pooled DHBV expressing liver homogenate, showed the DHBV infection. This was confirmed by the PCR amplification of the DHBV specific viral genome in the DNA isolated from the liver cells 15 after the injection of infective dose ( FIG. 3 ).
[0000] Antiviral Properties of CY-23
[0110] The antiviral property of CY-23 was assessed based on its ability to eliminate the viral particles from the concomitantly infected ducks. Ducklings challenged with DHBV on Day 3 and simultaneously administered with CY-23 orally at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight daily for 12 weeks completely eliminated the virus from the infected birds. The birds were tested positive for DHBV infection on Day 15 by PCR for DHBV specific viral DNA amplification in liver biopsy samples ( FIGS. 4&5 ).
[0111] PLC/PRF/5 cells contain at least six hepatitis B viral genomes integrated into high-molecular-weight host DNA. But it produces and secretes only sAg and does not produce hepatitis B core Ag, the cryptic HBeAg or free virus particles 8 . HepG2/A2 is a clonal derivative of the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 6 , which was transfected with tandemly arranged HBV DNA. The viral DNA has been integrated into a cellular chromosome and was stably maintained. These cell lines, considered a model for persistently HBV-infected livers 9 were used in the present study to evaluate the effect of these Hepatoprotective herbs in suppressing HBsAg expression in cell culture.
[0112] In this study, we have observed that the extract suppresses the production of HBsAg in two human hepatic carcinoma cells, PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2.2.15. The absence of cyto-toxicity at the concentrations tested indicates that decrease in HBsAg is not due to adverse effect of the drug on cell viability. The extract itself was found not to interfere with the enzyme immunoassay of HBsAg estimation when incubated with HBsAg positive serum. Studies on cell lysates have detected comparatively lower amounts of HBsAg in the treated cells, suggesting that the extract did not block the secretion process of HBsAg from the cell membrane in the cell lines, but down-regulates the expression of the antigen.
[0113] Our investigation thus indicates that the extracts could reversibly inhibit cell growth and suppress HBsAg expression in both of the human hepato-cellular carcinoma cell line models. Since the above studies rule out the direct interaction of the substance with the antigen the mode of action of these hepato-protective herbs might be (a) direct suppression of promoter activity of HBsAg gene, or (b) blockage of the enhancer activity of viral enhancer I or II, or (c) direct destabilization of the viral RNA in the cells. Further, it can be hypothesized that the suppression of the HBsAg along with the elimination of HBV viral particles following the treatment with the extract is on account of the inhibition of reverse transcriptase activity.
[0114] The extract CY-23 was also, found to be stimulating the immune system by way of macrophage activation, proinflammtory cytokine production and Nitric oxide production. These properties will possibly help in preventing the re-infection of hepatocytes by viral particles and help in eliminating the pathogen. The reversal of oxidative damage due to TBH in presence of CY 23 is an evidence of the Hepatoprotective ability of the plant extract.
[0115] All hepadnaviruses replicate their DNA genome through an mRNA intermediate the progenome RNA (pgRNA) by reverse transcription carried out by virally encoded reverse transcriptase (RT)). The understanding of hepatitis infection due to DHBV in ducks, which has structural similarity to HBV of humans, has made use of the duck as a suitable model to study human hepatitis B virus. Experimentally, DHBV has been useful in the study of molecular virology, pathogenesis and in the treatment of hepadnaviruses infection. Studies of DHBV infection in vitro and in Pekin ducks ( Anas domesticus ) have contributed significantly to the understanding of various aspects of the replication cycle of hepadnaviruses.
[0116] Process for preparation of Pharmaceutical Formulations comprising extract of plants Cyperus rotundus and/or Cyperus scariosus and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to provide different delivery systems. The active extract CY-23 has been renamed as HD-03/ES for the study of pharmaceutical dosage forms and clinical trials in human beings.
EXAMPLE 26
[0117] Preparation of HD-03/ES Syrup
Sl. Formula Formula Formula No. Name of Ingredient, Formula I II III IV Formula V 1 HD-03/ES - extract IH 50 mg 100 mg 125 mg 250 mg 500 mg 2 Sugar D 30/IP 3.4 gm 3.4 gm 3.4 gm 3.5 gm 3.75 gm 3 Citric acid IP 0.01 mg 0.01 mg 0.01 mg 0.02 mg 0.02 mg 4 Methyl paraben sodium 0.01 mg 0.01 mg 0.01 mg 0.01 mg 0.01 mg IP 5 Propyl paraben sodium 0.0025 mg 0.0025 mg 0.0025 mg 0.0025 mg 0.0025 mg IP 6 Strawberry flavor IFF 0.005 mg 0.005 mg 0.005 mg 0.005 mg 0.005 mg 7 D M water IP Qs to 5 ml Qs to 5 ml Qs to 5 ml Qs to 5 ml Qs to 5 ml
Process for Preparation:
[0118] First sugar was dissolved with DM Water in a jacketed vessel, then extract was added into the solution and mixed for 10-15 min. and the resultant was filtered through Polypropylene pad into another jacketed vessel, then citric acid was dissolved in small quantity of DM water and mixed with the resultant, methyl paraben sodium and propyl paraben sodium was dissolved in small quantity of DM water and mixed with the resultant mixture at 60° C.-70° C. and then the mixture was cooled, flavor was added at 40° C. or less and mixed for 5-10 min. Then the volume was maintained, and mixed for 10-15 min. and filtered to a clean storage vessel through Polypropylene pad (10 micron).
EXAMPLE 27
[0119] Preparation of HD-03/ES Tablets
Sl Formula Formula Formula Formula No. Name of Ingredient, Formula I II III IV Formula V VI 1 HD-03/ES extract IH 50 mg 100 mg 150 mg 200 mg 250 mg 500 mg 2 Microcrystalline 450 mg 350 mg — — 100 mg 100 mg cellulose IP 3 P. G. Starch IP — 50 mg 50 mg — — — 4 Lactose IP — — 300 mg 50 mg 100 mg 150 mg 5 Dibasic calcium — — — 250 mg 50 mg 200 mg phosphate IP 6 D M water IH Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S.
Process for Preparation:
[0120] Formula I: Microcrystalline cellulose IP (Passed through Sieve No. 60) was loaded in a suitable mixer and granulated with HD-03/ES extract IH and DM Water. The wet mass was passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture content of 2-4%. The dried mass was passed through Sieve No. 16 and the lot was mixed uniformly.
[0121] Formula II: Microcrystalline cellulose IP and P. G. Starch IP (Both passed through Sieve No. 60) were loaded in a suitable mixer and mixed for 5 mins and granulated with HD-03/ES extract IH and DM Water. The wet mass was passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture content of 2-4%. The dried mass passed through Sieve No. 16 and the lot was mixed uniformly.
[0122] Formula III: P. G. Starch IP and Lactose IP (Both passed through Sieve No. 60) were loaded in a suitable mixer and mixed for 5 mins and granulated with HD-03/ES extract IH and DM Water. The wet mass was passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture content of 2-4%. The dried mass passed through Sieve No. 16 and the lot was mixed uniformly.
[0123] Formula IV: Lactose IP and Dibasic calcium phosphate IP (Both passed through Sieve No. 60) were loaded in a suitable mixer and mixed for 5 mins and granulated with HD-03/ES extract IH and DM Water. The wet mass was passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture content of 2-4%. The dried mass passed through Sieve No. 16 and the lot was mixed uniformly.
[0124] Formula V: Microcrystalline cellulose IP, Lactose IP and Dibasic calcium phosphate IP (Both passed through Sieve No. 60) were loaded in a suitable mixer and mixed for 5 mins and granulated with HD-03/ES extract IH and DM Water. The wet mass was passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture of 2-4%. The dried mass passed through Sieve No. 16 and lot was mixed uniformly.
[0125] Formula VI: Microcrystalline cellulose IP, Lactose IP and Dibasic calcium phosphate IP (Both passed through Sieve No. 60) were loaded in a suitable mixer and mixed for 5 mins and granulated with SL No 1 and DM Water. The wet mass was passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture of 2-4%. The dried mass passed through Sieve No. 16 and lot was mixed uniformly.
[0126] Pharmaceutical Ingredients for Tablet Compression (Formula I to VI)
Formula I to V Formula VI Sl. No. Name of Ingredient Mg/Tablet Mg/Tablet 1 HD-03/ES granules IH 500.00 950.00 2 Sodium starch Glycolate IP 30.00 30.00 3 Calcium carbonate IP 14.00 14.00 4 Cabosil M5 IP/USP 3.00 3.00 5 Magnesium stearate IP 3.00 3.00 Total 550.00 1000.00
Procedure of Compression:
[0127] Sodium starch Glycolate IP, Calcium carbonate IP and Cabosil M5 IP/USP were mixed and passed through Sieve No. 60 and blended in a suitable mixer with HD-03/ES granules IH for 5 min., Magnesium stearate IP was passed through Sieve No. 60 and blended with the above for 3 min. The blend was ready for tablet compression.
[0128] Tooling: Caplet Shape, Round Shape, Oval Shape, and Triangular Shape etc.
EXAMPLE 28
[0129] Preparation of HD-03/ES Capsules
Sl Formula Formula Formula No. Name of Ingredient, Formula I II III IV Formula V 1 HD-03/ES extract IH 50 mg 100 mg 150 mg 200 mg 250 mg 2 Micro crystalline cellulose IP 250 mg 150 mg — — 100 mg 3 P. G. Starch IP — 50 mg 50 mg — — 4 Lactose IP — — 300 mg 50 mg 100 mg 5 Dibasic calcium phosphate IP — — — 250 mg 50 mg 6 D M water IH Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S.
Process for Preparation:
[0130] Formula I: Microcrystalline cellulose IP (Passed through Sieve No. 60) was loaded in a suitable mixer and granulated with HD-03/ES extract IH and DM Water. The wet mass was passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture content of2-4%. The dried mass passed through Sieve No. 16 and lot was mixed uniformly.
[0131] Formula II: Microcrystalline cellulose IP and P. G. Starch IP (Both passed through Sieve No. 60) were loaded in a suitable mixer and mixed for 5 min. and granulated with HD-03/ES extract IH and DM Water. The wet mass was passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture content of 2-4%. The dried mass was passed through Sieve No. 16 and mixed uniformly.
[0132] Formula III: P. G. Starch IP and Lactose IP (Both passed through Sieve No. 60) were loaded in a suitable mixer and mixed for 5 min. and granulated with HD-03/ES extract IH and DM Water. The wet mass was passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture content of 2-4%. The dried mass was passed through Sieve No. 16 and mixed uniformly.
[0133] Formula IV: Lactose IP and Dibasic calcium phosphate IP (Both passed through Sieve No. 60) were loaded in a suitable mixer and mixed for 5 min. and granulated with HD-03/ES extract IH and DM Water. The wet mass passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture content of 2-4%. The dried mass was passed through Sieve No. 16 and mixed uniformly.
[0134] Formula V: Microcrystalline cellulose IP, Lactose IP and Dibasic calcium phosphate IP (all passed through Sieve No. 60) were loaded in a suitable mixer and mixed for 5 min. and granulated with HD-03/ES extract IH and DM Water. The wet mass was passed through Sieve No. 8 and dried in suitable drier till the moisture content of 2-4%. The dried mass was passed through Sieve No. 16 and mixed uniformly.
[0135] Capsule Filling Formula:
Formula I to II Formula III to V Sl. No. Name of Ingredient, Mg/Capsule Mg/Capsule 1 HD-03/ES granules IH 300.00 500.00 2 Cabosil M5 IP/USP 2.00 2.00 3 Magnesium stearate IP 3.00 3.00 Total 305.00 505.00
Description of capsule: Size ‘0’ and ‘00’ Clear transparent/or colored empty hard gelatine and/or Vegetable (HPMC) capsules.
Clinical Trials of HD-03/ES in Acute and Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
[0136] A placebo controlled clinical study of the drug HD-03/ES was conducted in 50 patients suffering from acute and chronic hepatitis B for nine months during October 2003 and June 2004. 25 patients were treated with HD-03/ES (Two capsules twice a day) and other 25 patients received placebo. The results of clinical efficacy of the drug HD-03/ES including biochemical, immunological parameters are summarized in table 11 to table-14. A large-scale multicentric clinical trial of HD-03/ES is also under progress.
[0137] While this invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments. Rather, in view of the present disclosure, which describes the current best mode for practicing the invention, many modifications and variations would present themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.
TABLE 11 Two-way RM ANOVA % of total Sum-of- Mean P value Parameter Source of Variation variation Df squares square F P value summary Appetite Interaction 8.7 5 13.75 2.749 16.6 P < 0.0001 Highly significant Score 4.09 1 6.453 6.453 10.9 0.0018 Significant Time 44.05 5 69.56 13.91 84.1 P < 0.0001 Highly significant Subjects (matching) 18.026 48 28.47 0.5931 3.59 P < 0.0001 Highly significant Residual 240 39.69 0.1654 Fatigue Interaction 3.57 5 6.747 1.349 8.25 P < 0.0001 Highly significant Score 4.41 1 8.333 8.333 16.2 0.0002 Highly significant Time 58.2 5 110 22 135 P < 0.0001 Highly significant Subjects (matching) 13.0511 48 24.67 0.5139 3.14 P < 0.0001 Highly significant Residual 240 39.25 0.1636 Weight loss 7.9 5 10.04 2.008 16.9 P < 0.0001 Highly significant 2.36 1 3 3 5.06 0.0291 Significant 44.93 5 57.12 11.42 96.2 P < 0.0001 Highly significant 22.3831 48 28.45 0.5928 4.99 P < 0.0001 Highly significant Matching by rows 240 28.51 0.1188 Jaundice 7.15 5 19.66 3.931 17.4 P < 0.0001 Highly significant 7.57 1 20.8 20.8 15.2 0.0003 Highly significant 41.69 5 114.6 22.92 102 P < 0.0001 Highly significant 23.8666 48 65.61 1.367 6.05 P < 0.0001 Highly significant 240 54.23 0.2259
[0138]
TABLE 12
Serum Bilurubin
Two-way RM ANOVA
Source of
% of total
P value
Sum-of-
Mean
Variation
variation
P value
summary
Df
squares
square
F
Interaction
17.52
P < 0.0001
Highly
2
649.7
324.9
31.07
Significant
Concentration
1.67
0.0445
Significant
1
61.81
61.81
4.26
Time
34.96
P < 0.0001
Highly
2
1297
648.3
62
Significant
Subjects
18.7808
0.0877
Not Significant
48
696.5
14.51
1.388
(matching)
Residual
96
1004
10.46
Bonferroni post tests
0 vs. 16
95% CI of
P value
Concentration
0
16
Difference
diff.
t
P value
summary
Drug
12.15
2.028
−10.12
−12.45 to −7.789
11.06
P < 0.001
Highly
Significant
Placebo
5.018
4.28
−0.7376
−3.066 to 1.591
0.8065
P > 0.05
Not
Significant
0 vs. 24
Concentration
0
24
Difference
95% CI of diff.
t
P value
Summary
Drug
12.15
1.256
−10.89
−13.22 to −8.561
11.91
P < 0.001
Highly
Significant
Placebo
5.018
2.28
−2.738
−5.066 to −0.4093
2.993
P < 0.01
Significant
[0139]
TABLE 13
SGPT
Two-way RM ANOVA
Source of
% of total
P value
Sum-of-
Mean
Variation
variation
P value
summary
Df
squares
square
F
Interaction
12.04
P < 0.0001
Highly
2
676200
338100
15.73
Significant
Concentration
0.97
0.152
Highly
1
54420
54420
2.119
Significant
Time
28.29
P < 0.0001
Highly
2
1589000
794400
36.97
Significant
Subjects
21.9533
0.2282
Highly
48
1233000
25680
1.195
(matching)
Significant
Residual
96
2063000
21490
Bonferroni post tests
0 vs. 16
95% CI of
P value
Concentration
0
16
Difference
diff.
t
P value
summary
Drug
440.2
119.6
−320.6
−426.2 to −215.1
7.733
P < 0.001
Highly
Significant
Placebo
212.6
187.4
−25.2
−130.7 to 80.35
0.6078
P > 0.05
Not Significant
0 vs. 24
95% CI of
Concentration
0
24
Difference
diff.
t
P value
Summary
Drug
440.2
58.4
−381.8
−487.3 to −276.3
9.208
P < 0.001
Highly
Significant
Placebo
212.6
103.8
−108.8
−214.4 to −3.294
2.625
P < 0.05
Significant
[0140]
TABLE 14
Serological parameters
Fisher's exact test
HBV DNA
HBe Ag
HBs Ag
P value
P < 0.0001
0.0005
0.0106
P value summary
Highly Significant
Highly Significant
Significant
Relative Risk (RR)
7.33
3.60
9.00
99% confidence interval of RR
1.793 to 29.99
1.223 to 10.60
0.6575 to 123.2
Odds ratio (OR)
53.78
10.29
13.50
99% confidence interval of OR
5.709 to 506.6
1.832 to 57.76
0.7882 to 231.2
Sensitivity
0.88
0.78
0.90
99% confidence interval of
0.6878 to 0.9745
0.5630 to 0.9254
0.5550 to 0.9975
sensitivity
Specificity
0.88
0.74
0.60
99% confidence interval of
0.6878 to 0.9745
0.5371 to 0.8889
0.4333 to 0.7514
specificity
Positive Predictive Value (PPV)
0.88
0.72
0.36
99% confidence interval of PPV
0.6878 to 0.9745
0.5061 to 0.8793
0.1797 to 0.5748
Negative Predictive Value (NPV)
0.88
0.80
0.96
99% confidence interval of NPV
0.6878 to 0.9745
0.5930 to 0.9317
0.7965 to 0.9990
Likelihood Ratio
7.33
3.02
2.25
[0141]
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Disclosed herein is a natural antiviral composition comprising extracts of plant Cyperus rotundus and/or plant Cyperus scariosus and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also disclosed are methods of making the plant extract, methods for preparing the composition and methods of treating diseases related to acute and chronic hepatitis B and other viral diseases of the liver.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to indicators for expiration of usable materials. More specifically, the invention relates to an expiration indicator of a dispenser for volatile materials that permits a more desirable appearance than the prior art.
BACKGROUND
This application is related to the following co-pending applications filed concurrently herewith: Volatile Material Dispensing System, Ser. No. 10/881,816 and Volatile Material Dispensing System with Illuminating Means, Ser. No. 10/880,885.
BACKGROUND ART
A variety of packages have been used to contain volatile materials and permit the controlled dispensing of them as vapors into the ambient air. The prior art describes in detail the use of permeable membranes as well as other manners to disperse volatile material from a given container. A number of the volatile material dispensers have also utilized various forms of expiration or use-up indicators.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,555 describes a wooden air freshener with fragrance loading chamber. Air freshening oil is placed in a chamber and migrates through the wood along the capillaries of the wood grain until it reaches the outside wooden surface of the container. The wood acts as a metering device for the gradual release of the air freshening agent. As the oil evaporates, the wooden member loses its luster and lightens in appearance, signaling that more air freshening agent is needed. This change in appearance allows an observer to easily determine whether the chamber needs to be refilled.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,555,068 describes an apparatus incorporating air modifying agents. This air modifying agent and an electrolyte are entrained in a gel-based aqueous reservoir which contacts a pair of electrodes. The extent of exhaustion of the air modifying agent from the reservoir corresponds to the extent of exhaustion of electrode activity, whereby the operability of the electrical device indicates the presence of air modifying agent in the reservoir.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,293,095 describes an air treating device having an indicator system to signal exhaustion of the operative fluid.
U.S. Pat No. 2003/0089791 describes a vaporization indicator film. During use, the semi-porous membrane visually indicates transmission of active ingredient vapor to the consumer through use of pores that are normally opaque and become saturated and turn from opaque to clear when in use. Upon depletion of the volatile material from the reservoir and subsequently from the membrane, the membrane turns opaque again.
It is known in the art to utilize fumed silica gelling agents to provide an expiration indicator for solution-diffusion delivery systems. With respect to these systems, the silica particles are suspended in the active volatile liquid, and as the active liquid diffuses, the concentration of the silica particles increases. Following a period of time and near the expiration of such a device, a cracked residue results and the contents of the dispenser are cracked and crumbly to indicate a level of expiration. This appearance is unattractive and unpleasant.
Prior art volatile material dispensers utilize tray-like holders that are formed from thermoformed plastic materials. Volatile material in these holders contains a fumed silica gelling agent that is blended with the fragrance and suspended in the volatile material. Subsequent to exhaustion of the volatile material the fumed silica agent remains leaving a unattractive appearance. Fumed silica increases the viscosity of the volatile material. As volatile material exhaustion occurs the concentration of the agent increases as well as viscosity, which solidifies the remaining material and prevents it from easily migrating within the holder. As a result of using these silica gelling agents, a relatively deep tray-like holder is necessary. A vapor void forms in the deep tray-like holder and the silica gel fills up in the vapor filled chamber, crumbles and adversely affects active ingredient diffusion. As the volatile material is diffused through the membrane the silica gelling agent remains. The presence of the silica gelling agent interferes with the surface area contact of the remaining volatile material and the membrane. This reduction of surface area contact affects the diffusion rate of the volatile material. The reduced diffusion rate prevents the volatile material from diffusing at a constant or nearly constant rate up until approximate expiration. As a result, the diffusion of volatile material is substantially less than 100%. In prior art dispensers, approximately 50–60% diffusion was customary. An improved volatile material holder is needed that will provide an accurate indication of volatile material expiration and provide an efficient, steady and predictable level of diffusion. Part of the problem with the prior art is that the level of diffusion decreases substantially as the expiration of the dispenser approaches. The present invention solves this problem by providing for an evacuatable and shallower volatile material dispenser that increases the surface area contact between the membrane and the volatile material. Prior art air freshener dispensers can be clearly identified as such, leading to a social stigma. The present invention presents a decorative displaying means which prevents this socially detrimental stigma. The present invention solves this problem and solves the problem of knowing when the dispenser is close to expiration or already expired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a volatile material expiration indicating system is provided that includes an evacuatable volatile material dispenser, including a blister having a first surface and a vapor permeable membrane sealed to a periphery of said first surface. The volatile material is comprised of an active ingredient, thickening agent and a colored dye, wherein diffusion of the volatile material through the permeable membrane results in a pressure gradient between the ambient atmosphere and the dispenser. As the volatile material leaves the blister, the blister transitions from a first filled condition to a second collapsed condition. The vacuum forces within the blister hold the membrane against the surface of the volatile materials as they decrease in quantity in the blister, and thereby provide a sustained surface area contact between the membrane and the volatile material.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the indicating system further comprises a vapor impermeable laminate releasably connected to the vapor permeable surface, wherein the laminate prevents the diffusion of said volatile substance. The laminate may be peeled from the dispenser in order to start the diffusion of the volatile material through the membrane.
In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the indicating system further includes a displaying means wherein the displaying means is a translucent frame structure having a transparent wall, a front side and a back side. The blister is attached to the back side of the frame and can be viewed through the transparent wall. The volatile material contained within the blister may be colored with a dye, and said color would be used in conjunction with the indicating system to act in a decorative manner.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the displaying means further includes a decorative image, wherein said image is viewable throughout said system's life cycle.
Other features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims. While the disclosed dispenser is susceptible of embodiments in various forms, described below are specific embodiments that are intended as illustrative (and not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments described herein).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded back perspective view of the system.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled system shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of the system.
FIG. 5 is a back face view of the system with a dispenser in the first filled condition.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the system taken substantially along line 6 — 6 of FIG. 5 .
FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 6 .
FIG. 8 is a front face view of the system with a partially evacuated dispenser.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the system taken substantially along line 9 — 9 of FIG. 8 .
FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the system shown in FIG. 9 .
FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the dispenser taken substantially along line 11 — 11 of FIG. 8 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a volatile material expiration indicating system 10 is illustrated, the system 10 having an evacuatable material dispenser 12 , a decorative image 14 , and a display frame 16 for holding the dispenser 12 . The decorative image 14 is attached to the frame 16 .
The dispenser 12 includes a blister 18 , a peripheral flange 20 , and an impermeable laminate 22 releasably adhered to said blister 18 . The blister 18 includes a non-porous permeable membrane 24 comprised of low density polyethylene (LDPE), and a cup-shaped structure 26 . Cup 26 includes a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) layer adhesively bonded to a nylon laminate. The nylon laminate includes a layer of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) coextruded to each side of a middle nylon layer. The cup 26 includes a bottom wall 28 and four side walls 30 , that in conjunction with the membrane 24 acts as a sealed reservoir to contain the volatile material 32 ( FIG. 7 ).
The laminate 22 includes a layer of polypropylene, aluminum foil, and polyester. The polypropylene is adhesively bonded to the aluminum foil layer, which is adhesively bonded to the polyester layer. An extrusion bonding material is used to bond the layers together. Laminate 22 preferably has a thickness of between 0.1 to 0.2 mm. The polyester layer is suitable for printing and is the outer surface of laminate 22 . Preferably the membrane 24 and polypropylene layer of laminate 22 are coextruded when the blister is manufactured. The coextrusion permits for the laminate 22 to be peelably removed from the blister 18 while avoiding unnecessary reactions between an adhesive and the volatile material 32 during diffusion.
Cup 26 preferably has a thickness between 0.3 to 0.4 mm. The cup 26 is generally rectangular and preferably square with overall dimensions of about 3–5 mm thick, 50–60 mm long and 50–60 mm wide. Each of its four sidewalls 30 has a corresponding width of 3–5 mm and a length of 50–60 mm. Sidewalls 30 taper slightly outward as one moves from the bottom wall to the flange 20 . Bottom wall 28 is also generally rectangular and has width of 48–58 mm and a height of 48–58 mm. The sidewalls 30 and bottom wall 28 of cup 26 are preferably thermoformed from a single sheet of the RPET and nylon laminate that is heated, then either blown or pressed into the flange-and-cup arrangement shown in the FIGURES. Preferably the cup 26 is clear and translucent, allowing for the visibility of the volatile material 32 contained within the blister 18 .
Cup 26 contains relatively shallow side walls 30 , as stated above. The shallow nature of the blister 18 allows for the membrane 24 to collapse upon the bottom wall 28 . Diffusion of the volatile material 32 through the membrane 24 creates collapsing of membrane 24 upon wall 28 that maintains contact between the volatile material 32 and the membrane 24 . The contact allows for a greater percentage of overall volatile material 32 diffusion and allows for indication of volatile material 32 expiration.
Peripheral flange 20 is preferably planar. It is coupled to and extends outward from the top edges of the cup 26 (e.g. the upper edges of sidewalls 30 ). Flange 20 is integrally formed with the cup 26 in a thermoforming process, as described in the preceding paragraph.
Following placement of the volatile material 32 into the cup 26 , a seal is made between the flange 20 and the permeable membrane 24 thereby forming the dispenser 12 . At the same time laminate 22 may be attached to the blister 18 by having already been adhered to the membrane 24 . The membrane 24 and laminate 22 may be attached to the flange 20 of the blister 18 using any conventional means, such as an adhesive, heat sealing, crimping, or the like. The seal must be air-tight so as to prevent leakage of air or volatile material 32 . Most preferably the membrane 24 and the laminate 22 are sealed to the cup 26 in a single step. The volatile material 32 does not completely fill the void within the blister 18 . A relatively small amount of air can be tolerated in dispenser 12 following the creation of blister 18 . Preferably the air in the sealed blister is no more than 3–6% of the overall volume of the blister 18 . As the volatile material diffuses out of dispenser 12 no air enters the blister 18 through the permeable membrane 24 . The membrane 24 is configured to distend and collapse without passage of air into the dispenser.
When the volatile material is to be dispensed, the laminate 22 is removed from the blister 18 . Preferably, the removal process will occur by a user grasping an end of the laminate 22 and peeling it off the blister 18 . A tab, extension, or other means for grasping (not shown) may be included as an extension of the laminate 22 to aid in removal of the laminate 22 . The extension may be at the corners, ends, or on the surface of the laminate 22 .
Permeable membrane 24 has a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.15 mm and has a density preferably between 0.88 and 0.95 grams/cubic centimeter. It is formed integrally with laminate 22 and is heat fused to flange 20 such that membrane 24 extends across the entire cup 26 . Membrane 24 encloses and seals the cup 26 with the volatile material 32 stored inside thereby forming a thin sealed container impermeable to the volatile material 32 stored inside. This container remains impermeable until the user grasps a corner of laminate 22 and peels laminate 22 from the membrane 24 , thereby exposing permeable membrane 24 and permitting the volatile material 32 to migrate through the permeable membrane 24 and diffuse into the ambient air. The membrane 24 is preferably comprised of LDPE and is clear and translucent, allowing for visibility of the volatile material contained within the blister 18 .
Frame 16 is a rectangular structure, preferably square, with four substantially equal-sized side walls 34 , a front face 36 ( FIG. 4 ) and a rear face 38 . Frame 16 preferably has a thickness of between 12 and 22 mm and a height and width of between 70 and 90 mm. More preferably frame 16 has a width of approximately 15 mm and height of approximately 80 mm.
Front face 36 has a stepped recess 40 ( FIG. 4 ). Recess 40 gives frame 16 the appearance of a picture frame surrounding and framing the bottom (or back) wall 42 ( FIG. 4 ) of the recess 40 . In the preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 , the walls of recess 40 appear in cross section to have steps or curves 44 in the manner of an ornate picture frame. The recess 40 preferably centered in the front face 36 and is disposed away from the side walls 34 . The recess 40 does not extend to the edge of the front face 36 . Instead, front face 36 appears as a border extending around the edges of the recess 40 , having a constant width between 2 and 4 mm.
Wall 42 is preferably transparent or translucent to permit light to pass through. Wall 42 , in that regard, may function as a window that permits the viewer (from the front) to visually perceive what is directly behind wall 42 .
Rear face 38 of frame 16 also is recessed. This recess is similarly stepped, and is configured to completely receive dispenser 12 , with dispenser 12 positioned so that the membrane 24 surface is substantially flush with rear face 38 . The recess is also preferably stepped, having a shallower peripheral recess 46 extending all the way around rear face 38 and a deeper central recess 48 . The deeper central recess 48 is configured and dimensioned to receive cup 26 , and the peripheral recess 46 is configured and dimensioned to receive and support flange 20 . In short, the central recess 48 and peripheral recess 46 combined have a negative shape that is the same as that of dispenser 12 .
Peripheral recess 46 preferably has an adhesive, spring clip, or other mechanical or adhesive retaining means that is configured to hold flange 20 in place. Flange 20 and peripheral recess 46 may be adhered to one another through the use of any adhesive, or alternatively though a mechanical means, such as interference fit, or separate mechanical fastener, such as a spring clip. When an adhesive 49 is used (as shown herein), a flange-to-frame adhesive may be chosen to either permanently adhere the flange 12 to the display frame 16 or, alternatively, be releasably adhered for easy removal. In this manner, frame 16 can be a permanent and reusable item to which a succession of replacement dispensers 12 are affixed and later removed and replaced.
Central recess 48 is deeper than peripheral recess 46 since it must accommodate the greater combined thickness of cup 26 , flange 20 and membrane 24 . The bottom of cup 26 is adjacent to and preferably slightly spaced apart from the bottom 50 of central recess 46 . Central recess 48 and peripheral recess 46 are preferably centrally spaced from the internal edges of rear face 38 .
The distance between the bottom 50 ( FIG. 1 ) of central recess 48 and the bottom 52 ( FIG. 4 ) of recess 40 on the front face 36 of frame 16 (i.e. the thickness of wall 44 ), is preferably between 2 and 5 mm. Wall 42 may be transparent or translucent. The translucent properties of wall 42 enables the user to easily identify when the volatile material 32 has nearly all diffused through membrane 24 . Additionally, the translucent properties of wall 42 have a decorative function. The frame is best shown ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) to represent the translucent properties of wall 42 .
The display frame 16 may be constructed from a variety of compositions, including glass, injection-molded plastic, and rubber. In the preferred embodiment, the display frame 16 is constructed from molded glass that is clear and transparent.
Blister 18 of the dispenser 12 is filled with a volatile material 32 . It is particularly suited for use in holding a volatile material 32 comprising an active ingredient, which is to be slowly diffused into the surrounding atmosphere, such as a fragrance, air freshener, insect repellant insecticide. In addition to the active ingredient the preferred embodiment includes a dye and thickening agent that color and thicken the volatile material 32 . The dye and thickening agent most preferably comprise less than 2% of the overall composition.
Insecticides and other related chemicals may also be utilized as the volatile material 32 . Where the user does not wish to have an unsightly insect repellant device, but requires the utility of a repellant, the decorative system is advantageous and blends in with the surrounding décor. The indicator system 10 allows for such a volatile material 32 to be released while having a decorative appearance.
When volatile material 32 is a fragrance, the fragrance can be relatively simple in composition, or can be a complex mixture of natural and/or synthetic chemical compounds. Various mixtures of volatile materials for use in the indicator system may comprise as few as two chemicals and as many as over one hundred. Most conventional fragrance materials are synthetic or naturally derived volatile essential oils, such as, for example, lemon, mandarin, cedar leaf, clove leaf, cedar wood, oil of bergamot, bitter orange, geranium, lavender, orange, lavandin, neroli, rose absolute, cinnamon, and the like. Synthetic types of fragrance composition, either alone or in combination with natural oils, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,314,915; 4,411,829; and 4,434,306, which are incorporated herein by reference.
The image 14 ( FIGS. 1 and 8 ) may be graphic or textual. It may read, for example, “Please Replace.” The image may be positioned in a plurality of positions, including but not limited to the following: front face 36 of frame, rear face 38 of frame, or upon the bottom wall 28 ( FIG. 4 ). The image may be printed upon a layer of primed polyester that is adhesively adhered to the system 10 , as described above. Alternatively, the image may be thermoformed into the bottom wall 28 or may be molded into the decorative frame 16 .
The image 14 is shown in the shape of a tree, but may also be chosen from festive images used during various holiday seasons, such as a Christmas tree, menorah, Easter egg, valentine heart, pumpkin, and the like. Additionally, the color of the volatile material may be chosen in conjunction with such images to aid in celebration of the respective holidays. Multiple color combinations may be utilized in accordance to the decorative tastes of the user. The image 14 may be a plurality of other images that may include flowers, wildlife, cosmic displays, sporting related, and the like.
Depending upon the type and amount of dye utilized in conjunction with the volatile material 32 and the positioning of the image 14 , either in front of or behind volatile material 32 , the image 14 may or may not be viewable when the blister 18 is filled. Preferably the image is not viewable until a majority of the volatile material 32 has been released, and the dispenser 12 nears an empty or second condition, so as to more clearly indicate use-up of the volatile material 32 . Most preferably, the image 14 is viewable when the dispenser 12 is full, empty, and at any point in between. However, the image 14 would be more readily viewable when the dispenser 12 is empty, in order to enhance the decorative nature in conjunction with dispenser 12 use-up. For purposes of the present invention, expiration of the volatile material 32 or system 10 refers to use-up of the volatile material 32 .
The preferred embodiment of the invention allows for the indication that the dispenser 12 is empty or near empty and little or no volatile material 32 remains. The indication of expiration is easily viewed following the near complete diffusion of the volatile material 32 . However, diffusion of the volatile material 32 is dependent upon the type of membrane utilized. Preferably dispenser 12 will last 30–45 days before it is empty. Of course, this can be changed based upon the material used as a membrane, the thickness of the membrane, surface area of the membrane, volume of the blister 18 , volume of volatile material 32 when the dispenser 12 is filled, and which particular volatile material composition is utilized.
When packaged the dispenser 12 is filled ( FIG. 7 ) with volatile material 32 and laminate 22 is adhered to the permeable membrane 24 . There is virtually no diffusion of volatile material 32 when the dispenser is filled and laminate 22 covers membrane 24 . Following removal of laminate 22 , the system 10 begins to transition towards an empty or second condition. Of course, there may be a small amount of volatile material 32 that remains and the dispenser 12 will be considered to have reached the second condition. As the volatile material 32 diffuses through the membrane 24 , the membrane 24 slowly collapses upon the bottom wall 28 . Following diffusion of the volatile material 32 across the membrane 24 there is less material 32 contained within dispenser 12 . Virtually no new air enters the dispenser 12 subsequent to diffusion of volatile material 32 . The result of this is a pressure gradient across the membrane 24 , with a higher pressure existing in the ambient air than the pressure in dispenser 12 . The pressure gradient causes the ambient air to exert a net positive pressure upon the dispenser, which presses the membrane 24 against the remaining volatile material 32 and ultimately the bottom wall 28 . Continued diffusion of the volatile material 32 increases the force exerted upon the membrane 24 , which causes the remaining volatile material to migrate from a center of wall 28 towards the periphery of wall 28 . Continued migration and diffusion of the volatile material 32 results in an increasing surface area contact between membrane 24 and wall 28 until dispenser 12 is empty, or nearly empty. Increasing contact between the membrane 24 and the wall 28 allows for the image 14 to be more readily viewable. The pressure gradient ultimately resulting in migration of the volatile material 32 may also be viewed as occurring due to an increasing compressed vacuum presence within dispenser 12 as the volatile material continues to diffuse across membrane 24 .
Referring to FIGS. 8–11 , a small amount of volatile material 32 remains within the dispenser 12 when it is nearly empty, and is present in the form of a ring-like appearance towards the periphery of the bottom wall 28 . A dye and thickener combine to comprise approximately 2% of the overall volatile material composition of the system 10 at the first condition. Preferably a higher concentration of dye is present in the volatile material 32 when the dispenser 12 is nearly empty, as the dye substantially does not diffuse across membrane 24 . This results in a more readily viewable ring-like appearance. The color of the ring-like image is more intense in color than the coloration of the first condition because of the increased concentration of dye material. In the second condition the thickener and dye comprise nearly all of the material left within the dispenser 12 . Of course, this may change dependant upon the particular dye composition and thickening agent utilized in the volatile material 32 . As the system 10 approaches and is in a second condition, the nearly expired dispenser 12 can be seen so as to indicate its end of life.
When the dispenser 12 is full, or in the first condition, a decorative image may not be seen through the colored or opaque volatile material 32 . As the dispenser 12 empties, or reaches the second condition, the decorative image 14 becomes viewable indicating a level of expiration or use-up. Alternatively, the decorative image 14 may be viewable while the dispenser 12 is both full and empty. Indication of volatile material 32 use-up may be achieved by more readily viewing image 14 as a result of the absence of colored volatile material within the dispenser 12 . Dependent upon the specific volatile material composition, there may be numerous chemicals that either do not diffuse through the permeable membrane 24 or diffuse slower than the designed active ingredients or fragrances. Active ingredients may include chemicals such as esters, aldehydes, ketones, terpenes, alcohols, and aromatic compounds. As a result, material may be left within the blister 18 as it is nearly at or reaches a level of expiration in which replacement is necessary.
It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated herein, but encompasses any and all variations falling within the scope of the appended claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The invention provides a volatile material exhaustion indicating system for volatile material dispensers.
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An indicator system with a dispenser providing controlled release of a volatile material contained within a dispenser, which indicates the exhaustion of the volatile material. The dispenser includes a blister that contains a vapor permeable membrane that collapses on a bottom wall due to internal vacuum forces created by the evacuation of volatile material. As the membrane collapses the remaining volatile material migrates to the periphery of the dispenser thereby indicating exhaustion of the volatile material.
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BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to speakers and, more particularly, to a dampening mechanism for a speaker with small dimensions suitable for use in portable electronic devices.
[0002] Advances in communication and manufacturing technologies have resulted in mobile devices, such as mobile telephones and personal digital assistants, becoming increasingly smaller in size. One consequence of these size reductions is that less space is available for speakers and other components. While consumers prefer mobile devices with small form factors, consumers still expect high quality audio output from their mobile devices. Therefore, there is great interest among manufacturers in finding ways to reduce the size of speakers while maintaining high quality audio output.
[0003] In speakers with a movable diaphragm, the diaphragm needs space to move back and forth. As speakers become smaller, designers must be concerned that the diaphragm will contact the housing or other elements within the speaker at the outer limits of the diaphragm excursion. Contact between the diaphragm and other components in the speaker produces sound distortions which affect the perceived quality of the sound. To avoid this problem, designers often limit the signal level to limit the excursion of the diaphragm. This solution is undesirable because the excursion problem may occur only in a limited band near the resonance frequency of the diaphragm.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention relates to a speaker for portable electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and audio players. The speaker comprises a diaphragm and a drive assembly to vibrate the diaphragm responsive to an applied electrical signal to produce audible sounds. A mechanical dampener is disposed adjacent to the diaphragm. The mechanical dampener limits the movement of the diaphragm and dampens the impact of the diaphragm to minimize sound distortion. The mechanical dampener may be applied to one or more surfaces of the speaker that are likely to be impacted by the diaphragm.
[0005] The mechanical dampener allows the speaker to be operated at a high gain over the entire usable frequency band. For frequencies near the resonance of the diaphragm, where the excursion of the diaphragm is greatest, the diaphragm may contact the mechanical dampener. In this case, the mechanical dampener softens the effect of the impact to minimize sound distortion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a speaker according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary mobile electronic device including a speaker as shown in FIG. 1 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates the main elements of a speaker 10 according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. Speaker 10 comprises a housing 12 , a diaphragm 22 that vibrates to produce audible sounds, a suspension member 24 to flexibly suspend the diaphragm 22 within the housing 12 , and an electromagnetic drive assembly 26 to produce vibrations of the diaphragm 22 responsive to an applied electrical signal. The electromagnetic drive assembly 26 comprises an electromagnetic coil 28 and magnet 30 . The electromagnetic coil 28 connects to the diaphragm 22 and is disposed within a magnetic field generated by the magnet 30 . Sound is produced by varying the direction of the current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 28 . These current variations cause the electromagnetic coil 28 and diaphragm 22 to move back and forth to generate audible sounds.
[0009] The housing 12 of the speaker 10 comprises a frame 14 and a front plate 16 . In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 12 encloses the diaphragm 22 and the electromagnetic drive assembly 26 . The frame 14 includes a back wall 14 a and a side wall 14 b . The front plate 16 covers and protects the diaphragm 22 .
[0010] The magnet 30 mounts to the back wall 14 a at the approximate center of the frame 14 . The suspension member 24 comprises an elastic ring that is secured at its outer edge to a shoulder formed in the side wall 14 b of the frame 14 . A spider 34 connects at one end to the frame 14 and at the opposite end to the electromagnetic coil 28 . The function of the spider 34 is to provide a restoring force to the diaphragm 22 after the diaphragm 22 is move by the electromagnetic coil 28 .
[0011] The front plate 16 may include one or more openings 18 to allow air to enter into and exit from the housing 12 on the front side of the diaphragm 22 as the diaphragm 22 moves back and forth. An opening 20 may also be formed in the back wall 14 a of the frame 14 to allow air to enter into and exit from the housing 12 on the back side of the diaphragm 22 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the opening 20 aligns with a central opening 32 in the magnet 30 . Air on the back side of the diaphragm 22 enters and exits the housing 12 on the back side of the diaphragm 22 though the central opening 32 in the magnet 30 .
[0012] The speaker 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be used in cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, audio playback devices, and other small electronic devices. The magnet 30 is large relative to the size of the entire speaker assembly, and the coil 28 is disposed at the outer edge of the diaphragm 22 . This design accommodates a larger diaphragm 22 and stronger magnet 30 . The larger diaphragm 22 provides a larger vibrating surface area and therefore greater sensitivity. The stiffness of the diaphragm 22 may be increased to reduce the possibility of unstable vibration modes that could reduce the efficiency and increase the distortion level of the speaker 10 . Using a stiff diaphragm 22 also reduces the travel distance of the diaphragm 22 .
[0013] For use in small electronic devices, it is generally desirable to make the speaker 10 as small as possible. For example, in order to provide a thin profile speaker, the depth of the speaker cavity is typically made as small as possible. Reducing the depth of the speaker cavity may lead to problems when the speaker 10 is operated at maximum sound pressure level. The diaphragm 22 needs space to move back and forth. When this space is small, the diaphragm 22 may come into contact the top of the magnet 30 or the front plate 16 at the outer limits of its excursion. This problem typically occurs in frequency bands near the resonance frequency of the diaphragm 22 . Contact between the diaphragm 22 and these other components may produce a perceptible distortion in the sound.
[0014] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, dampeners 40 , 42 may be applied to the top of the magnet 30 and to the inner surface of the front plate 16 to cushion the impact of the diaphragm 22 against the magnet 30 and front plate 16 . The thickness, density, porosity, and hardness of the dampeners 40 , 42 may be chosen for a preferred trade-off between total component thickness, transducer sensitivity, and sound quality. One material suitable for use as a dampener with the present invention comprises a microcellular urethane foam material such as PORON®. The dampeners 40 , 42 may be formed in sheets that are applied to the inside of the front plate 16 and the top of the magnet 30 . The dampeners 40 , 42 may be secured by a suitable adhesive.
[0015] Dampeners 40 , 42 allow the speaker 10 to be operated at a high gain over the entire usable frequency band. For frequencies near the resonance of the diaphragm 22 , where the excursion of the diaphragm 22 is greatest, the diaphragm 22 may contact the dampeners 40 , 42 on the front plate 16 and/or magnet 30 . The dampeners 40 , 42 , in effect, act like shock absorbers to dampen the impact of the diaphragm 22 when the dampener 40 , 42 is contacted by the diaphragm 22 and to reduce the amount of sound distortion.
[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the dampener 42 on the front plate 16 may be provided with apertures 44 that align with the sound apertures 18 in the front plate 16 to allow the passage of air as the diaphragm 22 moves back and forth. The dampening material 40 applied to the top of the magnet 30 may cover or partially cover the exit opening in the center of the magnet 30 to restrict the air flow into and out of the housing 12 . Restricting the air flow provides a mechanism for tuning the speaker assembly.
[0017] The speaker 10 may be made with a thin profile, making it suitable for use in cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, laptop computer, and other portable and hand-held electronic devices. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary mobile electronic device 100 in which the speaker 10 may be used. The mobile electronic device 100 comprises a main control unit 102 , memory 104 , communication interface 106 , and user interface 108 . The main control unit 102 may comprise one or more processors to control overall operation of the mobile electronic device 100 . Memory 104 stores programs and data needed for operation. Communication interface 106 enables the mobile electronic device 100 to communicate with external devices. The communications interface 106 may comprise for example, a cellular transceiver (e.g., GSM, WCDMA, etc.), wireless LAN (e.g., WiFi, WiMAX, etc.) interface, BLUETOOTH interface, other type of wireless interface. The user interface 108 comprises a display 110 , one or more user input device 112 , a microphone 114 , and speaker 116 . The display 110 displays information or viewing by a user. The user input devices 112 , such as a keypad, touch pad, joystick, etc., enable the user to input data and commands to control the mobile electronic device 100 . The microphone 114 converts audible sounds into electrical signals for input top the main control unit 102 . The speaker 116 converts electrical signals into audible sounds that may be heard by the user. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the speaker 116 may comprise a speaker 10 as shown in FIG. 1 .
[0018] The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
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A speaker comprises a diaphragm, a drive assembly for producing movement of said diaphragm responsive to an applied electrical signal to generate audible sounds, and at least one mechanical dampener applied to a surface of the speaker to dissipate energy when the dampener is impacted by said diaphragm.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to vehicle collision preparation systems incorporating an integrated brake assist, and more particularly to a vehicle collision preparation system providing multiple stages of integrated brake assist so as to thereby anticipate driver behavior.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is the generic term for systems designed to improve a motor vehicle's handling, particularly at the limits where the driver might lose control of the motor vehicle. See, for example, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) document on “Automotive Stability Enhancement Systems”, publication J2564 (Dec. 2000, Jun. 2004). ESC compares the driver's intended direction in steering and braking inputs to the motor vehicle's response, via lateral acceleration, rotation (yaw) and individual wheel speeds, and then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces excess engine power as needed to help correct understeer (plowing) or oversteer (fishtailing). ESC also integrates all-speed traction control which senses drive-wheel slip under acceleration and individually brakes the slipping wheel or wheels, and/or reduces excess engine power until control is regained. ESC cannot override a car's physical limits. Of course, if a driver pushes the possibilities of the car's chassis and ESC too far, ESC cannot prevent a crash. It is a tool to help the driver maintain control. ESC combines anti-lock brakes, traction control and yaw control (yaw is spin around the vertical axis).
ESC systems use several sensors in order to determine the state the driver wants the motor vehicle to be in (driver demand). Other sensors indicate the actual state of the motor vehicle (motor vehicle response). The ESC control algorithm compares both states and decides, when necessary, to adjust the dynamic state of the motor vehicle. The sensors used for ESC have to send data at all times in order to detect possible defects as soon as possible. They have to be resistant to possible forms of interference (rain, potholes in the road, etc.). The most important sensors are: 1) steering wheel sensor, used to determine the angle the driver wants to take, often based on anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) elements; 2) lateral acceleration sensor, used to measure the lateral acceleration of the motor vehicle; 3) yaw sensor, used to measure the yaw angle (rotation) of the motor vehicle, can be compared by the ESC with the data from the steering wheel sensor in order to take a regulating action; and 4) wheel speed sensors used to measure the wheel speeds.
ESC uses, for example, a hydraulic modulator to assure that each wheel receives the correct brake force. A similar modulator is used with anti-lock brake systems (ABS). ABS needs to reduce pressure during braking only. ESC additionally needs to increase brake pressure in certain situations.
The heart of the ESC system is the electronic control unit (ECU) or electronic control module (ECM), i.e., motor vehicle controller or microprocessor. Diverse control techniques are embedded in the ECU and often, the same ECU is used for diverse systems at the same time (ABS, traction control, climate control, etc.). The desired motor vehicle state is determined based on the steering wheel angle, its gradient and the wheel speed. Simultaneously, the yaw sensor measures the actual state. The controller computes the needed brake or acceleration force for each wheel and directs the actuation of, for example, the valves of a hydraulic brake modulator.
Motor vehicles utilizing electronic stability control systems require some means of determination of the driver's intended motor vehicle behavior (i.e., intended motor vehicle path or track). In General Motors Corporation's (GM's) StabiliTrak system, these means are accomplished by the driver command interpreter, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,919, issued Aug. 24, 1999 to the assignee hereof, the entire disclosure of which patent is hereby herein incorporated by reference.
Referring now to FIG. 1 , the exemplar control structure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,919 is shown. The controller 10 includes command interpreter 12 receiving the various system inputs 14 from various vehicle sensors. The command interpreter 12 develops desired yaw rate commands responsive to the various system inputs and a data structure 16 stored in non-volatile memory of controller 10 . The data structure 16 has a data subset 18 corresponding to vehicle operation in linear mode and a data subset 20 corresponding to vehicle operation in non-linear mode.
When the vehicle operation is in the linear mode, the command interpreter 12 , using data structure subset 18 , provides commands to a control block 22 designed to maintain the linear response of the vehicle. For example, when the control according to this patent is used to control wheel brakes to affect vehicle yaw control, the commands provided by block 12 do not modify the wheel brake operation while the vehicle is in the linear mode. When the control according to this patent is used to control a vehicle variable force suspension system, the suspension control is provided to maintain the current driving conditions, and not to induce a change in understeer or oversteer.
When the vehicle operation is in the non-linear region, the command interpreter 12 , using data structure subset 20 , provides commands to the control block 22 commanding a yaw rate linearly responsive to the vehicle steering wheel input. Block 22 uses the command generated at block 12 to control one or more vehicle chassis systems, such as controllable suspension actuators, represented by block 24 and/or brakes, represented by block 26 to bring the actual vehicle yaw into a linear relationship with vehicle steering wheel angle. This control thus maintains the yaw response of the vehicle linear with respect to the steering wheel input even when the vehicle is operating in its nonlinear performance region.
Collision preparation systems are known in the art, as for example exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 7,280,902 which discloses a motor vehicle deceleration control apparatus; U.S. Pat. No. 7,035,735 which discloses a method and device for automatically triggering a deceleration of a motor vehicle; and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0254729 which discloses a pre-collision assessment of potential collision severity for motor vehicles.
Of particular interest with regard to the present invention, are U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,939, issued Sep. 14, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,593, issued May 1, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,508, issued Jul. 4, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,172, issued Feb. 11, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,687, issued May 8, 2007; wherein the disclosures of all of the aforesaid patents (i.e., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,952,939; 6,226,593; 6,084,508; 6,517,172; and 7,213,687) are hereby herein incorporated by reference.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,939 discloses a collision prevention device incorporating a vehicle braking force based on the comparison of the depression angle of the brake pedal and a calculated minimum required braking force to avoid a collision wherein the larger of these two forces is applied for braking.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,593 discloses a method for braking a motor vehicle at low speeds in order to avoid a collision with an obstacle in its immediate vicinity. The distance and the relative speed between the vehicle and the obstacle are determined by sensor and are based on the calculation of a necessary braking pressure or a deceleration. The brake pressure is generated at least partially independently of the driver.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,508 discloses a collision preparation system which provides autonomous braking in certain situations. The method and arrangement for emergency braking of a vehicle includes a detection system on the vehicle which detects obstacles located in or near the direction of motion of the vehicle and generates corresponding data, sensors on the vehicle which generate data representing characteristic parameters of the condition of the vehicle, and an evaluating unit which determines, from the data on the obstacles and the parameters of the condition of the vehicle, target values for controlling the motion of the vehicle and, only upon determining that an impending collision of the vehicle with an obstacle is no longer avoidable by any action on the vehicle by steering or braking, triggers an autonomous emergency braking for rapid deceleration of the vehicle.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,172 discloses a collision preparation system incorporating a brake assist system which provides autonomous braking in certain situations. When a forward detection apparatus detects an imminent collision, the braking system automatically applies braking force to the vehicle while the vehicle engine speed is reduced. The amount of brake force applied is a continuous function of relative speed, relative distance, collision probability, and target classification.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,687 discloses a collision preparation system which also incorporates a brake assist system which provides autonomous braking in certain situations. A vehicle emergency brake system has a second brake for braking a vehicle by increasing the frictional resistance with the road surface, a millimeter wave radar for detecting any obstacle in an advancing direction, pedal speed sensor for detecting the step-in speed of a brake pedal for actuating a first brake, and a controller for actuating the second brake.
The above-cited U.S. Patents provide for an automatic braking The automatic braking is either automatically initiated braking or braking which is initiated by the driver, but is performed automatically. Both possibilities share the feature, however, that a strong deceleration to avoid a collision or to reduce the collision speed may occur during braking, the deceleration of which corresponds to approximately the maximum possible vehicle deceleration.
Motor vehicle collision preparation systems (CPS) incorporating brake assist systems providing a calculated amount of braking (i.e. deceleration) required to avoid a collision with an obstacle when the vehicle driver thereafter applies the brakes are herein referred to as “integrated brake assist” (IBA) systems.
After actuation of a CPS incorporating an integrated brake assist system (IBA), the IBA constantly calculates the amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) required to avoid a collision with an obstacle. If the vehicle driver thereafter applies the brakes, the calculated amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) required to avoid a collision with an obstacle is automatically applied but never less than the driver requested braking. That is, if the driver requests more braking (i.e., more deceleration) than is to be applied, the driver requested braking is applied. However, the IBA may provide more deceleration of the vehicle than necessary in some circumstances. For example, for an accelerating obstacle or an obstacle which is soon to be out of the vehicle's path, less deceleration may be desired than is to be applied.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art is to provide vehicle multi-stage integrated brake assist, enabled after actuation of a CPS incorporating an IBA system, which can provide a brake assist level of a plurality of levels of brake assist (i.e., deceleration) less than or greater than the amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) required to avoid a collision with an obstacle but allows the driver to increase or remove the provided brake assist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a motor vehicle multi-stage (or multi-level) integrated brake assist (MSIBA) system, enabled after actuation of a CPS, wherein the MSIBA system serves as the incorporated integrated brake assist (IBA) system of the CPS. The MSIBA system can provide at least one brake assist level of a plurality of predetermined levels of brake assist (i.e., deceleration) less than or greater than the required amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) calculated by the MSIBA to avoid a collision with an obstacle at the time the driver initiates braking, but allows the driver to increase or remove the provided predetermined level of brake assist.
In this regard, inputs from the motor vehicle and a CPS are evaluated in an electronic controller according to predetermined programming, wherein, after actuation of a CPS, an MSIBA system is enabled and driver requested braking, thereafter, greater than, or equal to, a predetermined brake assist level, is adjusted to provide at least one brake assist level of a plurality of predetermined brake assist levels.
The MSIBA system is enabled after actuation of a CPS by, for example, a predetermined (i.e., empirically determined) or calculated time or distance from motor vehicle data available to the CPS. The predetermined brake assist levels are established according to driver initiated braking, whereby brake pedal position with respect to full brake pedal travel in conjunction with simultaneous brake pedal velocity with respect to percent of full brake pedal travel per second, defines selection of a given brake assist level with a corresponding braking (i.e., deceleration), per the vehicle deceleration required to avoid a collision with an obstacle as calculated by the MSIBA at the time the driver initiates braking. The driver can remove the provided brake assist, increase the provided brake assist (if not already at the maximum brake assist level), or increase braking. Full brake pedal travel and brake pedal velocity with respect to percent of full brake pedal travel per second are known parameters for each vehicle.
An exemplification of the foregoing description of the MSIBA system according to the present invention incorporates three brake assist levels (more or less levels than three may be utilized in the MSIBA system, and three levels is merely by way of exemplification). Per the exemplification, after a MSIBA system is enabled, three brake assist levels may be selected (or set) by the MSIBA system, denoted as: “Brake Assist Level 1”, which is a relatively light level of brake assist; “Brake Assist Level 2”, which is a relatively mid-level of brake assist; and “Brake Assist Level 3”, which is a relatively high or full-level of brake assist. The parameters defining which brake assist level is selected (or set) as the operative brake assist level by the MSIBA system are summarized at Table 1, which is to be regarded merely by way of an example of brake levels and the parameters associated therewith.
TABLE 1
Brake
Brake Pedal Position
Brake Pedal Velocity
Assist
(% of full brake
(% of full brake pedal
Braking
Level
pedal travel)
travel per second)
(Deceleration)
1
≧30%
≧120%
0.8 B
2
≧50%
≧150%
0.9 B
3
≧70%
≧200%
1.05 B
Brake Assist Level 1 is established if the driver depresses the brake pedal ≧30% of full brake pedal travel and simultaneously brake pedal velocity is ≧120% of full brake pedal travel per second; wherein Brake Assist Level 1 provides a braking (i.e., deceleration) of 0.8 B, where B is the amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) required to avoid a collision with an obstacle as calculated by the MSIBA at the time the driver initiates braking.
Brake Assist Level 2 is established if the driver depresses the brake pedal ≧50% of full brake pedal travel and simultaneously brake pedal velocity is ≧150% of full brake pedal travel per second; wherein Brake Assist Level 2 provides a braking (i.e., deceleration) of 0.9 B where B is the amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) required to avoid a collision with an obstacle as calculated by the MSIBA at the time the driver initiates braking.
Brake Assist Level 3 is established if the driver depresses the brake pedal ≧70% of full brake pedal travel and simultaneously brake pedal velocity is ≧200% of full brake pedal travel per second; wherein Brake Assist Level 3 provides a braking (i.e., deceleration) of 1.05 B where B is the amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) required to avoid a collision with an obstacle as calculated by the MSIBA at the time the driver initiates braking.
However, if driver requested braking results in a deceleration greater than that currently being provided by the MSIBA system, the driver's request is honored whereby braking is thereby responsive to the driver's braking requests. MSIBA is still considered active at this point and its requests will be honored if and when the driver's requested deceleration drops below MSIBA's requested deceleration. Brake pedal position and brake pedal velocity for a given brake assist level as indicated at Table 1 must both be satisfied to establish the brake assist level with the corresponding braking as depicted in Table 1. For example, if driver requested braking is 70% of full brake pedal travel and the simultaneous brake pedal velocity is <200% of full brake pedal travel per second but at least 150% of full brake pedal travel per second, Brake Assist Level 2 is selected by the MSIBA system (not Brake Level Assist Level 3). But, if the driver, subsequently, increases braking to above 70% of full brake pedal travel and the simultaneous brake pedal velocity is ≧200% of full brake pedal travel per second, then Brake Assist Level 3 is selected by the MSIBA system. If after the MSIBA level 1, 2, or 3 are invoked and the driver reduces the braking request while in the event to a lesser amount, the highest MSIBA level the driver reached shall continue to be active. However, if, subsequently, the driver stops braking, the brake assist level ceases to be active and the corresponding deceleration is removed. Where driver requested braking is less than what triggers brake assist level 1, the MSIBA system is not actuated.
In the case the CPS determines that an impending collision of the vehicle with an obstacle is no longer avoidable by any action on the vehicle by steering or braking, then Brake Assist Level 3 is set by the MSIBA system, provided driver requested braking is equal to, or greater than, Brake Assist Level 1. By “impending collision” is meant that the vehicle is crossing a point, determined by the CPS, after which an impending collision of the vehicle with an obstacle is no longer avoidable by any action on the vehicle by steering or braking, referred to herein as the “Collision Judgment Line”.
In the event the driver requests braking prior to the enabling of the MSIBA system, the MSIBA system is not enabled because the driver is already braking.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle multi-stage (or multi-level) integrated brake assist (MSIBA) system, enabled after actuation of a CPS, which provides at least one level of a plurality of predetermined levels of brake assist (i.e., deceleration) less than or greater than the required amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) by the MSIBA to avoid a collision with an obstacle at the time the driver initiates braking, but allows the driver to increase or remove the provided predetermined level of brake assist.
This and additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following specification of a preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art electronic stability control system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an algorithm for implementing programming according to the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a schematic depiction of a motor vehicle equipped with a CPS and an exemplar motor vehicle multi-stage integrated brake assist system in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an apparatus for carrying out the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic exemplification of operation of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the Drawing, FIGS. 2 through 4 depict aspects of an example of a motor vehicle multi-stage (or multi-level) integrated brake assist (MSIBA) system, utilizing, by way of example, three brake assist levels, which are implemented after actuation of a collision preparation system (CPS).
FIG. 2 is an example of a programming algorithm 100 for carrying out, by way of example, a three level motor vehicle MSIBA system, as previously described, according to the present invention, which is resident in an electronic controller, as for example exemplified at 240 of FIGS. 3A and 3B .
The algorithm starts at Block 102 and proceeds to Block 104 awaiting the MSIBA system to be enabled upon activation of the CPS. When MSIBA system is enabled, control passes to Block 106 awaiting the driver to apply the brakes, after which control passes to Block 108 .
At Block 108 , if the driver requests braking greater than or equal to Brake Assist Level 1, as previously described and depicted in Table 1, control passes to Block 110 . Otherwise control passes to Block 106 .
At Block 110 , if the driver's vehicle is past the Collision Judgment Line (i.e., the driver has initiated braking after the Collision Judgment Line; see for example 308 of FIG. 4 ), control passes to Block 112 whereat Brake Assist level 3, as previously described and depicted in Table 1, is set after which control passes to Block 126 . Otherwise, control passes to Block 114 . At Block 114 , if driver requested braking is greater than or equal to Brake Assist Level 3, control passes to Block 112 . Otherwise, control passes to Block 116 .
At Block 116 , if Brake Assist Level 3 is set, control passes to Block 112 whereat Brake Assist Level 3 remains set. Otherwise, control passes to Block 118 .
At Block 118 , if the driver requests braking greater than or equal to Brake Assist Level 2, as previously described and depicted in Table 1, control passes to Block 120 whereat Brake Assist level 2 is set after which control passes to Block 126 . Otherwise, control passes to Block 122 .
At Block 122 , if Brake Assist Level 2 is set, control passes to Block 120 whereat Brake Assist Level 2 remains set. Otherwise, control passes to Block 124 whereat Brake Assist Level 1, as previously described and depicted in Table 1, is set after which control passes to Block 126 .
At Block 126 , if the driver stops braking, or the obstacle is no longer in the path, and/or there is no longer a threat of collision (as determined by predetermined programming of the CPS), control passes to Block 128 whereat MSIBA is disabled and the presently set brake assist level of Brake Assist Levels 1, 2, or 3 ceases to be active and deceleration is removed after which control passes to Block 102 . Otherwise, control passes to Block 110 .
FIGS. 3A and 3B depict an exemplification of a hardware implementation for the vehicle path control algorithm 100 of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 3A depicts a motor vehicle 200 having a braking system 202 including brake actuators 204 a , 204 b , 204 c , 204 d and a brake controller 206 . A stability controller 208 operates at least in part as the controller 10 of FIG. 1 . A collision preparation system (CPS) 210 is interfaced with the braking system 202 . The CPS 210 may be, for example, implemented by the disclosure of any of aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,939; U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,593; U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,508, U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,172 or U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,687, and may include, for example, short range radar 212 a , 212 b , long range radar 214 and an evaluating unit 216 . A collision preparation system braking adjustment controller 224 is interfaced with the braking system 202 so as to adjust the braking in accordance with the present invention, and receives operational data to carryout its function, as for example from the CPS 210 and the stability controller 208 . The MSIBA system 240 is resident in a controller and is interfaced with the collision preparation system braking adjustment controller 224 through which the MSIBA system sets the selected brake assist level, as described hereinabove.
FIG. 3B depicts the electronic implementation of FIG. 3A , wherein inputs 218 from various sensors and other data sources of the motor vehicle 200 are provided to the stability controller 208 . The stability controller 208 includes a command interpreter 220 , as for example that shown at 12 of FIG. 1 . The stability controller 208 utilizes the command interpreter 220 and the control commands block 222 , as for example that shown at 22 of FIG. 1 , to control operation of the braking system 202 in the manner described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,919.
According to the example of FIG. 3B , the CPS braking adjustment controller 224 has provided to it, via a data line 226 , the driver braking request, the yaw rate and/or other data providing actual motor vehicle travel path information, and the steering wheel position and/or other data providing the driver intended motor vehicle travel path information, all available from the command interpreter 220 . Further, the MSIBA system 240 has available to it, via data line 244 , brake pedal position and brake pedal velocity from data line 226 , and further has available to it, via data line 246 the activation status of the CPS 210 . The CPS braking adjustment controller 224 further has available to it, via a data line 228 , the activation status of the CPS 210 . The CPS braking adjustment controller 224 further has available to it, via a data line 242 , the output of the MSIBA system 240 . In this regard, the MSIBA determines and selects Brake Assist Level 1, 2, or 3 which selection is then complied with by the CPS braking adjustment controller, wherein the CPS braking adjustment controller 224 sends a braking signal, via data line 230 , to the braking system in accordance with the present invention as per FIG. 2 .
FIG. 4 is a vehicle path depiction 300 for the motor vehicle 200 of FIG. 3A , showing a driver intended motor vehicle path 302 which has in that path an obstruction 304 which has been detected by the CPS ( 210 of FIGS. 3A and 3B ) and in response thereto the MSIBA system is enabled at point 306 of the motor vehicle path, wherein the Collision Judgment Line is depicted at point 308 and the CPS braking adjustment controller ( 224 of FIGS. 3A and 3B ) provides the appropriate brake assist level according to the present invention.
The following examples exemplify operation of the present invention in accordance with FIG. 2 , utilizing the three Brake Assist Levels, 1, 2 and 3, as previously described and indicated in Table 1, wherein reference is additionally directed to FIG. 4 .
Example 1
Driver Does not Initiate Braking
The motor vehicle 200 is traveling on a two lane road and approaches a stalled car 304 in its path 302 . The incident is detected and CPS and MSIBA system are enabled. The driver is inattentive and never presses the brake pedal. Because the driver never presses the brake pedal, the MSIBA system never goes active.
Example 2
Driver Initiates Braking Before the MSIBA System is Enabled
The motor vehicle 200 is traveling on a two lane road and approaches a stalled car 304 in its path 302 . The driver begins braking to avoid the stalled car before the MSIBA system is enabled. The incident is detected and CPS is enabled but the MSIBA system is not enabled because the driver is already braking.
Example 3
After the MSIBA System is Enabled, Driver Initiates Braking Before or at the Collision Judgment Line
The motor vehicle 200 is traveling on a two lane road and approaches a stalled car 304 in its path 302 . The incident is detected and CPS and the MSIBA system are enabled. The driver initiates braking before the Collision Judgment Line 308 . The brake assist level is set as previously described, depicted in Table 1, and exemplified in FIG. 2 .
Example 4
Driver Initiates Braking after Collision Judgment Line
The motor vehicle 200 is traveling on a two lane road and approaches a stalled car 304 in its path 302 . The incident is detected and CPS and the MSIBA system are enabled. The driver initiates braking after the Collision Judgment Line 308 such that, if the brake assist level to be established, as previously described, depicted in Table 1, and exemplified in FIG. 2 , is at least Brake Assist Level 1, then Brake Assist Level 3 is set in this case. However, if driver requested braking results in a deceleration greater than that provided by Brake Assist Level 3, MSIBA control is terminated whereby braking is thereby responsive to the driver's braking requests, as previously described, depicted in Table 1, and exemplified in FIG. 2 .
Example 5
Driver Initiates Braking Before the MSIBA System is Enabled and then Increases Braking
The motor vehicle 200 is traveling on a two lane road and approaches a stalled car 304 in its path 302 . The driver begins braking to avoid the stalled car before the MSIBA system is enabled and then, subsequently, increases braking. The incident is detected and CPS is enabled but the MSIBA system is not enabled because the driver is already braking.
Example 6
Driver Initiates Braking After the MSIBA System is Enabled and then Increases Braking
The motor vehicle 200 is traveling on a two lane road and approaches a stalled car 304 in its path 302 . The incident is detected and CPS and the MSIBA system are enabled. The driver initiates braking before the Collision Judgment Line 308 . The brake assist level is set as previously described, depicted in Table 1, and exemplified in FIG. 2 . If the driver, subsequently, increases braking, then the brake assist level is set as previously described, depicted in Table 1, and exemplified in FIG. 2 .
Example 7
Driver Initiates Braking After the MSIBA System is Enabled and then Decreases Braking
The motor vehicle 200 is traveling on a two lane road and approaches a stalled car 304 in its path 302 . The incident is detected and CPS and the MSIBA system are enabled. The driver initiates braking before the Collision Judgment Line 308 . The brake assist level is set as previously described, depicted in Table 1, and exemplified in FIG. 2 . If the driver, subsequently, decreases braking but is still requesting braking, then the present brake assist level shall remain set as previously described and exemplified in FIG. 2 .
Example 8
Driver Initiates Braking After MSIBA System is Enabled and then Stops Braking
The motor vehicle 200 is traveling on a two lane road and approaches a stalled car 304 in its path 302 . The incident is detected and CPS and the MSIBA system are enabled. The driver initiates braking before the Collision Judgment Line 308 . The brake assist level is set as previously described, depicted in Table 1, and exemplified in FIG. 2 . If the driver, subsequently, stops braking, then the present brake assist level ceases to be active and deceleration is removed as previously described and exemplified in FIG. 2 .
Example 9
Driver Initiates Braking After the MSIBA System is Enabled and then Forward Conflict Situation Resolves
The motor vehicle 200 is traveling on a two lane road and approaches a slower moving car 304 in its path 302 , but the driver recognizes the car is about to speed up or move out of the path. The incident is detected and CPS and the MSIBA system are enabled. The driver initiates braking before the Collision Judgment Line 308 . The brake assist level is set as previously described, depicted in Table 1, and exemplified in FIG. 2 . If the car, subsequently, moves out of the path or moves ahead sufficiently, the present brake assist level ceases to be active, the MSIBA system is disabled, and deceleration follows driver requested deceleration as previously described and exemplified in FIG. 2 .
A stability control system (as for example discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,919) is intended to provide vehicle stability by adjusting the braking at the wheels individually and/or adjusting engine power. As such, the brake controller will follow commands of the stability control system in the event a conflict occurs with respect to braking adjustment by the MSIBA algorithm 100 .
To those skilled in the art to which this invention appertains, the above described preferred embodiment may be subject to change or modification. Such change or modification can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
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A motor vehicle multi-stage integrated brake assist (MSIBA) system, which can provide at least one brake assist level of a plurality of predetermined levels of brake assist (i.e., deceleration) less than or greater than the required amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) calculated by the MSIBA to avoid a collision with an obstacle at the time the driver initiates braking, but allows the driver to increase or remove the provided predetermined level of brake assist.
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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is continuation-in-part of and claims priority of U.S. Ser. No. 10/908,414 filed May 11, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to guide assemblies and, more particularly, to a guide assembly having multiple passage guides connected thereto.
[0003] During construction of residential and commercial facilities, it is often required to pass conductors through the structure of the facility. Such conductors include power cables, water lines, phone cables, and television signal cables. Additionally, with the proliferation of “smart buildings” it has become more desirable and cost efficient to pass computer cables as well as entertainment and security cables within wall, floor, and ceiling cavities. Such systems are often referred to as structured wiring systems and often include a bundled array of phone, computer, co-axial, and speaker cables.
[0004] Often, the devices associated with a specific system share a common point of origin. For simplicity, only one such system will be described. In buildings equipped with radiant heat systems, a plurality of radiant heating loops are connected to a manifold and extend about the building. The simplest of radiant heating loops have a first end connected to a hot water inlet, extend about the area to be heated, and have a second end connected to a return manifold thereby forming a “loop”. A heating fluid, such as water, is heated by a heat source, such as a water heater or boiler, and is pumped through the heating loop. Such radiant heating loops are frequently located in close proximity to a finish floor of the area to be heated. The heating loops can be positioned beneath a subfloor or sandwiched between a subfloor or substrate, and a finish floor.
[0005] To maximize the usable space of a structure, the heating loops often extend generally transverse to the floor surfaces in close proximity to a wall surface. Such an orientation minimizes the space obstructed by the heating tubes. Often, an elbow is employed to facilitate this generally transverse directional change. For radiant heat systems, each end of a loop must be threaded through an elbow. A single loop heating system requires an elbow to be passed over each end of the heating tube. Each elbow must then be securely fastened to a sub-surface to allow a finish floor to be formed thereabout. Individually securing each elbow is a time consuming and tedious process and often delays the construction process. Although there are known elbow constructions that allow the conduit to pass radially into the elbow, these elbows only support individual conductors. That is, often multiple elbows must be individually secured and individual conductors passed therethrough or thereinto. Additionally, depending on the finish floor system formed about the heating tubes, inadvertent movement of the individual elbows can result in damage or displacement of the conductor passed therethrough during formation of the finish floor.
[0006] Radiant floor heating has gained increased acceptance as the preferred heating method for spaces built on grade or in basements. The radiant tubes are often attached to a supporting structure and a concrete floor is often poured thereover. The process of finishing a concrete floor often employs the application of a power trowel. The power trowel includes a plurality of individual floats attached to an engine. Operation of the engine rotates the floats and as the power trowel is moved across the surface of the floor, the floats provide a relatively smooth and flat finish of the floor. An operator of the power trowel must be particular careful during finishing of the floor near the array of individual elbows that have been passed thereinto. Although the concrete is generally stiff enough to support the weight of the power trowel and an operator thereof, inadvertent contact between the power trowel and the elbows can result in displacement of the elbows from their secured location. Such an event produces a relatively unsightly finished alignment of the individual elbows and/or a blemish in the finish of the floor. Worse yet, if the floats of the power trowel contact the radiant tube or other conductor passed through the elbow, the float could sever the conductor or minimally form a leak in fluid communicating conductors.
[0007] It would therefore be desirable to have a system and method capable of quickly and efficiently guiding and securing a plurality of conductors in such applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a system and method that solves the aforementioned drawbacks. Specifically, a system for arranging a plurality of conductors includes a guide body having a plurality of passage guides connected thereto. Each of the plurality of passage guides is constructed to direct the passage of an individual conductor therethrough. The guide body is securable to a substrate and constructed to organize the individual conductors connected thereto. The individual conductors communicate any one of a fluid, an electrical power, a hydraulic fluid, or the like through the guide body.
[0009] Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method of positioning a conduit array is disclosed. The method includes the step of securing a guide block to a substrate and securing a first conduit to the block such that the first conduit extends in crossing directions from the guide block. The process also includes securing a second conduit to the guide block such that the second conduit extends in directions generally similar to the first conduit.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a guide assembly having a body and a plurality of channels formed therein is disclosed. The body has a first portion which extends in a first direction and a second portion that extends in a crossing direction relative to the first portion. The plurality of channels formed in the body extend across the first portion and the second portion and each channel is constructed to receive a conductor conduit therein.
[0011] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a guide system having a guide body and a cover is disclosed. The guide body has a plurality of passages formed therein and each passage extends between a first end and a second end of the guide body. The first end of each passage extends in a first direction which is across a second direction of the second end. The cover is connectable to the guide body and has a profile that generally matches at least a portion of a profile of the guide body. A plurality of recesses is formed in the cover and spaced apart a width of each of the plurality of passages. Each recess is constructed to allow uninterrupted passage of a conductor conduit from an associated passage of the plurality of passages of the guide body.
[0012] Various other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.
[0014] In the drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a guide assembly according to the present invention secured in a substrate.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the guide assembly shown in FIG. 1 .
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the guide assembly along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 .
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a guide assembly according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the guide assembly according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a guide assembly 10 according to the present invention. Guide assembly 10 includes a plurality of retainers, or passage guides 12 formed therethrough. Each passage guide 12 includes a first end 14 that extends in a first direction, indicated by arrow 16 , and a second end 18 that extends in a second direction, indicated by arrow 20 . First direction 16 is oriented to generally align with a floor system 22 and second direction 20 extends outwardly therefrom. Although first direction 16 and second direction 20 are shown as generally transverse to one another, other crossing orientations are envisioned and within the scope of the appending claims. First ends 14 are generally aligned to share a common plane preferably below a finish surface 24 of floor system 22 . In one preferred embodiment, the second ends 18 are arranged in two sets. A first set 26 of second ends 18 are generally aligned with, but offset from, a second set 28 of second ends 18 . First set 26 and second set 28 of second ends 18 preferably extend along a wall 30 with the first set 26 being further from wall 30 than second set 28 .
[0021] The plurality of passage guides 12 extend through a body 32 of guide assembly 10 such that each passage extends through body 32 between first end 14 and second end 18 . First ends 14 and second ends 18 extend from a first surface 34 and a second surface 36 of body 32 , respectively. During installation, first surface 34 is constructed to be positioned within floor system 22 and second surface 36 is oriented to be generally flush or extend above finish surface 24 of floor system 22 .
[0022] Prior to forming floor system 22 about guide assembly 10 , either a plurality of conductors 38 are passed through the plurality of passage guides 12 or the passage guides 12 are connected to conduit means to allow passage of some medium therethrough. Each conductor 38 is isolated from other conductors of the plurality conductors as it passes through an associated passage guide 12 of guide assembly 10 . The plurality of conductors 38 are any of a radiant heating tube 40 , an electrical cable 42 , a computer cable, a potable water tube, a structured wiring cable, a computer cable, a phone cable, or any other conductor that is desired to be passed through floor system 22 . A first end 44 of each conductor 38 extends from first end 14 of a respective passage guide 12 and passes through floor system 22 . First end 44 of each conductor 38 can exit floor system 22 at a location remote from guide assembly 10 or loop through floor system 22 and return to guide assembly 10 and exit floor system 22 thereat. That is, where conductor 38 is a radiant heating tube 40 connected to a heat source with an intended return site located proximate guide assembly 10 , radiant heat tube 40 could enter and exit floor system 22 via guide assembly 10 . Comparatively, if conductor 38 is an electrical cable 42 desired to feed a device such as an outlet, electrical cable 42 does not need to exit floor system 22 at guide assembly 10 . Similarly, if a return site for radiant heat tube 40 is remote from guide assembly 10 , a supplemental guide assembly can be positioned at the desired exit of radiant heat tube 40 and/or electrical cable 42 from floor system 22 .
[0023] A second end 45 of each conductor 38 extends from second end 18 of a respective passage guide 12 for connection with an associated system. That is, second end 45 of radiant heat tube 40 extends from second end 18 of guide assembly 10 for connection to a heating system whereas second end 45 of electrical cable 42 extends from second end 18 of guide assembly 10 for connection to an electrical device or an electrical panel. Once the desired conductors 38 have been passed through guide assembly 10 , floor system 22 is formed thereabout. For concrete flooring systems 46 , first ends 44 of plurality of conductors 38 are secured about a length 48 of the conductor 38 to a reinforcing material 50 associated with the concrete flooring system 46 . A plurality of ties 52 secure conductors 38 to reinforcing material 50 in a desired location such that conductors 38 remain in the desired location during the process of forming floor system 22 thereabout. Alternatively, conductors 38 could be secured directly to a subfloor, substrate, or graded surface.
[0024] Understandably, floor system 22 , being a concrete floor system, is merely an exemplary application of guide assembly 10 . That is, guide assembly 10 is equally applicable with other flooring systems such as wood/tile/carpet flooring systems. Additionally, the orientation of guide assembly 10 to floor system 22 is also exemplary. That is, as shown in FIG. 1 , second ends 18 of guide assembly 10 extend upwardly from finish floor 24 . Where passage of conductors 38 through a first floor flooring system is desired, guide assembly 10 is rotatable 180 degrees to allow the conductors that are passed therethrough to extend into a joist cavity below the first floor flooring system. As such, guide assembly 10 is applicable to multiple levels of a building structure and provides an efficient and convenient method of passing multiple conductors into and out of any flooring system.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows guide assembly 10 removed from flooring system 22 . Body 32 of guide assembly 10 includes a base 54 extending therefrom. Base 54 is constructed to secure guide assembly 10 to a substrate. Base 54 includes a plurality of openings 56 formed therethrough. A plurality of fasteners 58 pass through openings 56 and secure guide assembly 10 to a substrate. As shown in FIG. 2 , fasteners 58 are constructed to engage a gravel base disposed beneath a concrete floor system. Understandably, fasteners 58 could be any suitable fastener such as a nail or screw and constructed to secure guide assembly 10 to a sub-floor system of any material. Alternatively, body 32 could include a plurality of fastener openings or tabs connected thereto such that body 32 could be secured to a surface. In another alternate embodiment, the base 54 may be equipped with tabs to engage joists or studs.
[0026] Body 32 of guide assembly 10 includes a groove 60 formed in a first lateral end 62 thereof and a rib 64 extending from a second lateral end 66 thereof. Groove 60 and rib 64 each have a triangular cross-sectional shape such that rib 64 slidingly engages a corresponding groove 60 formed in another guide assembly 10 . Such a construction allows the connection of a plurality of guide assemblies 10 when more passage guides 12 are desired. Understandably, this dove-tailed engagement between rib 64 and a corresponding groove 60 of another guide assembly 10 is merely exemplary. That is, other configurations such as a circular cross-section or other unique cross-sectional shapes are envisioned and within the scope the claims. Alternatively, lateral ends 62 , 66 could have substantially similar cross-sectional shapes. For such a construction, guide assembly 10 would include a connector constructed to engage a respective end of adjacent guide assemblies thereby connecting the adjacent guide assemblies. Similarly, rather than the sliding engagement between multiple guide assemblies, other connection means are envisioned such as mechanical connectors or a snap-fitting engagement between adjacent guide assemblies.
[0027] Conductor 38 passes uninterruptedly through passage guides 12 such that first end 44 of conductor 38 extends in first direction 16 along base 54 generally parallel to a floor surface. Second end 45 of conductor 38 extends from second end 18 of passage guide 12 in direction 20 and across first direction 16 . Such a construction provides a guide assembly that is robust and resistant to movement during formation of a finish floor system thereabout. Additionally, guide assembly 10 provides an aesthetically pleasing arrangement of conductors 38 as the conductors exit the floor system.
[0028] First ends 14 of passage guides 12 share a common plane, indicated by line 68 , generally parallel to a floor surface. Such a construction ensures that conductors 38 passed from first ends 14 of guide assembly 10 are a relatively uniform depth in a floor system. For heating type systems, this ensures relatively uniform heating of the floor surface. A first set 70 of first ends 14 are a first distance 72 from first surface 34 of body 32 . A second set 74 of first ends 14 are a second distance 76 from first surface 34 of body 32 . Such an orientation allows a user to readily distinguish interconnected conductors. That is, for radiant heating loops, each inlet conductor could extend from a passage guide 12 of first set 70 of first ends 14 and a return associated therewith could pass through an adjacent first end 14 of second set 74 of passage guides 12 . Such a construction is particularly helpful when multiple users are installing multiple loops. That is, each user can independently determine which passage of the plurality of passage guides 12 is required for a return associated with another users heating loop by visual inspection of the guide assembly. Such a construction becomes particularly helpful when multiple guide assemblies are connected and multiple conductors are simultaneously being passed therethrough.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of guide assembly 10 along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 3 , second ends 18 of guide assembly 10 extend from body 32 outwardly from floor surface 24 . Conductors 38 pass through passage guides 12 of guide assembly 10 and enter/exit floor system 22 thereat. Second ends 18 of passage guides 12 extend above second surface 36 of body 32 and prevent inadvertent contact with conductors 38 passed therethrough. Alternatively, second surface 36 could be constructed to extend above floor surface 24 to prevent contact of floor finishing tools with second ends 18 of passage guides 12 as conductors 38 passing therethrough. First set 26 of second ends 18 of passage guides 12 is a distance 78 from first surface 34 of body 32 and second set 28 of second ends 18 of passage guides 12 is another distance 80 from first surface 34 . Such a construction allows a user to quickly identify associated conductors after a floor system has been installed. That is, for radiant heating loops, a feed conductor is passed through a passage guide 12 of first set 26 and the associated return is passed through an adjacent passage guide 12 of the second set 28 . Understandably, only one of first ends 14 and second ends 18 need be constructed for operative association of conductor loops passed therethrough. Additionally, by offsetting first and second sets 26 , 28 of second ends 18 , guide assembly 10 provides a compact and visually appealing organization of the plurality of conductors 38 passed therethrough.
[0030] Although guide assembly 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-3 as having six passage guides 12 formed therethrough, understandably other numbers of passages are envisioned and within the scope of the claims. That is, guide assembly 10 could be constructed to have any number of passage guides formed therethrough. Additionally, it is understood and within the scope of the claims to provide a guide system having a first guide assembly having a number of passage guides formed therethrough and a second guide assembly having the same or a different number of passage guides formed therethrough. The first and second guide assemblies are connectable to provide a guide system having an application specific number of passage guides. Such a system is highly versatile and limits waste by providing a guide assembly that provides a desired number of passage guides.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of a guide assembly 100 according to the present invention. Guide assembly 100 includes a plurality of retainers or passage guides 102 removably connectable thereto. Passage guides 102 are generically referred to as elbows and have a first end 104 that extends in a first direction, indicated by arrow 106 , and a second end 108 that extends in a second direction, indicated by arrow 110 . A body 112 is attached to a base 114 and extends therefrom. A first set of clips 116 are attached to body 112 and a second set of clips 118 are attached to base 114 remote from body 112 . Passage guides 102 individually engage an associated clip pair 120 of first set of clips 116 and second set of clips 118 . Such a construction allows guide assembly 100 to include no more than a desired number of passage guides 102 .
[0032] Associated clip pairs 120 engage respective passage guides 102 and secure the position of the passage guide during formation of a floor surface thereabout. Alternatively, it is further understood and within the scope of the claims to construct clip pairs 120 to directly engage a conductor connected to guide assembly 100 . That is, each conductor could be attached to guide assembly 100 without passage guides 102 . Base 114 includes a plurality of openings 122 formed therethrough. Openings 122 are constructed to allow a fastener 124 to pass therethrough. Fasteners 124 secure guide assembly 100 to a subsurface of the floor formed thereabout. Alternatively, it is understood and within the scope of the claims to form openings 122 through body 112 .
[0033] Body 112 includes a groove 126 formed therein and a rib 128 extending therefrom. Groove 126 and rib 128 cooperate to allow guide assembly 100 to be securely connected to additional guide assemblies 100 . Such a construction provides a guide assembly that is highly versatile and has only a desired number of passage guides or conductors connected thereto. Similar to passage guides 12 of guide assembly 10 , passage guides 102 of guide assembly 100 are constructed to allow any one of a plurality of different types of conductors to pass therethrough. That is, passage guides 102 are constructed to allow uninterrupted guided passage of radiant heat tubes, potable water tubes, electrical cables, computer cables, structured wiring cable bundles, or the like, through guide assembly 100 . Such a guide system provides a highly versatile, relatively rugged, and visually appealing orientation of the plurality of individual conductors directed by guide assembly 100 .
[0034] The guide assemblies 10 , 100 provide a compact and versatile guide assembly. The guide assemblies include a plurality of passage guides and are quickly and efficiently attachable to additional guide assemblies. Such a construction provides a multi-passage guide system that can be quickly adapted to provide a desired number of passage guides. Additionally, the structure of guide assemblies 10 , 100 allows the guide assembly to be quickly and securely attached to a sub-floor surface thereby preventing movement of the guide assembly during formation of a floor thereabout. Guide assemblies 10 , 100 provide a compact and esthetically pleasing organization for a plurality of conductors desired to pass through a floor system.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a guide assembly 150 according to the present invention. Guide assembly 150 includes a guide block 152 and an optional cover 154 exploded therefrom. Guide block 152 includes a plurality of grooves or passages 156 which extend therethrough. Passages 156 extend in a first direction, indicated by arrow 158 , and a second direction, indicated by arrow 160 . Guide block 152 also includes a plurality of first openings 162 . Each opening 162 is constructed to pass a fastener therethrough for securing the guide block to a substrate during installation. Guide block 152 also includes a plurality of second openings 164 constructed to secure cover 154 thereto. Understandably, depending on the type of fastener used to secure cover 154 to guide block 152 and the type of fastener used to secure guide block 152 to the substrate, openings 162 , 164 may pass completely or partially through guide block 152 . That is, openings 162 , 164 can be constructed to slidably engage a fastener such as a nail, spike, or tie, or threadingly engage a screw fastener.
[0036] Each passage 156 is constructed to receive a pair of conductor conduits 166 . Understandably, during installation, conductor conduit 166 can be arranged such that a first conductor conduit 168 is a delivery conduit and a second conductor conduit 170 is a return conduit such that each pair of conductors forms a service loop. Each pair of conductor conduits 166 is received in a respective passage such that the conductor conduits 166 do not interfere with the engagement of cover 154 with guide block 152 . Alternatively, guide block 152 could be constructed to snap-fittingly receive and secure conductor conduits 166 . Conductor conduits 166 can be any of radiant heat tubes, potable water tubes, electrical cables, computer cables, structured wiring cable bundles, or the like.
[0037] Cover 154 includes a plurality of openings 172 constructed to receive a fastener (not shown) which secures the cover to guide block 152 . Understandably, openings 172 could be constructed to pass completely through cover 154 to receive the fastener or simply be depressions for positioning the fasteners. Alternatively, cover 154 could be constructed to snap-fittingly engage guide block 152 such that cover 154 can be secured to the guide block without requiring separate fasteners. A first portion 174 of cover 154 includes a plurality of recesses 176 and a plurality of tabs 178 formed thereat. Recesses 176 are constructed to allow uninterrupted passage of conductor conduits 166 through cover 154 when the cover is connected to guide block 152 . Tabs 178 are constructed to generally align cover 154 with guide block 152 and extend over a respective partition 180 between adjacent passages of guide block 152 . Openings 172 formed in a tab 178 of cover 154 are constructed to align with an opening 164 formed in a partition 180 and secure the first portion of 174 of cover 154 to guide block 152 . When cover 154 is secured to guide block 152 , plurality of passages 156 are generally isolated from one another.
[0038] A profile 182 of cover 154 substantially matches a portion 184 of a profile 186 of the guide block 152 such that cover 152 snuggly engages guide block 152 and thereby secures conductor conduits 166 within respective passages 156 of guide block 152 . Understandably, although guide block 152 and cover 152 are shown to form twelve passages 156 which smoothly transition conductor conduits 166 from first direction 158 to second direction 160 , the number of passages 156 can be selected to satisfy a particular application. For example, if a specific application only requires four passages, guide assembly 150 may be provided with four passages or can be cut in the field to satisfy the particular application. Alternatively, if more than twelve passages are required, a guide block assembly having more than twelve passages may be provided or multiple guide block assemblies can be connected together to provide the desired number of guided passages. As such, guide assembly 150 is as functionally dynamic as guide assemblies 10 and 100 .
[0039] Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention includes a guide assembly that has a body having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is arranged in a first direction and the second surface is arranged in a second direction that extends outwardly from the first direction. The guide assembly also includes a number of passage guides extending through the body, each passage guide having an inlet generally aligned with the first surface of the body and an outlet generally aligned with the second surface. The passage guides are constructed to allow the passage of a plurality of conduits or conductors therethrough between the first surface to the second surface.
[0040] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a guide system that has a first body, a second body connected to the first body, and a plurality of tubes. The tubes are connected to at least one of the first and second bodies and each tube has a first end facing a first common direction and a second end facing a second common direction, wherein the two directions are other than parallel.
[0041] A further embodiment of the present invention includes a method of securing a conduit array that includes the step of securing a guide block to a substrate and securing a first conduit to the block such that the first conduit extends in crossing directions from the guide block. The process also includes securing a second conduit to the guide block such that the second conduit extends in directions generally similar to the first conduit.
[0042] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a guide assembly having a body with first and second portions, wherein the second portion extends from the first portion. A first set of retainers is attached to the first portion of the body in and a second set of retainers is attached to the second portion of the body and is generally aligned with the first set of retainers. The retainers are constructed to retain a plurality of conduits therein.
[0043] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a guide assembly having a body and a plurality of channels formed therein. The body has a first portion which extends in a first direction and a second portion that extends in a crossing direction relative to the first portion. The plurality of channels formed in the body extend across the first portion and the second portion and each channel is constructed to receive a conductor conduit therein.
[0044] A further embodiment of the present invention includes guide system having a guide body and a cover. The guide body has a plurality of passages formed therein and each passage extends between a first end and a second end of the guide body. The first end of each passage extends in a first direction which is across a second direction of the second end. The cover is connectable to the guide body and has a profile that generally matches at least a portion of a profile of the guide body. A plurality of recesses is formed in the cover and spaced apart a width of each of the plurality of passages. Each recess is constructed to allow uninterrupted passage of a conductor conduit from an associated passage of the plurality of passages of the guide body.
[0045] The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.
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A system for arranging a plurality of conductors includes a guide assembly having a plurality of passage guides. Each of the plurality of passage guides are constructed to guide the passage of a conduit through the guide assembly. The guide assembly is securable to a substrate and constructed to organize individual conduits passing therethrough. The individual conduits communicate any one of a fluid, an electrical power, a hydraulic fluid, or the like through the guide assembly.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to railing system useful for forming a barrier, fencing or the like. In particular, the invention relates to a railing system in which the post and infill assembly components are readily interconnectable to each other without the need for fasteners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Railings formed using an infill assembly supported by upstanding posts are commonly used on stairs, balconies and patios as a safety barrier with a pleasing appearance. The railing components may be formed of materials such as vinyl, composite material, or aluminum. Aluminum is generally a preferred material. Since it is easy to extrude and form and is lightweight yet sturdy and enjoys excellent weather resistance.
[0003] The fencing or balustrade is typically formed as a railing system that includes a top railing secured to pickets that extend vertically downwardly from the top rail and which are spaced at desired intervals. The pickets may extend into a wooden or concrete base or the like, or, more usually are also attached to a bottom rail which, in turn, is mounted to the stairs or balcony for which the railing system acts as a barrier.
[0004] Examples of prior art railing systems include U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,005 to Zen and U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,240 to Baker.
[0005] Construction of railings from preformed components can be a labour intensive job, particularly as conventional railing system use components that are designed to be fastened together using fasteners, welding or other fastening schemes that require a careful attention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a railing assembly that avoids the use of fasteners or welding to connect together preformed parts. Instead, the present invention relies on components being snap-fitted together which greatly reduces construction time and costs.
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a railing assembly comprising:
[0008] at least one infill assembly, each infill assembly comprising a top member, a bottom member and a barrier member extending between the top and bottom members;
[0009] at least one post member having an upper support to engage the top member and a lower support to engage the bottom member, at least one of the upper support and the lower support being lockably engagable with the top member and the bottom member, respectively, to retain the at least one infill assembly on the at least one post.
[0010] In a preferred arrangement, there is included a top rail adapted to lockably engage with the top member.
[0011] The present railing assembly provides a quickly constructed unit that is still strong, reliable and visually appealing. No fasteners are required to connect together the assembly components, yet a sturdy rattle-free construction is still achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Aspects of the present invention are illustrated, merely by way of example, in the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a railing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 1A is a detailed view of an alternative infill assembly;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a partially assembled railing assembly;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a schematic top view of a corner post member;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a completed railing assembly;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a detail view of a post member; and
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectioned view of the structure of the assembled railing taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 showing lockable interconnections between components of the railing assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown an exploded view of the components of an exemplary railing assembling 2 according to a preferred embodiment. In FIG. 1 , the railing assembly comprises an infill assembly 4 and a post member 6 . The infill assembly comprises a top member 10 , a bottom member 12 and a barrier member 14 extending between the top and bottom members to define a barricade against movement of people or objects past the railing. The components of the present railing system can be formed from various materials such as aluminium, plastic, composite material or other materials from which conventional modular railing systems are formed. For example, top and bottom members 10 and 12 , respectively, may be extruded aluminium formed into U-shaped channels of a desired length. In the interest of making modular infill assemblies 4 , each assembly may be formed in standard lengths of 10 feet or 20 feet, however, assemblies having dimensions in the range of 2 feet to 24 are possible.
[0021] The barrier member preferably comprises a plurality of barrier members arranged in spaced, generally parallel relationship between the top and bottom members. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier members comprise a plurality of pickets 16 extending between top member 10 and bottom member 12 . Each of the top and bottom members are formed with openings 18 corresponding generally to the cross-sectional shape of the pickets 16 such that the pickets are insertable through the openings for connection between the members. In the illustrated example, pickets 16 are of rectangular cross-section and opposite ends of each picket are received in a pair of rectangular holes 18 , but it will be apparent to the skilled person that other cross-sectional shapes or lengthwise configurations of the pickets are possible. In the case of aluminum or plastic components, the pickets can be joined to the top and bottom members by appropriate welding at openings 18 within the interior of the U-shaped members so that a clean, external appearance of the finished infill assembly 4 is achieved.
[0022] Other barrier members are possible. For example, instead of the pickets of FIG. 1 , the barrier members may comprise one or more glass partition 20 extending between top and bottom members 10 and 12 with top and bottom ends retained in suitable mounting brackets as shown in FIG. 1A .
[0023] Each infill assembly 4 is supportable by at least one post member 6 having an upper support 25 to engage the top member 10 and a lower support 26 to engage the bottom member 12 . At least one of the upper support and the lower support is lockably engagable with the top member and the bottom member, respectively, to retain the infill assembly 4 on the post 6 without the need for fasteners.
[0024] FIGS. 2 and 3 show generally the manner in which an infill assembly 4 (with pickets 16 ) is mounted to and supported by a post 6 . Post 6 includes a mounting structure 33 adjacent its lower end for anchoring of the post to a surface. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 , mounting structure 33 is a plate with bolt holes 34 extending therethrough for attachment to a generally horizontal surface. Other known mounting structures are possible to permit attachment to, for example, a generally vertical surface.
[0025] To accommodate post 6 , bottom member 12 is cut to form an interruption or gap 29 in the length of the member to define discontinuous portions 12 a and 12 b. Gap 29 may be formed when the infill assembly is initially manufactured or the gap may be cut at the assembly site for the railing. Gap 29 is formed between an adjacent pair of barrier members to maintain structural integrity of the infill assembly 4 . Post 6 must also be dimensioned to fit between adjacent pairs of barrier members and into gap 29 .
[0026] Gap 29 is aligned with anchored post 6 and the post is introduced into the gap such that the discontinuous portions 12 a and 12 b of bottom member 12 are positioned on opposite sides of the post and brought into engagement with lower support 26 of the post. At the same time, the lower surface 35 of top member 10 engages with upper support 25 . As will be described in more detail below, the upper support 25 and top member 10 or the lower support 26 and the bottom member 12 or both may be lockably engaged with each other to secure the infill assembly to the post.
[0027] In a preferred arrangement, a top rail 28 may be provided which is adapted to lockably engage with top member 10 to finish the appearance of the railing assembly. Top rail 28 will preferably be formed from the same material as the other components of the railing assembly to which the top rail is mounted.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary constructed railing assembly with top rail 28 in place. Note that the railing assembly of FIG. 3 differs from that shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 shows two posts connected to a longer infill assembly, while FIG. 2 shows a single post about to be connected to a shorter infill assembly. As shown in FIG. 3 , each post 6 requires its own gap 29 in the bottom member 12 , and each post has its own lower support 26 and upper support 25 for interconnecting the posts and the infill assembly. The lower supports 26 are shown by dashed lines in FIG. 3 as they are concealed within the interior of bottom member 12 in the constructed railing assembly. Similarly, upper supports 25 and top member 10 are shown by dashed lines as they are concealed within the interior of top rail 28 .
[0029] Each railing assembly 2 can be manufactured to the appropriate length with the top member 10 being a single, continuous element, and the bottom member 12 being engaged with and supported by posts 6 at regular intervals. Alternatively, in the event that railing assemblies of pre-determined, standard lengths are used which are too short to span a particular gap, two adjacent railing assemblies can be joined together in a known manner using connectors (not shown) that engage within the interiors of abutting top members and abutting bottom members.
[0030] While posts 6 have been depicted and described above as having a generally rectangular cross-section, it will be appreciated that other shapes are possible.
[0031] FIG. 2A shows a schematic top view of an alternative upper support 25 adapted to be used on a post 6 positioned at a corner where a pair of infill assemblies meet. In this case, the corner is a right angle, and upper support 25 includes two portions 25 a and 25 b, each adapted to support an end of an infill assembly. The top member 10 and the top rail of each infill assembly are cut at complementary angles for a smooth join at the corner.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown details of the locking system that allows the posts, infill assembly and top rails of the illustrated embodiments to be joined together without the use of fasteners.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , upper support 25 of post member 6 preferably comprises a flat plate 27 . Referring to FIG. 5 , when a railing assembly is constructed, top member 10 rests atop plate 27 such that the bottom surface 35 of the top member is supported. Plate 27 is generally rectangular and is fixedly mounted to the upper end of post 6 . Plate 27 includes an upper channel 30 defined by a pair of upstanding flanges 32 to engage the lower outer edges 11 of top member 10 to prevent lateral movement of the top member on the plate along axis X as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 . At the same time, locking engagement of the infill assembly 4 with either upper support 25 , lower support 26 or both prevents vertical movement of the infill assembly along axis Y as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 . Still further, as best shown in FIG. 2 , plate 27 is dimensioned to span the distance 40 between adjacent pairs of pickets 16 thereby preventing movement of top member 10 with respect to the post 6 along axis Z. The result is that installation of the infill assembly 4 onto a post 6 provides a secure, rigid interconnection of the components without play that can be achieved by pressing together components thereby avoiding the need for fasteners between components.
[0034] In a preferred locking arrangement, lower support 26 of post 6 comprises a support portion 50 protruding from at least one side of the post to engage with the bottom member 12 . In the embodiment of FIG. 2 or 4 , two support portions 50 , each one extending from an opposite side of the post, are provide to accommodate interrupted portions 12 a and 12 b of an infill assembly which extends by the post in a linear configuration. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A , which shows a corner post 6 , support portions 50 extend from adjacent sides of the post to engage with a pair of infill assemblies extending from the corner post at an angle to each other.
[0035] As best shown in FIG. 5 , which is a cross-section taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 , each support portion 50 is lockably engagable with the bottom member 12 by a locking system comprising pairs of inter-engagable locking flanges 52 , 54 on the bottom member and the support portion. A first pair of flanges 52 are formed on opposite sides of inner surfaces 56 of bottom member 12 which has a cross-section of an inverted generally U-shaped configuration. A second pair of flanges 54 are formed on opposite sides of support portion 50 . Bottom member 12 fits over support portion 50 for interlocking engagement between the first and second pairs of flanges.
[0036] An interlocking connection between bottom member 12 and lower support 26 is sufficient to reliably and rigidly join together the components of the railing assembly by restraining motion in the vertical direction (y axis). Top member 10 in channel 30 on plate 27 serves to prevent lateral motion (x axis) and plate 27 between pickets 16 serves to limit transverse motion (z axis) as best shown in FIG. 1 . However, to provide redundancy and additional locking strength, a second locking system between top member 10 and plate 27 may be provided. Referring again to FIG. 5 , plate 27 may be lockably engagable with the top member 10 by a locking system comprising pairs of inter-engagable locking flanges 32 , 58 on the top member and the upper support. The lower outer edges 11 of top rail 10 are preferrably formed with flanges 58 adapted to engage with flanges 32 defining the walls of channel 30 to lock together the top rail and the plate. Once again, this locking system alone is sufficient to reliably interconnect the post and the infill assembly by preventing motion in the vertical direction. Lateral and transverse motion in the x and z axis directions are constrained as described above. Including both an upper support locking system and a lower support locking system is also possible for added strength of the interconnection between post and infill assembly.
[0037] To finish the appearance of the railing assembly, top rail 28 may be lockably engaged with the top member 10 by a third locking system comprising pairs of inter-engagable flanges 62 , 64 on the top member and the top rail, respectively. As best shown in FIG. 5 , a pair of flanges 64 are formed on opposite sides of inner surfaces 66 of the top rail and a pair of corresponding flanges 62 are formed on opposite sides of the outer surfaces 68 of the top member. The top rail 28 is shaped and dimensioned to fit over and enclose top member 10 with interlocking engagement of rail flanges 64 below top member flanges 62 .
[0038] As an alternative arrangement, top rail 28 may be lockably engaged directly with plate 27 via flanges 70 , 72 on the top rail and the plate, respectively. This locking system sandwiches the top member top 10 between the top rail 28 and the plate 27 . It suffers from the disadvantage that the interconnection between top rail and plate occurs only at the posts whereas the system that relies on top rail 28 interlocking with top member 10 extends along the entire length of the infill assembly. As such, the locking system between top rail and plate 27 is best used in addition to the locking system between top rail and top member rather than as a substitute for the latter locking arrangement.
[0039] It will be appreciated that the locking systems described and illustrated above are only examples of preferred arrangements. It is contemplated that alternative locking systems relying on different arrangements of interlocking flanges are possible. The common factor between the various locking systems of the present railing system is that all rely on a press fit between parts to reached their interlocked state without the need for fasteners. By avoiding the need for fasteners, assembly of the railing system tends to be faster with less manual labour required.
[0040] Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practised within the scope of the appended claims.
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A railing assembly comprising at least one infill assembly formed from a top member, a bottom member and a barrier member extending between the top and bottom members. At least one post member is included having an upper support to engage the top member and a lower support to engage the bottom member. At least one of the upper support and the lower support is lockably engagable with the top member and the bottom member, respectively, to retain the at least one infill assembly on the at least one post. The assembly may also include a top rail adapted to lockably engage with the top member. The railing assembly provides a quickly constructed unit that does not require any fasteners to connect together the assembly components while still providing a rattle-free construction.
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[0001] The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for providing an exciting interactive audio visual musical experience which may readily be enjoyed by a wide range of users having a range of experience from little or none to those having extensive musical training. More particularly, the present invention relates to an interactive electronic drum and music training method which are suitable for use in a home video game or a coin-operated environment such as an arcade to simulate the excitement of a live jam session for a user.
THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A wide variety of learning and teaching aids for musical instruments have been known for some time. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,030 “Visual Indication of Temporal Accuracy of Compared Percussive Transmit Signals,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,742 “Tempo Monitoring Device and Associated Method,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,786 “Method and Apparatus for Controlling Scale Practice of Electronic Musical Instrument,” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,231 “Apparatus for Electronic Teaching Accompaniment and Practice of Music, Which is Independent of a Played Musical Instrument.” These and like approaches may suffer from a variety of drawbacks. By way of example, they may only be used by experienced musicians or those with a significant knowledge of music theory. Alternatively, they may not be readily intuitive in their operation, or they are not designed to be fun and provide a positive experience which helps keep the user eager to learn.
[0003] For years, electronic drum pads have been available through music stores. Many patents describe a variety of aspects of such drum pads. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,781,097, 4,947,725, 4,932,303, 5,009,146, 5,177,313 and 5,233,658, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. A first time user would have to purchase these relatively expensive pads and determine at a later date if he or she enjoyed playing drum pads, what is involved, and what the final outcome of their efforts would produce. After buying the pads, the user was typically left without guidance as to how to play them. Thus, the novice user did not have any formatted learning structure or any positive feedback to encourage continued learning. Further, typical musical instruction exercises are typically renowned for being dull and repetitious.
[0004] Further, a variety of coin-operated audio visual musical devices are presently known. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,710 “Coin-Operated Recording Machine,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,903 “Audio Video Entertainment Module,” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,673 “Apparatus for a Video Recording Booth.” Additionally, a wide variety of action and adventure type video arcade games, such as auto race and various war or battle games in which the player fights against the machine or another player are known. None of these approaches provides a musical learning experience that is like a game or adventure encouraging a positive learning experience of a musical skill.
[0005] Standard video arcade games are very popular but often are violent in nature and involve a complex combination of button activations and joystick movements that may be daunting to the novice. As a result, a need exists for a non-violent game which provides a positive experience for the novice and the expert alike, and which is exciting enough to replace the standard beat-em-up, shoot-em-up fare that many adults find unacceptable.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0006] The present invention addresses needs, such as those outlined above, by providing a unique combination of features and suitably packaging them so they may be appropriately enjoyed in an arcade setting. Home use can also be envisioned.
[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, a money operated electronic drum system is provided in conjunction with audio-visual inputs to both help a user learn to jam on or play the drums and to enjoy the jamming experience. In this context, “jamming” may suitably be defined as free playing over music. That is to say not reading music, but rather intuitively and naturally playing and reacting to create music as the music proceeds. For example, a drum player may create suitable drum beats to match accompanying instruments such as a guitar or keyboard.
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides an interactive series of menus to guide a user to select a desired mode of operation. A series of cuing LEDs or other light indicia on or associated with the drum pads, or alternatively a video representation on a display may guide the user in the correct sequence and striking of the drum pads, and a control system controlling audio and video devices will provide appropriate feedback to both encourage the user and to make the experience enjoyable.
[0009] In one mode of the present invention, the user chooses to play along with his or her favorite type of music with the system including a source of music, such as a compact disk (“CD”) player which may be of a jukebox format, a tape player, a radio or the like. In another mode of operation, the user tries to play along with drum progression which increase, in difficulty. The control system monitors and scores the user's play, and also provides feedback to encourage the user.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention are described further below and will be readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] [0011]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of drum apparatus in accordance with the present invention suitable for use in a money-operated arcade embodiment;
[0012] [0012]FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram form further details of control and processing circuitry suitable for use in conjunction with the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0013] [0013]FIG. 3 illustrates one overall flowchart of the operation of the drum apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIGS. 4 - 4 C are more detailed flowcharts illustrating details of various possible play modes in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] [0015]FIG. 5 illustrates a menu selection technique in accordance with the present invention which assists a user in learning the various drum pads and how to strike those pads; and
[0016] [0016]FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a suitable mounting arrangement for the mounting of drum pads of a drum apparatus, as in FIG. 1, in a small footprint cabinet suitable for use in an arcade environment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] [0017]FIG. 1 shows an overall view of an audio-visual interactive drum studio system 100 in accordance with the present invention. System 100 preferably includes a cabinet 10 for housing, enclosing and mounting the various components of the system. The cabinet 10 will preferably consist of a sound and fire resistant frame which may be painted to emphasize the effectiveness of the system's lighting as further described below. The system 100 also includes a drum set layout 20 which may preferably include electronic drum pads for snare 21 , hi-hat cymbal 22 , crash cymbal 23 , ride cymbal 24 , and toms one through four 25 - 28 , as well as a bass drum foot activator or pedal 29 , a foot pedal or activator 30 for controlling the opening and closing of the hi-hat 22 , and an additional foot pedal or activator 32 which may be included to add a variety of additional sound effects, such as a “wa-wa” or the like. While it is presently preferred to utilize a standard electronic drum pad employing sensors, such as piezoelectric sensors, to produce an output indicative of the occurrence of a pad strike, as well as the force of the strike, it will be recognized that a simpler and less expensive arrangement may employ a user input sensor which merely senses a touch, strike, or any switch closure causing event initiated by the user. It will also be recognized that while a device looking like a drum pad is presently preferred, other form factors such as a device looking like a guitar, a keyboard or a simple switch arrangement may also be employed. By way of example, a joystick or other activator 33 and a button or buttons 34 may be employed to allow a second user or a younger, less coordinated user to enjoy the system. For example, a left to right or back and forth movement of the joystick 33 may allow a second user to make other sounds such as hi-hat, maraca, tambourine, or other sounds. The button or buttons 34 may allow the second user or a less advanced user to activate a sequence of drum rhythms or the like.
[0018] Each of the drum pads or pedals preferably has one or more associated LEDs or other indicia 21 A and 21 B, 22 A-C, 23 A and 23 B, 24 A and 24 B, 25 A and 25 B, 26 A and 26 B, 27 A and 27 B, 28 A and 28 B, and 29 A, respectively, to guide the beginning user in learning how to use the system by cuing the user to strike the appropriate pads or pedals of the drum set layout at the appropriate time as more fully described below.
[0019] The system 100 further includes an adjustable stool or seat 40 for the user to sit comfortably in front of the drum set layout 20 , a money validation unit 50 , such as a coin changer, bill validator or the like, and a series of audio speakers 60 , which may suitably include left and right midrange speakers 61 and 62 , and a subwoofer 63 . Additional speakers may be added as desired to improve the audio quality of the system.
[0020] The system 100 as further illustrated in FIG. 2 also preferably includes a central processing unit or control system 70 , suitable lighting 80 which may include colored stage lights 81 , overhead white and black lighting 82 and 83 respectively which will preferably be variably controlled by the control system 70 as described further below. A strobe light 84 which will preferably be mounted in the ceiling of the cabinet 10 may also be provided.
[0021] The user may enter data and select modes of play using a control panel 85 with selection buttons 86 . A multi-disk CD player 90 , preferably of the jukebox type, or other music source will also preferably be employed to allow a user to select musical accompaniment allowing the user to play along with a favorite musical selection as more fully described below. A camera 92 and a VCR 94 may also be provided. The camera 92 may be used to record a part or parts of the user's session to be displayed on a screen or display 105 . By way of example, the user who achieves a high score may be allowed to choose to have his or her play sequence run on the screen 105 when the system 100 is not in use. As another alternative, the user's performance could be cut and pasted into a video of a live band playing the music that the user is playing. Many exciting possibilities exist.
[0022] The display screen 105 may suitably be a CRT display, and this display will preferably be utilized to provide user cues and instructional information. As discussed further below, screen 105 may also be employed to show the user video images, such as video of a rock concert audience positively reacting to the music being played. Such video may be provided from memory in the control system 70 or alternatively from a videotape in the VCR 94 . Such a videotape may include, by way of example, instructional video of how to play the system with a variety of lessons which can be selected by the user or video of a professional drummer utilizing the system 100 .
[0023] Finally, the control system 70 and other components such as the multi-disk CD player, the VCR 94 and the like will preferably be housed in a satellite cabinet 110 as shown in FIG. 1. This cabinet will be accessible by lock and key to the operator or service personnel.
[0024] While the above described components are shown in the drawings and discussed in the context of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be recognized that similar and other components may be added to enhance the system or that certain of these components may be subtracted to reduce the cost of the system. As one example, while a money-operated arcade system is presently preferred, it will be recognized that the present invention may be readily adapted to the home environment in a system in which electronic drum pads would be suitably interfaced with a home computer or a video game controller and a television without the need for a money validation unite such as a coin or bill validator, or special cabinets. Additionally, a CD or radio might be connected in such a home system to provide player accompaniment. Further, while the present specific disclosure is made in the context of electronic drum pads and pedals which are presently preferred, it will be recognized that the present invention may be adapted to other formats in which button presses or switch closures are used by a user to perform or play. For example, a guitar-like device having a number of buttons could be utilized as the user's input device. Alternatively, a simple keypad or keyboard could be employed. Preferably, the aspects of the inventive arrangement described further below would be employed therewith to continue to make the unit accessible to the novice user.
[0025] [0025]FIG. 2 illustrates further details of one suitable control system 70 for use in conjunction with the various devices to be monitored and controlled in system 100 of FIG. 1. While the control system 70 is presently preferred because it can be readily implemented with off the shelf components, it will be recognized that custom designed and different components may be readily used to achieve the desired functionality of the present invention.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the control system 70 may comprise a suitably programmed PC computer having a central processing unit 71 in a cabinet 72 which also may include a built in CD ROM drive 73 , which may be employed as an alternative to or in addition to the player 90 . The control system 70 will also include a standard or custom MIDI (“Musical Instrument Digital Interface”) driver 74 which may be an internal card or an external component. Driver 74 allows the system 70 to be readily programmed to drive sound speakers, such as the speakers 61 - 63 to provide appropriate sounds.
[0027] The control system 70 will also typically be connected to various additional components such as the pads and pedals of drum set layout 20 , cuing LEDs 21 A- 29 A, joystick 34 , sound button or buttons 35 , a mixing board 75 , a power amplifier 76 , drum pad controller 77 , lighting system 80 , control panel 85 and control buttons 86 , multi-disk CD player 90 , camera 92 , VCR 94 , a monitor 102 whose CRT screen may be suitably employed as the display 105 and a keyboard 120 . The monitor 102 may be part of an integrated unit also including a microphone 107 for audio pickup and speakers 111 and 112 . These speakers may be utilized as the previously mentioned speakers 61 and 62 , or as speakers supplementing the audio outputs of the speakers 61 - 63 , or to provide software driven instructions to the user. It will be recognized, however, that larger and higher quality microphones or audio speakers may be desired to provide a superior experience for the user. This will be particularly true in the arcade environment. For example, a better microphone may be desired to provide a karaoke mode or to record the user's singing along with the user's playing.
[0028] The keyboard 120 will preferably be a standard keyboard, and may be employed to allow a user to make selections or preferably to allow a service person to diagnose any malfunctions of and to perform routine maintenance on the system 100 . For example, keyboard 120 may be mounted on the cabinet 10 within easy reach of a user sitting on the stool 40 . It may have a protective cover that covers most of the keypad allowing user access to only a limited number of keys to make program selections as described below. A service person could be given a key to open the cover and gain access to the keyboard 120 to service the system 100 .
[0029] While shown in FIG. 2 without any protective casing other than the standard cabinet 72 for ease of illustration, the control system 70 will preferably be housed in a protective casing such as the satellite cabinet 110 of FIG. 1 to prevent any damage to the unit in the somewhat rough and tumble environment of the typical arcade. This casing will limit system access to the owner or operator and authorized service personnel. Similarly, drumsticks 11 and 12 will be preferably connected to the cabinet 10 by strong, light and flexible cables 13 and 14 , such as steel stranded cable. When not in use, drumsticks 11 and 12 will preferably be placed in holders 15 and 16 mounted so that the drumsticks 11 and 12 will be readily seen and reached by users. In a home environment, such a protective casing and drumstick cable mounts should not be necessary.
[0030] Turning to the operation of the system 100 , the system utilizes the cuing LEDs or other indicia 21 A- 29 A which are associated with their drum pads and pedals to provide visual guidance on which drum pad or pedal to play, which hand or foot to play it with, and when to play it. The speakers 60 may also be driven to provide audio cues to correct play. As described further below, this cuing or instruction is subject to suitable program control by the control system 70 which drives both the cuing LEDs and the speakers. Data on the users performance which is collected by the control system 70 may be fedback and displayed on the screen 105 to the user. Similarly, the correct order or rhythms of striking the drums and graduated steps of rhythmical sequences may also be displayed on the screen 105 . The user will thus be guided by visual and audio stimuli to use his or her hands and feet for certain repetitive drum sequences generated by the CPU of system 70 . Preferably, left and right lights, such as light 21 A (Left) and light 21 B (Right) for snare 21 indicate when the left and right hands should be playing. Similarly, the light 22 C indicates when the user's foot should activate foot pedal 30 to raise hi-hat 22 . As addressed further below, different sequences can be selected by the user via computer menu selection. Thus, as further described below, the inventive system provides an enjoyable opportunity to learn how to play an electronic drum set.
[0031] A first level of play is to master certain basic skills, the user will then be able to move on to several more advanced playing scenarios. By way of example, one level or mode of play of the present invention is to play the electronic drums with visual indications of the rhythmical sequence provided to guide the user. In this option, the visual LEDs or indicia are illuminated to cue the appropriate rhythm and teach the desired audio sounds of the various pads. A second level of play is playing the electronic drum pads with the visual indicators along with an actual sequence of music, such as a prewritten song of the user's favorite type of music. A further level of play is to play against the visual indicators where the performance, may be rated. For example, the accuracy of the user's rhythm of play may be measured, and feedback in the form of scores or otherwise may be given. Another level of play is playing along with music generated from compact disks or the like where the user can try to play along with his or her preferred music. Another option is free play, giving the user the opportunity to hit the electronic drum pads 20 freely to get accustomed to the sounds and feel of the system. This mode also allows the player the chance to test the abilities that were learned via the illuminated displays without any guidance. Free play without any feedback is the normal and only mode of play with standard acoustic drums. As discussed in greater detail below, a variety of feedbacks are possible to enhance the learning or game experience to make it truly enjoyable.
[0032] [0032]FIG. 3 shows a first overall flowchart of one method or process 300 in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 4 - 4 C illustrate in greater detail various presently preferred modes of play. In step 301 of FIG. 3, a user may watch a display which displays the capabilities of the game, such as the display 105 of FIG. 1, to determine if the game is one which he or she chooses to play out of the many in an arcade. To this end, a control system such as the control system 70 should preferably be programmed to cause display 105 to engagingly display the capabilities of the system. Additionally, the control system 70 may also drive the speakers 60 to audibly explain the system capabilities, play music, drum jams, or otherwise attract potential users' attention.
[0033] In step 302 , a potential user decides whether to play the game. In step 303 , the user decides to try the game and activates the system. For example, the user inserts the necessary amount of money. To this end, the user may insert a dollar in coins or currency ($1) into a coin mechanism or bill validator 50 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0034] Next, in step 304 , the display 105 displays a list or menu of play mode options. At the same time, audio instructions may be provided by the speakers 60 . In step 305 , a user selects a mode of play. The user preferably selects from a menu of options displayed on the display 105 . As addressed further below, a wide variety of other play type selections may also be made. For example, the user may enter a level of skill, select a choice of lights and sequenced music, the level of difficulty, the tempo and the like.
[0035] In step 306 , play begins and lasts for a predetermined time period, such as three minutes. Alternatively, play time may vary. For example, if the user chooses to play along with a favorite song, the play time may last for the duration of the selected song. During this period, the user plays the drums in accordance with the mode selected as described in greater detail below. As the drumming session ends, feedback is provided to the user in step 307 . For example, a crowd may cheer, a score may be displayed, or the like.
[0036] FIGS. 4 - 4 C illustrate further details of presently preferred modes of operation in accordance with the present invention. In step 401 of FIG. 4, the system, such as system 100 , is in a rest or demonstration mode waiting for a user to choose to use the system. In one presently preferred rest mode, a demonstration song is played. In this demonstration song, the drums are playing. As the drums play, the learning or cuing lights, such as the LEDs 21 A- 29 A associated with the drum pads 21 - 29 corresponding to the drum sounds heard by the user, are flashing in accordance with what is being played. The demonstration song may switch themes from a drum based demonstration to an instrument based demonstration, such as for example, keyboard sounds, orchestra sounds, or various other instruments. The demonstration mode illustrates the flexibility of the playing modes of the machine. Also, it may help to show how the instruments are played on the pads, and is intended to attract the interest of people wanting to play with the system 100 . A videotape of a professional drummer playing the system 100 or giving a quick lesson on how to use the system may also be played. To this end, a suitable videotape may be played on the VCR 94 and displayed on the display screen 105 .
[0037] In step 402 , a person has decided that he or she wants to play. As a result, the person sits down, picks up the drum sticks and inserts money into a money validation unit, such as the coin or bill validator 50 of FIG. 1. A credit card, debit card, smart card or token reader might also be employed to provide the user with additional flexibility in making the required payment.
[0038] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, each insertion of money preferably triggers a sound type, for example, a bass drum sound. Alternatively or additionally, a crowd scene may be displayed on a video display, such as the display 105 , and the sound of the crowd starting to clap and cheer just as it occurs before the beginning of an actual concert may be produced by audio speakers, such as speakers 60 .
[0039] To this end, the money validation unit 50 detects each insertion of money and produces an output indicative of the recognition of valid money in step 403 . In step 404 , the control system 70 receives the output from the money validation unit 50 and drives the display 105 and speakers 60 as described above.
[0040] In step 405 , a variety of playing modes may be displayed on a display such as the display 105 . For example, the following five modes may be displayed: “Jam to CD”, “Jam Against the Machine”, “Jamming Music”, “Jam Lessons” and “Jam Alone” for selection by the user. The user may make a selection in a variety of ways. For example, the display 105 may be a touch screen and the user may make a selection by touching the appropriate part of the screen. Alternatively, the display 105 may display five of the drum pads 20 as shown in FIG. 5 as well as the instruction to strike the appropriate pad to make a selection. Upon a pad being struck, the control system 70 will then drive the speakers to audibly give the same instruction. As shown in FIG. 5, pads 21 , 22 , 23 , 25 and 26 are shown in solid lines and pads 24 , 27 and 28 and foot pedals 29 and 30 are shown in dotted lines as only five pads are needed to select from the five menu items. A similar approach may be employed to respond “yes” or “no” or to enter other data. The user makes the selection by striking the appropriate pad. This approach has the advantage of immediately starting the learning process of the pad names, their function and their feel. Alternatively, the series of selection buttons 86 provided on the control panel 85 may be employed to make this selection.
[0041] If in step 406 the user selects the Jam to CD mode, the system 70 enters that mode in step 407 . Both the display and speakers may be utilized to request further user input in step 408 . For example, the speakers 61 - 63 may be used to say: “Enter your choice of CD” or “Enter CD Jam Number” which corresponds to the CD and music which the user wishes to play along with. By way example, the CD selection information may be provided by a simple selection list or displayed on the display 105 . After that choice is made, the user may next be asked “Would you like a quick lesson?” with the user being given the option to select “Yes” or “No”. The same information will preferably be displayed on the display 105 . Next, the user may be cued through a warm-up in step 409 . For example, the user is told to “Hold your sticks like this” and a picture illustrating the proper way to hold the drumsticks is displayed on the screen 105 . Next, the unit may say “Let's do a sound check.” At this point, the lights 21 A- 29 A indicate and a voice says through speakers 61 - 63 : “Hit the snare, hi-hat, hi-hat pedal, bass pedal, tom 1, tom 2, tom 3, tom 4, ride cymbal, and crash cymbal.” On the display, as shown in FIG. 5, both the name of the pad or pedal and the shape and location of the drum pad or pedal with relation to the other pads may be displayed in the correct sequence to illustrate the desired warm up sequence. If during the sound check 409 the user is hitting the drum too lightly, a signal measuring device in drum pad controller 77 will produce an output signal which is then provided as an input to the system control 70 which will drive the speakers to say “Strike the drum harder.” Next, a standard 4/4 beat may be played by the system 100 with lights 21 A- 29 A flashing on and off in the correct sequence to illustrate the correct timing and the correct striking hand or foot to the user. A voice may also say “Most beats are played using the snare, hi-hat and kick pedal. Basic fill is played. Fills are usually played on the toms and end with a cymbal crash. Relax, listen to the music and try to play along or bang around and just have fun. You can't make a mistake. If you want more lessons choose the ‘jam lessons’ mode from the menu next jam. It's time now to begin.” As such a warmup may take a moderate amount of time, an operator may choose to leave out the quick lesson to increase the turnover of the system. Leaving out the warm up may be particularly appealing to an operator where potential users are often lined up waiting to play the game.
[0042] At this point, the beginning of actual play is cued in step 410 . For example, a screaming, foot-stomping, hand-clapping crowd may be heard on the speakers 61 - 63 . Normal room white lights 82 may be lowered. Colored stage lights 81 may be turned on to appropriate levels and begin syncopating to simulate a live concert atmosphere. Also, black lights 83 may be pulsed on and off. Also, strobe 84 may begin flashing with all the above lights preferably controlled by the controller 70 . The display 105 may show an enthusiastic crowd. It will be recognized that the lights 81 , 82 , 83 and 84 may be controlled in a variety of manners. One presently preferred control option is to control them in response to the user's activity. For example, if a user plays faster, the strobe may flash more quickly.
[0043] In step 411 the selected CD song is cued by the control system 70 . In step 412 , the user plays along to the song. As the song plays, the user can change to any one of several different pad sounds during the song that are preprogrammed when the CD is programmed. For this mode, the operator will code the music, Rock 01, Rap 02, Jazz 03 and the like, and the control system 70 will generate the drum sets that match the music style.
[0044] The user can also preferably change the volume levels of the drums or music to be louder or softer. For example, song volume may be varied via a volume knob on the control panel 85 . Alternatively, the unit 100 may ask the user “Do you want to play louder?” and if the user shouts above a certain threshold as detected by microphone 107 , the system control 70 will crank up the volume. Alternatively, the operator may preset a fixed level or the user may select the level as part of a setup menu.
[0045] When the song is over, the control system 70 detects that the song is over by sensing the lack of DC signals coming from the output of the CD unit 90 in step 413 and shuts the game down. In step 414 , positive user feedback is provided. For example, a long crowd roar may be triggered and a voice may announce “great jam” loudly!
[0046] If the user selects the “jam against the machine” mode in step 406 as illustrated in FIG. 4 then that mode is entered in step 407 A as further illustrated in FIG. 4A. A second menu is preferably displayed in step 408 A to allow the user to select a jamming level matched to his or her level of skill, for example, beginner 1, advanced beginner 2, intermediate 3 or expert 4. Next, a warmup is cued in step 409 A. For example, a voice may say “let's warm up, give me a drum roll, come on speed it up”. Simultaneously, on screen 105 , the user's speed of striking the pads, for example, a speed level of 0-100 beats per a predetermined time interval, such as fifteen seconds, shows the user the speed of the drum roll. Next, the voice may say, “not bad, not bad at all.” It will be recognized that different warmup exercises may be employed, as well as, different measures of the user's proficiency. For example, the user's proficiency in correctly following the correct rhythm or tempo may be measured.
[0047] In step 411 A, the user is cued to follow the machine. For example, the machine may start to play a steady bass drum beat indicative of the proper tempo. Next, the user may be told “Now play what I play.” For example, two hand drum riffs or rhythms. In this context, a “riff” may be defined as a set of notes or rhythms in a pattern. In step 412 A, play begins with an announcement, “We're ready to go”, for example. In step 413 A, a sequenced drum track starts with cuing lights indicating what the user should play over the music. Alternatively or additionally, a videotape of an instruction lesson of similar content may be displayed. The user then may initiate the actions of a videotape instructor. A display such as that discussed in the context of FIG. 5 may also be used to highlight the correct pad or pedal and striking had or foot. As time passes, the level of difficulty increases in step 414 A. At the lower difficulty level, the unit desirably has more flexibility in scoring. In the present example, the user's score is preferably based on repetition, accuracy and speed. Scoring may be based on a point system with a value for each correct strike and increasing points for each advancement in difficulty. The display 105 may show a constantly updated jam score as the jam proceeds. In step 416 A, a timer allows play to proceed for a predetermined time, such as 3 minutes, and a final score is given at the end of play. In step 417 A, the game end sequence begins. The song ends. The game is over, the crowd cheers, and the unit says “great jam.”
[0048] If the “jamming music” mode is selected as illustrated in FIG. 4B, a specially written track of background music, written for drum and instrument soloing is preprogrammed in the control system 70 . After entering the jamming music mode, the user is provided the options of selecting a preferred style of music and selecting a light indicia, display or videotape cued mode of play or a free play mode in step 409 B. Then the specially written track is retrieved and begun in step 409 B. When the cuing lights have been chosen and activated, the lights will illustrate to the player what, when and how to play the pads. If jamming with lights, a slow stage light progression of the stage lights 81 is activated to dim the lights 81 prior to the beginning of the specially written track to allow better clarity of viewing of the cuing lights. Crowd cheers also accompany the start of the special jam music track. An enhanced drum set is activated and basic fill progressions synchronized with the cuing lights are started. “Enhanced drum set” as used herein may be defined as a specially programmed drum set to provide special effects, such as echoing or accenting by combining bass drum activation with cymbal activation, or the like for the purpose of improving the sound of inexperienced players. The first part of the song ends, and part two begins. The pads are now activated to become music pads, and cuing lights are activated. Finally, the song ends, and the crowd cheers.
[0049] If no visual indicia is selected in step 408 B, the user intuitively plays with the unit. In both non-light cued and light cued modes, drum pads and pedals 20 will change to different instruments as the song proceeds in step 410 B. First, the control system 70 will activate the standard enhanced drum set 20 . As the song theme proceeds and changes, instrument sounds will be sent to the pads by the control system 70 . Riffs, progressions, chords and other sounds are contained on a particular pad, step 411 B. A variety of programmable variations of the progression or alternate progressions may be employed. For example, a five note bass progression in the key of the music may be assigned to a particular pad. By playing this particular pad at a particular rate, step 412 B, the progression is played in the order it was written, with the player's strikes of pads and pedals determining the output or outcome in step 413 B. For example, if the player stops at any time during the sequence, step 412 B′ the progression may begin over in step 413 B′. If the particular pad is played for a predetermined time in step 412 B ″, the progression of sound may change order and length in step 413 B″. Other methods may be employed to keep the pad sounds appealing or unpredictable to the user. To this end, the control system can readily be set up to vary the pad set up.
[0050] If the “jam lesson” mode is selected in step 406 as illustrated in step 407 C of FIG. 4C, a menu is displayed cuing the user to enter a playing level ranging from Beginner 1 to Expert 4 in step 408 C. The user next enters a style of music, for example, 1 Rock, 2 Dance/Rap, 3 Country, 4 Heavy Metal, 5 Jazz in step 409 C. Next, in step 410 C, a voice gives a short explanation of the style of music and the basics of how it is played. In step 411 C, if the user selected 1 Rock, then he or she is encouraged to “Try a simple example, this is a basic rock beat.” The light indicia 22 A-C, 21 A and 21 B, and 29 A cue the proper activation for the hi-hat 22 , snare 21 and base drum, respectively. The control system 70 next switches the hi-hat rhythm 24 to the ride cymbal and then snare 21 : “Beats can be played on the ride cymbal 24 and snare drum 21 also. The base drum 29 will be added later, for now we will play it for you. The system 70 then activates the bass drum rhythm. System 70 then activates a short background rock style music piece saying “Notice how the beat keeps the music in time.” The user practices for a predetermined time, step 413 C. “Practice these beats over and over and it will be automatic.” When the lesson is over, positive feedback is provided in step 414 C, for example, the voice says, “Good job”. Subsequent levels may provide more advanced lesson plans building on previous lessons. While the above discussion describes an exemplary lesson, it will be understood many other lessons may be readily programmed.
[0051] Finally, in the “jam alone” mode, the user can play the drums with no instruction or cuing. This mode allows the user to test his or ability to play what he or she has learned in previous lessons or on his or her own.
[0052] Turning to FIG. 6, this figure shows a presently preferred embodiment for constructing cabinet 10 and mounting drum pads 2128 in a compact manner particularly well-suited to the tight space requirements of the typical arcade. The presently preferred depth of cabinet 10 is 31 inches, the preferred width is 42 inches and the preferred height is 72 inches. Cabinet 10 as shown in FIG. 6 comprises a base 17 , sidewalls 18 and 19 , top 117 and left and right front side panels 118 and 119 . The front side panels 118 and 119 are shown cutaway in FIG. 6 to better illustrate the presently preferred mounting of the drum pads 21 - 28 . The open space between the side panels 118 and 119 may be filled with a sliding, sound-dampening curtain which may be drawn closed when the unit 100 is in use and opened when the unit is not in use. The curtain may be simply manually opened or shut, or an automatic control arrangement may be employed to sense whether a user is sitting in seat 40 or not, or to sense the begin or end of play, and then to automatically open and shut the curtain.
[0053] The cabinet 10 also includes a desk or counter top 120 on which drum pads 22 - 28 are mounted. In the presently preferred mounting technique these pads 22 - 28 are mounted on top of varying lengths of hollow plastic pipe 122 - 128 respectively. The tops of the plastic pipes 122 - 128 are preferably beveled at an angle to allow their corresponding pads to be readily mounted at a desired angle for playing. The opposite ends of pipes 122 - 128 extend through cutouts in the counter top 120 and are secured to the counter top 120 . The pad 21 is preferably mounted using three pieces 121 A-C, two straight lengths 121 A and 121 C, and an elbow joint 121 B. One end of the piece 121 A is secured to side 19 of cabinet 10 . One end of piece 121 C is beveled at an angle to properly support the pad 21 .
[0054] While the above discussion has been made in the context of presently preferred constructions, components, modes of operation and the like, it will be recognized that the teachings of the present invention may be widely modified to include larger or smaller physical embodiments, greater or smaller numbers of components, different components, and different modes subject only to the limitations of the claims. By way of example, while specific user lessons and specific user feedbacks are described, it will be recognized that such lessons and feedback may vary widely consistent with the present teachings which provide the impetus to provide such functions in the context of a highly user friendly drum jamming system.
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An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to semiconductor devices and, more particularly, to the fabrication of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices.
MOS devices in large-scale-integrated (LSI) form are utilized extensively in a variety of practical applications in the electronics field. In particular, such devices of the two-level overlapping polysilicon electrode type have been recognized by workers in the field as especially advantageous for making random-access-memory (RAM) and charge-coupled-device (CCD) chips in LSI form.
The two-level overlapping polysilicon electrode structure is characterized by a high packing density and an advantageous speed-power product. However, these characteristics are achieved at the expense of a relatively complex processing sequence for making the structure. Furthermore, it has been observed in practice that a major limitation on achieving high yield and reliability in such LSI structures is a high incidence of unacceptably low breakdown voltages therein. This problem occurs due to a breakdown in the oxide that is interposed between the polysilicon layers and/or between the bottom of one of the polysilicon layers and the substrate of the structure.
Accordingly, considerable effort has been directed at trying to devise a processing sequence for LSI MOS devices that would produce structures in which the aforementioned low-voltage-breakdown problem would be eliminated or at least substantially reduced. It was recognized that these efforts if successful could significantly improve the yield and therefore reduce the cost of these commercially important devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Hence, an object of the present invention is an improved process for fabricating reliable LSI MOS devices in a high-yield low-cost way.
Briefly, this and other objects of the present invention are realized in a specific illustrative embodiment thereof that comprises a process for making n-channel LSI MOS devices of the two-layer polysilicon type. Such a device includes a thin oxide layer interposed between the bottom polysilicon layer and the substrate as well as between the polysilicon layers themselves. The inventive process is based on the discovery by applicants that low yield in such a device results from even the slightest amount of undercutting of the thin oxide layer relative to the overlying bottom polysilicon layer. Devices characterized by such undercutting during the initial steps of their fabrication were found subsequently to exhibit severe localized thinning in the oxide layer between the polysilicon layers and/or in the oxide layer between the bottom polysilicon layer and the substrate. In turn, such thinning causes the devices to exhibit unacceptably low breakdown voltages.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, applicants devised a process that compensated for the aforedescribed undercutting without introducing any undesirable side effects in the fabrication sequence. In accordance with applicants' process, the bottom polysilicon layer and the oxide layer thereunder are defined as usual. Undercutting of the oxide relative to the polysilicon thereby results. Thereafter, in accordance with applicants' process, the already patterned polysilicon layer is further etched. In particular, the polysilicon is selectively etched until it is etched back to or beyond the edge of the underlying oxide undercut. The structure is then reoxidized and, subsequently, the upper polysilicon layer is deposited and patterned. Significantly, this sequence of process steps results in a structure in which the aforedescribed local oxide thinning problem is either eliminated or substantially reduced.
More specifically, applicants' invention comprises a process for making LSI MOS devices of the two-level overlapping polysilicon type. The process includes forming in sequence on the top surface of a silicon substrate a relatively thin oxide layer, a polysilicon layer and a relatively thick oxide layer. The thick oxide layer is patterned. Then the polysilicon layer is patterned using the patterned oxide layer as a mask therefor, whereby undercutting of the polysilicon relative to the thick oxide results. The thick oxide is then etched to insure that no portion thereof overhangs the underlying polysilicon. During this step, exposed portions of the thin oxide, including portions underlying the patterned polysilicon, are removed. Subsequently, the polysilicon is etched to insure that no part thereof overhangs the remaining portions of the thin oxide. Thereafter, in a series of known standard steps, the structure is further processed to form a complete LSI MOS device of the two-level polysilicon type.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
A complete understanding of the present invention and of the above and other features thereof may be gained from a consideration of the following detailed description presented hereinbelow in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIGS. 1 and 2 are respective cross-sectional side views of a portion of an LSI MOS structure at different stages in the fabrication sequence thereof;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 2 structure after being further processed in accordance with a fabrication sequence known in the prior art;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are respective cross-sectional side views of the FIG. 2 structure after being further processed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an LSI MOS random-access-memory device that includes a structural arrangement of the type depicted in FIG. 5; and
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an LSI MOS charge-coupled device that includes a structural arrangement of the type shown in FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The layered structure shown in FIG. 1 represents a portion of a specific illustrative LSI MOS device at an intermediate stage of its fabrication. For purposes of a particular illustrative example, the principles of the present invention will be described in the specific context of further processing the depicted structure to form a two-level polysilicon structure (shown in FIG. 5). Subsequently, the applicability of the FIG. 5 structure to forming a RAM device (see FIG. 6) and a CCD device (FIG. 7) will be described.
The specific illustrative layered structure represented in FIG. 1 is known in the LSI MOS field. Such a structure is the basis for making RAM or CCD devices. For purposes of a particular illustrative example, however, the layer thicknesses specified below are those actually employed in the course of making an LSI CCD device. For making RAM devices, the thicknesses of these layers would typically be changed, as is well known in the art.
The structure depicted in FIG. 1 comprises a p-type silicon subtrate 10 having a relatively thin layer 12 of silicon dioxide thereon. Illustratively, the layer 12 is approximately 1000 Angstrom units thick. Overlying the layer 12 is a patterned 7000-Angstrom-thick layer 14 of phosphorus-doped polysilicon. In turn, a patterned 6000-Angstrom-thick layer 16 of silicon dioxide is disposed on top of the layer 14.
The sequence of processing steps customarily utilized to form the structure shown in FIG. 1 results in the oxide layer 16 overhanging the polysilicon layer 14. In practice, the overhanging portion of the layer 16 is removed. If it is not, the overhanging portion or some part thereof may break off during subsequent processing steps (for example, during a cleaning step) and, by becoming lodged in the structure, be the basis for causing a defective device. Removal of the overhanging portion of the silicon dioxide layer 16 is carried out, for example, by subjecting the structure to a standard buffered hydrofluoric acid etching step.
As a result of the specified wet etching step, the portion of the layer 16 that formerly overhung the polysilicon layer 14 is completely removed, as is indicated in FIG. 2. In addition, the thickness of the layer 16 is typically reduced by the etching step to about 3000 Angstroms.
Another result of the aforespecified etching of the layer 16 is that portions of the relatively thin oxide layer 12 are also removed. Exposed or unmasked regions of the layer 12 are completely etched away, thereby exposing surface portions of the substrate 10. Moreover, due to the isotropic nature of the noted wet etching step, portions of the layer 12 that underlie the polysilicon layer 14 are also removed. Undercutting of the layer 14 thereby occurs, as indicated in FIG. 2. In one specific illustrative case, the amount a of this lateral undercut was determined to be approximately 2000 Angstroms.
In accordance with the teachings of the prior art, the structure shown in FIG. 2 is then reoxidized. As a result, a relatively thin layer 18 (FIG. 3) of silicon dioxide is formed on the surface of the substrate 10. At the same time, an oxide layer 20 is formed on the right-hand side of the polysilicon layer 14 and the thickness of the previously formed oxide layer 16 is augmented. Subsequently, in accordance with the prior art, an upper or overlapping polysilicon layer 22 is deposited and patterned in a conventional way, thereby producing the structure schematically depicted in FIG. 3.
As shown in FIG. 3, the polysilicon layer 22 formed in accordance with known prior art processes typically includes a finger-like projection 24 that extends in close proximity to the substrate 10. (The projection 24 can be considered to extend into a corresponding indented region in the oxide layer.) In addition, the polysilicon layer 14 typically includes one or more projections (such as the projection 26) that lie in close proximity to the polysilicon layer 22. These projections constitute low-voltage-breakdown regions in the depicted structure. In particular, the projection 24 can, and often in practice does, cause the breakdown voltage between the polysilicon layer 22 and the substrate 10 to be lower than specified. Similarly, the projection 26 can cause the breakdown voltage between the polysilicon layers 14 and 22 to be unacceptably low.
In accordance with the prior art, formation of the polysilicon layer 22 shown in FIG. 3 is typically preceded by a wet etching step. In that case, some of the etchant solution may become trapped in the aforespecified indented region of the oxide layer. The indented region may be thereby further extended laterally to the left in FIG. 3. As a result, the distance, and therefore the breakdown voltage, between the subsequently formed polysilicon projection 24 and the substrate 10 may be thereby further reduced.
Applicants discovered that the low-voltage-breakdown regions specified above and represented in FIG. 3 stem from the undercutting phenomenon shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, by compensating for the undercutting of the oxide layer 12, applicants were thereby able to devise an advantageous fabrication sequence for LSI MOS devices which does not exhibit the low-voltage-breakdown regions shown in the prior art structure of FIG. 3.
In accordance with the principles of applicants' invention, the overhang of the polysilicon layer 14 (FIG. 2) is removed prior to the aforedescribed reoxidation step. This is done by means of any suitable dry or wet etching technique that is capable of removing doped polysilicon but that is relatively ineffective in removing silicon dioxide.
A specific illustrative advantageous etchant for removing the polysilicon overhang shown in FIG. 2 constitutes 10 grams of chrome oxide added to one liter of a 25:1 mixture of water and hydrofluoric acid. Other suitable etchants for removing the polysilicon overhang are available. These include a standard mixture of nitric, hydrofluoric and acetic acids, a plasma containing CF 3 Cl, or a plasma containing a mixture of chlorine and hexafluoroethane as described for example, in a copending commonly assigned application of W. R. Harshbarger, H. J. Levinstein, C. J. Mogab and R. A Porter, application Ser. No. 929,549, filed July 31, 1978, entitled "Device Fabrication by Plasma Etching".
In accordance with the present invention, the right-hand edge of the polysilicon layer 14 shown in FIG. 2 is selectively etched back to lie approximately in line with or to the left of the right-hand edge of the underlying oxide layer 12. The resulting structure, shown in FIG. 4, is characterized by no undercutting of the oxide layer 12 relative to the polysilicon layer 14. Accordingly, during subsequent fabrication steps, no localized oxide thinning and low-voltage-breakdown regions attributable to the undercutting phenomenon ar formed in the structure being fabricated.
In practice, the overhang of the layer 16 relative to the layer 14 of FIG. 4 is slight relative to the overhang depicted in FIG. 1. Moreover, the fabrication sequence employed to further process the FIG. 4 arrangement does not typically include a cleaning step prior to reoxidizing the depicted structure. Accordingly, in contrast to the situation described above in connection with FIG. 1, the likelihood of the relatively small overhang of FIG. 4 causing a defect in the completed device is, as a practical matter, nonexistent or at the worst exceedingly small.
FIG. 5 shows the FIG. 4 structure at a subsequent point in the device fabrication sequence. As in the previously described FIG. 3 structure, an overlapping upper polysilicon layer 22 is shown in FIG. 5 separated from a lower polysilicon layer 14 by a layer of silicon dioxide. The oxide layer is also interposed between the polysilicon layers 14 and 22 and the substrate 10. Significantly, the geometry of the resulting structure is consistently such that virtually no localized oxide thinning and hence no unacceptably low voltage breakdown regions exist therein. In practice, the breakdown voltages measured between the layers 14 and 22 of the FIG. 5 structure and between the layer 22 and the substrate 10 thereof were found to be appreciably greater than the corresponding voltages measured in the FIG. 3 structure.
In one specific illustrative case in which a particular CCD device was fabricated in LSI MOS form by prior art techniques, the median breakdown voltages measured between the polysilicon layers 14 and 22 and between the layer 22 and the substrate 10 of the FIG. 3 structure were 60 and 35 volts, respectively. The corresponding values of the minimum thicknesses of the intervening oxide between the polysilicon layers 14 and 22 and between the layer 22 and the substrate 10 were 900 Angstroms and 450 Angstroms, respectively. In the same illustrative device made in accordance with a fabrication sequence modified as specified herein in accordance with applicants' invention, which thereby produced the structure shown in FIG. 5, the minimum thicknesses of the intervening oxide measured between the polysilicon layers 14 and 22 and between the layer 22 and the substrate 10 were 1100 Angstroms and 900 Angstroms, respectively; and the corresponding values of median breakdown voltages were 73 volts and 80 volts, respectively.
The two-level overlapping polysilicon structure shown in FIG. 5 is, for example, the basis for fabricating advantageous LSI MOS random-access-memory and charge-coupled devices. Schematic representations of portions of such devices are respectively depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. In each of FIGS. 6 and 7, the region between reference lines 5 includes the aforedescribed basic structure shown in FIG. 5.
In the RAM device represented in FIG. 6, the region between the reference lines 5 includes a substrate 30, a gate oxide layer 32 and a doped polysilicon element 34. These correspond, respectively, to the substrate 10, oxide layer 12 and polysilicon layer 14 shown in FIG. 5. In addition, the indicated region of FIG. 6 also comprises an overlapping doped polysilicon element 36 and a silicon dioxide layer 38 interposed between the elements 34 and 36. These correspond, respectively, to the polysilicon layer 22 and the oxide regions 16, 18, 20 shown in FIG. 5.
A typical memory device of the type depicted in FIG. 6 includes additional standard layers and regions known in the LSI MOS art. Some of these are schematically represented in FIG. 6. They include conventional chanstop regions 40 and 42, a drain region 44, conductive contacts 46 and 48 made, for example, of aluminum, a layer 50 of phosphorus glass and a passivating layer 52 of silicon nitride.
In the CCD device represented in FIG. 7, the region between the reference lines 5 includes a substrate 60, a silicon dioxide portion 62 and doped overlapping polysilicon electrodes 64 and 65. The correspondence between this part of the indicated region of FIG. 7 and the FIG. 5 structure is apparent.
A typical CCD device of the type depicted in FIG. 7 includes additional standard layers and regions known in the LSI MOS art. Some of these are schematically represented in FIG. 7. They include conventional additional doped polysilicon electrodes 66 through 68, a phosphorus glass layer 69 and a layer 70 made of silicon nitride.
Finally, it is to be understood that the above-described techniques and structures are only illustrative of the principles of the present invention. In accordance with those principles, numerous modifications and alternatives may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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In a two-level overlapping polysilicon device even the slightest amount of undercutting of an oxide layer (12) which underlies a first polysilicon layer (14) can lead to unacceptably low breakdown voltages in the device. In accordance with the invention, the first polysilicon and oxide layers of an LSI MOS wafer are defined as usual. But then the standard fabrication process is modified to etch the first polysilicon layer back beyond the edge of the oxide undercut. Subsequently, the structure is reoxidized and a second polysilicon layer (22) deposited and patterned. The modified process is characterized by the absence of any oxide thinning between the first and second polysilicon layers or between the second polysilicon layer and the substrate (10) of the device. As a result, voltage breakdown problems in the individual chips of the wafer are thereby greatly reduced and the yield of the wafer significantly increased.
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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/744,258 filed Jan. 17, 2013, which is a continuation of, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/646,491, filed Dec. 23, 2009, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,364,198 on Jan. 29, 2013, which is a continuation of, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/441,432, filed on May 20, 2003, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,640,038 on Dec. 29, 2009, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/382,361, filed on May 22, 2002, which applications are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to the identification of users of wireless equipment. More specifically, such wireless equipment may be identified using an Internet Protocol (IP) address stored therein to access an IP-based network.
BACKGROUND
In GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) systems, a mobile station (MS) consists of a wireless terminal (i.e., handset) and a removable smart card called a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). In 3 rd Generation (3G) Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems (UMTSs), User Equipment (UE) consists of mobile equipment (ME) and a removable smart card called the UMTS Subscriber Identity Module (USIM). The ME communicates with a UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) node, which in turn, may establish a connection to a Circuit Switched (CS) or Packet Switched (PS) Core network.
An International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) uniquely identifies the mobile equipment. The SIM or USIM card contains an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) which uniquely identifies the subscriber. The IMEI and the IMSI are independent, thereby allowing personal mobility.
In the case of 3G UMTSs, a base station controller corresponds to a radio network controller (RNC). There, a plurality of base stations are controlled by a node B, which in turn has a connection to the RNC.
The SIM or the USIM provides personal mobility so that a user can have access to subscribed services irrespective of a specific terminal. By inserting the SIM card into another GSM or 3G terminal, the user is able to receive calls, make calls and receive other subscribed services from that terminal.
FIG. 1 shows a conventional 3G UMTS 100 which includes a typical MS or UE 105 having a handset 110 with a respective USIM or SIM card 115 inserted therein. The USIM or SIM card 115 stores Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) information and IMSI information. When a request to connect the MS 110 is received (by dialing or receiving a call) (S1), the PLMN and IMSI information is transferred from the USIM or SIM card 115 to the handset 110 for facilitating an initial cell search and to camp on the cell determined from the search (S2). A communication link between the MS or UE 105 and a UTRAN node 120 is established, and system information is sent from the UTRAN node 120 to the MS or UE 105 (S3A, S3B). In response, the MS or UE 105 sends a connection request including the stored IMSI information to the UTRAN node 120 (S4). Once the connection is granted by the UTRAN node 120 (S5A, S5B), the MS or UE 105 may be used to request a transfer and/or connection to a CS or PS Core network 125 (S6A, S6B). Once the MS or UE 105 is connected to the Core network 125 (S6B), data may be transferred between the Core network and the MS or UE 105 (S7).
Protocol enhancements, specified by 3GPP TS 23.003, allow transparent routing of IP datagrams to mobile nodes in the Internet. An IP datagram is the fundamental unit of information passed across any network utilizing the Internet protocol. An IP datagram contains source and destination addresses, along with data and a number of fields that define such things as the length of the datagram, the header checksum and flags that indicate whether the datagram can be (or has been) fragmented.
Each mobile node is always identified by its home address, regardless of its current point of attachment to the Internet. A mobile node is a host or router that changes its point of attachment from one network or sub-network to another. A mobile node may change its location without changing its IP address. Thus, a mobile node may continue to communicate with other Internet nodes at any location using its constant IP address, assuming link-layer connectivity to a point of attachment is available.
When located away from its home, a mobile node is also associated with a care-of address, which provides information about its current point of attachment to the Internet. The care-of address is the termination point of a tunnel toward a mobile node. A tunnel is the path followed by a datagram while it is encapsulated. A foreign agent care-of message is an address of a foreign agent with which the mobile node is registered. A co-located care-of message is an externally obtained local address which the mobile node has associated with one of its own network interfaces.
The protocol provides for registering the care-of address with a home agent. A home agent is a router on a mobile node's home network which tunnels data grams for delivery to the mobile node when it is away from home, and maintains current location information for the mobile node. The home agent sends data grams destined for the mobile node through a tunnel to the care-of address. After arriving at the end of the tunnel, each datagram is then delivered to the mobile node.
In Internet routing, a care-of address is a temporary IP address for a mobile node (mobile device) that enables message delivery when the device is connecting from somewhere other than its home network. The care-of address identifies a mobile node's current point of attachment to the Internet and makes it possible to connect from a different location without changing the device's home address (permanent IP address). This works similarly to the way the postal system might forward letters through a care-of address: messages sent to the known permanent address are rerouted to the care-of address while the recipient can be reached there. Thus, the recipient avoids having to change their official address to the temporary one when they change their location, and change it back again when they return home.
When a mobile device is away from its home network, it is assigned a care-of address. This may be a foreign agent care-of address, which is the static IP address of a foreign agent on a visited network, or a co-located care-of address, which is a temporary IP address assigned to the mobile node. A co-located care-of address may be acquired through some means such as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), or may be a longer-term address assigned a device for connecting through a specific foreign network. Mobile IP, as defined in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 2002 specifications, registers the care-of address with a home agent which resides on the home network. When a message for the mobile node is delivered to the home network, the home agent intercepts the message and tunnels it to the recipient at the care-of address.
UEs can only be operated if a valid IMSI is present. An IMSI is primarily intended for obtaining PLMN information by subscribers for individual charging purposes. Current cellular systems, however, do not address the use of an MS or UE in the context of an IP-based network. As the use of IP-based networks becomes ubiquitous, the lack of IP-enabled functionality will present a problem for many MS or UE users.
SUMMARY
As cellular systems move towards incorporating the features of an IP-based network, it is important to improve the functionality of an MS or UE (hereinafter “mobile unit”) with an IP address. The present invention identifies the mobile unit by an IP address stored in a SIM, USIM or any smart card that is being used in the mobile unit. Examples of the type of IP addresses covered are IPv4, IPv6 and care of addresses used in Mobile IP.
In a preferred embodiment, the mobile unit includes a handset and a removable storage module (e.g., SIM, USIM). The handset has a unique handset identity for transmitting, receiving and processing wireless communications. The removable storage module has a unique storage module identity for storing information specific to a user, including an IP address. Furthermore, the removable storage module may store PLMN information, IMSI information and User information. The handset selectively transmits such information to one or more networks for establishing a communications link with the networks.
The removable storage unit of the mobile unit may use the IMSI information and the IP address to access both an IP-based network and a cellular network at the same time, thus allowing a user of the mobile to access the cellular network for carrying out voice communications while querying an IP-based network for data.
Alternatively, the mobile unit may drop an established connection with one first network and route existing services associated with the first network through a second network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a conventional 3G UMTS which includes a typical MS or UE.
FIG. 2 shows a mobile unit including a handset and a removable storage module configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates the types of information stored in the removable storage module of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 4 is a system diagram illustrating how the mobile unit of FIG. 2 communicates with a cellular network and an IP-based network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a system diagram illustrating how the mobile unit of FIG. 2 communicates with an All IP network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a system diagram illustrating how the mobile unit of FIG. 2 communicates with a UTRAN node and Core network/IP network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a system diagram illustrating how the mobile unit of FIG. 2 communicates with a UTRAN node, Circuit Switched network and All IP network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the method steps for establishing communications between the mobile unit of FIG. 2 and a plurality of networks whereby existing services associated with one network are routed through another network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the method steps for establishing simultaneous communications between the mobile unit of FIG. 2 and a plurality of networks in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 2 shows a mobile unit 200 that is assigned an IP address which permits the mobile unit 200 to operate if the IP address is valid. The IMSI and the IP address can coexist in the mobile unit 200 , which can be identified by either an IMSI, an IP address or both.
The mobile unit 200 includes a handset 205 having a unique handset identity for transmitting, receiving and processing wireless communications. The mobile unit 200 further includes a removable storage module 210 , having a unique storage module identity, which stores information specific to a user.
Referring to FIG. 3 , the stored information in the removable storage module 210 includes an IP address 340 . The IP address 340 is used to gain access to an IP-based network for facilitating the transfer of data to and from the IP-based network. The stored information further includes PLMN information 320 , IMSI information 330 and User information 350 . The removable storage module 210 may be a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) or any other type of smart card.
FIG. 4 shows a system 400 including at least one mobile unit 200 , a cellular network 405 and an IP-based network 410 . The mobile unit 200 selectively transmits an IP address 340 and IMSI information 330 , stored in the removable storage module 210 (shown in FIG. 2 ) of the mobile unit 200 , to one or more networks, such as a cellular network 405 and an IP-based network 410 . The mobile unit 200 has multi-network capabilities allowing it to communicate with the IP-based network 410 and the cellular network 405 at the same time. The mobile unit 200 communicates with the cellular network 405 , via a connection established using the IMSI information 330 (S8, S9), to transmit and receive cellular services (S10). The mobile unit 200 communicates with the IP-based network 410 (S11, S12) using the IP address to transmit and receive IP data services (S13). In one embodiment, the connection established with the cellular network 405 may be dropped and the existing cellular network services may be provided through the IP-based network 410 . In another embodiment, mobile unit 200 may simultaneously communicate with the cellular network 405 and the IP-based network 410 . Alternatively, mobile unit 200 may communicate with a wireless local area network (LAN), rather than IP-based network 410 .
FIG. 5 shows a system 500 including at least one mobile unit 200 and an All IP network 505 capable of exchanging messages with the mobile unit 200 . The mobile unit 200 has stored therein an IP address which allows the mobile unit to connect to the All IP network 505 without going through a cellular network, provided the mobile unit is able to access the IP network at the physical layer. When a request to connect the mobile unit 200 is received (by dialing or receiving a call) (S14), the PLMN information 320 , IP address 340 and User information 350 are transferred from the removable storage module 210 to the handset 205 for facilitating an initial cell search and to camp on the cell determined from the search (S15). A communication link between the mobile unit 200 and the All IP network 505 is established, and system information is sent from the All IP network 505 to the mobile unit 200 (S16A, S16B). In response, the mobile unit 200 sends a connection request including the stored IP address 340 and User information 350 to the All IP network 505 (S17). Once the connection is granted by the All IP network 505 (S18A, S18B), the transfer of data between the mobile unit 200 and the All IP network 505 may commence (S19).
FIG. 6 shows a system 600 including at least one mobile unit 200 , a UTRAN node 605 and a Core network/IP network 610 . When a request to connect the mobile unit 200 is received (by dialing or receiving a call) (S20), the PLMN information 320 , IMSI information 330 and IP address 340 are transferred from the removable storage module 210 to the handset 205 for facilitating an initial cell search and to camp on the cell determined from the search (S21). A communication link between the mobile unit 200 and the UTRAN node 605 is established, and system information is sent from the UTRAN node 605 to the mobile unit 200 (S22A, S22B). In response, the mobile unit 200 sends a connection request including the stored IMSI information 330 to the UTRAN node 605 (S23). Once the connection is granted by the UTRAN node 605 (S24A, S24B), the mobile unit 200 may be used to request a transfer and/or connection to the CS or PS Core network/IP network 610 (S25A, S25B), whereby the UTRAN node 605 forwards the IP address 340 to the Core network/IP network 610 (S25B). Once the mobile unit 200 is connected to the Core network/IP network 610 , data may be transferred between the Core network/IP network 610 and the mobile unit 200 (S26).
FIG. 7 shows a system 700 including at least one mobile unit 200 , a UTRAN node 705 , a Circuit Switched network 710 and an All IP network 715 . When a request to connect the mobile unit 200 is received (by dialing or receiving a call) (S27), the PLMN information 320 , IMSI information 330 , IP address 340 and User information 350 are transferred from the removable storage module 210 to the handset 205 for facilitating an initial cell search and to camp on the cell determined from the search (S28). A communication link between the mobile unit 200 and the UTRAN node 705 is established, and system information is sent from the UTRAN node 705 to the mobile unit 200 (S29A, S29B). In response, the mobile unit 200 sends a connection request including the stored IMSI information 330 to the UTRAN node 705 (S30). Once the connection is granted by the UTRAN node 705 (S31A, S31B), the mobile unit 200 may be used to request a transfer and/or connection to the Circuit Switched network 710 (S32A, S32B). Once the mobile unit 200 is connected to the Circuit Switched network 710 , data may be transferred between the Circuit Switched network 710 and the mobile unit 200 (S33). The mobile unit 200 also sends a connection request including the stored IP address 340 and User information 350 to the All IP network 715 (S34). Once the connection is granted by the All IP network 715 (S35A, S35B), the transfer of data between the mobile unit 200 and the All IP network 505 may commence independent of other connections to circuit switched data (S36).
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating method steps for implementing one embodiment of the present invention, whereby communications are established between a mobile unit 200 and a plurality of networks. The mobile unit 200 includes a removable storage module 210 having a unique storage module identity, as described herein. In step 805 , information specific to a user is provided in the removable storage module 210 . The information includes an IP address. In step 810 , the mobile unit 200 communicates with a first one of said networks via an established connection. In step 815 , the mobile unit 200 accesses a second one of the networks using the IP address. In step 820 , the mobile unit 200 drops the established connection with the first network and routes existing services associated with the first network through the second network. The first network may be a cellular network and the second network may be an IP network.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating method steps for implementing another embodiment of the present invention, whereby communications are established between a mobile unit 200 and a plurality of networks. The mobile unit 200 includes a removable storage module 210 having a unique storage module identity, as described herein. In step 905 , information specific to a user is provided in the removable storage module 210 . The information includes an IP address. In step 910 , the mobile unit 200 communicates with a first one of said networks via an established connection. In step 915 , the mobile unit 200 accesses a second one of the networks using the IP address. In step 920 , the mobile unit 200 simultaneously communicates with the first and second networks. As shown in FIG. 9 , the first network may be a cellular network and the second network may be an IP network.
The present invention has several key benefits over prior art systems. First, the IP address stored in the mobile unit 200 can be used in scenarios for handoff between a cellular system and a Wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Second, if the mobile unit 200 has an IP address with which it can be identified, then it is possible to connect to an IP-based network, such as the Internet, without going through a cellular network.
While the present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, other variations which are within the scope of the invention as outlined in the claims below will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
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A mobile unit includes a handset and a removable storage module having a unique storage module identity, for storing information specific to a user, including an Internet Protocol (IP) address. Additional information regarding a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) which uniquely identifies the subscriber is also stored in the removable storage module. Upon successfully camping on a cell of a mobile network, the IP address is forwarded to an IP-based network capable of communicating with the mobile unit. In an alternate embodiment, the mobile unit has multi-network capabilities which allow it to communicate with an IP-based network and a cellular network at the same time. In another embodiment, existing cellular network services for the mobile unit having multi-network capabilities are routed through the IP-based network.
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This invention relates to installation supports for tub and/or shower enclosures and the proper and secure installation therein of desired plumbing fixtures. More particularly this invention relates to mounting blocks for positioning and securing faucet sets, tub spouts and shower heads in proper operational position in prefabricated tub and shower enclosures such as those currently made from fiber glass reinforced resins and the like.
PRIOR ART
In the plumbing art various fixtures for positioning and mounting faucets sets and other devices have consisted of brackets, frames, and the like which are generally fixed to the building framing, such as the studs, forming the walls of the bathroom in which the fixtures are to be installed. As more complete off site manufactured tub and shower enclosures have become popular it has not always been convenient or easy to install the water controls in the desired location in the prefab enclosure relative to the building structure. These prior art mounting devices have been complicated, expensive to manufacture and difficult or time consuming to use and often requiring an assistant.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION
Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a universal mounting block for positioning and securing plumbing fixtures in the desired location in a bathroom.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal mounting block for mounting plumbing fixtures that is simple to use, economical to manufacture, and readily adaptable to a variety of installation situations.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a mounting block that can be simply and easily used by one person to accurately position and secure faucets, spouts and shower heads in wall enclosures without attachment to other wall structure.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide mounting means for positioning objects relative to a surface that is simple and easy to manufacture and use and readily adjustable to a variety of applications.
These and other and further objects of the present invention are obtained in one embodiment in which a support block includes a base member, having a self adhesive on the bottom thereof, carries an adjustable telescoping mounting block therein which is selectively secured to a pipe by a suitable arcuate strap and adjustably positioned relative to said base member by a pair of adjusting screws.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an elevational plan view taken from the back side of an installation, of the blocks of the present invention used to mount a single handle tub/shower valve assembly;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation taken on line 2 — 2 of the of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation of one of the blocks of FIG. 1 shown in fully extended position;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 shown in the closed position; and
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the block of FIG. 3 .
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown, from the back side, a single handle tub/shower valve 10 mounted so that the handle extends through a hole 12 cut in the tub/shower wall 14 by two blocks 16 according to the present invention. Third and fourth blocks 16 are shown adjacent the tub spout pipe 20 and the shower head pipe 22 respectively. The blocks 16 have a self adhesive layer 18 on the bottom (see FIGS. 3 & 4 ) which allows the blocks to adhere to the back surface of the tub enclosure 14 . The blocks are placed adjacent the hole 12 and holes 24 and 26 so as to support the valve, tub spout, and shower head respectively. The left and right hand blocks 16 carry thereon the hot and cold water pipes 30 and 32 while the upper and lower blocks 16 carry the shower and tub supply lines 34 and 36 .
As may be seen more clearly in FIGS. 3–5 the blocks 16 include a base member 40 and a telescoping body member 42 that is moved in and out of base member 40 by two screws 44 . Base member 40 has in the upper surface a half circle groove 41 to fit a pipe to be supported such as 46 . Body member 42 has in the upper surface a similar half circle groove 43 sized to fit the pipe 46 to be supported. A semicircular strap 48 is secured about the pipe to be supported to body member 42 by screws 50 .
As may be seen in FIG. 2 the screws 44 are adjusted to space the pipes 30 . 32 , 34 , and 36 from the tub wall 14 the desired distance so as to position the handle 52 the desired distance into the shower enclosure. The blocks 16 are shown with body members 42 essentially fully retracted into the base members 40 but in other cases the spacing required may be greater in which case the body member 42 will be extended the desired distance up to the maximum as shown in FIG. 3 by the turning of screws 44 .
In addition to the self adhesive 18 on the bottom of the blocks 16 the valve assembly 10 in a typical installation will be clamped to the wall 14 in the hole 12 by the mounting screws 56 used to fasten the interior finish escutcheon or ring 58 to the valve body 10 . The blocks 16 , however, ensure that there will be no play or other movement of the valve assembly 10 relative to the tub or shower enclosure especially during the installation process.
In actual use the blocks 16 will first be clamped on to the hot and cold water supply pipes and also the tub/shower pipes in the desired locations adjacent the faucet valve being used as described in connection with FIGS. 3–5 . The usual protective masking tape is removed from the self adhesive coating on the bottom of blocks 16 and the pipe and valve assembly is then centered in the previously cut holes in the tub/shower enclosure. The self adhesive coated blocks 16 will hold the assembly in the selected location which allows the plumber to attach the interior finish hardware such as the escutcheon 58 , tub spout 60 and shower head 62 to securely lock the assembly in place without the need of a helper.
If during this installation it is noted that the valve 10 or the tub/shower pipes extend too far into the interior of the tub/shower enclosure simple adjustment of the screws 44 of the blocks 16 will correct the situation.
While I have shown and described the universal blocks as being used with a single handle valve assembly for tub/shower application they are equally useful with dual or multiple handle tub/shower faucet valve assemblies and shower only installations.
In the examples shown in FIGS. 1–5 the blocks 6 have an overall length of approximately four inches; a closed height of about two inches and a depth of approximately one and one-half inches. Obviously other specific dimensions may be employed for particular applications.
While there are given above certain specific examples of this invention and its application in practical use, it should be understood that they are not intended to be exhaustive or to be limiting of the invention. On the contrary, these illustrations and explanations herein are given in order to acquaint others skilled in the art with this invention and the principles thereof and a suitable manner of its application in practical use, so that others skilled in the art may be enabled to modify the invention and to adapt and apply it in numerous forms each as may be best suited to the requirement of a particular use.
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An adjustable mounting block for use in positioning tub/shower control units in a tub/shower enclosure is disclosed. A self adhesive adjustable height block may be used to position a control unit in an enclosure opening from the back side by a sole installer who can then finish the installation from the finished side subsequently without unwanted movement.
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This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/176,299, filed Jan. 18, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to fiber optic networks, and in particular, to switches for directing optical signals along selected fibers of an optical network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In fiber optic networks, light signals are transmitted along optical fibers to transfer information from one location to another. A light signal must be accurately entered into an optical fiber, or much of the signal strength will be lost. Modern optical fibers are very small in cross-section, and typically have a fairly narrow acceptance angle within which light entering the fiber should fall to promote efficient propagation of the light signal along the fiber. Therefore, optical switches generally rely on precise and selectable alignment between one or more input optical fibers and one or more output optical fibers. The alignment requirements of modern single mode optic fibers are particularly stringent, as their core diameters are typically as small as 2.0 to 10.0 mμ.
In known electromechanical optical switches, the switching operation is often effected by precise movement of the ends of the input fibers relative to the ends of the output fibers, or by accurately moving a mirror to redirect the optical signals to a selected output fiber without moving the optical fibers themselves. Unfortunately, these accuracy and precision requirements substantially increase the cost and decrease the reliability of known optical switches.
Alternative known optical switch structures split the signal and selectively block the undesired optical pathways. Such switches are highly inefficient, requiring repeated signal amplification. Repeated amplification is costly, and also increases the potential for noise and distortion of the original optical signal. These disadvantages are compounded in complex optical switches which provide multiple alternative pathways with simultaneous switching, such as in 2.times.2 switches, N.times.N switches, N.times.M switches, and the like.
A particular challenge with electromechanical fiber optic switches is that they operate as an interface between two data transmission mediums. While the goal of these structures is to provide switching between optical fibers, they will often be actuated by electro-servos. Hence, when switching failures occur, it may be difficult to determine whether the failure lies in an optical component of the network, an optical component of the switch, an electrical component of the switching control circuitry, or an electromechanical component of the switch itself.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,867,617 and 5,999,669 to Pan et al. address some of the above problems by proposing M×N fiber optic switches utilizing a number of parallelogram-shaped prisms between input and output optical fibers for redirecting optical signals to alternative outputs. It is noted that, while the Pan proposal is useful and operable in a variety of configurations, including 1.times.2, 2.times.2, N.times.N, and M.times.N, with good switching performance, and at an affordable cost, it may suffer from a disadvantage caused by temperature instability.
It is desirable to provide temperature stability for optical switches e.g. of the type as disclosed in the Pan patents, supra. The extremely close tolerances that exist in modern optical switches can be affected in such a way as to cause a reduction in the amount of light transmitted through the switch when the switch is subjected to high ambient temperatures. Such temperatures can exist inside telecommunication equipment cabinets. These temperatures cause the elements within the switch, e.g. the cantilever-type actuators of Pan et al '699 patent to expand and alter the placement of the components of the switch. While the thermal expansion cannot be eliminated, it would be desirable to minimize its effect.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention partly modifies the concept of Pan et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,617, by providing for a linear displacement of the prisms relative to respective optical paths, preferably by linear displacement of prism-supporting means. The provision of the linear displacement alleviates or reduces the effects of thermal expansion on the prism positioning in the respective optical path.
The thermal stability does not result only from the fact that the motion is linear. It results also from the fact that the actuators can be more robust and are not limited to to having to be of a relatively low mass. In the case of a linear actuator as in FIG. 1, the actuator actually slides on the base of the switch. In USP '617, supra, actuators must lift the entire mass of the cantilever arm and the prism. The present concept can be applied to any linear motion perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the optical path.
Thus, in accordance with the invention, there is provided an optical switch comprising at least one optical input assembly and at least one output assembly, at least one prism displacement means supporting at least one prism thereon and operable to be moved between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to the at least one prism being disposed in an optical path between said at least one input assembly and the at least one output assembly, and the second position corresponding to the at least one prism being disposed out of the optical path, wherein the prism displacement means are linearly movable means for movement between the first and the second position.
It is preferable but not mandatory that the displacement means are mounted for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the respective optical paths.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings which illustrate the invention in more detail,
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a plan view, the structure and operation of a 1×8 switch according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 2-5 illustrate in a plan view the switch of FIG. 1 in alternative switching positions,
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates in a plan view the structure and operation of a 1×8 switch according to another embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate, in a plan view, the switch of FIG. 6 in alternative switching positions, and
FIG. 9 illustrates schematically, in a side view, the structure and operation of a two-plane embodiment of the switch of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The switch of the invention is designed to allow the movement of internal elements of the switch while minimizing the effect of ambient temperature variation on the optical performance of the switch.
The design applies to M×N switches where M and N can vary from zero to an arbitrarily high number. For example, the switch may be a 1×N switch, a N×1 switch or a M×N switch where M and N are greater than 1. Preferably, the switch may have a single input and any number of outputs (1 times N) as shown in FIGS. 1-9 or any number of inputs with a single output (N times 1) that is achieved by reversing the inputs and outputs in FIGS. 1-9. While not illustrated, it is easily conceivable to design a M×N switch (M and N greater than 1) using the invention.
Turning to FIGS. 1-5, a switch 10 has a single input assembly 12 consisting of a fiber and lens unit. The input assembly collimates the light from the optical fiber into an optical beam 14 that can be displaced by the prisms. The beam 14 exemplifies optical path for the purpose of the invention. Both the input and output assemblies incorporate for example well known GRIN lenses, not illustrated. Alternatively, any other collimating lenses can be used, e.g. axial gradient lenses or aspherical lenses. A plurality of output assemblies accomplished the reverse operation by coupling an output beam 16 into an output optical fiber, e.g. fiber 1 on FIG. 1 . Switching is accomplished by way of prisms 18 having a cross section defining an oblique-angle parallelogram, or a rhomboid, mounted on bars 20 oriented perpendicular to the direction of the path 14 of the collimated beam within the switch. These prisms are moved into the path of the light beam, in combination, to direct the beam of light through multiple prisms to the output assembly similarly as described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,617 the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The bars 20 may be moved (displaced) either longitudinally, as represented by the arrow in FIG. 1, or laterally, e.g. vertically, as represented by arrows in FIG. 9 . In either case, the displacement is linear rather than angular. The linearity can be accomplished by way of well-known mechanical means, e.g. guides (not illustrated). When displaced, the bars should be latched in position using known latching means, e.g. magnetic means, not illustrated herein.
The prisms are moved into an optical path 14 selectively as desired. Various known types of actuators 21 can be used to the effect. In the embodiments illustrated, electronic logic units 22 are provided to interpret commands for a particular channel and move the appropriate bars 20 into position to direct the collimated beam. Electronic sensors within the switch, not shown in the drawings, sense the position of the bars and provide feedback through an appropriate logic.
The bars of the switch occupy preferably only two positions, with the respective prisms either interrupting a beam of light or not. The light beams travel along parallel prescribed optical paths in the switch. The action of the prism is to direct the light from one path to the adjacent path, and to this effect the angles of the parallelogram are selected such as to minimize cross-sectional distortion and avoid spectral effects. Preferably, the prisms in FIGS. 1-5 are arranged with the longitudinal axes (herein termed “optical axes”) 25 of the parallelograms being perpendicular to the incident optical beam (optical path). The bars 20 are movable linearly rather than angularly as in the '617 patent, supra. Preferably, but not necessarily, the bars are also operable in a direction perpendicular to the respective optical paths, or more generally, are movable in a manner enabling a constant angular position of the prisms relative to the optical paths. While it is shown in FIGS. 1-5 that the longitudinal optical axes 25 of the prisms 20 are generally perpendicular to the optical paths, this is not essential. Neither the bars have to move perpendicularly to the optical beams, nor the prisms have to be arranged such that their axes are positioned perpendicular to the optical paths as illustrated. It is important, however, that the prisms are disposed for the optical beams to undergo double internal reflection (FIGS. 1-5) or double refraction (FIGS. 6-8) and be coupled to a selected output assembly.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the switch operates in a 1 times N configuration. The bar nearest the input lens assembly 12 has a single prism 24 which, when placed in the path of the collimated beam 14 directs it to a new path parallel to the first. All other bars support each two prisms positioned so that when the bar is moved, the prism interrupts the beam from the previous bar nearer the input. By using a combination of prisms, a beam can be directed to any of 2 times M outputs where M represents the number of bars.
Turning now to FIGS. 6-8, the prisms 24 ′ are rectangular in cross-section and arranged such that light from the input assembly 12 enters the selected prisms and exits them by way of double refraction. The displacement bars 20 move the prisms linearly between two positions, in and out of the optical path respectively, preferably in a direction perpendicular to the optical paths while the prisms are arranged angularly to accommodate an optimum passage of the optical signal therethrough. The length of the prisms 24 ′ and their refractive index determine the positioning of the prisms so as to properly displace the optical beam for switching purposes. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the optical paths are selected between an input assembly 12 and one of the output assemblies 1 - 8 . Of course, the arrangement can be reversed.
It will be noted that the switches as illustrated can operate in an N times 1 configuration by reversing the sides (left and right) of the systems as illustrated. In the N×1 mode, light from a selected input fiber is interrupted by one or more prisms and directed successively to the center beam path where it is focused on the output lens assembly.
By adding an opaque element 26 (FIG. 1) to one of the bars, the switch can be used to completely block the light.
It will be noted that in FIGS. 1-8, the prisms are arranged such that their optical axes 25 define a single plane (the plane of the drawing) which is also co-extensive with the plane of the input and output assemblies 12 , 1 - 8 .
A further expansion of the capabilities of the switch can be made (FIG. 9) by inserting a bar e.g. nearest the input which uses a prism to move the plane of the light beam to a higher level. Specifically, a level-control prism 28 is arranged such that its output 30 defines a different plane relative to the basic optical plane of the switch that is represented by the plane of drawing on FIGS. 1-8. As can be seen, FIG. 9 represents a 1×2N configuration wherein N is the number of output channels provided within either the lower level 34 or the upper level 32 . The same principle can be used to create a 1×LN switch where L is the number of levels.
It should be noted that the FIG. 9 is a side view of a switch of the invention while FIGS. 1-8 represent a top view.
The arrangement of FIG. 9 allows the light to travel either through the prism 28 to the upper row 32 of the output lens assemblies, in an upper plane, or to the lower row 34 of the output assemblies 34 on a lower, basic plane when the prism 28 is out of the optical path.
Numerous embodiments of the invention are conceivable within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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Optic switches manipulate an optical signal that has been expanded by a collimating lens. Switching is effected by introducing a prism between collimating lenses to redirect the optical signal to an alternative lens. The prism preferably has a cross-section defining a parallelogram, so that the optical signal is reflected twice within the prism to minimize cross-sectional distortion and avoid spectral effects. A circuit provides feedback on the actual position of the relay and prism for fault detection and diagnosis.
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REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims an invention that was disclosed in Provisional Application No. 60/190,440, filed Mar. 17, 2000, entitled “EXPRESSION OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE IN TRANSGENIC TOMATOES.” The benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Application is hereby claimed, and the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention pertains to the field of transgenic plants. More particularly, the invention pertains to the expression of a recombinant form of human acetylcholinesterase in transgenic plants.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Acetylcholine (ACh) is one of the major signaling molecules in metazoans, functioning mostly as a neurotransmitter in chemical synapses between neurons and in neuromuscular junctions. To ensure a discrete “all-or-none” response across the synapse, the release of ACh is tightly controlled and the neurotransmitter is efficiently removed by the hydrolyzing enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In humans, AChE is encoded by a single gene which yields, through alternative splicing of its pre-mRNA, three polypeptide isoforms having distinct C-termini. See Soreq et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87: 9688-9692 (1990); Ben Aziz-Aloya et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90: 2471-5 (1993); GenBank Accession No. M55040; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,903. The complete disclosure of each of the foregoing references is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0006] Various compounds are well known to inhibit the hydrolyzing activity of AChE. Exposure to such anti-AChE agents leads to over-stimulation of cholinergic pathways, causing muscular tetany, autonomous dysfunction and potentially death. While some naturally occurring AChE inhibitors are very potent, human exposure to them is rare. However, man-made anti-AChE compounds, especially organophosphates (OPs), are widely used as pesticides and pose a substantial occupational and environmental risk. Even more ominous is the fear of deliberate use of OPs as chemical warfare agents against individuals or populations.
[0007] Current medical interventions, in the case of acute exposure to anticholinesterase agents, include use of the muscarinic receptor antagonist, atropine, and oximes to reactivate the OP-modified AChE. The reversible carbamate, pyridostigmine bromide, is also used as a prophylactic. However, these conventional treatments have limited effectiveness and have serious short and long-term side effects. In fact, the routine treatments, while successfully decreasing anticholinesterase-induced lethality, rarely alleviate post-exposure delayed toxicity, which may result in significant performance deficits, and even permanent brain damage.
[0008] A different approach in treatment and prevention of anti-AChE toxicity seeks to mimic one of the physiological lines of defense against such agents present in mammals. Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) is a serum cholinesterase with a broad hydrolytic spectrum that provides protection against a variety of AChE inhibitors. A similar end may be achieved by a variant of AChE found on the membranes of erythrocytes. Both enzymes are believed to serve as circulating scavengers for anti-AChE agents in protection of the vital synaptic AChE. Therefore, administration of cholinesterases could boost their natural potential to counter-act the toxic effects of anti-cholinergic agents. The efficacy of this treatment to protect against a challenge of OPs was tested in a variety of animal models such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, and primates, and was found to be comparable to or better than the currently-used drug regimens in preventing OP-induced mortality without any detrimental side-effects.
[0009] Enzyme therapy has the additional benefit of the relatively long half-life time (several days) of the injected enzymes in the blood stream, making it especially useful for prophylaxis. In the foregoing experiments, cholinesterases purified from human or animal blood were used. To be effective, the stoichiometry of cholinesterase to inhibitor must be close to unity. Hence, large amounts of pure, properly folded, stable enzymatic preparations that are free of mammalian pathogens are needed, if enzyme therapy is to be feasible.
[0010] Genetically engineered plants have recently been recognized as one of the most cost-effective means for the production of useful recombinant proteins and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, we examined the use of transgenic plants as a cost-effective and safe alternative to the production of human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) from blood or cell cultures, herein providing the first demonstration of the expression in plants of a key protein component of the nervous system of humans.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Briefly stated, the invention includes one or more plant cells comprising a polynucleotide that encodes a human acetylcholinesterase.
[0012] An embodiment of the invention includes a method of making a transgenic plant that is capable of expressing a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase, comprising the steps of introducing into at least one plant cell a polynucleotide that encodes a human acetylcholinesterase, and regenerating from the plant cell a transgenic plant that is capable of expressing a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase in at least one tissue type of the transgenic plant.
[0013] Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of making a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase, comprising the steps of introducing into at least one plant cell a polynucleotide that encodes a human acetylcholinesterase, regenerating from the plant cell a transgenic plant that is capable of expressing a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase in at least one tissue type of the transgenic plant, and isolating or purifying from the transgenic plant or a part thereof a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase.
[0014] Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of treating a victim of acetylcholinesterase poisoning, comprising the step of administering a therapeutic amount of a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase expressed in plant tissue.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0015] [0015]FIG. 1 shows a graphic map of pTM036, the pGPTVkan derivative construct used in the generation of transgenic tomato plants that constitutively express hAChE-E4.
[0016] [0016]FIG. 2 shows a bar graph depicting high activity of hAChE in transgenic tomato lines.
[0017] [0017]FIG. 3 shows substrate inhibition of recombinant hAChE obtained from transgenic plants.
[0018] [0018]FIG. 4 shows an inhibition profile of AChE obtained from transgenic plants (diamonds), human erythrocytes (circles) and transgenic mice (squares).
[0019] [0019]FIG. 5A shows a graph of data indicating that a recombinant hAChE derived from transgenic plants is labile at relatively high temperatures.
[0020] [0020]FIG. 5B shows a graph of data indicating that a plant-derived hAChE is relatively stable at room temperature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] DNA Constructs and Plant Transformation
[0022] A cDNA encoding human AChE exons II, III and IV was amplified from the plasmid pAChE-E4 (see Sternfeld et al., J. Neurosci. 18: 1240-1249 (1990), the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference) via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), according to standard methods, which are well known in the art, using the following primers:
AChE-Nco - (5′-GATATCTGCAGCCATGgctAGGCCCCCGC) (SEQ ID NO: 1) AChE-Kpn - (5′-CggtaccTATCAGGTaGCGCTGAGCAATTTG) (SEQ ID NO: 2)
[0023] The lower case letters in the foregoing primer sequences represent bases that were introduced to create restriction sites for cloning the gene into plant expression vectors. The PCR product was cloned and sequenced using well known methods. An Nco I-Kpn I fragment from a partial digest of pAChE-E4 was cloned into pIBT210.1 (see Haq et al., Science 268: 714-716 (1995), the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference) behind a CaMV 35S promoter and the 5′ UTR of Tobacco Etch Virus, and in front of the 3′ UTR of the soy bean vspB gene to form pTM034 (FIG. 1, SEQ ID NO:3), according to standard methods, which are well known in the art. A Hind III-Eco RI fragment containing the plant expression cassette was then cloned into the T i plasmid derivative pGPTV-Kan to form pTM036 (SEQ ID NO:4), using standard methods that are well known in the art. This plasmid was then transferred to Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105, and was used in the subsequent transformation of the Lycopersicum esculentum cultivar referred to as “Micro-Tom,” as described by Meissner et al. in Plant J. 12: 1465-1472 (1997), the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0024] Genomic PCR, DNA and RNA Blot Analysis
[0025] Screening by genomic PCR was performed on 0.8 μg total DNA isolated from kanamycin resistant plants, using the AChE-Nco and AChE-Kpn primers, according to well known methods. For DNA blot analysis, total DNA was prepared, digested with Nco I, and the digested DNA (˜20 μg) was resolved by electrophoresis, transferred to a nylon hybridization membrane, and hybridized to a digoxigenin-labeled probe, according to standard methods, which are well known in the art. The digoxigenin-labeled probe was synthesized using the following primers:
AChE585for (5′-CGAGAGGACTGTGCTGGTGTC) AChE1374rev (5′-GTCGCCCACCACATCGCTC)
[0026] Hybridization and detection were performed according to well known methods. Total RNA was isolated and 5 μg samples were resolved by denaturing formaldehyde gel electrophoresis and transferred to nylon hybridization membranes, according to well known methods.
[0027] Acetylcholinesterase Assays and Protein Determination
[0028] Plant samples were homogenized in the presence ice-cold extraction buffer (100 mM NaCl, 25 mM Tris, 0.1 mM EDTA, 10 μg/ml leupeptin, pH 7.4, 3 ml per 1 g tissue) using ceramic beads in a bead-beater, and cleared supernatants were collected followed by centrifugation (14,000 rpm). Scaled-down microtiter plate Ellman assays were performed, according to standard methods, which are well known in the art. Cleared extracts (˜20 μl) were incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature with 80 μl assay buffer (0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4) with or without 2×10 −5 M 1,5-bis(allyldimethylammiumphenyl)pentan-3one dibromide (BW284c51), which is a specific inhibitor of mammalian AChE. At the end of the 30 minute incubation period, 100 μl of 1 mM 5-5′-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoate) (Ellman's reagent) and 2 mM acetylthiocholine in assay buffer was added. Hydrolysis was monitored by measuring optical density at 405 nm at 5 minute intervals for 30 minutes, using a microtiter plate spectrophotometer, plotted against time, and initial rates were calculated from the slope of the linear portion of the graph. Net hydrolysis rates were calculated by subtracting the rates measured in the presence of BW284c15from those obtained in its absence. To determine the K m , the concentration of the acetylthiocholine substrate in the Ellman's reagent was varied in the range of 0.05-50 mM.
[0029] Inhibition curves were obtained by performing the Ellman assay with 1 mM acetylthiocholine in the presence of the indicated concentrations of diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (paraoxon), neostigmine, phehylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) or tetraisopropyl pyrophosphoramide (Iso-OMPA). To determine K I of BW284c51, assays were performed in the presence of 1, 0.33 and 0.25 mM acetylthiocholine, and the inhibitor at 10 −4 to 10 −10 M. Results were then analyzed according to the method of Ordentlich et al. (see Ordentlich et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268: 17083-17095 (1993), the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference). In these experiments, acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocytes was used.
[0030] To evaluate the heat stability of the enzyme, plant extracts were incubated for 30 minutes at the indicated temperatures and then assayed as described above. Stability of the enzymatic activity was determined at 4 degrees C. and at 25 degrees C. by incubating plant extracts at the respective temperatures and assaying samples at the indicated time points.
[0031] A cDNA encoding exons 2-4 of the human AChE29 gene was inserted into a plant expression cassette driven by the constitutive cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Referring now to FIG. 1, a graphic map is shown of pTM036, the pGPTVkan derivative construct used in the generation of transgenic tomato plants that constitutively express hAChE-E4. Empty arrowheads denote positions of the PCR primers AChE-Nco and AChE-Kpn used for amplification of the full length coding region of hAChE-E4. Filled arrowheads denote the positions of the PCR primers AChE585 for and AChE1374rev used for the generation of DIG-labeled probe.
[0032] We used Agrobacterium tumefaciens to construct the tomato explants, and regenerated 27 kanamycin resistant tomato lines. We screened the transformants for the insertion of the recombinant human gene AChE-E4 by PCR. Twelve out of 17 plants tested were positive for the appropriate gene insertion event. The product of the AChE-E4 construct was previously demonstrated to be a monomeric soluble protein, which is fully active in acetylcholine hydrolysis. Therefore, we screened the putative transgenic plants for the expression of specific acetylcholinesterase activity in the soluble protein fraction of leaf extracts of kanamycin-resistant lines.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, kanamycin-resistant lines were assayed for specific esterase activity (i.e., total minus activity in the presence of the inhibitor BW284c51) in leaves by the method of Ellman, using acetylthiocholine as a substrate. Protein samples from the indicated transgenic plant lines (AChE-53, 54, 62, 68 and 83), untransformed plant (UT) and a commercially available preparation of AChE from human erythrocytes (E5) were resolved on a non-denaturing gel which was then stained for AChE activity. Plant-derived AChE migrates as a discrete band in non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. On a per soluble protein basis, high activity, comparable to a third of the activity present in mammalian brain and five times more than that present in muscles, was registered in several of the lines, including AChE-53, AChE-54, AChE-62 and AChE-68. In these lines, activity was on the order of 100 mU/g leaf tissue (fresh weight). Acetylcholinesterase present in the transgenic lines appeared as a discrete band in non-denaturing polyacrylamide gels stained for cholinesterase activity. This result demonstrates the apparent uniformity of the protein produced by the plants. No activity was detected in the untransformed line, or in line AChE-83. Unexpectedly, in contrast to the sharp bands of the plant derived recombinant enzyme, the activity of the commercially available preparation of AChE from human erythrocytes appeared as a diffuse smear.
[0034] DNA blot analysis revealed that three of the lines that express high levels of activity, AChE-54, AChE-62 and AChE-68, each have one copy of the hAChE-E4 gene inserted in their genomes. Total DNA was isolated from the indicated lines, digested with Nco I, resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis, blotted to nylon membrane and probed with digoxigenin-labeled probe, according to well known methods. Referring to FIG. 2, AChE-83, a transgenic line that does not exhibit AChE activity, has at least two copies of the gene inserted in its genome. However, in this line, the mRNA encoding hAChE-E4 failed to accumulate to detectable levels, as demonstrated by RNA blot analysis, suggesting that transgene silencing in this line might have occurred. RNA blot analysis of several kanamycin-resistant tomato lines indicated that mRNA accumulated to similar levels in all the other lines that were tested. Total RNA was isolated from the indicated lines, resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis, blotted to nylon membrane and stained with methylene blue. The membrane was then probed with AChE specific DIG-labeled probe.
[0035] Kinetic Properties of the Plant-Produced Recombinant Enzyme
[0036] We calculated the K m of the plant-derived enzyme for four of our expressing lines to be 0.44±0.10 mM (FIG. 3, inset). This value is similar to that reported for the same molecular form of the enzyme expressed in injected oocytes of Xenopus laevis and also to those reported for other forms of the human enzyme. Hydrolysis was inhibited by the presence of substrate at high concentration (FIG. 3), as previously reported for native and recombinant AChE. Enzyme activity was assayed in the presence of acetylthiocholine at 0.05-50 mM, and hydrolysis in the presence of the inhibitor BW284c51 was subtracted at each concentration. A representative high expression line (AChE-54) is shown in FIG. 3. The inset of FIG. 3 shows Lineweaver-Burk analysis for the determination of the K m for four lines: AChE-53 (squares), AChE-54 (diamonds), AChE-62 (triangles) and AChE-68 (crosses).
[0037] AChE inhibitors of various classes, including the reversible inhibitors neostigmine (a carbamate), BW284C51 (an AChE-specific bisquaternary inhibitor), as well as the irreversible inhibitors paraoxon (an organophosphate, the activated form of the pesticide parathion) and PMSF (a general serine hydrolase inhibitor) can inhibit the plant derived recombinant AChE (rAChE), and the inhibition profile is very similar to that of a commercially available preparation of human AChE derived from erythrocytes (FIG. 4). The K I calculated for BW284c51 is 16 nM, which is in close agreement with the values for the recombinant human synaptic enzyme transiently expressed in mammalian cell cultures (10 nM) and for the erythrocyte form (5 nM). As expected, the butyrylcholinesterase-specific organophosphate, Iso-OMPA, had no effect on either the plant-derived or the erythrocyte-derived enzyme preparations (up to 100 μM), and only partial inhibition was registered at 10 mM (FIG. 4). The plant-derived E4 enzyme was somewhat less susceptible to paraoxon than an equivalent recombinant enzyme obtained from transgenic mice (FIG. 4).
[0038] The plant-derived hAChE in total soluble protein extracts retained 50% of its initial activity after incubation at 42 degrees for at least 30 minutes (FIG. 5A). Crude leaf extracts were incubated at the indicated temperatures for 30 minutes and then subjected to Ellman's AChE assay. Incubation of plant extracts at room temperature (˜25 degrees C.) resulted in gradual loss of AChE activity, with 20% residual activity remaining after 25 hours (FIG. 5B). The activity was very stable at 4 degrees C., with only 20% loss after 24 hours (FIG. 5B). Crude leaf extracts were incubated at 4 degrees C. or at 25 degrees C. for the indicated time periods and then assayed for AChE activity.
[0039] Types of Cholinesterases that can be Expressed in Plants
[0040] Traditionally, cholinesterases are classified as either acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7, AChE) or as butyrylcholine hydrolases (EC 3.1.1.8, BChE, formerly referred to as pseudo-acetylcholinesterase) on the basis of their substrate specificity. While BChE can efficiently hydrolyze substrates with a longer acyl group, the catalytic efficiency of AChE is limited to acetylcholine and, to a lesser degree, propionylcholine. More recently inhibitors have been identified that can selectively inhibit the two types of cholinesterases.
[0041] The genes encoding AChE and BChE from several mammals, including humans, have been cloned. Cholinesterases from non-vertebrates and lower vertebrates, even when possessing several different genes, have mixed characteristics. A further complication of the molecular picture is presented by the alternative splicing that the transcript of the AChE gene can undergo leading, in mammals, to three distinct isoforms. These isoforms share a common N-terminal catalytic domain, but diverge in their C-termini, which impact their quaternary structure and membrane association.
[0042] The catalytic distinction between the enzymes is not restricted to acyl-choline substrates but to other types of esters. Thus, BChE can catalyze the hydrolysis of cocaine whereas AChE cannot. On the other hand, it was recently demonstrated that the erythrocyte form of AChE can hydrolyze heroin (3,6-diacylmorphine) to morphine, while BChE can hydrolyze heroin only to the intermediate 6-NAM (6-monoacetylmorphine). Interestingly, the synaptic isoform of AChE cannot hydrolyze heroin, making heroin hydrolysis the first reported catalytic distinction between the different isoforms of AChE.
[0043] The literature on the non-cholinergic functions of cholinesterases, and especially of AChE, is becoming richer all the time. These proteins apparently play important roles in the developing nervous system and its maintenance, especially in directing the growth of neurons and establishing synaptic connections. The different isoforms have distinct roles through their different C-termini. For example, addition of the synaptic isoform of AChE to cultured neurons has a marked activation effect on neurite outgrowth, and a similar effect has been noted in transgenic frog embryos. In contrast, frog embryos expressing soluble forms of the enzyme do not exhibit such effects.
[0044] These small nuances make all of these different isoforms valuable, and we anticipate that plant production of them will be useful for many different ends, including, but not limited to, the following: 1) scavengers of anticholinesterase agents including organophosphates; 2) the hydrolysis of cocaine and heroin in treatment of cases of overdose intoxication by drug abusers; and 3) regeneration of damaged neuronal tissue.
[0045] Optimization of the Coding Sequence of hAChE-E4 for Expression in Plants
[0046] In most cases, the accumulation of foreign proteins in transgenic proteins is a desirable objective, as it tends to maximize yield and reduce costs of production. Accumulation of proteins is a complex function of many factors that effect synthesis and degradation. By “synthesis” we mean all the biochemical steps which lead to the formation of a mature protein, from transcription of a gene, accumulation of mRNA, translation of messages, localization of products, and many co- and post-translational modifications. Not all of these steps can easily be controlled directly (some, for example, are inherent to the polypeptide in question) and, as yet, not all can be manipulated to enhance accumulation. However, experience has shown that certain optimization measures can have a profound effect on the overall levels of foreign protein accumulation in plants.
[0047] Up to the translation stage, the expression of a gene is dependent on the nucleotide sequence not only of the control elements, such as promoter, enhancer elements and 3′ sequences, but also on the coding region as well. Molecular cues are encoded by the nucleic acid sequence to allow molecular events, such as termination of transcription, splicing of intervening sequences, rapid turnover of mRNA, and its translatability. Many of these features are common to many different types of organisms, while others are specific for plants, including, for example, intron splice sites, plant-specific RNA stabilizing sequences, and even plant specific biases in codon usage. Thus, optimization of gene sequences entails conforming the coding sequence to those of plant genes.
[0048] Numerous methods for the optimization of DNA sequences for increased expression in plants are well known in the art. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,180,774; 6,166,302; 6,121,014; 6,110,668; 6,075,185; 6,051,760; 6,043,415; 6,015,891; 6,013,523; 5,994,526; 5,952,547; 5,880,275; 5,877,306; 5,866,421; 5,859,347; 5,859,336; 5,689,052; 5,633,446; 5,625,136; 5,567,862; 5,567,600; 5,545,817; 5,500,365; and 5,380,831, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0049] Analysis of the cDNA of hAChE-E4 to Assess its Suitability for Expression in plants
[0050] Although we present herein an example wherein the hAChE gene is expressed in tomato plants, the tomato serves here only as a model organism. The expression of hAChE in all major crop plants is intended to be within the scope of the present invention, including (but not restricted to): dicotyledonous plants, such as, for example, tomato, potato, tobacco, legumes (i.e., soybean, peanut, alfalfa), and sweet potato. These plants are typically engineered by Agrobacterium transformation , various suitable methods for which are well known in the art. Monocotyledonous plants are also intended to be within the scope of the present invention, including (but not restricted to): maize, rice, wheat, and barley. These plants are typically engineered by biollistic transformation, various suitable methods for which are well known in the art.
[0051] The hAChE-E4 nucleotide sequence includes a total of 574 codons and has an A+T content of 34.8%. Codon use in hAChE-E4 generally is unfavorable for expression in dicots, but acceptable for expression in monocots. In summary, 3.6% of the codons are monocot-unfavorable (including Arg—17.5%, Lys—42.9% and Ser—15.6%), while 12.7% are dicot-unfavorable (including Arg—72.5%, Gly—32.8, Pro—17.6% and Thr—32%), when favorability is defined as making up less than 10% of codon choice for a particular amino acid. Monocot and Dicot preferences were analyzed separately, so as to reveal any potential monocot vs. dicot problems. Tables I and II below summarize total codon use:
TABLE I Dicot AA DNA Unfavorable Total % Ala GCG 5 53 9.5 Arg CGA 7 40 72.5 CGC 8 CGG 14 Gly GGG 19 58 32.8 Leu CTA 1 67 1.5 Pro CGG 9 51 17.6 Ser TCG 2 32 6.3 Thr ACG 8 25 32 Other Total 73 574 12.7
[0052] [0052] TABLE II Monocot AA DNA Unfavorable Total % Arg CGA 7 40 17.5 Ile ATA 0 9 0 Leu CTA 1 67 1.5 TTA 0 Lys AAA 3 7 42.9 Ser AGT 5 32 15.6 Val GTA 5 53 9.4 STOP TAA 0 0 0 Other +UZ,15/17 Total 21 574 3.6
[0053] Based on the data in the foregoing tables, it is evident that some optimization of the native hAChE-E4 nucleotide sequence is desirable, particularly if the gene is to be expressed in dicots. Thus, we present herein an example of a synthetic DNA sequence encoding human acetylcholinesterase that is optimized for expression in plants, referred to herein as SEQ ID NO:5.
[0054] Purification of Plant-Produced Cholinesterases
[0055] While for some of the potential applications of cholinesterases, no purification would be necessary (e.g., in-vivo bioremediation), and for other applications only partially purified preparations of the enzymes would be necessary (e.g., certain industrial uses, oral administration, topical applications in creams, etc.), for other applications relatively pure enzymes are preferable, and may be required. This is especially true for treating individuals by intra-venous or intra-muscular injections of cholinesterases.
[0056] Several published procedures for the purification of acetylcholinesterase are known in the art. See, for example, Fischer et al., Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. 21: 295-311 (1995) and Heim et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1396: 306-319 (1998), the complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. A large scale purification protocol for butyrylcholinesterase based on ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by an batch affinity chromatography should be applicable also for acetylcholinesterase with minor modifications. See, for example, Grunwald et al., J. Biochem. Biophys. Methods 34: 123-135 (1997), the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0057] Additional purification schemes, which are well known in the art, involve engineering a tag to the recombinant enzyme by creating translational fusions. Commercially available plasmids directing such fusions exist mainly for bacterial expression, but can easily be adapted to expression in plants. For example, well known tags that can be used include histidine tags (whereby purification is typically conducted by a nickel-based affinity chromatography); intein-chitin binding tags (whereby purification is conducted by chitin based affinity chromatography and cleavage by a reducing agent, such as dithiothreitol or beta-mercaptoethanol); cellulose binding domains (whereby purification involves affinity chromatography with cellulose). The latter is likely the most useful approach, as it can be done without the addition of any exogenous affinity matrix, since the cholinesterase-CBD fusion binds to cell walls of the plant extract. Release is then mediated by either addition of cellobiose or brief acidification. Cleavage is also possible. For some applications, the cellulose immobilized enzyme-CBD will be extremely useful as a catalytic platform for filters, cellulose based cleaning aids etc.
[0058] Further Examples of Applications of the Invention
[0059] Administration of exogenous cholinesterases is an efficacious and safe treatment for the prevention of anti-AChE toxicity. In fact, a single pre-treatment injection of either AChE or BuChE may be sufficient for full protection without any post-exposure treatment. However, to ensure maximum protection against a high dosage (equal to several LD50) of OPs, large amounts of the enzymes are required to satisfy the 1:1 stoichiometry required between the enzyme and the inhibitors in the blood. The enzymes can be purified from human or animal blood, or alternatively, they can be expressed in a variety of cell cultures. However, these systems inherently suffer from high costs and risks of contamination with human pathogens. Recombinant cholinesterases of various sources have been expressed in Escherichia coli , however, the enzymes thus produced must be denatured and refolded to obtain even partial activity. In addition, they are very labile as compared to the native enzymes. Production by fermentation of yeast cell cultures is also possible, but costs are high and scaling up is expensive.
[0060] Therefore, we introduced transgenic plants as a novel production system for human acetylcholinesterase, a key component of cholinergic synapses. Some of the transgenic tomato lines obtained express high levels of AChE activity, with accumulation levels (on a fresh weight basis) as reported for the yeast-derived enzyme (FIGS. 1 and 2). This activity represents authentic human acetylcholinesterase activity, as judged by its enzymatic properties (FIGS. 3 and 4). The plant-derived enzyme is also very stable in the crude plant extract (FIGS. 5A and 5B). Expression levels of the gene product can be increased further by optimizing the coding sequence of the human gene for expression in plants, according to methods that are well known in the art, and by regulating and restricting expression of the gene product to certain tissues.
[0061] In humans, AChE is encoded by a single gene which yields, through alternative splicing of its pre-mRNA, three polypeptide isoforms with distinct C-termini. We expressed the engineered AChE-E4 form, encoded by exons 2-4 of the human gene. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the other isoforms can be used as well. AChE-E4 consists of the globular N-terminal domain shared among the three physiological variants of AChE. Expressed by itself, the soluble AChE-E4 polypeptide is a fully competent acetylcholine hydrolase with kinetic properties which are similar to those of the natural forms. This recombinant AChE-E4 variant is especially suited for application as a protective decoy for the neutralization of AChE inhibitors, because its kinetic properties are practically identical to those of synaptic AChE (unlike BuChE). Because it is soluble, it may be cleared more slowly from circulation (unlike the membrane bound AChE forms, which are cleared 50 times faster than soluble BuChE). Because it has the same amino acid sequence as the human enzyme, the plant-derived recombinant hAChE-E4 isoform is expected to be less immunogenic than the heterologous cholinesterases used in previous studies. There are three potential glycosylation sites in human AChE, and glycosylation, which does not affect the enzymatic properties of the enzyme, is important for both the stability of AChE and its pharmacokinetics and its immunogenic properties. As eukaryotes, plants offer the advantage of all forms of post-translational modification, including glycosylation, which, however, differs in details from that in mammals.
[0062] Use of the inexpensively produced enzyme is not limited to application by injection, as efficacy of other routes of entry into the body (e.g., orally, inhalation) is expected as well. Lastly, cholinesterases can be incorporated into cleansing preparations, protective skin-creams, filtration devices, and biosensors. For these purposes, the plant-derived enzyme is especially useful, due to lower costs of partial purification and its higher stability.
[0063] The extensive use of anticholinesterase pesticides and the concurrent accidental poisoning, the unfortunate threat of OP chemical warfare agents by terrorists and rogue governments, as well as environmental concerns, are the driving force for the development of effective, inexpensive and safe countermeasures and bioremediation solutions. Plant-derived recombinant human AChE is an important step in this direction.
[0064] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.
1
5
1
29
DNA
Artificial Sequence
Description of Artificial Sequence primer
pAChE-Nco, derived from human AChE gene and
modified to introduce an Nco I restriction site.
1
gatatctgca gccatggcta ggcccccgc 29
2
31
DNA
Artificial Sequence
Description of Artificial Sequence primer
pAChE-Kpn, derived from human AChE gene and
modified to introduce a Kpn I restriction site.
2
cggtacctat caggtagcgc tgagcaattt g 31
3
5767
DNA
Artificial Sequence
Description of Artificial Sequence plasmid
vector pTM034.
3
agcttgcatg cctgcaggtc aacatggtgg agcacgacac tctcgtctac tccaagaata 60
tcaaagatac agtctcagaa gaccagaggg ctattgagac ttttcaacaa agggtaatat 120
cgggaaacct cctcggattc cattgcccag ctatctgtca cttcatcgaa aggacagtag 180
aaaaggaaga tggcttctac aaatgccatc attgcgataa aggaaaggct atcgttcaag 240
aatgcctcta ccgacagtgg tcccaaagat ggacccccac ccacgaggaa catcgtggaa 300
aaagaagacg ttccaaccac gtcttcaaag caagtggatt gatgtgataa cttttcaaca 360
aagggtaata tcgggaaacc tcctcggatt ccattgccca gctatctgtc acttcatcga 420
aaggacagta gaaaaggaag atggcttcta caaatgccat cattgcgata aaggaaaggc 480
tatcgttcaa gaatgcctct accgacagtg gtcccaaaga tggaccccca cccacgagga 540
acatcgtgga aaaagaagac gttccaacca cgtcttcaaa gcaagtggat tgatgtgata 600
tctccactga cgtaagggat gacgcacaat cccactatcc ttcgcaagac ccttcctcta 660
tataaggaag ttcatttcat ttggagagga cctcgagaat taattctcaa cacaacatat 720
acaaaacaaa cgaatctcaa gcaatcaagc attctacttc tattgcagca atttaaatca 780
tttcttttaa agcaaaagca attttctgaa aattttcacc atttacgaac gatagccatg 840
gctcccccgc agtgtctgct gcacacgcct tccctggctt ccccactcct tctcctcctc 900
ctctggctcc tgggtggagg agtgggggct gagggccggg aggatgcaga gctgctggtg 960
acggtgcgtg ggggccggct gcggggcatt cgcctgaaga cccccggggg ccctgtctct 1020
gctttcctgg gcatcccctt tgcggagcca cccatgggac cccgtcgctt tctgccaccg 1080
gagcccaagc agccttggtc aggggtggta gacgctacaa ccttccagag tgtctgctac 1140
caatatgtgg acaccctata cccaggtttt gagggcaccg agatgtggaa ccccaaccgt 1200
gagctgagcg aggactgcct gtacctcaac gtgtggacac catacccccg gcctacatcc 1260
cccacccctg tcctcgtctg gatctatggg ggtggcttct acagtggggc ctcctccttg 1320
gacgtgtacg atggccgctt cttggtacag gccgagagga ctgtgctggt gtccatgaac 1380
taccgggtgg gagcctttgg cttcctggcc ctgccgggga gccgagaggc cccgggcaat 1440
gtgggtctcc tggatcagag gctggccctg cagtgggtgc aggagaacgt ggcagccttc 1500
gggggtgacc cgacatcagt gacgctgttt ggggagagcg cgggagccgc ctcggtgggc 1560
atgcacctgc tgtccccgcc cagccggggc ctgttccaca gggccgtgct gcagagcggt 1620
gcccccaatg gaccctgggc cacggtgggc atgggagagg cccgtcgcag ggccacgcag 1680
ctggcccacc ttgtgggctg tcctccaggc ggcactggtg ggaatgacac agagctggta 1740
gcctgccttc ggacacgacc agcgcaggtc ctggtgaacc acgaatggca cgtgctgcct 1800
caagaaagcg tcttccggtt ctccttcgtg cctgtggtag atggagactt cctcagtgac 1860
accccagagg ccctcatcaa cgcgggagac ttccacggcc tgcaggtgct ggtgggtgtg 1920
gtgaaggatg agggctcgta ttttctggtt tacggggccc caggcttcag caaagacaac 1980
gagtctctca tcagccgggc cgagttcctg gccggggtgc gggtcggggt tccccaggta 2040
agtgacctgg cagccgaggc tgtggtcctg cattacacag actggctgca tcccgaggac 2100
ccggcacgcc tgagggaggc cctgagcgat gtggtgggcg accacaatgt cgtgtgcccc 2160
gtggcccagc tggctgggcg actggctgcc cagggtgccc gggtctacgc ctacgtcttt 2220
gaacaccgtg cttccacgct ctcctggccc ctgtggatgg gggtgcccca cggctacgag 2280
atcgagttca tctttgggat ccccctggac ccctctcgaa actacacggc agaggagaaa 2340
atcttcgccc agcgactgat gcgatactgg gccaactttg cccgcacagg ggatcccaat 2400
gagccccgag accccaaggc cccacaatgg cccccgtaca cggcgggggc tcagcagtac 2460
gttagtctgg acctgcggcc gctggaggtg cggcgggggc tgcgcgccca ggcctgcgcc 2520
ttctggaacc gcttcctccc caaattgctc agcgctacct gataggtacc gagctctctc 2580
aacaatctag ctagagtttg ctcctatcta tatgtaataa ggtatgctga tatgcactat 2640
tcaaatagga gcattagcta tgtttgttaa tgtcacttta tgttatgtgg gtaagtcacc 2700
taagacactc cacgtaccta cgttgttgtc tcttaccggc tttaataaat cttctgccct 2760
tgttccatat ttactaatta tccctttctt cactaaaaga aaattgttat cattaagtat 2820
tagtctttag aacatatgag gtctttaatt gggtaggttt tacaaattaa ctaatataaa 2880
atgtcataaa atccacgtgg ttaaacaaat gcagaaaatc gacgtcgtct attggaccga 2940
cagttgctat taatataatg ggccaccata gtagactgac aaataaatta cctgacaaca 3000
tcgtttcact aaataacaaa cacaaaaagg gagtgcattt tccagggcat ttttgtaata 3060
aaaaacagtt aaaagggagt gcaatagaaa tataggggtg tggaaatagt gatttgagca 3120
cgtcttgaag cgaattcact ggccgtcgtt ttacaacgtc gtgactggga aaaccctggc 3180
gttacccaac ttaatcgcct tgcagcacat ccccctttcg ccagctggcg taatagcgaa 3240
gaggcccgca ccgatcgccc ttcccaacag ttgcgcagcc tgaatggcga atggcgcctg 3300
atgcggtatt ttctccttac gcatctgtgc ggtatttcac accgcatatg gtgcactctc 3360
agtacaatct gctctgatgc cgcatagtta agccagcccc gacacccgcc aacacccgct 3420
gacgcgccct gacgggcttg tctgctcccg gcatccgctt acagacaagc tgtgaccgtc 3480
tccgggagct gcatgtgtca gaggttttca ccgtcatcac cgaaacgcgc gagacgaaag 3540
ggcctcgtga tacgcctatt tttataggtt aatgtcatga taataatggt ttcttagacg 3600
tcaggtggca cttttcgggg aaatgtgcgc ggaaccccta tttgtttatt tttctaaata 3660
cattcaaata tgtatccgct catgagacaa taaccctgat aaatgcttca ataatattga 3720
aaaaggaaga gtatgagtat tcaacatttc cgtgtcgccc ttattccctt ttttgcggca 3780
ttttgccttc ctgtttttgc tcacccagaa acgctggtga aagtaaaaga tgctgaagat 3840
cagttgggtg cacgagtggg ttacatcgaa ctggatctca acagcggtaa gatccttgag 3900
agttttcgcc ccgaagaacg ttttccaatg atgagcactt ttaaagttct gctatgtggc 3960
gcggtattat cccgtattga cgccgggcaa gagcaactcg gtcgccgcat acactattct 4020
cagaatgact tggttgagta ctcaccagtc acagaaaagc atcttacgga tggcatgaca 4080
gtaagagaat tatgcagtgc tgccataacc atgagtgata acactgcggc caacttactt 4140
ctgacaacga tcggaggacc gaaggagcta accgcttttt tgcacaacat gggggatcat 4200
gtaactcgcc ttgatcgttg ggaaccggag ctgaatgaag ccataccaaa cgacgagcgt 4260
gacaccacga tgcctgtagc aatggcaaca acgttgcgca aactattaac tggcgaacta 4320
cttactctag cttcccggca acaattaata gactggatgg aggcggataa agttgcagga 4380
ccacttctgc gctcggccct tccggctggc tggtttattg ctgataaatc tggagccggt 4440
gagcgtgggt ctcgcggtat cattgcagca ctggggccag atggtaagcc ctcccgtatc 4500
gtagttatct acacgacggg gagtcaggca actatggatg aacgaaatag acagatcgct 4560
gagataggtg cctcactgat taagcattgg taactgtcag accaagttta ctcatatata 4620
ctttagattg atttaaaact tcatttttaa tttaaaagga tctaggtgaa gatccttttt 4680
gataatctca tgaccaaaat cccttaacgt gagttttcgt tccactgagc gtcagacccc 4740
gtagaaaaga tcaaaggatc ttcttgagat cctttttttc tgcgcgtaat ctgctgcttg 4800
caaacaaaaa aaccaccgct accagcggtg gtttgtttgc cggatcaaga gctaccaact 4860
ctttttccga aggtaactgg cttcagcaga gcgcagatac caaatactgt ccttctagtg 4920
tagccgtagt taggccacca cttcaagaac tctgtagcac cgcctacata cctcgctctg 4980
ctaatcctgt taccagtggc tgctgccagt ggcgataagt cgtgtcttac cgggttggac 5040
tcaagacgat agttaccgga taaggcgcag cggtcgggct gaacgggggg ttcgtgcaca 5100
cagcccagct tggagcgaac gacctacacc gaactgagat acctacagcg tgagctatga 5160
gaaagcgcca cgcttcccga agggagaaag gcggacaggt atccggtaag cggcagggtc 5220
ggaacaggag agcgcacgag ggagcttcca gggggaaacg cctggtatct ttatagtcct 5280
gtcgggtttc gccacctctg acttgagcgt cgatttttgt gatgctcgtc aggggggcgg 5340
agcctatgga aaaacgccag caacgcggcc tttttacggt tcctggcctt ttgctggcct 5400
tttgctcaca tgttctttcc tgcgttatcc cctgattctg tggataaccg tattaccgcc 5460
tttgagtgag ctgataccgc tcgccgcagc cgaacgaccg agcgcagcga gtcagtgagc 5520
gaggaagcgg aagagcgccc aatacgcaaa ccgcctctcc ccgcgcgttg gccgattcat 5580
taatgcagct ggcacgacag gtttcccgac tggaaagcgg gcagtgagcg caacgcaatt 5640
aatgtgagtt agctcactca ttaggcaccc caggctttac actttatgct tccggctcgt 5700
atgttgtgtg gaattgtgag cggataacaa tttcacacag gaaacagcta tgaccatgat 5760
tacgcca 5767
4
14446
DNA
Artificial Sequence
misc_feature
(11862)..(12157)
Description of Artificial Sequence plasmid
vector pTM036. Identity of sequence residues 11862-12157 unknown.
4
gaattaattc tcaacacaac atatacaaaa caaacgaatc tcaagcaatc aagcattcta 60
cttctattgc agcaatttaa atcatttctt ttaaagcaaa agcaattttc tgaaaatttt 120
caccatttac gaacgatagc catggctccc ccgcagtgtc tgctgcacac gccttccctg 180
gcttccccac tccttctcct cctcctctgg ctcctgggtg gaggagtggg ggctgagggc 240
cgggaggatg cagagctgct ggtgacggtg cgtgggggcc ggctgcgggg cattcgcctg 300
aagacccccg ggggccctgt ctctgctttc ctgggcatcc cctttgcgga gccacccatg 360
ggaccccgtc gctttctgcc accggagccc aagcagcctt ggtcaggggt ggtagacgct 420
acaaccttcc agagtgtctg ctaccaatat gtggacaccc tatacccagg ttttgagggc 480
accgagatgt ggaaccccaa ccgtgagctg agcgaggact gcctgtacct caacgtgtgg 540
acaccatacc cccggcctac atcccccacc cctgtcctcg tctggatcta tgggggtggc 600
ttctacagtg gggcctcctc cttggacgtg tacgatggcc gcttcttggt acaggccgag 660
aggactgtgc tggtgtccat gaactaccgg gtgggagcct ttggcttcct ggccctgccg 720
gggagccgag aggccccggg caatgtgggt ctcctggatc agaggctggc cctgcagtgg 780
gtgcaggaga acgtggcagc cttcgggggt gacccgacat cagtgacgct gtttggggag 840
agcgcgggag ccgcctcggt gggcatgcac ctgctgtccc cgcccagccg gggcctgttc 900
cacagggccg tgctgcagag cggtgccccc aatggaccct gggccacggt gggcatggga 960
gaggcccgtc gcagggccac gcagctggcc caccttgtgg gctgtcctcc aggcggcact 1020
ggtgggaatg acacagagct ggtagcctgc cttcggacac gaccagcgca ggtcctggtg 1080
aaccacgaat ggcacgtgct gcctcaagaa agcgtcttcc ggttctcctt cgtgcctgtg 1140
gtagatggag acttcctcag tgacacccca gaggccctca tcaacgcggg agacttccac 1200
ggcctgcagg tgctggtggg tgtggtgaag gatgagggct cgtattttct ggtttacggg 1260
gccccaggct tcagcaaaga caacgagtct ctcatcagcc gggccgagtt cctggccggg 1320
gtgcgggtcg gggttcccca ggtaagtgac ctggcagccg aggctgtggt cctgcattac 1380
acagactggc tgcatcccga ggacccggca cgcctgaggg aggccctgag cgatgtggtg 1440
ggcgaccaca atgtcgtgtg ccccgtggcc cagctggctg ggcgactggc tgcccagggt 1500
gcccgggtct acgcctacgt ctttgaacac cgtgcttcca cgctctcctg gcccctgtgg 1560
atgggggtgc cccacggcta cgagatcgag ttcatctttg ggatccccct ggacccctct 1620
cgaaactaca cggcagagga gaaaatcttc gcccagcgac tgatgcgata ctgggccaac 1680
tttgcccgca caggggatcc caatgagccc cgagacccca aggccccaca atggcccccg 1740
tacacggcgg gggctcagca gtacgttagt ctggacctgc ggccgctgga ggtgcggcgg 1800
gggctgcgcg cccaggcctg cgccttctgg aaccgcttcc tccccaaatt gctcagcgct 1860
acctgatagg taccgagctc tctcaacaat ctagctagag tttgctccta tctatatgta 1920
ataaggtatg ctgatatgca ctattcaaat aggagcatta gctatgtttg ttaatgtcac 1980
tttatgttat gtgggtaagt cacctaagac actccacgta cctacgttgt tgtctcttac 2040
cggctttaat aaatcttctg cccttgttcc atatttacta attatccctt tcttcactaa 2100
aagaaaattg ttatcattaa gtattagtct ttagaacata tgaggtcttt aattgggtag 2160
gttttacaaa ttaactaata taaaatgtca taaaatccac gtggttaaac aaatgcagaa 2220
aatcgacgtc gtctattgga ccgacagttg ctattaatat aatgggccac catagtagac 2280
tgacaaataa attacctgac aacatcgttt cactaaataa caaacacaaa aagggagtgc 2340
attttccagg gcatttttgt aataaaaaac agttaaaagg gagtgcaata gaaatatagg 2400
ggtgtggaaa tagtgatttg agcacgtctt gaagcgaatt cgagatcggc cgcggctgag 2460
tggctccttc aatcgttgcg gttctgtcag ttccaaacgt aaaacggctt gtcccgcgtc 2520
atcggcgggg gtcataacgt gactccctta attctccgct catgatcaga ttgtcgtttc 2580
ccgccttcag tttaaactat cagtgtttga caggatatat tggcgggtaa acctaagaga 2640
aaagagcgtt tattagaata atcggatatt taaaagggcg tgaaaaggtt tatccgttcg 2700
tccatttgta tgtgcatgcc aaccacaggg ttccccagat ctggcgccgg ccagcgagac 2760
gagcaagatt ggccgccgcc cgaaacgatc cgacagcgcg cccagcacag gtgcgcaggc 2820
aaattgcacc aacgcataca gcgccagcag aatgccatag tgggcggtga cgtcgttcga 2880
gtgaaccaga tcgcgcagga ggcccggcag caccggcata atcaggccga tgccgacagc 2940
gtcgagcgcg acagtgctca gaattacgat caggggtatg ttgggtttca cgtctggcct 3000
ccggaccagc ctccgctggt ccgattgaac gcgcggattc tttatcactg ataagttggt 3060
ggacatatta tgtttatcag tgataaagtg tcaagcatga caaagttgca gccgaataca 3120
gtgatccgtg ccgccctgga cctgttgaac gaggtcggcg tagacggtct gacgacacgc 3180
aaactggcgg aacggttggg ggttcagcag ccggcgcttt actggcactt caggaacaag 3240
cgggcgctgc tcgacgcact ggccgaagcc atgctggcgg agaatcatac gcattcggtg 3300
ccgagagccg acgacgactg gcgctcattt ctgatcggga atgcccgcag cttcaggcag 3360
gcgctgctcg cctaccgcga tggcgcgcgc atccatgccg gcacgcgacc gggcgcaccg 3420
cagatggaaa cggccgacgc gcagcttcgc ttcctctgcg aggcgggttt ttcggccggg 3480
gacgccgtca atgcgctgat gacaatcagc tacttcactg ttggggccgt gcttgaggag 3540
caggccggcg acagcgatgc cggcgagcgc ggcggcaccg ttgaacaggc tccgctctcg 3600
ccgctgttgc gggccgcgat agacgccttc gacgaagccg gtccggacgc agcgttcgag 3660
cagggactcg cggtgattgt cgatggattg gcgaaaagga ggctcgttgt caggaacgtt 3720
gaaggaccga gaaagggtga cgattgatca ggaccgctgc cggagcgcaa cccactcact 3780
acagcagagc catgtagaca acatcccctc cccctttcca ccgcgtcaga cgcccgtagc 3840
agcccgctac gggctttttc atgccctgcc ctagcgtcca agcctcacgg ccgcgctcgg 3900
cctctctggc ggccttctgg cgctcttccg cttcctcgct cactgactcg ctgcgctcgg 3960
tcgttcggct gcggcgagcg gtatcagctc actcaaaggc ggtaatacgg ttatccacag 4020
aatcagggga taacgcagga aagaacatgt gagcaaaagg ccagcaaaag gccaggaacc 4080
gtaaaaaggc cgcgttgctg gcgtttttcc ataggctccg cccccctgac gagcatcaca 4140
aaaatcgacg ctcaagtcag aggtggcgaa acccgacagg actataaaga taccaggcgt 4200
ttccccctgg aagctccctc gtgcgctctc ctgttccgac cctgccgctt accggatacc 4260
tgtccgcctt tctcccttcg ggaagcgtgg cgcttttccg ctgcataacc ctgcttcggg 4320
gtcattatag cgattttttc ggtatatcca tcctttttcg cacgatatac aggattttgc 4380
caaagggttc gtgtagactt tccttggtgt atccaacggc gtcagccggg caggataggt 4440
gaagtaggcc cacccgcgag cgggtgttcc ttcttcactg tcccttattc gcacctggcg 4500
gtgctcaacg ggaatcctgc tctgcgaggc tggccggcta ccgccggcgt aacagatgag 4560
ggcaagcgga tggctgatga aaccaagcca accaggaagg gcagcccacc tatcaaggtg 4620
tactgccttc cagacgaacg aagagcgatt gaggaaaagg cggcggcggc cggcatgagc 4680
ctgtcggcct acctgctggc cgtcggccag ggctacaaaa tcacgggcgt cgtggactat 4740
gagcacgtcc gcgagctggc ccgcatcaat ggcgacctgg gccgcctggg cggcctgctg 4800
aaactctggc tcaccgacga cccgcgcacg gcgcggttcg gtgatgccac gatcctcgcc 4860
ctgctggcga agatcgaaga gaagcaggac gagcttggca aggtcatgat gggcgtggtc 4920
cgcccgaggg cagagccatg acttttttag ccgctaaaac ggccgggggg tgcgcgtgat 4980
tgccaagcac gtccccatgc gctccatcaa gaagagcgac ttcgcggagc tggtgaagta 5040
catcaccgac gagcaaggca agaccgagcg cctttgcgac gctcaccggg ctggttgccc 5100
tcgccgctgg gctggcggcc gtctatggcc ctgcaaacgc gccagaaacg ccgtcgaagc 5160
cgtgtgcgag acaccgcggc cgccggcgtt gtggatacct cgcggaaaac ttggccctca 5220
ctgacagatg aggggcggac gttgacactt gaggggccga ctcacccggc gcggcgttga 5280
cagatgaggg gcaggctcga tttcggccgg cgacgtggag ctggccagcc tcgcaaatcg 5340
gcgaaaacgc ctgattttac gcgagtttcc cacagatgat gtggacaagc ctggggataa 5400
gtgccctgcg gtattgacac ttgaggggcg cgactactga cagatgaggg gcgcgatcct 5460
tgacacttga ggggcagagt gctgacagat gaggggcgca cctattgaca tttgaggggc 5520
tgtccacagg cagaaaatcc agcatttgca agggtttccg cccgtttttc ggccaccgct 5580
aacctgtctt ttaacctgct tttaaaccaa tatttataaa ccttgttttt aaccagggct 5640
gcgccctgtg cgcgtgaccg cgcacgccga aggggggtgc ccccccttct cgaaccctcc 5700
cggcccgcta acgcgggcct cccatccccc caggggctgc gcccctcggc cgcgaacggc 5760
ctcaccccaa aaatggcagc gctggcagtc cttgccattg ccgggatcgg ggcagtaacg 5820
ggatgggcga tcagcccgag cgcgacgccc ggaagcattg acgtgccgca ggtgctggca 5880
tcgacattca gcgaccaggt gccgggcagt gagggcggcg gcctgggtgg cggcctgccc 5940
ttcacttcgg ccgtcggggc attcacggac ttcatggcgg ggccggcaat ttttaccttg 6000
ggcattcttg gcatagtggt cgcgggtgcc gtgctcgtgt tcgggggtgc gataaaccca 6060
gcgaaccatt tgaggtgata ggtaagatta taccgaggta tgaaaacgag aattggacct 6120
ttacagaatt actctatgaa gcgccatatt taaaaagcta ccaagacgaa gaggatgaag 6180
aggatgagga ggcagattgc cttgaatata ttgacaatac tgataagata atatatcttt 6240
tatatagaag atatcgccgt atgtaaggat ttcagggggc aaggcatagg cagcgcgctt 6300
atcaatatat ctatagaatg ggcaaagcat aaaaacttgc atggactaat gcttgaaacc 6360
caggacaata accttatagc ttgtaaattc tatcataatt gggtaatgac tccaacttat 6420
tgatagtgtt ttatgttcag ataatgcccg atgactttgt catgcagctc caccgatttt 6480
gagaacgaca gcgacttccg tcccagccgt gccaggtgct gcctcagatt caggttatgc 6540
cgctcaattc gctgcgtata tcgcttgctg attacgtgca gctttccctt caggcgggat 6600
tcatacagcg gccagccatc cgtcatccat atcaccacgt caaagggtga cagcaggctc 6660
ataagacgcc ccagcgtcgc catagtgcgt tcaccgaata cgtgcgcaac aaccgtcttc 6720
cggagactgt catacgcgta aaacagccag cgctggcgcg atttagcccc gacatagccc 6780
cactgttcgt ccatttccgc gcagacgatg acgtcactgc ccggctgtat gcgcgaggtt 6840
accgactgcg gcctgagttt tttaagtgac gtaaaatcgt gttgaggcca acgcccataa 6900
tgcgggctgt tgcccggcat ccaacgccat tcatggccat atcaatgatt ttctggtgcg 6960
taccgggttg agaagcggtg taagtgaact gcagttgcca tgttttacgg cagtgagagc 7020
agagatagcg ctgatgtccg gcggtgcttt tgccgttacg caccaccccg tcagtagctg 7080
aacaggaggg acagctgata gacacagaag ccactggagc acctcaaaaa caccatcata 7140
cactaaatca gtaagttggc agcatcaccc ataattgtgg tttcaaaatc ggctccgtcg 7200
atactatgtt atacgccaac tttgaaaaca actttgaaaa agctgttttc tggtatttaa 7260
ggttttagaa tgcaaggaac agtgaattgg agttcgtctt gttataatta gcttcttggg 7320
gtatctttaa atactgtaga aaagaggaag gaaataataa atggctaaaa tgagaatatc 7380
accggaattg aaaaaactga tcgaaaaata ccgctgcgta aaagatacgg aaggaatgtc 7440
tcctgctaag gtatataagc tggtgggaga aaatgaaaac ctatatttaa aaatgacgga 7500
cagccggtat aaagggacca cctatgatgt ggaacgggaa aaggacatga tgctatggct 7560
ggaaggaaag ctgcctgttc caaaggtcct gcactttgaa cggcatgatg gctggagcaa 7620
tctgctcatg agtgaggccg atggcgtcct ttgctcggaa gagtatgaag atgaacaaag 7680
ccctgaaaag attatcgagc tgtatgcgga gtgcatcagg ctctttcact ccatcgacat 7740
atcggattgt ccctatacga atagcttaga cagccgctta gccgaattgg attacttact 7800
gaataacgat ctggccgatg tggattgcga aaactgggaa gaagacactc catttaaaga 7860
tccgcgcgag ctgtatgatt ttttaaagac ggaaaagccc gaagaggaac ttgtcttttc 7920
ccacggcgac ctgggagaca gcaacatctt tgtgaaagat ggcaaagtaa gtggctttat 7980
tgatcttggg agaagcggca gggcggacaa gtggtatgac attgccttct gcgtccggtc 8040
gatcagggag gatatcgggg aagaacagta tgtcgagcta ttttttgact tactggggat 8100
caagcctgat tgggagaaaa taaaatatta tattttactg gatgaattgt tttagtacct 8160
agatgtggcg caacgatgcc ggcgacaagc aggagcgcac cgacttcttc cgcatcaagt 8220
gttttggctc tcaggccgag gcccacggca agtatttggg caaggggtcg ctggtattcg 8280
tgcagggcaa gattcggaat accaagtacg agaaggacgg ccagacggtc tacgggaccg 8340
acttcattgc cgataaggtg gattatctgg acaccaaggc accaggcggg tcaaatcagg 8400
aataagggca cattgccccg gcgtgagtcg gggcaatccc gcaaggaggg tgaatgaatc 8460
ggacgtttga ccggaaggca tacaggcaag aactgatcga cgcggggttt tccgccgagg 8520
atgccgaaac catcgcaagc cgcaccgtca tgcgtgcgcc ccgcgaaacc ttccagtccg 8580
tcggctcgat ggtccagcaa gctacggcca agatcgagcg cgacagcgtg caactggctc 8640
cccctgccct gcccgcgcca tcggccgccg tggagcgttc gcgtcgtctc gaacaggagg 8700
cggcaggttt ggcgaagtcg atgaccatcg acacgcgagg aactatgacg accaagaagc 8760
gaaaaaccgc cggcgaggac ctggcaaaac aggtcagcga ggccaagcag gccgcgttgc 8820
tgaaacacac gaagcagcag atcaaggaaa tgcagctttc cttgttcgat attgcgccgt 8880
ggccggacac gatgcgagcg atgccaaacg acacggcccg ctctgccctg ttcaccacgc 8940
gcaacaagaa aatcccgcgc gaggcgctgc aaaacaaggt cattttccac gtcaacaagg 9000
acgtgaagat cacctacacc ggcgtcgagc tgcgggccga cgatgacgaa ctggtgtggc 9060
agcaggtgtt ggagtacgcg aagcgcaccc ctatcggcga gccgatcacc ttcacgttct 9120
acgagctttg ccaggacctg ggctggtcga tcaatggccg gtattacacg aaggccgagg 9180
aatgcctgtc gcgcctacag gcgacggcga tgggcttcac gtccgaccgc gttgggcacc 9240
tggaatcggt gtcgctgctg caccgcttcc gcgtcctgga ccgtggcaag aaaacgtccc 9300
gttgccaggt cctgatcgac gaggaaatcg tcgtgctgtt tgctggcgac cactacacga 9360
aattcatatg ggagaagtac cgcaagctgt cgccgacggc ccgacggatg ttcgactatt 9420
tcagctcgca ccgggagccg tacccgctca agctggaaac cttccgcctc atgtgcggat 9480
cggattccac ccgcgtgaag aagtggcgcg agcaggtcgg cgaagcctgc gaagagttgc 9540
gaggcagcgg cctggtggaa cacgcctggg tcaatgatga cctggtgcat tgcaaacgct 9600
agggccttgt ggggtcagtt ccggctgggg gttcagcagc cagcgcttta ctggcatttc 9660
aggaacaagc gggcactgct cgacgcactt gcttcgctca gtatcgctcg ggacgcacgg 9720
cgcgctctac gaactgccga taaacagagg attaaaattg acaattgtga ttaaggctca 9780
gattcgacgg cttggagcgg ccgacgtgca ggatttccgc gagatccgat tgtcggccct 9840
gaagaaagct ccagagatgt tcgggtccgt ttacgagcac gaggagaaaa agcccatgga 9900
ggcgttcgct gaacggttgc gagatgccgt ggcattcggc gcctacatcg acggcgagat 9960
cattgggctg tcggtcttca aacaggagga cggccccaag gacgctcaca aggcgcatct 10020
gtccggcgtt ttcgtggagc ccgaacagcg aggccgaggg gtcgccggta tgctgctgcg 10080
ggcgttgccg gcgggtttat tgctcgtgat gatcgtccga cagattccaa cgggaatctg 10140
gtggatgcgc atcttcatcc tcggcgcact taatatttcg ctattctgga gcttgttgtt 10200
tatttcggtc taccgcctgc cgggcggggt cgcggcgacg gtaggcgctg tgcagccgct 10260
gatggtcgtg ttcatctctg ccgctctgct aggtagcccg atacgattga tggcggtcct 10320
gggggctatt tgcggaactg cgggcgtggc gctgttggtg ttgacaccaa acgcagcgct 10380
agatcctgtc ggcgtcgcag cgggcctggc gggggcggtt tccatggcgt tcggaaccgt 10440
gctgacccgc aagtggcaac ctcccgtgcc tctgctcacc tttaccgcct ggcaactggc 10500
ggccggagga cttctgctcg ttccagtagc tttagtgttt gatccgccaa tcccgatgcc 10560
tacaggaacc aatgttctcg gcctggcgtg gctcggcctg atcggagcgg gtttaaccta 10620
cttcctttgg ttccggggga tctcgcgact cgaacctaca gttgtttcct tactgggctt 10680
tctcagcccc agatctgggg tcgatcagcc ggggatgcat caggccgaca gtcggaactt 10740
cgggtccccg acctgtacca ttcggtgagc aatggatagg ggagttgata tcgtcaacgt 10800
tcacttctaa agaaatagcg ccactcagct tcctcagcgg ctttatccag cgatttccta 10860
ttatgtcggc atagttctca agatcgacag cctgtcacgg ttaagcgaga aatgaataag 10920
aaggctgata attcggatct ctgcgaggga gatgatattt gatcacaggc agcaacgctc 10980
tgtcatcgtt acaatcaaca tgctaccctc cgcgagatca tccgtgtttc aaacccggca 11040
gcttagttgc cgttcttccg aatagcatcg gtaacatgag caaagtctgc cgccttacaa 11100
cggctctccc gctgacgccg tcccggactg atgggctgcc tgtatcgagt ggtgattttg 11160
tgccgagctg ccggtcgggg agctgttggc tggctggtgg caggatatat tgtggtgtaa 11220
acaaattgac gcttagacaa cttaataaca cattgcggac gtttttaatg tactggggtg 11280
gtttttcttt tcaccagtga gacgggcaac agctgattgc ccttcaccgc ctggccctga 11340
gagagttgca gcaagcggtc cacgctggtt tgccccagca ggcgaaaatc ctgtttgatg 11400
gtggttccga aatcggcaaa atcccttata aatcaaaaga atagcccgag atagggttga 11460
gtgttgttcc agtttggaac aagagtccac tattaaagaa cgtggactcc aacgtcaaag 11520
ggcgaaaaac cgtctatcag ggcgatggcc cactacgtga accatcaccc aaatcaagtt 11580
ttttggggtc gaggtgccgt aaagcactaa atcggaaccc taaagggagc ccccgattta 11640
gagcttgacg gggaaagccg gcgaacgtgg cgagaaagga agggaagaaa gcgaaaggag 11700
cgggcgccat tcaggctgcg caactgttgg gaagggcgat cggtgcgggc ctcttcgcta 11760
ttacgccagc tggcgaaagg gggatgtgct gcaaggcgat taagttgggt aacgccaggg 11820
ttttcccagt cacgacgttg taaaacgacg gccagtgaat tnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn 11880
nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn 11940
nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn 12000
nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn 12060
nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn 12120
nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnngga tccagatccc gtgggcgaag 12180
aactccagca tgagatcccc gcgctggagg atcatccagc cggcgtcccg gaaaacgatt 12240
ccgaagccca acctttcata gaaggcggcg gtggaatcga aatctcgtga tggcaggttg 12300
ggcgtcgctt ggtcggtcat ttcgaacccc agagtcccgc tcagaagaac tcgtcaagaa 12360
ggcgatagaa ggcgatgcgc tgcgaatcgg gagcggcgat accgtaaagc acgaggaagc 12420
ggtcagccca ttcgccgcca agctcttcag caatatcacg ggtagccaac gctatgtcct 12480
gatagcggtc cgccacaccc agccggccac agtcgatgaa tccagaaaag cggccatttt 12540
ccaccatgat attcggcaag caggcatcgc catgggtcac gacgagatca tcgccgtcgg 12600
gcatgcgcgc cttgagcctg gcgaacagtt cggctggcgc gagcccctga tgctcttcgt 12660
ccagatcatc ctgatcgaca agaccggctt ccatccgagt acgtgctcgc tcgatgcgat 12720
gtttcgcttg gtggtcgaat gggcaggtag ccggatcaag cgtatgcagc cgccgcattg 12780
catcagccat gatggatact ttctcggcag gagcaaggtg agatgacagg agatcctgcc 12840
ccggcacttc gcccaatagc agccagtccc ttcccgcttc agtgacaacg tcgagcacag 12900
ctgcgcaagg aacgcccgtc gtggccagcc acgatagccg cgctgcctcg tcctgcagtt 12960
cattcagggc accggacagg tcggtcttga caaaaagaac cgggcgcccc tgcgctgaca 13020
gccggaacac ggcggcatca gagcagccga ttgtctgttg tgcccagtca tagccgaata 13080
gcctctccac ccaagcggcc ggagaacctg cgtgcaatcc atcttgttca atcatgcgaa 13140
aagatctgga ttgagagtga atatgagact ctaattggat accgagggga atttatggaa 13200
cgtcagtgga gcatttttga caagaaatat ttgctagctg atagtgacct taggcgactt 13260
ttgaacgcgc aataatggtt tctgacgtat gtgcttagct cattaaactc cagaaacccg 13320
cggctgagtg gctccttcaa cgttgcggtt ctgtcagttc caaacgtaaa acggcttgtc 13380
ccgcgtcatc ggcgggggtc ataacgtgac tcccttaatt ctccgctcat gatcttgatc 13440
ccctgcgcca tcagatcctt ggcggcaaga aagccatcca gtttactttg cagggcttcc 13500
caaccttacc agagggcgcc ccagctggca attccggttc gcttgctgtc cataaaaccg 13560
cccagtctag ctatcgccat gtaagcccac tgcaagctac ctgctttctc tttgcgcttg 13620
cgttttccct tgtccagata gcccagtagc tgacattcat ccggggtcag caccgtttct 13680
gcggactggc tttctacgtg ttccgcttcc tttagcagcc cttgcgccct gagtgcttgc 13740
ggcagcgtga agcttgcatg cctgcaggtc aacatggtgg agcacgacac tctcgtctac 13800
tccaagaata tcaaagatac agtctcagaa gaccagaggg ctattgagac ttttcaacaa 13860
agggtaatat cgggaaacct cctcggattc cattgcccag ctatctgtca cttcatcgaa 13920
aggacagtag aaaaggaaga tggcttctac aaatgccatc attgcgataa aggaaaggct 13980
atcgttcaag aatgcctcta ccgacagtgg tcccaaagat ggacccccac ccacgaggaa 14040
catcgtggaa aaagaagacg ttccaaccac gtcttcaaag caagtggatt gatgtgataa 14100
cttttcaaca aagggtaata tcgggaaacc tcctcggatt ccattgccca gctatctgtc 14160
acttcatcga aaggacagta gaaaaggaag atggcttcta caaatgccat cattgcgata 14220
aaggaaaggc tatcgttcaa gaatgcctct accgacagtg gtcccaaaga tggaccccca 14280
cccacgagga acatcgtgga aaaagaagac gttccaacca cgtcttcaaa gcaagtggat 14340
tgatgtgata tctccactga cgtaagggat gacgcacaat cccactatcc ttcgcaagac 14400
ccttcctcta tataaggaag ttcatttcat ttggagagga cctcga 14446
5
1725
DNA
Artificial Sequence
Description of Artificial Sequence synthetic
human acetylcholinesterase gene optimized for
expression in plants
5
atgaggcccc cgcagtgtct gctgcacacg ccttccctgg cttccccact ccttctcctc 60
ctcctctggc tcctgggtgg aggagtgggg gctgagggcc gggaggatgc agagctgctg 120
gtgacggtgc gtgggggccg gctgcggggc attcgcctga agacccccgg gggccctgtc 180
tctgctttcc tgggcatccc ctttgcggag ccacccatgg gaccccgtcg ctttctgcca 240
ccggagccca agcagccttg gtcaggggtg gtagacgcta caaccttcca gagtgtctgc 300
taccaatatg tggacaccct atacccaggt tttgagggca ccgagatgtg gaaccccaac 360
cgtgagctga gcgaggactg cctgtacctc aacgtgtgga caccataccc ccggcctaca 420
tcccccaccc ctgtcctcgt ctggatctat gggggtggct tctacagtgg ggcctcctcc 480
ttggacgtgt acgatggccg cttcttggta caggccgaga ggactgtgct ggtgtccatg 540
aactaccggg tgggagcctt tggcttcctg gccctgccgg ggagccgaga ggccccgggc 600
aatgtgggtc tcctggatca gaggctggcc ctgcagtggg tgcaggagaa cgtggcagcc 660
ttcgggggtg acccgacatc agtgacgctg tttggggaga gcgcgggagc cgcctcggtg 720
ggcatgcacc tgctgtcccc gcccagccgg ggcctgttcc acagggccgt gctgcagagc 780
ggtgccccca atggaccctg ggccacggtg ggcatgggag aggcccgtcg cagggccacg 840
cagctggccc accttgtggg ctgtcctcca ggcggcactg gtgggaatga cacagagctg 900
gtagcctgcc ttcggacacg accagcgcag gtcctggtga accacgaatg gcacgtgctg 960
cctcaagaaa gcgtcttccg gttctccttc gtgcctgtgg tagatggaga cttcctcagt 1020
gacaccccag aggccctcat caacgcggga gacttccacg gcctgcaggt gctggtgggt 1080
gtggtgaagg atgagggctc gtattttctg gtttacgggg ccccaggctt cagcaaagac 1140
aacgagtctc tcatcagccg ggccgagttc ctggccgggg tgcgggtcgg ggttccccag 1200
gtaagtgacc tggcagccga ggctgtggtc ctgcattaca cagactggct gcatcccgag 1260
gacccggcac gcctgaggga ggccctgagc gatgtggtgg gcgaccacaa tgtcgtgtgc 1320
cccgtggccc agctggctgg gcgactggct gcccagggtg cccgggtcta cgcctacgtc 1380
tttgaacacc gtgcttccac gctctcctgg cccctgtgga tgggggtgcc ccacggctac 1440
gagatcgagt tcatctttgg gatccccctg gacccctctc gaaactacac ggcagaggag 1500
aaaatcttcg cccagcgact gatgcgatac tgggccaact ttgcccgcac aggggatccc 1560
aatgagcccc gagaccccaa ggccccacaa tggcccccgt acacggcggg ggctcagcag 1620
tacgttagtc tggacctgcg gccgctggag gtgcggcggg ggctgcgcgc ccaggcctgc 1680
gccttctgga accgcttcct ccccaaattg ctcagcgcca cctga 1725
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Briefly stated, the invention includes a method of making a transgenic plant that is capable of expressing a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase, comprising the steps of introducing into at least one plant cell a polynucleotide that encodes a human acetylcholinesterase, and regenerating from the plant cell a transgenic plant that is capable of expressing a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase in at least one tissue type of the transgenic plant. Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of making a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase, comprising the steps of introducing into at least one plant cell a polynucleotide that encodes a human acetylcholinesterase, regenerating from the plant cell a transgenic plant that is capable of expressing a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase in at least one tissue type of the transgenic plant, and isolating or purifying from the transgenic plant or a part thereof a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides an automatic mechanism for flush and raising a toilet seat comprising an actuating device secured to the back of a conventional bowl for raising the toilet seat automatically, and a construction for automatically controlling the discharging operation of the flush valve of the water tank thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Where a urinal is manually actuated, it has been observed that the urine left on the toilet seat always causes great inconvenience to the users, especially to ladies; and furthermore, the urinal flush valve is not always operated after the urinal is used either because of reluctance of the user to touch the operating handle of the flush valve, or because of an oversight on the part of the user. To overcome these problems, the toilets provided with separate devices for automatically raising the seat thereof and flushing the urinal after the user of the toilet rises from the seat have been well developed in this art.
However, these devices are disposed separately on the conventional toilet and therefore they are complicated in construction, undurable in use, expensive in manufacture and insufficient in operation when taken as a whole.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A main object of the present invention is to provide an automatic mechanism for raising a toilet seat and flushing the urinal in which the actuating device is positioned on the back of the toilet for urging the seat to a raised position after the user's rising from the seat.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a tongue device on the end plate of the toilet seat for engaging with two projections on the toilet, the first to hold the seat in a near horizontal position, and the second to allow the seat to rise automatically to a vertical position when occupation of the seat is terminated.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a one-way gear on the shaft of the toilet seat for moving downwardly the rack thereof to open the flush valve of the water tank with the aid of a set of levers situated on the water tank when the toilet seat is raised to a vertical position.
Another still further object of the present invention is to provide two springs for enabling the rack to rise after completion of the flushing operation so that the flush valve of the water tank may be closed.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent with reference to the following description and annexed drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective left-side view of an automatic mechanism for flush and raising a toilet seat in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective right-side view of the automatic mechanism of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is a side view showing the operating of the automatic mechanism of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1, 2 are perspective left and right side views of an automatic mechanism for toilet flusher and toilet seat in accordance with the present invention. The automatic mechanism as shown is provided with an actuating device 10 secured to the back of a conventional toilet bowl 15 and supported by two brackets 12, 13 on a base plate 11 which is screwed to the bowl 15 by a bolt 14. A seat 16 has end plate means which includes two end plates 27, 28 swingably hinged to the actuating device 10 by means of a shaft 19. The actuating device can be a torsion spring, a hydraulic mechanism, or the like. As the actuating device 10 does not fall within the scope of this invention, it is not specifically identified in the embodiment herewith illustrated but it is contemplated that any device which is capable of urging the seat 16 to rise from a horizontal, operative position to an inoperative, upstanding position may be used with the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 in greater detail, the partial structure of the automatic mechanism for moving the seat 16 to a raised position is herewith first described. The device comprises a tongue housing 20 disposed on the end plate 17 and within the tongue housing 20 is provided with a tongue 22 which is biased by a spring 23 in a direction outwardly of the housing 20 or toward the right as seen in FIG. 3. The other end 24 of the tongue 22 extends beyond the housing 20 and has a hole 25 therein. First and second projections 26, 27 are provided on the base plate 11, the second projection 27 being longer than the first projection 26. A support 28 is provided with a stopping pin 29 and is secured to the back of base plate 11. A plate 30 extends rearwardly from the housing 20 and has a spring leaf 31 fixed thereto. A pin 32 is provided on one end of the spring leaf.
The movement of the seat 16 will be fully described with reference to FIG. 3. When the seat 16 is kept in an inoperative, vertical position, the tongue 22 extends out of the housing 20 because of the biasing force of spring 23 and the pin 32 on the spring leaf 31 is maintained separated from the hole 25 on the end portion 24 of the tongue 22. When the seat 16 is first moved downwardly by the user, the forward surface of tongue 22 comes into contact with the first projection 26 causing the tongue to move inwardly of the housing until the top surface of the tongue engages beneath the projection 26. This holds the seat 26 in a near horizontal position. When the user sits on the seat 16, the tongue 22 comes into contact with the second projection 27 and is moved further into the housing 20 and the pin 32 enters the hole 25. The spring force on the leaf 31 presses the pin 32 toward the hole 25. After termination of the occupancy, the seat 16 is automatically actuated by the device 10 to move to a raised position and the pin 32 prevents the tongue from reengaging the projection 26. When the seat 16 is fully upright, the stopping pin 29 presses against the spring leaf 31 to release the pin 32 from the hole 25 and the tongue moves to extend through the housing 20 as shown in dot-dash lines in FIG. 3.
For detailed description of the automatic flusher device please refer again to FIG. 2. The device comprises a one-way gear 33 positioned on the shaft 19 of the seat 16, a stopping member 34 located on the base plate 11 with an empty space 35 on its back, a rack 36 extending upwardly from said empty space 35 for controlling the flush valve of a water tank 38 by means of a lever 37 and for meshing with said one-way gear 33 with its teeth 39 thereon, two stoppers 40 and 41 disposed on the rack 36, a pushing means 42 situated on the end plate 18 of the seat and two springs 43, 44 as shown thereon for controlling the rack 36. When the seat 16 is raised from the toilet bowl 15 after being used, the gear 33 keeps meshing with the teeth 39 of the rack 36 with the aid of the spring 44. As a result of the mesh, the downward movement of the rack 36 will open through the arm lever 37 the flusher valve of the water tank 38 for flushing. Following the rising of the seat 16 to a certain position the pushing means 42 on the plate 18 starts coming into contact with the stopper 40 on the rack 36 to cause the teeth 39 of the rack 36 to depart from the one-way gear 33, and the recovering force of the spring 43 will enable the rack 33 to rise to its original position until the stopper 41 meets with the stopping member 34. At the time the seat 16 is lowered again, although the teeth 39 of the rack 36 is in contact with the gear 33, the gear keeps idle running or free wheeling without exerting influence on the downward movement of the seat 16. As such, the flushing operation of the toilet is completed.
While a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, other embodiments are contemplated and many changes and modifications of the mechanism may be made and practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as more particularly set forth in the appended claims.
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The present invention relates to an automatic mechanism for flush and raising a toilet seat which permits the seat to be raised automatically to a vertical, non-use position and the wash water to automatically flush the urinal after the occupancy of the toilet seat.
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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/650,039, filed Aug. 28, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/406,916 filed Aug. 30, 2002, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention constitutes a method and device for administration of an immunomodulatory compound into the intradermal space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The importance of efficiently and safely administering pharmaceutical substances such as diagnostic agents and drugs has long been recognized. The use of conventional needles has long provided one approach for delivering pharmaceutical substances to humans and animals by administration through the skin. Considerable effort has been made to achieve reproducible and efficacious delivery through the skin while improving the ease of injection and reducing patient apprehension and/or pain associated with conventional needles. Furthermore, certain delivery systems eliminate needles entirely, and rely upon chemical mediators or external driving forces such as iontophoretic currents or electroporation or thermal poration or sonophoresis to breach the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, and deliver substances through the surface of the skin. However, such delivery systems do not reproducibly breach the skin barriers or deliver the pharmaceutical substance to a given depth below the surface of the skin and consequently, clinical results can be variable. Thus, mechanical breach of the stratum corneum, such as with needles, is believed to provide the most reproducible method of administration of substances through the surface of the skin, and to provide control and reliability in placement of administered substances.
[0004] Approaches for delivering substances beneath the surface of the skin have almost exclusively involved transdermal administration, i.e. delivery of substances through the skin to a site beneath the skin. Transdermal delivery includes subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous routes of administration of which, intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) injections have been the most commonly used.
[0005] Anatomically, the outer surface of the body is made up of two major tissue layers, an outer epidermis and an underlying dermis, which together constitute the skin (for review, see Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology of the Skin, Second Edition , L. A. Goldsmith, Ed., Oxford University Press, New York, 1991). The epidermis is subdivided into five layers or strata of a total thickness of between 75 and 150 μm. Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, which contains two layers, an outermost portion referred to at the papillary dermis and a deeper layer referred to as the reticular dermis. The papillary dermis contains vast microcirculatory blood and lymphatic plexuses. In contrast, the reticular dermis is relatively acellular and avascular and made up of dense collagenous and elastic connective tissue. Beneath the epidermis and dermis is the subcutaneous tissue, also referred to as the hypodermis, which is composed of connective tissue and fatty tissue. Muscle tissue lies beneath the subcutaneous tissue.
[0006] As noted above, both the subcutaneous tissue and muscle tissue have been commonly used as sites for administration of pharmaceutical substances. The dermis, however, has rarely been targeted as a site for administration of substances, and this may be due, at least in part, to the difficulty of precise needle placement into the intradermal space. Furthermore, even though the dermis, in particular the papillary dermis, has been known to have a high degree of vascularity, it has not heretofore been appreciated that one could take advantage of this high degree of vascularity to obtain an improved absorption profile for administered substances compared to subcutaneous administration. This is because small drug molecules are typically rapidly absorbed after administration into the subcutaneous tissue which has been far more easily and predictably targeted than the dermis has been. On the other hand, large molecules such as proteins are typically not well absorbed through the capillary epithelium regardless of the degree of vascularity so that one would not have expected to achieve a significant absorption advantage over subcutaneous administration by the more difficult to achieve intradermal administration even for large molecules.
[0007] One approach to administration beneath the surface to the skin and into the region of the intradermal space has been routinely used in the Mantoux tuberculin test. In this procedure, a purified protein derivative is injected at a shallow angle to the skin surface using a 27 or 30 gauge needle (Flynn et al, Chest 106: 1463-5, 1994). A degree of uncertainty in placement of the injection can, however, result in some false negative test results. Moreover, the test has involved a localized injection to elicit a response at the site of injection and the Mantoux approach has not led to the use of intradermal injection for systemic administration of substances.
[0008] Some groups have reported on systemic administration by what has been characterized as “intradermal” injection. In one such report, a comparison study of subcutaneous and what was described as “intradermal” injection was performed (Autret et al, Therapie 46:5-8, 1991). The pharmaceutical substance tested was calcitonin, a protein of a molecular weight of about 3600. Although it was stated that the drug was injected intradermally, the injections used a 4 mm needle pushed up to the base at an angle of 60°. This would have resulted in placement of the injectate at a depth of about 3.5 mm and into the lower portion of the reticular dermis or into the subcutaneous tissue rather than into the vascularized papillary dermis. If, in fact, this group injected into the lower portion of the reticular dermis rather than into the subcutaneous tissue, it would be expected that the substance would either be slowly absorbed in the relatively less vascular reticular dermis or diffuse into the subcutaneous region to result in what would be functionally the same as subcutaneous administration and absorption. Such actual or functional subcutaneous administration would explain the reported lack of difference between subcutaneous and what was characterized as intradermal administration, in the times at which maximum plasma concentration was reached, the concentrations at each assay time and the areas under the curves.
[0009] Similarly, Bressolle et al. administered sodium ceftazidime in what was characterized as “intradermal” injection using a 4 mm needle (Bressolle et al. J. Pharm. Sci. 82:1175-1178, 1993). This would have resulted in injection to a depth of 4 mm below the skin surface to produce actual or functional subcutaneous injection, although good subcutaneous absorption would have been anticipated in this instance because sodium ceftazidime is hydrophilic and of relatively low molecular weight.
[0010] Another group reported on what was described as an intradermal drug delivery device (U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,501). Injection was indicated to be at a slow rate and the injection site was intended to be in some region below the epidermis, i.e., the interface between the epidermis and the dermis or the interior of the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. This reference, however, provided no teachings that would suggest a selective administration into either into the dermis, the shallow SC or a combination thereof, nor did the reference suggest any possible pharmacokinetic advantage that might result from such selective administration.
[0011] To date, numerous therapeutic proteins and small molecular weight compounds have been delivered intradermally and used to effectively elicit a pharmacologically beneficial response. Most previous compounds (e.g. insulin, Neupogen, hGH, calcitonin) have been hormonal proteins. All administered proteins have exhibited several effects associated with ID administration, including more rapid onset of uptake and distribution (vs. SC) and in some case increased bioavailability. However, prior to the present invention, little or no information was known about the behavior of immunomodulatory compounds when administered intradermally.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present disclosure relates to a new parenteral administration method for immunomodulatory compounds based on directly targeting the dermal space whereby such method dramatically alters the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters of the administered compounds. The method includes administering the compounds to the dermal space either alone, or in conjunction with administration to the shallow subcutaneous space. The inventors have found that essentially simultaneous administration of an immunomodulatory compound to both the intradermal and subcutaneous space can produce especially efficacious results in comparison with the administration to either space by itself.
[0013] Immunomodulatory compounds that can be administered according to the invention include immunosuppressive agents, immunostimulatory agents and the like that have either a general or specific effect on the immune system of an individual. Effects of such compounds include a direct action on the immune system, or an indirect action which promotes an immunological response such as initiating an immunological cascade, or targeting a cell for destruction. Immunosuppressive agents are those that are generally administered to minimize unwanted immunological reactions (e.g. reduce autoimmunity, minimize transplant rejection, or suppress allergenic responses such as in allergy). Examples of such compounds include corticosteroids, such as prednisone; cytotoxic drugs, such as azathioprene or cyclophosphamide; other immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporin A, FK506 (tacrolimus), and rapamycin; and monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies for immune rejection (horse anti-lymphocyte globulin), or autoimmune suppression (ex anti-TNF-α antibodies or binding proteins such as Enbrel®, or Remicade® infliximab). Immunostimulatory agents are those that are generally administered to enhance or promote desired innate or elicited immunological responses (e.g. chemotherapeutic agents, anti-infectives, vaccines, immune modulators). Examples of such compounds include tumor specific antibodies, vaccines of all types, interleukins, interferons. It should thus be appreciated that the invention is expected to be useful for administration of compounds that are considered to be immunoregulatory, pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, chemoattractant, chemokinetic, cytokine, chemokine, chemotactic, haptotactic, and for agents that suppress these functions as well (e.g., suppression of chemokinesis, etc). Particularly preferred immunomodulatory substances include all classes of interferons (e.g. α, β, γ), all classes and subclasses of interleukins, anti-inflammatory agents, especially TNF α binding proteins, tumor targeting compounds, and bacterial cell wall components (such as lipopolysacharrides, BCG) and their synthetic derivatives.
[0014] By the use of direct intradermal (ID) administration means hereafter referred to as dermal-access means, for example, using microneedle-based injection and infusion systems (or other means to accurately target the intradermal space), the pharmacokinetics of many substances including drugs and diagnostic substances, and in particular immunomodulatory compounds, can be altered when compared to traditional parental administration routes of subcutaneous and intravenous delivery. These findings are pertinent not only to microdevice-based injection means, but other delivery methods such as needleless or needle-free ballistic injection of fluids or powders into the ID space, Mantoux-type ID injection, enhanced iontophoresis through microdevices, and direct deposition of fluid, solids, or other dosing forms into the skin if such delivery means can be accurately controlled to deposit the drug dose within the intradermal space. Disclosed is a method to increase the rate of uptake for parenterally-administered drugs without necessitating IV access. One significant beneficial effect of this delivery method is providing a shorter T max (time to achieve maximum blood concentration of the drug). Potential corollary benefits include higher maximum concentrations for a given unit dose (C max ), higher bioavailability, more rapid uptake rates, more rapid onset of pharmacodynamics or biological effects, and reduced drug depot effects. According to the present invention, improved pharmacokinetics means increased bioavailability, decreased lag time (T lag ), decreased T max , more rapid absorption rates, more rapid onset and/or increased C max for a given amount of compound administered, compared to subcutaneous, intramuscular or other non-IV parenteral means of drug delivery. Decreases in T lag and T max , and more rapid absorption rates indicate faster onset for the therapeutic activity of drugs, while increased C max and bioavailability indicate that more drug is present in systemic circulation, and generally indicate the potential for significant reduction of doses without loss of therapeutic effect.
[0015] By bioavailability is meant the total amount of a given dosage that reached the blood compartment. This is generally measured as the area under the curve in a plot of concentration vs. time. By “lag time” is meant the delay between the administration of a compound and time to measurable or detectable blood or plasma levels. T max is a value representing the time to achieve maximal blood concentration of the compound, and C max is the maximum blood concentration reached with a given dose and administration method. The time for onset is a function of T lag , T max and C max , as all of these parameters influence the time necessary to achieve a blood (or target tissue) concentration necessary to realize a biological effect. T max and C max can be determined by visual inspection of graphical results and can often provide sufficient information to compare two methods of administration of a compound. However, numerical values can be determined more precisely by analysis using kinetic models (as described below) and/or other means known to those of skill in the art.
[0016] Directly targeting the dermal space, either alone or in combination with the shallow subcutaneous space, as taught by the invention, provides more rapid onset of effects of drugs and diagnostic substances. The inventors have found that substances can be rapidly absorbed and systemically distributed via controlled ID administration that selectively accesses the dermal vascular and lymphatic microcapillaries, thus the substances may exert their beneficial effects more rapidly than through SC administration alone. For example, the induction of high initial concentrations via ID injection coupled with induction of long duration circulating levels via shallow SC injection provides the ability to combine the two profiles to achieve both ends, potential targeting of a large immunomodulatory cell population via the dermal and lymphatic tissues, increased bioavailability, increased reproducibility.
[0017] Mammalian skin contains two layers, as discussed above, specifically, the epidermis and dermis. The epidermis is made up of five layers, the stratum corneum, the stratum lucidum, the stratum granulosum, the stratum spinosum and the stratum germinativum and the dermis is made up of two layers, the upper papillary dermis and the deeper reticular dermis. The thickness of the dermis and epidermis varies from individual to individual, and within an individual, at different locations on the body. For example, it has been reported that the epidermis varies in thickness from about 40 to about 90 μm and the dermis varies in thickness ranging from just below the epidermis to a depth of from less than 1 mm in some regions of the body to just under 2 to about 4 mm in other regions of the body depending upon the particular study report (Hwang et al., Ann Plastic Surg 46:327-331, 2001; Southwood, Plast. Reconstr. Surg 15:423-429, 1955; Rushmer et al., Science 154:343-348, 1966).
[0018] As used herein, intradermal is intended to mean administration of a substance into the dermis in such a manner that the substance readily reaches the richly vascularized papillary dermis and is rapidly absorbed into the blood capillaries and/or lymphatic vessels to become systemically bioavailable. Such can result from placement of the substance in the upper region of the dermis, i.e. the papillary dermis or in the upper portion of the relatively less vascular reticular dermis such that the substance readily diffuses into the papillary dermis. It is believed that placement of a substance predominately at a depth of at least about 0.3 mm, more preferably, at least about 0.4 mm and most preferably at least about 0.5 mm up to a depth of no more than about 2.5 mm, more preferably, no more than about 2.0 mm and most preferably no more than about 1.7 mm will result in rapid absorption of macromolecular and/or hydrophobic substances. Placement of the substance predominately at greater depths and/or into the lower portion of the reticular dermis is believed to result in the substance being slowly absorbed in the less vascular reticular dermis or in the subcutaneous region either of which would result in reduced absorption of macromolecular and/or hydrophobic substances. The controlled delivery of a substance in this dermal space below the papillary dermis in the reticular dermis, but sufficiently above the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue, should enable an efficient (outward) migration of the substance to the (undisturbed) vascular and lymphatic microcapillary bed (in the papillary dermis), where it can be absorbed into systemic circulation via these microcapillaries without being sequestered in transit by any other cutaneous tissue compartment. Additional potential benefits include directly targeting the immunomodulatory cells within the dermis and potentially lymphatic pathways, which may be involved in the uptake and distribution process.
[0019] By “shallow subcutaneous injection” is meant direct deposition of drugs into the shallow SC space. As mentioned above, persons of skill in the art will recognize that due to differences in individuals, and in the thickness of skin on various portions of the body within the same individual, shallow SC and intradermal depths are not fixed, and must be assessed for the circumstances of the injection(s). It is expected that persons of skill in the art will be able to make these determinations when necessary with no more than routine experimentation. Subject to the caveat above, “shallow subcutaneous injection” generally means that the injection is carried out at a depth of at least about 2 mm, more preferably, at least about 2.5 mm, up to a depth of no more than about 5 mm, more preferably, no more than about 4.0 mm.
[0020] Another benefit of the invention is to achieve more rapid systemic distribution and offset of administered substances. This is also pertinent for many hormones that in the body are secreted in a pulsatile fashion. Many side effects are associated with having continuous circulating levels of substances administered. A very pertinent example is female reproductive hormones that actually have the opposite effect (cause infertility) when continuously present in the blood.
[0021] Another benefit of the invention is to achieve higher bioavailabilities of administered substances. This effect has been most dramatic for ID administration of high molecular weight substances, especially proteins. The direct benefit is that ID administration with enhanced bioavailability, allows equivalent biological effects while using less active agent. This results in direct economic benefit to the drug manufacturer and perhaps consumer, especially for expensive protein therapeutics and diagnostics. Likewise, higher bioavailability may allow reduced overall dosing and decrease the patient's side effects associated with higher dosing.
[0022] Another benefit of the invention is the attainment of higher maximum concentrations of administered substances. The inventors have found that substances administered ID are absorbed more rapidly, with bolus administration resulting in higher initial concentrations. This is most beneficial for substances whose efficacy is related to maximal concentration. The more rapid onset allows higher C Max values to be reached with lesser amounts of the substance. Therefore, the dose can be reduced, providing an economic benefit, as well as a physiological benefit since lesser amounts of the drug or diagnostic agent has to be cleared by the body.
[0023] Another benefit of the invention is no change in systemic elimination rates or intrinsic clearance mechanisms of administered substances. All studies to date by the applicants have maintained the same systemic elimination rate for the substances tested as via IV or SC dosing routes. This indicates this dosing route has no change in the biological mechanism for systemic clearance. This is an advantageous from a regulatory standpoint, since degradation and clearance pathways need not be reinvestigated prior to filing for FDA approval. This is also beneficial from a pharmacokinetics standpoint, since it allows predictability of dosing regimes. Some substances may be eliminated from the body more rapidly if their clearance mechanism are concentration dependent. Since ID delivery results in higher C max , clearance rate may be increased, although the intrinsic mechanism remains unchanged.
[0024] Another benefit of the invention is no change in pharmacodynamic mechanism or biological response mechanism. As stated above, administered drugs by the methods taught by the applicants still exert their effects by the same biological pathways that are intrinsic to other delivery means. Any pharmacodynamic changes are related only to the difference patterns of appearance, disappearance, and drug or diagnostic agent concentrations present in the biological system.
[0025] Using the methods of the present invention, pharmaceutical compounds and other substances, may be administered as a bolus, or by infusion. As used herein, the term “bolus” is intended to mean an amount that is delivered within a time period of less than ten (10) minutes. “Infusion” is intended to mean the delivery of a substance over a time period greater than ten (10) minutes. It is understood that bolus administration or delivery can be carried out with rate controlling means, for example a pump, or have no specific rate controlling means, for example user self-injection.
[0026] Another benefit of the invention is removal of the physical or kinetic barriers invoked when drugs passes through and becomes trapped in cutaneous tissue compartments prior to systemic absorption. Elimination of such barriers leads to an extremely broad applicability to various drug classes. Many drugs administered subcutaneously exert this depot effect—that is, the drug is slowly released from the SC space, in which it is trapped, as the rate determining step prior to systemic absorption, due to affinity for or slow diffusion through the fatty adipose tissue. This depot effect results in a lower C max and longer T max , compared to ID, and can result in high inter-individual variability of absorption. This effect is also pertinent for comparison to transdermal delivery methods including passive patch technology, with or without permeation enhances, iontophoretic technology, sonopheresis, or stratum corneum ablation or disruptive methods. Transdermal patch technology relies on drug partitioning through the highly impermeable stratum corneum and epidermal barriers. Few drugs except highly lipophilic compounds can breach this barrier, and those that do, often exhibit extended offset kinetics due to tissue saturation and entrappment of the drugs. Active transdermal means, while often faster than passive transfer means, are still restricted to compound classes that can be moved by charge repulsion or other electronic or electrostatic means, or carried passively through the transient pores caused by cavitation of the tissue during application of sound waves. The stratum corneum and epidermis still provide effective means for inhibiting this transport. Stratum corneum removal by thermal or laser ablation, abrasive means or otherwise, still lacks a driving force to facilitate penetration or uptake of drugs. Direct ID administration by mechanical means overcomes the kinetic barrier properties of skin, and is not limited by the pharmaceutical or physicochemical properties of the drug or its formulation excipients.
[0027] These and other benefits of the invention are achieved by directly targeting absorption by the papillary dermis and by controlled delivery of drugs, diagnostic agents, and other substances to the dermal space of skin. The inventors have found that by specifically targeting the intradermal space and controlling the rate and pattern of delivery, the pharmacokinetics exhibited by specific drugs can be unexpectedly improved, and can in many situations be varied with resulting clinical advantage.
[0028] In the case of a number of immunomodulatory compounds, such as α-interferon, the inventors have found that particularly advantageous results can be obtained by simultaneous intradermal administration of the compound at two different depths. Bolus administration of α-interferon at 1 and 3 mm depths resulted in a rapid early phase of blood levels followed by a sustained secondary phase that maintained α-interferon at levels in blood that were higher than those resulting from an equivalent dosage administered exclusively at 1 mm, 3 mm or subcutaneous depths.
[0029] By “simultaneous” administration is meant that delivery occurs such that uptake and maintenance of the delivered dosages will occur within the same time period and the pharmacokinetic profiles will be essentially superimposed. This does not necessarily require that delivery of the dosages occur at exactly the same time. In some cases they may be separated by time periods of seconds or minutes, but will generally always occur within 30 minutes of one another.
[0030] The present invention improves the clinical utility of ID delivery of drugs, diagnostic agents, and other substances to humans or animals. The methods employ dermal-access means (for example a small gauge needle, especially microneedles), to directly target the intradermal space and to deliver substances to the intradermal space as a bolus or by infusion. It has been discovered that the placement of the dermal-access means within the dermis provides for efficacious delivery and pharmacokinetic control of active substances. The dermal-access means is so designed as to prevent leakage of the substance from the skin and improve adsorption within the intradermal space. The pharmacokinetics of immunomodulatory substances delivered according to the methods of the invention have been found to be vastly different to the pharmacokinetics of conventional SC delivery of the drug, indicating that ID administration according to the methods of the invention will provide improved clinical results. Delivery devices that place the dermal-access means at an appropriate depth in the intradermal space and control the volume and rate of fluid delivery provide accurate delivery of the substance to the desired location without leakage.
[0031] Disclosed is a method to increase the rate of uptake for parenterally-administered drugs without necessitating IV access. This effect provides a shorter T max . Potential corollary benefits include higher maximum concentrations for a given unit dose (C max ), higher bioavailability, more rapid onset of pharmacodynamics or biological effects, and reduced drug depot effects.
[0032] It has also been found that by appropriate depth control of the dermal-access means within the intradermal space that the pharmacokinetics of immunomodulatory drugs delivered according to the methods of the invention can, if required, produce similar clinical results to that of conventional SC delivery of the drug.
[0033] The pharmacokinetic profile for individual compounds will vary according to the chemical properties of the compounds. For example, compounds that are relatively large, having a molecular weight of at least 1000 Daltons as well as larger compounds of at least 2000 Daltons, at least 4000 Daltons, at least 10,000 Daltons and larger and/or hydrophobic compounds are expected to show the most significant changes compared to traditional parenteral methods of administration, such as intramuscular, subcutaneous or subdermal injection. It is expected that small hydrophilic substances, on the whole, will exhibit similar kinetics for ID delivery compared to other methods.
[0034] In order to better control and refine the pharmacological results, delivery methods can be controlled by algorithms using logic components based on for example, physiologic models, rules based models or moving average methods, therapy pharmacokinetic models, monitoring signal processing algorithms, predictive control models, or combinations thereof. Such techniques are within the understanding of one of ordinary skill.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 . Average profiles (n=3-6) for swine administered 3 MIU alpha-interferon (Schering) in 200 uL volume, either through single 1 or 3 mm microneedles, a dose split equally between 1 and 3 mm microneedles (100 uL each), or an equivalent dose delivered via standard SC method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The present invention provides a method for therapeutic treatment by delivery of a drug or other substance to a human or animal subject by directly targeting the intradermal space, where the drug or substance is administered to the intradermal space through one or more dermal-access means incorporated within the device. Substances infused according to the methods of the invention have been found to exhibit pharmacokinetics superior to, and more clinically desirable than that observed for the same substance administered by SC injection.
[0037] The dermal-access means used for ID administration according to the invention is not critical as long as it penetrates the skin of a subject to the desired targeted depth within the intradermal space without passing through it. In most cases, the device will penetrate the skin to a depth of about 0.5-2 mm. However, in the case of certain types of compounds, the device may penetrate the skin to greater or more shallow depths for optimal results. The dermal-access means may comprise conventional injection needles, catheters or microneedles of all known types, employed singularly or in multiple needle arrays. The dermal-access means may comprise needleless devices including ballistic injection devices. The terms “needle” and “needles” as used herein are intended to encompass all such needle-like structures. The term microneedles as used herein are intended to encompass structures no larger than about 30 gauge, typically about 31-50 gauge when such structures are cylindrical in nature. Non-cylindrical structures encompass by the term microneedles would therefore be of comparable diameter and include pyramidal, rectangular, octagonal, wedged, and other geometrical shapes. Dermal-access means also include ballistic fluid injection devices, powder-jet delivery devices, piezoelectric, electromotive, electromagnetic assisted delivery devices, gas-assisted delivery devices, of which directly penetrate the skin to provide access for delivery or directly deliver substances to the targeted location within the dermal space. By varying the targeted depth of delivery of substances by the dermal-access means, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PKIPD) behavior of the drug or substance can be tailored to the desired clinical application most appropriate for a particular patient's condition. The targeted depth of delivery of substances by the dermal-access means may be controlled manually by the practitioner, or with or without the assistance of indicator means to indicate when the desired depth is reached. Preferably however, the device has structural means for controlling skin penetration to the desired depth within the intradermal space. This is most typically accomplished by means of a widened area or hub associated with the shaft of the dermal-access means that may take the form of a backing structure or platform to which the needles are attached. The length of microneedles as dermal-access means are easily varied during the fabrication process and are routinely produced in less than 2 mm length. Microneedles are also a very sharp and of a very small gauge, to further reduce pain and other sensation during the injection or infusion. They may be used in the invention as individual single-lumen microneedles or multiple microneedles may be assembled or fabricated in linear arrays or two-dimensional arrays as to increase the rate of delivery or the amount of substance delivered in a given period of time. Microneedles may be incorporated into a variety of devices such as holders and housings that may also serve to limit the depth of penetration. The dermal-access means of the invention may also incorporate reservoirs to contain the substance prior to delivery or pumps or other means for delivering the drug or other substance under pressure. Alternatively, the device housing the dermal-access means may be linked externally to such additional components.
[0038] IV-like pharmacokinetics is accomplished by administering drugs into the dermal compartment in intimate contact with the capillary microvasculature and lymphatic microvasculature. In should be understood that the terms microcapillaries or capillary beds refer to either vascular or lymphatic drainage pathways within the dermal area.
[0039] While not intending to be bound by any theoretical mechanism of action, it is believed that the rapid absorption observed upon administration into the dermis is achieved as a result of the rich plexuses of blood and lymphatic vessels in the dermis. However, the presence of blood and lymphatic plexuses in the dermis would not by itself be expected to produce an enhanced absorption of macromolecules. This is because capillary endothelium is normally of low permeability or impermeable to macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acid polymers, substance having polymers attached such as pegylated proteins and the like. Such macromolecules have a molecular weight of at least 1000 Daltons or of a higher molecular weight of at least, 2000 Daltons, at least 4000 Daltons, at least 10,000 Daltons or even higher. Furthermore, a relatively slow lymphatic drainage from the interstitium into the vascular compartment would also not be expected to produce a rapid increase in plasma concentration upon placement of a pharmaceutical substance into the dermis.
[0040] One possible explanation for the unexpected enhanced absorption reported herein is that upon injection of substances so that they readily reach the papillary dermis an increase in blood flow and capillary permeability results. For example, it is known that a pinprick insertion to a depth of 3 mm produces an increase in blood flow and this has been postulated to be independent of pain stimulus and due to tissue release of histamine (Arildsson et al., Microvascular Res. 59:122-130, 2000). This is consistent with the observation that an acute inflammatory response elicited in response to skin injury produces a transient increase in blood flow and capillary permeability (see Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology of the Skin, Second Edition , L. A. Goldsmith, Ed., Oxford Univ. Press, New York, 1991, p. 1060; Wilhem, Rev. Can. Biol. 30:153-172, 1971). At the same time, the injection into the intradermal layer would be expected to increase interstitial pressure. It is known that increasing interstitial pressure from values (beyond the “normal range”) of about −7 to about +2 mm Hg distends lymphatic vessels and increases lymph flow (Skobe et al., J. Investig. Dermatol. Symp. Proc. 5:14-19, 2000). Thus, the increased interstitial pressure elicited by injection into the intradermal layer is believed to elicit increased lymph flow and increased absorption of substances injected into the dermis.
[0041] By “improved pharmacokinetics” it is meant that an enhancement of pharmacokinetic profile is achieved as measured, for example, by standard pharmacokinetic parameters such as time to maximal plasma concentration (T max ), the magnitude of maximal plasma concentration (C max ) or the time to elicit a minimally detectable blood or plasma concentration (T lag ). By enhanced absorption profile, it is meant that absorption is improved or greater as measured by such pharmacokinetic parameters. The measurement of pharmacokinetic parameters and determination of minimally effective concentrations are routinely performed in the art. Values obtained are deemed to be enhanced by comparison with a standard route of administration such as, for example, subcutaneous administration or intramuscular administration. In such comparisons, it is preferable, although not necessarily essential, that administration into the intradermal layer and administration into the reference site such as subcutaneous administration involve the same dose levels, i.e. the same amount and concentration of drug as well as the same carrier vehicle and the same rate of administration in terms of amount and volume per unit time. Thus, for example, administration of a given pharmaceutical substance into the dermis at a concentration such as 100 μg/ml and rate of 100 μL per minute over a period of 5 minutes would, preferably, be compared to administration of the same pharmaceutical substance into the subcutaneous space at the same concentration of 100 μg/ml and rate of 100 μL per minute over a period of 5 minutes.
[0042] The enhanced absorption profile is believed to be particularly evident for substances that are not well absorbed when injected subcutaneously such as, for example, macromolecules and/or hydrophobic substances. Macromolecules are, in general, not well absorbed subcutaneously and this may be due, not only to their size relative to the capillary pore size, it may also be due to their slow diffusion through the interstitium because of their size. It is understood that macromolecules can possess discrete domains having a hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic nature. In contrast, small molecules which are hydrophilic are generally well absorbed when administered subcutaneously and it is possible that no enhanced absorption profile would be seen upon injection into the dermis compared to absorption following subcutaneous administration. Reference to hydrophobic substances herein is intended to mean low molecular weight substances, for example substances with molecular weights less than 1000 Daltons, which have a water solubility which is low to substantially insoluble
[0043] The above-mentioned PK and PD benefits are best realized by accurate direct targeting of the dermal capillary beds. This is accomplished, for example, by using microneedle systems of less than about 250 micron outer diameter, and less than 2 mm exposed length. Such systems can be constructed using known methods of various materials including steel, silicon, ceramic, and other metals, plastic, polymers, sugars, biological and or biodegradable materials, and/or combinations thereof.
[0044] It has been found that certain features of the intradermal administration methods provide clinically useful PK/PD and dose accuracy. For example, it has been found that placement of the needle outlet within the skin significantly affects PK/PD parameters. The outlet of a conventional or standard gauge needle with a bevel has a relatively large exposed height (the vertical rise of the outlet). Although the needle tip may be placed at the desired depth within the intradermal space, the large exposed height of the needle outlet causes the delivered substance to be deposited at a much shallower depth nearer to the skin surface. As a result, the substance tends to effuse out of the skin due to backpressure exerted by the skin itself and to pressure built up from accumulating fluid from the injection or infusion. That is, at a greater depth a needle outlet with a greater exposed height will still seal efficiently where as an outlet with the same exposed height will not seal efficiently when placed in a shallower depth within the intradermal space. Typically, the exposed height of the needle outlet will be from 0 to about 1 mm. A needle outlet with an exposed height of 0 mm has no bevel and is at the tip of the needle. In this case, the depth of the outlet is the same as the depth of penetration of the needle. A needle outlet that is either formed by a bevel or by an opening through the side of the needle has a measurable exposed height. It is understood that a single needle may have more than one opening or outlets suitable for delivery of substances to the dermal space.
[0045] It has also been found that controlling the pressure of injection or infusion may avoid the high backpressure exerted during ID administration. By placing a constant pressure directly on the liquid interface a more constant delivery rate can be achieved, which may optimize absorption and obtain the improved pharmacokinetics. Delivery rate and volume can also be controlled to prevent the formation of wheals at the site of delivery and to prevent backpressure from pushing the dermal-access means out of the skin. The appropriate delivery rates and volumes to obtain these effects for a selected substance may be determined experimentally using only ordinary skill. Increased spacing between multiple needles allows broader fluid distribution and increased rates of delivery or larger fluid volumes. In addition, it has been found that ID infusion or injection often produces higher initial plasma levels of drug than conventional SC administration, particularly for drugs that are susceptible to in vivo degradation or clearance or for compounds that have an affinity to the SC adipose tissue or for macromolecules that diffuse slowly through the SC matrix. This may, in many cases, allow for smaller doses of the substance to be administered via the ID route.
[0046] In another aspect, the present invention further provides for a method where the substance is delivered to a site which includes two or more compartments.
[0047] The present invention also provides for a method where the substance is delivered to multiple sites which each include one or more compartments.
[0048] The invention further provides for controlled delivery of a substance using algorithms having logic components which include physiologic models, rules based models or moving average methods, therapy pharmacokinetic models, monitoring signal processing algorithms, predictive control models, or combinations thereof.
[0049] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for combinations of shallow SC and ID delivery to achieve improved PK outcomes. These outcomes are not achievable using solely one delivery compartment or another. Individual or multiple site deposition via proper device configuration and/or dosing method may obtain unique and beneficial results. The utility of combining the effects of controlled shallow SC and ID delivery of substances using needles are previously unreported.
[0050] Devices for use with these methods can be configured to achieve both SC (or IM) and ID delivery.
[0051] The underlying technical principle is that the PK outcome of microneedle delivery is specific to the deposition depth and patterning of the administered fluid, that such deposition can be controlled mechanically via device design and engineering or by technique such as fluid overloading the ID space.
[0052] In addition, the invention includes needles (micro or otherwise) for SC injection having a length less than 5 mm length. Shallow SC delivery to a depth of about 3 mm yields almost identical PK to deep SC using traditional techniques. The utility of shallow SC delivery alone to yield more controlled profiles has never been exploited. In fact previously depths of less than 5 mm have been considered to not be within the SC space.
[0053] Mixed delivery either by device design or technique results in biphasic or mixed kinetic profiling. Minor differences in device length (1 mm vs. 2 mm vs. 3 mm) yield dramatic differences in PK outcomes. SC like profiles can be obtained with needle lengths often assumed to locate the end of the needle within the ID space. Shallow SC delivery is more consistent and uniform in PK outcomes than standard SC.
[0054] The administration methods useful for carrying out the invention include both bolus and infusion delivery of drugs and other substances to humans or animals subjects. A bolus dose is a single dose delivered in a single volume unit over a relatively brief period of time, typically less than about 10 minutes. Infusion administration comprises administering a fluid at a selected rate that may be constant or variable, over a relatively more extended time period, typically greater than about 10 minutes. To deliver a substance the dermal-access means is placed adjacent to the skin of a subject providing directly targeted access within the intradermal space and the substance or substances are delivered or administered into the intradermal space where they can act locally or be absorbed by the bloodstream and be distributed systematically. The dermal-access means may be connected to a reservoir containing the substance or substances to be delivered. The form of the substance or substances to be delivered or administered include solutions thereof in pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or solvents, emulsions, suspensions, gels, particulates such as micro- and nanoparticles either suspended or dispersed, as well as in-situ forming vehicles of the same. Delivery from the reservoir into the intradermal space may occur either passively, without application of the external pressure or other driving means to the substance or substances to be delivered, and/or actively, with the application of pressure or other driving means. Examples of preferred pressure generating means include pumps, syringes, elastomer membranes, gas pressure, piezoelectric, electromotive, electromagnetic pumping, or Belleville springs or washers or combinations thereof. If desired, the rate of delivery of the substance may be variably controlled by the pressure-generating means. As a result, the substance enters the intradermal space and is absorbed in an amount and at a rate sufficient to produce a clinically efficacious result.
[0055] As used herein, the term “clinically efficacious result” is meant a clinically useful biological response including both diagnostically and therapeutically useful responses, resulting from administration of a substance or substances. For example, diagnostic testing or prevention or treatment of a disease or condition is a clinically efficacious result. Such clinically efficacious results include diagnostic results such as the measurement of glomerular filtration pressure following injection of inulin, the diagnosis of adrenocortical function in children following injection of ACTH, the causing of the gallbladder to contract and evacuate bile upon injection of cholecystokinin and the like as well as therapeutic results, such as clinically adequate control of blood sugar levels upon injection of insulin, clinically adequate management of hormone deficiency following hormone injection such as parathyroid hormone or growth hormone, clinically adequate treatment of toxicity upon injection of an antitoxin and the like.
[0056] Having described the invention in general, the following specific but not limiting examples and reference to the accompanying Figure set forth various examples for practicing the dermal accessing, direct targeting drug administration method and examples of dermal administered drug substances providing improved PK and PD effects.
EXAMPLE I
[0057] Alpha-Interferon Delivery Via Microneedles:
[0058] A feasibility trial with alpha-interferon was initiated to determine the effects of giving this compound via the ID route using microneedle devices, and also to demonstrate biphasic kinetics based on a specific mechanical device design. The drug was Schering Intron® A (interferon alfa-2b) at a concentration of 15 million international units (MIU)/mL, and was used as received in multi-unit dose cartridges. The administered dose in each condition was 200 uL of drug solution, for a total dose of 3 MIU/injection. Yucatan miniature swine (n=6) were injected in a crossover fashion, with each animal receiving doses via the IV and SC route via standard injection techniques. Microneedle injections were performed using single 34 G microneedles of either 1 mm or 3 mm length, or simultaneously through two independent microneedles, one each of length 1 and 3 mm, with half the total dose (100 uL) administered through each microneedle. Dosing rate was 50 uL/min from each microneedle for a total injection duration of 2 minutes for single microneedles, and 1 minute from the double microneedle systems. Plasma levels were assayed via a commercial immunoassay. The resulting detectable average plasma interferon levels are demonstrated in the graph below. Each curve represents the average of from n=3-6 animals. Data have been normalized to subtract background detection levels, but are not normalized for animal weight or total administered dose. Some curves were omitted due to incomplete of otherwise failed injections. The hypothesis that biphasic kinetics could be created specifically via device design is readily demonstrated in FIG. 1 .
[0059] The 1 mm data show a classical “ID effect”: extremely rapid onset, high C max , lower T max , and a shortened systemic lifetime. The observed SC and 3 mm exhibit similar profiles with longer T max , lower C max , and a longer circulating lifetime. The average 3 mm data appear low in concentration but this is possible due to the limited # of replicates (n=3), and the fact that this was the final dose received by the animals over a multi-week study. The study swine could have been mounting an immunological antibody response to the administered human protein, which could affect detectable plasma levels. The combined microneedle delivery, splitting the dose between both the 1 and 3 mm microneedles, shows both the dramatic peak onset seen in the 1 mm alone case, and the longer circulating lifetime seen in the SC and 3 mm alone cases. This biphasic profile is effectively produced by addition of the two independent methods.
[0060] This system of administration should be effective for other immunomodulatory compounds such as other forms of interferon, as well as new chemical forms of interferon such as a pegylated version. The pegylated compound is expected to result in rapid onset but longer circulating half-life as a result of its chemical structure, which modulates systemic clearance. Devices that can administer to both tissue spaces may incorporate multiple needles of different lengths, single needles with multiple lumens or outlet ports, independent fluid paths, or flow controlled fluid paths such as those utilizing check valves to regulate flow between needles. Using the teachings of the present invention along with general knowledge in the art, skilled artisans will be able to design and make suitable devices with no more than routine experimentation.
[0061] The data presented herein reveal several novel aspects of previously uninvestigated areas:
1) Demonstration of the ID effect with an immunostimulant; 2) Demonstration of the ID effect with an interferon, 3) Demonstration of the ID effect with a compound representing the classes of immunostimulants, immunopotentiators, chemokines, cytokines, anti-viral agents, or other compound used for non-specific immuno-stimulation. 4) Demonstration of the ID effect for compounds with clinical indications for leukemia, melanoma, lymphoma, venereal or genital warts, AIDS related Kaposi's sarcoma, and chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C; 5) Kinetics of dermal delivery using an interferon; 6) Demonstration of the biphasic kinetics (early rapid onset with high peak level followed by longer lived sustained lower level) resulting from a preconceived device design (dual needle); 7) Demonstration of the microneedle delivery from a dual microneedle configuration targeting different tissue depths/different tissue types (shallow SC and ID)
[0069] Potential benefits of the invention include the following:
1) Therapeutic benefits related to rapidly achieving high concentration, and rapid onset; 2) Better dosing consistency both mechanically and pharmacokinetically; 3) Better control mechanisms for circadian or timed dosing control 4) A more patient-friendly dosing mechanism; 5) Potential benefits by directly targeting the immunomodulatory cells within the dermis and potentially lymphatic pathways, which may be involved in the uptake and distribution process; 6) Improved dosing for substances requiring both fast and long responses; 7) Potential enhanced bioavailability for alpha-interferon using the biphasic route or ID alone; 8) Simultaneous delivery of high loading dosage with a longer duration depot dose; 9) Rapid attainment of high circulating drug concentrations; 10) Reduced dosage (drug amount) for the patient; 11) Reduced manufacturing capacity needed to obtain an equivalent number of doses; and 12) More predictable dosing across the patient population.
[0082] The results show that the relative bioavailability of a interferon is increased when administered simulataneously at intradermal (1 mm) and shallow subcutaneous (3 mm) depths. The resulting dose-sparing effect will allow administration of dosages that are lower than has been possible with the standard subcutaneous injection method of the art, resulting in a large cost saving to pharmaceutical manufacturers and consumers.
[0083] In general, ID and shallow SC delivery as taught by the methods described herein via dermal access microneedle devices provides a readily accessible and reproducible parenteral delivery route, with high bioavailability, as well as the ability to modulate plasma profiles by adjusting the device infusion parameters, since uptake is not rate-limited by biological uptake parameters.
[0084] In the previously described examples, the methods practiced by the invention demonstrate the ability to deliver an immunomodulatory substance in vivo with greatly improved clinical efficacy. This data indicates an improved pharmacological result for ID administration of these substances, either alone or together with shallow SC injection, would be expected.
[0085] All references cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. The discussion of the references herein is intended merely to summarize the assertions made by their authors and no admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art relevant to patentability. Applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited references.
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The present invention relates to a method of administering a-interferon into the intradermal compartment of a subject's skin, whereby absorption in the dermis produces improved systemic pharmacokinetics compared to subcutaneous administration. The present invention provides an improved method of delivery in that it provides, among other benefits, rapid systemic distribution of a-interferon, rapid onset of the effects of a-interferon, improved bioavailability of a-interferon, and improved maximum concentrations of a-interferon. Methods of the invention are particularly useful in removal of the physical or kinetic barriers invoked when drugs pass through and become trapped in cutaneous tissue compartments prior to systemic absorption.
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This invention relates to roller clutches in general, and specifically to a unitary plastic cage for a roller clutch that can compensate for the differentials in rates of thermal expansion and contraction between the plastic and the metal races.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A problem recognized by those familiar with roller clutch design is the significantly different rates of thermal expansion and contraction of metal clutch races and the plastic roller retaining cages that are installed between the metal races. At cold temperatures, the cage will shrink down at a more rapid rate, potentially binding on the inner race. At high temperatures, the cage will expand out more, potentially binding into the outer race. Metal cages obviously do not present that problem. Still, plastic is lighter, cheaper, and provides an excellent bearing surface in the case of concentricity control cages. So, plastic is often preferred, especially if the cage can be easily molded in one piece. The problem with conventional one piece plastic cages is that when they expand or contract, so does their entire circumference, which is their largest dimension. Since the circumference is directly proportional to the radius, the cage radius expands or contracts as a proportion of the large circumference.
One solution is a plastic cage that is not one piece, but which is instead made up of a series of separate, adjacent sections that can expand and contract independently. If an independent section expands or contracts by a certain percentage, the effective increase in the radius of the cage is proportional only to the radial thickness of the cage section, which is much smaller than the circumference of an equivalent size unitary cage. A multi piece cage is therefore inherently less likely to bind into the races with extreme temperature changes. Examples of multi piece cages may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,054,192 to Johnson, and 4,679,676, Lederman, both assigned to the assignee of the subject invention.
Given the inherent handling and manufacturing advantages of a one piece plastic cage, however, attempts have been made to create one that can conform to the annular space between the races as well as, or nearly as well as, a multi piece cage. One solution is to just cut or mold alternating axial slots into the cage to create expansion joints, as is done in German Offenlegungsschrift No. 27 19 685 Al. Such an approach would weaken a cage not originally designed to take such slots, and, if the slots invade the cage roller pockets, then they are no longer structurally complete. A different approach may be seen in Lederman U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,661, also assigned to the assignee of the current invention. There, the ends of the roller pockets are provided by adjacent cage cross bars 28, which are joined together by axially alternating connector members 42. The connector members 42 also provide one side rail of the roller pocket, but the other side rail 40 of each roller pocket is not connected to both cross bars 28. With temperature changes, therefore, the cage cross bars 28 can flex freely toward or away from one another about the one side rails 42, unhindered by the unconnected side rails 40. While this approximates the free flexing of a multi piece cage, the roller pockets are not structurally complete, and the pockets will inevitably tip or skew relative to one another as the cage flexes. The cage distortion resulting from this relative tipping of adjacent pockets may be minimized by using only an even number of pockets, but that is not always possible.
Another attempt to obtain multi piece flexibility in a single piece cage may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,762 to Husmann. Its side rails are molded with a series of connecting elements 26 and 27 which are supposed to be elastically yieldable. It is claimed that this allows the cage to accommodate itself easily to the annular space between the races without binding. However, the elements 26 and 27 are in fact not very flexible, so the side rails do not react much differently in practice than conventional side rails. There are several reasons for the lack of flexibility of the elements 26 and 27. They are integrally molded of the same plastic as the cage side rails themselves, which must be fairly rigid and strong in order to stand up to roller end thrust and in order to keep the clutch races spaced apart. More importantly, the elements 26 and 27 are shaped like back to back horse shoes. In order for the side rails to yield, the horse shoes have to open and close. How easily they can open and close depends both on the inherent flexibility of the material from which they are made, which is quite inflexible, and on the length of the arms of the horse shoes, their "lever arm," in effect. And that length is limited to less than half the radial thickness of the cage, which is not very great. Another shortcoming of the Husmann cage is that, while it can be molded in a single piece, it cannot be by pass molded by a single pair of pull apart molds. The mold necessary to mold it in one piece requires a separate, radially movable slide for every roller pocket, which is costly and inconvenient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a one piece molded plastic roller cage that approaches the performance of a multi piece cage, but which has structurally complete roller pockets that remain aligned with the cage axis as the cage flexes.
In the embodiment disclosed, the cage includes an even or odd plurality of adjacent roller pockets arranged in a generally circular pattern about an axis. Each pocket has an end portion that is significantly less rigid than the rest of the roller pocket, enough so to be easily deformable. Specifically, each roller pocket is a basic rectangle, with a first cross bar at one end that is substantially narrower than, and therefore more elastic than, a parallel second cross bar at the other end of the pocket. Parallel, rigid side rails connect the cross bars, forming a structurally complete box. Rigid connector bars extend circumferentially between the centers of the first and second cross bars of adjacent roller pockets, and are disposed in a central plane perpendicular to the cage axis. In the free state, at a nominal temperature, the roller pockets are all aligned with the cage axis, with all cross bars and side rails parallel and square to one another.
In use, if the cage shrinks down or expands out more than the annular space it is located in, the narrow, deformable cross bars are buckled out or in by the rigid connector bars. Since the narrow cross bars are essentially as long as the cage is wide, they can deform fairly easily. So, no part of the cage binds into either race very strongly. Furthermore, because of the central location of the connector bars, the deformation of the narrow cross bars will be symmetrical about their centers, leaving the remainder of the roller pockets essentially unaffected. Therefore, all roller pockets remain effectively aligned with the cage axis, without skewing or tipping relative to one another.
It is, therefore, a general object of the invention to attain improved elasticity and temperature compensation capability in a one piece plastic cage.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a one piece plastic cage that has roller pockets that are structurally complete, and which remain aligned with the cage axis as the temperature changes.
It is another object of the invention to attain such improved elasticity in a unitary cage by providing each roller pocket with a deformable portion, and connecting each deformable portion to each adjacent pocket with a rigid, centrally located connecting member, so that the cage-race size divergence that occurs with changing temperature will result in a symmetrical buckling of the deformable roller pocket positions, thereby preventing the cage from binding strongly on the races while allowing the roller pockets to remain aligned with the cage axis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
These and other objects and features of the invention will appear from the following written description, and from drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an end view of a portion of the clutch and cage of the invention installed between a pair of races at a nominal temperature;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the cage alone, in its free molded state;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of two roller pockets of the cage at the same temperature as FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an end view of a portion of the clutch and cage of the invention installed between a pair of races at a siginificantly colder temperature;
FIG. 5 is an end view of a portion of the clutch and cage of the invention installed between a pair of races at a significantly warmer temperature;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of two roller pockets of the cage at the same temperature as FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of two roller pockets of the cage at the same temperature as FIG. 4.
Referring first to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of the cage of the invention is indicated generally at 10. Cage 10 is molded in one piece of nylon or other suitable material, and is shown in its free molded state, at a nominal temperature. Cage 10 is generally annular in shape, with a series of circumferentially spaced rectangular roller pockets, indicated generally at 12, arranged in a circle about the cage axis. Each roller pocket 12 has a pair of parallel, axially spaced side rails, 14 and 16, and first and second parallel, circumferentially spaced cross bars, 18 and 20 respectively. Given their orientation to the cage axis, the side rails 14 and 16 have a circumferential length, axial width, and radial thickness, while the cross bars 18 and 20 have an axial length, circumferential width, and radial thickness. The side rails 14 and 16 could be made identical, but instead are arranged in an "over-under" pattern that allows them to be by pass molded. Given the fact that their length is disposed circumferentially, the side rails 14 and 16 will be inherently rigid in the circumferential direction, just as even a thin rod is rigid when pulled end to end. Furthermore, considering their width, the side rails 14 and 16 will be relatively rigid in the axial direction, and will resist forces attempting to push them axially inwardly toward each other, especially at locations closer to the cross bar 20.
Referring next to FIG. 3, it may be seen that each cross bar 18 is significantly narrower than each cross bar 20. Given its greater width, each cross bar 20 will strongly resist circumferentially directed forces attempting to buckle it in or out. Each narrow cross bar 18, however, will be much more subject to deformation, especially by a circumferentially directed force acting at is center, like a thin board held between its ends and supporting a weight at its center. Each narrow cross bar 18 of each pocket 12 is spaced from and parallel to a respective wider cross bar 20 of an adjacent roller pocket 12, and vice versa. The adjacent cross bars 18 and 20 of adjacent pockets 12 are connected together connector bars 22 running perpendicularly between their centers. The connector bars 22 are also rigid in the circumferential direction, and are disposed in a central plane of the cage 10 that is perpendicular to the cage axis. Finally, a cylindrical roller 24 and spring 26 are added to each pocket 12. Although not illustrated, spring 26 could, if desired, load each roller 24 against a respective narrow cross bar 18 for shipping retention prior to installation. The narrow cross bars 18 are undeformed prior to installation, and more than strong enough to provide roller rest surfaces during shipping.
Referring next to FIG. 1, an inner cam race 28 and an outer pathway race 30 have confronting inner surfaces 32 and 34 respectively, which form an annular space in which cage 10 is installed. Cage 10 is installed by the usual "ringing in" method, in which it is first installed to cam race 28. The inner surfaces of the cross bars 20 and lower side rails 14 are shaped to fit closely to the cam race surface 32, so that cage 10 will not turn relative to the cam race 28. Then, the outer pathway race 30 is pushed in over the rollers 24, and twisted counterclockwise, which shifts them away from the narrow cross bars 18. The cross bars 20 are thick enough that their outer surfaces ride on the cylindrical pathway race surface 32 during clutch overrun, when the outer race 30 would be rotating counterclockwise relative to the inner race 28. The cross bars 20 are also axially wide enough to act as support bearings to keep the races 28 and 30 coaxial to one another, and also act as foundations for the springs 26. The side rails 14 and 16 take end thrust and keep the rollers 24 axially confined. In a conventional cage, after installation, the cross bars corresponding to the narrow cross bars 18 would serve no particular purpose except insofar as they helped to keep the side rails 14 and 16 rigidly axially spaced. After installation, the narrower cross bars 18 no longer touch the rollers 24, and the wider cross bars 20 and side rails 14 and 16 are maintained in the proper location entirely by the cam race 28. The invention, however, finds another use for the cross bars 18 after installation, as will be next described.
Referring next to FIGS. 4 and 7, the effect of a significant temperature drop is illustrated. Because of the smaller rate of thermal expansion and contraction of the races 28 and 30 compared to the cage 10, cage 10 will tend to shrink more than the inner race 28, diverging inwardly from the annular space in which it is located. As cage 10 shrinks around inner race surface 32, it is put into tension. The tension force causes the connector bars 22 to pull out on the narrow cross bars 18. Since the narrow cross bars 18 are the weakest link, the stress will be concentrated there, and they will buckle or bow outwardly, allowing the distance between the adjacent roller pockets 12 to increase. The more rigid connector bars 22 and side rails 14 and 16 will be substantially unaffected. So, the circumference of cage 10 is allowed to grow, in effect, preventing the tight binding on inner race surface 32 that would otherwise occur.
Referring next to FIGS. 5 and 6, the converse situation is shown. With a large temperature increase, the cage 10 tends to expand more than the outer race 30, diverging outwardly from the annular space in which it is located. This puts cage 10 into compression against outer race surface 34. The narrow cross bars 18 will now buckle inwardly, allowing cage 10 to effectively contract and avoid binding the outer surfaces of the cross bars 20 tightly into the outer race surface 34. So, in general, the cage 10 accommodates itself to the annular space between the races 28 and 30 with a temperature change in either direction. While some of the known cages described above also provide temperature change compensation, here the roller pockets 12 do not skew or tip relative to one another. Because of the fact that the connector bars 22 are all located in a central plane, the deformation of the narrow cross bars 18 occurs symmetrically about their centers. So, as the roller pockets 12 move together or apart, they stay basically parallel to and aligned with one another, and aligned with the cage axis. More specifically, since the narrow cross bars 18 buckle symmetrically about their centers, they stay basically parallel to the wide cross bars 20. And while the side rails 14 and 16 may be pulled slightly closer together by the buckling of the narrow cross bars 18, the pockets 12 will not tip relative to one another, because the cross bars 18 and 20 will still remain basically parallel to one another. There is thus no need to provide an even number only of pockets 12 to compensate for pocket skewing and even out the cage distortion.
Essentially all the elements of the cage 10 cooperate. The relatively greater widths of the side rails 14 and 16 and the cross bars 20 aids them in their functions of retaining the rollers 24 and supporting the races 18 and 20, while at the same time emphasizing the relatively greater elasticity of the narrower cross bars 18. This relative sizing assures that deformation will result where it is wanted in the pocket 12, and not elsewhere. The connector bars 22 hold the roller pockets 12 together before installation, and also transfer cage tension and compression to the narrow cross bars 18 after installation. Another feature that is very advantageous is that the outer surfaces of all the cage elements have no undercuts relative to the cage axis, and so can all be molded by a single pair of axially parting molds. Still, variations of the preferred embodiment may be made. Most broadly, so long as some relatively more deformable portion of each roller pocket is acted on by a rigid connector member as the cage tends to expand or contract, and so long as the connector members are also centrally located in a plane normal the the axis of the cage, the pockets will remain basically aligned with the cage axis as the cage shrinks or grows. The weaker, deformable portion of the pockets should also be associated with some part of the pocket which will not interfere with the basic functions of the cage after installation, as in the preferred embodiment. Many cage configurations that meet those basic criteria may be developed. Therefore, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to just the preferred embodiment disclosed.
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A plastic roller clutch cage has centrally located rigid connectors joining roller pockets together at symmetrically deformable portions of the roller pockets to allow the cage to adapt itself to differentially expanding and contracting clutch races without distorting the cages.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a golf club head, more particularly to a wood-type golf club head having a hollow structure configured to increase the carry distance.
[0002] Wood-type hollow golf club heads having various shapes have been proposed.
[0003] With respect to the position of the center of gravity of the head, there is a tendency that, when the size of the golf club head in the back-and-forth direction is increased, the distance of the center of gravity from the club face is also increased. Since the club face is usually provided with a loft angle larger than 0 degree, the sweet spot height increases with the increase in the distance of the center of gravity. This will increase the likelihood that the golf ball hits a lower part of the club face under the sweet spot, and the backspin is increased due to the gear effect. As a result, the ball flight tends to become so called “ballooning” or “rising” trajectory due to too much backspin and a relatively low launching angle. Thus, the carry distance becomes short.
[0004] When the size of the head in the toe-heel direction is increased, the distance between the center of gravity and the axis of the club shaft tends to increase accordingly. Therefor, there is a tendency that even at the time of impact the head can not return to the right address position where the club face is at right angle to the target line (trajectory) of the ball, and so called “ball gripping” or “ball holding” on the club face becomes insufficient. As a result, the ball flight tends to become slice. Thus, the directionality of flying of the ball is not good. Further, as the air resistance of the head becomes increased, the drag during swing increases to decrease the head speed. Thus, the carry distance becomes short.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a golf club head in which, by optimizing the head shape in relation to the position of the sweat spot, an optimum trajectory can be obtained to increase the carry distance and the ball holding can be improved to improve the directionality of flying of the ball.
[0006] According to the present invention, a wood-type golf club head having a hollow structure having a head length L (mm), a head depth W (mm) and a sweet spot height H (mm) which satisfy
[0000] 0.80 ≦W/L≦ 1.0 and
[0000] H≦ 76×( W/L )−31.
[0007] Definitions
[0008] In this application, the dimensions refer to the values measured under the standard state of the club head unless otherwise noted.
[0009] The standard state of the club head is such that the club head is set on a horizontal plane HP so that the axis CL of the clubshaft is inclined at the lie angle beta while keeping the axis CL on a vertical plane VP 1 , and the club face 2 forms its loft angle alpha with respect to the horizontal plane HP. Incidentally, in the case of the club head alone, the center line of the shaft inserting hole 7 can be used as the clubshaft axis CL.
[0010] The sweet spot SS is the point of intersection between the club face 2 and a straight line N drawn normally to the club face 2 passing the center G of gravity of the head.
[0011] The sweet spot height H is the height of the sweet spot measured vertically from the horizontal plane HP.
[0012] The back-and-forth direction is a direction parallel with the straight line N projected on the horizontal plane HP.
[0013] The heel-and-toe direction is a direction parallel with the horizontal plane HP and perpendicular to the back-and-forth direction.
[0014] The head length L is the distance of a point T measured perpendicularly to and from the clubshaft axis CL of the shaft inserting hole 7 , and the point T is on the surface of the head on the toe-side and farthest from the axis CL.
[0015] The head depth W is the distance of a point B measured perpendicularly to and from a plane FP, and the plane FP is defined as being tangent to the club face 2 at the sweet spot SS, and the point B is on the surface of the head on the backside and farthest from the plane FP.
[0016] The distance GL of the center G of gravity is the distance of the center G of gravity measured perpendicularly to and from the clubshaft axis CL.
[0017] The term “wood-type golf club” used in this application is meant for at least number 1 to 5 woods having a loft angle of not less than 7.0 degrees, but not more than 20 degrees.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front view of a wood-type golf club head according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a top view thereof.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2 showing an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing another embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing still another embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a partial cross sectional view of the sole portion for explaining a structure and a way of setting a separate weight member.
[0024] FIGS. 7 and 8 are a schematic top view and a schematic right side view of the head for explaining a way of setting another example of the separate weight member.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a face plate.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0027] Wood-type golf club head according to the present invention has a hollow shell structure 1 a.
[0028] The hollow shell structure 1 a comprises: a face portion 3 whose front face defines a club face 2 for striking a ball; a crown portion 4 intersecting the club face 2 at the upper edge 2 a thereof; a sole portion 5 intersecting the club face 2 at the lower edge 2 b thereof; and a side portion 6 between the crown portion 4 and sole portion 5 which extends from a toe-side edge 2 c to a heel-side edge 2 d of the club face 2 through the back face BF of the club head.
[0029] At the heel side end of the crown portion 4 , there is formed a hosel portion 1 b be attached to an end of a club shaft (not shown) inserted into the shaft inserting circular hole 7 .
[0030] In the case of a wood-type club head for number 1 wood, it is preferable that the head volume is set in a range of not less than 350 cc, more preferably not less than 360 cc still more preferably not less than 380 cc in order to increase the moment of inertia and the depth of the center of gravity. However, to prevent an excessive increase in the club head weight and deteriorations of swing balance and durability and further in view of golf rules or regulations, the head volume is preferably set in a range of not more than 470 cc, more preferably not more than 460 cc.
[0031] The mass of the club head 1 is preferably set in a range of not less than 180 grams, more preferably not less than 185 grams in view of the swing balance and rebound performance, but not more than 220 grams, more preferably not more than 215 grams in view of the shot directionality and traveling distance of the ball.
[0032] The loft angle alpha is set in a range of from not less than 7.0 degrees, preferably not less than 7.5 degrees, more preferably not less than 8.0 degrees, but not more than 20 degrees, preferably not more than 19.0 degrees, more preferably not more than 18.0 degrees.
[0033] As to the materials for the head, it is possible that the club head 1 partially includes nonmetallic materials, e.g. fiber reinforced resins, ionomer resins and the like. In this embodiment, however, the club head 1 is made of one or more metal materials. For example, stainless steels, maraging steels, pure titanium, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys and the like can be used.
[0034] According to the present invention, the ratio (W/L) of the head depth W (mm) to the head length L (mm) is set in a range of from 0.80 to 1.0.
[0035] Through experimental tests conducted by the inventor, it was found that: when the ratio (W/L) is less than 0.80, as the head length L becomes long for the head depth W, it becomes difficult to rotate the head back to the accurate address position during swing, and as a result, miss shots such as slice shot are induced. Further, the distance GL of the center G of gravity increases and the ball holding becomes insufficient, which further induce a slice shot. Thus, the directionality is deteriorated. Moreover, there is a tendency that the user feels the head as being undersized, therefore, the head can not give the user a sense of ease when addressed to the ball.
[0036] In the present invention, since the ratio (W/L) is not less than 0.80, the club head can rotate and return to the accurate address position at impact, and as a result, the directionality can be improved. From this point of view, it is desirable that, by relatively decreasing the head length L, the ratio (W/L) is set in a range of not less than 0.82, more preferably not less than 0.85.
[0037] Contrary, when the ratio (W/L) is over 1.00, as the head length L becomes short for the head depth W, there is a tendency that the head rotates beyond the accurate address position during swing, and as a result, hook shots are induced. Therefore, the ratio (W/L) is not more than 1.0, preferably not more than 0.98, more preferably not more than 0.95, still more preferably not more than 0.93.
[0038] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the distance GL is set in a range of from 36 to 41 mm.
[0039] By setting the ratio (W/L) as above, it becomes possible to proved the club head 1 with an appropriate weight distribution, which makes it easy to achieve the preferable range (36 to 41 mm) for the distance GL
[0040] If the absolute value of the head length L is too small, as the distance GL becomes decreased, a hook shot is liable to occur. Further, the head can not provide a sense of easy when addressed to the ball and it becomes difficult to meet the ball. Contrary if the head length L is too large, the ball holding is liable to be deteriorated. Therefore, the head length L is set in a range of not less than 95 mm, preferably not less than 100 mm, more preferably not less than 105 mm, but not more than 140 mm, preferably not more than 135 mm, more preferably not more than 130 mm.
[0041] If the absolute value of the head depth W is too small, as the depth of the center G of gravity (namely, the length of the straight N) becomes decreased, the directionality is liable to deteriorate. Further, the head can not provide a sense of easy when addressed. Contrary, if the absolute value of the head depth W is too large, the sweet spot height tends to be increased, and as a result, the backspin increases and the ball flight becomes a ballooning trajectory to decrease the carry distance. Therefore, the head depth W is set in a range of not less than 80 mm, preferably not less than 85 mm, more preferably not less than 90 mm, but not more than 130 mm, preferably not more than 125 mm, more preferably not more than 120 mm.
[0042] From the results of experimentally tests carried out by the inventor, it was also found that, by specifically limiting the sweet spot height H in relation to the above-mentioned ratio (W/L), a ballooning trajectory is prevented and therefore, the carry distance can be increased.
According thereto, it is desirable to determine the sweet spot height H (mm) so as to satisfy the following conditional expression (1), preferably expression (2), more preferably expression (3):
[0043] H≦ 76×( W/L )−31 (1)
[0000] H≦ 76×( W/L )−34 (2)
[0000] H≦ 76×( W/L )−39 (3)
[0000] It is preferable that the sweet spot height H is as low as possible in view of the prevention of the ballooning trajectory. But, if the sweet spot SS becomes distant from the average impact points of the average golfers (pints ranging from the center of the club face to 3 mm above), the rebound performance is liable to deteriorate. In this embodiment, therefore, it is preferable that the sweet spot height H is not less than 25 mm, but, not more than 45.0 mm, preferably not more than 40.0 mm, more preferably not more than 39.0 mm, still more preferably not more than 38.0 mm.
[0044] If the distance in the back-and-forth direction between the sweet spot SS and the clubshaft axis CL is too small, the distance in the back-and-forth direction between the center G of gravity and the axis CL (and the angle delta between line z and plane VP 1 in FIG. 2 ) becomes increased. Therefore, there is a tendency that the head turns over the right address position at impact and a hook shot is liable occur. Further, the head 1 also becomes easy to rotate around a horizontal axis extending in the toe-heel direction, and as a result, the ball is liable to hit a lower part of the club face 2 , which increases the backspin.
[0000] Therefore, the distance Q of the sweet spot SS measured perpendicularly to and from the above-mentioned vertical plane VP 1 including the axis CL is preferably set in a range of from not less than 0.060 times, more preferably not less than 0.070 times, still more preferably not less than 0.080 times the head depth W.
[0045] However, if the distance Q is more than 0.25, the air resistance of the head increases because the position of the club shaft shifts backward as the distance Q increases and the air resistance increases as the club shaft shifts backward. Therefore, the distance Q is preferably set in a range of from not more than 0.25 times, more preferably not more than 0.22 times, still more preferably not more than 0.20 times the head depth W.
[0046] In this embodiment, the absolute value of the distance Q is preferably set in a range of from not less than 5.0 mm, more preferably not less than 7.0 mm, still more preferably not less than 9.0 mm, but, not more than 25 mm, more preferably not more than 22 mm, still more preferably not more than 20 mm.
[0047] FIGS. 3 , 4 and 5 each show an example of the configuration to decrease the sweet spot height H while increasing the (W/L).
[0048] In FIG. 3 , the crown portion 4 is relatively flattened by providing a large radius Rc of curvature, and the maximum thickness D (or height) of the head is decreased.
[0049] In the vertical plane VP 2 including the straight N, the radius Rc of curvature of the outer surface of the crown portion 4 is preferably set in a range of from not less than 150 mm, more preferably not less than 180 mm, still more preferably not less than 200 mm, but, preferably not more than 500 mm, more preferably not more than 450 mm.
[0050] Further, the maximum thickness D of the club head is preferably set in a range of from not more than 65 mm, more preferably not more than 63 mm, still more preferably not more than 60 mm, but, not less than 45 mm, more preferably not less than 50 mm.
[0051] In FIG. 4 , the side portion 6 is gradually decreased in the vertical height from the front to the back, and the height h at the extreme rear end point B is set in a range of not more than 45% but not less than 20% of the maximum thickness D of the club head. The crown portion 4 is provided with a convex curvature.
[0052] In FIG. 5 , the crown portion 4 is provided with a concave curvature.
[0053] In addition to these designs shown in FIGS. 3-5 ,
[0054] to reduce the weight of the head in the crown portion 4 and/or side portion 6 by using light weight materials having a relatively low specific gravity, e.g. metal materials such as magnesium alloys and aluminum alloys, resins such as engineering plastics and fiber reinforced resins;
[0055] to reduce the weight of the head in the crown portion 4 and/or side portion 6 by decreasing the wall thickness thereof;
[0056] to provide one or more unclosed openings in the crown portion 4 ;
[0057] to decrease the amount of protrusion of the hosel portion 1 b ; can be also employed.
[0058] In the case that the crown portion 5 and/or side portion 6 is decreased in the thickness, it is desirable to reduce the thickness to a small range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm by press molding a rolled metal sheet since it is difficult to reduce the thickness less than 0.6 or 0.7 mm by casting the meta material.
[0000] In order to weld such thin metal plates, plasma welding, especially laser welding is preferred. Further, soldering, adhesive bonding and the like can be used.
[0059] Furthermore, the following designs to lower the mass distribution of the head can be used:
[0060] to flatten the sole portion 5 by providing the outer surface with a large radius Rs of curvature ( FIG. 1 );
[0061] to increase the thickness of the sole portion 5 wholly or partially; and
[0062] to provide a separate weight member 10 .
[0063] FIG. 6 shows a way of setting a weight member 10 in the hollow shell structure 1 a.
[0064] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a way of setting a weight member 10 outside the hollow shell structure 1 a.
[0065] The weight member 10 is made from a material having a larger specific gravity than that of the hollow shell structure 1 a , especially the material of the sole portion 5 . For example, stainless steels, brass, tungsten, tungsten alloys and the like can be used.
[0066] In FIG. 6 , a weight member 10 is fixed to the sole portion 5 . By placing the weight member 10 near the club face 2 , the sweet spot height H can be effectively reduced.
[0067] In this example, to mount the weight member 10 , the sole portion 5 is provided with a socket protruding into the hollow shell, and the weight member 10 is put in the socket. To fix the weight member, caulking, adhesive agent and the like can be utilized.
[0068] In FIGS. 7 and 8 , the weight member 10 is an arched round bar extending from the toe to the heel along the side portion 6 , leaving a space therebetween. The ends 10 a and 10 b are fixed to the side portion 6 at the toe and heel. Such weight member 10 can increase the depth of the center of gravity, while decreasing the sweet spot height.
Comparative Tests:
[0069] Golf club heads having a head volume of 460 cc and a loft angle of 10 degrees were made based on the structure shown in FIGS. 1-3 , and tested as follows.
[0070] Each of the heads is composed of a hollow main body (m) having a front opening, and a face plate (f) attached to the hollow main body so as to cover the front opening.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 9 , the face plate (f) defines the face portion 3 and a turnback 11 is provide around the face portion 3 so as to extend backward from the edge of the club face 2 . The amount of the backward extension F of the turnback was 10 mm excepting a part near the hosel portion.
[0000] The face plate (f) was a casting of a titanium alloy Ti-5.5Al-1Fe (“Super Ti—X 51AF” Nippon steel corporation). The hollow main body (m) was a casting of a titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4v. The hollow main body (m) was fixed to the face plate (f) by laser welding.
[0072] In the sole portion, as shown in FIG. 6 , a weight member 10 made of sintered compact of a tungsten nickel alloy having a specific gravity of 12 was fixed thereto. The weight member put in a socket was fixed to the sole portion by means of caulking and an adhesive.
[0073] The total weight of the club head was 205 grams.
[0074] The sweet spot height H was varied by changing the thicknesses of the sole portion and side portion and the position and mass of the weight member.
[0075] The specifications are shown in Table 1.
[0076] In the comparison tests, the club heads were attached to identical shafts to make wood clubs having a total length of 44.75 inches.
[0077] Using each club, ten right-handed golfers having handicap ranging from 5 to 20 hit golf balls six times per person.
[0078] The average carry distance was computed for each club from the sixty shots.
[0079] Further, the deviation (yard) of the point of fall of the struck ball from the target line of the ball was measured, providing that the value is −(minus) when the point of fall is right of the target line, and +(plus) when left of the target line. And the average deviation was computed for each club from the sixty shots. Usually, it is required that the absolute value of the average is at most 10 yards. When the absolute value is less than 5, the directionality of the head is regarded as very good.
[0080] As to easiness of swing the club, and sense of ease when addressed to the ball, each head was evaluated into five ranks (5: very good, 4: Good, 3: Average, 2: Baddish, 1: Bad) by the ten golfers. The average value was computed for each club from the evaluations by the ten golfers.
[0081] The test results are shown in Table 1.
[0000]
TABLE 1
Ex. 1
Ex. 2
Ex. 3
Ex. 4
Ex. 5
Ex. 6
Ref. 1
Ref. 2
Head
Head depth W (mm)
102
107
112
107
112
112
100
121
Head length L (mm)
128
122
118
122
118
118
133
110
ratio(W/L)
0.80
0.88
0.95
0.88
0.95
0.95
0.75
1.10
Sweet spot height H (mm)
29.0
35.0
40.0
31.0
37.0
33.0
29.0
45.0
Distance GL (mm)
41
39
37
39
37
36
43
38
Distance Q (mm)
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
Ratio(Q/W)
0.18
0.17
0.16
0.17
0.16
0.16
0.18
0.15
Test results
Carry distance (yard)
240
239
236
247
241
249
236
232
Deviation (yars)
−4.2
+1.8
+3.1
+2.4
+3.8
+4.6
−12.3
+18.6
Sense of ease
3.1
4.0
4.4
4.1
4.5
4.4
1.8
4.2
Easiness of swing
2.9
3.6
4.2
3.7
4.3
4.3
2.7
4.0
[0082] From the test results, it was confirmed that the heads according to the present invention can be improved in the carry distance, deviation (directionality), easiness of swing, and sense of ease when addressed from a comprehensive standpoint.
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A wood-type golf club head has a hollow shell structure having a head length L (mm), a head-depth W (mm) and a sweet spot height H (mm) which satisfy: 0.80≦W/L≦1.0 and H≦76×(W/L)−31. The head length L is the distance between the clubshaft axis CL and a point T farthest from the clubshaft axis CL. The head depth W is the distance between a plane FP tangent to the sweet spot SS and a point B farthest from the plane FP.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
The application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-159775, which was filed on Jul. 6, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a method and device for detecting a target object, such as a radar device, for detecting the target object based on a reception signal acquired by a pulse-shaped transmission signal reflecting on the target object.
BACKGROUND
Conventionally, radar devices, which are one kind of a target object detection device, transmits a pulse signal to a detection area and detects a target object from a reflection signal. In order to improve an S/N of the reception signal and to raise the target object detection performance, the radar device using pulse-compression processing exists for such a radar device.
In the radar device using such a modulated pulse signal, the reception signal may be saturated when amplifying the signal by an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) if an object with a large reflective cross-sectional area exists within the detection area. If the reception signal is saturated, a peak level of the reception signal will reach the ceiling and, thus, it will be impossible to obtain an accurate target object detection result due to a drop of the S/N. Especially, in the case of the radar device using the pulse-compression processing for transmitting the pulse-shaped transmission signal containing an FM chirp signal (hereinafter, referred to as a “modulated pulse signal”), if the reception signal is saturated, a frequency component ratio of the reception signal and a frequency component ratio of the transmission signal will not be in agreement with each other. Therefore, at the time of the pulse compression, the level of the peak frequency will fall and range side lobes (side lobes on a time axis) will occur.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating the generation of the range side lobes of the pulse-compressed signal in the conventional radar device. FIG. 4A is a time chart for showing time-axis waveforms of the transmission signal, the reception signal, and the pulse-compressed signal, and FIG. 4B is a plan view illustrating a fundamental method of detecting the target object.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the radar device carried in a ship transmits sequentially and alternately a pulse signal PSn (n is a positive integer) for short distance detection and a pulse signal PMn (n is a positive integer) for middle distance detection via an antenna at a predetermined time interval. In this case, the pulse signal PSn for short distance detection is formed of a non-modulated pulse, and the pulse signal PMn for middle distance detection is formed of a modulated pulse.
Here, as shown in FIG. 4B , if a target object 90 with a large reflective cross-sectional area exists in transmitting directions of the pulse signals PM 1 and PM 2 for middle distance detection, reception signals RE 901 , 902 corresponding to the pulse signals PM 1 and PM 2 are saturated at the time of amplification of the reception signals. Therefore, in the signals REC 901 , 902 after the pulse compression, range side lobes occur as shown in the hatched parts of FIG. 4A . For this reason, problems in which the S/N is deteriorated or reflection signals from other objects are buried in the range side lobes concerned occur to make it impossible to perform an accurate target object detection.
As a method of avoiding the saturation of the reception signal, various kinds of methods exist, which include the followings:
(1) A method of performing amplitude attenuation in analog for the reception signal (i.e., so-called an STC or Sensitivity Time Control processing);
(2) A method of providing a dual system, as disclosed in JPA 2000-137071, of a transmission system which does not attenuate the reception signal and a transmission system which attenuates the reception signal to improve a dynamic range; and
(3) A method of switching between a transmission system which lets the reception signal pass through the LNA and a transmission system which does not let the reception signal pass through the LNA based on detection of the saturation, as disclosed in JPA H09-072955.
However, when the above method (1) is used, a phase changes within one waveform of the reception signal as the amplitude of the reception signal is attenuated. Therefore, if the pulse-compression processing is performed, the range side lobes will occur similar to the case of the above saturation.
When the above method (2) is used, because two or more reception system circuits must be provided, the scale of hardware will be significantly larger. Moreover, an additional dynamic range which can be obtained with such a circuit configuration is small and, thus, the saturation cannot necessarily be controlled sufficiently.
When the above method (3) is used, because the transmission systems are switched therebetween by detecting the saturation, an accurate detection image cannot be obtained for a time period from the detection of saturation to the switching.
SUMMARY
In order to resolve such conditions described above, the present invention provides a method and device for detecting a target object and a pulse radar device that can form an accurate detection image, even if a reception signal is saturated.
According to an aspect of the invention, a target object detection device is provided for detecting different detection areas by different pulse-shaped signals and synthesizing detected information to detect an area from an antenna position to a given distance. The device includes a transmission module for transmitting at least two or more different pulse-shaped transmission signals at predetermined timings, a reception module for receiving a reflection signal of each of the transmitted pulse-shaped transmission signals to generate a reception signal, a saturation detection module for comparing a level of each of the reception signals with a predetermined threshold to detect saturation of the reception signal, and an image forming module for forming a detection image based on the reception signals. The transmission module generates an alternative pulse-shaped signal that is different from the transmitted pulse-shaped transmission signal when the saturation detection module detects the saturation of the reception signal. The image forming module replaces the saturated reception signal with a reception signal obtained by using the alternative pulse-shaped signal to form the detection image.
The transmission module may transmit, as the alternative pulse-shaped signal, a pulse-shaped signal such that the level of the reception signal by the reflection signal from an area where the saturation is detected is not saturated.
The transmission module may transmit two or more different pulse-shaped signals in a preset order. The two or more different pulse-shaped signals may include at least a pulse-shaped signal for short-distance area detection and a pulse-shaped signal for middle-distance area detection. When the pulse-shaped signal for middle-distance area detection is saturated, the pulse-shaped signal for short-distance area detection may be used as the alternative pulse-shaped signal.
The transmission module may use a pulse-shaped signal of a constant carrier frequency as the alternative pulse-shaped signal.
The transmission module may use a pulse-shaped signal of which a carrier frequency changes sequentially and of which an amplitude level of which is limited, as the alternative pulse-shaped signal.
The saturation detection module may detect the saturation only when the pulse-shaped signal is a pulse-shaped signal of which a carrier frequency changes sequentially and of which an amplitude level is limited.
The transmission module may transmit the pulse-shaped transmission signals from a single antenna at the predetermined timings in the form of electric wave signals. The reception module may generate the reception signal by the reflection signal obtained from the single antenna.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of detecting a target object is provided, for detecting different detection areas by different pulse-shaped signals and synthesizing detected information to detect an area from an antenna position to a given distance. The method includes transmitting at least two or more different pulse-shaped transmission signals at predetermined timings, receiving a reflection signal of each of the transmitted pulse-shaped transmission signals to generate a reception signal, comparing a level of each of the reception signals with a predetermined threshold to detect saturation of the reception signal, and forming a detection image based on the reception signals. An alternative pulse-shaped signal that is different from the transmitted pulse-shaped transmission signal is generated when the saturation of the reception signal is detected. The saturated reception signal is replaced with a reception signal obtained by using the alternative pulse-shaped signal to foam the detection image.
The alternative pulse-shaped signal may be a pulse-shaped signal such that the level of the reception signal by a reflection signal from an area where the saturation is detected is not saturated.
Two or more different pulse-shaped signals may be transmitted in a preset order. The two or more different pulse-shaped signals may include at least a pulse-shaped signal for short-distance area detection and a pulse-shaped signal for middle-distance area detection. The pulse-shaped signal for short-distance area detection may be used as the alternative pulse-shaped signal.
The alternative pulse-shaped signal may be a pulse-shaped signal of a constant carrier frequency.
The alternative pulse-shaped signal may be a pulse-shaped signal of which a carrier frequency changes sequentially and of which an amplitude level is limited.
The saturation may be detected only when the pulse-shaped signal is a pulse-shaped signal of which a carrier frequency changes sequentially and of which an amplitude level is limited.
According to another aspect of the invention, a target object detection device is provided for transmitting two or more different pulse-shaped signals including at least a pulse-shaped transmission signal for short-distance area detection and a pulse-shaped transmission signal for middle-distance area detection to detect each area, and synthesizing detected information to detect an area from an antenna position to a given distance. The device includes a transmission module for transmitting at least the pulse-shaped transmission signal for short-distance area detection and the pulse-shaped transmission signal for middle-distance area detection, a reception module for receiving a reflection signal of each of the transmitted pulse-shaped transmission signals to generate a reception signal, a saturation detection module for comparing a level of each of the reception signals with a predetermined threshold to detect saturation of the reception signal, and an image forming module for forming a detection image based on the reception signals. The image forming module, when the saturation detection module detects the saturation of the reception signal containing the reflection signal of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for middle-distance area detection, uses the reception signal containing the reflection signal of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for short-distance area detection in replacement of the saturated reception signal containing the reflection signal of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for middle-distance area detection.
The transmission module, when the saturation detection module detects the saturation of the reception signal containing the reflection signal of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for middle-distance area detection, may delay a transmission cycle of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for the middle-distance area detection to be transmitted for the next time, rather than a predetermined cycle.
The transmission module, when the saturation detection module detects the saturation of the reception signal containing the reflection signal of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for middle-distance area detection, may extend a reception period after the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for the short-distance area detection, comparing with the reception period before the saturation is detected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which the like reference numerals indicate like elements and in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a substantial part of a radar device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a time chart illustrating signal processing of the radar device according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a time chart illustrating signal processing of a radar device according to another embodiment
FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating generation of range side lobes of a pulse-compressed signal in a conventional radar device; and
FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating signal processing of the radar device according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Several embodiments of a target object detection device according to the invention will be described with reference to the appended drawings.
First Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1 , the target object detection device illustrated in this embodiment is specifically a pulse radar device 10 . However, it may be other devices that detect a target object using a pulse-shaped transmission signal containing a modulated pulse signal.
First, a configuration of the radar device 10 is described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a substantial part of a circuit configuration of the radar device 10 .
The radar device 10 includes a transmission module 11 , a circulator (DPX) 12 , an antenna 13 , a reception module 14 , a pulse compression module 15 , a saturation detection module 16 , and an image forming module 17 .
The transmission module 11 has one or more oscillation elements made from one or more semiconductors, for example. As already shown in FIG. 4A of related art, the transmission module 11 sequentially transmits sets of a pulse signal PSn (n is a positive integer) for short distance detection and a pulse signal PMn (n is a positive integer) for middle distance detection at a fixed repetition cycle (PRF) during a normal transmission control. Note that the repetition cycle means a time cycle during which one set of the pulse signals is transmitted, where the set of pulses or the pulse group includes one pulse signal PSn for short distance detection and one pulse signal PMn for middle distance detection.
As a flow of the transmitting timings, first, the transmission module 11 transmits a pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 1 for short distance detection by a non-modulated pulse signal, for example. After the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 1 , the transmission module 11 sets and waits for a reception period TW S for short distance detection by a time length corresponding to a short-distance area. Here, the short-distance area means a predetermined distance range nearby a ship.
Next, the transmission module 11 transmits a pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 for middle distance detection by a modulated pulse signal after the reception period TW S . The transmission module 11 sets and waits for a reception period TW M for middle distance detection by a time length corresponding to a middle-distance area after the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 . Here, the middle-distance area means a predetermined distance range more distant than the short-distance area. A first set or group of the pulse transmissions is completed with the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 1 for short distance detection and the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 for middle distance detection. Note that, in this embodiment, an example where the reception signals of the short-distance area and the middle-distance area are synthesized to search an area from a position of the antenna 13 to a given distance is described.
Next, after the reception period TW M , similar to the above, the transmission module 11 transmits a pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 2 for short distance detection by a non-modulated pulse signal, sets and waits for the reception period TW S , then transmits a pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 2 for middle distance detection, and sets and waits for the reception period TW M . A second set or group of the pulse transmissions is completed with the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 2 for short distance detection and the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 2 for middle distance detection. Then, the transmission module 11 sequentially transmits the pulse-shaped transmission signal PSn and the pulse-shaped transmission signal PMn alternately, forming such sets of the pulse transmissions.
In addition, when saturation information on the reception signal is acquired from the saturation detection module 16 , the transmission module 11 changes a transmission control to a subsequent set of pulse transmissions which is the next set of pulse transmissions including the pulse-shaped transmission signal PMn for which the reception signal concerned is saturated, as shown in FIG. 2 . Specifically, the pulse-shaped transmission signal PSn+1 for short distance detection of the set to be changed is transmitted as it is, and the pulse-shaped transmission signal PMn+1 for middle distance detection is not transmitted. Then, the reception period for the pulse-shaped transmission signal PSn+1 for short distance detection is set to the reception period TW M for middle distance detection. The pulse-shaped transmission signal PSn+1 of the subsequent set corresponds to an “alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal” in the claims.
The circulator 12 transmits each of the pulse-shaped transmission signals from the transmission module 11 to the antenna 13 . The antenna 13 emits the supplied pulse-shaped transmission signal to the exterior, while rotating at a predetermined constant speed. During the period where the pulse-shaped transmission signals are not supplied (the reception periods TW S and TW M described above), reflection signals are received from the external target object, and the reception signals are outputted to the circulator 12 . The circulator 12 then outputs the reception signals from the antenna 13 to the reception module 14 .
Note that a relationship between the rotating speed of the antenna 13 and a beam width of the transmission signal is set in advance according to specifications of the radar device or the like. For example, if the target object has a predetermined reflective cross-sectional area at a given distance from the radar device, two or more sequential transmission signals are reflected on the target object.
The reception module 14 is provided with an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) and amplifies the reception signal to output it. The reception module 14 is given with data related to the transmitting timing from the transmission module 11 . Based on the data related to the transmitting timing, if it is the reception signal by a non-modulated pulse signal, the reception module 14 outputs it to the image forming module 16 . On the other hand, if it is a modulated pulse signal, the reception module 14 outputs it to the pulse compression module 15 .
The pulse compression module 15 is provided with a Fourier transform module, a matched filter, and an inverse Fourier transform module, for example. The pulse compression module 15 carries out pulse compression of the modulated pulse signal from the reception module 14 by a known method, and outputs the pulse-compressed signal to the image forming module 17 .
If the saturation of the reception signal amplified by the LNA of the reception module 14 is detected, the saturation detection module 16 outputs the saturation information to the transmission module 11 and the image forming module 17 .
If the saturation information from the saturation detection module 16 is not inputted, the image forming module 17 forms detection image data using the reception signal of the non-modulated pulse signal from the reception module 14 , and the pulse-compressed signal from the pulse compression module 15 . Here, the image forming module 17 may perform known pulse integration processing, if needed. The pulse integration processing is processing in which the reception signals adjacent to each other along the rotating direction of the antenna 13 are integrated. The detection image data outputted from the image forming module 17 is applied with processing including, displaying the data on a display module (not illustrated).
In addition, if the saturation information is inputted, the image forming module 17 replaces the reception signal corresponding to an occurring section of range side lobes of the pulse-compressed signal caused by the saturated reception signal with a reception signal corresponding to an occurring section of the range side lobes of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PSn+1 of the subsequent set. The image forming module 17 then forms an image for the occurring section of the range side lobes based on the replaced reception signal.
Next, with reference to FIG. 2 , more specific processing when the saturation occurs in the reception module 14 is described. FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating the signal processing of the radar device of this embodiment. Hereinbelow, a case where a target object 91 with a small reflective cross-sectional area exists in the short distance detection area, and a target object 90 with a large reflective cross-sectional area exists in the middle-distance detection area is described as an example, similar to the case shown in FIG. 4B .
First, the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 1 containing the non-modulated pulse signal is transmitted as the first set of the pulse transmissions, and a reception signal RE 911 is then obtained at a timing according to a distance from the radar device to the target object 91 within the reception period TW S . Because this reception signal corresponds to the non-modulated pulse signal, it is inputted into the image forming module 17 and is used for the image formation as it is.
Next, after the reception period TW S from the completion timing of the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 1 , the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 containing the modulated pulse signal is transmitted, and a reception signal RE 901 is then obtained at a timing according to a distance from the radar device to the target object 90 within the reception period TW M . Here, if the reception signal is saturated due to the large reflective cross-sectional area of the target object 90 when the reception signal RE 901 is amplified by the reception module 14 , the pulse-compressed signal REC 901 will have range side lobes, although it has a peak level (refer to the signal waveform at the third row in FIG. 2 ).
In this case, the saturation detection module 16 has detected the saturation of the reception signal RE 901 , and the saturation information is inputted into the transmission module 11 and the image forming module 17 .
Based on this saturation information, the transmission module 11 sets and waits for the reception period after the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 2 for short distance detection of the second set of the pulse transmissions to TW M for middle distance detection, and suspends the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 2 .
The image forming module 17 uses the reception signal RE 911 of the non-modulated pulse signal for the target object 91 as a signal for a detection image as it is.
When the pulse-compressed signal REC 901 for the target object 90 is inputted from the pulse compression module 15 , the image forming module 17 detects a timing “t p ” at a peak level of the pulse-compressed signal REC 901 . The image forming module 17 replaces data of a period T RS which is substantially twice as long as a pulse width W PM of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 , centering the timing t p at the peak level of a time axis, with a “0” data row. This is based on the period during which the range side lobes after the pulse compression occurs being substantially twice longer than the pulse width of the transmission signal. Thereby, the period during which the range side lobes occurs can certainly be replaced with the “0” data row.
Next, when the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 2 containing the non-modulated pulse signal is transmitted from the transmission module 11 , a reception signal RE 912 is obtained at a timing according to the distance from the radar device to the target object 91 within the reception period TW M , and a reception signal RE 902 is obtained at a timing according to the distance from the radar device to the target object 90 . Because these reception signals correspond to the non-modulated pulse signals, they are inputted into the image foaming module 17 as they are.
The image forming module 17 uses the reception signal RE 912 of the non-modulated pulse signal for the target object 91 as a signal for a detection image as it is together with the reception signal RE 911 .
In addition, the image forming module 17 acquires the reception signal, to be discarded, occurred during a period T′ RS corresponding to the period T RS within the reception period TW M for the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 2 (i.e., the reception signal during the period containing RE 902 which is substantially a reflection echo from the target object 90 ). Then, the image forming module 17 uses the reception signal containing RE 902 as a signal for a detection image as it is to compensate the period during which the data is replaced with the “0” data row in the above processing, by the reception signal containing RE 902 .
By performing such processing, the image formation can be performed without using the signal with which the range side lobes are produced by the pulse compression. Therefore, a fall of an S/N can be prevented due to the generation of the range side lobes, and even if a target object with a small reflective cross-sectional area exists during the period of the range side lobes, the target object can certainly be detected. That is, a target object detection performance can be improved.
In this embodiment, upon the processing, because the reception signal corresponding to the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 2 of the next set to the saturated pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 is replaced with the reception signal corresponding to the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 while transmitting the signal and rotating the antenna. Therefore, it may be thought that an accurate echo cannot be obtained from the target object 90 . However, if the transmission signal from the radar device has a beam width as described above, the target object has a large reflective cross-sectional area so as to produce the saturation, and the level of the reception signal is large so as to be saturated, the reception signal of the subsequent set where the saturation occurred can certainly be acquired by reflecting on the same target object 90 . Therefore, by using the configuration and processing of this embodiment, the target object 90 with the large reflective cross-sectional area can be detected correctly, and the bad influences by the range side lobes can be prevented.
Although, in this embodiment, the example is described, where the transmission suspend processing of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PMn for middle distance detection is performed only for one set of the pulse transmissions next to the set of the pulse transmissions where the saturation occurred, the processing may also be performed for two or more sets of the pulse transmissions.
Second Embodiment
Next, a radar device according to a second embodiment is described with reference to the appended drawings. A block configuration of the radar device of this embodiment is the same as that of the radar device 10 of the previous embodiment, but processing of the transmission module 11 and the image forming module 17 only differ. Thus, only a necessary part is described.
In this embodiment, if the reception signal is saturated, immediately after the saturated pulse-shaped transmission signal PMn, the transmission module 11 transmits an alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal PM′n containing the non-modulated pulse signal, and sets and waits for the reception period TW M for middle distance detection to insert it into the normal transmission control processing. Then, the image forming module 17 compensates a period of the pulse-compressed signal of the saturated pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 2 with the reception signal of the alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal PM′n.
Specifically, processing as shown in FIG. 3 is performed. FIG. 3 is a chart illustrating the signal processing of the radar device of this embodiment. Note that, the following also describes the example, as shown in FIG. 4B , similar to the previous embodiment, where the target object 91 with the small reflective cross-sectional area exists in the short distance detection area and the target object 90 with the large reflective cross-sectional area exists in the middle-distance detection area.
First, as a first set of the pulse transmissions, the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 1 containing the non-modulated pulse signal is transmitted, and the reception signal RE 911 is obtained at the timing according to the distance from the radar device to the target object 91 within the reception period TW S . Because this reception signal is for the non-modulated pulse signal, it is inputted into the image forming module 17 as it is to be used for the image formation.
Next, after the reception period TW S from the completion timing of the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 1 , the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 containing the modulated pulse signal is transmitted, and the reception signal RE 901 is then obtained at the timing according to the distance from the radar device to the target object 90 within the reception period TW M . Here, if the reflective cross-sectional area of the target object 90 is large, the reception signal RE 901 is saturated when it is amplified by the reception module 14 . Thus, the pulse-compressed signal REC 901 will have the peak level, but will have the range side lobes (refer to the signal waveform at the third row in FIG. 2 ).
In this case, the saturation detection module 16 has detected the saturation of the reception signal RE 901 , and the saturation information is inputted into the transmission module 11 and the image forming module 17 .
Based on this saturation information, after the reception period TW M corresponding to the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 , the transmission module 11 transmits an alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 ′ containing the non-modulated pulse, and sets and waits for the reception period TW M for middle distance detection after the transmission. It is preferred that the alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 ′ is a signal that has substantially the same distance resolution and S/N ratio to the pulse-compressed signal of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 containing the modulated pulse signal. In this case, according to the saturated pulse-shaped transmission signal, a transmitting electric power and a pulse width of the alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 ′ containing the non-modulated pulse are suitably set.
The image forming module 17 uses the reception signal RE 911 of the non-modulated pulse signal for the target object 91 as a signal for a detection image as it is.
When the pulse-compressed signal REC 901 for the target object 90 is inputted from the pulse compression module 15 , the image forming module 17 detects the timing “t p ” at the peak level of the pulse-compressed signal REC 901 . In addition, the image forming module 17 replaces the data of the period T RS which is substantially twice as long as the pulse width W PM of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 , centering the timing t p at the peak level of the time-axis, with the “0” data row.
Next, when the alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 ′ containing the non-modulated pulse signal is transmitted from the transmission module 11 , a reception signal RE 911 ′ is obtained at the timing according to the distance from the radar device to the target object 91 within the reception period TW M , and a reception signal RE 901 ′ is obtained at the timing according to the distance from the radar device to the target object 90 .
The image forming module 17 discards the reception signal RE 911 ′ of the non-modulated pulse signal for the target object 91 , and then acquires a reception signal during a period T′ RS corresponding to the period T RS described above (that is, the reception signal during the period containing RE 901 ′ which is substantial a reflection echo from the target object 90 ). Then, the image forming module 17 compensates the period replaced with the “0” data row in the above processing with the reception signal containing RE 901 ′.
Even when such processing is performed, the image formation can be performed without using the signal with which the range side lobes are produced by the pulse compression. Thereby, a similar effect to the first embodiment can be acquired.
In this embodiment, although the number of transmissions of the alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal is set to once when the saturation is detected, the number of transmissions may also be set suitably as needed.
In the first embodiment, when the saturation detection module 16 detects the saturation information of the reception signal RE 901 by the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 containing the modulated pulse signal, the transmission module 11 sets and waits for, for the second set of the pulse transmissions, the reception period after the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 2 for short-distance area detection containing the non-modulated pulse signal to TW M for middle-distance area detection, and suspends the transmission of the pulse-shaped signal PM 2 . Further, in the second embodiment, the transmission module 11 transmits the alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 ′ containing the non-modulated pulse signal after the reception period TW M for the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 , and, after this transmission, sets and waits for the reception period TW M for middle-distance area detection.
Here, when the saturation detection module 16 detects the saturation information of the reception signal RE 901 by the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 containing the modulated pulse signal, as shown in FIG. 5 , the transmission module 11 , after the lapse of the reception period TW M from the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 2 , may transmit a pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 2 ″ containing the modulated pulse signal for the next set or group to the saturated pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 . In other words, when the reception signal RE 901 is saturated, the reception period after the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 2 and the transmission period of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 2 ″ containing the modulated pulse signal for the next set or group may be extended from TW S to TW M , for example.
After that, as similar to the above embodiments, the image forming module 17 replaces the reception signal by the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 2 for short-distance area detection with the reception signal of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 1 . Then, the saturation detection module 16 detects whether a reception signal RE 902 ″ by the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 2 ″ containing the modulated pulse signal is saturated.
If the reception signal RE 902 ″ is saturated like RE 901 , the transmission module 11 sets and waits for, for the third set of the pulse transmissions, the reception period after the transmission of a pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 3 for short-distance area detection containing the non-modulated pulse signal to TW M for middle-distance area detection. In other words, the reception period of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for short-distance area detection is extended. The image forming module 17 then replaces, similar to the above embodiments, the reception signal by the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 3 for short-distance area detection with the reception signal of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 2 ″.
If the reception signal RE 902 ″ is not saturated like RE 901 , the image forming module 17 uses the reception signal RE 902 ″ and the pulse-compressed signal from the pulse compression module 15 to form the detection image data. Further, the transmission module 11 , after the reception period TW M for middle-distance area detection after the pulse-shaped transmission signal PM 2 ″, transmits the pulse-shaped transmission signal PS 3 for short-distance area detection containing the non-modulated pulse signal.
As described above, based on the saturation information of the reception signal by the pulse-shaped transmission signal containing the modulated pulse signal, which is detected by the saturation detection module 16 , the transmission module 11 performs processing in which the reception period after the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for short-distance area detection containing the non-modulated pulse signal to be transmitted later is changed, for example, from TW S for short-distance area detection to TW M for middle-distance area detection. Therefore, the image forming can be performed without using the signal where the range side lobes occurred due to the pulse compression. In other words, based on the saturation information of the reception signal detected by the saturation detection module 16 , the transmission module controls the transmission period of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for middle-distance area detection or the reception period after the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for short-distance area detection, thereby exerting similar effects to the embodiments described above.
In the above, as a simple example, the processing of changing the reception period after the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for short-distance area detection containing the non-modulated pulse signal to be transmitted later, from TW S for short-distance area detection to TW M for middle-distance area detection, with reference to FIG. 5 . However, without limiting to this, the transmission period of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for middle-distance area detection or the reception period after the transmission of the pulse-shaped transmission signal for short-distance area detection may be changed arbitrary according to a position of the target object which causes the saturation.
Further, in the embodiments, although the example is described where the non-modulated pulse signal as the alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal, it may be a modulated pulse signal where the transmitting electric power is lowered more than the pulse-shaped transmission signal PMn. In this case, for example, if the transmitting electric power is set such that the reception signal is not saturated even when a target object with the realistically largest reflective cross-sectional area exists in a boundary between the short-distance detection area and the middle-distance detection area, the problems of related arts will not occur. However, with this setting, the transmitting electric power may possibly be lowered more than needed. Therefore, for example, after the reflective cross-sectional area of the target object is grasped by using the non-modulated pulse signal, the modulated pulse signal may be transmitted with a transmitting electric power according to the grasped reflective cross-sectional area.
Meanwhile, if the above non-modulated pulse signal is used, because the pulse-compression processing is not performed, the reception signal can still be acquired without requiring the complicated setting processing of the transmitting electric power like the case where the alternative pulse-shaped transmission signal is set to contain the modulated pulse signal. This is because the echo of the target object 90 can be obtained independently on the time-axis and the range side lobes will not occur when the non-modulated pulse signal is contained even if the non-modulated pulse signal is saturated.
In the above description, the example is described, where the set of the pulse transmissions is configured with two kinds of pulse-shaped transmission signals of the pulse-shaped transmission signal PSn for short distance detection and the pulse-shaped transmission signal PMn for middle distance detection. However, in the second embodiment, the above effect can also be obtained, if the entire detection area is divided into three or more distance ranges to perform processing to use two or more kinds of pulse-shaped transmission signals for each range.
Further, in the above embodiments, although the radar device 10 is described as an example of the target object detection device, the above configurations are similarly applicable even if it is other than the radar device. For example, the target object detection device may also be applicable to a sonar or a fish finder that transmits a pulse-shaped ultrasonic signal from an ultrasonic transducer and receives a reflection signal.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” “including,” “contains,” “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a,” “has . . . a,” “includes . . . a,” “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially,” “essentially,” “approximately,” “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
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This disclosure provides a target object detection device for detecting different areas by different pulse-shaped signals detecting an area from an antenna position to a given distance. The device includes a transmission module for transmitting different pulse-shaped transmission signals at predetermined timings, a reception module for receiving their reflection signals to generate a reception signal, a saturation detection module for comparing a level of each of the reception signals with a predetermined threshold to detect saturation of the reception signal, and an image forming module for forming a detection image based on the reception signals. The transmission module generates an alternative pulse-shaped signal that is different from the transmitted pulse-shaped transmission signal when the saturation detection module detects the saturation of the reception signal. The image forming module replaces the saturated reception signal with a reception signal obtained by using the alternative pulse-shaped signal to form the detection image.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a wireless connection establishment method, its system, a radio device control terminal used therein and a program for controlling the operation of the control terminal, and more particularly to a wireless connection establishment system needed for audio and video devices, each having radio communication function, to exchange multimedia information, such as audio and video information, with each other.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Conventionally, a wireless connection must be established (set up) for audio and video devices, each having radio communication function, to exchange multi media information, such as audio and video information, with each other. As an example of such a wireless connection establishment, there has been known a method that establishes via a radio device control terminal a connection between radio devices which are audio and video devices (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-345817, for example).
[0005] In this wireless connection establishment method, there exist a plurality of radio devices requesting a wireless connection establishment, a radio device control terminal reads an identifier set for each radio device and sends the identifier thus read to the radio devices so that the radio devices exchange information needed for establishing a connection with each other. Accordingly, a connection establishment can be conducted between the plurality of radio devices.
[0006] According to the prior art described above, an identifier set for each radio device is exchanged via a radio device control terminal between a plurality of radio devices requesting a wireless connection establishment, and therefore the identifier set for each radio device, which can be read by the radio device control terminal, can also be read by another radio device control terminal, so that a wireless connection can be established with an unintended radio device by exchanging the identifier. This causes a security problem. Furthermore, in some cases, when establishing a wireless connection, a user is required to perform a complex operation, such as inputting a PIN (Personal Identifier Number) code, etc.
[0007] In addition, there are cases where there exist multiple transmission formats with which the radio devices are compatible. In those cases, when establishing a connection between the radio devices, a transmission format must be determined in which multimedia information including video and audio information is transmitted between the radio devices. The prior art described above, however, makes no reference to a transmission format determination function.
[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless connection establishment method and its system enabling determination of a transmission format while giving consideration to security when conducting a connection establishment needed to send and receive multimedia information between radio devices having a radio communication function and also to provide a radio device control terminal used in the system and a program for controlling the operation of the control terminal.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The wireless connection establishment method according to the present invention, which controls a wireless connection establishment to send and receive information between a plurality of radio devices by use of radio communication, comprising: a step of acquiring each ID number of the radio devices and sending the ID number to an authentication server via a communication network, in a radio device control terminal; a step of performing an authentication process with respect to each radio device based on each of the ID numbers and sending an authentication result to the radio device control terminal, in the authentication server; a step of sending the ID number via the communication network to an information management server based on the authentication result, in the radio device control terminal; a step of reading, based on each of the ID numbers, each radio transmission format of the radio devices from a storage unit for preliminarily storing each radio transmission format of the radio devices and sending each radio transmission format to the radio device control terminal, in the information management server; and a step of determining a radio transmission method employed between the radio devices based on each of the radio transmission formats, in the radio device control terminal.
[0010] The wireless connection establishment system according to the present invention, which controls a wireless connection establishment to send and receive information between a plurality of radio devices by use of radio communication, comprises: an authentication server having receiving means for receiving each ID number acquired by a radio device control terminal from the radio devices via a communication network and means for performing an authentication process with respect to each of the radio devices based on each of the ID numbers and sending an authentication result to the radio device control terminal; and an information management server having receiving means for receiving via the communication network the ID number sent by the radio device control terminal based on the authentication result acquired from the authentication server and means for reading, based on each of the ID numbers, each radio transmission format of the radio devices from a storage unit for preliminarily storing each radio transmission format of the radio devices and sending each radio transmission format thus read to the radio device control terminal, wherein the radio device control terminal comprises means for determining a radio transmission method employed between the radio devices based on each of the radio transmission formats.
[0011] The radio device control terminal according to the present invention, which controls a wireless connection establishment to send and receive information between a plurality of radio devices by use of radio communication, comprises: means for acquiring each ID number from the radio devices to send it to an authentication server via a communication network and at the same time sending the ID number to an information management server via the communication network based on the authentication result received from the authentication server; and means for determining a radio transmission method employed between the radio devices based on each radio transmission format of the radio devices received from the information management server.
[0012] The program according to the present invention, which enables a computer to execute an operation of a radio device control terminal controlling a wireless connection establishment to send and receive information between a plurality of radio devices by use of radio communication, comprises: a process of acquiring each ID number from the radio devices to send it to an authentication server via a communication network and at the same time sending the ID number to an information management server via the communication network based on the authentication result received from the authentication server; and a process of determining a radio transmission method employed between the radio devices based on each radio transmission format of the radio devices received from the information management server.
[0013] The operation of the invention will be described below. The radio device control terminal requests the authentication server to conduct authentication with respect to radio devices requesting a connection and then the authentication process is performed by the authentication server. When the radio devices are authenticated properly, the radio device control terminal acquires each transmission format of the radio devices from the information management server to determine a radio transmission format common to these radio devices. The radio transmission format thus determined is sent to the radio devices, so that the radio devices establish a wireless connection with each other by use of the radio transmission format. Accordingly, it is possible to construct a system having high security and also to automatically determine an optimum radio transmission method.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a radio device;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a radio device control terminal;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a radio device information management server;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a radio device authentication server;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operational sequence according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary authentication result of a radio device 1 a displayed on a display unit of the radio device control terminal;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary authentication result of the radio devices 1 a and 1 b displayed on a display unit of the radio device control terminal;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an exemplary radio transmission format of the radio device;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an exemplary display screen of a wireless connection determination obtained by use of device information of the radio devices 1 a and 1 b displayed on the display unit of the radio device control terminal; and
[0024] FIG. 11 is another functional block diagram of the radio device control terminal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Detailed descriptions will be given below of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1 , a plurality of radio devices 1 a and 1 b are devices capable of sending and receiving multimedia information, such as audio and video information, with each another through a radio communication function. An example of the radio device is an audio information apparatus or video information apparatus: more specifically, a so-called audio/video apparatus having a radio communication function and used in households, etc.
[0026] A radio device control terminal 2 serves to control radio devices lying within a service area 100 as a range where a wireless connection can be conducted; the terminal 2 can communicate with the radio devices and at the same time can connect to a communication network (“network” for short) 200 . As a server to manage information for establishing a connection to the radio devices, an information management server 3 a for a radio device 1 a and an information management server 3 b for a radio device 1 b are connected to the network 200 . As an authentication server, an authentication server 4 a for the radio device 1 a and an authentication server 4 b for the radio device 1 b are connected to the network 200 .
[0027] Regarding a part related to the embodiment of the invention, the radio devices 1 a and 1 b have the same configuration; its exemplary configuration is illustrated in FIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 2 , the radio device includes a storage unit 10 for holding an ID number assigned to the radio device itself and a radio transmission format. As the radio device ID number, a RFID tag (radio identification tag) can be employed in the present embodiment; in this case, its ID 11 is listed. The radio device further includes a radio communication unit 13 which can connect to the radio device control terminal 2 . When the RFIC tag is used, the unit 13 includes a RF unit and a loop antenna. The radio device still further includes: a radio communication unit 14 which can connect to other radio devices through a transmission format sent from the radio device control terminal 2 ; and a control unit 12 which controls these units 10 , 13 , 14 , etc.
[0028] The radio device control terminal 2 has the service area 100 as a range where a wireless connection to the radio devices 1 a and 1 b can be conducted. As shown in FIG. 3 , the terminal 2 includes a radio communication unit 25 which can connect to these radio devices. When the RFIC tag is used for the radio devices, the radio communication unit 25 serves as a reader/writer of the RFID tag. The radio device control terminal 2 further includes a radio communication unit 24 which connects via the network 200 to the radio device information management servers 3 a , 3 b and the radio device authentication servers 4 a , 4 b.
[0029] Furthermore, the radio device control terminal 2 includes a storage unit 20 for storing information, a display unit 21 for displaying information for a user and a transmission format determination unit 23 for determining a transmission format needed for establishing a wireless connection between the radio devices. The radio device control terminal 2 still further includes a control unit 22 which decides, based on radio device ID 11 , which of the radio device information management servers 3 a , 3 b is to be connected and which of the radio device authentication servers 4 a , 4 b is to be connected. The control unit 22 also controls each unit of the terminal 2 .
[0030] As the radio device control terminal 2 , a cellular phone can be employed, for example. In this case, the radio communication unit 24 may be an ordinary mobile communication function unit; and therefore the network 200 may be a public telecommunication network including a mobile communication network. The radio communication unit 25 includes a RFID tag reader/writer function; the reader/writer function can easily be mounted into the cellular phone.
[0031] The radio device information management servers 3 a and 3 b have the same configuration. FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of the radio device information management server. The radio device information management server includes a storage unit 30 for storing a radio device transmission format and a communication unit 31 which connects to the radio device control terminal 2 . The radio device authentication servers 4 a and 4 b have the same configuration. FIG. 5 shows a functional block diagram of the radio device authentication server. The radio device authentication server includes an authentication unit 40 which authenticates the radio devices, and a communication unit 41 which connects to the radio device control terminal 2 .
[0032] Next, an exemplary operational sequence of establishing a connection between the radio devices 1 a and 1 b shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 6 . Referring to FIG. 6 , the radio device control terminal 2 scans the service area 100 (Step 600 ). The radio device 1 a existing in the service area 100 reads out ID 11 (ID number) stored in the storage unit 10 (Step 601 ). ID 11 (ID number) read out from the radio device 1 a is sent to the radio device control terminal 2 (Step 602 ). Based on the ID number of the radio device 1 a , the radio device control terminal 2 determines the radio device authentication server 4 a (for the radio device 1 a ) to which a connection is to be conducted (Step 603 ). The radio device control terminal 2 sends the ID number of the radio device 1 a to the authentication server 4 a via the network 200 to request the server 4 a to perform an authentication process with respect to the radio device 1 a (Step 604 ).
[0033] The radio device authentication server 4 a performs the authentication process with respect to the radio device 1 a based on the ID number of the radio device 1 a sent from the radio device control terminal 2 (Step 605 ). The authentication process result from the radio device authentication server 4 a is sent back to the radio device control terminal 2 (Step 606 ). The radio device control terminal 2 displays the sent authentication result of the radio device 1 a on the display unit 21 (Step 607 ). An exemplary display of the authentication result is shown in FIG. 7 .
[0034] Subsequently, the radio device control terminal 2 scans the service area 100 (Step 608 ). The radio device 1 b existing in the service area 100 reads out the ID number stored in the storage unit 10 (Step 609 ). The ID number read out from the radio device 1 b is sent to the radio device control terminal 2 (Step 610 ). Based on the ID number of the radio device 1 b , the radio device control terminal 2 determines the radio device authentication server 4 b to which a connection is to be conducted (Step 611 ). The radio device control terminal 2 sends the ID number of the radio device 1 b to the authentication server 4 b via the network 200 to request the server 4 b to perform an authentication process with respect to the radio device 1 b (Step 612 ).
[0035] The radio device authentication server 4 b performs the authentication process with respect to the radio device 1 b based on the ID number of the radio device 1 b sent from the radio device control terminal 2 (Step 613 ). The authentication process result from the radio device authentication server 4 b is sent back to the radio device control terminal 2 (Step 614 ). The radio device control terminal 2 displays the sent authentication result of the radio device 1 b on the display unit 21 (Step 615 ). An exemplary display of the authentication result is shown in FIG. 8 . In the above description, the process steps 600 to 607 for the radio device 1 a are performed independently of the process steps 608 to 615 for the radio device 1 b . It will easily be appreciated, however, that these process steps can be performed in parallel with each other.
[0036] Based on the ID number of the radio device 1 a , the radio device control terminal 2 specifies, by use of the control unit 22 , the information management server 3 a used for the radio device 1 a , to which a connection is to be conducted. Then, the radio device control terminal 2 connects to the information management server 3 a to request the transmission format of the radio device 1 a (Step 616 ). The information management server 3 a for the radio device 1 a reads out the transmission format of the radio device 1 a from the storage unit 30 (Step 617 ). An exemplary radio transmission format of the radio device 1 a stored in the storage unit 30 is illustrated in FIG. 9 . The information management server 3 a for the radio device 1 a sends back the transmission format of the radio device 1 a to the radio device control terminal 2 (Step 618 ).
[0037] Subsequently, based on the ID number of the radio device 1 b , the radio device control terminal 2 specifies, by use of the control unit 22 , the information management server 3 b used for the radio device 1 b , to which a connection is to be conducted. Then, the radio device control terminal 2 connects to the information management server 3 b to request the transmission format of the radio device 1 b (Step 619 ). The information management server 3 b for the radio device 1 b reads out the transmission format of the radio device 1 b from the storage unit 30 (Step 620 ). The information management server 3 b for the radio device 1 b sends back the transmission format of the radio device 1 b to the radio device control terminal 2 (Step 621 ).
[0038] The radio device control terminal 2 acquires the transmission formats of all the radio devices between which a wireless connection is to be conducted, and by use of the transmission format determination unit 23 determines a radio transmission format with the highest data transfer rate, which is implementable between the radio devices 1 a and 1 b (Step 622 ). By use of the display unit 21 , the radio device control terminal 2 informs a user of the radio transmission format thus determined (Step 623 ). An exemplary display of the radio device control terminal 2 determining the radio transmission format is illustrated in FIG. 10 .
[0039] The radio device control terminal 2 sends the determined radio transmission format to the radio device 1 a (Step 624 ). The radio device 1 a stores the sent radio transmission format into the storage unit 10 . Using the radio transmission format, the control unit 12 controls the radio communication unit 14 (Step 625 ). The radio device control terminal 2 sends the determined radio transmission format to the radio device 1 b (Step 626 ). The radio device 1 b stores the sent radio transmission format into the storage unit 10 . Using the radio transmission format, the control unit 12 controls the radio communication unit 14 (Step 627 ).
[0040] When both of the radio devices 1 a and 1 b requesting a wireless connection establishment finish the setting of the radio transmission format, it becomes possible to establish the wireless connection between the radio devices 1 a and 1 b (Step 628 ).
[0041] As described above, according to the embodiment, the radio device control terminal 2 scans the radio devices 1 a and 1 b in the service area 100 and reads out the radio device ID numbers. Then, based on the radio device ID numbers, the radio device authentication server 4 a and 4 b are automatically connected by the control unit 22 to obtain authentication. Consequently, a user can save an authentication operation for the radio devices 1 a and 1 b . In addition, according to the present embodiment, the use of the radio device authentication server 4 enables the construction of a higher security authentication system such as client authentication, etc.
[0042] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the radio device control terminal 2 has a transmission format determination unit which automatically connects to the radio device information management server 3 based on the ID numbers of the radio devices 1 a and 1 b to acquire the transmission format, including compression scheme and transmission rate, which is needed for establishing the connection between the radio devices 1 a and 1 b , and to determine the transmission format. Consequently, it is possible to select an optimum data transmission format for establishing a connection between the radio devices.
[0043] According to the embodiment described above, the radio device information management server 3 and radio device authentication server 4 are described as an independent server separate from each other. It is evident, however, that the two servers may be constructed as a single server which controls the radio device information in an integrated manner. It is also evident that all of the servers provided for each radio device may be integrated into a single server.
[0044] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of the radio device control terminal 2 according to another embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 11 , the same reference numerals are applied to parts corresponding to FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, an input unit 26 is added to the configuration shown in FIG. 3 , other units being the same as those of the above described embodiment. The input unit 26 is used for a user to conduct an input operation to determine a radio transmission format based on contents displayed on the display unit 21 . Accordingly, a user can select a data transmission format at his discretion when establishing a connection between radio devices.
[0045] More specifically, referring to FIG. 6 showing the operational sequence, Steps 600 to 621 are automatically performed and then, based on displayed contents shown in FIG. 10 , a user can select a desired radio transmission format from the radio transmission formats common to the two radio devices by use of the input unit 26 .
[0046] In this configuration, if a rule for determining a radio transmission format is set into the transmission format determination unit 23 in advance by use of the input unit 26 , when the transmission format determination unit 23 determines a radio transmission format, the determination may be automatically conducted according to the rule, thereby saving a user operation.
[0047] When a mobile communication terminal such as a cellular phone is, as described above, employed as the radio device control terminal 2 , instead of placing the two radio devices simultaneously into the service area 100 , the radio devices 1 a and 1 b may be individually placed into the service area 100 to set a radio transmission format for each radio device.
[0048] Regarding the operational sequence shown in FIG. 6 , it will be apparent that the operational steps may be stored as a program into the storage medium of each unit in advance so that a computer (CPU: control unit) reads the program for execution.
[0049] A first advantageous effect of the invention is that laborsaving can be realized for a connection establishment between radio devices exchanging multimedia information, such as audio and video information, with each other. The reason is that, based on an ID number of radio devices, the radio device control terminal automatically performs authentication with respect to the radio devices and the acquisition of radio device transmission formats to determine an optimum radio transmission format from the transmission formats of a plurality of radio devices requesting a connection establishment, thereby reducing a user burden.
[0050] A second advantageous effect of the invention is that when a connection between radio devices exchanging multimedia information such as audio and video information is established, improved security can be realized. The reason is that the provision of a radio device authentication server enables the construction of a high security system implemented with respect to the radio devices, such as client authentication, etc.
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The invention provides a wireless connection establishment method enabling determination of a transmission format while giving consideration to security when conducting a connection establishment needed to send and receive multimedia information between radio devices having a radio communication function. In the invention, a radio device control terminal requests an authentication server to conduct authentication with respect to radio devices requesting a connection and then an authentication process is performed by the authentication server. When the radio devices are authenticated properly, the radio device control terminal acquires each transmission format of the radio devices from an information management server to determine a radio transmission format common to these radio devices. The radio transmission format thus determined is sent to the radio devices, so that the radio devices establish a wireless connection with each other by use of the radio transmission format.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cutover land restorers operating to flatten slash for reducing fire hazard and facilitating production of mulch for facilitating reforestation.
2. Prior Art
Road rollers such as steamrollers have wide, heavy, smooth rollers for compacting generally even surfaces. Sheepsfoot rollers have spikes or pegs projecting from the roller periphery to perforate or scarify the surface being rolled and effect greater compaction than road rollers. Floats have been used for dressing, finishing or smoothing surfaces. One type of float includes a platform of heavy, overlapping planks cleated together that is drawn over soil to smooth its surface, to improve its condition or to crush clods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to restore cutover land by flattening slash, to facilitate the production of mulch, and by stirring the soil gently and aerating it, rather than compacting it on the one hand or digging, turning or cultivating it on the other hand.
In restoring cutover land, it is an object to be able to vary the pressure exerted on the ground depending upon its hardness or nature, and the amount and nature of slash present on it.
It is also an object to provide a land restorer in the form of a power machine that can be driven over cutover land, maneuvered readily and turned sharply without churning the soil appreciably at the location of the turn.
Still another object is to provide a cutover land restorer that can be attached to a conventional tractor as an accessory.
The foregoing objects can be accomplished by an attachment for a crawler tractor in the form of a ribbed idler roller that can flatten slash and prepare it for composting with minimum compaction of the soil.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top perspective of a land restorer attachment according to the present invention mounted ahead of a crawler tractor, and
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of such land restorer attachment mounted on a tractor with parts broken away.
FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the land restorer attachment having parts broken away.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail front elevation of a portion of the land restorer ribbed roller showing the axial mounting with parts broken away.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In many cases, the best use of cutover land is for reforestation. In order to provide the best environment for reforestation with the least work and expense, it is desirable to have cleared soil that is prepared for tree growth. Much labor and expense is involved in clearing and burning slash, and such disposal of slash deprives the land to be reforested of slash mulch. If the slash is not cleared, however, the land is rough with branches making it difficult to work on reforestation. Further, many branches are tangled above the ground and make effective fuel for slash fires that could destroy reforestation seedlings.
If the slash is simply burned, rather than being cleared first, before reforestation is undertaken, the soil again is deprived of natural mulch which could be formed by the burned branches. Also, dried leaves, bark, chips, sawdust and peat that could form nutritive mulch are destroyed so as to hamper seedling growth for several years. The objective of the present invention is to provide a cutover land restorer that will flatten slash, particularly branches and bark, will press such flattened slash lightly into contact with the ground to promote composting and will neither compact the soil excessively nor churn it sufficiently to disturb the natural condition of the soil most conducive to reforestation.
The cutover land restorer is provided as an accessory or an attachment for a crawler tractor 1 carried and propelled by cleated endless treads 2. Such a crawler tractor is commonly used in a bulldozer by supporting a bulldozer blade on the cross member of a U-shaped frame 3 having arms embracing the front of the tractor. The rearward ends of the arms are pivotally connected to the tractor, so that the U-shaped frame can be adjusted elevationally, such as by hydraulic jacks 4 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
The major component of the cutover land restorer of the present invention is a ribbed roller 5 rotatively supported from a transverse beam 6. Such beam is detachably mounted on the cross member of the U-shaped frame 3 as shown in FIG. 1. The roller is supported from the transverse beam by end mounting plates 7 depending from respective opposite end portions of beam 6. The roller is an idler roller preferably supported for easy rotation by antifriction bearings 8. Each bearing is fitted in a socket aperture in an inner plate 9 attached in face-to-face relationship with an outer end plate 7, such as by being bolted to it as shown in FIG. 4.
An axle 10 projects axially from each end of roller 5, fits in the inner race of a bearing 8 and projects beyond it into or through an aperture 11 in end plate 7, as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 4. The circumference 12 of the roller shell is made of plate material, as indicated in FIG. 2, and carries cleats 13 extending lengthwise of the roller and preferably having their inner edges welded to the roller periphery.
As seen best in FIG. 2, cleats or ribs 13 have a radial extent exceeding their circumferential extent, preferably being several times as wide radially as they are thick circumferentially. Moreover, the projection of such ribs radially beyond the roller circumference may be approximately one-third of the roller radius. Thus if the radius of the roller is twelve inches, the width of each cleat may be approximately four inches, or if the radius of the roller is fifteen inches, the width of a cleat may be five inches. It is preferred that the diameter of the roller be between eighteen inches and thirty-six inches.
The action of the land restorer is to travel over cutover land with the idling ribbed roller rolling freely over slash such as bark, chips, branches and leaves strewn on the ground. Because the roller is not driven but simply idles and rolls along the ground, it does not tend to displace slash or churn the ground. Instead, cleats 13 exert local pressure on small branches, twigs and bark to break them into reasonably short pieces, such as corresponding to the circumferential spacing of the cleats, and to at least crack larger branches. The circumferential spacing of the cleats should correspond generally to the lengths of flattened slash pieces desired to be produced in the land restoring operation.
The ribbed roller should have several cleats, six cleats 13 being shown in FIG. 2. If six cleats are provided, equally spaced around the circumference of the roller, they will be spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the radius of the roller. Thus if the roller has a radius of twelve inches, the cleats will be spaced apart about twelve inches that is, a plurality of times, such as three times, the radial extent of the cleats. For larger rollers it may be desirable to provide more cleats. The radial extent or width of the cleats depends upon the general type and size of slash pieces to be flattened by the land restorer.
As the land restorer travels over cutover land, the ribbed roller 5 will roll on tangles of branches or bowed branches in its path to break or crack such branches depending upon how dry and big they are. The cleats will penetrate the surface of the soil to some extent to press wood chunks, bark, chips and pieces of branches gently into the soil so that the hazard of a slash fire is reduced. In addition, composting of slash is promoted by ground contact. Jacks 4 can be adjusted to exert sufficient pressure on frame 3 so that the ribbed roller does an effective job of reducing the debris to small pieces and presses it lightly into the soil, but the pressure is not so great that the roller compacts the soil substantially. Instead, movement of the cleats into the soil should stir it gently and aerate it, not dig it, turn it or cultivate it for most effectively promoting seedling growth by providing a natural mulch and a natural protective cover for the soil that will absorb and hold moisture.
As evident from FIG. 2, cleats 13 do not penetrate deeply into the soil as roller 5 turns, so that the penetration of the cleats into the ground will not deter turning of the tractor appreciably, nor will the cleats churn the soil undesirably during a turning maneuver. If preferred, jacks 4 can be retracted to elevate the roller unit while the tractor is turning.
The transverse beam 6 can be unbolted easily from the frame 3 to be replaced by a bulldozer blade. The roller attachment is quite light and can be transported conveniently. The roller is of simple and rugged construction, and its antifriction mounting bearings are protected from injury by being mounted inwardly of the end plates 7. Nevertheless, the bearings can be removed easily from the roller by unbolting the end plates 7 from the end of the transverse beam 6 so as to afford ready access to the bearings for lubrication, repair or replacement.
While, as stated above, it is preferred that the roller 5 be of the idler type, it could be powered, if desired, by being attached to a power takeoff from the tractor engine.
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Axles projecting oppositely from opposite ends of a ribbed limb-breaking roller are carried by bearings mounted on plates projecting downward from the opposite ends of a transverse beam extending across the front of a crawler tractor. Arms projecting rearwardly from opposite ends of the beam alongside opposite sides of the tractor are pivotally connected to the tractor for elevational swinging of the beam about the arm pivots to alter the elevation of the ribbed roller. The roller has six equally spaced straight cleats, each projecting radially from the roller a distance approximately equal to one-third of the roller radius and extending along substantially the full length of the roller.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/FR2008/051140 International Filing Date, 24 Jun. 2008, which designated the United States of America, and which International Application was published under PCT Article 21 (s) as WO Publication No. WO2009/007591 A2 and which claims priority from, and the benefit of, French Application No. 200756176 filed on 29 Jun. 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments concern a system for managing failures in the electric power network of avionic equipment. This system makes it possible to tell whether electric power failures are short or long, and to turn off the onboard computer when the failure is long. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments also concern a process used by this system.
[0003] The system has applications in the field of aeronautics, especially in the field of managing electric power onboard an aircraft.
SUMMARY
[0004] Onboard an aircraft, there are generally several sources of electric power that make it possible to power different kinds of equipment onboard the aircraft, especially the onboard computer. These electric power sources generally supply 28 volts of power. These different power sources can be substituted for one another, for example, when one of the sources is faulty. These different power sources are generally connected to the network by means of an automatic routing system, so it is possible to move from one power source to another based on what the avionic equipment needs. However, when there is a change in the power source, an electric power failure can occur on said network. This power failure can be one of several kinds:
There are so-called transparent power failures. These failures last less than 200 milliseconds. They are related to the behavior of the electric power network and generally occur in flight. There are short power failures. These short failures last less than 5 seconds. Like the transparent failures, these short failures are related to the behavior of the electric power network. They are detected in flight. There are also long failures that last more than 5 seconds. These long failures occur on the ground, when the aircraft is in the maintenance phase. These long failures are used by maintenance agents to repair, check or test certain equipment in the aircraft.
[0008] When the failure is short, the onboard computer shuts down the moment it is not powered electrically. However, since the aircraft is in flight, the computer must be able to reboot very quickly, i.e., it must be able to run as soon as the electric power comes back on.
[0009] When the failure is long, the onboard computer also shuts down the moment it is not powered electrically. But, in this case, the onboard computer must perform a series of tests when it is turned back on to check the general operation of the equipment. Since the aircraft is on the ground, in the maintenance phase, the computer can reboot slowly while performing a series of so-called self-tests.
[0010] Understandably, therefore, when there is an electric power failure in an aircraft, it is important to know whether it is a transport or short failure or if it is a long failure in order to control the subsequent rebooting of the computer.
[0011] Since short failures and transparent failures require the same fast rebooting of the computer, they will be treated the same in the following description and will be called “short failures” without distinction.
[0012] In the case of a long failure, it is important to back up information from a long failure, that is, information specifying that the electric power failure is a long one and that it will entail rebooting the computer with self-tests. It is therefore necessary to store this long-failure information until the system takes it into account, i.e., until the computer reboots.
[0013] Currently, when there is a power failure in the system, the avionic equipment goes into initialization mode and a timer goes off. During this failure, the avionic equipment runs on an internal power source in the equipment, for example, a battery. This battery can supply only a limited amount of electricity, so to limit the consumption of electricity, only certain functionalities of the equipment are powered. The equipment then runs in low-power mode.
[0014] One of these functionalities is measuring the time until the end of the power failure. Thus, the timer should be able to be powered electrically by the internal battery for the entire period of a short failure, i.e., around 5 seconds. If the electric power comes back on before the end of 5 seconds, the computer then reboots by the fast method (without self-tests), the avionic equipment switches back over to the power system, the timer is reinitialized and the internal battery is recharged.
[0015] If the electric power does not come back on before the end of the 5 seconds, then long power-failure information is saved in a non-volatile memory. By storing information on a long failure, it is possible to turn on the computer and keep it on during the entire long-failure period, which makes it possible to reduce the consumption of electricity of the equipment somewhat. However, storing this information in the non-volatile memory requires constant power to said non-volatile memory, as well as a programmable electronic component that manages the storage. The programmable component is a relatively high energy consumer.
[0016] Understandably, then, in the current process, certain functionalities of the equipment, like the timer and the programmable component, must be powered by the internal battery for a period of 5 seconds, which entails a relatively high consumption of electricity compared to the capacity of the internal battery. This internal battery also takes up a rather large amount of space, which is larger the higher its capacity.
[0017] Moreover, the system for managing power failures in the prior art has a complex architecture from the standpoint of managing the energy and switching.
[0018] The aim of the disclosed embodiments is to fix these disadvantages in the techniques just described. For this purpose, the disclosed embodiments propose a system and a process that make it possible to measure the duration of the power failure by the discharge of a condenser. During this discharge, the condenser need not be powered electrically, which makes it possible to turn off the computer during the entire period of the electric failure. This measurement of time by the discharge of a condenser makes it possible to do without any internal power source.
[0019] More precisely, the disclosed embodiments concern a process for managing an electric power failure onboard an aircraft, characterized by the fact that it includes the following operations:
detecting an electric power failure, measuring the length of the power failure by measuring the time it takes for a condenser to discharge and comparing the time measured with a threshold time, saving information on a long failure when the length of the failure is longer than a threshold time.
[0023] The process in the disclosed embodiments can also include one or more of the following characteristics:
the condenser is recharged as soon as an active switching signal is received at the input of a switch connected in series to the condenser; the active switching signal is triggered almost immediately when the length of the failure is less than the threshold time; when the length of the failure is more than the threshold time, the active switching signal is triggered upon receipt of an end-of-save signal; the discharge time is measured by comparing the voltage value at the condenser terminals with a reference voltage value.
[0028] The disclosed embodiments also concern a system for managing an electric power failure onboard an aircraft.
[0029] The system for managing an electric power failure onboard an aircraft is characterized by the fact that it includes:
a circuit for detecting an electric power failure, a circuit for measuring the length of a power failure that can measure the condenser discharge time and compare the time measured with a threshold time, and a circuit for managing information that can manage the sending of signals so that long power-failure information is saved when the failure time is longer than the threshold time.
[0033] The system in the disclosed embodiments may include one or more of the following characteristics:
the measurement circuit has a condenser connected, on one hand, to an input of a comparator and, on the other hand, to an auxiliary power source via a switch; the management circuit has a programmable component capable of receiving output information from the measurement circuit, sending a save signal to a central processing unit, receiving an end-of-save signal from the central processing unit and sending a switching signal to the measurement circuit; the signals that are sent depend on the signals that are received; the measurement circuit and the management circuit are mounted on an electric power card of an onboard computer, and the management circuit can communicate with a central processing unit.
[0037] The disclosed embodiments also concern an aircraft that has a system like the one just described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the electronic circuit in the disclosed embodiments to manage an electric power failure without an internal power source.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a timing diagram of the different signals encountered inside the electronic circuit in FIG. 1 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The disclosed embodiments propose a system and a process that make it possible to manage electric power failures onboard an aircraft in such a way that the computer can be completely shut down as soon as a network power failure occurs, allowing the length of time of the failure to be measured and, if need be, long-term failure information to be saved.
[0041] The process in the disclosed embodiments proposes, when a power failure is detected, measuring the length of time of the failure. The length of the failure is measured by measuring the discharge time of a condenser. The discharge time of the condenser is determined from the voltage value at the condenser terminals. This voltage value is compared to a reference voltage that corresponds to a discharge time of 5 seconds. Comparing the voltages is the equivalent of comparing the length of the failure with a threshold time, for example 5 seconds.
[0042] When the voltage value of the condenser is higher than the reference voltage, it means that the failure is short. On the contrary, when the voltage value of the condenser is less than the reference value, it means that the failure is long.
[0043] When a time less than 5 seconds is detected, the condenser is immediately recharged so it can measure the length of a potential new failure.
[0044] When a time greater than 5 seconds is detected, the long failure information is saved in a way that will be described later on. The condenser is recharged only after it receives an end-of-save command.
[0045] An example of an electronic circuit that makes it possible to use the process in the disclosed embodiments is shown in FIG. 1 . This electronic circuit is mounted on a power card 1 of the onboard computer of the aircraft. This electronic circuit has a circuit 2 for detecting an electric power failure. This detection circuit 2 has an input 21 coming from the electric power network; it thus receives electric voltage of 28 volts from the network. This detection circuit 2 also has an input 22 connected to the ground.
[0046] This circuit 2 is capable of detecting the presence, on its input 21 , of a voltage of 28V. When no voltage of 28 V is detected, it means that there is an electric power failure in the network. In other words, the detection circuit 2 detects the power failures. When the end of a failure is detected, it sends failure information to an information management circuit 3 . This information management circuit 3 has a programmable electronic component 31 with a plurality of functionalities built in. This programmable component 31 is capable of receiving different information signals and sending command signals, based on the signals received. This programmable component is a logic component that receives and sends logic signals that can be active or inactive. The logic signals can have binary values 0 or 1. In the following description, an active logic signal will be considered to have the binary value 1 and an inactive logic signal a binary value of 0, it being understood that the binary values can be reversed.
[0047] The programmable component 31 is connected, via a switching output 32 , to a measurement circuit 4 for measuring the length of time of the power failure.
[0048] This measurement circuit 4 has a condenser 41 that can load power and discharge that power later on. To do so, the condenser 41 is connected in series to a power source 44 , for example an auxiliary source (Vaux). This auxiliary power source 44 has the role of charging the condenser, under certain conditions, when the power network is not cut. The charging and discharging conditions of the condenser will be defined later on.
[0049] The condenser 41 is connected to this auxiliary power source 44 by a switch 42 acting on a switching signal 32 (COM) sent by the programmable component 31 . It is also connected directly to a voltage comparator 43 .
[0050] This voltage comparator 43 receives, on its first input 431 , a reference voltage Vref and, on a second input 432 , the discharge voltage of the condenser 41 , also called the residual voltage of the condenser. It thus compares the voltage at the terminals of the condenser 41 with the reference voltage Vref.
[0051] The comparator 43 has an output 433 connected to an input of the programmable component 31 . This output 433 sends an information signal 33 (LEVEL) on the results of the voltage comparison. The signal sent at the output of the comparator 43 is a binary signal that can be active or inactive. When the condenser voltage is higher than the reference voltage, the LEVEL signal is inactive (it is 0). On the other hand, when the condenser voltage is less than the reference voltage, the LEVEL signal is active (it is 1). This LEVEL signal 33 is sent to an input of the programmable component 31 . Based on this signal, the programmable component 31 sends an active switching signal COM to the switch 42 of the measurement circuit 4 , immediately or later, depending on the case.
[0052] More precisely, after a failure, as soon as the detection circuit 2 detects the presence of a functional voltage of 28 volts (which corresponds to the end of the power failure), the programmable component 31 forces its switching output 32 to 0. The switch 42 remains open. While the switch is open, the condenser 41 discharges. The voltage at the condenser 41 terminals is then compared, by the comparator 43 , with the reference voltage Vref. This reference voltage Vref can be 1 volt, for example.
[0053] If the voltage at the condenser terminals is higher than the reference voltage Vref, then the power failure is considered short, that is, less than 5 seconds. In this case, the LEVEL signal obtained at the output 433 of the comparator 43 is 0. When the programmable component 31 receives this LEVEL signal at 0, it sends the central processing unit card 5 of the onboard computer, called the CPU card, a long power failure (LPF) signal 34 at 0. This inactive state of the LPF signal means that the failure was short. This LPF signal (active or inactive) is obtained by reinitializing the computer, i.e., by releasing the reset button on the computer. When the LEVEL signal is at 0, the programmable component 31 sends a switching signal COM at 1. When the COM signal is 1, the switch 42 closes. The condenser 41 is then recharged by the auxiliary source 44 . As soon as the condenser is recharged, the system is ready to measure the length of the next failure.
[0054] In one embodiment of the disclosed embodiments, the condenser has a capacity of around 10 microfarads. In effect, the condenser capacity is chosen based on the length of the failure to be measured. For example, for a length of 5 seconds, a 10 microfarad condenser can be used.
[0055] If the voltage at the condenser terminals is less than the reference voltage Vref, then the power failure is considered long. In this case, the LEVEL signal obtained at output 433 of the comparator 43 is on 1. When it receives the LEVEL signal on 1, the programmable component 31 sends the CPU card 5 a long power failure LPF signal at 1. This active LPF signal means that the power failure was long. During this time, the COM signal of the programmable component 31 remains inactive. The condenser 41 thus remains discharged. If a new power failure occurs, since the condenser is not recharged, the system will always indicate that it is a long failure. In other words, the long power failure information is saved by the measurement circuit 4 , since it can take measurements only after said long failure has been taken into account.
[0056] When the long power-failure information has been taken into account by the CPU card, it sends an RLPF (reload long power failure) signal 35 to the programmable component 31 . This RLPF signal means, for the programmable component 31 , that the long power-failure information has been taken into account and that the self-tests have been performed. This RLPF signal means, consequently, that the saving of the long failure information is finished and that said long failure information can be erased. On receiving this RLPF signal, the programmable component 31 sends a COM signal to 1. On receiving this COM signal, the switch 42 closes again, which allows the condenser 41 to recharge from the auxiliary source 44 . The system is then again ready to measure the next failure.
[0057] Thus, while there is electric power, the condenser charges, then remains charged. When a failure occurs, the power in the condenser is interrupted, and the condenser discharges. The length of the discharge of the condenser tells the length of the power failure. When the failure is short, the condenser is recharged almost immediately after the end of the failure. When the failure is long, the long failure information is saved by the measurement circuit itself. The condenser is then recharged as soon as the central processing unit 5 signals that the self-tests have been performed.
[0058] In this way, the central processing unit 5 knows that the failure is long and that self-tests must be performed when the computer reboots. Receiving an active LPF signal means that the failure is long. The computer can therefore be rebooted with the self-tests necessary after a maintenance phase. Not receiving any LPF signal (that is, an inactive LPF signal) means either that there is no electric power failure or that the electric power failure is short and that, consequently, the computer must reboot as soon as possible after the electric power comes back on.
[0059] During the entire length of the long failure, the measurement circuit is open and the condenser discharged. Therefore no other measurement of a power failure is possible during this time. After a long failure, the measurement circuit is closed only after receiving the RLPF signal, which allows the condenser to recharge until the next power failure.
[0060] FIG. 2 shows an example of a timing diagram showing different signals in the circuit in FIG. 1 , when there is a long failure and a short failure. Channel 1 of the timing diagram shows the network voltage, channel 2 shows the supply voltage of the programmable component, channel 3 shows the pulse for reinitializing the computer, channel 4 shows the RLPF acknowledgement signal for a long failure, channel 5 shows the LEVEL output signal of the comparator and channel 6 shows the switching signal COM.
[0061] Each of these 6 channels shows a signal after a short failure (between t 0 and t 3 ), during and after a long failure (between t 3 and t 6 ) and after acknowledgement (from t 6 ), that is, after the central processing unit has returned an end-of-save order on long power-failure information.
[0062] At t 0 , after a short failure, the network voltage (channel 1 ) goes back up to a level of 28 volts (at t 1 ). The programmable component (channel 2 ) recovers a supply voltage of 28 volts, just after the end of the power failure. It is then resupplied with a voltage of 28 volts. After a few moments, at t 2 , the computer is reinitialized (channel 3 ), i.e., the computer reboots. The RLPF signal is inactive, as is the LEVEL signal. The switching signal COM (channel 6 ) goes into the active state at t 2 , that is, at the time when the computer is reinitialized.
[0063] At t 3 , a long failure starts. The network voltage (channel 1 ) goes down to 0. Similarly, with a slight time lag, the supply voltage of the programmable component (channel 2 ) goes down to 0. All other channels on the timing diagram are also at 0.
[0064] At t 4 , the long failure ends. The network voltage goes back to 28 volts. With a slight time lag, the supply voltage of the programmable component goes back to its active level. Several moments later, at t 5 , the computer is reinitialized (channel 3 ). At t 4 , at the time when the programmable component is resupplied, the LEVEL signal goes into the active state. As long as the LEVEL signal is active, the COM signal is at 0. At t 6 , an RLPF signal is sent. The LEVEL signal then goes back to 0, and the COM signal goes to 1.
[0065] In the disclosed embodiments, the programmable component is preferably chosen so as to guarantee that its outputs are at the low level or the high level during the phase when the power is going up, which makes it possible to be sure that the power-up does not control the switch through the switching signal.
[0066] After acknowledgement, i.e., after the central processing unit has sent an RLPF signal for end-of-save information on a long-power failure, the network voltage is at a constant 28 volts. The supply voltage of the programmable component is also at its high level. The re-initialization reset signal of the computer is at 1, which means that the computer is supplied and that it is running properly. The RLPF signal goes back to 0, as does the LEVEL signal. The switching signal COM remains at 1.
[0067] It is understood from the preceding that the programmable component of the system in the disclosed embodiments can be a simple component, without a meter. It can be a modern component, for example a power sequencer, relatively inexpensive and reliable compared to the low-power consumption components in the prior art.
[0068] Moreover, with the disclosed embodiments, the power card on which the electronic circuit in FIG. 1 is mounted is relatively small and not very heavy. This power card takes a low supply current, and particularly boot-up current, compared to the prior art due to the low-capacity energy reserve.
[0069] What is more, the system in the disclosed embodiments requires no non-volatile memory, or any management of a low-consumption mode, which simplifies its architecture. In the invention, the long power-failure information is not stored in a memory, but is saved intrinsically by the condenser in its discharge phase.
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A method of managing an electrical power supply outage on board an aircraft, including the following operations: —detection of an electrical power supply outage, —measurement of a duration of the power supply outage by measuring a discharge time of a capacitor and comparing this measured duration with a threshold duration, —saving a long outage indication when the duration of the outage is greater than a threshold duration. The disclosed embodiments also relates to a system implementing this method and including: —a circuit for detecting an electrical power supply outage, —a circuit for measuring a duration of the power supply outage, and—a circuit for managing indications able to manage emissions of signals according to the measured duration of the power supply outage.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the production of cationic and amphoteric starches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As described in "Cationic Starches" and "Phosphorylated Starches", Solarek, D. B. in "Modified Starches: Properties and Uses", Wurzburg, O. B. (ed). 1986. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., cationic starches are produced chemically by reacting starch with reagents containing positively charged ions to obtain derivatives such as tertiary amino and quaternary ammonium starch ethers. Cationic starches are particularly useful as wet-end additives, surface sizes and coating binders in papermaking. Cationization is often combined with anionization of the starch to improve the dispersion properties and charge balance of the starch molecules. These amphoteric starch ethers can give equivalent performance to cationic potato starch which is naturally high in phosphate groups.
Several species and biotypes of starch can be cationized effectively to provide a range of functionality for specific requirements in the paper industry. Normal and waxy corn (maize) and potato starches are the most popular starches for commercial cationization. Legume and barley starches are not available commercially in the cationized form but the results of the present investigation suggest that these cationized starches may offer certain advantages from the manufacturing and final usage viewpoint.
Cationized starch is prepared by chemical reaction of starch in a slurry or dry form in batch or continuous reactors at alkaline pH. The slurry system, employing high solids concentrations of 30-45% (Tasset U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,528, issued August, 1984), is the most common system. Unless the cationized starch slurry is used directly for papermaking, it is important that the granular structure of the starch be maintained so that the cationized starch can be recovered readily and completely by filtration or centrifugation. Starch granule swelling and gelatinization are inhibited by adding 10-30% of sodium chloride or sodium sulfate to the alkaline slurry. The chemical reaction must be carried out at no higher temperatures than 60° C. to avoid starch gelatinization. Waxy corn starch is particularly susceptible to gelatinization under alkaline conditions and high levels of gelatinization inhibitors must be used. Therefore, considerable washing of the modified starch is necessary to remove the unreacted residual reagent and gelatinization inhibitor, and effluent recovery costs are high.
The dry processes of starch cationization, as in Roerden et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,061, issued August, 1993, also have serious deficiencies, even though they eliminate the need for aqueous treatment and washing of the cationized starch. Reaction rates during dry cationization processes are comparatively low, requiring longer reaction times, and larger concentrations of residual cationic reagent remain in the derivatized starch. In dry cationization, the cationic groups react mainly on the starch granule surfaces and not internally as in aqueous cationization. Because the cationic substituent groups are not uniformly distributed within the starch granules, a portion of the starch, on gelatinization during papermaking, is devoid of functional cationic groups, and remains unabsorbed on the paper and, therefore, increases the eventual effluent load at the paper mill.
There is an urgent need for alternative processes wherein both normal and waxy starches can be uniformly cationized with reasonable reaction times and with minimal effluent treatment costs during manufacturing and utilization.
EXAMPLE OF COMMERCIAL PRACTICE
The current commercial practices for cationization of starch generally follow that of Yook et al. (Effects of cationization on functional properties of pea and corn starches. Yook, C.; Sosulski, F. and Bhirud, P. R. 1994, Starch/Starke, 46, 393-399) who prepared cationic corn and pea starches at four levels of substitution. For each treatment, 50.0 g sodium sulfate and 2.8 g (0.07 moles) NaOH pellets were added to 133 ml distilled water and dissolved. The solution was poured into a 250 ml bottle containing 81.0 g, dry basis, starch, and the slurry was shaken for 5 min. in a constant-temperature water bath at 50° C. The starch concentration in the slurry was 35% (starch/starch+water basis). The cationizing agent was an aqueous solution of 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC) with 60% (w/w) active monomer concentration. The cationizing agent was admixed with each starch slurry during 1 min. at concentrations of 0.0, 3.0, 6.0 or 7.5 ml, after which the reaction was allowed to proceed at 50° C. for 6 hours, followed by neutralization with 1N HCl. The slurry was filtered and the modified starches were washed four times with 500 ml distilled water, followed by air-oven drying at 30° C. and milling. The process provided a relatively high degree of accuracy and precision (Table 1), and degrees of substitution (DS) levels of 0.0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.05 were obtained for the corn and pea starches.
TABLE 1______________________________________The degrees of substitution (DS) of native and cationic corn andpea starchesApplication of DS = Number of cationic groups/glucose unitCHPTAC, ml Expected Corn starch Pea starch______________________________________0.0 0.00 0.000 0.0003.0 0.02 0.020 0.0216.0 0.04 0.039 0.0427.5 0.05 0.055 0.050______________________________________
SUMMARY
The objectives of this invention are to provide an improved series of processes for the manufacture of cationic and amphoteric starches from normal, waxy and high amylose biotypes of cereal grains, legume seeds, tubers and roots.
According to the present invention there is provided a method for the cationization of starch comprising mixing the starch with a liquid and cationizing the starch in the said mixture under alkaline conditions, characterized in that the liquid is a mixture comprising water and a non-aqueous, water miscible solvent.
To aid in the diffusion of the chemical reagent into the granule and to catalyse the cationization reaction, part of the process is conducted in an aqueous medium. The degree of water absorption by the granule, and the associated granule swelling, are mediated by the temperature of the starch slurry. The invention is based on the principle that it is not necessary to use a completely aqueous medium for cationization since starches only absorb a certain level of moisture, in proportion to the degree of heating which is usually not permitted to exceed 55° to 60° C. The present proposal is to use only sufficient moisture so that the starch granule takes up water and swells to the extent needed to facilitate the diffusion of cationizing reagent into the starch granule. An appropriate range for the starch/water ratio is from 1:3 to 3:1 (w/w). The non-aqueous but water miscible solvent is used as diluent to facilitate mixing of the slurry and, hence, the diffusion of cationizing reagent into the starch granule.
The solvent may be an organic solvent, preferably an alcohol, for example ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol or methanol.
It is desirable that the solvent be miscible with water and of low boiling point in order that solvent recovery can be achieved at relatively low cost, and to facilitate recovery of excess cationizing reagent in a more concentrated form. Previously organic solvents have only been used indirectly as the cationizing medium, as in Tessler, U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,683, issued November, 1977.
Where the starch is a waxy starch, the liquid mixture can include the water, the solvent and an alkali, and be characterised by the absence of a further gelatinization inhibitor. The organic solvent serves as gelatinization inhibitor, replacing the need for added salts.
The cationization of the starch may be combined with other chemical modifications of the starch that introduce anionic groups into the same starch molecules in the intact granule. Thus, the invention provides a method of producing amphoteric starch that comprises carrying out the above described cationization method and also anionizing the starch in the liquid mixture.
Proposals have been made (Harvey et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,910, issued January, 1986) for direct phosphorylation of alkaline starch pastes at 45° to 95° C., with or without cationizing reagent, but gelatinization would need to be controlled if the final product is recovered in the dry form. In traditional methods for preparing amphoteric starches (Dirscherl et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,336, issued October, 1989), drying (moisture content <15%) and heating (110°-160° C., 1-5 hours) steps are required for phosphorylation of cationized starch. However, when the present cationization process is combined with phosphorylation, starches can be reacted with the cationizing reagent and phosphate salts simultaneously or sequentially in the aqueous alcoholic alkaline solvent without the intermediary steps of drying and heating. Thus, a high reaction efficiency of amphoteric starch synthesis is achieved with the associated saving of time and at a lower cost. This modified method for preparing amphoteric starch is another application of the present invention that embodies the use of the aqueous alcoholic alkaline process for modification of native starches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1 is a graph showing degrees of substitution in starch species and biotypes during cationization by the aqueous alcoholic alkaline procedure during 24 hours of incubation;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the material balance for one tonne of starch cationized by the aqueous alcoholic alkaline procedure, showing solvent recycling and reagent recovery;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart for a batch or continuous system of cationizing by the aqueous alcoholic alkaline cationization process, showing the most effective sequence for mixing the reagents and identifying the basic types of equipment employed in the system;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the material balance for one tonne of starch cationized and phosphorylated by the aqueous alcoholic alkaline procedure based on a simultaneous or sequential reaction system;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart for the aqueous alcoholic alkaline cationization and phosphorylation of starch by a simultaneous reaction system illustrating the most effective mixing sequence and equipment for the process; and
FIG. 6 is a flow chart for the aqueous alcoholic alkaline cationization and phosphorylation of starch by a sequential reaction system illustrating the mixing sequence and equipment required for the process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Experiment
Effect of gelatinization inhibitor, sodium sulphate, on cationization of corn, pea, and waxy corn starches by the proposed aqueous alcoholic alkaline process
Corn, pea and waxy corn starches were used and the starch to water ratio was 1:1. The experiments were performed with and without addition of 30.8 g sodium sulphate. Water and the non-aqueous miscible solvent, ethanol, were used as shown in Table 2. The aqueous alkaline treatment was prepared by adding the sodium sulphate to 1.7 g NaOH in 82 ml distilled water before adding to the starch as described below.
The aqueous alcoholic alkaline solution was prepared by dissolving 1.7 g NaOH in 44.2 ml of distilled water to which 123.4 ml of 100% ethanol were added. Then the solution was added to the starch, 50.0 g (dry basis), weighed in a 250 ml centrifuge bottle, and mixed thoroughly before incubating again at 50° C. for 10 min. Then 4.2 ml of 60% 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC) solution were added to the starch slurry during 1 min. The reaction mixture was incubated for 0-24 hours in a shaker bath at 50° C. At specific time intervals a portion of the mixture was removed, neutralized with 3N HCl in distilled water or 100% ethanol, depending on the solvent system, filtered immediately on a sintered glass crucible and washed three times with 25 ml of distilled water or 95% ethanol. The samples were air dried overnight in a fume-hood.
The degree of substitution (DS) was determined by measuring the increase in nitrogen content in the derivatized starches compared to the original starch.
Under strictly aqueous conditions, corn, pea and waxy starches showed substantial degrees of gelatinization of the granules, especially for waxy corn starch (Table 2). In the presence of the aqueous alcoholic alkaline solvent, cationization was particularly effective, especially for waxy starch in the absence of the gelatinization inhibitor, sodium sulfate. The ethanol itself acted as a gelatinization inhibitor as well as facilitating the diffusion of CHPTAC into the interior of all starch granule species.
TABLE 2______________________________________Degrees of substitution of three starch species and biotypes after 6hours incubation with CHPTAC in two alkaline solvent systems withand without gelatinization inhibitor. Aqueous solvent Aqueous alcoholic solventGelatinization Waxy Waxyinhibitor Corn Pea Corn Corn Pea Corn______________________________________None 0.032* 0.034* 0.018** 0.037 0.036 0.040Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 0.036 0.031 0.034 0.035 0.034 0.029______________________________________ *Partial gelatinization of the starch granule occurred. **Severe gelatinization occurred.
Experiment 2
Effect of organic solvent and solvent concentration on the cationization efficiency of the aqueous alcoholic alkaline process
The objective of this study was to determine the optimum concentrations of several alcoholic solvents (ethanol, 2-propanol and methanol) on the aqueous alcoholic alkaline cationization process. DS values were determined as before on cationized corn, pea, barley and waxy barley starches at 84, 75, 65, 55, 45, 35, 25 and 15% alcohol relative to total alcohol plus water. The samples were native corn starch and native pea starch from commercial sources and laboratory-prepared normal and waxy barley starches. The reactants were 50.0 g starch, 4.2 ml CHPTAC (0.05M), 1.7 g NaOH and sufficient distilled water (41.7 to 44.1 9) to give a starch to water ratio of 1:1. The alcoholic additions were 258.6, 150.0, 92.9, 61.1, 40.9, 26.9, 16.7 and 8.8 ml of 100% alcohol to achieve the concentrations of 84, 75, 65, 55, 45, 35, 25 and 15%. The reactions were conducted at 50° C. for 0-24 hours of incubation.
For corn starch, the levels of DS achieved after 6 hours of incubation with CHPTAC in ethanol were high over the range of 75 to 15% alcohol but the 25% and 15% samples were thick, and difficult to mix and sample for analysis (Table 3). Therefore, other starch sources were only tested over the 84 to 35% range of alcohol concentrations. Similar satisfactory rates of cationization were obtained with ethanol at the 75 to 35% ethanol concentrations for pea, waxy barley and barley. The best results were recorded for 65% ethanol for each starch source.
Results with 2-propanol were more variable than with ethanol where 65-55% alcohol was optimal for corn starch, and 45-35% alcohol were best for pea and waxy barley (Table 3). Certainly 2-propanol was as effective in cationization as ethanol. Methanol was nearly as effective as ethanol and 2-propanol.
It should be noted that addition of 100% alcohol is only used for convenience to achieve the desired water to alcohol ratio. By adjusting the level of water to alcohol, it is possible to use 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, etc., concentrations of alcohol in making up the slurries depending on cost and availability.
TABLE 3______________________________________Effect of alcoholic solvent and decreasing alcohol concentration in thereaction mixture during incubation with CHPTAC on the DS of fourstarchesStarch Concentration of alcohol, % of total solventsspecies 84 75 65 55 45 35 25 15______________________________________EthanolCorn 0.022 0.033 0.036 0.031 0.030 0.030 0.033 0.032Pea 0.026 0.032 0.034 0.030 0.030 0.029 -- --WB 0.028 0.029 0.033 0.029 0.030 0.030 -- --B 0.031 0.031 0.031 0.029 0.028 0.029 -- --2-PropanolCorn 0.036 0.034 0.036 0.037 0.032 0.033 -- --Pea 0.027 0.028 0.028 0.026 0.029 0.029 -- --WB 0.031 0.034 0.033 0.034 0.036 0.036 -- --B 0.021 0.023 0.025 0.028 0.027 0.028 -- --MethanolCorn 0.031 0.031 0.031 0.029 0.028 0.029 -- --Pea 0.014 0.022 0.025 0.025 0.027 0.027 -- --WB 0.021 0.024 0.029 0.029 0.029 0.030 -- --B 0.017 0.023 0.025 0.026 0.028 0.029 -- --______________________________________ WB = Waxy barley, B = Barley
Experiment 3
Effect of moisture content in the reaction mixture on cationization of corn and pea starches by the proposed aqueous alcoholic alkaline process
The method was similar to Experiment 2 in which the 65% ethanol level was adopted, but the starch to water ratio of 3:1 was compared with the previous 1:1 ratio. The procedure was as follows.
Starch, 50.0 g (dry basis), was weighed in a 250 ml centrifuge bottle. An alkaline alcoholic solution was prepared by dissolving 1.7 g NaOH in sufficient distilled water to give a starch to water ratio of 1:1 or 3:1, to which 92.9 or 31.0 ml, respectively, of 100% ethanol were added and incubated at 50° C. for 10 min. The solution was added to the weighed starch and mixed thoroughly before incubating again at 50° C. for 10 min. Then 4.2 ml of 60% CHPTAC solution were added to the starch slurry during 1 min. The reaction mixture was incubated for 0-24 hours in a shaker bath at 50° C. At specific time intervals a portion of the mixture was removed, neutralized with 3N HCl in 100% ethanol, filtered immediately on a sintered glass crucible and washed three times with 25 ml of 95% ethanol. The samples were air dried overnight in a fume-hood. The DS was determined by measuring the nitrogen content in the derivatized starches.
The results are shown in Table 4. The rate of cationization was very slow at low moisture content of 3:1 starch to water, much lower than at the 1:1 ratio. Since swelling of starch was essential for migration of cationizing reagent into the starch granule, the lowering of moisture content in the reaction mixture appeared to severely restrict the extent of starch swelling and, consequently, the diffusion rate of cationizing reagent into the starch granule. The optimum moisture content would also be influenced by the temperature of the reaction because temperature influences the swelling and diffusion constant of water into starch, as well as of the cationizing agent.
Detailed studies can be conducted needed to determine the minimum effective moisture content of the reaction mixture for cationization; it is anticipated that the level would differ for each starch species. In initial studies, moisture additions above the starch to water ratio of 1:1 did not improve the cationization rate substantially. It was observed that the water absorptions of native pea and corn starches were about 110%, as determined by adding excess water to the starch, stirring and then centrifuging to remove the excess water. So, for the present studies, the starch/water ratio was established at 1 :1. Again it should be noted that any concentration of alcohol, not necessarily 100% alcohol, may be used so long as the mixture of water and alcohol is of the desired ratio.
TABLE 4______________________________________Effect of the moisture content in the reaction mixture on cationizationof corn and pea starches by the aqueous alcoholic alkaline process DS at starch to water ratio ofTime of Incubation, 1:1 3:1hours Corn Pea Corn Pea______________________________________0.0 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0000.5 0.014 0.014 0.000 0.0011.0 0.021 0.021 0.001 0.0021.5 0.026 0.025 0.003 0.0032.0 0.029 0.028 0.003 0.0032.5 0.032 0.031 0.004 0.0043.0 0.033 0.032 0.004 0.0044.0 0.034 0.033 0.004 0.0056.0 0.036 0.034 0.005 0.0088.0 0.037 0.035 0.006 0.00912.0 0.037 0.035 0.006 0.01024.0 0.038 0.035 0.006 0.011______________________________________
Experiment 4
Effect of CHPTAC concentration on rate of cationization of corn and pea starches
The paper industry requires a range of cationization levels for the various applications in paper manufacture, and the ability of the aqueous alcoholic alkaline process to prepare these levels accurately must be demonstrated. Two common DS levels for commercial cationized starches are DS 0.03 and 0.05. CHPTAC concentrations of 0.05M (mole.mole -1 starch) and 0.1M were prepared and added to the reaction mixtures as described in Experiment 3 at a constant total water basis. The other conditions were maintained as in Experiment 3 and the starch to water ratio was 1:1.
At 0.05M CHPTAC, corn and pea starches reached DS 0.03 at about 2.5 hours (Table 5). By using 0.10M CHPTAC, the corn and pea starches reached DS 0.05 in about 2 hr. Doubling the CHPTAC concentration essentially doubled the reaction rate, and higher final cationizations levels were achieved over the same reaction period.
TABLE 5______________________________________Effect of concentration of CHPTAC reagent on the rate of cationizationof corn and pea starches using the aqueous alcoholic alkaline processTime of DS at starch to water ratio of 1:1Incubation, 0.05 M CHPTAC 0.10 M CHPTAChours Corn Pea Corn Pea______________________________________0.0 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0000.5 0.014 0.014 0.024 0.0211.0 0.021 0.021 0.033 0.0331.5 0.026 0.025 0.042 0.0432.0 0.029 0.028 0.049 0.0543.0 0.033 0.032 0.057 0.0584.0 0.034 0.033 0.060 0.0606.0 0.036 0.034 0.066 0.0628.0 0.037 0.035 0.067 0.06312.0 0.037 0.035 0.068 0.06424.0 0.038 0.035 0.068 0.065______________________________________
Experiment 5
Application of the aqueous alcoholic alkaline cationization process to several starch species
Samples of waxy corn, amylocorn, pea, barley, waxy barley, wheat and potato starches were cationized by the same procedure as described in Experiment 3 using a starch:water ratio of 1:1 and CHPTAC concentration of 0.05M.
The results are presented in FIG. 1. The process gave excellent results for normal barley, amylocorn, pea and waxy corn, as was shown earlier for normal corn starch. Potato, waxy barley and wheat starches gave somewhat lower DS values. In general, the process gave satisfactory results with a wide range of species and biotypes of starch.
Experiment 6
Applicability of the proposed aqueous alcoholic alkaline process to wary starches
Since the cationization of waxy starch requires the presence of gelatinization inhibitors, the aqueous alcoholic alkaline process was evaluated specifically for cationization of waxy starches. Basically the method of cationization was same as in Experiment 3 in which the gelatinization inhibitor, sodium sulfate, was excluded from the reaction mixture, and the starch to water ratio was maintained at 1:1. Commercial normal and waxy corn starches were used but it was necessary to extract and refine normal and waxy barley starches in the laboratory.
The reaction rates for cationization of both native waxy corn and native waxy barley starches were comparable to those of native normal starch controls (Table 6). Therefore, the aqueous alcoholic alkaline process was an attractive alternative to conventional aqueous cationization processes since no additional gelatinization inhibitors were required in the presence of the organic solvent.
TABLE 6______________________________________Effect of aqueous alcoholic alkaline process on cationization of nativewaxy corn and native waxy barley starches in comparison with normalstarch controlsDS at starch to water ratio of 1:1Time of Commercially-preparedIncubation, corn starches Lab-prepared barley starcheshours Normal Waxy 1 Waxy 2 Normal Waxy______________________________________0.0 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0000.5 0.014 0.007 0.010 0.009 0.0111.0 0.021 0.013 0.013 0.016 0.0171.5 0.026 0.018 0.018 0.021 0.0212.0 0.029 0.019 0.019 0.025 0.0252.5 0.032 0.021 0.021 0.027 0.0273.0 0.033 0.025 0.025 0.030 0.0304.0 0.034 0.025 0.029 0.031 0.0326.0 0.036 0.029 0.030 0.031 0.0338.0 0.037 0.031 0.031 0.032 0.03412.0 0.037 0.034 0.033 0.033 0.03424.0 0.038 0.035 0.034 0.033 0.034______________________________________
Experiment 7
Application of the aqueous alcoholic alkaline cationization process in preparing amphoteric starches.
Amphoteric starches are prepared by combining cationization and phosphorylation. Phosphate groups, as anionic substituent groups, are usually introduced by conventional phosphorylation which consists of drying the cationized starch before heating to complete the phosphorylation reaction. In the aqueous alcoholic alkaline process described herein, amphoteric starches can be prepared by simultaneous or sequential processes (FIG. 4). The source of phosphate groups may be tripolyphosphate, hexametaphosphate or pyrophosphate alkali metal salts.
In the simultaneous process (FIG. 5), 2.5 g of sodium tripolyphosphate was dissolved in sufficient distilled water to give a starch to water ratio of 1:1 and 1.7 g NaOH was added. Absolute ethanol 92.9 ml was added to preweighed starch (50.0 g, dry basis) and the alkaline phosphate solution was added to the starch slurry, and mixed thoroughly before incubation at 50° C. for 10 min. Then 4.2 ml of CHPTAC were added to the starch slurry. The reaction mixture was incubated for 3 hours in a 50° C. water bath with constant shaking. After reaction, reaction mixture was neutralized with 3N HCl, centrifuged at 8,000 rpm for 15 min. and the supernatant discarded. The starch pellet was washed two times with distilled water and one time with 95% ethanol, and then air-dry.
In the sequential process (FIG. 6), starch was cationized initially as in experiment 3 and centrifuged at 12,500 rpm for 30 min. The supernatant was discarded and 2.5 g of sodium tripolyphosphate were dissolved in 20 ml of distilled water. The phosphate salt solution was added to the starch pellet and 92.9 ml of 100% ethanol was added and the slurry was mixed thoroughly. The starch mixture was then incubated at 50° C. for 1 hour. The reacted starch mixture was neutralized with 3N HCl and washed as above, followed by air drying.
Nitrogen content was measured by the Kjeldahl method to measure the cationic groups. The phosphorous content and anionic group were measured by colorimetry. The DS values of the groups were then calculated.
The DS of anionic and cationic groups in amphoteric corn, pea, barley, waxy barley and waxy corn starches, prepared by the two modifying methods, are given in Table 7. All of the amphoteric starches exhibited the appropriate DS values for anionic and cationic groups as required by the paper industry. These processes can be used on all species and biotypes of starch including normal and waxy starches. DS values for anionic group in amphoteric potato starch were higher than for other starches because potato starch contains, naturally, 0.07 to 0.09% phosphorous covalently bound to the amylopectin fraction of the starch (Solarek, supra).
TABLE 7______________________________________DS values of anionic and cationic groups in amphoteric corn, pea,barley, potato, wheat, waxy barley and waxy corn starches prepared bysimultaneous and sequential processes. Anionic group Cationic groupStarch % P DS % N DS______________________________________Simultaneous processCorn 0.33 0.017 0.28 0.033Pea 0.31 0.016 0.28 0.033Barley 0.27 0.014 0.25 0.031Potato 0.43 0.022 0.27 0.032Wheat 0.29 0.015 0.32 0.038Waxy Barley 0.30 0.016 0.27 0.032Waxy Corn 0.37 0.020 0.30 0.036Sequential processCorn 0.33 0.017 0.27 0.032Pea 0.33 0.017 0.29 0.034Barley 0.29 0.015 0.25 0.031Potato 0.55 0.029 0.26 0.031Wheat 0.33 0.017 0.25 0.031Waxy Barley 0.33 0.017 0.28 0.033Waxy Corn 0.41 0.022 0.33 0.039______________________________________
Mass Balance
Without estimation of process losses, the raw material of 1000 kg starch containing 100 kg water would be converted into the final product, cationized starch, in approximately the same yield (FIG. 2). Other water added directly or via reagents, 800 kg, would be vaporized in the drier and condensed for recycling or disposal. The liquid phase from the centrifuge and the miscella from the countercurrent starch washer would be distilled and condensed to separate 95% alcohol from the aqueous phase for recycling to the stirred tank reactor. The residual aqueous slurry from the distillation column would contain the excess cationizing reagent, salts and other solubles arising from the raw material. The positively charged cationizing reagent could be recovered on an ion exchanger. The other waste materials such as NaCl would not represent a serious disposal problem.
A comparable aqueous cationizing plant would generate about 3500 kg of effluent from the centrifuge and countercurrent washer. Because of the higher boiling point of water (100°C.) compared to ethanol (78°C.) and a much higher solids load of over 600 kg of Na 2 SO 4 , the gelatinization inhibitor, the recycling and disposal costs would exceed those of the aqueous alcoholic alkaline process.
Application Of Cationic Starches In Paper Making
The effects of the aqueous alcoholic alkaline process for cationization on starch performance as an internal binder in paper-making was determined in comparison with a commercial cationized corn starch.
In Tables 8-11, Cato 15 is a commercial cationized (amphoteric) corn starch that is commonly used in paper-making. There is also a non-starch treated control. Corn, pea and waxy barley starches were cationized in the laboratory at low and high DS levels and subjected to the standard tests for internal binders in paper. Without dealing with specific differences, the ratings in Table 8 show the superiority of Cato 15 over the non-starch control (126.5 vs. 100.0), and the aqueous cationized laboratory samples (129.0-137.6) over the Cato 15 (126.5) result. The data in Table 9 show that starches prepared by the aqueous alcoholic alkaline cationization process (127.0-132.4) are comparable to those prepared by the traditional aqueous method including amphoteric corn starch (129.0-137.6).
TABLE 8______________________________________Effect of aqueous cationization of corn and pea starches as internalbinder on paper quality as compared to a non-starch control andCato 15.sup.a. Break- Burst Basis ing Tensile index ScottTreatment weight length index k Pa. m.sup.2 bond Rat-and DS g. m.sup.-1 m N. m. g.sup.-1 per g ft. lb ing.sup.b______________________________________No starch addedControl 73.5 5806 56.9 2.39 109 100.0Starch added to 0.91% level (20 lb. ton.sup.-1 dry fiber)Cato 15 (0.035) 72.4 6725 66.0 3.05 177 126.5Corn (0.031) 71.6 6985 68.5 3.24 193 133.5Corn (0.053) 74.4 6628 65.0 3.08 197 129.0Pea (0.026) 72.1 7578 74.3 3.12 170 135.0Pea (0.046) 72.6 6976 68.4 3.27 218 137.6______________________________________ .sup.a All values are averages of ten determinations. .sup.b Rating is calculated by assigning weight to all test parameters excluding basis weight.
TABLE 9______________________________________Effect of aqueous cationization of starch as internal binder on tensileenergy absorption yield stress (TEAYS) of paper as compared to anon-starch control and Cato 15.sup.a Elongation Strain at Energy atTreatment at break break break TEAYSand DS inch % inch-lb. psi______________________________________No starch addedControl 0.095 2.38 0.95 4591Starch added to 0.91% level (20 lb. ton.sup.-1 dry fiber)Cato 15 (0.035) 0.135 3.38 1.48 4761Corn (0.031) 0.123 3.08 1.39 5371Corn (0.053) 0.146 3.65 1.62 5054Pea (0.026) 0.106 2.64 1.29 6000Pea (0.046) 0.129 3.23 1.49 5509______________________________________ .sup.a All values are averages of ten determinations.
TABLE 10______________________________________Effect of aqueous alcoholic alkaline cationization of corn, pea andwaxy barley starches as internal binder on paper quality as compared toa non-starch control and Cato 15.sup.a Break- Burst Basis ing Tensile index ScottTreatment weight length index k Pa. m.sup.2 bond Rat-and DS g. m.sup.-1 m N. m. g.sup.-1 per g ft. lb ing.sup.b______________________________________No starch addedControl 73.5 5806 56.9 2.39 109 100.0Starch added to 0.91% level (20 lb. ton.sup.-1 dry fiber)Cato 15 (0.035) 72.4 6725 66.0 3.05 177 126.5Corn (0.033) 71.7 7250 71.1 2.99 156 128.1Corn (0.051) 72.4 6909 67.8 3.20 193 132.4Pea (0.036) 71.9 6213 60.9 2.93 167 118.6Pea (0.053) 70.1 6754 66.2 3.01 181 127.0WB.sup.c (0.051) 71.5 7090 69.5 3.30 230 132.0______________________________________ .sup.a All values are averages of ten determinations. .sup.b Rating is calculated by assigning equal weight to all test parameters excluding basis weight. .sup.c Waxy barley.
TABLE 11______________________________________Effect of aqueous alcoholic alkaline catonization of starch as internalbinder on tensile strength absorption yield stress (TEAYS) of paper ascompared to a non-starch control and Cato 15.sup.a. Elongation Strain at Energy atTreatment at break break break TEAYSand DS inch % inch-lb. psi______________________________________No starch addedControl 0.095 2.38 0.95 4591Starch added to 0.91% level (20 lb. ton.sup.-1 dry fiber)Cato 15 (0.035) 0.135 3.38 1.48 4761Corn (0.031) 0.105 2.63 1.23 5656Corn (0.053) 0.104 2.61 1.19 5579Pea (0.026) 0.109 2.72 1.14 4802Pea (0.046) 0.109 2.72 1.18 5371WB.sup.b (0.051) 0.128 3.21 1.49 5645______________________________________ .sup.a All values are averages of ten determinations. .sup.b Waxy barley.
Conclusions
The aqueous alcoholic alkaline method, as outlined above, may be used for cationization and anionization of normal and high amylose starches and, especially, of waxy starches.
In this binary solvent system, the use of a miscible organic solvent, especially alcohols, facilitates the mixing of cationic reagent with water and the starch granules, thus reducing any diffusion-related mass transfer problems. The use of an organic solvent also eliminates the need for an inhibitor which is normally employed for preventing alkali-induced gelatinization in an aqueous environment especially for waxy starches. The present process retains the granularity of cationized waxy starches which facilitates separation, drying and subsequent applications in papermaking.
The present process provides for economical solvent recovery by distillation and recycling of the reagents with less pollution so that processing costs are reduced. Since the process can be a continuous one, it is possible to further lower the production costs. The present cationization process can be combined with other chemical treatments of starch, such as the addition of phosphate salts to the reaction mixture, to produce an amphoteric starch by combining the cationization and phosphorylation reactions.
The present invention includes processes for preparing amphoteric starches, namely by cationization and phosphorylation, which can be performed simultaneously or sequentially in an aqueous alkaline solvent without drying and heating for the phosphorylation step. A high reaction efficiency can be obtained in a short reaction time and with a low energy input.
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A starch cationization process comprises suspending the starch in an aqueous alcoholic alkaline solvent containing a critical level of water (starch to water ratio 1:3 to 3:1), heating the reaction mixture for a few minutes at 30°90° C., adding a cationizing reagent such as 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl-trimethylammonium chloride, heating for 1-24 hours at 30°-80° C., neutralizing, centrifuging, washing and drying of the cake to yield cationic starches with degrees of substitution of 0.01 to 0.12. Amphoteric starches are produced by simultaneous or sequential reaction of an anionic reagent with or after the cationic reagent in the aqueous alcoholic alkaline solvent. Solvent recovery and concentration of effluent solids is facilitated by distillation.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an eye refractive power measuring apparatus for alleviating the adjusting power of an eye to be examined and measuring the refractive power of the eye.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, when the refractive power of an eye is to be measured, it is a rule to effect the measurement in a state in which the adjusting power of the eye to be examined is loosened. However, where a target image to which the examinee's line of sight is to be fixed is optically formed in a light-intercepting housing and the examinee is caused to see this target image as has heretofore been practiced, the state of so-called mechanical near-sightedness is often brought about by the adjusting power being caused to come into play by looking into the target image.
In order to avoid such a state, various means to which the means called the cloud-mist type is applied have heretofore been developed and incorporated into an eye refractive power measuring apparatus. However, in the apparatus of this type, convex lenses must be loaded by an appropriate amount corresponding to the refractive power of the eye to be examined and if too many convex lenses are used, there may be brought about a reverse effect. Moreover, it is difficult to apply appropriate cloud-mist to the refractive power of the eye to be examined which is not yet known, and in addition, the eye to be examined widely ranges from intense shortsightedness exceeding -10 diopters to a lens-free eye exceeding +10 diopters. The amount of mechanical short-sightedness occurring when the eye to be examined looks into the target image may vary greatly with age or different individuals and it is more difficult to apply appropriate cloud-mist to the refractive power of such eye. Accordingly, to apply appropriate cloud-mist, it becomes necessary to correct the position of the target image with the value of refraction measured under predetermined conditions as a reference.
However, the problem is the relation between the speed at which the position of the target image is corrected and the responsiveness of the eye to be examined. That is, if the position of the target image is changed fast, the examinee cannot know what has happened, and the state of adjustment of the eye will not vary or a contrary result will be brought about. Conversery, if the target image is moved slowly, too much time will be required and this will impart an extra burden to the examinee and, in the meantime, his line of sight will fluctuate and make accurate measurement impossible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an eye refractive power measuring apparatus in which a fixation target is controlled so as to loosen the adjustment of an eye to be examined effectively and naturally.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an eye refractive power measuring apparatus in which a fixation target system can be operated at the most proper speed correspondingly to the refractive power of an eye to be examined having a great individual difference, whereby wasted time can be eliminated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows the construction of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are front views of projection charts.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of photodiode arrays.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 designates a light source emitting infrared rays. Between this light source 1 and an eye E to be examined and along the optic axis X of the light source 1, there are arranged in succession from the light source 1, a condensing lens 2, a projection chart 3, a relay lens 4, a stop 5, an apertured mirror 6, beam splitters 7, 8, and an objective lens 9. The projection chart 3, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2A or 2B, has three radially arranged slits 3a, 3b, 3c or 3'a, 3'b, 3'c forming an angle of 120° therebetween, the apertured mirror 6 is disposed in such a direction as to reflect a part of the reflected light from the eye E to be examined sideways, the beam splitter 7 is disposed in such a direction as to reflect the incident light from sideways thereof toward the eye E to be examined, and the beam splitter 8 is disposed in such a direction as to reflect a part of the reflected light from the eye E to be examined sideways and transmit therethrough the light beam incident from sideways thereof.
On the reflection side of the apertured mirror 6 and along the optic axis thereof, there are arranged a stop 10, a relay lens 11, a prism 12 and a photodiode 13. The stop 10 has a ring-like light-transmitting portion having the central portion thereof shielded and divided into six parts, and the photodiode 13 is comprised of three radially arranged photodiode arrays 13a, 13b and 13c as shown in FIG. 3. The prism 12 has a prism element corresponding to each meridian direction.
The infrared light emitted from the light source 1 is imaged at the center of the stop 5 by the condensing lens 2 and is further imaged on the pupil Ep of the eye E to be examined by the objective lens 9. Also, the image of the projection chart 3 disposed at that side of the condensing lens 2 which is adjacent to the relay lens is formed on the focal plane of the objective lens 9 by the relay lens 4 and is projected onto the fundus Er of the eye E by the objective lens 9. The aforementioned light beam emitted from the light source 1 passes through the central small aperture of the apertured mirror 6 and arrives at the fundus Er of the eye E, and the light beam reflected from the fundus Er of the eye E conversely passes through the objective lens 9, and then is reflected toward the stop 10 by the mirror portion of the apertured mirror 6. This light beam passes through six light-transmitting portions provided at equal intervals on the circumference of the stop 10, is subjected to the imaging action of the relay lens 11 and the deflecting action of the prism 12 and is imaged as two slit images for each measuring meridian on the photodiode arrays 13a, 13b, and 13c which are position detecting means. The angle of the light beam entering the prism 12 varies in accordance with the visibility of the eye to be examined and as a result, the spacing between the two images on each of the photodiode arrays 13a-13c varies. By photoelectrically detecting this spacing, automatic measurement of the visibility is accomplished. The basis of a measuring optical system having no such movable portion is known from Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 161031/1981.
Now, the beam splitter 7 has the characteristic of transmitting infrared light therethrough and refelecting visible light, and at the lateral incidence side of this beam splitter 7, there are disposed a relay lens 14, a fixation target 15 to be presented to the eye E to be examined, and a visible light source 16 for illuminating the fixation target. Also, a barrel 17 supporting the fixation target 15 and the light source 16 and provided with a cam mechanism movable in the direction of the optic axis Z, an electric motor 18 for moving the barrel 17 and a position detector 19 for detecting the position of the barrel 17 are provided as a fixation target system.
The beam splitter 8 has the characteristic of transmitting infrared light and visible light therethrough and reflecting only some wavelengths of the infrared light range, and at the lateral reflection side thereof, there are disposed an imaging lens 20 and a television camera 21. Also, at the opposite side of the beam splitter 8 on the optic axis Y of the imaging lens 20, there are provided in succession from the beam splitter 8 a projection lens 22, a target 23 for alignment and a light source 24.
Reference numerals 30 and so on designate an electrical system. The outputs from the aforementioned photodiode arrays 13a, 13b and 13c are amplified by amplifiers 30a, 30b and 30c, respectively, whereafter they are successively sent to an A/D converter 32 by a multiplexer 31, and the outputs A/D-converted by the A/D converter 32 are input to a microprocessor 33. The microprocessor 33 is connected to a memory 34, a driving circuit 35 for the infrared light source 1, driving circuit 36 for the electric motor 18, and a control circuit 37. The control circuit 37 produces a character signal in response to the video signal from the television camera 21 and the command from the microprocessor 33 and mixes it with the television image signal and puts out the same to a television monitor 38. The television monitor 38 is adapted to display the image of the front eye portion of the eye E to be examined, the target image projected by the infrared light source 24 and the target 23, and the final refraction value of the eye to be examined which has been measured and operated.
As previously described, in the present embodiment, the image of the projection chart 3 illuminated by the light source 1 is reflected by the fundus Er of the eye to be examined and is projected onto the photodiode arrays 13a, 13b and 13c through the objective lens 9, the beam splitters 8, 7, the apertured mirror 6, the stop 10, the relay lens 11 and the prism 12, but the reflected light beam from the fundus Er of the eye is separated by the stop 10 into three meridian directions to be measured, is deflected by the prism 12 and is imaged as two slit images corresponding to the meridian direction on each of the photodiode arrays 13a, 13b and 13c. These two slit images have the spacing therebetween varied in accordance with the visibility of the eye E to be examined because if the visibility of the eye E to be examined varies, the imaged position varies. Accordingly, the visibility can be measured by photoelectrically detecting the spacing between the slit images.
Operation of the entire apparatus will now be described. The examiner effects alignment by bringing the pupil Ep of the eye to be examined and the image of the target 23 into coincidence with each other while seeing the screen of the television monitor 38, whereafter the examiner imparts a measurement command signal to the microprocessor 33. On the other hand, the eye E to be examined is observing the fixation target 15 illuminated by the visible light source 16, through the relay lens 14, the beam splitters 7, 8 and the objective lens 9. The fixation target 15 lies at a predetermined position, and signals corresponding to the degree of refraction in the state in which the eye E to be examined is seeing the fixation target 15 are put out from the photodiode arrays 13a, 13b and 13c, and these outputs are converted into digital values by the A/D converter 32 and are operated by the microprocessor 33, whereby the degree of sphericalness or the degree of equivalent sphericalness is calculated.
In the present embodiment, there is no mechanical movable portion but the time for processing the electrical signal is only required in the process wherein the degree of sphericalness is calculated after the measurement command signal is imparted, and therefore only a very short time is required. By the signal from the position detector 19 for detecting the position of the fixation target 15, the microprocessor 33 compares the degree of sphericalness of the eye E to be examined with the diopter value corresponding to the position of the fixation target 15 and moves the fixation target 15 so as to eliminate the adjusting power of the eye E to be examined.
Specifically, short-sightedness or long-sightedness is judged from the result of the first measurement, and during the second measurement, in the case of short-sightedness, the fixation target is once displaced toward the minus side (downwardly as viewed in FIG. 1), while in the case of long-sightedness, the fixation target is once displaced toward the plus side (upwardly as viewed in FIG. 1).
In this manner, the direction of movement of the fixation target is controlled during the second measurement, but it is to be understood that during the subsequent measurement, the fixation target image is moved slightly to this side of the fundus Er of the eye E to be examined, namely, only toward the plus side. The movement speed, i.e., the movement amount/movement time, in this case is calculated in accordance with the pre-incorporated program in the memory 34, and the microprocessor 33 imparts a command to the driving circuit 36 for the electric motor 18. This driving circuit 36 produces a pulse of a frequency according to the command for a predetermined time to thereby revolve the electric motor 18 and move the barrel 17 in the direction of the optic axis Z.
The driving electric motor 18 used herein is a pulse motor which can control the angle of rotation by the number of driving pulses, can control the speed of revolution by the frequency of the pulse, and can control the direction of revolution by changing over the phase of the pulse. Also, the means for converting the revolution of the electric motor 18 into the direction of the optic axis is a cylindrical cam often used in a zoom lens or the like, and in the present embodiment, such a cam curve that the variation in the diopter value of the fixation target 15 per unit angle of rotation of the cylindrical cam is constant is adopted. More specifically, if for example, a pulse of the positive phase is applied to the electric motor 18, the fixation target 15 will be moved by 0.25 D, and if four pulses of 4 Hz are applied to the electric motor 18, the fixation target 15 will be moved by 1 D per second. When the fixation target 15 is moved by the operated amount of movement in this manner, the microprocessor 33 again introduces the outputs of the photodiode arrays 13a , 13b and 13c thereinto and calculates the degree of sphericalness of the eye to be examined.
The fixation target 15 at this time is set somewhat more toward the plus than the degree of sphericalness of the eye E to be examined and therefore, if the eye E to be examined continues to follow the movement of the fixation target 15, the degree of sphericalness will be varied. With this amount of variation and the diopter value corresponding to the position of the fixation target as the reference, the microprocessor 33 calculated the next position and movement speed of the fixation target 15 and instructs the driving circuit 36 for the electric motor 18 to move the fixation target 15, and again measures and operates the degree of sphericalness. In this process, the fixation follow-up property of the eye E to be examined with respect to the movement of the fixation target 15 is judged, and control is effected such that when the follow-up property is poor, a long time per unit amount of movement is taken and in the converse case, the fixation target is moved faster.
That is, in the first stage, the fixation target 15 is set, for example, at a position +1 D, and let it be assumed that the degree of sphericalness at this time is s(D). In the second stage, measurement is effected with the fixation target 15 being changed in position from S to S+1 in 0.6 second. If the degree of sphericalness of the eye E to be examined at this time is S+0.75 D, the follow-up property is judged to be as good as 75%, and if the degree of sphericalness is S+0.25 D, the follow-up property is judged to be as poor as 25%, and if there is no variation, the follow-up property is 0, and if the degree of sphericalness is S-0.5, the follow-up property is negative. In the third stage, when the follow-up property is good, the fixation target is further moved by +1 D in 0.4 second. When the follow-up property is poor, the fixation target 15 is further moved by +0.5 D in 0.6 second. When the follow-up property becomes 0 or negative, measurement is discontinued.
As another method, judgement equations like the following equations are pre-incorporated into the memory 34 and control is effected on the basis of the follow-up property. As an example,
ΔD=x+0.25
ΔT=0.25/x
where ΔD is the diopter amount by which the fixation target 15 is moved, x is the follow-up rate (the ratio of the amount of variation in the degree of sphericalness of the eye E to be examined in the aforedescribed second stage to the amount of movement of the fixation target, represented by a decimal: 0.75 in the case of the follow-up property of 75%), and ΔT is the time for which the fixation target is moved.
The diopter value corresponding to the position of the fixation target 15 and the degree of sphericalness of the eye E to be examined may be introduced into and stored in the memory 34 and taken out during operation.
Now, when the movement speed is to be changed, both ΔD and ΔT may be changed and in addition, ΔD is not changed but only ΔT may be changed, or ΔT is not changed but only ΔD may be changed.
Instead of moving the fixation target 15, the relay lens 14 may be moved.
In the movement of the fixation target 15 and the measurement and operation are repeated several times while the fixation follow-up property of the eye E to be examined is judged in this manner, the position of the fixation target 15 will be much more toward the plus than the degree of sphericalness for which the adjusting power of the eye E to be examined is loosened. That is, the eye E to be examined will only see a blurred image and the found degree of sphericalness of the eye to be examined will no longer vary or will conversely adjust itself and exhibit a negative follow-up property. Thus, if measurement is terminated at this point and the degree of sphericalness most toward the plus is selected in these processes, there will be obtained the degree of sphericalness of the far point of the eye E to be examined.
It is apparent that the present invention is also applicable to the other eye refractive power measuring apparatus than the above-described embodiment.
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An eye refractive power measuring apparatus having a unit for projecting a plurality of index images onto the fundus of an eye to be examined, a unit for detecting the eye fundus reflected light beams of the index images correspondingly to each measuring meridian direction, a unit for operating the refractive power of the eye on the basis of the output of the detecting means, a unit for moving a fixation target for fixing the eye to be examined thereto or the projection system thereof in the direction of the optic axis, and a unit for controlling the movement speed of the fixation target or the projection system thereof on the basis of the degree of variation in the result of the measurement of the operated refractive power of the eye which results from the movement.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/539,127 filed on Sep. 26, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to sanitizer dispensing units, and more particularly to a device capable of dispensing a sanitizing agent while storing the same in a sturdy container that can be comfortably worn on an individual during normal activities.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
[0004] The average person touches dirty items such as door handles, money and the like hundreds of times each day. However, it is well known that the most common means of transmitting contagions such as bacteria and diseases comes from direct physical contact between individuals. This is especially worrisome for public service members and first responders such as police officers, EMT's, and firemen, for example, for whom physical contact with members of the public is part of the job description.
[0005] Although, it is standard practice for first responders such as EMT's and firemen to wear gloves and other protective items before touching a member of the public, police officers are not always afforded such a luxury, as a casual encounter can turn into a violent struggle in an instant.
[0006] To this end, many first responders and public service individuals keep bottles of hand sanitizer within their vehicles in an attempt to stymie the progress and growth of bacteria on their hands after each contact with a member of the public. Unfortunately however, it is not uncommon for first responders to become separated from their vehicle for extended periods of time, thereby making the hand sanitizers unavailable when they are needed most.
[0007] Accordingly, there remains a need for a device capable of storing and dispensing sanitizing agents that can be worn on an individual taking part in the daily requirements of their job.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a wearable sanitizing dispenser device. One embodiment of the present invention can include a holster having a hingedly connected front half and rear half that define an interior space for receiving a removable cartridge containing a sanitizing agent. A dispenser having a canister connector, a dispensing valve, a control button and an output chamber is positioned within the interior space to discharge the sanitizing agent to a device user.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention can include padding and thermal insulation for protecting an inserted cartridge from damage caused by physical impact and extreme temperature variations.
[0010] Yet another embodiment of the present invention can include a holster having a unitary construction and housing a permanent canister.
[0011] This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wearable sanitizing dispenser device in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wearable sanitizing dispenser device in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the wearable sanitizing dispenser device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wearable sanitizing dispenser device in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of the wearable sanitizing dispenser device in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view of the wearable sanitizing dispenser device, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. 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 inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
[0020] Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 .
[0021] Owing to the rigors of work performed by first responders such as police, firemen and EMT's, for example, conventional pressurized hand sanitizers can not be utilized in a portable (i.e., away from a vehicle) manner, due to the risks of the contents exploding when exposed to extreme heat (firemen) and extreme impacts (police engaged in a physical confrontation). As such, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a wearable sanitizing agent dispenser 10 that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, the device can include a durable wearable holster 11 configured to store a canister 40 capable of dispensing a sanitizing agent 5 to a user on the go.
[0022] The holster 11 , according to one embodiment can include a front wall 11 a , a back wall 11 b , a pair of opposing side walls 11 c and 11 d , a top wall 11 e and a bottom wall 11 f , each defining a generally hollow interior space H. A belt clip 13 can be disposed along the upper portion of the back wall 11 b , and an opening 14 for receiving the dispenser button 22 can be located near the bottom of the back wall 11 b.
[0023] In one preferred embodiment, the holster 11 can be divided into a pair of complementary halves configured to rotate about a central hinge 12 from a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) to an open position ( FIG. 2 ), see arrow A. To this end, the front wall 11 a , the top wall 11 e , and the bottom wall 11 f can include an integral construction referred to herein as the front half 11 a ′ of the holster, and the back wall 11 b , and opposing side walls 11 c - 11 d can also include an integral construction referred to herein as the back half 11 b ′ of the holster.
[0024] A dispenser 20 can be secured onto the inside facing surface of the bottom wall 11 f , within the interior space H. In one embodiment, the dispenser 20 can include a dispensing button 22 that is interposed between a canister connector 21 and an outlet chamber 23 .
[0025] As described herein, the connector 21 can act to securely engage a canister 40 , as described below in order to receive a sanitizing agent 5 that is stored therein. To this end, the connector 21 can include a generally tubular member having a plurality of integrated threads 21 a for receiving the canister 40 via a twisting motion. Of course, any number of other devices capable of allowing the connector end 21 to receive a canister in a removable manner can also be utilized in addition to, or instead of the plurality of threads.
[0026] The outlet 23 can include a hollow tubular member having a first end 23 a connected to the valve, and a second end 23 b that traverses/passes through the bottom wall 11 f so as to discharge the received agent from the bottom of the device. End 23 b can be flush with the bottom wall 11 f , or may extend beyond the wall.
[0027] A dispensing valve 22 a (See FIG. 5 ) can be interposed between the canister connector 21 and the outlet chamber 23 , so as to control the flow of the sanitizing agent from the canister 40 through the exit of the device. The valve 22 a can be controlled by a dispensing button 22 in a conventional manner to pump the sanitizing agent from the canister 40 through the chamber 23 . Dispensing valves of this type are well known in the art, and may include a spring (not illustrated) to assist with the pumping action.
[0028] Although described above as including separate elements, those of skill in the art will recognize that each of the connector 21 , valve 22 and outlet 23 can be constructed as a single unit in accordance with known construction methodologies. Additionally, the dispenser 20 can be positioned virtually anywhere within the interior space H and the outlet chamber can pass through any wall of the holster. Moreover, although described above as a button 22 , those of skill in the art will recognize that any device capable of controlling the dispensing valve 22 a can be utilized. Several examples include, twist knobs, levers and the like.
[0029] In another embodiment, a screen 24 can be positioned within the outlet chamber 23 , in order to transition a received sanitizing agent 5 from a gel state into a foam state. In one preferred embodiment, the screen 24 can include a series of narrow cross mounted and/or overlapping vanes disposed within the tubular body of the outlet chamber 23 .
[0030] The holster 11 can act as a vessel for securely positioning a canister 40 containing a sanitizing agent, and can be constructed from rugged and durable material such as plastic, PVC or other light-weight, impact resistant polymers. Of course other materials ranging from composites to hardened metal are also contemplated. As the device is intended for use by first responders, it is preferred that the components are as durable as possible, so as to withstand any number of direct physical impacts and high temperature variations without breaking or inadvertently dispensing the canister contents. Such instances are desirable for police who may wish to clip the dispenser onto their utility belt, for example. Although described above as including a specific shape, those of skill in the art will recognize that the holster can comprise any number of different shapes and configurations suitable for performing the inventive concepts disclosed herein, without undue experimentation.
[0031] In one alternate embodiment, the holster can further include one or more strips of pliable, impact absorbing liners 30 , such as rubber, for example, to provide additional protection to the canister and sanitizing agent against damage caused from physical impacts. Additionally, one or more strips of insulating material 31 such as neoprene and/or polyester, for example, can be included to protect the canister and sanitizing agent against damage caused from extreme temperature variations. Each of the liners 30 and insulators 31 can be positioned throughout part of or the entirety of the interior sections of the holster walls in order to provide protection, as described above.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a canister 40 which can be removably secured to the dispenser 20 and stored within the holster 11 . As shown, the canister can include an open top end 41 having a plurality of threads 41 a which are complementary to the threads 21 a of the canister connector, so as to allow the canister to be secured to, and removed from the dispenser, see arrow b, via a twisting motion.
[0033] In one preferred embodiment, the canister will be constructed from injection molded plastic and include a shape and dimension suitable for being housed within the hollow interior space of the holster in a closed position. Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that the canister can be of any shape, size or material capable of being housed in the interior space of a holster. It is preferred that the canister be non-pressurized so as to ensure that the canister can not rupture and explode if/when exposed to any extreme impacts which the device may receive during the daily operations of a first responder. However, it is contemplated that some embodiments may utilize canisters having CO 2 and other gas pressurized type devices capable of discharging aerosol, liquid and/or gel solutions via the dispenser. Each of these devices is well and truly known in the art, therefore no further description will be provided.
[0034] The canister 40 will act as a vessel for providing a sanitizing agent 5 to the dispenser. Sanitizing agents are well known in the art and typically include one or more active ingredients such as isopropanol, ethanol, n-propanol, or povidone-iodine, as well as inactive ingredients such as polyacrylic acid, humectants, propylene glycol, for example, that are designed to combat the spread of germs and diseases. These agents can take the form of a liquid, gel, foam (when contained in a pressurized canister). Moreover, as described above, by including the screen 24 , the dispenser can churn a gel sanitizer into foam for use by the first responder. The specifics of how and why sanitizing agents can transition from a gel state to a foam state when pushed through a screen are outside the scope of this invention, however it should be sufficient to note that the screen allows aeration of the gel which reduces the weight and density of the agent, allowing it to form a more foam-like consistency.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the wearable sanitizing agent dispenser 10 in operation. As shown, once the canister 40 is secured within the device, the sanitizing agent 5 can be dispensed through the bottom wall 11 f of the device when activated by the button 22 . Additionally, by placing the dispenser button 22 on the back wall 11 b , the shape of the device itself can act to prevent accidental discharge of the solution 5 resulting from inadvertent contact with foreign objects. To this end, the button 22 will be protected by the body of the wearer, when the device is secured to a belt via the belt clip 13 . Moreover, by including the button along the bottom end of the back wall, the users hand 1 can make a natural cupping motion to receive the solution 5 when pressing the button 22 .
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the wearable sanitizing agent dispenser 10 having a non-removable cartridge 40 wherein the entire device is configured to be discarded when the contents of the canister have been exhausted. In this embodiment, the holster 11 can include a generally tubular shape having a side wall 61 that is permanently secured to each of the top wall 11 e , and the bottom wall 11 f in accordance with known construction methodologies. The dispenser 20 can be secured to the bottom wall 11 f , as described above, and the cartridge 40 can be permanently secured to, or incorporated into the construction of the dispenser 20 at a time of manufacture. Such a feature can provide options for achieving the inventive concepts disclosed herein at a lower manufacturing cost.
[0037] As described herein, one or more elements of the sanitizer agent dispenser 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others, and in accordance with known construction methodologies.
[0038] As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0040] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
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A wearable sanitizing dispenser device includes a holster having a hingedly connected front half and rear half that define an interior space. A dispenser located within the interior space includes a canister connector, a dispensing valve, a control button and an output chamber. A wearable sanitizing dispenser device also includes a holster having a hingedly connected front half and rear half that define an interior space. A removable canister housing a sanitizing agent stored within the interior space, and a dispenser located within the interior space includes a canister connector, a dispensing valve, a control button and an output chamber.
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BACKGROUND
[0001] Simulation games, often in the form of graphics-based computer-implemented instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediums have evolved significantly. Modern simulation games and programs employ dazzling three-dimensional color images, and many offer elaborate storylines with sophisticated playing strategies. Further, increased processing power and network speeds have aided in the development and deployment of accurate physics engines that can mimic or at least better represent physical movements such of those of athletes. As a result, the popularity of simulation and role-playing programs increased dramatically the last few years.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0002] The following presents a simplified summary of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.
[0003] Aspects of this disclosure relate to computerized systems and methods that may be used to track one or more users' progression through an activity simulation, which may simulate and/or resemble a sporting event or a plurality of related sporting events. The simulation may be provided over a network and utilize a gaming platform that logistically connects a plurality of users, which may be able to compete with at least one other user and/or AI opponent.
[0004] Certain embodiments may comprise a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions that when executed by a processor are configured to perform one or more processes. In one embodiment, a platform may be utilized to display an activity simulation to the user. The simulation may be a sporting activity, such as allowing a user to virtually compete in a professional sporting match between two or more teams or individuals. Two or more users may compete or cooperate in one or more simulations. Users may choose to mimic a certain real-world player's statistics and/or may be represented by avatars having characteristics (e.g., visual and/or athletic) of actual players.
[0005] Certain implementations may register a user with a user profile associated with the activity simulation. The user profile may be linked to a gaming platform or environment, an environment linked to the virtual sporting events and/or other associations. For example, the user profile may be linked to an online community that is based upon hardware components being utilized and/or software, such as the actual simulation software regardless of the hardware component(s). In certain embodiments, the user profile may link two or more environments.
[0006] Control input data may be received from the user. The input data may be received from any of one or more input devices, which may be wired or wirelessly connected to provide an input. In one embodiment, systems and methods may be configured to interpret the control input data as one or more instructions for manipulating the activity simulation. The input data may be received as a direct result of physical activity, including but not limited to, physical activity of the user performing a sporting event similar to or related to the sporting event or activity being simulated.
[0007] A performance level of the activity simulation may be augmented or otherwise set based upon the one or more instructions. In certain embodiments, if the performance level exceeds a first threshold, the user may be presented with an option to associate the user profile with one of a plurality of sponsor organizations. The sponsor organizations may be actual real-world organizations and/or the sponsorship opportunity may be a real option for that organization.
[0008] In further embodiments, one or more performance levels may be monitored. The performance levels may be with respect to the same or different values being measured. The performance levels may monitor one or more values during the same or different time intervals (which may or may not overlap). Based on performance level exceeding a second threshold (for the same or different parameter of interest), the user or user profile of the user may be provided a redemption code to a contact point for an option to obtain a physical item. The redemption code may be conditioned and/or based on an association of the user profile with a first sponsor organization. The user profile may be associated with a first environment, and a redemption code may be transmitted to a contact point that is not associated with the user profile with the first environment. In various embodiments, the contact point may comprise one or more of an email address, a phone number, a social network account, a physical address, a geolocation, or determined from at least one of the above.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the user profile is not updated as a result of the user receiving the redemption code, and yet in another embodiment, the user profile is updated or augmented upon receiving the redemption code of the user exercising the option to use the redemption code. The redemption code may be configured to be used to redeem a reward of a physical product associated with the first sponsor organization.
[0010] In certain embodiments, the communicating of the redemption code, and/or determination whether the user met a threshold (e.g., the second threshold) may be based on the user declining an association with a second sponsor organization. The second sponsor organization may be a tangible organization, which may be a competitor with the first sponsor organization.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that may be configured to provide personal training and/or obtain data from the physical movements of a user in accordance with example embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an example computer device that may be part of or in communication with the system of FIG. 1 .
[0013] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative sensor assembly that may be worn by a user in accordance with example embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows another example sensor assembly that may be worn by a user in accordance with example embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows illustrative locations for sensory input which may include physical sensors located on/in a user's clothing and/or be based upon identification of relationships between two moving body parts of the user;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart diagram of a process for communicating a reward to user based upon a performance within a gaming environment; and
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagram of another process for communicating a reward to the user based upon a performance within an activity simulation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Aspects of this disclosure involve obtaining, storing, and/or processing athletic data relating to the physical movements of an athlete. The athletic data may be actively or passively sensed and/or stored in one or more non-transitory storage mediums. Still further aspects relate to using athletic data to generate an output, such as for example, calculated athletic attributes, feedback signals to provide guidance, and/or other information. These and other aspects will be discussed in the context of the following illustrative examples of a personal training system.
[0019] In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, headings within this disclosure should not be considered as limiting aspects of the disclosure and the example embodiments are not limited to the example headings.
I. Example Personal Training System
[0020] A. Illustrative Networks
[0021] Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods that may be utilized across a plurality of networks. In this regard, certain embodiments may be configured to adapt to dynamic network environments. Further embodiments may be operable in differing discrete network environments. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a personal training system 100 in accordance with example embodiments. Example system 100 may include one or more interconnected networks, such as the illustrative body area network (BAN) 102 , local area network (LAN) 104 , and wide area network (WAN) 106 . As shown in FIG. 1 (and described throughout this disclosure), one or more networks (e.g., BAN 102 , LAN 104 , and/or WAN 106 ), may overlap or otherwise be inclusive of each other. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustrative networks 102 - 106 are logical networks that may each comprise one or more different communication protocols and/or network architectures and yet may be configured to have gateways to each other or other networks. For example, each of BAN 102 , LAN 104 and/or WAN 106 may be operatively connected to the same physical network architecture, such as cellular network architecture 108 and/or WAN architecture 110 . For example, portable electronic device 112 , which may be considered a component of both BAN 102 and LAN 104 , may comprise a network adapter or network interface card (NIC) configured to translate data and control signals into and from network messages according to one or more communication protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the Internet Protocol (IP), and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) through one or more of architectures 108 and/or 110 . These protocols are well known in the art, and thus will not be discussed here in more detail.
[0022] Network architectures 108 and 110 may include one or more information distribution network(s), of any type(s) or topology(s), alone or in combination(s), such as for example, cable, fiber, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, etc. and as such, may be variously configured such as having one or more wired or wireless communication channels (including but not limited to: WiFi®, Bluetooth®, Near-Field Communication (NFC) and/or ANT technologies). Thus, any device within a network of FIG. 1 , (such as portable electronic device 112 or any other device described herein) may be considered inclusive to one or more of the different logical networks 102 - 106 . With the foregoing in mind, example components of an illustrative BAN and LAN (which may be coupled to WAN 106 ) will be described.
[0023] 1. Example Local Area Network
[0024] LAN 104 may include one or more electronic devices, such as for example, computer device 114 . Computer device 114 , or any other component of system 100 , may comprise a mobile terminal, such as a telephone, music player, tablet, netbook or any portable device. In other embodiments, computer device 114 may comprise a media player or recorder, desktop computer, server(s), a gaming console, such as for example, a Microsoft® XBOX, Sony® Playstation, and/or a Nintendo® Wii gaming consoles. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely example devices for descriptive purposes and this disclosure is not limited to any console or computing device.
[0025] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the design and structure of computer device 114 may vary depending on several factors, such as its intended purpose. One example implementation of computer device 114 is provided in FIG. 2 , which illustrates a block diagram of computing device 200 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure of FIG. 2 may be applicable to any device disclosed herein. Device 200 may include one or more processors, such as processor 202 - 1 and 202 - 2 (generally referred to herein as “processors 202 ” or “processor 202 ”). Processors 202 may communicate with each other or other components via an interconnection network or bus 204 . Processor 202 may include one or more processing cores, such as cores 206 - 1 and 206 - 2 (referred to herein as “cores 206 ” or more generally as “core 206 ”), which may be implemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip.
[0026] Cores 206 may comprise a shared cache 208 and/or a private cache (e.g., caches 210 - 1 and 210 - 2 , respectively). One or more caches 208 / 210 may locally cache data stored in a system memory, such as memory 212 , for faster access by components of the processor 202 . Memory 212 may be in communication with the processors 202 via a chipset 216 . Cache 208 may be part of system memory 212 in certain embodiments. Memory 212 may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and include one or more of solid-state memory, optical or magnetic storage, and/or any other medium that can be used to store electronic information. Yet other embodiments may omit system memory 212 .
[0027] System 200 may include one or more I/O devices (e.g., I/O devices 214 - 1 through 214 - 3 , each generally referred to as I/O device 214 ). I/O data from one or more I/O devices 214 may be stored at one or more caches 208 , 210 and/or system memory 212 . Each of I/O devices 214 may be permanently or temporarily configured to be in operative communication with a component of system 100 using any physical or wireless communication protocol.
[0028] Returning to FIG. 1 , four example I/O devices (shown as elements 116 - 122 ) are shown as being in communication with computer device 114 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of devices 116 - 122 may be stand-alone devices or may be associated with another device besides computer device 114 . For example, one or more I/O devices may be associated with or interact with a component of BAN 102 and/or WAN 106 . I/O devices 116 - 122 may include, but are not limited to athletic data acquisition units, such as for example, sensors. One or more I/O devices may be configured to sense, detect, and/or measure an athletic parameter from a user, such as user 124 . Examples include, but are not limited to: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location-determining device (e.g., GPS), light (including non-visible light) sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/or body temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitor, image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor, force sensor, compass, angular rate sensor, and/or combinations thereof among others.
[0029] In further embodiments, I/O devices 116 - 122 may be used to provide an output (e.g., audible, visual, or tactile cue) and/or receive an input, such as a user input from athlete 124 . Example uses for these illustrative I/O devices are provided below, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such discussions are merely descriptive of some of the many options within the scope of this disclosure. Further, reference to any data acquisition unit, I/O device, or sensor is to be interpreted disclosing an embodiment that may have one or more I/O device, data acquisition unit, and/or sensor disclosed herein or known in the art (either individually or in combination).
[0030] Information from one or more devices (across one or more networks) may be used to provide (or be utilized in the formation of) a variety of different parameters, metrics or physiological characteristics including but not limited to: motion parameters, such as speed, acceleration, distance, steps taken, direction, relative movement of certain body portions or objects to others, or other motion parameters which may be expressed as angular rates, rectilinear rates or combinations thereof, physiological parameters, such as calories, heart rate, sweat detection, effort, oxygen consumed, oxygen kinetics, and other metrics which may fall within one or more categories, such as: pressure, impact forces, information regarding the athlete, such as height, weight, age, demographic information and combinations thereof.
[0031] System 100 may be configured to transmit and/or receive athletic data, including the parameters, metrics, or physiological characteristics collected within system 100 or otherwise provided to system 100 . As one example, WAN 106 may comprise server 111 . Server 111 may have one or more components of system 200 of FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, server 111 comprises at least a processor and a memory, such as processor 206 and memory 212 . Server 111 may be configured to store computer-executable instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The instructions may comprise athletic data, such as raw or processed data collected within system 100 . System 100 may be configured to transmit data, such as energy expenditure points, to a social networking website or host such a site. Server 111 may be utilized to permit one or more users to access and/or compare athletic data. As such, server 111 may be configured to transmit and/or receive notifications based upon athletic data or other information.
[0032] Returning to LAN 104 , computer device 114 is shown in operative communication with a display device 116 , an image-capturing device 118 , sensor 120 and exercise device 122 , which are discussed in turn below with reference to example embodiments. In one embodiment, display device 116 may provide audio-visual cues to athlete 124 to perform a specific athletic movement. The audio-visual cues may be provided in response to computer-executable instruction executed on computer device 114 or any other device, including a device of BAN 102 and/or WAN. Display device 116 may be a touchscreen device or otherwise configured to receive a user-input.
[0033] In one embodiment, data may be obtained from image-capturing device 118 and/or other sensors, such as sensor 120 , which may be used to detect (and/or measure) athletic parameters, either alone or in combination with other devices, or stored information. Image-capturing device 118 and/or sensor 120 may comprise a transceiver device. In one embodiment sensor 128 may comprise an infrared (IR), electromagnetic (EM) or acoustic transceiver. For example, image-capturing device 118 , and/or sensor 120 may transmit waveforms into the environment, including towards the direction of athlete 124 and receive a “reflection” or otherwise detect alterations of those released waveforms. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that signals corresponding to a multitude of different data spectrums may be utilized in accordance with various embodiments. In this regard, devices 118 and/or 120 may detect waveforms emitted from external sources (e.g., not system 100 ). For example, devices 118 and/or 120 may detect heat being emitted from user 124 and/or the surrounding environment. Thus, image-capturing device 126 and/or sensor 128 may comprise one or more thermal imaging devices. In one embodiment, image-capturing device 126 and/or sensor 128 may comprise an IR device configured to perform range phenomenology.
[0034] In one embodiment, exercise device 122 may be any device configurable to permit or facilitate the athlete 124 performing a physical movement, such as for example a treadmill, step machine, etc. There is no requirement that the device be stationary. In this regard, wireless technologies permit portable devices to be utilized, thus a bicycle or other mobile exercising device may be utilized in accordance with certain embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that equipment 122 may be or comprise an interface for receiving an electronic device containing athletic data performed remotely from computer device 114 . For example, a user may use a sporting device (described below in relation to BAN 102 ) and upon returning home or the location of equipment 122 , download athletic data into element 122 or any other device of system 100 . Any I/O device disclosed herein may be configured to receive activity data.
[0035] 2. Body Area Network
[0036] BAN 102 may include two or more devices configured to receive, transmit, or otherwise facilitate the collection of athletic data (including passive devices). Exemplary devices may include one or more data acquisition units, sensors, or devices known in the art or disclosed herein, including but not limited to I/O devices 116 - 122 . Two or more components of BAN 102 may communicate directly, yet in other embodiments, communication may be conducted via a third device, which may be part of BAN 102 , LAN 104 , and/or WAN 106 . One or more components of LAN 104 or WAN 106 may form part of BAN 102 . In certain implementations, whether a device, such as portable device 112 , is part of BAN 102 , LAN 104 , and/or WAN 106 , may depend on the athlete's proximity to an access point to permit communication with mobile cellular network architecture 108 and/or WAN architecture 110 . User activity and/or preference may also influence whether one or more components are utilized as part of BAN 102 . Example embodiments are provided below.
[0037] User 124 may be associated with (e.g., possess, carry, wear, and/or interact with) any number of devices, such as portable device 112 , shoe-mounted device 126 , wrist-worn device 128 and/or a sensing location, such as sensing location 130 , which may comprise a physical device or a location that is used to collect information. One or more devices 112 , 126 , 128 , and/or 130 may not be specially designed for fitness or athletic purposes. Indeed, aspects of this disclosure relate to utilizing data from a plurality of devices, some of which are not fitness devices, to collect, detect, and/or measure athletic data. In certain embodiments, one or more devices of BAN 102 (or any other network) may comprise a fitness or sporting device that is specifically designed for a particular sporting use. As used herein, the term “sporting device” includes any physical object that may be used or implicated during a specific sport or fitness activity. Exemplary sporting devices may include, but are not limited to: golf balls, basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, powerballs, hockey pucks, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, mats, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, exemplary fitness devices may include objects within a sporting environment where a specific sport occurs, including the environment itself, such as a goal net, hoop, backboard, portions of a field, such as a midline, outer boundary marker, base, and combinations thereof.
[0038] In this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more sporting devices may also be part of (or form) a structure and vice-versa, a structure may comprise one or more sporting devices or be configured to interact with a sporting device. For example, a first structure may comprise a basketball hoop and a backboard, which may be removable and replaced with a goal post. In this regard, one or more sporting devices may comprise one or more sensors, such as one or more of the sensors discussed above in relation to FIGS. 1-3 , that may provide information utilized, either independently or in conjunction with other sensors, such as one or more sensors associated with one or more structures. For example, a backboard may comprise a first sensor configured to measure a force and a direction of the force by a basketball upon the backboard and the hoop may comprise a second sensor to detect a force. Similarly, a golf club may comprise a first sensor configured to detect grip attributes on the shaft and a second sensor configured to measure impact with a golf ball.
[0039] Looking to the illustrative portable device 112 , it may be a multi-purpose electronic device, that for example, includes a telephone or digital music player, including an IPOD®, IPAD®, or iPhone®, brand devices available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. or Zune® or Microsoft® Windows devices available from Microsoft of Redmond, Wash. As known in the art, digital media players can serve as an output device, input device, and/or storage device for a computer. Device 112 may be configured as an input device for receiving raw or processed data collected from one or more devices in BAN 102 , LAN 104 , or WAN 106 . In one or more embodiments, portable device 112 may comprise one or more components of computer device 114 . For example, portable device 112 may be include a display 116 , image-capturing device 118 , and/or one or more data acquisition devices, such as any of the I/O devices 116 - 122 discussed above, with or without additional components, so as to comprise a mobile terminal.
[0040] a. Illustrative Apparel/Accessory Sensors
[0041] In certain embodiments, I/O devices may be formed within or otherwise associated with user's 124 clothing or accessories, including a watch, armband, wristband, necklace, shirt, shoe, or the like. These devices may be configured to monitor athletic movements of a user. It is to be understood that they may detect athletic movement during user's 124 interactions with computer device 114 and/or operate independently of computer device 114 (or any other device disclosed herein). For example, one or more devices in BAN 102 may be configured to function as an all-day activity monitor that measures activity regardless of the user's proximity or interactions with computer device 114 . It is to be further understood that the sensory system 302 shown in FIG. 3 and the device assembly 400 shown in FIG. 4 , each of which are described in the following paragraphs, are merely illustrative examples.
[0042] i. Shoe-Mounted Device
[0043] In certain embodiments, device 126 shown in FIG. 1 , may comprise footwear which may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to those disclosed herein and/or known in the art. FIG. 3 illustrates one example embodiment of a sensor system 302 providing one or more sensor assemblies 304 . Assembly 304 may comprise one or more sensors, such as for example, an accelerometer, gyroscope, location-determining components, force sensors and/or or any other sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly 304 incorporates a plurality of sensors, which may include force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors 306 ; however, other sensor(s) may be utilized. Port 308 may be positioned within a sole structure 309 of a shoe, and is generally configured for communication with one or more electronic devices. Port 308 may optionally be provided to be in communication with an electronic module 310 , and the sole structure 309 may optionally include a housing 311 or other structure to receive the module 310 . The sensor system 302 may also include a plurality of leads 312 connecting the FSR sensors 306 to the port 308 , to enable communication with the module 310 and/or another electronic device through the port 308 . Module 310 may be contained within a well or cavity in a sole structure of a shoe, and the housing 311 may be positioned within the well or cavity. In one embodiment, at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer are provided within a single housing, such as module 310 and/or housing 311 . In at least a further embodiment, one or more sensors are provided that, when operational, are configured to provide directional information and angular rate data. The port 308 and the module 310 include complementary interfaces 314 , 316 for connection and communication.
[0044] In certain embodiments, at least one force-sensitive resistor 306 shown in FIG. 3 may contain first and second electrodes or electrical contacts 318 , 320 and a force-sensitive resistive material 322 disposed between the electrodes 318 , 320 to electrically connect the electrodes 318 , 320 together. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material 322 , the resistivity and/or conductivity of the force-sensitive material 322 changes, which changes the electrical potential between the electrodes 318 , 320 . The change in resistance can be detected by the sensor system 302 to detect the force applied on the sensor 316 . The force-sensitive resistive material 322 may change its resistance under pressure in a variety of ways. For example, the force-sensitive material 322 may have an internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed. Further embodiments may utilize “volume-based resistance”, which may be implemented through “smart materials.” As another example, the material 322 may change the resistance by changing the degree of surface-to-surface contact, such as between two pieces of the force sensitive material 322 or between the force sensitive material 322 and one or both electrodes 318 , 320 . In some circumstances, this type of force-sensitive resistive behavior may be described as “contact-based resistance.”
[0045] ii. Wrist-Worn Device
[0046] As shown in FIG. 4 , device 400 (which may resemble or comprise sensory device 128 shown in FIG. 1 ), may be configured to be worn by user 124 , such as around a wrist, arm, ankle, neck or the like. Device 400 may include an input mechanism, such as a depressible input button 402 configured to be used during operation of the device 400 . The input button 402 may be operably connected to a controller 404 and/or any other electronic components, such as one or more of the elements discussed in relation to computer device 114 shown in FIG. 1 . Controller 404 may be embedded or otherwise part of housing 406 . Housing 406 may be formed of one or more materials, including elastomeric components and comprise one or more displays, such as display 408 . The display may be considered an illuminable portion of the device 400 . The display 408 may include a series of individual lighting elements or light members such as LED lights 410 . The lights may be formed in an array and operably connected to the controller 404 . Device 400 may include an indicator system 412 , which may also be considered a portion or component of the overall display 408 . Indicator system 412 can operate and illuminate in conjunction with the display 408 (which may have pixel member 414 ) or completely separate from the display 408 . The indicator system 412 may also include a plurality of additional lighting elements or light members, which may also take the form of LED lights in an exemplary embodiment. In certain embodiments, indicator system may provide a visual indication of goals, such as by illuminating a portion of lighting members of indicator system 412 to represent accomplishment towards one or more goals. Device 400 may be configured to display data expressed in terms of activity points or currency earned by the user based on the activity of the user, either through display 408 and/or indicator system 412 .
[0047] A fastening mechanism 416 can be disengaged wherein the device 400 can be positioned around a wrist or portion of the user 124 and the fastening mechanism 416 can be subsequently placed in an engaged position. In one embodiment, fastening mechanism 416 may comprise an interface, including but not limited to a USB port, for operative interaction with computer device 114 and/or devices, such as devices 120 and/or 112 . In certain embodiments, fastening member may comprise one or more magnets. In one embodiment, fastening member may be devoid of moving parts and rely entirely on magnetic forces.
[0048] In certain embodiments, device 400 may comprise a sensor assembly (not shown in FIG. 4 ). The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of different sensors, including those disclosed herein and/or known in the art. In an example embodiment, the sensor assembly may comprise or permit operative connection to any sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. Device 400 and or its sensor assembly may be configured to receive data obtained from one or more external sensors.
[0049] iii. Apparel and/or Body Location Sensing
[0050] Element 130 of FIG. 1 shows an example sensory location which may be associated with a physical apparatus, such as a sensor, data acquisition unit, or other device. Yet in other embodiments, it may be a specific location of a body portion or region that is monitored, such as via an image capturing device (e.g., image capturing device 118 ). In certain embodiments, element 130 may comprise a sensor, such that elements 130 a and 130 b may be sensors integrated into apparel, such as athletic clothing. Such sensors may be placed at any desired location of the body of user 124 . Sensors 130 a/b may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with one or more devices (including other sensors) of BAN 102 , LAN 104 , and/or WAN 106 . In certain embodiments, passive sensing surfaces may reflect waveforms, such as infrared light, emitted by image-capturing device 118 and/or sensor 120 . In one embodiment, passive sensors located on user's 124 apparel may comprise generally spherical structures made of glass or other transparent or translucent surfaces which may reflect waveforms. Different classes of apparel may be utilized in which a given class of apparel has specific sensors configured to be located proximate to a specific portion of the user's 124 body when properly worn. For example, golf apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on the apparel in a first configuration and yet soccer apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on apparel in a second configuration.
[0051] FIG. 5 shows illustrative locations for sensory input (see, e.g., sensory locations 130 a - 130 o ). In this regard, sensors may be physical sensors located on/in a user's clothing, yet in other embodiments, sensor locations 130 a - 130 o may be based upon identification of relationships between two moving body parts. For example, sensor location 130 a may be determined by identifying motions of user 124 with an image-capturing device, such as image-capturing device 118 . Thus, in certain embodiments, a sensor may not physically be located at a specific location (such as one or more of sensor locations 130 a - 130 o ), but is configured to sense properties of that location, such as with image-capturing device 118 or other sensor data gathered from other locations. In this regard, the overall shape or portion of a user's body may permit identification of certain body parts. Regardless of whether an image-capturing device is utilized and/or a physical sensor located on the user 124 , and/or using data from other devices, (such as sensory system 302 ), device assembly 400 and/or any other device or sensor disclosed herein or known in the art is utilized, the sensors may sense a current location of a body part and/or track movement of the body part. In one embodiment, sensory data relating to location 130 m may be utilized in a determination of the user's center of gravity (a.k.a, center of mass). For example, relationships between location 130 a and location(s) 130 f / 130 l with respect to one or more of location(s) 130 m - 130 o may be utilized to determine if a user's center of gravity has been elevated along the vertical axis (such as during a jump) or if a user is attempting to “fake” a jump by bending and flexing their knees. In one embodiment, sensor location 1306 n may be located at about the sternum of user 124 . Likewise, sensor location 130 o may be located approximate to the naval of user 124 . In certain embodiments, data from sensor locations 130 m - 130 o may be utilized (alone or in combination with other data) to determine the center of gravity for user 124 . In further embodiments, relationships between multiple sensor locations, such as sensors 130 m - 130 o , may be utilized in determining orientation of the user 124 and/or rotational forces, such as twisting of user's 124 torso. Further, one or more locations, such as location(s), may be utilized as (or approximate) a center of moment location. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of location(s) 130 m - 130 o may serve as a point for a center of moment location of user 124 . In another embodiment, one or more locations may serve as a center of moment of specific body parts or regions.
Gaming Platform Reward System
[0052] As will be discussed in more detail below, various embodiments of this disclosure may employ a gaming platform configured to provide a reward to a user based upon the performance achieved within a virtual environment, such as a videogame environment. As such, the described gaming platform may be a device that is dedicated to providing videogame functionality to a user, and otherwise referred to as a games console. In another implementation, a gaming platform may be implemented on a general-purpose computing hardware configured to provide functionality beyond the execution of one or more videogame processes. As such, a gaming platform may be referred to, in the alternative, as an activity simulation device, or simply as a computing system, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various different videogame examples that may be utilized without departing from the disclosures described herein. As such, the systems and methods described herein may generally be utilized to provide a reward to user based upon any one or more performance metrics associated with a videogame, or another virtual simulation type. In this way, a gaming platform may be configured to display a virtual environment that is directed towards one or more virtual sporting events. In certain specific examples, a videogame, or activity simulation, may include one or more of a virtual basketball game, baseball game, football game, soccer game, ice hockey game, tennis match, cycling race, running race, or car race, among many others. In another example, the gaming platform may be configured to process and display one or more virtual activities other than sporting activities. For example, a gaming platform may be configured to generate a virtual environment for watching one or more video clips, movies and/or TV shows, and the like.
[0053] In one example, a gaming platform may be configured to display a videogame, or activity simulation, on a display device, such as display device 116 . In another example, a gaming platform may receive inputs, otherwise referred to as control inputs, from one or more users. Accordingly, in response to one or more control inputs, a gaming platform may communicate a response to the user as a displayed motion of one or more virtual avatars, or other elements, within a virtual environment of a videogame or activity simulation. In this way, one or more control inputs may be utilized to control an action of one or more virtual avatars, or to control the displayed behavior of other virtual representations of controllable elements (e.g. to control a displayed vehicle).
[0054] In one example, a control input may be communicated to a gaming platform using an input console (e.g. one or more buttons of a keyboard and/or a control pad). In another example, a control input may be communicated to a gaming platform based upon a detected motion of a user, as detected by an image-capturing device, such as device 118 . In another example, a control input may be communicated to a gaming platform based upon motion data detected by a sensor, such as sensor 120 . In yet another example, a control input may be communicated to a gaming platform based upon a signal outputted from a piece of sports equipment being used by a user, such as equipment 122 . In certain specific examples, the sports equipment may include a treadmill, an exercise bike, a weight lifting machine, or another piece of stationary exercise equipment. As such, these stationary exercise equipment examples may comprise one or more sensors configured to output signals corresponding to a level of exertion/energy consumption of a user, a distance traveled by the user, a level of improvement of a user based on a previous personal best, among others. In one implementation, sensor data outputted from a piece of exercise equipment may be received by a gaming platform device in order to control one or more virtual avatars and/or other virtual, controllable elements. Additionally or alternatively, the sports equipment may include one or more sports balls, clubs, rackets, or bats, among others. As such, these sports equipment examples may also be configured with one or more sensors to output sensor data corresponding to a motion of the equipment and/or a user.
[0055] In yet another example, a gaming platform may receive sensor data from a sensor device located within footwear of a user. As such, this footwear-mounted sensor may be configured to output data corresponding to a distance traveled by a user, a speed of the user, and/or a specific motion of the user, among others. In turn, the outputted sensor data may be received by a gaming platform and interpreted as one or more control instructions to control one or more virtual avatars/controllable elements of a videogame.
[0056] In one example, one or more elements of a gaming platform may be implemented using dedicated electronic hardware. In another example, one or more additional or alternative elements of a gaming platform may be implemented by executing computer-executable instructions on a programmable computing device. Accordingly a gaming platform may utilize one or more elements of device 200 , as schematically depicted FIG. 2 . In this way, processor 202 may be configured to execute videogame and/or activity simulation processes, and may be configured to receive control input instructions from one or more interfaces 214 .
[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart diagram of a process 600 that may be used to communicate a reward to a user based upon a performance within a gaming environment, otherwise referred to as a videogame environment, provided by a gaming platform, or activity simulation device, among others. In one example, and as previously described, a videogame environment may depict a virtual representation of a sporting activity, among others. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosures described herein should not be limited to gaming environments related to sporting activities. As such, a gaming platform, or computing device, as described herein, may be utilized to execute a videogame or an activity simulation that may include any activity that may be represented in a virtual environment, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. In one example, a user's virtual progression through a videogame may be measured based upon one or more of a plurality of parameters. Accordingly, one or more of the plurality of parameters may include one or more goals that may be achieved by controlling one or more virtual avatars and/or other virtual elements. As such, the description that follows may generally refer to a virtual game environment, or videogame, that may be utilized to communicate a reward to a user, based upon a performance within the videogame. In another example, this disclosure may be utilized with a combination of videogames, such that a common user profile may be utilized to calculate a performance level, based upon progress within a combination of multiple videogames.
[0058] In one implementation, process 600 may be executed by one or more computing devices, such as device 200 . Accordingly, device 200 may be referred to as an activity simulation device 200 , or alternatively, a gaming platform 200 , a videogame device 200 , or a computing device 200 . As such, in one example, process 600 may register a user with a user profile to be utilized in a videogame environment. In this way, gaming platform 200 may request one or more login details from a user in order to verify an identity of a user, and to associate said user with a user account stored in, or accessible from, the gaming platform 200 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that this user profile may comprise one or more pieces of biographic information associated with the user, including, among others, one or more names of the user, a mailing address, one or more email addresses, one or more links to one or more social networks, and/or a date of birth, among others. Additionally or alternatively, the user profile may store (e.g. in system memory 212 ) information associated with activities undertaken by the user in the past. As such, the user profile may store high-score, goal, and/or achievement information associated with a videogame previously participated in by the user. As such, the user profile may store one or more metrics used to track achievement within a videogame, and the like. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a user may register with a user profile using one or more login credentials, including, among others, one or more passwords. In one example, process 600 the described registration of a user with a user profile associated with a gaming platform configured to provide the user with a virtual progression through a plurality of related sporting events may be executed at block 602 of process 600 .
[0059] In one example, a videogame may be customized based upon one or more user preferences. As such, user preferences may include, among others, details related to one or more virtual avatars to be controlled within a videogame environment, and specifically, may include details related to a performance level associated with a virtual avatar and/or the user of the videogame. In one example, a performance level may be associated with a level of difficulty of a videogame and/or a level of progress through the videogame, among others. As such, the videogame device 200 may execute one or more processes to display a videogame based upon a recognized user profile. Furthermore, in one example, the videogame device 200 may execute these processes to display the videogame at block 604 of process 600 . In one specific example, a level of progress through a basketball videogame may correspond to a number of games played in a virtual basketball season, and the like.
[0060] In one implementation, a gaming platform 200 may be configured to receive control instructions, or input control data, from one or more sources. As such, these sources may include a game controller comprising one or more physical actuators (e.g. buttons and/or joysticks, among others). Additionally or alternatively, the input sources may include one or more sensor devices configured to be worn on a user, and/or configured to detect a motion of a user remotely. As such, the input sources to the videogame device 200 may include one or more of devices 112 , 118 , 126 , 128 , and/or 130 , without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. Additionally or alternatively, control input data may be received by the videogame device 200 from exercise equipment, such as equipment 122 . In this way, a user may control one or more actions of a virtual element within a videogame based upon manually-inputted commands, using one or more buttons of a control pad/keyboard and/or sensor data generated based upon a motion/an activity/an exercise being performed by the user. As such, in one example, a gaming platform 200 may receive control instructions at block 606 of process 600 .
[0061] In another example, a gaming platform 200 may be configured to execute one or more processes to calculate a performance level associated with the user profile within of a videogame. As such, and as previously described, the performance level may represent a level of achievement associated with the videogame (e.g. a number of virtual sporting games won during a virtual sporting season, or a points total in a virtual sporting game, among many others). In another example, a performance level may represent one or more statistics associated with a user profile, as recorded based upon actions within a videogame. In one specific example, for a basketball videogame, one or more statistics may correspond to assists, blocks, rebounds, shots, time played, opponent played, steals, points scored, turnovers, among others. As such, a gaming platform 200 may calculate a performance level based upon one or more of the statistics. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various additional or alternative statistics may be utilized with a different videogames in order to calculate a performance level associated with a user profile. Accordingly, a user's virtual progression through a plurality of related sporting events within a videogame environment may be measured using a plurality of parameters. One or more of this plurality of parameters may be used to calculate a performance level at block 608 of process 600 .
[0062] In one implementation, a gaming platform 200 may execute one or more processes to check whether a calculated performance level is above a threshold level. As such, in one example, this threshold level may be associated with statistics specific to a videogame that represent a high level of achievement. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any given threshold level it may be utilized with this disclosure. As such, this check may be carried out at block 610 of process 600 . If, in one example, the performance level is not above the threshold, process 600 may return to block 606 . If, however, a calculated performance level is above the threshold, process 600 may proceed, in one example, to block 612 .
[0063] In one implementation, a videogame displayed by a gaming platform 200 may be configured to generate one or more sponsorship offers, otherwise referred to as virtual awards, to a user based upon an achieved performance level. As such, the generated sponsorship offers may comprise offers to associate a user profile and/or one or more virtual avatars associated with the user, with one or more companies. In particular, a sponsorship offer may comprise an option to augment an appearance and/or a performance of a virtual avatar and/or other virtual elements with apparel and/or equipment associated with a sponsor company. In one implementation, a sponsorship offer may comprise an option to outfit one or more virtual avatars and/or one or more other virtual elements with one or more virtual representations of real-world products. In one specific example, a sponsorship offer may include an offer to outfit one or more players and/or a team represented within a videogame with apparel manufactured by a specific sports company, and the like. As such, in one example, an offer from one or more sponsor organizations may be provided to a user at block 612 of process 600 .
[0064] In one example, a user may be presented with an option to accept or decline a virtual sponsorship offer presented at block 612 . As such, in one implementation, this option of accepting or declining one or more sponsorship offers may be executed at decision block 614 . Accordingly, if a user declines a sponsorship offer, process 600 may, in one example, return to block 606 . If, however, a user accepts a sponsorship offer, process 600 may proceed to decision block 616 .
[0065] Process 600 may perform a second check to determine whether a performance level associated with a user profile is above a second threshold. In this way, this second check may determine whether a user has improved one or more performance statistics following accepting sponsorship from a sponsor organization. Similar to the first threshold, the second threshold may be set as any numerical value, and the like. Specifically, in one example, the second threshold may be numerically greater than the first threshold level, and the like. In one implementation, process 600 may measure a user's virtual performance during one or more related virtual sporting events following acceptance of a virtual sponsorship offer. As such, process 600 may execute a second check of a performance level associated with a user at decision block 616 . Accordingly, in one example, if process 600 determines that the performance level associated with a user profile is not above the second threshold, process 600 may proceed to block 614 . If, however, it is determined that a performance level is above the second threshold, process 600 may proceed to block 618 .
[0066] In one implementation, process 600 may be configured to communicate a reward to user based upon a performance of the user within a videogame environment, and the like. Specifically, process 600 may communicate an offer code, otherwise referred to as a virtual identifier, to a user based upon a performance level associated with a user profile being above the described second threshold level. In turn, the offer code may be utilized to redeem a physical product, otherwise referred to as a tangible object, associated with the accepted sponsorship organization. In one example, the offer code may be utilized to redeem a limited edition garment and/or piece of athletic equipment associated with a sport depicted within a videogame. In one example, and avatar controlled by user within a virtual gaming environment may represent an actual individual. In one example, this actual individual may be a real-life sports personality, among others. As such, the reward, or tangible object offered to a user may be a replica of a product worn by the actual individual, or an actual product worn by the actual individual. Accordingly, in one example, process 600 may communicate an offer code to the user by extracting a contact point from a user profile associated with the user. In this way, process 600 may communicate the offer code via one or more of email, a message delivered to a stored phone number, a message delivered to a physical mailing address, and/or in message delivered via one or more social networking applications and/or sites. Accordingly, in one implementation, process 600 may communicate this offer code to the user at block 618 of process 600 . Further, the offer code may be communicated to a user via a communication pathway not part of the gaming platform. As such, the offer code may be communicated to a user via a separate email system, mobile phone network, or social networking website, among others. In another example, the virtual identifier may be provided to a user using an output device that is not part of the gaming platform. As such, this output device may be a smart phone, a tablet, among others.
[0067] FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagram of a process 700 for communicating a reward to a user based upon a performance within an activity simulation. Similar to process 600 , process 700 may be utilized with an activity simulation that is a virtual gaming environment.
[0068] In one implementation, and similar to process 600 , process 700 may be executed by one or more computing devices, such as device 200 from FIG. 2 . In one implementation, process 700 may register a user with a user profile associated with a videogame at block 702 . Further, the computing device 200 may be configured to display the videogame at block 704 , and receive control input data from a user at block 706 . Additionally, process 700 may be configured to execute one or more sub-processes to translate the control input data into videogame instructions at block 708 , and to calculate a performance level of the videogame at block 710 .
[0069] In one example, process 700 may, at decision block 712 , perform a check to determine if the calculated performance level is above a first threshold. In turn, if the performance level is above the first threshold, process 700 may proceed to block 714 , wherein one or more sponsorship offers may be presented to the user through the videogame. In one example, process 700 may communicate a reward to a user based upon an association of a user profile with a specific sponsor organization in favor of one or more additional sponsor organizations. Accordingly, decision block 716 represents an offer from a first sponsor organization to the user, based upon a calculated performance level within the videogame. In one example, if the user accepts this offer from the first sponsor organization, process 700 may return to block 706 . If, however, the user declines the offer from the first sponsor organization, process 700 may proceed to block 718 . As such, block 718 represents another decision point at which the user is presented with a second offer from a second sponsor organization. Accordingly, in one example, if the user accepts this second offer from the second sponsor organization, process 700 may proceed to block 720 .
[0070] Decision block 720 represents a check as to whether a performance level associated with the user is above a second threshold level. Similar to block 712 , the second threshold level associated with decision block 720 may be implemented as any numerical level without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. In one specific example, the second threshold level associated with decision block 720 may be numerically greater than the first threshold level associated with block 712 . Accordingly, if a performance level associated with a user profile is above the second threshold, process 700 proceeds to block 722 .
[0071] In one implementation, process 700 may be configured to communicate a reward to user based upon a performance of the user within a videogame, and the like. Specifically, process 700 may communicate an offer code to a user based upon a performance level associated with a user profile being above the described second threshold level. In turn, the offer code may be utilized to redeem a physical product associated with the accepted sponsorship organization. In one example, the offer code, or virtual identifier, may be utilized to redeem a limited edition garment and/or piece of athletic equipment associated with a sport depicted within a videogame. Accordingly, in one example, process 700 may communicate an offer code to the user by extracting a contact point from a user profile associated with the user. In this way, process 700 may communicate the offer code via one or more of email, a message delivered to a stored phone number, a message delivered to a physical mailing address, and/or in message delivered via one or more social networking applications and/or sites. Accordingly, in one implementation, process 700 may communicate this offer code to the user at block 722 of process 700 .
[0072] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented by general-purpose or specialized computer hardware. In one example, the computer hardware may comprise one or more processors, otherwise referred to as microprocessors, having one or more processing cores configured to allow for parallel processing/execution of instructions. As such, the various disclosures described herein may be implemented as software coding, wherein those of skill in the art will recognize various coding languages that may be employed with the disclosures described herein. Additionally, the disclosures described herein may be utilized in the implementation of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or in the implementation of various electronic components comprising conventional electronic circuits (otherwise referred to as off-the-shelf components). Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various descriptions included in this disclosure may be implemented as data signals communicated using a variety of different technologies and processes. For example, the descriptions of the various disclosures described herein may be understood as comprising one or more streams of data signals, data instructions, or requests, and physically communicated as bits or symbols represented by differing voltage levels, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields, optical fields, or combinations thereof.
[0073] One or more of the disclosures described herein may comprise a computer program product having computer-readable medium/media with instructions stored thereon/therein that, when executed by a processor, are configured to perform one or more methods, techniques, systems, or embodiments described herein. As such, the instructions stored on the computer-readable media may comprise actions to be executed for performing various steps of the methods, techniques, systems, or embodiments described herein. Furthermore, the computer-readable medium/media may comprise a storage medium with instructions configured to be processed by a computing device, and specifically a processor associated with a computing device. As such the computer-readable medium may include a form of persistent or volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disk (CD-ROMs, DVDs), tape drives, floppy disk, ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, DRAM, VRAM, flash memory, RAID devices, remote data storage (cloud storage, and the like), or any other media type or storage device suitable for storing data thereon/therein. Additionally, combinations of different storage media types may be implemented into a hybrid storage device. In one implementation, a first storage medium may be prioritized over a second storage medium, such that different workloads may be implemented by storage media of different priorities.
[0074] Further, the computer-readable media may store software code/instructions configured to control one or more of a general-purpose, or a specialized computer. Said software may be utilized to facilitate interface between a human user and a computing device, and wherein said software may include device drivers, operating systems, and applications. As such, the computer-readable media may store software code/instructions configured to perform one or more implementations described herein.
[0075] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, techniques, or method steps of those implementations described herein may be implemented as electronic hardware devices, computer software, or combinations thereof. As such, various illustrative modules/components have been described throughout this disclosure in terms of general functionality, wherein one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the described disclosures may be implemented as hardware, software, or combinations of both.
[0076] The one or more implementations described throughout this disclosure may utilize logical blocks, modules, and circuits that may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0077] The techniques or steps of a method described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in software executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. In some embodiments, any software module, software layer, or thread described herein may comprise an engine comprising firmware or software and hardware configured to perform embodiments described herein. Functions of a software module or software layer described herein may be embodied directly in hardware, or embodied as software executed by a processor, or embodied as a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An example storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read data from, and write data to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user device. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user device.
[0078] Accordingly, it will be understood that this disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is to be understood from the following claims, which are to be interpreted as broadly as allowed under the law.
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Systems and methods to track users' progression through an activity simulation, which may resemble related sporting events, are provided. One or more performance levels with respect to one or more measurable parameters may be monitored during the same or different times. Physical activity may be monitored. Exceeding a first performance level may provide an option to join a sponsoring organization and exceeding a second threshold (for the same or different parameter of interest) may result in transmitting a redemption code to a contact point for an option to obtain a physical item. The physical item may mimic equipment used in a simulated activity.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Interferon is potentially a very valuable therapeutic agent in the treatment of neoplastic or viral disease states. The development of this substance into a widely available drug has been hampered by the difficulty of producing and isolating this active compound in reasonable amounts. An important aid in developing procedures for the large scale production, purification and ultimate characterization of human interferon would be the availability of an assay which could be completed in less than 24 hours.
Similarly, the presently available interferon assays are far too slow to allow practical clinical applications. It is known that blood levels of interferon are elevated above normal levels in the presence of a viral infection. Assaying of a subject's interferon levels allows the physician to determine whether a viral agent is the causative agent and allows the physician to make a rational choice in the selection of appropriate therapy. Information gained from such an assay could provide the basis for avoiding unnecessary, expensive and potentially harmful antibiotic therapy on a patient who is suffering from a viral disease which would normally be unresponsive to such therapy. Again, a critical aspect of such an assay would be the rapidity with which useful information could be made available to the physician from the time the sample is drawn. A period of three days would obviously be much too long, since it is unlikely that therapy could or should be withheld from a patient for such extended period.
A number of procedures have been known in the art to assay for interferon levels. Such assays are based on the inhibition of virus growth and measurable aspects thereof such as, for example, the virus yield, plaque number, cytopathic effect or viral products. There is presently no standard assay procedure. In general, the titers (50% end points) derived from the various assay methods are related to an internationally accepted reference preparation. The currently utilized reference is a human leukocyte interferon having a concentration of 5,000 units/ml which is held by the Medical Research Council, London, England and by the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
Examples of some specific disclosed assays for interferon include a publication by Lindenmann and Gifford, Virology 19, 302 (1963) which discloses a plaque inhibition assay and a paper by John A. Armstrong, Applied Microbiology 21, No. 4, 723 (1971) which described a semi-micro dye binding assay for rabbit interferon employing quantitation of inhibition of cytopathic effects. In the Lindenmann and Gifford assay, both interferon and challenge virus were added simultaneously to chick embryo cell monolayers in bottles with an agar overlay and without the need of an absorption period of either interferon or virus. Since interferon diffuses faster than virus, and since virus was adsorbed to less than 1% of the initial target cells, all cells having been exposed to interferon under circumstances of the assay, the cells were effectively treated with interferon prior to virus exposure. After 44 to 48 hours of incubation at 37° C., the monolayers were stained with crystal violet and the plaques counted.
In the Armstrong procedure, confluent monolayer cultures of weanling rabbit kidney cells were exposed to interferon dilutions, challenged with virus, and the culture cells were stained with methylrosaniline chloride. The bound dye was then eluted and measured colorimetrically. It should be noted that the test samples, cell culture and interferon standards were incubated overnight, and after removal of the incubation medium which contained interferon, the cultured cells were treated with the challenge virus (vesicular stomatitis virus) and then incubated an additional 24 hours, or even longer, until the virus controls showed 50-90% cytopathic effects microscopically. Additional steps were required to introduce and fix the dye and to dry the preparation. It is evident that it is not possible to read the results of the assay before the third day after the procedure is started and possibly even later.
In each of the foregoing assay procedures, the test sample was added to monolayers. It has heretofore been generally believed, in the prior art, that confluent monolayers were of critical necessity to provide cells of sufficient uniformity to avoid variations in results which might be attributable to variations in cell density and/or quality of cells. It was also felt that variations in incubation times would change the susceptibility of the cells to interferon or the challenge virus in ways that would adversely affect the reproductibility and uniformity of assay results (Interferon and its Clinical Potential, D. A. J. Tyrell, William Heinemen Medical Books Ltd., London, 1976). In accordance with the present invention, it has unexpectedly been found that the total time for the bioassay procedure can be substantially reduced by introducing the cell culture in the form of a suspension, as opposed to the confluent monolayers thought to be essential in the prior art. In this manner, it has been found possible to add the challenge virus and the cells to the serially diluted interferon sample without the need of any prior incubation of the interferon samples and the cells.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An improved assay for interferon comprising the following steps in combination:
a. contacting a serially diluted and segregated interferon containing sample in the presence of a cell support medium with a viable cell preparation in the form of a cell suspension, said cell line known to be sensitive to the interferon type to be assayed;
b. allowing the interferon-cell line mixtures to incubate for from 0 to 1 hour;
c. adding challenge virus preparation to each of the said segregated, serially diluted interferon-cell line mixtures and allowing the resulting mixtures to incubate for from about 12 to 16 hours;
d. providing a virus control mixture comprising said challenge virus preparation, and a cell control comprising said viable cell line preparation;
e. providing an interferon sample of known titer;
f. reading said assay mixtures when the said virus control mixture shows 100% cytopathic effect;
whereby the titer of interferon in said sample is determined as the reciprocal of the dilution of the mixture showing a 50% reduction in cytopathic effect as compared to the virus and cell controls.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The entire assay can be carried out in from 12 to 16 hours from initiation of the procedure, thus making it practical for use in clinical applications and more efficient and desirable than previously available procedures for monitoring the preparation and purification of interferon. The subject assay can be used to detect interferon derived from any animal source, including, for example, human (whether leukocyte or fibroblast), feline, canine, rat, mouse, bovine, rabbit, chicken and hamster interferon.
In its clinical aspect, the disclosed assay is particularly applicable in situations where the only information being sought is relative increase in interferon titer rather than absolute titer. For example, in a blood sample, background impurities such as nonspecific viral inhibitors produce interferon-like activity. Hence, a baseline or residual titer will usually appear unless specifically removed by acid treatment, incubation at temperatures which destroy the impurities or some other cleanup method. That indeed the specific interferon is being measured rather than a non-specific antiviral agent can be ascertained in many ways, such as by supplementary assays on cells insensitive to the interferon in question (such as cells of another animal species) or by the use of antiserum to the interferon in question.
However, if relative increase is all that is being sought to monitor blood levels in patients treated with interferon, all that is necessary is to establish the baseline titer for a given individual and to measure this increase in titer from the baseline level of interferon.
An example of such a situation would be a carefully contracted clinical study in which blood samples are taken at T o and the interferon-like activity measured. Upon the injection of interferon, blood samples would be taken and interferon levels determined as a function of time. The increase in titer over the baseline would thus be measurable by the assay of this invention as indicated by the results of clinical data shown in Table 1.
The assay of the instant invention can also be applied in a situation where background titer for a given individual is unavailable. For example, the disclosed assay may be used as a screening test to determine whether or not an infection is of a viral nature. In such a situation, background titer would typically be unavailable, however, the relative increase in interferon level can be determined by comparing the increase to a baseline titer level for a sampling of healthy, normal human donors as indicated in Table II.
The assay of the instant invention can be performed on samples of whole blood, serum or plasma, with the proviso that when whole blood samples are used, the titer being measured must exceed 80 in order to be detected over blood cells present. Note Table III.
The assay of the present invention can utilize any conventional cell line known to be sensitive to the interferon type to be assayed. Suitable cell lines for this purpose include bovine kidney cells, which is a continuous epithelial cell line sensitive to human leukocyte interferon, GM258 or FS-7, human fibroblast cell lines sensitive to human leukocyte or fibroblast interferon, L929, mouse fibroblasts sensitive to mouse interferon, RK-13, rabbit epithelial cells sensitive to rabbit interferon, and other cell lines well known in the art.
The challenge virus employed may be one of several viruses. Examples of suitable challenge viruses include vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), sindbis virus (Semliki forest virus) and other challenge viruses well known in the art.
The components of the improved assay method of the instant invention are conveniently packaged in a kit. A typical kit would contain, in several containers, the viable cell preparation, the challenge virus and a reference standard interferon. The kit might additionally contain a suitable dye for the disclosed bioassay.
The cell preparation would preferably be packaged in the form of a suspension (maintained at 4° C.) in order to allow for immediate commencement of the bioassay procedure upon performance of the serial twofold dilutions. In such a case, the preferred form of the cells might be a 1x or 10x suspension. Alternatively, the cells could be shipped as confluent monolayers.
The challenge virus can be packaged in any suitable container conforming to government regulations for a given grade etiological agent. For example, VSV can be packaged in a dual-walled container which has an impenetrable inner wall. The virus may be sent in a frozen state (-20° C.) or in a lyophilized state.
The reference interferon may be shipped in the lyophilized state or at a decreased temperature state to insure preservation.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an assay for human leukocyte interferon is described. This preferred embodiment utilizes bovine kidney cells (MDBK) as the cell culture and vesicular stomatitis virus as the challenge virus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Minimal Essential Medium with Earl's salts is supplemented with 10% (v/v) heat-inactivated fetal calf serum (FCS) and an antibiotic such as penicillin, streptomycin or gentamicin (Medium I). Stock cultures of bovine kidney cells are grown and maintained in flasks (75cm 2 ) in Medium I at 37° C. The cultures were routinely passaged every 3-4 days by trypsinization of the monolayers with a 1:3 dispersion of the cells. For the assay, the cells are trypsinized from the stock flask and diluted in Medium I to form a suspension having a concentration of 4×10 5 cells/ml.
A supply of virus (VSV) is prepared by infecting mouse L cells. Supernatent fluids are harvested, dispensed in 1.0 ml aliquots and stored at -70° C. The titer of the pool is determined by the plaque assay procedure. One such pool had a titer of 7.6×10 7 plaque-forming units (PFU)/ml. For the assay, the stock virus was diluted in Medium I to 4×10 4 PFU/0.05 ml.
Reference human leukocyte interferon (NIH #G-023-901-527) was obtained in the lyophilized state and reconstituted in 1.0 ml of sterile distilled water. A stock leukocyte standard of approximately 625 units/ml for the assay was prepared by diluting the reference interferon 1:32 in Medium I.
PROCEDURE
1. Dispense 0.1 ml of Medium I in 12 consecutive wells of a 96 well flat-bottomed microtiter plate.
2. Add 0.1 ml of the diluted reference interferon to well #1.
3. Serially transfer 0.1 ml from well #1 to well #2 and so on through well #12 (serial twofold dilutions).
4. Add 0.1 ml of the diluted cell suspension to each well. Note: This step increases the value of the dilution of each well twofold.
5. Seal plate with plastic sealer and incubate for 1 hour. Note: This incubation period is not critical and can be omitted.
6. Remove sealer and add 0.05 ml diluted VSV to each well. Note: Control wells are prepared as follows:
a. Virus control=cells+VSV No interferon
b. Cell control=cells No VSV or interferon
7. Seal plate and incubate 12-18 hours at 37° C.
8. Aspirate medium from all wells and discard.
9. Add 0.05 ml of a solution containing 0.5g of crystal violet in 100 ml of 70% aqueous methanol to each well for 1 minute. This step stains and fixes the cells to the well and inactivates any residual virus present.
10. Decant stain, rinse plate twice with tap water and air dry.
11. Read plate. The 50% end point, that is the well in which half the cells have been protected from VSV challenge, can be read microscopically in a stained or unstained plate or may also be determined by gross examination of an inverted stained plate with the aid of a white background or light table.
The assay is read when the virus control wells show a 100% cytopathic effect, i.e., total cell destruction by the virus. The titer of interferon is represented in the well showing a 50% reduction in CPE, as compared to the virus and cell control wells and is expressed (in units/ml) as the reciprocal of the dilution of that well.
EXAMPLE 1
A reference solution of interferon diluted 1:100 in distilled water and serially diluted twofold in the above assay gave a 50% CPE reduction when compared to the virus control well in well #5 (or the 1:64 dilution well). Therefore, by definition, that well contains 1 unit of interferon/ml, and the original solution contains 6400 units/ml.
It should be further noted that any conventional dye system can be employed to assist in the reading step. Other suitable stains include methylrosaniline chloride, trypan blue, giemsa, and neutral red.
It is evident that, in comparison to prior art procedures for assaying for interferon, the above procedure offers the substantial advantages of rapidity and simplicity. The entire assay can be run and read on an "overnight basis" i.e., in about 18 hours or even less. This result is based essentially on the unexpected discovery that the two main incubation periods believed to be critical in the prior art procedures can be severely shortened and that one may be eliminated altogether. Thus, for example, the overnight incubation of interferon samples with a cell monolayer has been eliminated and replaced with an incubation period of from 0 to 1 hour (Step 5) with a cell suspension. Additionally, rather than decanting off the interferon solution after incubation, the present method provides for addition of the challenge virus directly to the interferon containing medium (Step 6). The 24-hour or more incubation of the challenge virus with the cell medium has also been substantially reduced to a total of 12 to 18 hours (Step 7).
EXAMPLE 2
Table 1 shows interferon-like activity in the sera of cancer patients receiving intramuscular injections of human leukocyte interferon. Samples of blood sera were taken prior to injection of 3×10 6 -6×10 6 units of interferon (indicated by pre=20 on 2/10/78, pre=40 on 2/27/78, pre=20 on 3/14/78 and pre=80 on 3/15/78). Thus, the background titer was established for the individuals who were to be injected. Samples of blood sera were taken at the times noted. As can be seen, there was a sharp increase in titer in each case, an increase which is attributable to higher interferon levels.
As a control, to assure that the increase in titer was actually attributable to interferon activity, the assay was run using rabbit kidney cells (RK-13) which are relatively insensitive to human interferon. As can be seen in each case, the titer figures remained low, which would be expected with a cell line which is relatively insensitive to human interferon activity. It is thus clear that the increase in titer measured in MDBK cells is most likely attributable to interferon and not to non-specific inhibitors.
TABLE 1______________________________________Interferon-Like Activity in the Sera ofCancer Patients Receiving Human Leukocyte Interferon Interferon-Titer.sup.aTest Cell LineSpecimen Date Time.sup.b MDBK.sup.c Rabbit Kidney-13.sup.d______________________________________Patient 1 8/10/78 0 hr 10 <10 8/10/78 6 hr 80 <10 8/11/78 24 hr 20 <10 8/17/78 0 hr 40 <10 8/17/78 6 hr 80 <10 8/18/78 24 hr 20 <10Patient 2 9/08/78 0 hr 40 <10 9/08/78 3 hr 80 <10 9/09/78 24 hr 80 <10Patient 3 7/27/78 0 hr 10 10 7/27/78 6 hr 80 10 7/28/78 24 hr 20 10 8/03/78 0 hr 20 <10 8/03/78 6 hr 80 <10 8/04/78 24 hr 40 <10Patient 4 3/14/78 0 hr 20 <10 3/14/78 3 hr 160 <10 3/14/78 6 hr 160 <10 3/14/78 12 hr 160 <10Patient 5 3/06/78 0 hr 20 <10 3/06/78 3 hr 80 <10 3/06/78 6 hr 160 <10 3/06/78 12 hr 80 <10 3/07/78 24 hr 40 <10______________________________________ .sup.a Reciprocal of specimen dilution at which microscopic examination indicated that ≧50% of cells were protected against cytopathogenic effect (CPE) induced by vesicular stomatitis virus. .sup.b In relation to intramuscular injection of human leukocyte interferon at 0 hr. .sup.c Continuous line of steer kidney cells sensitive to human leukocyte interferon. .sup.d Continuous line of rabbit kidney cells relatively insensitive to human leukocyte interferon.
EXAMPLE 3
Table 2 shows the interferon-like activity of sera from normal human donors in the absence of interferon injection. Such a sampling can be used to establish a background standard in situations where an individual's background would typically be unavailable, such as in a case where it is desired to determine if an infection is of a viral nature.
EXAMPLE 4
A test solution of human fibroblast interferon was diluted 1:40 in well #1 of the assay set up and run as previously described with GM 258 as the test cell. A 50% end point was determined at well #8 (1:5120) as previously described. Therefore, the titer of the fibroblast interferon is read as 5120 units/ml.
The fact that such basic modifications to the prior art procedures could be made without adversely affecting the accuracy or sensitivity of the assay must be considered most unexpected.
TABLE II______________________________________Interferon-Like Activity of Sera fromNormal Human DonorsDonor # Intereferon Titer______________________________________1 102 103 <104 105 106 207 108 109 1010 1011 1012 2013 1014 1015 2016 2017 2018 1019 1020 10______________________________________ a. Reciprocal of dilution at which ≧50% of MDBK cells examined microscopically did not exhibit virus CPE.
TABLE III______________________________________Stability of Human Leukocyte Interferon inHuman Serum, Plasma, Whole Blood, Fetal Calf Serum orTissue Culture Medium.sup.aSpecimen InterferonTested Titer______________________________________Human serum #23 10Human plasma #23 10Human whole blood #23.sup.b --Fetal calf serum (FCS).sup.c <10Human leukocyte interferon 50A 400 diluted 1-10 in MEM + 10% FCSHuman leukocyte interferon 50A 800 diluted 1-10 in human serum #23Human leukocyte interferon 50A 1600 diluted 1-10 in human plasma #23Human leukocyte interferon 50A 800 diluted 1-10 in human whole blood #23Human leukocyte interferon 50A 400 diluted 1-10 in fetal calf serum______________________________________ .sup.a Human leukocyte interferon 50A was initially diluted 1-10 in tissu culture medium (MEM), human serum, human plasma, human whole blood or fetal calf serum (FCS). After 1 hr. incubation at room temperature, test specimens were further diluted using MEM containing 10% FCS and tested fo their ability to protect MDBK against challenge with VSV (MOI10). .sup.b Presence of human blood cells prevented microscopic observation of MDBK monolayers at dilutions of whole blood corresponding to dilutions of 1-10 through 1-80. At a dilution of 1-160, >95% monolayer exhibited virus CPE. .sup.c Heatinactivated at 56° C. for 60 min.
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A rapid cytopathic effect inhibition assay for interferon is disclosed. The assay can be completed in about 16 hours or less, allowing its use to assist in clinical diagnosis of viral infections and also, in monitoring the production and purification of interferon whether leukocyte or fibroblast.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims priority under 35 USC 119 based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-339789, filed Sep. 30, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to vehicle exhaust systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exhaust control apparatus for use on a motorcycle, in which the apparatus is operable to ensure a smooth flow of an exhaust gas.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] Exhaust systems are conventionally used with virtually all types of vehicles, to dampen and muffle sound made by the engine. A number of flow control valves are known for controlling exhaust flow through an exhaust pipe.
[0006] One example of a known motorcycle exhaust control apparatus which mounts a valve in an exhaust passage of an engine exhaust system, and uses the valve to control a flow rate of exhaust gas in the exhaust passage, is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Hei7 (1995)-145732. The motorcycle exhaust control apparatus described in this reference is somewhat effective, provided that the valve is mounted on the exhaust pipe which constitutes an exhaust passage, and the valve can be opened or closed. FIG. 18 of the accompanying drawings is a reproduction of FIG. 2 in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Hei7 (1995)-145732, wherein the reference numbers from the original publication are maintained.
[0007] As shown in FIG. 18 , the motorcycle exhaust control apparatus described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Hei7 (1995)-145732 includes an exhaust valve 20 , which allows a shaft 22 to penetrate a cylindrical surface of an exhaust pipe 21 . The exhaust valve 20 includes a throttle plate 23 attached to the shaft 22 for controlling an exhaust flow rate. The shaft 22 penetrates the approximate center of the pipe 21 , extending along a line corresponding to the diameter of the pipe 21 .
[0008] However, in the motorcycle exhaust control apparatus described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Hei7 (1995)-145732, since the shaft 22 , extends across the pipe 21 at the approximate center of the pipe 21 , exhaust gas which flows through the approximate center of the pipe 21 is forced to flow in a roundabout route around the shaft 22 . Hence, a turbulent flow is generated inside of the pipe 21 , with the result that that the exhaust efficiency is lowered.
[0009] Therefore, a need still exists for an exhaust control apparatus for a motorcycle which can ensure a smooth flow of an exhaust gas when an exhaust valve 20 is arranged in an exhaust passage including an exhaust pipe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle exhaust control apparatus which can enhance the exhaust efficiency and can enhance the performance of exhaust control by ensuring a smooth flow of an exhaust gas which flows along the centerline of the exhaust pipe by improved arrangement of an exhaust valve within an exhaust pipe.
[0011] The first aspect of the invention is directed to a motorcycle exhaust control apparatus which includes a collection pipe which collects a plurality of exhaust pipes and an exhaust valve which controls a flow rate of an exhaust gas to the collection pipe, wherein the improvement is characterized in that a shaft of the exhaust valve is arranged at a position away from the centers of the plurality of exhaust pipes. It is possible to ensure a smooth flow of the exhaust gas and to enhance the discharge efficiency of the exhaust gas by arranging the exhaust valve such that the interruption of the flow of the exhaust gas by the exhaust valve is reduced.
[0012] Accordingly, the exhaust valve, which controls a flow rate of the exhaust gas, is provided within the collection pipe, and the shaft of the exhaust valve is arranged at a position away from the centers of the plurality of exhaust pipes. By providing the exhaust valve within the collection pipe and by arranging the shaft of the exhaust valve at a position away from the centers of the plurality of exhaust pipes, the smooth flow of the exhaust gas is ensured and the exhaust efficiency is enhanced.
[0013] Further, the a second aspect of the invention is characterized in that when the plurality of exhaust pipes are formed of two pipes, the shaft of the exhaust valve is inclined within a range of 35 to 55 degrees with respect to a straight line which connects the centers of two exhaust pipes. By imparting the inclination to the shaft of the exhaust valve within a range of 35 to 55 degrees to the straight line which connects the centers of two exhaust pipes, a desired height of the motorcycle above the ground is ensured, and the position of the exhaust control apparatus relative to the motorcycle body is accommodated, even at a maximum a bank angle.
[0014] According to the first aspect of the invention, the exhaust valve, which controls a flow rate of the exhaust gas, is provided within the collection pipe, and the shaft of the exhaust valve is arranged at a position away from the centers of the plurality of exhaust pipes. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the smooth flow of the exhaust gas and to enhance the exhaust efficiency. As a result, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect that the ability of the exhaust control apparatus to control the exhaust gas is enhanced.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention, when the plurality of exhaust pipes are formed of two pipes, the shaft of the exhaust valve is inclined within a range of 35 to 55 degrees with respect to a straight line which connects the centers of two exhaust pipes. Therefore, it is possible to ensure desired a height of the motorcycle above the ground and easily accommodate the exhaust control apparatus upon the motorcycle within a bank angle. As a result, it is possible to obtain increased freedom in placement of the exhaust control apparatus in the overall design of the motorcycle.
[0016] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the reader is referred to the detailed description section below, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description and in the drawings, like numbers refer to like parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a left-side perspective view of a motorcycle having an exhaust control apparatus according to a selected illustrative embodiment of the present invention mounted thereon.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a right-side perspective view of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 .
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 .
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle body frame of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 .
[0021] FIG. 5 is a left side view of an engine, a power transmission mechanism and a seat mounted within the vehicle body frame of FIG. 4 .
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side view of the rear portion of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 showing an exhaust control apparatus according to the present invention mounted to the exhaust system.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust system of FIG. 6 , including the exhaust control apparatus according to the present invention mounted thereon.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a detail perspective view of an exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 .
[0025] FIG. 9 is a layout view of the arrangement relationship between an exhaust pipe and an exhaust valve of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 , showing the angle of the valve rod relative to a line connecting the centers of the individual exhaust pipes.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a front partial cross-sectional view of the exhaust valve of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 .
[0027] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an exhaust valve of an exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 .
[0028] FIG. 12 is a side view of an exhaust valve of an exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 .
[0029] FIG. 13 is an explanatory view for explaining the manner of operation of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 in which FIG. 13 a shows the operational wires acting to place the valve in an open state, and FIG. 13 b shows the operational wires acting to place the valve in a closed state.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 as viewed from an upper rear position, illustrating the servomotor acting through operational wires to actuate the valve within the exhaust control apparatus.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a rear side of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 .
[0032] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the arrangement relationship of a swing arm and an exhaust valve of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 showing the exhaust valve positioned within a recessed portion of the swing arm.
[0033] FIG. 17 is an explanatory view for explaining a mounting angle of the exhaust valve of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 wherein the maximum allowable bank angle θ 1 is illustrated.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a reproduction of a prior art exhaust valve, included for purposes of explanation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] A selected illustrative embodiment of the present invention, installed on a vehicle, will now be described in conjunction with attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a left-side perspective view of a motorcycle 10 which employs an exhaust control apparatus according to a selected illustrative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the motorcycle 10 is a scooter-type vehicle having a low-floor-type floor 25 .
[0036] A vehicle body cover 20 which covers the whole vehicle body frame of the motorcycle 10 includes a front cowl 21 which covers a front portion of the vehicle body frame described later and an upper portion of a front wheel. An upper cover 22 covers an upper opening formed in the front cowl 21 , an inner cover 23 covers a rear portion of the front cowl 21 , and a center cover 24 extends rearwardly from a rear end of the inner cover 23 and covers the longitudinal center of the vehicle body frame. The low-floor-type floor 25 extends outwardly from an outer periphery of a lower end of the center cover 24 and allows the placing of a driver's feet thereon. A floor skirt 26 extends downwardly from an outer periphery of the low-floor-type floor 25 , and rear side covers 27 , 27 (the rear side cover 27 at a the right side not shown in the drawing) extend rearwardly from the center cover 24 and cover the rear side portion of the vehicle body frame. Rear cover 28 extends rearwardly from the rear end of the rear side covers 27 , 27 and covers the rear side portion of the vehicle body frame. Here, the rear side covers 27 , 27 and the rear cover 28 constitute a seat cowl 29 .
[0037] The front cowl 21 includes a transparent wind screen 95 on an upper portion thereof. The inner cover 23 includes a leg shield 91 for covering a front portion of a driver's legs. Further, the motorcycle 10 includes a handle 203 at a front portion of the body and also includes a seat 208 and a step holder 300 on a rear portion of the body.
[0038] The handle 203 is a product of a type similar to a so-called chopper type handle in which grips 203 a, 203 a are arranged at a relatively high position and are retracted in the rearward direction. The handle 203 is covered with a handle cover 101 . The handle cover 101 is formed of a lower handle cover 102 which covers left and right lower portions of the handle 203 and an upper handle cover 103 which covers an upper portion of the handle 203 .
[0039] The seat 208 is of a double seat type which is formed of a front seat portion 208 a on which a driver sits and a rear seat portion 208 b on which an occupant sits. The step holder 300 is arranged close to the rear portion of the center cover 24 and is provided for mounting a pillion step (an occupant step) 310 thereon such that the pillion step 310 can be stored in or exposed from the step holder 300 . Here, the pillion step 310 is served for allowing an occupant to put his/her foot thereon.
[0040] In the drawing, reference numeral 261 indicates a head lamp, reference numeral 262 indicates a blinker, reference numerals 263 , 263 indicate mirrors, reference numeral 264 indicates a front fender, and reference numeral 265 indicates a lock for seat lock. Further, reference numeral 266 indicates a rear spoiler, reference numeral 267 indicates a tail lamp, reference numeral 268 indicates a rear fender, reference numeral 269 indicates a sub stand, reference numeral 320 indicates a main stand, reference numeral 330 indicates a lid for oil supply, and reference numeral 360 indicates a side lid for inspection. Here, reference numerals 271 , 272 are master cylinders and generate a fluid pressure for braking with the manipulation of brake levers 273 , 274 .
[0041] FIG. 2 is a right-side perspective view of the motorcycle of FIG. 1 . The drawing shows that a meter panel 92 is provided above the front cowl 21 and, at the same time, behind a wind screen 95 . As clearly understood from the explanation made heretofore, the wind screen 95 , the leg shield 91 and the meter panel 92 are provided at the front portion of the body. Further, this drawing also shows that the step holder 300 , which includes the pillion step 310 , is also arranged at the right side of the motorcycle 10 . Reference numeral 34 indicates an exhaust muffler.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the motorcycle of FIGS. 1-2 . The motorcycle 10 is a scooter-type vehicle and includes, as the main components thereof, a vehicle body frame 110 , a front fork 201 which is mounted on the head pipe 111 of the vehicle body frame 110 in such a manner that the front fork 201 can swing in the left-and-right direction, a front wheel 202 which is mounted on the front fork 201 , and the above-mentioned handle 203 which is connected to the front fork 201 . It further includes an engine 211 which is mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle body frame 110 , a power transmission mechanism 212 which is swingable in the upward-and-downward direction about the crankshaft of the engine 211 , and a rear wheel 205 which is mounted on a rear portion of the power transmission mechanism 212 . A rear shock absorber unit 206 suspends a rear end portion of the power transmission mechanism 212 on the vehicle body frame 110 , an accommodation box 207 is mounted on the rear upper portion of the vehicle body frame 110 , and the above-mentioned seat 208 is arranged on the accommodation box 207 in such a manner that the seat 208 can be opened or closed.
[0043] The front fork 201 is a U-shaped fork arranged below the head pipe 111 . An upper portion of the front fork 201 and the head pipe 111 are covered by the front cowl 21 .
[0044] The engine 211 is a water-cooled two-cylinder engine which is substantially horizontally arranged, wherein the engine 211 has two left and right cylinder heads 215 which are slightly inclined in the frontward and upward direction. The power transmission mechanism 212 is a belt converter variable-speed drive mechanism equipped with a centrifugal clutch and transmits the power of the engine 211 to the back wheel 205 .
[0045] The accommodation box 207 is a long and narrow box that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the body such that the accommodation box 207 can accommodate two helmets Hf, Hr in front and rear portions thereof. That is, the accommodation box 207 is formed of a lower box 207 a, and an upper box 207 b which is overlaps a rear upper portion of the lower box 207 a.
[0046] In the drawing, reference numeral 93 indicates a front lower cover, reference numeral 94 indicates an under cover, reference numeral 191 indicates an air cleaner, and reference numeral 221 indicates a radiator. Also in the drawing, reference numeral 230 indicates a fuel tank, reference numeral 234 indicates a refueling opening, reference numeral 282 indicates a connecting tube, reference numeral 283 indicates an air chamber, reference numeral 284 indicates a throttle valve, reference numeral 285 indicates an inlet pipe and reference numeral 286 indicates a battery.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle body frame 110 of the motorcycle 10 . The vehicle body frame 110 is a double cradle-type integrated frame which joins by welding a front frame 112 , which is contiguously formed with the head pipe 111 , and a pair of left and right seat rails (rear frames) 115 , 115 which are extended rearwardly from a rear portion of the front frame 112 . The head pipe 111 includes a bracket 111 a for cowl securement purposes.
[0048] The front frame 112 is configured as follows. A pair of left and right upper frames 113 , 113 extend downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe 111 . A pair of left and right down tubes 114 , 114 extend downwardly from the head pipe 111 below the pair of upper frames 113 , 113 . The lower ends of the pair of down tubes 114 , 114 extend rearwardly and are connected to lower ends of the pair of upper frames 113 , 113 and, thereafter, extend in the rearward and upward direction. The front frame 112 is constructed so as to define a space portion Sp 1 . Space portion Sp 1 has an approximately triangular shape as viewed from the side and is surrounded by the pair of upper frames 113 , 113 and the pair of down tubes 114 , 114 .
[0049] A first cross member 121 is positioned between a front end of the left rear frame 115 and a front end of the right rear frame 115 . First cross member 121 is a gate type as viewed from the front. A second cross member 122 is positioned between a lower end of the left upper frame 113 and a lower end of the right upper frame 113 . Further, a first engine bracket 123 is connected to the second cross member 122 at the center position thereof in the vehicle width direction.
[0050] A third cross member 124 is positioned between a rear end portion of a horizontal portion of the left down tube 114 and a rear end portion of the horizontal portion of the right down tube 114 . A second engine bracket 125 is joined to the third cross member 124 at a center position thereof in the vehicle width direction. Further, left and right third brackets for engine 126 , 126 are joined to rear ends of the left and right down tubes 114 , 114 .
[0051] A pair of left and right rear frames 115 , 115 have first ends thereof connected to longitudinal mid portions of the pair of left and right upper frames 113 , 113 , and have second ends thereof extended rearwardly The pair of left and right rear frames 115 , 115 have vertically-elongated cross sectional shapes. Here, “vertically-elongated cross-sectional shape” means a cross-sectional shape having a vertical size set larger than a lateral size. To be more specific, the rear frames 115 , 115 are formed of a quadrangular pipe having vertically-elongated rectangular cross section.
[0052] In the drawing, reference numeral 131 a indicates a U-shaped stay, reference numeral 131 b indicates a seat hinge support portion, and reference numeral 131 c indicates an extending member. In addition, reference numeral 141 indicates a floor support stay, reference numeral 143 indicates an under frame, reference numeral 144 indicates a pin with a head, and reference numeral 142 indicates a stay. Reference numerals 143 a, 143 a indicate left and right side members, reference numeral 143 b indicates a center cross member, reference numeral 143 c indicates a rear cross member, and reference numerals 145 to 147 indicate brackets. Reference numeral 148 indicates a hook, reference numeral 151 indicates a front cross member, reference numerals 152 , 153 indicate reinforcement members, reference numeral 226 indicates an ignition coil for engine and reference numeral 227 indicates a bolt.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the engine, the power transmission mechanism and the seat of the motorcycle 10 . This figure shows that the engine 211 and the power transmission mechanism 212 are arranged behind the front frame 112 and below a pair of rear frames 115 , 115 . The engine 211 is mounted in the vicinity of the connection portion of the front frame 112 and the left and right rear frames 115 , 115 (only left rear frame 115 shown in the drawing).
[0054] To be more specific, behind the front frame 112 , a space portion Sp 2 is formed having an approximately triangular shape as viewed from the side and is surrounded by the pair of upper frames 113 , 113 , the pair of down tubes 114 , 114 and the pair of rear frames 115 , 115 . A cylinder head 215 and a head cover 216 of the engine 211 are arranged in the space portion Sp 2 . A front lower portion of the engine 211 is mounted on the first engine bracket 123 , a rear lower portion of the engine 211 is mounted on the second engine bracket 125 and a rear upper portion of the engine 211 is mounted on the third engine brackets 126 , 126 . Here, front and middle rear cross members 131 , 132 are arranged above the engine 211 .
[0055] Further, this drawing shows a rear end portion of the power transmission mechanism 212 suspended on left and right shock absorber brackets 134 , 134 by way of left and right rear shock absorber units 206 , 206 , and the front rear cross member 131 also serves as a member for supporting a seat hinge 208 c of the open-and-close type seat 208 .
[0056] That is, the vehicle body frame 110 of the scooter-type vehicle has the following construction: the pair of left and right rear frames 115 , 115 (one rear frame 115 not shown in the drawing) extend rearwardly from the rear section of the front frame 112 which is contiguously formed with the head pipe 111 and seat 208 ; the rear shock absorber units 206 , 206 (one rear shock absorber unit 206 not shown in the drawing) are supported on the rear frames 115 ; the engine 211 is arranged behind the front frame 112 and below the pair of rear frames 115 , 115 ; and the cross members 131 to 133 (see FIG. 4 with respect to symbol 133 ) are replaceably positioned between the pair of left and right rear frames 115 , 115 about the engine 211 .
[0057] The exhaust control apparatus 11 of the motorcycle is explained in detail hereinafter. FIG. 6 is a side view of the exhaust control apparatus 11 according to the selected illustrative embodiment of the present invention, shown installed on the motorcycle 10 . The exhaust control apparatus 11 is provided for controlling the flow of an exhaust gas therethrough. The exhaust control apparatus 11 includes an exhaust valve 12 which is attached to an exhaust pipe 39 . The exhaust control apparatus 11 also includes two control cables 13 , 14 which operate the exhaust valve 12 . The exhaust control apparatus 11 also includes a servo motor 15 which drives these control cables 13 , 14 and an electronic control unit (ECU) 16 which controls the flow rate of the exhaust gas by controlling operation of the servo motor 15 . Generally, an ECU is an electric control apparatus which uses a computer to control vehicle components such as the engine, the automatic transmission, and the antilock brake system, and the like.
[0058] A rear shock absorber arm 17 is positioned in the vicinity of the exhaust valve 12 , and is integrally attached to the previously-mentioned power transmission mechanism 212 . The rear shock absorber arm 17 is provided for supporting the right rear shock absorber unit 206 and, at the same time, for rotatably supporting the rear wheel 205 . The rear shock absorber arm 17 includes a shock absorber support portion 213 which supports the rear shock absorber unit 206 , a rear wheel support portion 214 which supports the rear wheel 205 , and a recessed portion 18 which is recessed toward the center of the vehicle body. A swing arm (a rear fork) 19 which rotatably supports the rear wheel 205 includes the power transmission mechanism 212 and the rear shock absorber arm 17 .
[0059] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust system 30 of the motorcycle 10 , including the exhaust control apparatus 11 of the present invention. The exhaust system 30 includes a first takedown pipe 31 and a second takedown pipe 32 which extend from the engine 211 (see FIG. 6 ). The exhaust system 30 also includes an exhaust collection pipe 33 which merges exhaust from these first and second pipes 31 , 32 together. The exhaust system 30 also includes the control apparatus 11 hereof, as noted. The exhaust system 30 further includes a muffler 34 which is connected to the exhaust collection pipe 33 , a muffler protector 35 which covers the muffler 34 , a muffler guard 36 which protects the muffler 34 , and a band 38 which fixes the muffler 34 to the exhaust collection pipe 33 by way of a gasket 37 .
[0060] Generally, although the exhaust pipe means exhaust pipes which are connected to respective cylinders of the engine, in this specification, the exhaust pipe 39 means a pipe assembly which includes the first and second takedown pipes 31 , 32 and the exhaust collection pipe 33 .
[0061] The exhaust collection pipe 33 is formed of a first connection portion 41 to which the first takedown pipe 31 is connected, a second connection portion 42 to which the second takedown pipe 32 is connected, a valve mounting portion 43 which mounts the exhaust valve 12 thereon, and a connection portion 44 to which a muffler 34 is connected.
[0062] The muffler 34 includes a muffler body 45 , a tail pipe assembly 46 which is mounted on the muffler body 45 and a tail cover 47 which covers the tail pipe assembly 46 . The muffler protector 35 is made up of a protector body portion 48 which covers the side surface of the muffler body 45 and a cover portion 49 which is integrally extended from the protector body portion 48 to the front of the body and covers the exhaust valve 12 .
[0063] In the drawing, reference numeral 51 indicates bolts which fix a protector body portion 48 to the muffler body 45 by way of elastic bushings 56 , reference numeral 52 indicates a bolt which fixes the cover portion 49 to a mounting portion 58 of the exhaust valve 12 by way of an elastic bushing 57 , and reference numeral 53 indicates a bolt which fixes the muffler guard 36 to the muffler body 45 . Reference numeral 54 indicates a bolt which fixes the tail pipe assembly 46 to the muffler body 45 and reference numeral 55 indicates bolts which fix the tail cover 47 to the muffler body 45 by way of the tail pipe assembly 46 .
[0064] The exhaust control apparatus 11 is constructed as follows. That is, in the motorcycle 10 (see FIG. 2 ) in which the engine 211 (see FIG. 6 ) is mounted on the vehicle body frame 110 (see FIG. 4 ), the exhaust pipe 39 is connected to the engine 211 , the muffler 34 is mounted on the exhaust pipe 39 , and the exhaust valve 12 controlling the flow rate of the exhaust gas is provided on the exhaust pipe 39 , the muffler protector 35 is mounted on the muffler 34 , the cover portion 49 is integrally extended from the muffler protector 35 , and the exhaust valve 12 is covered with the cover portion 49 .
[0065] The manufacturing cost of the motorcycle can be suppressed, for example, when the exhaust valve is covered with a cover or the like, particularly if the exhaust valve can be covered without increasing the number of parts by making use of existing parts. Accordingly, by integrally extending the cover portion 49 from the muffler protector 35 and by covering the exhaust valve 12 with the cover portion 49 , the number of parts is reduced compared to a case in which the exhaust valve is covered with separate members. As a result, the manufacturing cost of motorcycle 10 is reduced.
[0066] Further, by integrally extending the cover portion 49 from the muffler protector 35 and by covering the exhaust valve 12 with the cover portion 49 , the design and the merchantability of the motorcycle 10 can be enhanced.
[0067] Further, by employing the mounting portion 58 , which serves to mount the cover portion 49 to the exhaust valve 12 , vibration of both the cover portion 49 and the exhaust valve 12 are stopped.
[0068] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle according to the present invention. Here, the exhaust control apparatus 11 includes an exhaust collection pipe 33 which collects a plurality of exhaust pipes, for example, first and second pipes 31 , 32 . The exhaust control apparatus 11 also includes an exhaust valve 12 which is mounted on the exhaust collection pipe 33 and controls a flow rate of an exhaust gas within the exhaust collection pipe 33 . The exhaust control apparatus 11 includes a valve rod 62 (see FIG. 9 ) which forms a shaft of the exhaust valve 12 and is arranged at a position away from the centers of the plurality of exhaust pipes. In the illustrated case, valve rod 62 is arranged at a position away from the centers of both the first and second pipes 31 , 32 . In FIG. 9 , C 1 , C 2 indicate respective centers of the first and the second pipes and L 1 indicates a straight line which connects the centers C 1 , C 2 .
[0069] For example, in arranging the exhaust valve which controls the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage including the exhaust pipe, it is desirable to arrange the exhaust valve such that the interruption of the flow of the exhaust gas by the exhaust valve can be reduced with the result that a smooth flow of the exhaust gas can be ensured, and the discharge efficiency is enhanced.
[0070] FIG. 9 shows the arrangement relationship of the exhaust pipe and the exhaust valve of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle according to the present invention. The exhaust control apparatus 11 ensures a smooth flow of the exhaust gas and the exhaust efficiency is improved by providing the exhaust valve 12 , which controls the flow rate of the exhaust gas, within the exhaust collection pipe 33 , and by arranging the valve rod (shaft) 62 of the exhaust valve 12 at a position away from the centers C 1 , C 2 of the plurality of exhaust pipes (first and second pipes) 31 , 32 . As a result, the ability to control the exhaust gas using the exhaust control apparatus is enhanced. In FIG. 9 , reference numeral 61 indicates a valve of the exhaust valve 12 which is mounted on the valve rod (shaft) 62 .
[0071] The exhaust control apparatus 11 should be understood such that when the number the plurality of exhaust pipes is set to two, the valve rod (shaft) 62 of the exhaust valve 12 can be inclined or tilted within a range of E 1 to E 2 (35 to 55 degrees) with respect to the straight line L 1 which connects the centers of two exhaust pipes (first pipe and second pipe) 31 , 32 .
[0072] That is, the exhaust control apparatus 11 is formed such that when the number of the plurality of exhaust pipes is set to two, the valve rod (shaft) 62 of the exhaust valve 12 is inclined within a range of E 1 to E 2 (35 to 55 degrees) with respect to a straight line which connects the respective centers of the first exhaust pipe 31 and the second exhaust pipe 32 . Hence, it is possible to ensure a desired height of the motorcycle 10 (see FIG. 1 ) above a ground and to accommodate the exhaust control apparatus 11 within a bank angle. As a result, it is possible to obtain increased freedom in placement of the exhaust control apparatus in the overall design of the motorcycle.
[0073] The detailed shape of the exhaust valve 12 is explained hereinafter in conjunction with FIG. 10 to FIG. 13 .
[0074] FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view of the exhaust valve of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle according to the present invention, wherein the exhaust valve 12 includes a valve 61 (see FIG. 9 ) which changes the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the exhaust pipe 39 (the exhaust collection pipe 33 ) and a valve rod 62 to which the valve 61 is mounted. The exhaust valve 12 includes a pulley 63 which rotates the valve rod 62 , a casing 66 which houses the pulley 63 , and a lid 67 (see FIG. 8 ) having the previously-mentioned mounting portion 58 which covers the casing 66 . The exhaust valve 12 also includes a torsion spring 68 which is arranged in a biased manner between the casing 66 and the pulley 63 , and a nut 69 which threadedly engaged with a male screw portion 59 formed in one end 62 a of the valve rod 62 .
[0075] In FIG. 10 , reference numeral 62 b indicates the second end of the valve rod 62 , reference numeral 74 indicates a stay which is served for mounting the case 66 , reference numeral 75 indicates bolts which fixes the valve 61 (see FIG. 8 ) to the valve rod 62 by way of washers 75 a and reference numeral 77 is a locking member which locks one end of the torsion spring 68 .
[0076] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the exhaust valve of the exhaust control apparatus 11 . Within casing 66 , a pulley 63 is provided with a first connection portion 81 into which a cable end 79 , which is fixed to a distal end of an inner cable 13 a of an control cable 13 , is fitted. The pully 63 is provided with a second connection portion 82 into which a cable end 89 , which is fixed to the distal end of an inner cable 14 a of an control cable 14 , is fitted. Further, the control cables 13 , 14 are engaged with an control cable holder and the control cable holder is fixed to the casing. Here, reference numerals 13 b, 14 b respectively indicate outer tubes of the control cables 13 , 14 .
[0077] FIG. 12 is a side view of the exhaust valve of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle according to the present invention. With respect to the exhaust valve 12 , another end 62 b of the valve rod 62 is inserted into the valve mounting portion 43 of the exhaust connection pipe 33 . The casing 66 is mounted on one end 62 a of the valve rod 62 . The pulley 63 (see FIG. 11 ) is mounted in the casing 66 . The control cables 13 , 14 are connected to the pulley 63 . By driving the operational wires 13 , 14 using the servomotor 15 (see FIG. 6 ), the valve rod 62 is rotated and hence, the valve 61 (see FIG. 8 ), which is mounted on the valve rod 62 , can be opened and closed.
[0078] Next, the manner of operation of the exhaust valve 12 of the exhaust control apparatus 11 is explained.
[0079] FIG. 13 ( a ) and FIG. 13 ( b ) are operation explanatory views of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle according to the present invention. FIG. 13 ( a ) shows the exhaust valve 12 wherein the valve 61 is positioned in an open state. In FIG. 13 ( b ), the servomotor 15 (see FIG. 6 ) is driven so as to loosen the control cable 13 as indicated by an arrow a 1 , the control cable 14 is pulled as indicated by an arrow a 2 , and the pulley 63 is rotated as indicated by an arrow a 3 thus setting the exhaust valve 12 in a closed state.
[0080] FIG. 14 is a perspective view as viewed from a position behind and above the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle according to the present invention. The servomotor 15 includes a motor body 181 , a motor-side pulley 182 which is connected to the motor body 181 by way of a gear train (not shown in the drawing), a motor casing 183 which covers the gear train, and a motor cover 184 which covers the motor casing 183 . Here, reference numeral 185 indicates a front end portion of the servomotor 15 , reference numeral 186 indicates a rear end portion of the servomotor, reference numeral 187 indicates a motor bracket which is provided for mounting the servo motor 15 on the left seat rail 115 .
[0081] FIG. 15 is a perspective view which shows a rear side face of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15 , in the motorcycle 10 (see FIG. 2 ) in which the engine 211 (see FIG. 6 ) is mounted on the vehicle body frame 110 (see FIG. 4 ), the exhaust pipe 39 is connected to the engine 211 and the muffler 34 (see FIG. 7 ) is mounted on the exhaust pipe 39 . The exhaust valve 12 , which controls the flow rate of the exhaust gas, is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion 44 between the exhaust pipe 39 and the muffler 34 as well as on the exhaust pipe 39 side.
[0082] Often a plurality of types of motorcycles which belong to the same motorcycle line are provided by mounting different mufflers on one type of motorcycle to cope with tastes of users. In this example, it is advantageous to exchange only the muffler, rather than both the muffler and the exhaust control apparatus, both in terms of improving the ease of the exchanging operation and of lowering of the cost of the exchanging operation. Accordingly, by positioning the exhaust valve 12 , which controls the flow rate of the exhaust gas, in the vicinity of a connection portion 44 between the exhaust pipe 39 and the muffler 34 (see FIG. 6 ) and on the exhaust-pipe- 39 side, it is possible to exchange the muffler 34 without influencing the exhaust valve 12 . As a result, the ease of replacing the muffler is enhanced and the cost of the muffler 34 which is replaced is reduced.
[0083] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the arrangement relationship of the swing arm and the exhaust valve 12 of the exhaust control apparatus 11 of the motorcycle according to the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the swing arm 19 is mounted on the vehicle body frame 110 in such a manner that the swing arm 19 can swing in the upward and downward direction. The engine 211 is mounted on the vehicle body frame 110 , the exhaust pipe 39 is connected to the engine 211 , and the muffler 34 is mounted on the exhaust pipe 39 . The exhaust valve 12 , which controls the flow rate of the exhaust gas, is provided on the exhaust pipe 39 side of muffler 34 . A recessed portion 18 , which extends toward the vehicle body center, is formed on a lateral face of the swing arm 19 side. The exhaust valve 12 is positioned in the vicinity of the recessed portion 18 so as to face the recessed portion 18 .
[0084] It is desirable from a viewpoint of efficient utilization of a layout space to position the exhaust valve 12 on the exhaust pipe without widening the vehicle width. That is, by forming the recessed portion 18 in the swing arm 19 and making the exhaust valve 12 face the recessed portion 18 , the exhaust valve 12 can positioned adjacent to the body center side. Hence, the exhaust valve 12 of the exhaust control apparatus 11 (see FIG. 6 ) can be arranged on the exhaust pipe 39 without widening the vehicle width.
[0085] Further, by also making the control cables 13 , 14 which operate the exhaust valve 12 face the recessed portion 18 side, the control cables 13 , 14 can be pulled out from the exhaust valve 12 while preventing the control cables 13 , 14 from projecting to the outside beyond the vehicle width.
[0086] FIG. 17 is an explanatory operational view for showing a mounting angle of the exhaust valve of the exhaust control apparatus of the motorcycle according to the present invention. When mounting the exhaust valve 12 on the exhaust pipe 39 , whether a height of the motorcycle above a ground is sufficiently ensured or not and whether the control cables can be easily pulled out or not are matters to be taken into consideration. Here, assuming an angle by which the motorcycle body can be fully inclined in the vehicle width direction as a maximum allowable bank angle θ1, the valve rod (shaft) 62 of the exhaust valve 12 is arranged so as to be approximately parallel to the ground surface C when the body is inclined at the maximum allowable bank angle θ1.
[0087] By arranging the valve rod (shaft) 62 of the exhaust valve 12 approximately parallel to the ground surface C when the body is inclined at the maximum allowable bank angle θ1, it is possible to suppress the projection of the exhaust valve 12 and to arrange the exhaust valve 12 within the maximum allowable bank angle and, at the same time, the control cables 13 , 14 (the control cable 14 at a depth side not shown in the drawing) can be easily pulled out from the exhaust valve.
[0088] Here, as shown in FIG. 7 , although the exhaust pipe 39 includes two pipes 31 , 32 and the exhaust collection pipe 33 , the present invention is not limited to such a construction and the exhaust pipe 39 may be formed of only one pipe or the exhaust pipe 39 may be formed such that two pipes are connected to a first exhaust collection pipe and two other pipes are connected to a second exhaust collection pipe and a connection pipe which connects these first and second collection pipes is provided.
[0089] That is, in the exhaust pipe, the number of the pipes which extend from the cylinders of the engine is arbitrary and, further, the connection of the pipes is also arbitrary provided that the exhaust valve which controls the flow rate of the exhaust gas is formed in the vicinity of the connection portion between the exhaust pipe and the muffler, and on the exhaust pipe side.
[0090] Here, as shown in FIG. 1 , although the invention has been described by adopting the motorcycle 10 as the vehicle, the vehicle is not limited to a two-wheel vehicle and the vehicle may be a four-wheel vehicle or a tricycle.
[0091] The exhaust control apparatus for a motorcycle according to the present invention is preferably adopted by the motorcycle which mounts a multi-cylinder engine thereon.
[0092] Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to an illustrative embodiment, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will realize that many modifications of the embodiment could be made which would be operable. All such modifications which are within the scope of the claims are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
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An exhaust control apparatus for a motorcycle includes an exhaust collection pipe, which collects and combines exhaust gas from a plurality of exhaust pipes, and an exhaust valve. The exhaust valve is operatively attached to the collection pipe and controls flow of exhaust gas within the collection pipe. A pivot shaft of the exhaust valve is situated at an angle and is displaced from the centers of the exhaust pipes, such that the shaft is not aligned with the centers of the exhaust pipes. This arrangement of the pivot shaft provides a smooth, non-turbulent flow of exhaust gas, and reduces impedance to the flow of exhaust gas. The exhaust control apparatus may be mounted to reside within a recess formed in a motorcycle body frame, to reduce vehicle width.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coin, medal or a casino token and also to a method for producing a coin, medal or a casino token. For the sake of simplicity, reference is made merely to a “coin” hereinbelow.
Coins—in particular higher-value denominations—are subject to the constant risk of being forged. Attempts are therefore made to provide coins with features which have a high degree of security against forgery. This is done on the one hand by the selection of what are termed coin materials, which are used predominantly for coin production—e.g. CuNi25 or Nordic Gold—and therefore are not freely available or are freely available only with difficulty on the free market; on the other hand, this is done by optical distinctive features such as edge shaping and edge inscriptions, imprinted images and reliefs or else as bicolor versions.
In addition to the aforementioned properties, coin validators use a sensor to check—in addition to weight and dimensions—in particular the electromagnetic properties in a frequency-dependent manner, to date on one side. As a measure of the reliable detectability of the coins in electronic coin validators, reference is made to machine verifiability and machine reliability. The coins can consist of solid material or a multi-layer material. The different layers can be produced by electroplating or cladding.
Electroplated coins usually consist of a soft steel core on which metals or alloys are deposited in a symmetrical manner. A single-ply layer having layer thicknesses of approximately 25 μm is common in this respect. There are also two-ply layers, however. Electroplated products have the disadvantage, however, that, by virtue of the deposition kinetics, the layer thicknesses increase over the diameter from the center toward the edge (bone profile), and additionally the steel core can dominate in terms of the electromagnetic xproperties in the coin validator, i.e. the layer thicknesses are deemed to be too small.
Signal properties which can be utilized better are to be expected above approximately 100 μm, and layer thicknesses>300 μm are preferably desirable with respect to a reliable machine verifiability. As a whole, the machine reliability of electroplated coins is therefore greatly limited and moreover the security against forgery is additionally limited by the worldwide availability of numerous electroplating plants.
By contrast, clad coins afford an improved machine reliability. On the one hand, the layer thickness is constant over the diameter—as a result of this, the measurement window of the test sensors can accordingly be limited. On the other hand, the layer thickness can be adapted in a manner tailored to the requirements with layer thicknesses>10 μm. The layer structure is commonly symmetrical with three plies—as in the case of the cores of the “1” Euro and “2” Euro coins. However, five-ply coins having a symmetrical structure are also known. Moreover, further plies are conceivable—what are termed multiple clad coins. These can be provided with additional layers by means of electroplating processes, it being possible for the structure to be symmetrical and also asymmetrical and to reach in theory from 2 to an infinite number of layers.
As in the case of the 1 (1 EURO) and 2 (2 EURO) denominations, these multi-layered products can be produced in the form of bicolor coins; that is to say that the coin is composed of two punched parts, the outer ring of which consists of a perforated disk into which a further punched disk—the core—is inserted. The method for joining the aforementioned coins is already known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 632,938A.
The crucial feature—in addition to the multi-layered core material in the case of the 1 (1 EURO) and 2 (2 EURO) coins—is the optical security feature: ring and core made of different materials which differ in terms of their color: bicolor. It is prior art to provide soft steel rings and soft steel cores with metallic coatings of differing color by electroplating and in this way to produce correspondingly inexpensive bicolor coins. Examples of these are 50 gopiks from Azerbaijan, 100 francs from Rwanda or 1 cedi from Ghana. For these coins too, however, there is a limited machine reliability. However, the rate of scrap can be reduced to the effect that the inner part of the ring which has been punched out is the basis of a further electroplating process and is later joined to the ring which is similarly coated in a different color. A method of this type is described, for example, in DE 403578 A1.
In terms of logistics, the production of clad bicolor coins according to the prior art is complex and associated with high costs, since the ring and core are produced from two different primary materials. Moreover, the punching scrap of the ring material also arises in addition to the punching scrap of the core material. In addition, the punching scrap from the perforation of the ring material is furthermore present. In total, rates of scrap of more than 100% can therefore arise. Although the inner ring material which has been punched out is used in various countries for lower-value denominations, this is not recommended in view of security against forgery, since the forgery of a further denomination can be automatically associated therewith. It is desirable firstly to reduce the rates of scrap from bicolor coin production. To this end, what are termed flip-flop coins have already been proposed. This coin was distinguished by the fact that the first side and the second side consist of clad strips of differing metals/alloys which differ in terms of their color. For this reason, in the case of these flip-flop coins it is also possible to speak of bicolor flip-flop coins. In principle, it would also be possible for the differing coloration to be produced by electroplating on one side or by another form of application of components. Associated diffusion treatments then make it possible for alloys to be formed, these making it possible to achieve appropriate color designs. The deposition of zinc on copper and the subsequent formation of brass would be conceivable here.
The further production of the flip-flop coin then consists in inserting the punched-out core material of the clad composite back into the ring in an inverted form and joining it therein. This forms a coin which in terms of color has on one side on the ring the color of the core from the opposite side—and vice versa. This represents an optical security feature. The edge in this respect can also reveal the colors of the different alloys. This edge feature is used as a security feature for 3-layered cladding systems and has already been described, for example, in DE 390318 A.
The operation for joining the flip-flop coins can be achieved mechanically by speeds of “normal” bicolor production. A further feature is the different coloration of the front and rear sides in terms of the ring and the core as an optical security feature. In addition, the edge reflects the colored aspects of the individual cladding components.
It can be established up to this point that coins, disregarding the edge of the coin, have two sides or surfaces. The two sides or each side can be formed respectively from different materials, it being possible in principle for any desired number of layers or else no further layers to be present between the aforementioned surfaces.
In the case of the conventional two-layered or else multi-layered coins, the first side can be formed entirely from a first material and the second side can be formed entirely from a second material, the first material correspondingly differing from the second material.
Coins which are composed of a ring and a core are referred to as bicolor coins. The ring is generally solid material, and the core—as in the case of the 1 (1 EURO) and 2 (2 EURO) coins—can be clad. The term bicolor thus refers to the color differences in terms of viewing one and the same side. In this respect, although there are different material combinations on each side in the case of conventional bicolor coins, the material combination is the same on both sides. Bicolor coins too can have a single-layer or multi-layered structure.
In the case of the bicolor flip-flop coins, the sides of the coin are each formed in certain portions by the core and the ring. In this respect, owing to the turned core or ring, one side of the coin is formed by the outer layer of the core made of a first material and the outer layer of the ring made of a second material and the other side of the coin is formed by the outer layer of the core made of the second material and the outer layer of the ring made of the first material. In this respect, there are different material combinations on each side in the case of bicolor flip-flop coins. Since there is a different coloration on each side and the core or the ring is turned, this type of coin can also be referred to as a bicolor flip-flop coin. Bicolor flip-flop coins too can have a multi-layered structure.
Difficulties can arise when testing the coin in electronic coin validators particularly when different materials face toward each side of the coin, for example in the case of two-layered or multi-layered coins, or the sides themselves are formed from respectively different material combinations, for example in the case of bicolor flip-flop coins.
Commercially available coin validators test the electromagnetic properties of one side of the coin with a defined distance between the coin surface and the sensor surface, and therefore a one-sided coin test is thus defined or it is possible to speak of a one-sided coin test. On account of the different electromagnetic properties of the clad coin alloys—in particular when comparing silver-colored or gold-colored metals or alloys—there is a 50% probability that the coin will be inserted with the “correct” side, i.e. passes the sensor with that side to the features of which the sensor is set. Coins which pass the sensor with the opposite side are rejected, even though they may be genuine. Although DE 10 2004 001 464 A1 has disclosed a sensor which, by means of a reflex sensor, is said to be able to detect different materials of the front and rear sides, this method has not become prevalent, since all existing coin validators would have to be withdrawn from circulation and replaced with coin validators having an altered technology.
In summary, it can accordingly be established that known coins whose sides consist of different materials, in particular multi-layered coins, and/or material combinations on each side, in particular bicolor flip-flop coins, do have a high degree of security against forgery on one side, but cannot be reliably detected by coin validators which carry out a one-sided test.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention was therefore that of proposing a coin which is improved in terms of its testability by an electronic coin validator, in particular that of proposing a coin having different materials or material combinations on each side which can be reliably detected in a coin validator acting on one side irrespective of the side which is guided past the coin validator.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by a coin having the characterizing features of the main device claim. Since the first layer has a thickness of between 10 μm and 90 μm, preferably 20 μm, it is the case that, although the second layer can be optically covered at least in certain portions, the first layer is thin enough that the detection of the second layer by an electronic coin validator is not excessively impeded. In this respect, the different materials on the two sides of the coin can provide an at least two-colored coin which, however, can be reliably detected by an electronic coin validator set up in particular for the detection of the material of the second layer. In this respect, the coin according to the invention can be guided past an electronic coin validator acting on one side with any desired side.
Further advantageous configurations of the proposed coin become apparent in particular from the dependent claims. The features of the dependent claims can in principle be combined with one another as desired.
In an advantageous configuration of the coin according to the invention, it can be provided that the coin has two layers, wherein the first layer forms at least certain portions of the first side of the coin and the second layer forms at least certain portions of the second side of the coin, or the first layer faces toward the first side of the coin and the second layer faces toward the second side of the coin. This configuration of the coin makes it possible to produce in particular two-layered coins having different materials and therefore different colorations of the sides in a very simple manner. In this case, that side of the first layer which does not face toward the second layer entirely forms the first side of the coin and that side of the second layer which is remote from the first layer entirely forms the second side of the coin. The first layer virtually covers the second layer facing toward it. As an alternative, a coin comprising a ring and a core can also be provided with such a configuration. The core and/or the ring in this case likewise has a two-layered structure and the core is inserted turned in the ring. In this way, it is possible to produce a two-layered bicolor flip-flop coin. As a whole, the two-layered variant can be produced very inexpensively.
In this context, it can advantageously be provided that the second layer has a thickness of 0.8 mm to 2.8 mm, preferably 1.8 mm. In this embodiment of the coin, the second layer virtually forms the main body of the coin, from which the actual mechanical stability of the coin arises.
In a further advantageous configuration of the coin according to the invention, it can be provided that the coin comprises a further second layer made of the second material and a main body, wherein the first second layer and the first layer are arranged on one side of the main body and the other second layer is arranged on the opposite side of the main body, wherein the first layer forms at least certain portions of the first side of the coin and the further second layer forms at least certain portions of the second side of the coin, or the first layer faces toward the first side of the coin and the further second layer faces toward the second side of the coin. A coin according to the invention of this type accordingly has an at least four-layered structure. The main body itself can have a single-layered or multi-layered structure and preferably represents the ultimately stable part of the coin. In this respect, it is also the case, for example, that the second layers can have a significantly thinner form than in the two-layered variant.
In this context, it can be provided, for example, that the second layer and the further second layer have a thickness of between 50 μm and 600 μm, preferably 300 μm to 400 μm. Correspondingly, here it is possible to do without possibly costly material of the second layers.
In a further advantageous configuration of the coin according to the invention, it can be provided that the coin is formed from a ring and a core arranged inside the ring, wherein the core and/or the ring has the first layer, the second layer and in particular the further second layer and the main body. In this embodiment, the coin is in the form of a bicolor coin or bicolor flip-flop coin with a preferably two-layered or four-layered core and/or ring. The first and second layers can correspondingly be provided in the core and the ring and also merely in the core or the ring. It is also the case that the core and/or the ring can have a two-layered or multi-layered structure. It is thus possible, for example, for the core and/or the ring to contain merely the two-layered structure already mentioned above. It is also the case that the core and/or the ring can contain the four-layered or multi-layered structure likewise already mentioned above, in particular with the first layer, second layer, main body and second second layer.
In this context, it can advantageously be provided that the first layer of the core is arranged on the side opposite to the first layer of the ring. This essentially constitutes a bicolor flip-flop coin with a turned core or ring. A coin according to the invention of this type which is equipped with many optical distinguishing features can be produced comparatively easily and with particularly little scrap, since both the core and the ring can be punched from one and the same primary material. Then, for example, the core is merely turned and inserted into the ring. This gives rise to a coin having, for example, the first layer on the ring and the second layer on the core as outer visible layers on one side of the coin and having the second layer on the ring and the first layer on the core as outer layers on the other side of the coin. The reliable detectability by a one-sided coin validator is furthermore ensured in spite of the many optical distinguishing features.
In a further advantageous configuration of the coin according to the invention, it can be provided that the coin has a layer made of a third material which is arranged on the side opposite to the first layer. In principle, the same demands should be placed on the third material as on the material of the first layer, but the first material and the third material should differ so as to make it possible to ensure different colorations. In other words, the third material should be selected from the group defined for the first material, but should not be the same as the material which is used as the first material in the coin. It is also the case that the third layer should have the same thickness or lie in the same thickness range as the first layer. In this way, the second layer of the other coin side can likewise be provided—if desired—with a selected coloration, which generally differs from the color of the otherwise exposed second layer. Similarly, this layer can also be penetrated by the sensor calibrated for the second layer, and the second layer lying thereunder can be detected.
Suitable materials for the first layer are preferably copper or copper alloys, for example CuNi8, CuNi10, CuZn6723 or CuZn20Ni5.
Suitable materials for the second layer or the further second layer are likewise copper or copper alloys, for example CuNi25 or CuZn20Ni5. It is essentially provided, however, that respectively different materials are used in a coin for the first layer and the second layer or the further second layer, an identical material being used for the second layer and the further second layer, however.
A material selection can also be made preferably on the basis of the electrical conductivity of the materials. In this context, it can advantageously be provided that the first material and/or the second material have an electrical conductivity of 4 to 106% IACS, preferably 4 to 30% IACS.
It is a further object of the present invention to propose a method for producing a coin according to the invention.
This object is achieved according to the invention by a method according to the independent method claims.
Since the coin is produced from a clad sheet-like composite material, the required thicknesses of the layers can be achieved very easily and above all the layers can be formed with a very constant thickness over the surface of the coin, as a result of which it is possible to achieve very reliable detection of the second layer. Moreover, the individual layers can be detected individually and reliably using coin validators of the latest generation.
A two-part coin according to the invention can likewise be produced in a very advantageous manner by virtue of the fact that the core and the ring are punched from a clad sheet-like composite material, comprising at least the first layer and the second layer or the first layer, two second layers and the main body, and subsequently the core is inserted turned into the ring and fastened therein. In addition to the homogeneous layers over the surface, this method also generates particularly little scrap, since both the ring and the core are produced from the same composite material. In the case of a bicolor flip-flop coin, the scrap rates can be reduced by approximately 100% compared to known bicolor coins.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear on the basis of the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 shows a coin according to the invention in a sectional view (two-layered);
FIG. 2 shows a coin according to the invention in a view onto the first side;
FIG. 3 shows a coin according to the invention in a view onto the second side;
FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a coin according to the invention in a sectional view as a four-layered version;
FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of a coin according to the invention in a view onto the first side;
FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a coin according to the invention in a view onto the second side;
FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of a coin according to the invention in a sectional view as a bicolor flip-flop coin;
FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a coin according to the invention in a view onto the first side;
FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of a coin according to the invention in a view onto the second side;
FIG. 10 shows a clad sheet-like composite material for a coin according to the invention, in particular a bicolor flip-flop coin, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 , with punching indicated;
FIG. 11 shows a schematic illustration of the production process for a coin according to the invention as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 ;
FIG. 12 shows a schematic illustration of the production process for a coin according to the invention as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 ;
FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of a coin according to the invention, in particular a two-layered coin having an additional third layer, in a sectional view;
FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of a coin according to the invention in a view onto the first side;
FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of a coin according to the invention in a view onto the second side;
FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment of a coin according to the invention, in particular with a two-layered ring and a turned core;
FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of a coin according to the invention, in particular with a two-layered core and a ring made of solid material;
FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment of a coin according to the invention, in particular with a multi-layered core and a ring made of solid material;
FIG. 19 shows a further embodiment of a coin according to the invention, in particular with a multi-layered core and a ring made of solid material;
FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of a coin according to the invention, in particular with a core made of solid material and a multi-layered ring.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The size ratios in the figures are not true to scale. The following reference signs are used in the figures:
1 first layer 2 second layer 2 ′ (second) second layer 3 main body 4 core 5 ring 6 layer 31 first main body layer 32 second main body layer
A coin according to the invention has at least a first layer 1 made of a first material and a second layer 2 and possibly a further second layer 2 ′ made of a second material. The first, very thin layer 1 forms at least certain portions of the first side of the coin, while the second layer 2 is arranged directly beneath the first layer. The second layer 2 or the further second layer 2 ′ made of an identical material forms certain portions of the other side of the coin. The other side of the coin can also be formed in certain portions by a layer 6 , further details of which are provided further below.
This arrangement makes it possible to achieve essentially two aims. Firstly, the polychromatism of the coin is ensured by the different materials of the layers. Secondly, the first layer 1 is thin enough and/or selected in terms of material such that it does not cover the underlying second layer 2 or covers it only to such an extent for the detection by the electronic coin validator that the deviations arising through the first layer 1 can be filtered out or lie in an acceptable tolerance range. An electronic coin validator set up for the detection of the material of the second layer 2 will correspondingly detect the second layer 2 or the material of the second layer 2 beneath the first layer 1 in a sufficiently reliable manner. The second layer or further second layer facing toward the other side will be detected anyway by an electronic coin validator calibrated for the material of the second layer or of the further second layer. The coin can correspondingly be detected from both sides by an electronic coin validator.
Different materials are suitable as the materials for the layers. By way of example, copper materials have proved to be fundamentally suitable for the coin according to the invention. In addition to (technically) pure copper, alloys such as CuNi8, CuNi10, CuZn6723 or CuZn20Ni5 and also all common coin materials are also suitable as the material for the first layer 1 . In addition to (technically) pure copper, alloys such as CuNi25 or CuZn20Ni5 and also all common coin materials are also suitable as the material for the second layer.
The selection of the materials for the layers can also be made on the basis of their electrical conductivity. Here, values of 4 to 106% IACS, preferably 4 to 30% IACS, have proved to be particularly advantageous for the layers. In this respect, the first layer 1 preferably has an electrical conductivity of 4 to 106% IACS, preferably 4 to 30% IACS, and the second layer 2 or the further second layer 2 ′ has an electrical conductivity of 4 to 106% IACS, preferably 4 to 30% IACS. IACS is the abbreviation for International Annealed Copper Standard. Here, the conductivity is expressed as a percentage of the conductivity of pure annealed copper. 100% IACS correspond in SI units to approximately 58 MS/m. Alloys or other metals by contrast have IACS values which differ compared to copper, the IACS values differing from alloy to alloy or metal.
The preferred embodiments of the coin according to the invention which are described hereinbelow all have, purely by way of example, a first layer 1 made of for example CuNi10 and at least one second layer 2 , possibly also a (second) second layer 2 ′, made of for example CuNi25. The second layers 2 and 2 ′ are each produced from the same material, in this case from CuNi25. The first layer 1 has a thickness in the range of between 10 μm and 90 μm, preferably 10 μm to 60 μm, further preferably 20 μm. It is to be noted that the thicknesses indicated above and below are likewise intended to include the marginal values, i.e. for example the first layer can also have a thickness of exactly 10 μm or 90 μm. The second layers 2 , 2 ′ can be present in different thicknesses, but are always produced from the same material. Hereinbelow, the terms first side and second side are used to distinguish the two sides of the coin—it would also be possible to speak of a front side and rear side. The layers, provided that these are outer layers, of course form only certain portions of one side, since one side of an outer layer always faces toward an inner layer or another layer. The list of embodiments is furthermore not conclusive. Further materials, material combinations and configurations are conceivable.
A coin according to the invention in a first embodiment comprises exclusively the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 . The first layer 1 faces toward the first side and the second layer 2 faces toward the second side. The second layer 2 has a thickness of 0.8 mm to 2.8 mm, preferably 1.8 mm. The sides 1 or the second layer as the second side can be gold-colored, silver-colored, bronze-colored or reddish, depending on the material. What is crucial is the appearance of the front and rear sides in differing color. With the first layer 1 , the first side of the coin is bronze-colored, and with the second layer 2 , the second side of the coin is silver-colored.
A coin according to the invention in a second embodiment comprises the first layer 1 and twice the second layer 2 , 2 ′ and also a main body 3 . Proceeding from the first side to the second side of the coin, the layer sequence is as follows: first layer 1 , second layer 2 , main body 3 , (second) second layer 2 ′. This gives rise to a coin with a gold, silver, bronze or reddish coloration of the front and rear side, the front and rear side differing from one another in terms of the color. The second layers 2 , 2 ′ have a thickness of 50 μm to 600 μm, preferably 300 μm to 400 μm. The main body 3 preferably consists of one ply or layer and has a thickness of 40 μm to 650 μm, preferably 100 μm. As an alternative, the main body 3 can also consist of a plurality of layers.
A coin according to the invention in a third embodiment, in particular as a bicolor flip-flop coin, comprises an outer ring 5 and a core 4 . The core 4 is inserted in the ring 5 , in particular is pressed or fastened in another way to the ring 5 . The core 4 comprises the first layer 1 , two second layers 2 , 2 ′ and the main body 3 . The core 4 can accordingly be designed like the coin in the above paragraph, that is to say the second layers 2 , 2 ′ have a thickness of 50 μm to 600 μm, preferably 300 μm to 400 μm. The main body 3 preferably consists of one layer or a solid material and has a thickness of 40 μm to 650 μm, preferably 100 μm. However, the main body 3 of the core 4 can likewise have a multi-layered structure. The ring 5 comprises the first layer, two second layers 2 , 2 ′ and the main body 3 . The second layers 2 , 2 ′ have a thickness of 50 to 600 μm, preferably 300 to 400 μm. The main body 3 of the ring 5 can have a single-layered or multi-layered structure. The ring 5 or the core 4 can also have a quite conventional structure or be configured in solid form, in particular also can be coated by electroplating. The core 4 is inserted inverted into the ring 5 , that is to say the first layer 1 of the ring 5 and the second layer 2 of the core 4 form certain portions of the first side of the coin or face toward the first side, and the (second) second layer 2 ′ of the ring 5 and the first layer 1 of the core 4 form certain portions of the second side of the coin or face toward the second side.
The coins according to the invention are preferably produced by cladding, in particular roll cladding. Other methods, for example electroplating etc., are also conceivable, however.
To produce a coin according to the invention as per the first embodiment, the first layer 1 , for example made of CuNi10, is clad onto a metal sheet, for example made of CuNi25. The metal sheet in this case represents the second layer 2 . In a next method step, the coins according to the invention are punched from the clad sheet-like composite material thus produced.
To produce a coin according to the invention as per the second embodiment, two second layers 2 , 2 ′, for example made of CuNi25, are clad onto both sides of a single-layered or multi-layered main body 3 . Subsequently, or else at the same time, the first layer 1 , for example made of CuNi10, is clad onto one of the second layers 2 . In a next method step, the coins are punched from the clad sheet-like composite material thus produced.
It is also conceivable firstly to clad the first layer onto one of the second layers. Then, by way of example, a second second layer can be clad onto the main body and then the combination of the already clad first and second layer can be clad onto the main body.
To produce a coin according to the invention as per the third embodiment, two second layers 2 , 2 ′, for example made of CuNi25, are clad onto both sides of a single-layered or multi-layered main body 3 . Subsequently, or else at the same time, the first layer, for example made of CuNi10, is clad onto one of the second layers. In a next method step, both cores 4 and rings 5 are punched from the clad composite material thus produced. The cores 4 are turned and are correspondingly inserted into the rings 5 and fastened suitably, for example by pressing, in inverted form.
In all production methods or embodiments, this gives rise to the coins which have at least two differently colored top and bottom sides or even have different colorations on the first side or the second side (third embodiment). A feature common to all coins according to the invention, however, is that they have a high degree of security against forgery as a result of the different colorations. Moreover, coins of this type can also be reliably detected using commercially available coin validators, that is coin validators which carry out a one-sided test. Essentially, this effect is based on the fact that the sensor is tuned to the second layer 2 or 2 ′, that is to say if the coin is fed directly to the sensor with the second layer 2 or 2 ′, reliable detection of the coin takes place in any case. However, with the coin according to the invention, it is also possible for the other side to be reliably surveyed. This can essentially be attributed to the fact that the first layer 1 , for example made of CuNi10, influences the electromagnetic measurement of the underlying second layer 2 , for example made of CuNi25, only to an insignificant extent, or at least influences it to an insignificant extent for the purpose intended here, such that the authenticity of the coin according to the invention can also be reliably tested from the side with the first layer 1 . As a result, it is correspondingly immaterial how the coin is inserted into the coin validator.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a further layer 6 made of a third material can be used. Thus, for example, a second layer 2 or the further second layer 2 ′ can be coated with a layer 6 . However, in order to make it possible to ensure a different coloration of the two sides of the coin, said layer should not consist of the same material as the first layer. In order, for example, to make it possible to ensure the same detectability of the underlying second layer, the layer 6 , like the first layer, should likewise have a thickness of between 10 μm and 90 μm, preferably 20 μm, and the third material of the layer 6 should likewise be a material selected from the group intended for the first material, that is for example copper or a copper alloy, in particular CuNi8, CuNi10, CuZn6723 or CuZn20Ni5. It is preferable that the layer 6 should also have an electrical conductivity of 4 to 106% IACS, preferably 4 to 30% IACS. This gives rise to a coin as is shown, for example, in FIGS. 13 to 15 . In this case, the first layer 1 forms one side of the coin and the layer 6 forms the other side of the coin. The materials of the aforementioned layers are different so as to give two different colorations. Nevertheless, the underlying second layer 2 can be detected from both sides. The principle can be transferred both to the main body versions and to the flip-flop coin.
FIGS. 16 to 19 show further embodiments of the coin according to the invention. The illustration of further embodiments which is provided here is not conclusive. Further configurations are conceivable. It is also the case, for example, that the material of the second layer 2 has been selected as the ring material. Here, other materials are also conceivable. In FIG. 20 , the intention is to show that the combination of first layer 1 and second layer 2 or the further layers can also be located merely in the ring.
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Coins, medals or casino tokens have a first side, a second side, at least one first layer made of a first material and at least one second layer made of a second material, wherein the first layer is between 10 μm and 90 μm, preferably 20 μm thick. A method produces the coin wherein the coin is produced, more particularly punched, from a clad sheet-shaped composite material. A further method produces the coin wherein the coin is formed from a ring and a core arranged inside the ring. The core and the ring are punched from a clad sheet-shaped composite material and subsequently the core is inserted rotated into the ring and is fixed therein.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to electrolyte gating, and more particularly, to the use of ionic liquids for reversibly changing the conductivity in correlated insulators by the controlled flow of currents of ionized species.
BACKGROUND
The electric-field induced metallization of correlated insulators is a powerful means of creating novel electronic phases but requires high electric fields often beyond those achievable by conventional dielectric gates (1-3). Such fields can be achieved at interfaces using Schottky junctions (4) or polar materials (5, 6) or at surfaces by using ionic liquids (ILs) (7) as the gate dielectric in field effect transistor devices (8-10). The latter method allows for tunable electric fields without restriction on the channel material or its crystal orientation. One of the most interesting and widely studied materials is the correlated insulator VO 2 (11, 12) which exhibits a metal to insulator phase transition (MIT) as the temperature is reduced below ˜340 K in bulk material (13). Recently, electrolyte gating has been shown to dramatically alter the properties of thin films of VO 2 , in particular, the metallization of the insulating state was achieved and attributed to the introduction of small numbers of carriers that are electrostatically induced by the gating process (14). This would be consistent with the destabilization of a Mott insulating state in VO 2 that depends critically on electronic band half-filling, which has been a long-standing goal in condensed matter physics (15).
SUMMARY
We find that an entirely different mechanism accounts for the electrolyte gating suppression of the MIT to low temperatures in epitaxial thin films of VO 2 that we have prepared on TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 single crystal substrates. In particular, the movement of oxygen in and out of VO 2 appears to account for the experimentally determined change in conductivity.
One aspect of the invention is a method for use with an oxide layer (e.g., VO 2 ) having a surface over which an ionic liquid is disposed. The method includes applying a first voltage to the ionic liquid to stimulate the motion of either cations or anions within the liquid towards the surface, such that oxygen is driven from the oxide into the liquid, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from insulating (or semiconducting) to metallic. The method also includes applying a second voltage, whose polarity is opposite to the first voltage, to the ionic liquid to cause the motion of oxygen back into the oxide layer, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from metallic to insulating (or semiconducting). The ionic liquid may be confined to a conduit in proximity with the oxide layer. The change in conductivity can be advantageously maintained for at least 10 nanoseconds (or at least one day or even at least one year) after the first voltage is removed from the liquid and/or the liquid is removed from the surface. The liquid may be confined to one or more discrete regions of the surface, which may be addressed by the flow of the ionic liquid.
Another aspect of the invention is a method for use with an oxide layer having a surface over which an ionic liquid is disposed. The method includes applying a first voltage to the ionic liquid, such that a first electric field is generated at the surface, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from insulating (or semiconducting) to metallic. The method further includes applying a second voltage, whose polarity is opposite to the first voltage, to the ionic liquid to generate a second electric field having a polarity opposite to that of the first electric field, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from metallic to insulating (or semiconducting). The first electric field drives oxygen from the oxide into the liquid, and the second electric field drives oxygen from the liquid into the oxide.
Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for use with an oxide layer having a surface over which an ionic liquid is disposed. The method includes inducing a first (compositional) inhomogeneity in the ionic liquid, such that a first electric field is generated at the surface, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from insulating (or semiconducting) to metallic. The method further includes inducing a second (compositional) inhomogeneity in the ionic liquid, such that a second electric field is generated at the surface having a polarity opposite to that of the first electric field, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from metallic to insulating (or semiconducting). The first electric field drives oxygen from the oxide into the liquid, and the second electric field drives oxygen from the liquid into the oxide.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 . Temperature and gate voltage dependent conductivity of epitaxial VO 2 thin films. (A) Resistivity versus temperature curves for VO 2 films grown on various orientations of TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 single crystal substrates. (B) High resolution Cu Kα θ-2θ x-ray diffraction pattern of VO 2 films deposited on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) and TiO 2 (001), respectively, showing highly oriented films with the c axis out of plane. (C) Optical image of a typical electrical double layer transistor device showing the droplet of the IL HMIM-TFSI. The electrical contacts can be seen in the magnified image of the channel (right). Sheet conductance versus V G for devices fabricated from VO 2 films prepared on (D) Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) and (E) TiO 2 (001).
FIG. 2 . Suppression of the MIT in VO 2 films. (A) Sheet resistance (R s ) versus temperature (T) for various gate voltages varying from 0 to 1.8 V for VO 2 /TiO 2 (001). (B) Resistivity of VO 2 versus temperature as a function of oxygen pressure used for film deposition on TiO 2 (001). (C) R s versus T for the same device in A in its pristine state, at V G =1.8 V (gated), and at V G =−0.8 V (reverse gated), showing the complete recovery of the MIT in the latter case. V G was applied at 300 K for measurements in A, C, while the films were in their metallic state. (D) Sheet resistance for EG devices formed from VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) and VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0), and electron carrier density n e from Hall measurements for an EG device fabricated from VO 2 /TiO 2 (001), versus V G . The dashed line is a guide to the eye.
FIG. 3 . V 2p core-level spectra for pristine and gated (A) VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) and (B) VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0). V G =1.8 V in both cases. These data are compared in (C) to spectra for VO 2 films deposited under reduced oxygen pressures on TiO 2 (001). (D) Excess 18 O concentration above the natural abundance (˜0.2 atomic %) versus depth of two EG devices fabricated from 40 and 20 nm thick VO 2 on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) determined using SIMS. The devices were gated to the metallic state in vacuum and reverse gated to recover the insulating state in 18 O 2 . Data are compared to pristine channels on the same wafer that were not gated but were subject to the same dosage of 18 O 2 . Measurements on two different areas of sample 1 are very similar. (E) Scan at a mass resolution of 4000 (a.m.u./FWHM) showing clear separation between 18 O and 16 O 1 H 2 and 17 O 1 H.
FIG. 4 . Electrolyte gating of device fabricated from VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) in the presence of oxygen at 300 K. (A) Source-drain current at V G =3 V versus time as the O 2 pressure was varied from an initial pressure of 150 Torr, gradually to 10 −5 Torr, abruptly to 130 Torr and finally gradually to 10 −5 Torr (indicated schematically by the gray scale). (B) Sheet conductance (gray scale) as a function of V G and oxygen pressure.
FIG. 5 . Sheet resistance versus temperature for a 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device in pristine condition before any IL is applied (solid line) and after the device was gated to the metallic state (short dashes) by applying V G =2.2 V and varying the temperature at a rate of 3 K/minute from 360 K to 300 K and back to 360 K. The IL was then removed at room temperature by washing the device in isopropyl alcohol. The device was kept at room temperature in a dry nitrogen environment for 50 hours and then the resistance versus temperature curve was remeasured under identical temperature sweep conditions without any IL being applied (see long dashes). No significant change in the metallic nature of the device was found.
FIG. 6 . XPS survey scan of a pristine and a gated device. XPS survey scans from the same sample of 10 nm VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) as in FIG. 3A . Data are shown for the device in the pristine state and after gating to suppress the MIT to low temperatures. A gate voltage of 1.8 V was applied at 300 K and the device was subsequently cooled to low temperatures to check that the metallic state was formed. After warming to room temperature the IL was removed and the XPS scans were collected. No peaks from F, N or S are found. The expected positions of the F 1s, N 1s, C 1s and S 2p peaks (31) are shown in the Figure. (The ˜1.2 eV spin-orbit splitting of the S 2p core-levels is not shown.) A C 1s peak from surface contamination can be seen in the sample before and after gating and thus is not derived from IL gating. All the other peaks can be indexed to O and V from the VO 2 channel, Si from the SiO 2 dielectric and Au from the device contacts. The absence of any of the F, N or S peaks indicates that there is no electrochemical incorporation of the ionic species during the EDL gating process and also suggests that the surface cleaning prior to the XPS measurements was effective in removing the IL. The low binding energy data are plotted in the inset for clarity.
FIG. 7 . Temporal changes in the source-drain current of a 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device. (A) Source-drain current as a function of time on applying a positive gate voltage for 300 s with values varying from 2.2 to 3 V and then setting the gate voltage to zero. Top panel shows a schematic of the applied gate voltage versus time. (B) Source-drain current versus time after first applying a gate voltage of 2.6 V for 300 s and then applying a reverse gate voltage varying from −0.5 to −2.6V. Top panel shows the applied gate voltage versus time schematic. All measurements were carried out inside a high vacuum chamber at a pressure of ˜10 −7 Torr. The vertical dash-dotted lines in the bottom panels correspond to the change in voltage shown in the top panels.
FIG. 8 . Sheet resistance versus temperature of a 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device in pristine condition before any IL is applied (solid line) and after the device was gated to the metallic state (short dashes) by applying V G =2 V and varying the temperature at a rate of 3 K/minute from 360 K to 250 K and back to 360 K. The IL was then removed at room temperature by washing the device in isopropyl alcohol. The device was then remeasured (long dashes) after it was annealed in a tube furnace in flowing oxygen at 200° C. for 1 hour.
FIG. 9 . Gate-voltage dependent resistance versus temperature curves for a 20 nm thick VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device for various gate voltages varying from 0 to 2 V.
FIG. 10 . Gate-voltage dependent resistance versus temperature curves for a VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device. Sheet resistance as a function of the reciprocal of temperature for a device fabricated from 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) gated to several different voltages shows evidence for a second phase transition within the range of 100-180 K. The dash-dotted lines are guides to the eye.
FIG. 11 . Topography of VO 2 thin films. (A) AFM image for a 10 nm VO 2 film deposited on TiO 2 (001). This film is atomically smooth with an RMS roughness of ˜0.2 nm. (B) AFM image of a 20 nm VO 2 film deposited on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) substrate. This film has an RMS roughness of ˜1 nm.
FIG. 12 . A high-resolution cross-section transmission electron microscopy image of a 2.7 nm thick VO 2 film deposited on TiO 2 (001). The image is taken along the [010] zone axis in the rutile structure. There is significant damage to both the film and the TiO 2 single crystal substrate from the focused ion milling used to prepare the sample. Nevertheless, the image clearly shows that the VO 2 film grows epitaxially with the TiO 2 substrate.
FIG. 13 . Summary of device characteristics. Substrate material and crystal orientation, nominal deposited VO 2 film thickness, and channel area for the devices used in this study. The oxygen pressure during growth was 10 mTorr for all devices in this Table. The film thicknesses were calibrated by RBS.
FIG. 14 shows a device utilizing the methods described herein.
FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 illustrate methods in which the concentration of one or more ionic liquids can be varied over time to effect a change in the conductivity of the channel of the device, by applying a gate voltage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1A shows resistivity versus temperature curves for VO 2 films grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on various facets of TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 single crystals in an O 2 pressure of 10 mTorr during deposition (16). The MIT temperature (T MIT ) varied due to different strains in the VO 2 films (17). Henceforth, we consider films grown on TiO 2 (001) and Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0), which have a large difference in T MIT but have the same crystallographic orientation. For these films, high-resolution x-ray diffraction ( FIG. 1B ) indicates excellent epitaxial growth with the c-axis out-of-the plane. The film on TiO 2 (001) [Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0)], 10 nm [20 nm] thick, is strained along the c axis by −1.2% [completely relaxed] (18, 19), and has a T MIT of ˜290 K [340 K].
Devices for electrolyte gating (EG) studies were fabricated from 10 nm VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) and 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) films ( FIG. 1C ), unless otherwise noted, using standard optical lithographic techniques. The electrical contacts to the channel include source S and drain D contacts as well as four side contacts that were used for 4-wire resistance and Hall measurements. A ˜100 nl droplet of the ionic liquid (IL) 1-Hexyl-3methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide (HMIM-TFSI) covers the channel and lateral gate (G) electrode. The gate voltage (V G ) was swept at 5 mV/s and a source drain voltage V SD =0.1 V was used, except where noted. Hysteresis in the sheet conductance centered about V G =0 V was found for both substrates ( FIGS. 1D and 1E ). By sweeping V G the device can be reversibly switched between low and high conductance states. Once switched to the high conductance state, the device was stable at V G =0 V and maintained its conductance for many days even if the IL was washed off the device using isopropyl alcohol ( FIG. 5 ). To check that the IL was completely removed x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was carried out and no spectroscopic signature of the IL was found ( FIG. 6 ). This suggests that the gating effect was not electrostatic in origin. Moreover, the fact that films on both types of substrates show very similar behavior rules out any appreciable influence of the substrate, for example, the role of strain. The electric field induced metallic phase, reflected in the source-drain current (I SD ), is stable over extended periods of time in the presence of the IL at V G =0 V ( FIG. 7A ) and also for modest V G , but the insulating phase can be nearly recovered by applying reverse gate voltages similar in value to those needed to induce the metallic phase ( FIGS. 1D and 1E ). The insulating phase can also be recovered by annealing in oxygen at modest temperatures (˜200° C., FIG. 8 ).
FIG. 2A shows the temperature dependence of the channel sheet resistance R S of VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) devices for several positive V G . A progressive suppression of the MIT as the gate bias was increased is observed until the MIT is suppressed to below 5 K at V G ˜1.8 V. This gating effect is compared in FIG. 2B with the effect of changing the oxygen content of VO 2 by depositing VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) in reduced pressures of oxygen at 400° C. The T MIT is systematically reduced and the MIT is suppressed as the oxygen pressure is lowered from 9 mTorr. The transport data in FIGS. 2A and 2B are notably similar. In both cases the onset temperature for the MIT is decreased and the magnitude of the resistive change drops. The similarity in these data suggests that the electrolyte gating (EG) effect could also be due to the electric field induced formation of oxygen vacancies, thereby leading to a reduced MIT.
As discussed above, the VO 2 devices can be reversibly switched between insulating and metallic phases. The temperature dependence of the resistivity for the same device in FIG. 2A in its pristine (i.e., ungated) state and after being reversibly gated are nearly identical ( FIG. 2C ).
The sheet resistance in the metallic phase just above the MIT is plotted versus V G in FIG. 2D for the devices used in FIG. 2A , and for devices on Al 2 O 3 substrates in FIG. 9 . For VO 2 devices on both substrates, R S increases considerably as V G is increased. If the gating effect were electrostatic, the electron carrier density n e should increase for positive V G ; thus one would anticipate a decrease rather than an increase in R S . Moreover, Hall resistivity measurements for VO 2 /TiO 2 show no evidence for any increase in n e , ( FIG. 2D , bottom); rather n e is independent of V G and measured to be ˜6×10 22 cm −3 , similar to bulk VO 2 (20).
To confirm the possibility of oxygen vacancy creation during EG that was suggested by our transport data we carried out three independent experimental studies. First, we used XPS to measure changes in the oxidation state of vanadium in gated VO 2 films. Devices with much larger channel areas (˜900×300 μm 2 ) than those used above were fabricated to accommodate the ˜150 μm diameter x-ray (Al Kα) beam size. Transport data on these devices were very similar to those shown in FIG. 2 for similar V G . FIGS. 3 A and B compare the V 2p core-level spectra obtained within the channel for pristine devices and the same devices gated to completely suppress the MIT to low temperatures. The results for devices fabricated on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) and TiO 2 (001) are similar to each other. The position of the V 2p 3/2 core-level peak in the pristine sample is ˜516.3 eV, close to the well established value of ˜516.1 eV for V 4+ in VO 2 . In the gated sample (for which the IL was removed) the V 2p 3/2 core-level peak broadens and is shifted towards lower binding energy (BE) by ˜0.2 eV. (Note that the peak is observed to be at ˜515.8 eV for V 3+ in V 2 O 3 .) These observations indicate a reduction in the oxidation state of V from V 4+ towards V 3+ (21). Similarly, in situ measured films prepared in various pressures of oxygen ( FIG. 3C ) have V 2p peaks that shift systematically to lower BEs and broaden monotonically as the oxygen pressure is reduced. Thus, the V oxidation state continuously evolves towards V 3+ concomitant with a suppression of the MIT (as shown in FIG. 2B ).
The changes in the oxidation state of V observed by XPS strongly indicate the formation of oxygen vacancies. In the absence of electric fields the formation energies of oxygen vacancies in rutile oxides are known to be very high (22). However, we hypothesize that the electric fields created at the electric double layer (EDL) at the IL/oxide interface are sufficiently high (23) to drive oxygen out of the VO 2 surface into the IL, and that once the oxygen vacancies are created, these vacancies are stable in the absence of the EDL at V G =0. This explains the non-volatility of the gating ( FIGS. 1D and 1E ). To test this hypothesis we carried out gating in a high vacuum chamber in which we could introduce 18 O 2 . First, an EG device with a large channel area (900×300 μm 2 ) was gated in high vacuum (V G =3 V) to suppress the MIT to low temperatures. After gating for long times (˜10-20 min) the channel conductance is found to be nearly saturated and remains unchanged when V G is reduced to zero (16). Once a stable channel current was obtained, 18 O 2 was introduced into the chamber at V G =0 V. Then a reverse gate voltage of −1.5 V was applied until the insulating state was recovered, which took several hours. This procedure was repeated 3 and 4 times, respectively, for two different devices that we will label sample 1 and sample 2. Samples 1 and 2 were fabricated from 40 and 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0), respectively. Depth profile secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was then performed on these samples. A comparison was made to pristine regions on the same sample that were otherwise subjected to identical procedures concurrently. In the latter case no excess 18 O above its natural isotopic abundance in oxygen of 0.2 atomic percent was measured. However, a significant increase in the concentration of 18 O to nearly twice the natural abundance is found at the surfaces of both devices in the gated channels with a higher value in sample 1, the device that was gated in higher pressures of 18 O 2 ( FIG. 3D ). The excess 18 O is seen to depths of nearly 20 nm from the oxide surface with similar depth profiles for the two samples. The significant incorporation of 18 O within the VO 2 channels during reverse gating supports our hypothesis that gating creates oxygen vacancies within the channel.
Given the large area of the channel, the most likely migration path for the oxygen that must be released to create the vacancies during gating is into the IL. Then one might speculate that saturation of the IL with oxygen would prevent such migration. FIG. 4A indeed shows that there is no change in the source-drain current even when a large V G is applied in the presence of 150 Torr O 2 to a 100×20 μm 2 device of VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0). After 200 s, O 2 was pumped out from the chamber and, concomitantly, I SD gradually increases. When oxygen is reintroduced into the chamber, while maintaining V G =3 V, I SD starts to decrease. We find a clear correlation between the source-drain current and the amount of oxygen in the chamber. A detailed dependence of the sheet conductance on V G and P O2 is shown in FIG. 4B . Significant gating effects were found only at low oxygen pressures (for V G >˜1.5 V).
Our experiments show that modest gate voltages result in the electric field induced migration of oxygen into and out of the IL even though the energy required to create an oxygen vacancy in VO 2 in zero electric field is high. This phenomenon is likely to be common to many experiments using high electric fields, especially those using IL gating: Many of these experiments have been interpreted by the electrostatic creation of carriers. Our results also suggest that the electric field induced migration of species into and out of electrolyte gated materials is an exciting avenue for the creation of novel, non-equilibrium phases of matter.
Experimental Details
Preparation of VO 2 Films
Single crystal films of VO 2 were prepared from polycrystalline VO 2 or V 2 O 3 targets by a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique on various substrates using a laser energy density of ˜1.3 J/cm 2 , a repetition rate of 2 Hz, and a target to substrate distance of ˜7.1 cm. The thicknesses of the samples varied from 7 nm to 20 nm. Growth temperatures of 400° C., 500° C. and 700° C. were used for TiO 2 (001) and (101), TiO 2 (100) and (110), and Al 2 O 3 (0001) and (10 1 0) substrates, respectively, as they yielded the largest change in resistance at the metal to insulator transition (MIT). The highest quality films were obtained for oxygen deposition pressures of at least 9 mTorr. Film quality and properties were not much affected for oxygen pressures that were varied between 9 and 15 mTorr. High-resolution x-ray diffraction (XRD) data and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopic (RBS) analysis showed all VO 2 films were epitaxial, single crystalline, and stoichiometric. Room temperature XRD measurements (see FIG. 1B ) show only (001) peaks (rutile coordinate system) indicating that these films are epitaxially oriented with the c-axis pointing out of the plane of the substrate. However, for VO 2 films grown on TiO 2 (001), cracks were observed in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images of films that were thicker than approximately 20 nm, presumably due to the large tensile misfit strain. From bulk lattice constants (18, 19) the in-plane value of the unstrained VO 2 film lattice constant (a=4.532 Å) is ˜1.4% smaller than that of TiO 2 (a=4.591 Å). From our x-ray data we find that the VO 2 film is coherently strained on the TiO 2 substrate for films less than ˜20 nm thick. The films that displayed cracks typically exhibited multi-step metal-insulator transitions (MIT), presumably due to transitions from differently strained regions in the film. Thus, to avoid any extraneous effects during IL gating due to cracks, films much thinner than those displaying cracks were used, namely 10 nm thick. By contrast, films grown on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) were completely relaxed without any misfit strain and no cracks were observed by AFM even for films as thick as 200 nm. The MIT transition was reduced in magnitude and broadened for 10 nm thick VO 2 films grown on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) but films thicker than ˜20 nm showed excellent, very abrupt MIT transitions with almost 4 orders of magnitude change in resistivity at the MIT. Thus, 20 and 40 nm thick films were used to make devices for IL gating.
Fabrication of Devices
Laterally gated devices were fabricated by standard photolithography techniques. The channel area was defined using a single layer of 1.3 μm thick SPR670 photoresist and the surrounding oxide film was removed by an argon ion milling etch process. The etched region was then refilled by a dielectric material that was typically SiO 2 but, for some samples, Al 2 O 3 was used. No difference in properties of the devices was found with the different dielectric fills. During processing of VO 2 on TiO 2 (001), the substrates became conducting after etching of the devices to define the channel, and, therefore, to suppress these conducting paths, the devices were annealed at 180° C. for 6 hours in flowing O 2 in a tube-furnace, before the refill. This annealing step did not alter the electronic properties of VO 2 as was evident from the excellent MIT characteristics after fabrication. An adhesion layer of 5 nm thick Ta was used followed by a 65 nm thick Au layer to form the electrical contacts. To prevent interaction of the IL with the contact electrodes all exposed Au surfaces outside the channel area were then covered with 50 nm SiO 2 . Finally, a 1000×1000 μm 2 gate electrode was formed from a bilayer of 5 nm Ta/65 nm Au that was spaced ˜250 μm from one side of the channel (see FIG. 1C ). The devices were prepared with various channel areas as shown in Table 1.
Ionic Liquid Gating Experiments
Special care was taken to mitigate any contamination of the ionic liquid (IL) particularly with respect to water. An organic IL, 1-Hexyl-3methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide (HMIM-TFSI, EMD Chemicals) was specifically chosen for these studies due to its known hydrophobic nature (more so than the commonly used ILs, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIM-TFSI) and N,N-diethyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-methylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (DEME-TFSI)) (24). Although all the experiments reported here use the same IL, namely HMIM-TFSI, a limited set of experiments was carried out using the more commonly used ILs, DEME-TFSI and EMIM-TFSI, which confirmed a gating response of the VO 2 devices similar to that when using HMIM-TFSI.
The IL was dehydrated by heating at 120° C. in high vacuum (˜10 −7 Torr) for several days. The water content of the IL was measured by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy and Karl-Fischer titration and was found to be less than 50 ppm in a 1 ml sample of the IL. After wire-bonding, using Au wires, the devices were baked under the same conditions (120° C. in ˜10 −7 Torr) for at least 6 hours and subsequently a droplet of the dehydrated IL was placed on the device that covered both the channel and the gate electrode. The device was then immediately put into a Quantum Design DynaCool which was operated using the HiVac option with a pressure of <10 −3 Torr of He during the gating experiments.
XPS Measurements
High-resolution XPS data were obtained using a monochromatic x-ray beam with a photon energy of 1486.6 eV (Al Kα). The monochromator is comprised of two quartz single crystals that focus the x-ray beam onto the sample at an angle of ˜78.5° to the sample surface. XPS studies on the electrolyte gated (EG) devices were performed on channels of 900×300 μm 2 areas with an x-ray spot diameter of 150 μm. The x-ray beam was aligned with the channel by maximizing the intensity of the O 1s photoemission peak (529.8 eV). For in situ XPS measurements on unpatterned, as-deposited films, a 650 μm diameter x-ray spot was used which is well within the 10×10 mm 2 sample area. The emitted photoelectrons were detected by a Thermo Scientific Alpha-110 hemispherical electron energy analyzer positioned along the sample normal and operating at a pass energy of 20 eV. The measurements were performed with both the un-gated and gated VO 2 films in their metallic state by heating the samples to 313 K for VO 2 on TiO 2 (001) substrates and to 373 K for VO 2 on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) substrates.
SIMS Measurements
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) measurements were made with a CAMECA SC Ultra instrument. The sample was first coated with 3 nm Pt film to reduce any charging effects during these measurements. The sample was bombarded with a beam of 600 eV Cs + ions focused to a 30 μm diameter spot. The Cs + ion beam was rastered over a ˜300×300 μm 2 region within the channel, but SIMS data were collected only over a central 30 μm diameter region within the rastered area to avoid any artifacts from the edge of the crater that was formed during the experiment. The instrument was operated at a mass resolution of 4000 (a.m.u./FWHM) and this was sufficient to clearly resolve 18 O from 16 O 1 H 2 and 17 O 1 H (see FIG. 3E ). We note that it has been suggested that hydrogen doping could stabilize the metallic phase of VO 2 (25). However, in our SIMS measurements, the 18 O signal was dominant and the signal intensity corresponding to 16 O 1 H 2 and 17 O 1 H was several orders of magnitude smaller, providing evidence for the lack of any hydrogen in the film. Nevertheless, the role of hydrogen and its possible influence on our results cannot be completely ruled out.
Additional Experimental Results
Long-Term Stability of the Gate Induced Metallic State
The long-term stability of the metallic phase induced by gating is illustrated in FIG. 5 for a device prepared from 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0). The resistance versus temperature hysteresis curve for the device in its pristine state before any IL is applied is shown by the solid line in FIG. 5 . The device was then gated to the metallic state by applying 2.2 V. The resistance versus temperature hysteresis loop was measured by varying the temperature at a rate of 3 K/minute from 360 K to 300 K and back to 360 K. The IL was then removed at room temperature by washing the device in isopropyl alcohol. The device was kept at room temperature in a dry nitrogen environment for 50 hours and then the resistance versus temperature curve was remeasured under identical temperature sweep conditions without any IL being applied. No significant change in the metallic nature of the device was found as can be seen by comparing the lines in the Figure having short dashes and long dashes.
State of VO 2 Channel after Washing Off Ionic Liquid
XPS measurements were used to characterize the VO 2 channel in various states including: (i) immediately after device fabrication, prior to application of the IL and any gating experiments, and (ii) after gating studies had been carried out that suppressed the MIT to below ˜5 K. In the latter case the IL was removed after the gating procedures had been completed by rinsing the device in isopropyl alcohol. Subsequently, XPS measurements showed no evidence for peaks associated with the IL, namely an absence of F 1s, N 1s, C 1s and S 2p (see FIG. 6 ) peaks, indicating that the rinsing process was effective and that not even a single monolayer of the IL remained on the surface. Furthermore, we remeasured the resistance versus temperature characteristics of the gated devices after the XPS measurements to confirm that the electrical properties of the device were not altered during rinsing off of the IL and the XPS measurements themselves. No significant changes in the resistance versus temperature curves were found.
Dynamics of Ionic Liquid Gating and Stabilization of the Metallic State
Long timescales are needed to reach a steady state after gating or reverse gating VO 2 EG devices, whether on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) or TiO 2 (001), as illustrated in FIG. 7 for a device formed from 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0). FIG. 7A shows the temporal changes in the source-drain current when a constant gate voltage, varied from 2.2-3 V, is applied for a period of 300 s at room temperature and V SD =0.1 V. The measurements are performed in a high vacuum of 10 −7 Torr. After the gate voltage is applied for 300 s I SD reaches a nearly constant value that continues to slowly evolve after the gate voltage is set to zero, even as the device remains in a conducting state. As shown in FIG. 7A I SD either decreases or increases after V G is set to zero. However, after some further time at V G =0, I SD reaches a value that remains approximately constant over many hours. Similarly, reverse gating results in slow changes in hp, as shown in FIG. 7B . The device was first set to a conducting state by applying V G =2.6 V for 300 s. Then V G was set to a negative value varying from −0.5 to −2.6 V. Data are also shown for V G =0 for comparison. The device gradually reverts to the insulating state over a period of more than 1 hour. The timescales for the observed changes in I SD are much longer than the expected IL equilibration times in response to a gate voltage (26).
The insulating state could be recovered by reverse gating or alternatively by annealing in oxygen at elevated temperatures. An example is given in FIG. 8 where the sheet resistance versus temperature curves of a 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device are compared in the pristine condition before any IL is applied (solid line), after the device was first gated to the metallic state (short dashes), and after the IL was removed and the device was annealed in a tube furnace in flowing oxygen at 200 C for 1 hour (long dashes). The MIT was recovered by this annealing procedure.
Resistivity Versus Temperature Characteristics for EG Devices Formed from VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0).
Electrolyte gating data for devices prepared using 20 nm thick VO 2 on Al 2 O 3 are shown in FIG. 9 . These devices show a response to EG largely similar to devices on TiO 2 with similar gate voltages suppressing the MIT even though the T MIT of the ungated sample is initially much higher (340 K vs. 290 K). One distinct difference is that the temperature dependence of R S shows evidence for the possible emergence of a second phase transition below ˜200 K, as more clearly indicated when the same resistance data are replotted versus inverse temperature as in FIG. 10 . In this Figure the region highlighted within the dash-dotted lines indicates a possible second phase. Here a single activation energy cannot account for the temperature dependence of R S . No evidence was found for any similar features in thin films deposited on TiO 2 (001) substrates.
These features are suggestive of the presence of a second phase that has an MIT within the range of 100-180 K. We note that V 2 O 3 has an MIT in this temperature range (27) and that Al 2 O 3 has the same crystal structure as the metallic phase of V 2 O 3 . It is thus possible to achieve epitaxial stabilization of the V 2 O 3 phase on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) while this is not possible on TiO 2 (001), which has the same structure as the metallic phase of VO 2 . Another possibility is the formation of local magneli-like phases through the agglomeration of oxygen vacancies into extended defects, such as shear planes (28-30). It is difficult to determine the nature of this secondary phase but the presence of the anomaly in the temperature dependence of the transport data is suggestive of a compositional inhomogeneity that is absent in the pristine films.
Topography of Thin Films
Atomic force microscopy images of VO 2 deposited on TiO 2 (001) and Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) substrates are shown in FIG. 11 . While the 10 nm thick VO 2 films on TiO 2 (001) substrates are atomically smooth with an RMS roughness of less than 0.2 nm (averaged over a 1×1 μm 2 area), the thin films on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) substrates have a larger RMS roughness of ˜1 nm. No measurable changes in topography were observed after gating under the conditions discussed here.
Structure of Films
A high-resolution cross-section transmission electron microscopy image of a 2.7 nm thick VO 2 film deposited on TiO 2 (001) is shown in FIG. 12 . The Figure indicates that the film is epitaxial with the single crystalline TiO 2 substrate with the same structure and crystal orientation. The micrograph is taken at room temperature, which is above the T MIT for this film which occurs at ˜295 K.
Applications
The demonstration that the conductivity of a thin film of vanadium dioxide can be substantially changed by removing or adding oxygen atoms by the process of applying an ionic liquid to its surface and subjecting this liquid to an electric field allows for a large family of devices for various purposes including latches, switches, 2-terminal and 3-terminal transistors and non-volatile memory elements. One element of one such a device 210 is shown in the schematic sketch in FIG. 14 . The device 210 includes an insulating dielectric layer 230 which has been patterned by standard lithographic techniques (e.g., by patterning a photoresist layer to define the various elements) to form a channel 240 , which is contacted at either end by electrical contacts 250 a and 250 b designated as the source contact and drain contact, respectively. A conduit 220 through which the ionic liquid is passed is formed from dielectric insulating materials by forming the side-walls 260 of the conduit 220 . A gate 270 to the ionic liquid is formed on one side of the ionic liquid away from the channel 240 . The conduit 220 will likely be fully enclosed by dielectric material (not shown in FIG. 14 ).
The device is operated by passing an ionic liquid along the conduit 220 using standard procedures and methods well known from the fields of microfluidics and nanofluidics (e.g., a pump may be used to force the ionic liquid through the conduit). An example of the operation of the device element 210 is given in FIG. 15 . Two different liquids are introduced sequentially into the conduit 220 . Thus the concentration of liquid A in the conduit 220 is initially zero and the conduit is filled by liquid B. Away from the channel 240 and further along the conduit 220 the concentration of liquid B falls to zero, and there is a certain length of the conduit that is filled with liquid A. Beyond this length the conduit is again filled with liquid B. Thus when the liquid in the conduit 220 is moved across the channel 240 there will be a finite period of time for which the channel will be covered by ionic liquid A but otherwise the channel will be covered by liquid B. The liquids are chosen so that in the presence of a certain gate voltage, only when liquid A is present are there any currents of ions in the liquid moving towards or away from the surface of the channel 240 (depending on the sign of the gate voltage).
An example of operation of the device element 210 is shown in FIG. 16 . The channel 240 is initially in an insulating (or semiconducting) state. A gate voltage V G is then applied to the gate 270 . The liquid A is chosen to be an ionic liquid that results in an ionic current that flows from the surface of the channel 240 into the liquid or vice versa for gate voltages that exceed some threshold. V G is chosen to have a magnitude larger than this threshold voltage. Thus when the liquid A is moved over the channel 240 , as described by the operation shown in FIG. 15 , an ionic current will flow from the surface of the channel into the liquid A. This results in changing the state of the channel from insulating (or semiconducting) to conducting. The change in conductance can be varied by, for example, varying the length of the conduit 220 occupied by the liquid A, or by varying the speed at which the liquid A is moved across the channel area, or by allowing the liquid A to remain in the channel 240 for a period of time by stopping the motion of the liquid for a period of time, or by varying the gate voltage above the threshold voltage, or by using a combination of one or more of these methods. Although FIG. 16 shows an abrupt change in state of the channel 240 from insulating (or semiconducting) to metallic (i.e., conducting), this change may take a period of time that can be varied by, for example, varying the gate voltage. This may also depend on any mixing of the liquids A and B at their interface across the conduit 220 where they meet. The gate voltage can also be applied for a time that is shorter or longer than the time that the liquid A remains in the channel 240 . The most reliable methods of operation are when the gate voltage is applied for a time substantially longer than the time the liquid A spends in the channel 240 , or alternately a time that is much shorter than the time that the liquid A spends in the channel. For the most energy efficient operation, the gate voltage can be applied for the minimum time required to convert the channel 240 to the metallic state (i.e., the conducting state).
Once the channel 240 has been converted to a metallic state, an operation similar to that shown in FIG. 16 can be used to convert the channel back to an insulating (or semiconducting) state, as illustrated in FIG. 17 . The liquid A is moved along the conduit 220 to the channel 240 for a finite period of time (see the top panel of FIG. 17 ). However, in this case, a gate voltage having a polarity opposite to that used in FIG. 16 is applied (see the middle panel of FIG. 17 ); the state of the channel 240 is converted back to the insulating (or semiconducting) state by this process (see the bottom panel of FIG. 17 ).
In another embodiment, an ionic liquid may be disposed over the channel and remain there (i.e., it does not flow) while voltage is applied to the gate. In this case, the conductivity of the channel can be made to alternate between insulating (or semiconducting) and metallic (conducting) by reversing the polarity of the voltage. In yet another embodiment, an ionic liquid may disposed over a channel, such that the conductivity of the channel changes in response to compositional changes of the ionic liquid, e.g., certain ions in the liquid may be preferentially adsorbed onto the surface of the channel (while other types of ions are displaced from the surface), thereby modifying the conductivity of the channel. The change in the concentrations of these ions in the liquid may manifest itself as an inhomogeneity in the composition of the liquid.
While the channel 240 shown in FIG. 14 is composed of the horizontal surface of an insulating material, the channel could equally well be composed of a vertical surface or a surface inclined at any angle or multiple surfaces, for example, the surfaces of a suspended wire around which ionic liquid is passed. A voltage can be applied to the ionic liquid by a surrounding gate electrode. For example, the liquid could be moved through a conduit with a circular or elliptical cross-section within which is suspended a wire, the surfaces of which form the channel. The wire can be transformed partially or completely between its insulating (or semiconducting) and metallic (i.e., conducting) states. The device element shown in FIG. 14 and related devices may be used for building non-volatile memory elements, or for the purpose of building logic gates, or for the purpose of building synaptic elements for cognitive computing hardware applications, such as those described in US Published Patent Application 20100220523 to Modha and Parkin, filed Mar. 1, 2009 (application Ser. No. 12/395,695) and titled “Stochastic Synapse Memory Element with Spike-timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP)”, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within that scope.
REFERENCES AND NOTES
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Electrolyte gating with ionic liquids is a powerful tool for inducing conducting phases in correlated insulators. An archetypal correlated material is VO 2 which is insulating only at temperatures below a characteristic phase transition temperature. We show that electrolyte gating of epitaxial thin films of VO 2 suppresses the metal-to-insulator transition and stabilizes the metallic phase to temperatures below 5 K even after the ionic liquid is completely removed. We provide compelling evidence that, rather than electrostatically induced carriers, electrolyte gating of VO 2 leads to the electric field induced creation of oxygen vacancies, and the consequent migration of oxygen from the oxide film into the ionic liquid.
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This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/042,426, filed Mar. 13, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,608, issued Sep. 5, 2000 which claim benefit of Ser. No. 60/109,808 filed Mar. 14, 1997 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, which claims the benefits of U.S. application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a novel promoter, a novel DNA construct containing the promoter and a Bt gene, and plants, especially corn plants, containing the novel DNA construct.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) belongs to a large group of gram-positive, aerobic, endospore forming bacteria. During sporulation, these specific bacteria produce a parasporal inclusion body which is composed of insecticidally active crystalline protoxins, also referred to as δ-endotoxins.
These endotoxins are responsible for the toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis to insects. The endotoxins of the various Bacillus thuringiensis strains are characterized by high specificity with respect to target organisms. With the introduction of genetic engineering it has become possible to create recombinant Bt strains which may contain a chosen array of insect toxin genes, thereby enhancing the degree of insecticidal activity against a particular insect pest.
The insecticidal crystal proteins from Bt have been classified based upon their spectrum of activity and sequence similarity (Hofte and Whiteley, Microbiol. Rev., 1989, 53:242-255 and Yamamoto and Powell, Advanced Engineered Pesticides, 1993, 342). Hofte and Whiteley published a classification scheme for the cry genes. Type I genes were considered active only against Lepidoptera species; Type II genes were active against Lepidoptera and Diptera species; Type III genes were active against Coleoptera species and Type IV genes included both 70- and 130-kDa crystal protein and were highly active against mosquito and blackfly larvae. However, since this original classification many novel cry genes have been cloned and sequenced demonstrating that the original system based on insect specificity required modification. A classification based on sequence homology along with new nomenclature based solely on amino acid identity has been proposed. (See Crickmore et al., Abstracts 28th Ann. Meeting Soc. Invert. Path. (1995), p14, Soc. Invert. Path., Bethesda Md.).
In this invention, the Cry proteins which are particularly effective against Lepidoptera species are preferred. These proteins are encoded by the following nonlimiting group of genes: cry1Aa, cry1Ab, cry1Ac, cry1B, cry1C, cry1D, cry1E, cry1F, cry1G, cry2A, cry9C, cry5 and fusion proteins thereof. Among the cry genes, cry1Aa, cry1Ab, and cry1Ac show more than 80% amino acid identity and cry1Ab appears to be one of the most widely distributed cry genes. The Cry1Ab proteins are particularly effective against larvae of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies).
The ingestion of these proteins, and in some cases the spores, by the target insect is a prerequisite for insecticidal activity. The proteins are solubilized in the alkaline conditions of the insect gut and proteolytically cleaved to form core fragments which are toxic to the insect. The core fragment specifically damages the cells of the midgut lining, affecting the osmotic balance. The cells swell and lyse, leading to eventual death of the insect.
A specific Lepidoptera insect, Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer (ECB)), causes significant yearly decrease in corn yield in North America. One study reveales that approximately 10% of the corn acres planted in the State of Illinois experienced a 9 to 15 percent annual yield loss, attributable solely to damage caused by the second generation of corn borer. Other important lepidopteran insect pests of corn include Diatraea grandiosella (Southwestern Corn Borer), Helicoverpa zea (Corn Earworm) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Fall Armyworm). The management practices of planting resistant or tolerant corn hybrids and treatment with chemical and microbial insecticides have not been satisfactory due to the low level of control provided by insecticidal treatments and the lack of hybrid lines resistant to second generation corn borers. Further tolerant and resistant hybrids often do not yield as well when infestation of ECBs are heavy. The use of corn genetically engineered to be resistant to specific corn insect pests has many advantages and these include a potential for substantial reduction in chemical insecticides and selective activity of the engineered endotoxin which will not disrupt the population of beneficial non-target insect and animals.
Toxic Bt genes from several subspecies of Bt have been cloned and recombinant clones have been found to be toxic to lepidopteran, dipteran and coleopteran insect larvae. However, in general, the expression of full length lepidopteran specific Bt genes has been less than satisfactory in transgenic plants (Vaeck et al, 1987 and Barton et al, 1987). It has been reported that the truncated gene from Bt kurstaki may lead to a higher frequency of insecticidal control. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,365). Modification of the existing coding sequence by inclusion of plant preferred codons including removal of ATTTA sequences and polyadenylation signals has increase expression of the toxin proteins in plants. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,365). In the present invention a truncated Bt kurstaki HD-1 gene has been used.
The instant invention additionally includes a second coding segment. The second coding segment comprises a DNA sequence encoding a selective marker for example, antibiotic or herbicide resistance including cat (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase), npt II (neomycin phosphototransferase II), PAT (phosphinothricin acetyltransferase), ALS (acetolactate synthetase), EPSPS (5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase), and bxn (brornoxynil-specific nitrilase). A preferred marker sequence is a DNA sequence encoding a selective marker for herbicide resistance and most particularly a protein having enzymatic activity capable of inactivating or neutralizing herbicidal inhibitors of glutamine synthetase. The non-selective herbicide known as glufosinate (BASTA® or LIBERTY ®) is an inhibitor of the enzyme glutamine synthetase. It has been found that naturally occurring genes or synthetic genes can encode the enzyme phosphinothricin acetyl transferase (PAT) responsible for the inactivation of the herbicide. Such genes have been isolated from Streptomyces. These genes including those that have been isolated or synthesized are also frequently referred to as bar genes. As used herein the terms “bar gene” and “pat gene” are used interchangeably. These genes have been cloned and modified for transformation and expression in plants (EPA 469 273 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,236). Through the incorporation of the pat gene, corn plants and their offspring can become resistant against phosphinothricin (glufosinate).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 represents a plasmid map of pZO960 which contains the Bt kurstaki expression cassette.
FIG. 2 represents a plasmid map of the base transformation vector pZO997
FIG. 3 represents a plasmid map of pZO1500 which contains the PAT cassette.
FIG. 4 represents a plasmid map of the (expression/transformation) vector pZO1502 which contains the Bt kurstaki cassette and the PAT cassette.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is drawn to a novel recombinant DNA construct comprising an expression cassette includes a constitutive promoter which functions in plant cells operably linked to an intron that functions in monocots; a DNA sequence of a gene encoding an insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis protein toxin; and a terminator functional in plants; and optionally further comprises a second cassette which includes a promoter which functions in plant cells operably linked to an intron that functions in monocots; a DNA sequence of a gene encoding for phosphinothricin acetyl transferase; and a terminator functional in plants, wherein the two cassettes are transcribed in the same direction
Therefore a first aspect of the present invention is a DNA construct which expresses the crystal protein toxin of a Bt effective against Lepidopteran insects at relatively high levels and further provides resistance to the non-selective herbicide glufosinate.
A second aspect of the invention is a plant transformation vector comprising the DNA construct as given above.
A third aspect of the present invention comprises a transformed plant cell including the DNA construct as given above wherein the DNA is stably incorporated in the plant genome.
A fourth aspect of the invention is a plant comprising transformed plant cells wherein the DNA construct as given above is stably incorporated into the genome of the plant.
The invention further encompasses plant seeds having the DNA construct as given above stably incorporated therein.
Another aspect of the invention includes a plant cell co-transformed with a first nucleic acid construct comprising, a CaMV 35S constitutive promoter which functions in plant cells operably linked to a maize alcohol dehydrogenase intron, a DNA sequence of a gene encoding a Cry1Ab protein toxin or a functionally related protein toxin, and a terminator functional in plants and a second nucleic acid construct comprising a CaMV 35S promoter which functions in plant cells operably linked to a maize alcohol dehydrogenase intron, a DNA sequence of a gene encoding for phosphinothricin acetyl transferase, and a terminator functional in plants wherein the first and second constructs are stably integrated in the plant genome.
The DNA construct of the invention preferably is an expression cassette functional in a plant comprising a promoter functional in plants, for example a CaMV 35S promoter, e.g., as disclosed in SEQ ID No. 1 or 5, preferably SEQ ID No. 1, operably linked to an intron which functions in monocots, for example a maize alcohol dehydrogenase intron, e.g., as disclosed in SEQ ID No. 2 or 6, preferably SEQ ID No. 2. This promoter/intron sequence is operably linked to a DNA sequence of interest, for example a gene encoding a Bt delta-&-endoioxin, e.g., encoding the toxin domain of a Cry1Ab protein or a functionally related toxin protein, preferably modified for expression in plants, for example as depicted in SEQ ID No. 3, or a gene for a selectable marker, for example a gene for herbicide resistance, preferably glufosinate resistance, for example a Pat gene, e.g., as depicted in SEQ ID No. 7. The gene of interest is suitably linked to a terminator functional in plants, e.g. a Nos terminator, for example as disclosed in SEQ ID No. 4 or 8, preferably SEQ ID No. 4, to form an expression cassette functional in a plant. Especially preferred embodiments of the Bt expression cassette comprise SEQ ID Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 in operable sequence, e.g., as in the Btk cassette described below. Especially preferred embodiments of a Pat expression cassette comprise SEQ ID Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 8 in operable sequence. In an especially preferred embodiment, a Bt expression cassette as described herein is linked on the same DNA with a Pat expression cassette as described herein, e.g., a plasmid comprising cassettes formed by SEQ ID Nos. 1-4 and 5-8 wherein the two cassettes are transcribed in the same direction, e.g., as in plasmid pZO1502.
The use of such expression cassettes in a method of transforming plants, e.g., maize plants, for example a method or biolistic or protoplast transformation of maize plants, especially protoplast transformation as described in the examples herein is also provided, as are plants stably transformed with expression cassettes as described, particularly maize plants, e.g., field corn, sweet corn, white corn, silage corn and popcorn, and seed thereof. Particularly preferred are maize plants and seed thereof descended from the Bt11 transformation event described in Example 2, for example
Maize containing the Btk construct described within a 15 cM region of chromosome 8, near position 117, in the approximate position of public probe UMC30a, in the interval flanked by two markers: Z1B3 and UMC150a, preferably
(i) elite inbred sweet corn lines R327H, R372H, R412H, R583H and R660H,
(ii) elite inbred field corn lines 2043Bt, 2044Bt, 2070Bt, 2100Bt, 2114Bt, 2123Bt, 2227Bt, 2184Bt, 2124Bt, and 2221Bt, and
(iii) maize inbred varieties descended from the same transgenic event as these lines which contain and express the same transgenic construct,
including seed, thereof.
When particular inbred varieties are identified herein, it is understood that the named varieties include varieties which have the same genotypic and phenotypic characteristics as the identified varieties, i.e., are derived from a common inbred source, even if differently named. The invention also provides hybrid maize seed produced by crossing plants of an inbred corn line as described above with plants of having a different genotype, and hybrid corn plants produced by growing such hybrid maize seed. Also provided is a method of producing hybrid maize seeds comprising the following steps:
A. planting in pollinating proximity seeds of a first inbred maize line as described herein and seeds of a second inbred line having a different genotype;
B. cultivating maize plants resulting from said planting until time of flowering;
C. emasculating said flowers of plants of one of the maize inbred lines;
D. allowing pollination of the other inbred line to occur, and
E. harvesting the hybrid seeds produced thereby.
Also provided are hybrid seeds, produced by this method, F1 hybrid plants produced by growing such seeds, and parts of such F1 hybrid plants, including seeds thereof.
Seeds of the plants described herein (e.g., of maize plants, e.g., Bt11 maize plants, for example inbred or hybrid seeds as described above) for planting purposes is preferably containerized, e.g., placed in a bag or other container for ease of handling and transport and is preferably coated, e.g., with protective agents, e.g., safening or pesticidal agents, in particular antifungal agents and/or insecticidal agents. One particular embodiment of this invention is isolated inbred seed of the plants described herein, e.g. substantially free from hybrid seed or seed of other inbred seed, e.g., a seed lot or unit of inbred seed which is at least 95% homogeneous, e.g., isolated seed of any of the maize inbreds described in example 8 or 9 hereof.
Also provided herein, for the first time, are Bt maize varieties other than Bt field corn, particularly Bt sweet corn. Although Bt field corn has been disclosed, it was not previously determined experimentally whether or how a Bt delta δ-endotoxin would interact with traits associated with sweet corn, which is harvested at an earlier maturity (before it is dry), for a different purpose (usually fresh produce, canning or freezing, for human consumption) and has been bred therefore to be qualitatively and quantitatively different from field corn in a number of respects. Therefore, in one embodiment, the invention comprises a sweet corn comprising in its genome an expression cassette comprising a coding region for a Bt delta-δ-endotoxin or functional fragment or derivative thereof, under control of a promoter operable in maize, e.g., an expression cassette as described herein. The sweet corn of the invention includes sweet or supersweet maize having a higher sugar to starch ratio than field corn (e.g., yellow dent corn) due to a reduced capacity to convert sugar into starch, typically characterized by a sugary (su, e.g., su1) allele in the case of sweet corn, and/or shrunken allele (sh, e.g., sh2) or brittle allele (bt, e.g., bt2 1 not to be confused with the gene for an endoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis, described elsewhere herein) in the case of supersweet corn, especially maize containing the su1 or sh2 alleles.
Bt maize of the invention, e.g., Bt11 maize, is found to be particularly suited for the preparation of food materials (e.g., for human or animal consumption, for example sweet corn for for packaging or fresh use as a human food, or grain or silage made from field corn) containing reduced levels of fungal toxins, e.g., aflatoxins. While the mechanism is not entirely understood, in grain and silage made from Bt11 maize, the level of aflatoxin is believed to be lower, possibly because the reduction in insect damage reduces the level of opportunistic fungal infection in the growing plant. Accordingly, food materials made from Bt maize of the invention, particularly Bt11 maize, for example grain and silage having reduced levels of fungal toxins, particularly aflatoxins, and the use of the Bt maize of the invention in a method of preparing a foodstuff, especially grain or silage, with reduced levels of fungal toxins, e.g., aflatoxins, is also provided.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A promoter is defined as a nucleotide sequence at the 5′ end of a structural gene which directs the initiation of transcription. The structural gene is placed under regulatory control of the promoter. Various promoters which are active in plant cells are known and described in the art. These include Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 19S and 35S; nopaline synthase (NOS); mannopine synthase (MAS); actin; ubiquitin; ZRP; chlorophyll AB binding protein (CAB); ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase RUBISCO); heat shock Brassica promoter (HSP 80); and octopine synthase (OSC). The particular promoter used in the present invention should be capable of causing sufficient expression to result in production of an effective amount of protein. The promoter used in the invention may be modified to affect control characteristics and further may be a composite of segments derived from more than one source, naturally occurring or synthetic. The preferred promoters are CaMV promoters and particularly CaMV 35S. The term “CaMV 35S” includes variations of the promoter wherein the promoter may be truncated or altered to include enhancer sequences, to increase gene expression level, and composite or chimeric promoters, wherein portions of another promoter may be ligated onto the CaMV 35S. A preferred embodiment includes the 5′ untranslated region of the native 35S transcript, and more particularly wherein the untranslated region includes about 100 to 150 nucleotides. Additionally while 35S promoters are fairly homologous, any 35 S promoter in a preferred embodiment would include the untranslated region of the native 35S transcript. Particularly preferred 35S promoters are described in SEQ ID NO. 1 and SEQ ID NO. 5. The promoter as described in SEQ ID NO. 1 as part of the claimed construct may have particular advantage in that the construct may be expressed in pollen tissue.
An intron is a transcribed nucleotide sequence that is removed from the RNA transcript in the nucleus and is not found in the mature mRNA. Such sequences are well known in the art, and monocot introns include but are not limited to sucrose synthetase (SS); glutathione transferase; actin; and maize alcohol dehydrogenase introns. An exon is part of a gene that is transcribed into a mRNA and includes non-coding leader and/or trailer sequences. An exon may code for a specific domain of a protein. Having native exon sequences around an intron may improve the introns splicing activity or the ability of the nuclear splicesomal system to properly recognize and remove the intron. According to the invention, a preferred embodiment includes the native exon in the first cassette and more particularly 50 or more nucleotide bases of the native exon on each side of the intron is preferred.
A gene refers to the entire DNA sequence involved in the synthesis of a protein. The gene includes not only the structural or coding portion of the sequence but also contains a promoter region, the 3′ end and poly(A) sequences, introns and associated enhancers or regulatory sequences.
A structural heterologous gene is that part of a DNA segment which encodes a protein, polypeptide or apportion thereof, and one which is not normally found in the cell or in the cellular location where it is introduced. The DNA sequence of a structural heterologous gene of the present invention include any DNA sequence encoding a crystal toxin insecticidal protein. The preferred toxins include but are not limited to Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1B, Cry1C, Cry1D, Cry1E, Cry1F, Cry1G, Cry2A, Cry2B, Cry3A, Cry3B, Cry3C, Cry4A, Cry4B, Cry4C, Cry4D, Cry5A, Cry9C, CytA and any fusion protein or truncated gene that encodes one or more of the abovementioned toxins or a mixture thereof. Particularly preferred toxins include Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1C, Cry2A, Cry3C, Cry1E, Cry5A, Cry9C and any mixture or fusion protein thereof. In the present specification, the term fusion protein is used interchangeably with the terms fusion toxin and hybrid protein and is a protein consisting of all or part of an amino acid sequence (known as a domain) of two or more proteins, and is formed by fusing the protein encoding genes. An example of a DNA sequence useful in the cassette of this invention is a DNA sequence encoding a fusion toxin wherein the toxin is Cry1Ab/Cry1C and Cry1E/Cry1C. The domains comprising the fusion protein may be derived from either naturally occurring or synthetic sources.
Many cry1Ab genes have been cloned and their nucleotide sequences determined. A holotype gene sequence of cry1Ab has accession number M13898 (The GenBank v. 70/EMBL v.29). A number of studies reveal that the amino terminal end of the Cry1A protein is responsible for the insecticidal activity. This region depends on the particular protein but in general include a truncated gene that encodes from about amino acid 25 to amino acid 610 of the protein.
In the present invention, a preferred cry1Ab gene includes a synthetic gene encoding the toxin domain of the protein produced by the Bt kurstaki (k) HD-1 gene wherein the G+C content of the Btk gene is increased and the polyadenylation sites and ATTTA regions are decreased. U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,365, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety discloses a synthetic Btk HD-1 and HD-73 gene, and truncated HD-1 and HD-73 genes. A particularly preferred cry1Ab gene of this invention is the sequence as described in SEQ ID NO. 3.
Other preferred genes include those that are functionally equivalent to cry1Ab. These genes include all cry1Ab, cry1Aa, cry1Ac and variants thereof wherein the expressed protein toxin is active against one or more major maize Lepidoptera insect pests. The insect pests include the aforementioned European corn borer, Southwestern corn borer, Fall armyworm, and Corn earworm.
The second structural gene that is part of the invention includes a DNA sequence encoding a selective marker for example, antibiotic or herbicide resistance including cat (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase), npt II (neomycin phosphototransferase II), PAT (phosphinothricin acetyltransferase), ALS (acetolactate synthetase), EPSPS (5enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase), and bxn (bromoxynil-specific nitrilase). A preferred marker sequence is a DNA sequence encoding a selective marker for herbicide resistance and most particularly a protein having enzymatic activity capable of inactivating or neutralizing herbicidal inhibitors of glutamine synthetase. The non-selective herbicide known as glufosinate (BASTA® or LIBERTY®) is an inhibitor of the enzyme glutamine synthetase. It has been found that naturally occurring genes or synthetic genes can encode the enzyme phosphinothricin acetyl transferase (PAT) responsible for the inactivation of the herbicide. Such genes have been isolated from Streptomyces. Specific species include Streptomyces hygroscopicus (Thompson C. J. et al., EMBO J., vol. 6:2519-2523 (1987)), Streptomyces coelicolor (Bedford et al, Gene 104: 3945 (1991)) and Streptomyces viridochromogenes (Wohlleben et al. Gene 80:25-57 (1988)). These genes including those that have been isolated or synthesized are also frequently referred to as bar genes. As used herein the terms “bar gene” and “pat gene” are used interchangeably. These genes have been cloned and modified for transformation and expression in plants (EPA 469 273 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,236). Through the incorporation of the pat gene, corn plants and their offspring can become resistant against phosphinothricin (glufosinate). A preferred coding segment of a bar gene of the present invention is the sequence described in SEQ ID NO. 7.
The structural gene of this invention may include one or more modifications in either the coding region or in the untranslated region which would not substantially effect the biological activity or the chemical structure of the expression product, the rate of expression or the manner of expression. These modifications include but are not limited to insertions, deletions, and substitutions of one or more nucleotides, and mutations. The term homology as used herein' refers to identity or near identity of nucleotide or amino acid sequences. The extent of homology is often measured in terms of percentage of identity between the sequences being compared. It is understood in the art that modification can occur in genes and that nucleotide mismatches and minor nucleotide modifications can be tolerated and considered insignificant if the changes do not alter functionality of the final product. As in well known in the art the various cry1A genes have very similar identity and reference in made to the article by Yamamoto and Powell, Advanced Engineered Pesticides, 1993, 3-42 which includes a dendrogram table showing sequence homology among full length crystal proteins obtained from the GenBank data base for a full length comparison.
Termination sequences are sequences at the end of a transcription unit that signals termination of transcription. Terminators are 3′ non-translated DNA sequences that contain a polyadenylated signal. Examples of terminators are known and described in the literature. These include but are not limited to nopline synthase terminator (NOS); the 35S terminator of CaMV and the zein terminator.
Other elements may be introduced into the construct for examples matrix attachments region elements (MAR). These elements can be positioned around an expressible gene of interest to effect an increase in overall expression of the gene and to diminish position dependent effects upon incorporation into the plant genome.
Transformation means the stable integration of a DNA segment carrying the structural heterologous gene into the genome of a plant that did not previously contain that gene. Co-transformation is transformation with two or more DNA molecules. Frequently one segment contains a selectable gene generally one for antibiotic or herbicide resistance.
As used herein the term plant tissue is used in a wide sense and refers to differentiated and undifferentiated plant tissue including but not limited to, protoplasts, shoots, leaves, roots, pollen, seeds, callus tissue, embryos, and plant cells (including those growing or solidified medium or in suspension.
The DNA construct of this invention may be introduced into a plant tissue by any number of art recognized ways. These included, but are not limited to, direct transfer of DNA into whole cells, tissue or protoplasts, optionally assisted by chemical or physical agents to increase cell permeability to DNA, e.g. treatment with polyethylene glycol, dextran sulfate, electroporation and ballistic implantation of DNA coated particles. The following references further detail the methods available: Biolistic transformation or microprojectile bombardment (U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,050; U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,956; McCabe et al., Annual Rev. Genet. 22:421-477 (1988); Klein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 85:4305-4309 (1988); Klein et al., Bio/Technology 6:559-563 (1988); Gordon-Kamm et al., Plant Cell 2:603-618 (1990); and Vasil et al., Bio/Technogy 11:1553-1558 (1993); Protoplast transformation—EPA 0 292 435; EPA 0 465 875; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,689; microinjection—Crossway et al., BioTechniques 4:320-334 (1986); direct gene transfer—Paszoski et al., EMBO J. 3:2717-2722 (1984); electrotransformation—U.S. Pat. No. 5, 371,003; and electroporation—Rigg et al., Proc. Natl, Acad. Sci. USA 83: 5602-5606 (1986). Transformation is also mediated by Agrobacterium strains, notably A. tumefaciens and A. rhizogenes, and also by various genetically engineered transformation plasmids which include portions of the T-DNA of the tumor inducing plasmids of Agrobacteria. EPA 0 604 662A1, Japan Tobacco Inc.; Hinchee et al., BioTechnology 6: 915-921 (1988). Also see Potrykus, I. Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. 1991, 42:205-225. The choice of a particular method may depend on the type of plant targeted for transformation.
Transformed plants may be any plant and particularly corn, wheat, barley, sorghum, and rice plants, and more particularly corn plants derived from a transformant or backcrossing through further breeding experiments.
EXAMPLE 1
Plasmid construction
A. Plasmid pZO1502 construction: The plasmid pZO1502 can be considered to consist of three basic regions; the base plasmid vector, an expression cassette for the Btk gene, and an expression cassette for the pat gene. For convenience, the various parts were constructed separately and then combined into the final plasmid. In order to assemble the desired elements for the Btk and pat gene expression cassettes, the restriction sites used to generate the desired elements sometimes required modification. The following example demonstrates the procedure used to produce the pZO1502 plasmid. One skilled in the art could devise alternate ways to construct the final transformation plasmid.
B. Base Plasmid Vector: The base vector, pUC18 (GenBank accession L08752, Norrander, J. M., et al., 1983. Gene 26:101-106), was modified by replacing the EcoO 109 1 restriction site with a Bgl II linker (digestion with EcoO 109 I, fill in with T4 polymerase, and addition of a Bgl II linker). This base vector was further modified to replace the BspH I sites at 1526 and 2534 with Not I restriction sites (vector cut with BspH I, filled in, and replaced with Stu I linkers; the Stu I site was then cut and Not I linkers added). The addition of the Not I restriction sites provided a convenient way to produce a linear DNA fragment containing the two desired gene cassettes (Btk and pat) separated from the ampicillin gene sequence (required for plasmid production in E. Coli ). This linearition also significantly increased protoplast transformation frequency. The final base vector was named pZO997B (FIG. 2 ).
C: Btk gene expression cassette: The Dde I to Dde I fragment of the 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus (strain CM1841, GenBank accession # V00140, Gardner, R. C., et al., 1981. Nucleic Acids Res 9:2871-2888) (SEQ ID NO. 1) was converted to Sac I by addition of linkers and cloned into the Sac I site of the polylinker region of a pUC19 based vector. The sixth intron from maize Adh1-1S gene (GenBank accession X04049, Dennis, E. S., et al., 1984. Nucleic Acid Res. 12:3983-4000) was isolated as a Pst I to Hpa II fragment, converted with BamH I linkers (SEQ. ID NO. 2), and cloned into the BamH I poly linker site 3′ to the 35S promoter. The 3′ terminator from Nopaline synthetase, NOS, (GenBank accession V00087, Bevan, M., et al., 1983. Nucleic Acids Res. 11:369-385) (SEQ. ID NO 4) was isolated as ˜250 bp fragment with Pst I and Bgl II. The Bgl II site was polished with T4 polymerase, a Hind III linker added, and the fragment inserted behind a gus gene construct using the Pst I and Hind III sites. The gus gene was cloned into the Sal I to Pst I site of the polylinker. The gus construct utilized a synthetic linker (Sal I to Nco I, which provides for an A nucleotide at the −3 position from the translation start ATG: GTCGACCATGG) (SEQ ID NO. 9). The Pst I site was then trimmed, a Bcl I linker added, and the gus gene sequence replaced with a synthetic gene encoding a cry1Ab toxin (SEQ. ID NO. 3) as a Nco I to Bgl II insert to produce the vector pZO960 (FIG. 1)
D. Pat gene expression cassette: Although composed of similar elements, the pat expression cassette was derived from a different series of cloning steps. The 35S promoter (SEQ ID NO. 5) was obtained as a Hinc II to Dde I fragment from the cauliflower mosaic virus (strain CABB-S, GenBank accession # V00141, Franck, A., et al., 1980. Cell 21: 285-294) and converted to BamH I—Xba I with linkers. The second intron sequence from maize Adh1-1S (GenBank accession X04049, Dennis, E. S., et al., 1984. Nucleic acid Res. 12:3983-4000) (SEQ ID NO. 6) was isolated as a Xho II to Xho II fragment and cloned into the BamH I site of pUC12, converting the Xho II sites to BamH I. As a BamH I fragment it was cloned into the Bgl II site of a synthetic polylinker (Asu II, Bgl A, and Xho I). The Asu II site was then filled in and ligated to the (filled in) Xba I site of the 35S promoter fragment. The synthetic pat gene sequence was subcloned from plasmid pOAC/Ac (obtained from Dr. Peter Eckes, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Mass.) (SEQ ID NO. 7) as a Sal I to Pst I fragment and combined with the 35S/Adhivs2 promoter (Xho I) and the 3′ NOS terminator sequence Pst I to Bgl II (Gendank accession V00087, Bevan, M., et al., 1983. Nucleic Acids Res. 11:369-385) (SEQ ID NO. 8). These pieces were all combined with the pZO997B base vector to produce the pat expression vector pZO1500 (FIG. 3 ).
As the final construction step, the Btk expression cassette was subcloned from pZO960 as an EcoR I—Hind III fragment and inserted into the EcoR I—Hind III polylinker site of pZO1500 to produce the final vector, pZO1502 (FIG. 4 ). The amp (beta-lactamase) gene was removed prior to plant transformation by digestion with NotI. pZO1502 has been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Md. 20852-1776 USA pursuant to the Budapest Treaty prior to the filing of this application and accorded accession number 209682, and the complete sequence of this plasmid is disclosed in SEQ. ID No. 9.
EXAMPLE 2
Protoplast transformation, selection of transformed corn cells and regeneration
The initial parental transformation of the corn line to be planted was accomplished through insertion of a DNA fragment from plasmid pZO 1502, containing the two cassettes of Btk and the pat gene, into the genome of a proprietary corn cell line owned by Hoerchst AG (Frankfurt Germany). The transformation was performed using a protoplast transformation and regeneration system as described in detail in European Patent Application Publication Number 0 465 875 A, published Jan. 15, 1992 and European Patent Application Publication Number 0 469 273 A, published Feb. 5, 1992 and Theor. Appl. Gent. 80:721-726 (1990)). The contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
After some weeks on selective media putative transformant clumps of cells were observed and transformed protoplasts were selected in vitro with a glufosinate-ammonium herbicide. Sixteen leaf producing genetically transformed corn lines were obtained from protoplasts treated with the gene expression cassette from pZO1502. One of these lines was designated as transformant number 11. This transformant was grown to maturity.
The Bt-11 R0 transformed plants were pollinated with nontransformed Northrup King elite inbred male parents and R 1 seed was collected. Descendants of the initial crossing have been successively backcrossed and test crossed to establish and evaluate corn lines carrying the Btk gene. Such lines are described more fully in the Examples 8 and 9 below and have been deposited with the ATCC pursuant to the Budapest Treaty.
EXAMPLE 3
Stable Transformation
Expression of the Btk gene was tested by transforming the Bt gene vector pZO960 into BMS (Black Mexican Sweet) corn cells. Protoplasts were isolated from a suspension culture BMS cell line and electroporated to induce DNA uptake essentially as described in Sinibaldi, R. M. and Mettler, I. J., 1992, In: Progress in Nucleic Acid Research and Molecular Biology (W. E. Cohn and K. Moldave, eds.) Academic Press, San Diego, vol. 42:229-259. Cells which had stably incorporated DNA were selected by co-transformation with a plasmid containing a kanamycin resistance selectable gene. A number of independent transgenic events were selected by the expression of the antibiotic resistance to kanamycin. Approximately 1 gram of each transgenic line was then used to test for biological activity against neonate larvae of Manducca sexta. Control, non-transformed, BMS callus tissue supported normal growth of the larvae throughtout the test period. Transgenic callus lines were then rated for the degree of growth inhibition. As shown in Table 1, out of 33 BMS lines co-transformed with pZO960, 6 lines were positive for insecticidal activity showing complete growth inhibition and 100% mortality within 2 or three days. Quantitative Elisa assays showed that the transgenic tissues produced an average of 3.1 ng of Bt protein per mg of total extracted protein.
TABLE 1
Stable Transformation with Btk Cassette
Insect activity
Bt ELISA assays
Construct
# pos/# test
ng/mg protein
pZO960
6 + /33
3.1
+ = strong insecticidal activity, 100% mortality in 2-3 days, little feeding.
EXAMPLE 4
Insertion Site of Bt11 Transgenic Event
The original genetic stock into which the Btk sequence was transformed was designated HE89. The Ro plants were used as the female parent for initial crosses to two, elite Northrup King proprietary inbred lines for which Btk-conversion was sought. Multiple backcrosses were conducted into many additional inbred lines with individuals selected that contained the insertion sequence but were, otherwise, as similar to the elite recurrent parents as possible. Four or more backcrosses and selfing to homozygosity were used in the conversion process. Finished conversion stocks were evaluated with a series of 50 or 60 RFLP probes selected to be well distributed throughout the genome. Genotypes of the Btk converted inbreds were compared to those of their recurrent parent isolines. They were generally identical or nearly identical for all genetic markers, except for three probes on a small segment of the long arm of chromosome 8. All conversion stocks differ from the genotype of the transformed stock, HE89, for this segment, thus differing from the recurrent parents. There were no other genomic regions with consistent differences between Btk-conversions and their recurrent parents. These three probes exist within 10 centiMorgans(cM) of one another at the approximate position of the public probe UMC30a, which has been placed at map position 117 in the 1995 map of RFLP probe positions distributed by the University of Missouri at Columbia.
A series of 95 backcross progeny were further characterized with numerous probes in the region of chromosome 8 identified above. The size of the “donor” DNA segment varied among these progeny. However, five of the progeny failed to contain the donor alles at the flanking markers: Z1B3 and UTMC150a, despite presence of the Btk sequence. These two probes are approximately 15 cM apart on chromosome 8. Thus, the insertion site is within a 15 cM region on the long arm of chromosome 8, near position 1 17, and in the interval flanked by two markers: Z1B3 and UMC150a
Southern Analysis of the Transgenic Event
The Bt11 transgenic seeds backcrossed into inbred line HAF031 were sown in the greenhouse and sprayed with BASTA herbicide at the four leaf stage. Resistant plants and control, untransformed , HAF031 inbred plants were then used for DNA extraction and Southern blot analysis (T. Maniatis, E. F. Fritsch and J. Sambrook, 1982, Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) The genomic DNA samples were digested with following restriction enzymes and probed with labeled DNA for Btk and PAT gene sequences. The first enzyme combination utilized 2 restriction sites present on the plasmid DNA. The next two enzymes had only one known location and would be expected to cut the genomic DNA at a distant site in the plant DNA. The actual size of any observed fragment depends on the insertion event. The number of bands can be used to estimate insertion copy number—each gene copy would produce a unique band on the Southern blot.
The results of a Southern blot are summarized in Table 2 These data show that the Bt11 transgenic lines are derived from a single insertion event containing one gene copy of the Bt and pat gene sequences.
TABLE 2
Restriction Enzymes
Probe
Predicted-Observed
# Fragment
Sal 1 and Sac I
Btk
1.3 kb
1.3 kb
1
Hind III
Btk
_3 kb
˜30 kb
1
EcoR I
Btk
_5 kb
˜25 kb
1
PstI and Hind III
PAT
1.5 kb
1.5 kb
1
Hind III
PAT
2 kb
˜30 kb
1
EcoR I
PAT
5 kb
˜25 kb
1
The DNA probe fragments were isolated from the original plasmid vector pZO1502: Btk = Sal I and Sac I fragment and PAT + Sal I fragment.
EXAMPLE 5
Enzymatic Activity of PAT in the Bt Transformed Lines
Fresh tissue samples (30-50 mg) were ground on ice in ˜5 volumes of extraction buffer (100 mM Tris-HCL, pH 7.5), 3 mg/ml dithiothreitol and 0.3 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BAS fraction V). The homogenate was centrifuged to clarity (12,000× g for 5 min). Approximately 2 μl of extract was added to the reaction mixture containing the extraction buffer plus 125 μM acetyl CoA and 250 μM phosphinothricin. The enzymatic reaction was allowed to proceed for 1 hour at 37° C. The reaction mix was then spotted onto TLC silica gel plates (Baker Si250-PA (19C)). The plate was chromatographed for 2-3 hours with isopropanol:NH4OH (3:2), air dried and vacuum dried in an oven at 80° C. The plates were then exposed to X-ray film for 1-4 days. The results of a typical assay confirm the presence and enzymatic activity of the PAT protein in the Bt lines.
EXAMPLE 6
Inheritance and Gene Stability
The segregation of the Btk gene and the PAT gene were followed in multiple generations. Eight F1 corn plants identified as containing the Btk and PAT genes were selfed to produce a S1 population. The S1 population was screened for resistance to ECB and Ignite ® herbicide. All plants were either resistant to ECB and Ignite or susceptible to both. The segregation ratios were consistent with an expected ratio of 3:1 for a single dominant locus.
EXAMPLE 7
Bt-11 maize versus European Corn Borer Field Trials
Trials were conducted using a randomized complete block design. Two replicates were planted at three locations across three states in two-row plots. Hybrids were grouped according to relative maturity and planted at appropriate sites based on maturity. Southern trials contained six Btk hybrids and four non-Btk control hybrids. The northern trials consisted of eight Btk hybrids and two non-Btk hybrids. Plants were artificially infected as they approached the V6 stage of growth. Approximatety fifty larvae were applied to ten plants in the first row of each plot every three to four days over a two and one-half week period. By the end of the first generation infesting, each plant had been infected with at least 200 neonate larvae. Just prior to tassel emeregnce, 1-9 leaf damage ratings were assigned to each of the ten plants per plot. The rating scale of Gurthie, W. D., et al. (1960, “Leaf and Sheath Feeding Resistance to the European Corn Borer in Eight Inbred Lines of Dent Corn”, * Ohio Ag. Exp, Sta. Res. Bull. 860) was used, wherein 1=no damage or few pinholes, 2=small holes on a few leaves, 3=shot-holes on serval leaves, 4=irregular shaped holes on a few leaves, and 9=several leaves with many emerging elongated lesions.
As plants began to shed pollen, second generation ECB infestation began. The first ten plants of the first row of each plot were infected with 4-50 larvae every three to four days over a two and one-half week period. Eventually every plant had been infected with approximately 200 more larvae. After approximately 45 to 50 days, plants were dissected from top to the ground and the total length of tunnels created by ECB feeding was estimated and converted to centimeters for reporting. Analysis of Variance and Least Significant Difference mean separation were used to analyze the results.
Average leaf feeding damage scores were approximately 3.9 on non-Btk hybrids and 1.1 for Btk hybrids wherein 1 on the scale of 1 to 9 represents no damage. Average stalk damage represented as centimeters tunneled per plant, was approximately 4.9 cm in the non-Btk control hybrids. The Btk hybrids displayed only approximately 0.2 cm of tunneling per plant. In all cases, the difference between Btk hybrids and non-Btk hybrids was significant at a P-value of less than 0.01 based on AVOVA and LSD mean separation. Field tests conducted to determined the resistance of Btk hybrids and non-Btk hybrids for Southwestern Corn Borer and Fall Armyworm also indicated that Btk hybrids showed excellent potential for assisting in the control of these insect pests.
EXAMPLE 8
Bt11 Sweet Corn
Inbred backcrossing of Bt11 event material as described in Example 4 into Novartis. (Rogers) elite inbred sweet corn lines was carried out to obtain Bt11 inbred sweet corn lines, including inbreds R327H, R372H, R412H, R583H and R660H. These inbreds and their F1 hybrid progeny all contain the Btk insert as described above at the location described above and exhibit insect resistance and herbicide resistance as for the other lines descended from the Bt11 event. For example, 2500 seeds of each of these lines were deposited with ATCC prior to the filing of this application pursuant to the Budapest Treaty and accorded accession numbers as follows: R327H: ATCC Accession No:209673, deposited Mar. 11, 1998, R372H: ATCC Accession No:209674, deposited Mar. 11, 1998, R412H: ATCC Accession No:209675, deposited Mar. 11, 1998, R583H: ATCC Accession No:209671, deposited Mar. 11, 1998 and R660H: ATCC Accession No: 209672, deposited Mar. 11, 1998 . These lines were evaluated at Nampa, Idaho and Stanton, Minnesota during the summer and fall of 1997, and characterized in relation to a standard reference inbred (Iowa5125, from North Central Region Plant Introduction Center, Ames, Iowa) having similar background and maturity, as depicted on the following table. (All measurements are in centimeters unless otherwise noted. Colors are according to Munsell color code chart.)
TABLE 3
Trait
R327H
R372H
R412H
R583H
R660H
Iowa5125
Kernel color
Yellow-
Yellow-
Yellow-
Yellow-
Yellow-
Yellow-
orange
orange
orange
orange
orange
orange
Endosperm type
sul
sul
sul
sh2
sh2
sul
Maturity (days)
emergence to 50% silk
71
70
75
70
77
71
emergence to 50% pollen
68
67
68
66
73
67
50% silk to optimal edible
24
26
25
25
29
25
quality
Plant
plant height
207.0
199.7
144.0
173.8
174.8
152.8
ear height
51.8
65.9
45.3
40.1
57.0
57.5
top ear internode
17.6
15.5
10.0
15.8
13.6
13.8
avg. number of tillers
2.3
1.1
0.4
3.3
1.2
0.8
avg. number of ears/stalk
1.8
1.9
1.7
2.1
2.0
1.3
anthocyanin of brace roots
absent
absent
absent
absent
absent
absent
Leaf
width of ear node leaf
7.5
6.4
8.1
7.5
9.7
7.3
length of ear node leaf
70.7
65.0
54.0
64.1
67.3
82.4
no. of leaves above top ear
6
5
5
5
6
6
degrees of leaf angle
49
41
63
46
60
56
leaf color
very dark
very dark
green-
very dark
green-
green-
green
green
yellow
green
yellow
yellow
Tassel
no. of primary lateral
15
9
16
10
16
28
branches
tassel length
45.8
42.0
31.0
41.6
34.5
28.4
Ear
silk color
green-
green-
green-
green-
light
light green
yellow
yellow
yellow
yellow
green
position at dry husk stage
upright
pendent
horizontal
—
upright
pendent
ear length
14.5
16.0
15.3
16.7
15.7
13.3
ear diameter at midpoint
4.1
3.8
3.74
4.67
4.05
5.33
number of kernel rows
16
16
16
15
16
21
cob diameter at midpoint
2.59
2.50
2.53
2.61
2.54
2.94
EXAMPLE 9
Bt11 Field Corn
Inbred backcrossing of Bt11 event material as described in Example 4 into Novartis (Rogers) elite inbred field corn lines was carried out to obtain Bt11 inbred field corn lines, for example Yellow Dent inbred lines 2044Bt, 2070Bt, 2100Bt, 2114Bt, 2123Bt, 2227Bt, 2184Bt, 2124Bt, and 2221Bt. These inbreds and their hybrid progeny all contain the Btk insert as described above at the location described above and exhibit insect resistance and herbicide resistance as for the other plants descended from the Bt11 event. 2500 seeds of each of the following lines were deposited with ATCC pursuant to the Budapest Treaty and accorded deposit numbers as follows: 2044Bt: ATCC 203943, 2070Bt: ATCC 203941, 2227Bt:, ATCC 203943, 2184Bt: and ATCC 203944. 2221Bt: Bt11 inbreds were also made by marker assisted inbred conversion of the following lines, NP948 (ATCC 209406), NP2017 (ATCC 209543), NP904 (ATCC 209458), NP2010 (ATCC), all deposited with ATCC pursuant to the Budapest Treaty to obtain 2100Bt, 2114Bt, 2123Bt and 2124Bt respectively.
Hybrids from Bt11 inbred conversions were evaluated extensively against hybrids from isogenic, non-transgenic parents in a number of field trials. In general, there was a significant yield advantage to the BT11 version. There was no attempt to control natural infestations of European Corn Borers in these trial locations. Grain moisture at harvest is sometimes slightly higher in the BT11 version. This can often be attributed to the improved plant health, due to reduced stalk rot. In some cases, grain test weight is higher in the BT11 version, which can also reduce the rate of grain dry down. Stalk lodging is typically lower in the BT11 versions. Push test and Late season intactness are also typically better in BT11 versions. In some cases, stay green is better. Plant and ear height are sometimes slightly higher in the BT11 version. For other traits, no consistent detrimental changes in performance have been observed.
2124Bt, 2221Bt, and 2070Bt are southern (late) maturities, whereas 2044Bt, 2100Bt, 2114Bt, 2227Bt, 2184Bt, and 2123Bt are northern (early) maturities. These inbred Bt lines have the following general characterization:
2044Bt—dark-reddish purple silk, slight pale green color, very slightly faded chlorotic stripes in leaves, medium tall, medium ear placement, purple tip to glume
2100Bt—green-yellow silk, medium-short plant height, medium low ear placement, green with purple glume, light green overall appearance
2114Bt—dark reddish purple silk, small tassel, slight crook in stalk nodes, slight pale green color, medium tall, medium ear placement, higher yielding than 2044Bt
2227Bt—very thin loose husk at harvest, root lodges, medium plant height, medium ear placement
2184Bt—medium plant height, medium ear placement, very light pollen shedder, green yellow silk color, pale purple anther
2123Bt—green with purple glumes, purple anther, green yellow silk, medium plant height
Sequence information
Sequence 1: 35S promoter (EcoR I, Sac I, -35S- Sac I, Kpn I, Sma I)
1
AATTCGAGCT CGTCAGAAGA CCAGAGGGCT ATTGAGACTT TTCAACAAAG GGTAATATCG
61
GGAAACCTCC TCGGATTCCA TTGCCCAGCT ATCTGTCACT TCATCGAAAG GACAGTAGAA
121
AAGGAAGGTG GCTCCTACAA ATGCCATCAT TGCGATAAAG GAAAGGCTAT CGTTCAAGAT
181
GCCTCTACCG ACAGTGGTCC CAAAGATGGA CCCCCACCCA CGAGGAACAT CGTGGAAAAA
241
GAAGACGTTC CAACCACGTC TTCAAAGCAA GTGGATTGAT GTGATATCTC CACTGACGTA
301
AGGGATGACG CACAATCCCA CTATCCTTCG CAAGACCCTT CCTCTATATA AGGAAGTTCA
361
TTTCATTTGG AGAGGACACG CTGAAATCAC CAGTCTCTCT CTACAAATCT ATCTCTCTCT
421
ATTTTCTCCA TAATAATGTG TGAGTAGTTC CCAGATAAGG GAATTAGGGT TCTTATAGGG
481
TTTCGCTCAC GTGTTGAGCA TATAAGAAAC CCTTACGAGC TCGGTACCCG GG
Sequence 2: Adh1-1S intron 6 (EamH I, -ADH1SIVS6-, BamH I, Xba I, Sal I)
1
GATCCGGAAG GTGCAAGGAT TGCTCGAGCG TCAAGGATCA TTGGTGTCGA CCTGAACCCC
61
AGCAGATTCG AAGAAGGTAC AGTACACACA CATGTATATA TGTATGATGT ATCCCTTCGA
121
TCGAAGGCAT GCCTTGGTAT AATCACTGAG TAGTCATTTT ATTACTTTGT TTTGACAAGT
181
CAGTAGTTCA TCCATTTGTC CCATTTTTTC AGCTTGGAAG TTTGGTTGCA CTGGCACTTG
241
GTCTAATAAC TGAGTAGTCA TTTTATTACG TTGTTTCGAC AAGTCAGTAG CTCATCCATC
301
TGTCCCATTT TTTCAGCTAG GAAGTTTGGT TGCACTGGCC TTGGACTAAT AACTGATTAG
361
TCATTTTATT ACATTGTTTC GACAAGTCAG TAGCTCATCC ATCTGTCCCA TTTTTCAGCT
421
AGGAAGTTCG GTTGCACTGA ATTTGTGAAC CCAAAAGACC ACAACAAGCC GCGGATCCTC
481
TAGAGTCGAC
Sequence 3: cry1Ab toxic gene region (Nco I, -cry1Ab-, Bg1 II)
1
CATGGACAAC AACCCAAACA TCAACGAATG CATTCCATAC AACTGCTTGA GTAACCCAGA
61
AGTTGAAGTA CTTGGTGGAG AACGCATTGA AACCGGTTAC ACTCCCATCG ACATCTCCTT
121
GTCCTTGACA CAGTTTCTGC TCAGCGAGTT CGTGCCAGGT GCTGGGTTCG TTCTCGGACT
181
AGTTGACATC ATCTGGGGTA TCTTTGGTCC ATCTCAATGG GATGCATTCC TGGTGCAAAT
241
TGAGCAGTTG ATCAACCAGA GGATCGAAGA GTTCGCCAGG AACCAGGCCA TCTCTAGGTT
301
GGAAGGATTG AGCAATCTCT ACCAAATCTA TGCAGAGAGC TTCAGAGAGT GGGAAGCCGA
361
TCCTACTAAC CCAGCTCTCC GCGAGGAAAT GCGTATTCAA TTCAACGACA TGAACAGCGC
421
CTTGACCACA GCTATCCCAT TGTTCGCAGT CCAGAACTAC CAAGTTCCTC TCTTGTCCGT
481
GTACGTTCAA GCAGCTAATC TTCACCTCAG CGTGCTTCGA GACGTTAGCG TGTTTGGGCA
541
AAGGTGGGGA TTCGATGCTG CAACCATCAA TAGCCGTTAC AACGACCTTA CTAGGCTGAT
601
TGGAAACTAC ACCGACCACG CTGTTCGTTG GTACAACACT GGCTTGGAGC GTGTCTGGGG
661
TCCTGATTCT AGAGATTGGA TTAGATACAA CCAGTTCAGG AGAGAATTGA CCCTCACAGT
721
TTTGGACATT GTGTCTCTCT TCCCGAACTA TGACTCCAGA ACCTACCCTA TCCGTACAGT
781
GTCCCAACTT ACCAGAGAAA TCTATACTAA CCCAGTTCTT GAGAACTTCG ACGGTAGCTT
841
CCGTGGTTCT GCCCAAGGTA TCGAAGGCTC CATCAGGAGC CCACACTTGA TGGACATCTT
901
GAACAGCATA ACTATCTACA CCGATGCTCA CAGAGGAGAG TATTACTGGT CTGGACACCA
961
GATCATGGCC TCTCCAGTTG GATTCAGCGG GCCCGAGTTT ACCTTTCCTC TCTATGGAAC
1021
TATGGGAAAC GCCGCTCCAC AACAACGTAT CGTTGCTCAA CTAGGTCAGG GTGTCTACAG
1081
AACCTTGTCT TCCACCTTGT ACAGAAGACC CTTCAATATC GGTATCAACA ACCAGCAACT
1141
TTCCGTTCTT GACGGAACAG AGTTCGCCTA TGGAACCTCT TCTAACTTGC CATCCGCTGT
1201
TTACAGAAAG AGCGGAACCG TTGATTCCTT GGACGAAATC CCACCACAGA ACAACAATGT
1261
GCCACCCAGG CAAGGATTCT CCCACAGGTT GAGCCACGTG TCCATGTTCC GTTCCGGATT
1321
CAGCAACAGT TCCGTGAGCA TCATCAGAGC TCCTATGTTC TCATGGATTC ATCGTAGTGC
1381
TGAGTTCAAC AATATCATTC CTTCCTCTCA AATCACCCAA ATCCCATTGA CCAAGTCTAC
1441
TAACCTTGGA TCTGGAACTT CTGTCGTGAA AGGACCAGGC TTCACAGGAG GTGATATTCT
1501
TAGAAGAACT TCTCCTGGCC AGATTAGCAC CCTCAGAGTT AACATCACTG CACCACTTTC
1561
TCAAAGATAT CGTGTCAGGA TTCGTTACGC ATCTACCACA AACTTGCAAT TCCACACCTC
1621
CATCGACGGA AGGCCTATCA ATCAGGGTAA CTTCTCCGCA ACCATGTCAA GCGGCAGCAA
1681
CTTGCAATCC GGCAGCTTCA GAACCGTCGG TTTCACTACT CCTTTCAACT TCTCTAACGG
1741
ATCAAGCGTT TTCACCCTTA GCGCTCATGT GTTCAATTCT GGCAATGAAG TGTACATTGA
1801
CCGTATTGAG TTTGTGCCTG CCGAAGTTAC CTTCGAGGCT GAGTACTAGC A
Sequence 4: NOS terminator (Bcl I, -NOS-, Hind III)
1
GATCAGGATC GTTCAAACAT TTGGCAATAA AGTTTCTTAA GATTGAATCC TGTTGCCGGT
61
CTTGCGATGA TTATCATATA ATTTCTGTTG AATTACGTTA AGCATGTAAT AATTAACATG
121
TAATGCATGA CGTTATTTAT GAGATGGGTT TTTATGATTA GAGTCCCGCA ATTATACATT
181
TAATACGCGA TAGAAAACAA AATATAGCGC GCAACCTAGG ATAAATTATC GCGCGCGGTG
241
TCATCTATGT TACTAGATCC A
Sequence 5: 35S promoter (BamH I, -35S-, Xba I)
1
GATCCGAACA TGGTGGAGCA CGACACGCTT GTCTACTCCA AAAATATCAA AGATACAGTC
61
TCAGAAGACC AAAGGGCAAT TGAGACTTTT CAACAAAGGG TAATATCCGG AAACCTCCTC
121
GGATTCCATT GCCCAGCTAT CTGTCACTTT ATTGTGAAGA TAGTGGAAAA GGAAGGTGGC
181
TCCTACAAAT GCCATCATTG CGATAAAGGA AAGGCCATCG TTGAAGATGC CTCTGCCGAC
241
AGTGGTCCCA AAGATGGACC CCCACCCACG AGGAGCATCG TGGAAAAAGA AGACGTTCCA
301
ACCACGTCTT CAAAGCAAGT GGATTGATGT GATATCTCCA CTGACGTAAG GGATGACGCA
361
CAATCCCACT ATCCTTCGCA AGACCCTTCC TCTATATAAG GAAGTTCATT TCATTTGGAG
421
AGGACACGCT GAAATCACCA GTCTCTCTCT ACAAATCTAT CTCTCTCTAT AATAATGTGT
481
GAGTAGTTCC CAGATAAGGG AATTAGGGTT CTTATAGGGT TTCGCTCATG TGTTGAGCAT
541
ATAAGAAACC CTTACTCTAG
Sequence 6: Adh1-1S intron 2 (partial Asu II -ADH1SIVS2-, Xho I)
1
CGAAGATCCT CTTCACCTCG CTCTGCCACA CCGACGTCTA CTTCTGGGAG GCCAAGGTAT
61
CTAATCAGCC ATCCCATTTG TGATCTTTGT CAGTAGATAT GATACAACAA CTCGCGGTTG
121
ACTTGCGCCT TCTTGGCGGC TTATCTGTCT CAGGGGCAGA CTCCCGTGTT CCCTCGGATC
Sequence 7: Pat gene (Sal I, -Pat-, Bgl II, Sal I, Pst I)
1
TCGACATGTC TCCGGAGAGG AGACCAGTTG AGATTAGGCC AGCTACAGCA GCTGATATGG
61
CCGCGGTTTG TGATATCGTT AACCATTACA TTGAGACGTC TACAGTGAAC TTTAGGACAG
121
AGCCACAAAC ACCACAAGAG TGGATTGATG ATCTAGAGAG GTTGCAAGAT AGATACCCTT
181
GGTTGGTTGC TGAGGTTGAG GGTGTTGTGG CTGGTATTGC TTACGCTGGG CCCTGGAAGG
241
CTAGGAACGC TTACGATTGG ACAGTTGAGA GTACTGTTTA CGTGTCACAT AGGCATCAAA
301
GGTTGGGCCT AGGATCCACA TTGTACACAC ATTTGCTTAA GTCTATGGAG GCGCAAGGTT
361
TTAAGTCTGT GGTTGCTGTT ATAGGCCTTC CAAACGATCC ATCTGTTAGG TTGCATGAGG
421
CTTTGGGATA CACAGCCCGG GGTACATTGC GCGCAGCTGG ATACAAGCAT GGTGGATGGC
481
ATGATGTTGG TTTTTGGCAA AGGGATTTTG AGTTGCCAGC TCCTCCAAGG CCAGTTAGGC
541
CAGTTACCCA GATCTGAGTC GACCTGCA
Sequence 8: NOS terminator (Pst I, -NOS-, Bgl II)
1
GATCGTTCAA ACATTTGGCA ATAAAGTTTC TTAAGATTGA ATCCTGTTGC CGGTCTTGCG
61
ATGATTATCA TATAATTTCT GTTGAATTAC GTTAAGCATG TAATAATTAA CATGTAATGC
121
ATGACGTTAT TTATGAGATG GGTTTTTATG ATTAGAGTCC CGCAATTATA CATTTAATAC
181
GCGATAGAAA ACAAAATATA GCGCGCAACC TAGGATAAAT TATCGCGCGC GGTGTCATCT
241
ATGTTACTA
Sequence 9: Complete sequence of pZO1502 starting at the EcoRI site
immediately upstream of the Bt gene cassette. The Bt gene (nucleotides
1022- 2869) and the pat gene (nucleotides 4294-4845) are aligned with the
amino acid sequence of the respective proteins. The recognition sequences
of the NotI sites flanking the beta-lactamase (amp) gene are underlined.
1
GAATTCGAGCTCGTCAGAAGACCAGAGGGCTATTGAGACTTTTCAACAAAGGGTAATATCGGGAAACCTCCTCGGATTCC
80
81
ATTGCCCAGCTATCTGTCACTTCATCGAAAGGACAGTAGAAAAGGAAGGTGGCTCCTACAAATGCCATCATTGCGATAAA
160
161
GGAAAGGCTATCGTTCAAGATGCCTCTACCGACAGTGGTCCCAAAGATGGACCCCCACCCACGAGGAACATCGTGGAAAA
240
241
AGAAGACGTTCCAACCACGTCTTCAAAGCAAGTGGATTGATGTGATATCTCCACTGACGTAAGGGATGACGCACAATCCC
320
321
ACTATCCTTCGCAAGACCCTTCCTCTATATAAGGAAGTTCATTTCATTTGGAGAGGACACGCTGAAATCACCAGTCTCTC
400
401
TCTACAAATCTATCTCTCTCTATTTTCTCCATAATAATGTGTGAGTAGTTCCCAGATAAGGGAATTAGGGTTCTTATAGG
480
481
GTTTCGCTCACGTGTTGAGCATATAAGAAACCCCGAGCTCGGTACCCGGGGATCCGGAAGGTGCAAGGATTGCTCGAGCG
560
561
TCAAGGATCATTGGTGTCGACCTGAACCCCAGCAGATTCGAAGAAGGTACAGTACACACACATGTATATATGTATGATGT
640
641
ATCCCTTCGATCGAAGGCATGCCTTGGTATAATCACTGAGTAGTCATTTTATTACTTTGTTTTGACAAGTCAGTAGTTCA
720
721
TCCATTTGTCCCATTTTTTCAGCTTGGAAGTTTGGTTGCACTGGCACTTGGTCTAATAACTGAGTAGTCATTTTATTACG
800
801
TTGTTTCGACAAGTCAGTAGCTCATCCATCTGTCCCATTTTTTCAGCTAGGAAGTTTGGTTGCACTGGCCTTGGACTAAT
880
881
AACTGATTAGTCATTTTATTACATTGTTTCGACAAGTCAGTAGCTCATCCATCTGTCCCATTTTTCAGCTAGGAAGTTCG
960
961
GTTGCACTGAATTTGTGAACCCAAAAGACCACAACAAGCCGCGGATCCTCTAGAGTCGACC ATG GAC AAC AAC
1033
1
M D N N
4
1034
CCA AAC ATC AAC GAA TGC ATT CCA TAC AAC.TGC TTG AGT AAC CCA GAA GTT GAA GTA CTT
1093
5
P N I N E C I P Y N C L S N P E V E V L
24
1094
GGT GGA GAA CGC ATT GAA ACC GGT TAC ACT CCC ATC GAC ATC TCC TTG TCC TTG ACA CAG
1153
25
G G E R I E T G Y T P I D I S L S L T Q
44
1154
TTT CTG CTC AGC GAG TTC GTG CCA GGT GCT GGG TTC GTT CTC GGA CTA GTT GAC ATC ATC
1213
45
F L L S E F V P G A G F V L G L V D I I
64
1214
TGG GGT ATC TTT GGT CCA TCT CAA TGG GAT GCA TTC CTG GTG CAA ATT GAG CAG TTG ATC
1273
65
W G I F G P S Q W D A F L V Q I E Q L I
84
1274
AAC CAG AGG ATC GAA GAG TTC GCC AGG AAC CAG GCC ATC TCT AGG TTG GAA GGA TTG AGC
1333
85
N Q R I E E F A R N Q A I S R L E G L S
104
1334
AAT CTC TAC CAA ATC TAT GCA GAG AGC TTC AGA GAG TGG GAA GCC GAT CCT ACT AAC CCA
1393
105
N L Y Q I Y A E S F R E W E A D P T N P
124
1394
GCT CTC CGC GAG GAA ATG CGT ATT CAA TTC AAC GAC ATG AAC AGC GCC TTG ACC ACA GCT
1453
125
A L R E E M R I Q F N D M N S A L T T A
144
1454
ATC CCA TTG TTC GCA GTC CAG AAC TAC CAA GTT CCT CTC TTG TCC GTG TAC GTT CAA GCA
1513
145
I P L F A V Q N Y Q V P L L S V Y V Q A
164
1514
GCT AAT CTT CAC CTC AGC GTG CTT CGA GAC GTT AGC GTG TTT GGG CAA AGG TGG GGA TTC
1573
165
A N L H L S V L R D V S V F G Q R W G F
184
1574
GAT GCT GCA ACC ATC AAT AGC CGT TAC AAC GAC CTT ACT AGG CTG ATT GGA AAC TAC ACC
1633
185
D A A T I N S R Y N D L T R L I G N Y T
204
1634
GAC CAC GCT GTT CGT TGG TAC AAC ACT GGC TTG GAG CGT GTC TGG GGT CCT GAT TCT AGA
1693
205
D H A V R W Y N T G L E R V W G P D S R
224
1694
GAT TGG ATT AGA TAC AAC CAG TTC AGG AGA GAA TTG ACC CTC ACA GTT TTG GAC ATT GTG
1753
225
D W I R Y N Q F R R E L T L T V L D I V
244
1754
TCT CTC TTC CCG AAC TAT GAC TCC AGA ACC TAC CCT ATC CGT ACA GTG TCC CAA CTT ACC
1813
245
S L F P N Y D S R T Y P I R T V S Q L T
264
1814
AGA GAA ATC TAT ACT AAC CCA GTT CTT GAG AAC TTC GAC GGT AGC TTC CGT GGT TCT GCC
1673
265
R E I Y T N P V L E N F D G S F R G S A
284
1874
CAA GGT ATC GAA GGC TCC ATC AGG AGC CCA CAC TTG ATG GAC ATC TTG AAC AGC ATA ACT
1933
285
Q G I E G S I R S P H L M D I L N S I T
304
1934
ATC TAC ACC GAT GCT CAC AGA GGA GAG TAT TAC TGG TCT GGA CAC CAG ATC ATG GCC TCT
1993
305
I Y T D A H R G E Y Y W S G H Q I M A S
324
1994
CCA GTT GGA TTC AGC GGG CCC GAG TTT ACC TTT CCT CTC TAT GGA ACT ATG GGA AAC GCC
2053
325
P V G F S G P E F T F P L Y G T M G N A
344
2054
GCT CCA CAA CAA CGT ATC GTT GCT CAA CTA GGT CAG GGT GTC TAC AGA ACC TTG TCT TCC
2113
345
A P Q Q R I V A Q L G Q G V Y R T L S S
364
2114
ACC TTG TAC AGA AGA CCC TTC AAT ATC GGT ATC AAC AAC CAG CAA CTT TCC GTT CTT GAC
2173
365
T L Y R R P F N I G I N N Q Q L S V L D
384
2174
GGA ACA GAG TTC GCC TAT GGA ACC TCT TCT AAC TTG CCA TCC GCT GTT TAC AGA AAG AGC
2233
385
G T E F A Y G T S S N L P S A V Y R K S
404
2234
GGA ACC GTT GAT TCC TTG GAC GAA ATC CCA CCA CAG AAC AAC AAT GTG CCA CCC AGG CAA
2293
405
G T V D S L D E I P P Q N N N V P P R Q
424
2294
GGA TTC TCC CAC AGG TTG AGC CAC GTG TCC ATG TTC CGT TCC GGA TTC AGC AAC AGT TCC
2353
425
G F S H R L S H V S M F R S G F S N S S
444
2354
GTG AGC ATC ATC AGA GCT CCT ATG TTC TCA TGG ATT CAT CGT AGT GCT GAG TTC AAC AAT
2413
445
V S I I R A P M F S W I H R S A E F N N
464
2414
ATC ATT CCT TCC TCT CAA ATC ACC CAA ATC CCA TTG ACC AAG TCT ACT AAC CTT GGA TCT
2473
465
I I P S S Q I T Q I P L T K S T N L G S
484
2474
GGA ACT TCT GTC GTG AAA GGA CCA GGC TTC ACA GGA GGT GAT ATT CTT AGA AGA ACT TCT
2533
485
G T S V V K G P G F T G G D I L R R T S
504
2534
CCT GGC CAG ATT AGC ACC CTC AGA GTT AAC ATC ACT GCA CCA CTT TCT CAA AGA TAT CGT
2593
505
P G Q I S T L R V N I T A P L S Q R Y R
524
2594
GTC AGG ATT CGT TAC GCA TCT ACC ACA AAC TTG CAA TTC CAC ACC TCC ATC GAC GGA AGG
2653
525
V R I R Y A S T T N L Q F H T S I D G R
544
2654
CCT ATC AAT CAG GGT AAC TTC TCC GCA ACC ATG TCA AGC GGC AGC AAC TTG CAA TCC GGC
2713
545
P I N Q G N F S A T M S S G S N L Q S G
564
2714
AGC TTC AGA ACC GTC GGT TTC ACT ACT CCT TTC AAC TTC TCT AAC GGA TCA AGC GTT TTC
2773
565
S F R T V G F T T P F N F S N G S S V F
584
2774
ACC CTT AGC GCT CAT GTG TTC AAT TCT GGC AAT GAA GTG TAC ATT GAC CGT ATT GAG TTT
2833
585
T L S A H V F N S G N E V Y I D R I E F
604
2634
GTG CCT GCC GAA GTT ACC TTC GAG GCT GAG TAC TAG CAGATCAGGATCGTTCAAACATTTGGCAATAA
2901
605
V P A E V T F E A E Y *
616
2902
AGTTTCTTAAGATTGAATCCTGTTGCCGGTCTTGCGATGATTATCATATAATTTCTGTTGAATTACGTTAAGCATGTAAT
2981
2982
AATTAACATGTAATGCATGACGTTATTTATGAGATGGGTTTTTATGATTAGAGTCCCGCAATTATACATTTAATACGCGA
3061
3062
TAGAAAACAAAATATAGCGCGCAACCTAGGATAAATTATCGCGCGCGGTGTCATCTATGTTACTAGATCCAAGCTTGGCA
3141
3142
CTGGCCGTCGTTTTACAACGTCGTGACTGGGAAAACCCTGGCGTTACCCAACTTAATCGCCTTGCAGCACATCCCCCTTT
322
3222
CGCCAGCTGGCGTAATAGCGAAGAGGCCCGCACCGATCGCCCTTCCCAACAGTTGCGCAGCCTGAATGGCGAATGGCGCC
3301
3302
TGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGTATTTCACACCGCATATGGTGCACTCTCAGTACAATCTGCTCTGAT
3381
3382
GCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGCCCCGACACCCGCCAACACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTCCCGGCATCCGC
3461
3462
TTACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTGTCAGAGGTTTTCACCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAA
3541
3542
AGGGCCAGATCCGAACATGGTGGAGCACGACACGCTTGTCTACTCCAAAAATATCAAAGATACAGTCTCAGAAGACCAAA
3621
3622
GGGCAATTGAGACTTTTCAACAAAGGGTAATATCCGGAAACCTCCTCGGATTCCATTGCCCAGCTATCTGTCACTTTATT
3701
3702
GTGAAGATAGTGGAAAAGGAAGGTGGCTCCTACAAATGCCATCATTGCGATAAAGGAAAGGCCATCGTTGAAGATGCCTC
3781
3782
TGCCGACAGTGGTCCCAAAGATGGACCCCCACCCACGAGGAGCATCGTGGAAAAAGAAGACGTTCCAACCACGTCTTCAA
3B61
3862
AGCAAGTGGATTGATGTGATATCTCCACTGACGTAAGGGATGACGCACAATCCCACTATCCTTCGCAAGACCCTTCCTCT
3941
3942
ATATAAGGAAGTTCATTTCATTTGGAGAGGACACGCTGAAATCACCAGTCTCTCTCTACAAATCTATCTCTCTCTATAAT
4021
4022
AATGTGTGAGTAGTTCCCAGATAAGGGAATTAGGGTTCTTATAGGGTTTCGCTCATGTGTTGAGCATATAAGAAACCCTT
4101
4102
ACTCTAGCGAAGATCCTCTTCACCTCGCTCTGCCACACCGACGTCTACTTCTGGGAGGCCAAGGTATCTAATCAGCCATC
4181
4182
CCATTTGTGATCTTTGTCAGTAGATATGATACAACAACTCGCGGTTGACTTGCGCCTTCTTGGCGGCTTATCTGTCTCAG
4261
4262
GGGCAGACTCCCGTGTTCCCTCGGATCTCGAC ATG TCT CCG GAG AGG AGA CCA GTT GAG ATT AGG CCA
4329
1
M S P E R R P V E I R P
12
4330
GCT ACA GCA GCT GAT ATG GCC GCG GTT TGT GAT ATC GTT AAC CAT TAC ATT GAG ACG TCT
4389
13
A T A A D M A A V C D I V N H Y I E T S
32
4390
ACA GTG AAC TTT AGG ACA GAG CCA CAA ACA CCA CAA GAG TGG ATT GAT GAT CTA GAG AGG
4449
33
T V N F R T E P Q T P Q E W I D D L E R
52
4450
TTG CAA GAT AGA TAC CCT TGG TTG GTT GCT GAG GTT GAG GGT GTT GTG GCT GGT ATT GCT
4509
53
L Q D R Y P W L V A E V E G V V A G I A
72
4510
TAC GCT GGG CCC TGG AAG GCT AGG AAC GCT TAC GAT TGG ACA GTT GAG AGT ACT GTT TAC
4569
73
Y A G P W K A R N A Y D W T V E S T V Y
92
4570
GTG TCA CAT AGG CAT CAA AGG TTG GGC CTA GGA TCC ACA TTG TAC ACA CAT TTG CTT AAG
4629
93
V S H R H Q R L G L G S T L Y T H L L K
112
4630
TCT ATG GAG GCG CAA GGT TTT AAG TCT GTG GTT GCT GTT ATA GGC CTT CCA AAC GAT CCA
4689
113
S M E A Q G F K S V V A V I G L P N D P
132
4690
TCT GTT AGG TTG CAT GAG GCT TTG GGA TAC ACA GCC CGG GGT ACA TTG CGC GCA GCT GGA
4749
133
S V R L H E A L G Y T A R G T L R A A G
152
4750
TAC AAG CAT GGT GGA TGG CAT GAT GTT GGT TTT TGG CAA AGG GAT TTT GAG TTG CCA GCT
4809
153
Y K H G G W H D V G F W Q R D F E L P A
172
4810
CCT CCA AGG CCA GTT AGG CCA GTT ACC CAG ATC TGA GTCGACCTGCAGATCGTTCAAACATTTGGCAA
4877
173
P P R P V R P V T Q I *
184
4878
TAAAGTTTCTTAAGATTGAATCCTGTTGCCGGTCTTGCGATGATTATCATATAATTTCTGTTGAATTACGTTAAGCATGT
4957
4958
AATAATTAACATGTAATGCATGACGTTATTTATGAGATGGGTTTTTATGATTAGAGTCCCGCAATTATACATTTAATACG
5037
5038
CGATAGAAAACAAAATATAGCGCGCAACCTAGGATAAATTATCGCGCGCGGTGTCATCTATGTTACTAGATCTGGGCCTC
5117
5118
GTGATACGCCTATTTTTATAGGTTAATGTCATGATAATAATGGTTTCTTAGACGTCAGGTGGCACTTTTCGGGGAAATGT
5197
5198
GCGCGGAACCCCTATTTGTTTATTTTTCTAAATACATTCAAATATGTATCCGCTCATGGAGGA GCGGCCGC TCCTCCATG
5277
5278
AGACAATAACCCTGATAAATGCTTCAATAATATTGAAAAAGGAAGAGTATGAGTATTCAACATTTCCGTGTCGCCCTTAT
5357
5358
TCCCTTTTTTGCGGCATTTTGCCTTCCTGTTTTTGCTCACCCAGAAACGCTGGTGAAAGTAAAAGATGCTGAAGATCAGT
5437
5438
TGGGTGCACGAGTGGGTTACATCGAACTGGATCTCAACAGCGGTAAGATCCTTGAGAGTTTTCGCCCCGAAGAACGTTTT
5517
5518
CCAATGATGAGCACTTTTAAAGTTCTGCTATGTGGCGCGGTATTATCCCGTATTGACGCCGGGCAAGAGCAACTCGGTCG
5597
5598
CCGCATACACTATTCTCAGAATGACTTGGTTGAGTACTCACCAGTCACAGAAAAGCATCTTACGGATGGCATGACAGTAA
5677
5678
GAGAATTATGCAGTGCTGCCATAACCATGACTGATAACACTGCGGCCAACTTACTTCTGACAACGATCGGAGGACCGAAG
5757
5758
GAGCTAACCGCTTTTTTGCACAACATGGGGGATCATGTAACTCGCCTTGATCGTTGGGAACCGGAGCTGAATGAAGCCAT
5837
5838
ACCAAACGACGAGCGTGACACCACGATGCCTGTAGCAATGGCAACAACGTTGCGCAAACTATTAACTGGCGAACTACTTA
5917
5918
CTCTAGCTTCCCGGCAACAATTAATAGACTGGATGGAGGCGGATAAAGTTGCAGGACCACTTCTGCGCTCGGCCCTTCCG
5997
5998
GCTGGCTGGTTTATTGCTGATAAATCTGGAGCCGGTGAGCGTGGGTCTCGCGGTATCATTGCAGCACTGGGGCCAGATGG
6077
6078
TAAGCCCTCCCGTATCGTAGTTATCTACACGACGGGGAGTCAGGCAACTATGGATGAACGAAATAGACAGATCGCTGAGA
6157
6158
TAGGTGCCTCACTGATTAAGCATTGGTAACTGTCAGACCAAGTTTACTCATATATACTTTAGATTGATTTAAAACTTCAT
6237
6238
TTTTAATTTAAAAGGATCTAGGTGAAGATCCTTTTTGATAATCTCATGGAGGA GCGGCCGC TCCTCCATGACCAAAATCC
6317
6318
CTTAACGTGAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAAAGATCAAAGGATCTTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTG
6397
6398
CGCGTAATCTGCTGCTTGCAAACAAAAAAACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCAAGAGCTACCAACTCT
6477
6478
TTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGATACCAAATACTGTCCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACT
6557
6558
TCAAGAACTCTGTAGCACCGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCTGCCAGTGGCGATAAGTCG
6637
6638
TGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTACCGGATAAGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGCACACA
6717
6718
GCCCAGCTTGGAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACAGCGTGAGCATTGAGAAAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAG
6797
6798
GGAGAAAGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAAGCGGCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAACGCC
6877
6878
TGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCTCTGACTTGAGCGTCGATTTTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAG
6957
6958
CCTATGGAAAAACGCCAGCAACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGCCTTTTGCTCACATGTTCTTTCCTG
7037
7038
CGTTATCCCCTGATTCTGTGGATAACCGTATTACCGCCTTTGAGTGAGCTGATACCGCTCGCCGCAGCCGAACGACCGAG
7117
7118
CGCAGCGAGTCAGTGAGCGAGGAAGCGGAAGAGCGCCCAATACGCAAACCGCCTCTCCCCGCGCGTTGGCCGATTCATTA
7197
7198
ATGCAGCTGGCACGACAGGTTTCCCGACTGGAAAGCGGGCAGTGAGCGCAACGCAATTAATGTGAGTTAGCTCACTCATT
7277
7278
AGGCACCCCAGGCTTTACACTTTATGCTTCCGGCTCGTATGTTGTGTGGAATTGTGAGCGGATAACAATTTCACACAGGA
7357
7358
AACAGCTATGACCATGATTAC
7378
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The present invention is drawn to a novel DNA construct comprising an expression cassette having a constitutive promoter which functions in plant cells operably linked to a maize alcohol dehydrogenase intron, a DNA sequence of a gene encoding a Cry 1Ab protein, and a terminator functional in plants and optionally further comprising a second cassette including a promoter which functions in plants operably linked to a maize alcohol dehydrogenase intron, a DNA sequence of a gene encoding for phosphinothricin acetyl transferase, and a terminator functional in plants wherein the two cassettes are transcribed in the same direction. Also provided are transgenic plants, particularly maize plants, having such a construct stably incorporated into their genomes.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ophthalmic apparatus, and more particularly to an ophthalmic apparatus usable as apparatus of battery type and of hand-held type.
2. Description of Related Art
In general, the on-off control of electric power to cornea shape measuring apparatuses, fundus cameras and the like is performed by examiners using a manual switch. In the case where an examiner operates the apparatus with switches, however, if the examiner forgets to turn off the power supply after use, the life of electrical parts such as a lamp and the like is shortened and electric power is unnecessarily consumed. To overcome the above problems, some conventional apparatuses are provided with an auto-off function for automatically turning off the power supply if no operation is carried out for a prescribed time.
However, in the conventional apparatus loaded with the auto-off function, the power supplied to a microcomputer circuit etc. is not turned off even when operation is not performed, so that the unnecessary consumption of electric power can not be prevented sufficiently. The resulting drawback is the need for frequent battery charges or replacement of the battery apparatus of battery driving type.
To store sufficient electric power by one charge or change of battery in the battery type apparatus, the battery capacity thereof is required to be enlarged. As a result, the cost will increase and also the battery will be enlarged in size. This may be disadvantageous for apparatuses of hand-held type in particular.
The apparatus provided with the auto-off function has further a problem that return to an active condition from an auto-off condition needs a switching operation, and therefore, it is a cause of trouble.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and has an object to overcome the above problems and to provide an ophthalmic apparatus capable of working with simple operation and less consumption of electric power.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, an ophthalmic apparatus of this invention comprises measuring means for measuring an eye of an examinee, detecting means for detecting whether the eye of the examinee is located within a predetermined area with respect to the apparatus, interval-time-signal-producing means for producing a prescribed interval time, power supply means for supplying power intermittently to the detecting means in accordance with the signals of the interval-time-signal-producing means, and means for generating a signal to initiate the supply of power required for driving the measuring means of the apparatus when said detecting means judges that the eye exists within the predetermined area.
Further, in the second aspect of the present invention, an ophthalmic apparatus comprises a measuring index projecting optical system for projecting cornea-shape measuring indexes onto an eye of an examinee and a measuring index detecting optical system for detecting corneal reflection images of the indexes projected on the eye by the measuring index projecting optical system, measuring light sources disposed in said measuring index projecting optical system, and detecting means disposed in the measuring index detecting optical system, and cornea-reflection image-detecting judging means for turning on the measuring light sources, and for judging whether corneal reflection images are detected by the measuring index detecting optical system, and means for activating the judging means repeatedly to turn on the measuring light sources in said measuring index projecting optical system to judge repeatedly whether corneal reflection images are detected by the detecting means and for turning off the measuring light sources each time the judging means detects no corneal reflection images, each activation of the judging means occurring after a prescribed lapse of time following an absence of detection of corneal reflection images.
According to the present invention, the apparatus is so constituted as to control automatically power supply and operation by detecting if an examinee's eye is located within a measurable range. Accordingly, the apparatus has the advantages that operation thereof can be simplified, an examiner may concentrate on observing and measuring the examinee's eye, and reduction of electric power can be attained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate an embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings,
FIG. 1(a) is a schematic front view of a measurement unit of an ophthalmic apparatus according to the present invention, which show the side facing an examiner;
FIG. 1(b) is a schematic rear view of the measurement unit of FIG. 1(a);
FIG. 2 is a schematic optical arrangement diagram of the ophthalmic apparatus in the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a battery charger and a printer unit of the ophthalmic apparatus in the first embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of the ophthalmic apparatus in the first embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the apparatus in the first embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the apparatus in the first embodiment; and
FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the apparatus in the first embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A detailed description of a preferred embodiment of an ophthalmic apparatus embodying the present invention will now be given referring to the accompanying drawings.
The ophthalmic apparatus in the present embodiment is a cornea-shape measurement apparatus of the hand-held type, which comprises generally a measurement unit internally provided with optical systems for measurement and observation and electric systems for control and calculation, a battery charger and a printer unit.
(Measuring unit)
FIG. 1(a) illustrates the front face, i.e., examiner's side, of a measurement unit 1 and FIG. 1(b) illustrates the or reverse face thereof.
As shown in FIG. 1(a), the measurement unit 1 comprises an observation window 2 which allows an examiner to observe an examinee's eye for alignment, a liquid crystal display 3 on which measurement results and other information are displayed, a clear switch 4 to clear measured values stored in a memory, a transmission starting switch 5 to transmit measured data to a printer unit, and switches 6 and 7 to designate the right or left eye of an examinee's eye examined. The lower part of the measurement unit 1 is grip-shaped so that the measurement unit 1 may be held in one hand of the examiner, and a battery 10 is stored removably in the lower part of the grip.
On the opposite face of the measurement unit 1 as shown in FIG. 1(b), numeral 11 identifies a contact for transmitting measured data to the printer unit on-line via a battery charger when the measurement unit 1 is set in the battery charger, numeral 12 identifies contacts for charging the battery 10. Numeral 13 identifies a light source for data transmission light which transmits the measured data to the printer unit using an optical signal, whereby data transmission can be achieved even when the measurement unit 1 is not set in the battery charger.
FIG. 2 shows schematically an optical system of the measurement unit 1, which comprises a light source 23 of fixation index projecting light and a fixation index plate 24 having a spot aperture. Numeral 20 show an examinee's eye to be examined and numeral 21 shows an eye of an examiner who observes the examinee's eye 20 magnified through an observing lens 22.
Light emitted by the light source 23 illuminates the index plate 24 to project image thereof on the fundus of the eye 20 through a concave lens 25, a dichroic mirror 27, a focusing lens 26 and a beam splitter 28. Then, the examiner is allowed to view fixedly the index plate 24.
An index projecting optical system 29 which is to measure the shape of cornea comprises four optical sub-systems 29a-29d arranged apart from each other at a 90-degree angle in a circle about an optical path of observation light. Each of the sub-systems 29a-29d, wherein sub-systems 29c and 29d are not shown in FIG. 2, is constituted of a source 30 of measuring light such as a LED or the like which emits near-infrared light, a spot diaphragm 31 and a collimator lens 32. When detecting a working distance, the collimator lens 32 of the sub-system 29a will be removed out of the optical path of index projecting light of the sub-system 29a so as to form a finite index.
Numeral 33 identifies a telecentric diaphragm and disposed at a focal position of the focusing lens 26. Numeral 34 identifies a two-dimensional CCD sensor for detecting the position of corneal reflection images being formed by the index projecting optical system 29, which is disposed in a position that is in a substantially conjugate relationship with respect to about an iris on which corneal reflection images are to be formed through the focusing lens 26.
Numeral 35 are LEDs arranged apart from each other at a 30-degree angle in a circle about the optical path of observation light. Each of LEDs 35 is associated with a spot diaphragm 36 and a collimator lens 37. Corneal reflection images formed by the LEDs 35 in all will serve as mire-ring.
(Charger and Printer Unit)
FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a charger 40 and a printer unit 44.
Charger 40 has a holder 41 in which the measurement unit 1 is to be set with the face shown in FIG. 1(b) downward, contacts 42 for battery charging and a contact 43 for data transmission. Simultaneously with being set in the holder 41, the measurement unit 1 is charged through the contacts 42.
Numeral 44 is a printer unit which is provided with a light receiving section 45 which receives optical signals during data transmission. The charger 40 and the printer unit 44 are connected with each other through a cable, and which are supplied with power source through an AC adaptor.
Operation of the thus constructed apparatus will be explained referring to FIG. 4 showing a circuit block diaphragm and FIGS. 5-7 showing flow charts.
The measurement unit has three operational modes, namely, sleep mode, active mode and stand-by mode. Sleep mode is defined as a mode wherein power supply is cut off except for a timer circuit which produces interval time; active mode is defined as a mode wherein the corneal shape of an examinee's eye is measured successively; and stand-by mode is defined as a mode wherein, after measurement, measured data is memorized in a memory.
While receiving the power supply, microcomputer circuit 53 monitors battery voltage through voltage monitor 60. When the battery voltage becomes close to a prescribed voltage at which the circuit can not operate, the microcomputer circuit 53 displays message marks on a liquid crystal display 3 through a display circuit 57 to urge charge or change of battery and, at the same time, sounds a buzzer 59 through a buzzer circuit 58 to give notice to the examiner with an alarm.
When the battery voltage falls to an operational limit, the microcomputer circuit 53 writes the data in a fixed memory if measured data is being memorized in a memory, and then stops a timer circuit 51 and turns a power source circuit 52 off.
After charge or change of battery by the examiner, electric power is supplied to the timer circuit 51 and the measurement unit 1 is put in a sleep mode. When the timer circuit 51 starts to operate, the microcomputer circuit 53 checks the fixed memory 61 at the time of the initial check on an examinee's eye. If finding measured data therein, the microcomputer 53 will read in the data. After that, the mode is shifted to a stand-by mode and the data are displayed on the display 3.
When power is supplied to the battery 10, the measurement unit 1 is put in a sleep mode and then the power source is supplied to the timer circuit 51 to produce interval time. The timer circuit 51, after a predetermined time (for example, 2.5 seconds in the embodiment) has elapsed, transmits a start signal to the power source circuit 52. On receiving the signal, the power source circuit 52 is turned on to supply electric power to the microcomputer circuit 53. Then, the microcomputer circuit 53 drives a light source driving circuit 54 to turn on measuring light source 30 and, successively, drives a CCD sensor driving circuit 55 to operate a CCD sensor 34. The microcomputer circuit 53 checks through a signal detecting circuit 56 whether any signal, which is the corneal reflection image of the examinee's eye, is detected on the CCD sensor 34.
In a case where the signal detecting circuit 56 can not detect any signal of corneal reflection image, the microcomputer circuit 53 judges that the examinee's eye is not located within a measurable area and turns off the power source circuit 52, so that power supply is cut off except to the timer circuit 51.
The timer circuit 51 produces interval time. Then, the power source circuit 52 is turned on again after a predetermined time elapsed to similarly check whether the examinee's eye is detected within the measurable area.
In a case where the signal detecting circuit 56 detects optical signals, microcomputer circuit 53 turns off the measuring light source 30. The signal detecting circuit 56 judges that the examinee's eye is located within or close to the measurable area if any optical signal has not been detected. In a case where similar signal is detected though the measuring light source 30 is being turned off, microcomputer circuit 53 judges the optical signal detected is not caused by reflection of cornea of the examinee's eye but caused by external disturbance light and turns the power source circuit 52 off, so that the mode is shifted to a sleep mode. At the same time, the timer circuit 51 starts timer operation.
When judged that the examinee's eye is located within a measurable area, the microcomputer circuit 53 turns all the measuring light sources 30 on, the sleep mode being shifted to the active mode. The active mode can be achieved automatically, without needing manual operation by examiner, by only setting the measuring optical system of the measurement unit in a place where signal of images of the examinee's cornea can be obtained.
It is possible to turn on any number of measuring light sources 30 for checking the existence of an examinee's eye in accordance with the interval signal of the timer circuit 51. It is preferable to turn on one of measuring light sources 30 in behalf of the power saving effect and increasing the life of measuring light sources, and is more preferable to change the measuring light source to be turned on one by one every time.
When judged that the examinee's eye is located in a measurable area, the microcomputer circuit 53 turns all measuring light sources 30 on to measure the corneal shape of the examinee's eye. The examiner aligns the measuring optical system of the measurement unit with respect to the examinee's eye, so that signals of corneal reflection images come at a described proper location on the CCD sensor 34. Then, the microcomputer circuit 53 generates a trigger signal to start measurement of the shape of the cornea and processes in predetermined calculations to obtain measured data.
Explanations of alignment between the examinee's eye and the measuring system and calculations of the shape of cornea have been described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/098,786 (Japanese Patent Application No. 4-224896) and Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-19896, both which were filed by the same applicant as the present invention. Therefore, detail explanations are omitted herein.
At the time of the active mode when the measuring light sources 30 all are being turned on, if a prescribed time (for example, 60 seconds in the embodiment) has elapsed or any signal of corneal reflection image come to be not detected on the CCD sensor 34, the microcomputer circuit 53 judges that the examiner stopped measurement and cuts the power source circuit 52 off to shift the active mode to the sleep mode.
When measurement on the examinee's eye is completed after alignment of the eye, the microcomputer circuit 53 shifts the active mode to the stand-by mode and drives the display circuit 57 to display the measured data on the display 3.
Next, the examiner presses either switch 6 marked "R" in FIGS. 1 and 4 or switch 7 marked "L" to designate whether the measured eye is right or left. On receiving a signal from the switch 6 or 7, the microcomputer circuit 53 stores the designation of the measured eye with measured data of the eye in an internal memory.
If, in the stand-by mode where the measured data are being displayed on the display 3 after measurement, no switch operation has been performed for a prescribed time (for instance, 60 seconds), the microcomputer circuit 53 operates the display 3 to display a message to urge the next operation and also sounds the buzzer 59 through the buzzer driving circuit 58 to give notice to the examiner with an alarm.
The microcomputer circuit 53 succeedingly checks the existence of examinee's eye in accordance with an interval signal of the timer circuit 51, and the other eye of the examines will be measured in the same process as above.
After measurement, if requiring the measured data output, the examiner presses the print switch 5. When the print switch 5 is pressed, the microcomputer circuit 53 can transmit directly the measured data through the light source driving circuit 54 from the light source 13 for data transmission to the printer unit 44.
When the measurement unit is set in the charger 40, the microcomputer circuit 53 transmits the measured data through a contact 11 for data transmission and a contact 43 of the charger 40 to the printer unit 44. The printer unit 44 receives a communication signal through optical communication or a contact and prints out the measured data thereof.
On the other hand, if the measured data is unnecessary after measurement, the examiner presses the clear switch 4, so that the measured data stored in the internal memory of the microcomputer circuit 53 will be deleted.
When the print switch 5 or the clear switch 4 is pressed by the examiner, the power source circuit 52 is cut off and the stand-by mode is shifted to the sleep mode.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For instance, it is effective to apply the present invention particularly to hand-held type apparatuses by battery drive, but it is not limited thereto, the present invention may also be applied to conventional installed-type apparatuses.
In the above embodiment, though cornea reflection images formed by measurement light sources are utilized to check on the existence of an examinee's eye, another light source may be utilized and further different ways than optical detecting may be used.
Further, by additionally providing a function capable of changing the interval time and the shifting time from the stand-by mode to the sleep mode and the like in the apparatus of the embodiment, it is possible to obtain effective apparatuses according to use conditions.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiment chosen and is in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and their equivalents.
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An ophthalmic apparatus for measuring an eye of an examinee, includes a device for detecting whether the eye is located within a predetermined area with respect to the apparatus, an interval time producing device for producing a prescribed interval time, a power supply device for supplying power intermittently to the detecting device in accordance with signals for the interval time producing device, and power supply signal generating device for generating a signal to supply a power required by the ophthalmic apparatus when the detecting device judges that the eye exists within the predetermined area.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of and a network for delivering streaming data from a streaming server to a client and to devices and servers used in delivering streaming data.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Digital communication technology offers convenient ways of distributing and copying data, but few means exist of protecting copyright controlled media against unauthorized access or re-distribution.
[0003] Some copyright owners have a strong economic interest of protecting their rights and this has lead to an increasing demand for Digital Rights Management (DRM). Generally, the protecting of copyright restricted data transmitted over an insecure channel requires cryptographic mechanisms such as authorization of legal users and encryption of the data. The management of the rights involves establishing trust relations, managing cryptographic keys and charging as well as a specification of the allowed utilization of the media, see e.g. the Internet site http://www.cselt.it/mpeg/.
[0004] A special difficulty arises in wireless networks or other communication systems exposed to disturbances. Due to the broadcast nature, eavesdropping is potentially very easy, which calls for encryption. But in this case, sensitive authentication information and/or encrypted data may be corrupted by errors during the transmission, which could break or distort the communication. Particularly sensitive data comprise real-time or other streaming media where there is little or no time to repair or re-send corrupted data. Moreover, encryption may have an impact on bandwidth economy, and may computationally overload a thin client such as a cellular telephone.
[0005] In the case of severely restricted storage capacity of the receiving device, e.g. a cellular telephone or a so-called “personal digital assistant” (PDA), it is not feasible to include DRM solutions that require large storage capacity. For the same reason it is not suitable or not even possible to have several different DRM solutions in one device. Therefore, a DRM solution should make as much use as possible of some pre-existing security architecture. On the other hand, the restricted environment in such a device also has benefits that should be exploited in a DRM solution. First, the limited storage restrictions are likely to prevent storage of the entire streaming data for later extraction. Second, it is not particularly easy to extract the digital contents from the device in any other shape; i.e. we may consider the device to be, or can with small means be turned into or include a so-called “tamper resistant module”.
[0006] Most existing DRM solutions are partly based on “security by obscurity”, i.e. the methods used are kept secret from the users. This makes it difficult to establish a trust in the solution from the point of view of the users. Second, though this obscurity admittedly makes attacks more difficult, this is only true as long as the obscurity is maintained. History has repeatedly shown that when someone eventually manages to reverse-engineer the solution, or when there is a “leak”, security of the system is immediately compromised. Hence, a solution based on publicly known algorithms and protocols as far as possible has great benefits.
STATE OF THE ART
[0007] Various methods of content protection and rights management exist, but none is feasible for transmitting streaming data over an insecure medium exposed to disturbances. Solutions that may have some relevance to this subject are listed and briefly commented in the following.
[0008] Commonly used terms and abbreviations include the following:
[0009] DRM (Digital Rights Management): a general framework that may encompass one or more of the following techniques.
[0010] Cryptography, see A. Menezes, P. van Oorschot, and S. Vanstone: “Handbook of Applied Cryptography”, CRC Press, 1997 and the Internet site http://www.cacr.math.uwaterloo.ca/hac/.
[0011] Watermarking: a process by which a data producer superimposes digital marks on the actual data so that the combined data can be tied to the data producer and so that the marking is resistant to tampering. That is, it should be difficult to completely remove the marks while maintaining a certain “quality” of the data. Watermarking is normally a software technique.
[0012] Copy protection: a process in which data are stored and distributed so as to make copying with a retained quality difficult and/or such that a copy can be traced back to the copier. Full protection usually requires special purpose hardware.
[0013] The following protocols for transport of real-time media will be referred to in the description hereinafter:
[0014] RTP (Real Time transport Protocol): IETF Proposed Standard for transport of real-time and streaming data, see Schulzrinne, H., Casner, S., Frederick, R., Jacobson, V., “RTP: A Transport Protocol for Real-Time Applications”, IETF Request For Comments RFC 1889, and the Internet site http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc 1889.txt.
[0015] SRTP (Secure RTP or The Secure Real Time Transport Protocol): IETF Draft; security protocol for RTP encompassing encryption using an error-robust, relatively light-weight stream cipher that adds no extra header for the encryption, which makes transmission using SRTP less bandwidth consuming and less sensitive to disturbances compared to e.g. IPsec, see the Internet site http:// search.ietf.org/Internet-drafts/draft-ietf-avt-srtp-00.txt.
[0016] RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol): IETF proposed standard for controlling digital streams, much in the same way as a “remote control” for a audio/video device, see the Internet site http:// www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2326.txt.
[0017] ROHC (RObust Header Compression): IETF Proposed Standard for compression of e.g. UDP- and RTP-headers (as of Mar. 5, 2001), see the Internet sites http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3095.txt, http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3096.txt and http://search.ietf.org/ internet-drafts/draft-ietf-rohc-rtp-09.txt. The compression decreases the size of the packet, which reduces the probability of bit errors and makes it more suitable for transport over noisy channels. Since SRTP only encrypts the RTP-payload, ROHC and SRTP are fully compatible.
Standardized Solutions
[0018] There are several standardization bodies discussing DRM and streaming media, the most mature standards work being the Intellectual Property Management and Protection (IPMP) in Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), see the Internet site http:// www.cselt.it/mpeg/standards/ipmp. MPEG IPMP offers a framework for DRM, but does not include the DRM in itself; it intentionally leaves this open for proprietary solutions.
[0019] Open Platform Initiative for Multimedia Access (OPIMA), see the Internet site http://drogo.cselt.it/leonardo/opima/, works on the standardization of a framework for access control, content management and protection tools. It works on downloadable and/or replaceable security for Internet and pay TV applications, but does not address the wireless environment.
[0020] IETF (or more precisely its research group, IRTF) is presently setting up a study group for DRM, see the Internet site http://www.idrm.org.
Proprietary Solutions
[0021] The Microsoft Corporation has its Windows Media Rights Manager 7 , see the Internet site http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/en/wm7/drm.asp. This solution gives the user a possibility to buy a license at a so called clearing house, which can then be used to play a specific media that can be contained on a CD, in an e-mail or a streaming server. The licenses are tied to the computer, not to the user. The solution aims for the PC market in which both storage and processing resources are not restricted so that special purpose software can be downloaded and executed for the playback.
[0022] Verance, see the Internet site http://www.verance.com/verance/technology.html, claims to have a special wireless DRM, but the system seems only to be based on watermarking. Its solution does not seem to incorporate encryption of the streaming media.
[0023] E-vue, see the Internet site http://www.e-vue.com, manufactures MPEG-4 compliant encoding and authoring tools. No details are given on the site, but its network solutions are transport protocol independent, which would require inclusion of separate encryption on a higher level.
[0024] In the published European patent application EP-1041823 for Toshiba a system for secure MPEG-4 distribution is disclosed. It does not offer a real DRM solution; it mainly specifies how to encrypt MPEG-4 and include it in an RTP frame. After the encryption of MPEG-4, an extra encryption header is added to the payload. The encryption is not done at transport layer and requires special-purpose software and/or hardware.
[0025] In the published European patent application EP-1062812 for Intertrust a general DRM solution is disclosed using a so called secure container which could contain streaming media, control information and a device for opening the container and extracting cryptographic keys. No solution is explicitly offered for use in an environment exposed to disturbances. Also, since the keys are in the container, they must be extracted and verified before the streaming can be continued, which would have a large impact on the real-time requirements.
[0026] In the published International patent application WO 2000/52583 for Audible Inc. a framework is disclosed for authorization of playback device for playing streaming data, but no reference is made to encryption or ciphering despite the fact that transport over a secure medium is not assumed.
Problems
[0027] No DRM solution exists complying with real-time requirements in an environment exposed to disturbances. The existing solutions also require extensive storage in the client and/or special-purpose software and/or hardware. Existing DRM solutions are in general proprietary and do not use standard protocols, which require implementations of several DRM solutions in a client. This may be impossible if the storage capacity is scarce. In addition, the non-disclosure of the algorithms used makes them less credible to most users.
[0028] Another problem associated with existing solutions is that the digital rights are issued for a specific hardware or a small set of hardware devices, e.g. a PC and the possibility to copy the media once to a CD, as opposed to a specific user.
SUMMARY
[0029] It is an object of the invention to provide a method and device for a robust and secure downloading of streaming data, in particular streaming data protected by copyright.
[0030] In the method disclosed herein existing secure transport protocols are used, this giving the benefit of an easy extension to DRM. Since cryptographic protection of the data content is already in place, it is in principle only necessary to extend the protocol by suitable AAA—like (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) mechanisms.
[0031] In the method and network the following components may be used:
[0032] A robust, lightweight, and secure standardized real-time transport protocol.
[0033] A key distribution mechanism.
[0034] A charging service.
[0035] A tamper-proof module.
[0036] Generally, in the method and network for accessing streaming data, e.g. data protected by copyright, the following events may take place but not necessary in the order given below:
[0037] A request or order from a client or client device for streaming data.
[0038] Authentication of the client.
[0039] Charging.
[0040] Transmission of the streaming data
[0041] The parts interacting in the access of streaming media generally include a Client or client device, an Order Server (OS) and a Streaming Server (SS), the client ordering the media from the Order Server, the Order Server handling the media order and the Streaming Server delivering the streaming media to the Client.
[0042] The method and network offer a simple way of distributing material protected by copyright that is adapted to streaming purposes, real-time, possibly interactive data transfer being a special case. By using a robust protocol in the method and network, they are much more suited for wireless clients and heterogeneous environments than existing solutions. The advantage of using a standardized protocol, like SRTP, WTLS, etc., is that it can be implemented in many devices not only for the purpose of Digital Rights Management and therefore can be reused to significantly save storage capacity. This is crucial for client devices having low capacities such as cellular telephones and PDAs.
[0043] The proposed method and network and the components thereof, even the tamper resistant module which can be included in the client device, are or can be based on open standards and known algorithms. Is often difficult to evaluate other DRM solutions because they are partly based on “security by obscurity”, i.e. they may depend on secret procedures or implementations. Since secret algorithms protecting a desired object has a tendency to eventually become public, e.g. the GSM encryption algorithm, DVD encryption algorithms, etc., such solutions are generally considered to be weak in the cryptography region: they are not open to public scrutiny before implementation. In this case, as in all contemporary public cryptography, the strength of the procedure once evaluated will rely on the keys and the key management.
[0044] Another advantage of an open, largely standardized solution is that anyone can use it to protect and distribute his/her data. For instance, a relatively unknown “garage rock group” or an dependent film maker or writer, can in a simple, low cost way, distribute their works to a greater audience in a secure way. One can envision a web-portal hosting producers of such works.
[0045] Another advantage, when using the method and network as described herein, for a special-purpose thin client, is that it is much less feasible for a “hacker” to access or store the streaming data than in the case where the receiver is a more open and powerful device such as a personal computer. Though it may still be possible to record an analog output signal, the high quality digital signal should be well protected inside the device. In other words the thin client can for many practical purposes in itself be considered a tamper resistant device. In contrast to the build-your-own environment for personal computers, where it is potentially very simple to bypass a hardware copy protection, it is much easier to obtain security in the more controlled manufacturing of cellular telephones and other portable devices. In fact, manufacturers may obtain security certification of their products.
[0046] If this is coupled to an additional DRM module and watermarking, the copyright protection is as good as in any existing solution.
[0047] If the Order Server is managed by an operator and the Client has a subscription with this operator, this trust relation can be exercised for authentication and charging purposes. Assuming further that the Streaming Server is a content provider, if an operator and a content provider cooperate with each other, e.g. in the form of a music download portal, the user trusting the operator has a reason to feel more secure against fraud from pirate or spoofing content providers.
[0048] The method and network are very flexible in the sense that they can provide different levels of anonymity for the Client depending on the actual implementation. For instance, a totally anonymous solution can be obtained with respect to the Streaming Server, the Order Server, and also possible financial institutions involved, by using anonymous digital payments for access and content payment. On the other extreme end of the spectrum, a very tight connection to the user can be obtained by using an Identity Module and possible watermarking techniques. From the point of view of an operator or a content provider this could be very attractive, since it gives better means for tracking down an unlawful copy to the user who provided the copy.
[0049] Since the Streaming Server is housing the media and also can make the final validation of the request before transmitting the data, the Streaming Server has maximum control over the media.
[0050] The Order Server initiated request also gives an extra benefit in a multicast scenario, e.g. in Internet TV, Video/Radio Broadcasting.
[0051] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the methods, processes, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] While the novel features of the invention are set forth with particularly in the appended claims, a complete understanding of the invention, both as to organization and content, and of the above and other features thereof may be gained from and the invention will be better appreciated from a consideration of the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments presented hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0053] [0053]FIG. 1 is a general block diagram illustrating an elementary network comprising parts involved in a procedure for delivering streaming media from a Streaming Server to a Client which requests the media from an Order Server,
[0054] [0054]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of a DRM module of a Client,
[0055] [0055]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating optional trust management in the network of FIG. 1,
[0056] [0056]FIG. 4 is signalling diagram illustrating steps executed in delivering streaming data,
[0057] [0057]FIG. 5 is schematic diagram showing the basic parts of a digital ticket,
[0058] [0058]FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a Client showing some basic components thereof, some of which may be optional and some which are alternatives,
[0059] [0059]FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an Order Server showing some basic components thereof, some of which may be optional and some which are alternatives, and
[0060] [0060]FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a Streaming Server showing some basic components thereof, some of which may be optional and some which are alternatives.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] In a system for ordering and receiving streaming media the interaction of three nodes, a Client 1 , an Order Server (OS) 3 and a Streaming Server (SS) 5 which form an elementary network, will now be described, see FIG. 1.
[0062] The Client 1 may be a device having a limited processing and storage capacity, e.g. a cellular telephone, a PDA, etc, having conventional manual input means and means for rendering streaming data on a display and/or by a loudspeaker, see also the block diagram of FIG. 6. The Client may optionally have built-in special-purpose DRM tamper-resistant soft- or hardware modules. These modules may be associated with a content provider, a financial institution, or a network operator. The Client may optionally also contain or be connected to an Identity Module (IM), which is a tamper resistant device containing data of the user or a subscription, e.g. a SIM card, a smart card, etc. The IM may be issued by a content provider, a network operator or a third party such as a bank.
[0063] The Order Server OS 3 handles the requests from the Client and manages primarily the charging related to the requested media, see also the block diagram of FIG. 7. The Streaming Server 5 , see also the block diagram of FIG. 8, houses and manages the streaming data according to conditions set by the Order Server and by the Client.
[0064] In a practical situation the Order Server 3 and the Streaming Server SS 5 may be integrated with each other or the tasks described herein that are performed in any of the Order Server and Streaming Server may be allocated to two or more servers.
[0065] The procedure for obtaining/delivering streaming media starts with the Client 1 presenting a request for a certain object of streaming media to the Order Server 3 . This request may also contain additional information for charging purposes, such as means of payment, credit card number or other monetary information and desired usage of the streaming data, such as duration, format of media, etc. As a response to the Client request, the Order Server 3 may performs tasks like authentication of the Client, charging and preparation for the transfer of the media object requested. The preparation may include QoS (Quality of Service) allocation, which in turn can be associated with the amount of money that the user is willing to pay for the service. The charging may for instance utilize a pre-existing operator-subscriber relation between the Client 1 and the Order Server 3 , a credit card number provided by the Client or an anonymous, e.g. electronic, payment system. Alternatively some kind of pre-paying mechanism may be used. If the request is granted, the Streaming Server 5 can stream the media object to the Client over a standardized, robust and secure protocol, such as SRTP, WTLS, etc. or other protocols adapted for this purpose. If the media utilization agreement made so allows, the streaming may be controlled by the user via a protocol like the RTSP. An example of this may be a user at a sports arena who wants to see slow motion replays of an ice hockey match event from several different angles. Such control signalling may need to be authenticated so that only the intended receiver of the stream can control it.
[0066] The use of a standardized protocol allows that already existing implementations are reused, which is vital in a Client 1 that is thin, i.e. has limited storage resources.
[0067] A robust transport allows a relatively high bit error rate without severely affecting performance of the streaming data.
[0068] The streaming data is encrypted in order to make it possible to protect the content of the data from any unauthorized entity getting access thereto.
[0069] A high-level protocol for Digital Rights Management will now be described in more detail, with a focus on authorization, key management and charging. As mentioned above, tie implementation may make use of special purpose soft- or hardware if such exists. Thus, with reference to FIG. 4 a high-level protocol for Digital Rights Management will now be described. The different steps performed in the protocol are denoted by arrows connecting the Client 1 and the Order Server 3 to each other and arrows connecting the Client and the Streaming Server 5 to each other.
Step No. 1, arrow 11 : Pre-order
[0070] Before the Client 1 actually orders some media object some actions may be taken in communicating between the Client and the Order Server 3 , such as finding information on media type, quality, pricing, previewing, etc. Some of this information can possibly also be obtained from the Streaming Server 5 , such as lists of available media objects, information whether they can be obtained through the Order Server 3 , data types, preview files.
Step No. 2, arrow 12 : Order
[0071] The Client 1 is involved in communication with the Order Server 3 resulting in a formal order or order-request of some specific media object sent from the Client to the Order Server, e.g. over WAS, HTTP or I-mode, certain rights being associated with the order. The receiving of the order request initiates a sequence of actions that may include exchange of security information, such as authentication of the Client, to be used in the order process and/or in the charging process and/or in the ticket creation process to be described below.
Step No. 3, arrow 13 : Clearing/Charging
[0072] The request of step No. 2 also initiates a clearing or charging action, in the normal case where the media object, actually the contents thereof, is charged for. The Client 1 specifies how to pay for the order, in the order message or by some pre-existing agreement, and grants the Order Server 3 the right to charge. The Order Server may optionally be in contact with a clearing house/broker to handle the charging request, such as to check that there is a sufficient amount of money on the user's account, etc.
Step No. 4, arrow 14 : Ticket Delivery
[0073] The Order Server 3 then creates a digitally signed ticket or digitally signed tickets, which it sends back to the Client 1 . Such a ticket is a receipt of the order and contains information of the agreement that is necessary for the Client in order to obtain the requested media object from the Streaming Server 5 and to retrieve the contents thereof. This might be information about the Streaming Server and about requested media, cryptographic information, such as a key and other parameters for the streaming data, and usage rights or conditions, i.e. authorization information, for the requested media, e.g. the number of accesses allowed, initiation and expiration time. When receiving the ticket the Client 1 may check that the contents of the ticket coincides with the previously made order.
Step No. 5: Ticket Forwarding
[0074] To initiate the delivery of the media, the whole ticket or preferably a special part of the ticket is sent from the Client 1 to the Streaming Server 5 . Instead, some vital information derived from the received ticket can be sent to the Streaming Server. Optionally, the Client may add information on the aspect of the granted rights to the media that is requested in the media session setup step to be described below. Additional data may also be added to cryptographically tie this information to the Client, via the cryptographic information put into the ticket by the Order Server 3 . The Streaming Server verifies the validity of the ticket, e.g. that it still is valid, that it was issued by a legitimate Order Server, that the rights requested by the Client comply with the rights written in the ticket, etc.
Step No. 6: Security Setup
[0075] The cryptographic information conveyed in the ticket can either be used directly or to obtain extended authentication and/or to derive additional cryptographic information, such as session (SRTP) keys, separate encryption and integrity protection keys, etc. Such keys may be derived, e.g. by using a key management protocol.
Step No. 7: Media Session Setup
[0076] If the ticket is valid, preparation of the actual streaming of media is made. Thus, in order to render the media, certain configuration and manipulation procedures may be necessary, such as configuring codecs, transmitting originating and destination network addresses and ports, fast forward to desired locations, etc. This may be handled by a control protocol, such as the RTSP.
Step, No. 8: Streaming/Charging
[0077] After all preparations having been made, the Streaming Server 5 starts streaming the media to the Client 1 in accordance with what is ordered. The Client receives the data and decrypts it, typically “on the fly” in real-time, using the previously obtained key. Optionally, if the agreement allows, the Client 1 may interact with the Streaming Server, using e.g. RTSP, to control the media flow according to what it wishes. Additional charging may be used to allow e.g. volume or time based pricing of media. This type of charging does not require any additional payment from the Client 1 , but rather marks consumption of the ticket, by using up its rights. For example, in the case of time based charging, the ticket may contain some amount of time distributed over a certain set of media. The Streaming Server 5 may record the time used and send receipts to the Client. Similarly, for volume based pricing the Streaming Server may record the amount of data streamed instead of time.
[0078] Optionally, if the ticket expires, the Client can again contact the Order Server 3 , in the case where it wishes to continue the streaming. This re-negotiation may use previously exchanged information, and can therefore be a faster and more lightweight transaction to reduce interruption of the data flow. The protocol then proceeds from step No. 5.
Examples of Ticket Content
[0079] The digital tickets may contain various information, which may depend on the relations between the Order Server 3 , the Streaming Server 5 and the Client 1 , the existence of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and a hardware identity of the media player, i.e. of the Client. The tickets could contain information on the requested media, the usage conditions allowed and they can also act as receipts or vouchers for the associated economic transaction.
[0080] 1. If the Order Server 3 and the Client 1 have an operator/subscriber relation, one ticket may contain the session key, e.g. the SRTP key, encrypted with some secret data manifesting the relation, such as a cryptographic key known to the Order Server and which may be contained in an Identity Module in the Client. Another ticket may contain the session key encrypted with a public key belonging to the Streaming Server 5 . The former ticket may act as a receipt for the Client whereas the latter ticket may act as a token to be shown or passed to the Streaming Server at the final request for the media.
[0081] 2. If the Client 1 has a known public key, the Order Server 3 may leave the generation of the session key to the Streaming Server 5 , and the tickets may not carry this information.
[0082] In either case, tickets may optionally contain the identity of the playing device, i.e. of the Client, such as an IP address, a hardware identity etc. Tickets may contain a time stamp, a counter value or something e.g. to indicate the freshness of a ticket or to prevent unauthorized replay. A ticket sent from the Order Server 3 aimed for the Streaming Server 5 may contain a Client identifier, with which the Streaming Server may e.g. watermark the media. It can provide anonymity to the Client except in the case of copyright infringement, in which case the Order Server may reveal the identity connected to this identifier.
[0083] Also the tickets may be optionally digitally signed by the Order Server, e.g. with a public key belonging to the Order Server for integrity protection, e.g. to protect against spoofing.
[0084] A ticket may e.g. contain the following fields, see FIG. 5:
[0085] A field 21 for general parameters. These parameters may contain information that both the Client 1 and the Streaming Server 5 have to receive, e.g. identities, information on rights, authentication and encryption algorithms.
[0086] A field 22 for Streaming Server specific parameters. The contents of is field cannot be accessed by the Client and may contain information necessary for the Streaming Server 5 to establish a cryptographic relation with the Client 1 . A mandatory part is a cryptographic key encrypted by the Order Server 3 , that can be decrypted by the Streaming Server. This can be done using the Streaming Server public key or a key pre-shared between the Streaming Server and the Order Server. The same mandatory key is also included in the Client parameters, see below. A special embodiment of the mandatory key is the SRTP key or a key that can be used to derive the SRTP key.
[0087] A field 23 for Client specific parameters. This field may contain information necessary for the Client 1 to establish a cryptographic relation with the Streaming Server 5 . As above, a mandatory part is a cryptographic key encrypted by the Order Server 3 that can be decrypted by the Client. This can be done by using the Client public key or key pre-shared between the Client and the Order Server.
[0088] A field 24 for Authentication information. This fields contains information for Streaming Server and the Client 1 for verifying the validity of the ticket. Either the field contains a signature made with the Order Server public key which both the Streaming Server 5 and the Client can verify or it contains two parts, one part of which can be verified by the Streaming Server and another part of which can be verified by the Client. The latter can be achieved using a Message Authentication Code using keys pre-shared by the Order Server and the Streaming Server, and by the Order Server and the Client, respectively.
[0089] It can be observed that using the procedures described above it is very easy to tie access rights for the media to the user, i.e. an identity, rather than to the hardware to which the downloading is made. This can be accomplished, for instance, by using an Identity Module, such as an SIM card in a mobile terminal, involved in the transactions. Alternatively a credit card number can serve this purpose. By using anonymous, electronic, payments, the access is tied to the user without revealing his identity.
[0090] To further enhance security against unlawful copying or playback, the controlled environment in a mobile terminal can be easily extended by an optional hardware security module. Such a module can prevent or control transmission of the data to an external digital device and/or put a watermark to the signal based on the user identity so that the user can be traced. An example of such a module will now be described.
The DRM Module
[0091] A DRM module, such as a special purpose tamper resistant integrated circuit or a physically protected device, may be optionally included in the Client 1 to make it even more difficult to prevent unlawful access to the media. In the block diagram of FIG. 2 the functions of such a module 41 for an SRTP based solution are illustrated.
[0092] The module must at least (1) contain some secret data K 1 stored in a secure memory 43 , such as a cryptographic key, which may be a resource common to or stored in the IM. This data can be utilized to tie the usage rights to a subscriber identity or a device. It may also (2) include a device F 1 , 45 for performing a decryption algorithm or cryptographic one-way function, which takes as input the secret data K 1 delivered from the secure memory 43 on a line 44 comprising an interface A, 46 , and the encrypted SRTP key, as provided on an input line 47 of the module 41 , and produces as output the decrypted SRTP key on a line 49 . As a third version (3) the module 41 may also contain the entire SRTP decryption functionality, as illustrated by the block 51 , to which the decrypted SRTP key is provided on the line 49 . The SRTP decryption block 51 receives the data of the encrypted media stream on a line 52 input to the module and delivers a decrypted stream of data on a line 52 output of the module 41 . In this way, the SRTP key, which passes in clear text over a interface B at 53 in the line 49 is entirely protected within the module 41 . In this case it may be advantageous to allow an interface C, 55 at an input line 57 to the module to insert a key into the interface B 53 , so that this SRTP implementation can be reused for other purposes. The function F 1 in the block 45 will in such a case prevent unauthorized use, when somebody attempts to override the DRM functionality.
[0093] For example, the use of the DRM module 41 can be as follows. First, the digital ticket is received by the Client 1 and the streaming session is set up, Steps Nos. 5-7.
[0094] The encrypted SRTP key is provided to the DRM module 41 on the input line 47 . The key is received by the function block F 1 45 that uses it and the secret information K 1 stored in the secure memory 43 to produce the plain text SRTP key that is provided to the line 49 and appears on the B interface 53 and is accessed by the SRTP decryption block 51 .
[0095] The incoming encrypted SRTP stream can now be provided to the DRM module 41 on the input line 52 , is decrypted by the block 51 and the plain text RTP packets are delivered from the decryption block on the output line 52 ′.
[0096] It is not possible to extract the keys available on the B interface 53 outside the DRM module 41 . However, it is possible to enter plain text SRTP keys on the C interface 55 in input line 57 and thereby use the DRM module also for decrypting SRTP streams when the plain text SRTP key is known. It can be observed that decrypting and encrypting according to the SRTP can be done in the same way and that the DRM module 41 thus can be used for encrypting as well as decrypting in the case where the plain text SRTP key is known.
[0097] Though less likely, in the most extreme case, not shown, the Client could be a wireless device with an antenna input and an e.g. analog audio output, where everything connected in-between is implemented in a tamper resistant way.
Trust Management
[0098] To provide trust management in the case where there is no pre-existing relation, and/or authentication between the communicating parties the following optional “certificate” structure can be used, as illustrated by the block diagram of FIG. 3. With certificate is meant some data confirming the identity and/or rights of a certain party or equipment.
[0099] The Order Server 3 may want to ensure that the Streaming Server 5 has the rights to the streaming media for which the Order Server is charging, and this may be demonstrated by utilizing a certificate 61 issued by a rights owner. The ownership of this certificate may be demonstrated to the Order Server at appropriate time/times. This certificate may also be obtained dynamically, during the order process.
[0100] The Streaming Server 5 , on the other hand, may want to know that the Client 1 has lawful equipment to handle the media without violating the given rights, and also that the equipment is not malfunctioning and/or stolen or otherwise illegally obtained. For this purpose the Client's equipment may optionally contain a certificate 63 or token issued by the manufacturer of the equipment to prove e.g. that it is original equipment, that it contains the relevant DRM module 41 , etc. If the Order Server 3 is managed by an operator, the Order Server may check whether the equipment is registered in a database, which keeps track of stolen, unauthorized or defective equipment, such as the GSM network's Equipment Identity Register (EIR) 65 , see “GSM System Survey”, Ericsson Student Text, EN/LZT 123 3321 R3A.
[0101] The Streaming Server 5 may also want to protect from a “false Order Server” attack, wherein a Client 1 is claimed to have paid for a certain media object without having done so. This may be resolved by the mechanisms described above, if an established agreement between the Order Server 3 and the Streaming Server exists, see the arrow 67 of FIG. 3. Such an agreement can be created by e.g. the use of a Clearing house certificate, see item 69 , issued by a party that the Streaming Server trusts, and which indicates that the Order Server should be a trusted party. This certificate may also be obtained dynamically, during the order process.
[0102] An example will now be described in which a preferred method is executed.
[0103] The Client 1 finds, by surfing on the World Wide Web from a wireless terminal, an offer to buy/view a rock video-clip for limited use, e.g. a time period of 30 minutes. The Client also decides to pay a little extra for Hifi-quality audio. The Client specifies the desired media and usage and agrees on the price. The Order Server 3 receives this information and charges, based on a previous contractual agreement with the Client such as e.g. a telephone or Internet subscription. The Order Server also checks the status with the Streaming Server 5 to see that the requested media can be delivered according to the specified conditions or that the Streaming Server reserves capacity therefor. The Order Server produces a ticket and sends it, encrypted and signed/authenticated, to the Client with the following contents: a reference to the requested data, e.g. a file name, a session encryption key for the SRTP stream, a freshness token to protect against replay, information on the validity period, i.e. 30 min, QoS data, and the identity and address of the Client and the Streaming Server. From the ticket, the Client 1 extracts the data, most importantly the session key, and forwards it in encrypted shape to the Streaming Server 5 along with the authorization of the Order Server, i.e. the signature/authentication tag of the Order Server. The Streaming Server extracts the ticket content, checks freshness and authorization of the Client made by the Order Server 3 . Finally, the Streaming Server starts to send the encrypted stream to the Client. The DRM module 41 in the Client produces a decrypted stream, as described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 , which is played on the device. Halfway through the video, the Client is disturbed by a local noise. Over RTSP, the Client “rewinds” the stream a bit, and restarts the media stream sent from the Streaming Server 5 from that point. The Client may need to accompany the control request with the ticket, or information derived therefrom, so that the Streaming Server can check the validity. The RTSP messages may also be authenticated by the Client, so that no one else can take control over the streaming, or do denial of service.
[0104] Additionally, the Streaming Server 5 may confirm the transaction of the media with the Order Server 3 so that the charging is not done until the actual media has been delivered. Alternatively, acknowledgments of delivery may be sent from the Streaming Server to the Order Server prior to or during the transaction, to allow flexible charging, e.g. proportional to the time spent or to the amount of data actually delivered.
[0105] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is realized that numerous additional advantages, modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and illustrated examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within a true spirit and scope of the invention.
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In a procedure for delivering streaming media, a Client ( 1 ) first requests the media from an Order Server ( 3 ). The Order Server authenticates the Client and sends a ticket to the Client. Then, the Client sends the ticket to a Streaming Server ( 5 ). The Streaming Server checks the ticket for validity and if found valid encrypts the streaming data using a standardized real-time protocol such as the SRTP and transmits the encrypted data to the Client. The Client receives the data and decrypts them. Copyrighted material adapted to streaming can be securely delivered to the Client. The robust protocol used is very well suited for in particular wireless clients and similar devices having a low capacity such as cellular telephones and PDAs.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for detecting fetal Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) during prenatal screening. More particularly the present invention relates to a method for improving detection efficiency in screening for Edwards syndrome by measuring the amount of the free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood of pregnant women.
Edwards syndrome, also referred to as trisomy 18, is a cause of severe mental retardation. Generally, fetal Edwards syndrome can be determined by a diagnostic procedure including amniocentesis and karyotyping. However, this diagnostic procedure is invasive and involves risk to the woman and the fetus. Amniocentesis and karyotyping are not routinely performed during all pregnancies. Instead, one or more screening methods may be utilized to determine when the risk to the pregnancy warrants the risk of undergoing an invasive diagnostic procedure.
Historically, the prenatal search for chromosomal abnormalities has focused on pregnant women at and over the age of 35, at which age the risks of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus approach or exceed the risks of diagnostic procedures utilized to detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Therefore the standard method of prenatal screening has involved selecting women for diagnostic amniocentesis on the basis of maternal age. Age, however, is an inadequate screening criterion in that only about 5% of all Edwards syndrome pregnancies can be detected by carrying out amniocentesis and karyotyping on the 5% of pregnant women most at risk, that is, those aged 35 years or greater. And, because in actual clinical practice only about half of the women aged 35 years or greater undergo amniocentesis and karyotyping, fewer than 2.5% of Edwards syndrome pregnancies are prenatally detected.
I have discovered a previously unknown association between lowered levels of maternal blood free beta-hCG and fetal Edwards syndrome. A screening method using the maternal blood level of free beta hCG will vastly improve the detection efficiency of Edwards syndrome. Detection efficiency refers to the percentage of cases of fetal Edwards syndrome which are correctly detected for a chosen cut off level. The cut off level will be more fully explained in a following section. These and other discoveries will be more fully explained in the Summary of the Invention section and the Detailed Description of the Invention section.
One object of the present invention is to provide a method and process for screening for fetal Edwards syndrome which detects a greater percentage of fetal Edwards syndrome cases for a given false positive rate than other known prenatal screening methods.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and process for screening for fetal Edwards syndrome which has a lesser false positive rate for a given detection percentage than other known methods.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method and process for screening for fetal Edwards syndrome by measuring the level of maternal blood free beta-hCG.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following description of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To achieve these and other objects, according to the present invention a pregnant woman's (hereinafter the patient) maternal blood level of free beta-hCG is measured by conventional analytical methods which can include generally known immunoassay techniques and other techniques known in the art. Low levels of free beta-hCG, or no free beta-hCG, indicate the patient has an increased risk of carrying a fetus with Edwards syndrome. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, to improve detection efficiency the level of free beta-hCG may be compared to a set of reference data to determine the patient's risk of carrying a fetus with Edwards syndrome.
An advantage of the present invention is that it correctly predicts a higher percentage of fetal Edwards syndrome case, with a lesser false positive rate, than other known methods and processes.
Other advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following more detailed description and the following example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment of the present invention a maternal blood sample is taken from a patient. The maternal blood level of free beta-hCG is then measured by a conventional analytical methods, such as immunological methods known to the art. For example, the maternal blood level of free beta-hCG may be measured by a radioimmunoassay, such as the free beta-hCG radioimmunoassay commercially available from BIOMERICA, 1533 Monrovia Ave., Newport Beach, Calif. 92663. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention is not limited to the use of a free beta-hCG radioimmunoassay, such as the one available from BIOMERICA, but encompasses any conventional analytical method for measuring the maternal blood level of free beta-hCG.
Levels of free beta-hCG below about 1 ng/ml (nanogram per milliliter), or no free-beta hCG, indicate the patient has an increased risk of carrying a fetus with Edwards syndrome.
To improve detection efficiency the maternal blood level of free beta-hCG may be compared to a set of reference data to determine whether the patient is at an increased risk of carrying a fetus with Edwards syndrome. Although any of the known analytical methods for measuring the maternal blood level of free beta-hCG will function in the present invention, as obvious to one skilled in the art, the analytical method used for free beta-hCG must be the same method used to generate the reference data for free beta-hCG. If a new immunological method is used for free beta-hCG, a new set of reference data, based on data developed with the method, must be generated.
The reference data reflects the maternal blood level of free beta-hCG for pregnant women carrying fetuses with Edwards syndrome (also referred to as "affected") and/or the maternal blood level of free beta-hCG for pregnant women carrying normal fetuses (also referred to as "unaffected"). As will be generally understood by those of skill in the art, methods for screening for fetal Edwards syndrome are processes of decision making by comparison. For any decision making process, reference values based on patients having the disease or condition of interest and/or patients not having the disease or condition of interest are needed. In the present invention the reference values are the maternal blood level of free beta-hCG, in both pregnant women carrying Edwards syndrome fetuses and pregnant women carrying normal fetuses. A set of reference data is established by collecting the reference values for a number of samples. As will be obvious to those of skill in the art, the set of reference data will improve by including increasing numbers of reference values.
To determine whether the patient is at increased risk of carrying a fetus with Edwards syndrome a cut-off must be established. This cut-off may be established by the laboratory, the physician or on a case by case basis by each patient. The cut-off level can be based on several criteria including the number of women who would go on for further invasive diagnostic testing, the average risk of carrying an Edwards syndrome fetus of all the women who go on for further invasive diagnostic testing, a decision that any woman whose patient specific risk is greater than a certain risk level such as 1 in 365 should go on for further invasive diagnostic testing, or other criteria known to those skilled in the art.
The average risk of carrying an Edwards syndrome fetus can be calculated from the following formula: ##EQU1## where
D=Detection Efficiency
R=Prior Risk
F=False Positive
The cut-off level -could be established using a number of methods, including: percentiles, mean plus or minus standard deviation(s); multiples of median value; patient specific risk or other methods known to those who are skilled in the art.
The effectiveness and advantages of the present invention will be further illustrated by the following example.
EXAMPLE
Over 500 patient samples were utilized to study the relationship of fetal Edwards syndrome to the maternal blood levels of free beta-hCG, 7 samples from pregnant women known to be carrying fetuses with Edwards syndrome and 542 unaffected samples. All samples were from singleton, non-diabetic, white gravid women.
For each sample the level of free beta-hCG was determined by the free beta-hCG radioimmunoassay commercially available from BIOMERICA, 1533 Monrovia Ave., Newport Beach, Calif. 92663. We observed that 3.9% of the unaffected pregnancies had level of the free beta subunit of hCG below 1 ng/ml while 85.7% of the affected cases had a level of the free beta subunit of hCG below 1 ng/ml. The average risk for patients who had a level below 1 ng/ml was 1 in 274.
The data confirms our discovery that the free beta-hCG subunit contributes a higher detection efficiency for Edwards syndrome than any known means of screening for Edwards syndrome.
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A method for determining if a pregnant woman is at significant risk of carrying a fetus with Edwards syndrome comprising measuring the pregnant woman's maternal blood levels of the free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/477,805 titled “Apparatus And Method For Rapidly Immobilizing A Land Vehicle” filed on Sep. 4, 2014 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,255,367, which claims priority to and benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/873,812 titled “Apparatus And Method For Rapidly Immobilizing A Land Vehicle” filed on Sep. 4, 2013, the entire content of each of which is herein expressly incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and a method for affecting movement of a land vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses, systems and methods for deterring, slowing, disabling, restraining and/or immobilizing a motor vehicle by entangling one or more tires of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Conventional devices for restricting the movement of land vehicles include barriers, tire spike strips, caltrops, snares and electrical system disabling devices. For example, conventional spike strips include spikes projecting upwardly from an elongated base structure that is stored as either a rolled up device or an accordion type device. These conventional spike strips are tossed or thrown on a road in anticipation that an approaching target vehicle will drive over the spike strip. Successfully placing a conventional spike strip in the path of a target vehicle results in one or more tires of the target vehicle being impaled by the spike(s), thereby deflating the tire(s) and making the vehicle difficult to control such that the driver is compelled to slow or halt the vehicle.
Conventional spike strips may be used by first response personnel, law enforcement personnel, armed forces personnel or other security personnel. It is frequently the case that these personnel must remain in close proximity when deploying spike strips. For example, a conventional method of deploying a spike strip is to have the personnel toss the spike strip in the path of an approaching target vehicle. This conventional method places the security personnel at risk insofar as the driver of the target vehicle may try to run down the security personnel or the driver may lose control of the target vehicle while attempting to maneuver around the spike strip and hit the security personnel. Further, rapidly deflating only one of the steering tires may cause a target vehicle to careen wildly and possibly strike nearby security personnel, bystanders, or structures.
There are a number of disadvantages of conventional spike strips including difficulty deploying the strip in the path of a target vehicle and the risk that one of the spikes could injure security personnel while deploying or retracting the strip. The proximity of the security personnel to the target vehicle when it runs over strip places the security personnel at risk of being struck by the target vehicle. Further, allowing the strip to remain deployed after the target vehicle passes the strip places other vehicles at risk of running over the strip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a land vehicle approaching a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic perspective views showing an exemplary device that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure in an unarmed arrangement, an armed arrangement, and a deployed arrangement, respectively.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a netting package and an exemplary inflator device and an optional retractor device that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure before the device is deployed.
FIG. 3B is a schematic view of an exemplary inflator device that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3C is a detailed view showing an exemplary, optional retractor device that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary control system that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3E is a partial plan view showing an exemplary control panel that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of an arrangement of segments in a stacked configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4C is a side view of an arrangement of segments in a stacked configuration without netting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4D is a side view of an arrangement of segments in a partially stacked configuration according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4E is a side view of a plurality of segments in an unstacked configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a view of a segment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a partial view of an embodiment of exemplary netting that may be utilized in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tether and a spike for a snaring netting package that may be utilized in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Specific details of embodiments according to the present disclosure are described below with reference to devices for deflating tires of an oncoming land vehicle. Other embodiments of the disclosure can have configurations, components, features or procedures different than those described in this section. A person of ordinary skill in the art, therefore, will accordingly understand that the disclosure may have other embodiments with additional elements, or the disclosure may have other embodiments without several of the elements shown and described below with reference to the figures.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a land vehicle approaching a device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. First response personnel, law enforcement personnel, armed forces personnel or other security personnel may use the device 10 to slow, disable, immobilize and/or restrict the movement of the land vehicle. Examples of land vehicles may include cars, trucks or any other vehicles that use tires to transport the land vehicle. The term “ground” may refer to natural or manmade terrain including improved roadways, gravel, sand, dirt, etc. FIG. 1 shows a car C supported, steered, and/or accelerated by pneumatic tires T relative to a roadway R.
Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure deploy the device 10 in the expected pathway of a target vehicle, e.g., the car C. The undeployed device 10 may be placed on the ground, e.g., on or at the side of the road R, and then armed. For example, the device 10 can be armed by making a power source available in anticipation of deploying the device 10 . The device 10 is deployed, e.g., extended across the expected pathway of the target vehicle, as the vehicle approaches the device 10 . The device 10 may be deployed when the target vehicle is a short distance away, e.g., less than 100 feet. This may avoid alerting the driver to the presence of the device 10 and thus make it more likely that the target vehicle will successfully run over the device 10 . Similarly, remotely or automatically deploying the device 10 may reduce the likelihood that the driver will notice the device 10 or take evasive action to avoid running over the device 10 . Remotely deploying the device 10 also allows the device operator (not shown) to move away from the target vehicle and thereby reduce or eliminate the likelihood of the vehicle striking the operator.
FIGS. 2A-2D illustrates a layout of the apparatus 10 in undeployed and partially deployed states according to embodiments of the disclosure. The apparatus 10 includes a housing 20 for transporting and/or handling the overall device 10 and for storing the segments. In some embodiments, the housing 40 may be a box-type configuration. As can be seen in FIG. 2B , the housing 20 includes a base or bottom portion 20 a and a closable lid 20 b that is opened during the process of deployment. In some embodiments, the closable lid can be divided into two parts, a top portion 20 b and a front portion 20 c . The lid can be manually opened to arm or activate the device, or in other embodiments, a switch can be tripped or otherwise a remote controlled signal can be used to arm the device and cause the lid to become opened. In some embodiments, the housing 40 can be made so as to be watertight when the apparatus is in the un-deployed state. The housing 40 also may include carrying handles or otherwise may be configured for easy carrying and transportation when the apparatus is in an undeployed state.
As shown in FIG. 2B , in an undeployed state, the housing 20 contains a series of segments in a netting package 30 . FIG. 2C provides a transparent view of the housing 20 with the netting package 30 removed, but with other components remaining within the housing, including an inflation device 40 , a retractor device 60 and a power source 70 (such as a battery pack). When the apparatus 10 is deployed these components operate to unfurl the segments out of the housing 20 and onto the roadway in the expected path of an oncoming vehicle, and then to retract the segments out of the roadway after the vehicle has made contact with the segments.
FIG. 2D illustrates the apparatus 10 in a partially deployed state. As can be seen, the plurality of segments in the netting package are arranged linearly when the apparatus is deployed. The segments are coupled together by coupling links, such as link 35 . The segments are configured to be lodged across a roadway (or other ground surface) as the apparatus is being deployed.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the netting package 30 including the inflator device 40 and the retractor device 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before the device 10 is deployed. The netting package 30 includes a plurality of segments 32 (ten plates 32 a - 32 j are shown in FIG. 3A ) that are pivotally coupled by alternating first and second hinges. Individual first hinges 34 (four first hinges 34 a - 34 d are shown in FIG. 3A ) include a single pivot axis between adjacent segments 32 , and individual second hinges 36 (five second hinges 36 a - 36 e are shown in FIG. 3A ) include two separate pivot axes spaced by a link between adjacent segments 32 . According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A , second hinge 36 a pivotally couples segments 32 a and 32 b , first hinge 34 a pivotally couples segments 32 b and 32 c , second hinge 36 b pivotally couples segments 32 c and 32 d , first hinge 34 b pivotally couples segments 32 d and 32 e , second hinge 36 c pivotally couples segments 32 e and 32 f , first hinge 34 c pivotally couples segments 32 f and 32 g , second hinge 36 d pivotally couples segments 32 g and 32 h , first hinge 34 d pivotally couples segments 32 h and 32 i , and second hinge 36 e pivotally couples segments 32 i and 32 j . Accordingly, the netting package 30 includes an articulated series of segments 32 and hinges 34 and 36 .
The undeployed or stacked arrangement of the netting package 30 shown in FIG. 3A includes the segments 32 a through 32 j overlying one another. In particular, segment 32 j overlies segment 32 i (they are separated by second hinge 36 e ), segment 32 i directly overlies segment 32 h (they are coupled by first hinge 34 d ), segment 32 h overlies segment 32 g (they are separated by second hinge 36 d ), segment 32 g directly overlies segment 32 f (they are coupled by first hinge 34 c ), segment 32 f overlies segment 32 e (they are separated by second hinge 36 c ), segment 32 e directly overlies segment 32 d (they are coupled by first hinge 34 b ), segment 32 d overlies segment 32 c (they are separated by second hinge 36 b ), segment 32 c directly overlies segment 32 b (they are coupled by first hinge 34 a ), and segment 32 b overlies segment 32 a (they are separated by second hinge 36 a ). The spaces between the segments 32 due to the separation provided by the second hinges 36 accommodate penetrators and netting that are part of the segments 32 as will be discussed in greater detail below.
The segments 32 and/or the second hinges 36 can include a base section comprised of fiberglass, corrugated plastic or cardboard, wood, or another material that is suitably strong and lightweight. For example, G10 is an extremely durable makeup of layers of fiberglass soaked in resin that is highly compressed and baked. Moreover, G10 is impervious to moisture or liquid and physically stable under climate change. The base section of the segment 32 should provide a platform suitable for supporting an assembly that includes inflatable hoses, netting, and spikes, as will be described below. The size of the segments 32 may affect how far the netting package 30 extends in the deployed arrangement, e.g., shorter segments 32 may result in a shorter netting package 30 being deployed for a narrow roadway.
The inflator device 40 includes inflatable bladders 42 (two inflatable bladders 42 a and 42 b are shown in FIG. 4 ) that are also accommodated in the spaces between the segments 32 due to the separation provided by the second hinges 36 . The inflator device 40 additionally includes a pressure source 44 , e.g., a pressurized gas cylinder, gas generator, an accumulator, etc., and a manifold 46 coupling the pressure source 44 to the bladders 42 . The bladders 42 are mounted to the segments 32 and, in response to being inflated by the pressure source 44 , expand to deploy the netting package 30 . Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure include tubular bladders 42 mounted lengthwise along the segments 32 such that, in the stacked arrangement of the netting package 30 , the bladders 42 are temporarily creased at the first and second hinges 34 and 36 . Accordingly, each bladder 42 defines a series of chambers that may be sequentially inflated starting at the end of the bladder 42 coupled to the manifold 46 . As each chamber is inflated, the expanding bladder unstacks, e.g., unfolds, unfurls, or otherwise begins to deploy, adjacent overlying segments 32 until the bladders 42 are approximately fully expanded and the netting package is deployed, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2C . The pivot axes of the first and second hinges 34 and 36 may assist in constraining the netting package 30 to deploying in a plane, e.g., minimizing or eliminating twisting by the netting package 30 about its longitudinal axis when it is being deployed.
The inflator device 40 may also include a sensor (not shown) for sensing an approaching vehicle and automatically deploying the netting package 30 . Examples of suitable sensors may include magnetic sensors, range sensors, or any other device that can sense an approaching vehicle and deploy the netting package 30 before of the vehicle arrives at the device 10 . The inflator device 40 may alternatively or additionally include a remote actuation device (not shown) for manually deploying the netting package 30 . The sensor and/or the remote actuation device may be coupled to the device 10 by wires, wirelessly, or another communication system for conveying a “deploy signal” to the device 10 . Examples of wireless communication technology include electromagnetic transmission (e.g., radio frequency) and optical transmission (e.g., laser or infrared).
FIG. 3B is a schematic view of a multiple discharge, cold gas inflator device 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The inflator device 400 shown in FIG. 3B includes a high pressure reservoir 410 for supplying a compressed gas, e.g., nitrogen, to an accumulator tank 420 . The supply of compressed gas can be controlled by a supply valve 412 and/or a pressure regulator 414 along a supply line 416 coupling the high pressure reservoir 410 and the accumulator tank 420 . The supply valve 412 can supply or shutoff a flow of the compressed gas from the high pressure reservoir 410 through the supply line 416 . According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the high pressure reservoir 410 can have a volume of approximately 50 cubic inches (in.sup.3) and can be initially pressurized to approximately 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi). The accumulator tank 420 can have a volume less than, similar to, or greater than that of the high pressure reservoir 410 . For example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure can include an accumulator tank 420 having a slightly larger volume, e.g., approximately 62 in.sup.3, and the pressure regulator 414 can be adjusted to pressurize the accumulator tank 420 to a relatively lower pressure, e.g., to approximately 600 psi. In general, the volume and pressure of the accumulator tank 420 may be related to the volume of the bladders 42 and the desired time for deploying the netting package 30 with the bladders 42 . For example, greater deployment pressure and/or volume may reduce the time it takes to deploy the netting package 30 whereas lower deployment pressure and/or volume may provide a more controlled deployment of the netting package 30 . A gauge 418 can be coupled to the supply line 416 between the high pressure reservoir 410 and the supply valve 412 to indicate the pressure in the high pressure reservoir 410 . Certain other embodiments may use a different gas or mixture of gases, may include reservoirs or tanks with different volume(s), may include fixed or adjustable pressure regulators, and/or may use different pressure(s).
A drain valve 422 coupled to the supply line 416 downstream of the accumulator tank 420 can drain residual pressure in the accumulator tank 420 by opening the supply line 416 to the atmosphere. A gauge 424 can be coupled to the supply line 416 between the supply valve 412 and the drain valve 422 to indicate the pressure in the accumulator tank 420 .
Compressed gas for deploying the netting package 30 can flow along a deployment line 430 that couples the supply accumulator tank 420 and the manifold 46 . A deployment valve 432 is positioned along the deployment line 430 between the supply accumulator tank 420 and the manifold 46 to control flow of the compressed gas to the netting package 30 . According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the deployment valve 432 can include a 0.5 inch NPT normally closed solenoid valve with an approximately 15 millimeter orifice, a 1500 psi pressure capability, and can be actuated by a direct current signal, e.g., 24 volts. A signal to deploy the netting package 30 energizes the solenoid of the deployment valve 432 to allow compressed gas in the accumulator tank 420 to flow through the deployment line 430 and the manifold 46 to the bladders 42 , thereby deploying the netting package 30 . A vent valve 440 coupled to the deployment line 430 downstream of the deployment valve 432 and/or coupled to the manifold 46 can vent compressed gas in the bladders 42 to the atmosphere. According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the vent valve 440 can include a 0.125 inch NPT normally closed solenoid valve with an approximately 1.2 millimeter orifice and can also be actuated by a 24 volt direct current signal. A signal to vent the bladders 42 energizes the solenoid of the vent valve 440 to release to atmosphere the gas in the bladders 42 , for example, before and/or during operation of the retractor device 60 .
FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a retractor device 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The retractor device 600 may be electrically, pneumatically, mechanically (e.g., with a resilient element such as a torsion spring), or otherwise powered. The retractor device 600 shown in FIG. 3C includes a torque source 610 , e.g., an electric motor, a torque multiplier 620 , e.g., reduction gearing, a torque limiter 630 , e.g., a friction plate slip-clutch, a coupling 640 , and a one-way clutch 650 , e.g., a drawn cup needle clutch bearing. One or more brackets 660 (two brackets 660 a and 660 b are shown in FIG. 3C ) may support the retractor device 600 with respect to the housing 20 . Certain embodiments of the retractor device 600 can include a 60-80 Watt direct current electric motor 610 rated at 3000 revolutions per minute and a 6:1 ratio planetary gear reducer 620 . The coupling 640 can be a steel mandrel for transferring driving torque to a drive pulley 62 for winding a cable 64 on the drive pulley 62 . An example of a drawn cup needle clutch bearing is part number RC-081208 manufactured by The Timken Company of Camden, Ohio. The one-way clutch 650 may be interposed between the coupling 640 and the drive pulley 62 . Accordingly, operating the torque source 610 engages the one-way clutch 650 thereby driving the drive pulley 62 and winding the cable 64 onto the drive pulley 62 to retract the netting package 30 . Moreover, the one-way clutch 650 allows the drive pulley 62 to turn generally freely to allow the cable 46 to pay-out when, for example, the netting package 30 is being deployed.
The electronics for the control of the device 10 can include at least two options for triggering deployment: (1) a wireless frequency operated button (“FOB”) and/or (2) a wired control box. Embodiments of option 1 according to the present disclosure can include a three-channel, 303 MHz wireless radio frequency board (e.g., Model Number RCR303A manufactured by Applied Wireless, Inc. of Camarillo, Calif.) in the housing 20 and a three-button FOB (e.g., Key Chain Transmitter KTX303Ax also manufactured by Applied Wireless, Inc.) that can be separated and remotely located from the housing 20 . Some other embodiments use radio frequency transmission equipment having a LINX RXM-418-LR 418 MHz receiver, CMD-KEY#-418-S5 transmitter, and LINX LICAL-DEC-MS001 decoder (which decodes the encrypted digital string sent by the transmitter). The wireless transmissions can be encoded at 24 bits (allowing for 16.7 million unique addresses) to negate the possibility of cross-talk between another nearby unit. Embodiments of option 2 according to the present disclosure can include a control box that can be separated and remotely located from the housing 20 but remains electrically coupled via a cable. Both options may be incorporated into the device 10 to provide a backup for controlling deployment of the netting package 30 .
FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit 500 for controlling the inflator device 400 and the retractor device 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic circuit 500 shown in FIG. 3D includes the power supply 70 , e.g., a 24 volt direct current battery, and a system switch 510 for turning ON/OFF the device 10 . The electronic circuit 500 may also include a first indicator 512 for showing the status of the device 10 based on the setting of the system switch 510 and a second indicator 514 for showing the voltage of the power supply 70 . A microprocessor 520 receives input signals, e.g., “FIRE” and “RETRACT,” from a wireless radio frequency board 530 (i.e., option 1) and/or an auxiliary handheld control box 540 (i.e., option 2) and sends output signals to (a) a solenoid coil 550 for the deployment valve 432 , (b) a solenoid coil 560 for the vent valve 440 , and/or (c) a motor winding 570 for the torque source 610 .
The electronic circuit 500 can also include circuitry to handle the timing and control of operational events. Such a circuit may be useful if, for example, there is a difference in voltage provided by the wired control box 540 (e.g., approximately 14-17 volts direct current) versus the voltage required to operate the deployment valve 432 and/or vent valve 440 (e.g., approximately 24 volts direct current). This other circuit operates based on operator input for each event from either the wireless radio frequency board 530 (i.e., option 1) and/or the wired control box 540 (i.e., option 2).
FIG. 3E is a partial plan view showing a control panel 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The control 700 can be coupled to the housing 20 and include the gauge 418 to indicate the pressure in the high pressure reservoir 410 , the gauge 424 to indicate the pressure in the accumulator tank 420 , the second indicator 514 for showing the voltage of the power supply 70 , the system switch 510 , the first indicator 512 for showing the ON/OFF status of the device 10 based on the setting of the system switch 510 , a knob 412 a operating the supply valve 412 to supply or shutoff the flow of the compressed gas from the high pressure reservoir 410 , and a knob 422 a operating the drain valve 422 to drain residual pressure in the accumulator tank 420 and purge the inflator device 400 , for example, when storing the device 10 .
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate in further detail an exemplary subset of stacked (folded) segments that may be incorporated into a netting package 30 of device 10 in an undeployed state, As delineated in FIG. 4B , FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate four stacked segments, 801 , 802 , 803 , 804 , arranged such that they are inverted lengthwise. Although four stacked segments are illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B , it will be appreciated that device 10 may incorporate more segments when the netting package is incorporated into device 10 . The number of total segments to be included, and the length of each segment, will be determined such that the netting package, when unfurled for deployment, traverses the roadway, or at least a substantial width of the roadway, so that an oncoming vehicle will make contact with at least one of the segments. The length of each segment may be determined based in part upon weight and the ease and speed with which the segments will unfurl from the stacked position when the deployment hoses are inflated, and the ease of retracting the segments after the targeted vehicle has made contact with the device.
As can be seen in FIG. 4A , each segment may include a plate or backing 805 . The plate incorporates hinge tabs or is otherwise affixed to tabs or some other mechanism to connect the segments together via hinges. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the plate is a rigid surface as described above with reference to FIG. 3A . In alternative embodiments, however, the backing may be made of a flexible material, or may be made of a strong cloth. A small hinge 820 a can be used to connect the backing 805 at one end of a first segment to a second segment, and a large hinge 820 b can be used to connect the other end of the backing 805 of the first segment to a third segment. As can be seen, the small hinge 820 a connects the backings 805 of two segments arranged “back-to-back,” whereas the large hinge 820 b connects the backings 805 of two segments stacked “front-to-front.”
Atop the backing 805 , each segment will include netting 810 , a portion of which will be exposed at the side where the small hinge 820 a is located when the segments are in the stacked configuration. Additionally, the segments each contain a plurality of spikes, quills or other penetrators 840 capable of penetrating into the tires of the targeted oncoming vehicle. As can be seen, when the segments are in the stacked configuration, the spikes point toward the opposing segment. Sufficient spacing must be provided such that, when the segments are in the stacked configuration, they are not penetrating into the opposing segment in a manner that would prevent the segments from unfurling when the deployment hoses are being inflated.
As shown, the segments also include a spike ramp 850 at a leading edge of the backing 805 . The spike ramp may be incorporated within the backing or may be made of a different material. The spike ramp holds a plurality of spikes in place, at an angle that facilitates having the spikes penetrate into the tires of an oncoming vehicle when the segments are unfurled for deployment.
As shown in FIG. 4B , each spike includes a spike tether 860 , which connects the base of the spike to the netting 810 . When the device 10 is deployed, at least one tire of an oncoming vehicle travels up the spike ramp 850 and is punctured by a spike 840 . The spike is then lodged in the tire, and via the tether, the netting is pulled from the segment, as will be described in further detail below.
Lastly, FIGS. 4A and 4B show portions of the deployment hoses 830 a and 830 b , which run the length of the segments. At one end of the segments, the uninflated deployment hose will fold tightly near the small hinge 820 a , from backing-to-backing of two segments. At the other end, the uninflated deployment hoses extend from the backing of one segment to the other, flanking the large hinge 820 b.
FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate the segments, with the netting removed. FIG. 4C illustrates three segments 802 , 803 , 804 in a stacked configuration, with the netting removed. A single deployment hose 830 a and a single spike 840 is depicted. FIG. 4D illustrates the three segments, also with the netting removed, in a partially unstacked configuration. This provides a clear view of the rear side of the backing 805 of one segment as well as the front side of the backing for another segment. The front side of the backing 805 includes the spike ramp 850 and supports both deployment hoses 830 a and 830 b.
FIG. 4E illustrates four segments 801 , 802 , 803 , 804 in an unstacked arranged, such as when in state that is ready for deployment. In this configuration, it can be seen that each deployment hose (such as 830 a ) is continuous from segment to segment. When unstacked, the spikes 840 are aligned facing the same direction, along with the spike ramp 850 . The netting 810 is also continuous from segment to segment. FIG. 4E also shows an optional segment cover 860 , which covers the segment itself but not the portion in which two segments are connected via a large hinge 820 b . In some embodiments, the segment cover 870 may be part of the netting packaging. Or in other embodiments, no segment cover is required.
FIG. 5 provides a close-up view of a single segment that may be incorporated into device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. A portion of the net package 810 is housed by the segment (but the netting continues from segment to segment) and is folded so that it sits flush between the two deployment hoses (hose 830 a is shown). Above the front deployment hose 830 a , a plurality of spike tethers 860 connect the spikes (not shown) to the netting 810 . The spikes sit in the spike ramp 850 and are retained via a series of spike clip/retainers 855 in the spike ramp so as to stay in place until one or more spikes is dislodged by penetrating the tire of an oncoming target vehicle.
FIG. 6 is a partial plan view showing portions of opposite corners of an embodiment of the netting 810 in an extended, unfolded configuration. The netting 810 can be comprised of, for example, a polyethylene mesh net, having a width W preferably suitable for encompassing the track of the wheels of a target vehicle and a length L preferably suitable for extending at least approximately 1.25 times around the circumference of the wheels of the target vehicle. For example, if the target vehicle has a track of approximately 65 inches and rides on wheels having an outer diameter of approximately 28 inches, the net 700 may have a width W of approximately 190 inches and a length L of at least approximately 110 inches. The dimensions the net 810 may be selected in part based upon the width of the roadway and also the circumference of the wheel of the type of vehicle that is desired to be restrained by the device. A preferable minimum length of the net 700 in the example may be selected by computing 1.25 times the circumference of the wheel.
The net 810 can have meshes that, in the contracted, folded arrangement of the net, have an approximately diamond shape with a major axis M 1 between distal opposite points approximately three to four times greater than a minor axis M 2 between proximal opposite points. For example, the size of individual meshes in the widthwise direction may be approximately one inch in the contracted arrangement, e.g., stowed configuration, of the net 700 , and the size of individual meshes in the lengthwise direction may be approximately 3.5 inches in the contracted arrangement of the net. Certain other embodiments according to the present invention may have approximately square shaped meshes.
The net 810 may be assembled according to known techniques such as using “Weavers Knots” and/or a “Fisherman's Knot” to join lengths of cord and form the mesh. Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure may include coating the net material with an acrylic dilution, e.g., one part acrylic to 20 parts water, to aid in setting the knots and prevent them from slipping or coming undone.
It may be desirable to provide a widthwise stretch ratio of approximately 3:1. Accordingly, each mesh is reshaped or stretches in the widthwise direction, e.g., parallel to the wheel track of the target vehicle, to a dimension approximately three times greater than its initial dimension. For example, a net having a 1.75 inch by 1.75 inch mesh size (unstretched) may be approximately 3.75 inches measured on the bias (stretched) when the net is entangled around the wheels of a target vehicle in the fully deployed configuration of the device 10 . According to this example, approximately 65 inches of the contracted net that is captured by the wheel track of the target vehicle is expanded to approximately 245 inches that may become entangled on features of the undercarriage of the target vehicle approximately within its wheel track.
The netting may also include a first strip 910 along a leading edge 904 a of the net 810 , a second strip 920 along a trailing edge 904 b of the net 810 , and/or lengthwise strips 930 (individual lengthwise strips 930 a and 930 b are shown in FIG. 6 ). The first strip 910 may include, for example, approximately one inch wide nylon webbing that is sewn to the net 810 with rip-stitching. Accordingly, the style and/or material of the stitching securing the first strip 910 to the net 900 allows the first strip 910 to at least partially detach from the net 810 in response to the wheels of the target vehicle extracting the net 810 from the device. The second strip 920 includes a single strip extending approximately the entire width of the net 810 . The second strip 920 may include, for example, approximately two inch wide nylon webbing that is securely sewn to the net 810 such that the second strip 920 remains at least approximately secured to the net 810 in response to the wheels of the target vehicle extracting the net 810 from the device. Individual lengthwise strips 930 may include single strips intertwined with the meshes of the net 810 between the first and second strips 910 and 920 . The lengthwise strips 930 may be securely coupled to the first and second strips 910 and 920 such that the lengthwise strips 930 remain at least approximately secured to the first and second strips 910 and 920 in response to the wheels of the target vehicle extracting the net 810 from the device.
The first, second and/or lengthwise strips 910 , 920 and 930 may maintain the approximate size and approximate shape of the net 810 in its contracted configuration, e.g., in a stowed configuration of the device. The second strip 920 that is secured to the trailing edge 904 b of the net 810 may aid in cinching the net onto the wheels of the target vehicle so as to seize rotation of the entangled wheel(s) and thereby immobilize the target vehicle. The lengthwise strips 930 also may aid in cinching the netting onto the wheels of the target vehicle and/or minimize net flaring as the net 810 wraps around the wheels of the target vehicle.
FIG. 7 is a detailed view of one embodiment of a tether 902 coupled to an individual spike 840 . The tethers 860 may couple individual meshes at the leading edge 904 a of the net to corresponding spikes 840 . Individual tethers 860 may be made of the same material as the net or any other material that is suitable for coupling the spikes 840 and the net. Loops may be formed at either end of the tether 860 by known weaving or braiding techniques.
A method according to embodiments of the present disclosure for implementing a vehicle immobilizing device will now be described. A vehicle immobilizing device 10 is to be positioned in along the side of a roadway. In some embodiments, the device can be permanently left in position at the roadside, and may be disguised. In other instances, the device can be transported in the trunk of an automobile, such as a police car or military vehicle. When the police or military are engaged in a chase and need to restrain a vehicle, the device 10 can then be quickly positioned along the roadway in the expected path of the vehicle. When the device is in an undeployed state, it may be a completely enclosed box, resembling, for example, a suitcase. In this undeployed state, the segments contained therein, which include the netting 810 , are in a stacked position inside the housing, as depicted in FIG. 3A .
Once the target vehicle is in close proximity to the device 10 , the device can be deployed, either by a sensor, manually, or via remote control. Upon deployment, the inflator is powered and begins to quickly pump air into the deployment hoses 830 . Because the hoses are folded multiple times, the hoses are inflated in sections. As each section is inflated, segments begin to rotate about the hinges 820 a and 820 b so as to unfold and lie end to end. Because the device is positioned along the roadway, the segments then lay in a linear fashion across the roadway, just at, or near the time that the target vehicle is approaching.
As the vehicle's tires make contact with segments of the device, the tires are lifted slightly by the spike ramp 850 and then make contact with at least one spike 840 . In a preferred embodiment, the spikes 840 are placed sufficiently close together such that the vehicle's tires contact multiple spikes. The spikes penetrate into the front tires of the vehicle and become lodged in those tires. This cause the spikes to become dislodged from the spike clip/retainer 855 in the spike ramp 850 .
As the spikes are drawn around the circumference of the tire, the base of the spikes pulls the spike tethers 860 , which in turn is connected to the netting 810 . The netting is then pulled from the segments. The netting has been folded in a manner that it will be drawn out from the net packaging in a continuous motion. As the netting is drawn from the device 10 , it proceeds to wrap around the tire as it continues to rotate. The netting then proceeds to twist and becomes entangled around the rotating tires. The entangled snaring members then will continue to twist until leverage against the under carriage of the vehicle brings the tires to a stop. Accordingly, the vehicle can be slowed and stopped in a controlled and non-lethal manner.
The above detailed description of embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. Also, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. As an example, certain embodiments of devices according to the present disclosure may include a pressure generator disposed in a device control housing with other operating elements, such as, but not limited to, a pressure delivery manifold, control circuitry to arm and deploy, a proximity detector, a signal receiving and sending circuit and any other hardware, software or firmware necessary or helpful in the operation of the device. As another example, the device may be housed in a clamshell-type briefcase or ammunition box type housing and include a pressure manifold and a pressure-generating device, such as compressed gas or a gas generator connected to the manifold. In other embodiments more than one manifold and more than one pressure generating device, or any combination thereof, may be included in the device.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to. Additionally, the words “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar connotation, when used in the present disclosure, shall refer to the present disclosure as a whole and not to any particular portions of the present disclosure. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.
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An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle. The apparatus comprises a plurality of segments flexibly attached end-to-end. At least a subset of the segments further comprise a spike ramp. The segments are connected at the ends via hinges. The segments are adapted to house a net package in a stowed-away configuration. The net package includes a set of spikes tethered to netting. A deployment hose is connected to a subset of the segments to cause the segments to become unstacked for deployment when the deployment hose is inflated.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a word-processing system which displays an input character sequence. More particularly, a word-processing system according to the present invention displays characters printed by an interchangeable daisy wheel transfer device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Word-processing systems which employ daisy wheel transfer devices often support multiple character sets. Multiple character sets are supported by using overlays, which redesignate the keyboard in accordance with a selected character set, and multiple daisy wheels, each of which is capable of printing a different character set. Many of these word-processing systems also display typed characters before or during printing. However, these systems can only display characters of a primary character set. In other words, if typed characters are not found in the system's primary character set, the system cannot display the typed characters. Therefore, although these systems support the typing and printing of multiple character sets, they do not support the display of multiple character sets.
Therefore, what is needed is a word-processing system employing a replaceable daisy wheel transfer device which supports the display of multiple character sets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses the foregoing situation by providing a word-processing system which is capable of displaying typed characters of any character set.
Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, a word-processing apparatus selectably operable with a primary character set or at least one secondary character set includes a keyboard for inputting a character and for selecting one of the primary character set and the secondary character set and a processor for generating secondary character graphics data corresponding to the character input by said input means in the case that the secondary character set is selected. This aspect of the invention also includes a CGROM which stores character graphics data for the primary character set and a CGRAM which stores the character graphics data generated by the processor in correspondence to the secondary character set in a case where the secondary character set is selected, the CGRAM having a memory capacity which is less than that of the CGROM. The processor also generates a display instruction which indicates that character graphics data for the primary character set is to be displayed when the primary character set has been selected and which indicates that character graphics data generated by the processor in correspondence to the secondary character set is to be displayed when the secondary character set had been selected. In accordance with the display instruction, a display controller coupled to the CGROM and CGRAM outputs the character graphics data stored in the CGRAM or the character graphics data stored in the CGROM that corresponds to the input character.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic typewriter embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of interchangeable daisy wheels used to create multiple-language hardcopy output in one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a keyboard used to input characters and select character sets in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a control system used in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a memory map of the CPU RAM.
FIG. 6 is a detailed block diagram of a display controller used in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cleared display in the case where a primary character set is selected.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a cleared display in the case where a secondary character set is selected according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a cleared display in the case where a secondary character set is selected according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of initializing the available display width according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for displaying character data according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for clearing a display according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As seen in FIG. 1, the present invention is embodied in an electronic typewriter 1. The electronic typewriter 1 can comprise, for example, Canon Model QS700 or Canon Model UT150. However, it should be understood that the present invention can be applied to any apparatus in which it is desirable to display character graphics data of multiple character sets.
The electronic typewriter 1 comprises a frame 2, a keyboard 4, a display screen 5 comprising a liquid-crystal display for displaying typed characters and other messages or icons, and a printing unit 7 containing a replaceable "daisy wheel" transfer device 9 for printing characters upon a page 10.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two daisy wheel devices 9, which are well known in the art. In the present invention, each daisy wheel device 9 contains a character set corresponding to a primary or a secondary language. The daisy wheel device 9 which contains the character set corresponding to a language selected by a user is placed in the printing unit 7 before printing. Although the daisy wheel device 9 is mentioned in this description, it should also be understood that a dot-matrix printer, inkjet printer, or the like can be used for printing multiple character sets upon a page 10 while still keeping within the spirit of the invention.
The keyboard 4, shown in detail in FIG. 3, is a typical alphanumeric keyboard in which a plurality of alphanumeric keys 31 are used for inputting characters of a plurality of character sets. The top surface of each of the keys 31 is marked in accordance with a primary character set. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a secondary character set character (secondary character) is displayed on the exposed forward side of the key which is used to input the secondary character.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard 4 has keys 31 exclusively used to input secondary characters. In yet another embodiment, the keyboard 4 is overlaid with a template in order to replace the primary character set key designations with those of a secondary character set. Alternatively, characters may be input by a voice-recognition or a handwriting-recognition device.
The keyboard 4 is also used to select either the primary character set or the secondary character set. The character set is selected by execution of a Language Select key sequence, such as CODE+Z. Character set selection is described in further detail below.
FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram showing the internal control and processing components of the electronic typewriter 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic typewriter 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 40 interfaced with a CPU ROM 41, a CPU RAM 42, a keyboard 4, a printer interface 45, and a display controller 46.
The CPU ROM 41 contains stored process steps which enable the electronic typewriter 1 to perform various functions. These process steps are retrieved by the CPU 40 based on user action upon the alphanumeric keys 31 of the keyboard 4. The CPU ROM 41 may be a cartridge, tape or other similar read-only memory storage device. Note that the CPU ROM 41 also stores secondary character graphics data.
In the case where the keyboard 4 detects a key operation, a code corresponding to the key operation is input to the CPU 40. The code is either collected as typed text to the CPU RAM 42 or is processed as an operator command. For example, upon execution of the Language Select key, the CPU 40 recognizes the input code as an operator command and executes the command instead of transferring the code to the CPU RAM 42. Further details of the internal processes initiated by the Language Select key sequence will be described below.
With respect to the printer interface 45, the CPU 40 initiates a printing action based on input from the keyboard 4. The CPU 40 sends signals to the printer interface 45 which drives the printing unit 7. Furthermore, the CPU 40 sends signals to the display controller 46, which contains CGRAM and CGROM for outputting character graphics data to the display 5.
It should be understood that the signals sent to the printer interface 45 and to the display controller 46 upon pressing a specific key 31 do not change when a new character set is used. For example, in one embodiment, if the key 31 representing the letter "a" is depressed, the number five is sent to the printer interface 45 and the number thirty is sent to the display controller 46. Accordingly, the letter "a" is located at reference point five of a daisy wheel 9 and is the thirtieth letter in a CGROM lookup table. If a new character set is used, the "a" key is redesignated as a new character and the new character is located at the thirtieth position in the new character set's lookup table and at reference point five of the daisy wheel 9. As a result, multiple character sets are supported merely by replacing the daisy wheel 9 and redesignating the keyboard keys 31.
As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU RAM 42 contains miscellaneous variables and data storage areas for stack pointers, etc. The display variable memory area 51 contains variables used for display handling including a maximum display width used variable (MDWU), a current display column location variable (CDCL) and a selected language flag. The correction RAM area 52 contains character storage memory for correcting and editing typed text and the background printing line buffer area 54 contains memory for storing the background printing line. Finally, other word processing system variables are located in another RAM memory area 55.
FIG. 6 is a detailed block diagram of the display controller of the present invention. The CPU 40 initiates a display function by sending a display instruction to the display controller 46. Instruction decoder 65 decodes the display instruction and sends a signal to the CPU 40 indicating the status of the display controller 46. In accordance with the status signal, the CPU 40 outputs key code data and display column address data to the display controller 46.
The display data RAM 66 contains address locations corresponding to each display column 75 of the liquid crystal display 5. Information corresponding to a character displayed in a display column 75 is stored at the display column's corresponding display data RAM address location. In the case that a primary character graphics data is displayed, the key code corresponding to that character is located in the display data RAM at the address location corresponding to that character's display column 75. In the case that a secondary character graphics data is displayed, the CGRAM address at which the secondary character graphics data is located is stored in the display data RAM address location corresponding to that character's display column.
The CGRAM addresses, as well as the key codes, consist of one byte each, wherein the upper four bits of the CGRAM address locations are set to zero (codes 0-15 decimal) while the key codes corresponding to primary character graphics data do not have their upper four bits set to 0 (codes 16-255 decimal). The CGRAM, therefore, has sixteen address locations. For reasons described below, fifteen of the locations are used for storing secondary character graphics data and the sixteenth is used to store the character graphics data for a "filled space" character.
Character graphics data from the CGROM 67 or the CGRAM 69 is sent through the output data decoder 70 and the output shift register 71 to the liquid crystal display 5. A process step stored in the CPU ROM 41 directs the CPU 40 to command the display controller 46 to display the character graphics data. As described below, the process steps stored in the CPU ROM 41 limit the width of the display 5 which can be used for displaying secondary character graphics data.
The functioning of the display controller will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 10 and 11.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the liquid crystal display 5. The display 5 consists of thirty-one display columns 75 which are available for character graphics data display. Each display column 75 consists of a matrix of five dots by eleven dots and three horizontal display lines. The display 5 in FIG. 7 demonstrates the appearance of a cleared display in the case where the primary character set is selected.
In contrast, FIGS. 8a and 8b are perspective views of a cleared liquid crystal display 5 in the case where the secondary character set is selected. In FIG. 8a, display columns 75 one through fifteen display a "clear space" character, while display columns 75 sixteen through thirty-one display a "filled space" character. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 8b, display columns 75 one through eight and twenty-five through thirty-two display a filled space character, while the center group of display columns 75 nine through twenty-four display a clear space character. Clearing the liquid crystal display 5 in accordance with the selected character set will be discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS. 10 and 11.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the initialization of the MDWU variable in accordance with the selected character set. Step S900 occurs either at power-on initialization or when the selected character set is changed. In step S901, the language flag located in the display variables memory area 51 of the CPU RAM memory map 42 is tested to determine whether the primary character set or the secondary character set is selected. In the present embodiment, if the language flag byte is set to zero, the primary character set is selected, the corresponding language being English. In the case that the language flag byte is set to 1, the secondary character set is selected, corresponding to the Bengali language. Of course, any combination of languages and language designating codes can be used in practicing this aspect of the invention.
If the language flag is set to 1, flow proceeds to step S902, where the MDWU byte located in the display variables memory area 51 of the CPU RAM memory map 42 is set equal to the CGRAM character display limit. As stated above, the CGRAM 69 can contain character graphics data for fifteen secondary characters and a filled space character. Accordingly, the CGRAM character display limit is fifteen. If, in step S901, the language flag is set to zero, indicating that the primary character set is selected, flow proceeds to step S904.
In step S904 the MDWU byte is set to thirty-two, corresponding to the number of display columns 75 in the display 5 used in the present embodiment. It should be understood that the foregoing MDWU values are dependent upon the size of the CGRAM 69 and the display capability of the liquid crystal display 5, respectively. Once the MDWU value is set, flow continues to step S906, where the process terminates.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing the process of displaying character graphics data according to the present invention. The process begins at step S1000. In step S1001, a key code and a display column address are received from the CPU 40 by the instruction decoder 65, either after being called by the display clearing routine of FIG. 11, described in detail below, or in response to a user input. The key code corresponds to the character to be displayed and the display column address indicates the display column 75 in which the character is to be displayed. In step S1002, the language flag is examined to determine whether the primary character set is selected. If not, steps S1007 through S1018 are executed, as described below in reference to FIG. 11. If so, flow proceeds to step S1005, in which the key code is written to the display data RAM 66.
As described above, each address of the display data RAM 66 corresponds to a display column 75 in the liquid crystal display 5. Therefore, in step S1005, the key code is written to the address of the display data RAM 66 which corresponds to the display column 75 indicated by the display column address received in step S1001. In step S1006, the display data RAM 66 sends the key code to the CGROM 67 in order to obtain the proper primary character graphics data.
If the upper four bits of the key code are not each set to zero, the corresponding character graphics data is located in the CGROM 67. Therefore, the display data RAM 66 sends the information located in each of its address locations to either the CGROM 67 or the CGRAM 68 according to the state of the upper four bits of the information. Accordingly, in step S1006, the key code is sent to the CGROM 67 because the primary character set is selected and the CPU 40 assigns key codes to primary characters such that the upper four bits of the key codes are not set to zero.
In step S1017, the character graphics data corresponding to the key code is sent from the CGROM 67 to the output data decoder 70, the output shift register 71 and to the liquid crystal display 5, where it is displayed. The character graphics data is displayed in the display column 75 corresponding to the display data RAM address to which the key code was written in step S1005.
The flowchart of FIG. 11 describes the process used to clear the liquid crystal display 5. Step S1100 is executed upon system power-on, system reset initialization, character set switching, or when creating a new text line. In step S1101, the CDCL variable held in the display variable memory area 51 of the CPU RAM 42 is set equal to one. This variable designates the display column 75 in which character graphics data will be displayed. Accordingly, in step S1102, the display column address variable is set equal to the CDCL. Flow proceeds to step S1104, in which the CPU 40 generates a key code corresponding to a "clear space" character. Flow then continues to step S1000 of FIG. 10.
In the case that the primary character set is selected, flow proceeds from step S1000 through step S1018 as described above, thereby displaying a clear space character in the display column 75 indicated by the CDCL. In the case that the secondary character set is selected, flow proceeds as follows.
First, in step S1001, the key code and the display column address defined in steps S1102 and S1104 are received from the CPU 40 by the instruction decoder 65. Again, the key code corresponds to an input character, and the display column address indicates the display column 75 in which the input character is to be displayed. Flow then proceeds through step S1002 to step S1007, in which the display column address is compared with the MDWU variable. If the display column address does not exceed the MDWU variable, flow proceeds to step S1009, where the display column address is again compared with the MDWU variable. If the MDWU variable is not equal to the display column address, flow continues to step S1011.
It should be understood that steps S1011 through S1018 occur each time any secondary character graphics data is displayed. The steps are described here in reference to the display clearing routine in order to provide an example of the process of displaying secondary characters. In step S1011, the clear space character graphics data corresponding to the received key code is acquired from the CPU ROM 41. This key code must identify the clear space character graphics data located in both the CPU ROM 41 and the CGROM 67 because this key code is used by the display clearing routine of FIG. 10 regardless of whether the primary character set or the secondary character set is selected. Of course, this correspondence is not required for other secondary character graphics data, which are not acquired from the CGROM 67.
As stated above, the CGRAM 69 contains addresses for fifteen secondary characters and a filled space character. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8a, the first fifteen display columns 75 are used to display secondary character set characters and the remaining display columns 75 display a filled space character. The first fifteen CGRAM addresses contain the secondary character graphics data to be displayed in the first fifteen display columns 75. Therefore, in step S1012, the clear space character graphics data is written to the CGRAM 69 at the CGRAM address corresponding to the display column 75 in which the character is to be displayed.
In step S1014, the CGRAM address to which the character graphics data was written in step S1012 is written to the display data RAM 66 address corresponding to the display column 75 in which the character is to be displayed. This CGRAM address is sent to the CGRAM 69 in step S1016 in order to acquire the character graphics data located at that address. The display data RAM 66 sends the address to the CGRAM 69 instead of the CGROM 69 because the upper four bits of the CGRAM address are set to zero, as described above.
In step S1017, the character graphics data acquired in step S1016 is sent from the CGRAM 69 to the output data decoder 70, the output shift register 71, and finally to the liquid crystal display 5, where it is displayed. The character graphics data is displayed in the display column 75 corresponding to the display data RAM address to which the CGRAM address was written in step S1014. Flow then returns to step S1106.
In step S1106, the CDCL variable is incremented by one. If, in step S1107, the CDCL variable is less than or equal to the number of characters which can be displayed on the display 5, flow proceeds to steps S1102, S1104, and S1105, as described above. This process continues until, in step S1009, the display column address is determined to be equal to the MDWU variable. Once this determination is made, flow proceeds to step S1010, in which the key code, which corresponds to a clear space character graphics data, is changed to a key code which represents a filled space character. This filled space character graphics data is displayed in the display columns 75 which are not used for secondary character graphics data display, as shown in FIG. 8a.
At this point of the display clearing routine, the display column address variable equals fifteen. Consequently, flow proceeds as described above, with the filled space character graphics data being acquired from the CPU ROM 41 and written to the CGRAM 69 at address fifteen, which is the sixteenth and last address position in the CGRAM 69. In step S1014, the CGRAM address, fifteen, is written to the display data RAM 66 address corresponding to the sixteenth display column 75. The CGRAM address is then sent to the CGRAM 69 in step S1016 in order to retrieve the character graphics data for the filled space character, located at address fifteen of the CGRAM 69. As above, the character graphics data is then sent from the CGRAM 69 to the output data decoder 70, the output shift register 71, and finally to the liquid crystal display 5, where it is displayed. Again, the character graphics data is displayed in the display column 75 corresponding to the display data RAM address to which CGRAM address was written in step S1014.
After displaying the filled space character graphics data in the fifteenth display column 75, flow then proceeds through steps S1106, S1107, S1102, S1104, S1105, S1000, S1001, S1002, and S1007, as described above. At step S1007, the display column address is greater than the MDWU variable, so flow proceeds to step S1015.
Address fifteen of the CGRAM 69 contains, at this point of the display clearing routine, character graphics data for the filled space character. In step S1015, since the display column address variable now equals seventeen, CGRAM address fifteen is written to the display data RAM 66 address corresponding to the seventeenth display column 75. Again, in step S1016, this CGRAM address is sent to the CGRAM 69. The filled space character graphics data found at CGRAM address fifteen is then sent from the CGRAM 69 to the output data decoder 70, the output shift register 71, and the liquid crystal display 5 for display in the seventeenth display column 75.
Steps S1106, S1107, S1102, S1104, S1105, S1000, S1001, S1002, S1007, S1015, S1016, S1017 and S1018 are repeated as described above until the CDCL variable is greater than the number of display columns 75 in the display 5. Because the CDCL variable is incremented in step S1106, CGRAM address fifteen is written to a display data RAM address corresponding to a new display column 75 each time these steps are repeated. As a result, once the flow reaches step S1109, the display 5 appears as shown in FIG. 8a. The display clearing routine terminates at step S1110.
While the present invention has been described with respect to what is currently considered the preferred embodiments, it is to understood that the invention is not limited to disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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A word-processing system selectably operable with a primary character set or at least one secondary character set. The system includes an input device for inputting a character, a selection device for selecting one of the primary character set and the secondary character set, a processor for generating secondary character graphics data corresponding to the character input by the input device in the case that the secondary character set is selected, a CGROM which stores character graphics data for the primary character set, and a CGRAM which stores the secondary character graphics data generated by the processor in the case where a secondary character set is selected, the CGRAM having a memory capacity which is less than that of the CGROM.
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[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/745,270 filed Apr. 20, 2006.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The field of this invention is quick couplers for coupling two bodies, and in particular the field is quick couplers for engaging implements, such as buckets and pallet forks, to mining and construction machinery, such as wheel loaders, track loaders, or backhoe loaders.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Mining and construction machinery includes wheel loaders, hydraulic excavators, skid steer loaders, multi-terrain loaders, track loaders, and backhoe loaders and the like. Typically implements are mounted to these machines to perform work. One example of such an implement is a bucket. A bucket could be mounted to one of these machines for performing work like digging a trench in the ground, digging material from a pile, or dozing. Another example is a pallet fork. A pallet fork could be mounted for permitting the machine to pickup and carry palletized materials around a building site or at a factory. Still another example is logging forks. Logging forks are specially adapted for picking up and carrying logs. Other non-limiting examples of implements include hammers, blades, brooms, and snow plows.
[0004] When a particular implement is attached to the machine, it enables the machine to perform a variety of tasks. In order to perform a task which the implement does not enable the machine to do, a different implement can be attached. The ability to attach multiple implements to a machine so it can perform a variety of tasks—multitasking—increases the utility and value of the machine for the owner.
[0005] On the other hand, the attaching and detaching of implements to a machine can be cumbersome and time consuming. The time spent switching implements instead of working reduces the utility of the machine.
[0006] Some implements may be mounted to a machine with a simple pin-style joint, which does not facilitate the switching of implements. With this mounting system, a pin is manually inserted into complementary bores in the machine and implement to create a pin joint. Switching implements with this system requires an operator or technician, or multiple technicians, to manually remove the pins that hold the first implement to the machine, remove the first implement, position a second implement on the machine, and manually reinsert the pins. Besides being time consuming, this switching operation can require considerable skill on the part of the operator and technicians.
[0007] Quick couplers solve many of the problems that pin-style joints present for switching implements. Quick couplers provide an alternative way to mount implements to mining and construction machinery. The quick coupler is interposed at the junction between machine and implement. The implement is attached to the quick coupler, and the quick coupler is attached to the machine. The operator of the machine commands the quick coupler to release an implement from inside the machine's cab. The machine is then repositioned to a second implement, where the operator may then manipulate the quick coupler and the machine to pickup the second implement. With a quick coupler, changing from one implement to another implement can be done quickly, and typically only requires the involvement of the machine's operator.
[0008] Many types and styles of quick couplers for mining and construction machinery have been used and proposed. One example is the coupler disclosed in EP 0 278 571 B1 (hereinafter the '571 coupler).
[0009] The '571 coupler suffers from several disadvantages. For instance, the '571 coupler may not create the most favorable wedging action between the coupler and the implement to hold the coupler tightly to the implement, even after possible future wear of the coupling surfaces. The coupling surfaces on the '571 coupler may be prone to sticking problems, making removal of the coupler from the implement difficult. In addition, the '571 coupler may be more expensive to manufacture than it need be.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A quick coupler for coupling a first body to a second body comprises attachment means for attaching the coupler to a first body, a tube adapted to be received in hooks on a second body, at least two wedges arranged for retraction and extension movement, and adapted to be extended into and retracted from wedge pockets formed on the second body, and wedge coupling surfaces adapted to engage wedge coupling surfaces on the second body, the wedge coupling surfaces on the quick coupler forming an angle of between 60 and 44 degrees measured between a line passing through the center of the tube and through the wedge coupling surface, and a line parallel to the wedge coupling surface.
[0011] An implement comprises at least two hooks, at least two wedge pockets, and a wedge coupling surface forming an angle of between 60 and 44 degrees measured between a line passing through the center of the hooks and through the wedge coupling surface, and a line parallel to the wedge coupling surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 are views of the back and front, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a quick coupler.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates the quick coupler of FIG. 1 mounted to the linkage of an exemplary machine.
[0014] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a tool, in this case a bucket, which can be attached to the quick coupler of FIG. 1 .
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a tool, a pallet fork, which can be attached to the quick coupler of FIG. 1 .
[0016] FIG. 7 is view of the quick coupler of FIG. 1 attached to the bucket of FIG. 4 .
[0017] FIG. 8 is a sectioned solid view of a quick coupler and bucket.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a detail view taken from FIG. 8 .
[0019] FIG. 10 is a sectioned solid view of the quick coupler of FIG. 8 .
[0020] FIG. 11 is sectional view of the bucket of FIG. 8 .
[0021] FIG. 12 is a rear view of a bucket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] FIGS. 1-12 illustrate embodiments of a quick coupler, and several embodiments of tools that may be attached to the quick coupler. The purpose of these figures and the related descriptions is merely to aid in explaining the principles of the invention. Thus, the figures and descriptions should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention to the embodiment shown herein. Other embodiments of quick couplers and tools may be created which follow the principles of the invention as taught herein, and these other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of patent protection.
[0023] One important feature of a quick coupler is the ability to hold the implement tightly in a variety of conditions. Ideally, there should be no or very little movement between the implement and the quick coupler—they should be firmly mounted to one another in a tight fit. Ideally, the quick coupler should also be capable of compensating for wear on mating surfaces, so that a tight fit can be maintained throughout the coupler's life. Movement between mating surfaces of the implement and the coupler can cause premature wear. Excessive movement can also affect the controllability of the implement. The implement may be difficult to precisely position if there is uncontrolled movement between the implement and the coupler.
[0024] Another important feature of a quick coupler is visibility. The quick coupler should allow a line of sight from the machine's cab, through the quick coupler, and to various areas of implements that may be mounted to the coupler. For example, when pallet forks are attached to the quick coupler, the operator should ideally be able to view the ends of the forks so they can be precisely positioned in a pallet.
[0025] Another important feature of a quick coupler is its effect on the kinematics of the implement. An implement's performance may depend closely upon the way the machine can move the implement. For example, a wheel loader bucket's breakout force depends upon the force applied to the bucket by the wheel loaders tilt actuator, the distance between the bucket-tilt actuator link and the bucket-lift arm link, and the geometry of the bucket. If a quick coupler is interposed between the bucket and the machine, these kinematic factors may change, resulting in a degradation of the bucket's performance. Thus, ideally the quick coupler should minimize its effect on the kinematic performance of the implement.
[0026] Other important features of quick couplers include the ease of picking up or attaching various implements, cost, and reliability. The quick coupler must also be able to transfer the high forces on the implement to the machine. Fatigue failures can be a problem if stresses on the quick coupler are too high, and should be avoided by appropriate design and construction.
[0027] With reference first to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a quick coupler 10 is illustrated. FIG. 1 shows a back view of the quick coupler 10 . FIG. 2 shows a front view of the quick coupler 10 . A frame 100 is the structural “backbone” of the quick coupler 10 . The frame 100 serves to position attachment points for attaching the quick coupler 10 to the machine, and to position attachment points for attaching the quick coupler 10 to various implements. The frame 100 provides rigidity between those attachment points, and transfers forces between the machine and the implements. The frame 100 could take many forms. One advantageous form is depicted in the drawing figures. However, other forms could be used. For example, the quick coupler 10 would have a different frame 100 if it was desired to adapt the quick coupler for a different type of machine. The quick coupler illustrated herein is especially adapted for a wheel loader application. A similar quick coupler could be made for excavators or other machinery through applying the principles of the invention.
[0028] The frame 100 includes plate-shaped center members 110 a and 110 b . Throughout this description, like elements on opposite sides of a structure will be referred to by the same reference number, followed by the suffix “a” or “b.” The frame 100 also includes plate-shaped middle members 120 a and 120 b , and plate-shaped end members 130 a and 130 b. Top extension plates 132 a and 132 b, and bottom extension plates 133 a and 133 b attach the end members 130 a and 130 b to the middle members 120 a and 120 b . Top extension plates 132 a and 132 b also act as rack stops for an implement. A box structure 140 extends between and ties together the center members 110 a and 110 b and the middle members 120 a and 120 b. The box structure includes box ends 141 a and 141 b , a top plate 142 , a bottom plate 143 , and a front plate 144 .
[0029] The quick coupler 10 has attachment means including mounting structure for mounting to a machine. Lift arm bores 131 a , 131 b, 145 a , and 145 b are formed in the end members 130 a and 103 b, and the box ends 141 a and 141 b , respectively. The lift arm bores accept pins (not shown) for attaching the quick coupler 10 to the lift arms of a linkage of a machine. Likewise, tilt link bores 111 a and 111 b are formed in the center members 110 a and 110 b and accept a pin (not shown) for attaching the quick coupler 10 to the tilt link of a linkage of a machine. FIG. 3 illustrates how the coupler 10 attaches to a machine's lift arms 1 a and 1 b and tilt link 2 . The pin joints permit relative rotation between the lift arms 1 a and 1 b and the quick coupler 10 . Likewise, the pin joint at the tilt link 2 permits rotation of the quick coupler 10 . The tilt link 2 may be attached to a tilt lever 3 , as is known in this art, to cause quick coupler to tilt, or rack, backward and forward. The lift arms 1 a and 1 b rotate relative to the machine at their ends opposite the quick coupler 10 to raise and lower the coupler. In FIG. 3 , it can be seen how top extension plates 132 a and 132 b will contact lift arms 1 a and 1 b and act as a rack stop if the quick coupler 10 is racked back all the way towards the lift arms.
[0030] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the quick coupler 10 includes mounting structure for mounting an implement thereto. The mounting structure includes a tube 210 that extends between the middle members 120 a and 120 b , and is also attached to center members 110 a and 110 b. Hydraulic cylinders 220 a and 220 b are mounted at one end to the frame 100 by mounting posts 221 a and 221 b. At the other end of hydraulic cylinders 220 a and 220 b are mounted wedges 230 a and 230 b. The hydraulic cylinders 220 a and 220 b are configured to extend and retract wedges 230 a and 230 b under power of pressurized hydraulic fluid. The extension and retraction of the wedges 230 a and 230 b occurs during the mounting and dismounting of an implement to the quick coupler 10 . Although hydraulic cylinders 220 a and 220 b are illustrated, other actuators could be used to move the wedges 230 a and 230 b , as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, although two hydraulic cylinders 220 a and 220 b are illustrated, a single hydraulic cylinder with a linkage system could be used to extend and retract both wedges 230 a and 230 b.
[0031] The relative placement on the coupler 10 of the mounting structure for mounting the coupler to the machine, and the mounting structure for mounting the coupler to the implement, may minimize the impact on the kinematics between machine and implement.
[0032] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a type of implement, a bucket 30 , that could be mounted to the quick coupler 10 . Bucket 30 includes mounting structure to mount the bucket to the quick coupler 10 . The mounting structure includes a wedge plate 3 10 . Wedge plate 310 includes wedge pockets 320 a and 320 b. The mounting structure also includes hook plates 330 a and 330 b. Hook plates 330 a and 330 b define hooks 331 a and 331 b. Each of hooks 331 a and 331 b may be generally circularly defined with a center point along a central axis. As shown in the figures herein, the central axes of the hooks 331 a and 331 b may be coaxial. Each of the Hooks 331 a and 331 b are configured to mount to the top tube 210 of quick coupler 10 . Wedge pockets 320 a and 320 b are configured to accept wedges 230 a and 230 b , as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The wedge pockets 320 a and 320 b may be advantageously formed as rectangularly-shaped cut through holes in the wedge plate 310 , with sides that are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the top of wedge plate 310 . This reduces the manufacturing cost and complexity.
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates another type of implement that could be mounted to the quick coupler 10 , a pallet fork 20 . Pallet fork 20 may include the same mounting structure for mounting to quick coupler 10 as bucket 30 . However, instead of a single wedge plate 310 , pallet fork 20 has two wedge plates 310 a and 310 b. Wedge pockets 320 a and 320 b are formed in the wedge plates 310 a and 310 b, respectively.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates the quick coupler 10 mounted to the bucket 30 . The tube 210 is first positioned in hooks 331 a and 331 b. The machine operator then lifts the lift arms 1 a and 1 b , lifting the quick coupler 10 and the bucket 30 . If necessary, the operator can then rack back the quick coupler 10 until the wedges 230 a and 230 b are positioned over the wedge pockets 320 a and 320 b. The operator can then command, from inside the cab via an auxiliary hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic cylinders 220 a and 220 b to extend. The cylinders drive the wedges 230 a and 230 b into the wedge pockets 320 a and 320 b to complete the coupling procedure. The bucket 30 can be released from the quick coupler 10 through reversing the same procedure.
[0035] The top tube 210 includes ears 211 a and 211 b. When the quick coupler is mounted to an implement, the ears 211 a and 211 b abut the hook plates 330 a and 330 b . This helps prevent the bucket 30 from twisting relative to the quick coupler 10 and helps prevent relative movement.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a solid sectioned view of the bucket 30 and quick coupler 10 . This sectioned view is taken through the central axis of hydraulic cylinder 220 b , and parallel to the mid-plane of middle member 120 b. FIG. 9 is a detail view taken from FIG. 8 . FIG. 8 shows the wedge 230 b retracted from the wedge pocket 320 b so that quick coupler 10 can be detached from bucket 30 . Wedge 230 b extends out from the frame 100 through a wedge coupling surface 240 b which at least partially surrounds wedge 230 b . Likewise, wedge 230 a extends out from a wedge coupling surface 240 a which at least partially surrounds wedge 230 a. The bucket 30 also has wedge coupling surfaces 340 a and 340 b formed on wedge plate 310 , which each at least partially surround the wedge pockets 320 a and 320 b , respectively. The surfaces 240 a , 240 b , 340 a , and 340 b are at least approximately parallel when the quick coupler 10 engages the bucket 30 .
[0037] The wedges 230 a , 230 b include a camming surface 231 a , 231 b. When the quick coupler 10 and the bucket 30 are engaged, the camming surfaces 231 a and 231 b are approximately parallel to the side walls of wedge pockets 320 a and 320 b of bucket 30 . When the wedges 230 a and 230 b are extended, the camming surfaces 231 a and 231 b engage and cam, or wedge, against the rear side walls 321 a and 321 b of pockets 320 a and 320 b. Downward force on the wedges 230 a and 230 b at this moment converts into a force pushing wedge coupling surfaces 240 a and 240 b toward bucket 30 , and into tighter engagement with wedge coupling surfaces 340 a and 340 b. The wedging action between the wedge coupling surfaces holds the coupler 10 tighter against the bucket 30 . When the wedging action occurs, the quick coupler is rotating slightly relative to the bucket 30 around the center of the hooks 331 a and 331 b and the top tube 210 .
[0038] The wedge coupling surfaces 240 a and 240 b on the coupler wedge against the wedge coupling surfaces 340 a and 340 b on the bucket, as explained above. These surfaces form an angle a relative to a line passing through the center of the hooks 331 a and 331 b and the top tube 210 and through the surfaces themselves. The angle α is important for achieving the right balance of wedging action and the proper functioning of the coupler 10 . If the angle α is too close to 90 degrees, then the surfaces 240 a,b and 340 can wedge together too tightly, making it difficult to disengage the bucket 30 from the quick coupler 10 . If the angle α is too close to 0 degrees, there will not be adequate wedging action to force the surface tightly together and create a tight fit. An angle α of approximately 60-44 degrees has been found to be an ideal balance, creating adequate wedging action to hold the wedging surfaces together tightly, but not too tightly. Even better is an angle a in the range of 56-48 degrees, and even better would be an angle α of approximately 52 degrees.
[0039] With reference now to FIG. 10 , attached to the bottom plate 143 , and forming at least part of the opening for the wedge 230 b , are two horseshoe plates 146 b and 147 b . Likewise, horse shoe plates 146 a and 146 b form at least part of the opening for wedge 230 a. These horseshoe plates are especially adapted to transfer the loads from the wedges 230 a and 230 b to the box structure 140 .
[0040] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the bucket 30 alone which more clearly shows the measurement of the angle α. The angle α is measured between a line passing through the center of hook 331 b and through the intersection of the rear side wall 321 b and the wedge coupling surface 340 b , and a line parallel to the wedge coupling surface 340 b.
[0041] The only contact between the bucket 30 and the quick coupler 10 occurs between the top tube 210 and the hook plates 330 a and 330 b , between the wedge coupling surfaces 240 a , 240 b , 340 a , and 340 b , and between the wedges 230 a and 230 b and the pockets 320 a and 320 b. The forces from the bucket 30 to the quick coupler 10 are generally transferred between the top tube and hook plates, and between the wedge coupling surfaces. If any of these surfaces should wear during use, the wedging action of the coupler 10 to the bucket 30 will take up the extra play and keep the two tightly engaged. This is facilitated by the stroke of hydraulic cylinders 220 a and 220 b being selected such that the cylinders are capable of extending farther than the position where the wedges 230 a and 230 b would normally come to rest against the rear side walls 321 a and 321 b of the wedge pockets 320 a and 320 b. This is also facilitated by ample space between the surfaces of the coupler 10 and bucket 30 so those other surfaces do not interfere even after significant wear of the wedge coupling surfaces. The wedge coupling surfaces 240 a and 240 b of coupler 10 should be allowed to swing at least 5 mm closer to the bucket 30 to account for future possible wear, and ideally 15 mm, and even more ideally 30 mm.
[0042] FIG. 12 shows a rear view of the bucket 30 . The hook plate 330 a is generally in the same vertical plane on the bucket 30 as wedge pocket 320 a. The vertical plane can be defined as a plane parallel to a mid plane of the hook plate 330 a or 330 b. Likewise, hook plate 330 b is generally in the same vertical plane on the bucket 30 as wedge pocket 320 b . The distance A between hook plates 330 a and 330 b controls the relative placement of hydraulic cylinders 220 a and 220 b on coupler 10 because the cylinders must be approximately in line with wedge pockets 320 a and 320 b. As discussed previously, visibility is an important concern in designing a quick coupler. Ideally, the operator should have lines of sight through the coupler to important areas on the implement. The placement of the hydraulic cylinders 220 a and 220 b , which also effects the placement of members within frame 100 , has a large impact on visibility. It has been determined that an optimum distance A between hook plates 330 a and 330 b for permitting visibility to the important areas on an implement is within the range of 580 mm to 500 mm. More ideally, the distance A is between 560 mm to 520 mm, and most ideally the distance A is approximately 540 mm. This distance A has been also been determined based upon the desire to adapt the coupler 10 to be usable with many different styles of linkages of machines, and also to allow for the adequate strength of all the members of coupler 10 and bucket 30 .
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A quick coupler includes mounting structure for mounting the coupler to a machine, and for mounting the coupler to an implement. The mounting structure on the coupler includes wedge coupling surfaces and a tube. The mounting structure on the implement includes hooks for engaging the tube, and complementary wedge coupling surfaces. The wedge coupling surfaces wedge together during coupling to produce and tight fit and solid hold between the coupler and implement. The mounting structure is robust, and can accommodate future possible wear. The kinematic impact on the performance of the implement due to the use of the quick coupler is minimized.
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RELATED APPLICATIONS
This applications is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/311,438, filed May 14, 1999, which claims the priority of German Patent Application No. 198 21 934.2 filed May 15, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
The invention relates to injection devices and, more particularly, to an injection device for providing for the metered administration of an injectable product.
EP 0 298 067 B1 discloses an injection pen comprising a dual chamber ampoule (or ampule). The pen comprises a base section, a container accommodated by said base section, a drive unit and a metering device. A product dose is dispensed from the container through a needle by advancing in forward direction a piston arranged in said container. The drive unit comprises a driven member projecting into the container, displacing the piston in forward direction upon actuation of the drive unit. The length of the stroke, by which the driven member is displaced in forward direction of the piston in relation to the base section upon actuation of the drive mechanism, is set by means of the metering device. The base section is an enclosure surrounding the container, the drive unit and the metering device. The device, and others generally similar to it, is used for injection or infusion of a generally liquid drug solution.
SUMMARY
It is an object of the present invention to provide an injection device for metered administration of an injectable product, such as a liquid drug solution, in particular a medical or cosmetic drug solution such as insulin, wherein the device is configured as simply as possible and is as short in length as possible.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device for metered administration of an injectable product including a base section, a container, a drive unit including a driven member projecting into the container, and a metering device for setting the path length of displacement of the driven member in relation to the base section upon actuation of the drive unit, wherein the metering device includes a first and second metering structure arranged in the container, the second being adjustable in relation to the first, and wherein metering is effected by interaction of the first and second metering structures.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device comprising a base section, a container accommodated by said base section, a drive unit and a metering device. A product dose is dispensed from the container through a needle by advancing in forward direction at least one piston arranged in said container. The drive unit comprises a driven member projecting into the container, which displaces the piston in forward direction upon actuation of the drive unit. The length of the stroke, by which the driven member is displaced in forward or dispensing direction of the piston in relation to the base section upon actuation of the drive mechanism, is set by means of the metering device.
The base section is preferably an enclosure substantially, but not necessarily, surrounding the container, the drive unit and the metering device. The device is used for injection or infusion of a generally liquid drug solution, preferably a medical or cosmetic liquid. In particular and preferably, the invention refers to a portable device, a so-called injection pen.
According to the invention, at least a first metering means and at least a second metering means, the second one being adjustable in relation to the first, are provided in the container, and metering is effected by interaction of the first and second metering means within the container.
According to the invention, the space of the container located behind the piston, when looked at in forward direction, is used for accommodating the metering means of the metering device. The overall length may be shortened by providing a container that projects at least somewhat over the piston at the rear. This is particularly the case in multi-chamber ampoules in which several in-line chambers are separated from each other by pistons and are closed by a rear piston. Owing to the fact that generally the rear piston is pushed against the front piston(s) for mixing the chamber contents prior to the first injection, a free rear container space is compulsorily or customarily generated.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, i.e. in a device comprising said multi-chamber ampoule, the free container space is used for arranging the metering means of the metering device, preferably the complete metering device. In addition, a reduction in components is achieved if the mixing member known per se in such devices, mixing being accomplished according to the prior art by driving the rear piston forward for mixing the chamber contents, is simultaneously formed as a carrier of at least one metering means, thus becoming a component of the metering device.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first metering means's provided at such a mixing member, and the second metering means is directly provided at the driven member. In this embodiment, metering is directly effected between the two components of the device moved in relation to each other for advancing the piston. The mixing member may be configured as a mixing rod and in this design would be surrounded by the driven member, designed as a driven sleeve. Preferably, however, the mixing member is designed as a mixing sleeve and/or a mixing tube, and surrounds the driven member, thus obtaining the structure of both the drive unit and the metering device.
The metering device is preferably arranged between two components of the metering device projecting into the container, similar to a coulisse guiding.
In one embodiment, the coulisse or link guide system is preferably formed by a recess within the area of an internal circumferential face of the sleeve component and an engaging cam. The recess comprises the first metering means, and the cam the second. In a preferred embodiment, the recess forms a guide channel for the cam.
The components of the metering device, at which the first metering means is formed, may be simply produced in that the recess may be generated by joining several cylindrical bodies, wherein at least one of these bodies is a hollow cylinder or bowl-shaped, respectively. Preferably both bodies are designed as sleeve bodies or bowl-shaped bodies.
A stepped recess is obtained by two cylindrical bodies comprising stepped front faces. Two bowl-shaped bodies may be inserted in-line in forward direction in a third sleeve body, thus forming the stepped recess between them.
Metering by means of an adjusting spindle, however, could also be provided. The spindle drive for metering would be formed by the component comprising the first metering means plus an additional adjusting sleeve, simultaneously acting as a straight guide for the driven member. Said metering mechanisms are known per se in injection pens, but prior to the present invention, they have not been located or arranged within a container of an injection pen.
In one embodiment of the invention, the component of the metering device, at which the first metering means is formed, preferably a mixing member, may be used simultaneously as a transfer member, transferring a forward movement of the driven member to the container. This dual function is applied in so-called auto-injection devices, in which the container is displaced into a frontal position in relation to the base section for inserting the hypodermic needle which is usually firmly attached to the container.
Other objects, features, embodiments and advantages of the device and method of the present invention will become more fully apparent and understood with reference to the following description and appended drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1 a-i includes an elevational view, an elevational cross-sectional view and a number of cross-sectional views, and depicts an auto-injection device for dual dispensing;
FIGS. 2 a-d includes an elevational view, an elevational cross-sectional view and two cross-sectional views, and depicts an injection device for dispensing a drug four times; and
FIGS. 3 a-c depicts the transfer and metering means of the present invention in context of the injection device depicted in FIG. 2 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The accompanying FIGs. and this description depict and describe embodiments of the injection device and methods of the present invention, and features and components thereof With regard to means for fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting the components of the present invention to form the device as a whole, unless specifically described otherwise, such means are intended to encompass conventional fasteners such as threaded connectors, snap rings, clamps such as screw clamps and the like, rivets, toggles, pins and the like. Components may also be connected by adhesives, glues, welding, ultrasonic welding, and friction fitting or deformation, if appropriate. Unless specifically otherwise disclosed or taught, materials for making components of the present invention may be selected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys, natural and manmade fibers, vinyls, plastics and the like, and appropriate manufacturing or production methods including casting, extruding, molding and machining may be used.
Any references to front and back, right and left, top and bottom and upper and lower are intended for convenience of description, not to limit the present invention or its components to any one positional or spacial orientation.
FIG. 1 include a longitudinal section and several cross sections showing an auto-injection device in accordance with the present invention, having the general shape of a pen and comprising an inserted container B, designed in the embodiment as a dual-chamber ampoule. The injection device is shown directly after insertion of the container B in an enclosure, which is formed essentially by a front sleeve-type enclosure 2 and a rear sleeve-type enclosure 3 joined thereto, for example by screw attachment. A front end of the front sleeve-type enclosure 2 is formed by a needle protector 1 attached to the front sleeve-type enclosure 2 , said needle protector 1 being configured as a shell-type sleeve. At its rear face, the rear sleeve-type enclosure 3 is covered by a case cap 4 .
When inserting the container B, the container B is pushed into a container bracket 30 up to a stop, accommodated in the front sleeve-type enclosure 2 and projecting from the same rearwardly prior to assembly of the device. The container bracket 30 is used for retaining and centering the container B. The container bracket 30 can be moved against the return force of a return element 31 , for example a compression spring, in relation to the enclosure from its rear position shown in FIG. 1 to a forward position. Thereby the container B accommodated in the container bracket 30 is displaced together with the container bracket 30 . This displacement is used for inserting a hypodermic needle N in the course of an auto-injection.
The container B is a circular cylinder widened at a side within the area of a front piston K 1 . An outlet of the container B at the front end, in FIG. 1 the left-hand end of the container B, is closed by a diaphragm. Said diaphragm has been pierced by the hypodermic needle N prior to using the container B. Two in-line pistons K 1 and K 2 are displaceably accommodated in the container B. In the starting state, a powdered drug may be provided in a front chamber of the container, the left-hand chamber of the container in FIG. 1, and a carrier liquid may be provided in a rear chamber of the container formed between the two pistons K 1 and K 2 .
The injectable product, the drug solution, is formed by advancing the rear piston K 2 against the front piston K 1 . Thereby the carrier liquid is displaced through the widened side section of the container wall into the front chamber. Thus the drug is dissolved in the carrier liquid. This condition is shown in FIG. 1 .
The rear piston K 2 is advanced when assembling the front sleeve-type enclosure 2 and the rear sleeve-type enclosure 3 . For this purpose, a mixing member 10 , formed as a sleeve body, is provided in the rear sleeve-type enclosure 3 secured against rotation. The mixing member 10 comprises a front sleeve portion with an external diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the container B and a rear sleeve portion widened in relation to said front sleeve portion. The transition between these two sleeve portions is designed as a shoulder 14 , projecting radially from said front sleeve section. The shoulder 14 is formed circumferentially, but may also be formed by at least one radially projecting web. The rear end face of the mixing member 10 contacts webs 6 , radially projecting inwards from the rear sleeve-type enclosure 3 ; said webs may also be designed as a circumferential wall. When assembling the device, i.e. whilst screwing the two sleeve-type enclosures 2 and 3 together, the mixing member 10 , accommodated and secured against displacement in the rear sleeve-type enclosure 3 , is introduced into the container B, which is open at the rear, and pushed forward in the same. As a result, the mixing member 10 pushes the rear piston K 2 forward (in the direction toward the needle N) towards the front piston K 1 , until the rear piston K 2 has reached the position shown in FIG. 1 . In this position of the pistons K 1 and K 2 , assembly of the sleeve-type enclosures 2 and 3 by screwing has been completed.
A drive unit is arranged in the rear sleeve-type enclosure 3 , comprising a drive element 5 designed in this embodiment as a compression spring, and a rod-shaped driven member 20 , guided straight into the enclosure. The drive element 5 is clamped between the webs 6 and a circumferential shoulder face of the driven member 20 , said shoulder face facing the webs 6 oppositely in forward direction.
The driven member 20 is arranged around a central longitudinal axis of the enclosure, coinciding with its own central axis and allowing reciprocating rotation between two rotary positions. A metering sleeve D is provided as an extension of the enclosure for rotating the driven member 20 . In its rear section projecting into the metering sleeve D, the driven member 20 comprises guide grooves 21 , extending in advance or forward direction; a guide sleeve 28 , projecting into the cover cap 4 , firmly blocked against displacement and rotatable in relation to the said cap 4 , and an indicator sleeve 8 arranged in the enclosure, firmly secured against displacement and rotatable, engage in said guide grooves 21 . The guide sleeve 28 is connected to the metering sleeve D, firmly secured against rotation, as may be best seen in section H—H. The guide sleeve 28 is used for transferring the rotation of the metering sleeve D to the drive member 20 . The indicator sleeve 8 , connected to the driven member 20 firmly secured against rotation, is used for indicating the position of rotation of the driven member 20 and therefore for indicating the set metered amount. For this purpose the indicator sleeve 8 is provided with markings at its external circumference, in the shown embodiment with two markings for one each of the two rotary positions of the driven member 20 . Said markings may be read through an opening in the enclosure. The indicator sleeve 8 and the guide sleeve 28 , together with the mixing member 10 , act as a straight guide for the driven member 20 .
The driven member 20 is retained by a locking and release mechanism in its rear basic position shown. Said locking and release mechanism comprises a release means 7 a, designed as a release button, acting on a locking means 7 b transversely to the direction of displacement of the driven member 20 . The structure and mode of operation of the locking and release mechanism is best shown in the joint view of the longitudinal section and cross section F—F.
The locking means 7 b is formed by a sleeve comprising a passage through which the driven member 20 projects. For straight guidance, the locking means 7 b is guided transversely to the advance/forward and longitudinal direction of the driven member 20 between two straight webs of the enclosure. The sleeve of the locking means 7 b therefore comprises corresponding straight external faces, each facing said two webs of the enclosure. The passage of the locking means 7 b is larger than the external diameter of the projecting driven member 20 . When exerting pressure on the release means 7 a, the locking means 7 b is displaced against the force of a return element 7 c formed by a compression spring transversely to the forward direction of the driven member 20 . In the blocked position, the driven member 20 contacts a rear face of the locking means 7 b by a shoulder 26 formed by a thickened section. This stop is released by transverse displacement of the locking means 7 b . The driven member 20 is released from the locking means 7 b and may be displaced in longitudinal direction under the engaging pressure of the drive member 5 .
A safety device ensures that the release means 7 a can only be actuated and therefore the driven member 20 can only be released when a container B has been inserted into the enclosure. Said safety device comprises a release locking body 18 and a compression spring 19 . The release locking body 18 comprises a central sleeve section from which two webs 18 a project forwardly in longitudinal direction (section E—E). Said two webs 18 a project through two suitably formed slots in the shoulder 14 of the mixing member 10 and engage the rear edge of the container B. A third web 18 b projects from the central sleeve section of the release locking element 18 towards the rear in longitudinal direction. Said third web 18 b projects through the release means 7 a , as best shown in the joint view of the longitudinal section and two cross sections F—F and G—G. At the height or level of the release means 7 a , i.e. in the section projecting through the release means 7 a , the third web 18 b of the release locking body 18 comprises a longitudinal slot. A rib 7 d of the release means 7 a , radially projecting inwards, enters said longitudinal slot upon actuation of the release locking element 18 , if the slot of the release locking body 18 is at the same height as the internal rib 7 d of the release means 7 a . As seen in longitudinal direction behind the slotted section the third web 18 b of the release locking body 18 is again formed as a closed web. The compression spring is tensioned between the web 6 on the enclosure side and a shoulder projecting inwardly from the inner jacket face of the central sleeve section of the release locking body 18 . Once a container B has been inserted, the two front webs 18 a of the release locking body 18 push against the rear edge of the container B, thus being retained in the position shown in the longitudinal section of FIG. 1, allowing the internal rib 7 d of the release means 7 a to enter the slot of the release locking body 18 , and to transversely displace the locking means 7 b . Should a container not have been inserted, the release locking body 18 is pushed forwardly by the compression spring 19 into the annular gap, which is now free, until the central sleeve section of the release locking body 18 contacts the shoulder 14 of the mixing member 10 . In this blocking position of the release locking body 18 , the rear closed portion of the third web 18 b of the release locking body 18 is positioned in front of the internal rib 7 d of the release means 7 a . Thus a transverse displacement of the release means 7 a is no longer possible. The drive mechanism is now blocked.
A drive coupling exists between the mixing member 10 and the driven member 20 , projecting through the driven member 20 , allowing the mixing member 10 to be entrained by the driven member 20 upon an advance of the driven member 20 , i.e. being advanced itself in relation to the enclosure. Said coupling is effected by a positive locking and a frictional connection in the front section of the mixing member 10 . Said coupling is formed by a first coupling means 13 , a second coupling means or inclined shoulder 24 and a third coupling means 25 .
The first coupling means 13 is a front web of a guide groove for the third coupling means 25 , said groove being formed between two peripheral webs at the internal jacket face of the mixing member 10 . The third coupling means 25 is a ductile or flexible washer, in the embodiment a spring elastic washer, provided longitudinally with one slot like a piston ring. The second coupling means 24 is formed by a shoulder generated by widening of the rod-shaped driven member 20 . When advancing, the driven member 20 pushes said second coupling means 24 against the third coupling means 25 and this in turn against the first coupling means 13 , with the advance of the driven member 20 therefore also effecting the advance of the mixing member 10 . Simultaneously, the mixing member 10 acts as a transfer member, transferring the forward movement of the driven member 20 to the container bracket 30 and the container B when its peripheral shoulder 14 pushes against the container bracket 30 and the container B. The shoulder 14 therefore acts as a drive for the container B.
Within an area provided in the container B, the mixing member 10 and the driven member 20 form the metering device of the present invention. For this purpose, the mixing member 10 is provided with a recess in the internal jacket section behind the first coupling means 13 . Said recess comprises two grooves 11 and 12 extending in forward direction, arranged parallel to each other at offset angles. In forward direction, the said grooves 11 and 12 are of different lengths. The shorter groove 11 is formed as a dead groove in the jacket face and the longer groove 12 is limited in forward direction by the rear web of the seat for the third coupling means 25 . At their rear ends, the grooves 11 and 12 end in a widened section of the recess at the same height in relation to forward direction, as best shown in the joint view of the longitudinal section and cross sections C—C, D—D and E—E. The widened section of the recess extends up to the rear end face of the front sleeve portion of the mixing member 10 . The opposite facing sidewalls of the widened section ending at this point, are each extended by one of the grooves 11 and 12 in forward/advance direction.
The rod-shaped driven member 20 is provided with a cam 23 , radially projecting outwardly. In the starting position of the injection device, the cam 23 engages the widened section of the recess of the mixing member 10 . Said recess with the two grooves 11 and 12 forms a first metering means, and the cam 23 forms a second metering means of the metering device.
In a first metering position, the cam 23 is positioned flush to the groove 11 on the first sidewall of the widened section extending in forward direction, and in the second metering position, the cam 23 is positioned flush to the second sidewall of the widened section of the recess extending in forward direction. In the starting position, the driven member 20 is free to rotate in either direction around its longitudinal axis between said two metering positions. The two sidewalls of the wide groove define the two rotational and metering positions of the driven member 20 , and the lengths of the two narrow grooves 11 and 12 define the amount of the drug solution to be dispensed during injection.
The widened section of the recess in the mixing member 10 could also be extended to the end of the short groove 11 in forward direction, with the recess assuming a simple stepped shape in forward direction.
For executing an auto-injection, the auto-injection device is positioned on a tissue surface, in particular human skin, with a front needle protector sleeve 9 , which may be pushed back in relation to the enclosure and/or the front needle protector 1 . When exerting pressure against the surface of the tissue, the needle protector sleeve 9 is pushed back to its rearmost position in relation to the enclosure. The hypodermic needle, firmly attached to an outlet at the front end of the container B in forward direction, is initially still surrounded by the needle protector 1 , and the needle protector sleeve 9 is pushed over the same, up to and beyond its front tip, therefore not yet being in contact with the tissue surface.
For actuation, i.e. for inserting the needle and dispensing the drug solution, the user pushes the release means 7 a inwardly in radial direction after having positioned the driven member 20 by means of the metering sleeve D into the required rotational and metering position. The locking means 7 b is pushed away below the stop shoulder 26 by pushing inwardly, thus releasing the driven member. Subject to the pressure of the drive element 5 , the driven member 20 and by means of the coupling also the mixing member 10 is advanced in relation to the enclosure. Positive locking and the frictional connection between the driven member 20 and the mixing member 10 is of sufficient strength to effect entrainment of the mixing member 10 pushing its shoulder 14 against the container bracket 30 and the container B, advancing the same in relation to the enclosure and against the return force of the return element 31 up to frontal position, defined by the enclosure-sided stop 32 .
In the frontal position of the container bracket 30 or the container B, the coupling releases the drive connection between the driven member 20 and the mixing member 10 . Under the continued pressure of the drive element 5 , the flexible washer 25 is compressed due to the mixing member 10 being fixed, thus being pushed over the second coupling means or inclined shoulder 24 . The driven member 20 now advances further, also in relation to the mixing member 10 , simultaneously also pushing the two pistons K 1 and K 2 forwardly in the container towards the container outlet. The drug solution is then dispensed through the needle inserted into the tissue whilst the container B is in its frontal position.
In the first metering position, the advance of the driven member 20 is limited by the front end of the groove 11 . In the first metering position, dispensing is completed upon the cam 23 touching the wall of the groove extending in circumferential direction.
After retraction of the needle N, the injection device is prepared for a second injection. For this purpose, only the driven member 20 is to be initially retracted in relation to the mixing member 10 against the forward/advance direction. The front end of the driven member 20 comprises a stamp or ram 22 , designed as a flange-type widened section. When dispensing the drug solution, the ram 22 of the driven member 20 pushes against the rear piston K 2 , and during retraction the rear circulating/peripheral shoulder face of the ram 22 pushes against the web 13 projecting from the internal jacket face of mixing member 10 . During further retraction of the driven member 20 the mixing member 10 is thereby entrained, i.e. also pushed back up to its rear position, as shown in FIG. 1 . The container bracket 30 and the container B accommodated therein follow the movement of the mixing member 10 due to the pressure of the return element 31 . The return force of the return element 31 is relatively low in relation to the drive force of the drive element 5 , thus not interfering whilst the container B is advanced for inserting the needle N.
For the next injection, the driven member 20 is rotated to its second metering position, in which the cam 23 is positioned flush with the groove 12 . In this position, the driven member 20 may be advanced in relation to the mixing member 10 so far as to allow any residual quantity of the drug solution to be dispensed when actuating the drive mechanism, i.e. the release means 7 . Forward movement is limited by a stop flange 27 .
FIG. 2 shows an injection device comprising a metering device arranged within the container B, allowing four set dose amounts of a drug solution to be dispensed. The injection device is a simple injection device in the sense that the user inserts the needle manually and exerts continuous manual pressure to the metering button D of the driven member 20 for dispensing the solution.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the mixing member 10 fulfils both the function of mixing the drug solution and metering the amount of the drug solution to be dispensed. The following describes differences from the injection device of FIG. 1 . Features and components in common in the embodiments are commonly referenced.
The container B is arranged in the front sleeve-type enclosure 2 , secured against displacement. After screwing the two sleeve-type enclosures 2 and 3 together, i.e. after completing its mixing function, the mixing member 10 is also accommodated within the enclosure secured against displacement. It comprises, when looked at in forward direction of the driven member 20 , a front sleeve portion, a central sleeve portion, widened in relation to the same and another widened rear sleeve section, sitting closely enveloping in the enclosure. The front sleeve section of the mixing member 10 acts as a slideway (or race-like guiding and support structure or travel path) for the driven member 20 . The central sleeve section extends up to the internal walls of the container.
In the central sleeve section, the mixing member 10 comprises a steeped guide channel 17 on an internal jacket face. A rear channel section each, extending in forward direction, is connected by a subsequent channel section extending in circumferential direction to a channel section next frontal to it when looked at in forward direction, facing again in forward/advance direction. The guide channel 17 forms the first metering means. The second metering means 23 is again designed as a cam, projecting directly from an external jacket face of the driven member 20 and guided in the guide channel 17 upon advancing the driven member 20 . Accidental erroneous metering is safely eliminated due to the course of the guide channel 17 with the two-sided guide system of the cam 23 when seen in forward direction. Rotation into the next metering position will only be possible upon the cam 23 having reached the end of a channel section extending in forward direction, i.e. after the set product dose of the previous metering position has been dispensed.
The metering position of the driven member 20 in relation to the enclosure may again be read through an opening in the enclosure from an indicator sleeve 8 , which is attached to the metering button D and secured against rotation. The metering button D is mounted to the rear section of the driven member, projecting from the enclosure towards the rear. In its front section, it forms an annular gap around the driven member 20 . A return element 29 , acting as a pressure spring, has been provided in said annular gap and is supported opposite the shoulder section between the rear and the central sleeve section of the mixing member 10 .
The mixing member 10 is separately and individually shown in FIG. 3 . The first metering means, i.e. the guide channel 17 formed on the internal jacket area of the mixing member 10 , is obtained by assembling several components. The central sleeve section of the mixing member 10 of the embodiment is a circular cylinder. An additional sleeve 16 is inserted in this sleeve section for forming the guide channel 17 and is suitably attached in its angular position. The central sleeve section of the mixing member 10 comprises a section raised inwardly, including a rear stepped face area. The additional sleeve 16 is of a contour following said stepped shape, by which it is pushed into the mixing member 10 spaced oppositely from the raised central sleeve section. The faces of the central sleeve section facing each other and of the sleeve body 16 form the sidewalls of the guide channel 17 , thus forming stop faces 17 a , 17 b , 17 c and 17 d , facing against the forward direction. The heights of these stop faces 1 a to 17 d define the metered amounts when dispensing the drug solution. The raised section in the mixing member 10 may also be formed by a separate bowl-or sleeve-type body, also to be attached in the sleeve body of the mixing member 10 , which would be smooth in this case.
The design of each of the first metering means may also be reversed, and the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential spirit or attributes thereof. The described embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive.
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The present invention provides a device for metered administration of an injectable product including a base section, a container, a drive unit including a driven member projecting into the container, and a metering device for setting the path length of displacement of the driven member in relation to the base section upon actuation of the drive unit, wherein the metering device includes a first and second metering structure.
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PRIORITY UNDER 35 USC §119
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/865,365, filed Nov. 10, 2006, titled MINIMALLY INVASIVE TOOL TO FACILITATE IMPLANTING A PEDICLE SCREW AND HOUSING, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
RELATED APPLICATION
The technology of the present application relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/915,902, titled Screw and Rod Fixation System, filed Aug. 10, 2004, which is incorporated here by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to spinal fixation devices and more particularly to a pedicle screw and rod fixation assembly useful in stabilizing a spine of a patient.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Over the years, several techniques and systems have been developed for correcting spinal injuries and/or degenerative spinal processes. Spinal correction frequently requires stabilizing a portion of the spine to facilitate fusing portions of the spine or other correction methodologies. Medical correction of this type is frequently employed for many spinal conditions, such as, for example, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, or the like. Frequently, these corrections also require the use of implants, such as, bone grafts. Stabilizing the spine allows bone growth between vertebral bodies such that a portion of the spine is fused into a solitary unit.
Several techniques and systems have been developed for correcting and stabilizing the spine and facilitating fusion at various levels of the spine. In one type of system, a rod is disposed longitudinally along the length of the spine in the region of concern. The rod is arranged according to the anatomy and the correction desired. In this system, the rod is aligned along the spine and engages various vertebrae along its length. The rod engages, or more typically the parallel rods, engage, the spine using fixation elements, such as, anchors attached to vertebral bodies by a bone screw.
Correction frequently require aligning the rod and screw at various angles along the length of the portion of correction. In order to provide this alignment, polyaxial screws/anchors have been developed. Many variations of polyaxial screw and rod fixation systems exist on the market today. Implanting the screws, anchors, and rods as can be appreciated typically requires a relatively large incision and dissection of the skin and muscle of the patient resulting in increased recovery, surgical trauma and the like.
Accordingly, to reduce for example surgical trauma, there is a need for a screw and rod fixation system that provides a strong, effective, and secure lock of the screw and rod in the desired position and angle that can be implanted using minimally invasive systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present invention and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and illustrations of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a screw and rod fixation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a housing associated with an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a bone screw associated with an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 ; and
FIGS. 4-7 show a tool useful for implanting the screw and rod system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to FIG. 1 , and in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, a screw and rod fixation system 100 is shown. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of system 100 . System 100 includes a bone screw 102 , a housing 104 having an outer surface 106 , a rod 108 , and a compressive member 110 , such as, a setscrew. Housing 104 may contain one or more first mating surfaces 112 . First mating surfaces 112 are designed to mate with a tool (described further below). First mating surfaces 112 may include an alignment ridge 112 a , which also may be a dimple, detent, protrusion, rib, or the like. Alignment ridge 112 a conversely may be an alignment channel 112 b as shown in phantom. Also, setscrew 110 typically has one or more second mating surface 114 to mate with a tool (not specifically shown but generally understood in the art). As shown in FIG. 1 , first mating surfaces 112 are actually slots on an outer surface 106 of housing 104 . While shown as slots, first mating surfaces 112 may be any number of designs including one or more dimples, hex detents, or other equivalent mechanisms as are known in the art. Second mating surface 114 is shown with a hex shape to accept a hex driver useful in threading the setscrew. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other and equivalent first and second mating surfaces 112 , 114 are possible.
Referring now to FIG. 2 , housing 104 is described in more detail. Housing 104 may be referred to as a coupling device, seat, or anchor. Housing 104 has a bone facing surface 302 , at least one sidewall 304 having an outer surface 106 and an inner surface 306 (best seen in FIG. 2 ), first mating surfaces 112 , a pair of opposed slots 308 in sidewall 304 , a top edge 310 , and a through hole 312 extending from top edge 310 to bone facing surface 302 . Top edge 310 may have alignment points 320 , which will be explained in more detail below. Alignment points 320 may be protrusions (as shown by 320 p ) or detents (as shown by 320 d ) as a matter of design choice, but it is believed detents would provided a lower profile.
The housing 104 is shown with one cylindrically shaped sidewall 304 . It is believed providing housing 104 as a cylindrical shape reduces the profile of the device, but other shapes are possible, such as cubic or the like. If housing 104 had multiple sidewalls 304 , the edges between the multiple sides, should be beveled or rounded to inhibit tissue trauma.
Bone screw 102 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3 . While a particular bone screw 102 is described for completeness, any conventional bone screw is usable with the technology of the present invention. Bone screw 102 has a threaded portion 502 , a transition portion 504 , and a head portion 506 . Threaded portion 502 can use any conventional thread, but as shown, threaded portion 502 has a shaft 508 and threads 510 machined such that shaft 508 has an increasing diameter from the tip 512 to transition portion 504 . Further, threads 510 become relatively thicker towards transition portion 504 . Designing threaded portion 502 in this fashion increases the frictional engagement of bone screw 102 in bone and generally increases the screw strength. To facilitate fusion between screw 102 and the bone, bone growth channels 509 may be provided in shaft 508 , thread 510 , or a combination thereof. It is believed micro-channels 509 in thread 510 facilitates bone growth and fusion of the screw to bone.
Transition portion 504 comprises the portion of bone screw 102 between threaded portion 502 and head portion 506 . Transition portion 504 could be integrated into threaded portion 502 . Transition portion 504 may be straight, curved, bowed, flared, or the like to transition threaded portion 502 to head portion 506 .
Head 506 is shown with a convex outer surface 514 to cooperatively engage a corresponding concave surface in housing 104 , not specifically shown by generally understood in the art. The convex outer surface 514 being designed to cooperatively engage the concave surface in housing 104 allows for polyaxial orientation of bone screw 102 with respect to housing 104 . Head 506 is shown as a conventional flat head screw with a slot 516 to receive a tool, such as a screw driver. Rotation of the tool while engaged with slot 516 drive bone screw 102 into the associated bone. While shown as a flat head having a convex outer surface, other conventional bone screws are possible as are generally known in the art, such as, for example, heads with a more spherical shape, heads with a hex driver mating surface, heads with a fixed orientation with respect to housing 104 , or the like.
Referring now to FIGS. 4-8 , a tool 600 is provided to facilitate implanting the above described screws and rods. Tool 600 would typically be inserted through the skin of a patient after sufficient dilation. Tool 600 comprises a series of sleeves that will be explained in turn. Tool 600 includes a first, outer sleeve 602 , sometimes referred to as first or outer. First sleeve 602 has an inner surface 602 s and an outer surface 602 o . Inner surface 602 s defines a first sleeve diameter d 1 . First sleeve 602 includes a distal end 604 releasably connectable to housing 104 at first mating surfaces 112 , as will be explained further below. First sleeve 602 has a proximate end 606 residing external to the patient. Extending from distal end 604 towards proximate end 606 are slots 608 separating tabs 610 . Slots 608 include a flared portion 609 . Flared portion 609 increases the flexibility or elasticity of tabs 610 , which is useful in connecting first sleeve 602 to housing 104 . Tabs 610 include first tool mating surface 612 to engage first mating surfaces 112 on housing 104 . Rotating first sleeve 602 causes housing 104 to cause tabs 610 to expand. As first sleeve 602 is rotated, first tool mating surfaces 612 , which are shown as protrusions, slide into first mating surfaces 112 , which are shown as detents or grooves. Flexible tabs 610 collapse towards each other allowing outer sleeve 602 to grip housing 104 when first tool mating surface 612 align with first mating surfaces 112 . First mating surface 612 optionally may be provided with an alignment dimple 614 to mate with alignment ridge 112 a.
A second or inner sleeve 620 is provided to slidingly engage outer sleeve 602 . Second sleeve 620 has a second outer surface 620 o defining a second diameter d 2 which is less than d 1 and allows second sleeve to fit inside first sleeve in a sliding relation. Second sleeve 620 comprises distal end 622 and proximate end 624 . Distal end 622 includes alignment portions 626 (which may be protrusions 626 p (as shown) to mate with alignment detents 320 d or which may be alignment detents 626 d to mate with alignment protrusions 320 p ). Alignment portion 626 mate with corresponding alignment points 320 along top edge 310 of housing 104 .
Second sleeve 620 includes at least one, but as shown two, alignment channels 628 . Alignment channels 628 are shown opposite each other but could be otherwise configured. First sleeve 602 has at least one, but as shown two, corresponding alignment tabs 630 attached to an inner surface 602 s . Alignment channel(s) 628 and alignment tab(s) 630 are matched such that when second sleeve 620 is slidably received in first sleeve 602 , alignment tab(s) 630 move along and engage alignment slot(s) 628 to facilitate mating alignment portion 626 with alignment point 320 . Second sleeve 620 , optionally, may include one or more alignment tracks 625 . Alignment tracks 625 fittingly engage with alignment ridge 627 (shown in FIG. 5 ) to facilitate alignment points 320 aligning with alignment portions 626 and alignment channels 628 aligning with alignment tabs 630 .
Once slid into place second sleeve is rotationally locked to housing 104 by alignment, portions 626 and alignment points 320 and rotationally locked to the first sleeve by alignment channels 628 and alignment tabs 630 . Thus, second sleeve 620 acts as a strengthening member to inhibit torque from causing first sleeve 602 to twist off of housing 104 while driving, for example, bone screw into bone. To, facilitate the connection, pin alignment tabs 630 may have a flared surface 637 . Moreover, alignment channels 628 may be, tapered to pinch or grasp tabs 630 .
Once second sleeve 620 is slidably inserted into first sleeve 602 , a connector 650 couples the proximate ends of the sleeves 602 and 620 together. In this exemplary embodiment, connector 650 causes first sleeve 602 and second sleeve 620 to clamp and lock to housing 104 . For example, connector 650 may have a shaft 652 with outer surface 654 having threads 656 . Inner surface 602 s of first sleeve 602 at the proximate end would have corresponding threads 658 . Shaft 652 would have a pushing surface 660 that abuts a proximate edge 662 of second sleeve 620 . Threading connector 650 onto corresponding threads 658 pulls first sleeve 602 in direction A and pushes second sleeve in a direction B, opposite direction A by causing pushing surface 660 to push down on proximate edge 662 . The relative forces between first sleeve 602 and second sleeve 620 clamps first sleeve 602 and second 620 to housing 104 . In this exemplary embodiment, first tool mating surface 612 applies a force against first mating surfaces 112 in direction A and the distal edge of second sleeve 620 applies a force against top edge 310 of housing 104 providing a clamping force. Connector 650 may have a tool mating surface 660 to allow a tool to thread the connector 650 to and from first sleeve 602 .
Once connected, a bone screw driver can be inserted through second sleeve 620 to thread bone screw 102 into the bone. First and second sleeve 602 and 620 provide counter torque to allow driving the screw.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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A minimally invasive tool to facilitate implanting a pedicle screw and housing is provided. The minimally invasive tool includes a first sleeve having flexible tabs that couple to a housing and a second sleeve slidably engaged in the first sleeve. The second sleeve provides reinforcing such that the first and second sleeve provide counter torque for driving the pedicle screw.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns a furniture damper for damping a movement of a movably mounted furniture part or a movably mounted furniture fitting component of a furniture fitting, comprising a piston arranged in a fluid chamber, in which a damping action is performed by a relative movement between the fluid chamber and the piston. A sealing device is provided for sealing the fluid chamber, and the sealing device has a first abutment element and a second abutment element mounted movably relative to the first abutment element and adapted to seal the fluid chamber. A spring is arranged between the first abutment element and the second abutment element.
A furniture fitting having a furniture damper for damping a movably mounted furniture part, wherein a damping action is performed by a movement of a piston in a fluid chamber, is disclosed in WO 2009/003458. A movably mounted seal is acted upon by a spring which bears against the end plate of the fluid chamber. The spring serves in that case for guiding the movably mounted seal and is held by projections both against the seal and also against the end plate. In the intermediate region, the spring has a constant cross-section and occupies the entire interior of the housing in which the fluid chamber is arranged, to permit guidance for the seal, that is as stable as possible. The disadvantage of such a furniture fitting is that the nature of the spring and the projections take up a great deal of space and the range of movement of the seal is limited, whereby use is conceivable only for large furniture fittings where there is sufficient space. The advantages of a movably mounted seal, as are described in GB 565 630, cannot be enjoyed in that respect for every kind of furniture fittings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a furniture damper of the general kind referred to in the opening part of this specification, which avoids the above-indicated disadvantages.
A furniture damper of the kind referred to in the opening part of this specification has the advantages that the abutment elements, which are mounted movably relative to each other, of the sealing device provide additional space for the damping stroke movement per se and as volume compensation in the course of a damping process when a relative movement takes place between the fluid chamber and the piston. In that case, a fluid is pressed for example as a damping liquid, for example silicone oil, through openings provided for the fluid, from a first region of the fluid chamber into a second region of the fluid chamber. The damping action occurs due to the resistance opposed to the fluid movement by the through openings, as in the case of a conventional fluid damper. The first and second abutment elements are acted upon by the spring disposed between the abutment elements so that, as a consequence of a relative movement of the abutment elements, compression or extension of the spring occurs and the abutment elements which are mounted movably relative to each other are returned to their starting position again.
In addition, the beginning and the end of the damping process can be initiated with less of a jerk and more gently, due to the spring-loaded sealing device. The characteristic curve of damping of the damper in itself, which is afforded by the damping force generated during a damping action, becomes smoother due to the movably mounted seal.
According to the invention, the spring can be compressed between the first and second abutment elements substantially to the cross-sectional thickness of the spring or the spring coils, whereby there is more damping travel with the same structural size. Alternatively, overall the structural size of the furniture damper is reduced in total in comparison with furniture dampers in the state of the art as, with a given additional compensating volume, due to the movably mounted sealing device, which volume is afforded by the extension and compression of the spring from its neutral position, the first and second abutment elements are compressible to a smaller mutual spacing by virtue of the nature according to the invention of the spring. As a result, the structural height of the sealing device turns out to be less than in the state of the art. The cross-sectional thickness of the spring or the spring coils is used to mean the cross-sectional diameter of the spring wire or the spring strip from which the spring or the spring coil is made.
In addition, it is possible for the volume of the compensating space which is additionally made available to be maximised by the spring according to the invention, without having to forego the advantages of a spring loading.
Further advantageous configurations of the invention are defined in the appendant claims.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring is a conical spiral spring. A conical spiral spring is distinguished in that the projection of the spring coils on to a plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the spring represents a spiral. Compression of the conical spiral spring permits the spring coils to be arranged one within the other so that the compressed spring forms a spiral, whereby the lengthwise extent of the compressed spring substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional thickness of the spring or the spring coils. The individual coils of the conical spring have a spiral configuration and therefore increase in diameter. The coils of smaller diameter are pushed into the coils of larger diameter, when the spring is compressed. Upon compression of the spring to its cross-sectional thickness, all coils are pushed into the coil of largest diameter, which is arranged at the base of the conical spring. The cross-sectional thickness of the spring is given here by the cross-sectional diameter of the spring wire or spring strip of the largest coil diameter.
It is preferable that the spring has a central opening in which the piston or a piston rod connected to the piston is arranged so that in the mounted condition of the furniture damper, the spring coils are arranged around the piston or piston rod. In that way, the spring is guided during the movement of the first abutment element relative to the second abutment element, by the piston or the piston rod.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the first abutment element has a contact surface against which (in the mounted condition of the spring) a first end of the spring bears and the spring is thereby supported against the first abutment element. In that way, it is possible to dispense with projections in the abutment element for fixing the spring, which require a large amount of space. Additionally or alternatively, the second abutment element can have an abutment surface against which a second end of the spring bears in the mounted condition of the spring, whereby the spring is supported against the second abutment element. In that way, it is possible to dispense with projections on the second abutment element, that require a large amount of space and serve to mount the spring. The abutment elements are acted upon by the spring by way of the abutment surface or surfaces. A relative movement of the abutment elements with respect to each other is transmitted to the spring by way of the abutment surface or surfaces of the abutment elements.
During the damping process, the relative movement between the fluid chamber and the piston is transmitted to the abutment elements so that they are also moved relative to each other, whereby the spring is compressed between the abutment elements. In that respect, the spring has such a design that, as a consequence of a maximum damping stroke, the second and the first abutment elements assume a minimum spacing relative to each other, and the spring disposed between the abutment elements is compressed substantially to the cross-sectional thickness of the spring or spring coils. As a subsequent consequence, the spring stretches to its neutral position again and transmits that movement to the abutment elements so that they again assume a greater spacing from each other and are returned to their starting position.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the second abutment element has a sealing element which has sealing lips which (in the mounted condition) bear against the piston or a piston rod connected to the piston and additionally or alternatively against the wall of a housing surrounding the fluid chamber and thereby seal off the fluid chamber. In that case, the sealing integrity prevents the fluid in the fluid chamber from escaping therefrom. It is preferably provided in that respect that the fluid chamber is enclosed by a housing having an open end. The sealing integrity afforded by the sealing device, in particular by the sealing element with the sealing lips, closes off the fluid chamber in relation to the open end.
The invention further concerns a furniture hinge having a furniture damper as described above.
It is preferable in that respect that the furniture hinge has a carcass-side fitment portion and a hinge cup hingedly connected thereto for fixing furniture parts, and in the mounted position, the furniture damper is arranged substantially completely within the hinge cup. Instead, the furniture damper can be fitted from above into the hinge cup and can be arranged within the hinge cup. In that case, the fitment portion and the hinge cup can already be hingedly connected together. The furniture damper can be connected to the hinge cup by co-operating fixing means in that mounted position.
The space within a hinge cup is generally very small as hinge cups are arranged in side walls of furniture carcasses or in doors which close furniture carcasses. The advantage of furniture dampers arranged in hinge cups is that no space is occupied within the furniture carcass by the arrangement of the damper. However, very high demands are made on furniture dampers which are arranged in hinge cups, in regard to the small size of the components to be used. For that reason, a furniture damper according to the invention which has a spring between a first and a second abutment element, which spring can be compressed substantially to the cross-sectional thickness of the spring, is of particular advantage.
The invention further concerns a furniture damper for damping a movement of a movably mounted furniture part or a movably mounted furniture fitting component of a furniture fitting, comprising a piston arranged in a fluid chamber, wherein a damping action is performed by a relative movement between the fluid chamber and the piston. A sealing device is provided for sealing the fluid chamber, and the sealing device has a first abutment element and a second abutment element which is mounted movably relative to the first abutment element and which is adapted to seal the fluid chamber. The piston assumes a first end position at the end of the damping stroke relative to the fluid chamber. A return spring is provided by which the relative position of the piston relative to the fluid chamber is displaceable into a readiness position remote from the end position, and the return spring is arranged between the first and second abutment elements.
The furniture damper in that case has the above-described configuration. The spring which serves for the return movement of the relative position of the first and second abutment elements and which is arranged between the first and second abutment elements additionally serves to return the relative position of the piston relative to the fluid chamber. In that case, the spring disposed between the first and second abutment elements can support or completely replace a further return spring or springs serving to return the relative position of the piston relative to the fluid chamber.
In the last-mentioned case, the spring arranged between the first and second abutment elements must have a spring constant such that not only can the abutment elements be returned, but the relative position of the piston relative to the fluid chamber can also be returned to the readiness position after the conclusion of a damping process so that the furniture damper is ready for use for a fresh damping process. In that respect, the spring can be compressed substantially to the cross-sectional thickness of the spring by the relative movement of the first and second abutment elements.
The invention further concerns a furniture hinge having a furniture damper with a return spring as described above. In a particular embodiment, the furniture hinge has a carcass-side fitment portion and a hinge cup hingedly connected thereto for fixing furniture parts. In that case, in the mounted position the furniture damper is arranged substantially completely within the hinge cup or can be inserted from above into the hinge cup when the fitment portion and the hinge cup are already hingedly connected together, and it can be arranged within the hinge cup. The furniture damper can be connected to the hinge cup by way of co-operating fixing means in that mounted position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further details and advantages of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter by means of the specific description with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an article of furniture with a door mounted pivotably relative to a furniture carcass by way of furniture hinges,
FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show perspective views of a furniture hinge with a furniture damper to be arranged in the hinge cup,
FIGS. 3 a through 3 c show the furniture damper as an exploded view, an enlarged detail view of the slider and the arresting element as a perspective view from below,
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show perspective views in longitudinal section through the furniture damper in various positions of the piston relative to the fluid chamber,
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show the views of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b at another moment in time during the damping process,
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show a partly broken-away perspective view through a furniture hinge with a furniture damper integrated in the hinge cup, and a detail view thereof,
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view in longitudinal section of a furniture damper integrated in the hinge cup, and an enlarged detail view thereof,
FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show a plan view of a longitudinal section through the furniture damper and an enlarged detail view thereof,
FIGS. 9 a and 9 b show the views of FIGS. 8 a and 8 b at another moment during the damping process,
FIGS. 10 a and 10 b show the views of FIGS. 8 a and 8 b at yet another moment during the damping process, and
FIGS. 11 a through 11 e show various views of a conical spiral spring according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an article of furniture 1 , wherein a movable furniture part 3 in the form of a door 3 a is mounted pivotably relative to a furniture carcass 2 by way of two or more furniture hinges 4 . In a known manner, the furniture hinges 4 have a fitment portion 5 to be fixed to a frame 2 a and a hinge cup 6 connected pivotably to the fitment portion 5 . Mounted in the internal cavity in the hinge cup 6 is a respective furniture damper (not visible here), by which a closing movement of the furniture hinge 4 to the completely closed end position can be damped. Depending on the respective size and weight of the movable furniture part 3 , the damping power of the furniture damper cannot be appropriately adapted. That is to say, in the case of a damping power which is excessively great, the movable furniture part 3 can pass into the completely closed position, either too slowly or not at all. For that reason, the damping action of the furniture damper can be completely deactivated by way of a locking device. In that respect, it may be desirable for example for the damping action of a first furniture hinge 4 to be completely deactivated while a second furniture hinge 4 provides an active damping action which permits a desired damped closing movement of the movable furniture part 3 to the completely closed position.
FIG. 2 a shows a perspective view of a furniture hinge 4 , wherein the hinge cup 6 is connected pivotably by way of at least one hinge lever 7 to the fitment portion 5 in the form of a hinge arm 5 a . The furniture hinge 4 can be moved into the completely closed position and/or into the completely open position by way of a spring device 8 . For damping that spring-assisted movement into the end position or positions, there is provided a furniture damper 9 having a housing 12 and a slider 13 movable relative thereto. The furniture damper 9 is either already fitted in the factory into the internal cavity 10 in the hinge cup 6 or alternatively—with the fitment portion 5 and the hinge cup 6 assembled—the furniture damper 9 can be retro-fitted from above into the hinge cup 6 and arranged within the hinge cup 6 . In that case, the furniture damper 9 can be releasably connected together in that mounted position by way of a co-operating fixing device 11 a , 11 b . In the illustrated embodiment, the furniture damper 9 has first fixing part 11 a in the form of a guide groove, which can be releasably connected to second fixing part 11 b arranged in the hinge cup 6 and in the form of a fixing projection. The furniture damper 9 has an introduction opening 14 through which the fixing projection 11 b can be arranged in the guide groove 11 a . To deactivate the damping function, the furniture damper 9 has a locking device 15 with a displaceable arresting element 15 a in the form of a switch member, by which the slider 13 can be releasably arrested in the position of being completely pressed in.
FIG. 2 b shows a perspective view of the furniture hinge 4 with the furniture damper 9 in the mounted position. The furniture damper 9 is arranged completely in the internal cavity 10 in the hinge cup 6 . In the closing movement of the furniture hinge 4 , the hinge lever 7 encounters the slider 13 , whereby the damping process is initiated. In the course of the further closing movement, the slider 13 can be pressed relative to the housing 12 into a complete end position, wherein that end position can be releasably arrested by the locking device 15 . The slider 13 can no longer be returned in the arrested position, in which case therefore the damping action is deactivated.
In the exploded view in FIG. 3 a , the furniture damper 9 has a housing 12 and a slider 13 displaceable relative thereto. The furniture damper 9 is in the form of a linear damper and includes a piston rod 17 connected to the housing 12 . This embodiment therefore provides that the piston rod 17 (and therewith a piston connected to the piston rod 17 ) is arranged stationarily in the mounted position while a fluid chamber provided in the slider 13 is movable relative to that stationary piston rod 17 . The slider 13 is in the form of a sliding wedge member and has an inclined abutment surface 16 which, as from a predetermined relative position of the furniture hinge 4 , can be acted upon by the hinge lever 7 ( FIG. 2 b ).
Provided in the interior of the slider 13 is at least one fluid chamber in which at least one piston (not visible here) with a piston rod 17 is displaceably mounted. It is possible clearly to see the first fixing part 11 a in the form of guide grooves on both sides, by which the slider 13 is displaceable in the damping stroke movement relative to the second fixing part (projections) 11 b of the hinge cup 6 . The second fixing part (projection) 11 b can be arranged in the first fixing part (guide groove) 11 a through the introduction opening 14 . The housing 12 has a mounting 18 to which the piston rod 17 is to be fixed. Arranged on the slider 13 is a first securing element 19 which can be secured in the pressed-in end position of the slider 13 relative to a second securing element 20 arranged on the switch 15 a.
FIG. 3 b shows an enlarged detail view of the slider 13 , on which a first securing element 19 in the form of a resilient tongue is provided. FIG. 3 c shows a perspective view from below of the arresting element 15 a in the form of a switch. Arranged at the underside of the arresting element 15 a is the second substantially rigid securing element 20 , by which the first securing element 19 of the slider 13 can be secured in the completely pressed-in end position of the slider 13 .
FIG. 4 a shows a perspective view in longitudinal cross-section through a furniture damper 9 . It is possible to see the slider 13 in which there is a fluid chamber 21 , in which a piston 22 with a piston rod 17 is mounted, being arranged stationarily in the illustrated embodiment. In the closing movement of the furniture hinge 4 , the hinge lever 7 ( FIG. 2 b ) encounters the inclined abutment surface 16 of the slider 13 , whereupon the slider 13 is displaceable relative to the stationary piston 22 .
The housing of the slider 13 has an open end which is closed by a first abutment element 27 in the form of a cover plate. The first abutment element 27 has an opening for the piston rod 17 . The spring 26 in the form of a conical spiral spring is arranged around the piston rod 17 . A first (large diameter) end of the spring 26 bears against the abutment surface of the first abutment element 27 and in that case is supported on the first abutment element 27 . The narrower second (small diameter) end of the spring 26 bears against an abutment surface of a second abutment element 28 and is supported thereat. The second abutment element 28 has a sealing element 29 having an outer sealing lip 31 and an inner sealing lip 32 . The outer sealing lip 31 serves to seal off the fluid chamber 21 in the region of the housing wall of the slider 13 and bears thereagainst. The inner sealing lip 32 serves to seal off the fluid chamber 21 in the region of the piston rod 17 and for that purpose bears thereagainst.
FIG. 4 b shows a plan view of the longitudinal section in FIG. 4 a , in which respect it is to be noted that the sealing lips 31 and 32 are shown diagrammatically. Without a piston rod 17 and without a wall of the slider 13 , the sealing element 29 would assume the illustrated shape with the outer and inner sealing lips 31 , 32 . That is to say, the sealing element 29 it is of slightly larger outside dimensions than the space actually present within the fluid chamber 21 . In the mounted position, by virtue of the elastic or deformable sealing element 29 , the outer sealing lip 31 is pressed inwardly by the housing wall, while the inner sealing lip 32 is pressed outwardly by the piston rod 17 . That permits mobility of the second abutment element 28 together with the sealing element 29 with simultaneous sealing of the fluid chamber 21 and the slider 13 , respectively. In that case, the sealing element 29 can be fixed for example with adhesive on the second abutment element 28 , or can be screwed thereto.
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show the furniture damper 9 prior to initiation of a damping process by the hinge lever 7 . The furniture damper 9 is in the readiness position. In that case, the fluid arranged in the region at the left of the piston 22 in the fluid chamber 21 is urged into the region to the right of the piston 22 by way of through openings, whereby a damping effect occurs. The sealing element 29 with the outer and inner sealing lips 31 , 32 prevents the fluid from passing through into the additional compensating space 33 between the first and second abutment elements 27 , 28 . That additional compensating space 33 serves as an additional damping stroke and by way of the spring 26 , permits a more gently matched damping action. The return spring 30 (which is not shown in FIG. 4 a for reasons of clarity of the drawing) acts on the first abutment element 27 and serves to return the slider 13 again after damping has occurred.
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b again show the furniture damper 9 as a perspective view ( FIG. 5 a ) and a plan view ( FIG. 5 b ) of a longitudinal section. The illustrated components correspond to those in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b . In the situation shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b , the slider 13 is almost in its end position with respect to the piston 22 . The damping stroke which is possible by the piston 22 has been almost completely used up. Besides the damping stroke that is still available, the fluid in the fluid chamber 21 , which fluid is moving with a certain inertia, is still additionally pressing in the direction of the sealing element 29 . As can be seen, the additional compensating volume 33 of the additional compensating space 33 is also not yet entirely used up as the spring 26 can be compressed to its cross-sectional thickness (i.e., a thickness equal to the diameter of the wire forming the spring, as shown in FIG. 10 b ).
FIG. 6 a shows a cross-section of a furniture hinge 4 with the furniture damper 9 in the mounted position. The furniture hinge 4 has a fitment portion 5 which is in the form of a hinge arm 5 a —and which is preferably L-shaped—and which is connected pivotably to the hinge cup 6 by way of a hinge lever 7 . The hinge lever 7 is mounted pivotably about an axis of rotation 23 at the furniture cup side. FIG. 6 b shows an enlarged detail view of the region circled in FIG. 6 a . Towards the end of the closing movement, the hinge lever 7 encounters the inclined abutment surface 16 of the slider 13 and displaces it relative to the stationary piston 22 . The damping stroke of the furniture damper 9 extends substantially at a right angle to the axis of rotation 23 . The slider 13 can be arrested by the switch 15 a in the pressed-in end position relative to the housing 12 of the furniture damper 9 , whereby the damping action can be deactivated.
FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal section of the furniture damper 9 . The piston 22 with the piston rod 17 is mounted within the fluid chamber 21 . It is possible to see a return mechanism 30 placed outside the fluid chamber 21 and in the form of two return springs which are supported on the one hand against abutments 24 of the housing 12 and on the other hand against counterpart abutments 25 of the slider 13 . After the damping stroke has taken place, the slider 13 can be returned by the return mechanism 30 into a readiness position again, which is provided for the next damping stroke. It will be appreciated that it is also possible to arrange a return spring in the interior of the fluid chamber 21 , which can be supported on the one hand against the end 34 of the fluid chamber 21 and on the other hand against the piston 22 and thus urges the piston 22 into the readiness position again.
FIG. 8 a corresponds in principle to FIG. 4 b . The marked portion is shown as an enlarged view in FIG. 8 b . The illustrated situation is prior to initiation of the damping process. The additional compensating space 33 is still completely unused. The spring is in its neutral (free) position or in the starting position defined by the abutment elements 27 , 28 , and is not yet compressed by a relative movement of the abutment elements 27 , 28 .
FIGS. 9 a and 9 b show the components of FIGS. 8 a and 8 b , wherein the damping process is already further advanced. The spring 26 is already compressed and the additional compensating space 33 is partially used up by the second abutment element 28 which is moving towards the first abutment element 27 .
FIGS. 10 a and 10 b show the components of FIGS. 8 a and 8 b , wherein the damping process is now concluded and the first abutment element 27 and the second abutment element 28 are in their end position, that is to say at the smallest spacing relative to each other. The spring 28 is now compressed completely to the cross-sectional thickness of the spring 26 or the spring coil (i.e., compressed to a thickness equal to a diameter of the wire forming the spring). That provides a maximum damping stroke movement, and the internal space in the slider 13 can be small with nonetheless a sufficient damping stroke. That is of great advantage in particular when it is arranged within a hinge cup.
FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show the spring 26 in the form of a conical spiral spring as perspective views in its neutral position ( FIG. 11 a ) and in the compressed position ( FIG. 11 b ) where it can be seen that the spring 26 can be compressed to the form of a spiral so that the compressed spring 26 is substantially of its cross-sectional thickness.
That can also be clearly seen from the side view in FIG. 11 d . In comparison, the side view of the spring 26 in FIG. 11 c shows the spring in its neutral position.
FIG. 11 e again shows a plan view of the spring 26 where it can be seen that the projection of the spring 26 on to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is in the form of a spiral, independently of the compression condition. It will be seen that the spring coils of the spring are of such a configuration that they can be pushed one into the other.
In the illustrated drawings, the return of the slider 13 is implemented by way of return springs 30 . It is, however, also possible to permit that return movement by the spring 26 , in which case the spring 26 can support or entirely replace the return springs 30 .
The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment but extends to all variants and technical equivalents which can fall within the scope of the appended claims. The positional references adopted in the description such as for example up, lateral, and so forth are also related to the directly described Figure and are to be appropriately transferred to the new position upon a change in position.
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A furniture damper damps a movement of a movably mounted part of a piece of furniture or a movably mounted component of a furniture fitting. The damper includes a piston arranged in a fluid chamber, a damping action being carried out by a relative movement between the fluid chamber and the piston. A sealing device seals the fluid chamber, and the sealing device includes a first abutment element and a second abutment element that is movably mounted in relation to the first abutment element and designed to seal the fluid chamber. A spring is arranged between the first abutment element and the second abutment element, and the spring is compressible by the relative movement of the first abutment element and the second abutment element essentially up to the thickness of the cross-section of the spring.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/819,845, filed Jul. 11, 2006.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention related to pipe cutting apparatus and, more particularly, to a cutting apparatus which holds the pipe in a fixed manner such that a cutting head moves radially and laterally about the pipe, the head being processor-controlled to perform any desired complex/compound cut, through-hole and/or inscription on the surface thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, when it is desired to cut a pipe, it is mounted in and gripped by a chuck of a lathe and rotated while a non-rotating cutting tool is moved laterally into the rotating pipe. The cutting is accomplished in several successive turns of the pipe as the tool bit is moved gradually into the rotating pipe. The lathe requires a heavy bed which is fixed and contained in a permanent location, such as a machine shop. Additionally, the tool bit requires rigid, yet movable, holding supports. Heavy-duty power equipment is also required to operate the various components of the pipe cutting arrangement.
In the past, the lack of portable pipe cutting equipment required that all pipes be precut before transporting to an installation location. In many instances, however, the precise lengths of pipe needed for a particular installation are not known until the pipe is being installed on a section-by-section basis. When the lathe system is used, frequent trips to the machine shop are necessitated to cut the pipe into the required lengths.
Moreover, when using a fixed lathe, the pipe must be moved axially into the chuck before being clamped therein. This procedure requires sufficient space extending from the chuck to permit maneuverability of the pipe prior to insertion into the chuck.
All of the above necessities naturally resulted in cumbersome and costly procedures and equipment. One prior art cutting tool that addressed some of these concerns is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,985,051 issued to Charles K. Brown on Oct. 12, 1976, entitled “Apparatus for Cutting and Grooving a Pipe”. In the Brown device, a portable frame is used to support a cutting mechanism which is held within an arcuate member. The pipe is held in a fixed position, and the cutting mechanism moved along the arcuate member to perform an initial cut. The pipe is then manually rotated, re-fixed in position, and a second arcuate cut performed. This process continues until the complete circumference of the pipe has been cut.
While an improvement over the prior art in terms of providing a portable cutting tool, the arrangement of Brown remains relatively inefficient and unable to perform complex cuts. U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,437 issued to G. Ogawa on Jan. 3, 2006 discloses a different type of portable pipe cutting machine, where in this case the pipe is held fixed within a clamping device. A rotating, disc-like cutting blade is attached to a revolving member that moves axially about the pipe to perform the cutting motion. Again, however, the ability to create compound cuts (e.g., beveled edges and the like) is limited.
The need to form complex cuts or other designs is an important factor in site-based pipe cutting projects. Indeed, to weld two pieces of pipe together at a joint requires that the cuts on the two pieces be uniform. For example, when the pipe is cut at 90° to its longitudinal axis, bevels at a constant angle must be formed on each pipe. However, when the pipe is cut at an angle to form a mitered joint of, for example, 45°, the angle at which the bevel is cut must vary, since the mitered cut follows an elliptical path over the surface of the pipe. The manner in which this bevel varies is defined by a complicated set of trigonometric equations.
There are also devices in the prior art for cutting pipes and the like at the desired angle of cut and at different angles with selected bevels. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,143,862 and 4,216,945 both show an apparatus for automatically creating a mitered cut at a varying angle of bevel by rotating a torch and driving mechanism around the pipe. A combination of two servo motors position the cutting torch at a selected point on the surface of the pipe while an additional pair of servo motors set the angle that the torch makes with the surface of the pipe. A profile of the desired cut is then attached to the pipe. An optical sensing device is used to trace the outline of the profile. The mathematical equations defining the bevel angle are translated onto this profile in the form of a curve. This is considered to be a tedious process since each pipe needs a separate profile and, in addition, the profile must be applied to the surface of the pipe with due care.
Various other hand tools may be used to form complicated pipe cuts, but are often considered to be too slow, inaccurate and/or inefficient to utilize in any installation or production facility that requires multiple complex cuts to be performed.
Thus, a need remains in the art for a pipe cutting apparatus that is relatively simple to use, yet is able to repeatedly form complex/compound cuts in an environment where the cut requirements are changeable at a moments notice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The need remaining in the art is addressed by the present invention, which relates to pipe cutting apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus which holds the pipe in a fixed manner such that the cutting head moves radially and laterally about the pipe, the head being processor-controlled to perform any desired complex/compound cut, through-hole and/or an inscription on the surface thereof.
In accordance with the present invention, a processor (e.g., computer or other suitable processing device) is used to determine the cutting movements, both axial (defined for the purposes of the present invention as ±z-axis) and rotational (defined for the purposes of the present invention as ±θ degrees), required to provide the desired cut. The wall thickness of the pipe (inner and outer diameter values), the composition of the pipe, and the specific tool utilized for cutting the pipe are all taken into consideration as part of the analysis. In one embodiment, the processor may include a monitor to allow for the user to “view” the cut before it is made, providing a visual confirmation that the desired cut pattern will be achieved.
It is an advantage of the apparatus of the present invention that it may be formed as a relatively small and compact unit, allowing for the apparatus to be portable and easily transported to any location where pipe cutting needs to be performed.
Various cutting tools may be used within the cutting head of the present invention, such as a laser-based cutting tool, a hydro-based cutting tool, plasma-arc torch, etc. These particular cutting tools are most useful in providing cuts through metallic pipe. Other cutting tools may be used to cut through pipes formed of other material (such as, but not limited to, glass or plastic-based pipe).
Another feature of the present invention is the ability to control the depth of cut so as to allow for inscriptions to be written into the surface of the pipe without cutting all the way through the thickness of the pipe. For example, markings associated with the pipe manufacturer, vendor, purchaser, etc. may be made by proper programming of the processor-driven cutting head of the present invention. A different set of cutting tools may be used to perform inscription/marking on a pipe surface, where these tools can also be used with the cutting head on the apparatus of the present invention.
It is an advantage of the present invention that a reference position may be defined on the apparatus so that an initial cut location may be registered with respect to the reference position to provide the desired orientation of the cut with respect to the pipe. This is particularly advantageous when forming cuts on opposite ends of a pipe and require a defined orientation of one cut with respect to the other (for example, a first end cut may be rotated 30° with respect to a second, opposing end cut so as to fit between other associated pipe sections).
Further, the use of the processor-based cutting arrangement allows for various cut profiles to be “saved”, so that if a number of cuts of the same profile need to be performed time and again, there is no need to re-enter the input data associated with the specific pipe parameters or re-calculate the movements of the cutting head.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a multiple number of axes (beyond translational and rotational) may be incorporated into the processor-controlled cutting operation to allow for pipes having non-cylindrical geometries (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, hexagonal, etc.) to be cut and/or for a sequential number of through-holes/inscriptions to be made along a length of pipe without resetting the pipe in the tool.
Other and further advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent during the course of the following discussion and by reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings,
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computer-controlled pipe cutting tool formed in accordance with the present invention; and
FIGS. 2-6 show various positions of the cutting head of the tool of FIG. 1 , as used to create a saddle-shaped cut across a pipe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In accordance with the present invention, the inventive cutting arrangement comprises a processor-controlled cutting apparatus 10 , as shown in FIG. 1 . Referring to FIG. 1 , apparatus 10 includes a central aperture 12 that is used to fixedly hold a pipe (not shown) in place while the cut is being made. While the description of the present invention refers to cutting a “pipe”, it is to be understood that this term also refers to a tube, rod or any other element (of any material) in which a cut, through-hole or inscription is desired to be made. As further discussed below, while the particular embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1 is well-suited for cutting a cylindrical pipe, the apparatus of the present invention may utilize information about multiple axes (beyond translational and rotational) to perform cuts within and along “pipes” of various non-cylindrical geometries.
Referring back to FIG. 1 , cutting apparatus 10 further comprises a cutting head 14 that is attached to a rotatable collar 16 so as to move about the fixed pipe in both ±z and ±θ directions (i.e., translational and rotational motions), as shown by the arrows in FIG. 1 . Collar 16 is coupled to apparatus 10 in a manner that allows for rotational movement to occur, as controlled by a rotational motorized element 17 (shown in phantom, located behind collar 16 ). Rotational motorized element 17 is operated, in accordance with the present invention, under the control of an associated processor as discussed below. Cutting head 14 is attached to collar 16 in a manner that also allows for translational movement to occur, as controlled by a translational motorized element 19 (shown in phantom, located behind cutting head 14 ). Again, translational motorized element 19 is operated under the control of the associated processor. Indeed, a processor 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as coupled to both rotational motorized element 17 and translational motorized element 19 . Processor 20 may be formed as an integral element within apparatus 10 or, alternatively, as a separate element coupled to apparatus 10 via the electrical connections to motorized elements 17 and 19 . Motorized elements 17 and 19 may comprise stepper motors, servo motors, or any other suitable type of processor-controlled motor capable of providing the degree of movement resolution required for the particular pipe cutting application.
In accordance with the present invention, input data including, but not limited to, the type of cut, composition of the pipe, wall thickness of the pipe, and the like are entered in processor 20 (via, for example, a keyboard 22 ) and then used by processor 20 to calculate the movements of motorized elements 17 and 19 that are required to define the cut profile. For example, the wall thickness (in terms of the inner diameter and outer diameter of the pipe) may be used to generate a cut profile that transitions the cutting head movement between mating an outer edge of a cut pipe to an inner edge so as to form a better fit between a pair of pipes being joined together. The output from computer processor 20 is a series of commands used to control the motions (either simultaneous or sequential, as need be) of motorized elements 17 and 19 , as cutting head 14 rotates about the fixed pipe.
A “registration”/home position 24 may be included on apparatus 10 to define a permanent, fixed location from which to define the starting location for each cutting operation. For example, it may be desired to form a through-hole at a location 45° from registration position 24 . Therefore, prior to beginning the cut, cutting head 14 will first rotate 45° from registration position 24 , and then initiate the cutting process. In many circumstances, there is a need to form complex cuts at opposing ends of a section of pipe (for example, when using the pipe as a conduit between another pair of pipes). The use of the fixed home location 24 in accordance with the present invention allows for the starting position of the opposing cuts to be controlled so as to provide, in repeatable fashion, the desired orientation between the two cuts.
The holding of a pipe in a fixed position while rotating/translating cutting head 14 through a processor-controlled series of motions is considered to be a significant advance in the state of the art. Moreover, by holding the pipe fixed during the cutting, the apparatus of the present invention allows for bent tubing to be cut in a relatively quick, efficient and safe manner.
As mentioned above, various types of actual cutting tools may be attached to the inventive cutting apparatus and used to perform the cut. For example, plasma-arc cutting devices, laser-based devices, hydro-based cutting tools and the like may be attached to cutting head 14 and utilized to cut through (or into) a pipe, particularly a metal pipe. Other pipe compositions, such as glass or plastic material, may utilize a different type of cutting tool (e.g., air-based, abrasive, etch-based, etc.). Performing surface marking or inscription on a pipe may utilize yet a different type of tool, including but not limited to, a printing head, engraving tool, etc. Indeed, the type of cutting tool is irrelevant to the operation of the apparatus of the present invention and can be of any type desired by the user of the apparatus.
When performing cuts in metallic pipe, the cutting action may result in some of the removed material being re-incorporated on the opposing side of the pipe. In order to avoid this problem a “sacrificial rod” may be inserted within the pipe being cut, where the material being removed will land on this rod, protecting the pipe from contamination.
FIGS. 2-6 illustrate an exemplary process of forming a 90° saddle cut using the cutting apparatus of the present invention. It is to be understood that this particular cut is exemplary only and virtually any desired design/shape of cut may be formed using the tool of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates the cutting apparatus 10 with a cutting tool 30 attached to cutting head 14 . In this illustration, cutting head 14 is disposed in its initial “registration”/home position, where subsequent rotation of collar 16 (through the use of rotational motorized element 17 ) will move cutting head 14 in a counter-clockwise motion (counter-clockwise movement being exemplary). A pipe 40 is illustrated as held within aperture 12 of apparatus 10 .
FIG. 3 illustrates the same set-up as in FIG. 2 , in this case with cutting head 14 having rotated counter-clockwise to a −90° position. It is further to be noted that the linear movement of translational motorized element 19 has moved cutting head 14 out from its previous position. Further counter-clockwise rotational movement of cutting head 14 , via activation of rotational motorized element 17 , thereafter positions head 14 at −180° from its initial position, as shown in FIG. 4 . It is to be understood that the cutting is taking place as cutting head 14 is rotating, while also providing in this case continual linear movement to generate the desired saddle-type cut, also providing the desired transition between having the outer edge as the joining surface to having the inner edge as the joining surface. FIG. 5 illustrates a further step in the cutting process, as head 14 has rotated to the −270° position. It is to be noted that the cutting device as depicted in FIG. 5 is now in the same linear position as in FIG. 3 (and further out from the position of FIG. 4 ), in order to make the desired symmetric saddle cut. FIG. 6 illustrates the completion of the process, where cutting head 14 has returned to its initial position.
Possible variations of the cutting process of the present invention may utilize a “lead in” at the beginning of the cutting process (i.e., a predetermined initial cut), followed by a return to the “lead in” portion at the completion of the cutting cycle to achieve a final cut with little evidence of “start” and “stop” locations. Other features include the incorporation of a visible display 100 with processor 20 (see FIG. 1 ) to show the “shape” of the cut prior to initiating the cutting process, allowing the user to modify the cut as needed to achieve the desired results. The processor may also include a memory 25 (see FIG. 1 ) for storing a “history” of various cuts that have been made, such that set-up time is reduced when a cut is to be duplicated. Multiple axes may be added beyond the initial rotational and translational movements to allow for types of non-cylindrical pipes (e.g., square pipes, oval pipes, hexagonal, etc.) to be cut by the apparatus of the present invention. Modifications of the various parameters such as rotational/translational speed, referencing to a “home” position, type of tube being cut, etc., are all considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. Further, it is possible to easily “reverse” the cutting pattern to achieve symmetrical cuts inasmuch as the cutting operation is processor-controlled and a calculation can be made of the “reverse” parameters.
It is to be understood that the present invention and its advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred or exemplary embodiment thereof.
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An apparatus for cutting a pipe includes a housing with a central aperture for holding the pipe in a fixed position. A rotatable collar is mounted on the outer surface of the fixed housing, with a cutting head attached to the collar. The cutting head is configured to translate forward and backward such that the combination of the rotational movement of the collar and the translational movement of the cutting head is capable of performing complex cuts without ever moving the pipe. A number of different cutting tools (laser, plasma, etc.) may be attached to the cutting head, and a variety of different tasks may be performed including cutting completely through the entire pipe, inscribing on the pipe surface, forming through-holes along the pipe, and the like.
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This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 1,213 filed Jan. 5, 1979.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of preventing skid of wheels of a vehicle, in which the slip rate of a wheel as well as the acceleration and deceleration thereof is added as one of essential factors for controlling the brake torque.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
When a vehicle is stopped abruptly, the wheels of the vehicle may be locked if the braking input to these wheels is too large. Once the wheels are locked during the braking, not only the braking efficiency is lowered but also the directional stability and steerability of the vehicle are lost dangerously.
The above stated danger can be avoided by automatically controlling the braking torque exerted on the wheel, irrespective of the braking input provided by the driver, such that the slip rate of the wheel falls within an appropriate range, e.g. between 15 and 20%.
To this end, various anti-skid braking method have been proposed up to now but any of them are not satisfactory from view points of performance, reliability and economy.
Generally, in the conventional anti-skid method as proposed, the acceleration of the wheel, as well as the deceleration, i.e. the negative acceleration of the wheel, is detected, and the braking torque is controlled by judging the possibility of the lock of wheel from the magnitudes of the acceleration and deceleration.
However, it is difficult to control under various conditions the braking torque in such a manner as to make the slip rate fall within an appropriate range, if the control relies solely upon the magnitudes of acceleration and deceleration of the wheel. It is therefore desirable to use the slip rate in a suitable manner as one of the controlling factors.
The term "slip rate" is used here to mean a rate which is given by the following equation:
λ=1-Vw/V
where, λ, Vw and V represent, respectively, the slip rate, peripheral speed of the wheel and the speed of vehicle.
As will be understood from the above equation, there is no direct relation between the slip rate λ and the acceleration Vw of the wheel which is obtained by differentiating the peripheral speed Vw of the wheel. It is therefore necessary to detect the speed of the vehicle body, for determining the slip rate of the wheel during braking.
Various methods have been proposed for detecting the speed of the vehicle body, i.e. the vehicle speed: i.e. (1) to use a Doppler radar mounted on the vehicle, (2) to detect the vehicle speed from the peripheral speed of a specific non-braked wheel and (3) to calculate the vehicle speed through integrating the acceleration and deceleration. These conventional measures, however, inconveniently require complicated constructions of devices and have poor precision and reliability. Thus, it is not easy to obtain a method which affords the detection of vehicle speed in a satisfactory manner, from technical and economical points of view.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above, the present invention is primarily intended to provide a novel and improved anti-skid method for preventing skid of wheels of a vehicle, in which the slip rate of a wheel as well as the acceleration and deceleration thereof is used as one of essential factors for controlling the brake torque, and in which the brake torque is automatically controlled in a precise and simple manner with high reliability so as to maintain the slip rate within an appropriate range.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an anti-skid method of the character as described, in which in the speed range wherein lock of a wheel takes place frequently upon braking operation, the brake system is controlled to retain the duration of reduction in the brake torque starting from the occurrence of a possible wheel lock until the wheel begins to accelerate to positively obviate such a danger of wheel locks, so that skidding of the wheel is securely avoided irrespective of the slipperiness of road surfaces and the length of a time lag in operation of oil pressure control systems for controlling the brake system.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the peripheral speed of a wheel of a vehicle is detected and picked up as a wheel-speed signal, and the speed of the vehicle is detected so as to set a reference wheel-speed signal in a form suitable for comparison with the wheel-speed signal. Derived from the wheel-speed signal is a wheel-acceleration signal, for comparison with which a reference wheel-deceleration signal is set. During braking of the vehicle, the wheel-speed signal is compared with the reference wheel-speed signal while the wheel-acceleration signal is compared with the reference wheel-deceleration signal. At the instant when the level of the wheel-acceleration signal falls below the level of the reference wheel-deceleration signal if the level of the wheel-speed signal is higher than that of the reference wheel-speed signal, the brake torque applied to the wheel is controlled so that it is maintained constant to prevent the further increase thereof.
According to another aspect of the invention, if the attenuation rate of the wheel speed is too great due to an excessively large brake torque so that the level of the wheel-speed signal falls below the level of the reference wheel-speed signal and at the same time the level of the wheel-acceleration signal falls below the level of the reference wheel-deceleration signal, the brake torque is reduced irrespective of the brake force input. In addition, a second reference wheel-speed signal of a level lower than that of the first-mentioned reference wheel-speed signal is derived on the basis of the vehicle-speed as detected previously and when the level of the wheel-speed signal falls below the level of the second reference wheel-speed signal, the brake torque is also reduced. In this case, the reduction of the brake torque is continued for a preset period of time.
According to a specific aspect of the invention, when the level of said wheel-acceleration signal increases again to rise above the level of the reference wheel-acceleration signal as the brake torque is reduced to restore the wheel acceleration, the reduction of the brake torque is ceased if the level of the wheel-speed signal remains below the level of the reference wheel-speed signal.
Further, a low reference vehicle-speed, representative of the lowest threshold valve of the vehicle speed in which no anti-skid control operation is required, and a first reference wheel-acceleration signal representative of a positive wheel acceleration are set and the reduction of the brake torque is ceased similarly when the level of the wheel-acceleration signal rises above the level of the first reference wheel-acceleration signal under the conditions that the level of the vehicle-speed signal is higher than that of the low reference vehicle-speed signal and that the level of the wheel-speed signal is lower than that of the reference wheel-speed signal.
According to a further specific aspect of the invention, a second reference wheel-acceleration signal of a level higher than that of the first reference wheel-acceleration signal is set and the brake torque, after the reduction thereof being ceased, is controlled to be maintained constant for a further period of time until the wheel-acceleration signal reaches the level of the second reference wheel-acceleration signal.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the peripheral speeds of a plurality of wheels are detected and the aforementioned vehicle speed during braking is estimated from the highest one of the detected peripheral speeds and a rate of attenuation of the vehicle speed which has been preset.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrates a few presently preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1(a) is a schematic sectional illustration of essential parts of braking system of a vehicle and an oil pressure control system for controlling the braking torque exerted by the braking system, which embody the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 1(b) is a view similar to FIG. 1(a), showing a modified form of the braking system and oil pressure control system of FIG. 1(a);
FIG. 2(a) is a block diagram of an example of means for estimating the vehicle speed;
FIG. 2(b) is a block diagram of the essential parts of a control device for controlling the operation of the memory circuit as shown in FIG. 2(a);
FIG. 3 is a graph for explaining the operation of the vehicle-speed detecting means as shown in FIG. 2(a);
FIG. 4 is a view showing the association of FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) with each other;
FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are one half and the other half, respectively, of a signal-processing circuit and a logical circuit for operating the oil pressure control system as shown in FIG. 1(a);
FIG. 5 is a view showing the association of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) with each other;
FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are one half and the other half, respectively, of a modified form of the signal-processing and logical circuits;
FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining, by way of example, the operations of the braking system and the oil pressure control system as shown in FIG. 1(a) and the wave forms of signals treated by the signal-processing circuit and logical circuit as shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a view showing the association of FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) with each other;
FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are one half and the other half, respectively, of a further modified form of the signal-processing and logical circuits; and
FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining, by way of example, the operations of the braking system and the oil pressure control system as shown in FIG. 1(a) and wave forms of signals treated by the signal-processing circuit and the logical circuit as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and (b).
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to FIG. 1(a), a brake pedal 1 is operatively connected to a master cylinder 2, such that a braking hydraulic pressure is generated in the master cylinder 2 as the brake pedal 1 is depressed by the driver's foot. The master cylinder 2 is connected, through a passage 3, to a braking oil chamber 11 formed between a pair of opposing pistons 7,8 disposed in a wheel cylinder 6 which turn is mounted on the body of an automobile. The pistons 7,8 have respective piston rods 9, 10 which extend outwardly through the end walls of the wheel cylinder 6. These piston rods 9, 10 are connected at their outer ends to respective one of a pair of brake shoes 5, 5' which are adapted to exert a braking torque upon frictional contact with a brake drum 4.
The arrangement is such that, when the brake pedal 1 is depressed, the master cylinder 2 generates the braking hydraulic pressure which is transmitted through the passage 3 to the braking oil chamber 11, so as to press and move the pistons 7, 8 away from each other. As a result, the brake shoes 5,5' are pressed against the frictional surfaces of the brake drum 4, so as to cooperate with the latter to exert a braking torque on the wheel.
If the braking hydraulic pressure in the braking oil chamber 11 is too high, the braking torque produced by the cooperation of the brake shoes 5,5' and the brake drum 4 becomes excessively large, so that the wheel is locked dangerously. In order to avoid this danger, a pair of control oil chambers 12, 12' are formed between the pistons 7,8 and corresponding end walls of the wheel cylinder 6. When the pressure in the braking oil chamber 11 has been raised to such a level as to incur a danger or possibility of the lock of wheel, the oil pressure in the control oil chambers 12, 12' is suitably controlled to suppress the movement of the pistons 7,8 caused by the braking hydraulic pressure.
The controlling oil pressure in the control oil chambers 12,12' is controlled by a controller having the following construction and function.
The control oil sucked from a tank T by means of a pump P and then pressurized is delivered, through a passage 15 and an accumulator 13, to the inlet port of an inlet valve 14 which is adapted to be switched by a solenoid coil 20. The outlet port of the inlet valve 14 is connected through a passage 16 to a control oil chamber 12 and further to the control oil chamber 12' through a passage 17. The control oil chamber 12 is connected through passages 16, 17 and 18 to the inlet port of an outlet valve 19 which is adapted to be switched by a solenoid coil 21. The control oil chamber 12' is also connected to the inlet port of the same outlet valve 19 through the passage 18. The outlet port of the outlet valve 19 is in communication with the oil tank T.
The inlet valve 14 is normally held at a rightwardly biased position as viewed in FIG. 1(a). In this state, the control oil chambers 12,12' are disconnected from the pump P and the accumulator 13. As the solenoid coil is energized upon receipt of a signal, the inlet valve 14 is switched to assume the left-hand side position as viewed in FIG. 1(a), so that the control oil discharged from the pump P is delivered to the control oil chambers 12,12' through the accumulator 13 and the inlet valve 14, so as to bias the pistons 7,8 toward each other, against the braking hydraulic pressure in the braking hydraulic chamber 11.
The outlet valve 19 is normally held at a leftwardly biased position as viewed in FIG. 1(a). In this state, the control oil chambers 12,12' are opened to the tank T via the outlet valve 19. As the solenoid coil 21 is energized by a signal delivered thereto, the outlet valve 19 is switched to assume the rightwardly biased position as viewed in FIG. 1(a), so that the control oil chambers 12, 12' are disconnected from the tank T.
In a first state of operation in which the inlet valve 14 and the outlet valve 19 have been switched to take the right and left-hand side positions, respectively, i.e. the state in which no signal is delivered neither to the solenoid coil 20 nor to the solenoid coil 21, the pistons 7, 8 are pressurized and moved solely by the braking hydraulic pressure in the braking oil chamber 11, because the control oil chambers 12, 12' are opened into the tank T. As a result, the braking torque increases freely in accordance with the braking operation made by the driver.
In a second state of operation in which the outlet valve 19 has been switched to take the right-hand side position, i.e. the state in which the signal is delivered to the solenoid coil 21 to energize the latter, the control oil chambers 12, 12' are disconnected from the tank T, so that the control oil in the control oil chamber 12,12' is blocked. Therefore, the pistons 7,8 are prevented from moving further, even if the braking oil pressure in the braking oil chamber 11 is increased. Consequently, the braking torque is maintained constant, irrespective of the braking operation made by the driver. This second state of operation is adopted when there is a possibility of a lock of the wheel.
In a third state of operation in which the inlet valve 14 and the outlet valve 19 have been switched to assume the left and right positions, respectively, i.e. in the state in which both of the solenoid coils 20, 21 are in receipt of respective signals, the control oil discharged from the pump P is forcibly fed into the control oil chambers 12,12' through the accumulator 13 and the inlet valve 14. Since the control oil chambers 12, 12' in this state are insulated from the tank T, the pistons 7,8 are moved toward each other, overcoming the braking hydraulic pressure in the braking oil chamber 11. As a result, the braking torque is decreased irrespective of the braking operation of the driver. This third state of operation is adopted when the wheel is in danger of the lock, i.e. when the possibility of lock of the wheel is greater.
FIG. 1(b) shows a modified form of the braking system, as depicted in FIG. 1(a), including a different hydraulic circuit arrangement. In this modification, an inlet valve 14' is actuated by a solenoid coil 20' and an outlet valve 19' is actuated by a solenoid coil 21'. A pair of control oil chambers 12, 12' are in fluid communication with a first outlet port of an inlet valve 14' by way of passages 16', 17', with a second outlet port of the inlet valve 14' being in fluid communication with an outlet port of an outlet valve 19' by way of a passage 18'. The construction of the remaining parts of this braking system is identical with that of FIG. 1(a) and thus the corresponding portions of FIG. 1(b) are indicated by the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 1(a).
In this modification, when the solenoid coil 20', 21' are supplied with no signal, the respective control oil chambers 12, 12' are opened to the oil tank T and the braking system is in the same operating condition as the first state of operation in the FIG. 1(a) embodiment so that the brake torque during braking application can be increased freely in accordance with the driver's braking effort. In case the solenoid coil 21' is supplied with a signal, the outlet valve 19' is changed to the right-side position to disconnect the respective control oil chambers 12, 12' from the oil tank T, i.e., the brake system assuming the same operating condition as the second state of operation in the FIG. 1(a) embodiment, so that the braking torque is held in a constant level irrespective of the braking effort of the driver. Further, when the solenoid coils 20', 21' are supplied with signals, the inlet valve 14' is shifted to the left-side position and at the same time the outlet valve 14' is shifted to the left-side position to permit pressure oil discharged from the pump P to enter the respective control oil chambers 12,12' via accumulator 13 and inlet valve 14'. On this occasion, the control oil chambers 12,12' are both disconnected from the tank T and the braking system is brought into the same operating condition as the third state of operation in the FIG. 1(a) embodiment so that the brake torque is reduced independently of the driver's braking operation. In this manner, the braking system of FIG. 1(b) is essentially identical in mode of operation with that of FIG. 1(a) and hence in the following, description will be made in association with only the braking system as shown in FIG. 1(a).
In order to find the rate of slip of the wheel, it is necessary to estimate the speed of the automobile. A practical example of detecting means 32 for detecting the speed of the automobile will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 2(a), 2(b) and 3.
Referring first to FIG. 2(a), the wheels are provided with respective wheel-speed detectors 22, 23, 24 and 25 adapted to detect the peripheral speeds of respective wheels. More specifically, these wheel-speed detectors are adapted to produce and deliver wheel speed signals in the form of frequency signals f 1 , f 2 , f 3 and f 4 in proportion to the peripheral speeds of corresponding wheels. These frequency signals f 1 , f 2 , f 3 and f 4 are in proportion to the peripheral speeds of corresponding wheels. These frequency signals f 1 , f 2 , f 3 and f 4 representing the peripheral speeds of respective wheels are then delivered to frequency converters 26, 27, 28 and 29, where they are converted into voltage signals Uw1, Uw2, Uw3 and Uw4 which are easier to handle. These voltage signals are, needless to say, in proportion to the peripheral speeds of respective wheels. FIG. 3 shows how the voltage signals Uw1, Uw2, Uw3 and Uw4 representative of the speeds of respective wheels are changed in relation to the time elasped, when the anti-skid device is functioning.
Referring again to FIG. 2(a), the wheel-speed voltage signals Uw1, Uw2, Uw3 and Uw4, which are the output from respective frequency-voltage converters, are then delivered to a high select circuit 30. The high select circuit 30 is adapted to select the wheel-speed voltage signal having the highest level of all wheel-speed voltage signals Uw1, Uw2, Uw3, Uw4 and produces the maximum wheel-speed voltage signal Uwmax as the output, as shown by thick line in FIG. 3.
The maximum wheel-speed voltage signal Uwmax produced by the high select circuit 30 is then delivered to a memory circuit 31 which has a constant current-discharging characteristic corresponding to a standard or reference deceleration during the braking. The memory circuit 31 produces, upon receipt of the maximum wheel-speed voltage signal Uwmax, an estimated-vehicle voltage signal U which is an attenuating signal having a gradient determined by the discharging characteristics of the memory circuit 31, as shown by a chain line in FIG. 3.
The memory circuit 31 comprises an attenuation signal generating device consituted by the memory means having a preset attenuation rate and is operable upon receipt of an output signal from the high select circuit 30 to output, on one hand, a signal of the same magnitude as received when the level of the output signal from the high select circuit 30 is greater than the level of a preset attenuation rate as memorized in the memory circuit 30 and, on the other hand, an attenuation signal U of the preset attenuation rate when it is not the case.
FIG. 2(b) illustrates one example of means for setting the discharging characteristic of the memory circuit 31. In this example, an output signal from a time-constant-setting circuit 31b, connected to a source of electric supply 31a, is sent to a discharge circuit 31c and an output signal from the discharge circuit 31c is in turn fed to the memory circuit 31 so that the memory circuit 31 can exhibit a predetermined discharging characteristic.
The estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal thus obtained is delivered, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), to a reference wheel-speed signal setting circuit 33 which is adapted to set, upon receipt of the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U, such a wheel speed as to cause a predetermined rate λ o of slip. This circuit 33 consists of a division circuit and produces a reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R given by the following equation.
U.sub.R =(1-λ.sub.o)U
The reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R is thus determined. A practical method and device for adding the rate of slip of wheel to the controlling factor will be described hereinunder.
Referring to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the peripheral speed of the wheel, which constitutes the object of the control made by the braking torque, is detected by the wheel-speed detector 34 which is adapted to produce a wheel-speed frequency signal f i in proportion to the speed of the wheel. This frequency signal f i is directly converted into a wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi proportional to the wheel speed, by means of a frequency-voltage converter 35. In order to obtain this wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi, the wheel-speed detectors 22,23,24 and 25 and the frequency-voltage converters 26,27,28 and 29, which in combination constitute the means 32 for estimating the vehicle speed, may be used as the wheel-speed detector 34 and the frequency-voltage converter 35 for each wheel.
The wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is then delivered, simultaneously, to a comparator circuit 36, differentiation circuit 37 and another comparator circuit 38. The comparator circuit 36 is adapted to compare the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi with the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R which is delivered from the reference wheel-speed setting circuit 33, and to produce an output only when the level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is smaller than that of the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R , i.e. only when the following inequality is satisfied.
Uwi<U.sub.R
The differentiation circuit 37 is adapted to differentiate the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi, so as to produce a wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi as its output. This wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is immediately delivered to comparator circuits 40,41 and 42.
The comparator circuit 40 is adapted to compare the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi with a reference deceleration voltage signal -Vwo which represents a previously set negative reference acceleration, and to produce an output only when the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is smaller than the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo, i.e. only when the following inequality is satisfied.
Uwi<-Vwi
The comparator circuit 41 compares the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi with a first reference wheel-acceleration signal Vw1, which has been set previously, and produces an output only when the value of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is higher than that of the first reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw1, i.e. when the following inequality is satisfied.
Vw1<Uwi
Further, the comparator circuit 42 is adapted to compare the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi with a previously set second reference wheel-acceleration voltage Vw2, the value of which is greater than that of the first reference wheel-acceleration signal Vw1, and to produce an output only when the value of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is greater than that of the second reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw2, i.e. only when the following inequality is satisfied.
Vw2<Uwi
The output side of this comparator circuit 42 is connected to the input side of an inversion circuit 45 which is adapted not to produce any output as long as the comparator circuit 42 keeps the delivery of its output signal but produce and maintain an output signal over a period in which no output is delivered by the comparator circuit 42. Thus, the inversion circuit 45 has a function to invert the output from the comparator circuit 45.
Meanwhile, the comparator circuit 38 is adapted to compare the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi with a previously set second reference wheel-speed voltage signal Vwo which represents an extremely low peripheral speed of the wheel, and to produce an output when the value of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is smaller than the value of the second reference wheel-speed voltage signal Vwo, i.e. only when the following inequality is satisfied.
Uwi<Vwo
The comparator circuit 38 is connected at its output side to the input side of a pulse generator 39 which is adapted to produce a pulse of a constant pulse width T immediately after the receipt of the output form the comparator circuit 38. Namely, the pulse generator 39 is adapted to produce and deliver an output only over a constant period T after the delivery of the signal by the comparator circuit 38.
The outputs from the comparator circuits 36,40,41, 42, as well as the output from the pulse generator 39, are delivered to the solenoid coils 20 and 21 for actuating the inlet valve 14 and the outlet valve 19 as shown in FIG. 1(a), after a logical processing performed by a logical circuit described herein-under.
Both of the comparator circuits 36,40 are connected at their output sides to the inputs of an AND circuit 43 and an OR circuit 44, while the comparator circuit 41 and the pulse generator 39 are connected at their output sides to the input of the OR circuit 44. The outputs of the AND circuit 43 and pulse generator 39 are further connected to the input side of an OR circuit 46, while the outputs of the OR circuit 46 and the inversion circuit 45 are connected to the input of an AND circuit 47. The outputs of the OR circuit 44 and the inversion circuit 45 are connected to the input of an AND circuit 48.
The AND circuit 47 is connected to the solenoid coil 20, such that, when the AND circuit 47 produces and delivers its output to the solenoid coil 20, the latter is energized to drive the inlet valve 14 from the right-hand side position to the left-hand side position as viewed in FIG. 1(a). Also, the AND circuit 48 is connected to the solenoid coil 21, such that, when the AND circuit 48 produces and delivers its output to the solenoid coil 21, the latter is energized to drive the outlet valve 19 from the left-hand side position to the right-hand side position as viewed in FIG. 1(a).
So being the logical circuit is constructed, the output signals derived from the comparator circuits 36, 40,41 and the inversion circuit 45, as well as the output signal from the pulse generator 39, are processed in the following manner.
It is supposed here that the peripheral speed of the wheel is greater than a second reference peripheral-speed of the wheel which is set sufficiently small and, accordingly, that the value of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is greater than the value of the second reference wheel-speed signal Vwo, so as not to allow the pulse generator 39 to produce the output signal. Under such a condition, it is judged that there is no possibility of the lock of wheel, if the case is one of the following cases (a) and (b).
(a) The value of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is greater than that of the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R and the value of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi falls within the range between the first reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw1 and the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo.
Namely, following inequalities are satisfied.
U.sub.R <Uwi
-Vwo<Uwi<Vw1
(b) The value of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is greater than that of the second reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw2, irrespective of the level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi. The following inequality is satisfied.
Vw2<Uwi
When the case is either the case (a) or (b), neither the AND circuit 47 nor the AND circuit 48 produces the output signal, so that the solenoid coils 20 and 21 are not energized. As a result, the inlet valve 14 and the outlet valve 19 are maintained in the aforementioned first state of operation, so that the braking torque is freely increased in accordance with the braking operation made by the driver.
Also, when the case is one of the following cases (c), (d) and (e), it is judged that there is a possibility of the lock of wheel.
(c) The value of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is greater than the value of the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R and the value of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is smaller than the value of the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo. The following inequalities are satisfied.
U.sub.R <Uwi
Uwi<-Vwo
(d) Irrespective of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi, the value of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is greater than the value of the first reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw1 but smaller that the value of the second reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw2. The following inequality is satisfied.
Vw1<Uwi<Vw2
(e) The value of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is smaller than that of the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R and the value of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi falls within the range between the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo and the second reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw2. The following inequalities are satisfied.
Uwi<U.sub.R
-Vwo<Uwi<Vw2
If the case is one of the cases (c), (d) and (e), only the AND circuit 48 produces its output signal, while the AND circuit 47 does not produce the output. In such a case, therefore, the solenoid coil 21 is energized while the solenoid coil 20 is not, so that the inlet valve 14 and the outlet valve 19 are kept in the aforementioned second state of operation, so that the braking torque is not increased further but maintained constant, even if the force exerted by the driver's foot on the brake pedal is increased.
Further, if the case is the case (f) stated below, it is judged that the wheel is in danger of lock.
(f) The level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is smaller than that of the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R and the value of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is smaller than the value of the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo. The following inequalities are satisfied.
Uwi<U.sub.R
Uwi<-Vwo
In this case, both of the AND circuits 47 and 48 are allowed to produce their output signals. Consequently, both of the solenoid coils 20 and 21 are actuated to put the inlet valve 14 and the outlet valve 19 in the third state of operation, so that the braking torque is decreased irrespective of the braking operation made by the driver.
Supposing here that the peripheral speed of the wheel has become extremely small to such an extent that the level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi comes down below the level of the second reference wheel-speed voltage signal Vwo, the comparator circuit 38 produces an output, so that the pulse generator 39 produces an output pulse signal of a predetermined pulse width or duration T. So being the case, the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is smaller than that of the second reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw2, so that the inversion circuit 45 produces its output signal. Therefore, the AND circuits 47 and 48 produce their output signals, irrespective of the outputs from the comparator circuits 36,40 and 41, over a period T of duration of the pulse generated by the pulse generator 39. Consequently, the solenoid coils 20,21 are energized over the period T, so as to place the inlet and outlet valves 14,19 in the third state of operation, thereby to reduce the braking torque irrespective of the braking effort made by the driver.
When the vehicle under braking has entered a road whose surface has a low coefficient of friction from a road whose coefficient of friction is relatively high, a lock of wheel may take place due to a lag of response of the control system. In such a case, the comparator circuit 38 and the pulse genertor 39 in combination function as an additional circuit to release the wheel from the locked state and to securely prevent the subsequent lock.
A division circuit 49 and a comparator circuit 50 as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) may be used in place of the combination of the comparator circuit 38 and the pulse generator 39 as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). More specifically, in the arrangement as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U is delivered also to the division circuit 49, which is provided separately from the aforementioned division circuit 33. The division circuit 49 sets a low reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R ' of a level much lower than that of the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R , and delivers the low reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R ' as its output to the comparator circuit 50. The comparator circuit 50 then compares the low reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R ' with the wheel-speed voltage reference signal Uwi, and produces an output signal only when the level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is smaller than that of the low reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R ', and delivers it to the OR circuits 44 and 46. Other portions of the arrangement as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) than specifically mentioned above are materially identical to those of FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b).
Therefore, in the circuit arrangement as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and (b), both of the solenoid coils 20,21 are energized to put the inlet and outlet valves 14,19 into the third state of operation, so as to decrease the braking torque independently of the driver's effort, when the level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi has come down below the level of the low reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R '.
FIG. 6 shows, by way of example, the operation of an anti-skid device incorporating the logical circuit as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). In FIG. 6, axis of abscissa represents the time elapsed after the commencement of the braking. The axis of ordinate represents, from the upper end thereof to its lower parts, the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U, wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi, reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R , and further to the bottom, wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi, output signal A from the comparator circuit 36, output signal B from the comparator circuit 40, output signal C from the comparator circuit 41, output signal D from the comparator circuit 42, the third, second and first states III,II,I of operation of the inlet valve 14 and the outlet valve 19, and the braking torque T B .
At an instant t=0 immediately after the commencement of the braking, the AND circuits 47,48 do not produce the output signal, so that the oil pressure control system of the braking apparatus is in the state I of operation. The braking torque T B is therefore increased gradually and, accordingly, the levels of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi and wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi are lowered gradually.
At an instant t1, the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi comes down below the level of the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo. Then, the comparator circuit 40 comes to produce the output B. This means that it is judged that there is a possibility of lock of the wheel, and the AND circuit 48 produces an output. In this condition, however, the output A of the comparator circuit 36 has not been produced yet, so that the AND circuit 47 does not produce its output. Consequently, the oil pressure control system is held in the state II of operation, so as to maintain a braking torque T B substantially constant.
In this state, the braking torque T B assumes an excessively large value, due to the time lag of response of the oil pressure control system or the like reason, so that the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi continues to decrease. As a result, the comparator circuit 36 comes to produce its output signal A at an instant t2. Since both of the outputs A and B from the comparator circuits 36 and 40 are available at this instant, it is judged that the wheel is in danger of lock. Then, both of the AND circuits 47 and 48 produce their outputs to energize both of the solenoid coils 20 and 21. Consequently, the oil pressure control system comes to assume the state III of operation so as to decrease the braking torque T B .
In accordance with the reduction of the braking torque T B , the acceleration of the wheel increases gradually. As a result, the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi comes to exceed the level of the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo at an instant t3. Consequently, the comparator circuit 40 comes to stop producing the output B, and it is judged that the danger of lock of wheel has been swept off. In this state, although the AND circuit 47 stops delivering its output, the output from the comparator circuit 36 is still alive, so that the AND circuit 48 continues to deliver its output. Thus, the oil pressure system comes again to assume the state II of operation, so as to keep the braking torque T B substantially constant.
In this state, however, the braking torque T B has been reduced to an excessively low level, due to the time lag of response of the oil pressure control system or the like reason, so that the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi continues to increase. At the same time, the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi comes to rise and, at an instant t4, the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi comes to exceed that of the first reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw1, so as to cause the comparator circuit 41 to produce its output C. Further, at an instant t5, the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi comes to exceed that of the second reference wheel-acceleration signal Vw2, so that the output D is produced by the comparator circuit 42.
As a result, it is judged that there is no possibility of the lock of wheel, and both of the AND circuits do not deliver their outputs to de-energize the solenoid coils 20, 21. Consequently, the oil pressure control system comes again to assume the state I of operation, to allow the braking torque T B to increase again.
In accordance with the increment of the braking torque T B , the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi becomes lower than that of the second reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw2 at an instant t6, so that the comparator circuit 42 stops delivering its output D. However, since the output C of the comparator circuit 41 is still alive, it is judged that there is a possibility of lock of wheel, and the AND circuit 48 delivers its output so as to energize the solenoid coil. 21. Consequently, the oil pressure system resumes the second state II of operation, so as to maintain the braking torque T B substantially constant.
As the level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is raised to such a level as to maintain an adequate rate of slip of wheel, at an instant t7, the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi comes down below the level of the first reference wheel-acceleration signal Vw1, so that the comparator circuit 41 stops delivering its output C. In this state, it is judged that the possibility of the lock of wheel has been wiped off. Since both of the AND circuits 47,48 do not produce their outputs in this state, both solenoid coils 20,21 are not energized to make the oil pressure control system assume the first state I of operation to allow the braking torque T B to increase.
The above stated operation of the oil pressure control system is repeated to lower the vehicle speed without being accompanied by the lock of wheel.
FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) shows still another embodiment of the signal-processing and logical circuits as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b).
Referring to FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the vehicle-speed voltage signal U as estimated by the vehicle-velocity estimating means 132 is delivered to the reference wheel-speed-signal setting circuit 133 and also to the comparator circuit 138. The reference wheel-speed-signal setting circuit 133 consists of a division circuit and adapted to set such a reference wheel-speed as to cause a predetermined slip rate λ o for the estimated vehicle-speed-voltage signal U. More specifically, this circuit 133 sets a reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R given by the following equation, and delivers it to the comparator circuit 136.
U.sub.R =(1-λ.sub.o)U
The peripheral speed of the wheel, the braking torque of which is controlled, is detected by the wheel-speed speed detector 134 annexed to the wheel. The wheel-speed detector 134 produces, as its output, a wheel-speed frequency signal fi proportional to the peripheral velocity of the wheel. This frequency signal is directly converted into a wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi proportional to the peripheral velocity of the wheel, by means of the frequency-voltage converter 135.
In order to obtain this wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi for each wheel, the wheel-speed detectors 22,23,24, 25 and frequency-voltage converters 26,27,28,29, constituting the vehicle-speed estimating means 32 as shown in FIG. 2(a) may be used as the wheel-speed detectors 134 and the frequency-voltage converters 135 for respective wheels.
The wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is then transmitted to the comparator circuit 136 and the differentiation circuit 137. The differentiation circuit 137 differentiates the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi and produces a wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi as its output. This wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is directly delivered to comparator circuits 140,141 and 142. The comparator circuit 136 is adapted to compare the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi with the reference-wheel voltage signal U R , and produces its output, only when the level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi is smaller than that of the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R , and delivers its output A' to an AND circuit 143 and an OR circuit 145.
The comparator circuit 140 compares the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi with a previously set reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo which represents a predetermined negative reference acceleration. This comparator circuit 140 produces its output B' only when the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is smaller than that of the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo, and delivers the output B' to the AND circuit 143 and the OR circuit 145.
The comparator circuit 141 is adapted to compare the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi with a first reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw1 which represents a previously set positive reference acceleration, and produces its output only when the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is greater than the level of the first reference wheel-acceleration signal Vw1. The output C' of this circuit is delivered to the OR circuits 144 and 145.
The comparator circuit 142 is adapted to compare the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi with a previously set second reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw2 of a level higher than the first reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw1, and produces an output D' only when the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is higher than the level of the second reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw2. The signal D' is delivered to an inverter circuit 146.
The comparator circuit 138 is adapted to compare the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U with a previously set low reference vehicle-speed voltage signal Uo, and produces its output E' only when the level of the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U is smaller that the level of the low reference vehicle-speed voltage signal Uo. The output E' is delivered to the OR circuit 144 and the inverter circuit 139.
The output from the AND circuit 143 and the OR circuit 144 are delivered to a flip-flop circuit 147. The output from the flip-flop circuit 147 in turn is delivered to an AND circuit 148. The output from the OR circuit 145 is delivered to an AND circuit 149, while the output from the inverter circuit 146 is delivered to the AND circuit 148 and another AND circuit 149. The output from the inverter circuit 139 is delivered to an AND circuit 150. The output from the AND circuit 148 is delivered to the solenoid coil 20, while the other solenoid coil 21 receives the output from the AND circuit 150.
In the control logical circuit as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the low reference vehicle-speed voltage signal Uo represents such a lower threshold vehicle speed as not to require the anti-skid operation. Therefore, when the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U is smaller than the low reference vehicle-speed voltage signal Vo, the output E' delivered by the comparator circuit 138 is inverted by the inverter circuit 139 on its way to the AND circuit 150, so that no signal is delivered to the solenoid coil 21. Consequently, the braking torque can be increased freely in accordance with the braking operation made by the driver.
In contrast to the above, when the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U is greater than the low reference vehicle-speed-voltage signal Uo, the inverter circuit 139 delivers its output to the AND circuit 150, although the comparator circuit 138 does not produce its output.
It is assumed here that a braking torque is applied to a wheel when the level of the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U is greater than that of the low reference vehicle-speed voltage signal Uo. Since the deceleration of wheel is commenced simultaneously with the application of the braking torque, at least the comparators 141,142 do not produce their outputs, so that the output from the inverter circuit 146 is delivered to the AND circuits 148 and 149. Then, as the level of the vehicle-speed voltage signal Uwi has come down below the level of the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R , while the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi comes down below the level of the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo, the comparator circuits 136 and 140 produce their outputs A' and B', so that the AND circuit 143 comes to produce its output to make the flip-flop circuit 147 commence the deliverey of its output. The flip-flop circuit 147 continues to produce its output until a next new signal is delivered thereto. As long as the flip-flop circuit 147 deliveres its output, the AND circuits 148,149 and 150 continue to produce their outputs, so that both of the solenoid coils 20,21 are energized. Thus, it is judged that there is a possibility of lock of wheel, and the braking torque is decreased irrespective of the braking operation made by the driver.
As the braking torque is decreased, the speed of wheel is gradually increased to make the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi become greater than the level of the first reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw1, beyond the level of the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo. In this state, the comparator circuit 141 produces its output C' and deliveres it to the OR circuits 144 and 145. The flip-flop circuit 147, which has produced its output, stops producing the output due to a receipt of a signal from the OR circuit 144.
Meanwhile, provided that the level of the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U has come down below the level of the low reference vehicle-speed voltage signal Uo, the comparator circuit 138 produces its output E' to cause the OR circuit 144 to produce the output. The flip-flop circuit 147 stops producing the output, by the receipt of the output from the OR circuit 144. In this state, neither of the AND circuits 148 and 150 produces the output, so that both of the solenoid coils 20,21 do not receive any signal.
On the other hand, if the flip-flop circuit 147 has stopped producing its output by the receipt of the signal C' from the comparator circuit 141, while the level of the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U is still maintained higher than that of the low reference vehicle-speed voltage signal Uo, the AND circuit 148 does not produce any output and, accordingly, the solenoid coil 20 receives no signal. Although the other solenoid coil 21 is in receipt of the signal, the reduction of the braking torque is ceased at this instant.
Then, as the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is further increased beyond the level of the second reference wheel-speed voltage signal Vw2, the comparator circuit 142 produces an output D'. The AND circuits 148,149 stop producing their outputs, because the signal D' is inverted by the inversion circuit 146. As a result, the delivery of signal to the solenoid coils 20, 21 is stopped to allow a free increase of the braking torque in accordance with the braking effort made by the driver.
FIG. 8 shows, by way of example, the manner of operation of an anti-skid device incorporating a contorlling logical circuit as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and (b). In FIG. 8, axis of abscissa represents the time elapsed. The axis of ordinate shows, from the top to bottom, the estimated-vehicle-speed voltage signal U, reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R , wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi and then the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo, first reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw1, second reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw2 and the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi, and further down to the bottom, the output A' of the comparator circuit 136, output B' from the comparator circuit 140, output C' from the comparator circuit 141, output D' from the comparator circuit 142, signal F' to be delivered to the solenoid coil 20, signal G' to be delivered to the solenoid coil 21 and the braking torque T B .
At an instant immediately after the start of the braking, the braking torque T B is increased gradually and, accordingly, the levels of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi and the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi are decreased.
As the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi comes down below the level of the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo at an instant t1, the comparator circuit 140 comes to produce its output B', so that the signal G' is delivered to the solenoid coil 21. Consequently, the braking torque T B is maintained substantially constant.
In this state, however, the braking torque T B has become excessively large, due to a time lag of response of the oil pressure control system or the like reason, so that the level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi continues to decrease further, and comes down below the level of the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R at an instant t2. In this state, the comparator circuit 136 produces its output A', so that the signal F' is delivered to the solenoid coil 20, thereby to decrease the braking torque T B .
The acceleration of the wheel is increased in accordance with the decrease of the braking torque T B and, at an instant t3, the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi grows larger than the level of the reference wheel-deceleration voltage signal -Vwo, so that the comparator circuit 140 stops producing its output. However, the delivery of the signal F' to the solenoid coil 20 is continued due to the action of the flip-flop circuit 147.
At an instant t4, the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi comes to exceed the level of the first reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw1. Then, the comparator circuit 141 produces its output C; so as to make the flip-flop circuit 147 stop the delivery of its output. Consequently, the delivery of the signal F' to the solenoid coil 20 is stopped, so that the braking torque T B is maintained materially constant.
In this state, the braking torque has become excessively low, because of a time lag of response of the oil pressure control system or the like reason. Therefore, the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi as well as the level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi continues to increase, and at an instant t5, the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is increased beyond the level of the second reference acceleration voltage signal Vw2, so as to allow the comparator circuit 142 to produce its output D'. As a result, the delivery of the signal to the solenoid coils 20,21, is stopped to allow the braking torque T B to increase. Then, at an instant t6, the level of the wheel-speed voltage signal Uwi comes to exceed the level of the reference wheel-speed voltage signal U R so that the comparator circuit 136 stops producing its output A'.
The level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi is gradually lowered as the braking torque T B is increased and, at an instant t7, comes down below the level of the sencond reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw2. In this state, the comparator circuit 142 stops producing its output D', so that a signal G' is delivered to the solenoid coil 21, thereby to maintain the braking torque T B substantially constant.
Then, as the level of the wheel-acceleration voltage signal Uwi comes down below the level of the first reference wheel-acceleration voltage signal Vw1, at an instant t8, the comparator circuit 141 stops producing its output C', so that the delivery of the signal G' to the solenoid coil 21 is stopped to allow the braking torque T B to increase.
The above-stated operation of the oil pressure control system is repeated to lower the vehicle speed, without incurring any lock of the wheel.
In this embodiment, the braking system is so controlled that the braking torque is decreased over a period starting from an instant at which the level of the vehicle-speed signal is larger than the level of the low reference vehicle-speed signal and the levels of the wheel-speed signal and the reference wheel-acceleration signal have come down below the levels of the reference wheel-speed signal and the reference wheel-deceleration, respectively, and ending at an instant at which the level of the wheel-acceleration signal has become greater than the level of the reference wheel-acceleration signal.
Therefore, it is possible to control the braking system, such that the reduction of the braking torque is continued, in the speed range in which the lock of wheel is liable to occur, from the instant at which the wheel has become in danger of lock to the instant at which the acceleration of wheel has commenced again to wipe off the danger of the lock of wheel.
Consequently, according to the invention, there is provided a method of preventing a skid of wheel of vehicle, which can surely prevent the skid of the wheel, irrespective of the slipiness of the road surface and the time lag of response of the oil pressure control system.
Other embodiments and modifications of the present invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and all such of these as come within the spirit of the invention are included within its scope as best defined by the appended claims.
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A method of preventing wheels of a vehicle from skidding, including the steps of detecting the peripheral speed of a wheel and picking it up as a wheel-speed signal, detecting the vehicle speed and setting a reference wheel-speed signal based on the detected vehicle speed, deriving a wheel-acceleration signal from said wheel-speed signal, and setting a reference wheel-deceleration signal for comparison with said wheel-acceleration signal. During braking operation, the brake torque applied to the wheel is controlled such that it is maintained constant to prevent the further increase thereof when the level of the wheel-accleration signal decreases below the level of said wheel-deceleration signal under the condition that the level of said wheel-speed signal is higher than that of said reference wheel-speed signal. On the other hand, if the level of said wheel-speed signal is lower than that of said reference wheel-speed signal, the brake torque is reduced when the level of said wheel-acceleration signal decreases below the level of said reference wheel-deceleration signal. Preferably, in order to make much finer and more accurate control over the brake torque, various reference signals are set for comparison with said vehicle-speed signal, said wheel speed signal and said wheel-acceleration signal, and logical judgements are made on the respective signals. In addition, peripheral speeds of a plurality of wheels are preferably detected and the greatest peripheral speed thereof is used for estimation of said vehicle speed.
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RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/348,416, INTERNET SECURITY ANALYSIS AND PROCESS, filed Feb. 7, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,200,867, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/722,655, which was filed Nov. 28, 2000, and was issued Feb. 7, 2006 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,996,845.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to the field of computer security, and more particularly, to a system and process for analyzing potential security flaws in an Internet Web site.
2. Description of the Related Art
Increasingly, Internet Web sites are being exposed to external attack, or “hacking,” which has been defined as the act of penetrating a closed computer system to gain access to knowledge and information that is contained within. IndividualS attack Web sites for a variety of reasons. A report by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) indicates that the originators of proprietary information theft can be classified into six categories. The report shows 35% of the criminals were discontented employees, 28% hackers, 18% other U.S. companies, 11% foreign companies, 8% foreign governments, and 10% miscellaneous. Examples of some well-known attack methods include e-mail bombing, denial-of-service attacks, Trojan horses, worms, and simple back-door entry to a Web site. These attacks can not only cripple or shut down access to an attacked Web site, but can result in unauthorized access to confidential customer information, including access passwords, and even credit card account numbers. The resulting damage to a commercial Web site can easily run into the million of dollars.
According to the most recent FBI report, cyber crimes increased from 547 in 1998 to 1,154 in 1999. The FBI and the Computer Security Institute (Silicon Valley) found that 62% of information security officials reported security breaches in 1999 (National Journal's Technology Daily). These break-ins resulted in $123 million losses from fraud, information theft, sabotage, and viruses.
Many companies use a proprietary base software product for conducting business and are focusing on tools for managing risk, and controlling sabotage against their applications. According to a Cyber-source study of online E-tailors, 75% consider fraud to be a problem, and 62% consider it to be a serious problem. The NIPC, FBI, and United States Treasury, along with the President, have committed themselves to working along side the private sector in putting these concerns to rest. Both the Economic Espionage Act of 1996, and the Theft of Trade Secrets Act (Section 1832) have caused organizations to react promptly to damaging acts of violations.
Yet this problem is still not controlled and is in need of counter-measures. In January of 2000, several denial-of-service (DOS) attacks occurred to well known E-commerce Web sites such as YAHOO® and E-BAY®. Incidents like this have brought the issue of Web site security directly into the public limelight. Of all the individuals polled on the questions of online banking, 65% stated that security was the main concern.
Maintaining control of electronic fraud can be a time consuming process for E-commerce companies, banks, brokerage firms, and electronic billing/payment providers. Both the network administrators and Web-masters do not have the proper tools to detect Web-based vulnerabilities. The complexity of information, separate system options, assessing the significance of penetrations, and a decision for correction is not prevalent in today's workplace. On-line fraud has a special significance for an E-commerce site. The fear of security exploits can cause a negative impact on consumer confidence in an E-commerce site, which ultimately destroys the brand's image.
To prevent such attacks, Web site administrators manually search for and close potential security holes in their own Web sites. Because most Web sites undergo changes over time, and because new vulnerabilities and attack techniques are continually being developed, the Web site administrators must continually probe their sites for security weaknesses. This is time-consuming and fraught with the likelihood of undetected security flaws.
As the Internet continues to expand, more and more Web sites are being developed and operated by less experienced and trained personnel. And it becomes more and more difficult for all of these individuals to be knowledgeable in all of the latest techniques for hacking a Web site. This increases the potential for Web site security flaws to exist which can be exploited by hackers.
Accordingly, there is a need for an advanced Web security analysis system and process that can be used by Web site developers and administrators to identify security flaws in their Internet Web sites. It would also be advantageous to provide such a system and process which can be used by third party individuals who lack specific knowledge of an individual Web site's architecture and design. It would be further advantageous to provide such a system and process which is automated, and which performs a security check without significant manual user intervention. Other and further objects and advantages will appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a system and process for analyzing potential security flaws in an Internet Web site.
In one aspect of the invention, an Internet security analysis system and process checks a target Internet Web site against a predetermined set of known exploits.
In another aspect of the invention, an Internet security analysis process is automated to execute without significant manual user interaction.
In yet another aspect of the invention, an Internet security analysis process is recursive, gathering information of security vulnerabilities and then exploiting that information to search for additional security vulnerabilities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram; and
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of parsing through a Web site to identify possible security holes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In a preferred embodiment, an Internet security analysis process is initiated by a Web site administrator for a target Web site to be analyzed. The process may be executed by an Internet security analysis system, which may be a personal computer having Internet access to the target Web site. Alternatively, a user may conduct the Internet security process through an internet security analysis Web site. In that case, the Internet analysis system may be accessible via a Web server hosting the Internet security analysis Web site. Other embodiments are possible.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of an Internet security analysis system 100 for performing a security analysis process for a target Web site. In a preferred embodiment, the Internet security analysis system 100 includes at least one central processing unit (CPU) 105 having associated therewith memory 110 and a mass data storage device 115 , and optionally a display device 120 , a data input device 125 (e.g., keyboard; mouse), and a network connection device 130 , all connected to each other via a communication bus 135 . The data storage device 115 includes nonvolatile data storage means, such magnetic disk drive units, optical disk drive units, removable disk drive units, tape media, or any combination thereof. The network connection device 130 includes hardware and software for establishing a data link connection between the Internet security analysis system 100 and a target Web site via the Internet. Preferably, the network connection device 130 includes circuitry to tie directly to the Internet via T1, T4 or similar high bandwidth data lines as would be understood by one skilled in the art.
The Internet security analysis system 100 may include two or more integrated computer units, each having a separate CPU 105 having associated therewith memory 110 and/or a mass data storage device 115 , and optionally a display device 120 and a data input device (e.g., keyboard; mouse) 125 . The communication bus 135 may include two or more internal buses for integrated computer units, together with an external bus connecting two or more integrated computer units.
In a preferred embodiment, the Internet security analysis system 100 executes one or more software routines to perform an automatic security analysis process. The automatic security analysis process analyzes a target Web site to identify security flaws. Preferably, the security analysis process executes a method of parsing through a target Web site to search for common security flaws. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the method includes analyzing the hypertext markup language (HTML) script for the Web pages of the Web site and searching for commented-out references. Such commented-out references may include uniform resource locators (URLs) of Internet addresses for Web pages or other objects which are not intended to be accessed by a visitor to the Web site. Such Web pages or objects may contain data resident on a server hosting the target Web site which is not intended to be available to a visitor. As another example, in a preferred embodiment, the method includes bombarding the data entry fields of any Web forms of the target Web site with data in an attempt to break the target Web site.
A flowchart for a preferred embodiment process 200 of automatically parsing through a target Web site to identify possible security holes is shown in FIG. 2 . The process 200 may be initiated by a user and executed by a software program running on the Internet security analysis system 100 , which as described above may be preferably a standalone user computer, or a computer accessible to a user via the Internet, etc. Typically, the process 200 is initiated by an administrator of the target Web site.
In a first step 205 , an Internet security analysis computer establishes an Internet connection with a Web server hosting an Internet Web site for which a security inspection will be performed (the “target Web site”). The Internet security analysis computer retrieves a default Web page for the target Web site, e.g., “Index.html.”
In a step 210 , the Internet security analysis system 100 parses through the script (e.g., HTML code) for the default Web page to search for any linked-to Web pages or other objects which are referenced. The URL or address of each linked-to Web page is then stored in a database at the Internet security analysis computer. In particular, the Internet security analysis computer parses through Web pages looking for anchor links and JAVASCRIPT® links.
In a step 215 , each linked-to Web page is then in turn retrieved by the Internet security analysis computer and the script for the retrieved Web page is parsed to search for any further linked-to Web pages. This process is repeated for each link and each linked-to Web page that is found. Preferably, the “depth” of linked-to Web pages which are retrieved may be set by a user to any value, so that only first or second level linked-to Web pages may be retrieved. Alternatively, only linked-to Web pages which are hosted on a same server, or which have a same domain address, as the default Web page may be retrieved.
As a result of the steps 205 - 215 , the Internet security analysis system builds a valid Web page database with an entire map of the valid Web pages of the target Web site.
Then, in a step 220 , the default Web page for the target Web site is parsed for any hidden Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), such as commented-out code, or any reference to a file or Web page that is not linked-to (or HREF'ed). These hidden URLs are then checked against the valid Web page database to insure that the Internet security analysis system has not already retrieved the corresponding hidden Web page or object. If the corresponding hidden Web page or object has not previously been retrieved, then the address is stored in a prioritized database of “vulnerable” Web pages at the Internet security analysis computer.
In a step 225 , each hidden Web page or object is then in turn retrieved by the Internet security analysis system and the script is parsed to search for any further hidden URLs. If any further hidden URLs are found, then the Internet security analysis system retrieves the corresponding hidden Web page or object for the hidden URL and parses through it to search for any still further hidden URLs. This process is repeated for each link and each linked-to Web page or object that is found.
As a result of the steps 220 - 225 , the Internet security analysis system builds a vulnerable Web page database with an entire map of the “vulnerable” Web pages of the target Web site. Together, the steps 205 - 225 constitute a “Webcrawl” of the entire target Web site, performed by parsing through each retrieved Web page in turn to find additional links.
Preferably, when the Internet security analysis system 100 parses through each retrieved Web page, it performs a keyword search to detect points of interest. For instance, if a Web page is retrieved thru the Webcrawl with the word “admin” located in the Web page, the Internet security analysis system 100 will flag it as a “point of interest” and name it as “possible administration Web page.”
Then, in a step 230 , the Internet security analysis system 100 checks a predetermined—but extensible—list of known, common security vulnerabilities. Typically, these security vulnerabilities are “exploits” which have become well known to security experts. The Internet security analysis system scans the target Web site to determine whether or not any of the exploits are present at the target Web site.
For example, assume a case where the following three security vulnerabilities are to be checked:
/security/exploit.asp /security/vuln.asp /security/b00m.asp
In that case, the Internet security analysis system will issue a request to the target Web site for the directory “security.” The Web server for the target Web site will issue either a true or false response, depending on whether the directory exists or not. If the response is true (indicating that the directory does exist), then the above-mentioned three security vulnerabilities are checked to determine whether they exist.
In the above case, it is also possible to perform a keyword search on each response received to detect points of interest. For instance, if a response is received with the keyword “<DIR>” included, the Internet security analysis system 100 will flag it as a vulnerability.
As another example, assume that the “Webcrawl” in the steps 205 - 225 retrieved the URL “/scripts/db/msadcs.dll” and stored it in the vulnerable Web pages database, and that “/msadc/msadc.dll” is stored in the list of known, common security vulnerabilities. In that case, in the step 230 , the Internet security analysis system 100 takes the actual filename of the check (msadcs.dll) and flags it as being present in “/sripts/db/msadcs.dll.
and flags it as being present in “/scripts/db/msadcs.dll.” This allows the Internet security analysis system 100 to find a security vulnerability even though it is out of its normal location. Once a security vulnerability is found in an alternate directory the Internet security analysis system 100 will check for other files that typically reside with the file that was found. For example, if “msadcs.dll” is usually in a folder that also contains “msadcs2.dll”, then the Internet security analysis system 100 would also check for the existence of “msadcs2.dll” in the “/scripts/db” folder where “msadcs.dll” was found.
Another security vulnerability check which may be employed by the Internet security analysis system 100 is common file name checking. For example, the Internet security analysis system 100 will recursively try to request WS_FTP.LOG from all directories retrieved from the Webcrawl.
Yet another security vulnerability check which may be employed by the Internet security analysis system 100 is port scanning (scanning a machine for open ports) integrated with Web server discovery. By taking the information retrieved from a port scanner (port open on any given host) the Internet security analysis system 100 will attempt to determine whether that port is supporting HTTP or HTTPS. If the port returns valid on any HTTP or HTTPS request then the server is marked as a Web server sitting on that specific port. The Internet security analysis system 100 will go through an entire range of hosts, trying each port with this method. When completed, the Internet security analysis system 100 will have a list of hosts that are currently hosting a Web server and the port or ports on which the Web server is listening. The Internet security analysis system 100 will then take this list and pass it to the “Webcrawl engine” portion of the Internet security analysis system 100 . This allows an easy ability to scan an entire network and look for Web vulnerabilities.
If a security vulnerability exists, then in a step 235 a record of the security vulnerability is added to a security vulnerability database maintained at the Internet security analysis system 100 .
Accordingly, an efficient and intelligent vulnerability search is conducted. Because a Web site may be very large and contain hundreds or more Web pages and dozens or more exploits must be checked, the above-described process of determining the appropriateness of a security check before actually issuing the check greatly expedites the automated security check process.
Advantageously, in a step 240 the Internet security analysis system further exploits each of the vulnerabilities detected in the step 235 and added to the security vulnerability database to search for further security vulnerabilities and to gather other information regarding the target Web site. This process is recursively repeated until no new data is obtained.
In a step 245 , the Internet security analysis system applies a predetermined—but extensible—list of hack methods to the data which was retrieved in the steps 205 - 240 to identify security vulnerabilities.
In a preferred embodiment, a first hack method comprises the Internet security analysis system issuing a series of requests, such as:
GET/$SERVER_NAME/$SCRIPT_NAME?$VAR1=/*/*/*/boot.ini GET/$SERVER_NAME/$SCRIPT_NAME?$VAR2=/*/*/*/boot.ini
These requests check every script name and variable at the target Web site for a “Directory traversal exploit.” If any of these requests return a positive result, then a security vulnerability has been found.
In a second hack method, the Internet security analysis system searches for buffer overflows by issuing a series of requests such as:
GET/$SERVER_NAME/$SCRIPT_NAME?$VAR1=AAAAAAA . . . (2048 more A's) GET/$SERVER_NAME/$SCRIPT_NAME?$VAR2=AAAAAAA . . . (2048 more A's) . . .
These requests check every script name and variable at the target Web site for unexpected results in the case of a buffer overflow. If any unexpected data is returned, then a security vulnerability has been found.
In a third hack method, the Internet security analysis system searches for old files or variables which are still present on a Web server for the target Web site, but which are not intended to be available to a visitor. The Internet security analysis system searches issue a series of requests such as:
GET/$SERVER_NAME/$SCRIPT_NAME.old GET/$SERVER_NAME/$SCRIPT_NAME.bak GET/$SERVER_NAME/$SCRIPT_NAME.bac
These requests are issued for every script name and variable at the target Web site.
Although a preferred embodiment process includes the three hack methods described above, additional hack methods are also possible and may be employed.
For example, where the Web site includes a Web form, intentionally invalid data may be entered into one or more data entry fields of the Web form and submitted to the Web site to determine if any invalid or unexpected results are produced by the Web site. This process may recursively submit various combinations of invalid data entered into the various data entry fields of the Web form. Once a security vulnerability is detected in this way, the data producing the vulnerability may then be used as a starting point for testing all other Web forms at the target Web site.
Preferably, a user may also employ cookie or HTML manipulation to search for security vulnerabilities. The Internet security analysis system 100 will allow a user to intercept the communication between a browser and a Web server and give the user the option to change or manipulate the data being sent between the client and server before the data is actually sent. This allows a user to manipulate the communication in any way, including cookies and over SSL communication. The Internet security analysis system 100 allows a user to create an HTTP or HTTPS request from either an existing request that has already been sent to the server or to create a new request on the fly, including the ability to add, modify or not send any of the following: the URL; parameters that are sent to the server; any Header that is sent in the request; cookies that are sent to the server; and the method that is used to send the request (i.e.: HEAD, POST, GET).
If during the Webcrawl in the steps 205 - 225 , the Internet security analysis system 100 encounters what it deems to be a login page, it will give the option to the user to “brute force” the login (try multiple logins and passwords until a successful one is retrieved), or to automate the login so that the Internet security analysis system 100 will brute force it automatically, and the user does not have to stop the scan and will brute force it automatically.
Preferably, there are two methods of brute forcing a login screen it can either be a form login or a basic authorization “pop-up box” login.
The Internet security analysis system 100 also preferably supports passing of user defined user names and passwords that are sent to the target server. This facilitates testing of target Web sites that require a login name and password to gain access to the target Web site, or a folder on the target Web site.
Moreover, in some cases one or more of the above-described hack methods may not be used. Optionally, the user may choose the hack methods which are employed.
If any of security vulnerabilities have been found in the step 245 , then in a step 250 the Internet security analysis system adds a record for the security vulnerability to the security vulnerability database.
Finally, in a step 255 , the Internet security analysis system prioritizes all security vulnerabilities which have been identified in the steps 205 - 250 , and presents the prioritized list to the user, for example on a computer display screen. For example, it is known that a “SQL server error” is high risk vulnerability, and accordingly, this will be communicated to the user via the prioritization. Preferably, the Internet security analysis system also suggests how the user may eliminate the detected security vulnerabilities.
In a preferred embodiment, a user may disable the automatic operation and instead control one or more aspects of how the Internet security analysis process executes. For example, the user may be allowed to change the values sent to the target Web site in the step 245 . The user may also view any malformed “cookies” which are returned during the Internet security analysis process. The user may manually edit and change the HTML code for any Web page which is retrieved from the Web site and then submit the changed Web page back to the server for the target Web site. This facilitates scanning of applications where specific user interaction (e.g., username and password) are required to gain access to the application, or where an automated scan could be dangerous to the application. One example of an application where an automated scan could be dangerous would be administrative application that has elevated access to the target Web site.
While preferred embodiments are disclosed herein, many variations are possible which remain within the concept and scope of the invention. Such variations would become clear to one of ordinary skill in the art after inspection of the specification, drawings and claims herein. The invention therefore is not to be restricted except within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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An automated Web security analysis system and process identifies security vulnerabilities in a target Internet Web site by parsing through the target Web sit to search for a predetermined list of common security vulnerabilities. The process is recursive, exploiting information gathered throughout the process to search for additional security vulnerabilities. A prioritized list of detected security vulnerabilities is then presented to a user, including preferably a list of recommendations to eliminate the detected security vulnerabilities.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to lift apparatuses and, more particularly, to an personal mini-hoist to aid in construction and maintenance procedures at elevated locations.
2. Description of the Related Art
Construction and maintenance operations at elevated heights have been a source of problems for mankind since the beginning of time. The most common tool used to deal with heights has been the ladder. The ladder is a portable tool, which is easily setup and utilized by the common user. However, the ladder also poses many problems of its own. These problems include difficulty in carrying items while climbing or descending the ladder, user comfort while on the ladder, difficulty in using electrically powered tools while on the ladder and most importantly safety. The safety of conventional ladders is easily compromised by improper setup, leaning too far to one side by the user, or by trying to use both hands to perform a task which leaves the user with no means to secure themselves to the ladder.
The previous art consists of many examples of devices designed to overcome the shortcomings of conventional ladders. Examples of these devices include U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,265, issued in the name of Lebrocquy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,942, issued in the name of Tzavaras, U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,698, issued in the name of Grant, U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,789, issued in the name of Treants, U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,248, issued in the name of Payne, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,347,913, issued in the name of Cromer, Jr., in which all disclose apparatuses primarily intended for tree climbing to aid in the purposes of hunting. While these apparatuses overcome many problems associated with using ladders to climb trees, they do not address the difficulty of trying to carry and use tools to perform maintenance and construction tasks at elevated heights.
Devices primarily intended to aid in construction are defined in U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,398 issued in the name of Brown, U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,032, issued in the name of Puccinelli et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,062, issued in the name of Pizzo, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,070 issued in the name of Magill. These devices are associated with large scaffolding and scaffolding accessory items and are as such not intended for portable use by one person. Also these devices are not easily mobilized and are intended for long term construction processes such as bricklaying and the like.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,284, issued in the name of Authement, Sr., addresses the aforementioned problems, by the use of a chair like structure equipped with a winch. However, additional problems associated with a device constructed in accordance with this disclosure include the inability to stand off from the work surface, the inability to readily use electrically powered tools, large work or tool carrying containers, the lack of an integral safety harness, and the requirement to use hand power to raise or lower the device.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,650,035, issued in the name of Eubanks, discloses an elevatable work station for use by painters, carpenters, or the like when painting or repairing elevated building structures. While such a device is portable and easily set up and used by one person, it also has many of the disadvantages as listed with the Authement, Sr. disclosure listed above. These include the inability to readily use electrically powered tools, large work or tool carrying containers, the lack of an integral safety harness, and the requirement to use hand power to raise or lower the device.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention.
Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an apparatus and method which overcomes the problems cited above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved personal mini-hoist.
It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide an personal mini-hoist that is easily setup, utilized and removed by one individual.
It is therefore yet another object of the present invention to provide an personal mini-hoist that is powered by electricity to perform the raising and lowering duties of the present invention.
It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide an personal mini-hoist that is equipped with a pair of large storage compartments for the purposes of storing and transporting tools, material, food and the like.
It is therefore yet another object of the present invention to provide an personal mini-hoist that is equipped with integral safety devices such as a seat belt, chest protector, and safety line lanyards.
It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide an personal mini-hoist that is equipped with an integral stand-off rods that may be extended when the user is at the elevated work height to aid work procedures.
Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an personal mini-hoist that aids in construction and/or maintenance tasks at elevated heights is disclosed. The personal mini-hoist is equipped with a centrally located stabilizer through which a steel cable connected to an electrically operated winch is routed. The personal mini-hoist is raised and lowered through the use of a control station located within reach of the seat. Also provided as safety and comfort features are a seat belt, chest protector, tie off lanyards, and stand off extension rods. Two large compartments on either side of the seat provide a means to carry and transport tools, equipment and other objects to the intended work site. An integral electrical outlet provides a means to connect portable electrical hand tools such as drills, without the use of an additional electrical extension cord.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a device that can be easily produced using existing technology, materials and assembly techniques.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it is simple, and therefore, inexpensive to manufacture. This savings, if passed on to the consumer, may influence the public to utilize such a device. A simple design also increases product reliability and useful product lifetime.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an personal mini-hoist shown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial cross sectional view as seen along a line II--II in FIG.1;
FIG. 3 is a partial cross sectional view as seen along a line III--III in FIG.1;
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the plywood support surface as used with the personal mini-hoist; and
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the electrical circuitry associated with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In order to describe the complete relationship of the invention, it is essential that some description be given to the manner and practice of functional utility and description of an personal mini-hoist.
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures.
1. Detailed Description of the Figures
Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an personal mini-hoist 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The personal mini-hoist 10 is supported solely from a support cable 15 when it is in a utilized state as shown. The support cable 15 is envisioned to be manufactured from stainless steel or other such material possessing equal corrosion resistance and strength properties. The personal mini-hoist 10 is designed to work against a vertical work surface 20, such as a house, building or other such structure. The work that is carried out on the vertical work surface 20 can vary widely. It is anticipated that some of the work processes would include construction, repair, remodeling, maintenance and the like. The distance the personal mini-hoist 10 may perform work above grade is limited only by the length of the support cable 15, and as such is envisioned to vary from one foot to hundreds of feet. The support cable 15 is connected to a support member 25, such as a secured outrigger, a wall, a fixed stationary object or the like. The method of attachment of the support cable 15 to the support member 25 is envisioned to be that of a fixed, closed loop, but it can be easily seen by those familiar in the art that other means such as hooks, clamps or the like may also be utilized with equal effectiveness. The support cable 15 is routed through a stabilizer 30. The stabilizer 30 is designed to prevent the tipping of the personal mini-hoist 10 should a weight redistribution or outside forces such as wind, influence the horizontal stability of the personal mini-hoist 10. The stabilizer 30 is connected to a platform frame 35 on which a seat 40 and a pair of tool and material holding compartments 45 form the main components thereof. The seat 40 is of an adjustable nature and may be slid back and forth with relation to the stabilizer 30. The tool and material holding compartments 45 are of large nature and as such may carry a considerable load. The main component of manufacture of the platform frame 35 and its subsequent tool and material holding compartments 45 is envisioned to be fiberglass though other materials such as steel, wood and the like may also be utilized. The tool and material holding compartments 45 have a drain hole (not visible in this FIG.) to allow for the draining of water should the personal mini-hoist 10 be exposed to rain or other damp or wet conditions. The platform frame 35 has a pair of legs 50 extending downward from the bottom to allow the personal mini-hoist 10 to sit upon grade when not in use. The platform frame 35, along with their supporting structure, will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow. Located on either side of the seat 40, but below the surface of the platform frame 35, is a pair of standoff rods 55 (depicted via dashed lines). The standoff rods 55 are normally in their retracted state until the personal mini-hoist 10 is at the elevation where work will occur. When at that elevation, the worker seated in the seat 40 will extend his legs and push the personal mini-hoist 10 away from the vertical work surface 20. At that point the worker will extend each standoff rods 55 by loosening a thumbscrew 60 and extending the standoff rods 55 down a retraction slots 65 located on the bottom surface of the platform frame 35, adjacent to the outside surface of the legs 50. When the desired distance is reached, the worker would simply re-tighten the thumbscrews 60 and allow the personal mini-hoist 10 to rest against the vertical work surface 20 as supported by the two standoff rods 55. Located at the end of each standoff rod 55 is a suction cup assembly 70. The purpose of the suction cup assembly 70 is twofold. First the suction cup assembly 70 prevents damage to the surface of the vertical work surface 20 and secondly, the suction cup assembly 70 provides a holding means to the vertical work surface 20 when pressure is placed against it, such as when drilling. If the suction cup assembly 70 were not present, the worker would simply push away from the surface, rather than performing work on the surface. In such instances where the holding power of the suction cup assembly 70 is not enough or where a greater safety factor is desired, a series of four eye bolts 75 is provided to tie-off the personal mini-hoist 10 to the vertical work surface 20. Additional safety features can be found in a padded chest protector 80 on which the worker would lean on when performing work operations. Securely fastened to the padded chest protector 80 is a seat belt 85, which the worker would use to fasten him or herself onto the personal mini-hoist 10. The seat belt 85 would prevent the worker from leaning too far to the one side or the other of the personal mini-hoist 10 and would thus protect against accidental falls. Located on the rear of the padded chest protector 80, facing the vertical work surface 20 is a control station 90 and an electrical outlet box 95 as shown. The control station 90 provides for the control of the motor and allows for the lifting and the lowering of the personal mini-hoist 10. The control station 90 is a three-position switch, UP, OFF and DOWN, with a spring return to the OFF position. This feature allows for additional safety, should the worker become incapacitated and unable to operate the personal mini-hoist 10 properly. The electrical outlet box 95 provides a source of electrical power in the shape of a normal duplex receptacle of NEMA configuration 5-15R or 5-20R such as would be found in normal residential electrical system. The electrical outlet box 95 may be used for drills, saws, test equipment or other tools which require a source of electrical power. The electrical outlet box 95 also saves the worker from having to run a separate extension cord to power any tools that would be used on the personal mini-hoist 10.
Referring next to FIG. 2, a partial cross sectional view as seen along a line II--II in FIG. 1 is disclosed. The support cable 15 is shown exiting the stabilizer 30 near its upper portion as shown in FIG. 1. The padded chest protector 80 is shown via a partial view in a broken surface line. The support cable 15 rests against a cable bearing wheel 100 and is guided by two washers 105. The cable bearing wheel 100 and the washers 105 are secured by a first bolt 110, which runs through both surfaces of the stabilizer 30, as well as the washers 105 and the cable bearing wheel 100. The first bolt 110 is secured on its opposing end by a nut 115 as shown. The purpose of the configuration depicted is to prevent the support cable 15 from contacting the stabilizer 30 and thus preventing possible damage to the support cable 15. This possible contact would not only occur when the personal mini-hoist 10 (not shown in this FIG.) is traveling in an up or down path but also when the personal mini-hoist 10 (not shown in this FIG.) is stationary and movement may occur side to side.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a partial cross sectional view as seen along a line III--III in FIG. 1 is depicted. A base surface 120, such as plywood, forms the main component upon which all other components of the personal mini-hoist 10 are directly or indirectly fastened to. The legs 50 are fastened to the base surface 120 and extend downward. They are shown here in contact with a flat horizontal surface 125, such as a floor or grade. The legs 50 are supported in their horizontal axis by a leg brace 130. The leg brace 130 is connected to each leg 50 near its lowest point and connected to the base surface 120 near the middle as shown. Also located on the underside of the base surface 120 is the pair of standoff rods 55. Also, located on the bottom of the base surface 120 is an electrical supply box 135, an electrical lift motor with integral cable reel 140 and an electrical lift motor mounting bracket 145, all of which will be described in greater detail hereinbelow. The pair of tool and material holding compartments 45 as well as the upper surface of the base surface 120 is formed from a fiberglass structure 150 as aforementioned described. The fiberglass structure 150 also encases the stabilizer 30 as shown to provide an overall protective surface to the personal mini-hoist 10 that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The fiberglass structure 150 located surrounding the stabilizer 30 does not lend any structural significance to the personal mini-hoist 10. The stabilizer 30 is firmly fastened to the base surface 120 by means of a connection bracket 155. The connection bracket 155 is envisioned to be manufactured from a physically strong material such as angle iron. The connection bracket 155 in turn is then fastened to the base surface 120 by means such as bolts that pass through both the surface covering and structural materials thereof.
Referring next to FIG. 4, a bottom view of the personal mini-hoist 10 (not fully shown in this FIG.) depicting the base surface 120 is shown. The main purpose of the base surface 120 is to provide a firm mounting structure for the electrical lift motor with integral cable reel 140 which generates the main lifting force for the personal mini-hoist 10 (not fully shown in this FIG.) and its passenger and cargo. The support cable 15 (shown via hidden lines) exiting the electrical lift motor with integral cable reel 140 is located exactly in the center of the base surface 120 with reference to its horizontal axis as shown. The factors regarding this placement allow for a balanced platform and increased stability as the support cable 15 passes upward through the base surface 120 and out through the stabilizer 30 (as shown in FIG. 1). The electrical lift motor with integral cable reel 140 is securely held to the base surface 120 via the electrical lift motor mounting bracket 145. The electrical lift motor mounting bracket 145 is held in physical contact with the base surface 120 via a pair of second bolts 160. The electrical supply box 135 possesses two connection points for a source of electrical power for the personal mini-hoist 10 (not fully shown in this FIG.) A normal configuration receptacle 165 consisting of a NEMA 5-15R or a NEMA 5-20R, as would be found in a conventional residence is positioned as one connection point. A twist-lock configuration receptacle 170 such a NEMA L5-15R or a L5-20R is positioned as the alternate connection point. It is envisioned that the twist-lock configuration receptacle 170 would be used as the primary connection means due to its greater security with holding a cord. The normal configuration receptacle 165 would be used with a conventional extension cord when means to use the twist-lock configuration receptacle 170 is not present. Whatever connection means is utilized, a strain relief clamp 175 is provided to hold the electrical power cord (not shown in this FIG.). The strain relief clamp 175 provides a means to ensure that the electrical power cord (not shown in this FIG.) is not accidentally dislodged and to prevent damage to the individual conductors inside the electrical power cord (not shown in this FIG.) that could be caused by excessive flexing near the electrical supply box 135.
Referring finally to FIG. 5, a schematic diagram of the electrical circuitry associated with the personal mini-hoist 10 is disclosed. The normal configuration receptacle 165 and the twist-lock configuration receptacle 170 enclosed in the electrical supply box 135 are wired in a parallel fashion as shown. The electrical outlet box 95, which provides power for use with hand tools such as drills while the personal mini-hoist 10 is in an elevated state is also wired in a parallel fashion. Power from these parallel connection points is then routed to the electrical lift motor with integral cable reel 140. A control cable 180 then routes control signals from the control station 90 to the electrical lift motor with integral cable reel 140 to provide up and down control functions. An integral grounding function is also provided between the electrical supply box 135, the electrical outlet box 95 and the electrical lift motor with integral cable reel 140 as depicted.
2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment
In operation, the present invention can be easily utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner. To use the present invention with its preferred embodiment can best be described in conjunction with the perspective view of FIG. 1, the cross sectional views of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the bottom view of FIG. 4 and the schematic diagram of FIG. 5.
To use the present invention, the user would first hook up the electrical supply cord to either the normal configuration receptacle 165 or the twist-lock configuration receptacle 170 of the electrical supply box 135, depending on what type of electrical power supply cord is present. Next, the cord would be secured via the strain relief clamp 175 to prevent accidental dislodgement. An appropriate amount of support cable 15 is then removed from the electrical lift motor with integral cable reel 140 by holding the control station 90 in the DOWN position. The support cable 15 is then secured to an outrigger, wall or other appropriate support means and safety lanyards are attached to the eye bolts 75. At this point the user is ready to ascend in the personal mini-hoist 10.
The user would then sit on the seat 40, straddle the stabilizer 30 with their legs, and secure themselves via the seat belt 85 mounted to the padded chest protector 80. If the user wishes to do so, he can select the Up position on the control station 90 while straddling the stabilizer 30 in order to raise the seat 40 to a position for securing himself therein. Next, the user would place the control station 90 in the UP position and walk up the wall or other vertical surface as the personal mini-hoist 10 ascended. When the personal mini-hoist 10 is at the desired elevation, the user would release the control station 90 where it would spring back to the OFF position. The user is now able to extend the standoff rods 55 and lock them into place using the thumbscrew 60. The suction cup assembly 70 located at the end of the standoff rods 55 would provide some degree of protection for the surface of the vertical work surface 20 as well as provide an attachment point to the vertical work surface 20 should the user apply pressure to the vertical work surface 20 such as when using a drill. If additional protection or attachment means are required, the user would tie-off the personal mini-hoist 10 to the vertical work surface 20 by using the eye bolts 75. At this point the work activity planned for the elevated location may proceed.
The work planned for the elevated location may utilize tools and materials carried in the tool and material holding compartments 45. Additionally, the electrical outlet box 95 will provide electrical power for any electrical hand tools such as drills or saws that will be used at the elevated location. When the work activity is completed, the user may move the personal mini-hoist 10 to another elevation to continue work as aforementioned described or descend to ground or grade location.
To descend, the user would disconnect any tie-offs connected to the eye bolts 75 and retract the standoff rods 55. Next, the user would place the control station 90 in the down position and walk down the vertical work surface 20 with the personal mini-hoist 10. As the user approaches the ground, the operator can stand-up easily, allowing the personal mini-hoist 10 to travel the remaining distance to the ground. The legs 50 of the personal mini-hoist 10 will rest on grade or other flat horizontal surface 125 when the personal mini-hoist 10 is completely descended. The user may then unfasten the seat belt 85 and then dismount the personal mini-hoist 10.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown, illustrated, and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in this field that various modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is for this reason that the scope of the invention is set forth in and is to be limited only by the following claims.
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A hoist is provided that aids in construction and/or maintenance tasks at elevated heights. The hoist is equipped with a centrally located stabilizer through which a steel cable connected to an electrically operated winch is routed. The hoist is raised and lowered through the use of a control station located within reach of the seat.
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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/844,946, entitled “Washable Carpet Tile” which was filed on Jul. 11, 2013.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to tufted floorcovering articles that are washable in commercial, industrial, and/or residential washing machines. In particular, this invention relates to modular carpet tiles that are constructed in such a way as to withstand exposure to at least one wash cycle in an automatic washing machine. The carpet tiles are designed to be soiled, washed, and re-used, thereby providing ideal end-use applications such as entryway floorcovering articles. A further advantage includes the ability to print advertising logos on the carpet tiles and easily change out the advertising logos as desired. Both features of the carpet tile of the present invention are achievable, at least in part, because the surface of the tile that contacts the floor does not require any type of adhesive in order to use the carpet tile for its intended function.
BACKGROUND
[0003] High traffic areas, such as entrances to buildings, restrooms, break areas, etc., typically have the highest carpet soiling issue. Currently, washable one-piece mats having a pile surface are found in these locations. The washable carpet tiles of the present invention are designed to replace these one-piece floor mats. The use of washable carpet tile in high traffic, highly soiled areas is pragmatic because the soiled tiles may be easily removed, laundered, and re-installed. The carpet tiles, both before and after laundering, have substantially the same pile height as the surrounding tiles and fit back onto the floor with substantially zero voids between the tiles. The washable carpet tiles are an improvement over one-piece floor mats and other floorcovering articles where normal carpet maintenance will not successfully clean the carpet.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, the invention relates to a washable carpet tile comprising a first layer of pile face yarns, a second layer of nonwoven material, and a third layer of vulcanized rubber; wherein the carpet tile has dimensions in the range from 4 inches by 4 inches to 72 inches by 72 inches; and wherein the carpet tile can withstand at least one wash cycle in a commercial or residential washing machine whereby the carpet tile is suitable for re-use after exposure to the at least one wash cycle.
[0005] In another aspect, the invention relates to a washable carpet tile comprising a first layer of pile face yarns, a second layer of nonwoven material, and a third layer of vulcanized rubber; wherein the carpet tile has been exposed to a wash procedure that effectively pre-shrinks the edge dimensions of the carpet tile by an amount in the range from 0.001% and 5.0%; and wherein the carpet tile can withstand at least one wash cycle in a commercial or residential washing machine whereby the carpet tile is suitable for re-use after exposure to the at least one wash cycle.
[0006] In yet a further aspect, the invention relates to a process for making a washable carpet tile, said process comprising the steps of tufting face yarns into a nonwoven primary backing material to form a face composite, optionally printing the face composite, providing a layer of unvulcanized rubber, adhering the face composite to the layer of unvulcanized rubber via a rubber vulcanization process to form a washable carpet tile having a vulcanized rubber backing, pre-shrinking the carpet by exposure to heat and cutting the carpet into carpet tiles.
[0007] In another aspect, the invention relates to a carpet system comprising: (1) at least one floorcovering article comprised of a plurality of pile yarns tufted into a primary backing layer; a secondary backing layer; and a polyurethane foam layer; and (2) at least one washable carpet tile comprised of a plurality of pile yarns tufted into a primary backing layer; and a layer of vulcanized rubber; wherein the at least one washable carpet tile has dimensions in the range from 4 inches by 4 inches to 72 inches by 72 inches; and wherein the at least one washable carpet tile can withstand at least one wash cycle in a commercial or residential washing machine whereby the at least one washable carpet tile is suitable for re-use after exposure to the at least one wash cycle; and wherein the at least one floorcovering article forms a border within which the at least one washable carpet tile is inserted.
[0008] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for advertising a business comprising the steps of: (1) providing a floor space; (2) providing a carpet system, wherein the carpet system is comprised of (a) at least one floorcovering article comprised of a plurality of pile yarns tufted into a primary backing layer, a secondary backing layer, and a polyurethane foam layer; and (b) at least one washable carpet tile comprised of a plurality of pile yarns tufted into a primary backing layer, and a layer of vulcanized rubber; wherein the at least one washable carpet tile has dimensions in the range from 4 inches by 4 inches to 72 inches by 72 inches; wherein the at least one washable carpet tile can withstand at least one wash cycle in a commercial or residential washing machine whereby the at least one washable carpet tile is suitable for re-use after exposure to the at least one wash cycle; and wherein the at least one washable carpet tile contains a logo, a pattern, a solid color, or mixtures thereof; and wherein the at least one floorcovering article forms a border within which the at least one washable carpet tile is inserted; (3) installing the carpet system on the floor space; and (4) allowing the carpet system to be viewed by passersby.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram cross section of one embodiment of the washable carpet tile according to the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram cross section of a standard carpet tile.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of the carpet system according to the present invention that includes a combination of standard carpet tile, washable carpet tile, and an advertising logo.
[0012] FIG. 4A is a schematic drawing of the smooth rubber backing of Example 5.
[0013] FIG. 4B is a schematic drawing of the gripper (standard cleat) rubber backing of Example 6.
[0014] FIG. 4C is a schematic drawing of the Megahold rubber backing of Example 7.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a bar graph illustrating the differences in rubber backing and their effect on carpet tile movement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The term “floorcovering article,” as used herein, is intended to describe a textile substrate which comprises face fibers and which is utilized to cover surfaces on which people are prone to walk. Thus, carpets (broadloom, tile, or otherwise) and floor mats (outdoor, indoor, and the like) are specific types of floorcovering articles.
[0017] Carpet tiles may be cut into sizes in the range from 4 inches by 4 inches to 72 inches by 72 inches. The carpet tiles may be of the same length and width, thus forming a square shape. Or, the carpet tiles may have different dimensions such that the width and the length are not the same. For example, the carpet tiles may be a rectangular shape.
[0018] The present invention described herein is a washable carpet tile. The washable carpet tile is comprised of yarn tufted into fabric, which is then injection or fluid dyed, and then bonded with a rubber or washable latex backing. In one aspect, the carpet yarn is nylon 6; nylon 6,6; polyester; or polypropylene. The yarn is tufted into a woven or nonwoven substrate. The yarn can be of any pile height and weight necessary to support printing. The tufted carpet may be printed using any print process. In one aspect, injection dyeing may be utilized to print the washable carpet tiles.
[0019] After printing, the carpet is vulcanized with a rubber backing. The thickness of the rubber will be such that the height of the finished carpet tile will be substantially the same height as the surrounding standard carpet tiles. Once vulcanized, the carpet is pre-shrunk by washing.
[0020] The pre-shrunk carpet is then cut into carpet tiles. The carpet tiles may be cut using a computer controlled cutting device, such as a Gerber machine, or by using a mechanical dye cutter. The carpet should be cut with precision such that the carpet tiles fit in place with the surrounding standard carpet tiles. The finished washable carpet tiles may then be removed from the floor after they have been soiled, washed, and placed back on the floor.
[0021] In one aspect, the washable carpet tile of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 . The washable carpet tile 100 is comprised of a plurality of face yarns 110 that are tufted into a primary backing fabric 120 . The face yarns 110 and primary backing fabric 120 together comprise a primary composite layer 150 . A rubber layer 140 is then vulcanized to the primary composite layer 150 . The layer of vulcanized rubber may contain 0% to 10% recycled rubber material.
[0022] The material comprising the face yarns 110 and primary backing fabric 120 may independently be selected from synthetic fiber, natural fiber, man-made fiber using natural constituents, inorganic fiber, glass fiber, and a blend of any of the foregoing. By way of example only, synthetic fibers may include polyester, acrylic, polyamide, polyolefin, polyaramid, polyurethane, or blends thereof. More specifically, polyester may include polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, or combinations thereof. Polyamide may include nylon 6, nylon 6,6, or combinations thereof. Polyolefin may include polypropylene, polyethylene, or combinations thereof. Polyaramid may include poly-p-phenyleneteraphthalamide (i.e., Kevlar®), poly-m-phenyleneteraphthalamide (i.e., Nomex®), or combinations thereof. Exemplary natural fibers include wool, cotton, linen, ramie, jute, flax, silk, hemp, or blends thereof. Exemplary man-made materials using natural constituents include regenerated cellulose (i.e., rayon), lyocell, or blends thereof.
[0023] The material comprising the face yarns 110 and primary backing fabric 120 may be formed from staple fiber, filament fiber, slit film fiber, or combinations thereof. The fiber may be exposed to one or more texturing processes. The fiber may then be spun or otherwise combined into yarns, for example, by ring spinning, open-end spinning, air jet spinning, vortex spinning, or combinations thereof. Accordingly, the material comprising the face yarns 110 and primary backing fabric 120 will generally be comprised of interlaced fibers, interlaced yarns, loops, or combinations thereof.
[0024] The material comprising the face yarns 110 and primary backing fabric 120 may be comprised of fibers or yarns of any size, including microdenier fibers or yarns (fibers or yarns having less than one denier per filament). The fibers or yarns may have deniers that range from less than about 0.1 denier per filament to about 2000 denier per filament or, more preferably, from less than about 1 denier per filament to about 500 denier per filament.
[0025] Furthermore, the material comprising the face yarns 110 and primary backing fabric 120 may be partially or wholly comprised of multi-component or bi-component fibers or yarns in various configurations such as, for example, islands-in-the-sea, core and sheath, side-by-side, or pie configurations. Depending on the configuration of the bi-component or multi-component fibers or yarns, the fibers or yarns may be splittable along their length by chemical or mechanical action.
[0026] Additionally, the fibers comprising the material comprising the face yarns 110 and primary backing fabric 120 may include additives coextruded therein, may be precoated with any number of different materials, including those listed in greater detail below, and/or may be dyed or colored to provide other aesthetic features for the end user with any type of colorant, such as, for example, poly(oxyalkylenated) colorants, as well as pigments, dyes, tints, and the like. Other additives may also be present on and/or within the target fiber or yarn, including antistatic agents, brightening compounds, nucleating agents, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, fillers, permanent press finishes, softeners, lubricants, curing accelerators, and the like.
[0027] The fibers may be dyed or undyed. If the fiber is dyed, it may be solution dyed. The face weight of the yarn, pile height, and density will vary depending on the desired aesthetics and performance requirements of the end-use floorcovering article.
[0028] The primary backing fabric 120 can be any suitable primary backing. The preferred embodiment uses a nonwoven polyester spunbond. In one aspect, the polyester spunbond backing is Lutradur® from Freudenberg Nonwovens of Weinheim, Germany. In another aspect, flat woven polyester tapes, such as Isis™ from Propex of Chattanooga, Tenn., may be utilized. If needed, a primary backing made of a woven tape with either staple fibers or nonwoven fabrics affixed can be used. Also stitch bonded and knitted polyester fabrics may be used.
[0029] The primary composite layer 150 that includes the yarns tufted into the primary backing may be heat stabilized to prevent dimensional changes from occurring in the finished carpet tile. The heat stabilizing or heat setting process typically involves applying heat to the material that is above the glass transition temperature, but below the melting temperature of the components. The heat allows the polymer components to release internal tensions and allows improvement in the internal structural order of the polymer chains. The heat stabilizing process can be carried out under tension or in a relaxed state. The tufted composite material is typically also stabilized to allow for the yarn and primary backing to shrink prior to the tile manufacturing process. Heat stabilization further aids in preventing the edges of the finished tile from curling. Dimensional stability may be measured using the Aachen Test (ISO 2551).
[0030] The rubber layer 140 may be selected from dense nitrile rubber, foam nitrile rubber, or mixtures thereof.
[0031] The unvulcanized rubber layer is applied during the pressing process. The coated and laminated floorcovering article may then be pre-shrunk and cut into individual carpet tiles.
[0032] The washable carpet tile of the present invention may be dyed or printed by techniques known to those skilled in the art. Printing inks will contain at least one dye. Dyes may be selected from acid dyes, direct dyes, reactive dyes, cationic dyes, disperse dyes, and mixtures thereof. Acid dyes include azo, anthraquinone, triphenyl methane and xanthine types. Direct dyes include azo, stilbene, thiazole, dioxsazine and phthalocyanine types. Reactive dyes include azo, anthraquinone and phthalocyanine types. Cationic dyes include thiazole, methane, cyanine, quinolone, xanthene, azine, and triaryl methine. Disperse dyes include azo, anthraquinone, nitrodiphenylamine, naphthal imide, naphthoquinone imide and methane, triarylmethine and quinoline types.
[0033] As is known in the textile printing art, specific dye selection depends upon the type of fiber and/or fibers comprising the washable carpet tile that is being printed. For example, in general, a disperse dye may be used to print polyester fibers. Alternatively, for materials made from cationic dyeable polyester fiber, cationic dyes may be used.
[0034] The printing process of the present invention uses a jet dyeing machine, or a digital printing machine, to place printing ink on the surface of the carpet tile in predetermined locations. One suitable and commercially available digital printing machine is the Millitron® digital printing machine, available from Milliken & Company of Spartanburg, S.C. The Millitron® machine uses an array of jets with continuous streams of dye liquor that can be deflected by a controlled air jet. The array of jets, or gun bars, is typically stationary. Another suitable and commercially available digital printing machine is the Chromojet® carpet printing machine, available from Zimmer Machinery Corporation of Spartanburg, S.C. In one aspect, a tufted carpet made according to the processes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,678,159 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,846,214, both to Weiner, may be printed with a jet dyeing apparatus as described and exemplified herein.
[0035] Viscosity modifiers may be included in the printing ink compositions. Suitable viscosity modifiers that may be utilized include known natural water-soluble polymers such as polysaccharides, such as starch substances derived from corn and wheat, gum arabic, locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum, guar flour, polygalactomannan gum, xanthan, alginates, and a tamarind seed; protein substances such as gelatin and casein; tannin substances; and lignin substances. Examples of the water-soluble polymer further include synthetic polymers such as known polyvinyl alcohol compounds and polyethylene oxide compounds. Mixtures of the aforementioned viscosity modifiers may also be used. The polymer viscosity is measured at elevated temperatures when the polymer is in the molten state. For example, viscosity may be measured in units of centipoise at elevated temperatures, using a Brookfield Thermosel unit from Brookfield Engineering Laboratories of Middleboro, Mass. Alternatively, polymer viscosity may be measured by using a parallel plate rheometer, such as made by Haake from Rheology Services of Victoria Australia.
[0036] The washable carpet tile of the present invention may be exposed to post treatment steps. For example, chemical treatments such as stain release, stain block, antimicrobial resistance, bleach resistance, and the like, may be added to the washable carpet tile. Mechanical post treatments may include cutting, shearing, and/or napping the surface of the washable carpet tile.
[0037] In FIG. 1 , the face yarns are illustrated in a loop pile construction. Of course, it is to be understood that other face yarn constructions including cut pile constructions and combinations of loop pile and cut pile may likewise be used.
[0038] In modular carpet tile installation, adhesives may be used to hold the tiles to the floor. These adhesive are typically polyolefin based or SBR latex based. Such adhesive material may be used to adhere the standard carpet tile to the floor, when standard carpet tiles are used as part of the carpet system of the present invention.
[0039] As previously discussed, tufted carpet typically consists of a face yarn (staple or continuous fibers) tufted into a primary backing. The yarn provides the appearance or aesthetics of the carpet. The primary backing can be either a woven, nonwoven or knitted product which supports the tufts.
[0040] The back coating provides a moisture barrier and provides dimensional stability to the carpet tile. For standard carpet tiles, a polyurethane foam and/or nonwoven underlayer is applied to the back of the carpet.
[0041] The performance requirements for commercial carpet include a mixture of well documented standard tests and industry known tests. Resistance to Delamination of the Secondary Backing of Pile Yarn Floor Covering (ASTM D3936), Tuft Bind of Pile Yarn Floor Coverings (ASTM D1335), and the Aachen dimensional stability test (ISO 2551) are performance tests referenced by several organizations (e.g. General Services Administration). Achieving Resistance to Delamination values greater than 2 pounds is desirable, and greater than 2.5 pounds even more desirable. Achieving Tuft Bind values greater than 8 pounds is desirable, and greater than 10 pounds even more desirable. With respect to the Aachen (ISO 2551) performance test, dimensional stability of less than +/−0.1% change may be most preferred.
[0042] Pilling and fuzzing resistance for loop pile (ITTS112) is a performance test known to the industry and those practiced in the art. The pilling and fuzzing resistance test is typically a predictor of how quickly the carpet will pill, fuzz and prematurely age over time. The test uses a small roller covered with the hook part of a hook and loop fastener. The hook material is Hook 88 from Velcro of Manchester, N.H. and the roller weight is 2 pounds. The hook covered wheel is rolled back and forth on the tufted carpet face with no additional pressure. The carpet is graded against a scale of 1 to 5. A rating of 5 represents no change or new carpet appearance. A rating of less than 3 typically represents unacceptable wear performance.
[0043] An additional performance/wear test includes the Hexapod drum tester (ASTM D-5252 or ISO/TR 10361 Hexapod Tumbler). This test is meant to simulate repeated foot traffic over time. It has been correlated that a 12,000 cycle count is equivalent to ten years of normal use. The test is rated on a gray scale of 1 to 5, with a rating after 12,000 cycles of 2.5=moderate, 3.0=heavy, and 3.5=severe. Yet another performance/wear test includes the Radiant Panel Test. Some commercial tiles struggle to achieve a Class I rating, as measured by ASTM E 648-06 (average critical radiant flux >0.45=class I highest rating).
[0044] The rubber-backed carpet tile of the present invention may be washed or laundered in an industrial, commercial or residential washing machine. Because the backing is comprised of rubber, the carpet tiles may be easily rolled and wrapped for shipping without a box or a pallet, which may provide a cost savings. The washable, rubber-backed carpet tiles are ideal for use in areas having high traffic and soiling and/or in areas where advertising with business logos is desired. The advertising can be easily rotated and/or changed by replacing the center tiles that contain the logo with new tiles that contain a different advertising logo. The washable carpet tiles are also ideal for use in high traffic areas where soiling is a problem. By replacing the current floor mats with the carpet tiles of the present invention, trip hazards may be eliminated. The current floor mats have a tendency to roll up and/or wrinkle, thereby causing trip hazards. Additionally, the washable carpet tiles will generally exhibit superior cleaning when compared to similar carpet tiles cleaned with a carpet cleaning machine, such as a steam cleaning machine.
[0045] In one aspect, the washable carpet tiles described herein are used in combination with standard carpet tiles. By standard carpet tiles, it is intended to mean carpet tiles that are not washable and that do not have a rubber backing.
[0046] A standard carpet tile is illustrated in FIG. 2 . The standard carpet tile 225 is made up of a primary carpet fabric 212 formed from a plurality of pile yarns 214 tufted through a primary backing layer 216 such as a scrim or nonwoven fibrous textile of polyester or polypropylene as will be well known to those skilled in the art. A precoat backing layer 218 of a resilient adhesive such as SBR latex is disposed across the underside of the primary carpet fabric 212 so as to hold the pile yarns 214 in place within the primary backing 216 . An adhesive layer 220 such as a hot melt adhesive extends away from the precoat backing layer 218 . A layer of stabilizing material 222 such as woven or nonwoven glass is disposed at a position between the adhesive layer 220 and a cushioning layer 224 such as virgin or rebounded polyurethane foam or the like. A secondary backing layer 226 such as a nonwoven blend of polyester and polypropylene fibers is disposed across the underside of the cushioning layer 224 .
[0047] Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , a carpet system 300 may be created that includes a combination of at least one standard carpet tile 310 , at least one washable carpet tile 320 , and at least one logo, pattern, or solid face 330 .
EXAMPLES
[0048] The invention may be further understood by reference to the following examples which are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.
[0049] Several variables were tested: backing material, backing style, rubber thickness and wash process.
Test Procedures
[0050] Commercial Wash Procedure:
[0051] 1. 140 degree Fahrenheit wash for 10 minutes.
[0052] 2. 3 rinses, 140 degrees, 3 minutes each.
[0053] 3. 2 rinses, 90 degrees, 3 minutes each.
[0054] 4. 2 minutes low extraction.
[0055] 5. 10 minutes high extraction.
[0056] Some samples were evaluated on a “pass” or “fail” basis. A “pass” rating indicates that the carpet tile did not fall apart, but rather maintained its structural integrity and was suitable for use in its intended purpose. A “fail” rating indicates that one or more layers of the carpet tile came apart, that the tile did not maintain its structural integrity, and/or the carpet tile was not suitable for use in its intended purpose.
[0057] Torture Wash:
[0058] 1. 190 degree Fahrenheit wash for 30 minutes.
[0059] 2. 2 rinses, 90 degrees, 3 minutes each.
[0060] 3. 2 minutes low extraction.
[0061] 4. 10 minutes high extraction.
[0062] A Torture Wash is intended to be equivalent to 10 commercial washes.
[0063] Lateral Movement Test:
[0064] The amount of movement in a mat or carpet tile is measured using the lateral movement test. First a location on the floor is marked usually using a piece of tape. Next a mat or carpet tile is placed at that mark. For a lateral movement walk test, the person conducting the test walks over the test piece 150 times. Each pass must be in the same direction to ensure accurate measurement movement. Once this is done 150 times in the same direction, the person conducting the test must measure how far the test piece is from the original location. This should be done on both of the front corners. Once a walk test is completed, a second Lateral Movement Cart Test is run. This test involves the same process, but requires a cart holding a 100 lb. load to roll over the test piece 50 times. The distance is then measured and recorded.
[0065] Thickness Determination:
[0066] The thickness of each sample was measured using a Starrett pocket dial gauge. The specific model was the Starrett No. 1010. The pocket dial that was used came with an inspection certificate (Form 804) to ensure accuracy.
[0067] Tuft Lock Test:
[0068] The tuft lock test was conducted by cutting out a sample of finished carpet tile approximately 6″×10″. Once the sample was cut out, it was placed in a TensiTech tensile testing machine. A tensile testing program was then run allowing the machine to grasp on to a single tuft in the carpet. Once the machine locked on to a single tuft, it recorded how much force was required to pull the tuft out of the rubber backed carpet tile. This data was then recorded and run 4 more times for a total of 5 pulls. The once all tests were complete the data was evaluated making sure all pulls recorded a value higher than 4.0.
[0069] Body Tear Test:
[0070] The body tear test was conducted by cutting out a sample of finished carpet tile approximately 4″×7″ with a 2″ slit at one end of it. Once the sample was cut out, it was placed in a TensiTech tensile testing machine with one side of the slit in the top clamp, and the other side of the slit in the bottom clamp. A tensile testing program was then run pulling the top clamp upwards. The force required to pull the top clamp up was recorded as the sample ripped in half. This data was then recorded and run 2 more times for a total of 3 pulls. The once all tests were complete the data was evaluated making sure all pulls recorded a value higher than 13.0.
Evaluation of Backing Material
Example 1
Carpet Tile with Nitrile Rubber Backing
[0071] A carpet tile was prepared as follows:
[0072] The tufted face assembly 150 was comprised of a nylon 6,6 yarn tufted into a pre-shrunk Lutrador 52 nonwoven backing. The nylon 6,6 yarn was ⅛ th inch gauge and was tufted at 8.70 stitches per inch. Tufts were sheared to a pile height of 18/64 th inch, resulting in a fabric weight of 20.0 oz/sq. yard. The tufted roll measured 145 inches from outside tuft row to outside tuft row.
[0073] The tufted roll was then printed using a Millitron® digital printing machine. The tufted face assembly was run down the Millitron® digital printing machine at a speed of 25 feet/minute. A combination of 12 gun bars was utilized to distribute dye to the tufted face assembly with the dye flow set to 36. The tufted face assembly was then exposed to a first steam step in a steamer at 209° F., and then again in a post steam/stain blocker step at 150° F. The printed tufted face assembly was then dried at 240° F.
[0074] The printed tufted face assembly was then slit into 3.2′ wide rolls. These rolls were placed on top of 0.130″ (thickness) nitrile rubber. The uncured nitrile rubber was then sent into a press with the printed tufted face assembly on top. The press heated up to 365° F. from the bottom as soon as the printed assembly entered the press area. The press then applied pressure at 35 psi to the top of the printed tufted face assembly to push it into the rubber. The printed tufted face assembly was then held in the press for 8 minutes before it was removed. After it was removed, it was preshrunk in a drier at 290° F. to form a washable carpet in roll form. The washable carpet in roll form was then cut into washable carpet tiles having dimensions of 36″×36″.
Example 2
Carpet Tile with PVC Rubber Backing
[0075] The tufted face assembly 150 was tufted and dyed in the same manner described in Example 1. After the tufted face assembly was printed, a polyvinyl chloride rubber backing was applied. The rubber backed carpet tile was then tested for washability.
Example 3
Carpet Tile with Rubber Crumb Backing
[0076] The tufted face assembly 150 was tufted and dyed in the same manner described in Example 1. A rubber crumb backing was applied. The rubber crumb backed carpet tile was then tested for washability.
Example 4
Carpet Tile with Cushion Backing
[0077] A cushion backed carpet tile was prepared. It was comprised of nylon 6,6 fiber with a face weight of 23 oz/sq. yd. The fiber was twisted, heat set, and tufted into a Lutrador primary backing. The tile further consisted of 11 oz./sq. yd. of SBR and chlorinated latex blend, 46 oz./sq. yd. of bitumen hot melt, and a fiberglass layer to improve stability and performance. On the bottom of the tile was 25.5 oz./sq. yd. of polyurethane foam. All of the coating processes were complete in-line. The coated product was then printed with Milliken dye injected technology. Finally, a topical application of chemistry was applied to prevent staining and to provide repellency.
[0078] Examples 1-4 were evaluated on the ability to withstand commercial laundering. Each sample was subjected to one commercial wash cycle and evaluated as described herein. Then, the samples that passed the first evaluation were subjected to four additional commercial wash cycles (5 wash cycles total) and evaluated as described herein. The test results are provided in Table 1.
[0000]
TABLE 1
Evaluation of Backing Materials After Laundering
After 1 Commercial
After 5 Commercial
Sample
Wash
Washes
Example 1 - Nitrile
Pass
Pass
Rubber Back
Example 2 - PVC Rubber
Pass
Fail
Back
Example 3 - Rubber
Pass
Fail
Crumb Back
Example 4 - Cushion
Fail
N/A
Back
[0079] After the 1 commercial wash, the tufted face layer of Example 4 came apart from the backing. It appeared as though the adhesive holding those layers together was unable to withstand commercial washing. Example 4 was not tested again. Examples 2-4 passed the evaluation in that the layers remained adhered together, the tiles maintained their integrity, and the tiles were suitable for use in their intended purpose.
[0080] After 5 commercial washes, the PVC rubber backing of Example 2 failed. The PVC rubber cracked and broke apart on the sides. In the middle, the rubber failed causing holes in the tile. When looking at the side view of the tile, the tile had ripples in it that were over 0.5 inches high, which would cause a trip hazard. Example 2 did not maintain structural integrity; thus, it received a “fail” rating.
[0081] After 5 commercial washes, the rubber crumb backing of Example 3 failed. Pieces of rubber crumb over 1 inch long came off of the tile during the wash cycles. Example 3 did not maintain structural integrity; thus, it received a “fail” rating.
[0082] Example 1 successfully survived five commercial wash cycles. In further testing, the nitrile rubber-backed carpet tile exhibited dimensional stability and maintained a “pass” rating after 300 commercial wash cycles.
Evaluation of Backing Style
Example 5
Smooth Nitrile Backing
[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 4A , the smooth rubber backing has no protrusions on the rubber surface of the carpet tile (e.g. the surface of the carpet tile that comes in contact with the floor). In other words, the smooth backing is free from protrusions. Protrusions are typically added to aid in preventing unintended lateral movement of the floorcovering article.
[0084] The construction of the washable carpet tile was identical to the tile produced in Example 1. When the nitrile rubber was placed on the press, it was put on a Teflon coated belt that had no indentions in it. The top of the belt was smooth which allowed the bottom of the rubber to have a smooth surface as well.
Example 6
Gripper (Standard Cleat) Nitrile Backing
[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 4B , the gripper rubber backing was characterized by having (1) a grid pattern on the rubber surface that was free from protrusions and (2) protrusions on the interior spaces between the protrusion free areas. The protrusions were present in a square pattern. Thus, the gripper backing contained a repeating pattern of small protrusions in areas that were ⅞ ths inch by 1 inch square. The protrusions were approximately 1/16 th inch high. The protrusions covered approximately 70 percent of the surface of the rubber backing.
[0086] The construction of the washable carpet tile was the same as the tile produced in Example 1. When the nitrile rubber was placed on the press, it was put on a Teflon coated belt that had 1/16 th inch indention in it in small square patterns. When the press reached 365° F., it caused the rubber to become very soft. Once the pressure of 35 psi was applied to the top of the washable tile assembly, it pushed the soft rubber into the indentions forming the “gripper” pattern.
Example 7
Megahold Nitrile Backing
[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 4C , the Megahold rubber backing was characterized by having fewer and larger indentations on the rubber surface, when compared to the gripper backing. The indentations were present in groups of four that and were spaced in a square pattern. Thus, the Megahold pattern contained a repeating pattern of four large indentations in areas that were 3.625 inches by 3.875 inches square. The indentations were approximately ⅛ inch deep. The indentations covered approximately 40 percent of the surface of the rubber backing.
[0088] The construction of the washable carpet tile was the same as the tile produced in Example 1. Before the rubber was placed on to the Teflon belt, the operator placed a metal plate on the belt. The metal plate contained circles on the top surface. The circles included a hole drilled in the center to allow rubber to form on the inside. The nitrile rubber was then placed on top of the metal plate, with the fabric/carpet on top. When the press reached 365° F., it caused the rubber to become very soft. Once the pressure of 35 psi was applied to the top of the washable carpet tile assembly, it pushed the soft rubber around and into the metal plate forming the “Megahold” backing.
[0089] Each of the rubber types were tested on both carpet and smooth flooring according to the Lateral Movement Test described herein. Test results are provided in FIG. 5 .
[0090] The same Lateral Movement Test was used to evaluate the smooth back carpet tile (Example 5) and the Megahold back carpet tile (Example 7) when placed within a border of standard carpet tiles. The test results are provided in Table 2.
[0000]
TABLE 2
Carpet Tile Movement When Combined into Carpet
System with Standard Carpet Tile Border
Carpet Tile Movement
After 200 Pedestrian
Carpet Tile Movement
Passes
After 100 Cart Passes
Sample
(inches)
(inches)
Example 5 - Smooth
0.00
0.00
Backing
Example 7 - Megahold
0.00
0.00
Backing
[0091] Evaluation of Rubber Backing Thickness:
[0092] Carpet tiles having rubber backing of varying thicknesses were made. They were then evaluated for height matching against standard carpet tile. The standard carpet tile is Control 1. The thickness values were determined using the Thickness Determination procedure described herein. The results are provided in Table 3.
Example 8
Carpet Tile (0.043″ Rubber Backing)
[0093] A washable carpet tile was made using the same nitrile rubber and smooth backing as described in Example 5 with a nitrile rubber that was calendared to 0.043″ in thickness. The fabric and backing composite layer 150 was pressed into the 0.043″ thick rubber at 360 degrees Fahrenheit under 36 PSI for 4 minutes. The washable carpet was then dried at 195 degrees Fahrenheit and cut into 36″ by 36″ tiles using a Gerber cutter.
Example 9
Carpet Tile (0.053″ Rubber Backing)
[0094] A washable carpet tile was made using the same nitrile rubber and smooth backing as described in Example 5 with a nitrile rubber that was calendared to 0.053″ in thickness. The fabric and backing composite layer 150 was pressed into the 0.053″ thick rubber at 360 degrees Fahrenheit under 36 PSI for 5 minutes. The washable carpet was then dried at 195 degrees Fahrenheit and cut into 36″ by 36″ tiles using a Gerber cutter.
Example 10
Carpet Tile (0.080″ Rubber Backing)
[0095] A washable carpet tile was made using the same nitrile rubber and smooth backing as described in Example 5 with a nitrile rubber that was calendared to 0.080″ in thickness. The fabric and backing composite layer 150 was pressed into the 0.080″ thick rubber at 360 degrees Fahrenheit under 36 PSI for 8 minutes. The washable carpet was then dried at 195 degrees Fahrenheit and cut into 36″ by 36″ tiles using a Gerber cutter.
Example 11
Carpet Tile (0.130″ Rubber Backing)
[0096] A washable carpet tile was made using the same nitrile rubber and smooth backing as described in Example 5 with a nitrile rubber that was calendared to 0.130″ in thickness. The fabric and backing composite layer 150 was pressed into the 0.130″ thick rubber at 360 degrees Fahrenheit under 36 PSI for 18 minutes. The washable carpet was then dried at 195 degrees Fahrenheit and cut into 36″ by 36″ tiles using a Gerber cutter.
[0097] Control 1—Standard Carpet Tile
[0098] This carpet tile is the same as the tile described in Example 4.
[0000]
TABLE 3
Total Thickness of Inventive and Control Carpet Tiles
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Test 5
Average
Thickness
Thickness
Thickness
Thickness
Thickness
Thickness
Sample
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
Example 8
0.158
0.159
0.17
0.165
0.167
0.1638
(0.043″ backing)
Example 9
0.17
0.179
0.175
0.168
0.176
0.1736
(0.053″ backing)
Example 10
0.204
0.205
0.198
0.21
0.204
0.2042
(0.080″ backing)
Example 11
0.278
0.27
0.277
0.269
0.273
0.2734
(0.130″ backing)
Control 1
0.32
0.323
0.322
0.325
0.324
0.3228
[0099] Using the collected data in Table 3, the difference in height of the finished carpet tiles was calculated. This was done to determine how flush the inventive carpet tiles were to Control 1. The results are shown in Table 4.
[0000]
TABLE 4
Finished Tile Height Differential
Thickness Differential
Sample
(inches)
Example 8
−0.159
(0.043″
backing)
Example 9
−0.1492
(0.053″
backing)
Example 10
−0.1186
(0.080″
backing)
Example 11
−0.0494
(0.130″
backing)
Control 1
0.0000
[0100] Evaluation of Wash Processes:
[0101] The effect of pre-washing the carpet was evaluated.
Comparative Example 12
Carpet Tile with No Pre-Wash
[0102] A carpet tile made from the same materials as Example 11 was used, except the carpet was not exposed to a pre-wash step prior to cutting the carpet into a carpet tile. The carpet was cut into 36″ by 36″ tiles using a Gerber cross cutter. The tile was placed into a carpet system that contained a border of standard carpet tile in order to ensure cutting accuracy (i.e. a snug fit with no voids between the tiles). The tile was then washed according to the Commercial Wash Procedure. The tile was then re-inserted into the carpet system to evaluate its size. The carpet tile had shrunk by such an amount that it was not usable for its intended purpose. The gap between the carpet tile and the surrounding border of standard carpet tiles was large enough to cause a trip hazard.
Example 12
Carpet Tile with Pre-Wash
[0103] A carpet tile made from the same materials as Example 11 was used. It was exposed to a pre-wash step prior to cutting the carpet into a carpet tile. The carpet was cut into 36″ by 36″ tiles using a Gerber cross cutter. The tile was placed into a carpet system that contained a border of standard carpet tile in order to ensure cutting accuracy (i.e. a snug fit with no voids between the tiles). The tile was then washed according to the Commercial Wash Procedure. The tile was then re-inserted into the carpet system to evaluate its size. The carpet tile exhibited no visible shrinkage. There were no gaps or voids between the carpet tile and the surrounding border of standard carpet tiles.
[0104] The impact of industrial washes on physical properties of the carpet tiles was also evaluated.
Example 13
Exposure to 30 Torture Washes
[0105] Example 13 was the same as Example 12. The sample was exposed to 30 Torture Washes as described herein. After 30 Torture Washes, the sample exhibited no visible shrinkage. All four sides of the carpet tile lay flush against the surrounding border of standard carpet tiles with no gaps or voids present.
[0106] The carpet tile was also tested for Tuft Lock and Body Tear, according to the test methods described herein. Test results are provided in Table 5.
[0000]
TABLE 5
Physical Data After 30 Torture Washes
Tuft Lock
Body Tear
Minimum Value
4
Minimum
13
Test 1
6.5
Test 1
29.9
Test 2
4.9
Test 2
28.5
Test 3
6.1
Test 2
30.5
Test 4
4.7
n/a
n/a
Test 5
5.5
n/a
n/a
[0107] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
[0108] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the subject matter of this application (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. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the subject matter of the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the subject matter unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the subject matter described herein.
[0109] Preferred embodiments of the subject matter of this application are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the subject matter described herein to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
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This invention relates to tufted floorcovering articles that are washable in commercial, industrial, and/or residential washing machines. In particular, this invention relates to modular carpet tiles that are constructed in such a way as to withstand exposure to at least one wash cycle in an automatic washing machine. The carpet tiles are designed to be soiled, washed, and re-used, thereby providing ideal end-use applications such as entryway floorcovering articles. A further advantage includes the ability to print advertising logos on the carpet tiles and easily change out the advertising logos as desired. Both features of the carpet tile of the present invention are achievable, at least in part, because the surface of the tile that contacts the floor does not require any type of adhesive in order to use the carpet tile for its intended function.
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PRIORITY APPLICATION
This application is related to and claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/646,345, filed Jan. 24, 2005, under the title Ergonomic Mouse by the inventor hereof.
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention is directed to the field of computer aids, more particularly to computer mouse which is used as an input device to computers. Specifically, this invention relates to a customized computer mouse adapted to dynamically conform to the shape of an individual's hand, regardless of the individual, whenever he/she operates the mouse, and enable such individual to use a single finger to comfortably operate the mouse. Cramping often results whenever the individual must hold their finger “up” so as not to depress the mouse button, or rest their hand on a hard unsupportive surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The computer mouse has been used for many years as an input device with desktop and laptop computers. The computer mouse is used to position a cursor at a selected location on a computer screen. If a button on the computer mouse is activated at the selected location, then the software running on the computer responds in a predetermined manner.
While efforts have been made to improve the ergonomic nature of computer mice, the fact remains that no two people have the same size and shape hands, and there is no computer mouse that allows the individual to operate the device with one finger, and no computer mouse that allows the individual to rest their finger on the mouse button without activating the software, or moving the cursor.
Recent studies claim that one of the most significant increases in the number of people who are being afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries is due to the continuous rise in the use of computers. The number of computer users has increased from 5 million to 50 million in just the past 10-years, and the young age at which children begin using computers is going to create an even larger epidemic of carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries in the near future. Children are especially affected by the difficulty in operating an ordinary mouse.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a mouse that conforms to an individual's hand to provide comfort in the operation of said mouse. In one implementation, it is molded to ergonomically fit to an individual's hand, and has a pliable material that surrounds and supports the palm of the hand as it rests on the mouse. The pliable material covers an electronic base assembly, which includes standard circuitry to generate a mouse output signal for application to a computer. This allows the invention to be used with new or older computers. In another implementation, the mouse is designed to allow the individual to rest the index finger on the buttons of the mouse to relieve the pressure of the joints and tendons of the hand and fingers, and to operate the mouse with only the index finger. The mouse also has indentations for the small finger and the thumb to provide maximum control of the mouse.
Accordingly a feature of the invention is the pliable, conforming material that covers the electronic base assembly that dynamically contours to the individual's hand whenever he uses the mouse.
Another feature is the one finger design. This feature eliminates the need to use multiple fingers to operate the mouse.
Another feature is the option to adjust the actuation force required to invoke a computer command via a mouse, allowing the ability to rest your finger on the mouse button without operating the computer.
Another feature is the multi-position rocker switch. The rocker switch has a neutral setting in the middle, a page up/page down setting, and a scroll up/scroll down setting.
Still another feature is the arrangement of the buttons. This invention has the buttons arranged in a line, parallel to the movement of the individual's index finger instead of arranging the buttons on the left and right, and the buttons are staggered to allow the individual to rest his index finger on both buttons at the same time.
Yet another feature is the indentations on the side of the mouse for the small (pinky) finger, and the thumb to allow greater control of the mouse.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features and functions of the invention will be better understood in light of the following drawings and the associated description of said drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional personal computer showing a hard wired computer, ergonomically constructed, mouse for operating the computer according to this invention.
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a right hand operated mouse of the invention, optionally showing a scrolling feature for the mouse.
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the mouse of FIG. 2 , further showing the pliable conforming material and a typical palm print formed during use of the mouse by an individual.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the mouse of FIG. 3 , where finger indentations are illustrated.
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a left hand operated mouse of the invention, further showing a scroll wheel in proximity to ‘right click’ and ‘left click’ buttons.
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view, similar to FIG. 3 , showing only a pair of ‘right click’ and ‘left click’ buttons.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a computer mouse that conforms to an individual's hand to provide comfort in the operation of said mouse. As known in the art, a mouse is a palm-sized device in electrical communication with a computer, either hard wired or remote, equipped with one or more buttons, used to point at and select items on a computer display screen with the displayed pointer controlled by means of analogous movement of the mouse on a nearby flat surface. In one implementation, a mouse is disclosed which is molded to ergonomically fit to an individual's hand, and has a pliable material that surrounds, supports, and comforts the palm of the hand as it rests on the mouse. The pliable material covers an electronic base assembly, which includes standard circuitry to generate a mouse output signal for application to a computer. The pliable material may be memory foam or other similar material that conforms to the individual's hand when resting on the mouse, and resumes its initial shape once the hand is removed. In another implementation, the mouse is designed to allow the individual to rest his hand on the mouse to relieve the pressure of the joints and tendons of the hand and fingers.
On a standard mouse the buttons are extremely sensitive. Simply placing a finger on a button is enough to invoke a computer command, often frustrating the individual using the computer. The individual must suspend his finger over the button until he is ready to invoke the command on the computer. This often leads to cramping and hand fatigue. One implementation of this invention eliminates that problem by requiring a force of between 1 ounce and 10 ounces of actuation pressure to invoke a command. In another implementation of this invention, this force can be adjusted via a software control or a mechanical control. This is sufficient to rest a finger on the button without inadvertently invoking a command, but does not require the individual to exert exorbitant pressure to invoke a command. Another implementation of this invention eliminates the side by side arrangement of the left (pick) and right (enter) buttons. Arranging the buttons in a line, and having one button (pick) slightly raised over the other (enter) frees the individual to operate the mouse with only his index finger. Furthermore in a standard mouse the scroll wheel is located between the two buttons, or on the side of the mouse. Yet another implementation of this invention replaces the scroll wheel with a rocker switch and moves it conveniently located to the left of the buttons to provide one finger operation using only the index finger.
The mouse also has indentations for the small finger and the thumb to provide maximum control of the mouse. The contributions of this invention, and its ability to provide assistance to the computer user, will become apparent in the following discussion and drawing.
Some, all, or additional features as described herein may be included in alternate implementations.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional computer 10 , as known in the art, with the mouse 12 of the invention in hard wired communication via cable 14 . However, as noted previously, the mouse hereof may be in remote communication with the computer via a wireless link, such as may be used with a portable laptop computer. Continuing now with details of the mouse 12 of the invention, FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrate several views of one or more implementations of the mouse 12 of the invention. The mouse functions as any ordinary mouse, however, there are several unique and unobvious features to said invention. The mouse is covered with a pliable material 15 that conforms to the hand of the individual for as long as the individual's hand rests on the mouse. After use, the pliable material resiles to its original shape. If another individual places their hand on the mouse the same pliable material conforms to that person's hand, thereby dynamically adjusting to each individual's hand. Thus the hand is lifted off the mouse, the pliable material returns to its previous shape. The pliable conforming material 15 overlays the hard mouse housing, where the latter is known in the art. When the individual places his hand on the mouse, their small finger (pinky) finger fits in the dimpled area 26 along the side. An ordinary mouse typically has two buttons, the “pick” and the “enter” buttons. With the mouse 12 , these buttons are located on the left and right respectively. The thumb rests in the designated area 24 , along the opposite side, while the index finger rests on the “pick” 20 and “enter” 18 buttons. The remaining fingers rest comfortably between the index and small fingers. Although the individual can rest their fingers on the buttons without invoking a computer command the fingers are still invoking pressure on said buttons. The buttons hereof simply require a greater force than the standard mouse. This prevents the cramping and discomfort many users of the typical mouse complain about. To scroll up and down on the computer screen, the individual places the index finger on the rocker switch 22 . Depressing the top of the switch moves the cursor up, and depressing the bottom of the rocker switch the cursor moves down.
The side view of FIG. 4 shows the dimple 26 created for the small (pinky) finger. This view also displays the different heights of the buttons. The taller “pick” button 20 , and the shorter “enter” button 18 allows the individual to rest their index finger comfortably on the buttons without inadvertently activating said buttons.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mouse 12 from the back. All the features of the invention are captured in this view, the pliable material 15 , the small finger 26 and thumb dimples 24 , the “pick” 20 and “enter” buttons 18 , a small positioning bump 21 marking the home finger position (“left-click”), and the rocker switch 22 . The rocker switch has five positions. The middle portion of the rocker switch is neutral i.e. the cursor does not move if the finger rests on that location. Depressing the top portion of the rocker switch moves the cursor up a page length. Depressing the rocker switch in the intermediate area between the neutral and the top portion of the rocker switch allows the cursor to scroll up. Depressing the bottom portion of the rocker switch moves the cursor down a page length. Depressing the rocker switch in the intermediate area between the neutral and the bottom portion of the rocker switch allows the cursor to scroll down.
Additionally, FIG. 3 further shows a simulated palm impression as it may appear on a just used mouse 12 featuring the pliable material 15 covering the mouse housing containing the necessary circuitry for operating the computer, as known in the art. However, after such use the material 15 will resile with the palm impression disappearing to facilitate use by another individual.
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate additional embodiments for the mouse 12 of this invention. For example, while most mouse devices are designed for right-handed use, FIG. 5 shows a left-handed mouse. Further, rather than using the preferred rocker switch, a conventional scroller wheel 30 may be incorporated into the mouse of this invention. Also, the scroll features are removed from the mouse. From the discussions above regarding the several Figures, it is apparent that the invention hereof offers a number of unique advantages:
The position of the buttons allows for all operations of the mouse to be performed with only the index finger. Small finger-sized mouse operation buttons replace the traditional large-sized left- and right-oriented buttons, allowing them to be closely spaced for one-finger operation. A small positioning bump is placed in the center of the upper button to clearly mark the home finger position (“left-click”).
The downward force required to activate the buttons is such that the finger may rest entirely on the buttons without accidentally activating the mouse.
Rocker switch with a grooved indentation for finger positioning may replace the “roller wheel” that is commonly used for scrolling up and down on web pages. This allows either fast or slow scrolling up and down a page simply by sliding the finger up or down on the switch. The “neutral position” of the rocker switch, when depressed, allows page scrolling by mouse movement rather than switch operation.
Unique ergonomic shape is designed with finger indentations to allow the mouse to be gripped comfortably between the thumb and three outer fingers.
The entire palm area is covered by a pliable material, such as memory foam or similar shape-conforming foam or gel product that temporarily conforms to fit each user's hand and gradually returns or resiles to its original state after use. This allows this portion of the mouse to temporarily and comfortably conform to each individual user's hand.
It is recognized that changes, variations and modifications may be made to the ergonomically constructed computer mouse of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, no limitation is intended to be imposed therein except as set forth in the accompanying claims.
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An ergonomically configured computer mouse comprising a hand held housing body having one or more features to provide comfort in the operation of said mouse. For example, it may include a covering of a pliable memory material designed to yield to the impression of the user's palm and resile to its initial shape after use. As another example, the mouse may be provided with finger detents to facilitate handling of the mouse. Furthermore, the mouse can have a pair of aligned buttons for inputting information into the computer, or a scrolling mechanism, preferably in the form of a rocker switch, in proximity to the aligned buttons for activation with the user's index finger.
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TRADEMARK
IBM® is registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y., U.S.A. Other names used herein may be registered trademarks, trademarks or product name of International Business Machines Corporation or other companies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to methodologies for distributed web crawling and, more particularly, to a web crawling system that uses IP address and IP address range to assist in the efficient downloading of websites that belong to an IP address and/or IP address range.
2. Description of Background
A crawler or a robot, is defined as a software component that continuously visits websites on the Internet, or an Intranet, and downloads web pages from the websites and stores them in a local repository for further analysis and data mining. There are many types of crawlers, wherein each category of crawler can be configured to carry out specific functions. For example, there are focused or topical crawlers, this category of crawler limit their crawling to sites belonging to specific taxonomies, or geological regions. The crawlers are configured with such limitations in order to ensure that the sites being crawled are relevant to an overall goal of the system. Focus and topical crawling is typically implemented by specifying a web space that is to be crawled. A web space is determined according to utilization need, and comprises a set of allow and forbid rules, the rules being used to control the set of sites and directories that a focus crawler is allowed to visit. Configuring the web space for a focus crawler is very critical, as these rules are used to ensure that the focus crawler crawls all the pages that have been determined to be of interest.
The continual growth of the sites on the Internet leads to an increasing amount of challenges when defining the web space for a focus crawler. Therefore, there exists a need for a methodology to improve the efficiency in determining a web space, and further in implementing policies that are directed to configuring focus crawlers to crawl the defined web spaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a method for configuring a policy management protocol for a web crawler, the method further comprising the steps of determining a web space that is to be crawler, the method crawler, wherein the web space is comprised of at least one IP address and at least one range of IP addresses, storing at least one IP address and at least one range of IP addresses within a URL frontier, and determining additional hostnames that are associated with the at least one IP address by performing a reverse DNS lookup of the at least one IP address.
The method further comprises the steps of configuring the web crawler to crawl at least one IP address or at least one range of IP addresses, and determine the additional hostnames that are associated with at least one IP address or at least one range of IP addresses, and performing a web crawling function upon the determined at least one IP address, at least one range of IP addresses, and the determined additional hostnames by the web crawler.
Computer program products corresponding to the above-summarized methods are also described and claimed herein.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a better understanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other object, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram of aspects one example of a web crawler system as implemented within an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram detailing aspects of a URL verification process that can be implemented within embodiments of the present invention.
The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One or more exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below in detail. The disclosed embodiments are intended to be illustrative only since numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
A focus crawler is a crawler or robot that does a restrictive crawl of websites that are of interest to a crawler operator. A focus crawler can be configured to crawl a predetermined list of hostnames, directories, and IP addresses. Additionally, the focus crawler can be configured to not crawl a predetermined list of hostnames, directories, and IP addresses. This configuration list comprising the specified hostnames, directories, and IP addresses is called a web space.
Once initiated, a focus crawler makes an attempt to crawl all of the website pages that belongs to a web space. Typically, as configured within a focus crawler, a web space could comprise the following configuration instructions:
Allow domain www.ibm.com
Allow address 169.222.1.2
Allow range 169.222.0.0/15
Allow prefix http://www.news.com/business
Forbid prefix http://www.news.com/archive
Forbid address 168.1.2.3
Forbid range 167.212.0.0/14
Typically, focus crawlers are configured with the list of sites and directories they are eligible to crawl. This particular aspect restricts a focus crawler to host based crawling, since IP addresses are considered string-based hosts. If a focus crawler could be configured to crawl by IP address, or by IP address range, then it would be possible to implement enhanced crawler configurations (e.g., crawling types of sites as defined by the Regional Internet Registries (RIRs)). Moreover, new sites that are added that belong to an IP address, or a range of IP addresses, will automatically be picked up by the focus crawler that is configured to crawl the IP address or range of IP addresses.
Some RIRs, such as the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) reserves particular IP address ranges for particular types of sites.
Examples of APNIC resources ranges include:
218.100.0.0/16 is used to make /24 assignments to Internet Exchange Points (IXPs).
203.119.0.0/16 is used to make /24 assignments to Critical Infrastructure.
169.208.0.0/15 is used to make /21 allocations for experimental purposes.
169.210.0.0/14 169.214.0.0/13 169.222.0.0/15 are used for conferences, exhibitions and temporary assignments.
196.192.0.0/13 is used to make /22 allocations to future members of the African Regional Registry (AfriNIC).
Referencing the above IP address resource ranges, if we were to crawl websites for conferences and exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific regions, then we would need to configure a focus crawler to crawl all of the hosts in the IP range 169.222.0.0/15. It must be noted that this notation of an IP address range is configured in accordance with the Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR). Therefore, the IP address range 169.222.0.0/15 means that first 15 bits out of 32 bits IPv4 address are used to identify the unique network, thus leaving the remaining bits to be configured to identify a specific host. Another instance when crawling by IP address or IP address range is helpful is in the event that an organization is assigned a range of addresses by a RIR. In this instance, crawling pages that are related to the organization would be particularly helpful if the IP address/range could be specified for the organization, and a focus crawler configured to crawl all of the sites that are operated by the organization.
Another instance in which it would be beneficial to utilize IP address and/or IP address range based crawling is in the event that focused crawling of websites belonging to a geographic location, or region is necessitated. When a discovery focus crawler encounters a new IP address it sends the IP address to a geoIP service, the geoIP service thereafter determining the location of the IP address. Thus, the focus crawler could be configured to crawl the new IP address as determined by the geoIP service.
There is yet another aspect of employing IP addresses to crawling, which is related to the restrictions one can impose on the crawling process. The way this works is that a focus crawler user specifies a forbid rule in the web space, and configures the focus crawler not to crawl this restricted web space. Typically forbid rules comprise domain-names, directory names, and sometimes IP addresses.
However, on the pages in the Internet, IP addresses and domain names are sometimes used interchangeably in the hyperlinks. This creates a serious problem for focus crawlers when trying to apply such a hyperlink to the web space rules. For example, in the event that a user specifies that all sites from the domain name www.ibm.com (the registered domain name for IBM®) are to be blocked, but the hyperlink in question is of the type http://129.42.42.212/products/index.html (where 129.42.42.212 actually is the IP address for www.ibm.com), then the matching of the web space rules with this hyperlink will fail. This is in spite of the fact that the user desires to restrict any crawling of www.ibm.com.
By corollary, there could also be a situation where a user desires to block access to a set of IP addresses, but did not configure the blocking of the sites hosted on those IP addresses. This event would again result in a situation where the focus crawler would end up crawling undesired content. One can make similar cases for the allowable crawl sites in a web space, where a focus crawler would inadvertently not crawl a site it was configured to crawl, simple because the hyperlink in question contained the IP address, while the rules contained the site-name, or vice-versa.
Within aspects of the present invention, a focus crawler can be configured to crawl a web space based upon an IP address, or an IP address range. Within embodiments of the present invention, a focus crawler can be configured to crawl a web space based upon in accordance with the following configuration instructions:
Allow address 169.222.1.2
Allow range 169.222.0.0/15
The rule “Allow the IP address 169.222.1.2” is defined as meaning that all of the hosts that map to IP address 169.222.1.2 will be crawled. Further, the rule “Allow range 169.222.0.0/15” is defined as meaning that all of the hosts with IP addresses matching the first 15 bits of the IP address range, which happens to be the network part of the address.
Within aspects of the present invention a further technique can be employed to discover new hostnames that belong to an IP address and range of IP addresses. For each allowed IP address, and for each IP address in the range of allowed IP addresses, an HTTP GET request is transmitted to the IP address to in order to retrieve the default webpage. From the default webpage all of the discovered URLs that are comprised within the webpage are parsed. Thereafter, a DNS lookup operation is performed upon the parsed URLs in order to determine if the URLs fulfill the criteria of the prescribed web space. All of the URLs that are determined to fulfill the requirements for the web space are added to the URL frontier.
Turning now to the drawings in greater detail, it will be seen that in FIG. 1 there is a flowchart diagram illustrating aspects of an embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1 , a URL frontier 105 is established for the web focus crawler 110 . The URL frontier 105 is implemented to configure the web focus crawler 110 with the web space information detailing web space that the web focus crawler 110 is allowed to crawl, and is restricted from crawling. A DNS lookup table 115 is implemented to assist the web focus crawler 110 in determining the host that belongs to an IP address, or IP address range. Within aspects of the present invention some of the hosts belonging to an IP address can be determined by doing a reverse DNS lookup. As part of the reverse DNS lookup function, aliases for these hosts could also be found, and added to the list of hosts for the IP address or IP address range. These hostnames could be added to the URL frontier 105 , and thus configured within the web focus crawler 110 by an external or an internal utility.
At step 120 , the web focus crawler 110 initiates a crawl operation. After a page has been crawled by the web focus crawler 110 the URL is checked against the web space to see if there is a match in the URL frontier 105 . During a web space match first the URL is checked against the directory and host rules, if the URL does not pass then the IP address of the website is checked against the address and range rules to see if the page should be stored in the repository (step 125 ) for analysis, or it should be discarded. Further, at step 130 , any links discovered at the website are further analyzed. A determination is made at step 135 as to if the discovered link belongs to the web space. In the event that the link is determined to belong to the web space is saved and added to the URL frontier 105 at step 145 . In the event the link is determined not to belong to the web space, it is discarded (step 140 ).
FIG. 2 shows the determination operation of step 135 in greater detail. We see in FIG. 2 that upon the discovery of a new URL link a determination is made as to whether the host identification segment of the discovered link is an IP address (step 205 ). If a determination is made that the host identification segment of the discovered link is an IP address, then at step 215 a further determination is made to ascertain if the IP address belongs to the web space in accordance with the prescribed rules of the web space. If the link is determined to fulfill the IP rule criteria for the web space, then the link is added to the URL frontier 105 . If the link is determined not to fulfill the rule criteria for the web space, then it is discarded (step 140 ).
In the event at step 205 that the host identification segment for a discovered link is not part of an IP address, then at step 210 a determination is made as to whether the discovered link fulfills the criteria for host/prefix rules that have been established for the web space. If the discovered link fulfills the web space rule criteria, then it is added to the URL frontier 105 . In the event that the link does not fulfill the rule criteria then at step 220 a DNS lookup operation is performed upon the discovered link to ascertain the an IP address, or IP address range to which the link belongs. Thereafter, the link is submitted to the determined operations of step 215 .
Crawling by IP address and IP address range is beneficial in solving a variety of crawl policy problems. Some IP addresses and IP address ranges are earmarked for particular type of sites, or for certain geographical location. Specifying sites to be crawled by IP address or IP address range, hence directs the focus crawlers to crawl those sites without actually building a list of the relevant sites. Within further aspects of the present invention, a web focus crawler is configured to crawl the IP address of a specified Intranet site.
In summary, web crawling by IP address and IP address range makes it easier for an administrator to manage a web space as new websites are added to the Internet and/or an Intranet. If a user is interested in particular sites that always belong to an IP address, or IP address range, the IP addresses or IP address range will automatically be discovered and crawled by the focus crawler if the focus crawler is configured with the appropriate IP based rules.
The capabilities of the present invention can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware or some combination thereof.
As one example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be included in an article of manufacture (e.g., one or more computer program products) having, for instance, computer usable media. The media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable program code means for providing and facilitating the capabilities of the present invention. The article of manufacture can be included as a part of a computer system or sold separately.
The flow diagram depicted herein is just an example. There may be many variations to this diagram or the step (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention.
While the preferred embodiment to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.
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The present invention relates to a method for configuring a policy management protocol for a web crawler, the method further comprising the steps of determining a web space that is to be crawled by a web crawler, wherein the web space is comprised of an IP address and/or a range of IP addresses, and determining additional hostnames that are associated with the IP address and/ range of IP addresses. The method further comprises the steps of configuring the web crawler to crawl the IP address and/ range of IP addresses, and determine additional hostnames that are associated with the IP address or range of IP addresses, and performing a web crawling function upon the determined additional hostnames by the web crawler.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is filed under 35 U.S.C §120 and §365(c) as a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/DE2012/000243 filed Mar. 12, 2012, which application claims priority from German Patent Application No. 10 2011 016 012.4 tiled Apr. 4, 2011, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a method for controlling a hybrid drivetrain in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, which has a crankshaft and an electric machine which can be operated as a motor and a. generator, having a rotor operatively connected to the crankshaft, having a torsional vibration damper operatively connected to the crankshaft, having a battery device for exchanging electrical energy with the electric machine, and having a control unit for controlling the battery device and the electric machine, and a corresponding battery device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hybrid drivetrains are known from series applications in motor vehicles. These hybrid drivetrains employ, for example, an electric machine, which serves as a starter for the combustion engine, as an additional or part-time solitary drive, and for recovering the kinetic energy of the motor vehicle, as a motor and generator; the electric machine being operatively connected to a battery device, which stores and emits electrical energy.
[0004] A device for reducing non-uniformities of rotation of a combustion engine is also known from German Patent No, 197 09 299 A1, where half-waves from the electric machine switched to generator operation which lie above a mean torque of the combustion engine are damped and the released energy is stored in the battery unit, and the electric machine is driven to fill out half-waves lying below a mean torque, energy being taken from the battery device. All-in-all, the charging and discharging currents which occur here at the battery device in the rhythm of the non-uniformities of rotation of the combustion engine are high, so that the battery device may not have sufficient recharging kinetics and is damaged in the course of time due to the recharging.
[0005] Furthermore, the non-uniformities of rotation, such as torsional vibrations in modem combustion engines are so high, for example, due to downsizing and the like, that traditionally employed torsional vibration dampers meet their capacity limits.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to operate a hybrid drivetrain in such a way that, on the one hand, the torsional vibrations of the combustion engine are damped in a satisfactory manner, and, on the other hand, the battery device is spared. The object of the invention is also to design a corresponding battery device so that it has longer and better functionality, for example, with high-frequency recharging processes between charging and discharging.
[0007] The object is fulfilled by a method for controlling a hybrid drivetrain in a motor vehicle, having an internal combustion engine, which has a crankshaft and an electric machine, which can be operated as a motor and generator, having a rotor operatively connected to the crankshaft, having a torsional vibration damper operatively connected to the crankshaft, having a battery device for exchanging electrical energy with the electric machine, and having a control unit for controlling the battery device and the electric machine, the electric machine being operatively connected to at least first and second electric batteries of the battery device, and at least part of the time being charged in the rhythm of occurring residual vibrations of the torsional vibration damper of one of the batteries, while the other is being discharged. For example, to damp the residual vibrations of the torsional vibration damper through the alternating operation of the electric machine in motor and generator mode, the recharging currents, which occur with high frequency at the battery device, can be controlled such that one battery is only charged and the other is only discharged. Such an operating mode helps to conserve the batteries in the battery device, thereby prolonging their service life.
[0008] To take account of a charge or discharge state of the batteries, there is also a provision to switch them to a charging or discharging mode, independent of their charged condition, by the control unit, whose function may be provided in one or more physical control devices and control units, in this connection, technically known devices, for example, devices that are already present in the batteries in an advantageous manner to determine the charged condition, can be conveyed to the control unit, which controls in particular the charging and discharging currents for operating the electric machine which damps the residual vibrations. It is understood that during the operating states of the electric machine, for example, during the start, a recovery or the like, both batteries may also be simultaneously charged or discharged.
[0009] Furthermore, damping of the residual vibrations by means of the electric machine may also be suspended if the charge state or operating condition of the batteries falls below a specified residual charge or residual capacity, for example, at very low temperatures, during long drives with the support of the electric machine or the like.
[0010] In this connection, besides controlling the battery unit, the control unit controls the electric machine, while the battery switched to the charging state is charged by means of half-waves that lie above a mean torque of the residual vibrations, which are converted to electrical energy by driving the electric machine, and the battery switched to the discharging state drives the electric machine by half-waves that lie below a mean torque of the residual vibrations to compensate. The operating data for controlling the electric machine and the battery device are provided by corresponding sensor devices for detecting rotational characteristics such as angles of rotation and their temporal derivatives from shafts such as the crankshaft of the combustion engine, the transmission input shaft(s) of a gear unit, the rotor shaft of the electric machine, inner variables of the engine controller of the combustion engine such as engine characteristics, upper dead-center position and the like.
[0011] The object is also fulfilled by a battery device for carrying out the proposed method in a hybrid drivetrain which has first and second batteries which are alternately connectible by means of current-direction-sensitive switches and a control unit for connecting the switch, as well as a frequency converter. In this case, the minus pole is preferably grounded and the plus pole is connected by means of the switch, Alternatively, the grounding paths of the batteries can be connected by means of the proposed switches. To this end, the control unit issues a control signal in a preferred manner to two alternately switching logic switches, which switch the switches themselves, where in a preferred embodiment a switch for the charging current and a switch for the discharging current are provided at each plus pole, and these are alternately switched contrary to each other. In order to damp the residual vibrations of the torsional vibration damper, the switches are switched alternately with reference to the batteries, so that only one battery is charged and the other is discharged. If the electric machine is to start the combustion engine in motor mode or to deliver additional drive torque in a boost mode, the discharge switches of both batteries can be switched and the charge switches deactivated. In the case of recovery with the motor vehicle in deceleration mode, on the other hand, the charge switches of both batteries can be switched and the discharge switches deactivated. It is understood that the connection layout of the switches can be designed so that, for example, for simultaneous discharging or simultaneous charging of both batteries the switches can be switched accordingly, for example, the charge switches and the discharge switches can be connected simultaneously.
[0012] In an embodiment of a battery device, devices may be provided in each of the batteries to ascertain the charge state, which have a signal connection to the control unit and report the present charge state of the batteries, right down to individual charge states of the battery cells. The control unit registers the charge states and determines a charging plan for the various operating states of the motor vehicle, for example, for damping the residual vibrations of the torsional vibration damper by means of the electric machine. The control unit registers and/or obtains for this purpose data for appraising the operating states, for example, starting the combustion engine, shifting the transmission, compression and acceleration modes of the motor vehicle and the like.
[0013] The switches may be made, for example, of active electronic components, e.g., MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors). However, IGBTs (insulated-gate bipolar transistors) have proven to be advantageous, which, in contrast to MOSFETs, block completely against the switching direction due to the absence of suppressor diodes.
[0014] Lead storage batteries and the like may be used, for example, as the batteries. However, lithium-ion batteries have proven advantageous due to their favorable power-to-weight ratio and their time-dependent charging and discharging behavior. Connecting the latter by means of the switches prevents damage, which can occur, for example, due to subjecting them to micro-cycles, as are necessary when damping residual vibrations by means of the electric machine, Due to the currents that are directed through the converter and the switches into the corresponding battery in only one direction of flow, long charging cycles are produced, which can he set as macro-cycles for each battery, from a low charge state up to a prescribed charge state. When the batteries are designed with the same capacity, each battery may be charged alternately to approximately the maximum capacity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram for controlling the charge states of batteries of a. battery device;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a depiction of charging processes of a conventional battery device having a battery and the battery device of the present invention, over time;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a depiction of the currents appearing in a hybrid drivetrain during a compensation of residual vibrations of a torsional vibration damper at a conventional battery device and the battery device of the present invention, over time; and,
[0019] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram similar to the circuit diagram of Figure I for controlling the charge state of batteries of a battery device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
[0021] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and, as such, may, of course, vary. it is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
[0022] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows circuit diagram 2 of battery device 1 , having first and second batteries 3 , 4 with the same or different capacity, control unit 5 and converter 6 , which are connected to each other by means of grounding line 7 . Converter 6 forms the interface to the electric machine (not shown), and transforms the direct current of batteries 3 , 4 into a plurality of alternating current phases, of which only one phase w is depicted here symbolically, to drive the electric machine,
[0024] Situated between converter 6 and batteries 3 , 4 in each case are two parallel-switched switches 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 in the form of IGBTs connected oppositely in regard to their switch position, so that with gates of switches 8 , 9 , 10 . 11 connected in each case with the same signal level through logic switches 12 , 13 , in each case one switch of battery 3 , 4 is switched to conductive and the other to non-conductive. in this case, the gates are connected so that, for example, at battery 3 , when a positive level is present at output Out 1 of control unit 5 , switch 8 of battery 3 and switch 11 of battery 4 are switched so that when an AC signal is present at access line 14 only battery 3 receives charging Current through dosed switch 8 , while switch 10 which is responsible for the charging current of battery 4 remains open. In regard to discharge current, switch 9 of battery 3 is open, and a discharge current is able to flow from battery 4 through closed switch 11 .
[0025] If the level at output Out 1 is set to Low, inversely switched logic switches 12 , 13 issue a level to the gates of switches 9 , 10 , so that the discharge current from battery 3 and the charge current for battery 4 are switched through switch 9 , while switches 8 , 11 remain open.
[0026] The connection of output Out! of control unit 5 is dependent on the charge states ascertained in batteries 3 , 4 by devices 15 , 16 , which are made up of the charge states of the individual cells and are fed to inputs In 1 , In 2 of control unit 5 by means of signal lines 17 , 18 .
[0027] FIG. 2 shows Diagram 19 , in which curves 20 , 21 , 22 represent the charge states of batteries against time in the range of, for example, several minutes to several hours, where these charge states may vary and depend among other things on the capacity of the batteries and their electrode kinetics. The actual excitations of the drivetrain, which the torsional vibration damper in the drivetrain does not damp adequately, cause small waves in the range of approximately 100 Hz in the DC section which is downline from the converter. The depiction of the long-term charging process and the depiction of the AC portion of the excitations are shown overdrawn in Diagram 19 to explain the effects.
[0028] Curve 22 , identified using the symbols ‘+,’ shows a conventional battery device having a charge state of approximately 30% during a compensation of residual vibrations of a torsional vibration damper by means of an electric machine, which is connected to the single battery of the battery device. The battery is charged and discharged here using micro-cycles, which may lie within the range of the frequency of the occurring residual vibrations of the torsional vibration damper. The battery may be damaged by such micro-cycles and have a short service life.
[0029] Curves 20 , 21 , identified using the symbols ‘o’ and ‘x’ respectively, show the charge states of battery device 1 of FIG. 1 , first and second batteries 3 , 4 having different capacities—as is evident from FIG. 2 . The connection of batteries 3 , 4 in accordance with circuit diagram 2 results in the uniform charging and discharging of the batteries over macro-cycles, which can be made to approximate the charging and discharging processes recommended. by the manufacturer. In this case, the battery with curve 20 has the smaller capacity, so that it determines the macro-cycles, which may range from a few minutes to a few hours in length. The charge states are measured at the batteries and are registered by control unit 5 , which controls the switching of switches 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 to adjust the macro-cycles. In one embodiment, the battery with curve 20 is charged up to a charge state of 80% of the total capacity and discharged to 20% thereof, which results in a recharging of between 20% and 32% of its total capacity for the battery having the greater capacity.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows Diagram 23 , with currents occurring cyclically at battery devices during the compensation of residual vibrations of a torsional vibration damper by means of an electric machine connected to the batteries of the battery devices, over time. Here curve 24 , identified using the symbols ‘x,’ shows the currents of a conventional battery device having a single battery, which is recharged micro-cyclically at the frequency of the alternating currents. The batteries connected in accordance with circuit diagram 2 of FIG. 1 , on the other hand, are only charged or discharged, so that over a relatively long macro-cycle they undergo only positive or negative current cycles, as may be seen from curves 25 , 26 identified using the symbols ‘o’ and respectively, which each show the current of one battery.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows circuit diagram 2 a of first and second batteries 3 a, 4 a with the same or different capacity, control unit 5 a and converter 6 a, which are connected to each other by means of grounding line 7 a and access line 14 a . Converter 6 a forms the interface to electric machine 27 , and converts the DC current of batteries 3 a, 4 a to a plurality of AC phases u, v, w to drive electric machine 27 . At the same time, phase-selective commutation currents or commutation voltages in the range from 100 Hz to 1 kHz are output, while the voltage modulations recovered by electric machine 27 to damp the vibration of the drivetrain, which are transmitted via converter 6 a to the DC network, i.e., via access line Ha and grounding line 7 a to the batteries, lie within the range from approximately 60 to 100 Hz. Switches 8 a, 9 a, 10 a, Ha. are addressed directly by control unit 5 a by means of control lines 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , and are thereby placed in a through-connected or open state.
[0032] Because of the free design of the connection of switches 8 a, 9 a, 10 a, 11 a by control unit 5 a, one of batteries 3 a, 4 a can be charged while the other is being discharged. To this end, for example, switch 8 a is connected through in the direction of battery 3 a and switch Ha is connected through in the direction of converter 6 a, while switches 9 a, 10 a are open. This causes battery 3 a to be charged and battery 4 a to be discharged. By closing switches 8 a, 10 a in the same direction, both batteries 3 a, 4 a are charged, for example, during recovery of the drivetrain while the motor vehicle is decelerating, and by closing switches 9 a, 11 a in the same direction both batteries 3 a, 4 a are discharged simultaneously, for example, while starting the combustion engine or when the drivetrain is in boost mode.
[0033] Control unit 5 a has a signal connection to batteries 3 a, 4 a and converter 6 a by means of signal lines 17 a, 18 a, 32 , and thereby controls the charging of the batteries and the commutation of electric machine 27 .
[0034] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0000]
1 battery device
2 circuit diagram
2 a circuit diagram
3 battery
3 a battery
4 battery
4 a battery
5 control unit
5 a control unit
6 converter
6 a. converter
7 grounding line
7 a grounding line
8 switch
8 a switch
9 switch
9 a. switch
10 switch
10 a switch
11 switch
11 a switch
12 logic switch
13 logic switch
14 access line
14 a access line
15 device
16 device
17 signal line
17 a signal line
18 signal line
18 a signal line
19 diagram
20 curve
21 curve
22 curve
23 diagram
24 curve
25 curve
26 curve
27 electric machine
28 control line
29 control line
30 control line
31 control line
32 signal line
In 1 input
In 2 input
Out 1 output
u phase
v phase
w phase
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A method for controlling a hybrid drivetrain in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, which has a crankshaft and an electric machine which can be operated as a motor and generator, having a rotor operatively connected to the crankshaft, having a torsional vibration damper operatively connected to the crankshaft, having a battery device for exchanging electrical energy with the electric machine, and having a control unit for controlling the battery device and the electric machine, and a corresponding battery device. To operate the electric machine with rapidly changing motor and generator operation without damaging the battery device, the electric machine is operatively connected to at least first and second electric batteries of the battery device, where at least part of the time one of the batteries is charged in the rhythm of occurring residual vibrations of the torsional vibration damper, while the other is discharged.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 61/268,698 filed Jun. 15, 2009, entitled “Hydrodynamic Washpipe Packing Ring.” U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 61/268,698 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to seals that are suitable for containing a pressurized fluid that may be abrasive, and for providing a film of lubricant at the dynamic sealing interface in response to relative rotation to enhance pressure and rotary speed capabilities.
The seals of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in rotary swivel assemblies, such as the general type of oilfield washpipe assemblies that are described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,764,428 entitled “Wash Pipe Mounting For Swivels,” IADC/SPE Paper 59107 “A New Hydrodynamic Washpipe Sealing System Extends Performance Envelope and Provides Economic Benefit,” and commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,105 entitled “Swivel Seal Assembly.”
2. Description of the Related Art
Rotary seals are used to establish sealing between relatively rotatable machine components, for the purpose of retaining a pressurized fluid. The type of sealing ring that is most commonly used in oilfield washpipe assemblies is typically referred to as washpipe packing, and dates at least to U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,800 entitled “Rotary Swivel.” Such conventional washpipe packing is used to retain pressurized drilling fluid. Differential pressure energizes the dynamic sealing lip against the washpipe. While this type of packing has served the oilfield for many years, it is not suitable for the higher speeds and pressures of today's deep wells. The problems and extreme expenses associated with failures of conventional packing in deep wells are described in IADC/SPE Paper 59107.
The antecedents to the packings used in many other types of applications are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,442,687 entitled “Packing For Stuffing Boxes” and U.S. Pat. No. 2,459,472 entitled “Rotary Swivel.”
In general, the term “packing” simply refers to a sealing ring that is intended to be used in a “stuffing box” of one sort or another. “Packing” and “stuffing box” are terms that date back to the 1770's, and perhaps earlier. A stuffing box is a housing with a deep cylindrical cavity that receives a plurality of packing rings. Some or all of the packing rings are often installed in abutting relation with spacer rings that perform a packing ring supporting function. For several examples of spacer/support rings, see the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,394,800, 2,442,687, and 2,459,472, and IADC/SPE Paper 59107.
Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,619, entitled “Hydrodynamic Sealing Assembly,” shows a hydrodynamically lubricated packing ring assembly that has the disadvantage of requiring an expensive wavy backup ring.
Kalsi Engineering manufactures various configurations of hydrodynamic rotary seals, and sells them under the registered trademark “KALSI SEALS.” The factors involved in using such seals to contain a pressurized fluid are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,619. Typical seal configurations require a lubricant pressure that is greater than, or nearly equal to, that of the contained fluid. To contain a highly pressurized fluid, one can use a pair of oppositely-facing seals; one to serve as a partition between the lubricant and the pressurized fluid, and the other to retain the lubricant, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 3-38 of the Kalsi Seals Handbook, Revision 1 (Kalsi Engineering, Inc. Document No. 2137 Revision 1, 2005). The lubricant is maintained at a pressure equal to or greater than that of the contained fluid. This scheme ensures that neither seal is exposed to a high differential pressure acting from the wrong side, but requires a special mechanism to maintain the lubricant pressure at or above that of the contained fluid.
Many applications, such as the oilfield drilling swivel, the progressive cavity artificial lift pump, centrifugal pumps, and rotary mining equipment, would benefit significantly from a hydrodynamically lubricated rotary packing ring seal having the ability to operate under conditions where pressure of the contained fluid is higher than the lubricant pressure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a rotary sealing arrangement that overcomes the above-described shortcomings of the prior art. The rotary seal rings of the present invention are used to establish sealing with respect to a relatively rotatable surface (such as a shaft or washpipe). A dynamic lip deforms against the relatively rotatable surface, establishing an interfacial contact footprint that varies in width from place to place.
An aspect of the present invention is to provide a simple and compact rotary sealing arrangement for containing a pressurized media such as oilfield drilling fluid, where the rotary seals employ the advantage of maintaining a film of lubricant at the dynamic sealing interface during rotary operation, without requiring the undesirable complexity of a wavy backup ring, and without the undesirable complexity of maintaining the lubricant at a pressure that is greater than the pressure of the pressurized media. Hydrodynamic geometry on a dynamic sealing lip interacts with a lubricating media during relative rotation to wedge a lubricating film into the dynamic sealing interface between the seal and the relatively rotatable surface. The lubricating film is distributed across the dynamic sealing interface and migrates toward, and into, the pressurized fluid, and thus provides a contaminant flushing action. The lubricating film reduces seal running torque, providing reduced wear and reduced seal-generated heat. In other words, the dynamic sealing lip slips or hydroplanes on a film of lubricating fluid during periods of relative rotation between the dynamic sealing lip and relatively rotatable surface. When relative rotation stops, the hydroplaning activity stops, and a static sealing relationship is re-established between dynamic sealing lip and relatively rotatable surface.
One feature of the present invention is a hydrodynamic inlet that is supported by one or more adjacent boundaries, such as a recess support corner, a first recess end and/or a support shoulder, in order to resist differential pressure-induced inlet collapse, so as to retain the hydrodynamic wedging function of the hydrodynamic inlet despite the high differential pressure acting across the rotary seal.
The dynamic sealing surface is preferably interrupted by angled slots/recesses that have a shelf-like shape on at least one side thereof. The slots/recesses incorporate a hydrodynamic inlet shape having an end that may be approximately tangent with the dynamic sealing surface.
The shelf-like shape or shapes prevent the slots/recesses from collapsing completely against the shaft when the pressure of the contained fluid is higher than that of the seal lubricant. The lubricant is swept into the dynamic interface between the dynamic sealing surface and the washpipe, at the location near the extrusion gap where it is needed most for interfacial lubrication. A shelf-like shape also creates an angled zone of locally increased interfacial contact pressure that diverts lubricant film toward the environment-side edge of the dynamic sealing surface.
A feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is compatibility with the type of conventional packing ring support structure that is found in conventional stuffing boxes, including, but not limited to, the washpipe assemblies that are used in oil and gas well drilling.
An optional feature of the present invention is the compression of a portion of a static sealing rim between a first sealing housing component and a second sealing housing component to establish a static sealed relationship between the first and second sealing housing components, and to prevent rotation of the seal/packing relative to the first and second seal housing components.
It is intended that the seal of the present invention may incorporate one or more seal materials without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, and may be composed of any suitable sealing material, including elastomeric or rubber-like materials that may, if desired, be combined with various plastic materials such as reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) based plastic. If desired, the rotary seals may be of monolithic integral, one piece construction or may also incorporate different materials bonded, co-vulcanized, or otherwise joined together to form a composite structure. For use as an oilfield washpipe packing, a preferred seal material is a fabric reinforced elastomer compound.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages, and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings only illustrate preferred embodiments of this invention, and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that vary only in specific detail.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a ring-shaped hydrodynamic seal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seal shown in an installed condition in the absence of differential pressure;
FIG. 1B is a fragmentary shaded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the hydrodynamic seal in an uninstalled state;
FIG. 1C is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the ring-shaped hydrodynamic seal shown in FIG. 1A in an installed condition and in the presence of differential pressure;
FIG. 1D is a fragmentary shaded perspective view of the hydrodynamic seal of FIG. 1B taken from a different perspective;
FIGS. 2-4 are fragmentary cross-sectional views of a ring-shaped hydrodynamic seal according to other preferred embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are fragmentary cross-sectional views of a ring-shaped hydrodynamic seal according to other preferred embodiments of the present invention, further showing an energizer element and with the seal arranged in tandem with another seal; and
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a ring-shaped hydrodynamic seal according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1A-1D
FIGS. 1A , 1 B 1 C and 1 D are views representing one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and should be studied together, in order to attain a more complete understanding of the invention. Features throughout this specification that are represented by like numbers have the same function. While the invention is readily adaptable to various sealing configurations, FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate the invention in the context of an oilfield washpipe packing-type seal, and disclose how to achieve hydrodynamic interfacial lubrication using a novel collapse-resistant hydrodynamic inlet geometry.
The rotary seal of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated generally at 2 in its installed condition, in the absence of differential pressure in FIG. 1A , and FIG. 1C illustrates the rotary seal 2 in its installed condition in the presence of differential pressure. FIGS. 1B and 1D show two different perspective views of the rotary seal 2 in its uninstalled, uncompressed condition.
With reference to FIGS. 1B and 1D , the rotary seal 2 has a ring-like, generally circular configuration. In other words, the rotary seal is a seal body that forms a ring. As with the seal of U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,800, the cross-section of the seal has a generally V-shape, with one side of the “V” clamped in compression, and the other side of the “V” providing a dynamic sealing function as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C .
The terms “ring-like” and “ring” are used with the understanding that the term “ring” is commonly understood to encompass shapes other than perfectly circular. As an example, a decorative finger ring often has beaded edges or a sculpted shape, yet is still called a ring. As another example, the “ring” of U.S. Pat. No. 1,462,205 is not everywhere circular. There are thousands of precedents for using the term “ring-like” in a patent, and many patents use the term in conjunction with a seal or a body of a seal. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 612,890, 4,361,332, 4,494,759, 4,610,319, 4,660,839, 4,909,520, 5,029,879, 5,230,520, 5,584,271, 5,678,829, 5,833,245, 5,873,576, 6,109,618, and 6,120,036. Note that in many of the examples, the seal in question has features that result in the shape not being everywhere circular. For example, in some cases the dynamic lip of the ring-like seal has a wavy lubricant-side shape.
The rotary seal 2 , being a generally circular ring, defines a theoretical axis. While the theoretical axis is not illustrated, the term “axis” is well-understood in the art, and in the field of drafting is sometimes illustrated using a centerline. For orientation purposes, it should be understood that in all of the cross-sectional views herein, the cutting plane of the cross-section is aligned with and passes through the theoretical axis of the rotary seal 2 ; i.e., the theoretical centerline lies on the cutting plane. The circumferential direction of relative rotation is normal (perpendicular) to the plane of the cross-section, and the theoretical centerline of rotary seal 2 generally coincides with the axis of relative rotation.
Referring to FIGS. 1A-1D , the rotary seal 2 includes a dynamic sealing lip 4 of generally annular form and a static sealing rim 6 of generally annular form. The static sealing rim 6 is sometimes referred to in the art as a “static sealing lip.” The static sealing rim 6 is typically oriented in generally opposed relation to the dynamic sealing lip 4 , but designs are possible where the static sealing rim 6 is not oriented in opposed relation to the dynamic sealing lip 4 .
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dynamic sealing lip 4 and the static sealing rim 6 are integral features of the rotary seal 2 . The dynamic sealing lip 4 is adapted for sealing against a relatively rotatable surface 8 of a first machine component 10 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C . In an oilfield washpipe assembly, the first machine component 10 is the washpipe.
The rotary seal 2 is installed within a seal groove that is typically defined by a first groove wall 12 , a second groove wall 14 , and a peripheral wall 16 . The seal groove and the relatively rotatable surface 8 together form what is commonly called a seal gland. The peripheral wall 16 is positioned in spaced relation to the relatively rotatable surface 8 . Seal gland arrangements are possible where the second groove wall 14 is unnecessary. When the second groove wall 14 is used, it is positioned in spaced relation to the first groove wall 12 .
The seal groove is preferably defined by a second machine component 18 that may be formed of one or more components. In FIGS. 1A and 1C , the second machine component 18 is an assembly formed by two separable components, a first spacer ring 20 and a second spacer ring 22 . The rotary seal 2 is oriented (i.e., positioned) by the second machine component 18 for sealing with respect to the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 .
If desired, the first spacer ring 20 and a second spacer ring 22 can be generally shaped like the conventional spacer rings that are shown in the conventional washpipe assembly of FIG. 11 of IADC/SPE Paper 59107. The seals of the present invention may, if desired, be shaped to fit directly into such conventional washpipe assemblies as replacement packing elements.
The first spacer ring 20 and the second spacer ring 22 may be retained or attached together by any suitable retaining or attachment means, including, for example, threaded means such as threads, bolts, screws, studs, hammer unions, etc., and including external clamping means, bayonet-type latches, deformable rims or tangs, retaining ring(s), welding, soldering, bonding, friction, interference fit, etc., without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The first and second spacer rings 20 and 22 may be made from any suitable material, such as, for example, metal, plastic or reinforced plastic, or a combination thereof.
The most common method for securing the first spacer ring 20 and the second spacer ring 22 together is to axially clamp them inside of a housing, as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,800 and FIG. 11 of IADC/SPE Paper 59107. As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,800, FIG. 11 of IADC/SPE Paper 59107, and FIGS. 5 and 6 herein, the spacer rings may, if desired, incorporate one or more lubricant communication passages such as drilled holes. If desired, the first spacer ring 20 and the second spacer ring 22 can have a sealed relationship with a mating housing, as shown in FIG. 6 of commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,619.
Although the second machine component 18 is illustrated as an assembly formed by two separable components, such is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The manner of positioning the rotary seal 2 admits to other equally suitable forms. For example, the rotary seal 2 could be configured for installation within a groove that is formed in a second machine component 18 that is of one piece construction.
On a washpipe, the relatively rotatable surface 8 is an external cylindrical shape. Although the invention is disclosed here in the context of a familiar washpipe packing-type of seal, such is not intended to limit the configuration of the relatively rotatable surface 8 . It is well-established that hydrodynamic rotary seals can be configured for, and used in, both radial- and face-sealing applications.
Relatively rotatable surface 8 can take the form of an externally- or internally-oriented, substantially cylindrical surface, as desired, with rotary seal 2 positioned radially between peripheral wall 16 and relatively rotatable surface 8 , in which case the axis of relative rotation would be substantially parallel to relatively rotatable surface 8 . In a radial sealing configuration, dynamic sealing lip 4 is oriented for compression in a substantially radial direction, and peripheral wall 16 may, if desired, be of substantially cylindrical configuration.
Alternatively, relatively rotatable surface 8 can take the form of a substantially planar surface, with rotary seal 2 compressed axially between peripheral wall 16 and relatively rotatable surface 8 in a “face-sealing” arrangement, in which case the axis of relative rotation would be substantially perpendicular to relatively rotatable surface 8 . In an axial (face) sealing configuration, dynamic sealing lip 4 is oriented for compression in a substantially axial direction, and peripheral wall 16 may be of substantially planar configuration. In what is contemplated to become the most common configuration, relatively rotatable surface 8 is the external cylindrical surface of a shaft, sleeve, or washpipe.
In summary, the rotary seal 2 can be configured for uses as a radial seal or a face seal by configuring the dynamic sealing lip 4 to be located at either the inside diameter, the outside diameter, or the end of the seal, while maintaining the advantages of the invention that are disclosed herein.
The static sealing rim 6 is adapted for sealing with respect to the second machine component 18 . Typically, the static sealing rim 6 is adapted for sealing with respect to the second machine component 18 by virtue of being adapted to establish sealing contact pressure with respect to the second machine component 18 . This sealing contact pressure is typically achieved by having some part of the static sealing rim 6 in compressed contact with the second machine component 18 . However it is achieved, when the rotary seal 2 is installed, the static sealing rim 6 establishes a sealed relationship with the second machine component 18 . In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C , the sealed relationship with the second machine component 18 is established by axial clamping of the static sealing rim 6 between the first spacer ring 20 and the second spacer ring 22 . This is not meant to imply that the invention is limited to seals having a sealing rim 6 that is axially clamped. Other means of establishing a sealed relationship between a static sealing rim 6 and a second machine component are known in the art, and are applicable to the present invention. For example, an energizer element 72 such as a spring ( FIG. 6 ), or an elastomer element ( FIG. 5 ) can be used to establish the sealing contact pressure. For another example, interference is sometimes used to establish the sealing contact pressure.
The dynamic sealing lip 4 incorporates a dynamic sealing surface 26 for sealing contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 . In the uncompressed state of the rotary seal 2 ( FIGS. 1B and 1D ), the dynamic sealing surface 26 is preferably tapered, assuming the general shape of a truncated cone. The dynamic sealing lip 4 also includes at least one force receiving surface 28 . The force receiving surface 28 can be of any suitable shape that performs the functions described herein that the force receiving surface 28 serves.
The rotary seal 2 may be composed of any suitable sealing material, including, for example, elastomeric or rubber-like materials such as an elastomer compound or a combination of one or more elastomer compounds, various plastic materials, different materials bonded together to form a composite structure or inter-fitted together, or a combination of a suitable plastic and an elastomer compound. It is preferred, however, that the seal 2 be made from a reinforced material, such as fabric-reinforced elastomer compound.
For use in oilfield washpipe assemblies, the rotary seal 2 is typically made primarily from a fabric-reinforced elastomer compound. Commonly used materials include cotton fabric-reinforced nitrile rubber (NBR), cotton fabric-reinforced hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), and aramid fabric-reinforced HNBR. As is commonly done with oilfield washpipe packings, a local end portion of the static sealing rim 6 may be constructed of a ring of homogeneous elastomer compound (for example, see FIG. 4 ).
It is commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that elastomers used in seal construction are compounds that include one or more base elastomers. Such base elastomers include, but are not limited to, HNBR (hydrogenated nitrile rubber), HSN (highly saturated nitrile), FKM (fluorocarbon rubber), FEPM (also known as TFE/P or tetrafluoroethylene and propylene copolymer), and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). Such compounds may include other compounding agents including fillers, processing aids, anti-degradants, vulcanizing agents, accelerators, and activators. The effects of the ingredients used are generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of compounding elastomers. Likewise, the ingredients used in manufacturing plastics that are used in seal construction are generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of developing plastic seal materials.
A low pressure end 30 of the rotary seal 2 has a surface that generally faces the first groove wall 12 , and is adapted for being in supporting contact therewith. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C , if preferred, the low pressure end 30 can have a “V” shape when viewed in cross-section, for being supported by a mating V-shaped first groove wall 12 . This aspect of rotary seal 2 is simply part of the basic, well-known washpipe packing geometry shown, for example, in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,800. Referring to FIG. 1B , the transition between the dynamic sealing surface 26 and the low pressure end 30 is referred to herein as the lubricant end transition 60 .
When the low pressure end 30 and the first groove wall 12 have mating “V” shapes, the first groove wall 12 comprises first wall part 12 A and first wall part 12 B, and the low pressure end 30 comprises low pressure end portion 30 A and low pressure end portion 30 B as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C .
The first groove wall 12 forms a support surface for the rotary seal 2 . As shown, it is preferable that at least a portion of the first groove wall 12 (i.e., first wall part 12 B) establishes a tapered (i.e., shaped like a portion of a cone) support surface for the rotary seal 2 . Preferably, any remaining portion of the first groove wall 12 establishes the first wall part 12 A. A part of the first groove wall 12 is preferably angulated, establishing an acute included angle 62 with respect to the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 .
The rotary seal 2 is designed for relative rotation with respect to the relatively rotatable surface 8 . It is to be understood that this relative rotation can be achieved by rotating the first machine component 10 , or by rotating the rotary seal 2 , or by simultaneously rotating both the rotary seal 2 and the first machine component 10 independently. If the rotary seal 2 is to be rotated, it is preferred that it be accomplished by rotating the second machine component 18 . Referring to FIG. 1B , the rotary seal 2 shown is adapted for a relatively rotatable surface 8 of a first machine component 10 (e.g., a shaft) having a direction of relative rotation represented by the arrow 46 (i.e., the shaft rotation being shown in a counter-clockwise direction). The seal design is reversed (i.e., made in a minor image version) for applications in which the relatively rotatable surface 8 has a direction of relative rotation 46 opposite of that shown in FIG. 1B (i.e., the shaft rotating in a clockwise direction). If the rotary seal design shown in FIG. 1B rotates around a stationary shaft, it is to be understood that the seal would rotate in a clockwise direction.
The rotary seal 2 preferably has an exclusion edge 32 that is preferably generally circular, in accordance with the teachings of the prior art. When the rotary seal 2 is installed, the exclusion edge 32 contacts the relatively rotatable surface 8 as shown in FIG. 1A . The exclusion edge 32 is formed by an intersection between the dynamic sealing surface 26 and an adjacent surface of the dynamic sealing lip 4 , as shown. Due to the exclusion edge 32 being substantially circular, it is substantially aligned with the possible directions of relative rotation, so that it does not produce a hydrodynamic wedging action in response to relative rotation, thereby facilitating containment of a contained media 40 .
Since perfect theoretical circularity is seldom if ever obtainable in any feature of any manufactured product in practice, it is to be understood that when “circular,” “substantially circular,” “substantial circularity,” or similar terms are used to describe attributes of the invention, the terms are not to be misconstrued as an intent to achieve the unobtainable; i.e., perfect theoretical circularity.
As illustrated in FIG. 1B , the dynamic sealing surface 26 has a maximum surface width 34 and a minimum surface width 36 . When rotary seal 2 is installed, the dynamic sealing lip 4 is deformed into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 , and the portion of the dynamic sealing surface 26 near the exclusion edge 32 contacts the first machine component, establishing an interfacial contact footprint having an interfacial contact footprint width 38 as shown in FIG. 1A . The interfacial contact footprint is often referred to as the “interface” or the “sealing interface.” (It is understood and rather well known in the industry that when extremely stiff aramid fabric-reinforced elastomer is used in packing construction, actual complete sealing doesn't occur with thin viscosity fluids until some level of differential pressure is applied. This is due to the fabric-induced surface texture of the dynamic sealing surface 26 . Nevertheless, the interfacial contact footprint of such seals can be, and sometimes is, referred to within the industry as the “sealing interface.”) When relative rotation occurs between the rotary seal 2 and the relatively rotatable surface 8 , the above-described interface becomes a dynamic interface, and is often referred to as the “dynamic sealing interface.”
The rotary seal 2 is used to retain the contained media 40 , which is from time to time maintained at an elevated pressure. For the purposes of this specification, the term “contained media” encompasses any media that the rotary seal 2 may be required to retain, such as, but not limited to, drilling fluid, other types of fluid, dirt, crushed rock, manure, dust, lubricating media, a process media, seawater, air, sand, metallic projectiles, plastic pellets, etc. For purposes of this specification, the term “fluid” has its broadest meaning, encompassing both liquids and gases.
In an oilfield washpipe assembly, the contained media 40 is drilling fluid, which is also known as drilling mud. The contained media 40 is typically communicated to the rotary seal 2 by a media passage 41 that is typically established by clearance between the first machine component 10 and the second machine component 18 as shown in FIG. 1A .
Still referring to FIG. 1A , a lubricant passage 42 is typically provided, and is typically established by the clearance between the first machine component 10 and an extrusion gap bore 43 of the second machine component 18 . A lubricant 44 is located within the lubricant passage 42 . Within the industry, the lubricant passage 42 is also referred to as the “extrusion gap” or the “extrusion gap clearance.” The lubricant 44 is preferably a liquid-type lubricant such as a synthetic or natural oil, or a lubricating grease. Other types of fluids, however, are also suitable in some applications. The first groove wall 12 and the extrusion gap bore 43 preferably intersect in acute angular relation and preferably form a generally circular intersection. It should be understood, however, that the intersection can be rounded (as shown) or chamfered to eliminate the sharpness of the intersection.
The extrusion gap bore 43 may, if desired, establish a journal bearing relationship with the relatively rotatable surface 8 , and that journal bearing relationship may be used to guide the relatively rotatable surface 8 relative to the second machine component 18 , or vice-versa.
The lubricant 44 is preferably fed into the lubricant passage 42 from some type of lubricant supply. Various types of lubricant supply systems are known in the art. For example, see the various types of lubricant supply systems that are shown and/or described in the publicly available Kalsi Seals Handbook, Revision 1 and the lubricant supplies shown in various U.S. Patents, such as, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,195,754, 5,279,365, 6,007,105, and 6,227,547.
The purposes of the rotary seal 2 of the preferred embodiment are to establish sealing engagement with the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 and with the second machine component 18 , to retain the contained media 40 , and to cause a film of the lubricant 44 to migrate toward and preferably into the contained media 40 for lubrication of the rotary seal 2 and the relatively rotatable surface 8 , and for flushing purposes.
When the pressure of the contained media 40 is greater than the pressure of the lubricant 44 as illustrated in FIG. 1C , the resulting differential pressure imposes force on the force receiving surface 28 , which flattens more of the dynamic sealing lip 4 against the relatively rotatable surface 8 and causes the contact footprint width 38 to increase; i.e. the footprint spreads. At some level of differential pressure between the contained media 40 and the lubricant 44 , the maximum local size of the contact footprint width 38 can equal or even slightly exceed the maximum surface width 34 of the dynamic sealing surface 26 .
When the pressure of the contained media 40 is greater than the pressure of the lubricant 44 , the resulting differential pressure also deforms the rotary seal 2 in a way that causes all or substantially all of the low pressure end 30 of the rotary seal 2 to be in contact with the first groove wall 12 . Thus, the rotary seal 2 is supported against the pressure of the contained media 40 by the first groove wall 12 , as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,800. Within the seal industry, the first groove wall 12 is sometimes referred to as the “lubricant-side wall,” and the second groove wall 14 is sometimes referred to as the “environment-side wall.”
The dynamic sealing lip 4 has at least one recess 48 of the general type disclosed in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 1B and 1D . The sectional views herein, such as FIG. 1A , are intended to be interpreted by the standard conventions of multi and sectional view orthographic drawing projection practiced in the United States and described in ANSI Y143-1975, an industry standardization document promulgated by ASME. Section 3-4.2.1 of ANSI Y14.3-1975 has been interpreted to mean that the circumferentially solid portions of the seal, such as the portion of the dynamic sealing lip 4 to the right of the recess 48 , should be crosshatched in sectional view, while the recess 48 should be drawn in outline form without crosshatch lines to avoid conveying a false impression of circumferential solidity. This ASME Section 3-4.2.1-based cross-sectional illustration technique has been employed within the sealing industry in this manner for many years.
The recess 48 comprises a hydrodynamic ramp 50 and a recess flank 52 . The recess flank 52 is preferably adjacent to the hydrodynamic ramp 50 , as shown. The recess flank 52 preferably forms a ledge, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D . Preferably, at least part of the recess flank 52 is skewed with respect to the direction of relative rotation 46 between the rotary seal 2 and the first machine component 10 . This skewed orientation is more readily apparent in the fragmentary shaded perspective views of FIGS. 1B and 1D , which illustrates the recess 48 in more detail. For example, as the recess flank 52 traverses the dynamic sealing surface 26 circumferentially, it may taper from a position adjacent the low pressure end 30 toward the exclusion edge 32 , as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D . The purpose of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 is to establish a gently converging relationship with the relatively rotatable surface 8 in the circumferential direction, in order to serve as a hydrodynamic inlet that, in response to relative rotation, hydrodynamically wedges a film of lubricant into the interface between the dynamic sealing surface 26 and the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 . Where the recess 48 interrupts (i.e., cuts into) the low pressure end portion 30 , it preferably establishes at least one recess support corner 49 .
A principal aspect of the recess 48 is that it is exposed to and contains some of the lubricant 44 , and thereby allows at least a part of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 to be exposed to the lubricant 44 . One purpose of the recess flank 52 is to support the recess 48 against total collapse when the pressure of the contained media 40 is greater than the pressure of the lubricant 44 ( FIG. 1C ), so that the recess 48 remains exposed to and preferably filled with the lubricant 44 , so that the hydrodynamic ramp 50 can perform its hydrodynamic wedging function. Another purpose of the recess flank 52 is to create a zone of elevated interfacial contact pressure within the sealing interface. Preferably, as discussed above, at least part of that zone of elevated interfacial contact pressure is skewed with respect to the direction of relative rotation between the first machine component 10 and the rotary seal 2 , in order to divert lubricant film toward and past the exclusion edge 32 , and into the contained media 40 .
Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1D , the recess 48 has a first recess end shown generally at 54 , and a second recess end shown generally at 56 . The second recess end 56 is spaced from the first recess end 54 , and the spacing is generally in the circumferential direction. As a result, the recess 48 can be said to have a circumferential length. The recess flank 52 preferably tapers off to nothing at the second recess end 56 , merging smoothly with the dynamic sealing surface 26 . The entire recess 48 preferably merges smoothly into the dynamic sealing surface 26 at the second recess end 56 as shown, having some depth at the first recess end and preferably tapering to no depth at the second recess end 56 .
The recess 48 preferably interrupts (i.e., cuts into) both the dynamic sealing surface 26 and the low pressure end 30 . The dynamic sealing surface 26 varies locally in its width along its circumference as a result of the recess 48 . Preferably, at least part of the recess flank 52 is skewed relative to the direction of relative rotation 46 . For example, and as disclosed above, as the recess flank 52 traverses the dynamic sealing surface 26 circumferentially, it may taper from a position adjacent the low pressure end 30 toward the exclusion edge 32 , as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D . Where the recess 48 interrupts (i.e., cuts into) the low pressure end 30 , it preferably establishes at least one recess support corner 49 that may, if desired, be rounded as shown. If desired, the recess flank 52 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the ramp 50 at or adjacent the first recess end 54 . Optionally, the recess flank 52 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the dynamic sealing surface 26 at or adjacent the first recess end 54 .
The first recess end 54 preferably forms a closed end, as shown. The closed end is preferred because it supports the recess 48 against collapse when differential pressure is acting on the rotary seal 2 in its installed state, thereby preserving lubricant communication to the hydrodynamic ramp 50 . Because the first recess end 54 preferably forms a closed end, the recess 48 ends abruptly, rather than passing on through and forming the alternate first recess end 54 A that is represented by a dashed line in FIG. 1B . In the presence of differential pressure, the recess 48 is supported on three of its sides via contact between those sides and the first and second machine components 10 and 18 of FIG. 1C .
At least one support shoulder 57 is incorporated along or near the side of the recess 48 that is oriented toward the exclusion edge 32 . The support shoulder 57 is preferably relatively abrupt near the first recess end 54 , and preferably merges smoothly into the dynamic sealing surface 26 at or near the second recess end 56 . If desired, the support shoulder 57 can, as shown, form the transition between the recess flank 52 and the dynamic sealing surface 26 .
As shown in FIG. 1A , the rotary seal 2 may be installed into a seal gland arrangement that is similar to that shown by FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,800. The functional reason that the recess 48 cuts into the low pressure end portion 30 B of the rotary seal 2 is to provide a lubricant passageway to feed lubricant into the recess 48 when most or all of the dynamic sealing surface 26 is forced into contact with the relatively rotatable surface by the force of the pressure of the contained media 40 acting on the at least one force receiving surface 28 .
As measured relative to the dynamic sealing surface 26 , the recess 48 preferably has maximum depth at or near the first recess end 54 , as shown in FIG. 1B , and this depth gradually diminishes along the circumferential length of the recess 48 , preferably becoming zero (no depth) at the second recess end 56 . The change in depth of the recess 48 is established by the slope of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 relative to the dynamic sealing surface 26 . Preferably, the hydrodynamic ramp 50 merges smoothly into the dynamic sealing surface 26 at the second recess end 56 as shown, without producing a facet. The recess 48 preferably has a maximum recess width 58 at the second recess end 56 , and is preferably narrower at the first recess end 54 . By varying the width of the recess 48 as shown, the recess 48 has maximum support against pressure induced collapse near the first recess end 54 because the recess support corner 49 , the support shoulder 57 , and the first recess end 54 are in close proximity to one another and the recess 48 is relatively deep, as measured relative to the dynamic sealing surface 26 .
As previously described, the dynamic sealing surface 26 has a maximum surface width 34 and a minimum surface width 36 . The minimum surface width 36 is equal to the maximum surface width 34 minus the maximum recess width 58 .
In the absence of differential pressure, some of the area of the dynamic sealing surface 26 near the exclusion edge 32 contacts the relatively rotatable surface of the first machine component, establishing an interfacial contact footprint of some width (as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A ).
When the force produced by high differential pressure acts on the at least one force receiving surface 28 , additional area of the dynamic sealing surface 26 is deformed into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 , causing more of the dynamic sealing surface 26 to contact the relatively rotatable surface 8 ; i.e., the footprint spreads. Typically, at some high enough magnitude of differential pressure, all or nearly all of the dynamic sealing surface 26 is deformed into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 . It is possible that even a small portion of the low pressure end 30 near the lubricant end transition 60 might also be brought into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 when the rotary seal 2 is exposed to severe differential pressure.
If desired, the maximum recess width 58 can be sized such that no portion of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 at the second recess end 56 engages the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 in the absence of differential pressure. That is, the hydrodynamic ramp 50 would only begin to engage the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 and perform a hydrodynamic wedging function when some level of differential pressure is applied across the rotary seal 2 . When so designed, the hydrodynamic ramp 50 does not serve any hydrodynamic wedging function until the differential pressure applied across the rotary seal 2 is sufficient to cause a portion of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 to contact the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 . When so designed, the hydrodynamic wedging action provided by the hydrodynamic ramp 50 provides a progressively stronger hydrodynamic wedging action as the differential pressure increases and brings more of the dynamic sealing surface 26 and more of the width of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 . In other words, the hydrodynamic ramp 50 can be configured to provide more hydrodynamic interfacial lubrication when more lubrication is needed due to the higher differential pressure.
Alternately, if desired, the maximum recess width 58 can be designed so that at least a portion of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 at the second recess end 56 already engages the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 at the time of installation, even in the absence of differential pressure. When so designed, the hydrodynamic ramp 50 serves a hydrodynamic wedging function even in the absence of differential pressure, whenever relative rotation occurs.
One purpose of the support shoulder 57 is to support the recess 48 when differential pressure acting across the seal 2 forces additional area of the dynamic sealing surface 26 against the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 . The reason for providing such support is so that at least a portion of the recess 48 remains out of contact with the rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 . It is desirable that at least a portion of the recess 48 remains “open” (not in contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 ), and can thereby provide lubricant communication to the location where the hydrodynamic ramp 50 contacts the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 .
The location where the hydrodynamic ramp 50 contacts the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 forms a hydrodynamic inlet. When the relatively rotatable surface 8 rotates in the direction of relative rotation 46 with respect to the rotary seal 2 as shown in FIG. 1B , the lubricant-wetted relatively rotatable surface 8 drags lubricant into the interfacial contact footprint at the location where the hydrodynamic ramp 50 contacts the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 . This phenomenon is referred to as hydrodynamic wedging activity, and produces a film of oil between the dynamic sealing surface 26 and the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine, component 10 . In other words, the rotary seal 2 hydroplanes on a film of oil. This hydrodynamic wedging activity is facilitated by the fact that the hydrodynamic ramp 50 has a very gradual convergence with the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 in the circumferential direction. This hydrodynamic wedging activity is represented schematically by the lubricant migration arrow 84 ( FIG. 1B ), however, it is to be understood that this wedging activity occurs not just at one line of action, but occurs across much or all of the width where the hydrodynamic ramp 50 converges with the relatively rotatable surface 8 .
The hydroplaning activity that occurs during relative rotation minimizes or prevents the typical dry rubbing wear and high friction associated with conventional non-hydrodynamic packing elements, prolonging the useful life of the rotary seal 2 and the life of the mating relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 , and making higher speed, and differential pressure, practical.
As described previously, when the above-described relative rotation is occurring, the interfacial contact footprint becomes a dynamic interface, also known as a “dynamic sealing interface.” During relative rotation, a net hydrodynamic pumping related leakage of the lubricant 44 preferably occurs as lubricant 44 is transferred across the dynamic sealing interface and into the contained media 40 .
When all or nearly all of the dynamic sealing surface 26 is in contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 , the portion of the rotary seal 2 that experiences the most stress is at or near the lubricant end transition 60 , which is the transition between the dynamic sealing surface 26 and the low pressure end 30 . The lubricant end transition 60 often takes the form of a corner, as shown, and if desired, this corner may be slightly rounded, as shown. The material near the lubricant end transition 60 experiences conditions that in the prior art cause significant wear. The hydrodynamic ramp 50 , being circumferentially in line with the dynamic interface near the lubricant end transition 60 , feeds lubricant 44 directly into that critical location. This causes that critical location (and the rotary seal 2 as a whole) to run much cooler than prior art packing. This cooler operation increases the extrusion resistance of the rotary seal 2 at the critical location near the lubricant end transition 60 by increasing the modulus of elasticity of the rotary seal 2 near the lubricant end transition 60 (and near the lubricant passage 42 of FIG. 1A ). The film of lubricant 44 within the dynamic interface dramatically reduces wear of the dynamic sealing surface 26 , compared to prior art packing, especially in the critical location near the lubricant end transition 60 .
Along at least part of the location where the support shoulder 57 contacts the relatively rotatable surface 8 of the first machine component 10 , a zone of elevated interfacial contact pressure occurs within the interfacial contact footprint. Preferably, at least part of this zone of interfacial contact pressure is skewed with respect to the direction of relative rotation 46 , and therefore during relative rotation, the zone of interfacial contact pressure diverts part of the film of lubricant 44 toward and past the exclusion edge 32 , and into the contained media 40 . The skewed zone of interfacial contact pressure created by the support shoulder 57 serves to flush contaminant matter from the dynamic interface, and thereby helps to minimize wear of the dynamic sealing surface 26 .
Referring now to FIG. 1C , the rotary seal 2 is illustrated in its installed condition, in the presence of differential pressure that is the result of the pressure of the contained media 40 being greater than the pressure of the lubricant 44 . The pressure of the contained media 40 forces much or all of the low pressure end 30 of the rotary seal 2 into supporting contact with the first groove wall 12 and forces the static sealing rim 6 into firmer contact with the second machine component 18 . Thus, the rotary seal 2 is supported against the pressure of the contained media 40 by the first groove wall 12 , and preferably the low pressure end portion 30 B is supported by the first wall part 12 B.
The pressure of the contained media 40 also imposes force on the at least one force receiving surface 28 , which causes the contact footprint width to increase; i.e., the footprint spreads. It also causes the sealing contact pressure between the dynamic sealing surface 26 and the relatively rotatable surface 8 to increase. Because of the recess 48 , the contact footprint width 38 is smaller at some locations than others. In FIG. 1C , 38 A represents a location of smaller footprint width, and 38 B represents a location of comparatively greater footprint width. Thus, the footprint has a wavy lubricant side edge.
The recess flank 52 serves to prop at least part of the recess 48 open, so that not all of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 is in contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 , and so that at least some portion of the recess 48 remains “open” (i.e., not in contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 ). The recess support corner 49 also preferably helps to keep the recess 48 open. The first recess end 54 ( FIGS. 1B and 1D ) also preferably helps to keep the recess 48 open. It is to be understood that as differential pressure increases, the recess support corner 49 and part of the left hand side of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 near the lubricant passage 42 might be deformed into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 . Whether the recess support corner 49 receives its support from the first groove wall 12 or from the relatively rotatable surface 8 , the support helps to keep at least the portion of the recess 48 near the recess flank 52 open. This is true even if part of the left hand side of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 near the lubricant passage 42 might be deformed into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 , because the open part of the recess 48 extends more or less circumferentially back to the lubricant passage 42 and provides communication for the lubricant 44 that is being hydrodynamically wedged into the dynamic sealing interface at the location where the hydrodynamic ramp 50 converges with the relatively rotatable surface 8 in the generally circumferential direction.
To reiterate, if part of the left-hand side of the recess 48 is collapsed against the relatively rotatable surface 8 , the open part of the recess 48 is still exposed to the extrusion gap bore 43 and the lubricant 44 and the open part of the recess 48 can serve as an open passage (i.e., a communication path) for supplying the lubricant 44 to the hydrodynamic inlet that is formed by the hydrodynamic ramp 50 converging generally circumferentially into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 . Since the inlet consumes lubricant 44 and pumps a film of lubricant 44 toward and past the exclusion edge 32 , it is critical that at least part of the recess 48 be propped open and can thereby perform its intended lubricant passageway function. Some features of this invention, such as the recess flank 52 , the recess support corner 49 , and the first recess end 54 , their proximity to each other, and the shape of the recess 48 , cooperate together with the first and second machine components 10 and 18 to allow the recess 48 to remain open despite the actions of high differential pressure, and to perform its intended functions.
With regard to FIG. 1C , it should be appreciated that even if the pressure of the contained media 40 causes the left hand part of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 to contact the relatively rotatable surface 8 , the right hand part of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 will remain out of contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 as a result of the propping effect of the recess flank 52 . Thus, at least a portion of the recess 48 remains “open” near and along the recess flank 52 , and opens into the lubricant passage 42 created by the clearance between the extrusion gap bore 43 of the first machine component 10 and the second machine component 18 , and serves as an open communication passage for the lubricant 44 , allowing the lubricant 44 to reach the hydrodynamic inlet location that is formed by the hydrodynamic ramp 50 converging into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 in the generally circumferential direction.
Because the pressure of the contained media 40 is greater than the pressure of the lubricant 44 , the contained media 40 produces a force on the force receiving surface 28 that causes the interfacial contact pressure near the recess flank 52 to be locally elevated. Since at least part of the recess flank 52 is preferably skewed relative to the direction of relative rotation between the relatively rotatable surface 8 and the dynamic sealing lip 4 , at least part of the elevated zone of interfacial contact pressure near the recess flank 52 is also preferably skewed relative to the direction of relative rotation 46 , thereby encouraging the lubricant film within the sealing interface to migrate toward and past the exclusion edge 32 in response to relative rotation between the relatively rotatable surface 8 and the dynamic sealing lip 4 . The direction of relative rotation 46 is normal to the plane of the cross-section; in other words it is normal to the FIG. 1A image.
A principal advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the recess flank 52 , the recess support corner 49 , (and, if desired, the wall-like configuration of the first recess end 54 illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1D ) supports the hydrodynamic ramp 50 from being flattened completely against the relatively rotatable surface 8 , thereby preserving an efficient, gently converging hydrodynamic inlet established between the hydrodynamic ramp 50 and the relatively rotatable surface 8 for maintaining efficient hydrodynamic film lubrication of the dynamic sealing surface 26 . This makes the rotary seal 2 operate much cooler than comparable non-hydrodynamic packing. Therefore, the rotary seal 2 retains a relatively high modulus of elasticity near the lubricant passage 42 for optimum extrusion resistance, and has less wear compared to conventional non-hydrodynamic packing.
FIG. 2
Referring now to FIG. 2 , an alternate embodiment of the ring-like, generally circular rotary seal of the present invention is illustrated generally at 2 in its installed condition, in the absence of differential pressure. It is to be understood that features throughout this specification that are represented by like numbers have the same function in the various embodiments of the present invention. The second groove wall 14 , peripheral wall 16 , contact footprint width 38 , contained media 40 , media passage 41 , lubricant passage 42 , extrusion gap bore 43 , lubricant 44 , recess 48 , recess support corner 49 , hydrodynamic ramp 50 , recess flank 52 , and lubricant end transition 60 are labeled in FIG. 2 for orientation purposes.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the rotary seal 2 is a ring that includes a dynamic sealing lip 4 and a static sealing rim 6 that are preferably integral features of the rotary seal 2 . The dynamic sealing lip 4 is adapted for sealing against a relatively rotatable surface 8 of a first machine component 10 .
The static sealing rim 6 is adapted for sealing with respect to the second machine component 18 by establishing sealing contact pressure with respect to the second machine component 18 achieved by having the static sealing rim 6 in compressed contacting relationship with the second machine component 18 . The compressed contacting relationship is established by axial clamping of the static sealing rim 6 between the first spacer ring 20 and the second spacer ring 22 of the second machine component 18 .
The dynamic sealing lip 4 incorporates a dynamic sealing surface 26 for sealing contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 , includes at least one force receiving surface 28 , and preferably has an exclusion edge 32 that is generally circular.
The low pressure end 30 of the rotary seal 2 generally faces, and is supported against differential pressure, by the first groove wall 12 . The first groove wall 12 preferably comprises first wall part 12 A and first wall part 12 B, and the low pressure end 30 of the rotary seal 2 preferably comprises low pressure end portion 30 A and low pressure end portion 30 B.
When installed, a portion of the dynamic sealing surface 26 contacts the first machine component 10 , thereby establishing a contact footprint width 38 therewith.
FIG. 3
Referring now to FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment of the ring-like, generally circular rotary seal of the present invention is illustrated generally at 2 in its installed condition, in the absence of differential pressure.
In the description of the seal of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A , it was disclosed that the seal of the present invention may be composed of any suitable sealing material, including combinations of materials that are joined together. FIG. 3 illustrates one way of using more than one material in the construction of the rotary seal 2 . In the present embodiment, the rotary seal 2 is a ring that comprises a first material 64 and a second material 66 that are joined together by any appropriate method. If desired, the second material 66 can have a higher modulus of elasticity than the first material 64 . For example, the second material 66 could be a plastic material with appropriate sealing and dynamic running properties, such as (but not limited to) reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) based plastic or a mixture of polyetheretherketone and polytetrafluoroethylene, and the first material 64 could be an elastomer compound, with or without fabric reinforcement. An advantage in using a higher modulus material for the second material 66 is that it makes the recess 48 more resistant to differential pressure-induced collapse.
FIG. 4
FIG. 4 illustrates another way of using more than one material in the construction of the rotary seal 2 . In this embodiment, the seal comprises a first material 64 and a second material 66 that are joined together by any appropriate method. If desired, and similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the second material 66 can have a higher modulus of elasticity than the modulus of elasticity of the first material 64 to make the recess 48 more resistant to differential pressure-induced collapse. In the rotary seal embodiment of FIG. 4 , the second material 66 is shorter than it was in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , making it easier for pressure acting on the at least one force receiving surface 28 to deform more of the dynamic sealing surface 26 into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 . If desired, a combination of the first material 64 and second material 66 may form part of the dynamic sealing surface 26 .
If desired, the second material 66 need not extend to the end transition 68 between the low pressure end portion 30 A and the low pressure end portion 30 B, thus making it easier for the pressure of the contained media 40 to force the surface of the second material 66 into contact with the relatively rotatable surface 8 (without flattening the recess 48 against the relatively rotatable surface 8 ). As described previously, a lower modulus portion 70 of the static sealing rim 6 can be incorporated if desired, as is commonly done with washpipe packings.
FIG. 5
FIG. 5 shows that if desired, an energizer element 72 can be used to help to energize the dynamic sealing lip 4 of the rotary seal 2 against the relatively rotatable surface 8 . The energizer element 72 may also, if desired, load the static sealing rim 6 against peripheral wall 16 . Figures herein that do not illustrate an energizer element can be thought of as simplifications of the rotary seals that are shown to have an energizer element.
The energizer element 72 can take any of a number of suitable forms known in the art including, but not limited to, elastomeric rings and various forms of springs, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. If desired, the energizer element 72 can be located by an annular recess of any suitable form, and preferably at least part of the annular recess is defined by a force receiving surface 28 . Differential pressure acting on the energizer element 72 applies force to the annular recess, including the portion of the force receiving surface 28 that is contacted by the energizer element 72 .
FIG. 5 also shows that, if desired, the rotary seal 2 of the present invention may be used advantageously in an assembly that also employs a non-chevron-type prior art hydrodynamic seal 74 of the type that is configured for having high differential pressure acting from the lubricant side thereof, such as one of the seal types disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,230,520, 5,738,358, 5,873,576, 6,036,192, 6,109,618, 6,120,036, 6,315,302, 6,382,634, 6,494,462, 6,685,194, 6,767,016, 7,052,020, or 7,562,878, or such as one of the seal types disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Appln. Pub. Nos. 2006/0214379, 2007/0013143, 2007/0205563, or 2009/0001671.
The advantage of using such a prior art hydrodynamic seal 74 in conjunction with the rotary seal 2 of the present invention is that the pressure of the lubricant 44 can be maintained at a value that is greater than that of a low pressure environment 76 . Although the low pressure environment 76 can be any type of environment, in an oil well drilling washpipe assembly the low pressure environment 76 is typically the atmosphere, and the objective of the assembly is to prevent escape of the contained media 40 into the low pressure environment 76 . If desired, the lubricant 44 can be supplied via a lubricant port 78 . In other words, the rotary seal 2 of the present invention can be used in the pressure staged manner first taught in the commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,105 entitled “Swivel Seal Assembly,” which teaches that the rotary seals of that pressure-staged invention may take any suitable form, such as hydrodynamic-type or chevron-type seals, and also discloses that the rotary seals may conveniently take the form of hydrodynamic seals such as those patented and sold by Kalsi Engineering, Inc. or any one of a number of rotary shaft seals that are suitable for the purposes intended, such as reinforced elastomeric chevron-type seals that are conventionally used in many swivels.
If desired, the lubricant 44 may be supplied through the lubricant port 78 by any suitable lubricant supply system 80 , such as, but not limited to, those described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,007,105 and 6,227,547, and/or those shown in the Kalsi Seals Handbook, Revision 1. If desired, the lubricant supply system 80 can be protected against contamination (i.e., contamination due to exposure to the contained media 40 in the event of failure of the rotary seal 2 ) by using a check valve 82 . Thermal expansion of the lubricant 44 is not an issue, because the dynamic sealing lip 4 of the rotary seal 2 will lift and vent any significant lubricant pressure into the contained media 40 .
As shown, if desired, the first spacer ring 20 may form a housing that extends over the second spacer ring 22 . A unique feature of FIG. 5 is the pairing of two different kinds of hydrodynamic seals, one (prior art hydrodynamic seal 74 ) configured for having the pressure of the lubricant 44 greater than that of the low pressure environment 76 , and one (rotary seal 2 ) configured for having the pressure of the contained media 40 greater than that of the lubricant 44 . The prior art hydrodynamic seal 74 not only retains a volume of the lubricant 44 for lubrication of the rotary seal 2 , it also shares part of the differential pressure that exists between the contained media 40 and the low pressure environment 76 . This allows the assembly to handle much higher differential pressure than it could if the seal that retained the lubricant for rotary seal 2 were some non-hydrodynamic seal. At the same time, the rotary seal 2 is immune to the pressure staging-related pressure lag issues that are described in IADC/SPE Paper 59107.
FIG. 6
FIG. 6 shows that, if desired, an energizer element 72 in the form of a spring can be used to help to energize the dynamic sealing lip 4 of the rotary seal 2 against the relatively rotatable surface 8 . The energizer element 72 may also, if desired, load the static sealing rim 6 against the peripheral wall 16 . Figures herein that do not illustrate an energizer element can be thought of as simplifications of the rotary seals that are shown to have an energizer element.
FIG. 6 shows an arrangement that is appropriate for the differential pressure issues that plague some types of downhole drilling tools. The inboard seal is a non-chevron-type prior art hydrodynamic seal 74 of the type that is not configured for having high differential pressure acting from the drilling fluid side thereof but otherwise works very well in downhole drilling applications. Some examples of such seal types are those that are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,230,520, 5,738,358, 5,873,576, 6,036,192, 6,109,618, 6,120,036, 6,315,302, 6,382,634, 6,494,462, 6,685,194, 6,767,016, 7,052,020, or 7,562,878, and the seal types disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Appln. Pub. Nos. 2006/0214379, 2007/0013143, 2007/0205563, and 2009/0001671.
The outboard seal is the rotary seal 2 of the present invention. The overall objective of the assembly is to partition a contained media 40 from a lubricant 44 A within the assembly, where the pressure of the contained media 40 can occasionally be much greater than the pressure of the lubricant 44 A, but for the most part the pressure of the lubricant 44 A is slightly greater than (or alternately, about equal to) that of the contained media 40 . In a downhole drilling tool, the contained media 40 is drilling fluid (i.e., “drilling mud”), and the lubricant 44 A is typically used by the drilling tool for various purposes, such as lubricating bearings, operating hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders, etc. It is necessary to contain the contained media 40 so that it does not enter the drilling tool and contaminate the inner workings of the tool.
In this particular type of assembly, the lubricant 44 would typically be called a barrier lubricant, and the outboard seal, the rotary seal 2 , would typically be called a “barrier seal.” This “barrier seal” nomenclature is an understatement as it concerns the present invention because the rotary seal 2 fulfills much more than the traditional barrier seal function.
If desired, the initial fill of the lubricant 44 may be supplied through a lubricant port 78 . If desired, the lubricant port 78 may be connected to any suitable lubricant supply system 80 while the assembly is in service, or alternately the lubricant port 78 can be plugged while the assembly is in service.
The prior art hydrodynamic seal 74 retains a volume of the lubricant 44 A and its hydrodynamic pumping-related leakage enters the lubricant 44 through the lubricant passage 42 . Since the pressure of the lubricant 44 A is typically greater than that of the contained media 40 , the prior art hydrodynamic seal 74 is used to contain the lubricant 44 A, in view of the fact that the rotary seal 2 of the present invention cannot handle differential pressure acting from that direction. Also, circumstances are possible where the pressure of the lubricant 44 A may temporarily be significantly higher than that of the contained media 40 , and the prior art hydrodynamic seal 74 is configured to deal with such circumstances.
When the pressure of the contained media 40 is temporarily significantly greater than that of the lubricant 44 , the rotary seal 2 deforms in the manner described in conjunction with previous figures herein, so that it can operate in a hydrodynamic interfacial lubrication regime.
The prior art hydrodynamic seal 74 is not well suited to service where the pressure of the contained media 40 is significantly greater than that of the lubricant, and the rotary seal 2 is not well suited to service where the pressure of the lubricant is greater than that of the contained media 40 . By pairing the two types of seals in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6 , the strengths of each seal type make up for the weaknesses of the other, allowing longer drilling tool life in harsh downhole drilling conditions.
It can be appreciated that the various constructions of rotary seal 2 that are illustrated herein can be used in the assemblies of FIGS. 5 and 6 , without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It can also be appreciated that if desired, the second machine component 18 could be made of one piece, instead of being made from two separate pieces.
FIG. 7
FIG. 7 shows that, if desired, the recess 48 of the rotary seal 2 can also comprise one or more support ribs 88 that preferably incorporate a hydrodynamic leading edge 90 . The support ribs 88 can be generally circumferentially oriented, as shown, and serve to provide additional support against the total differential pressure-induced collapse of the recess 48 . In other words, the support ribs 88 help to ensure that at least a portion of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 is not deformed into contact with the mating relatively rotatable surface, thereby preserving lubricant communication and the hydrodynamic wedging function of the hydrodynamic ramp 50 . Figures herein that do not illustrate one or more support ribs 88 can be thought of as representing simplifications of the rotary seals that are shown to have one or more support ribs 88 .
If desired, the novel recess 48 described in conjunction with the various embodiments of the present invention may be configured for combination with the basic prior art seal cross-sectional shapes that are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,619, in order to eliminate the wavy seal lubricant end and wavy backup ring that are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,619.
In view of the foregoing it is evident that the present invention is one that is well adapted to attain all of the features hereinabove set forth, together with other objects and features which are inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein. Even though several specific hydrodynamic rotary seal and seal gland geometries are disclosed in detail herein, many other geometrical variations employing the basic principles and teachings of this invention are possible.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the construction shown and described, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
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A hydrodynamically lubricated sealing element for applications where the pressure of a contained fluid can be significantly greater than the pressure of the seal lubricant. The sealing element retains the pressure of the contained fluid and provides hydrodynamic lubricant pumping activity at the dynamic sealing interface to enhance service life. The invention is particularly suitable for oilfield drilling swivel washpipe assemblies, downhole drilling tools, and rotary mining equipment, and for applications such as artificial lift pump stuffing box assemblies and centrifugal pumps where a rotating shaft penetrates a pressurized reservoir that is filled with abrasive-laden liquids, mixtures, or slurries.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application which claims benefit under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/577,963 filed Dec. 20, 2011, entitled “FRACTURE IDENTIFICATION FROM AZIMUTHAL MIGRATED SEISMIC DATA,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to methods and systems for identification of fractured zones of subterranean hydrocarbon reservoirs, especially (but not limited to) unconventional reservoirs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs are reservoirs that do not meet the criteria for conventional production, that is, oil and gas reservoirs which present a challenge for production because of their adverse porosity, permeability or other characteristics. Examples of unconventional reservoirs include coalbed methane, gas hydrates, shale gas, fractured reservoirs, and tight gas sands. Unconventional reservoirs such as tight gas sand reservoirs may be defined as sandstone formations with less than about 0.1 millidarcy permeability and low porosity.
[0004] It has been estimated that the total-gas-in-place in the United States may exceed 15,000 trillion cubic feet, the majority of which is contained in unconventional reservoirs. Needless to say, considerable research effort has been put into the development of techniques for exploitation of this challenging but abundant resource.
[0005] Production from unconventional reservoirs, e.g. tight gas sand or shale reservoirs, often depends on the presence of natural fractures in the reservoir. Fractured regions in an unconventional reservoir may be filled with readily extractable gas and may act as sweet spots for production purposes. Finding the sweet spots in unconventional reservoirs can be important for drilling wells that will be economically producible. Conversely, natural fractures can also represent hazards to drilling if they are water filled. The identification and characterization of naturally fractured zones in an unconventional reservoir can therefore be vital for successful and safe exploitation of the reservoir.
[0006] Identification of fractured zones is not only highly useful in exploration but can also be useful for infill drilling in an existing field, that is to say the drilling of additional wells between existing production wells to target bypass reservoirs.
[0007] One approach to finding naturally fractured zones or sweet spots is seismic analysis which attempts to identify seismically anisotropic regions within the reservoir. Anisotropy of a subterranean formation may be defined as the property of having different physical characteristics (e.g. seismic wave velocity) in different directions. A fractured region of a reservoir will generate seismic anisotropy since properties such as seismic wave velocities may be different along the direction of the fractures compared with the direction orthogonal to the fractures.
[0008] Current approaches use the so called AVAZ (amplitude versus azimuth angle) technique. This involves obtaining a large number of seismic data from many different azimuth angles (normally at least six azimuth directions). Azimuth is defined as the angle in a horizontal plane between the seismic source and the place where the reading is taken, relative to some datum angle (e.g. North). Normally, readings are also taken for different offsets (distance along the ground between source and reading) on each azimuth angle. This helps to increase the signal to noise ratio.
[0009] An analysis of this data is then undertaken, using an equation (see below) derived from Rüger's equation (Rüger, 1998). The equation relates p-wave reflectivity with incident (i) and azimuth (Φ) angle and three constants: A (intercept: seismic amplitude for zero offset), B iso (gradient: related to the seismic amplitude changes in isotropic conditions) and B ani (gradient: related to the seismic amplitude changes due to azimuth anisotropy). Φ 0 is the symmetry axis (perpendicular to the fracture direction, in case there is a single dominant fracture strike direction) of the medium.
[0000] R p ( i,Φ )= A+ ( B iso +B ani cos 2 (Φ−Φ 0 ))sin 2 i
[0010] For a given azimuth angle Φ, if this function is plotted with R p on the y axis and sin 2 i on the x axis, a straight line graph is obtained having intercept A and gradient B iso +B ani cos 2 (Φ−Φ 0 ). This is shown in FIG. 1 . This way of analyzing the data is known as amplitude versus offset (AVO); amplitude is essentially a measure of reflectivity; offset is the distance from the seismic source and is of course related to incident angle i.
[0011] The objective of AVAZ is to derive a reliable value for B ani which is a function of fracture density. Values of B ani may then be obtained for different locations and these can then be plotted as a graphic representation of the region, which can be for example a map, a cross section through the depth of the reservoir or a three dimensional image. Inspection of the image can reveal the presence of anomalies which may represent zones with a high degree of natural fracturing.
[0012] R p (i, Φ), i and Φ are known, but A, B iso , B ani , and Φ 0 are all unknowns. Having taken readings at many azimuth angles, the difference between maximum and minimum amplitude values for a certain incident angle i should in theory provide a value for B ani since A and B iso should in theory not be affected by azimuth angle, or at least be much less influenced by azimuth angle than B ani . A graphic representation of this technique is shown in FIG. 2 .
[0013] The technique works satisfactorily for predicting fracture zones where the fractures lie in one predominant direction (so called single strike direction). However, when there are multiple fractures with different strike directions, the amplitude or gradient fitting method based on the above equation may return a wrong estimation of the fracture property. FIG. 2 shows amplitude responses of a multiple fractured medium (two fracture sets, one along 0 degree and another along 75 degree azimuth) for different incident angles. Here it is still possible to fit the equation and derive an estimate of one fracture direction which is not the true fracture strike direction of any of the fracture sets in the medium. The incorrect estimation of fracture direction (or Φ 0 ) will lead to a wrong estimate of B ani and to a wrong interpretation of fracture sweet spots. A recent study also shows AVAZ analysis for a medium with a single fracture direction (i.e. a pure HTI medium) alone cannot resolve the true fracture property (as it cannot resolve the value of Φ 0 uniquely) if it is not tied with the travel time analysis or with prior modeling (Goodway et al, 2010).
[0014] In addition to the above shortcomings, the AVAZ technique requires a considerable amount of data to be gathered, which is both costly and time consuming. In marine environments, gathering of readings on many azimuth angles is almost impossible as a practical matter.
[0015] There is therefore a need for a technique which may be robust enough to identify fractured regions which have one or more than one strike direction, and/or requires fewer readings in the azimuth direction and/or is applicable to a marine environment.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0016] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method of identifying a fractured zone in a subterranean reservoir. A fractured zone could be defined as a zone which naturally has a substantially higher density of fractures than other parts of the reservoir (e.g. at least 10% more fractures per unit volume, or at least 20% or 30% more). The method may comprise:
(a) recording or obtaining raw seismic data along two substantially orthogonal azimuth directions from a seismic source; (b) performing a time migration conditioning or imaging step on said raw data; (c) summing said orthogonal time migrated data; and (d) from said summed time migrated data, deriving value(s) indicative of anisotropy.
[0021] Summing the orthogonal azimuth sector data may eliminate the dependence of azimuth angle from the result, which means that the result may be substantially independent of azimuth angle and therefore the technique may identify fractured zones which have one, two or more strike directions. By “substantially independent of azimuth angle” is meant, if data is recorded along any different pair of orthogonal azimuth directions from the same source, the derived value(s) will vary by less than 20%, optionally less than 10%, optionally less than 5% with azimuth.
[0022] The method may make use of the equation (or its mathematical equivalent):
[0000] ½ [R p ( i,Φ )+ R p ( i,Φ+π/ 2)]= A+ ( B iso +0.5 *B ani )sin 2 i
[0000] where i, Φ, R p , A, B iso and B ani are as defined above.
[0023] Amplitude versus offset (AVO) analysis may be applied to determine B iso +0.5*B ani from said equation, B iso +0.5*B ani being indicative of anisotropy when the isotropic property B iso is substantially constant or slow varying over the reservoir.
[0024] The method may involve a checking step whereby if said summed data shows azimuthal variation of amplitude, further analysis or processing of the data may be carried out.
[0025] The method may involve a further checking step whereby data from each of said two substantially orthogonal directions is subtracted and the result checked for a zero or near zero intercept (A) value. If more than two azimuth sectors of data are available, then an even more robust check is possible.
[0026] Seismic survey equipment may be set up specifically for this analysis. Each seismic source (an impulse imparted to the ground by a small explosion or by some other means) would be associated with a number of seismic receivers, e.g. 10 or more, accurately arranged along two lines radiating from the source and at exactly 90 degrees (azimuth) to each other. An area to be surveyed would be covered by a large number of such arrangements of apparatus, the number obviously depending on the size of the area to be covered.
[0027] In practice, there may be reasons why the receivers cannot be placed along exact lines, such as the presence of housing or other structures or because of access difficulties. A certain amount of deviation from the ideal will be possible whilst still achieving a useful result, and the term “substantially orthogonal” as used above may be interpreted accordingly to mean “sufficiently orthogonal to produce a meaningful result”. Deviation may be in two senses: (i) receivers not lying on a straight line and/or (ii) a best fit line through one set of receivers not being at exactly 90 degrees to a best fit line through the other (“orthogonal”) set of receivers.
[0028] Conventionally, seismic surveys tend to be carried out on a Cartesian grid. This fits well with the method of the invention since only two orthogonal lines of received data are needed, but of course it does not fit well with the AVAZ technique which would require the use of data from receivers not lying on lines radiating from the source; the data in this case would need to be “binned” into angular ranges approximating the desired direction.
[0029] The concept of the “binning” of data within defined sectors emanating from the source may be a useful one for the present invention, too, when receivers are not in their ideal positions. For example, a sector “bin” having an angle range as much as 30 degrees (i.e. 15 degrees each side of the a desired direction) would be normal in seismic data collection and would probably be tolerated by the technique of the invention. However, this has not yet been investigated fully by the inventors. It may be that a smaller angle range would be necessary, e.g. up to 20 degrees or up to 10 degrees or even up to 5 degrees. It is also possible that the technique would tolerate larger angle ranges such as up to 40, 50, 60 or even, in the limit, 90 degrees.
[0030] In the extreme case of the bin sector angle being 90 degrees, data is being received in total over a 180 degree arc, with no angle in that 180 degree arc not being covered.
[0031] If data is collected or binned over large angle sectors, it is worth considering how to define the orthogonal lines. These could just be defined as the bisecting lines of the sectors over which the respective sets of data are collected or binned. Alternatively, a notional “best fit” line could be drawn through the receiver positions. In the latter case, it is possible that the two best fit lines would not be at exactly 90 degrees to each other. Again, this has not been fully investigated, but it is envisaged that some deviation from 90 degrees could be tolerated, for example the lines could be in the range of 60 to 120 degrees from each other or 75 to 105 degrees, 80 to 100 or 85 to 95 degrees.
[0032] It will be appreciated that the technique according to the invention could be used to re-analyze data which had previously been collected and analyzed by conventional techniques. In this case, the above discussion about what data points to include or exclude from the analysis is obviously very relevant. The step of obtaining the data would, in this case, refer to a process of retrieving data from previous seismic surveys. This data may need to be binned into sectors as discussed above.
[0033] It should be understood that “raw” seismic data referred to above is amplitude data which has been subject to processing to compensate for geometric spreading and attenuation so that amplitude data received at different distances from the source is comparable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 is a graph showing how p wave reflectivity varies with sin square of incident angle for a given azimuth angle (prior art);
[0035] FIG. 2 is a plot of recorded wave amplitude (a measure of reflectivity) against azimuth angle for a given incident angle (offset) in a region with two fracture strike directions which differ by 75° (prior art);
[0036] FIG. 3 is a plan showing the position of seismic receivers in relation to a seismic source;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a series of plots of angle gathers from a model based on log data from a reservoir, as described in Example 1;
[0038] FIG. 5 is an A/B cross plot based on the angle gathers of FIG. 4 over a small depth window as described in Example 1;
[0039] FIG. 6 is an A/B cross plot based on the angle gathers of FIG. 4 at a constant depth as described in Example 1;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a series of plots of angle gathers from two models based on log data from two wells in the Eagle Ford shale formation, as described in Example 2;
[0041] FIG. 8 is an A/B cross plot based on the angle gathers of FIG. 7 , for the top of the Eagle Ford interval, as described in Example 2; and
[0042] FIG. 9 is an A/B cross plot based on the angle gathers of FIG. 7 , for the base of the Eagle Ford interval, as described in Example 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Turning now to the detailed description of the preferred arrangement or arrangements of the present invention, it should be understood that the inventive features and concepts may be manifested in other arrangements and that the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described or illustrated. The scope of the invention is intended only to be limited by the scope of the claims that follow.
[0044] Unidirectional regional stress and/or the presence of unidirectional vertical fractures make a medium transversely isotropic, with a horizontal axis of symmetry (HTI) with respect to seismic wave propagation. Seismic P-wave reflectivity in an HTI medium can be approximated by Rüger's equation (Rüger, 1998):
[0000]
R
P
(
i
,
φ
)
=
1
2
Δ
Z
Z
_
+
1
2
{
Δα
α
_
-
(
2
β
_
α
_
)
2
Δ
G
G
_
+
[
Δ
δ
(
V
)
+
2
(
2
β
_
α
_
)
2
Δ
γ
]
cos
2
φ
}
sin
2
i
+
1
2
{
Δα
α
_
+
Δε
(
V
)
cos
4
φ
+
Δδ
(
V
)
sin
2
φcos
2
φ
}
×
sin
2
i
tan
2
i
,
(
1
)
[0000] where i is the incident angle, Φ is the azimuth angle, Z is seismic impedance, Rüger is S-wave velocity, Δ is P-wave velocity, γ, δ and ε are the Thompsen's anisotropy parameters, G is shear modulus, (V) indicates the Thompsen's parameter for a HTI medium. If we keep the second order approximation of this equation, we can write:
[0000] R p ( i,Φ )= A+ ( B iso +B ani cos 2 (Φ−Φ 0 ))sin 2 i (I)
[0045] This equation (or its mathematical equivalent) is the basis for the AVAZ method as discussed above. However, also as discussed above, the AVAZ method tends to give inaccurate results if there are fractures in more than one direction or, say, outside a relatively narrow range of angles, e.g. 30°. The inventors have devised a method which is independent of the azimuth direction and therefore independent of the direction of the seismic anisotropy due to fractures. The method is therefore suitable for a situation where there are fractures in a range of different directions, but is also suitable for when the fractures are all in substantially the same direction.
[0046] Re-writing equation I in terms of Φ+π/2, we get:
[0000] R p ( i,Φ+π/ 2)= A +( B iso +B ani cos 2 (Φ−Φ 0 +π/2))sin 2 i (Ia)
[0047] In general, cos 2 a+cos 2 (a+π/2)=1 for any angle α. Therefore, if the two equations I and Ia are added, one gets:
[0000] ½ [R p ( i ,Φ)+ R p ( i,Φ+π/ 2)]= A+ ( B iso +0.5 *B ani )sin 2 i. (II)
[0048] Equation II shows that reflectivity of the summed data from any two orthogonal directions is not a function of azimuth, because the added terms in Φ cancel out. Therefore, conducting a seismic test along any two orthogonal directions and then summing the data and plotting reflectivity (amplitude) against sin 2 i should give a straight line having intercept A and gradient (B iso +0.5*B ani ), irrespective of the azimuth directions chosen for the test. Repeating the test at the same site for a different orthogonal pair of directions should give the same result, since the result should be independent of azimuth angle.
[0049] When a number of seismic tests of this type are conducted at different locations over an hydrocarbon field, or over part of an hydrocarbon field, the B iso parameter can be expected to be essentially constant for many unconventional reservoirs. The B ani parameter can of course be expected to vary according to whether there is anisotropy due to fracturing and so can the summed parameter (B iso +0.5*B ani ). The combined parameter can therefore be mapped to show up fractured regions of the mapped area. It can also be possible to isolate B ani (see below).
[0050] As a check, summed data for different azimuth values Φ (i.e. different summed sets of readings along different pairs of orthogonal azimuth directions), can be examined to ensure that the results do not vary unduly, which gives an indication of the data quality.
[0051] A further check would be to subtract two different azimuth sector data sets and determine whether the value for A is zero or near zero, which also gives a measure of data quality.
[0052] If either of these checks does not produce the expected result, then this would indicate a need to check the data or the data processing.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows a seismic source 1 , with seismic receivers 2 placed at intervals along two orthogonal lines 3 , 4 which we can call the x and y lines respectively. This is an ideal arrangement of receivers and source. Only 5 receivers are shown along each of the x and y lines, but there would normally be more than this. This arrangement basically covers a circular area 6 . Any pair of orthogonal lines of the same length radiating from the source 1 should in theory give the same result. Two alternative orthogonal lines 7 , 8 are shown as dot-dash lines in FIG. 3 .
[0054] A number of sets of sources and receivers will be arranged to cover a desired survey area. It will be understood that, if the sources and receivers are set out in a Cartesian grid, then many of the receivers may be used to receive data originating from more than one of the seismic sources.
[0055] FIG. 3 also shows in dashed lines a few receivers 9 which do not lie on the x and y axes 3 , 4 . This could be for a number of reasons, e.g. because of buildings being in the way or access difficulties. The mis-placed receivers lie in a sector bounded by lines 3 a and 3 b on each side of the x line and in a sector bounded by the lines 4 a and 4 b on each side of the y line. A decision can be made how large a sector angle can be tolerated before the results of the survey become too inaccurate to use, and data from any receivers which are placed outside these sectors would not be used. Two such receivers 10 are indicated in FIG. 3 . Alternatively, it may be that acceptable results could be obtained by using data from receivers anywhere in a 180 degree sector bounded by the lines 3 c and 4 c in FIG. 3 . In this case, data from receivers in the 90 degree sector between lines 3 c and 5 would be assigned, or binned, to the x line and data from receivers in the sector between lines 4 c and 5 would be binned to the y line. Only data from receivers 11 outside the 180 degree sector would be ignored.
[0056] Its is unlikely that receivers would be placed as far from the desired locations as the receivers marked 10 or 11 in FIG. 3 . However, the technique according to the invention can also be used with survey data which has not been gathered with this analysis technique specifically in mind. In this case, a process of determining which receiver data to use and which to ignore, and which direction or x, y line to assign data to, can be carried out prior to performing the analysis for determining anisotropy.
[0057] The practical steps for obtaining B ani can be set out as follows:
1. Flatten the Data in Each Azimuth Sector.
[0058] Data will be received from seismic sensors as amplitude readings, that is to say readings of the strength of the received signals. This data will be subject to processing to compensate for the effects of geometric spreading and attenuation, as is conventional in this technical field.
[0059] Each received signal will have been reflected from an interface (horizon) between two subsurface strata which acts as a reflector of seismic signals. There may be a number of reflectors which give rise to signals. The time at which the signal is received is therefore also recorded and this, together with knowledge of the velocity of seismic waves in the medium, allows signals corresponding to reflections from a given horizon to be grouped together. This process is known as time migration or flattening of the raw data. The result is a simple series of amplitude values for a given azimuth angle, one value for each source-receiver pair, all of which represent the amplitude of a signal reflected from the horizon under consideration (normally the horizon of a subterranean reservoir).
2. Sum Two Perpendicular Sector Seismic Data.
[0060] The two sets of time-migrated, or flattened, data are then simply summed.
[0061] According to equation II above, the summed data should, depending on the quality of the data and data processing, be independent or largely independent of azimuth angle. This can be checked by taking data along a different orthogonal pair of azimuth directions from the same source, and processing the data in the same way to see how similar it is to the original summed, time-migrated data.
3. Subtract the Two Different Azimuth Sector Seismic Data.
[0062] This step is a further check on the quality of the data and/or data processing. A (the intercept value from AVO analysis) should, according to equation I, be the same for any azimuth direction. Subtracting the data should, depending on the quality of the data and/or data processing, give rise to a zero or substantially zero value for A if the two data sets are subtracted from each other.
4. Perform Regular AVO on Summed Data.
[0063] Amplitude versus offset analysis, which is well known in this field of technology, is then applied to get values for the intercept (A) and the gradient (B iso +0.5*B ani ). If it is assumed that B iso is almost constant or is a slow varying function on the reservoir horizon, then it is possible to cross-plot A/B to identify the AVO gradient anomaly due to the addition of B ani .
[0064] To show the feasibility of the method of detecting fractures, two synthetic tests were performed. The first synthetic example is shown in FIGS. 4 , 5 and 6 .
Example 1
[0065] The first synthetic model was constructed using measured log data from a well in Uinta Basin, North-East Echo Spring, Wyo., USA. Since the model is constructed based on real data, it provides a good test for whether the technique of the invention will work well in a real life situation.
[0066] In this case, the reservoir interval was between 11300 ft to 11700 ft, which showed weak anisotropy. The anisotropy parameters were calculated from measured fast and slow S-wave velocities using a known technique (Sil et al., 2010). Both anisotropy and isotropy cases were modeled for many locations. Most of these locations were modeled using the same isotropic properties. A smaller number of locations were modeled using anisotropic properties.
[0067] FIG. 4 shows modeled “angle gathers”, that is to say data plotted with respect to incident angle i. The angle gathers were produced using a reflectivity code—a data processing algorithm which will be familiar to those operating in this technical field. Time migrated data (flattened data) is shown. On the Y axis is time, which corresponds to depth, and on the X axis is receiver location, in terms of incident angle. Each horizontal black bar represents signals received from one reflector.
[0068] The left angle gather (the plot on the far left of the three plots shown in FIG. 4 ) shows data from an isotropic version of the model, i.e. with the anisotropy parameters (Gamma, Epsilon and Delta) set to zero. The middle angle gather plot in FIG. 4 is based on the model with in situ anisotropy, as derived from the log data. The right angle gather plot is the difference between the anisotropic and isotropic angle gathers. It shows a large seismic amplitude difference at the bottom of the reservoir, indicating the presence of a relatively large degree of anisotropy in that interval. Therefore, this interval was targeted for AVO analysis to demonstrate the technique of the invention.
[0069] AVO analysis was performed on the synthetic data for a number of locations of the seismic source. For each location, several AVO analyses were taken from different depths within the small chosen reservoir interval from 2000 ms to 2020 ms, which is the interval for which a large degree of anisotropy is indicated by the log data (see FIG. 4 ). In each case, the technique according to the invention was applied: time migrated data from receivers in one direction were added to time migrated data from receivers in an orthogonal direction and a value derived for A (the intercept) and B (the gradient), where B represented the sum of B iso and B ani
[0070] FIG. 5 shows the results of the AVO analysis, in particular a cross plot of the gradient B vs. the intercept A. Each point on the plot is shaded according to depth. The location represented by each point is known and can be projected back into a seismic image which represents anisotropic locations in space—for example a plan or section or a 3d image.
[0071] Looking at FIG. 5 , data points having the same shading tend to be grouped together, A and B are approximately constant over the field unless there is anisotropy, which shows up where the dots no longer lie on or near a straight line on the cross plot. Data points representing anisotropy are apparent at anisotropy locations which were modeled (points indicated with an ellipse).
[0072] FIG. 6 is an A/B cross-plot of AVO data from an analysis according to the invention, at the reservoir base (at 2020 ms). Two points are shown: one based on the isotropic version of the model and one on the model including anisotropic data. As can be seen in the Figure, the two points are clearly separated showing that the analysis has distinguished between the purely isotropic case and the anisotropic even for relatively weak anisotropy. It can be seen that the intercept value A for the isotropic and anisotropic cases are almost the same. However, the gradient value B for the anisotropic case is about 25% larger than for the isotropic case because of the contribution of B ani , even though the anisotropy is weak. This result indicates that AVO A/B cross-plot may be adequate for indentifying the presence of fractures.
Example 2
[0073] To consider the impact of varying reservoir properties, a synthetic data set was constructed from two wells from Eagle Ford, a shale formation in South Texas, USA. The wells are 5 miles apart. The difference in average Poisson's ratio of the Eagle Ford interval in these two wells is more than 15%.
[0074] In a method similar to Example 1, isotropic and anisotropic cases were modeled for both wells. The calculated angle gathers are shown in FIG. 7 . The inserted light gray traces 20 (between the isotropic and the anisotropic synthetics for each well) are the S-wave splitting factor. The darker inserted traces 21 are the measured sonic logs. The gray arrows 22 indicate the reservoir top and base. The reservoir interval in well 1 is deeper than in well 2 . Compared to the isotropic case, the anisotropy has larger impact on the reflection amplitudes from the reservoir top and base. Overall, anisotropy makes the reservoir top and base reflections dimmer.
[0075] The AVO intercept A and gradient B were calculated from the angle gathers shown in FIG. 7 and A/B cross-plot analysis performed (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 ). The A/B cross-plot at the Eagle Ford top is shown in FIG. 8 and the A/B cross-plot at the base is shown in FIG. 9 . As with Example 1, it can be seen from the plots that points corresponding to locations with anisotropy are separated from points corresponding to purely isotropic locations in the A/B cross-plot domain.
[0076] This synthetic test indicates that in a shale formation with slow varying reservoir properties, the AVO cross-plot from the azimuth migrated data can be used to identify anisotropic anomalies and thus identify the presence of vertical fractures.
REFERENCES
[0077] All of the references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference. The discussion of any reference is not an admission that it is prior art to the present invention, especially any reference that may have a publication data after the priority date of this application. Incorporated references are listed again here for convenience:
1. Rüger, “Variation of P-wave reflectivity with offset and azimuth in anisotropic media”, Geophysics, Vol. 63, No. 3, 1998, pp 935-947. 2. Goodway et al., “Seismic petrophysics and isotropic-anisotropic AVO methods for unconventional gas exploration”, The Leading Edge , December 2010, pp. 1500-1508 3. Sil et al, “Effect of near-surface anisotropy on a deep anisotropic target layer”, SEG San Antonio 2011 meeting
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A method is described for identifying anisotropic regions in unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, such as in shale formations. Anisotropy can be indicative of a zone of fracturing, which may represent a “sweet spot” for drilling a productive well. Seismic amplitude data from receivers is recorded along two orthogonal lines radiating from a seismic source. After time-migration, the equations for each orthogonal direction may be summed to obtain values for A and (B iso +0.5*B ani ) which are independent of azimuth angle. Since B iso is normally constant or slow varying over a shale formation, anisotropic regions may be identified by looking for anomalous values of (B iso +0.5*B ani ).
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to asymmetric synthesis, and in particular the field of asymmetric catalysis. Disclosed herein are a number of novel catalysts for promoting highly useful synthetic transformations between organic anhydrides and aldehydes, ketones, and α,β-unsaturated electrophiles. The transformations of the present invention allow access to densely functionalised products in high enantiomeric excess.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Privileged structures are molecular frameworks exhibited in natural products and medicinal compounds that show therapeutic activity at number of different receptor or enzyme targets. Accordingly, facile enantioselective synthetic routes to such structures are valuable and are in constant demand.
Two such privileged structures are Dihydroisocoumarins (A) and Dihydroisoquinolinones (B). The asterisks denote carbon atoms that are chiral. Given the effect the chirality of these stereogenic carbons may have on the activity of these molecules, controlling the absolute stereochemistry of the substituents on these carbon atoms is.
Molecules possessing the bicyclic dihydroisocoumarin structural unit exhibit broad spectrum activity and have been reported as cytotoxic/antiproliferative agents, phytotoxic agents, antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, antiulcer agents, antimalarial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidant agents and antiallergic properties.
For example, European Patent Application No. 2 301 931 discloses a class of chiral dihydroisocoumarins functionalised with imidazoles (C):
The compounds are indicated as being clinically useful in the treatment of diseases mediated by abnormal activity of aldosterone synthase, such as coronary heart disease or renal failure.
European Patent Application No. 2 301 931 discloses two separate routes to the compounds of interest, neither of which readily lends itself to an enantioselective variant. In particular, EP2 301 931 discloses the resolution of the racemic compounds by means of methods known in the art, such as diastereomeric crystallisation and chiral HPLC. Naturally, discarding the unwanted enantiomer is wasteful and a more elegant enantioselective synthesis would be preferable.
Accordingly, there remains a need for alternative synthetic routes to these, and other privileged heterocyclic structures in which the chirality of any stereogenic carbons can be readily controlled.
Bassas et al. (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2009, 1340) employed a bifunctional organocatalyst, to catalyse the conjugate addition of Meldrum's acid (a cyclic ester) to a nitroalkene, in a synthesis of Pregabalin.
Shi et al. (Tetrahedron, 2011, 67, 1781) employed a bifunctional organocatalyst, to catalyse a three-component Knoevanagel-Diels-Alder addition reaction involving enones aldehydes and Meldrum's acid (a cyclic ester).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an inventive enantioselective method for the preparation of highly functionalised heterocycles, such as benzofused heterocycles. Complementary to the inventive methodology, the present invention also provides for a novel class of metal free, small, organic molecule catalysts that are highly effective in the enantioselective synthetic methodology of the present invention.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides for an enantioselective synthetic method comprising the step of:
reacting an enolisable C 4 -C 50 organic anhydride with a second compound selected from the group consisting of an aldehyde, a ketone, an aldimine, a ketimine or a Michael Acceptor in the presence of a bifunctional organocatalyst.
As used herein the term enantioselective is utilised to refer to a synthetic methodology that produces one enantiomer of a chiral molecule in preference to the other enantiomer. For example, the synthetic methodology of the present invention may produce one enantiomer of the chiral molecule in an enantiomeric excess of at least 50%. Suitably, the synthetic methodology of the present invention may produce one enantiomer of the chiral molecule in an enantiomeric excess of at least 75%. Preferably, the synthetic methodology of the present invention may produce one enantiomer of the chiral molecule in an enantiomeric excess of at least 90%.
In embodiments where the chiral molecule produced by the synthetic methodology of the present invention has at least two chiral centres, the synthetic methodology of the present invention may also be diastereoselective. As used herein the term diastereoselective is utilised to refer to a synthetic methodology that produces one diastereomer of a chiral molecule in preference to the other diastereomer. For example, the synthetic methodology of the present invention may produce one diastereomer of the chiral molecule in a diastereomeric excess of at least 40%. Suitably, the synthetic methodology of the present invention may produce one diastereomer of the chiral molecule in a diastereomeric excess of at least 60%. Preferably, the synthetic methodology of the present invention may produce one diastereomer of the chiral molecule in a diastereomeric excess of at least 90%.
Within this specification the terms enantiomeric excess and diastereomeric excess take their accepted meanings, i.e. {[(major stereoisomer−minor stereoisomer)/(major stereoisomer+minor stereoisomer)]×100}.
The method of the present invention may be carried out at ambient temperature, or below. For example, method of the present invention may be carried out at 20° C., 0° C., −15° C., or −30° C.
The method of the present invention may be carried out in a solvent selected from the group consisting of C 5 -C 12 hydrocarbons, C 6 -C 12 aromatic hydrocarbons, C 3 -C 12 ketones (cyclic and acyclic), C 2 -C 12 ethers (cyclic and acyclic), C 2 to C 12 esters (cyclic and acyclic), C 2 -C 5 nitriles and combinations thereof. Desirably, the solvent is ethereal. For example, C 2 -C 12 ethers (cyclic and acyclic). Suitable ethers may be selected from the group consisting of diethylether, THF, 2-methyl THF, diisopropylether, methyltertbutylether (MTBE) and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is methyltertbutylether (MTBE). The present inventors have found that the use of ethereal solvents results in optimal performance when anhydride reaction components are utilised in the presence of bifunctional organocatalysts.
With reference to the method of the present invention, the second compound selected from the group consisting of an aldehyde, a ketone, an aldimine, a ketimine or a Michael Acceptor may be of the general formula (A):
wherein,
R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof; or
R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, or a C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring;
the moiety C—Z is selected from the group consisting of C═O, C═NR 3 , and C═CR 5 R 4 ;
R 3 is selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 10 aliphatic, C 3 -C 10 cycloaliphatic, benzyl, benzhydryl, trityl, C(═O)OR 6 , C(═O)NH 2 , C(═O)NHR 6 , C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , —OH, OR 6 , OC(═O)R 6 , OC(═O)OR 6 , OC(═O)NH 2 , OC(═O)NHR 6 , OC(═O)NR 6 R 7 , NH 2 , NHR 6 , NR 6 R 7 , N(H)C(═O)R 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)R 7 , N(H)C(═O)OR 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)OR 7 , N(H)C(═O)NH 2 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NH 2 , N(H)C(═O)NHR 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NHR 7 , N(H)C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NR 7 R 8 , S(═O)R 6 , S(═O) 2 R 6 , P(═O)R 6 R 7 , P(═O)(OH)(OH), P(═O)(OH)(OR 6 ), P(═O)(OR 6 )(OR 7 ); or
R 3 together with R 1 , and C═N define a C 3 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring;
R 4 is selected from the group consisting of C(═O)H, C(═O)R 6 , C(═O)OH, C(═O)OR 6 , C(═O)NH 2 , C(═O)NHR 6 , C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , S(═O)R 6 , S(═O) 2 R 6 , P(═O)R 6 R 7 , P(═O)(OH)(OH), P(═O)(OH)(OR 6 ), P(═O)(OR 6 )(OR 7 ), C≡N, and NO 2 ;
R 5 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, C≡N, C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, C(═O)H, C(═O)R 6 , C(═O)OH, C(═O)OR 6 , C(═O)NH 2 , C(═O)NHR 6 , C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , S(═O)R 6 , S(═O) 2 R 6 , P(═O)R 6 R 7 , P(═O)(OH)(OH), P(═O)(OH)(OR 6 ), P(═O)(OR 6 )(OR 7 ), and NO 2 ; and
R 6 , R 7 and R 8 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof.
With reference to the method of the present invention, the second compound may be an aldehyde or ketone of the formula:
wherein:
R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof; or
R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, or a C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring.
In one embodiment, the second compound may be an aldehyde of the formula:
wherein:
R 1 is selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof.
As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, unless otherwise specified, the definitions of C x -C y aliphatic, C x -C y cycloaliphatic, C x -C y heteroaliphatic, C x -C y heterocycloaliphatic, C x -C y aromatic/aryl, C x -C y heteroaryl, etc. include substitution of these chains/rings with substituents such as halogens, CF 3 , CCl 3 , CBr 3 , NO 2 , CN, provided such substitutions do not interfere with the efficient catalysis of the synthetic method of the present invention.
As used herein the term enolisable refers to an organic anhydride that is capable of undergoing keto/enol tautomerism. For example, in the scheme below glutaric anhydride is an enolisable anhydride—it has protons alpha to the carbonyl groups and it can form an enol tautomer. Conversely, phthalic anhydride has no alpha protons and it is not considered to be an enolisable organic anhydride.
With reference to the method of the present invention, the enolisable C 4 -C 50 organic anhydride may be a cyclic anhydride. The enolisable C 4 -C 50 cyclic organic anhydride may be selected from the group consisting of:
wherein,
R 9 , R 9′ , R 10 and R 10′ are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, C≡N, NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, C(═O)OR 6 , C(═O)NH 2 , C(═O)NHR 6 , C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , OR 6 , OC(═O)R 6 , OC(═O)OR 6 , OC(═O)NH 2 , OC(═O)NHR 6 , OC(═O)NR 6 R 7 , N(H)C(═O)R 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)R 7 , N(H)C(═O)OR 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)OR 7 , N(H)C(═O)NH 2 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NH 2 , N(H)C(═O)NHR 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NHR 7 , N(H)C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NR 7 R 8 , S(═O)R 6 , S(═O) 2 R 6 , P(═O)R 6 R 7 , P(═O)(OH)(OH), P(═O)(OH)(OR 6 ), P(═O)(OR 6 )(OR 7 ); or
R 9 and R 10 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, a C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring, a C 5 -C 20 aryl ring, or a C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl ring; or
R 9′ and R 10′ together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, or a C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring subject to the proviso that at least one of the carbon atoms to which R 9′ and R 10′ are attached is saturated;
R 6 , R 7 and R 8 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof; and
n is 1-5.
The enolisable C 4 -C 50 cyclic organic anhydride may be of the general formula:
wherein:
p is 0-4;
each occurrence of R 11 is independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 10 aliphatic, C 3 -C 10 cycloaliphatic C(═O)OR 6 , C(═O)NH 2 , C(═O)NHR 6 , C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , OR 6 , OC(═O)R 6 , OC(═O)OR 6 , OC(═O)NH 2 , OC(═O)NHR 6 , OC(═O)NR 6 R 7 , N(H)C(═O)R 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)R 7 , N(H)C(═O)OR 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)OR 7 , N(H)C(═O)NH 2 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NH 2 , N(H)C(═O)NHR 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NHR 7 , N(H)C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NR 7 R 8 , S(═O)R 6 , S(═O) 2 R 6 , P(═O)R 6 R 7 , P(═O)(OH)(OH), P(═O)(OH)(OR 6 ), P(═O)(OR 6 )(OR 7 ), C≡N, NO 2 , CH 2 F, CHF 2 , CF 3 , Cl, Br, F, I and combinations thereof; or
where p≧2 each R 11 and the carbon atoms to which they are attached may define a C 5 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, a C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring, a C 5 -C 20 aryl ring, or a C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl ring; and
R 6 , R 7 and R 8 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof.
The enolisable C 4 -C 50 cyclic organic anhydride may be:
Within this specification, the term bifunctional organocatalyst refers to a chiral, small organic molecule (i.e., non-metal based) having a Lewis acid moiety and a Lewis base moiety within the molecule, and between 5 and 60 carbon atoms. The bifunctional organocatalyst is used in sub-stoichiometric loading relative to at least one of the reactants. The bifunctional organocatalyst may be used in substoichiometric loading relative to the organic anhydride component.
As used herein the terms Lewis acid moiety and a Lewis base moiety take their accepted meanings, i.e. a Lewis acid moiety is a moiety which accepts an electron pair and a Lewis base moiety is a moiety which donates an electron pair.
Suitably, the bifunctional organocatalyst or chiral small organic molecule is substantially enantiopure. This is important for highly selective asymmetric catalysis of the reaction between the anhydride and the second compound selected from the group consisting of an aldehyde, a ketone, an aldimine, a ketimine or a Michael Acceptor. The bifunctional organocatalyst may function by enhancing the nucleophilicity of a first reaction component and enhancing the electrophilicity of a second reaction component. For example, the bifunctional organocatalyst may enhance the electrophilicity of an aldehyde or Michael Acceptor and generate a nucleophile by promoting the formation of an enol within the organic anhydride, thereby facilitating reaction of both components in a chiral environment. A schematic of a bifunctional organocatalyst is detailed below:
The catalyst loading with respect to the organic anhydride may be 0.1-50 mol %, for example 0.1-25 mol %, such as 0.1-10 mol %. Desirably, the catalyst loading with respect to the organic anhydride is 5-10 mol %. Advantageously, this represents a highly economic and efficient catalyst loading.
The bifunctional organocatalyst may be selected from the group consisting of:
wherein
E is a moiety selected from the group consisting of:
X is O or S;
B is selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof;
R 11 and R 12 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, and C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof; or
R 11 and R 12 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof;
R 13 and R 14 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof; or
R 13 and R 14 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring, C 5 -C 20 aryl ring, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl ring optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof; and
R 15 and R 16 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof; or
R 15 and R 18 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached define C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the bifunctional organocatalyst comprises a cinchona alkaloid or a synthetic derivative of a cinchona alkaloid.
The bifunctional organocatalyst may be selected from the group consisting of:
wherein
Z is C 1 -C 5 aliphatic optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide and combinations thereof;
M is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH, O(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic), and S(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic);
R 17 and R 18 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 3 -C 10 branched aliphatic, C 3 -C 10 branched heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, Br, I and combinations thereof; or
R 17 and R 18 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached define a monocyclic or polycyclic structure selected from the group consisting of C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl; and
E is a moiety selected from the group consisting of:
wherein X can be O or S;
B is selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof;
R 13 and R 14 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof; or
R 13 and R 14 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring, C 5 -C 20 aryl ring, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl ring optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof.
The squiggle line on the moiety E indicates bonding to the nitrogen at C9 of the cinchona alkaloid.
The bifunctional organocatalyst may be selected from the group consisting of:
wherein
Z is C 1 -C 5 aliphatic optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide and combinations thereof;
M is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH, O(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic), and S(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic);
R 17 and R 18 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 3 -C 10 branched aliphatic, C 3 -C 10 branched heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, Br, I and combinations thereof; or
R 17 and R 18 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached define a monocyclic or polycyclic structure selected from the group consisting of C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl; and
E is a moiety selected from the group consisting of:
wherein X can be O or S.
Surprisingly, the present inventors have found that in the presence of a sufficiently electrophilic species (e.g., an aldehyde) and a bifunctional organocatalyst, an inherently electrophilic species (i.e., the enolisable organic anhydride) can be persuaded to attack an aldehyde/other electrophile as a nucleophile, without either reacting with itself (an anhydride is usually regarded as a more reactive electrophile than an aldehyde) or the catalyst in a deleterious fashion.
The present inventors have found, somewhat counter intuitively given the propensity of organic anhydrides to act as electrophiles, that a bifunctional organocatalyst could be employed to activate an enolisable anhydride as a nucleophile through catalysis of the equilibrium between it and its enol form. Further surprisingly, the catalyst acts to suppress the anhydride's propensity to act as an electrophile and preferentially activates the second electrophilic component (e.g., an aldehyde) through hydrogen bond donation/general acid catalysis in a controlled chiral environment.
In one embodiment of the synthetic method of the present invention:
1) the C 4 -C 50 organic anhydride is selected from the group consisting of:
wherein,
R 9 , R 9′ , R 10 and R 10′ are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, C≡N, NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, C(═O)OR 6 , C(═O)NH 2 , C(═O)NHR 6 , C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , OR 6 , OC(═O)R 6 , OC(═O)OR 6 , OC(═O)NH 2 , OC(═O)NHR 6 , OC(═O)NR 6 R 7 , N(H)C(═O)R 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)R 7 , N(H)C(═O)OR 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)OR 7 , N(H)C(═O)NH 2 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NH 2 , N(H)C(═O)NHR 6 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NHR 7 , N(H)C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , N(R 6 )C(═O)NR 7 R 8 , S(═O)R 6 , S(═O) 2 R 6 , P(═O)R 6 R 7 , P(═O)(OH)(OH), P(═O)(OH)(OR 6 ), P(═O)(OR 6 )(OR 7 ); or
R 9 and R 10 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, a C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring, a C 5 -C 20 aryl ring, or a C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl ring; or
R 9′ and R 10′ together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, or a C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring subject to the proviso that at least one of the carbon atoms to which R 9′ and R 10′ are attached is saturated;
R 6 , R 7 and R 8 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof; and
n is 1-5;
2) the second compound is an aldehyde or ketone of the formula:
wherein:
R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof; or
R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, or a C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring; and
3) the bifunctional organocatalyst is selected from the group consisting of:
wherein
Z is C 1 -C 5 aliphatic optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide and combinations thereof;
M is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH, O(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic), and S(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic);
R 17 and R 18 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 3 -C 10 branched aliphatic, C 3 -C 10 branched heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, Br, I and combinations thereof; or
R 17 and R 18 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached define a monocyclic or polycyclic structure selected from the group consisting of C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl; and
E is a moiety selected from the group consisting of:
wherein X can be O or S.
Additionally, with reference to the embodiment comprising elements 1)-3) supra the method may be carried out in an ethereal solvent, for example C 2 -C 12 ethers (cyclic and acyclic) such as diethylether, THF, 2-methyl THF, diisopropylether, methyltertbutylether (MTBE) and combinations thereof.
Desirably, item 1) of the embodiment comprising elements 1)-3) supra is a homophthalic anhydride derivative of the formula:
wherein R 11 and p are as defined above.
Desirably, item 2) of the embodiment comprising elements 1)-3) supra is an aldehyde of the formula:
wherein:
R 1 is selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof.
Advantageously, when:
i) The enolisable C 4 -C 50 cyclic organic is of the general formula:
wherein R 11 and p are as defined above; and
ii) the second compound is an aldehyde or ketone of the formula:
wherein:
R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof; or
R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, or a C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring,
the method of the present invention provides a facile enantioselective route to chiral dihydroisocoumarins.
The present inventors have also found a number of new cinchona alkaloid molecules that show excellent catalytic activity in the synthetic method of the present invention. Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides for a compound of the general formula (Ia) or (Ib):
wherein
Z is C 1 -C 5 aliphatic optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide and combinations thereof;
M is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH, O(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic), and S(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic);
R 17 and R 18 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 3 -C 10 branched aliphatic, C 3 -C 10 branched heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, Br, I and combinations thereof, subject to the proviso that only one of R 17 and R 18 can be H; or
R 17 and R 18 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached may define a monocyclic or polycyclic structure selected from the group consisting of C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl; and
E is a moiety selected from the group consisting of:
wherein X can be O or S;
B is selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof;
R 13 and R 14 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 aliphatic, C 1 -C 20 heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, and combinations thereof optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof; or
R 13 and R 14 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached define a C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic ring, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic ring, C 5 -C 20 aryl ring, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl ring optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide, C 1 -C 5 alkyl and combinations thereof.
Advantageously, molecules according to the present invention possessing a non-H substituent at one of R 17 and R 18 show excellent asymmetric induction when utilised as catalysts in the synthetic method of the present invention. In particular, molecules of the present invention possessing a non-H substituent at one of R 17 and R 18 when used as catalysts in the method of the present invention were found to afford end products with an enantiomeric excess of up to 99%.
In one embodiment, the compound of the present invention is:
wherein
Z is C 1 -C 5 aliphatic optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide and combinations thereof;
M is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH, O(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic), and S(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic);
R 17 and R 18 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 3 -C 10 branched aliphatic, C 3 -C 10 branched heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, Br, I and combinations thereof, subject to the proviso that only one of R 17 and R 18 can be H; or
R 17 and R 18 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached may define a monocyclic or polycyclic structure selected from the group consisting of C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl; and
E is a moiety selected from the group consisting of:
wherein X is O or S.
The compound of the present invention may be:
wherein
Z is C 1 -C 5 aliphatic optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide and combinations thereof;
M is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH, O(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic), and S(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic);
R 17 is selected from the group consisting of C 3 -C 10 branched aliphatic, C 3 -C 10 branched heteroaliphatic, C 3 -C 20 cycloaliphatic, C 2 -C 20 heterocycloaliphatic, C 5 -C 20 aryl, C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl, Br, I and combinations thereof, and
E is a moiety selected from the group consisting of:
wherein X is O or S.
The compound of the present invention may be:
wherein
Z is C 1 -C 5 aliphatic optionally substituted one or more times with at least one of a halogen, cyano, CF 3 , NO 2 , C 1 -C 5 ketone, C 1 -C 5 ester, C 1 -C 10 amide, C 1 -C 5 sulfone, C 1 -C 5 sulfoxide and combinations thereof;
M is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, and O(C 1 -C 5 aliphatic);
R 17 is selected from the group consisting of C 5 -C 20 aryl, and C 3 -C 20 heteroaryl; and
E is a moiety selected from the group consisting of:
wherein X is O or S.
The compound of the present invention may be immobilised on a solid phase support or a magnetic nanoparticle. Advantageously, this may allow for automated combinatorial or high throughput applications utilising the compounds of the present invention.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides for use of a compound of the present invention as a catalyst in a chemical reaction. For example, the catalyst may be an asymmetric catalyst for imparting enantioselectivity to a synthetic reaction process.
As used herein, the term C x -C y aliphatic refers to linear, branched, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon chains comprising C x -C y carbon atoms (and includes C x -C y alkyl, C x -C y alkenyl and C x -C y alkynyl). Similarly, references to C x -C y alkyl, C x -C y alkenyl and C x -C y alkynyl include linear and branched C x -C y alkyl, C x -C y alkenyl and C x -C y alkynyl.
As used herein, the term “C x -C y cycloaliphatic” refers to unfused, fused, spirocyclic, polycyclic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon rings comprising C x -C y carbon atoms (and includes C x -C y cycloalkyl, C x -C y cycloalkenyl and C x -C y cycloalkynyl).
The terms heteroaliphatic and heterocycloaliphatic embrace compounds of the above definitions, but where the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon chains and hydrocarbon rings, respectively, are interspaced one or more times with at least one O, N or S.
As used herein, the term aryl/aromatic refers to an aromatic carbocyclic structure which is monocyclic or polycyclic, and which is unfused or fused. As used herein, the term heterocycle refers to cyclic compounds having as ring members atoms of at least two different elements. The cyclic compounds may be monocyclic or polycyclic and unfused or fused. As used herein, the term heteroaromatic/heteroaryl refers to an aromatic heterocyclic structure having as ring members atoms of at least two different elements. The aromatic heterocycle may be monocyclic or polycyclic and unfused or fused.
Where suitable, it will be appreciated that all optional and/or preferred features of one embodiment of the invention may be combined with optional and/or preferred features of another/other embodiment(s) of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It should be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the examples disclosed herein below represent generalised examples only, and that other arrangements and methods capable of reproducing the invention are possible and are embraced by the present invention.
In preliminary experiments, the results of which are given in Table 1, the addition of homophthalic anhydride (8) to benzaldehyde (9) was evaluated in THF at ambient temperature in the presence of a wide range of chiral alkaloid-derived catalysts 11 at 5 mol % loading. In the absence of catalyst, the reaction proceeds very slowly, with moderate diastereoselectivity in favour of anti-10 (entry 1).
Use of Hünig's base as a catalyst led to considerably faster reactions with no improvement in diastereoselectivity, however it was pleasing to observe that sub-stoichiometric catalysis of this reaction by an amine base was possible (entry 2). Both the parent cinchona alkaloid, quinine (11a), and its O-benzoylated derivative 11b promoted the reaction with marginally higher diastereoselectivity, however the product enantiomeric excesses were inadequate for synthetic utility (entries 3-4), as were those obtained from reactions catalysed by both the mono- and bifunctional C-9 arylated alkaloids 11c and 11d (entries 5-6). The bifunctional sulfonamide-substituted catalysts 11e-g, which have proven highly efficacious in the catalysis of asymmetric additions to anhydrides promoted the formation of predominantly anti-10 in excellent yield, with poor-moderate levels of enantioselectivity (entries 7-9). The exchange of the sulfonamide for urea- and thiourea functionality (i.e., catalysts 11h-l) resulted in higher enantioselectivity, with the thiourea-based catalyst 11l clearly superior to the others in this subset of the library (>75% ee for both the syn and anti diastereomers, with a 9 fold preference for the anti-stereoisomer, entries 10-14). The recently developed C-5′ substituted alkaloid derivative 11m is a relatively poor catalyst from a stereoselectivity perspective (entry 15).
Squaramide-substituted catalysts, for example 11n could catalyse the formation of anti-10 with good diastereoselectivity and 90% ee (entry 16). The C2-symmetric analogue 11o, is unsuitable for use in the reaction currently under study (entry 17). The squaramide 11n proved the most promising of the known materials screened, yet did not represent an optimal catalytic solution. An analysis of molecular models led us to speculate that this may be due to the catalyst's quinoline ring being responsible for occupying two of the four quadrants defining the 3-dimensional space around the squaramide moiety. If one considers rotation around the single bond at the quinoline C-4 position, it is clear that the occupation of these quadrants is asymmetric, depending on whether the methoxy-substituted portion of the quinoline ring is orientated either towards the N—H bonds or the carbonyl moieties. To address this putative design-flaw, we installed a phenyl substituent at C-2, so that the steric requirement of the quinoline ring is more appropriately balanced, which we proposed would render catalyst performance less dependent on the orientation of this heterocyclic substituent.
TABLE 1
Catalyst evaluation and optimisation of the reaction conditions
ee syn
ee anti
Entry
Catalyst
Time (h)
Solvent
Conc. (M)
Temp. (° C.)
Yield (%) [a]
dr [b]
(%) [c]
(%) [c]
1
—
19
THF
0.2
rt
20
75:25
—
—
2
i-Pr 2 NEt
19
THF
0.2
rt
95
75:25
—
—
3
11a
19
THF
0.2
rt
84
81:19
26
−7
4
11b
19
THF
0.2
rt
93
83:17
−1
−28
5
11c
19
THF
0.2
rt
99
68:32
−3
1
6
11d
19
THF
0.2
rt
93
78:22
−3
−21
7
11e
19
THF
0.2
rt
98
90:10
30
5
8
11f
19
THF
0.2
rt
97
91:9
35
−69
9
11g
19
THF
0.2
rt
98
85:15
24
−21
10
11h
19
THF
0.2
rt
96
85:15
40
72
11
11i
19
THF
0.2
rt
>99
83:17
51
58
12
11j
19
THF
0.2
rt
97
86:14
70
66
13
11k
19
THF
0.2
rt
92
85:15
68
62
14
11l
19
THF
0.2
rt
92
90:10
76
79
15
11m
19
THF
0.2
rt
82
76:24
−20
10
16
11n
19
THF
0.2
rt
80
84:16
67
90
17
11o
19
THF
0.2
rt
86
78:22
32
40
18
11p
24
THF
0.2
rt
96
91:9
65
93
19
11p
18
THF
0.1
23
98
91:9
73
94
20
11p
18
MTBE
0.1
23
>99
92:8
61
95
21
11p
36
CH 2 Cl 2
0.1
23
57
82:18
n.d. [d]
n.d. [d]
22
11p
18
PhMe
0.1
23
>99
90:10
26
87
23
11p
36
MeCN
0.1
23
65
72:28
n.d. [d]
n.d. [d]
24
11p
20
THF
0.01
rt
97
82:18
92
91
25
11p
36
THF
0.1
0
87
93:7
n.d. [d]
96
26
11p
36
MTBE
0.1
0
>99
95:5
n.d. [d]
96
27
11p
22
MTBE
0.1
−15
98
96:4
n.d. [d]
97
[a] Determined by 1 H NMR spectroscopy using 4-iodoanisole as an internal standard.
[b] Diastereomeric ratio (determined by 1 H NMR spectroscopy).
[c] Determined by CSP-HPLC.
[d] Not determined.
Use of this novel C-2 substituted catalyst 11p resulted in considerably improved product yield, enantio- and diastereoselectivity (entry 18). Further optimisation (entries 19-27) led to the identification of 2 sets of reaction conditions which allow the synthesis of anti-10 in ≧98% yield, ≧95:5 dr and ≧96% ee at convenient catalyst loading, reaction concentration and temperatures (entries 26 and 27).
TABLE 2
Evaluation of substrate scope: aldehyde component
Yield (%) [a]
Entry
Product
Time (h)
of anti-diastereomer
dr [b]
ee (%) [c]
1
48
93 (97) [d]
97:3
96
2
40
93 (100) [d]
95:5
95
3
48
93 (100) [d]
95:5
97
4
48
92 (100) [d]
93:7
96
5
115
78 (90) [d]
90:10
91
6
48
95 (100) [d]
97:3
99
7
48
84 (90) [d]
94:6
97
8
48
90 (98) [d]
93:7
98
9
22
94 [d] (100) [d]
75:25
98 (90) [f]
10 [g]
93
98 [d] (99) [d]
78:22
98 (97) [f]
[a] Isolated yield of the anti-diastereomer after column chromatography.
[b] Diastereomeric ratio (determined by 1 H NMR spectroscopy).
[c] Determined by CSP-HPLC.
[d] Yield of the combined diastereomers prior to chromatography ( 1 H NMR spectroscopy) in parenthesis.
[e] Diastereomers inseparable: combined isolated yield.
[f] ee of syn-isomer in parenthesis.
[g] At −30° C.
Table 2 illustrates the range of substrates compatible with the method of the present invention. The methodology proved extraordinarily robust: when reacted in a 1:1 ratio with anhydride 8, electron-deficient- (entries 1-4), electron-rich- (entry 5) hindered- (entry 6) and heterocyclic aromatic (entries 7 and 8) aldehydes were well tolerated by the catalyst at just 5 mol % loading. Yields and enantiomeric excesses of the isolated anti-diastereomers 12-19 (to facilitate isolation and separation of the diastereomers the crude acids were esterified in situ upon completion of the reaction) were generally excellent (≧92% yield and ≧95% ee respectively). The deactivated p-anisaldehyde proved a greater challenge than the other electrophiles evaluated in this study (entry 5), yet this could still be obtained in good yield and >90% ee.
It should perhaps also be noted that thiophene carbaldehyde also proved a relatively difficult substrate, resulting in an 84% isolated yield (97% ee, entry 7) of 18. Aliphatic aldehydes also undergo the formal cycloaddition—both straight-chain (entry 9) and more hindered ‘branched’ aldehydes (entry 10) could be converted to 20 and 21 respectively. While the dr is uniformly excellent in the case of aromatic aldehydes, the use of aliphatic aldehydes leads to acceptable but elevated levels of the syn-diastereomer. This is somewhat mitigated by the fact that the anti-diastereomer is formed in both cases in near optical purity; in addition, the ee of the formed syn-diastereomer is also good-excellent.
TABLE 3
Evaluation of substrate scope: homophthalic anhydride component
Yield (%) [a]
Time
of anti-
ee
Entry
Product
(h)
diastereomer
dr [b]
(%) [c]
1
96
63 (87) [d]
94:6
91
2
64
68 (95) [d]
95:5
93
3
164
65 (81) [d]
95:5
96
[a] Isolated yield of the anti-diastereomer after column chromatography.
[b] Diastereometric ratio (determined by 1 H NMR spectroscopy).
[c] Determined by CSP-HPLC.
[d] Yield (determined by 1 H NMR spectroscopy using an internal standard) of the anti-diastereomer prior to esterification and chromatography in parenthesis.
TABLE 4
dr
ee cis
Anhydride
Cat.
Temp.
Time
Conv. a
(cis:trans)
(Major)
DIPEA 20 mol % 11p 11p 11p 11p
rt rt rt −15° C. −30° C.
23 h 24 h 7 d 110 h 110 h
71% 44% 66% 34% 17%
89:11 90:10 88:12 97:3 >99%
— 68% 64% 83% 83%
11p b
rt
41 h
94%
93:7
74%
11p
−15° C.
97
76
94:6
78
a conversion determined using 1 H-NMR and p-iodoanisole (0.5 equiv.) as an internal standard.
b THF was added just before the NMR sample was taken to solubilise all the compounds.
Substitution at the aromatic ring is a feature of several of the medicinally relevant bicyclic dihydroisocoumarin compounds, and the scope of the present invention in this regard is evaluated in Table 3. Deactivating nitro- (entry 1) and bromo- (entry 2) functional groups can be used to form 22 and 23 respectively in excellent dr and ee. While the yield of the crude acids (determined by 1 H NMR spectroscopy using an internal standard) was excellent in both cases, isolation of these lactones is more difficult due to ring-opening of the (now more electrophilic) lactones upon both on esterification and during careful column chromatography to separate the diastereomeric products. Nonetheless synthetically useful yields of pure anti-22 and 23 can be obtained. The electron-donating methoxy group was also found to be compatible—anti-24 was prepared in good yield and excellent ee (entry 3, Table 3).
The scope of the anhydride component in the synthetic method of the present invention is further investigated in Tables 4 and 5. A wide range of succinic anhydride derivatives show good to excellent ee.
TABLE 5 Aldehyde Time (h) Conv. a dr (cis:trans) ee cis (Maj) 164 98 97:3 86% 100 100 95:5 82% 97 99 94:6 77% 164 (250) 76 (81) 92:8 73% 161 (250) 65 (70) 95:5 91% 100 100 72:28 95% 161 94 98:2 91% 98 99 >98:2 99% 98 b 68 88:12 98 a conversion determined using using 1 H-NMR and either p-iodoanisole or styrene (0.5 equiv.) as an internal standard b Using 20 mol % of catalyst 11p.
General Procedure for the Preparation of Dihydroisocoumarins Anti-12 to Anti-21
A oven-dried 10 mL reaction vessel containing a stirring bar under argon atmosphere was charged with homophthalic anhydride (8) (39.9 mg, 0.246 mmol). Anhydrous MTBE (2.4 mL, 0.1 M) was added via syringe followed by the relevant aldehyde (0.246 mmol). N,N-Diisopropylethylamine (8.6 mL, 0.049 mmol-20 mol %) was added via syringe and the resulting mixture was stirred for 20 h at room temperature. To the reaction mixture containing the corresponding carboxylic acids, anhydrous MeOH (750 mL), followed by trimethylsilyldiazomethane (2.0 M solution in diethyl ether, 150 mL, 0.300 mmol) were added via syringe and the reaction was allowed to stir for 30 min. at room temperature. The solvent was then removed in vacuo and the crude mixture of diastereomeric esters was purified by flash chromatography to isolate the major diastereomer. In the case of dihydroisocoumarins synthesised with aliphatic aldehydes, both diastereomers were recovered combined after purification by column chromatography.
General Procedure for the Preparation of Dihydroisocoumarins Anti-22 to Anti-24
A oven-dried 10 mL reaction vessel containing a stirring bar under argon atmosphere was charged with the relevant homophthalic anhydride (0.246 mmol). Anhydrous MTBE (2.4 mL, 0.1 M) was added via syringe followed by benzaldehyde (25 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was cooled to 0° C. and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (2.2 mL, 0.012 mmol-5 mol %) was added via syringe. For the synthesis of anti-24, N,N-diisopropylethylamine (8.6 ml, 0.049 mml-20 mol %) was used. The reaction was stirred for 20 at room temperature then it was diluted with EtOAc (15 mL) and extracted with an aqueous solution of NaHCO 3 (10% w/v, 3×15 mL). The combined aqueous extracts were acidified with HCl (2.0 N), a white precipitate formed and the mixture was then extracted with EtOAc (3×15 mL). The organic extracts were dried over MgSO 4 and the solvent was removed in vacuo to yield the diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids as an off-white solid. The acids were then dissolved in THF (0.1 M) and the solution was cooled to 0° C. Anhydrous isopropyl alcohol (5.0 equiv.) immediately followed by trimethylsilyldiazomethane (2.0 M solution in diethyl ether, 5.0 equiv.) were added via syringe and the reaction was allowed to stir for 1 h at room temperature. The solvent was then removed in vacuo at room temperature and the crude mixture of diastereomeric esters was purified by flash chromatography to isolate the major diastereomer.
Synthesis of Catalyst 11p
(S)-[6-Methoxy-2-phenylquinolin-4-yl][(2S,4S,8R)-8-vinylquinuclidin-2-yl]methanamine
Diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (DIAD) (1.65 mL, 8.4 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of A (2.8 g, 7.0 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (2.20 g, 8.4 mmol) in dry THF (50.0 mL) at 0° C. via syringe under an argon atmosphere in a 100 mL round-bottomed flask. After 30 min. diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA) (1.8 mL, 8.4 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. to rt for 16 h, then heating at 50° C. for 2 h. Triphenylphosphine (2.20 g, 8.4 mmol) was added portionwise and heating was maintained for 2 h. After cooling the reaction mixture to room temperature, water (10.0 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 4 h. The THF was removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in HCl (2 N, 20.0 mL) and washed with CH2Cl2 (3×20.0 mL). The aqueous layer was basified with NaOH (2 N) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (4×10.0 mL), the combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO4 and the solvent removed in vacuo to yield a viscous pale yellow oil (2.46 g, 88%). Spectral data for this compound were consistent with those in the literature. [α] 20 589 =+30.3 (c=0.70, CHCl 3 ); 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.18 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 8.14 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (br. s, 1H), 7.68 (br. s, 1H), 7.55 (app. t, 2H), 7.47 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (dd, J=9.3, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 5.83-5.76 (m, 1H), 5.04-4.97 (m, 2H), 4.68 (br. s, 1H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.36-3.10 (m, 3H), 2.31 (br. s, 1H), 2.05 (br. s, 2H), 1.68-1.56 (m, 3H), 1.51-1.40 (m, 1H), 0.90-0.84 (m, 1H); HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+H]+C 26 H 30 N 30 requires 400.2389. found 400.2382.
3-[3,5-bis(Trifluoromethyl)phenylamino]-4-[(S)-[6-methoxy-2-phenylquinolin-4-yl][(2S,4S,8R)-8-vinylquinuclidin-2-yl]methylamino]cyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (11p)
To a stirred solution of B (1.50 g, 3.8 mmol) in methanol (10.0 mL) under an argon atmosphere was added a solution of C (1.25 g, 3.7 mmol) in methanol (10.0 mL) via syringe. The resultant mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolved in CH 2 Cl 2 (20.0 mL). The product was precipitated using hexanes and collected by filtration to yield a white solid (2.20 g, 85%).
M.p. 192° C. (decomposition); [α] 20 589 =+115.8 (c=0.50, MeOH); 1 H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 100° C.): δ=8.24 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (s, 2H), 7.81 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.45 (m, 5H), 6.07 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1H), 5.95 (ddd, J=17.4, 10.4, 7.1 Hz, 1H), 5.05 (d, J=17.4 Hz, 1H), 5.00 (d, J=10.4 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.65-3.58 (m, 1H), 3.43-3.21 (m, 2H), 2.94-2.67 (m, 2H), 2.35 (m, 1H), 1.75-1.47 (m, 4H), 0.89 (m, 1H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): δ=185.3, 180.6, 169.1, 163.3, 158.5, 154.2, 145.2, 144.7, 142.5, 141.2, 139.1, 132.2, 131.7 (q, J C-F =32.8 Hz), 129.7, 129.2, 127.5, 127.0, 123.7, 123.6 (q, J C-F =273.3 Hz), 118.8, 117.2, 115.2, 114.6, 101.9, 59.4, 56.1, 55.9, 53.9, 40.6, 39.9, 31.4, 27.6, 26.2; IR (neat): 3520, 295.3, 1791, 1687, 1599, 1546, 1476, 1438, 1377, 1274, 1235, 1174, 1133, 1030, 997, 929, 879, 835, 695 cm −1 ; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+H]+C 38 H 33 N 4 O 3 F 6 requires 707.2450. found 707.2457.
Catalyst Evaluation at Low Temperature (General Procedures)
Catalyst Evaluation at Low Temperature—Table 2 (General Procedure A)
A oven-dried 10 mL reaction vessel containing a stirring bar under argon atmosphere was charged with homophthalic anhydride (8) (39.9 mg, 0.246 mmol) and catalyst 11p (8.7 mg, 0.012 mmol-5 mol %). Anhydrous MTBE (2.4 mL, 0.1 M) was added via syringe and the reaction mixture was then cooled to −15° C. The relevant aldehyde (0.246 mmol) was added via syringe and the resulting mixture was stirred for the time indicated in Table 2. The yield and diastereomeric ratio of the products were monitored by 1 H-NMR spectroscopic analysis using p-iodoanisole (28.8 mg, 0.123 mmol) as an internal standard. To the reaction mixture containing the corresponding carboxylic acids, anhydrous MeOH (750 mL), followed by trimethylsilyldiazomethane (2.0 M solution in diethyl ether, 150 mL, 0.300 mmol) were added via syringe and the reaction was allowed to stir for 30 min. at room temperature. The solvent was then removed in vacuo and the crude mixture of diastereomeric esters was purified by flash chromatography eluting in gradient from 100% hexanes to 5% EtOAc in hexanes to isolate the major diastereomer. The enantiomeric excess of the products was determined by CSP-HPLC using the conditions indicated for each case.
Catalyst Evaluation at Low Temperature Using Substituted Homophthalic Anhydrides—Table 3 (General Procedure B)
A oven-dried 10 mL reaction vessel containing a stirring bar under argon atmosphere was charged with the relevant homophthalic anhydride (0.246 mmol). Anhydrous MTBE (2.4 mL, 0.1 M) was added via syringe and the reaction mixture was then cooled to −15° C. Freshly distilled benzaldehyde (25.0 ml, 0.246 mmol) was added via syringe followed by catalyst 11p (8.7 mg, 0.012 mmol-5 mol %) and the resulting mixture was stirred for the time indicated in Table 3. The yield and diastereomeric ratio of the products were monitored by 1H-NMR spectroscopic analysis using p-iodoanisole (28.8 mg, 0.123 mmol) as an internal standard. The reaction was then diluted with EtOAc (15 mL) and extracted with an aqueous solution of NaHCO 3 (10% w/v, 3×15 mL). The combined aqueous extracts were acidified with HCl (2.0 N), a white precipitate formed and the mixture was then extracted with EtOAc (3×15 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO4 and the solvent was removed in vacuo to yield the diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids. The acids were then dissolved in THF (0.1 M) and the solution was cooled to 0° C. Anhydrous isopropyl alcohol (5.0 equiv.) immediately followed by trimethylsilyldiazomethane (2.0 M solution in diethyl ether, 5.0 equiv.) were added via syringe and the reaction was allowed to stir for 1 h at room temperature. The solvent was then removed in vacuo at room temperature and the crude mixture of diastereomeric esters was purified by flash chromatography eluting in gradient from 100% hexanes to 5% EtOAc in hexanes to isolate the major diastereomer. The enantiomeric excess of the products was determined by CSP-HPLC using the conditions indicated for each case.
Reductive debromination of anti-14 and assignment of the absolute configuration of anti-10
A 25 mL round-bottomed flask containing a stirring bar was charged with anti-14 (20.2 mg, 0.0559 mmol) and EtOAc (10.0 mL). 10% Pd/C (2 mol %) was added, the flask was evacuated, placed under an atmosphere of hydrogen gas at atmospheric pressure and stirred for 20 h at room temperature. The flask was then evacuated and filled with an inert atmosphere. The reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and washed with EtOAc as the eluent. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by column chromatography (10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford a mixture of anti-10 and anti-14. Since the absolute configuration of anti-14 was known, this allowed the assignment of the absolute configuration of anti-10 as (R,R) through comparison of the HPLC chromatogram from the reaction above with that of anti-10 derived from the addition of homophthalic anhydride to benzaldehyde in the presence of 11p (Table 1).
Synthesis of Homophthalic Anhydrides
Homophthalic Anhydride (8)
A 100 mL round-bottomed flask containing a stirring bar was charged with homophthalic acid (2.0 g, 11.101 mmol). Acetic anhydride (25.0 mL) was added, the flask was fitted with a condenser and the reaction mixture was heated at 80° C. for 2 h. The excess acetic anhydride was removed in vacuo and the solid obtained was triturated with Et 2 O (10.0 mL), filtered and dried to obtain homophthalic anhydride as an off white solid (1.53 g, 85%). Spectral data for this compound were consistent with those in the literature. M.p. 140-144° C. (lit. m.p. 140-145° C.); 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): δ=8.05 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (app. t, 1H), 7.52 (app. t, 1H), 7.44 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (s, 2H).
7-Nitroisochroman-1,3-dione
A oven-dried 10 mL round-bottomed flask containing a stirring bar was charged with 5-nitro-2-(carboxymethyl)benzoic acid (500 mg, 2.22 mmol). Freshly distilled acetyl chloride (5.0 ml) was added, the flask was fitted with a condenser and the reaction mixture was refluxed under an argon atmosphere for 16 h. The reaction was then cooled to room temperature and the excess acetyl chloride was removed in vacuo. The solid obtained was triturated with Et2O (5.0 mL), filtered and dried to give 7-nitroisochroman-1,3-dione as an off white solid (372.5 mg, 81%). Spectral data for this compound were consistent with those in the literature. M.p. 154-156° C. (lit. m.p. 154-155° C.); 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): δ=8.67 (s, 1H), 8.54 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 4.41 (s, 2H).
7-Bromoisochroman-1,3-dione
A oven-dried 10 mL round-bottomed flask containing a stirring bar was charged with 5-bromo-2-(carboxymethyl)benzoic acid (500 mg, 1.93 mmol). Freshly distilled acetyl chloride (5.0 ml) was added, the flask was fitted with a condenser and the reaction mixture was refluxed under an argon atmosphere for 16 h. The reaction was then cooled to room temperature and the excess acetyl chloride was removed in vacuo. The solid obtained was triturated with Et2O (5.0 mL), filtered and dried to give 7-bromoisochroman-1,3-dione as an off white solid (404.7 mg, 87%). Spectral data for this compound were consistent with those in the literature. M.p. 176-178° C. (lit.7 M.p. 171-173° C.); 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): δ=8.13 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.23 (s, 2H).
7-Methoxyisochroman-1,3-dione
2-(Carboxymethyl)-5-methoxybenzoic acid which is the precursor of 7-methoxyisochroman-1,3-dione was synthesised over 3 steps following essentially the procedures of Hill et al. (R. A. Hill, S. Rudra, B. Peng, D. S. Roane, J. K. Bounds, Y. Zhang, A. Adloo, T. Lu, Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2003, 11, 2099.) and Usgaonkar et al. (H. K. Desai, R. N. Usgaonkar, J. Indian Chem. Soc. 1963, 40, 239.) with some modifications (see below).
6-Methoxy-3-(trichloromethyl)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one
A oven-dried 25 mL three neck round-bottomed flask containing a stirring bar was fitted with a drying tube (CaCl 2 ) and was charged with m-methoxybenzoic acid (5.04 g, 17.91 mmol) followed by chloral hydrate (2.96 g, 17.91 mmol). Concentrated H 2 SO 4 (12.0 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was left stirring at room temperature for 24 h. It was then poured onto ice, a thick precipitate formed and the mixture was left stirring vigorously until the ice was dissolved. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried. The solid was recrystallised from ethanol, the crystals were then filtered and dried to yield 6-methoxy-3-(trichloromethyl)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one as off-white needles (3.16 g, 63%). Spectral data for this compound were consistent with those in the literature. M.p. 134-136° C. (lit. m.p. 136-137° C.); 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): δ=7.88 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.39 (m, 2H), 6.54 (s, 1H), 3.90 (s, 3H).
2-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-5-Methoxybenzoic acid
A 100 mL round-bottomed flask containing a stirring bar was charged with 6-methoxy-3-(trichloromethyl)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (3.09 g, 10.94 mmol) and glacial acetic acid (40.0 mL). Zinc dust (2.86 g, 43.76 mmol) was added in small portions over 30 min. to the stirred reaction mixture. The reaction was left stirring at room temperature for further 30 min. and then heated at reflux for 1 h. It was filtered hot over a pad of Celite and the filtrates were diluted with water. The precipitate formed was collected by filtration and recrystallised from EtOH/H 2 O to give 2-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-5-methoxybenzoic acid as white needles (1.74 g, 64%). Spectral data for this compound were consistent with those in the literature. M.p. 164-166° C. (lit. m.p. 167-168° C.); 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): δ=13.31 (br. s, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.21 (dd, J=8.7 Hz, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.82 (s, 3H).
2-(Carboxymethyl)-5-methoxybenzoic acid
A oven-dried 25 mL three neck round-bottomed flask containing a stirring bar was fitted with a drying tube (CaCl 2 ) and charged with concentrated H 2 SO 4 (12.0 mL). Dichlorovinyl)-5-methoxybenzoic acid (1.69 g, 6.83 mmol) was added portion wise to the stirred solution over 20 min. so that each additional portion was added only after the previous one was completely dissolved. After the addition was complete the reaction was left stirring at room temperature for 2 h and then it was poured onto ice. A precipitate formed and the mixture was stirred until the ice was dissolved. The precipitate was filtered, washed with cold water and dried to give 2-(carboxymethyl)-5-methoxybenzoic acid as an off-white solid (1.18 g, 82%). Spectral data for this compound were consistent with those in the literature. M.p. 175-177° C. (lit. m.p. 180-182° C.); 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): δ=12.36 (br. s, 2H), 7.39 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (dd, J=8.4 Hz, J=2.6 Hz, 1H), 3.84 (s, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H).
7-Methoxyisochroman-1,3-dione
The compound was synthesised as reported by Balci et al. (S. Ozcan, C. Dengiz, M. K. Deliömeroglu, E. Sahin, M. Balci, Tetrahedron Lett. 2011, 52, 1495) using 2-(carboxymethyl)-5-methoxybenzoic acid (1.14 g, 5.42 mmol). The crude product was purified by trituration with Et 2 O to afford 7-methoxyisochroman-1,3-dione as a yellow solid (861 mg, 83%). Spectral data for this compound were consistent with those in the literature. M.p. 138-140° C. (lit. m.p. 144-145° C.); 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): δ=7.49 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.30 (m, 2H), 4.19 (s, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H).
Characterisation Data
(3R,4R)-Methyl 1-oxo-3-phenylisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-10, Table 1, entry 27)
Prepared according to general procedure A using freshly distilled benzaldehyde (25.0 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 22 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 96:4 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-10) was isolated and purified by column chromatography to give a white solid (63.8 mg, 92%). CSP-HPLC analysis: Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 83/17, 0.5 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 96.5 min. (minor enantiomer) and 133.0 min. (major enantiomer). Spectral data for this compound were consistent with those in the literature. M.p. 118-120° C. (lit. m.p. 129-132° C.); TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.34; [α] 20 589 =+26.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.19 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (app. t, 1H), 7.49 (app. t, 1H), 7.44-7.30 (m, 5H), 7.20 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 5.86 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 4.35 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.69 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ=170.3, 164.1, 136.8, 136.3, 134.5, 130.8, 129.2, 129.0, 128.9, 126.92, 126.90, 124.8, 80.8, 52.8, 50.9; IR (neat): 2957, 1722, 1601, 1456, 1441, 1244, 1080, 997, 782, 701 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+Na]+ C 17 H 14 O 4 Na requires 305.0790. found 305.0805.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-oxoisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-12, Table 2, entry 1)
Prepared according to general procedure A using freshly distilled 3-chlorobenzaldehyde (27.8 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 48 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 97:3 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-12) was isolated and purified by column chromatography to give an off-white solid (72.5 mg, 93%). CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 83/17, 0.5 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 31.6 min. (minor enantiomer) and 46.0 min. (major enantiomer). M.p. 70-72° C.; TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.27; [α] 20 589 =+31.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.18 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (app. t, 1H), 7.50 (app. t, 1H), 7.41 (s, 1H), 7.37-7.24 (m, 3H), 7.21 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 5.82 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 4.30 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 3.72 (s, 3H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=170.0, 163.8, 138.7, 135.9, 134.9, 134.7, 130.9, 130.2, 129.5, 129.1, 127.1, 126.8, 125.1, 124.4, 79.9, 52.9, 50.8; IR (neat): 3063, 2958, 2925, 2853, 1730, 1603, 1437, 1261, 1155, 1119, 1081, 784, 737, 708 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+H]+C 17 H 14 O 4 Cl requires 317.0581. found 317.0588.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-oxoisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-13, Table 2, entry 2)
Prepared according to general procedure A using recrystallised 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (34.6 mg, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 40 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 95:5 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-13) was isolated and purified by column chromatography to give a white solid (72.7 mg, 93%). CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 99/1, 1.0 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 77.7 min. (major enantiomer) and 94.2 min. (minor enantiomer). M.p. 95-97° C.; TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.28; [α] 20 589 =+16.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.18 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (app. t, 1H), 7.50 (app. t, 1H), 7.39-7.29 (m, 4H), 7.19 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 5.82 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.30 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 3.71 (s, 3H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=170.0, 163.9, 136.1, 135.3, 135.2, 134.7, 130.9, 129.12, 129.11, 128.4, 126.7, 124.5, 80.1, 52.9, 50.8; IR (neat): 2955, 2926, 2862, 1736, 1709, 1602, 1459, 1261, 1001, 826, 740, cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+H]+C 17 H 14 O 4 Cl requires 317.0581. found 317.0572.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-oxoisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-14, Table 2, entry 3)
Prepared according to general procedure A using recrystallised p-bromobenzaldehyde (45.5 mg, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 48 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 95:5 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-14) was isolated and purified by column chromatography to give a white solid (82.8 mg, 93%). CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 99/1, 1.0 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 83.3 min. (major enantiomer) and 102.6 min. (minor enantiomer). M.p. 138-140° C.; TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.27; [α] 20 589 =+8.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.18 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.57 (app. t, 1H), 7.55-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.28 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 5.81 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.29 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.71 (s, 3H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=169.1, 163.8, 135.9, 135.7, 134.6, 132.0, 130.8, 129.1, 128.6, 126.7, 124.4, 123.3, 80.0, 52.9, 50.7; IR (neat): 3071, 3018, 2953, 1726, 1601, 1490, 1258, 1009, 822, 736, 692 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M−H]+C 17 H 12 O 4 Br requires 358.9919. found 358.9910.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 3-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-oxoisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-15, Table 2, entry 4)
Prepared according to general procedure A using recrystallised 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (37.2 mg, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 48 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 93:7 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-15) was isolated and purified by column chromatography in gradient from 100% hexanes to 15% EtOAc in hexanes in 92% yield as a white solid (74.2 mg, 92%). CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 90/10, 0.7 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 97.6 min. (major enantiomer) and 133.0 min. (minor enantiomer). M.p. 131-133° C.; TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.14; [α] 20 589 =+22.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.24 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), δ 8.19 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.68-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.52 (app. t, 1H), 7.21 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 5.97 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 4.32 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.73 (s, 3H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=169.7, 163.4, 148.4, 143.7, 135.5, 134.9, 131.0, 129.4, 127.9, 126.8, 124.3, 124.1, 79.5, 53.1, 50.7; IR (neat): 3080, 2956, 2925, 2849, 1730, 1600, 1524, 1458, 1438, 1352, 1247, 1079, 1012, 859, 750, 693 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M−H] C 17 H 12 NO 6 requires 326.0665. found 326.0674.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxoisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-16, Table 2, entry 5)
Prepared according to general procedure A using freshly distilled 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (29.8 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 115 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 90:10 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-16) was isolated and purified by column chromatography in gradient from 100% hexanes to 10% EtOAc in hexanes to give a white solid (60.1 mg, 78%). CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralpak AD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 97/3, 1.0 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 81.3 min. (minor enantiomer) and 89.5 min. (major enantiomer). M.p. 82-84° C.; TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.20; [α] 20 589 =+13.5 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.18 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (app. t, 1H), 7.49 (app. t, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.77 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 4.34 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.69 (s, 3H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=170.3, 164.4, 160.2, 136.6, 134.5, 130.8, 128.9, 128.7, 128.5, 126.7, 124.7, 114.2, 80.7, 55.4, 52.8, 50.9; IR (neat): 3012, 2962, 2932, 2844, 1713, 1604, 1516, 1249, 990, 734 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+Na]+C 18 H 16 O 5 Na requires 335.0895. found 335.0905.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 1-oxo-3-o-tolylisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-17, Table 2, entry 6)
Prepared according to general procedure A using freshly distilled 2-methylbenzaldehyde (28.4 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 48 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 97:3 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-17) was isolated and purified by column chromatography to give a white solid (69.4 mg, 95%) CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 83/17, 0.5 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 20.7 min. (minor enantiomer) and 31.8 min. (major enantiomer). M.p. 114-116° C.; TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.33; [α] 20 589 =−20.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.20 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (app. t, 1H), 7.51 (app. t, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H) 7.28-7.13 (m, 4H), 6.08 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.48 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, 3H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=169.7, 163.8, 136.1 (2×C q ), 133.9, 133.7, 130.6, 130.3, 128.7, 128.4, 126.4, 126.2, 125.9, 124.1, 77.1, 52.2, 48.7, 18.9; IR (neat): 3073, 3027, 2955, 2932, 2846, 1720, 1602, 1459, 1434, 1253, 1003, 918, 741 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+Na]+O 18 H 16 O 4 Na requires 319.0946. found 319.0946.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 1-oxo-3-(thiophen-2-yl)isochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-18, Table 2, entry 7)
Prepared according to general procedure A using freshly distilled 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (45.5 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 48 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 94:6 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-18) was isolated and purified by column chromatography to give a white solid (59.5 mg, 84%). CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 90/10, 1.0 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 32.7 min. (minor enantiomer) and 35.6 min. (major enantiomer). Spectral data for this compound were consistent with those in the literature. M.p. 110-112° C. (lit. m.p. 126-128° C.); TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.25; [α] 20 589 =−68.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.16 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (app. t, 1H), 7.51 (app. t, 1H), 7.33-7.21 (m, 2H), 7.09-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.96-6.89 (m, 1H), 6.19 (d, J=6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.35 (d, J=6.1 Hz, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ=169.8, 163.4, 139.6, 135.5, 134.4, 130.7, 129.2, 127.8, 127.3, 126.9, 126.8, 124.8, 76.4, 53.1, 50.5; IR (neat): 3104, 3011, 2951, 2925, 1727, 1703, 1605, 1459, 1431, 1359, 1332, 1226, 1081, 943, 714 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+H]+C 15 H 13 O 4 S requires 289.0535. found 289.0527.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 3-(furan-2-yl)-1-oxoisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-19, Table 2, entry 8)
Prepared according to general procedure A using freshly distilled furan-2-carboxaldehyde (20.4 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 48 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 93:7 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-19) was isolated and purified by column chromatography to give a yellow solid (61.4 mg, 90%). CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 90/10, 1.0 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 23.3 min. (major enantiomer) and 31.4 min. (minor enantiomer). M.p. 112-114° C.; TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.24; [α] 20 589 =−70.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.14 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), δ 7.62 (app. t, 1H), 7.49 (app. t, 1H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.34-6.24 (m, 2H), 6.00 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 1H), 4.46 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=169.8, 163.5, 149.7, 143.4, 135.5, 134.4, 130.7, 129.1, 127.7, 124.6, 110.7, 109.8, 73.9, 53.2, 47.1; IR (neat): 3141, 3120, 2951, 2853, 1737, 1715, 1601, 1462, 1435, 1258, 1121, 1004, 930, 745, 690 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+H]+O 15 H 13 O 5 requires 273.0763. found 273.0774.
Methyl 1-oxo-3-phenethylisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-20-syn-20, Table 2, entry 9)
Prepared according to general procedure A using freshly distilled hydrocinnamaldehyde (32.4 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 22 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 75:25 ratio. After esterification, both diastereomers (anti-20 and syn-20) were purified by column chromatography to give a pale yellow oil (71.7 mg, 94%, combined yield for both diastereoisomers). The diastereomeric ratio of the esters was found to be 79:21 (anti-20:syn-20) by 1H-NMR spectroscopic analysis. CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralpak OJ-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 80/20, 0.5 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: anti-20 52.6 min. (major enantiomer) and 76.2 min. (minor enantiomer); syn-20 66.5 min. (major enantiomer) and 106.6 min. (minor enantiomer). TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.35; anti-20: 1 H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.15 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (app. t, 1H), 7.47 (app. t, 1H), 7.35-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.25-7.15 (m, 3H), 4.91-4.84 (m, 1H), 3.92 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 2.92-3.02 (m, 1H), 2.83-2.75 (m, 1H), 2.13-2.03 (m, 1H), 1.97-1.87 (m, 1H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ=170.6, 164.0, 140.6, 136.0, 134.3, 130.7, 128.9, 128.7, 128.6, 127.3, 126.40, 124.7, 78.3, 52.9, 48.7, 35.7, 31.3; syn-20: 1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl3): δ=8.15 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (app. t, 1H), 7.48 (app. t, 1H), 7.35-7.25 (m, 2H), 7.25-7.15 (m, 4H), 4.60-4.53 (m, 1H), 3.83 (d, J=3.2, 1H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 3.02-2.92 (m, 1H), 2.90-2.83 (m, 1H), 2.30-2.21 (m, 1H), 2.14-2.02 (m, 1H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=169.4, 164.8, 140.5, 136.8, 133.9, 130.9, 129.2, 128.8, 128.7, 127.4, 126.42, 125.5, 77.3, 52.8, 48.1, 34.5, 31.4; IR (neat): 3062, 3027, 2952, 2927, 2860, 1723, 1603, 1457, 1244, 1159, 1120, 1086, 700 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+Na]+O 19 H 18 O 4 Na requires 333.1103. found 333.1103.
Methyl 3-cyclohexyl-1-oxoisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-21-syn-21, Table 2, entry 10)
Prepared according to general procedure A using freshly distilled cyclohexanecarboxyaldehyde (29.8 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 93 h at −30° C. to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 78:22 ratio. After esterification, both diastereomers (anti-21 and syn-21) were purified by column chromatography to give a pale yellow oil (69.5 mg, 98%, combined yield for both diastereoisomers). The diastereomeric ratio of the esters was found to be 79:21 (anti-21:syn-21) by 1 H-NMR spectroscopic analysis. CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 60/40, 0.1 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: anti-21 47.1 min. (major enantiomer) and 57.7 min. (minor enantiomer); syn-21 55.4 min. (minor enantiomer) and 62.8 min. (major enantiomer). TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.41; anti-21: 1 H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.13 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (app. t, 1H), 7.46 (app. t, 1H), 7.22 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 4.66 (app. t, 1H), 4.06 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 1.97-1.88 (m, 1H), 1.87-1.08 (m, 10H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=171.2, 164.1, 136.1, 134.2, 130.4, 128.8, 127.6, 125.1, 83.5, 52.9, 45.7, 40.5, 29.4, 27.9, 26.1, 26.0, 25.9; syn-21: 1 H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.14 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (app. t, 1H), 7.47 (app. t, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 4.24 (dd, J=9.9, J=3.0, 1H), 4.00 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 1H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 2.41-2.23 (m, 1H), 2.03-1.97 (m, 1H), 1.87-1.08 (m, 7H), 1.08-0.95 (m, 2H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=169.5, 165.1, 137.1, 133.8, 130.8, 129.1, 127.4, 125.8, 83.3, 52.7, 46.0, 40.0, 29.6, 28.5, 26.3, 25.7, 25.3; IR (neat): 2927, 2854, 1723, 1604, 1459, 1240, 1160, 1113, 1082 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+H]+C 17 H 21 O 4 requires 289.1440. found 289.1435.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 7-nitro-1-oxo-3-phenylisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-22, Table 3, entry 1)
Prepared according to general procedure B using 7-nitroisochroman-1,3-dione (51.0 mg, 0.246 mmol) and freshly distilled benzaldehyde (25 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 96 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 92:8 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-22) was isolated and purified by a rapid column chromatography eluting in gradient from 20% EtOAc in hexanes to 30% EtOAc in hexanes to give a white solid (51.1 mg, 63%). CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 90/10, 1.0 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 110.6 min (minor enantiomer) and 122.8 min (major enantiomer). M.p. 148-150° C.; TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.17; [α] 20 589 =+31.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1 H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.98 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.42 (dd, J=8.5 Hz, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.41-7.29 (m, 5H), 5.98 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 3.73 (s, 3H); 13 C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=169.1, 162.0, 148.4, 142.0, 136.0, 129.5, 129.14, 129.12, 128.6, 126.53, 126.50, 125.8, 80.5, 53.3, 50.4; IR (neat): 2956, 2923, 2853, 1745, 1718, 1614, 1530, 1439, 1349, 1259, 1160, 1125, 999, 911, 802, 740 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M−H] C 17 H 12 NO 6 requires 326.0665. found 326.0665.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 7-bromo-1-oxo-3-phenylisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-23, Table 3, entry 2)
Prepared according to general procedure B using 7-bromoisochroman-1,3-dione (59.3 mg, 0.246 mmol) and freshly distilled benzaldehyde (25 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 64 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 95:5 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-23) was isolated and purified by column chromatography to give a white solid (60.6 mg, 68%). CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralcel OD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 90/10, 1.0 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 26.9 min (minor enantiomer) and 43.9 min (major enantiomer). M.p. 132-134° C.; TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.33; [α] 20 589 =+29.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=8.30 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.29 (m, 5H), 7.10 (d, J=8.3, 1H), 5.89 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 3.70 (s, 3H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=169.8, 162.8, 137.4, 136.4, 134.8, 133.5, 129.3, 129.0, 128.9, 126.7, 126.4, 122.9, 80.6, 53.0, 50.2; IR (neat): 2954, 2924, 2854, 1723, 1592, 1406, 1255, 1132, 1080, 997, 765 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M+H]+C 17 H 14 O 4 Br requires 361.0075. found 361.0063.
(3R,4R)-Methyl 7-methoxy-1-oxo-3-phenylisochroman-4-carboxylate (anti-24, Table 3, entry 3)
Prepared according to general procedure B using 7-methoxyisochroman-1,3-dione (47.3 mg, 0.246 mmol) and freshly distilled benzaldehyde (25 mL, 0.246 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 164 h to give a diastereomeric mixture of carboxylic acids in a 95:5 ratio. After esterification, the major diastereomer (anti-24) was isolated and purified by column chromatography to give a white solid (52.3 mg, 68%). CSP-HPLC analysis. Chiralpak AD-H (4.6 mm×25 cm), hexane/IPA: 90/10, 1.0 mL min-1, RT, UV detection at 254 nm, retention times: 33.0 min (minor enantiomer) and 47.5 min (major enantiomer). M.p. 124-126° C.; TLC (hexanes:EtOAc, 8:2 v/v): Rf=0.31; [α] 20 589 =+28.0 (c=0.20, CHCl 3 ); 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=7.66 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.30 (m, 5H), 7.20-7.06 (m, 2H), 5.86 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.69 (s, 3H); 13 C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ=170.5, 164.3, 159.9, 136.9, 129.2, 128.9, 128.29, 128.27, 126.8, 125.7, 122.3, 113.4, 80.9, 55.8, 52.8, 50.1; IR (neat): 2957, 2924, 2853, 1720, 1612, 1496, 1433, 1284, 1267, 1222, 1163, 1074, 1014, 877, 814, 740, 701 cm−1; HRMS (ESI): calcd. for [M−H] C18H15O5 requires 311.0919. found 311.0919.
CONCLUSION
The synthetic method of the present invention is extremely advantageous in that it is amenable to catalysis by bifunctional cinchona alkaloids at 5 mol % levels to generate a densely functionalised bicyclic heterocycles, for example a dihydroisocoumarin structure, with the formation of two new stereocentres in 98% yield, 97% ee and 96:4 dr under convenient conditions. The scope of the reaction is remarkably robust—electron rich, electron-deficient, hindered and heterocyclic aromatic aldehydes, in addition to both a-branched and unbranched aliphatic aldehydes are all compatible (with levels of product ee over 90% and usually between 95-99% and good to excellent diastereocontrol). Substitution on the anhydride component is also well tolerated by the catalyst.
The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
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Disclosed herein is enantioselective synthetic method comprising reacting an enolisable C 4 -C 50 organic anhydride with a second compound selected from the group consisting of an aldehyde, a ketone, an aldimine, a ketimine or a Michael Acceptor in the presence of a bifunctional organocatalyst. The reaction may find particular utility in the enantioselective synthesis of medicinally relevant heterocycles, such as dihydroisocoumarins and dihydroisoquinolinones.
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This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/501,143, filed Mar. 29, 1990 now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to form work for concrete walls, and more particularly to form construction for curved walls such as for tanks or the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are several patents of which I am aware and which pertain to form work for curved surfaces, and particularly to adjustable forms for that purpose. Examples are U.S. Patents as follows:
______________________________________U.S. Pat. No. Inventor Date Issued______________________________________ 869,036 Wood 10/22/073,871,612 Weaver 3/18/754,185,805 Ewing 1/29/804,553,729 Connors 11/19/854,619,433 Maier 10/28/864,729,541 Maier 3/08/884,742,985 Mathis 5/10/884,874,150 Heinzle 10/17/89______________________________________
Some of the apparatus disclosed in these patents for constructing forms for curved walls is specially made construction which is either not generally and readily available or is fairly complicated and involves considerable work to assemble it, and susceptible to damage or deterioration in use. Examples are shown in the Wood, Maier '433, Maier '541, Mathis, and Ewing patents. The Weaver patent appears to rely on wires to hold interfitting form or mold boards together.
In the Heinzle patent, the form work boards 12 must be dismounted when the curvature of the stretchers 5 is changed.
The Connors patent uses combinations of "mini-walers" and vertically extending "strongbacks" to provide a substantially curved form wall.
The present invention is directed to providing convenient means for on-site assembly of forms which are comparatively light in weight, durable in nature, and reliable in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Described briefly, according to a typical embodiment of the present invention, a form for a poured concrete wall is made of plywood sheets fastened to horizontally-spaced vertical beams, to which are fastened vertically-spaced rings of walers. The walers in a ring are hinged together so that they can be pulled or pushed into a ring shape and, in so doing, bend the sheets into generally cylindrical shapes to provide the inside and outside wall forms for receiving concrete, for example, poured between them to form an annular cylindrical wall for a tank or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial view showing one use of waler assemblies of the present invention and just before completion of removal of the last of the forms from a poured concrete tank wall.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the outside formwork of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a further enlarged fragment of the waler assembly but turned upside down as for the inside formwork and showing details at one of the hinged joints.
FIG. 4 is an inside face view of the assembly portion shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an outside face view of the assembly portion shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. 3 but showing an alternative construction of one of the members of the waler assembly and which is useful, when desired, at select locations on the formwork.
FIG. 7 is a section therethrough obtained at line 7--7 in FIG. 6 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, there is shown a cylinder 11 with a bottom flange 12. This is actually a schematic representation of a concrete tank wall 11 on a concrete footing 12 for a tank which may be used for a variety of purposes and in very large sizes. In this example, it is shown to be of relatively small diameter to conserve space in the drawing, but the tank could, in fact, be relatively large in diameter, 70 feet being one example. A couple examples are settling tanks in a wastewater treatment plant, or confinement walls at a petroleum tank "farm." The concrete wall is made by placing the concrete by pouring, pumping, or otherwise between an outer generally cylindrical form 13 and an inner cylindrical form 14. The forms are typically assemblies of large sheets of plywood or other suitable materials and which are assembled in the desired shape and height. The present invention is directed toward a way of making this easy.
For that purpose, the invention uses a horizontally spaced series of vertical members 16 on the inside form wall and 17 on the outside form wall. A product which is available for that purpose and which is employed with the walers of the present invention, is called the Aluma Beam marketed by Aluma Systems Incorporated, 4800 Dufferin Street, Downsview (Toronto), Ontario, Canada M3H 5S9. These beams are available in lengths in excess of 8 feet. As shown in the drawing, their orientation is vertical, so they can be cut to whatever length is desired, or purchased in the desired length, to equal or exceed the full height of the wall from the top of the footing 18 to the top of the wall 19, if desired. Shorter lengths can be used and spliced together end-to-end, if desired. Since these beams are purchased-finished for the practice of the present invention, they are only shown symbolically in FIGS. 1 and 2, but one example is shown in some detail in FIG. 6. They typically include a U-shaped channel 21, web 22 and a base 23. The base also has a modified U-shaped channel or slot 24 with longitudinally extending side grooves 26 which receive the head plate 27 of a threaded stud 28. The channel 21 receives a wood rail 29 in it and which is pushed into the channel and further secured in the channel by a series of bolts or screws 31 spaced along the length of it. The form face board 13 is fastened to these nailing strips by nails such as 14. This construction of the Aluma Beam and the manner of nailing form board 13 to it, and the provision of clamping studs with base plates slideable longitudinally in the slot 24 of the Aluma Beam, are well-known in the art. The studs 28 serve as mounts for clamps 32 which can be bolted to the face 33 of the Aluma Beam base 33 by nuts 34. In this manner the base of the Aluma Beam can be clamped to flanges of other beams, stays or walers arranged transversely to the Aluma Beams as in the practice of the present invention.
Referring more specifically to the present invention, FIG. 1 shows fragmentarily three adjustable radius waler assemblies vertically spaced on the outside form assembly. FIG. 2 shows one of these enlarged and will be described in some detail. Referring to FIG. 2 one short waler 36 is shown between two longer walers 37 and 38. The length of the walers can be selected depending upon the effect desired, the shape to be achieved and the amount of curvature achievable in the form face board 13. For example, the waler 36 may be 1 foot 111/4 inches long, while walers 37 and 38 may be 2 feet 75/8 inches long. The ends of walers 37 and 38 can be connected to other walers in the same manner shown FIG. 2 or in another manner as will be described hereinafter. The walers shown in FIG. 2 are connected by hinge assemblies at 39 and which are identical. Adjustments of the end gap between adjacent walers are achieved by bolts 41 mounted in angle brackets 42, 43.
Referring now to FIG. 3 for more specific detail, it should first be noted that FIGS. 3-6 show the walers oriented as those secured to the inside form boards 14. But the construction is the same as the outside walers, so the same reference numerals as used in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be used in the remaining figures to designate the same components.
The waler 37, for example, includes two elongated channel members 37a and 37b of five inch, 6.7 pound per foot hot rolled steel channel rolled hard way to web on a 32 to 33 foot inside radius. At each end there is an angle such as 42 or 43 secured to the channel members by welding as at 46. The base plates of these angles at each end of the channel such as 37a and 37b and 36a and 36b fix the channels in spaced relationship to each other at one plane of the flanges and designated 36c and 37c in the drawings. At the other plane of the flanges, there are hinge plates mounted as best shown in FIG. 4. In this particular example because the hinge pins 48 are large, the hinge eyes are short lengths of pipe welded to hinge plates. More specifically, hinge plate 49 has the eyes 51, 52, 53 welded to it. Hinge plate 42 has the eyes 54 and 56 welded to it. The head of hinge pin 48 is welded to the eye 51.
This arrangement of angle brackets and hinge plates at opposite ends of the walers is used to hold the waler channel components together in rigid relationship except at a non-hinged end such as shown in FIG. 6 where a plate 71 is welded across the ends of the waler channels. This plate has holes 72 in it for bolting to the same kind of end on another waler (not shown) in an assembly.
Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is a nut 73 welded to the upstanding flange 43f of angle 43. A nut 74 is welded to the bolt 41. A nut 76 is threaded onto the end of the bolt opposite the head 47. With this construction, and when the nut 76 is backed off from the flange 43f, the bolt is free to be rotated (as by a wrench) in the upstanding flange 42f of the angle bracket 42. Depending upon the direction of rotation, the bolt will be threaded into or out of the nut 73 welded to the flange of bracket 43. If the bolt is turned clockwise as viewed from the left, and assuming a right-hand thread on the bolt 41, the waler 37 will move relative to the waler 36 in the direction of the arrow 77. This is the direction of movement which would be employed for the inside wall form. For the outside wall form, the bolt at 47 would be turned in the counter clockwise direction as viewed from the left. In that case, the relative movement of the waler 37 relative to waler 36 would be in the direction of the arrow 78. The gap 79 between the waler ends, and which is nominally 0.75 inches, is opened.
In the use of the apparatus, the form boards are selected in whatever size and material is convenient and suitable for the application. An example is 4'×8' sheet of 3/4" plywood. The Aluma Beams can be placed on the ground or other flat surface, with the nailing strips 29 up. The beams are placed on the ground parallel to each other and at one foot spacings. Then the plywood sheet is nailed to the Aluma Beams by nails such as 14. Then the sheet is turned over and placed on the ground. At that time the walers, all of them in alignment as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, for example, are placed on top of the top faces 33 of the flanges 23 of the Aluma Beams and crosswise to them, typically perpendicular to them as shown in FIGS. 1,2 and 6. The walers are secured to the Aluma Beams by clamps 32 tightened by the nuts 34 on the studs 28.
After all the walers needed for the particular sheet or sheets for one group have been installed, the form assembly can then be raised in place such as on the footings shown in FIG. 1. Then the bolt heads 47 can be turned to begin producing a bow in the form board, either in a concave sense for the outer form board 13, or a convex sense for the inner form board 14, until the desired nominal radius of curvature is achieved. Additional assemblies of the same nature can be installed, and the abutting ends thereof can be bolted together by bolts passing through the holes 72 in end plate 71 of the abutting waler ends. Alternatively, they can be hinged together. The overall horizontal length of a three piece waler assembly of the type shown in FIG. 1 is slightly less than eight feet so that conventional sheets of plywood eight feet long can be conveniently used. The four foot ends of the sheets have filler angles (not shown) mounted to them as is known in the art and by which the vertical ends of the sheets in the assembly of FIG. 1 can be attached to the ends of the sheets of the next adjacent assemblies (not shown in FIG. 1), as the forms are set in a circle.
It is preferable to arrange the walers so that, when erected, the first assembly will be about twenty inches from the bottom of the form sheet. A vertical spacing of five to six feet from the first waler assembly to the one next above it, and between successive waler assemblies is desirable.
The arc in the walers is very desirable, as it makes possible the production of forms useful for tank walls ranging from thirty-two feet in diameter to greater than one hundred forty feet. To pull or push the plywood into smaller diameters within this range, it may be necessary to use two sheets of 3/8 inch or three sheets of 1/4 inch thick plywood.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
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Forms for a cylindrical wall of poured concrete are made of plywood sheets nailed to horizontally-spaced beams, to which are clamped transversely arranged walers. The walers are assembled in strings and the string are in parallel spaced relationship. The walers in a string are hinged together at the sheet-facing side of the walers and at least one of two adjacent waler sections is curved. Screw assemblies are mounted in brackets located at the ends of the walers but on the sides facing away from the sheets, and are operable to push or pull the walers out of alignment so that they can be pulled or pushed into a ring shape and, in so doing, bend the sheets into generally cylindrical shapes. When the sheets are raised on end, with the beams disposed vertically they provide the inside and outside wall forms for receiving concrete, for example, poured between them to form an annular cylindrical wall for a tank or the like.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/842,084, filed May 10, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is generally directed toward vehicle covers. In particular, the present invention is directed toward a vehicle cover which may be quickly installed with minimal effort for the protection of the exterior surface of the vehicle in the event of a hazardous weather situation.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] A variety of vehicle covers are available for protecting a vehicle's exterior surface from environmental hazards. Typically, the conventional vehicle cover consists of a single ply of material to protect a vehicle's surface finish from the everyday environment experience in a storage situation, such as sun, wind, rain, dust, and bird droppings among other things. However, clearly something more is needed for protection from the more damaging effects of a hail storm.
[0006] Even a conservative estimate would place annual repair costs to vehicles from hail damage in the billions of dollars. In an effort to provide a solution, inventors have long attempted to fill the need of a vehicle cover that provides protection to the outer surface of the vehicle from the damaging effects of hail. However, the solutions provided in the prior art fall short of the optimum balance between quick and efficient deployment and maximum protection as need in the event of a sudden hail storm.
[0007] In effect the prior art reveals two categories of vehicle covers for protecting the surface of a vehicle from the effects of a hail storm. These may adequately be referred to as (1) the padded cover and (2) the inflatable cover. Prior art falling in the padded cover category includes that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,699,192; 4,807,922; 5,664,825; 6,070,629; and 6,220,648. Although no inflation is needed for these prior art covers, the covers themselves require the use of thick, heavy materials. While this does provide some protection for the vehicle, it also typically provides a bulky, heavy, difficult-to-install cover that is not suitable for an emergency covering of the vehicle body, particularly by a single individual.
[0008] The second category, or inflatable type covers includes those covers described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,294,483; 5,242,206; 6,044,881; and 6,439,644. These car covers all integrate some type of inflatable envelope; however, all of these covers also fall short of the optimum because they do not provide for single-user emergency deployment. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,294,483 issued to Ferris discloses an inflatable vehicle cover, but the vehicle cover in Ferris is clearly not intended nor capable of emergency use. That is, although a single user may be able to place the deflated cover in Ferris onto a car in an emergency situation such as a hail storm, the individual would also be required to locate bungee strips provided in Ferris and attach to the cover for proper fit to the vehicle. Next, the individual would need to locate an external air compressor (as is the disclosed mechanism for inflation in Ferris), inflate the Ferris cover to the proper level, and shut the compressor off. Finally, the individual would need to seek shelter elsewhere, as Ferris (nor the other prior art examples) provide for reentry into the vehicle for temporary protection from the storm.
[0009] In view of the limitations associated with the prior art, a substantial need exists for an inflatable vehicle cover for use in emergency situations, which is light, fully covering the vehicle, and allows an individual to re-enter the vehicle for temporary shelter from the elements. Applicant's invention, through a novel combination of component pieces, provides such a jack mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved inflatable vehicle cover.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an inflatable vehicle cover that provides protection from the force of impacting foreign objects such as hail.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide an inflatable vehicle cover for quick and easy deployment onto a vehicle for use in emergency situations.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide an inflatable vehicle cover that may be inflated remotely.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide an inflatable vehicle cover that automatically shuts off at the proper level of inflation.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide an inflatable vehicle cover that allows for entry and exit of the vehicle after deployment.
[0016] In satisfaction of these and other related objectives, the present invention provides an inflatable vehicle cover for protecting the entire body of a vehicle from damage from the force of impacting foreign objects, such as hail. The cover is configured as an inflatable bladder, preferably heat sealed along the edges and in other strategic positions in order to create a plurality of air pockets, all in fluid communication with one another. The cover is ideally constructed of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, or other light weight material as will render the cover an easily manageable size and weight. The cover will also preferably contain an integrated receptacle for placement of the cover's light weight inflation unit, which may be operated remotely via a remote control unit. The cover will optimally be configured to allow entrance into or exit from the vehicle, resealing via hook and loop fasteners or the like. The cover may also be configured of clear materials in the areas of vehicle windows to allow an individual seeking shelter inside the vehicle visual contact to monitor his or her surroundings. Finally, the cover of the present invention will contain elasticized edges and/or magnets or other latching mechanisms for retaining the cover in place on the vehicle.
[0017] In operation, it is foreseen that the present invention will be lightweight and small enough to stow in the trunk, tool box, or behind the seat of a vehicle. As the operator becomes aware of an impending hail storm, the operator removes the lightweight cover from its stowed position and rolls it onto the vehicle in the appropriate configuration. After ensuring that the cover is securely installed onto the vehicle, the operator may then re-enter the vehicle (or take nearby cover if available) and activate the inflation mechanism via a remote control. An internal sensor in the inflation mechanism detects when the volume of air in the cover is at its optimum level and automatically shuts off the device. The inflation process takes less than a minute. The operator may then monitor his or her surroundings from inside the vehicle through the transparent portions of the cover, generally in the location of the existing windows of the vehicle. Finally, once the storm has subsided, the operator may then emerge from the vehicle through the resealable entry port and reverse the process.
[0018] In summary, then, the inflatable vehicle cover of the present invention may be used in a variety of emergency situations where immediate protection of the vehicle is required, such as in a severe thunderstorm or hail storm. The present invention thus provides a solution to a long-unsolved problem, that of providing emergency protection for the body of a vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Applicant's invention may be further understood from a description of the accompanying drawings, wherein unless otherwise specified, like referenced numerals are intended to depict like components in the various views.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention installed on a vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1 , the inflatable vehicle cover ( 10 ) in its preferred embodiment installed to a motor vehicle. Cover ( 10 ) is constructed as an inflatable bladder, which when inflated, substantially conforms to the outer shape of all but the underside of a vehicle. Cover ( 10 ) is constructed in a one-piece bladder fashion, heat welded at the edges for an airtight seal. Cover ( 10 ) is also heat welded at particular points throughout the body to form a p lurality of individual air pockets ( 12 ), all in fluid communication with one another. In its preferred embodiment, cover ( 10 ) is constructed of a thin nylon based material. The innermost surface of cover ( 10 ) being configured in a knitted fashion so as to provide a soft surface in contact with the outer surface of a vehicle, such as a knitted nylon. Alternatively, outer cover ( 10 ) may be fashioned of other materials as well including, but not limited to polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, or such other light weight material as will render the cover an easily manageable size and weight.
[0022] Still referring to FIG. 1 , cover ( 10 ) incorporates integrated compartment ( 14 ) to house removable inflation device ( 16 ), which snaps into compartment ( 14 ) allowing fluid communication of device ( 16 ) with the interior of cover ( 10 ). In its most preferable form, device ( 16 ) is a battery powered air pump; however, it is also contemplated that device ( 16 ) may be powered via the vehicles power unit as well. Device ( 16 ) may be manually controlled or controlled remotely via control unit ( 18 ). Control unit ( 18 ) may be one of any of the known varieties of remote control technology such as wired, infrared, or others as known in the art.
[0023] In addition to the foregoing, still referring to FIG. 1 , cover ( 10 ) incorporates entry port ( 20 ) to allow entrance and exit of the vehicle during or after full deployment of cover ( 10 ). Entry port ( 20 ) is preferably a slit in the general area of the driver's side door of a motor vehicle. Entry port ( 20 ) is resealable via fastening mechanism ( 22 ). Fastening mechanism ( 22 ) is preferably an industrial hook and loop fastening strip; however, other fastening means such as a zipper of snaps are contemplated as well. Cover ( 10 ) is also supplied with transparent regions ( 24 ) to allow visual inspection of the environment by an operator that has reentered the motor vehicle. Finally, cover ( 10 ) incorporates band member ( 26 ) and attachment mechanisms ( 28 ) for quickly and efficiently securing cover ( 10 ) to a motor vehicle in an emergency situation. Band member ( 10 ) is preferably comprised of an elasticized band or the like, and attachment mechanisms ( 28 ) are preferably magnetic members. Optionally, band member ( 26 ) be comprised of a cable member and locking mechanism for securing cover ( 10 ) onto a vehicle for longer periods of time, such as overnight when severe weather is eminent.
[0024] In operation, cover ( 10 ) will be lightweight and small enough to stow in the trunk, tool box, or behind the seat of a vehicle. As the operator becomes aware of an impending hail storm, the operator removes cover ( 10 ) from its stowed position and rolls it onto the vehicle in the appropriate configuration. After ensuring that the cover is securely installed onto the vehicle via band member ( 26 ) and attachment members ( 28 ), the operator may then re-enter the vehicle via entry port ( 20 ) and resealing the opening in cover ( 10 ) using fastening mechanism ( 22 ) (or take nearby cover if available) and activate the inflation device ( 16 ) via a remote control ( 18 ). An internal sensor in inflation device ( 16 ) detects when the volume of air in cover ( 10 ) is at its optimum level and automatically shuts off device ( 16 ). The inflation process takes less than a minute. The operator may then monitor his or her surroundings from inside the vehicle through the transparent regions ( 24 ) in cover ( 10 ), generally in the location of the existing windows of the vehicle. Finally, once the storm has subsided, the operator may then emerge from the vehicle through the resealable entry port ( 20 ) and reverse the process.
[0025] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.
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An emergency vehicle shelter including an inflatable bladder configured for nested engagement with a vehicle for covering the vehicle's upper and outer surfaces. The bladder may be inflated by a remotely activated inflation unit. Provision is made in the bladder member to allow a vehicle operator to reenter the vehicle for shelter from inclement weather.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to switchable valve train members for internal combustion engines for supporting a roller finger follower or a pushrod in a combustion valve train; more particularly, to a switchable hydraulic lash adjuster or a switchable valve lifter that is switchable between a first mode wherein valve actuation is permitted and a second mode wherein valve actuation is prevented; and most particularly, to a sub-assembly for a switchable member wherein a latchable pin housing is selectively latched to a sub-assembly body by a single transverse locking pin, and wherein the pin housing is prevented from rotation within the adjuster body, and wherein axial mechanical lash in the sub-assembly is easily set during assembly thereof without requiring repeated assembly and disassembly of the sub-assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Switchable valve train devices are well known in the engine arts for selectively permitting or preventing the opening of an associated engine combustion valve. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,263,956 B1 (“the '956 patent”) wherein a pin housing of a switchable valve lifter (SVL) is slidably disposed within an outer body bore. Opposing dual, flatted locking pins having a compression spring therebetween are disposed in a transverse bore in the pin housing for extending radially to engage an annular locking shelf in the body bore. Pressurized oil is applied selectively to the outer ends of the pins to retract the pins into the pin housing, allowing the pin housing to slide in the body bore in lost motion. The dual locking pin concept, as disclosed in the '956 patent, offers several benefits over the prior art single locking pin concept. For example, the valve train load that is transferred through the switchable device during valve lift is supported by two locking pins instead of one and the overall diameter of the device may be reduced since load bearing lengths may be shared by both sides of the body and pin housing. This dual flatted locking pin construction disclosed in the '956 patent has been adapted to other valve train members such as switchable hydraulic lash adjusters (SHLA).
[0003] An additional known problem in prior art SHLAs having dual locking pins is that side-loading of the pin housing with respect to the body is significantly greater than in prior art SVLs wherein forces are nearly parallel to the axis of the SVL. This is because a hydraulic lash adjuster supports and is a pivot point for a roller finger follower (RFF), and force vectors imposed on the RFF by an associated cam lobe during opening and closing of such a valve are not entirely parallel to the axis of the SHLA. Because the pin housing of a prior art SHLA is not constrained from rotation within the SHLA body, there are orientations of the pin housing with respect to the sideloading wherein the entire axial load is carried by a single locking pin during certain periods during the valve lift event.
[0004] A separate issue in prior art SHLAs is the need for a precise setting of the internal axial lash (mechanical lash) between the pin housing and adjuster body with the pin in locked position. It is important that the locking pin be given sufficient clearance to engage reliably and securely; however, if too much clearance is permitted, the SHLA will be noisy and will experience excessive wear. Also, too much clearance will adversely effect the opening timing of the associated valve since, in the valve opening direction, the pin housing must first traverse the mechanical lash before the switchable valve train can even begin to open the associated valve. Because the stack-up of manufacturing tolerances of the individual lash adjuster components cannot provide a consistent, as-built mechanical lash, a means for adjusting the mechanical lash of each SHLA must be provided. Typically, in the prior art, each SHLA is at least partially assembled and the gross axial lash is measured. The required clearance is then subtracted from the gross axial lash and a graded shim of the resulting thickness is inserted into the SHLA, typically after first disassembling the partially-assembled device.
[0005] What is needed in the art is an improved SHLA wherein the axial load is reliably carried by a single locking pin and wherein the gross mechanical lash may be easily measured and a desired mechanical lash may be set without disassembly of the device.
[0006] It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a reliable single-pin SHLA or SVL.
[0007] It is a further object of the invention to reduce the manufacturing complexity and cost of a SHLA or SVL.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly described, a sub-assembly for a switchable valve train device, which may be either a SHLA or a SVL, includes a pin housing slidably disposed in a body and having a transverse bore. A stepped plug has a major diameter portion that is full-fitting in the transverse bore and a minor diameter portion extending beyond the surface of the pin housing to engage a longitudinal slot in a wall of the body to prevent rotation of the pin housing within the body. The upper end of the slot limits axial travel of the pin housing and thus participates in setting mechanical lash in the device.
[0009] The plug also acts as a seat for a compression spring. A locking pin is disposed in the transverse bore against the spring for extension beyond the pin housing to engage a locking port formed in a wall of the body opposite the longitudinal slot. Because the pin housing is prevented from rotation within the body, the orientation of the locking pin to the locking port is maintained.
[0010] The locking pin and the locking port are provided with mating flats to distribute the locked load. The locking pin is prevented from rotation within the cross-bore by action of an anti-rotation cross pin to maintain the rotational orientation of the locking pin flat to the locking port flat.
[0011] Mechanical lash is readily set by use of a gage tool during assembly via selection of a locking pin having an appropriate thickness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a first prior art single locking pin SVL substantially as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,175 B1;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a second prior art single locking pin SVL substantially as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,972 B2;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a sub-assembly of a single locking pin SHLA in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a first side of the SHLA sub-assembly shown in FIG. 3 ;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a second and opposite side of the SHLA sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 ; and
[0018] FIGS. 6 through 12 are elevational cross-sectional views showing progressive steps in the assembling and lash-setting of the sub-assembly shown in FIG. 3 .
[0019] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] As noted above, the construction and functionality of SVLs and SHLAs are very similar. Although the following presentation is directed to an improved single-pin SHLA, the disclosed principles of construction are equally applicable to an improved single-pin SVL. Prior art is found in two single-pin SVL disclosures.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1 , a first prior art single-pin SVL 10 is shown substantially as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,175 B1 (“the '175 patent”). SVL 10 is shown disposed in a bore 11 in engine 12 for selectively converting the eccentric motion of cam lobe 14 into linear motion of pushrod 16 . SVL 10 comprises a body 18 having a stepped bore 20 for receiving an annular spacer 22 and a stepped pin housing 24 slidably disposed in bore 20 . Pin housing 24 contains a conventional hydraulic lash-adjusting apparatus 26 for eliminating lash in a valve train. A lost motion spring 25 is disposed in an annular space 27 between body 18 and pin housing 24 . A transverse stepped bore 28 in pin housing 24 receives a press-fit plug 30 extending from pin housing 24 through a first longitudinal slot 32 in body 18 and into a second longitudinal slot 34 formed in bore 11 for preventing rotation of pin housing 24 in body 18 and rotation of body 18 in bore 11 . Plug 30 is axially slidable in slots 32 and 34 . The upper end 35 of slot 32 defines a stop for the axial travel of plug 30 and therefore the axial travel of pin housing 24 within body 18 . A single locking pin 36 having a circular cross-section is also disposed in stepped bore 28 for selective locking and unlocking with a circular locking port 38 formed through the wall of body 18 . When pressurized oil (not shown) is supplied to end 40 of pin 36 , return spring 42 , disposed in compression between plug 30 and pin 36 , is overcome and pin 36 is forced from locking port 38 . During engine operation, when the SVL is in unlocked mode, pin housing 24 is held motionless by pushrod 16 and body 18 is free to oscillate within bore 11 in lost motion of cam lobe 14 . When oil pressure is removed from pin end 40 , spring 42 returns pin 36 into locking engagement with locking port 38 . In locked mode, SVL 10 functions as a conventional valve lifter.
[0022] The disclosed SVL 10 has at least the shortcomings that would exist if the locking arrangement were used in a single-pin SHLA.
[0023] First, operating experience has shown that a round pin disposed in a round port suffers from undesirably rapid wear to the pin and/or port because of the relatively short bearing length of the mating bore and because the pin and port have essentially line contact as a result of a deliberate difference in diameters that allows the pin to enter the port reliably. The result is that, as the wear occurs, the internal mechanical lash between the pin housing and the body increases undesirably. The increased lash results in objectionably noisier operation of the engine, but more importantly, results in a later valve opening point and a progressively lower valve lift.
[0024] Second, there is no apparent method for conveniently setting internal mechanical lash during assembly of SVL 10 as shown in the '175 patent.
[0025] Third, the axial positions of upper end 35 of slot 32 and locking port 38 define the amount of internal mechanical lash and are subject to variation in manufacturing tolerances of pin housing 24 , plug 30 , and body 18 , making the amount of lash in any given unit, and hence the precise point of opening and lift of an associated valve, unreliable.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2 , a second prior art single-pin SVL 10 ′ is shown substantially as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,972 B2 (“the '972 patent”). It is seen that the basic construction is very similar to that of first prior art SVL 10 except that return spring 25 ′ is disposed below pin housing 24 ′ rather than surrounding it.
[0027] While a means has been provided in SVL 10 ′ for setting mechanical lash, SVL 10 ′ has the other shortcomings as SVL 10 recited above, especially since it utilizes a cylindrical locking pin 36 ′ having a circular cross-section that locks into a round locking port 38 ′ formed in bore 20 ′ of body 18 ′. As noted above, this shortcomings would also exist if the locking arrangement were used in a single-pin SHLA.
[0028] As an improvement over a single locking pin design, switchable valve train members in the prior art employ dual opposing locking pins, as disclosed in the '956 patent, which arrangement provides greater locking stability and reliability than a single-pin arrangement. Experience has shown, however, that a dual-pin arrangement can have a drawback in certain applications. As noted above, because the pin housing is free to rotate within the body of a prior art SHLA having dual locking pins for engagement with an annular locking shelf, there are orientations of the pin housing with respect to an associated RFF wherein the entire axial load is carried by only one of the two locking pins during periods of the valve lift event, the force balance within the SHLA prevents contact of the opposite pin with the locking shelf due to the component of force applied to the pin housing that is transverse to the axis of the body. Further, as the diameter of the pin housing is reduced for packaging purposes, the transverse length of the bore in the pin housing also becomes smaller, leading to shorter pins having a reduced length/diameter ratio, resulting in increased potential for cocking and wear of the pins, thereby reducing the stiffness of the locking mechanism.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 5 , a sub-assembly portion 100 of an improved single-pin SHLA or SVL 110 is shown. Sub-assembly 100 comprises body 118 ; pin housing 124 slidably disposed in body 118 ; and a stepped plug 130 , spring 142 , and locking pin 136 disposed in a transverse bore 128 in pin housing 124 . Stepped plug 130 extends into a slot 134 formed in body 118 for preventing rotation of the pin housing within the body as in the prior art. Also, as in the prior art, plug stop 135 limits the axial travel of pin housing 124 within body 118 . The shapes and relationships of these components is the subject of the present invention.
[0030] In one aspect of the present invention, a locking port 138 formed in a wall of body 118 is provided with a locking ledge 150 for receiving a mating flat 152 on locking pin 136 . The use of a broad planar contact area between the pin and the body overcomes the prior art wear problem wherein a locking pin having a circular cross-section engages a circular bore of a slightly larger diameter as noted above. This arrangement requires that locking pin 136 be prevented from rotation about its own axis, which is readily accomplished in many ways by providing an additional flat (not visible) on the side of pin 136 and a mating flat-ended cross-pin (not visible) disposed in pin housing 124 , substantially as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,470 (“the '470 patent”) directed to a SVL, the relevant disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Note that if the rotational orientation of the body of a SHLA or SVL relative to the receiving bore in the engine is critical, such as, for example, for maintaining roller alignment with a cam lobe in the case of a roller SVL or for oil port alignment in either a SHLA or SVL, a means for locating the body in the receiving bore, as known in the art, may be provided.
[0031] Further, locking port 138 is provided with an additional notch 154 to allow locking pin 136 to be installed through port 138 after pin housing 124 is inserted into body 118 , the benefits of which are described below.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 12 , a method will be described for assembling and setting the desired internal mechanical lash in a SHLA or SVL sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention. First, a flat-ended cross-pin (not visible) is mounted into a bore in pin housing 124 , as shown in the incorporated '470 patent, and stepped plug 130 is inserted into transverse bore 128 (slidable therein). Then, after the lost motion springs such as shown in FIG. 2 (numeral 25 ′) is installed in chamber 160 , the pin housing is installed into bore 120 in body 118 , as shown in FIG. 6 , until transverse bore 128 is aligned with locking port 138 , as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 .
[0033] Next, a gage tool 156 is inserted ( FIG. 7 ) through locking port 138 until a flat 158 on the gage tool is directly adjacent locking ledge 150 ( FIG. 8 ). The thickness 157 of gauge tool 156 at flat 158 is known and preferably is the nominal thickness of a locking pin 136 at pin flat 152 . Pin housing 124 is lowered into body 118 against the force of the lost motion springs until flat 158 makes contact with locking ledge 150 , defined as a first position A ( FIG. 9 ). Simultaneously, gage tool 156 is advanced to urge the minor diameter portion of plug 130 into slot 134 . Pin housing 124 is then released, and lost motion springs (not shown) in chamber 160 urge pin housing 124 upward until plug 130 is stopped by the upper end 135 of slot 134 , defined as a second position B. Thus, the measured lash 162 between position A and position B is the mechanical lash in subassembly 100 inherent when a locking pin of thickness 157 is used. The desired lash is then subtracted from the measured lash 162 to yield a lash correction which, when added to the gage tool of known thickness, yields a desired thickness for the actual locking pin 136 to be used. A locking pin 136 of the desired thickness is selected from the sorted family of locking pins having a suitable range of sizes.
[0034] Plug 130 is then urged back into transverse bore 128 and pin housing 124 is raised a small distance, without disassembly, to permit gage tool 156 to be withdrawn ( FIG. 10 ). Then, return spring 142 and the selected locking pin 136 are inserted into transverse bore 128 ( FIG. 11 ). Pin housing 124 is again depressed within body 118 until stopped by pin flat 152 against locking ledge 150 . Simultaneously, pin 136 is urged by the locking pin spring further into transverse bore 128 , re-seating the minor portion of plug 130 into slot 134 . Pin housing 124 and locking pin 135 are released, again allowing the lost motion springs to urge pin housing 124 upwards until slot end 136 is engaged. A stopper such as a wire clip (not shown) may be installed in transverse bore 128 before plug 131 is inserted in the bore to prevent end face 131 of plug 130 ( FIG. 3 ) from rubbing against the inside bore of body 118 when locking pin 136 is retracted from locking port 138 and pin housing 124 is cycle in lost motion.
[0035] Sub-assembly 100 is now fully assembled with the correct internal mechanical lash and is ready for subsequent insertion of a prior art lash adjusting mechanism 26 ( FIG. 1 ) to complete the assembly in accordance with the present invention.
[0036] While the invention has been described by reference to various specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but will have full scope defined by the language of the following claims.
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A switchable valve train device including a pin housing slidably disposed in a body and having a transverse bore. A stepped plug in the transverse bore extends beyond the pin housing to engage a slot in the body to prevent rotation of the pin housing. The upper end of the slot limits travel of the pin housing. The plug is a seat for a compression spring. A locking pin is disposed in the transverse bore against the spring to selectively engage a locking port in the body, the locking pin and the locking port have mating flats to distribute the load. Mechanical lash is set by use of a gage tool during assembly, allowing selection of a locking pin of appropriate thickness. The device may be, for example, a switchable hydraulic lash adjuster or a switchable valve lifter.
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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US07/04736, filed 22 Feb. 2007 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/782,449, filed 15 Mar. 2006 and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/899,000, filed 2 Feb. 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to seeding and/or making of dry hydrates and avoiding wax deposition without the aid of chemicals and with minimum use of rotating or other energized equipment. Other embodiments relate to the prevention of hydrate agglomeration and the prevention of wax deposition in a pipeline. The invention also relates to elimination of the use of energized equipment for melting, grinding or scraping hydrate solids and deposited waxes from inside of pipelines or flowlines. Also eliminated is the need for any recycle loops. In yet another embodiment there is no need for splitting the wellstream into two streams. In another aspect, the invention also avoids the use of rotating or other mechanized equipment that require remote vehicle intervention for maintenance and repair in subsea operations. In addition, embodiments of the invention eliminate the need for dual flowlines. Still other embodiments relate to the elimination of the need for heating or insulating flowlines for hydrate prevention and wax deposition prevention, thus reducing the cost of flowlines.
2. Discussion of Background Information
Among the most challenging problems in oil and gas production is the presence of natural gas hydrates in transport pipelines and equipment. Also very problematic is wax deposition in flow lines. Natural gas hydrate is an ice-like compound consisting of light hydrocarbon molecules encapsulated in an otherwise unstable water crystal structure. These hydrates form at high pressures and low temperatures wherever a suitable gas and water are present. Such conditions are prevalent in “cold-flow” pipelines, where the pipeline and wellstream fluids are unheated, and the wellstream fluids are allowed to flow through the pipeline at the low ambient temperatures often found in subsea environments. Cold-flow delivery of wellstream fluids is highly desirable, however, since it avoids the cost of insulating the pipeline and heating the pipeline and the contained fluids, but gas hydrate crystals can deposit on cold-flow pipeline walls and in associated equipment, and in the worst case lead to complete plugging of the system. Costly and time-consuming procedures may be needed to restore flow again in a pipeline plugged with hydrates and/or wax. In addition to the mere economic consequences, there are also numerous hazards connected to hydrate formation and removal, and there are known instances of pipeline ruptures and loss of human lives due to gas hydrates in pipelines. Although hydrate is generally thought of as a problem mostly for gas production, there is now ample evidence that it is also a significant problem for condensate and oil production systems. Wax deposition is also a costly problem when produced fluids naturally contain wax compounds, usually paraffin, that coat flow lines during liquid hydrocarbon production.
Several methods are known to prevent or eliminate hydrate formation and wax deposition, and subsequent problems in pipelines, valves and other production equipment, such as, for example, the processes disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 20040176650 and 20040129609, U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,366. The article entitled “Continuous Gas Hydrate Formation Process by Static Mixing of Fluids,” Paper #1010 in 5th International Conference on Gas Hydrates, Trondheim, Norway, Jun. 13-16, 2005, by Tajima et al. contains additional background information.
Current methods of preventing or eliminating hydrate plug formation using dry hydrates may involve, at a minimum, a recycle loop of dry hydrates comprising a pump and/or grinder. In such methods, the continuous recycling of even dry hydrates in a recycle loop leads to the continued growth of the hydrates and the formation of larger and larger hydrates that, if not continuously ground into smaller hydrates using a grinder or similar equipment, would ultimately grow large enough to cause plugging. Unfortunately, the pump or grinder is an energized piece of rotating equipment that can pose problems in subsea applications. There are two problems with such subsea electrical rotating equipment. First, the reliability of rotating equipment is not yet sufficient to plan for long-term operation without multiple equipment replacements during the typical lifetime of a subsea pipeline. Second, electrical power transmission is limited in distance, thus limiting the distance over which some cold flow processes are useful.
Besides the problems of energized, rotating equipment in subsea applications, other problems occur with current cold flow methods, such as fluids forming “sticky hydrates”. If an unplanned shut-in occurs during the process, the reactor and possibly the main pipeline could experience a complete hydrate plug.
Some proposed solutions for generating dry hydrates for cold flow include rotating equipment, such as a pump or grinder. For example, the following have been proposed: the use of a modified pig with special pressure cleaning devices; subsea pig replacement devices operated by remote operated vehicles; high velocity, high-shear devices; mechanical scraping devices, including a rotating internal vane; near sonic pressure waves; and water hammer.
Many of the prior art methods use equipment that is not commercially proven and some of them require electricity. In addition, many require maintenance that is particularly costly in subsea applications.
Thus, there is a need for improved methods of seeding and/or making dry hydrates without the aid of continuous injection of chemicals and with minimum use of rotating or other energized equipment.
Wax deposition depends on the content of the produced or transferred fluid but usually occurs after production when the right temperature and pressure conditions are reached.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a method for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water through a main pipeline comprises seeding a cold-flow reactor before startup operation with dry hydrate particles, creating a dry hydrate sidestream by diverting a portion of wellstream of hydrocarbons into the reactor, wherein the wellstream hydrocarbons contains water, and feeding the dry hydrate sidestream into the main pipeline to be transported to a destination with the full wellstream. It can be readily appreciated that splitting a wellstream into two streams will be useful for retrofitting the invention to existing pipelines. In one aspect of the invention, dual flow lines will be useful for extending the cold flow process to high water cut conditions late in the field life. One flow line can be used to flow dead oil back to the well in order to reduce the water cut below 50%. Also, with respect to dry hydrates, heating may be useful on occasion on some equipment between the wellhead and the cold-flow reactor; heating is often useful with respect to timing the prevention of wax deposition. Where heating is used, insulation may be useful in some instances on some equipment between the wellhead and the cold-flow reactor.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water through a main pipeline, the method comprising: creating a dry hydrate slurry in a separate reactor; delivering the slurry subsea via an injection umbilical; and feeding the dry hydrate wellstream slurry to the main pipeline.
According to further aspects of the invention, the separate reactor may be located on a platform. Alternatively, the separate reactor may be located on shore. Further yet, the separate reactor may be located on a vessel. The slurry may comprise dry hydrates and a liquid of hydrocarbon. The liquid may be a portion of the wellstream to be transported. At least one static mixer may be installed in the section of the main pipeline after a point where the dry hydrate sidestream is fed into the main pipeline.
According to further aspects of the invention, the wax has an appearance temperature or deposition temperature below which it solidifies in a flowing hydrocarbon stream. The solidification is often a deposition on the inside walls of the pipe where the ambient temperature outside the pipe is below that of the hydrocarbon stream (and below deposition/appearance/solidification temperature). Thus a temperature gradient is established from the center of the pipe to the inside wall and remains for wax deposition or coating unless the normal flow, usually laminar in nature, is disturbed or changed to a turbulent flow.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water through a main pipeline comprises generating a dry hydrate sidestream slurry by diverting a portion of wellstream of hydrocarbons into a cold-flow reactor, wherein the wellstream of hydrocarbons contains water and the cold-flow reactor contains at least one static mixer, and feeding the slurry into the main pipeline to be transported to a destination with the full wellstream.
According to further aspects of the invention, the cold-flow reactor may be subsea. The method contemplates having no more than 5% of the full wellstream introduced to the cold-flow reactor to generate a dry hydrate sidestream. Alternatively, no more than 1% of the full wellstream is introduced to the cold-flow reactor to generate a dry hydrate sidestream. A particle size of the dry hydrate may be between about 1 to about 30 microns in diameter. The cold-flow reactor may be in the shape of a small diameter pipe. The cold-flow reactor may comprise alternating upward and downward flowing pipes. The alternating flowing pipes form an additional cold-flow reactor and the two cold reactors may be connected to each other. The method contemplates having about 10% of the full wellstream introduced to the additional cold-flow reactor and all diverted wellstream may be fed into the wellstream flow. Static mixers may be installed in the upward flowing pipes. At least one static mixer may be installed in the section of the main pipeline after a point where the dry hydrate sidestream is fed into the main pipeline.
According to an aspect of the invention, a method for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water through a main pipeline comprises generating a dry hydrate sidestream slurry by diverting a portion of wellstream of hydrocarbons into a cold-flow reactor, the wellstream hydrocarbons containing a gas phase and a liquid phase, filling the cold-flow reactor with wellstream, the reactor comprising a gas fluid connection to a gas tank to allow gas phase in the wellstream to be separated from the liquid phase of the wellstream, and feeding the slurry into the main pipeline to be transported to a destination with the full wellstream.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water through a main pipeline comprises generating a dry hydrate sidestream slurry by diverting a portion of wellstream of hydrocarbons into a cold-flow reactor, wherein the reactor is a falling film reactor, and feeding the slurry into the main pipeline to be transported to a destination with the full wellstream.
According to further aspects of the invention, the diverted portion of wellstream may be injected into the cold-flow reactor along the walls of the reactor. The method further contemplates injecting water and high pressure gas into the falling film reactor to form the dry hydrate along the walls of the reactor. The injected water and gas may be separated from the dry hydrate sidestream slurry before the slurry is fed into the main pipeline. At least one static mixer may be installed in the section of the main pipeline after a point where the dry hydrate sidestream is fed into the main pipeline.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water through a main pipeline comprises generating a dry hydrate sidestream slurry by diverting a portion of wellstream of hydrocarbons into a cold-flow reactor, wherein the wellstream hydrocarbons contains water and the cold-flow reactor is a pipe with roughened walls, and feeding the slurry into the main pipeline to be transported to a destination with the full wellstream.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water comprises a main pipeline, and a cold-flow reactor installed in a pipe or tube connected to the main pipeline. Either a portion or all of the wellstream is fed through the cold-flow reactor. The system is substantially free of energized equipment.
According to an aspect of the invention, a system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water comprises a main pipeline, and an injection umbilical connected to a facility above sea level. Alternatively, a cold-flow reactor is installed subsea and a pipe or tube is connected to the main pipeline, wherein a portion of the wellstream is fed through the cold-flow reactor. The system is substantially free of energized equipment.
According to another aspect of the invention, a system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water comprises a main pipeline and a pipe or tube connected to the main pipeline, wherein a portion of the wellstream is fed through the cold-flow reactor. The system is substantially free of energized equipment. The cold-flow reactor comprises at least one static mixer.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water comprises a main pipeline and a cold-flow reactor installed in a pipe or tube connected to the main pipeline, wherein a portion of the wellstream is fed through the cold-flow reactor, wherein the system is substantially free of energized equipment and the cold-flow reactor comprises a gas fluid connection to a gas tank.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water comprises a main pipeline and a cold-flow reactor installed in a pipe or tube connected to the main pipeline, wherein a portion of the wellstream is fed through the cold-flow reactor, wherein the system is substantially free of energized equipment, and the cold-flow reactor comprises a falling film reactor.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, a system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water comprises a main pipeline and a pipe or tube connected to the main pipeline, wherein a portion of the wellstream is fed through the cold-flow reactor, wherein the system is substantially free of energized equipment, and the pipe or tube has roughened walls.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for producing hydrocarbons comprises any one or a number of the above methods and systems for transporting hydrocarbons once the hydrocarbons are produced from the wellhead. The hydrocarbons are preferably greater than 50% of the total liquid volume. Gas phase hydrocarbons are most preferably less than 50% of the total pipe volume.
In still further embodiments, there is provided a method of producing dry hydrates, comprising: passing a hydrocarbon stream comprising water and one or more hydrate-forming gases through a cold-flow reactor, said cold-flow reactor having one or more static mixers disposed therein; reducing the droplet size of said water in said hydrocarbon stream by passing said hydrocarbon stream through said one or more static mixers; and converting at least a portion of said water into dry hydrates. The cold-flow reactor can be positioned within or form part of a pipeline for transporting the hydrocarbons. Alternatively, the cold-flow reactor can be positioned external to the pipeline for transporting the hydrocarbons, in which case the cold-flow reactor receives a sidestream of the hydrocarbons.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of avoiding wax deposition and rendering a pumpable fluid of liquid hydrocarbon and wax components, comprising conveying said fluid through a pipe connected to a reactor comprising a static mixer and through said reactor before and while the fluid temperature drops below the wax appearance temperature. The fluids are mixed by their action in the area of the static mixer(s), resulting in fine wax solids that are conveyed with the fluid rather than coated/deposited on the pipe wall. The fluids are then conveyed to a processing facility without materially increasing the fluid viscosity.
The static mixers, when positioned appropriately, disturb the generally normal laminar type flow that would otherwise permit wax deposition on the pipe walls, and create turbulent flow that retains formed wax particles in the flowing fluid.
A heat exchanger may be used near a wellhead or other source of fluid so as to define the wax precipitation pressure/temperature regime near such wellhead or source. Thus, the static mixer(s) can be positioned in the region to force wax particle formation and avoid deposition on pipeline walls. Further the produced stream could be subjected to the static mixer(s) in the region within about a kilometer, or one-half kilometer, or one-third kilometer of the source, usually about five minutes or seven minutes, or ten minutes of flow time and distance. This can be used for production or distribution pipelines and has great applicability to both subsea and arctic environments.
Anti-agglomerates are useful for shut-in although chemicals are not generally used during steady flow through the invention.
Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a parity plot for water droplet Sauter mean diameter at two static mixer alignments;
FIG. 2 illustrates the staging of alternating upward-downward flowing sections of a dry hydrate reactor;
FIG. 3 illustrates a staged 3-reactor design for creating a dry hydrate sidestream;
FIG. 4 illustrates a utility floater umbilical to deliver dry hydrate to the wellstream;
FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified approach to dry hydrate reactor;
FIG. 6 illustrates the dendritic growth of hydrates on water droplets in a cold-flow reactor according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates the dendrites as separated from the water droplets shown in FIG. 6 ;
FIG. 8 illustrates a falling film dry hydrate seed reactor;
FIG. 9 illustrates a static mixer in a main pipeline to increase heat and mass transfer during dry hydrate production;
FIG. 10 illustrates a rough-walled tube hydrate seed reactor;
FIG. 11 illustrates the ratio of Sauter mean diameter (SMD) to pipe diameter produced with a static mixer as a function of Weber number (We) for various liquid-liquid dispersions;
FIG. 12 illustrates total Water droplet surface area with oil velocity at the outlet of a 5 element static mixer; and
FIG. 13 illustrates location of a static mixer in a main pipeline for transportation of hydrocarbons.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in connection with its preferred embodiments. However, to the extent that the following description is specific to a particular embodiment or a particular use of the present techniques, it is intended to be illustrative only and merely provides a concise description of the exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below, but rather; the invention includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the true scope of the appended claims.
The present invention provides the use of dry hydrates and solidifying wax in a way that does not present problems associated with prior art teachings. The present invention also provides methods of seeding and/or making of dry hydrates without the aid of chemicals and with minimum use of rotating or other energized equipment.
The present invention is further demonstrated with the following embodiments.
In one embodiment of the present invention, small diameter, dry hydrate particles are placed in a reactor pipe or tube adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a wellstream before startup. The dry hydrate particles are used to seed the full wellstream. A small fraction of the full wellstream is passed once through a cold-flow reactor. The dry hydrates could be loaded during or after construction of the pipeline, before operating the wet wellstream or before the wellstream starts producing water. Contrary to the common view of avoiding placing hydrates in a pipeline on purpose because of the general notion that hydrates in a shut-in pipeline might fuse into one large hydrate mass that would plug the pipeline, the present invention proves that the advantage of providing seed of dry hydrate is that the facility can be started using the same process that is designed for re-start after planned and unplanned shut-ins. The dry hydrates useful in this embodiment may be formed using any suitable method for forming dry hydrate particles. In one or more embodiments, the dry hydrates are formed using a small-diameter pipe and/or a static mixer as described herein. Unlike other methods for delivering dry hydrate particles to wellstreams, the dry hydrate particles in the instant embodiment are not recycled in a loop. As explained above, the continuous recycling of even dry hydrates in a loop containing liquid water leads to the continued growth of the hydrates and the formation of larger and larger hydrates that, if not continuously ground into smaller hydrates using a grinder or similar equipment, would ultimately grow large enough to cause plugging. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the present invention is any of the other embodiments described herein where the dry hydrates are formed without recycling hydrates in a recycle loop.
In one or more other embodiments of the present invention, equipment, such as manifolds, valves, vessels, pipelines, jumpers, etc., may be pre-filled with a dry hydrate slurry during subsea installation by providing for pressure and low temperature to be maintained in the equipment during installation. The dry hydrate slurry would be preserved by the low temperature and high pressure until the time to start up the production flowline. As dry hydrate slurries do not agglomerate under such conditions in the absence of a recycle loop, there is no difficulty maintaining fluid flow at startup. Therefore, the present invention could be employed with several different types of processes for hydrate management, including chemical injection, insulated pipe, cold flow processes of any kind, etc.
In another embodiment, dry hydrates are delivered to the cold-flow reactor subsea through a chemical injection umbilical. The dry hydrates could be formed in a separate reactor not associated or connected to the main pipelines for the wellstream. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates connections and equipment that may be employed in this embodiment of the present invention. The separate reactor may be on a platform or onshore or in an FPSO-type vessel, exemplified generally in FIG. 6 by utility floater 1 . The dry hydrates are carried through umbilical 2 a in a liquid hydrocarbon stream to provide good slurry flow characteristics. The pressure and temperature of the fluids in the umbilical are maintained within the hydrate stability parameters. This can be accomplished by using fluids from the wellstream to be treated or using a fluid that is best suited for the pressure-temperature envelope of the umbilical. The quantity of dry hydrates delivered by the umbilical is small compared to the full wellstream volume. The dry hydrates are delivered to subsea manifold 3 which is in fluid communication with well 4 and pipeline 5 . Manifold fluids are delivered to the reactor in utility floater 1 through umbilical 2 b . Alternatively, instead of vertical umbilical delivery of fluids to a floater and solid dry hydrates returning to the pipeline, one can have the standard single umbilical that is used to deliver injectants from the facility near the outlet of the pipeline to the injection point near the well. Fluids removed from the pipeline at the processing facility would be used to generate a slurry of dry hydrates which would be delivered through the single umbilical to the injection point near the well. No additional storage facilities are required for chemical injectants because the injectant is water, oil and natural gas which are found at the processing facility.
In one or more additional embodiments of the present invention, dry hydrates are generated subsea in a cold-flow reactor using static mixers. In one or more embodiments, the cold-flow reactor can be a small-diameter pipe having a diameter of about 0.5-10 cm, preferably about 0.5-5 cm, and more preferably about 1-3 cm. The static mixer forms small water dispersions in oil that result in rapid conversion of water to hydrates without agglomeration. Alternatively, small water droplet dispersions can be formed by flowing a full wellstream through a nozzle. However, a nozzle would result in a very large differential pressure.
No large differential pressure results from static mixing or from “sticky” hydrates, since the latter are not present. Unexpected shut-ins can be handled several ways. For example, the static mixing segment of the dry hydrate reactor can be placed above the full wellstream pipe at the point where fluids are sampled for the dry hydrate reactor. If the static mixer is in an inclined position relative to the outlet of the dry hydrate reactor, dry hydrates will slump to the reactor inlet. Liquid water will drain back into the full wellstream pipe. In another example, the small-diameter pipe of the dry hydrate reactor can be lower than and displaced by the dry hydrated full wellstream downstream of the point where the seeds and the full wellstream mix. Dry hydrates can be re-started with the normal pipeline operating pressure. There is no need to de-pressurize the pipeline and restart at low pressure to avoid solid hydrate deposition and plugging. An advantage of static mixers is that the seed cold-flow reactor will not need to be operated at low volumetric gas fraction to be effective in generating dry hydrates with static mixers. The cold-flow reactor containing the static mixer or mixers can be in fluid communication with the wellstream through a sidestream taken from the wellstream either directly or indirectly. Alternatively, if the gas concentration is sufficiently low, the static mixer can be placed directly in the wellstream itself. In this embodiment, a portion of the wellstream pipeline itself serves as the cold-flow reactor for forming the dry hydrates. In one or more embodiments the gas volume fraction is less than 10 percent of full wellstream without static mixers. The gas volume fraction can be between about 0-50% with static mixers.
In one or more additional embodiments of the present invention, dry hydrates are generated subsea in a cold flow reactor section of the main pipeline using static mixers. In one or more embodiments, the cold-flow reactor section can be one or more static mixers. The static mixer forms small water dispersions in oil that result in rapid conversion of water to hydrates without agglomeration. Gas is also dispersed by the static mixer(s), thus avoiding other mechanisms of forming sticky hydrates. No large differential pressure results from static mixing or from “sticky” hydrates, since the latter are not present.
Unexpected shut-ins can be handled several ways. For example, thermodynamic inhibitors, such as methanol or glycols, may be injected upstream and/or downstream of the static mixing segment of the main pipeline before planned shut-in, during shut-in and/or after startup. Alternatively, low dose hydrate inhibitors may be injected upstream and/or downstream of the static mixing segment of the main pipeline before planned shut-in, during shut-in and/or after startup. Specifically, an anti-agglomerate may be injected before, during and/or after shut-in to facilitate hydrate slurry formation.
The main pipeline may split into two sections: (1) A cold flow section with static mixers or other dry hydrate generating equipment and (2) an unobstructed pipeline section for the purpose of bypassing the cold flow section while pigging the main pipeline. An advantage of static mixers is that the cold-flow reactor section will not need to be operated at low volumetric gas fraction to be effective in generating dry hydrates with static mixers. In this embodiment, the cold-flow reactor containing the static mixer or mixers receives most or all of the fluid in the full wellstream directly from the pipeline. In this embodiment, a portion of the wellstream pipeline itself serves as the cold-flow reactor for forming the dry hydrates. The static mixers used according to embodiments of the present invention serve to disperse the water and the gas in the wellstream fluids into smaller water and gas droplets that are relatively quickly and completely converted into dry hydrates without requiring seed hydrates. That is, the hydrates are formed directly in the full wellstream without a sidestream generator/reactor. Gas and/or water separation may be included in the main pipeline before the cold flow generating section.
The static mixers used according to embodiments of the present invention serve to disperse the water and the gas in the wellstream fluids into smaller water and gas droplets that are relatively quickly and completely converted into dry hydrates without recycling the hydrates. That is, the hydrates are formed and then placed directly into the wellstream without being circulated in a recycle loop.
Water droplet diameter has been determined to affect dry hydrate formation. When there is no gas phase, the water does not have to be dispersed in 1-30 micron droplets to form dry hydrates. Smaller water droplet diameters are believed to be generally better for dry hydrate formation, but it is believed that a wide range of water droplet diameters may be employed. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the dry hydrates used in embodiments of the present invention are formed using water droplets having diameters less than or equal to about 30 microns, or less than or equal to about 15 microns, or less than or equal to about 10 microns, or less than or equal to about 7 microns. Droplet diameter is known to depend on the droplet and continuous phase viscosity, shear rate (or fluid velocity), and interfacial tension between the droplet and continuous phase. In a static mixer, the droplet diameter is decreased because shear rate is increased. The relationship between droplet diameter and the above factors is well known to those of skill in the art and can be calculated using known relationships.
The water droplets tend to coalesce downstream of the static mixer section. Gravity is a strong promoter of coalescence, so the whole reactor preferably contains static mixers, the reactor preferably should be oriented vertically, or the reactor diameter may be made as large as practical to minimize coalescence during the hydrate formation stage. Filling the entire line with mixers can impose unnecessary pressure drop. Shorter settle distances in the horizontal pipe are conducive to greater droplet coalescence, so proportionally little is gained by increased pipe diameter. Therefore, vertical orientation is the preferred method, though combinations of methods could be implemented. FIG. 1 shows a parity plot that compares water droplet size for vertical and horizontal orientation of the static mixer and subsequent tube section for a variety of oils or other hydrocarbons. Reference line 10 represents the 45-degree line for the plot. The symbols exemplified by points 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 and 25 show the plotted results for, respectively: Conroe crude oil, 2 m/s; dodecane, 2 m/s; Conroe crude oil, 10 m/s; Conroe crude oil, 5 m/s; dodecane 10 m/s; and dodecane 5 m/s. The shaded area in FIG. 1 denoted by reference numeral 26 represents the area of significant coalescence of droplets. As can be seen from FIG. 1 , the vertically oriented static mixers maintain smaller droplet sizes more effectively than the horizontally oriented mixers.
To effectively package a vertically oriented static mixer assembly in the distance that may be required for complete or nearly complete hydrate formation, one or more embodiments of the present invention may employ staging of alternating upward-downward flowing section in a dry hydrate reactor. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 2 , which shows a series of bundled sections having upward flow sections with static mixer elements 27 , followed by downward flow sections with no elements. Partial or nearly complete hydrate formation can be accomplished horizontally with much fewer static mixers and much less distance than can complete conversion by static mixers. However, once dry hydrates are initiated, if the flow is at high Reynolds Number, there is not necessarily a need for more static mixers to complete the formation of hydrates to 100%.
A dry seed scale-up design according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may involve multiple staged reactors of increasing capacity. Staging would ensure the most effective conversion of all water in the wellstream to dry hydrate. An example of such an embodiment employing a three reactor design is shown in FIG. 3 . In the three-reactor design, first reactor 31 takes approximately 1% of the liquids in wellstream 30 and converts the side-stream water to dry hydrate. Following first reactor 31 is a secondary reactor 32 , where an additional 10% of wellstream liquids are diverted. The dry hydrate stream from the first reactor is fed into the second reactor to induce faster dry hydrate formation. Finally, the dry hydrate stream is fed back into the wellstream (the third reactor), which induces conversion of the remaining water to dry hydrate. The advantage of the staged reactor design is that greater heat and mass transfer can be obtained and smaller droplets maintained in the side streams, resulting in faster and more complete conversion of the water to dry hydrate.
Water droplet surface area is maximized by maximizing the fluid flow rate through the static mixer reactor section, or in other words, increasing the Reynolds number. This requirement may lead to preference for small diameter vertical static mixer reactor designs versus large diameter horizontal reactors.
FIG. 5 shows a seed reactor design to initiate dry hydrate growth according to one embodiment of the invention. The design has the advantage that it is relatively simple, imposes no high-maintenance equipment, and doesn't enter a regime of “sticky” hydrate formation. Production fluids from well 50 enter manifold 51 . Less than about 5%, alternatively less than about 1%, of the wellstream is diverted through sidestream 52 to dry hydrate reactor 53 , which may include static mixers as described above, or it may be a small-diameter pipe without static mixers. The water in the wellstream fluids entering cold-flow reactor 53 is used to form dry hydrate particles that are in turn fed back into the wellstream through return stream 54 . In one or more embodiments, the dry hydrate particles have a diameter of about 1-30 microns, or about 1-20 microns, or about 1-10 microns, or about 1-5 micron. Upon introduction into the wellstream fluids in manifold 51 the dry hydrate particles will act as seed nuclei to cause the formation of dry hydrates in the wellstream fluid having diameters in the range of about 10-100 microns. In this way, the water in the full wellstream is converted into dry hydrates. The wellstream fluid containing the dry hydrates is then fed to pipeline 55 .
In “Continuous formation of CO 2 hydrate via a Kenics-type static mixer,” Energy & Fuels, Vol. 18, pp. 1451-1456, 2004, author Tajima et al. published data for mean droplet diameter with Weber number for a stream of CO 2 in water (without a liquid hydrocarbon), from which a pumpable hydrate slurry was obtained for CO 2 sequestration in the ocean. Using a Lasentec® D600X particle size analyzer, water droplet distributions were measured, by the present inventors, as a function of the Weber number in both dodecane and in a crude oil, as shown in FIG. 11 , with the Tajima et al. results. The data for water dispersions in oil is comparable to that of the CO 2 dispersions, indicating that the static mixer disperses the water droplets in oil as efficiently as with CO 2 in water. Referring to FIG. 11 , the data points exemplified by points 110 represent the results reported by Tajima et al. for carbon dioxide in water, the data points exemplified by points 111 represent the results obtained by the present inventors for water in Conroe crude oil, and the data points exemplified by points 112 represent the results obtained by the present inventors for water in dodecane.
FIG. 12 shows that the total droplet surface area increases with velocity through the static mixers. The increased droplet surface area permits greater conversion of water and is conducive to dry hydrate growth. Referring to FIG. 12 , curves 120 and 125 represent the total water droplet surface area versus oil velocity (at the outlet of a five-element static mixer) for Conroe crude oil and dodecane, respectively.
In another embodiment of the present invention, dry hydrates are generated subsea in a small-diameter pipe cold-flow reactor by excluding most of the gas phase. This is done by passive separation of liquids from gas. The hydrates formed by this method are not sticky. The low gas fluid forms small hydrate particles that disperse in oil with rapid conversion of water to hydrates without agglomeration. No large differential pressure results were observed in this embodiment of the present invention. Since “sticky” hydrates were not generated, no large differential pressure was observed. Unexpected shut-ins can be handled in several ways. For example, the dry hydrate seed reactor can be placed above the full wellstream pipe at the point where fluids are sampled for the dry hydrate reactor. If most of the reactor inclines in the direction of flow toward the outlet of the dry hydrate reactor, dry hydrates will slump to the reactor inlet. Liquid water will drain back into the full wellstream pipe. Another example: the small-diameter pipe of the dry hydrate reactor can be lower than and displaced by the dry hydrated full wellstream downstream of the point where the seeds and the full wellstream mix. Dry hydrates can be re-started with the normal pipeline operating pressure. Dry hydrates can be held in the reactor by way of standard gate valves such as are in use in most petroleum pipelines.
One advantage of this embodiment is the elimination of the pressure drop anticipated with the use of the static mixers.
The use of an ultra-low gas volume in a pipe where oil and water are flowing to form small diameter hydrates is believed to provide unexpected results.
In one such embodiment, the pipe is preferably over-filled (95% oil and 5% water) to eliminate the gas/water interface and hydrate plug formation. Dendritic hydrate formation can be forced by mass transfer limiting the gas phase in the oil phase. As shown in FIG. 6 , dendrites forming on the water droplets do not contact a gas/water interface, since there is no separate gas phase. In FIG. 6 , pipe 60 connects pipe 61 to a gas reservoir (or other hydrocarbon reservoir). Pipe 60 contains oil 62 over which a gas 63 , for example methane or natural gas, is placed. Hydrate dendrites 64 are shown growing on water droplets. The direction of turbulent flow is indicated by arrow 65 . Referring now to FIG. 7 , turbulent flow then causes the dendrites to separate from the water droplets. Turbulent flow eventually results in the dendrites 64 breaking off of the water droplets and ultimately into small granules 70 . Total water conversion to hydrates occurs without hydrate agglomeration.
In flow loop experiments where a gas space is present above the liquid volume, “sticky” hydrates are formed. The “sticky” hydrates appear as large slush-like aggregates that induce large pressure drops across the loop.
In surprising contrast, dry hydrates are observed to form when little or no gas phase is present at the same formation conditions. These have the appearance of fine silt which would settle out when the fluid flow is stopped. While producing these dry hydrates, very little increase of pressure drop occurred across the loop.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides another passive method of forming small diameter dry hydrates by using a falling film reactor as the cold-flow reactor. The design of falling film reactors is well known in the chemical industry. For example, most detergents are manufactured in falling film reactors. There are both large scale and micro-reactor-scale falling film reactor designs. All of these reactors have the advantage of large surface-to-volume ratio that allows for enhanced process control and heat management. Various reactor designs incorporate single tubes, multi-tubes and parallel plates. Hydrates formed by a falling film of water, oil and gas will be small in diameter. Falling film reactors have no moving parts, making this process highly reliable for subsea application.
FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which a dry hydrate seed falling film reactor has oil injected along the walls of the reactor. A water stream is injected as a mist by high pressure gas, which instigates water-limited hydrate growth. The falling oil film captures the dry hydrate seeds and delivers them to the wellstream, free of gas bubbles. Referring to FIG. 8 , water and high pressure gas, indicated by reference numerals 80 and 81 respectively, are introduced into the top of the falling film reactor. Oil 82 is injected along the walls of the reactor. The dry hydrates in the falling oil film flow out from the reactor at 83 .
The energy required for a falling film reactor can be provided by the temperatures of the reacting fluids by maintaining proper fluid flow ratios. An energy balance on a closed, falling film reactor can be determined using equations and methods well known to those of skill in the art. Such energy balance calculations show that the closed reactor system can be designed to produce hydrate without dependence on outside convection. A reactor would convey heat to the surroundings, and could be engineered with exterior fins to maximize convection.
In another embodiment of the present invention, static mixers are used for mixing the seed hydrates with the full wellstream being seeded in order to achieve maximum mass transfer and heat transfer for efficient conversion of water to hydrates. This process uses a static mixer in the main pipeline at the point where dry seed hydrates, produced by any of the embodiments discussed above, are combined with the full wellstream. This will result in more rapid dispersion of the liquid water with the dry hydrate seeds, avoiding possible large hydrate masses being formed due to poor mixing of the two streams or poor heat transfer during hydrate formation in the main pipeline.
FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the invention involving the application of a static mixer in the main pipeline to increase heat transfer and mass transfer just downstream of dry hydrate injection. The dry hydrate can be injected through an umbilical or could be an input from a seed reactor. In FIG. 9 , dry hydrate seeds are introduced through inlet pipe 90 into wellstream fluids flowing in pipeline 91 . Static mixers 92 are placed downstream of inlet pipe 90 . As is well known in the art, the addition of static mixers could account for as much as 300% increase in heat transfer compared to a system with no mixers (see, e.g., “Static mixing and heat transfer” by C. D. Grace in Chemical and Process Engineering, pp. 57-59, 1971.) Therefore, by addition of static mixers, the reactor length could be reduced to ⅓ the required length in the case where no static mixers were used, while achieving the same heat transfer rates.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a small rough-walled pipe to achieve the same result as static mixers, i.e., high shear fields for small droplet formation. The same pipe may be of the same sizes as the pipe discussed above with regard to static mixers in the cold-flow reactor concept. FIG. 10 shows an example of such an embodiment for the implementation of rough-walled tubing to cause mass transfer increase during hydrate formation. Higher shear at the wall will cause water droplets to be broken into smaller droplets, thereby increasing mass transfer. Referring to FIG. 10 , a rough-walled tube 100 is joined to pipeline 101 as shown. A sidestream of the wellstream fluids is taken from pipeline 101 and flows into rough-walled pipe 100 . The sidestream ultimately rejoins the wellstream fluid flow downstream of the point at which the sidestream enters rough-walled tube 100 .
The pressure drop per unit length that results from a dodecane suspension flowing in a tube can be readily determined as a function of Re (Reynolds number) at several We (Weber number) by those of skill in the art. As can be determined from FIG. 11 at We>200 the droplet size does not change significantly. Therefore, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, the rough-walled tube will have a sufficiently small diameter that We of at least 200 is produced.
As an example of the foregoing, if a 600 ft long reactor was used, in a ½ inch diameter reactor, the flow rate at We=200 would be 2.23 ft/s and Re=7350. The pressure drop across a reactor would be 114 psi. The residence time of fluid in the reactor would be 5 minutes. Freer et al. in “Methane hydrate film growth kinetics,” Vol. 185, pp. 65-75, 2001 measured methane hydrate film growth rates of 325 micron/s at 38° F. and 1314 psia. Therefore, 100 micron diameter droplets should be consumed on the order of a second and should have sufficient time for conversion.
The formation of dry hydrates and the growth of such hydrates are affected by many factors. The gas composition in the reactor and the pipeline preferably does not change during hydrate formation as this may decrease the thermodynamic potential and kinetic driving force for hydrate formation, thereby slowing the hydrate formation rate and requiring that the reactor be designed much longer than otherwise expected. The following factors play a large role in whether composition changes significantly: 1) operating pressure (the higher the better; preferably greater than 3000 psig); 2) water cut (the lower the better; preferably less than 10 volume %); and 3) initial gas composition (the closer to composition in the hydrate, the better; preferably greater than 8 mole % ethane, propane, butanes and/or pentanes).
High operating pressures are preferred since proportionally smaller mole fractions of gas are consumed for the same amount of hydrate formed. Lower water cut results in less hydrate formed, so smaller mole fractions of gas are consumed. The azeotrope condition is where hydrate is consuming the gas in the same proportion as the gas composition, resulting in no composition change.
The hydrate gas fraction (whether dissolved in liquid oil or present as a gas phase) is preferably sufficient to convert all of the water in the reactor to dry hydrates. The preferred condition is for the hydrate gas components to be dissolved in the oil phase. The reason is that large gas bubbles in the reactor may lead to large hydrate particles that trap liquid water that is not completely converted to hydrates, resulting in “sticky” hydrates. Either the water quantity is preferably less than the dissolved hydrate gases can convert to hydrates or the oil is preferably capable of being re-saturated with hydrate gases before the fluids exit the reactor. Therefore, a seed reactor design will take into account the rate of consumption of hydrate gases dissolved in the liquid and the rate of re-saturation of the oil.
Preferably, the temperature of the dry hydrate reactor balances the need to keep the reactor short by using as low a temperature as is possible, and keeping the hydrate formation rate slow enough to avoid agglomeration of partially converted water droplets. Similarly, the temperature of the mixing zone of dry hydrate seeds with the full wellstream liquid water is crucial as the liquid water is preferably prevented from forming sticky hydrates faster than the dry hydrate seeds convert the liquid water to dry hydrates.
In another aspect of the invention, any one or a number of the above methods and systems for transporting hydrocarbons can be used in a method or system to produce hydrocarbons from the wellhead. The hydrocarbons are preferably in liquid form and 50% or more of the total liquid volume is hydrocarbon and less than 50% of the total pipeline volume is gas. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of producing hydrocarbons, comprising: providing a well in a hydrocarbon reservoir; producing a wellstream comprising hydrocarbons and water from said well; diverting a sidestream of said wellstream into a cold-flow reactor, said cold-flow reactor having one or more static mixers positioned therein; passing said sidestream through said one or more static mixers; converting at least a portion of the water in said sidestream to dry hydrates without recycling said dry hydrates through said cold-flow reactor or through said one or more static mixers; feeding said dry hydrates into said wellstream to convert substantially all of the water in said wellstream to dry hydrates, thereby forming a wellstream comprising dry hydrates and hydrocarbons; transporting said wellstream comprising dry hydrates and hydrocarbons through a pipeline; recovering said hydrocarbons from said pipeline. It has been observed that when dry hydrate seeds are combined with a stream containing liquid water, the seed particle diameters grow proportionally to the cube root of the water-to-seed volume ratio.
In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of producing hydrocarbons, comprising: providing a well in a hydrocarbon reservoir; producing a wellstream comprising hydrocarbons and water from said well; diverting a sidestream of said wellstream into a cold-flow reactor; converting at least a portion of the water in said sidestream to dry hydrates without recycling said dry hydrates through said cold-flow reactor; feeding said dry hydrates into said wellstream to convert substantially all of the water in said wellstream to dry hydrates, thereby forming a wellstream comprising dry hydrates and hydrocarbons; transporting said wellstream comprising dry hydrates and hydrocarbons through a pipeline; recovering said hydrocarbons from said pipeline.
In yet further embodiments, there is provided a method of producing hydrocarbons, comprising: providing a well in a hydrocarbon reservoir; producing a wellstream comprising hydrocarbons and water from said well; passing part or all of said wellstream through a cold-flow reactor, said cold-flow reactor having one or more static mixers disposed therein; reducing the droplet size of said water in part or all of said wellstream by passing part or all of said wellstream through said one or more static mixers; converting at least a portion of said water into dry hydrates; feeding said dry hydrates into said wellstream to convert substantially all of the water in said wellstream to dry hydrates, thereby forming a wellstream comprising dry hydrates and hydrocarbons; transporting said wellstream comprising dry hydrates and hydrocarbons through a pipeline; and recovering said hydrocarbons from said pipeline. The cold-flow reactor can be positioned within or form part of the pipeline. Alternatively, the cold-flow reactor is positioned external to the pipeline, in which case the cold-flow reactor receives a sidestream of said wellstream.
Another aspect of the invention is a method of producing hydrocarbons from a reservoir and passing the hydrocarbons or a sidestream thereof through a reactor having one or more static mixers so as to convert the wax in the hydrocarbon stream into particles in the stream rather than depositing the wax in the walls of the pipe through which the stream flows. The stream leaving the reactor contains solidified wax particles since the fluid has passed through the temperature and pressure regime where the wax forms. Thus the wax is not deposited as a coating on the pipe since it forms during a turbulent flow from the static mixers rather than depositing laminarly on the walls of the pipe. The normal wax deposition in laminar flow is attributable to the temperature gradient decline from the center flow to the walls.
While the present invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, the exemplary embodiments discussed above have been shown by way of example. However, it should again be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein. Indeed, the present techniques of the invention are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.
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Method for reducing loss of flow due to hydrate solids deposits and wax deposition in a pipeline without the aid of chemicals and system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water, using a main pipeline and a cold-flow reactor connected to the main pipeline or within or forming a part of the pipeline, wherein at least a portion of the wellstream is fed to the cold-flow reactor. Also provided is a method for preventing hydrate nucleation and growth in a pipeline and preventing hydrate agglomeration as well as for preventing wax deposition. The provided method eliminates the use of energized equipment for melting, grinding or scraping hydrate solids from inside of pipelines or flowlines. Generating dry hydrates to be mixed with main flow of a wellstream is also described.
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PRIORITY TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application(s) Ser. No. 60/682,997 filed May 20, 2005, and Ser. No. 60/602,175 filed Aug. 17, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to hydantoin derivatives as inhibitors of the two protein kinases commonly known as MEK1 and MEK2 for the treatment of human diseases such as cancer. MEK is a commonly used abbreviation for MAP kinase/ERK kinase which is in turn an abbreviation for mitogen activated protein/extracellular signal regulated kinase kinase. MEK is also sometimes referred to as MAPK kinase or MAP kinase.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cancer is a disease characterized by the proliferation of malignant cells and tumors which have the potential for unlimited growth, local expansion and systemic metastasis. This uncontrolled growth is derived from abnormalities in the signal transduction pathways and the response to various growth factors, which differ from those found in normal cells. The abnormalities include changes in the intrinsic activity or in the cellular concentration of one or more signaling proteins in the signaling cascade. These changes are frequently caused by genetic mutations or over expression of intracellular signaling proteins which can lead to spurious mitogenic signals within the cells.
The mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway represents one of the best characterized signaling pathways involved in the development and progression of human cancers (J. M. English et al., Trends in Pharm. Sci. 2002, 23(1), 40). This pathway, via the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signal cascade, is responsible for transmitting and amplifying mitogenic signals from the cell surface to the nucleus where activated transcription factors regulate gene expression and determine cell fate. The constitutive activation of this pathway is sufficient to induce cellular transformation. Dysregulated activation of the MAP kinase pathway due to aberrant receptor tyrosine kinase activation, Ras mutations or Raf mutations has frequently been found in human cancers, and represents a major factor determining abnormal growth control. In human malignances, Ras mutations are common, having been identified in about 30% of cancers (J. L. Bos, Cancer Res. 1989, 49, 4682). The Ras family of GTPase proteins (proteins which convert guanosine triphosphate to guanosine diphosphate) relay signals from activated growth factor receptors to downstream intracellular partners. Prominent among the targets recruited by active membrane-bound Ras are the Raf family of serine/threonine protein kinases. The Raf family is composed of three related kinases (A-, B- and C-Raf) that act as downstream effectors of Ras. Ras-mediated Raf activation in turn triggers activation of MEK1 and MEK2 (MAP/ERK kinases 1 and 2) which in turn phosphorylate ERK1 and ERK2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2) on both tyrosine-185 and threonine-183. Activated ERK1 and ERK2 translocate and accumulate in the nucleus, where they can phosphorylate a variety of substrates, including transcription factors that control cellular growth and survival (A. Bonni et al, Science 1999, 286, 1358). Recently, B-Raf somatic mutations in the kinase domain were also found in 66% of malignant melanomas, and at a lower frequency in a wider range of human cancers (H. Davies et al. Nature 2002, 417, 949). Like mutated Ras, constitutively active mutated Raf can transform cells in vitro and induce malignancies in a variety of animal models (H. Davies et al., Nature 2002, 417, 949). Given the importance of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in the development of human cancers, the kinase components of this signaling cascade are emerging as potentially important targets for the modulation of disease progression in cancer and other proliferative diseases (R. Herrera et al. Trends Mol. Med. 2002, 8(4, Suppl.), S27).
MEK1 and MEK2 are members of a larger family of dual-specificity kinase (MEK1-7) that phosphorylate threonine and tyrosine residues of various MAP kinases. MEK1 and MEK2 are encoded by distinct genes, but they share high homology (80%) both within the C-terminal catalytic kinase domains and most of the N-terminal regulatory region (C. F. Zheng et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1993, 268, 11435). Oncogenic forms of MEK1 and 2 have not been found in human cancers. However, constitutive activation of MEK has been shown to result in cellular transformation (S. Cowley et al., Cell 1994, 77, 841). In addition to Raf, MEK can also be activated by other oncogenes as well. So far, the only known substrates of MEK1 and 2 are ERK1 and 2 (R. Seger et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1992, 267, 14373). This unusual substrate specificity in addition to the unique ability to phosphorylate both tyrosine and threonine residues places MEK1 and 2 at a critical point in the signal transduction cascade which allows them to integrate many extracellular signals into the MAPK pathway.
Previously reported studies with the MEK inhibitor 2-(2-chloro-4-iodo-phenylamino)-N-cyclopropylmethoxy-3,4-difluoro-benzamide, also known as Cl-1040 (Pfizer Inc., described in PCT publication No. WO 99/01426) provides further evidence that MEK1 and 2 represent an attractive target for pharmacological intervention in cancer or other human diseases characterized by the hyperactivity of MEK and diseases regulated by the MAPK pathway.
Compounds related to the compounds of the present invention have previously been reported as glucokinase activators (F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, PCT publication No. WO 01/83478). The compounds which have been previously reported were defined as containing a methylene spacer (CH 2 group) between the hydantoin ring and additional substituents which included an unsubstituted or a substituted aryl ring amongst other defined substituents. The compounds claimed in the present invention are defined to include compounds where there is no methylene spacer between the hydantoin ring and substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group rings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to at least one compound of the formula I
or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof,
wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are described in this application. These compounds are believed to inhibit MEK 1/2, a dual specificity protein kinase which is an essential component of the MAP kinase signal transduction pathway and as such the compounds will have anti-hyperproliferative cellular activity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present compounds are new compounds of the formula I
wherein:
R 1 is selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group; R 2 is hydrogen R 3 is selected from a mono- or di-alkyl group; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl or alkyl group; R 5 is selected from the group consisting of COOR, COR, CON(R 7 ) 2 or CHOHR wherein R is alkyl or alkyl substituted by an alkoxy group; and R 6 and R 7 are selected from hydrogen or an alkyl group or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters or prodrugs thereof.
Preferred are compounds of formula I wherein R 3 is an alkyl group, R 4 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl and R 6 is hydrogen.
More preferred are compounds wherein R 3 is a methyl group and R 4 is phenyl.
Most preferred are compounds of the formulas:
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-((R)-4-{4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-ethoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; compound with trifluoro-acetic acid (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-diethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; compound with trifluoro-acetic acid (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-ethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(S)-4-[4-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; compound with trifluoro-acetic acid (4-{1-[(1S,2S)-1-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-phenyl-propyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenyl)-phosphonic acid diethyl ester; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[4-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-pentanoic acid (4-acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-amide; (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-Dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Ethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{(S)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-((R)-4-{4-[2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Ethoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; compound with trifluoro-acetic acid (4-{(R)-2,5-Dioxo-1-[(1S,2S)-2-phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propyl]-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenoxymethyl)-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Isobutyryl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Isobutyryl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{(S)-4-[4-(2-Dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; compound with trifluoro-acetic acid; (2S,3S)-2-{2,5-Dioxo-4-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{4-[4-(2-Morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-3-(3-Fluoro-phenyl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{(S)-4-[4-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-((R)-2,5-Dioxo-4-phenyl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-[4-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-[4-(4-Morpholin-4-yl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{4-[4-(4-Hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-(4-{4-[(2-Methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Cyclopropanecarbonyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-methyl-pentanoic acid (4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-amide; (2S,3R)-3-Benzyloxy-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-[4-(2-Methoxy-acetyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-Dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-[(2S,3S)-2-((R)-2,5-Dioxo-4-phenyl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-butyrylamino]-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Isopropoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(Dimethoxy-phosphorylmethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3S)-3-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-2-[4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3S)-3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-pentanoylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-[(2S,3S)-2-((R)-2,5-Dioxo-4-phenyl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-methyl-pentanoylamino]-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-methyl-pentanoylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3R)-3-Hydroxy-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3R)-3-Hydroxy-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3R)-3-tert-Butoxy-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3R)-3-Methoxy-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3R)-3-Methoxy-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3R)-3-Benzyloxy-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3R)-3-(4-Chloro-benzyloxy)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester 2-{(2S,3R)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-pentanoylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester 2-((2S,3R)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-methyl-pentanoylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-((2S,3R)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-methyl-pentanoylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[4-(4-Methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3R)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-Dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Acetylamino-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester; N-[4-(1-Hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-Dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-N-[4-(1-hydroxy-propyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-[4-(1-Hydroxy-ethyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid dimethylamide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Ethylsulfanyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Ethanesulfinyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-[4-(2-Hydroxy-acetyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (4-{(R)-1-[(1S,2S)-1-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-phenyl-propyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenoxy)-acetic acid methyl ester; (4-{(R)-2,5-Dioxo-1-[(1S,2S)-2-phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propyl]-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenoxy)-acetic acid methyl ester; (4-{2,5-Dioxo-1-[(1S,2S)-2-phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propyl]-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenoxy)-acetic acid; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-carbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-((R)-4-{4-[(2-methoxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-((R)-4-{4-[(2-methoxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-2-oxo-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-2,5-dioxo-4-[4-(2-oxo-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-((R)-4-{4-[(2-Methoxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Morpholin-4-yl-2-oxo-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-2,5-Dioxo-4-[4-(2-oxo-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide; (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Azetidin-1-yl-2-oxo-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide and (2S,3S)-N-(4-Cyclopropanecarbonyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide.
“Alkyl” denotes a straight-chained, branched or cyclic saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon. Preferably, alkyl denotes a lower alkyl group i.e., a C1-C6 alkyl group and includes methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, 2-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, and the like. Generally, lower alkyl is preferably C1-C4 alkyl, and more preferably C1-C3 alkyl. Examples of cycloalkyl groups are moieties having 3 to 10, preferably 3 to 7 carbon atoms including cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl groups.
“Aryl” means a monovalent, monocyclic or bicyclic, aromatic carbocyclic hydrocarbon radical, preferably a 6-10 member aromatic ring system. Preferred aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, tolyl, and xylyl.
“Hetero atom” means an atom selected from N, O and S.
“Heteroaryl” means an aromatic heterocyclic ring system containing up to two rings. Preferred heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, thienyl, furyl, indolyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, oxazolyl, thiaxolyl, quinolinyl, pyrimidinyl, imidazole and tetrazolyl.
As mono-, di- or tri-substituents on the aryl or heteroaryl rings one can include hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydroxyl alkoxy, halogen, alkylamines, aniline derivatives, amide derivatives of the aniline derivatives, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, carboxylic acid amides and methanesulfonyl. When two or more substituents are present on an aryl or heteroaryl ring they may also be present in the form of a fused ring. Such fused rings include, but are not limited to, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl and 3,4-ethylenedioxyphenyl.
“Alkoxy or lower alkoxy” refers to any of the above lower alkyl groups attached to an oxygen atom. Typical lower alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy or propoxy, butyloxy and the like. Further included within the meaning of alkoxy are multiple alkoxy side chains, e.g. ethoxy ethoxy, methoxy ethoxy, methoxy ethoxy ethoxy and the like and substituted alkoxy side chains, e.g., dimethylamino ethoxy, diethylamino ethoxy, dimethoxy-phosphoryl methoxy and the like. Also included within the meaning of alkoxy are alkoxy side chains bearing additional substituents such as carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters and carboxylic acid amides.
“Pharmaceutically acceptable ester” refers to a conventionally esterified compound of formula I having a carboxyl group, which esters retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the compounds of formula I and are cleaved in vivo (in the organism) to the corresponding active carboxylic acid.
Information concerning esters and the use of esters for the delivery of pharmaceutical compounds is available in Design of Prodrugs. Bundgaard Hans ed. (Elsevier, 1985). See also, Ansel et. al., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems (6th Ed. 1995) at pp. 108-109; Krogsgaard-Larsen, et al., Textbook of Drug Design and Development (2d Ed. 1996) at pp. 152-191.
“Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to conventional acid-addition salts or base-addition salts that retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the compounds of the present invention and are formed from suitable non-toxic organic or inorganic acids or organic or inorganic bases. Sample acid-addition salts include those derived from inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, phosphoric acid and nitric acid, and those derived from organic acids such as p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, methanesulfonic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, trifluoro acetic acid and the like. Sample base-addition salts include those derived from ammonium, potassium, sodium and, quaternary ammonium hydroxides, such as for example, tetramethylammonium hydroxide. Chemical modification of a pharmaceutical compound (i.e. drug) into a salt is a technique well known to pharmaceutical chemists to obtain improved physical and chemical stability, hygroscopicity, flowability and solubility of compounds. See, e.g., Ansel et al., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems (6th Ed. 1995) at pp. 196 and 1456-1457.
“Pharmaceutically acceptable,” such as pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, etc., means pharmacologically acceptable and substantially non-toxic to the subject to which the particular compound is administered.
“Substituted,” as in substituted aryl or heteroaryl, means that the substitution can occur at one or more positions and, unless otherwise indicated, that the substituents at each substitution site are independently selected from the specified options.
“Therapeutically effective amount” means an amount of at least one designated compound that significantly inhibits proliferation and/or prevents differentiation of a human tumor cell, including human tumor cell lines.
The compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment or control of cell proliferative disorders such as inflammatory/autoimmune disorders, e.g., restenosis, cognative disorders e.g., dementia and Alzeheimer's disease. CNS disorders, e.g., neuropathic pain and, in particular, oncological disorders. These compounds and formulations containing said compounds may be useful in the treatment or control of solid tumors, such as, for example, breast, colon, lung and prostate tumors.
The compounds of formula I as well as their salts have at least one asymmetric carbon atom and therefore may be present as mixtures of different stereoisomers. The various isomers can be isolated by known separation methods, e.g., chromatography.
A therapeutically effective amount of a compound in accordance with this invention means an amount of compound that is effective to prevent, alleviate or ameliorate symptoms of disease or prolong the survival of the subject being treated. Determination of a therapeutically effective amount is within the skill in the art.
The therapeutically effective amount or dosage of a compound according to this invention can vary within wide limits and may be determined in a manner known in the art. Such dosage will be adjusted to the individual requirements in each particular case including the specific compound(s) being administered, the route of administration, the condition being treated, as well as the patient being treated. In general, in the case of oral or parenteral administration to adult humans weighing approximately 70 Kg, a daily dosage of about 10 mg to about 10,000 mg, preferably from about 200 mg to about 1,000 mg, should be appropriate, although the upper limit may be exceeded when indicated. The daily dosage can be administered as a single dose or in divided doses, or for parenteral administration, it may be given as continuous infusion.
Reaction Schemes
Compounds of formula 6, where R8=alkyl or substituted alkyl, can be prepared according to the method outlined in scheme 1. As set forth in scheme 1, the known compound 1 when treated with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate in refluxing pyridine gave compound 2. Compound 2 was then hydrolyzed with lithium hydroxide in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran and water to give the corresponding carboxylic acid 3. Compound 3 was first reacted with 2-chloro-4,5-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine and N-methylmorpholine in tetrahydrofuran, then with the N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride and triethylamine to give the compound with formula 4. Compound 4 can be converted to ketones of formula 5 using alkyl magnesium chloride or bromide salts (Grignard reagents) in ethereal solvents. Compounds of formula 6 are then obtained after treatment of compounds of formula 5 with acid to effect removal of the tert-butyloxycarbonyl group e.g trifluoroacetic acid.
As set forth in scheme 2, an alternative method of functionalizing compound 4 is via formation of the bis-tert-butoxycarbonylamino derivative 7 with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate and potassium carbonate. Compound 7 can then be converted into ketones of formula 8 by reaction with the appropriate organometallic reagent e.g. organolithium reagents. Compounds of formula 6 are obtained from compounds of formula 8 after treatment with acid to effect removal of the tert-butyloxycarbonyl group e.g. trifluoroacetic acid.
In the case where the substituent R8 contains a reactive functional group further modification of this substituent may be possible by appropriate use of known methods and chemical transformations by one knowledgable in the field. Such modifications may be possible immediately after introduction of the R8 substituent or on any subsequent derivative bearing this substituent.
In addition, the ketone functional group present in compounds of formula 5, 6 and 8 is a reactive functional group and may be amenable to further chemical transformations using methods known in the field of organic chemistry and by one knowledgable in the field. Such modifications may be possible immediately after formation of the ketone functional group or on any subsequent derivative bearing this substituent.
As set forth in scheme 3, a solution of substituted 2-propenoic acid 9 and triethylamine in dry tetrahydrofuran at low temperature, e.g. −78° C., is treated with trimethylacetyl chloride and then with the anion of (S)-(+)-4-phenyl-2-oxazolidinone anion (generated with n-butyl lithium) to give a compounds of formula 10. Compounds of formula 10 react with an appropriate Grignard reagents in the presence of copper(I) bromide-dimethyl sulfide complex to give compounds of formula 11. The Grignard reagents utilized in this transformation may contain aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl or substituted heteroaryl groups which are incorporated in to compounds of formula 11. Compounds of formula 11 were converted to compounds of formula 12 by treatment first with a strong base e.g. potassium hexamethyldisilazane followed by treatment with 2,4,6 triisopropylphenylsulfonyl azide. Compounds of formula 12 were hydrogenolyzed in the presence of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate and palladium on charcoal to give compounds of formula 13. Compounds of formula 14 were obtained from compounds of formula 13 by treatment with hydrogen peroxide and lithium hydroxide.
The R9 group shown in scheme 3 can be either alkyl or substituted alkyl. In the case where R9 is substituted alkyl, the substituent may be unreactive to the conditions employed in subsequent chemical transformations on remote parts of the molecule so that the R9 group persists into the compounds claimed in the present invention in a chemically unchanged form. Alternatively, the R9 group may contain a potentially reactive functional group present in a protected form from which the functional group may be liberated at an appropriate point during subsequent chemical transformations. For a more complete description of the utility of protecting groups see Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3 rd Edition, T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, Wiley-Interscience.
The R10 group shown in scheme 3 can be either hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl or halogen.
As set forth in scheme 4, compounds of formula 14 were converted to the acyl fluorides of formula 15 using cyanuric fluoride in the presence of pyridine in dichloromethane. Compounds of formula 15 were treated with compounds of formula 6 in the presence of N-methyl morpholine and the reaction catalyzed by the addition of 4-dimethylaminopyridine and microwave irradiation to give an internal reaction temperature between 100 and 120° C. Compounds of formula 6 may be known compounds, e.g. R8=OMe, or compounds prepared according to known methods, or compounds prepared according to the methods outlined in schemes 1 and 2. In this way, compounds of formula 16 were obtained. Compounds of formula 16 were deprotected with trifluoroacetic acid to give a compounds of formula 17. Compounds of formula 17 were coupled with α-amino acid derivatives, preferably an enantiomerically enriched phenyl glycine derivative (either a known compound or a compound prepared by known methods), with 1-hydroxybenzotriazole and O-benzotriazol-1-yl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexaflurorophosphate to give compounds of formula 18. In the case when the α-amino acid derivative used is a phenyl glycine derivative R11 may be hydroxy, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, acylated amine, substituted sulfone and phosphate. In the case when the α-amino acid derivatives is an enantiomerically enriched phenyl glycine derivative these compounds may be conveniently prepared from 4-hydroxyphenyl glycine for which both enantiomers are commercially available. Compounds of formula 18 were reacted with trifluoroacetic acid to give compounds of formula 19 by removal of the tert-butylcarbamate protecting group. Compounds of formula 19 were treated with diphosgene and diisopropylethyl amine to give substituted hydantoins of formula 20 in a solvent such as dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran or a mixture of tetrahdrofuran and toluene.
The reaction conditions for the above reactions can vary to a certain extent.
Methods to perform the above described reactions and processes are known in the art or can be deduced in analogy from the examples. Starting materials are commercially available or can be made by methods analogous to those described in the examples.
The following examples shall illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
EXAMPLE 1
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide
(1) 1-(2-Amino-thiazol-4-yl)-ethanone was prepared using the 3 step procedure outlined in steps (1a) to (1c) and then converted into (2S,3S)-N-(4-acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide according to the procedures outlined in steps (2) to (7).
(1a) Sulfuryl chloride (97% purity) (18.7 mL, 226 mmol) was added dropwise over 1 hour to a stirred solution of 2,3-butanedione (97% purity) (20 g, 225 mmol) in benzene (80 mL) at 60° C. and the mixture left to stir at this temperature overnight. The benzene was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by distillation to give 1-chloro-2,3-butanedione as a yellow liquid, b.p.=95 to 105° C. (≈10 mmHg), (16.2 g, 60%).
(1b) To a stirred mixture of thiourea (8.87 g, 115 mmol) in ethanol (20.9 mL) was added 1-chloro-2,3-butanedione (13.90 g, 115 mmol) dropwise, a slight exothermic reaction resulted. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was filtered and the precipitate washed with ethyl ether (2×). The tan solid was air dried then dried under high vacuum overnight to give 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-ethanone hydrochloride as a tan solid (21.5 g, 97%).
(1c) 1-(2-Amino-thiazol-4-yl)-ethanone hydrochloride (5.6 g 29.1 mmol) was dissolved in water (15 mL) and cooled in an ice bath. To this was added dropwise 17 N ammonium hydroxide (15 mL, 105 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred for 15 minutes than filtered and washed with cold water (3×), cold methanol (3×50 mL), ethyl ether (3×10 mL). The precipitate was dried first by passing air through the material and then in vacuo to give 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-ethanone as a pale yellow solid (2.6 g, 57%).
(2S,3S)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid (1.94 g, 6.93 mmol) and pyridine (0.63 mL, 7.74 mmol) were dissolved in dichloromethane (50 mL) at −10° C. Cyanuric fluoride (1.80 mL, 21.1 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour and ice-water was added. The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (2×). The organic extracts were washed with water, brine and dried (sodium sulfate). Evaporation of the solvents gave crude ((1S,2S)-1-fluorocarbonyl-2-phenyl-propyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (2.2 g) as a cloudy oil which was used in the next step.
Crude ((1S,2S)-1-fluorocarbonyl-2-phenyl-propyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (2.2 g, ≈6.93 mol), 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-ethanone (1.0 g, 7.0 mmol), 4-methyl morpholine (1.56 mL, 14 mmol) and N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (10 mg, 0.082 mmol) were dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (20 mL). The mixture was microwaved at 120° C. for 15 minutes. The solution was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with 1.5 M aqueous potassium hydrogen sulfate, water and brine. After drying (sodium sulfate), filtration and evaporation of the solvents, [(1S,2S)-1-(4-acetyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-phenyl-propyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (2.8 g, 89%) was obtained as a yellow foam.
[(1S,2S)-1-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-phenyl-propyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (2.8 g, 6.25 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (42 mL) in an ice bath. Trifluoroacetic acid (35 mL) was added. After 30 minutes, the reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue was precipitated with hexanes/ether. The mixture was stirred vigorously for 10 minutes and then filtered. The solid was partitioned between aqueous sodium bicarbonate and dichloromethane. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine and dried (sodium sulfate). Evaporation of the solvents gave (2S,3S)-N-(4-acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-amino-3-phenyl-butyramide (1.9 g, 95%) as a white solid.
(5) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-amino-3-phenyl-butyramide (1.8 g, 5.64 mmol), (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine (prepared according to the procedure of Hyun, M. H., et al. J. Liq. Chrom . & Rel. Technol. 2002, 25, 573-588.) (1.67 g, 5.9 mmol), O-benzotriazol-1-yl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexaflurorophosphate (2.35 g, 6.2 mmol) and diisopropylethyl amine were dissolved in dimethylformamide (20 mL) in an ice bath. 1-Hydroxybenzotriazole (0.84 g, 6.2 mmol) in dimethylformamide (5 mL) was added dropwise. Stirring was continued for 30 minutes at 0° C. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and the mixture washed with water and brine. The organic layer was diluted with an equal volume of dichloromethane, filtered through a pad of silica gel with a layer of sodium sulfate on the top and then eluted with 1:1 ethyl acetate/dichloromethane. Evaporation of the solvents gave a white solid which was triturated with ether/hexane to give [(R)-[(1S,2S)-1-(4-acetyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-phenyl-propylcarbamoyl]-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-methyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (3.1 g, 97%).
(6) [(R)-[(1S,2S)-1-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-phenyl-propylcarbamoyl]-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-methyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (3.1 g, 5.2 mmol) was stirred in dichloromethane (50 mL) in an ice-bath. Trifluoroacetic acid (50 mL) was added and the solution was stirred for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue was precipitated with hexanes/ether. The mixture was stirred vigorously for 10 minutes and then filtered. The solid was partitioned between aqueous sodium bicarbonate and dichloromethane. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine and dried (sodium sulfate). Evaporation of the solvents gave (2S,3S)-N-(4-acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-2-amino-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyramide (2.7 g, 90% pure) as a white solid.
(7) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-2-amino-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyramide (2.7 g, 90% purity, 5.2 mmol) and diisopropylethylamine (4.2 mL, 23.6 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (50 mL) were added to a solution of diphosgene (0.48 mL, 4 mmol) in a mixture of toluene (50 mL) and tetrahydrofuran (50 mL) over 10 minutes at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 20 minutes and diluted with ethyl acetate. The mixture was washed with water, brine and dried (sodium sulfate). Evaporation of the solvents and chromatography of the residue over silica gel with 0.4-1% v/v methanol in dichloromethane gave (2S,3S)-N-(4-acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide (2.36 g, 92%) as a white solid.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 493.1538. Calcd. Mass, 493.1540 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 2
In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, the following compounds were prepared.
a) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 479.1385. Calcd. Mass, 479.1384 (M+H).
b) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared as follows. (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-acetic acid (2.67 g, 10 mmol) (Salituro, G. M.; Townsend, C. A. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1990, 112, 760-770.) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (70 mL) in an ice bath. Sodium hydride (0.88 g, 60% in mineral oil, 22 mmol) was added in small portions. The mixture was warmed up to 10° C. for 1 hour. 2-(2-Bromo-ethoxy)-tetrahydropyran (1.7 mol, 11 mmol) in dimethylformamide (20 mL) was added drop wise. The reaction mixture was stirred for 24 hours and then diluted with ice-water. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was cooled in an ice bath and acidified using 1.5 M aqueous potasium hydrogen sulfate to pH=2-3. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (5×), washed with water (5×), brine and dried (sodium sulfate). Evaporation of the solvents gave (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid as a solid white foam (3.2 g, 82%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 523.1645. Calcd. Mass, 523.1646 (M+H).
c) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 537.1803. Calcd. Mass, 537.1803 (M+H).
d) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-((R)-4-{4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 581.2067. Calcd. Mass, 581.2065 (M+H).
e) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-ethoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-ethoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 551.1963. Calcd. Mass, 551.1959 (M+H).
f) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide, trifluoro-acetic acid salt.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-diethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid in Example 2g.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 550.2117, Calcd. Mass, 550.2119 (M+H)
g) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-diethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide, trifluoro-acetic acid salt.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-diethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared as follows:
To a suspension of sodium hydride (43.8 mg, 95% Aldrich) in anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (4 mL), was added dropwise a solution of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-acetic acid (200.0 mg, 0.749 mmol) at 0° C. After addition, the reaction mixture was allowed to stir at ambient temperature for 20 minutes. A cooled solution of 2-bromoethyl-N,N-diethylamine hydrochloride (234 mg, 0.91 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (2 mL), was treated with sodium hydride (23 mg, 1.00 mmol), and was then added slowly to the above suspension at 0° C. The reaction was allowed to stir at ambient temperature for 17 hours before it was quenched and neutralized by pouring into 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The resulting mixture was lyophlized dry to give the product (contaminated with inorganic salts) which was used without further purification (61.9.5 mg).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 578.2430, Calcd. Mass, 578.2432 (M+H).
h) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-ethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-(4-methoxyphenylglycine) in Example 1d), was prepared in a manner similar to that described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 507.1696. Calcd. Mass, 507.1697 (M+H).
i) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(S)-4-[4-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide, trifluoro-acetic acid salt.
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(S)-4-[4-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide was isolated as the minor isomer following the last step in the preparation described in Example 2f.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 550.2118, Calcd. Mass, 550.2119 (M+H).
j) (4-{1-[(1S,2S)-1-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-phenyl-propyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenyl)-phosphonic acid diethyl ester.
(±)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-{4-phenyl phosphonic acid diethyl ester}-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl-(4-methoxyphenylglycine) in Example 1d, was prepared as follows.
(1) To a cold solution of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-acetic acid benzyl ester (prepared as described in J. Med. Chem. 1991, 34, 956-968) (2.0 g, 5.60 mmol) in dry methylene chloride (60 mL) was added N-phenylbis(trifluoromethanesulphonamide) (4.03 g, 11.28 mmol) and diisopropylethylamine (1.0 mL, 5.74 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with 10% aqueous potassium carbonate (2×), water and brine and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the product was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted first with 50% methylene chloride in hexanes and then with 30% ethyl acetate in hexanes to afford tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-trifluoromethane-sulfonyloxy-phenyl)-acetic acid benzyl ester (2.62 g, 96%).
To a solution of tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-trifluoromethane-sulfonyloxy-phenyl)-acetic acid benzyl ester (2.2 g, 4.50 mmol) in acetonitrile (10 mL) was added diethylphosphite (643 μL, 5.00 mmol) followed by N-methylmorpholine (691 μL, 6.30 mmol). The mixture was purged with nitrogen and tetrakis-triphenylphosphine palladium (260 mg, 0.23 mmol, 15 mol %) was added. The reaction mixture was heated to 75° C. overnight then cooled to room temperature and diluted with ethyl acetate (50 mL). The mixture was poured into a separatory funnel containing ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with 0.2M aqueous hydrochloric acid (2×), water (2×), brine and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the product was chromatographed over silica gel gradient eluted between 10 to 75% ethyl acetate in hexanes to afforded tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(diethoxy-phosphoryl)-phenyl]-acetic acid benzyl ester (2.0 g, 93%).
To solution of tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(diethoxy-phosphoryl)-phenyl]-acetic acid benzyl ester (2.0 g, 4.2 mmol) in ethanol (20 mL) was added 10% palladium on activated carbon (200 mg). The mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen at atmospheric pressure for two days. The reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite®. The solids were washed with ethanol and the combined ethanolic filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford (±)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-phenyl phosphonic acid diethyl ester}-acetic acid (1.5 g; 92%). HRMS: Obs. Mass, 388.1516. Calcd. Mass, 388.1520 (M+H).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 599.1722. Calcd. Mass, 599.1724 (M+H).
k) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[4-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide.
Prepared as described in Example 1 except that tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-acetic acid was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine.
HRMS: HRMS: Obs. Mass, 506.1858. Calcd. Mass, 506.1857 (M+H)
EXAMPLE 3
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-pentanoic acid (4-acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-amide
(1) To a solution of 2-pentenoic acid (5.44 g, 54 mmol) and triethylamine (6 g, 60 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (120 mL) under nitrogen at −78° C. was added trimethylacetyl chloride (7.36 mL, 60 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 10 minutes, 0° C. for 1 hour, then re-cooled to −78° C. At the same time, in a seperate flask charged with a solution of (S)-(+)-4-phenyl-2-oxazolidinone (8.86 g, 54 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (130 mL) under nitrogen at −78° C. was added dropwise a solution of n-butyl lithium (22 mL, 54 mmol, 2.5 M in hexanes). The mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 20 minutes and then transferred via a cannula into the reaction flask containing the mixed anhydride at −78° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour, then warmed to room temperature and stirred for 18 hours. The mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (200 mL), concentrated to about half of its original volume under reduced pressure to remove tetrahydrofuran. The remaining mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×250 mL). The organic layer was separated, combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 2:1 ethyl acetate/hexanes to give (S)-3-((E)-pent-2-enoyl)-4-phenyl-oxazolidin-2-one as a white foam (9.9 g, 75%).
(2) To a suspension of copper (I) bromide dimethyl sulfide complex (12.4 g, 60.6 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (150 mL) at −10° C. was added phenyl magnesium chloride solution (30.3 mL, 60.6 mmol, 2 M in tetrahydrofuran). The reaction mixture was stirred at −10° C. for 1 hour, then a solution of (S)-3-((E)-pent-2-enoyl)-4-phenyl-oxazolidin-2-one (9.9 g, 40.4 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) was added dropwise via cannula. The reaction mixture was stirred at −10° C. for 0.5 hours, then at room temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (150 mL), concentrated under reduced pressure to half of its volume. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×250 mL). The organic layer was separated, combined and dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 2:1 ethyl acetate/hexanes to give (S)-4-phenyl-3-((R)-3-phenyl-pentanoyl)-oxazolidin-2-one as a colorless oil which solidified on standing at room temperature (9.56 g, 73%).
(3) To a solution of (S)-4-phenyl-3-((R)-3-phenyl-pentanoyl)-oxazolidin-2-one (8:81 g, 27.2 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (200 mL) under nitrogen at −78° C. was added potassium hexamethyldisilazide (45 mL, 40.8 mmol, 0.91 M in tetrahydrofuran). The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 hour, then a pre-cooled solution of 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl azide (9.6 g, 31 mmol) in tetrahedrofuran (200 mL) at −78° C. was added dropwise via cannula. The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1.5 hours and then acetic acid (7.5 g, 125 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was warmed to 35° C. in a water bath and stirred for 2 hours, during which period of time thin layer chromatography analysis indicated the formation of desired product as a major component. The reaction mixture was concentrated to a smaller volume, then poured into water, and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×200 mL). The organic layers were separated, combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 2:1 dichloromethane/hexanes to give (S)-3-((2S,3S)-2-azido-3-phenyl-pentanoyl)-4-phenyl-oxazolidin-2-one as a white solid. Further purification by precipitation of an ethyl acetate solution with hexanes yielded the product as a white solid (6.08 g, 36%).
(4) To a solution of (S)-3-((2S,3S)-2-azido-3-phenyl-pentanoyl)-4-phenyl-oxazolidin-2-one (4.0 g, 11 mmol) and di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (4.8 g, 22 mmol) in ethyl acetate (100 mol) was added 10% palladium on carbon (2 g) under nitrogen. The resulting suspension was vigorously shaken under an atmosphere of hydrogen (55 psi) in a Parr apparatus for 20 hours. The mixture was then filtered through a short pad of celite and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 1:4 ethyl acetate/hexanes to give [(1S,2S)-1-((S)-2-oxo-4-phenyl-oxazolidine-3-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-butyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester as a white foam (4.38 g, 90%).
(5) To a solution of [(1S,2S)-1-((S)-2-oxo-4-phenyl-oxazolidine-3-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-butyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (4.38 g, 10 mmol) in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran and water (3:1, 60 mL) at −10° C. was added sequentially a solution of hydrogen peroxide in water (11 mL, 100 mmol, 30%) and an aqueous solution (15 mL) of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (1.23 g, 30 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at −10° C. and the progress of the reaction was monitored by thin layer chromatography. After 3 hours, TLC analysis indicated almost complete consumption of starting material. Saturated aqueous sodium sulfite solution (100 mL) was added. The mixture was concentrated to half of its original volume under reduced pressure to remove tetrahydrofuran and then extracted with dichloromethane (2×100 mL). The aqueous layer was separated, acidified to pH=2-3 with aqueous citric acid solution and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×300 mL). The organic layers were separated, combined and dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated under reduced pressure and dried in vacuo to give (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-pentanoic acid as a white foam (1.7 g, 58%).
(6) In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, (2S,3S)-N-(4-acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-pentanoic acid (4-acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-amide (RO4922706) was prepared from (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-pentanoic acid and 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-ethanone.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 507.1701. Calcd. Mass, 507.1697 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 4
(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide
(1) 2-Amino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (Kumar, R.; Rai, D. et al. Heterocyclic Communications 2002, 8, 521-530) (34.44 g, 0.20 mol) and di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (65.47 g, 0.30 mol) in pyridine (1000 mol) were heated at reflux for 4.5 hours. More di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (65.47 g, 0.3 mol) was added and refluxing continued for 1.5 hours. The reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed well with water, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. Chromatography of the residue over silica gel using 3:1 ethyl acetate/dichloromethane gave 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester as a tan solid (52.35 g, 96%).
(2) Lithium hydroxide monohydrate (20.16 g, 0.48 mol) was added to a stirred solution of 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (52.35 g, 0.192 mol) in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (800 mL) and water (200 mL). The mixture was stirred over night. 1 N Aqueous hydrochloric acid (480 mL) was added and the reaction mixture concentrated in vacuo to remove tetrahydrofuran. The mixture was then diluted with water and filtered. The solid was washed with water, ether and dried overnight to give 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid (43.9 g, 94%).
(3) A solution of 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid (14 g, 0.0573 mol), 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine (10.06 g, 0.0573 mol) and N-methyl morpholine (5.79 g, 0.0573 mol) in tetrahydrofuran was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. N,O-Dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (5.59 g, 0.0573 mmol) and triethylamine (5.59 g, 0.0573 mol) were added and the mixture was stirred for 3 days. The reaction mixture was evaporated and ethyl acetate was added. The reaction mixture was washed with 1 N aqueous hydrochloric acid and then washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. [4-(Methoxy-methyl-carbamoyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (14.5 g, 88%) was obtained as a tan tar after drying (magnesium sulfate) and evaporation.
(4) A solution of ethyl magnesium chloride (126 mL, 0.252 mol, 2 M in tetrahydrofuran) was stirred and cooled to −70° C. on a dry ice/acetone bath. A solution of [4-(methoxy-methyl-carbamoyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (14.5 g, 0.0504 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (200 mL) was added dropwise over approximately 5 minutes. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour. The cooling bath was removed and stirring continued for an additional 2 hours. The mixture was poured into a mixture of ice and saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to give an off white solid which was purified by chromatography over a 350 g pad of silica gel eluted with 4:1 ethyl acetate/dichloromethane to afford (4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (7.09 g, 55%) as an off white solid.
(5) (4-Propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (5.0 g, 19.5 mmol) was suspended in dichloromethane (100 mL) at 0° C. Trifluoroacetic acid (100 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1.5 hours. The cooling bath was removed and stirring was continued for 1 hour prior to concentration of the reaction mixture in vacuo. The residue was triturated with ether and filtered. The solid was dissolved in a mixture of dichloromethane and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to give 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-propan-1-one (2.3 g, 75%).
(6) In a similar manner as that described in Example 1, (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide was prepared from (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid and 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-propan-1-one.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 507.1697. Calcd. Mass, 507.1097 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 5
In a manner similar to that described in Example 4, the following compounds were prepared.
a) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(2R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid was prepared according to the procedure described by Bohme, E. H. W. et al., J. Med. Chem. 1980, 23, 405412.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 535.1645. Calcd. Mass, 535.1646 (M+H).
b) (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Ethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-{4-ethoxyphenyl}-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-(4-methoxyphenylglycine) in Example 1d, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 611.2166. Calcd. Mass, 611.2170 (M+H).
c) (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
LR-MS: 493 (M+H).
d) (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 551.1958. Calcd. Mass, 551.1959 (M+H).
e) (2S,3S)-2-{(S)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide was isolated as a by product from the synthesis of (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 551.1692. Calcd. Mass, 551.1959 (M+H).
f) (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 537.1804. Calcd. Mass, 537.1803 (M+H).
g) (2S,3S)-2-((R)-4-{4-[2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 595.2217. Calcd. Mass, 595.2221 (M+H).
h) (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Ethoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-ethoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 565.2120. Calcd. Mass, 565.2116 (M+H).
i) (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide, trifluoro-acetic acid salt.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-diethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid in Example 2g.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 564.2266, Calcd. Mass, 564.2275 (M+H).
j) (4-{(R)-2,5-Dioxo-1-[(1S,2S)-2-phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propyl]-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenoxymethyl)-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-{4-phenoxymethyl)-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester}-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methoxyphenylglycine in Example 1, was prepared as described in example 8h.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 615.1670. Calcd. Mass, 615.1673 (M+H).
k) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Isobutyryl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine in Example 1d, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
1-(2-Amino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-methyl-propan-1-one, which was used in place of 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-ethanone in Example 1c, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-propan-1-one in Example 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 565.2116. Calcd. Mass, 565.2116 (M+H).
l) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Isobutyryl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide.
1-(2-Amino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-methyl-propan-1-one, which was used in place of 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-ethanone in Example 1c, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-propan-1-one in Example 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 521.1852. Calcd. Mass, 521.1853 (M+H).
m) (2S,3S)-2-{(S)-4-[4-(2-Dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide, trifluoro-acetic acid.
(2S,3S)-2-{(S)-4-[4-(2-Dimethylamino-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide was isolated as the minor isomer following the last step in the preparation described in Example 5i.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 564.2274, Calcd. Mass, 564.2275 (M+H).
n) (2S,3S)-2-{2,5-Dioxo-4-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(1) A solution of (R)-N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl-(4-hydroxyphenylglycine) (1 g, 3.74 mmol) in dry N,N-dimethylformamide (35 mL) was treated with sodium hydride (60% suspention in mineral oil) (470 mg, 11.97 mmol) at 0° C. After 10 minutes the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature stirred for an additional 10 minutes at that temperature and then treated with 1-(2-chloroethyl)piperidine hydrochloride (720 mg, 2.93 mmol) and potassium iodide (310 mg, 1.87 mmol). After stirring for 15 minutes, additional of dry N,N-dimethylformamide (50 mL) was added and and the resulting slurry was allowed to stir for 27.5 hours. The reaction mixture was then partitioned between ethyl acetate and water and the aqueous layer adjusted to pH=7 with 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The aqueous layer was then lyophilized to give a solid residue that was suspended in tetrahydrofuran and filtered. The solids were washed with tetrafydrofuran (2×) and the combined filtrates concentrated to afford crude (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (1.9 g) which was used immediately without further purification.
(2) (R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (740 mg, ≈1.96 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (30 mL) and (2S,3S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide (250 mg, 0.78 mmol) (prepared as described in example 4) was added followed by 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (180 mg, 0.94 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature. After stirring for 3.5 hours additional (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (320 mg, ≈0.85 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. After stirring for an additional 1.5 hours an additional aliquot of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (300 mg, ≈0.82 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture along with additional 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (90 mg, 4.72 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for an additional 1 hour the mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and brine, the organic extract was dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo and the resulting residue purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted first with ethyl acetate and then gradient eluted with dichloromethane containing from 0 to 10% methanol. {(R)-[(1S,2S)-2-Phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propylcarbamoyl]-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methyl}-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester was obtained as a white solid (120 mg, 24%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 678.3323. Calcd. Mass, 678.3320 (M+H).
(3) {(R)-[(1S,2S)-2-Phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propylcarbamoyl]-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methyl}-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (110 mg, 0.16 mmol) was dissolved in a 30% v/v solution of trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane (5 mL) at 0° C. After stirring for 1.5 hours the reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH=8 by the addition of solid sodium bicarbonate. The aqueous layer was again extracted with ethyl acetate (2×). The combined organic layers was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give crude (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-2-amino-2-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetylamino}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide which was used immediately and without further purification.
(4) Crude (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-2-amino-2-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetylamino}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide (≈0.16 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) that contained diisopropylethylamine (142 μL, 105 mg, 0.81 mmol) and was transferred via cannula to a solution of diphosgene (14 μL, 23 mg, 0.12 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (15 mL) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 20 minutes and then partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was separated and dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted first with ethyl acetate and then gradient eluted with dichloromethane containing from 0 to 10% methanol. Precipitation of the isolated product from dichloromethane with an excess of hexanes gave (2S,3S)-2-{2,5-dioxo-4-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide as a white solid (26 mg, 27%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 604.2591. Calcd. Mass, 604.2588 (M+H).
o) (2S,3S)-2-{4-[4-(2-Morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(1) A solution of (R)-N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl-(4-hydroxyphenylglycine) (1 g, 3:74 mmol) in dry N,N-dimethylformamide (70 mL) was treated with sodium hydride (60% suspention in mineral oil) (470 mg, 11.97 mmol) at 0° C. After 10 minutes the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature stirred for an additional 10 minutes at that temperature and then treated with N-(2-chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride (720 mg, 2.93 mmol) and potassium iodide (61 mg, 0.37 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 27.5 hours and then partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH=7 with 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The aqueous layer was then lyophilized to give a solid residue that was suspended in tetrahydrofuran and filtered. The solids were washed with tetrafydrofuran (2×) and the combined filtrates concentrated to afford crude (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid which was used immediately without further purification.
(2) (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (≈2.93 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (60 mL) and (2S,3S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide (500 mg, 1.58 mmol) (prepared as described in example 4) was added followed by 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (600 mg, 3.12 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature. After stirring for 5.5 hours the reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and brine, the organic extract was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting residue purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted first with ethyl acetate and then gradient eluted with dichloromethane containing from 0 to 10% methanol. {(R)-[4-(2-Morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[(1S,2S)-2-phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propylcarbamoyl]-methyl}-carbamic acid-tert-butyl ester was obtained as a white solid (146 mg, 14%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 680.3118. Calcd. Mass, 680.3113 (M+H).
(3) {(R)-[4-(2-Morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[(1S,2S)-2-phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propylcarbamoyl]-methyl}-carbamic acid-tert-butyl ester (0.19 mmol) was dissolved in a 30% v/v solution of trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane (5 mL) at 0° C. After stirring for 2 hours the reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH=8 by the addition of solid sodium bicarbonate. The aqueous layer was again extracted with ethyl acetate (2×). The combined organic layers was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give crude (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-2-amino-2-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetylamino}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide which was used immediately and without further purification.
(4) Crude (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-2-amino-2-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetylamino}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide (≈0.19 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) that contained diisopropylethylamine (160 μL, 122 mg, 0.94 mmol) and was transferred via cannula to a solution of diphosgene (16 μL, 26 mg, 0.13 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (15 mL) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 20 minutes and then partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was separated and dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel gradient eluted with 0-100% ethyl acetate in hexanes and the isolated material further purified by preparative thin layer chromatography using silica gel eluted with ethyl acetate. Precipitation of the isolated product from dichloromethane with an excess of hexanes gave (2S,3S)-2-{4-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide as an off white solid (32 mg, 29%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 606.2384. Calcd. Mass, 606.2381 (M+H).
p) (2S,3S)-3-(3-Fluoro-phenyl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(2S,3S)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-butyric acid was prepared in a similar manner as the synthesis of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-pentanoic acid as described in Example 3.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 569.1866. Calcd. Mass, 569.1865 (M+H).
q) (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared as described in Example 8g.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 543.1672. Calcd. Mass, 543.1672 (M+H).
r) (2S,3S)-2-{(S)-4-[4-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
Prepared in a similar way as (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide (Example 5f) except that (S)-4-hydroxyphenylglycine was used in place of (R)-4-hydroxyphenylglycine.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 537.1802. Calcd. Mass, 537.1803 (M+H).
s) (2S,3S)-2-((R)-2,5-Dioxo-4-phenyl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
Prepared as described in Example 4 except that (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-phenylglycine was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 477.1595. Calcd. Mass, 477.1591 (M+H).
t) (2S,3S)-2-[4-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
Prepared as described in Example 4 except that tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-acetic acid was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 520.2015. Calcd. Mass, 520.2013 (M+H).
u) (2S,3S)-2-[4-(4-Morpholin-4-yl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
Prepared as described in Example 4 except that tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-morpholin-4-yl-phenyl)-acetic acid was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine. tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-morpholin-4-yl-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared in a similar way as that described in Example 9, step 1, except that 4-morpholin-4-yl-benzaldehyde was used in place of 4-thiomethylbenzaldehyde. 4-Morpholin-4-yl-benzaldehyde was prepared as follows:
A mixture of 2-(4-iodo-phenyl)-[1,3]dioxolane (960 mg, 3.477 mmol), 18-crown-6 ether (1.021 g, 3.85 mmol), tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0)-chloroform adduct (36.35 mg, 0.0348 mmol), rac-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1-1′-binaphthyl (65.54 mg, 0.104 mmol) and sodium-t-butoxide (447.9 mg, 4.52 mmol) were thoroughly degassed with argon. To this mixture under argon was added an argon degassed solution of freshly distilled morpholine (324.6 mg, 3.651 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (8 mL). It was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, and then heated to reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, taken into ethyl acetate (50 mL) and washed with water (3×50 mL) and back extracted with ethyl acetate (50 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to a residue (1.06 g). The residue was purified by chromatography over a methanol deactivated silica gel column gradient eluted in 5% steps from 0 to 25% ethyl acetate in hexanes. 4-(4-[1,3]Dioxolan-2-yl-phenyl)-morpholine eluted from the column with 20 to 25% ethyl acetate in hexanes. Upon concentration 4-(4-[1,3]dioxolan-2-yl-phenyl)-morpholine was obtained as a tan solid (690 mg, 84.3%).
A mixture of 4-(4-[1,3]dioxolan-2-yl-phenyl)-morpholine (690 mg, 2.933 mmol) in methanol (5 mL) was treated with 10 drops concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. To this solution was added 5 drops of water and stirring was continued for 2 hours at ambient temperature. The solution was then poured into ethyl acetate (50 mL) and washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×50 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to give 4-morpholin-4-yl-benzaldehyde as a tan waxy solid (550 mg, 98%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 562.2120. Calcd. Mass, 562.2119 (M+H).
v) (2S,3S)-2-{4-[4-(4-Hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
Prepared as described in Example 4 except that tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(4-hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl)-phenyl]-acetic acid was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine. tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(4-hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl)-phenyl]-acetic acid was prepared in way similar to that described in Example 5u except that piperidin-4-ol was used in place of morpholine.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 576.2275. Calcd. Mass, 576.2275 (M+H).
w) (2S,3S)-2-(4-{4-[(2-Methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
Prepared as described in Example 4 except that tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[(2-methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-phenyl}-acetic acid was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine. tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[(2-methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-phenyl}-acetic acid was prepared in a similar way as that described in Example 5u except that (2-methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-amine was used in place of morpholine.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 564.2279. Calcd. Mass, 564.2275 (M+H)
x) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Cyclopropanecarbonyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide.
Prepared as described in Example 4 except that cyclopropyl magnesium chloride was used in place of ethyl magnesium chloride in step 4 and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in example 2c) was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 563.1955. Calcd. Mass, 563.1959 (M+H).
y) (2S,3S)-2-{4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-methyl-pentanoic acid (4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-amide.
Prepared as described in Example 4 except that (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-methyl-pentanoic acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 2c) was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 503.1961 Calcd. Mass, 503.1959 (M+H).
z) (2S,3R)-3-Benzyloxy-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
Prepared as described in Example 4 except that (2S,3R)-3-benzyloxy-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-butyric acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 2c) was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 581.2063 Calcd. Mass, 581.2065 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 6
(2S,3S)-N-[4-(2-Methoxy-acetyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide
(1) To a solution of [4-(methoxy-methyl-carbamoyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-carbamic acid-tert-butyl ester (17.0 g, 59.2 mmol) (prepared as described in example 4a-4c) in acetonitrile (250 mL) were added potassium carbonate (40.8 g, 295.2 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (1.4 g, 11.5 mmol) followed by di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (27.1 g, 124.2 mmol) at room temperature. After stirring for 12 hours, the reaction was filtered through celite and the solvent was removed under vacuum. The crude product was purified by chromatography over silica gel gradient eluted with 30% up to 40% ethyl acetate in hexane to give [4-(methoxy-methyl-carbamoyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-bis-(carbamic acid-tert-butyl ester) (20.1 g, 88% yield).
(2) To a solution of lithium diisopropylamide (13.3 g, 124.1 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) chilled to −78° C. was added dropwise, methyl methoxyacetate (12.9 g, 124.3 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (20 mL) at −78° C. The mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 15 minutes. [4-(Methoxy-methyl-carbamoyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-bis-(carbamic acid-tert-butyl ester) (6.0 g, 15.5 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (20 mL) was added dropwise to the anion at −78° C. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes then quenched with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with brine and dried over sodium sulfate. The crude product was purified by chromatography over silica gel gradient eluted with 10% up to 30% ethyl acetate in hexanes. 3-(2-Bis-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-methoxy-3-oxo-propionic acid methyl ester was obtained as a white foam (1.54 g, 23%).
(3) To a solution of 3-(2-bis-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-methoxy-3-oxo-propionic acid methyl ester (1.54 g, 3.6 mmol) in dichloromethane (15 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (7.2 mL) at 0° C. The reaction was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 4 hours. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed to give 3-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-methoxy-3-oxo-propionic acid methyl ester as an oil (800 mg, 97% yield).
(4) To a solution of 3-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-methoxy-3-oxo-propionic acid methyl ester (765 mg, 3.3 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (25 ml) was added 1M aqueous sodium hydroxide (4.0 ml, 4.0 mmol) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 2 hours then cooled to 0° C. 1 N aqueous sulfuric acid (33 mL, 33.2 mmol) was added and the reaction was warmed to 40° C. for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was then cooled to 0° C. and made basic with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The suspension was extracted with ethyl acetate, the combined organic extracts washed with water, brine and dried over magnesium sulfate. The crude product was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 7:3 ethyl acetate/hexanes to give 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-methoxy-ethanone as a yellow oil (240 mg, 42% yield).
(5) In a manner similar as described in example 1, (2S,3S)-N-[4-(2-methoxy-acetyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide was prepared from 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-methoxy-ethanone.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 507.2888. Calcd. Mass, 507.2887 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 7
2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-Dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester
(1) 2-Amino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (38 g) (prepared as described in Example 4) in methanol (400 mL) was cooled in an ice bath and to it was added 25% sodium methoxide over 0.5 hours. The ice bath was removed after 0.5 hours. A small amount of isoluble material was removed by filtration and to the yellow solution was added saturated aqueous ammonium chloride and the reaction mixture concentrated to remove excess methanol. The mixture was basified to pH=9.0 with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and extracted with 1:1 ether/tetrahydrofuran (3×200 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with water. The organic solution was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to give a pale yellow solid which still contained some residual solvent. The solid was suspended in hexanes, filtered on a 5.5 cm funnel then dried in vacuo to give 2-amino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (15.6 g) as a pale yellow solid.
(2) 2-Amino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.57 g, 3.62 mmol) and (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid (Acros) (1.01 g, 3.62 mmol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole and (0.59 g, 4.34 mmol) and O-benzeotrazol-1-yl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexaflurorophosphate (1.65 g, 4.34 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (8 mL) were stirred at ambient temperature for 24 hours. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water, brine and dried (magnesium sulfate). Evaporation of the solvents and chromatography of the residue over silica gel gradient eluted with 0.2-1.5% methanol in dichloromethane gave 2-((2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.65 g, 43%).
(3) 2-((2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.65 g, 1.54 mmol) was mixed in dichloromethane (5 mL) in an ice-bath. Trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL) was added and the solution was stirred for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue was precipitated with ether. The mixture was stirred vigorously for 10 minutes and then filtered. The solid was partitioned between aqueous sodium bicarbonate and dichloromethane. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine and dried (sodium sulfate). Evaporation of the solvents gave 2-((2S,3S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.35 g, 71%).
(4) 2-((2S,3S)-2-Amino-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.255 g, 0.80 mmol), (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid (prepared according to the procedure of Bohme, E. H. W. et al., J. Med. Chem. 1980, 23,405-412), O-benzotriazol-1-yl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexaflurorophosphate (0.364 g, 0.96 mmol) and diisopropylethyl amine (0.56 mol, 3.2 mmol) were dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide (3 mL) in an ice bath. 1-Hydroxybenzotriazole (0.13 g, 9.6 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (1 mL) was added dropwise. Stirring was continued for 30 min at 0° C. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and the mixture was washed with water and brine. The organic layer was diluted with an equal volume of dichloromethane, filtered through a pad of silica gel with a layer of sodium sulfate on the top and eluted with 1:1 ethyl acetate/dichloromethane. Evaporation of the solvents gave a white solid which was triturated with ether/hexane to give crude 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-2-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.49 g).
(5) 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-2-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.49 g, 0.80 mmol) was stirred in dichloromethane (8 mL) in an ice bath. Trifluoroacetic acid (8 mL) was added and the solution was stirred for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue was precipitated with hexanes/ether. The mixture was stirred vigorously for 10 minutes and then filtered. The resulting solid was partitioned between aqueous sodium bicarbonate and dichloromethane. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine and dried (sodium sulfate). Evaporation of the solvents gave 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-amino-2-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.384 g, 94%).
(6) A solution of 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-amino-2-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.380 g, 0.75 mmol)) and diisopropylethylamine (0.52 mL, 3 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (7.5 mL) were added to a solution of diphosgene (0.48 mL, 4 mmol) in a mixture of toluene (7.5 mol) and tetrahydrofuran (7.5 mol) over 10 minutes at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 20 minutes and then diluted with ethyl acetate. The mixture was washed with water, brine and dried (sodium sulfate). Evaporation of the solvents and chromatography of the residue over silica gel gradient eluted with 0.2-1% methanol in dichloromethane gave (2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.22 g, 55%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 537.1438. Calcd. Mass, 537.1439 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 8
In a manner similar to that described in Example 7, the following compounds were prepared.
a) 2-[(2S,3S)-2-((R)-2,5-Dioxo-4-phenyl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-butyrylamino]-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Anal. Calcd. for C 24 H 22 N 4 O 5 S.0.2 C 6 H 14 : C, 61.05; H, 5.04; N, 11.30; S, 6.47. Found: C, 61.27; H, 5.25; N, 10.95; S, 6.10.
b) 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
(R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine (Hyun, M. H.; Cho, Y. K. et al. J. Liq. Chrom . & Rel. Technol. 2002, 25, 573-588.) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in Example 7 (step 4).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 509.1485. Calcd. Mass, 509.1490 (M+H).
c) 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 495.1334. Calcd. Mass, 495.1333 (M+H).
d) 2-((2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in Example 7 (step 4) was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 553.1753. Calcd. Mass, 553.1752 (M+H).
e) 2-((2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
(R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid, which was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in Example 7 (step 4), was prepared as described in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 539.1595. Calcd. Mass, 539.1595 (M+H).
f) 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Isopropoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 8e, was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 537.1803. Calcd. Mass, 537.1803 (M+H).
g) 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared as follows.
(1) To a solution of (4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetic acid (5.04 g, 27.97 mmol) and triethylamine (3.9 mL, 27.97 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) under nitrogen at −78° C. was added trimethylacetyl chloride (3.44 mL, 27.97 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 10 minutes, 0° C. for 1 hour, then re-cooled to −78° C. At the same time, to a separate flask charged with a solution of (R)-(+)-4-benzyl-2-oxazolidinone (4.96 g, 27.97 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) under nitrogen at −78° C. was added dropwise a solution of n-butyllithium (14 mL, 28 mmol, 2 M in hexanes). The second reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 20 minutes, then transferred via cannula into the first reaction flask containing the mixed anhydride at −78° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour, then warmed to room temperature and stirred for 18 hours. The mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (200 mL), concentrated to about half of its original volume under reduced pressure to remove tetrahydrofuran. The remaining mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×250 mL). The organic layers were separated, combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 1:1 ethyl acetate/hexanes to give (R)-4-benzyl-3-[2-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetyl]-oxazolidin-2-one as a pale yellow oil (8.5 g, 89%).
(2) To a solution of (R)-4-benzyl-3-[2-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetyl]-oxazolidin-2-one (8.5 g, 25 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (120 mL) under nitrogen at −78° C. was added potassium hexamethyldisilazide (36 mL, 32.6 mmol, 0.91M in tetrahydrofuran). The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 hour, then a pre-cooled solution of 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl azide (8.8 g, 28.6 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (80 mL) at −78° C. was added dropwise via cannula. The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1.5 hours, then acetic acid (5.4 equiv, 8.2 g, 136 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was warmed to 35° C. in a water bath and stirred for 2 hours, during which period of time analysis by thin layer chromatography indicated the formation of the desired product as a major component. The reaction mixture was concentrated to a smaller volume, then poured into water, and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×200 mL). The organic layers were separated, combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 2:1 dichloromethane/hexanes to give (R)-3-[(R)-2-azido-2-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetyl]-4-benzyl-oxazolidin-2-one as a yellow oil (8.0 g, 84%).
(3) To a solution of (R)-3-[(R)-2-azido-2-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetyl]-4-benzyl-oxazolidin-2-one (8 g, 21 mmol) and di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (9.2 g, 42 mmol) in ethyl acetate (100 mL) was added 10% palladium on charcol (3 g) under nitrogen. The resulting suspension was vigorously shaken under hydrogen at 55 psi pressure in a Parr apparatus for 24 hours. The mixture was then filtered through a short pad of celite, and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 1:4 ethyl acetate/hexanes to give [(R)-2-((R)-4-benzyl-2-oxo-oxazolidin-3-yl)-1-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-2-oxo-ethyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester as a yellow oil (6.05 g, 63%).
(4) To a solution of [(R)-2-((R)-4-benzyl-2-oxo-oxazolidin-3-yl)-1-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-2-oxo-ethyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (6.05 g, 13.3 mmol) in 4:1 tetrahdydrofuran/water (200 mL) at −10° C. was added sequentially 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (15 mL, 133 mmol) and a solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (1.63 g, 40 mmol) in water (20 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at −10° C., and the progress of the reaction was monitored by thin layer chromatography. After 4 hours, thin layer chromatography indicated almost complete consumption of starting material. Saturated aqueous sodium sulfite solution (100 mL) was added. The mixture was concentrated to half of its original volume under reduced pressure to remove tetrahydrofuran, then extracted with dichloromethane (2×100 mL). The aqueous layer was separated and acidified to pH=4 with aqueous citric acid solution, extracted with ethyl acetate (2×250 mL). The organic layers were separated, combined, dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated under reduced pressure and dried in vacuo to give (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetic acid as a white foam (2.2 g, 58%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 523.1646. Calcd. Mass, 523.1646 (M+H).
h) 2-((2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(Dimethoxy-phosphorylmethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[(R)-4-(dimethoxy-phosphorylmethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid was prepared as follows.
Dimethyl phosphite (2.0 g, 18.2 mmol), paraformaldehyde (574 mg, 19.1 mmol) and triethylamine (0.25 mL, 1.8 mmol) were combined and heated to 70° C. to give a clear solution. After 1 hour the reaction was cooled and concentrated in vacuo overnight to afford the crude hydroxymethyl-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester (2.5 g).
(2) To a solution of hydroxymethyl-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester (2.0 g, 14.5 mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (50 mL) at −20° C. was added pyridine (1.4 mL, 16.7 mmol) followed by trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (2.7 mL, 15.9 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 0.5 hours, the mixture was filtered through celite with a thin layer of silica gel. The filtrate was washed with cold 1.0 N aqueous hydrochloric acid, water, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvents were removed to give trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid dimethoxy-phosphorylmethyl ester as an oil (2.1 g, 53%).
(3) Sodium hydride (18.9 mg, 0.79 mmol) was added to (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-acetic acid (100 mg, 0.37 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylformamide (2.5 mL) in an ice bath. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature followed by the addition of trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid dimethoxy-phosphorylmethyl ester (122 mg, 0.45 mmol). Stirring was continued overnight at room temperature. The reaction was poured into 0.2 M aqueous hydrochloric acid (10 mL) and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, brine and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvents gave tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[(R)-4-(dimethoxy-phosphorylmethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (120 mg, 83% yield).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 617.1459. Calcd. Mass, 617.1466 (M+H).
i) 2-{(2S,3S)-3-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-2-[4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
(2S,3S)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-butyric acid was prepared in a similar manner as the synthesis of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-pentanoic acid as described in Example 3.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 539.1591. Calcd. Mass, 539.1595 (M+H).
j) 2-((2S,3S)-3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
(2S,3S)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-butyric acid was prepared in a similar manner as the synthesis of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-pentanoic acid as described in Example 3.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid, which was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in Example 7 (step d), was prepared in a similar manner as described for the synthesis of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid in Example 2b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 571.1655. Calcd. Mass, 571.1657 (M+H).
k) 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-pentanoylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-methyl-pentanoic acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine (prepared as described in example 1, step 5) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 483.1312. Calcd. Mass, 483.1309 (M+Na).
l) 2-[(2S,3S)-2-((R)-2,5-Dioxo-4-phenyl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-methyl-pentanoylamino]-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-methyl-pentanoic acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-phenylglycine was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 453.1205 Calcd. Mass, 453.1203 (M+Na).
m) 2-((2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-methyl-pentanoylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-methyl-pentanoic acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 2c) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 505.1758 Calcd. Mass, 505.1752 (M+H).
n) 2-{(2S,3R)-3-Hydroxy-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3R)-3-tert-butoxy-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-butyric acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine (prepared as described in example 1, step 5) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4. Prior to reaction with (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine both tert-butyl groups were removed from 2-((2S,3R)-3-tert-butoxy-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester with 1:1 v/v trifluoroacetic in methylene chloride at 0° C. for approximately 30 minutes. After removing the solvent the compound was dissolved in methylene chloride and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate and saturated aqueous sodium chloride. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate filtered and concentrated. The crude product thus obtained was used without further purification.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 449.1125 Calcd. Mass, 449.1126 (M+H).
o) 2-((2S,3R)-3-Hydroxy-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3R)-3-tert-butoxy-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-butyric acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 2c) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4. Prior to reaction with (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid both tert-butyl groups were removed from 2-((2S,3R)-3-tert-butoxy-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester with 1:1 v/v trifluoroacetic acid in methylene chloride at 0° C. for approximately 30 minutes. After removing the solvent the compound was dissolved in methylene chloride and washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and saturated sodium chloride. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate filtered and concentrated. The crude product thus obtained was used without further purification.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 515.1210 Calcd. Mass, 515.1207 (M+H).
p) 2-((2S,3R)-3-tert-Butoxy-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3R)-3-tert-butoxy-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-butyric acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 2c) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4. Prior to reaction with (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid the carbamate tert-butyl group was removed from 2-((2S,3R)-3-tert-butoxy-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester with 1:2 v/v trifluoroacetic acid in methylene chloride at 0° C. for approximately 30 minutes. Saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and ethyl acetate were added to the rapidly stirring reaction solution to quench the reaction. After further dilution with ethyl acetate and water the organic layer was separated and washed with saturated sodium chloride, dried over sodium sulfate filtered and concentrated.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 549.2015 Calcd. Mass, 549.2014 (M+H).
q) 2-{(2S,3R)-3-Methoxy-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3R)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-methoxy-butyric acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine (prepared as described in example 1, step 5) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 463.1284 Calcd. Mass, 463.1282 (M+H).
r) 2-((2S,3R)-3-Methoxy-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3R)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-methoxy-butyric acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 2c) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 507.1547 Calcd. Mass, 507.1544 (M+H).
s) 2-((2S,3R)-3-Benzyloxy-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3R)-3-benzyloxy-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-butyric acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 2c) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 583.1860 Calcd. Mass, 583.1857 (M+H).
t) 2-((2S,3R)-3-(4-Chloro-benzyloxy)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3R)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4-chloro-benzyloxy)-butyric acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 2c) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 617.1465 Calcd. Mass, 617.1468 (M+H).
u) 2-{(2S,3R)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-pentanoylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3R)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-methyl-pentanoic acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine (prepared as described in Example 1, step 5) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 461.1490 Calcd. Mass, 461.1490 (M+H).
v) 2-((2S,3R)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-methyl-pentanoylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
Prepared as described in Example 7 except that (2S,3R)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-methyl-pentanoic acid was used in place of (2S,3S)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in step 2 and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 2c) was used in place of (2R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-acetic acid in step 4.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 505.1754 Calcd. Mass, 505.1752 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 9
2-{(2S,3S)-2-[4-(4-Methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester
(1) A solution of 4-thiomethylbenzaldehyde (2.0 g, 13.00 mmol) in trimethylsilyl cyanide (7 mL, 52.5 mmol) was treated with a catalytic amount of zinc iodide and stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved a 7 N solution of ammonia in methanol (9 mL). The resulting mixture was heated at 45° C. for 2 hours in a sealed tube and then cooled to −20° C. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed with ether, air dried and then dissolved in 6 N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The mixture was heated for 5 hours at 110° C. in a sealed tube and then cooled and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid residue. The solid was triturated with ether, air dried and suspended in dioxane. The suspension was treated with saturated aqueous sodium carbonate (10 mL) and di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (3.4 g, 15.6 mmol) and stirred overnight. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2 N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, concentrated and the solid residue was triturated with hexanes to afford tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-acetic acid, as a yellow/brown solid (2.3 g, 59%).
(2) A solution of 2-((2S,3S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (75 mg, 0.24 mmol) and tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-acetic acid (77 mg, 0.26 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 mL) at 0° C. was treated with 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (50 mg, 0.26 mmol). The reaction was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature and stirred for 60 hours. The mixture was then partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel gradient eluted up to 7:3 ethyl acetate/hexane. The material obtained after chromatography was further treated by precipitation of dichloromethane solution with excess of hexanes to give 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-2-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester as a white amorphous solid (115 mg, 80%).
(3) 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-2-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (110 mg, 0.18 mmol) was dissolved at 0° C. in a 30% solution of trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane. After 2.5 hours the reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH=8 by the addition of solid sodium bicarbonate and then extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to an off white solid. The solid was dissolved in a solution of diisopropyl ethyl amine (0.16 mL, 0.92 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 mL) and the resulting solution was added in a dropwise manner to a 0° C. mixture of diphosgene (16 μL, 0.13 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 mL). The mixture was stirred for 20 minutes and then partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to the crude product. After purification by chromatography over silica gel gradient eluted up to 3:2 ethyl acetate/hexanes and precipitation of the material obtained from chromatography from dichloromethane with excess hexanes, 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was isolated as a white amorphous solid (45 mg, 46%).
(4) A solution of 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (RO4919362-000) (40 mg, 0.08 mmol) in a 1:1 mixture of tetrahydrofuran and dichloromethane (20 mL) was treated with 3-chloroperbenzoic acid (75% purity) (40 mg, 0.17 mmol) at 0° C. After stirring for 30 minutes additional tetrahydrofuran (6 mL) was added and then the mixture was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature and was stirred for an additional 6 hours. The reaction mixture was then partitioned between ethyl acetate and aqueous saturated sodium carbonate. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, concentrated and the residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel gradiet eluted up to 1:1 ethyl acetate in dichloromethane. Precipitation of the material obtained after chromatography from a dichloromethane solution with excess hexanes afforded 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[4-(4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester, as a white amorphous solid (29 mg, 65%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, Calcd. Mass, (M+H).
EXAMPLE 10
2-{(S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester
2-{(S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester was prepared in a similar manner as that described in Example 1 using (S)-N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3,3-dimethylphenylalanine which was prepared according to the procedure of Nieman, J. A.; Coleman, J. E. et al. J. Nat. Prod. 2003, 66, 183-199.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 523.1645. Calcd. Mass, 523.1646 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 11
2-{(2S,3R)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-Dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
(1) Triethylamine (1.3 mL, 9.1 mmol) was added to (S)-3-phenylbutyric acid (1.0 g, 6.1 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (60 mL) at −78° C. followed by the dropwise addition of pivaloyl chloride (0.83 ml, 6.7 mmol) to give a white solid. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature for 10 minutes then cooled back down to −78° C. In a separate flask, n-butyllithium (4.6 mL, 11.6 mmol, 2.5 M F in hexanes) was added to (S)-(+)-4-phenyl-2-oxazolidinone (2.0 g, 12.2 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran at −78° C. and allowed to stir for 10 minutes. The lithiated oxazolidinone was transfered via cannula to the mixed anhydride at −78° C. and stirring continued for 2 hours. The reaction was quenched with water (25 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with water, brine and dried over sodium sulfate. The crude product was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 2:3 ethyl acetate/hexanes and the resulting solid was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/hexanes to afford (S)-4-phenyl-3-((S)-3-phenyl-butyryl)-oxazolidin-2-one (1.63 g, 88% yield).
(2) Potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (2.0 mL, 1.8 mmol, 0.91 M in tetrahydrofuran) was added to (S)-4-phenyl-3-((S)-3-phenyl-butyryl)-oxazolidin-2-one (500 mg, 1.6 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (8 mL) at −78° C. and stirred for 1 hour. In a separate flask, a solution of 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulphonyl azide (625 mg, 2.0 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) at −78° C. was added via cannula to the anion at −78° C. and stirring continued for 2 hours. Acetic acid (0.45 mL, 7.8 mmol) was added to the reaction at −78° C., the mixture warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was poured into water (30 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over sodium sulfate. The crude product was purified on silica gel with 2:1 dichloromethane/hexane to give (S)-3-((2S,3R)-2-azido-3-phenyl-butyryl)-4-phenyl-oxazolidin-2-one (230 mg, 41%).
(3) To a solution of the (S)-3-((2S,3R)-2-azido-3-phenyl-butyryl)-4-phenyl-oxazolidin-2-one (595 mg, 1.7 mmol) in ethyl acetate (25 mL) was added di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (815 mg, 3.7 mmol) followed by 10% palladium on carbon (90 mg). The mixture was hydrogenated overnight at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The mixture was filtered through celite and the solvent was removed to give [(1S,2R)-1-((S)-2-oxo-4-phenyl-oxazolidine-3-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-propyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester as an oil (710 mg, 99%).
(4) To a solution of [(1S,2R)-1-((S)-2-oxo-4-phenyl-oxazolidine-3-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-propyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (710 mg, 1.7 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (18 mL) and water (4 ml) at 0° C. was added 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (1.5 mL, 15.1 mmol) followed by 1M aqueous lithium hydroxide (5.0 mL, 5.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The excess hydrogen peroxide was quenched with 2.0 M aqueous sodium hydrogen sulfite (15 mL, 30.1 mmol). Stirring was continued for 1 hour followed by extraction with dichloromethane. The aqueous layer was acidified with 10% aqueous citric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined ethyl acetate extracts were washed with water, brine and dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to give (2S,3R)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid (420 mg, 90% yield).
(5) In a manner similar as described in Example 1, 2-{(2S,3R)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester was prepared from (2S,3R)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid. HRMS: Obs. Mass, 537.1439. Calcd. Mass, 537.1439 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 12
2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Acetylamino-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester.
(1) To a solution of amino-(4-amino-phenyl)-acetic acid dihydrochloride (600 mg, 2.51 mmol) (prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,527,793) and triethylamine (1.1 mL, 7.53 mmol) in a 3:1 mixture of tetrahydrofuran/water (60 mL) was added di-tert-butyldicarbonate (1.4 g, 6.27 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir overnight and then partitioned between ethyl acetate and 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in a small amount of dichloromethane and precipitated with an excess of hexanes to afford (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-phenyl)-acetic acid as a white solid (730 mg, 79%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 389.1681. Calcd. Mass, 389.1683 (M+H).
(2) To a solution of (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-phenyl)-acetic acid (420 mg, 1.13 mmol) and (2S,3S)-2-(2-amino-3-phenyl-butyrylamino)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (300 mg, 0.94 mmol) (prepared as described in Example 7) in dichloromethane (50 mL) was added 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (220 mg, 1.13 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature slowly, stirred overnight and then partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. Purification by chromatography over silica gel gradient eluted between 0 and 60% ethyl acetate in hexanes followed by a precipitation of the product from dichloromethane with excess hexanes gave 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-2-(4-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-phenyl)-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester as a white solid (520 mg, 82%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 668.2746. Calcd. Mass, 668.2749 (M+H).
(3) 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-2-(4-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-phenyl)-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (510 mg, 0.76 mmol) was dissolved in 30% v/v trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane solution (10 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2.5 hours and then partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous sodium carbonate. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH=9 by the addition of solid sodium carbonate and the organic layer collected, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The residue was without further purification dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (50 mL) and the resulting solution cooled to 0° C. A solution of di-tert-butyldicarbonate (167 mg, 0.76 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) was added dropwise and after stirring overnight the reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel gradient eluted with 0 to 100% ethyl acetate in hexanes to afford 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-(4-amino-phenyl)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester as a white solid (250 mg, 58%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 568.2223. Calcd. Mass, 568.2225 (M+H).
(4) To a cold solution of 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-(4-amino-phenyl)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (100 mg, 0.177 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 mL) was added triethylamine (50 μL, 0.354 mmol) followed by acetic anhydride (22 μL 0.212 mmol). The reaction mixture was then stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel gradient eluted from 10% to 75% ethyl acetate in hexanes to afforded 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-(4-acetylamino-phenyl)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyryl-amino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester which was used immediately in the following step of the synthesis (107 mg, 98%).
(5) To a cold solution of 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-(4-acetylamino-phenyl)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyryl-amino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (107 mg, 0.175 mmol) in dichloromethane (6 mL), was added trifluoroacetic acid (4 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes, followed by removal of volatiles in vacuo. To the residue was added diethyl ether (10 mL) and the resulting suspension was separated by centrifugation. The solid was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to give crude 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-(4-acetylamino-phenyl)-2-amino-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester which was used immediately in the following step of the synthesis.
(6) Crude 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-2-(4-acetylamino-phenyl)-2-amino-acetylamino]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (≈0.175 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (10 mL) and diisopropylethyllamine (72 μL, 0.41 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture was added to an ice cooled solution of diphosgene (13 μL, 0.109 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 minutes, diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with 0.2M aqueous hydrochloric acid, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, brine and dried over sodium sulfate. The solution was filtered and the solvent removed in vacu. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel gradient eluted from 50% to 100% ethyl acetate in hexanes to afford 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-acetylamino-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (70 mg, 74%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 536.1599. Calcd. Mass, 536.1599 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 13
N-[4-(1-Hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide
(1) (4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester was prepared in a similar manner as that described for (4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester in example 4a-4d.
(2) (4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (500 mg, 2.06 mmol) was taken in to dry tetrahydrofuran (8 mL) and cooled in an ice bath. To this was added a 3 M solution of methyl magnesium bromide (2.752 mL, 8.256 mmol) in diethyl ether over 5 minutes. After 30 minutes, more 3 M solution of methyl magnesium bromide (1 mL, 3 mmol) in diethyl ether was added. After 30 minutes, an additional aliquot of 3 M methyl magnesium bromide (1 mL, 3 mmol) in diethyl ether was added. No further change in the reaction mixture composition was observed after an additional 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) and allowed to warm to room temperature. After 2 hours thin layer chromatography indicated no change in the composition of the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was cooled in an ice bath and saturated aqueous ammonium chloride was added slowly. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with ethyl acetate and washed with brine. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to give a viscous oil. The crude product was purified by chromatography over silica gel gradient eluted from 1:19 upto 1:4 ethyl acetate/dichloromethane to give [4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester as a white foam (250 mg, 47%).
(3) [4-(1-Hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (250 mg, 0.92 mmol) was taken into dry dichloromethane and cooled in an ice bath. To this was added trifluoroacetic acid and the mixture stirred at 0° C. for 4 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue partitioned between dichloromethane and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer was separated out and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. Chromatography of the residue over silica gel gradient eluted with 1:99 up to 3:97 methanol in dichloromethane gave [4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-carbamic acid (56 mg, 39%) as a white solid.
(4) N-[4-(1-Hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide was prepared from [4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-carbamic acid and 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-phenyl-butyric acid in a similar manner as described in Example 1.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 509.1853. Calcd. Mass, 509.1853 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 14
(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-Dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-N-[4-(1-hydroxy-propyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide
a) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide (from example 5a) (20 mg, 0.037 mmol) was dissolved in warm dry methanol (5 mL). The reaction mixture was then cooled in an ice bath and sodium borohydride (1.56 mg, 0.041 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred at 5° C. for 30 minutes, additional sodium borohydride (1.56 mg, 0.041 mmol) was added and stirring continued for 1 hour. The clear solution was treated with 1.5 N aqueous potassium hydrogen phosphate (1 mL) and the cloudy mixture was stirred for a few minutes, then diluted with saturated brine and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×25 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The pale yellow residue was taken into a small amount of dichloromethane (0.5 ml) then treated with diethyl ether (2 mL) and this turbid solution was further precipitated with of hexanes (3 mL). The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes then filtered over a 1.7 cm funnel, washed with hexanes and air dried to give (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-N-[4-(1-hydroxy-propyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide as a white solid (14.5 mg, 73%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 537.1801. Calcd. Mass, 537.1803 (M+H).
b) (2S,3S)-N-[4-(1-Hydroxy-ethyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide.
In a similar manner as that described in Example 14a, (2S,3S)-N-[4-(1-hydroxy-ethyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide was prepared from (2S,3S)-N-(4-acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide which was in turn prepared as described in Example 1.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, Calcd. Mass, (M+H).
EXAMPLE 15
2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid dimethylamide
In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, 2-{(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyrylamino}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid dimethylamide was prepared from 2-amino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid dimethylamide.
2-Amino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid dimethylamide was prepared as follows. (1) A solution of 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid (0.5 g, 2 mmol) (prepared as described in Examples 4a and 4b) in thionyl chloride (10 mL) was heated at reflux (80° C.) for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure. To the residue was added a 2 M solution of dimethylamine in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL, 20 mmol) and methanol (10 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 2:1 ethyl acetate/hexanes to give (4-dimethylcarbamoyl-thiazol-2-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester as a yellow foam (0.26 g, 48%).
(2) To a solution of (4-dimethylcarbamoyl-thiazol-2-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (0.26 g, 0.95 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (10 mL, 130 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, then concentrated under reduced pressure. Saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (50 mL) was added to neutralize the residue. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 mL). The organic layers were separated, combined and dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated under reduced pressure and dried in vacuo to give crude 2-amino-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid dimethylamide as a yellow gum which was used without further purification (0.14 g, 86%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 522.1803. Calcd. Mass, 522.1806 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 16
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Ethylsulfanyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide
Prepared as described in Example 1 except that 4-ethylsulfanyl-thiazol-2-ylamine was used in place of 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-ethanone and (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 2c) was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine. 4-Ethylsulfanyl-thiazol-2-ylamine was prepared as follows:
(1) N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-thiourea (0.600 g, 3.40 mmole) was suspended in ethanol (5 mL) and the mixture was cooled in an ice-water bath. To this mixture was added a solution of bromo-thioacetic acid S-ethyl ester (0.880 g [75% pure]; 3.61 mmole) in ethanol (5 mL). Following completion of the addition, the mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. After 20 hours, the reaction was concentrated. The residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with water and brine. The aqueous phases were then backwashed with methylene chloride. The two organic phases were combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The crude material was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with 20% v/v ethyl acetate in hexanes, to give (4-ethylsulfanyl-thiazol-2yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (0.514 g, 58%).
(2) (4-Ethylsulfanyl-thiazol-2yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (0.583 g, 2.24 mmole) was dissolved in methylene chloride (9 mL) and the resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath. Trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL) was added dropwise to this solution. The solution was stirred under an argon atmosphere for 3 hours, allowing the cooling bath to slowly warm up. At the conclusion of the reaction, the bath temperature was 12° C. The reaction was concentrated. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and concentrated. This was repeated two additional times to remove most of the trifluoroacetic acid. Following the final concentration, the residue was dissolved again in methylene chloride and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate, water and brine. The organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to yield 4-ethylsulfanyl-thiazol-2-ylamine (0.256 g, 65%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 555.1731. Calcd. Mass, 555.1731 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 17
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Ethanesulfinyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Ethylsulfanyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide (0.135 g, 0.24 mmole) (prepared as described in Example 16) was dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (15 mL). To this solution was added a solution of m-chloroperbenzoic acid (0.066 g, 0.27 mmole) in tetrahydrofuran (8 mL). After stirring at room temperature for 30 minutes, the reaction was concentrated. The residue was dissolved in cold methylene chloride and washed twice with saturated sodium bicarbonate and twice with brine. Each aqueous phase was backwashed with a second portion of methylene chloride. The two organic phases were combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The crude material was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with a gradient of 50-100% v/v ethyl acetate in hexanes followed by 5% v/v methanol in ethyl acetate to yield (2S,3S)-N-(4-ethanesulfinyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide (0.103 g, 75%). This material was combined with another batch of material, dissolved in methylene chloride and added to hexanes to precipitate the product, (2S,3S)-N-(4-ethanesulfinyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide (0.117 g).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 571.1682. Calcd. Mass, 571.1680 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 18
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Ethylsulfanyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide (0.128 g, 0.23 mmole) (prepared as described in Example 16) was dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (15 mL). To this solution was added a solution of m-chloroperbenzoic acid (0.133 g, 0.46 mmole) in tetrahydrofuran (8 mL). After stirring at room temperature for 18 minutes, the reaction was concentrated. The residue was dissolved in cold methylene chloride and washed twice with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and twice with brine. Each aqueous phase was backwashed with a second portion of methylene chloride. The two organic phases were combined, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The crude material was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluted with a gradient of 50-100% v/v ethyl acetate in hexanes followed by 5% v/v methanol in ethyl acetate. The pure fractions were combined and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in methylene chloride and the resulting solution was added to hexanes to precipitate out the product, (2S,3S)-N-(4-ethanesulfonyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide (0.095 g, 68%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 587.1631. Calcd. Mass, 587.1629 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 19
(2S,3S)-N-[4-(2-Hydroxy-acetyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide
Prepared as described in Example 2c except that 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-hydroxy-ethanone was used in place of 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-ethanone. 1-(2-Amino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-hydroxy-ethanone was prepared as described below.
(1) Ethyl 2-aminothiazol-4-ylglyoxylate (4 g, 19.38 mmol) was taken into methanol (50 mL) and treated with p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.94 g, 0.25 mmol) at 85° C. for 1 hour. To this was added p-toluenesulfonic acid (3.1 g, 0.75 mmol) and stirring continued for 24 hours. p-Toluenesulfonic acid was added in 500 mg lots (2 more additions after 24 and 48 h) then stirred at 85° C. for 72 hours during which time NMR indicated >50% conversion to desired product. The reaction mixture was concentrated to ˜10 mL and then diluted with ethyl acetate (200 mL) and washed 3 times with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (˜100 mL each) and saturated brine (100 mL). The aqueous layers were back extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate (100 mL each). The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to give a yellow residue which was absorbed onto silica gel and purified by chromatography over a methanol deactivated silica gel column gradient eluted in 10% steps from 40 to 70% v/v ethyl acetate in hexanes and then with 100% ethyl acetate. The product containing fractions were pooled and concentrated in vacuo to give (2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-dimethoxy-acetic acid methyl ester (1.73 g, 39%).
(2) A solution of (2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-dimethoxy-acetic acid methyl ester (850 mg, 3.66 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (40 mL) was treated portion-wise with lithium aluminum hydride (73 mg, 1.83 mmol) over 5 minutes at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes then treated portionwise with lithium aluminum hydride (36 mg 0.91 mmol) and stirred for 4 hours. After storing overnight in a refrigerator the reaction mixture was treated with ice chips (˜10 g) then diluted with water (20 mL). The mixture was acidified with 2N aqueous sulfuric acid (˜0.5 mL), then concentrated in vacuo to remove the tetrahydrofuran. The aqueous mixture was neutralized to pH 7.0 with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and extracted with ethyl acetate (8×50 mL). The organic solution was washed with brine and dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to give a tacky foam (650 mg). The residue was purified by chromatography over a methanol deactivated silica gel column gradient eluted in 1% steps between 0 and 6% methanol in methylene chloride. The product eluted from the column in 4 to 6% methanol in methylene chloride. After concentration 1-(2-amino-thiazol-4-yl)-2-hydroxy-ethanone was obtained as a yellow foam (210 mg, 28%).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 553.1752. Calcd. Mass, 553.1752 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 20
(4-{(R)-1-[(1S,2S)-1-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-phenyl-propyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenoxy)-acetic acid methyl ester
Prepared as described in example 1 except that (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methoxycarbonylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine. (R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methoxycarbonylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared in a way similar to that described in example 1 except that methyl bromoacetate was used in place of methyl iodide.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 551.1597. Calcd. Mass, 551.1595 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 21
(4-{(R)-2,5-Dioxo-1-[(1S,2S)-2-phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propyl]-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenoxy)-acetic acid methyl ester
Prepared as described in example 4 except that (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methoxycarbonylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine. (R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methoxycarbonylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared as described in example 20.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 565.1754. Calcd. Mass, 565.1752 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 22
(4-{2,5-Dioxo-1-[(1S,2S)-2-phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propyl]-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenoxy)-acetic acid
Prepared by hydrolysis of (4-{(R)-2,5-dioxo-1-[(1S,2S)-2-phenyl-1-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl)-propyl]-imidazolidin-4-yl}-phenoxy)-acetic acid methyl ester (prepared as described in example 21) with lithium hydroxide monohydrate in aqueous tetrahydrofuran. Under the conditions employed for the hydrolysis of the methyl ester racemization occurred at the 4-position of the imidazolidinedione ring.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 551.1598. Calcd. Mass, 551.1595 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 23
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide
Prepared as described in example 1 except that (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine. (R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared in a way similar to that described in example 1 except that the known compound 2-chloro-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide was used in place of methyl iodide.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 564.1912. Calcd. Mass, 564.1912 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 24
In a manner similar to that described in Example 23, the following compounds were prepared.
a) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared and used in a manner analogous to that described for (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 550.1757. Calcd. Mass, 550.1755 (M+H).
b) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-carbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-carbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared and used in a manner analogous to that described for (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 532.1628. Calcd. Mass, 532.1625 (M+H).
c) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-((R)-4-{4-[(2-methoxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[(2-methoxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid was prepared and used in a manner analogous to that described for (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 594.2014. Calcd. Mass, 594.2017 (M+H).
d) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-2-oxo-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-2-oxo-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid was prepared and used in a manner analogous to that described for (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 606.2009. Calcd. Mass, 606.2017 (M+H).
e) (2S,3S)-N-(4-Acetyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-{(R)-2,5-dioxo-4-[4-(2-oxo-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-oxo-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid was prepared and used in a manner analogous to that described for (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid.
HRMS: Obs. HRMS: Obs. Mass, 590.2063. Calcd. Mass, 590.2068 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 25
(2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide
Prepared as described in Example 4 except that (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine. (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared as described in Example 23.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 578.2066. Calcd. Mass, 578.2068 (M+H).
EXAMPLE 26
In a manner similar to that described in Example 25, the following compounds were prepared.
a) (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Methylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared as described in Example 24a.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 5641915. Calcd. Mass, 564.1912 (M+H).
b) (2S,3S)-2-[(R)-4-(4-Carbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-(4-carbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid was prepared as described in Example 24b.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 550.1755. Calcd. Mass, 550.1755 (M+H).
c) (2S,3S)-2-((R)-4-{4-[(2-Methoxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-{4-[(2-methoxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-acetic acid was prepared as described in Example 24c.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 608.2169. Calcd. Mass, 608.2174 (M+H).
d) (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Morpholin-4-yl-2-oxo-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-2-oxo-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid was prepared as described in Example 24d.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 620.2166. Calcd. Mass, 620.2174 (M+H).
e) (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-2,5-Dioxo-4-[4-(2-oxo-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-[4-(2-oxo-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-acetic acid was prepared as described in Example 24e.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 604.2222. Calcd. Mass, 604.2225 (M+H).
f) (2S,3S)-2-{(R)-4-[4-(2-Azetidin-1-yl-2-oxo-ethoxy)-phenyl]-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3-phenyl-N-(4-propionyl-thiazol-2-yl)-butyramide.
(R)-[4-(2-Azetidin-1-yl-2-oxo-ethoxy)-phenyl]-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-acetic acid was prepared and used in a manner analogous to that described for (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid (prepared as described in Example 23).
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 612.1890. Calcd. Mass, 612.1887 (M+Na)
EXAMPLE 27
(2S,3S)-N-(4-Cyclopropanecarbonyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-[(R)-4-(4-methylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-3-phenyl-butyramide
Prepared as described in example 5x except that (R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-(4-methylcarbamoylmethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid (prepared as described in example 24a) was used in place of (R)-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino-4-methyoxyphenylglycine.
HRMS: Obs. Mass, 576.1910. Calcd. Mass, 576.1912 (M+H).
Compound IC 50 Determination in MEK Cascade Assay
The evaluation of the compounds as MEK inhibitor was performed in a bead-based FP assay termed IMAP assay with MEK cascade components. In brief, the assay was performed in a reaction solution containing 10 mM HEPES, pH 7.0, 10 mM MgCl 2 , 50 mM NaCl, 0.1 mM NaVO 4 , and 1 m M DTT in the presence of 50 uM ATP, 0.45 nM c-RAF, 11.25 nM MEK, 90.5 nM ERK, and 0.5 μM FITC-labeled ERK (FITC-Aca-Ala-Ala-Ala-Thr-Gly-Pro-Leu-Ser-Pro-Gly-Pro-Phe-Ala-NH2). C-RAF, MEK, ERK and the ERK peptide substrates were added sequentially into the reaction buffer. Activated c-Raf phosphorylates MEK, activated MEK phosphorylates ERK, and subsequently activated ERK phosphrylates its peptide substrate. The FITC-labeled peptide substrates, when phosphorylated by the kinase, bind to nanoparticles derivatized with trivalent metal cations through a metal-phospholigand interaction. The result of this bound fluoresceinated phosphorylated product is an increase in polarization signal caused by a decrease in the molecular mobility of the bound product. Ten-point serial dilutions of the compounds were added into the MEK cascade assays before mixing with ERK and ERK peptide substrates. The reaction was incubated at 37° C. for 20 minutes for MEK activation, 20 minutes for ERK activation, 30 minutes for ERK peptide substrate phosphorylation, then was incubated overnight at room temperature for binding of IMAP beads. The IMAP assay was performed in a 384-well plate format. The changes in fluorescence polarization were measured by LJL instrument at 485 nm for excitation and 530 for emission. Polarization value (MP) was calculated as the following:
( MP )=1000×(intensity vertical −intensity horizontal )/(intensity vertical +intensity horizontal ).
The IC 50 values were generated using Excel XLfit3 wizard. Percent activity and percent inhibition of reactions in the presence of a compound were calculated by comparing their MP values to those without a compound (as 100% activity). The compounds of formula I in the above assay exhibit IC 50 values of less than 25 micro molar.
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The present invention relates to compounds of the formula
which are useful in treating diseases characterized by the hyperactivity of MEK.
Accordingly the compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases, such as, cancer, cognative and CNS disorders and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns a combination table with possibilities of variation and which may be re-assembled in order to adapt to several uses.
PRIOR ART
[0002] From prior art, several baby changing tables in different forms are known, of which some may be collapsed in different ways. The advantage of collapsible baby changing tables is that they occupy little space when the table is not in use, especially if the available space where it is to be used is limited, for example in a bathroom, or when the table is to be kept or stored elsewhere.
[0003] Further, baby changing tables with integrated drawers, is wherein the upper part of the table contains the baby changing table top, which is often padded, and alternatively a bath tub is known. The nursing plate and the bath tub may be removed when the child is too old for the baby changing table, and an extra drawer and a top plate may be mounted so that the table becomes a chest of drawers which may be used in the children's room.
[0004] One problem with the earlier baby changing tables is that the flexibility with reference to the user has not always been in focus. Most of the functions have been directed towards saving space, and partly for extended use after the child has grown from the baby changing table. An extended use of a product, which the child only uses in a short period, such as in a period of 2 years for example, is important financially and in relation to space for parents of small children, who must often acquire a large number of products when they have a child. In this respect, a chest of drawers as mentioned above, is often not the primary need when the child no longer needs the baby changing table, as the child often already has a chest of drawers, a cupboard or a wardrobe. To use the drawers section of the baby changing table for clothes while it is used as a baby changing table, often in a bathroom, is often out of the question as the drawers are used for nappies and care products, or because of humidity in the room.
[0005] From FR 910026 a playpen is known, consisting of side pieces with horizontal bars wherein the side pieces may be used to transform the furniture into a table in different variations, a baby high chair and a bed, etc. The disadvantage with this solution is that all the furnitures requires the use of at least 3 side pieces which reduces the area of use for example in that only one side of the table may be used for sitting against. The weight is relatively high and as the side pieces are used as a playpen fence, the height of the side pieces is reduced. Consequently the baby changing table will have a height too low for a proper ergonomic working position. Further, the furniture constructed with the side pieces in FR 910026 have horizontal bars on which the child may climb, which will hinder an approval for use as furniture for children in many countries.
[0006] Today, most parents are very conscious of good ergonomics in furniture both at work and at home. To change a baby may be a demanding task where the person changing the child stands, lifts and turns the baby, and bends to find nappies, flannels, towels, paper, and clothes etc. for the baby. This is a routine which is repeated many times daily and may strain the body unfavourably by unfit working posture. There is therefore a need for baby changing tables which may be adapted both to the users working posture and the child's development, and which are steady and robust.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The object of the invention is to supply a combination table which solves the above mentioned problems and rectifies the shortcomings of the prior solutions. Further, the object is to provide a combination table with simple construction, which has both possibilities of variation and several practical uses.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The object is attained by a combination table which has a height-adjustable table top, height adjustable shelves, and adjustable holders for care products and washing articles, for use as a baby changing table, and which may be reassembled for use as a desk for children or a partition, as defined in the claims enclosed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] [0009]FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a combination table according to the invention with nursing plate and shelves.
[0010] [0010]FIG. 2 depicts the combination table in FIG. 1 in another configuration with holders for articles and towels.
[0011] [0011]FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the combination table in FIG. 1 assembled as a desk.
[0012] [0012]FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the combination table in FIG. 1 assembled as a partition.
[0013] [0013]FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the combination table as an alternative desk.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0014] A Baby Changing Table
[0015] The combination table 1 according to the invention is made up of to side members 2 , symmetrically about a vertical longitudinal centre plane, which constitute the supporting sides of the table as shown in FIG. 1. The side members 2 are slightly arched in this embodiment, but may alternatively have another form or be planar. A side member 2 is constructed as a rectangular frame for example with bars 3 in the vertical direction to cover the side areas. The side members can be made of any suitable material such as wood, metal, plastic of combinations thereof. In the two lower corners of the side members 2 , there may be mounted swivelling and lockable wheels 4 or legs. The table top 5 is height adjustably mounted to adapt to the users (the person who performs the baby changing) own height. The table top may be made of wood, plastic of any suitable material which may easily be cleaned and contains. alternatively crossbeams 6 depending on the stiffness and strength of the table top 5 itself. The crossbeams 6 may be attaches to the side members' edges by regular through-holes 9 with bolts or similar fastening means. In use as a baby changing table, the table top 5 may alternatively be padded or preferably have a removable padded changing mat mounted (not shown).
[0016] The shelves 7 are like the table top 5 , mounted horizontally between the side members and are height adjustable, in order to adapt to the preferred working posture. The shelves 7 may be attached to the side members edges by angle armatures 8 . FIG. 2 depicts such an alternative configuration of the baby-changing plate 5 and the shelves 7 . The design of the shelves may vary, but they are preferably stiff in order to maintain their form during load and in order to reinforce the table. The longitudinal edges should be adapted in shape with the shape of the side members 2 for the same reason, such as a concave curvature in the embodiment depicted in the Figures. The transverse edges of the table top 5 and the shelves 7 may have other forms, such as convex in this embodiment. The number of shelves may be varied. The shelves 7 are solid in this embodiment, but may alternatively be made of a mesh material. The shelf or basket has then not necessarily any stiffening effect on the table and should then be mounted together with a crossbeam 12 , for example centrally between the lower ends of the side members 2 (see below) or an extra shelf. A shelf of a material which is not solid may be useful for example in order to store bathing toys which need to dry, or to dry clothes which should be dried flat.
[0017] Article holders 10 and 11 may be mounted on the side members 2 , and may be made in plastic with fastening means which are snapped onto the bars 3 , or by fastening them by the same holes 9 in the side members 2 as the shelves and the table plate. The article holders 10 and 11 may be adjusted to the preferable height according to suitable working posture. The article holders may for example be formed as a bowl 10 for lotions, powder, cleaning wipes, thermometer, wash basin, basket for dirty clothes etc., or a towel holder 11 for drying towels, clothes etc., or as other practical holders which the user may have use for such as waste basket, paper holder or dispensers of different kinds (not shown).
[0018] A Desk
[0019] When the child no longer needs the baby changing table 1 , the table may in another embodiment be re-assembled to a writing or working desk 13 by replacing the lower shelf 7 with a crossbeam 12 and alternatively removing other shelves 7 in order to give room for the users legs and for a chair as shown in FIG. 3. The table top may also in this embodiment be adjusted in height to adapt to the child as it grows and should preferably be used together with a height adjustable chair such as a Tripp-Trapp® chair (dotted in FIG. 3). In this way, the working position of the child may be optimised while growing up.
[0020] Alternatively a suitable shelf 7 may be used as table plate, or a shelf 7 may be mounted right under table top 5 in order to give a storage room for example for writing/drawing articles.
[0021] An alternative desk 17 is shown in FIG. 5 wherein a somewhat longer table top 18 with convex edges which fit into the side members 2 on the opposite side of what is shown in the other figures. The advantage here is that the table space is larger. A somewhat longer crossbeam 19 is mounted between the rear lower corners of the side members 2 to give extra space for the users legs.
[0022] Alternatively the table may be used as a PC-table adapted to either children or adults, or the table top 5 may be mounted relatively low, together with a shelf 7 or a crossbeam 12 to achieve a play table (not shown). In the table embodiments above, the article holders 8 may likewise be attached at the desired height to hold articles such as writing articles, toys, disks, CD's etc.
[0023] Height adjustment of the table top 5 or the shelves 7 may be achieved by conventional systems such as rows of holes 9 in the edges of the side members 2 , for through bolts which either directly are fastened to the table top 5 , shelves 7 or crossbeams 6 or 12 , or via an armature 8 as shown in the figures. It is important that the fastening and regulating system may only be operated by an adult, so that a child may not cause the table to collapse.
[0024] A Partition
[0025] In a third embodiment, the side members 2 of the table 1 may be mounted together in one of their vertical ends with an armature 14 , for example a planar armature, to form a screen or partition 15 as shown in FIG. 4. In order to maintain stability and avoid tipping over, supportive legs or bows 16 may be mounted in the lower corners of the side member 2 instead of wheels 4 . The side members 2 may in this embodiment be mounted such that they together either make up a segment of a cylinder as in FIG. 4, or an S-form, depending on the use. Alternatively the armature 14 may contain an angle, or an angle iron 8 may be used to mount the side members together so achieve other embodiments of the partition. Alternatively, a table top 5 or a shelf 7 , for example with a covering or mesh design, may be mounted between the side members 2 edgewise, with the above mentioned armatures to make the partition longer and/or to obtain more angles (not shown). The partition may thereby have many different forms depending on the assembly. The partition 15 may be used as a partition for example if two children share a room, or divide a room into a sleeping and play/working section. Further, the partition may be used for play such as a puppet theatre, a house, or to cordon off areas to the child. The article holders 11 and 12 , as mentioned earlier, may be mounted onto the partition 14 on the sides of the side members, and in desired height. If desired, the side members 2 may be covered with a dense or semi-dense material, such as fabric or a mesh, which may be stretched over the outer curvature of the wall, or in zigzag between the bars 3 , if the partition 15 is to be used to divide a room for example.
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The present invention concerns a combination table ( 1 ) arranged for use as a baby changing table or a desk or a partition, comprising either two vertical side members ( 2 ) and one horizontal table top ( 5 ) and at least one horizontal shelf ( 7 ); or two vertical side members ( 2 ) and one horizontal table top ( 5 ) and one horizontal cross-beam ( 10 ) and alternatively one or more shelves ( 7 ) mounted between the side members ( 2 ); or at least two vertical side members ( 2 ) mounted together by its vertical edges.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a shock absorber according to the preamble of claim 1 .
BACKGROUND
More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable shock absorber, that is to say a shock absorber whose damping characteristic can be influenced while driving. From the prior art, designs are known in which the pressure on the main valve is influenced by sending an auxiliary flow to the piston. The known designs have the drawback that they need a particularly high adjustment speed which requires complicated electronics. In addition, sensors have to be fitted both to the wheel and to the body of the vehicle. Systems of this type which require large numbers of sensors are highly vulnerable and demand a great deal of expertise during fitting and/or maintenance.
SUMMARY
DE 1455823 discloses a shock absorber whose damping characteristic can be changed during use. By displacing fluid in an auxiliary conduit, damping becomes increasingly stiff with progressive movement. By pumping increasingly more fluid into a dedicated space as strokes are being carried out repeatedly, the shock absorber becomes increasingly stiff. The reaction of the characteristic of the shock absorber is relatively slow and is influenced for a number of strokes in the direction in which stiffness increases. The reduction takes place gradually over a number of strokes.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a relatively simple shock absorber by means of which the damping characteristics can be influenced particularly rapidly.
This object is achieved with a shock absorber having the features of claim 1 .
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
This application is a 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/NL2010/050625, entitled “ADJUSTABLE SHOCK ABSORBER” by de Kock, filed Sep. 27, 2010, which claims priority to NL2003571 filed Sep. 29, 2009, which applications are herein incorporated by reference.
According to the present invention, the pressure on the main valve is applied by a pressure element, such as a sleeve, and said pressure element is pressurized by means of an auxiliary valve which is embodied as a plate spring. In the closed position, said auxiliary valve can provide complete sealing, resulting in an on/off situation. However, it is also possible for a constantly open aperture to be present parallel to said auxiliary valve, a so-called constant, which makes continuously adjustable control possible. The above-described non-return valve is necessary when a parallel aperture is present. This is the case particularly when such a parallel aperture, which connects both sides of the piston, is an aperture which can significantly influence the damping. This is due to the fact that for a rapid reaction, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an aperture of considerable dimensions is desired, so that the built-up pressure can be reduced again quickly. The pressure element and auxiliary valve delimit a part of a chamber into which auxiliary fluid can flow. As more fluid flows into said chamber, the pressure which is exerted on the pressure element by the auxiliary valve will be reduced and thus the pressure on the main valve will decrease. The fluid which flows through the auxiliary conduit and the auxiliary valve is quickly carried away via an aperture so that the above-described accumulation of pressure via a number of strokes known from the prior art does not occur. This results in a particularly rapid adjustment which may lead to a modified characteristic with each stroke and even with each partial stroke of a shock absorber. More particularly, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flow in the chamber can be influenced by means of a bush which is present in the piston and can be displaced with respect thereto. This bush provides a bypass conduit. This bypass conduit for auxiliary fluid also extends through two spaced-apart apertures in the piston. By moving the position of the bypass conduit in the bush with respect to the apertures in the piston, it is possible to achieve a greater or smaller choking effect, as a result of which the effect of the reduction of the pressure on the main valve can be influenced. Operation of the bush can be effected in any conceivable way. Thus, it is possible to embody the piston rod to be hollow and thus to provide an actuating rod for the bush. This can be operated by hand, electrically or in any other conceivable way at the top end of the piston rod. However, it is also possible to install wiring in the hollow piston rod which actuates a coil which is fitted near the piston and which then determines the position of the bush. With electrical embodiments, it is possible to rapidly adjust the characteristic for each stroke of the shock absorber or even during the movement of the shock absorber. Such an electrical embodiment can be realized relatively simply and requires few vulnerable parts.
The above-described principle of controlling the preload on the main valve by using an auxiliary valve for loading, the applied force of which is reduced when the fluid flow is present, can be used both in a direction of movement of the piston with respect to the cylinder and in both directions of movement of the piston with respect to the cylinder. In addition, the bush in combination with the delimiting part of the piston in which the apertures are provided can be configured such that when the auxiliary flow is influenced in two directions when the passage for the auxiliary flow in one direction is enlarged, the auxiliary flow in the other direction is, on the contrary, throttled more. If sufficient flow through the auxiliary conduit can be effected affected, it is possible by means of the above-described electrical control mechanism to influence the damping characteristic during the stroke. This variant, if configured as an electrical device, also consists of a particularly simple construction comprising few vulnerable components and exhibiting great operational reliability. By means of the present invention, it is possible to achieve a so-called “sky hook”-characteristic, without using specific sensors such as employed in the prior art to be able to influence the shock-absorbing performance during a damping stroke.
Just like the main flow, the auxiliary flow extends along both sides of the piston and therefore, a non-return valve can be present therein. Such a non-return valve may be a separate valve, but may for example also form part of the main valve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments, in which:
FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a shock absorber according to the present invention,
FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the piston illustrated in FIG. 1 .
FIGS. 3A-3C show a further example of the piston illustrated in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 4 shows a further variant of the bush used in the piston.
FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the non-return valve used for the auxiliary flow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a shock absorber which is denoted overall by reference numeral 1 . It consists of a cylinder 2 and a reciprocating piston 3 which, via a piston rod 4 , is connected to a fastening means which is not shown in detail. Piston 3 and cylinder 2 are attached to the various parts which are to be damped with respect to one another of, for example, a vehicle.
Details of a first embodiment of the piston 3 can be seen in FIG. 2 . The piston 3 comprises a core 5 which is fixedly connected to the piston rod 4 . This core comprises a cavity 21 in which a bush 6 can be rapidly moved to and fro. This bush 6 is hollow and provided with spaced-apart apertures 7 and 8 . Bush 6 can be moved to and fro in the direction of arrow 10 with respect to the piston rod 4 by means of the rod 9 which is connected thereto and which can move to and fro inside the piston rod 4 . Displacement can be effected, for example, by means of a piezo element, coil, rotating stepping motor, manually and the like. In the illustrated position, the apertures 7 and 8 are in front of the apertures 11 and 12 , respectively. By displacing the bush with respect to the piston, the through-flow passage between apertures 7 and 11 , and 8 and 12 , respectively, can be enlarged or reduced. A spring 13 loaded valve 22 is present in the flow path for fluid indicated by line 23 .
Around core 5 , ring parts 14 and 25 are provided which are fixedly connected to core 5 . Between the ring parts 14 and 25 , a main valve 18 is provided which comprises a spring-mounted plate. It seals a bore 26 against the passage of the flow denoted by reference numeral 27 . The resistance of the valve 18 to being opened is partly determined by the pressing of the bottom 20 of a sleeve 15 which is fitted around the ring part 25 so as to be displaceable with respect thereto. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , this sleeve 15 is pushed down by a spring plate 16 . That is to say that the force which the spring plate 16 exerts on the sleeve 15 and thus on the bottom 20 thereof determines the opening characteristics of the main valve 18 . As the spring plate 16 seals completely in this exemplary embodiment, an on/off situation arises when reducing the prestressing force on the sleeve 15 .
Between the ring part 25 and the bottom 20 of the sleeve 15 , there is a chamber 17 which is at the same pressure as the part of the cylinder 2 situated above the piston 3 .
When the piston moves down in the cylinder, the above-described embodiment functions as follows:
The main stream indicated by reference numeral 27 experiences a resistance from the main valve 18 which is determined by the pressure of the ring 20 of the sleeve 15 and thus by the force of spring plate 16 . If a prolonged downward movement takes place and the bush 6 is positioned such that flow path 23 is open, pressure will build up in chamber 28 . This build-up of pressure is counteracted by the aperture 24 . The balance between influent fluid/discharged fluids determines the build-up of pressure in the chamber. When pressure builds up, the downward closing force of spring plate 16 on the sleeve 15 will decrease. As a result thereof, the bottom 20 of sleeve 15 will press on the main valve 18 with less force, thus opening a larger aperture to the main flow 27 . By moving the bush 6 upwards, a throttling effect can be achieved between the apertures 7 - 12 and 8 - 11 and, if desired, complete sealing can be effected. In this manner, the damping characteristic can be adjusted in a particularly simple way. It is possible to change the damping characteristic in a simple manner by adjusting the sleeve 15 and more particularly the bottom 20 .
This is due to the fact that, if the point of contact of the main valve 18 with respect to bottom 20 is moved, the stiffness of the opening part of the main valve 18 will change due to the fact that the free end of the main valve 18 becomes longer or shorter. Thus, the optimum setting for the respective vehicle can be found in a simple and reproducible way.
The above-described effect of influencing the main valve 18 by means of a secondary fluid flow 23 which reduces the prestressing force of said valve 18 can also take place in the opposite direction. This is shown in FIGS. 3A-3C .
The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C is partly identical to the one shown in the first two figures. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals increased by 30. The bush 36 which is connected to the rod 39 which moves inside the hollow piston rod 34 is embodied such that the device illustrated in FIG. 2 operates in two directions. Bush 36 is received between springs 71 and 72 . The “upper part” of the piston 33 corresponds substantially to what has been described above. This means that an auxiliary valve 46 embodied as a spring plate is present which, in this example, is composed of several spring plates, as a result of which the stiffness of each shock absorber can also be adapted to the respective vehicle in a simple manner. As was the case in the preceding example, auxiliary valve 46 actuates a sleeve 45 which in turn acts on the main valve 48 . Under auxiliary valve 46 , a chamber 58 is delimited which can be connected, via apertures 38 and 41 , to the displaceable bush (dependent on whether or not these apertures are in line with one another). Via a conduit 76 , aperture 38 opens into a central inlet aperture 77 which, situated opposite aperture 78 , forms part of the part of the piston which is fixedly connected to the piston rod. When the piston moves downwards, that is to say in the direction of arrow 40 , fluid can pass into the chamber 58 via non-return valve 69 via line 53 and thus reduce pressure on sleeve 45 , as a result of which the main valve 48 opens more easily. In contrast to the above-described example, the auxiliary valve 46 does not effect complete sealing of the chamber 58 . A slot 47 is present which provides an aperture which is constantly open between chamber 58 and the part of the cylinder which is situated above the piston. This slot 47 provides a so-called constant. A corresponding slot 87 is provided on the other side and has the same function.
As is indicated here, the structure from FIGS. 3A-3C operates in two directions. This is due to the fact that conduit 76 extends also in the downward direction and can also be connected to the aperture 77 , via non-return valve 80 . When the piston is moved upwards, that is to say counter to the direction of arrow 40 , fluid can, via this non-return valve 80 , enter into conduit 76 along line 81 and subsequently, via apertures 37 , 42 , into chamber 82 which is delimited by auxiliary valve 83 , which forces sleeve 84 upwards in order to close the other main valve 85 which operates in the opposite direction. The characteristic of both main valves 48 and 85 may differ due to the number of plate parts from which they are composed. Further details of the slot can be seen in FIGS. 3B and 3C .
Due to the presence of a sealed chamber 73 under the bush 36 and the presence of a conduit 74 which connects this chamber to the part 75 which is situated above the bush, a load will be applied to rod 39 , depending on the direction of movement of the parts to which the shock absorber 31 is connected. When the actuating rod 39 is connected to a sensor (not shown), this information can be used in a simple manner to adjust the shock absorber. By means of the structure illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C , it is possible to change the shock absorber characteristic considerably by displacing the bush 36 . Thus, it is possible to produce an outwardly hard damping and an inwardly soft damping or the reverse. If the rod 39 is connected to an electrical control mechanism which reacts, for example, to an acceleration sensor mounted in the vehicle, it is possible to achieve damping tailored to the circumstances without having to fear excess due to phase-shift. In addition, due to the embodiment of the bush 36 and more particularly the positioning of the various abovementioned apertures, hard inward damping and soft outward damping or soft inward damping and hard outward damping are always present in combination.
Due to the presence of the slots 47 and 87 acting as constants, no on/off situation will occur when a fluid flow occurs in, for example, chamber 58 , as was the case with the above-described example. If the fluid flow is relatively small, the constant 47 will be able to discharge the fluid without a significant increase in pressure occurring. If the fluid flow is relatively large, auxiliary valve 46 will be lifted off its seat and the above-described effect of a reduction in the pressure on the sleeve 45 occurs. By adjusting the prestress of auxiliary valve 46 and the size of the constant 47 , the damping characteristic can be determined.
By means of the present invention, it is possible to adjust bush 36 at a relatively low frequency, for example at a frequency of 1-2 Hz.
In both abovementioned exemplary embodiments, the pressure on the main valve is reduced when filling the chamber which acts on the auxiliary valve as a result of the fact that the load applied to the main valve by the auxiliary valve is reduced as a result of the fluid pressure applied to the auxiliary valve. By adjusting the bush or slide 6 , 36 and more particularly the apertures thereof to the chamber of the auxiliary valve, the damping characteristic can be influenced. With the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 , the inward and outward damping are then set simultaneously, in which case an asymmetrical control characteristic can be achieved by means of the position of the sealing body 87 and the slot 88 in combination with the apertures 89 , 90 and the body 91 .
A further variant of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 . This shows a cylinder part 102 in which a piston which is denoted overall by reference numeral 103 moves up and down. The piston rod 104 is again hollow and wiring 101 is fitted on the inside for operating a coil 140 by means of which a displaceable bush 106 can be actuated. The construction of the main valves and auxiliary valves in this case substantially corresponds to that which has been shown in FIG. 3 . In contrast to the embodiment from FIG. 3 , the bush is not provided with the central sealing body 87 . Fluid which enters conduit 116 can flow unhindered to one of the chambers below the auxiliary valves. A compensation conduit 112 is present, as a result of which the pressure above and below the bush 106 is equal, so that the operation thereof is not effected by differences in pressure. With this embodiment, when the respective opposite aperture of the piston part is opened further, the other aperture will close, by contrast, due to the positioning of the sealing bodies 118 and 119 . As a result thereof, the controlled variable on the non-controlled side is inverted, as a result of which a direction sensor, as is used with prior art shock absorbers, is obsolete with this concept. The operation of the main valves, auxiliary valves and non-return valves is substantially as has been described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 2 .
FIG. 5 illustrates a further variant of the invention. In this case, only the piston 133 is illustrated, provided with a bush 136 actuated by a coil 140 . The apertures or conduits 149 , 150 situated opposite the bush are, via auxiliary conduits 152 , 151 , connected to the main valves 148 , 185 which also function as non-return valve. This application is particularly suitable for heavy shock absorbers.
Upon reading the above, those skilled in the art will immediately be able to think of variants which are covered by the scope of the attached claims and which are obvious after having read the above.
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Shock absorber comprising a piston inside which a sleeve is present which can be operated separately from the piston. This sleeve is provided with through-flow conduits which can cooperate with apertures, which are fitted at a vertical distance, of a part of the piston in order to provide an auxiliary flow when the piston is displaced in the cylinder. Such auxiliary flow enters into a chamber which is delimited by one or more spring plates which act on a sleeve which loads the main valve against opening when it is pressed down by the spring plate. By filling the chamber with fluid, the load applied on the sleeve by the spring plate is reduced and the load on the main valve decreases, as a result of which the latter opens more readily.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Diagnostic endoscopy, especially of the esophagus, is the primary field of the invention.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Endoscopes are typically semi-rigid devices that are both pushed and pulled through structures such as the esophagus. A specialization includes devices that cannot be pushed and only pulled, so called “tethered” endoscopes, through which pull forces are exerted and electrical signals flow via a thin flexible cable, or tether. These devices allow for some degree of positional control by the clinician, while avoiding the discomforting effects of rigid or large diameter cables.
[0003] There are several major areas of concern with respect to creating an esophageal imaging device that can be used to serve a broad population during, for example, routine visits to a primary care physician's office. These factors have been underappreciated in the prior art. Each of the following is of importance: 1) speed of exam; 2) patient comfort including the elimination of anxiety associated with passage of the device from the mouth and down the throat; 3) ability to optimize the view, especially of the lower anatomy; and 4) avoidance of discomfort induced by retrieving the device. An additional factor is compatibility with a low cost and single use (disposable) design.
[0004] Current approaches fail to meet the requirements for serving a broad population for diagnostic screening. For example, capsule endoscopy, which involves swallowing a pill-shaped device that captures and transmits images wirelessly, avoids the discomfort associated with a tether, but encounters significant challenges in assuring that the desired view of the esophagus is captured. These devices have no mechanically-coupled external means of control, and they make only a single pass through the anatomy of interest—there may be no “second chance.” There are very limited means to adapt the device to conditions such as poor alignment or positioning.
[0005] A tether line could provide some of the needed control for a capsule endoscope, but pulling out these bulky devices is likely to be problematic.
[0006] In the case of one prior device, mechanical means are described to release an imaging device from a tether. Using a tether in combination with a battery powered wireless device yields an unduly expensive solution, as a tether can easily provide the cabling needed for power and signal transmission. Capsule endoscopes are therefore expensive and, in at least one reported study, the protocol required for their use involves considerable effort to create the optimal imaging conditions.
[0007] Another area of development has been trans-nasal endoscopes. These endoscopes, since they are pushed, need to have a relatively stiff cable and therefore yield greater opportunity for discomfort when passing down the throat, as compared to having a thin flexible tether cable. They require a moderate level of skill and commensurate training. Sedative and topical anesthetic may be required. The trans-nasal endoscope has not achieved acceptance as a widely used screening tool.
[0008] Video cameras for medical purposes are available from certain manufacturers wherein the diameter of both cable and capsule is in the neighborhood of one millimeter. These devices, by themselves, they lack essential features. Very small devices cannot be swallowed easily, especially when tethered with a flexible cable. Once swallowed, they are too light and narrow to be propelled through the esophagus unless they possess a cable that allows them to be pushed.
[0009] Other prior art devices described in patent publications include the following.
[0010] U.S. Patent Application 20090286237: Cytosponge™ is a device consisting of a sponge tethered to a string. It includes a water soluble capsule such as gelatin. The device can be swallowed like a pill, and when retrieved, it accumulates within its pores cells that can be analyzed for biomarkers or other properties so as to indicate the presence of conditions such as Barrett's Syndrome.
[0011] U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,555,333 and 8,396,535: The scanning fiber endoscope uses a laser light and a mechanically scanned single mode fiber to acquire raster data from the field of view. The design of such a device allows for a very small diameter comparable to what is offered by the tiny cameras previously mentioned.
[0012] Other prior art concerns coatings and edible substances. In the medical device field, there is an abundance of materials and surface coatings that are low friction. Some are water-based such as hydrogels; others are not, such as various silicone formulations.
[0013] Edible gel-like substances include agar, gelatin and other hydrocolloids. Adding xylitol to agar is known to substantially increase its elasticity.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0014] The present invention may be further understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawing figures. In the drawing:
[0015] FIG. 1A depicts the general design of the distal end of a tethered endoscope that includes an imaging capsule.
[0016] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a controller box for controlling the tethered endoscope of FIG. 1 .
[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates the use of multiple small diameter optical fibers for routing light from a light source to the field of view.
[0018] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an arrangement for producing a desired light distribution.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the use of light pipes for routing light from a light source to the field of view.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an applicator that may be used to coat the imaging capsule and its tether with a palatable coating during the examination while the imaging capsule descends down the esophagus.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a palatable sleeve that can be slipped onto the imaging capsule.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates the palatable sleeve attached to the imaging capsule.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a sleeve with fins. The sleeve is detached from an imaging capsule.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows the sleeve of FIG. 7 attached to the imaging capsule.
[0025] FIG. 9 shows a cutaway view of a cylindrical sponge affixed to an imaging capsule. The sponge is collapsed and encased in a gelatin capsule.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows the sponge of FIG. 9 having expanded due to contact with water. The gelatin capsule is no longer present.
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates the use of putty-like palatable material that the operator may manipulate into a desired form and affix to the imaging capsule.
[0028] FIG. 12 shows one form of a composite sleeve structure in which an outer sleeve slips over an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve slips over an imaging capsule. Locking mechanisms are not shown.
[0029] FIG. 13 shows how a palatable sleeve or other device may be tethered to the imaging capsule.
[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates how a tether may include a strand of Kevlar that is anchored internally to the imaging capsule.
[0031] FIG. 14 depicts a “critical linkage” in the form of a short segment of low tensile strength line that is connected to a higher tensile strength line that may run throughout the length of the tether.
[0032] FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for releasing the imaging capsule.
[0033] FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a continuity loop for sensing release of the imaging capsule.
[0034] FIG. 16 shows how the tapering portion of an imaging capsule may consist of separate beaded segments threaded onto the device tether, and may be allowed to slide on the tether. The beads may be made of high density material such as tungsten.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing additional features of an esophageal probe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Summary
[0036] Described herein are enhancements to an endoscope; more generally, any device in a lumen may benefit from its advantages. A typical application of the endoscope is tethered endoscopy, a term used herein to describe the use of an imaging device that is attached to a flexible linkage such as a cable that can provide only pulling forces on a terminating payload that includes a device for imaging (imaging capsule, or “capsule”).
[0037] The improvements described therefore relate primarily to an endoscope comprising a flexible tether terminated by an imaging capsule.
[0038] For purposes of description, it is useful to consider three stages of an examination using a tethered endoscope:
[0039] 1) Introduction, which includes swallowing and descent through the esophagus;
[0040] 2) Imaging;
[0041] 3) Device retrieval.
[0042] While imaging typically overlaps with the other two activities, it is useful to keep the three conceptually separate in the material that follows. Each of these stages requires different and often incompatible optimizations in the properties of the device. Reconciling these incompatibilities yields a fully optimal design for all stages of the examination.
[0043] A “palatable sleeve,” palatant, or swallowing aid fits around the imaging capsule providing the necessary ingestible mouthfeel. Palatants possess sensory properties typically falling under the categories of tactile, taste, as well as smell that allow a device such as a tethered endoscope to be more easily tolerated. The swallowing aid may consist of a digestible substance such as a hydrocolloid, and it may have added flavor. It may also consist of non-digestible material (e.g., low-durometer silicone elastomer material) that mimics palatability. The augmentation of the imaging capsule diameter provided by the swallowing aid also allows for peristaltic action to be more effective in propelling the device downward through the lumen. The swallowing aid can also serve as a vehicle for containing added weight that can assist in decent of the device through the lumen as detailed below.
Peristalsis, Friction, Gravity & Pull
[0044] Peristalsis and gravity are the two main forces enabling progression of the imaging capsule through the lumen. A larger diameter device facilitates greater peristaltic “grip.” Peristalsis entails a constriction of the esophageal lumen. If a band of smooth muscle contracts just proximal to the capsule and its palatable sleeve, substantial force may be transmitted by actively pulling on the device. On the other hand, if the operator simply holds the tether and capsule in place, the constricting peristaltic ring of smooth muscle may build up less force, and the constricting wave might then be more likely to pass over the device without detaching the sleeve. If the operator holds the tether loosely, the peristaltic constriction can then push the palatable sleeve and propel the imaging capsule downward.
[0045] Two forces therefore may be in play: smooth muscle contraction (peristalsis) that can exert downward force on the imaging capsule and sleeve, and a pulling motion on the tether that exerts upward force. To understand the properties of the device and how it may be used, it is useful to consider which of these forces is active and which of these forces is retentive.
[0046] When the operator is holding the tether in place and a peristaltic contraction comes in contact with the capsule, force builds up in proportion to what can be actively created by the musculature. In this instance the tether force is retentive. Being limited by the amount of active force that a contraction can create, by holding the tether in place, the peristaltic wave may be made to ride over the device without detaching the swallowing aid, i.e., the palatable sleeve. Alternatively, a contraction of smooth muscle may be encountered while pulling the capsule upward. In this case, very large forces can build up by pulling on the tether, as the contracted muscle, acting in a retentive mode, acts as a firm mechanical barrier. In this instance, a quick tug of the tether may easily dislodge the sleeve. This tug may require little displacement of the operator's hand, especially if there is limited compliance within the tether. The tether compliance can be reduced substantially by including a non-compliant member, such as Kevlar thread, along the length of the tether.
[0047] Experiments with tethered imaging devices demonstrate that gravity is a very useful force in enabling the device to progress through the lumen of the esophagus. During the exam, the esophagus ideally will be aligned vertically, such as when the subject sits or stands. Whereas muscular peristalsis is a less reliable agent for exerting positional control on a device, a gravity controlled device can be allowed to drop into a very precise position.
[0048] Peristalsis may work to pull away the sleeve while the device is still in descent mode. Experiments have demonstrated that operator technique, together with a certain degree of sleeve mechanical resilience and lock tightness, can serve to maintain the sleeve's position on the capsule during passage of a peristaltic wave. The presence of the sleeve enables constricting musculature to more easily propel the endoscope down the lumen.
Low Friction
[0049] Low friction surfaces at the taper and capsule can be useful for retrieval of the device; moreover, having a low friction surface throughout much of the length of the tethering cable is also useful, especially in allowing gravity to work on pulling the device downward into the esophagus during introduction. Assuming the cable is very flexible, as desired, cable friction operating against tissues results in appreciable resistance to the downward pull of gravity of the device. Lowering the surface friction of the cable is therefore highly advantageous.
[0050] The weight of the capsule and any related terminal structures must work against other forces—primary friction—that restrict the descent of the device when the lumen is open. Friction occurs wherever the linkage is in contact with another non-moving structure, such as tissue within the mouth, pharynx or esophagus. When downward forces exceed frictional forces, the device can travel downward, enabling it to gather images of more distal regions of the esophagus such as the esophagogastic junction. It is useful therefore to allow for portions of the device—including the tether, capsule and sleeve—to have low friction surfaces.
[0051] Low friction surfaces may be accomplished by the use of lubricous or hydrophilic coatings. Alternatively, low friction materials such as certain medical catheter-grade silicones may be used.
[0052] Significant aspects of the present tethered endoscope include:
1) An imaging capsule attached to the distal end of a flexible cable serving as a tether, the capsule having a light source and a proximal taper to facilitate withdrawal of the device. 2) Lubricious or low friction surfaces along the tissue-contacting portions of the device. 3) Means to guide illumination light from inside the imaging capsule to the field of view. 4) A palatable sleeve to be placed around the capsule whose sensory properties, which may include mouth feel and taste, mimic that of easy-to-swallow food. 5) Means to enable the palatable sleeve to detach from the capsule as controlled by a degree of pulling force on the tether. 6) Means to facilitate alignment of the imaging capsule within the esophageal lumen. 7) Means to tether a palatable sleeve to the imaging device. 8) Means to incorporate a cell collection device such as a sponge. 9) Means to reduce longitudinal compliance of the tether with a member such as Kevlar thread. 10) Means to enable the imaging capsule to detach as controlled by a degree of pulling force on the tether. 11) Dense material added to the distal region of the device primarily to serve as ballast weight, facilitating travel down the lumen.
[0064] The foregoing aspects may of course be present in various combinations, with or without other complementary features.
[0065] Aspects of the present esophageal probe, in its several embodiments, include the following.
[0066] An esophageal probe includes a tethered imaging capsule, and at least one swallowing aid configured to be temporarily attached to the tethered imaging capsule and, when detached, to be digested or passed through a user's bowel.
[0067] The swallowing aid may include an elastic lock mechanism that couples it to the tethered imaging capsule. The esophageal probe may be configured such that the swallowing aid detaches from the imaging capsule by operation of a primary tether coupled to the imaging capsule. The swallowing aid may be tethered to the imaging capsule by at least one secondary tether. The primary tether may include a component having low longitudinal compliance. The esophageal probe may be configured such that operation of a primary tether coupled to the imaging capsule detaches the imaging capsule from the primary tether.
[0068] Palatability may be enhanced in various ways. For example, the swallowing aid may be flavored; it may be colored to enhance palatability; it may be scented to enhance palatability; it may be provided with a tactile property to enhance palatability, or textured to enhance palatability. The swallowing aid may include agar, silicone, gelatin, etc. In the case of gelatin or like material, the swallowing aid may be configured to dissolve or melt during or after swallowing.
[0069] The esophageal probe may include a cell-collection feature coupled to the imaging capsule or tether, such as a sponge material.
[0070] Descent of the esophageal probe may be promoted in various ways. For example, the esophageal probe may include at least one weight-increasing feature such as high-density metallic material. In one embodiment, the high-density metallic material has a density that is at least 30% of the density of tungsten. The primary tether may be coupled to the imaging capsule so as to form a taper that tapers along the primary tether in a direction away from the imaging capsule. A weight-increasing feature may include a plurality of beads within a region of the taper. The weight-increasing feature may include metallic particles doped or distributed within a region of the taper. The taper may include a proximal body region and a distal tail region, wherein the proximal body region includes a solid metallic body and the distal tail region is flexible and is at least twice as long as the proximal body region.
[0071] The swallowing aid may include one or more alignment features, such as fins, configured to align an axis of the imaging capsule with an axis of a patient's esophagus.
[0072] The imaging capsule may include means for providing forward illumination. Forward illumination may be provided by a light source and a plurality of optical fibers coupled to the light source, wherein optical fibers of relatively smaller diameter are configured to form an illumination ring. In accordance with another aspect, forward illumination may be provided by a light source and a plurality of light guides coupled to the light source, wherein the light guides have a larger diameter.
[0073] A method is described for administering an esophageal exam to a patient, including attaching a swallowing aid to a tethered imaging capsule to form an esophageal probe, and the patient swallowing the esophageal probe.
[0074] The method may further include causing removal of the removable swallowing aid, and withdrawing the tethered imaging capsule from the patient's esophagus. Causing removal of the removable swallowing aid may include an operator operating the tether of the imaging capsule. During swallowing, at least part of the esophageal probe may be coated with a lubricious or other low friction coating.
[0075] In accordance with other aspects, an esophageal probe includes a tethered reusable portion and a one-time-use portion, wherein the tethered reusable portion is configured to be retrieved from a patient's esophagus and the one-time-use portion is configured to be swallowed by the patient.
[0076] In accordance with other aspects, an esophageal probe system includes a tethered imaging capsule removeably coupled to the tether, the tether including at least one linking member critical for maintaining connection of the tether, its wires, and other contents to the imaging capsule, the linking member configured to be broken or disconnected in response to operation of the tether such that the imaging capsule might become free from the tether.
[0077] The esophageal probe system may further include at least one swallowing aid configured to be removably attached to the tethered imaging capsule and to be digested or passed through a user's bowel.
[0000] Circuitry may be provided for sensing severing of the at least one conductor and for deactivating the imaging capsule.
DESCRIPTION
[0078] An exemplary embodiment of a tethered endoscope has the structure shown in FIG. 1 wherein an imaging capsule 11 merges into a flexible tether 13 by way of an intermediate member 12 in the form of a taper. The drawing illustrates the proximal and distal directions. When imaging the esophagus, proximal is toward the mouth and operator and distal is toward the stomach. The imager has a front aperture 14 , and integrated in the front is a ring of illumination 15 formed by fibers. The outmost optical element 14 of the imaging optics may be a coverslip formed by a thin optically clear plate. The device has a cylindrical central axis of symmetry 16 . The imaging capsule is typically in the form of a video camera, but it may consist of other imaging technologies such optical coherence technology (OCT).
[0079] The tether 13 generally is constructed as a portion of flexibly jacketed cable, being long enough to enable the imaging capsule 11 to reach the furthest reaches of anatomy. Because the cost per unit length of the tether may be high, and because signal quality may degrade if it is too long, the device may be designed to limit the overall length of the tether to that which is minimally required—e.g., the typical distance from the mouth to the stomach. The tether 13 may therefore be connected proximally to a section of more general purpose cabling that terminates at its proximal end in a connector to be plugged into a controller “controller box” receptacle, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1B . The controller 1 provides electrical power, timing, control signals and other electronics for video signal acquisition. Circuitry 3 is provided for sensing if and when a link to the imaging capsule is disconnected, as described hereinafter, so as to deactivate the electronics and de-energize signal wires.
[0080] The tether 13 should be sufficiently flexible so as to require minimal energy to induce the deformations necessary while being drawn through the mouth, pharynx and other structures. Downward forces such as gravity or peristalsis must overcome both friction and any tendencies for the cable to hold its form. A highly flexible polymer cable jacket is therefore warranted, as provided by materials such as silicone rubber or polyurethane. A desirable tether cable diameter may be 1 mm or less so as to minimize discomfort and to reduce the likelihood of a gag reflex.
[0081] Internally, the capsule comprises a camera typically composed of an electronic (e.g. CMOS or CCD) imaging sensor, a lens assembly, and a thin coverslip of optically clear plastic. An air-gap can exist between the coverslip and the outermost lens element, yielding an ability to image underwater.
[0082] Illumination can be provided by LED's mounted beyond the periphery of the lens, or via one or more LED's that are contained within the imaging capsule, but whose light is piped outward via optical light guides. Light guides provide an alternative to placing light sources at the surface of the device, where mounting, interconnecting and dissipating heat can be challenging.
[0083] Light guides may be used in various ways. One variant shown in FIG. 2A uses a bundle of optical fibers to capture light from each of one or more LEDs, and to then route the light amongst the fibers to target areas such as the periphery of the external capsule, where they can provide illumination of the field of view. Thus, multiple fiber end points may encircle the perimeter of the face of the capsule. Optionally, diffusers may be added overlying the end points, taking the form of diffraction gratings or other standard means.
[0084] Extending from the proximal portion of the imaging capsules may be a taper consisting of silicone or other soft polymer, although high-durometer implementations are also possible. This taper avoids sharp discontinuities but may also be of considerable utility in enabling retrieval of the device. The esophagus possesses smooth musculature capable of very tight constrictions. A constricted esophagus may make it very difficult to retrieve the device. The addition of a taper provides a mechanical wedge effect to pry open the lumen enough to enable device retrieval. Providing the taper with a low friction surface can also be of great value in retrieval. Options include lubricious coatings or a direct low-friction structural formulation of the flexible taper. Certain silicones exhibit both a very low durometer and very smooth surfaces when in contact with water. These materials may be structural or applied as surface coatings.
[0085] Proximally, the camera body merges with the tether via the taper, allowing easier pullout in the presence of peristalsis. While much of the body of the device may be rigid, the taper may be flexible or comprise moveable segments so that the capsule and taper do not present excessive rigidity that would impede swallowing or removal of the device.
[0086] The specific mechanical properties of the taper may be designed to aid in insertion, imaging and/or removal. To accentuate the wedge effect, the taper can be lengthened, and may be as long as or longer than the imaging capsule. A long taper at times needs to be able to bend and deflect laterally—otherwise it may be difficult to swallow. When encountering a constriction during a muscle contraction, squeezing of the taper material longitudinally may result in a bulge that is easily obstructed by the constriction, thus negating the intended goal of easing passage of the device through the constriction.
[0087] One class of embodiments avoids this problem by ensuring that the tether is minimally susceptible to radial (or volume) compression and resists longitudinal shearing strain. As an example, a spongiform tether can undergo volume compression, which makes it undesirable. On the other hand, there are many polymers including PTFE, polyethylene and others that can achieve ease in lateral deflection while preserving their mechanical stiffness when a constriction is encountered.
[0088] Embodiments described herein that include using one or more tapering beads can provide a similar set of properties. The taper comprises separate segments or beads, and may be covered with a flexible polymer shell to eliminate external discontinuities that tend to be accentuated when the beads are deflected. Consisting of metal or other stiff materials, the beads prevent compression and longitudinal shearing.
[0089] In another embodiment, the taper material is designed to be compressed and to partially extrude through a constriction. In this case, the taper may be anchored proximally to the tether or a flexible tube that wraps around the tether. When the taper encounters a constriction, the distal non-anchored portion can be pulled, thinning out the body of the taper but also distending it so that its distal portion slips over and covers a portion of the imaging capsule. Upon completion of passage through the constriction, shape memory may enable the taper to recover its original form.
[0090] Construction of the imaging capsule in FIG. 2A includes an outer cylindrical shell 201 that serves as mechanical and water barrier. The device is operated by means of a cable or tether 218 out of which emerge electrical leads 215 that connect with a light source 211 , which might typically be one or more LED's, and an electronic camera sensor 205 , typically being a CMOS or CCD sensor. Each wire is soldered to a stiff lead 213 , 213 ′, each of which enters respective vias arranged within a first printed circuit board assembly (first PCBA) 212 that houses the LED 211 . The distal surface of the LED contains the emitter. Some of the stiff leads may be soldered to the vias of the first PCBA enabling power and control for the LED. After emerging from the first PCBA, the stiff leads pass through vias of a collector ring 208 and emerge as leads 207 , 207 ′ and are soldered into vias or onto pads of a PCBA 206 that houses the sensor 205 . A lens assembly 204 provides focusing of the image onto the optically sensitive portion of the sensor.
[0091] Proximal to the emitter of the light source 211 is a bundle of optical fibers 210 . One embodiment uses optical fibers of relatively small diameter, for example 250 micron multimode plastic optical fibers with fluorocarbon polymer sheaths. Each fiber independently transmits light with minimal loss. The fiber bundle is fitted within the central hole of the collector ring 208 . The proximal ends of the fibers receive light from the LED. To enhance coupling of light from the LED, the space between the emitter surface and the fiber bundle can be potted with clear polymer such as optical-grade epoxy. Upon emerging from the collector ring, the fibers continue along the periphery of the image sensor PCBA and lens assembly, and terminate as cut ends 202 , 202 ′ in a plane coincident with the aperture surface 203 . The aperture surface may include the final surface of the lens assembly, or it may consist of a coverslip. The design of FIG. 2A includes a taper 216 that joins tether 218 at a junction 217 .
[0092] To spread the light exiting from light fibers 202 , 202 ′ over a very wide field of view, diffuser elements may be placed over the fiber terminations. Moreover, the fibers may be so that at their terminus they are skew rather than aligned with the central axis of the device; e.g., they may be twisted in a helical pattern within the imaging capsule so that they wind around the lens assembly 204 in a spiral pattern. Spiraling the fibers does not add to the diameter of the assembly, but it does allow the light to concentrate less in the vicinity the central axis. The fibers come out skewed instead of pointing straight, such that the light from each fiber is deflected away from the center axis. Also, if the fibers are cut parallel to the front plane, then refraction deflects the light further away as well. The light from an individual fiber may be analogized to a laser beam (although in actuality it is more of a diffuse spot). Normally, the beams from the straight fibers project onto a circle. In a spiral arrangement, the beams deflect to a point on the tangent to the circle, resulting in their being further away from the center axis. When beams from the fibers are added up, the net effect is a broader spot pattern due to the spiral. This type of spiral arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 2B , showing an imaging capsule 240 and a representative fiber 242 .
[0093] Referring again to FIG. 2A , note that the fibers start proximally on the center axis and then cross the electrical leads, which are on the periphery. In addition, the use of the ring 208 , which passes the optical fibers through its center hole and the electrical leads through vias, allows for the use of a single large LED and yields a relatively even distribution of light.
[0094] Another embodiment shown in FIG. 3 involves using two large diameter light guides to pull light from the LED to the periphery, again using diffusers as needed to spread the light across the field of view. Bundles of smaller fibers may also be used. In both FIG. 2A and FIG. 3 , advantages include being able to place the one or more LED on the same board as the sensor, and to keep LED heat away from tissue. The tubular shell 301 houses an image sensor 303 in association with an imaging focusing lens assembly 304 with face 305 . Two light guides 306 and 306 ′, in this case segments of plastic optical fibers with cladding, are affixed to the emitter elements of LEDs 307 , 307 ′. Optically clear potting can be used to efficiently couple light from the emitters into the light guides. Light emerges from the light guide surface 313 . The sensor sits upon PCBA 308 into which leads 309 are connected, the leads 309 extending from wires 310 that emerge from the tether jacket 312 . The tubular shell 301 merges proximally at junction interface 302 with a taper 311 that extends circumferentially about the device, forming a seal. The taper merges proximally with the tether.
[0095] A detached view of a mating element 14 is shown that includes mating holes 317 , 317 ′ for the light guides 306 , 306 ′ and a hole 316 that matches the lens assembly 304 . The mating element slips over the mating structures, the proximal surface of the mating element coming in contact or close proximity with the distal surface of the PCBA 308 .
[0096] During introduction of the device into the subject, it is advantageous to have the device appear and behave as being palatable, so that the patient has minimal reservations about swallowing it. It should have a form, size and consistency that facilitate the act of swallowing and descent through the esophagus. For example, an imaging capsule enclosed in a roughly 4 mm or smaller diameter stainless steel cylindrical tube of 1-2 cm length attached to a 0.7 mm to 1.0 mm flexible cable can present considerable psychological barriers to ingestion. Furthermore, even if one may succeed in initiating actions to swallow the device, voluntarily passing it through the pharynx into and down the esophagus may be very difficult due to the small size and weight of the imaging capsule and the presence of the tether.
[0097] One approach allows parts of the device that come in contact with the oral cavity and pharynx to be imparted with a surface coating of palatable material.
[0098] The applied palatable material may consist of most any edible substance that can be applied to the surface so as to adhere long enough to allow for the required sense of palatability. Saliva, water, gravity or other influences may quickly disperse the material, but as long as it adheres to the device surface long enough for it to pass beyond the oral cavity and pharynx, it can provide the advantages from imparting a sense of palatability. There are many approaches to applying palatable material, which may be performed on the packaged device or during the examination.
[0099] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 4 , a tubular device comprising an applicator body 402 , which may be formed as two halves connected with a hinge, may be filled with palatant such as thick syrup. The device may then be clamped onto the tether 401 . As the tether 401 passes through the device, which can be held in place by the exam subject, operator or other means, it obtains a coating of palatant. In the illustrated embodiment, the palatant is a liquid palatant placed in a cavity 403 . A proximal opening 404 is designed to allow tether to slip, but no fluid will emerge if the tether is pulled in the proximal direction relative to applicator. A distal opening 405 provides clearance and allows palatant to slip out and coat the tether as it moves in the distal direction relative to applicator.
[0100] A palatant may also be assembled into the device, especially if it is made from chemically inert material such as silicone rubber. Alternatively, the palatant may take the form of a coating upon certain surfaces such as the side of the capsule or the tether. For example, it might be formed as a sleeve by dipping the device into a liquid that can then harden about the device, or if left as a thick liquid, it may adhere long enough to be effective during introduction of the device. The sleeve may then comprise one or more layers of gelatin or edible confection that can wash away or melt away quickly when swallowed. When applied as a coating or dip, if the palatant is not intended to be washed away quickly during or after swallowing, it may be necessary to ensure that the optical surfaces remain uncoated.
[0101] The palatant can be added just before introduction of the device into the mouth. It can be packaged separately similar to an item of food or candy.
[0102] Experiments have shown that there is an optimal range of holding strength for any locking mechanism, below which the sleeve slips off too easily during routine swallowing and travel down the esophagus, and above which it may be difficult for the sleeve to detach when attempting to retrieve the imaging capsule at the end of the examination. Typically the palatant, when formed of agar or other edible gel, will break apart in the presence of significant retaining forces due to constriction of the organ musculature. However, during introduction of the device and its descent into the lower esophagus, the palatant provides some extra weight, aiding descent, and possibly some needed traction for peristalsis to aid in advancing the device through the lumen.
[0103] One exemplary embodiment involves using a color-tinted, lightly-flavored, rubbery hydrocolloid as a sleeve to wrap around the imaging capsule without interfering with the optical imaging performance. The choice of material composition—from among a variety of material compositions, including non-hydrocolloid based compositions—influences the ability to overcome the psychological and physical barriers to swallowing the imaging capsule. Gelatin provides many excellent properties in terms of mouth-feel and rigidity. However, it tends to melt just below internal body temperature, and therefore other materials may be preferred.
[0104] One useful ingredient for the palatable sleeve is agar. Sources publically available within the food industry describe how the brittleness and poor elasticity of agar can be overcome by the addition of other ingredients such as xylitol. Colorants and flavors can be added, but caution should be taken in adding flavors, as they may trigger an excessive saliva or motility response.
[0105] Consider an imaging capsule 4.5 mm in diameter by 1.5 cm in length. One suitable swallowing aid may be constructed as a cylindrical tube of elastic agar (e.g., mixture of agar and xylitol) with an inner diameter of less than 4.5 mm, and an outer diameter of 10 mm. The length may be slightly longer than 1.5 cm, with the proximal inner diameter constriction to a slightly smaller dimension for a length of a few millimeters.
[0106] In one embodiment, a sleeve formed of palatable material provides for an enhanced sense of palatability of the device. The design of a palatable sleeve is shown in FIG. 5 . The sleeve is designed as a hollow tube with wall 501 and distal front surface 502 , a distal opening 503 , a proximal surface 504 and a proximal opening 505 . The distal opening is continuous with the main and wider portion of the hollow 507 . The proximal opening is continuous with the narrowed segment of the central tube 506 . This constriction can allow the cylinder to slide down the capsule, and then lock in place once the proximal portion of the tube clears the 4.5 mm diameter portion of the capsule, which as noted above, will typically consist of a proximally directed taper. Other mating forms of imaging capsule and sleeve can allow the sleeve to slide onto the capsule and be retained with some degree of locking force. In other embodiments, friction fit alone is sufficient to hold together the imaging capsule and the sleeve during swallowing.
[0107] FIG. 6 shows how the sleeve of FIG. 5 fits over the imaging capsule of FIG. 1 , showing how the lock inhibits the sleeve from sliding distally with respect to the imaging capsule.
[0108] One embodiment allows for the sleeve as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 to be ejected from the imaging capsule when a peristaltic contraction prevents the device from being retrieved at the end of an exam. At this point, the sleeve is unnecessary if not a hindrance, and therefore a rapid tug transmitted along the tether sufficient to pull the imaging capsule out from the sleeve may be applied.
[0109] More particularly, one ejection or release approach for the palatant involves the use of high-amplitude but short-duration tension on the tether to force the imaging capsule to disengage from the sleeve. Routinely, the esophagus will undergo peristaltic contractions while the device is being withdrawn. If these contractions do not impede the device, it may be pulled out with minimal discomfort, possibly with the palatant intact. More likely, the pull from the constricted musculature will impede the device, and at this point it is desirable for the swallowing aid to be released—as achieved by a short but firm tug. This approach can work for both food-based as well as non-food based (e.g. soft silicone) palatants. For a more brittle palatant, the sharp pull forces may not cause it to cleanly slip off, but instead it might break into separate pieces or split open and therefore fall away. Thus brittleness and other properties contributing to the controlled breakup of the device may be desirable in certain embodiments.
[0110] A further embodiment entails a palatant that readily detaches once the capsule reaches the pharynx or rear of the oral palate. In this case, the idea is to provide a means to position the capsule near the level of the uvula, so that it may image upward (into the nasal pharynx) or downward, for example to observe the act of swallowing. An introducer, in the form of a flexible tube, might be used to create a comfortable feel for the patient in the back of the pharynx, helping to reduce the gag reflex. The capsule may be extending horizontally or at some other non-optimal angle if the imaging axis is along the axis of the capsule, as in the previously described embodiments. In this application, small overall diameter may not be so critical to preserve. Therefore, to create the correct imaging angle, a prism or mirror may be employed, or the design may simply enable the sensor and lens assembly to be rotated into the proper direction.
[0111] Gelatin tends to melt just below human body temperature. This property may be used to advantage to ensure that a sleeve will detach or disappear after a certain working time. Some experiments have shown that this working time may not be sufficient for normal exams and for certain sleeve designs when the sleeve comprises 100% gelatin. However, alternative materials including HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) or mixtures might be used for at least part of the sleeve's construction, and properties of these may be tuned to ensure that the working time can meet the requirement. The gelatin may take the form of a shell, much like that of a medication capsule. Underneath this shell may be a variety of devices, such as a dry sponge that in the presence of water, expands and becomes soft but large diameter in form, enabling the device to be centered or propelled downward more easily. Taking on the added water adds weight to the distal device, promoting gravity-assisted decent. The expanded sponge may be a simple tube or have fins or other structures that assist in centering the device within the lumen.
[0112] Alternative embodiments for the palatant sleeve use a non-edible or inert material such as low-durometer silicone. The system is again designed so that the tube can slip away when smooth muscle contraction forces build up during retrieval. Weight may be added to the sleeve in the form of heavy particles, powder, or the like.
[0113] During imaging, it is important to be able to align the capsule within the lumen, so that the imaging field of view projects primarily longitudinally through the lumen. The added diameter of the sleeve allows for the imaging capsule, which typically is suspended downward towards the stomach, to be better centered within the lumen, which may be sufficient.
[0114] Another embodiment provides for flexible and collapsible structures built into the sleeve, such as fins or other projections. When the lumen is collapsed, these structures collapse around the body of the sleeve or imaging capsule. When the lumen is open, they expand and help to align the capsule within the center of the lumen.
[0115] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 demonstrate one embodiment in which the effective diameter of the palatant is increased by adding radiating features. FIG. 7 depicts the palatable sleeve detached from the imaging capsule. FIG. 8 illustrates the attachment of the sleeve to the imaging capsule. Referring to FIG. 7 , the central body of the palatable sleeve assumes a cylindrical form 701 with central hole 702 and distal surface 703 . Flexible fins 704 a , 704 b , and 704 c emerge from the central body. The sleeve is designed to slide onto the imaging capsule 705 , with its distal face 706 and taper 707 that merges with the tether 708 . This design, as with others, can be formed from flexible edible material such agar-xylitol or from flexible low-durometer polymers such as various silicones.
[0116] Instead of hydrocolloid or similar materials, the palatant sleeve may consist primarily of sponge in a manner depicted in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 . Shown are the body 901 of the imaging capsule with taper 902 and tether 903 . Surrounding the capsule is a cylinder 905 formed from sponge whose lumen 904 allows the imaging capsule to fit inside. The lumen may narrow in the vicinity of the taper to provide a locking mechanism as previously described. Surrounding the sponge is a palatable capsule 906 comprising gelatin. FIG. 9 shows the sponge compressed with the gelatin capsule intact. Exposure to water and the warmth of the body lead to an erosion of the capsule and the influx of water into the sponge. The sponge expands as in FIG. 10 . This expansion can yield the advantages of previously-described in regard to alignment and other dynamics. Note that the sponge sleeve may be slid in place and be retained by forces strong enough to hold it in place during the imaging portion of the exam, but weak enough to allow the sponge to be dislodged once a peristaltic constriction is encountered while pulling the device out. Note also that the water-soaked sponge provides additional weight to the device. It may be desirable for the sponge to stay attached more permanently to the imaging capsule. This may be the case when the sponge is used to collect cytology samples, for example.
[0117] A sleeve may be created in whole or in part by wrapping a putty-like palatable material around the imaging capsule. Such an approach may start with a collection of material of one form and completely transform it into the form that is wrapped around the imaging capsule. The operator's fingers may be used to bring about the transformation, or a tool may be provided. Edible materials for this purpose may include starch or flour-based dough. Edible gums, starches, sugars, and oils may all come into play to create a limitless variety of possibilities. The palatant may be dispensed in a form that nearly matches the final form, requiring only that it be slipped over the capsule and press-fit it into shape.
[0118] FIG. 11 illustrates the use of such a putty-like palatable material that the operator may manipulate into desired form and affix to the imaging capsule. Shown are the body 1101 of the imaging capsule with taper 1102 and tether 1103 . Surrounding the capsule is a mass 1105 formed from putty.
[0119] A sleeve may be of composite construction. An example is shown in FIG. 12 , which shows imaging capsule 1201 with taper 1202 and tether 1203 . Inner sleeve 1204 with lumen 1205 fits over the capsule, and may lock into place in a manner previously described. Outer sleeve 1206 with lumen 1207 may then slip over the inner sleeve, there being a narrowing of the proximal lumen or other means to lock it in place. The material compositions may differ for different ones of the sleeves and may be chosen from among many choices. As one example, the inner sleeve may be fashioned of low-durometer silicone, while the outer sleeve may be edible gel. More complex combinations involving a greater number of sleeves are possible.
[0120] The composite construction may take many forms, and it may be especially useful in certain special cases calling for a very small diameter (e.g. under 2.5 mm) imaging capsule. The inner sleeve material may provide more stable mechanical attachment to the capsule, while the outer sleeve material may provide better palatable properties or other properties helpful for propulsion. The composite design may include heavy materials such as tungsten.
[0121] There may be more than one sleeve along the length of the device, or the multiple sleeves may overlay each other and therefore be concentric. The entire device may be designed so that the layers do not separate. An example of concentric layering involving three components may include a soft pliable inner layer that includes the locking mechanism, a heavy layer comprising a metal such as tungsten, and an outer layer comprising a palatant sleeve in one of many of the embodiments described herein. Multiple strategies are possible with respect to how the sleeves detach when a constriction is encountered during pullout.
[0122] In another embodiment, the sleeve is tethered to the capsule as is shown in FIG. 13 , which shows imaging capsule 1301 with taper 1302 and tether 1303 . A cylindrical palatable sleeve 1304 is attached to the imaging capsule by way of tether string 1305 (“secondary tether”) which forms several windings 1306 around the imaging capsule before it is affixed at the narrow section 1307 . In this case, the capsule can be designed to slide off more readily, perhaps just after swallowing. FIG. 13 shows the palatable sleeve in the process of dropping away from the imaging capsule. As it drops further, the coils 1306 unwind. Earlier in the time, the coils are fully wound and the palatable sleeve fits over the coils and capsules. When attached, the relationship between palatable sleeve and imaging capsule is similar to that of FIG. 6 .
[0123] When ingested, the sleeve acts as before to facilitate swallowing of the capsule, but thereafter, forces such as peristalsis or gravity pull the sleeve from the capsule. The sleeve in this case may lack the proximal constriction that serves as a locking mechanism, or the locking mechanism may fail, in which case the tether serves to preserve the utility of the sleeve despite it being dislodged from the imaging capsule. Whether the palatable sleeve is intentionally dislodged or not, peristalsis and gravity can serve to force the sleeve downward to provide the benefit of pulling along the imaging capsule.
[0124] The tether for the sleeve may be thin string that is, for example, 1-3 inches long, the thin diameter resulting in less obstruction to the field of view. The sleeve tether line may be attached to the side of the capsule via pad and adhesive, or lassoed along the proximal taper. If the sleeve and its tether are applied during exam preparation, one of or more of these mechanisms, or other convenient mechanisms, may be made available to the operator.
[0125] During pullout, it is desirable that the tethered sleeve be detachable once a substantial peristaltic constriction or other impediment to retrieval is encountered. One approach is to allow for the tethered sleeve to tear free from its tether. This may be possible if the sleeve is composed of a weaker material such as agar. Alternatively, the sleeve tether itself may be designed to break, being formed, for example, of a material with a well specified tensile strength. The sleeve tether may be threaded through a hole in the sleeve, a knot or other bulbous obstruction being used to prevent it from slipping out except when sufficiently high force is presented along the sleeve tether.
[0126] A variant on the tethered sleeve is to include an auxiliary sample collection device that may comprise a sponge or other material. When the device is extracted by the operator, the collection device, through rubbing or other interactions, accumulates cells or other materials from the lumen to be used for microscope cytology or other analysis.
[0127] A collection sponge may be incorporated anywhere on the present invention where it is likely to come in contact with the tissue of interest. For example, it might be included as part of the main tether, the capsule or both. It may be as described in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 , but be affixed permanently to the imaging capsule.
[0128] When retrieving the device after images have been acquired of the gastro-esophageal junction or other deep anatomy, the palatant is no longer needed, and its excess diameter becomes an impediment to retrieval of the device. In one embodiment, the palatant slips off in the presence of force exceeding some threshold. While some operator skill can prevent this force from building up as the capsule is positioned, once the operator begins to retrieve the device, it is necessary for the palatant to detach and fall away or disintegrate. In one embodiment, the operator uses a quick, firm pull on the tether to release the device from the capsule. This can be timed with instances when the esophageal musculature is constricting about the capsule, preventing it from being pulled out. To achieve the high force, the pull must be of short duration, and for this short duration force to be transmitted down the length of the tether, the tether may be designed to have minimal longitudinal compliance.
[0129] To reduce longitudinal compliance, and increase the strength of the tether, a filament of high tensile strength yet inelastic material can be inserted into the length of the cable, Kevlar thread being a suitable material. In the embodiment being illustrated in FIG. 14 , the tubular shell 1401 of the imaging capsule, taper 1402 and tether cable jacket 1403 are shown. Internal to the tether cable are wires 1404 and a Kevlar thread 1405 . Although Kevlar thread is one suitable embodiment, other materials having high tensile strength, low elasticity and sufficient flexibility may be used. The thread 1405 is attached to a mechanically stable junction point 1406 inside the imaging capsule—in this case a tie-hole that is part of the internal structure 1407 . The Kevlar thread thus forms the major high strength linkage between the tether and the imaging capsule and may be anchored proximally at some point that is proximal to where the operator will grasp and pull the tether. The anchor point may be the proximal termination of the tether.
[0130] The distal tip of the tether jacket 1403 is inside the taper 1402 . Because the main holding strength is provided by the Kevlar thread, the attachment of the tether jacket to the capsule may be of lower strength. In the absence of the Kevlar thread, and without too much effort, it may be pulled out of and become detached from the imaging capsule. While the jacket is in place, a gasket 1408 , 1408 ′ or other barrier is used to prevent water ingress along the tether jacket.
[0131] While in some embodiments the device is prevented from detaching from the tether in all circumstances, another set of embodiments allow it to detach intentionally and with the application of sufficient force along the tether by the operator. Various approaches may be used to achieve this result, as exemplified by the design in FIG. 15A .
[0132] When the operator has decided to retrieve the device, it may or may not meet with resistance from the esophageal constriction. If not, the device will retrieve easily. If it does meet with resistance, the operator may then have the option to provide a sharp tug on the device, transmitting a high but short-duration force that breaks a critical coupling link and allows the device to slide off. The operator then pulls the tether from the patient, as the capsule slides down into the stomach.
[0133] The break-away mechanism may use a short section of line or other member of relatively low tensile strength to serve as the weakest link between the cable and the capsule. As noted above, to transmit a sharp pull along the tether down to the capsule, it is important for the tether compliance to be low, and this may be achieved with Kevlar thread or other strong, non-compliant structure. The force is transmitted to the critical linkage, which forms the “weak link” keeping the imaging capsule connected to the tether. When the critical linkage breaks, other forces that might connect the imaging capsule to the tether fail. For example, the external tether jacket might slip away from the imaging capsule to which it is held by a relatively weak but watertight bond. Electrical wires within the tether cable should be chosen so as to also break; wires in the 38 AWG range or smaller diameter have been found to be suitable.
[0134] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15A , a distal segment of Kevlar thread 1501 is attached to a much thinner linkage 1502 . The linkage 1502 is anchored to a stable connection point 1503 of some internal part 1504 of the imaging capsule. As an example, the full length of the tether may include a 2-4 lb test Kevlar line, terminating in a short length (perhaps 5 mm or less) of thinner weaker line of controlled tensile strength, thus forming a critical link. Strength of the critical link, for example, might be fixed in the range of 1-8 ounces. Other constituents of the cable such as copper wires may be chosen to be so fine as to be easily broken once the critical link breaks. The tether cable jacket may be designed to initially form a water-tight seal with the imaging capsule, but to later easily slip away from the capsule. For example, silicone RTV may provide both the weak bond and the seal for the jacket. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 15B , at least one of the fine copper wires 1555 (in range of 40-50 AWG, for example) along with a return line 1557 may provide a means to monitor real time the structural integrity of the assembly attachment by providing an electrical continuity loop. A member 1559 joining the copper wire 1555 and the return line 1557 is configured such that the wires are disconnected in response to operation of the tether. When the continuity loop is disrupted, the controller can immediately shut off all electrical power.
[0135] Various other means may be used to achieve the “weak link” such as using two mating magnets, a magnet and a ferromagnetic element, suction cup, ball and socket and many other mechanical approaches. The idea however is the same, namely that the operator can use a sharp tug to disrupt the weak link when the device is impeded by anatomical obstruction.
[0136] While means based on direct operator manipulation to achieve disconnection of the imaging capsule as described above are simple and highly reliability, other means are possible including the application of high currents to melt a critical linkage. In one embodiment, a high resistance conductor may be made to break due to heating effects from an electric current, the conductor serving as the critical linkage. Alternatively, the heat may weaken or melt another material (such as a polymer) that is in close proximity and forms the critical linkage.
[0137] Two attracting magnets (e.g. strong rare-earth) or a magnet and a ferromagnetic lump of metal can be used to create the critical link attachment. At least one of the magnets may be an electromagnet.
[0138] Weight may be added to the capsule and related structures to allow gravity to pull the imaging capsule through the lumen. FIG. 16 shows a taper that integrates with an imaging capsule 1601 and its tether 1602 . A circularly symmetric set of beads 1603 , 1604 and 1605 each have a small diameter lumen large enough to accommodate the tether 1602 . The beads, when collapsed, form a continuous, cylindrically symmetrical taper. By allowing the beads to slide along their flat contacting surfaces flexibility can be simulated in a “piecewise” manner. Of course, more or fewer beads can be used, and they may be joined together and to the imaging capsule by a very flexible substrate allowing the taper so formed to bend. One embodiment uses tungsten beads. Protruding edges in such a design may be a problem, as they may enable constricting musculature to better grip the device and prevent its retrieval. To mitigate this problem, the sharp edges of the beads may be replaced with rounded or blunted transitions. The beads may be encased or covered in a substrate, taking on the external form of the taper 12 in FIG. 1A . In this case, the beads are hidden with the external substrate, which might be silicone rubber or another polymer. Distal beads, such as 1603 , may not be tapered, instead being cylindrical to match the diameter of imaging capsule 1601 . In one case, bead 1603 may be attached and made integral to the imaging capsule 1601 .
[0139] In one embodiment, one or more weights are arranged to slide along the tether line, much like fishing weights that each has a single hole. The weights may be withheld during the introduction of the capsule into the esophagus, after which each weight can be inserted into the oral cavity, allowing the patient to swallow it. To make it palatable, the weight can include or be coated with palatable material such as those previously described.
[0140] A taper 1702 as shown in FIG. 17 may comprise a flexible substrate such as silicone rubber that may be “doped” with heavy solid particles. Illustrative embodiments use tungsten particles such as beads or powder, as tungsten is extremely dense (19 g/ml) and non-toxic. In addition, the taper 1702 has a proximal portion 1704 and a distal portion 1706 . Within the proximal portion is provided a metallic or other high-density body 1708 . The distal portion 1706 is flexible and elongated. For example, the distal portion 1706 may be two or more times as long as the proximal portion, enhancing the wedge effect of the taper. The distal portion 1706 may be doped with metallic particles. The taper may be made more flexible by adding slits to the taper.
[0141] In other embodiments, the entire taper might be made of high density material, even to the point of being able to slide up and down the tether. Tungsten fashioned in the manner of fishing weights having centrally located longitudinal holes, and with conical, spindle or other forms may be used for this purpose.
[0142] Experiments suggest that as little as even 1 gram of extra weight may significantly improve the gravity effects. As an example, an imaging capsule may be 4 mm diameter. A taper extending proximally (toward the mouth, away from the stomach) may be conical with a distal base of 4 mm diameter and about 15 mm long. This taper may therefore have about 0.06 ml volume. With tungsten being about 19 g/ml in density, a fill of about 80% by volume of the taper would yield 1 gram added weight from the tungsten.
[0143] Other weight adding materials can be used, such as stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass, etc., which have densities in or near the 7-8 g/cm 3 range. Tungsten and gold are examples of very dense, heavy metals that are non-toxic, tungsten being relatively more affordable.
[0144] The present esophageal probe, in its various embodiments, is inexpensive and may be used without extensive training. The various features described enhance the effectiveness of the probe and increase patient comfort. Taken together, these features make the esophageal probe attractive for use by physicians and their staff, enabling important screening procedures to be performed routinely and affordably.
[0000] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The foregoing description is therefore intended in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims, not the foregoing description, and all changes which come with the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.
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An endoscope with flexible cable is described having a first set of means to facilitate travel of an imaging capsule down the esophagus, a second set of means to enable proper orientation and optical clarity of the capsule, and a third set of means to enable ease in retrieval of the device. In most embodiments, there is an overlap of these sets of means, the combination of which assures optimal exam effectiveness while maintaining a high degree of patient comfort. The endoscope can target low cost, high volume screening for diseases of the upper digestive tract.
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RELATED APPLICATIONS
This is a 37 CFR 1.53(b) continuation of U.S. non-provisional application, Ser. No. 09/449,300, filed Nov. 24, 1999 now U.S. No. Pat. 6,419,013.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a well logging method and apparatus and more particularly to a method and apparatus which enables efficient and rapid logging of a well.
In oil and gas exploration it is extremely important to produce logs of each well in order that the oil/gas producer can assess the potential output of the well and know where to perforate.
Whilst such well logging is beneficial, it can be extremely expensive due to several factors, one of which is the time taken to produce the log.
When logging a well the drilling rig is required to stand idle from its drilling operation. The hire cost of such offshore rigs is very expensive and time taken to acquire data from conventional well logging of horizontal holes can be several days.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a well logging method and apparatus which enables a well to be logged in a much shorter time period than is possible with conventional methods.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a well logging method and apparatus which is applicable to small diameter short length logging tools.
The present invention provides a method of well logging comprising the steps of:
a) inserting a battery powered memory logging device into a well borehole at a head end of said well, said well borehole containing a drill pipe;
b) forcing said logging device to a position adjacent to the far end of said drill pipe, opposite to said head end, by means of pump pressure applied to said logging device, said pump pressure being applied along said drill pipe from said head end;
c) maintaining pump pressure on said logging device;
d) pulling back on said drill pipe over a defined length whilst maintaining said pump pressure to expose at least a portion of the logging tool containing logging sensors into the open borehole at the end of the drill pipe;
e) pulling said drill pipe through said borehole towards said head end;
f) maintaining the pump pressure to maintain the position of the logging portion of the logging device protruding from the end of the drill pipe; and
g) logging the characteristics of the well with said logging device as said drill pipe is pulled through said well borehole.
Preferably the method further comprises the steps of:
h) once logging of the borehole over a required distance has been completed, reversing the pump pressure in said drill pipe such that pump pressure is applied to the end of said logging device furthest from said well head;
i) forcing said logging tool along said borehole towards said well head; and
j) catching said logging tool at a position adjacent said well head.
Preferably said method further comprises k) removing said logging device from said well head and down-loading said recorded logging data.
The invention also provides a well logging tool for use with the above method, said well logging tool comprising a first portion comprising well logging sensors and a second portion comprising a retention portion, said retention portion being provided with collar means for retaining said logging device within said drill pipe.
Preferably said retention portion of said well logging tool includes means for passage of fluid through said tool.
Conveniently the well logging tool is constituted as an open hole battery memory tool.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a typical gas or oil well.
FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a drill pipe end.
FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows the head end of the well of figure (in greater detail).
FIG. 4 shows the logging tool at a first initial position at the bottom of the drill pipe of the well of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 5 shows the logging tool at a second position at the bottom of the drill pipe of the well of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 6 shows the logging tool at a third position at the bottom of the drill pipe with the drill pipe moved away from the well end.
FIG. 7 shows the logging tool in a fourth position with the drill pipe moved further away from the well end.
FIG. 8 shows the logging tool in a fifth position with the logging tool in a sixth position being returned to the well head end by reverse fluid pressure.
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process for using the logging tool of the present invention within a drill pipe of a well.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a well 10 . The well 10 will be typically an oil or gas well and may comprise a vertical portion 12 and possibly a horizontal portion 14 . The well 10 may extend for several thousand feet.
The well 10 comprises a head end 16 and a “bottom” end 18 . The term bottom end is used, but as can be seen from FIG. 1, the well 10 can extend horizontally or even turn slightly upwards. Thus, the term bottom is used to mean the opposite end of the well 10 to the head end 16 .
FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically the bottom end 18 of the well 10 in greater detail. A drill pipe 20 is shown which reaches to the bottom end 18 of the well 10 . The sides of the well 10 are indicated at 22 . The drill pipe will normally have a shoulder portion 24 . As indicated by arrows 26 , fluid, usually a carefully controlled mud mixture, is circulated down the central bore of the drill pipe 20 and back up the outside volume between the drill pipe 20 and the side 22 of the borehole. The fluid may be supplied by fluid pump and reservoir means 17 (FIG. 1 ). The supply of fluid is well known in the control/drilling of boreholes and thus the supply system will not be described further.
FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically the well head in greater detail. This comprises a catch portion 30 which is shown to be of undetermined length.
With reference now to FIG. 4, a typical logging tool 40 is shown positioned at the bottom end 18 of the well 10 .
The logging tool 40 has been previously positioned at the head end 16 of the well 10 and then by using the pump fluid pressure in the direction of arrow 26 the logging tool 40 is forced down the drill pipe 20 until the end of the logging tool 40 reaches the bottom end 18 of the well 10 where its progress is halted as shown in FIG. 4 .
In a preferred example, the logging tool 40 comprises a first portion 42 comprising well logging sensors and calliper/drive systems, and a second portion 44 including a catch portion 46 which acts as a fishing neck.
The second portion 44 preferably includes means for allowing controlled fluid flow 26 through said portion 44 with fluid passing into openings 47 and out of openings 48 or vice versa. A full description of the fluid control section of tool 40 is provided in a copending patent application having the U.S. Ser. No. 09/449,057, filed on Nov. 24, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,085, and thus this description is hereby incorporated by way of reference.
The method of operation is as follows and is illustrated by FIGS. 4 to 8 . In FIG. 4, the logging tool 40 has been forced by fluid flow 26 to the bottom end 18 .
Once the logging tool 40 has reached the bottom of the well 10 , the tool 40 will be retained at the end of the drill pipe 20 . The fluid pressure will then begin to build up on the end of the logging tool 40 . The system is designed to allow pumping pressure to build to a predetermined limit, which in a preferred embodiment is 100 p.s.i. At this pressure a differential valve (not shown) will open in section 44 of logging tool 40 allowing the continuation of the flow 26 but now via the tool 40 (see FIG. 6 ).
The fluid flow pressure 26 is maintained and the drill pipe 20 is then moved back (FIG. 5) towards the well head by a distance ‘d’ (or greater) which causes the logging section 42 of logging tool 40 to protrude from the bottom end of the drill pipe 20 .
The movement of the drill pipe 20 is by conventional means and will not be described in detail.
The free end of the interior of drill pipe 20 frictionally engages a collar 52 , of per se known design, located uphole of the openings 48 . Such engagement prevents the logging tool from emerging completely from the end of drill pipe 20 .
As shown in FIG. 6, calliper 45 will open when the logging section 42 of tool 40 enters the borehole 22 and then logging will commence with drill pipe 20 being pulled at a known rate towards the well head 16 . Calliper control will be by using the Induction measurement and Casing Collar Locator (CCL).
Logging of the open borehole 22 will then continue as the drill pipe 20 is withdrawn until the casing shoe 23 is reached, at which stage the calliper arm 45 will close (FIG. 7 ), again by use of Induction measurement and Casing Collar Locator.
The logging operation is then completed with the data being recorded inside the logging tool 40 .
A repeat section can be made once the calliper 45 has closed.
The mud flow 26 is then reversed as indicated by arrows 260 and this reverse mud flow will lift the tool string incorporating the logging tool 40 and the tool 40 will be received and captured in holding device 30 , 23 .
With appropriate reverse flow pressures, the tool 40 may be received at the well head from a depth of 10,000 ft in approximately 50 minutes and data can be downloaded in approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
The method according to the present invention has several advantages over known systems.
Firstly, by forcing the logging tool 40 to the bottom of the well 10 inside the drill pipe 20 , the tool 40 is protected from any wash-out regions as it passes down the pipe 20 .
When the logging tool 40 reaches the end of the drill pipe 20 , it is still fully within the drill pipe 20 . The drill pipe 20 is withdrawn from the logging tool 40 , the logging tool 40 thereby remaining stationary relative to the well 10 . The calliper 45 and the sensoring end of the logging tool 40 will therefore not have to be forced into an open bore and therefore will be protected at all times.
By use of the differential valve means, the fluid flow can be maintained during logging.
Referring to FIG. 9, a flow diagram of an example of a process for using the logging tool 40 of the present invention within the drill pipe 20 of the well 10 is shown. FIGS. 4-8 shows the different positions of the logging tool 40 during this process. First, wash the drill pipe 20 at ‘TD’. Then, introduce the logging tool 40 and pump sub into the drill pipe 20 , and pump the logging tool 40 to ‘TD’. Then, increase the pump pressure to 100 lbs. and the differential valve (not shown) will open. The flow will establish approximately 600 lbs. compression on the logging tool 40 . Maintain the pump pressure and pull back the drill pipe 20 for length of the logging tool 40 . This will lay the logging tool 40 at ‘TD’ in open hole. The calliper 45 will open when wash pipe passes over CCL. Continue to pull the drill when logging is in process. The calliper arm 45 closes as CCL passes the casing shoe. Now, reverse the mud flow. 70 p.s.i. will lift the logging tool 40 . Then, prepare to receive the logging tool 40 at the surface. It will take approximately 30 minutes from 10,000 feet. Then, download the data, which will take approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Then, check the quality of the data.
For the example of the process described above, the control parameters are: in a 2.75′ ID drill pipe; mud pressure * 5.9−tool weigh/5.9=force applied to SONDE; flow rate/internal volume per foot=tool speed; and volume pumped/internal volume per foot=distance traveled (4′/gallon).
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A method of well logging in which the logging tool is delivered to the bottom of the well within a drill pipe and then the well is logged by withdrawing the drill pipe with the sensor portion of the logging tool protruding from the drill pipe. Following the logging operation, the logging tool is returned to the surface by reverse circulation.
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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority from the following U.S. Provisional Patent Application, the disclosure of which, including all appendices and all attached documents, is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/380,239, of Wesley Gene Wegner and Alan Conrad Holly entitled, “COLLAPSIBLE SEAT FOR ATTACHMENT TO A TRAILER HITCH OR SPORT UTILITY RACK,” filed May 13, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to a platform for attachment to a vehicle hitch, and more particularly pertains to a readily storable seating assembly, attachable to a vehicle hitch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sports enthusiasts such as skiers, surfers and bikers often prefer delaying their changing into appropriate sporting attire until their arrival at their particular sporting venue. Changing into appropriate footware such as biking shoes and skiing boots is especially difficult without a seat. Typical sporting enthusiasts drive trucks or sport utility vehicles that are equipped with receiver hitches and often these hitches receive sport utility racks such as bike and ski racks. For the typical sporting enthusiast, it is desirable to have a utility seat that attaches to either the receiver hitch directly or indirectly by way of a sport utility rack already attached to the receiver hitch or by way of an adaptor. It is further desirable that such a utility seat collapse or fold upward toward the rear of the vehicle when not in use.
The several embodiments of the present invention possess several advantages of this invention over existing platforms in both the stability provided by attaching the sport utility seat to a receiver hitch and the adaptability and versatility such that the seat may be attached inconjunction with a sport utility rack. The several embodiments of the present invention do not require a trunk to be open for attachment and therefore offer a desirable advantage that such embodiments may be folded upward toward the rear of the vehicle for safe traveling.
The several embodiments of the present invention provide a sport utility seat assembly whereby one or more sporting enthusiasts may quickly and conveniently change apparel on a seat that provides stability as a result of its attachment to a receiver hitch or with a sport utility rack with such seat being collapsible such that it may be folded upward toward the rear of the vehicle for safe traveling. Further, the several embodiments provide mounting stations as luggage and cargo carriers and provide platforms for those providing assistance during recreational boat launches from towed trailers.
SUMMARY
A sport utility seat assembly, attachable to a vehicle by way of a receiver hitch, in conjunction with a sport utility rack or, the like, is readily collapsible or otherwise retractable by means of folding or rotating one or more seat panels toward the rear of the vehicle for safe traveling and readily deployable and stable for convenient use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, and in which:
FIG. 1A is the front view of a dual seat assembly of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 1B is a cross section view of the left panel assembly joint of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 1C is the front view of a vehicle hitch/sport utility rack adaptor of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 1D is a cross section view of an embodiment of the vehicle hitch/sport utility rack adaptor;
FIG. 1E is a cross section view of an alternative embodiment of the vehicle hitch/sport utility rack adaptor;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the left side of the seat assembly in a deployed position with a ball hitch of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2B is a cross section of the hinge line of the left panel assembly of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top view of one side of a seat in a retracted or stowed position of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a front view of one side of a seat in a retracted or stowed position of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a side view of one side of a seat in a retracted position of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a left seat assembly of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a right seat assembly;
FIG. 7 is a front view of the left side of a seat in a deployed position with a bicycle/ski assembly station on the right side of the hitch beam of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a front view of the left side of a seat in a deployed position with a privacy curtain assembly on the right side of the hitch beam of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a deployed two-piece foldable left panel seat assembly of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a two-piece foldable left panel seat assembly during the first step of stowing of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of a two-piece foldable left panel seat assembly during the second step of stowing of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a saddle-shaped embodiment with the support members retracted of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the saddle-shaped embodiment with the support members extended of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment illustrating a single panel bench with an insertion channel and removable panel for the addition of a sport utility rack of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12A is a side cross-sectional view of a spring-loaded pin elevating mechanism for a right panel assembly of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 12B is a front cross-sectional view of a spring-loaded pin elevating mechanism of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1A is the front view (i.e., looking toward the rear of a vehicle for installation) of a dual seat assembly 100 as comprised of a left panel assembly 110 and a right panel assembly 140 . The left panel assembly is comprised of a left panel 112 fixedly attached to a first left cylindrical rod housing 114 . A second left cylindrical rod housing 116 and a third left cylindrical rod housing 118 are fixedly attached to a left horizontal support member 120 . Alternative embodiments of the present invention have hinges selected from the group of hinges providing structural support and needed articulation. The left support member 120 is supported by a fixedly attached strap and mount 122 . The left panel 112 and support member 120 are connected in an articulated fashion, preferably a hinge-like fashion, via a cylindrical rod (not shown) placed through the first 114 , second 116 and third cylindrical rod housings 118 and held in place by endcaps 124 and 126 . The left support member 120 is fixedly attached to a left elevating rod 128 . The left elevating rod 128 runs through the elevating rod housing 170 . The left elevating member 128 , illustrated as a rod, is held in place by a handled threaded blunt screw 130 screwed into the elevating rod housing 170 , which in several embodiments is integral with the vehicle hitch shoe 171 , in a fashion to allow adjustments in the left elevating member travel position. Alternative embodiments have the vehicle hitch shoe as a sleeve embodiment 174 ( FIG. 1E ) wherein the sleeve fits over and around a vehicle hitch allowing the insertion of a utility rack having an inserting beam member or other beam member into the vehicle hitch directly. In alternative embodiments, the elevating member includes rectangular transverse shapes and others three or more faces or sides in transverse. In like fashion, the right panel assembly is comprised of a right panel 142 fixedly attached to a first left cylindrical rod housing 144 . A second right cylindrical rod housing 146 and a third right cylindrical rod housing 148 are fixedly attached to a right horizontal support member 150 . The right support member 150 is supported by a fixedly attached strap and mount 152 . The right panel 142 and support member 150 are connected in an articulated fashion via a cylindrical rod (not shown) placed through the first 144 , second 146 and third right cylindrical rod housings 148 and held in place by endcaps 154 and 156 . The right support member 150 is fixedly attached to a right elevating rod 158 . The right elevating member 158 runs through the elevating rod housing 170 . The right elevating member 158 is held in place by a handled threaded blunt screw 130 screwed into the elevating rod housing 170 in a fashion to allow adjustments in the right elevating member 158 travel position. The elevating housing 170 is integral to the trailer hitch insert beam or rail 171 . Each seat panel 112 , 142 may be set at a height relative to the rail and independent of the other seat. Seating pads (not shown) are detachably attachable to each panel.
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view 190 of FIG. 1A of the hinge joint at the second left cylindrical rod housing 116 of the left panel assembly 110 . In this view, a cylindrical rod 180 is housed by the second left cylindrical rod housing 116 , thereby establishing an axis of rotation of the left panel 112 relative to the support member 120 . The second left cylindrical rod housing 116 is fixedly attached 117 , preferably welded, to the support member 120 . The left panel 112 , is in proximity to the second left cylindrical rod housing 116
FIG. 1D illustrates a vehicle hitch/sport utility rack adapting member 171 in cross-sectional view 199 of FIG. 1C. A first portion 173 of the adapting member is sized to be insertable into a vehicle hitch. A second portion 172 of the adapting member is sized to receive a second inserting member (not shown) such as the insertable portion of a sport utility rack.
FIG. 1E illustrates a vehicle hitch/sport utility rack adapting member 171 in cross-sectional view 199 of FIG. 1 C. The section 174 is a sleeve sized to fit securely around a vehicle hitch receiving member and is also sized to receive an inserting member (not shown) such as the insertable portion of a sport utility rack.
FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a deployed left panel assembly 110 and the trailer hitch shoe 272 with apertures for a securing bolt 274 and ball hitching member 273 . The trailer hitch insertion direction is to the right in this illustration.
FIG. 2B is a cross section view 181 of FIG. 2A of the left panel assembly joint illustrating that the left panel 112 and support member 120 are connected in an articulated or otherwise rotational fashion, preferably a hinge-like fashion, via the cylindrical rod 180 placed through the first 114 , second 116 and third cylindrical rod housings 118 and held in place by endcaps 124 and 126 . Other joints are applicable including hinges.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a retracted or otherwise stowed left panel assembly 110 and the elevating housing 170 and shoe 171 . The trailer hitch insertion direction is to the right in this illustration. When retracted, the panel is secured by a pin and bracket (not shown). A pin receiving first receiving aperture is provided in the panel assembly 110 , a bracket having a second receiving aperture aligned to the first aperture is fixedly attached to the support member 120 . Alternative securing mechanisms are employable.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a retracted or otherwise stowed left panel assembly 110 and the elevating housing 170 and shoe 171 . The trailer hitch insertion direction is to the rear in this illustration.
FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a retracted or otherwise stowed left panel assembly 110 and the elevating housing 170 and shoe 171 . The trailer hitch insertion direction is to the left in this illustration.
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the left seat assembly 110 with a support strap 122 attached to the support member 120 showing the elevating housing 170 as integral to a closedend trailer hitch insert beam or rail 670 . FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a right panel member 620 with a support member not using the support strap 122 .
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a deployed left panel assembly 110 , the elevating housing 170 integral to a closed end insertable beam or shoe 670 and a bicycle receiving station assembly 700 in place of a right panel assembly 140 (not shown). The bicycle receiving station assembly 700 is comprised of an elevating rod 710 and a fitment 720 for a bicycle cradle member, a ski clamp/rack member, a ski tuning member of a bike wheel tuning member, or similar members.
FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a deployed left panel assembly 110 ,the elevating housing 170 integral to a closed-end instertable beam or shoe 670 and a privacy curtain assembly 800 in place of a right panel assembly 140 (not shown). The privacy curtain assembly 800 is comprised of an elevating rod 802 , a structural ring member 804 fixedly attached to the elevating rod 802 and a privacy curtain 806 .
FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of a deployed left panel assembly 110 where in the embodiments such as this one, the left panel is comprised of a first left subpanel 902 , a second left subpanel 904 and a hinge system comprised of a first left cylindrical housing 906 . The hinge system is preferably substantially similar to that of the left support member 120 and the left panel 112 as disclosed in FIG. 2 A. FIG. 9B illustrates a first step in stowage by a transverse cut side view 920 of FIG. 9A with the second left subpanel 904 being folded upon the first left subpanel 902 about the axis of rotation provided by the hinge system comprised of first left cylindrical housing 906 and a second cylindrical rod 910 . FIG. 9C illustrates a second step in stowage by a transverse cut side view 920 of FIG. 9A with the first left subpanel 902 being rotated upward and about the cylindrical rod 180 .
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a saddle-shaped embodiment 1000 of the present invention. The present example of a saddle-shaped embodiment is comprised of a left seat panel 1004 and a right seat panel 1006 and a three-sided connecting member 1002 shaped to straddle a trailer hitch beam extension (not shown). An alternative embodiment has the connecting member 1002 with a fourth side 1015 . The underside of the left seat panel has a deployable leg 1008 and the underside of the right seat panel has a deployable leg 1010 . FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the saddle shaped embodiment with the legs 1008 , 1010 deployed.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating the insertion channel for a sport utility rack such as a bike or ski rack with a hinged panel deployed 1110 . An alternative embodiment has a fixed panel (i.e., without hinged articulation). The seat assembly 1100 is comprised of a vertical member 1102 fixedly attached to a rail adaptor 1104 similar in function as the adapting member 171 illustrated in FIG. 3. A first cylindrical rod housing 1106 and a second cylindrical rod housing 1108 are fixedly attached to the vertical member 1102 . A third cylindrical rod housing 1109 is fixedly attached to a seat panel 1110 . The seat panel 1110 and vertical member 1102 are connected in an articulated fashion, preferably a hinge-like joint, via a cylindrical rod (not shown), or other suitable hinge mechanism similar in function to the cylindrical rod 180 described in FIGS. 1B , 2 B and 9 C, placed through the first 1106 , second 1108 and third cylindrical rod housings 1109 and held in place by endcaps 1120 and 1122 . A right support member 1112 and a left support member 1114 are stowed on the underside of the seat panel 1110 and are deployable to augment seat panel stability in a manner similar to the support members 1008 , 1010 illustrated in FIG. 10 B. The male adaptor portion 1120 of the rail adaptor 1104 is insertable into a vehicle hitch (not shown). Alternative embodiments include a male adaptor member separate and detachably attachable to the rail adaptor 1104 . The male adaptor portion 1120 is insertable into a trailer hitch leaving the rail adaptor 1104 without sufficient volume to receive additional rail attachments such as bicycle rack. Accordingly, the seat assembly described is usable either independently or in conjunction with a sport utility rack such as a bike or ski rack and is attached via a trailer hitch unit. An alternative embodiment has a rail adapter 1104 without a vertical member 1102 of the previously described embodiment, thereby acting as a sleeve fitting securely over a vehicle hitch receiving member and allowing for a rack mounting member to be inserted through the sleeve 1104 and into the vehicle hitch receiving member (not shown). For those sport utility rack members that angle upwards a short distance from their attaching means, FIG. 11 illustrates a removable seat panel section 1130 .
In all embodiments, the seat assembly utilizes the standard trailer hitch attaching devices for safety. The one or more support planes of the seat assembly are intended, as shown in the several embodiments, to be raised and/or lowered to allow for different leg lengths. This may be accomplished in a number of ways. The means of deployed seat elevation of several embodiments include: a rod perpendicular to the hitch mount (as shown in FIG. 1 A); a ratchet-type mechanism; a sliding bar, attached to the base, permitting sliding along the bottom of the seat; or a removable pin (as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B below),
A panel or assembly elevation method embodiment of the present invention uses a cylindrical member and a screw, as illustrated in FIG. 1A as the left elevating rod 128 , and a screw such as handled threaded blunt screw 130 . FIG. 12A illustrates a transverse cut view of an alternative elevating embodiment of the present invention where a seat panel 1201 is fixed attached to an elevating member or beam 1207 . The elevating beam 1207 travels vertically within a housing 1202 . A spring mechanism 1203 is fixedly attached to the housing 1202 and pin 1204 with a knob 1205 in a fashion unloading the spring mechanism 1203 wherein the pin 1204 travels within an aperture 1220 of the housing 1202 . The elevating beam 1207 has at least one aperture that receives the pin 1204 . The travel of the pin 1204 is such that its withdrawal from the elevating beam 1207 loads the spring mechanism 1203 . A transverse cut of FIG. 12A at 1220 is illustrated in FIG. 12B where a plurality of apertures 1220 are shown. By this means, the elevating beam 1207 has several elevational settings, one at each aperture 1220 and the setting is resettable via the spring-load pin 1204 .
Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims.
The words used in this specification to describe the several embodiments of the present invention are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.
The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result.
In addition to the equivalents of the claimed elements, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
The claims are thus to be understood to include that which is specifically illustrated and described above; that which is conceptually equivalent, that which can be obviously substituted and that which incorporates the essential idea of the invention as disclosed by its several embodiments.
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Disclosed is a utility seat that attaches directly to a receiver hitch or indirectly by way of a sport utility rack, such as a bike or ski rack, thereby providing a stable means for sitting such that a sporting enthusiast may quickly and conveniently change sporting apparel and then collapse or fold up the seat toward the rear of the vehicle for storage and safe traveling.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a raw material for powder metallurgy and a manufacturing method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a highly reliable raw material for an alumina particle dispersed aluminum matrix composite and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Description of the Background Art
Though various and many alumina particle dispersed aluminum matrix composite materials and raw materials therefor have been developed, almost none has been successively used in practice, because of inadequate reliability. Durability, flaw ratio and cost are major problems to be solved. What is important in solving these problems is how to mix alumina powder and aluminum alloy powder finely and uniformly. Most of the conventional approaches simply reduce the particle size (or mean particle diameter) of the powder.
The smaller the particle size of the powder, the higher the cost, and when the particle size is simply reduced, there arises a new problem of agglomeration. The agglomerated powder is the main cause of degraded reliability. Once generated, agglomerated powder cannot be readily separated, and the agglomerated powder is kept agglomerated until in the final product. The size of the agglomeration may attain as large as 100 μm to several mm, and therefore generation of the agglomerated powder causes the same defect as a foreign matter mixed in the final product. It decreases strength, fatigue strength, impact strength, toughness and heat resistance, and significantly degrades reliability of the material.
Conventionally, most of the materials are prepared by simply mixing alumina powder just commercially available, with aluminum alloy powder by means of a V-blender. Even when some particle size adjustment is performed, the adjustment may be simple screening out of bulky particles by sieve classification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable raw material for powder metallurgy providing a finished product having superior fatigue strength, impact strength and wear resistance, and to provide a manufacturing method thereof.
The inventors made many attempts in view of the problems described above, and attained the invention as described in the following.
The inventive raw material for powder metallurgy contains 0.5 vol % to 10 vol % of alumina powder of which the sieve fraction on the sieve opening of 30 μm is 0.01 wt % or less, and a remaining part of aluminum alloy powder.
Alumina powder used in the present invention must have such particle size that attains sieve fraction of 0.01 wt % or less when a sieve of the opening of 30 μm is used. If the sieve fraction exceeds 0.01 wt %, reliability of the material degrades significantly, and therefore the material would not be appropriate for engine parts for vehicles or machine parts.
The blended amount of alumina powder must be at least 0.5 vol % and at most 10 vol %. If the blended amount is smaller than 0.5 vol %, the effect of the matrix material, especially wear resistance, is inferior, and when it exceeds 10 vol %, impact strength and fatigue strength are degraded. Preferable blended amount of alumina powder is 2 to 8 vol %.
The aluminum alloy powder used in the present invention is not specifically limited, and generally, powder of which particle size is -150 μm (by sieve), and preferably -75 μm may be used. As to the manufacturing method, gas atomizing method, melt spinning method and rotating disk method may be available, and gas atomizing method is preferable for industrial production.
When the particle size exceeds 150 μm, uniform mixing may become difficult, and bulky particles may degrade reliability. In terms of average particle diameter (in accordance with laser diffraction method), the size is preferably 10 to 100 μm and more preferably, 20 to 40 μm. The powder may have the shape of tear drops, spherical, spheroid, flaky or irregular shape. The atomizing medium/atmosphere for the gas atomizing method may be air, nitrogen, argon, vacuum, carbon dioxide or a mixture thereof.
The alloy composition includes Al---Ni base, Al--Fe base, Al--Si base, Al--Mg base, Al--Cu base and Al--Zn base. Elements to be added may include transition metal element such as Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Mo, Nb, Zr and W. For the application to engine parts of a vehicle, Al--Fe--Si base, Al--Ni--Si base and Al--Fe--Cr--Zr base may be used.
In the above described raw material for powder metallurgy, preferably, the alumina powder has the particle size adjusted such that the mean particle diameter is at least 1.5 μm and at most 10 μm, and content of powder having the particle size outside of the range of 1.5 μm to 10 μm is at most 10 wt %.
The mean particle diameter D50 (in accordance with laser diffraction method) must be at least 1.5 μm and at most 10 μm. If it is smaller than 1.5 μm, particles are much prone to agglomeration, and if it exceeds 10 μm, the effect of reinforcement attained by alumina powder is decreased, and in addition, mechanical machining becomes difficult. Preferable mean particle diameter is at least 2 μm and at most 5 μm. More preferably, it should be at least 2 μm and at most 4 μm.
Further, particles outside of the range of 1.5 μm to 10 μm must be at most 10 wt %. When particles smaller than 1.5 μm or exceeding 10 μm are extremely large in amount, the above described problems are more likely.
In the raw material for powder metallurgy described above, preferably, the moisture content of alumina powder is at most 0.15 wt % with respect to the alumina powder.
The alumina powder may include unavoidable impurity if substantial alumina ingredient is maintained. The moisture content, however, is preferably at most 0.15 wt %. If the moisture content exceeds 0.15 wt %, fine particles of alumina are prone to agglomeration, degrading reliability. The moisture content may be reduced by heating, if necessary.
In the above described raw material for powder metallurgy, the moisture content of the entire mixed powder containing alumina powder and aluminum alloy powder is at most 0.1 wt %.
The powder after mixing and annealing should preferably have the moisture content of at most 0.1 wt %. If the moisture content exceeds 0.1 wt %, agglomeration is likely between alumina particles with each other, aluminum alloy powder particles with each other or alumina and aluminum alloy powder particles with each other.
Using the raw material for powder metallurgy described above to form a compact by not forming, the defect rate of defects of at least 200 μm in the compact after hot forming is at most 6/kg by nondestructive testing using ultrasonic defect detection.
If the number of defects of at least than 200 μm is at most 6/kg when tested by nondestructive testing using ultrasonic defect detection, the mechanical properties are not degraded even when the material is processed to parts of various shapes, and sufficient reliability is ensured. If the number of agglomeration defects is larger, a mechanical property, especially fatigue strength, is significantly degraded.
Preferably, such form is obtained through the steps of mixing powders, forming the mixed powder to a pre-form of about 60 to 80% (relative density) by cold pressing or CIP (Cold Isostatic Pressing) using a rubber container, for example, heating the pre-form so that substantial temperature attains 400 to 550° C., and forming to substantially 100% density (relative density of at least 99%) through hot extrusion or powder forging. In the cold pressing or CIP, when aluminum alloy powder as the main component of the mixed powder has high hardness, form density sufficient to handling cannot be obtained, and the form is more likely to be broken during handling. If the mixed powder is annealed for at least one hour at a temperature of 250 to 400° C., hardness of the powder decreases, and a pre-form of sufficient density can be obtained by cold forming. The preferable time period for annealing is about 3 to about 15 hours.
At the temperature lower than 250° C., the effect of annealing, i.e. decrease in hardness of the powder, is not sufficient, and therefore improvement is not sufficient. If the temperature exceeds 400° C., though hardness of the powder decreases, the micro structure in the aluminum alloy powder, i.e. precipitates and the matrix, becomes coarser, which lowers strength or the like when the powder is formed to a compact. As to the annealing time, the thermal conductivity of the powder is low, and therefore generally at least one hour is necessary, though it depends on the amount of the powder.
The method of manufacturing the raw material for powder metallurgy in accordance with the present invention is characterized in that aluminum alloy powder and alumina powder of which the particle size has been adjusted by air classification are subjected to dry mixing using ball medium.
In the method of manufacturing the raw material for powder metallurgy in accordance with the present invention, bulky particles and agglomerated particles of alumina powder are removed and at the same time, super fine powder such as bug dust are removed by air classification. Therefore, powder of which particle size distribution is sharp can be obtained.
The alumina powder and the aluminum alloy powder may be mixed by using a commercially available mixer. It should be noted that generation of agglomerated particles must be prevented by using balls as dispersion medium. Simple mixing of the alumina powder and aluminum alloy powder by a blender cannot readily provide uniform mixing, and therefore reliability is degraded. Use of balls prevents generation of agglomerated particles by the effect of impact and crushing between balls and between the ball and an inner wall of the mixer, as well as by the effect of stirring.
Because of the air classification and use of balls as dispersion medium, it becomes possible to obtain a mixed powder containing fine alumina powder, of which sieve fraction on the sieve opening of 30 μm is at most 0.01 wt %, by at least 0.5 vol %, and a at most 10 vol % and remaining part of aluminum alloy powder.
The particle size of the alumina powder may be adjusted by using a commercially available air classifier or a cyclone. For example, turbo classifier manufactured by Nisshin Engineering may be used. Air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide or the like may be used as classification medium, and use of dry air is preferable. Before and after air classification, drying may be performed to prevent generation of agglomerated particles.
Balls made of ceramics such as alumina, zirconia, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride or the like, balls made of plastics such as nylon, and balls made of hard rubber may be used. Each ball preferably has a diameter of about 5 to about 30 mm, and the amount of balls is preferably about 1/20 to 2/1 volume ratio of the entire mixed powder. The time for mixing is about 10 minutes to about 6 hours generally, though it depends on the type of the mixer. Drying may be performed before and after mixing as needed, to prevent generation of agglomerated particles.
According to the present invention, the alumina particle dispersed aluminum alloy raw material containing extremely few agglomerated particles can be obtained, and the compact formed thereof exhibits superior specific strength, heat resistance, fatigue strength, high modulus and wear resistance as well as superior relative toughness and ductility and impact strength. Therefore, material of high quality incomparable with the prior art can be obtained, which material can be applied to engine parts for a vehicle, mechanical parts, sporting goods, components for OA equipments and other sintered parts.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an optical microscope photograph showing a defect having a size of at least 200 μm.
FIG. 2 is a photograph (SEM) showing alumina particles of +30 μm agglomeration.
FIG. 3 is a photograph (SEM) showing in enlargement the agglomeration of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a photograph showing particles of alumina in which an amount of coarse particles of +30 μm is 0.01 wt % or less.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
EXAMPLE 1
In aluminum alloy powder produced by air atomization, 5 wt % of alumina samples listed in Table 1 were each mixed by using a mixing medium of nylon balls, the mixed powders were subjected to CIP and hot extrusion to be formed to have substantially 100% density (relative density of not lower than 99%) and the thus formed compacts (or forms) were subjected to a ultrasonic defect detection. Thereafter, the compacts were each subjected to a Charpy impact test, tensile test at 150° C. and rotary bending fatigue test at 150° C. The results are as shown in Table 2.
Here, the alloy powder used had the alloy composition of Al-11.6Fe-1.7Ti-1.9Si (wt %), which was passed through a sieve having openings of 75 μm. The specimens for the Charpy impact test were flat ones without any notch, and fatigue strength was measured as the fatigue strength at 10 7 cycles in accordance with S-N curve (stress-endurance curve). The same is applied throughout the following examples.
TABLE 1______________________________________Mean Amount of Particle +30 μm Coarse Diameter Particles Classification______________________________________Alumina A 2.8 μm 30 ppm Air Classification by turboclassifier Alumina B 2.8 μm 60 ppm Air Classification by turboclassifier Alumina C 2.9 μm 150 ppm Air Classification by turboclassifier Alumina D 3.1 μm 250 ppm No Classification______________________________________
TABLE 2__________________________________________________________________________ Number of Ultrasonic Detected Defect Charpy Tensile Fatigue (Not Smaller than Impact Strength Strength Evaluation Mixed Raw Material 200 μm) Value (150° C.) (150°__________________________________________________________________________ C.)Form A Alumina A and Aluminum 0/kg 19.1 J/cm.sup.2 430 MPa 260 MPa ∘ Alloy Powder Form B Alumina B and Aluminum 4/kg 18.5 J/cm.sup.2 421 MPa 255 MPa ∘ Alloy Powder Alumina C and Aluminum Form C Alloy Powder 10/kg 16.2 J/cm.sup.2 420 MPa 237 MPa x Form D Alumina D and Aluminum 18/kg 15.6 J/cm.sup.2 420 MPa 220 MPa x Alloy Powder__________________________________________________________________________
It can be seen from the results above that comparts or forms A and B containing alumina powder of which the amount of +30 μm coarse particles was at most 0.01 wt % (30 ppm and 60 ppm) had at most 6/kg defects of not smaller than 200 μm, a Charpy impact value of at least 18 J/cm 2 , and a fatigue strength at 150° C. of at least 240 MPa. Therefore, it was found that highly reliable forms could be obtained.
In Table 1, the amount of +30 μm coarse particles was measured in accordance with the method of testing sieve fraction in compliance with JIS K5906-1991.
FIG. 1 is an optical microscopic photograph showing a defect of not smaller than 200 μm (i.e. having a size of at least 200 μm), FIG. 2 is a photograph (SEM) showing a particle structure of +30 μm agglomeration, FIG. 3 is an enlarged photograph (SEM) of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a photograph showing a particle of alumina particles of which the amount of +30 μm coarse particles is at most 0.01 wt %.
EXAMPLE 2
Mixed powders were prepared by adding various amounts of alumina samples A used in Example 1 to the aluminum matrix alloy powder used in Example 1, thus prepared mixed powders were subjected to CIP and hot extrusion, to be formed to compacts having a relative density of at least 99%. The resulting compacts were subjected to a Charpy impact test, a tensile test at 150° C. and a rotary bending fatigue test at 150° C., and the amount of wear was measured. The results are as shown in Table 3.
Here, the specimens for the Charpy impact test were flat ones without any notch, and the fatigue strength was the fatigue strength (fatigue limit) at 10 7 cycles in accordance with S-N curve (stress-endurance curve).
TABLE 3______________________________________Blended Amount of Charpy Tensile Fatigue Alumina Impact Test Strength Strength Wear (vol %) Value (150° C.) (150° C.) Amount Evaluation______________________________________0.2 22.0 J/cm.sup.2 393 MPa 254 MPa 4.5 μm x 0.5 21.5 J/cm.sup.2 396 MPa 251 MPa 0.5 μm ∘ 3.0 19.6 J/cm.sup.2 410 MPa 253 MPa 0.2 μm ∘ 7.0 18.2 J/cm.sup.2 428 MPa 248 MPa 0.1 μm ∘ 12.0 15.3 J/cm.sup.2 434 MPa 215 MPa 0.1 μm x______________________________________
From the results, it can be seen that when the amount of blended alumina was at least 0.5 vol % and at most 10 vol %, the Charpy impact value was at least 18 J/cm 2 , the fatigue strength at 150° C. was at least 240 MPa and the amount of wear was small, and thus compacts or forms with superior properties could be obtained.
EXAMPLE 3
In the aluminum matrix alloy powder used in Example 1, alumina samples of different moisture contents shown in Table 4 at 5 vol % were mixed, the mixed powders were subjected to CIP and hot extrusion to be formed to compacts having relative density of at least 99%, and the compacts or forms were subjected to ultrasonic defect detection, a Charpy impact test, a tensile test at 150° C. and a rotary bending fatigue test at 150° C. The results are as shown in Table 4.
TABLE 4__________________________________________________________________________ Number of Ultrasonic Detected Moisture Moisture Defect Tensile Fatigue Content of Content of (Not Smaller Charpy Impact Strength Strength Alumina Powder Mixed Powder than 200 μm) Test Value (150° C.) (150° C.) Evaluation__________________________________________________________________________0.08 wt % 0.07 wt % 1/kg 18.8 J/cm.sup.2 426 MPa 261 MPa ∘ 0.13 wt % 0.09 wt % 5/kg 18.7 J/cm.sup.2 425 MPa 253 MPa ∘ 0.20 wt % 0.14 wt % 9/kg 17.3 J/cm.sup.2 419 MPa 235 MPa x 0.25 wt % 0.17 wt % 16/kg 16.1 J/cm.sup.2 420 MPa 225 MPa x__________________________________________________________________________
From the results, it was found that if the moisture content of the alumina powder was at most 0.15 wt %, the number of defects of not smaller than 200 μm was at most 6/kg, th e Charpy impact value was at least 18 J/cm 2 and the fatigue strength at 150° C. was at least 240 MPa.
EXAMPLE 4
The aluminum matrix alloy powder used in Example 1 and 5 vol % of alumina samples with varying amounts of particles outside the range of 1.5 to 10 μm varied as shown in Table 5 were mixed, the mixed powders were subjected to CIP and hot extrusion to be formed to compacts having relative density of at least 99%, and the compacts or forms were subjected to a Charpy impact test, a tensile test at 150° C. and a rotary bending fatigue test of 150° C. The results are as shown in Table 5.
TABLE 5______________________________________Amount of Particles Outside Charpy Tensile Fatigue 1.5-10 μm Range in Impact Test Strength Strength Alumina Value (150° C.) (150° C.) Evaluation______________________________________ 0.5 wt % 19.6 J/cm.sup.2 433 MPa 258 MPa ∘ 3.0 wt % 19.5 J/cm.sup.2 430 MPa 262 MPa ∘ 7.0 wt % 18.8 J/cm.sup.2 424 MPa 248 MPa ∘ 12.0 wt % 15.9 J/cm.sup.2 397 MPa 214 MPa x______________________________________
From the results of Table 5, it was found that if the amount of particles outside the range of 1.5 to 10 μm in alumina was at most 10 wt %, then the Charpy impact value was at least 18 J/cm 2 and the fatigue strength at 150° C. was at least 240 MPa.
EXAMPLE 5
The aluminum matrix alloy powder used in Example 1 was mixed with 5 vol % of alumina by a method 1 using mixing ball medium (alumina balls) and by a method 2 not using the ball medium, and the thus produced mixed powders were subjected to CIP and hot extrusion to be formed to compacts having the relative density of at least 99%, and the compacts were subjected to a Charpy impact test, a tensile test at 150° C. and a rotary bending fatigue test at 150° C. The results are as shown in Table 6.
Here, conditions for the mixing methods 1 and 2 were as follows.
Mixing method 1: alumina balls of 20φ were used and dry mixed, and 5 kg of alumina balls were used for 20 kg of mixed powder.
Mixing method 2: dry mixed without using mixing ball medium.
TABLE 6______________________________________Number of Charpy Ultrasonic Impact Tensile Fatigue Detected Test Strength Strength Defect Value (150° C.) (150° C.) Evaluation______________________________________Mixing 1/kg 18.8 J/cm.sup.2 433 MPa 258 MPa ∘ Method 1 Mixing 24/kg 14.3 J/cm.sup.2 397 MPa 208 MPa x Method 2______________________________________
From the results, it was found that when the mixing method 1 using mixing ball medium was employed, the number of defects of not smaller than 200 μm could be reduced to at most 6/kg, a Charpy impact value of at least 18 J/cm 2 could be attained and a fatigue strength at 150° C. of at least 240 MPa could be attained.
Mixed powder samples of 20 kg each were put in stainless containers, one sample was subjected to annealing at 350° C. for ten hours in air and the other sample was not subjected to annealing, and the thus prepared samples were filled in rubber containers having inner diameter of φ30×85 mm and φ200×300 mm. Thereafter, the samples were subjected to CIP forming, and specimens for flexural strength testing and CIP forms of the pre-forms for powder extrusion were fabricated. The pieces for flexural strength testing were subjected to a flexural strength test. The results are as shown in Table 7.
TABLE 7______________________________________ Pre-form for CIP Form Flexural Powder Extrusion Strength______________________________________Annealed No Crack 4.6 kgf/cm.sup.2 Not Annealed Split into Two 2.8 kgf/cm.sup.2______________________________________
From the results, it was found that the pre-forms subjected to annealing were free of cracks and had high transverse strength, while pre-forms without annealing were broken into two during the test and had low transverse strength of 2.8 kgf/cm 2 .
As described above, according to the present invention, alumina particles dispersed in aluminum alloy raw material of uniform quality with extremely few agglomerated particles can be obtained, and forms or compacts thereof exhibit superior specific strength, heat resistance, fatigue strength, high modulus and wear resistance as well as superior relative toughness and ductility and impact strength. Thus a highly reliable material not comparable to the prior art can be provided, which can be applied to engine parts for a vehicle, mechanical parts, sporting goods, components for OA equipments and other sintered parts.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
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A raw material for powder metallurgy contains at least 0.5 vol % and at most 10 vol % of alumina powder of which the sieve fraction with a sieve opening of 30 μm is at most 0.1 wt %, and a remaining part of aluminum alloy powder. The moisture content of the alumina powder is at most 0.15 wt. % with respect to the alumina powder. Agglomeration of particles is thereby minimized or avoided. Highly reliable raw material for powder metallurgy having superior fatigue strength, impact resistance and wear resistance can be obtained. A method of preparing such a mixed powder raw material involves air classifying the powder materials, dry ball mixing the materials, and then annealing the mixed powder.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2014 207 333.2, filed Apr. 16, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine by casting. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a piston.
BACKGROUND
[0003] On account of increased performance requirements, modern cast pistons, in particular light-alloy pistons, often have a cooling duct, which is produced during the casting by a core, in particular a sand or salt core. After the molten material has solidified, the core is washed out again and thus leaves behind the desired cooling duct. In order also to be able in addition to absorb better the high loads occurring on piston rings, the aforementioned light-alloy pistons often have cast-in ring carriers, in particular of cast iron, in which the later piston ring can be arranged. When fitting such a ring carrier or a salt or sand core in casting moulds for light-alloy pistons, the problem often arises that the ring carrier is the temperature-critical component. There is the risk of internal thermal stresses occurring in the later piston at the interface with the ring carrier. The sand or salt core, on the other hand, is fragile and must be mechanically handled with extreme care. For this reason, previously the core was inserted into the casting mould first and the ring carrier last, before the molten material was introduced. This makes the cooling time for the ring carrier shorter.
[0004] The core was often grasped from outside with gripping tongs, the sequence causing a geometrical restriction in that the core inserted first must not protrude into the later path of insertion of the ring carrier. Therefore, above the ring carrier, the core must not under any circumstances reach the inner radius thereof, while at the same height a certain distance must remain as the wall thickness. Only below the ring carrier would there be no constraints. However, there is also increasingly a desire for high-level cooling ducts, for which the salt core overlaps the ring carrier. This makes the placing process of the core and the ring carrier even more complex.
[0005] DE 10 2013 206 708 A1 discloses an apparatus of the generic type for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine by casting, the piston containing a cooling duct and the apparatus comprising the following components: a fixed mould with an upwardly open cavity, in which a core serving for forming the cooling duct can be arranged, a movable mould, which is arranged in a vertical direction in relation to the fixed mould and comprises a predetermined engaging part, a guiding mould including an engaging part, which can engage in the fixed mould and has the same form as the engaging part of the movable mould, and also a core holding mechanism, which is arranged in the guiding mould, in order to hold the core, for example a salt or sand core, at a predetermined position. However, a disadvantage of this apparatus is that the mechanically extremely sensitive core is gripped by prestressing from the inside, whereby in particular C-shaped cores, that is to say cores that do not form a closed ring, can break particularly easily.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention is therefore concerned with the problem of providing for an apparatus of the generic type an improved, or at least alternative, embodiment by means of which even an extremely sensitive core for a cooling duct can be introduced dependably and reliably into a casting mould, without for example thereby hindering the introduction of a ring carrier.
[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.
[0008] The present invention is based on the general idea of providing a core holding device with a gripping device that does not subject the core, that is to say for example a salt or sand core, to tensile loading. For this purpose, the apparatus according to the invention has a casting mould with an upwardly open cavity, in which the core lying in such a way as to form a cooling duct can be arranged. The core is introduced into the casting mould by means of the aforementioned core holding device, which has a gripping device with at least three spreadable lower inner grippers. These inner grippers are adjustable between a first position, in which they are arranged radially inwards and in this state can be pushed through the core, and a second position, in which they have been moved radially outwards and, with a radially outwardly facing region, form a support for the core. The inner grippers in this case have in the first position an outside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the core, so that coaxial inward and outward movement is possible. In the expanded state, that is to say in the spread state, the outwardly facing region or projection on the inner grippers goes beyond the inside diameter of the core, so that the latter can without any problem lie thereupon and is then only subjected to its own gravitational force. Radial forces that hold the core by static friction, and thereby additionally subject it to tensile loading, are not exerted in this case. Moments are also not exerted on the core by the gripping device according to the invention. The moment- and tension-free loading of the core means that it is also possible to fit cores that are extremely filigree in comparison with previously.
[0009] The gripping device expediently has in addition an upper gripper, which presses the core downwards onto the radially outwardly facing regions of the inner grippers and thereby fixes it. The inner grippers may in this case be formed as L-shaped in cross section, the shorter leg of the L pointing radially outwards and forming the region or projection on which the core can be placed. The optional additional upper gripper makes it possible to be able to clamp the core that is to be fitted between the gripper and the inner grippers, and thereby fix it particularly reliably. The upper gripper also makes it possible to exert a pressure on the core that is directed from above, and as a result to place or fit the core onto sleeves that are arranged in the casting mould. After fitting it on, the inner grippers are adjusted again radially inwards, so that their outside diameter is smaller than the inside diameter of the core and, as a result, the gripping device can be moved upwards out of the casting mould.
[0010] Even in their radially moved-out position, the lower inner grippers expediently lie radially within the upper gripper, thereby making it possible for the inner grippers to be passed through coaxially by the gripper.
[0011] In the case of a further advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention, the apparatus has a ring carrier gripping device, by means of which a ring carrier can be hung in the casting mould. The ring carrier gripping device in this case has radially adjustable gripping arms, which grip the ring carrier from the outside and at the same time fix it. The apparatus is consequently able not only to place into the casting mould a core forming a later cooling duct but also in addition a ring carrier, which is required in particular for the production of light-alloy pistons. In this case, even with the gripping arms adjusted radially inwards, the ring carrier gripping device has a greater inside diameter than the inner grippers and the gripper of the gripping device, thereby making it possible for both the core and the ring carrier to be inserted simultaneously into the casting mould. The simultaneous insertion can in particular reduce the cycle time, and as a result the production costs of the piston can also be reduced.
[0012] The inner grippers are expediently arranged in an annular manner and form an inner-lying, at least partially frustoconical surface. In addition, the apparatus has a ram, which is surrounded by the inner grippers and is movable and, on account of contact with the inner-lying, frustoconical surfaces of the inner grippers, radially adjusts and spreads them by moving axially within the inner grippers, the inner grippers being spring-biased into their first position, that is to say into their radially inner-lying position. The axially adjustable ram makes particularly simple moving out or spreading of the inner grippers possible, without further complex mechanisms being required for this. The frustoconical surface inside the inner grippers, which is formed by the total number of inner grippers, consequently brings about a conical narrowing of the inner radius of the radially arranged inner grippers, which inevitably leads to spreading open of the inner grippers if a ram of an outside diameter greater than the smallest inside diameter of the annularly arranged inner grippers is pushed axially through the inner grippers. On account of the fact that the inner grippers are additionally spring-biased into their first position, that is to say against the ram, a return of the inner grippers is also possible comparatively easily, without a complex return mechanism being required for this. Purely theoretically, L-shaped rotatable inner grippers, which in a first position point with their L legs inwards and in a second position point with their L legs outwards, would of course also be conceivable.
[0013] In the case of a further advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention, a heating device is provided and heats the core and/or the ring carrier directly or indirectly by way of the inner grippers or the gripper of the gripping device or the gripping arms of the ring carrier gripping device. The heating of the core or the ring carrier allows differences in temperature to be minimized, and as a result the casting process to be improved. In particular, as a result, the shock effect on the core during the filling with the molten material can be reduced.
[0014] The present invention is also based on the general idea of providing a method for producing a piston by casting with the apparatus described above, in which firstly a core, for example a salt or sand core, is individually provided on a conveying installation. The core holding device takes the core off this conveying installation with its gripping device, in that the radially inwardly adjusted lower inner grippers are first pushed through the core. Subsequently, the inner grippers are moved radially outwards, and thereby form a support for the core. In this state it is possible to remove the core from the conveying installation and for example place it into the casting mould. If the core is to be fitted on sleeves in the casting mould, an upper gripper presses the core against the support of the lower inner grippers when it is being lifted off from the conveying installation, so that the core is clamped between the upper gripper and the inner grippers and is thereby fixed. In this state, the core is placed into the casting mould, whereupon the lower inner grippers are radially moved in. Before or after that, the upper gripper may press the core onto the sleeves arranged in the casting mould, and thereby spear it on them. Subsequently, the gripping device is removed from the casting mould and the piston is cast, for example by filling the mould with molten aluminium.
[0015] In the case of an advantageous development of the solution according to the invention, a ring carrier is also placed into the casting mould at the same time as the core, this ring carrier being fixed by means of a ring carrier gripping device and introduced into the casting mould. The gripping device is in this case able to be moved through the ring carrier, since it has an outside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the ring carrier. With the method according to the invention it is possible to handle and place even extremely filigree, and consequently fragile, cores into the casting mould reliably and dependably in terms of the process.
[0016] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures on the basis of the drawings.
[0017] It goes without saying that the aforementioned features and the features still to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0018] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are represented in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the description that follows, the same reference numerals referring to components that are the same or similar or are functionally the same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 schematically shows a sectional representation through an apparatus according to the invention for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine by casting,
[0021] FIG. 2 schematically shows a representation of a detail from FIG. 1 in the region of a core holding device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 1 for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine by casting has a casting mould 2 with an upwardly open cavity 3 , in which a core 4 , for example a salt core or a sand core, lying in such a way as to form a cooling duct can be arranged. Likewise provided is a core holding device 5 for introducing the core 4 into the casting mould 2 (cf. in particular FIG. 2 ). According to the invention, the core holding device 5 has a gripping device 6 with spreadable lower inner grippers 7 , which are adjustable between a first position, in which they are arranged radially inwards and in this state can be pushed through the core 4 , and a second position, in which they have been moved radially outwards and, with a radially outwardly facing region 8 , form a support for the core 4 . The region 8 is in this case formed in the manner of a projection. In their first position, the inner grippers 7 have an outside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the core 4 , so that the inner grippers 7 can be moved through the core 4 .
[0023] With the gripping device 6 according to the invention and its inner grippers 7 it is possible for the first time to grip a core 4 , in particular a core that is sensitive to tensile stress, from the inside without it being clamped from the inside and thereby subjected to tensile loading. In addition to the inner grippers 7 , the gripping device 6 also has an upper gripper 9 , which presses the core 4 downwards onto the radially outwardly facing regions 8 of the inner grippers 7 and thereby fixes it. According to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the inner grippers 7 are in this case in their first, that is to say not radially moved-out position, and the upper gripper 9 is still not in contact with the core 4 . The upper gripper 9 has an annular shape and can be adjusted in the axial direction 10 . Even in their radially moved-out position, the lower inner grippers 7 lie radially within the upper gripper 9 , so that the outside diameter of the inner grippers 7 is in any event smaller than the inside diameter of the gripper 9 , whereby passing through of the inner grippers 7 by the gripper 9 is possible in every state.
[0024] The apparatus 1 expediently also has in addition a ring carrier gripping device 11 , by means of which a ring carrier 12 can be introduced into the casting mould 2 . The ring carrier 12 serves in this case for the mounting of a piston ring on the finished cast piston. The ring carrier gripping device 11 has in this case radially adjustable gripping arms 13 , which according to FIGS. 1 and 2 are formed as clamping fingers and grip the ring carrier 12 from the outside and fix it. Even with the gripping arms 13 adjusted radially inwards, the ring carrier gripping device 11 has a greater inner radius than the inner grippers 7 and the gripper 9 of the gripping device 6 , so that at least partial passing of the gripping device 6 through the ring carrier gripping device 11 is possible. The gripping device 6 preferably also has an outside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the ring carrier 12 , at least in a certain axial region, thereby making it possible for both the core 4 and the ring carrier 12 to be inserted simultaneously into the casting mould 2 .
[0025] If the gripping device 6 is considered more closely, it can be seen that the inner grippers 7 of the same are arranged in an annular manner and form an inner-lying, at least partially frustoconical surface 14 (cf. FIG. 2 ). Likewise provided is a ram 15 , which is surrounded by the inner grippers 7 in an annular manner and is movable and, on account of contact with the inner-lying, frustoconical surface 14 of the inner grippers 7 , radially adjusts and spreads them by moving axially within the inner grippers 7 , and thereby adjusts them into their second position. A return of the inner grippers 7 can take place by them being spring-biased into their first position, and consequently held in their second position exclusively by means of the ram 15 . If the ram 15 is moved upwards, as is shown according to FIGS. 1 and 2 , it is no longer in contact with the frustoconical surface 14 formed by the inner contours of the inner grippers 7 , whereupon the latter resume their radially inner-lying, and consequently first position as a result of their spring biasing.
[0026] If FIG. 1 is considered once again, it can be seen in it that at least two sleeves 16 are arranged on the casting mould 2 , one of which is visible, and on which the core 4 can be placed or fitted. The fitting of the core 4 onto the sleeve 16 takes place in this case by exerting a pressure by means of the gripper 9 .
[0027] In the case of a further advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention, a heating device 17 is also provided in addition and heats the core 4 and/or the ring carrier 12 directly or indirectly by way of the inner grippers 7 or the gripper 9 of the gripping device 6 or the gripping arms 13 of the ring carrier gripping device 11 . This makes it possible in particular to minimize differences in temperature that influence or even impair the production process.
[0028] The present invention is also based on the general idea of introducing the core 4 into a casting mould 2 by means of such an apparatus 1 or a core holding device 5 without thereby exerting tensile stresses or moments on the core 4 . For this purpose, first the lower inner grippers 7 are adjusted into their first position, and consequently radially inwards, whereupon the inner grippers 7 can be pushed through the core 4 , since their outside diameter is smaller than the inside diameter of the core 4 . Once this has happened, the inner grippers 7 are moved radially outwards, in that the ram 15 is moved downwards and thereby spreads the inner grippers 7 over the frustoconical surface 14 . In this second position, the regions 8 of the inner grippers 7 form a support for the core 4 . Subsequently, the upper gripper 9 presses the core 4 against the lower inner grippers 7 and thereby fixes it. In this state, the core 4 can be placed into the casting mould 2 . The lower inner grippers 7 can then be moved in radially, that is to say moved back into their first position, in that the ram 15 is adjusted upwards and the inner grippers 7 move in on account of their spring biasing. The upper gripper 9 subsequently presses the core 4 onto the sleeves 16 arranged in the casting mould 2 , whereupon the gripping device 6 is subsequently removed from the casting mould 2 . A ring carrier 12 may also be placed into the casting mould 2 at the same time as the core 4 by means of the ring carrier gripping device 11 , it being possible for the gripping device 6 to be moved through the ring carrier 12 .
[0029] By means of the apparatus 1 according to the invention it is possible for the first time not to subject the core 4 that is to be placed in to tensile loading either from the outside or from the inside, but merely to push inner grippers 7 through it, then expand the grippers under it and thus support it on a resultant contour (regions 8 ). Subsequently, it is pressed from above by the gripper 9 onto the regions 8 of the moved-out inner grippers 7 (by means of low force) and thereby fixed. After that or at the same time, it is also possible to place the ring carrier 12 into the casting mould by means of the ring carrier gripping device 11 . This makes it possible for the first time also to be able to position cores 4 above a ring carrier 12 , and overlapping with it in the placing-in direction (axial direction 10 ). This is only possible if the ring carrier 12 is placed in before or at the same time as the core 4 . This, however, is only possible if the core 4 can be gripped from the inside, which however was not previously possible on account of the fragility of the core 4 and the tensile stresses applied in the case of conventional inner grippers. By means of the apparatus 1 according to the invention it is in particular also possible to position the temperature-critical component, that is the ring carrier 12 , below or at the same height as the core 4 , which was not previously possible on account of the defined positional sequence (core 4 below and ring carrier 12 above).
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An apparatus for producing a piston may include a casting mould having an axially open cavity defining a surrounding cavity wall, the cavity wall being profiled to receive an annular core to define a cooling duct geometry. A core holding device may be adjustable in an axial direction for introducing the core into the casting mould. The core holding device may include a gripping device for gripping the core. The gripping device may include a plurality of spreadable first grippers. The plurality of first grippers may be adjustable at least between a first position, in which the plurality of first grippers are arranged in a radially inner position, and a second position, in which the plurality of first grippers transition radially outwards in relation to the first position and support the core.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of a provisional application Ser. No. 61/444,406 filed Feb. 18, 2011, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a field, which comprises the art for a terminal end mounted prosthetic device for use by persons with a medical condition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Persons suffering from a medical condition such as an impaired hand, or lack thereof, as having occurred congenitally, accidentally or otherwise can be severely limited and may not be able to perform simple daily tasks easily done with a normal hand. Such persons may be unable to hold a writing implement, food item, kitchen utensil, toy, personal hygiene and grooming items or other similar devices due to the inability to secure the device and perform the intended function that the device usually serves. The person may have a strong, supportive upper limb, but the hand, or lack thereof, is unable to hold, grip, or stabilize items necessary to perform normal tasks associated with such devices. Writing implements, for example pencils, pens, markers, etc., cannot be grasped or held firmly enough, if at all, to complete the task.
Various prosthetics for persons with a medical condition having an impaired hand, or lack thereof, exist and are known to provide assistance to the person affected by the handicap. However, the devices do not provide a simple and inexpensive solution to aiding a person in doing normal tasks. For instance, many devices require that a rather large portion of the prosthetic be attached to the arm of an individual. The added material increases the cost of manufacturing, and thus, the price of the prosthetic. Other prosthetic devices are function-specific, in that tedious changes must be made to the device in order for the device to accomplish different functions.
It is therefore a principal object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to overcome deficiencies in the art.
It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a person with a medical condition affecting their upper limb the ability to perform necessary and/or everyday tasks.
It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a prosthetic device that grips, holds, stabilizes and/or secures an item.
It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a prosthetic device that is reliable, cost-effective, and comfortable.
These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for use by persons with a medical condition limiting the use of their hand or arm. The invention relates, more specifically, to a device that can be attached to a terminal end of an arm or hand affected by said condition. The device enables the user to hold, grip, stabilize or secure an item they may not have otherwise been able to manipulate. The device is small, comfortable and minimally apparent to others.
The present invention is a prosthetic device that comprises a platform of lightweight, durable, yet firm material, such as moldable plastic. The device further comprises an adjacent bumper section of the same or similar lightweight material, such as moldable plastic. An elongated upright, nearly cylindrical section of the same or similar material is placed perpendicular or at an angle approximately 50-60 degrees in measurement to the platform and near the bumper. The aforementioned section may readily receive and release an item such as a writing implement, kitchen utensil, toy, food item, personal hygiene or grooming item, or the like. A comfort member comprising a soft cushioning material such as foam, moleskin, felt, gel cushion, or the like is located adjacent to the bumper; furthermore, it may be adjacent to the upright cylinder as well to enhance the comfort of the user. Securing members of adjustable, lightweight, durable material such as a plurality of strapping made of hook and loop fastener, elastic, leather, or neoprene are wrapped around the affected hand or terminal end of the user to secure in place. The securing members can be readily attached to the platform as by the use of a hook and loop fastener, buckle, buttons, snaps, or the like. Furthermore, these members may also be used to secure or stabilize an item such as those mentioned above placed between the platform and the inner aspect of the affected hand or arm of the user. The entire device can be worn in any setting and be minimally apparent to others.
A series of items including writing implements, food items, kitchen utensils, personal hygiene and grooming items, or the like can be attached by placing the item in the holder, or between the inner aspect of the affected hand or arm and the platform. Should the user of this device have a fully functioning other hand, the user can add or change the item contained in, or stabilized by the device by removal from the holder or from between platform and the hand.
The device can be utilized by almost anyone with a hand impairment of a developmentally mature age to accomplish a specific everyday task such as writing, coloring, eating, personal grooming, or playing. These tasks can be effected in a manner that allows the user to maximize the hand or lack thereof, to realize the desired goal in a way that is similar to that in which an unimpaired person would do.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prosthetic device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a prosthetic device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view of the prosthetic device with a pencil attached and with holding straps undone.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the components of the prosthetic device according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a view of the prosthetic device showing a toothbrush attached thereto.
FIG. 6 is a view of the prosthetic device showing a knife attached thereto.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of the prosthetic device.
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the prosthetic device of FIG. 7 .
FIG. 9 is a side or lateral view of the prosthetic device of FIG. 7 with a writing utensil and securing member included.
FIG. 10 is another side or lateral view of the prosthetic device of FIG. 7 .
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The descriptions that follow have been labeled with numbers, which remain the same throughout when referring to parts. The figures are not necessarily drawn to size or scale and the proportion may be distorted.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the numeral 10 generally designates a prosthetic device. The device 10 is shown with a writing implement 12 , in this case a pencil, that includes an adjustable securing device 16 mounted in a holder 14 . FIG. 1 also illustrates a plurality of securing members 18 and 20 to maintain contact and stability between the hand or terminal end of the user and platform 22 by crossing over the back of the hand or terminal end in a perpendicular fashion. The comfort member 24 is depicted in FIG. 1 as adjacent to the vertical bumper 28 . The comfort member 24 is shown of similar length as the vertical bumper 28 . FIG. 1 also includes a second comfort member 26 wrapping horizontally on the holder 14 , shown here as partially encompassing the holder 14 .
FIG. 2 illustrates the underside of device 10 . In this figure, the writing implement 12 is shown surrounded by an adjustable securing device 16 , which is in turn at least partially surrounded by holder 14 . The writing implement 12 , holder 14 and adjustable securing device 16 are shown attached to the platform 22 . A plurality of securing members 18 and 20 made of loops are connected to the platform 22 by means of a securing device 30 , in this case hooks from opposite sides.
As is best shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the device 10 is comprised of a holder 14 , formed from a flat rectangular section of lightweight materials such as EZE Form, available from Sammons Preston and Roylan, into a cylindrical, not quite connected fashion. The device 10 is further comprised of a platform 22 and bumper 28 made of like material. The platform 22 is an ovate section with an elongated edge, which is molded into an upright segment attaching to the holder 14 on the interior side opposite the open seam. The surface of the platform 22 is substantially planar in the figure. However, it should be appreciated that the surface may include ridges, curves, or other obtrusions to aid the platform in fitting to a hand. Furthermore, it is appreciated that generally any moldable plastic or other material may be used instead of EZE Form.
The bumper 28 is a flat, rectangular section of EZE Form molded at one end into a cylindrical shape, which is bonded to the upper surface of the platform 22 and continues to wrap around to the underside where it is further bonded to the platform 22 . EZE Form is known to become malleable at approximately 150° F. allowing for formation of the holder 14 , platform 22 , and bumper 28 . While EZE Form is available in a variety of thicknesses, the device 10 uses EZE Form of ⅛ inch thickness to provide the user with enough strength that the device 10 is durable, but is also thin enough so that is not cumbersome. Other thicknesses of EZE Form or like material may also be used to achieve similar effects. Located on the posterior surface of the bumper 28 is mounted a thin, rectangular section of comfort member 24 , such as Hapla Fleecy Web, which is known to be a soft self-adhesive, open-celled foam padding with a thin felt surface. Similarly, a small, thin, rectangular shaped section of flexible liner, such as moleskin, a soft, woven material known to reduce friction, is mounted on the lower, outer lateral side of the holder 14 . The comfort members 24 , 26 are positioned to relieve discomfort and irritation and prevent shifting of the device 10 . Moleskin and hapla fleecy web are known for a soft cushioning surface on one side and adhesive coating on the reverse. Secured to the underside of the platform 22 are a plurality of securing members 18 and 20 of the aforementioned loop material, which can be wrapped tautly crosswise around the hand or terminal end of the user (not shown) and attached on the opposite side to the hook material 30 adhered to the bottom of 22 . Velcro® hook and loop fasteners are known for being lightweight, durable, adjustable and easy to use, unlike cement. Also depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 are writing implements in the form of a pencil 12 and an adjustable tubular securing mechanism, such as a pencil gripper. A pencil gripper is known to hold an item like a pencil securely when the item is slightly smaller than the circumference of the gripper and pressure is then applied to the exterior surface creating an interior tension.
FIG. 5 illustrates a toothbrush 32 similarly joined to the device 10 while FIG. 6 does not use the holder 14 . Rather, it utilizes pressure exerted by the platform 14 and the strappings 18 and 20 to secure an item such as the knife 34 depicted herein.
Referring to FIG. 7 , the numeral 110 generally designates another embodiment of the prosthetic device. The device 110 is shown with a writing implement 112 , in this case a pencil that includes an adjustable securing device 116 mounted in a holder 114 . FIG. 7 also illustrates a plurality of strappings 118 , 120 that secure the device 110 to the user's terminal end or hand by crossing diagonally over the backside of the terminal end or hand. The comfort member 126 is located on the lateral surface adjacent to the platform 122 on the holder 114 to prevent rubbing, chafing, and discomfort of the user. The comfort member 126 is generally located on the surface in contact with or adjacent to the platform 122 . FIG. 7 includes a second comfort member 124 located on the bumper 128 and is generally of similar length as the bumper 128 and extends from platform 122 vertically following the surface of the bumper 128 . Comfort members 124 , 126 alleviate discomfort while affording the user the ability to be confident in the stability of the device. The bumper 128 in this embodiment is a continuation of the platform 122 . The generally ovate, planar platform is elongated on one side and is then curved over and upward, forming a cylindrical shape that adheres to itself in order to create the bumper 128 .
FIG. 8 illustrates the bottom side of the device 110 . In this figure, a plurality of strappings 118 , 120 are shown connected to the hook material 130 adhered to the underside of the platform 122 . Velcro® hook and loop fasteners, such as those used in this embodiment, are known to be lightweight and durable, and provide the user the ability to easily adjust and secure device 110 . The strappings 118 , 120 are shown extending from the hook material, continue around the device 110 in a crisscrossing manner, and connect again to the hook material on the opposite corner.
As is best shown in FIG. 9 , the holder 114 secures the item or utensil, in this case a pencil 112 , ensconced in an adjustable securing device 116 . The holder 114 , while stabilizing the adjustable securing device 116 , is not fully connected to itself on the vertical side allowing the user to remove or insert a variety of items, including but not limited to, writing utensils or personal grooming items. The holder 114 is attached to the platform 122 by means of the moldable plastic being secured as per manufacturer's directions, EZE Form being known to adhere to itself when heated and becomes malleable. From the platform 122 , the section of EZE Form extends downward on the side adjacent to the bumper 128 and then curves back up to fold in on itself forming a single unit 1 known as the holder 114 . The securing member 120 is shown connected to a hook fastener 132 adhered to the side of the holder 114 , on a section of the moldable plastic extending generally downward from the platform 122 . The securing member would wrap over the terminal end or hand of the user in a diagonal fashion and adhere to the hook material located on the bottom of the platform 122 , as shown in FIG. 8 . The bumper 128 is shown extending away from the holder 114 and the platform 122 is shown attached to the holder 114 at an angle.
FIG. 10 depicts the device 110 from the rear side of the device. The holder 114 is adjacent to the platform 122 , and extends above and below the surface of said platform 122 . The extension allows the device 110 to incorporate an angle of approximately 50-60 degrees, measured from the platform 122 and the bottom surface of the platform 122 . Preferably, the holder 114 extends at an angle between 45 and 90 degrees, and more preferably, the angle is between 50 and 60 degrees. The angle simulates the angle of the hand, wrist and arm in relation to the surface or imagined surface an implement may encounter, in this case the pencil 112 and paper writing surface. It has been found that this angle is more natural and ensures the comfort of the user for some tasks. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention contemplates that the holder 114 form an angle to the platform in a range from 30 degrees to 120 degrees. The exact angle may be determined on the individual and intended use of the device 110 .
The comfort member 124 is adhered to the holder 114 on the lateral surface extending above the platform 122 . The comfort member 126 is adhered to the bumper 128 , which generally extends above the surface of the platform 122 and is located more or less perpendicular to the holder 114 . Both the comfort member 126 and the bumper 128 generally equal the platform 122 in length. The plurality of straps 118 , 120 are shown crossing over each other, allowing room for the user's terminal end or hand to be secured between them and the platform 122 .
The above descriptions disclose a novel prosthetic device for use by individuals with an impaired hand or lack thereof. Because of the securing members 18 , 20 , the device 10 is easily mounted onto the affected hand or terminal end of the user. Once mounted, the device 10 remains securely in place. An implement, such as a pencil 12 , and the adjustable securing mechanism 16 can be inserted easily into the holder 14 and set to the optimal height while maintaining its placement. With the item in place, the user is able to accomplish the desired everyday task, whether it is doodling, writing a letter to grandma, brushing teeth, etc. The device 110 affords the same advantages as the device 10 , but also allows for the user to achieve a more natural angle for some tasks, such as writing.
The device 10 weighs a few grams, yet is durable and able to withstand many pounds of force produced by the user's thrust, lateral movement, circular motion, and rotation. The main part of the device 10 , while worn by the user, is concealed by the palm or terminal end of the user, and the strappings 18 , 20 , holder 14 , items 12 , 32 , 34 and bumper 28 remain visible. The device 10 allows the user to perform many functions, yet remains separate from the hand or terminal end of the user. The platform 22 , bumper 28 , and securing members 18 , 20 , when secured to the user, allow the transfer of horizontal, vertical, and circular movements to the item contained either within the holder 14 or between the platform 22 and the user's hand or terminal end. This enables the user to complete tasks such as, but not limited to, writing, eating, personal hygiene and grooming, or playing.
The device can be washed using a wet cloth and lukewarm soapy water and wiping thoroughly. The platform 22 , holder 14 , and bumper 28 can be cleaned in this manner. The moleskin, cushioning foam, and hook and loop fasteners can be easily replaced as needed with over-the-counter products readily available at discount stores, drug stores, or sewing and craft stores. The device 10 as described herewith does not require any specialty tools, only commercially available products such as EZE Form, a hot water bath to prepare the EZE Form per manufacturer's directions, cutting implements like scissors to cut to size, hook and loop strapping and fasteners like Velcro®, and adjustable securing mechanisms like pencil grippers, which are also easily acquired at discount stores, drug stores, and office supply stores.
Even though the focus has been primarily on writing implements, it is to be understood that the device 10 may be used with other items, including but not limited to, personal grooming and hygiene items like toothbrushes or combs, kitchen utensils, paintbrushes, markers, toys, food items such as cheese sticks, or candy canes with little modification, if any. Such modifications may comprise removal of adjustable securing mechanism or placement of item.
While the device 10 could be made in a wide variety of ways without losing the purpose or intent, these figures do not encompass all possible means and manners. The illustrations are meant to be an example, but not limit the diverse methods of manufacturing and usage. For example, it is understood that the size, shape, and material of the device may be varied according to the intended use and availability of supplies used to make the device. For instance, the securing members may use snaps or light adhesives to connect to one another and device instead of hook and loops. The shape of the holder may be varied to accommodate the insertion of a wider range of utensils. Furthermore, the device may be altered in order to allow for a greater variety of uses, and to accommodate a wider range of user size and abilities.
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An adaptive device for aiding a person with a medical condition is provided. The adaptive device is attached to a hand or limb and includes a platform. A bumper is positioned on the platform to aid in the positioning and securing of the device. A holder extends from the platform, either perpendicularly or at an angle to the platform. The holder is configured to receive an item to aid the individual in everyday tasks. The device also includes securing members, which may be straps that are connected to the device to further aid in securing the device to the user. Additionally, the device may include cushions or other comfort members on the bumper, platform, and/or holder.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for plunger replacement in a press molding machine for molding glass products and, more particularly, for CRT valves.
Hitherto, there has been known a molding machine of the type having a plurality of molding tools arranged in equally spaced relation in a peripheral area of a rotary table adapted to be rotated intermittently so that when the intermittently rotating table is not in rotation, glass products are press molded by a plurality of plungers (as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid Open Publication Nos. 59-3024 and 60-137838).
According to this prior art arrangement, glass products can be molded with the one operation in same number as the number of plungers, but it is necessary for the plungers to be individually replaced due to damage (surface roughening) or the like caused on the surface of the plunger.
Where the glass products are the CRT valves, the portion of each product which is molded by a plunger surface is required to meet high surface and dimension standards consistent for use as an image forming surface. Therefore, once damage is caused to the surface of any of the plungers, the plunger must be replaced immediately.
Conventionally, in a molding machine equipped with a pluraltiy of plungers, it is necessary for the operation of the molding machine to be stopped each time for replacing even only one plunger.
With such a molding machine, one difficulty is that during the process of such a plunger replacement, normal plungers having no damage have to be put out of molding operation. Another difficulty is that during the process of such replacement, temperature drop is inevitable which results in changes in the condition of temperature distribution the change in temperature distribution condition being, the most critical condition of all pressing conditions involved. A change in temperature distribution condition results in further difficulty such that when operation is resumed, considerable time is required until proper condition of temperature distribution is restored, so that in the interim period, the operation results in continued production of defective goods.
This invention is directed to overcoming the above-mentioned difficulties, and accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for plunger replacement which can minimize possible drop in productivity during plunger replacement and wherein plunger replacement can be performed without any change being caused to the condition of temperature distribution with respect to normal plungers, and an apparatus for use in carrying out the method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to accomplish the aforesaid object, the method in accordance with the invention is such that when the molding machine is in operation, at least one of the plungers is taken out from a pressing position to a plunger replacing position for replacement and, in the interim period, glass product molding is continued by using the rest of the plungers, the same procedure being followed for the replacement of the rest of the plungers.
The apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises a plurality of moving yokes for individually supporting ram mechanisms, each ram mechanism having a plunger removably mounted thereto,
fixed yokes for individually and reciprocally supporting the moving yokes through a reciprocating mechanism between a pressing position and a plunger replacing position,
locking mechanisms for individually locking the movable yokes to the fixed yokes at the pressing and plunger replacing positions, and
positioning mechanisms for individually positioning the ram mechanisms at the pressing position.
The method of the invention can minimize possible drop in productivity during the process of plunger replacement because the plungers in normal condition are allowed to continue glass product molding operation in the meantime, and can also prevent changes in the condition of temperature distribution with the normal plungers.
The apparatus of the invention is so arranged that for the purpose of plunger replacement, molding operation of only the plunger requiring replacement is discontinued and the plunger requiring replacement is taken out to the plunger replacing position through the reciprocating mechanism. In this case, the movable yokes are locked by the locking mechanisms to the fixed yokes at the pressing and plunger replacing positions, and therefore the position of the plunger is always held constant during the process of replacement at the plunger replacing position and also when the plunger is returned to the pressing position.
At the pressing position, positioning of the ram mechanism is performed by the positioning mechanism; therefore, any off-center possibility during molding operation of the plunger can be prevented.
According to the plunger replacing method of the instant invention, it is possible to replace only the plunger requiring replacement while the molding machine is kept in operation, so that possible drop in productivity can be limited to a minimum. Further, during such a method, no adverse effect is caused to the molding conditions of the normal plungers and, therefore, production of defective goods can be reasonably reduced.
The apparatus for plunger replacement according to the invention is of such simple construction that, for individual plungers, there are provided ram mechanisms which are reciprocally movable by means of movable yokes. The method of the invention can be effectively carried out by employing such a simple arrangement. Another advantage is that the locking and positioning mechanisms permit accurate return to position of each plunger during and after the process of replacement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing principal portions of one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing, by way of an example, an intermittent drive mechanism of a rotary table; and
FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic plan view showing, by way of examples, different arrangements of gob (molten glass) chutes and plungers in cases where two glass products are molded simultaneously.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing principal portions of one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, numeral 1 designates a rotary table, reference number 2 designates a molding tool, reference number 3 designates a plunger, reference number 4 designates a ram mechanism, reference number 5 designates a movable yoke, reference number 6 designates a fixed yoke, reference number 7 designates a reciprocating mechanism, reference number 8 designates a locking mechanism, and reference number 9 designates a positioning mechanism.
The rotary table 1 is intermittently and rotatably supported on a vertically extending support shaft 11 mounted to a pressing machine body 10, and has a given number of molding tools 2 arranged in equally-spaced relation in its peripheral area.
As FIG. 2 shows, the rotary table 1 has a gear 15 which is in mesh engagement with an output gear 14 of a hydraulic torque motor 13 connected to a hydraulic unit 12, the gear 15 being in mesh engagement with a gear 17 of a sensor 16 so that the sensor 16 sends the movement of the rotary table 1 to a control unit 18 which, in turn, feeds back the movement to a servo mechanism 19. The servo mechanism 19 adjusts a deviation, if any, of the movement from a command signal. The servo mechanism 19 detects through the sensor 16 the condition of rotation of the rotary table 1 driven by the hydraulic motor 13, the detected condition being fed back for adjustment if there is any deviation from the command signal. Through this arrangement, it is possible to electrically preset stopping time, rotational speed, and/or acceleration with respect to the rotary table 1.
The intermittent rotation of the rotary table 1 is set so that two kinds of rotational movement, long and short, corresponding to an integral multiple of or a plurality of times the spaced interval of the molding tools 2 are alternately repeated. Similarly, the stopping time of the rotary table 1 in its intermittent rotation is set so that long and short times of stopping are alternately repeated, the long stopping time being allotted as time required for the supply of gob (molten glass) into the molding tools, while the long stopping time is alotted as the time required for press molding of glass products by the plungers 3.
The manner in which glass products are press molded by the molding tools 2 of the rotary table 1 will be explained by way of example with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing by way of example the manner in which the intermittent rotation of the rotary table 1 is set so that two kinds of rotational movement, long and short, corresponding to an integral multiple of times the spaced pitch of the molding tools 2 are alternately repeated, in the case where two kinds of rotational movement, 1-pitch rotation and 3-pitch rotation, are alternately repeated by way of intermittent rotation in the direction of the arrow. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 20 designates a gob feeder, and reference numbers 3, 3 designate two plungers.
The gob feeder 20 is stationarily positioned as shown in FIG. 3 for supplying a predetermined quantity of gob to each molding tool 2 when the tool 2 reaches that position. By means of the intermittent rotating mechanism shown in FIG. 2 the rotary table 1 alternately repeats 1-pitch rotation and 3-pitch rotation with respect to the molding tools 2, thereby performing intermittent rotation.
The rotary table 1 rotates a distance of 3-pitch and then stops, whereupon press molding (initially with no load) is performed. Immediately prior to the end of the press molding the predetermined quantity of gob is fed into the corresponding molding tool 2, which supply is effected during a long stopping time. This stage of press molding is carried out for a long stopping time. After the long stopping time required for press molding, the rotary table 1 rotates one pitch, then stops. When the rotary table reaches a position right under the gob feeder 20, a next molding tool 2 is supplied with a predetermined quantity of gob. In this case, the stopping time is short. Thereafter, the rotary table 1 rotates 3-pitch again and enters a long stop. Meanwhile, two pieces of product are simultaneously press molded. Immediately before the end of the stopping time the predetermined quantity of gob is supplied to the molding tool 2 right under the gob feeder 20. Subsequently, the above steps of operation are repeated.
FIG. 4 illustrates a case in which the intermittent rotation of the rotary table 1 is set, for example, in such a way that alternate repetition of two kinds of rotation, long and short, corresponding to a plurality of times the spaced pitch of the molding tools 2 is carried out on a 2-pitch/2-pitch basis. In this case, the rotary shaft 1 rotates 2-pitch and then, a long stopping time follows. Meanwhile, two pieces of product are simultaneously press molded by the plungers 3, 3 (which operation is initially without load). Immediately before the end of the long stopping time, the predetermined quantity of gob is fed into the molding tool 2 right under the gob feeder 20. Then, the rotary table 1 rotates 2-pitch and a short-time stopping follows. Meanwhile, the molding tool 2 right under the gob feeder 20 is supplied with the predetermined quantity of gob. Again, the rotary table 1 moves 2-pitch, then a long-time stopping follows wherein two pieces of products are simultaneously press molded by the plungers 3, 3. Subsequently, the above noted process is repeated.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the plungers 3, 3 can be disposed adjacent to each other, while in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the plungers 3, 3; can be disposed away from each other.
In either case, molded glass products are cooled and then, mold separation and product removal follow. The process of from gob supply and up to product removal requires about one and a half turns of the rotary table. Again, reference is made to FIG. 1 with respect to the following description.
The ram mechanism 4 comprises a ram cylinder 4a, a ram piston 4b, a piston rod 4c, a bolster 4d, and a guide shaft 4e. The ram cylinder 4a and the guide shaft 4e are fixed to the movable yoke 5, and the ram piston 4b is adapted to be driven by high pressure fluid through a directional control electromagnetic valve (not shown) for upward and downward movement within the ram cylinder 4a. The directional control electromagnetic valve is operable both automatically and manually so that the ram mechanism is automatically controlled by means of the directional control electromagnetic valve in synchronism with the intermittent rotation of the rotary table, while the ram mechanism is manually controlled with the directional control electromagnetic valve during the plunger replacing operation.
Each plunger 3 is removably mounted to the bolster 4d. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the two plungers 3, 3 are separately mounted to the ram mechanism 4.
The movable yokes 5 are individually supported by the fixed yokes 6 through the reciprocating mechanism 7 for reciprocal movement between the pressing position A and the plunger replacing position B.
Each fixed yoke 6 is fixed to an upper portion of the support shaft 11 of the pressing machine body 10.
The reciprocating mechanism 7 comprises a motor 7a fixed to the fixed yoke 6, a nut 7b supported on the fixed yoke 6 so as to be driven by the motor 7a for rotation in position, and a feed screw 7c which is in thread engagement with the nut 7b and connected therethrough to the movable yoke 5.
The locking mechanism 8 comprises a motor 8c mounted through a base plate 8b on top of a plurality of upwardly extending guide supports 8a mounted on the top end of the movable yoke 5, and a nut 8d supported on the base plate 8b so as to be driven by the motor 8c for rotation in position. The locking mechanism 8 further comprises a screw shaft 8e held in thread engagement with the nut 8d, and a locking plate 8f connected to the screw shaft 8e and is upwardly and downwardly movable along the guide supports 8a. The locking mechanism 8 further includes lock pins 8h mounted on the fixed yokes 6 at the pressing position A and at the plunger replacing positions B, the lock pins 8h matching locking holes 8g bored in the locking plate 8f.
The positioning mechanism 9 is installed on a non-moving portion of the pressing machine body 10 for positioning the lower end of the guide shaft 4e of the ram mechanism 4 and comprises a positioning pin 9b provided on the radically inner side of the rotary table 1 and movable into and away from a positioning hole of the guide shaft 4e through a cylinder 9a. The positioning mechanism 9 further include a positioning pin 9d provided on the radially outer side of the rotary table 1 and movable into and away from a positioning hole of the guide shaft 4e through a manual handle 9c.
At the plunger replacing position B, there is provided a common or separate mold replacing truck 21 on which a molding tool 2', identical to the molding tool 2, is disposed. Next, the manner of operation for the replacement of plunger 3 is hereinafter described.
The molding operation of the plunger 3 to be replaced is first stopped, and the operation is switched over to manual operation.
Then, the positioning pin 9d is lowered by means of the manual handle 9c for withdrawal from the positioning hole. The cylinder 9a cooperates with this operation to remove the positioning pin 9b from the positioning hole of the guide shaft 4e.
Subsequently, the motor 8c of the locking mechanism 8 is driven to move the locking plate 8f upward through the thread engagement relation between the nut 8d and the screw shaft 8e, the locking plate 8f being thereby removed from the locking pin 8h for unlocking. Thereupon, the ram mechanism, including the movable yoke 5, mounts on the slide portion (slide bearing) of the fixing yoke 6 under its own weight, though not shown in FIG. 1.
Next, the motor 7a of the reciprocating mechanism 7 is driven to shift the movable yoke 5 to the plunger for replacing position B through the thread engagement relation between the nut 7b and the feed screw 7c. At this position, the lock plate 8f is lowered by the motor 8c of the locking mechanism 8 through the thread engagment relation between the nut 8d and the screw shaft 8e, the locking pin 8h on the locking plate 8f being then brought in engagement with the locking hole for locking. Further, as the motor 8c rotates in the same direction, the plunger 3, ram mechanism 4, and the movable yoke 5 mount on the fixed yoke 6 through the locking plate 8f, so that the load of the slide bearing between the fixed yoke 6 and the movable yoke 5 is removed, the upper surface of the movable yoke 5 being thus brought in contact with the underside of the fixed yoke 6, whereupon the motor 8c stops. In this, manner, immediately under the ram mechanism 4, the mold replacing truck 21 is set in position. Molding tool 2' is mounted on the mold replacing truck 21 in concentric relation with the ram mechanism 4. In this condition, the ram piston 4b is manually lowered to pull out the plunger 3 which is then mounted on the molding tool 2' on the mold replacing truck 21. The plunger 3 is removed from the bolster 4d and then, the bolster 4d is elevated through the ram piston 4b. The plunger 3 which is thus removed is then transported onto the mole replacing truck 21, being then transported outward by means a crane or otherwise. A new plunger 3 is set on the molding tool 2' and moved to a location right under the bolster 4d. The bolster 4d is lowered through the ram piston 4b for mounting the new plunger 3 on the bolster 4d. After mounting, the ram piston 4b is elevated and subsequently, the motor 8c of the locking mechanism 8 is driven to move the movable yoke 5 to the pressing position A, in which case the motor 8c of the locking mechanism 8 is driven for locking and also for removal of the load of the slide bearing. Then, the ram mechanism 4 positions the guide shaft 4e of the ram mechanism 4. The ram mechanism 4 is reset for automatic operation for the molding of glass products.
During the above described process of replacing the plunger 3, glass product molding operation by another plunger 3 is continuous. In the meantime, supply of gob to the molding tool corresponding to the plunger under replacement is cut by a cullet chute.
In the above described embodiment, two plungers are employed for simultaneously molding two pieces of glass product. However, the invention can be equally applied where more than two plungers are employed.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described in reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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A molding machine having a plunger replacement apparatus is disclosed. Molding operation of the molding machine for a plunger requiring replacement is only discontinued, and the plunger requiring replacement is taken out to a plunger replacing position through a reciprocating mechanism. Moving yokes are locked by locking mechanisms to fixed yokes at the pressing and plunger replacing positions. The position of the plunger is always held constant during the process of replacement at the plunger replacing position and also when the plunger is returned to the pressing position. When the plunger requiring replacement is taken out in a plunger replacing position, molding operation for the molding machine is continued by using the remaining plungers, thereby minimizing possible drop in molding operation productivity and preventing undesirable changes in temperature distribution conditions.
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RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation in Part of Ser. No. 10/164,487, filed Jun. 6, 2002, now pending, entitled “SCISSORS UNIVERSAL JOINT.” The foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, including the specification, claims, drawings and abstract.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to surgical apparatus for retracting a patient's anatomy during an operation to provide exposure of the operative site. More particularly, the present invention relates to a universal scissors joint apparatus that is sturdy, stable, readily adjustable, and easily sterilized.
[0003] Surgical operations often require prolonged access to the internal anatomy of a patient. Retractors are used to hold back tissue around the surgical site, granting the surgeon the needed access. While hand-held retractors may be used during surgeries, it is often desirable to use mechanically mounted retractors.
[0004] Mechanical retractors are typically mounted to some kind of support structure. This support structure often takes the form of a frame surrounding part or all of the operating table. The frame may contain rails to which clamps may be attached. These clamps may connect the frame directly to a retractor, or to accessory rails to which retractors or additional rails may be connected. Greater flexibility in universal joint clamps alleviates some of the deficiencies of previous rail clamps in comparison to the manual application of retractors.
[0005] Universal joints must be sterilized before being brought into the operating area. Many previous universal joints have separable components which require more care and effort for sterilization due to the need to disassemble and reassemble the components. Universal joints with unitary designs permit sterilization without the need to disassemble the joints.
[0006] Some previous universal joints have used threaded locking mechanisms, which require lubrication and maintenance. Cam locking mechanisms require less maintenance and provide a much easier and more effective system for locking and unlocking the clamps.
[0007] Cam locking universal joints typically incorporate a cam handle to open and lock the universal joint's locking mechanism. Unfortunately, the manipulation of the cam locking mechanism often results in the cam handle being oriented towards, and into, the operative site, thereby potentially interfering with a surgeon's visual access to the patient's anatomy or physically intruding with a surgeon's movement. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,888,197 (“'197”), and 6,017,008 (“008”) disclose floating cam handles that allow for the positioning of the cam handle at various orientations about the operative site and in relation to other support structure components. However, this freedom of movement may create unnecessary obstacles for the surgeon or create an additional issue that a surgical staff must consider and address. More specifically, in preparing for an operation, or while making adjustments during surgery, the fact that a cam handle was positioned into the field of operation, or at some other physically intrusive position, may be overlooked and impracticable to rectify.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,899 (“'899”) teaches a unitary universal joint, wherein the cam handle may be substantially parallel to the handle of a retractor blade. However, because the retractor blade handle is removable, the handle, and associated retractor blade, may be inserted into the clamping member in a direction that allows the locking position of the cam handle to extend towards the operative site. Furthermore, the lack of an integrated retractor blade handle increases the difficulty and time required for setting up and positioning the retractor blade relative to the patient's anatomy.
[0009] Because other components may be secured to the frame, it is desirable for a universal joint to have the capability of being added to the frame between secured components.
[0010] While universal joints with the above features have been designed, it is desirable to have a universal joint with even greater ease of use, flexibility, stability, and rigidity.
[0011] It is also desirable to have a universal joint that is designed so as to ensure that the cam handle of the cam locking mechanism is oriented away from the operative site.
[0012] Furthermore, it is desirable to improve the efficiency and ease of setting up a retraction system by reducing the number of individual components that must be independently added to the universal joint.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides a universal joint apparatus. The present invention comprises clamps, a locking mechanism, and a rod associating the clamps with the locking mechanism. At least one clamp is a scissors clamp, i.e. a clamp comprising a first segment and a second segment, with the segments fastened by a pivot. The scissors clamp generates extra compressive force on the object being held, providing a stable and rigid universal joint. Clamps are able to rotate with respect to each other, allowing for greater flexibility in usage. The present invention is capable of being added to a support frame between other components. In one embodiment of the invention, the universal joint apparatus includes an integrated retractor blade handle, which, in conjunction with the cam locking mechanism, ensures that the locked position of the cam handle is oriented substantially away from the operating field.
[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, descriptions, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] [0015]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] [0016]FIG. 2 is a partial bottom perspective view of the present invention.
[0017] [0017]FIG. 3 is a side view, in partial cross-section of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] [0018]FIG. 4 is a top view, in partial cross-section of an embodiment of a cam locking mechanism of the present invention.
[0019] [0019]FIG. 5 is a side view, in partial cross-section of an embodiment of a cam locking mechanism and rod of the present invention.
[0020] [0020]FIG. 6 is a top view, in partial cross-section, illustrating the operation of locking and unlocking an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] [0021]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in which a retractor blade handle is integrated into the universal joint.
[0022] [0022]FIG. 8 is a side view of one embodiment of the invention in which a retractor blade handle is integrated into the universal joint.
[0023] [0023]FIG. 9 is a top view of a portion of a retraction system, the illustrated embodiment of the invention including an integrated retractor blade handle that is attached to a retractor blade.
[0024] [0024]FIG. 10 illustrates the use of a conventional surgical retraction system.
[0025] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] [0026]FIG. 10 illustrates the use of conventional universal joints in a surgical retraction system 101 . Adjustable clamps 223 , 225 are secured, through the use adapters 140 , 145 , to the frames 150 , 155 of a conventional framed stretcher 160 . A post 170 extends vertically from a clamp 223 to provide support for a cross bar 180 , which in turn provides support for a pair of extension arms 190 , 200 . The crossbar 180 is secured to the post 170 by a universal joint clamp 210 . The extension arms 190 , 200 are secured to the cross bar 180 by a pair of universal joint clamps 220 , 240 . Additional universal joint clamps 260 , 280 are disposed along the extension arms 190 , 200 for rigidly securing any number of retractor blades 340 , 360 to the extension arms 190 , 200 .
[0027] The universal joints 260 , 280 allow for both the rotation of the clamping mechanism along the longitudinal axis of the extension arms 190 , 200 and the pivotable placement of the retractor blade handle 440 in relation to the extension arms 190 , 200 . The surgeon is then able to place the retractor blades 340 , 360 at their desired position in the incision 460 made by the surgeon. The retractor blades 340 , 360 are then used to retract the patient's anatomy, thereby making the incised opening accessible to the surgeon.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the disclosed embodiment of the universal scissors joint apparatus includes a first clamping member referred to as a scissors clamp 10 , a second clamping member referred to as a circle clamp 20 , a cam locking mechanism 30 , and a rod 40 . The rod 40 associates the cam locking mechanism 30 , the circle clamp 20 , and the scissors clamp 10 .
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , the scissors clamp 10 includes two segments connected at a pivot 16 , similar to a scissors, so that the two segments cross each other at the pivot 16 . The first segment 12 includes an upper portion, referred to as an upper handle 12 a , of the scissors clamp 10 proximal of the pivot 16 and engaging the rod 40 ; the first segment 12 further includes two lower portions, referred to as lower grippers 12 b , of the scissors clamp 10 distal of the pivot 16 . The second segment 14 includes a lower portion, referred to as a lower handle 14 a , of the scissors clamp 10 proximal of the pivot 16 ; the second segment 14 further includes an upper portion, referred to as an upper gripper 14 b , of the scissors clamp 10 distal of the pivot 16 . The grippers 12 b , 14 b of the scissors clamp 10 are shaped so as to contour the surface of the object (not shown) to which the clamp is being attached. The inner surface of the upper gripper 14 b of the scissors clamp 10 may include indentations 14 c . These indentations 14 c may be located opposite the lower grippers 12 b . The handles 12 a , 14 a of the scissors clamp 10 are separated by a gap that allows the scissors clamp 10 to be squeezed, creating a tighter grip on the instrument being held by the grippers 12 b , 14 b of the clamp. The handles 12 a , 14 a of the scissors clamp 10 each have an opening that allows the rod 40 to pass through. A bushing 50 may be used. The bushing 50 may surround the rod 40 and fit into the opening in the upper handle 12 a.
[0030] The circle clamp 20 includes an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 24 connected to form a single piece. The upper portion 22 and lower portion 24 are connected at a circular shaped fulcrum 26 . The fulcrum 26 has a circular hole 28 in it. The hole 28 allows for the insertion of a retractor, rail, or other object (not shown). Except for the connection at the fulcrum 26 , a gap exists between the upper portion 22 and lower portion 24 of the circle clamp 20 . The gap allows the circle clamp 20 to be squeezed, tightening the grip on the object being held in the circle clamp 20 . A spacer 60 may lie within this gap. Both the upper portion 22 and lower portion 24 of the circle clamp 20 have an opening through which the rod 40 may pass. The opening in the lower portion 24 may fit the same bushing 50 that engages the scissors clamp 10 .
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 , the locking mechanism 30 includes a handle 32 connected to a cam 34 . The handle 32 consists of a first straight portion 32 a , an elbow 32 b , and a second straight portion 32 c . The first straight portion 32 a projects straight out from the cam 34 , then the elbow 32 b curves at an angle before the second straight portion 32 c projects straight out from the elbow 32 b . The second straight portion 32 c of the handle 32 includes a recessed area 36 . The cam 34 may be shaped asymmetrically with respect to the center axis 33 of the handle, so that the cam's center axis 35 is not aligned with the handle's center axis 33 . The cam 34 is positioned through an eyehole 42 in the rod 40 . Alternatively, the cam's center axis 35 may be aligned with the handle's center axis 33 where the cam 34 is not circular but instead has different radial lengths along different points of its perimeter, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the rod 40 associates the scissors clamp 10 , circle clamp 20 and the cam locking mechanism 30 . The rod 40 has an eyehole 42 at one end through which the cam 34 may be inserted. At the opposite end, the rod 40 may be connected to a nut 70 . A spring 80 surrounds the rod 40 between the nut 70 and the lower handle 14 a of the scissors clamp 10 . Alternatively, the rod 40 may be directly attached to the lower handle 14 a of the scissors clamp 10 .
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 , the universal scissors joint is engaged by rotating the cam handle 32 from an open position 38 to a locked position 39 . Rotating the cam handle 32 rotates the cam 34 within the eyehole 42 . This pushes the rod 40 upward, which causes the nut 70 and spring 80 to press upward on the lower handle 14 a of the scissors clamp 10 . Because the upper handle 12 a of the scissors clamp 10 is connected by the bushing 50 to the lower portion 24 of the circle clamp 20 , and the circle clamp 20 is a single piece, as the nut 70 and spring 80 move upward, both the scissors clamp 10 and the circle clamp 20 are squeezed, creating a tighter grip on the objects being held within the clamps.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 5 , and 6 the scissors clamp 10 and the circle clamp 20 are able to rotate with respect to each other. This allows any attached rods or surgical devices to be positioned in any manner desired for surgery. The ability to rotate may be locked or unlocked by the locking mechanism 30 . When the cam handle 32 is in the open position 38 , the scissors clamp 10 and the circle clamp 20 are able to freely rotate with respect to each other. When the cam handle 32 is in the locked position 39 , the ability of the two clamps to rotate with respect to each other is made extremely difficult, with the result establishing a fixed position for the clamps with respect to each other so long as the cam handle 32 is in the locked position 39 . As the cam handle 32 is rotated into the locked position 39 , the upper handle 12 a of the scissors clamp 10 is pressed against the bushing 50 with greater force, and the lower portion 24 of the circle clamp 20 is also pressed against the bushing 50 with greater force. This greater force creates greater friction between the scissors clamp 10 and the bushing 50 and between the circle clamp 20 and the bushing 50 , greatly restricting the ability of the scissors clamp 10 and the circle clamp 20 to rotate with respect to each other.
[0035] [0035]FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which a dedicated retractor blade handle 105 is permanently mounted into the universal joint 90 . The handle 105 , passes through the circular hole 28 of the circle clamp 20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 105 has a head member 110 and an end cap 116 , the head member 110 and end cap 116 being configured so that they are incapable of passing through the circular hole 28 , thereby preventing the handle 105 from being removed from the universal joint 90 .
[0036] [0036]FIGS. 7 and 8 also illustrate the cam locking mechanism 30 as being integrated into the universal joint 90 . More specifically, the cam handle 32 , cam 34 , and eyehole 42 are illustrated as being located in the upper portion 22 of the circle clamp 20 , with at least a portion of the cam handle 32 passing through, and rotating about, the orifice 21 of the upper portion 22 . The rotational engagement of at least a portion of the cam handle 32 with the orifice 21 prevents the cam locking mechanism 30 from being swiveled and/or rotated about the longitudinal axis 41 of the rod 40 independently of the position of the circular clamp 20 . Therefore, the orientation of the open position 38 or locked position 39 of the cam handle 32 always retains its position relative to the longitudinal axis of the circular hole 28 .
[0037] [0037]FIG. 9 illustrates a benefit of using an integrated handle 105 . Scissors clamp 10 is shown attached to an extension arm 118 . In this illustrated embodiment, because the handle 105 may not be removed from the universal joint 90 , the head 110 of the handle 105 , and associated retractor blade 340 , may be assembled so that the cam handle 32 may only be manipulated from an open position 38 , as illustrated by phantom lines, to a locked position 39 , as illustrated by solid lines, to a position that is oriented substantially away from the incised opening 460 in the patient's anatomy, thereby providing an easy and efficient means of ensuring that the cam handle 32 does not interfere with the surgeon's visual contact with patient's anatomy or impair the surgeon's movement.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the open position 38 and locked position 39 of cam handle 32 is illustrated as being substantially parallel with the handle 105 . This reduces potential interference that may be associated with a cam handle 32 that substantially protrudes away from the retractor blade handle 105 . The longitudinal axis of the cam handle is slightly angled away from the longitudinal axis of the retractor blade handle 105 so that the retractor blade handle 105 does not interfere with the ability to hold and manipulate the orientation of the cam handle 42 .
[0039] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, types of clamps other than the circle clamp 20 may be used in conjunction with the scissors clamp 10 , and more than two clamps may be used in one device. It will be appreciated that different sizes and shapes of the clamps may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Different types of cam locking mechanisms may be used, such as that revealed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,197. Still other types of locking mechanisms may be employed, such as a threaded locking mechanism. It will be appreciated that the handle and the cam may assume different shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the positions that constitute the locked and unlocked position may be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The revealed embodiment is not able to be completely disassembled, so as to allow sterilization without disassembly, but other embodiments may be completely disassembled. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.
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A universal joint apparatus comprises clamps, a locking mechanism, and a rod connecting the clamps and the locking mechanism. At least one clamp is a scissors clamp, i.e. a clamp comprising two segments fastened by a pivot. The scissors clamp generates extra compressive force on the object being held, providing a stable and rigid universal joint. Clamps are able to rotate with respect to each other, allowing for greater flexibility in usage. The universal joint apparatus is capable of being added to a support frame between other components. In one embodiment of the invention, the universal joint includes a dedicated retractor blade handle to ensure that the locked position of the cam handle is oriented substantially away from the operative site.
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FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-ones and pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-thiones and their tautomers which contain a benzyl group in the 2-position, processes for their preparation and their use as medicaments, in particular for the treatment both of epilepsies of various forms and of allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or atopic dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
The adenosine receptor is of importance as a target for influencing disregulations in various organ systems (e.g. the central nervous system, airways, etc.). On account of the structural similarities to adenine, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines are pharmacologically interesting compounds.
2-Benzyl-substituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-thiones and tautomers are not known compounds. Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-ones and tautomers with a substituted benzyl radical in the 2-position are likewise not known.
So far only 2-benzylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one has been described [R. Bohm, Pharmazie 1986, 41, 430; Th. Eisenacher, R. Pech, R. Bohm, Pharmazie 1991, 46, 747]. This compound is obtained by cyclization of ethyl 3-amino-1-benzylpyrazole-4-carboxylate with formamide. 2-Benzyl-substituted 3-amino-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid esters can be obtained by benzylation of 3-amino-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid esters [S. Senda, K. Hirota, G.-N. Yang, Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1972, 20(2) 391].
No actual pharmacological action has been mentioned or suggested for 2-benzyl-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one.
Known anticonvulsants produce undesired side effects, such as neurotoxicity and idiosyncrasies, occur and on the other hand these anticonvulsants are also not active in certain forms of epilepsy.
Various forms of allergic/asthmatic disorders, such as bronchial asthma, can likewise be inadequately treated by these drugs.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide compounds with favorable pharmacological properties, and which can be employed as drugs, particularly for the treatment of epilepsies and various allergic/asthmatic diseases.
The new compounds of the present invention are 2-ar(alkyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-ones and 2-ar(alkyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-thiones of the Formula (1) ##STR1## their tautomers, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein X is oxygen and sulfur,
Y is halogen, C 1-4 -alkyl, C 1-4 -alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or trifluoromethoxy.
Examples of compounds of Formula (1) include
and m is 1 or 2
2-(2-fluorobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2-chlorobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2-bromobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2-iodobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2-methylbenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2-chloro-6-fluorobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2,6-dichlorobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(4-methoxybenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2-chloro-4,5-methylenedioxybenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one,
2-(2-chlorobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-thione,
2-(2-bromobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-thione,
2-(2-iodobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-thione,
2-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-thione, and
2-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-thione.
Compounds of Formula (1) and their tautomers where X is oxygen, can be prepared by cyclizing 3-aminopyrazole-4-carboxylic acid esters, or 3-aminopyrazole-4-carboxamides of Formula (2) ##STR2## wherein Z is hydroxyl, alkoxy or amino,
Y is halogen, C 1-4 -alkyl, C 1-4 -alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, or trifluoromethoxy,
and m is 1 or 2
in formamide at a temperature between from about 100° C. to about 180° C.
Compounds of Formula (1) and of their tautomers where X is sulfur, can be prepared by the substitution by sulfur of compounds of Formula (1) and their tautomers where X is oxygen, by phosphorus pentasufide or 2,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dithia-2,4-diphosphetane-2,4-disulfide.
Compounds of Formula (2) are prepared from 3-aminopyrazole-4-carboxylic acid derivatives. The compounds of Formula (2) are obtained by alkylation under phase-transfer conditions using a suitably substituted benzyl halide.
The compounds of the present invention or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are suitable for the production of pharmaceutical compositions. The pharmaceutical compositions or drugs so made can contain one or more of the compounds of the present invention. One or more conventional pharmaceutical excipients and auxiliaries and optionally diluents can be used for the production of the pharmaceutical preparations. The pharmaceuticals can be suitably administered, for example, parenterally (e.g. intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously), topically (intranasally, by inhalation), or orally.
Various forms of administration of the drugs can be prepared by suitable processes which are generally known and customary in pharmaceutical practice.
The compounds of the present invention have strong anticonvulsive or antiallergic/antiasthmatic activity.
1. Anticonvulsive Activity
The compounds of the present invention were tested in vivo for their anticonvulsive action as shown in Table 1, after i.p. administration to mice or p.o. to rats, according to the international conventional standard as described Pharmac. Week-blad, Sc. Ed. 14, 132 (1992) and Antiepileptic Drugs, Third Ed., Raven Press, New York 1989.
Analogous results were obtained for the orally administered tests. For example, for the compound 2 (2-(2-chlorobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one) in the rat, the ED50 (p.o.) was determined in maximal electroshock to be 32 mg/kg and the NT50 was determined to be >250 mg/kg for the neurotoxicity. Compound 15 (2-(2-chlorobenzyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-thione) is likewise strongly anticonvulsive together with great therapeutic breadth (ED50 (rat p.o.)=12 mg/kg, NT50>460 mg/kg).
TABLE 1______________________________________Anticonvulsive action of selected pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines Example.sup.1) Log P.sup.2) Test.sup.3) Dose.sup.4) Action.sup.5)______________________________________ 0.2 MES 30 100 1 PTZ 100 100 1.01 MES 100 100 2 PTZ 100 60 0.56 MES 100 100 3 PTZ 300 80 0.74 MES 300 100 4 PTZ 300 -- 1.08 MES 30 100 5 PTZ 30 20 0.75 MES 30 100 6 PTZ 100 20 1.00 MES 30 100 7 PTZ 100 60 0.18 MES 30 100 8 PTZ 30 40 0.93 MES 30 100 9 PTZ 300 -- 1.16 MES 100 60 10 PTZ 300 -- 1.68 MES 100 100 11 PTZ 100 20 0.62 MES 100 15 12 PTZ 300 40 1.21 MES 100 30 13 PTZ 300 -- 1.54 MES 100 100 15 PTZ 100 60 1.20 MES 100 30 16 PTZ 300 -- 1.40 MES 100 30 17 PTZ 300 -- 1.60 MES 100 100 18 PTZ 100 80 1.57 MES 30 100 19 PTZ 100 60 2-benzyl- MES pyrazolo- 0.40 PTZ 100 100 [3,4-d]- 100 -- pyrimidine Controls Carbamazepine MES 100 100 PTZ 100 0 Valproate MES 100 0 PTZ 100 30______________________________________ Comments for Table 1: .sup.1) Numbering of these Examples corresponds to the Examples in Tables 2, 3, and 4. In Examples 1-13 X = 0, and in Examples 14-20 X = S. The values of Y are identified in Tables 3 and 4 for each Example. .sup.2) Octanol/water partition coefficient .sup.3) Mouse i.p.: MES = maximal electroshock, PTZ = s.c. pentetrazole .sup.4) In mg/kg .sup.5) In % of the protected animals; n.t. = not tested
2. Antiallergic/Antiasthmatic Activity
The compounds of the present invention were tested in vivo for antiasthmatic action after oral administration to male guinea-pigs, and the inhibition of the infiltration of the eosinophilic granulocytes into the lungs was determined. Male guinea-pigs (Dunkin Hartley Shoe) weighing 200-250 g were actively sensitized by an s.c. injection of ovalbumin (10 μg+1 mg of aluminum hydroxide) and boosted 2 weeks later. One week after boosting with ovalbumin, the animals were challenged with an aerosol of 0.5% strength ovalbumin solution for 20-30 sec. 24 hours later, a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was carried out in the animals under urethane anaesthesia using 2×5 ml of saline solution. The lavage fluid was collected and centrifuged at 400×g for 10 min and the cell pellets were suspended in 1 ml of saline solution. The eosinophilic granulocytes were counted microscopically in a Neubauer chamber. A Becton Dickinson test kit (No. 5877) for eosinophils was used for staining. The test kit used phloxine B as a selective stain for eosinophils. The eosinophils in the BAL were counted for each animal and the eosinophils were calculated in millions/animal. The test substances were administered orally 2 hours before allergen challenge.
The percentage inhibition of eosinophilia of the group treated with substance is calculated according to the following formula:
(A-C)-(B-C)/(A-C)×100=% inhibition
A=eosinophils in the untreated challenge control group
B=eosinophils in the challenge group treated with substance
C=eosinophils in the unchallenged control group
For example, the compound of Example 3 at a dose of 100 mg/kg inhibits the infiltration of the eosinophilic granulocytes into the lung, which is characteristic of bronchial asthma, by 74%.
The compounds of the present invention are suitable, for example, for the treatment of bronchial asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis.
The compounds according to the invention bind subtype-specifically (A3) to the adenosine receptor. Adenosine A3 receptor antagonists can prevent mediator secretion by the blockage of their receptors. Recently, it has been shown that adenosine A3 receptor antagonists prevent the lowering of the intracellular cAMP concentration even in the eosinophilic granulocytes and thereby also the release of the cytokines and other mediators from these cells (Jacobson et al., 1995). As a result, on the one hand the unpleasant, acute symptoms severely impairing quality of life can be alleviated and on the other hand the inflammatory processes underlying the disease can also be suppressed.
TABLE 2______________________________________Ki values [μM] at the adenosine receptor (A3) and selectivities Example.sup.1) K.sub.i values [μM] A.sub.3 /A.sub.1 A.sub.3 /A.sub.2______________________________________1 3.2 0.7 0.01 2 2 0.02 0.06 3 0.43 0.008 0.005 4 0.49 0.008 <0.0005 5 0.79 0.002 0.007 6 4 0.01 0.08 9 1 0.002 0.004 10 1.6 0.02 0.02 11 0.71 0.04 0.01 12 9.8 0.5 0.01 13 8.3 0.4 0.02 15 0.5 0.007 <0.001 16 0.34 0.005 <0.001 17 0.5 0.008 <0.001______________________________________ Comments for Table 2: .sup.1) Numbering of the Examples corresponds to the Examples in Tables 1 3 and 4
The Ki values shown in Table 2 demonstrate that the compounds of the present invention bind to the receptors which show selectivity values (columns 2 and 3) that selectively bind these compounds. A biological activity can possibly be mediated by means of this novel binding mechanism.
The following examples further illustrate the invention.
General procedure for the preparation of compounds of Formula (1) and their tautomers where X is oxygen as shown in Table 3, Examples 1-13.
30 mmol of compound of Formula (2) are added to 40 ml formamide and the mixture is heated at between 100 and 200° C. for 8-16 hours. After cooling, the precipitated crude product is filtered off with suction and a recrystallization (RC) is carried out using a suitable solvent, e.g. ethanol or DMF.
TABLE 3______________________________________Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines, where X = 0 Yield Recrystallization Example Y [%] M.p. (° C.) from:______________________________________1 2-F 40 230-234 EtOH 2 2-Cl 51 228-231 EtOH 3 2-Br 26 227-232 EtOH 4 2-1 28 265-268 EtOH 5 2-CF.sub.3 48 224-226 EtOH 6 2-CH.sub.3 65 262-264 EtOH 7 3-CF.sub.3 56 243-244 EtOH 8 2,6-F.sub.2 42 251-253 EtOH 9 2-Cl-6-F 61 254-256 EtOH 10 2,6-Cl.sub.2 76 268-271 EtOH 11 2,4-Cl.sub.2 41 255-257 EtOH 12 4-OCH.sub.3 64 260-261 EtOH 13 2-Cl-4,5- 42 258-260 DMF OCH.sub.2 O______________________________________
General procedure for the preparation of the compounds of Formula (1) and their tautomers where X is sulfur as shown in Table 4.
Method A
20 mmol of the compound of Formula (1) where X is oxygen and 80 mmol of phosphorus pentasulfide are added to 100 ml of pyridine and the mixture is heated at between 80 and 115° C. for 4 to 8 hours. After cooling, the precipitated crude product is purified from a suitable solvent, suitably ethanol, by recrystallization (RC).
Method B
10 mmol of the compound of Formula (1) where X is oxygen and 20 mmol of 2,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dithia-2,4-diphosphetane-2,4-disulfide are added to 100 ml xylene and the mixture is heated for 8 to 24 hours. The crude product is filtered off and purified as in Method A.
TABLE 4______________________________________Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines, where X = S Yield M.p. Recrystallization Example Y [%] (° C.) Method from______________________________________14 2-F 62 272-275 A EtOH 15 2-Cl 98 247-249 B DMF 16 2-Br 66 263-264 A EtOH 17 2-l 64 278-281 A DMF 18 2-CF.sub.3 93 303-305 B EtOH 19 2,6-F.sub.2 72 293-297 B EtOH 20 2-Cl-6-F 47 252-253 A AcOH______________________________________
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The invention relates to pyrazolo[3,4d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-ones and pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)-thiones and their tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which contain a benzyl radical in the 2-position, processes for their preparation and their use as medicaments, in particular for the treatment of epilepsies of various forms and of allergic/asthmatic diseases.
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FIELD
Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure relate, generally, to systems and methods for monitoring (e.g., logging) a wellbore and actuating a downhole device, and more specifically to remote actuation devices and methods usable to actuate packers, cutters, torches, perforators, setting tools, and/or other types of explosive and non-explosive downhole tools responsive to detected conditions in a wellbore.
BACKGROUND
Conventionally, when it is desired to actuate a downhole tool, such as a packer, a cutter, a torch, a perforating gun, a setting tool, or a similar type of apparatus, a two-part process must be performed. First, a logging tool must be lowered into a wellbore, to the desired location, and used to record the wellbore temperature and pressure at that location. After the logging tool is retrieved to the surface, this data is used to program the downhole tool and/or an associated actuation tool with predetermined values. Specifically, the downhole tool and/or the actuation tool is programmed with an expected or predetermined pressure or pressure range, and an expected or predetermined temperature or temperature range, and then the downhole tool and/or the actuation tool is/are lowered into the wellbore. When these programmed conditions are detected by the downhole tool and/or the actuation tool, it is assumed that the downhole tool is located at the desired location, and the tool is actuated.
Typically, the tool is lowered into the wellbore with an associated timer to prevent premature actuation of the tool, such as an unexpected increase in temperature or pressure caused by the exodus of gas from the well, which could increase the pressure and temperature to the programmed levels prior to the tool reaching the desired depth. The timer is programmed at the surface of the well with a preset duration, estimated to be the approximate amount of time required for the tool the reach the desired location in the well. After the preset duration expires, the tool becomes “armed,” such that exposure to the programmed temperature and pressure will cause the tool to become actuated. If the tool does not reach the desired location within the preset time interval for any reason, the tool may become actuated at a different location, if the programmed pressure and temperature values are detected elsewhere in the wellbore. Further, if the tool does not become actuated at the desired location for any reason, it must be retrieved to the surface in an armed state, which can potentially cause unintended actuation at an undesired location during retrieval and related damage to the wellbore, or the possibility of an actuation at the surface, which can cause catastrophic damage and/or injury.
Because logging and tool actuation are performed as separate operations, the reasons that a downhole tool fails to actuate at the proper location may be difficult to determine. The ambient temperature and pressure of the wellbore is typically not logged when lowering a downhole tool, primarily due to the size of the components involved. A downhole tool, when engaged with an actuation tool, may have a length of thirty feet or greater. The addition of a logging tool to this lengthy assembly can cause the overall length to become prohibitive.
Additionally, conventional actuation tools are subject to other inherent difficulties, such as poor battery life and/or the use of potentially hazardous batteries (e.g., lithium batteries, which can be subject to restrictions on transport, use, and disposal thereof), and improper grounding. The high temperature environment within a wellbore significantly reduces the life of batteries, such that it becomes necessary to lower and actuate a tool quickly, before the loss of battery power prevents further operation of the tool. To at least slightly extend the battery life of such tools, conventional actuation tools are normally powered using dangerous lithium and/or cadmium batteries, which are subject to burdensome regulations regarding the transport, use, and disposal thereof, primarily due to the possibility of explosion as well as the possibility of negative environmental impact following disposal. Further, one of the primary reasons for the failure to actuate downhole tools is improper grounding thereof, as the proper grounding is often difficult to verify until the tool has successfully been actuated. However, until a tool has been retrieved to the surface, normally in an “armed” state, as described above, the reason a tool has failed to actuate, whether due to improper grounding or another cause, is normally unknown.
A need exists for a logging and actuation tool that overcomes one or more of the above-referenced deficiencies by reducing or eliminating the possibility of actuation at an improper location, providing a more reliable mechanism for grounding the tool, and significantly reducing the size of the overall tool to enable simultaneous logging and actuation runs, while also increasing the possible uses for such a tool, such as by sizing the tool to enable insertion into coiled tubing or similar narrow conduits, such as small diameter pipe (e.g., having a diameter of 2 inches or less) and/or conduits having narrow restrictions.
A need also exists for a combined logging and actuation tool that is safe to operate, easy and inexpensive to transport, and can be powered using non-hazardous power sources, thus reducing the expense associated with transport and/or disposal of materials.
SUMMARY
Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods usable for monitoring (e.g., logging) conditions in a wellbore (e.g., temperature, pressure, acceleration of the monitoring tool), and for actuating an associated downhole device (e.g., a packer, torch, cutter, perforator, setting tool, or other similar explosive or non-explosive tool). The tool generally includes an elongate body, which in an embodiment, can be sized for insertion into a narrow conduit, such as coiled tubing or small diameter pipe (e.g., having a diameter of 2 inches or less). For example, the body of the tool could have a diameter of approximately 0.875 inches. In other embodiments, the body can include outer housing members, adapted to absorb loads applied to the body and distribute the loads along the housing. Housing members can be provided with other desired diameters (e.g., 1.5 inches or 2.5 inches), and can be positioned over the elongate body of the tool and interchanged as needed to enable insertion of the tool into desired conduits and/or wellbores. In further embodiments, the housing members can be insulated (e.g., using Pyroflask® technology or similar insulated members), to shield the internal components of the tool from ambient wellbore temperatures, thus prolonging the life of any batteries or other power sources used. While the form and/or configurations of the elongate body and/or the housing can vary, embodiments can include first and second members, connected via a connector, with one or more end members adapted for engaging conduits for lowering the tool (e.g., wireline and/or slickline) and/or other components (e.g., a downhole tool, a pressure transducer or similar sensor, etc.). In an embodiment, the elongate body can have a length ranging from 30 inches to 50 inches, which is significantly less than the length of conventional actuation tools.
A processor can be positioned within the elongate body (e.g., integral with and/or otherwise associated with a circuit board and related components), in communication with data storage (e.g., EEPROM or other types of memory), and with a plurality of sensors. Specifically, a first sensor, such as a pressure transducer, adapted to detect a pressure associated with and/or otherwise applied to the body, can be used to measure ambient wellbore pressure; a second sensor, such as a thermistor, adapted to detect a temperature associated with and/or otherwise applied to the body, can be used to measure ambient wellbore temperature; and a third sensor, such as an accelerometer and/or gyroscope, can be used to detect the acceleration of the elongate body. During typical use, the accelerometer can be used to detect acceleration along two axes (e.g., X and Y), to determine movement of the tool within the wellbore in perpendicular directions; however, in an embodiment, acceleration can be detected along three axes (e.g., X, Y, and Z), such that the recorded acceleration of the tool can be converted (e.g., integrated) to determine the position of the tool.
Computer instructions within the data storage instruct the processor to receive and store pressure, temperature, and acceleration values obtained from the sensors. During use, the tool can first be lowered into a wellbore to monitor and/or log the wellbore conditions, thus recording expected pressure, temperature, and acceleration values at a desired location. This data can be extracted from the data storage, either by a direct connection to the processor (e.g., after retrieval of the tool to the surface), or in an embodiment, a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth or similar technology). Use of a wireless connection enables data to be extracted from the tool without requiring disassembly of any portion thereof, which avoids undesirable wear on threads, O-rings, and/or similar connecting or sealing elements, and in an embodiment, can enable extraction of data without requiring retrieval of the tool.
Further, after retrieval to the surface, the tool can then be programmed, or in an embodiment, the tool can be remotely programmed from the surface while within the wellbore. Specifically, computer instructions within the data storage instruct the processor to receive and store preset parameters, e.g., a first preselected parameter that includes a pressure range, a second preselected parameter that includes a temperature range, and a third preselected parameter that includes an acceleration range. After lowering the programmed tool into the wellbore, the sensors can be used to monitor the temperature, pressure, and acceleration associated with the tool body, which can be compared with the preselected temperature, pressure, and acceleration ranges to form a determination. Responsive to the determination (e.g., if the ambient pressure, temperature, and acceleration all fall within the preselected ranges), an actuation process can be initiated.
The specific actuation process can vary, e.g., depending on user-selected preferences. For example, in an embodiment, computer instructions can cause the processor to receive and store one or multiple preselected temporal parameters (e.g., time durations), a first of which can begin elapsing after detection of a pressure, temperature, and acceleration that fall within the programmed ranges. A second temporal parameter (e.g., a time duration) can begin elapsing after the first temporal parameter has lapsed, and once the second temporal parameter has lapsed, the downhole tool can be actuated. As such, embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure enable a tool to be programmed in a manner that accounts for unexpected, temporary fluctuations in wellbore temperature and/or pressure. Specifically, if a measured pressure, temperature, and acceleration are not maintained within the programmed ranges for the first preselected duration, the actuation process can be reset and/or not initiated. Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure also enable a tool to be programmed with a time duration that does not begin elapsing until the programmed temperature, pressure, and acceleration conditions are met, for a programmed duration, e.g., the second preselected duration does not begin elapsing until after the pressure/temperature/acceleration conditions have been met for the first duration. Conversely, conventional tools incorporate a timer that is initiated at the surface, after which the tool becomes immediately armed (e.g., prepared to actuate once the desired conditions are met), rather than a timer that does not begin elapsing until after the programmed conditions are met.
In a further embodiment, the tool can continue monitoring the ambient pressure, temperature, and acceleration, and comparing these measurements with the programmed ranges. If one of the measured values falls outside of the respective programmed range during either of the temporal durations, the actuation process can be ceased. Ceasing of the actuation process can simply involve resetting the temporal parameters, such that they will begin to elapse when the measured conditions again fall within the programmed ranges. In an embodiment, the tool can be provided with a failsafe temporal parameter (e.g., a time duration), which can be initiated automatically (e.g., upon measurement of certain conditions), manually (e.g., by a user at the surface), or simply upon initiating an operation, such that if the failsafe temporal parameter lapses, the tool will become inoperative (e.g., such that the actuation process cannot be initiated). For example, the tool can be programmed such that before the actuation process can again be initiated, the tool must be retrieved to the surface, reset, and the logged data must be extracted from the data storage.
Due to the reduced size of embodiments of the present actuation tool, in an embodiment, the tool can include one or more power sources within the body thereof. Specifically, certain embodiments can be operated using non-hazardous, readily available power sources, such as AAA batteries. In other embodiments, the tool can include an in situ power generator, such as a fluid-driven and/or mechanical power source. For example, one embodiment can include a windable spring coupled with a release mechanism, that is inserted into the well with the spring wound. The release mechanism can be actuated (e.g., when the temporal durations lapse and/or when the programmed conditions are detected), allowing unwinding of the spring and thus, powering of one or more elements of the tool.
To facilitate grounding of the tool, embodiments can include a housing having connectors adapted to connect multiple parts of the housing together and/or end pieces adapted to connect the tool to adjacent components (e.g., wireline and/or slickline, sensors, downhole tools, etc.). The connectors and/or end pieces can include one or more grounding springs (e.g., a garter spring) positioned about the circumference thereof, thus placing this grounding element between the connector and the adjacent housing portion of the tool. As such, the tool is grounded across the body, itself, resulting in a more reliable ground than conventional methods.
Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure also relate to a kit for monitoring a wellbore and actuating a downhole device that includes a remote actuation mechanism, as described above, with one or more housing elements. For example, the actuation mechanism can be provided with inner wetted housing members having a diameter of 0.875 inches, usable with or independent from interchangeable, attachable outer housing members having diameters of 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches, for use within conduits and/or wellbores having differing diameters. Embodiments of such a kit can further include one or more power sources, including fuel cells (e.g., AAA batteries) and/or in situ power generators. Further embodiments can include a display and input device adapted to directly and/or wirelessly interface with the processor and/or data storage of the tool to input parameters and extract measured data. Embodiments can also include testing and/or calibration tools, such as a calibrated device adapted for threading into an end of the tool to test a pressure transducer or similar sensor therein.
Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure thereby provide systems and methods that reduce or eliminate the possibility of actuation at an improper location, while enabling logging during an actuation operation, and use within coiled tubing and/or small diameter pipe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the detailed description of various embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure, presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of an actuation tool usable within the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the actuation tool of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 depicts a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a power generator usable with the actuation tool of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 4 depicts a diagrammatic view of an alternate embodiment of a power generator usable with the actuation tool of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the actuation tool of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a bottom connector usable with the actuation tool of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a central connector usable with the actuation tool of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a central connector usable with the actuation tool of FIG. 5 .
FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a central connector usable within the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a bottom connector usable with the actuation tool of FIG. 5 .
FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a bottom connector usable within the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a sensor assembly usable with the actuation tool of FIGS. 1 and 5 .
FIG. 13 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a portion of an actuation tool usable within the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a portion of an actuation tool usable within the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 15 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a power connector and/or probe assembly usable with embodiments of actuation tools usable within the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 16 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a pressure simulation tool assembly usable with embodiments of actuation tools usable within the scope of the present disclosure.
One or more embodiments are described below with reference to the listed Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Before describing selected embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein. The disclosure and description herein is illustrative and explanatory of one or more presently preferred embodiments and variations thereof, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in the design, organization, means of operation, structures and location, methodology, and use of mechanical equivalents may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
As well, it should be understood that the drawings are intended to illustrate and plainly disclose presently preferred embodiments to one of skill in the art, but are not intended to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of final products and may include simplified conceptual views to facilitate understanding or explanation. As well, the relative size and arrangement of the components may differ from that shown and still operate within the spirit of the invention.
Moreover, it will be understood that various directions such as “upper”, “lower”, “bottom”, “top”, “left”, “right”, and so forth are made only with respect to explanation in conjunction with the drawings, and that components may be oriented differently, for instance, during transportation and manufacturing as well as operation. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments described herein, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting.
Referring now to FIG. 1 , an exploded view of an embodiment of an actuation tool ( 10 ) usable within the scope of the present disclosure is shown. The actuation tool ( 10 ) is shown having an elongate body with a first member ( 12 ) attachable to a second member ( 14 ). The members ( 12 , 14 ) of the body are shown as generally tubular (e.g., cylindrical) components, having a diameter of approximately 0.875 inches; however, it should be understood that components having any shape and/or dimensions can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While the configuration of components within the depicted tool ( 10 ) can vary, typically, the first member ( 12 ) of the body would contain a processor and circuit board, data storage, and various sensors, including a thermistor, an accelerometer, and a pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ). The second member ( 14 ) of the body can contain one or more power sources for the tool ( 10 ). Due to the comparatively small size and/or diameter of the tool ( 10 ), conventional, non-hazardous, unrestricted power sources, such as a plurality of AAA batteries, can be used to facilitate movement, operation, and/or actuation of the tool ( 10 ).
FIG. 1 depicts two inner housing members ( 18 ), each adapted for positioning over a respective member ( 12 , 14 ) of the body. In an embodiment, the inner housing members ( 18 ) can be identical and interchangeable with one another, and are shown having a diameter of approximately 0.875 inches. Generally, the first and second members ( 12 , 14 ) can be provided with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the inner housing members ( 18 ) to facilitate insertion therein. When desired, the inner housing members ( 18 ) can be used independent of any other housing, for insertion into coiled tubing and/or a similar narrow conduit and/or wellbore, and/or a conduit or wellbore having a narrow restriction therein. The inner housing members ( 18 ) are shown as generally tubular (e.g., cylindrical) members, which can be formed from metal and/or any other generally rigid material able to withstand ambient wellbore conditions.
FIG. 1 further depicts two outer housing members ( 20 ), each adapted for positioning over a respective inner housing member ( 18 ), to provide added structural support and/or insulation to the components of the tool ( 10 ). In an embodiment, the outer housing members ( 20 ) can be identical and interchangeable with one another, and are shown having a diameter of approximately 2.5 inches, usable for insertion into appropriately sized wellbores and/or conduits. The depicted housing members are shown as generally tubular (e.g., cylindrical) members, which can be formed from metal and/or any other generally rigid material able to withstand ambient wellbore conditions, and are further shown having a plurality of orifices ( 22 ) formed therein, usable to lighten the outer housing members ( 20 ) and/or permit transmission of gas therethrough. In use, the weight of the tool ( 10 ) and/or any attached loads and/or devices, as well as any pressure from the wellbore, is distributed along the outer housing members ( 20 ), avoiding application of such forces to the internal components of the tool ( 10 ). In an alternate embodiment, the outer housing members ( 20 ) could be generally continuous, insulated members (e.g., Pyroflask® members), used to protect and insulate the batteries of the tool ( 10 ) and/or other components from the ambient temperature of the wellbore.
A central connector ( 24 ) is shown for engaging respective outer housing members ( 20 ) to one another, for engaging respective inner housing members ( 18 ) to one another, and for engaging the members ( 12 , 14 ) of the body to one another, e.g., by threading, a force fit, and/or use of pins, screws, and/or other connectors and/or fasteners. When assembled, the connector ( 24 ) can facilitate distribution of load and/or torque along the outer housing members ( 20 ). Specifically, the ends ( 26 ) of the connector ( 24 ) can include suitable contacts for engagement and electrical communication between the members ( 12 , 14 ) of the body, e.g., for transmitting power from batteries or similar items in one of the body members ( 14 ) to components in the other of the body members ( 12 ), while also serving as structural members for enabling a secure physical engagement therebetween.
FIG. 1 further shows a bottom connector ( 28 ), adapted for connection to the lower end of the bottommost housing members ( 18 , 20 ) and to the lower member ( 14 ) of the elongate body of the tool ( 10 ). The bottom connector ( 28 ) is usable for connection to additional tools and/or components and/or communication between the wellbore environment and sensors within the tool ( 10 ). FIG. 1 also shows a top connector ( 30 ), adapted for connection to the upper end of the uppermost housing members ( 18 , 20 ) and to the upper member ( 12 ) of the elongate body of the tool. The top connector ( 30 ) is usable for connection to conduits (e.g., wireline or slickline) usable to lower and raise the tool ( 10 ) within a wellbore, and/or for connection to additional tools and/or components. The depicted embodiment includes a transducer plug ( 32 ) associated with the top connector ( 30 ), which engages the pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ) and transmits wellbore pressure received by the top connector ( 30 ) to the pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ) for measurement thereof. A plurality of socket head screws ( 34 ) are shown, usable to connect the top connector ( 30 ) to the upper outer housing member ( 20 ) and/or other components of the tool ( 10 ). Use of socket head screws ( 34 ) within corresponding bores enables the broad heads of the screws ( 34 ) to receive at least a portion of the forces experienced between the top connector ( 30 ) and other parts of the tool ( 10 ).
Referring now to FIG. 2 , an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the actuation tool ( 10 ) of FIG. 1 is shown, having the body member ( 12 ) containing the processor, circuit board, and/or pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ), as described previously, an inner housing member ( 18 ) sized to be positioned over the body member ( 12 ), and an outer housing member ( 20 ) sized to be positioned over the inner housing member ( 18 ). FIG. 2 also depicts the bottom connector ( 28 ), top connector ( 30 ), transducer plug ( 32 ) and socket head screws ( 34 ), as described above.
In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the tool ( 10 ) of FIG. 2 omits the bottommost body portion ( 14 , shown in FIG. 1 ), and the bottommost inner and outer housing members ( 18 , 20 , shown in FIG. 1 ). The connector ( 24 , shown in FIG. 1 ) is also omitted. In lieu of these components, FIG. 2 depicts an in situ power generator ( 36 ) engaged with the tool body member ( 12 ). The in situ power generator ( 36 ) can be externally engaged with the tool body member ( 12 ), or internally contained therein. Use of an in situ power generator ( 36 ) enables the overall length of the tool ( 10 ) to be significantly shortened, while also overcoming the deficiencies of batteries and/or similar power sources, such as reduced battery life when exposed to wellbore temperatures.
FIGS. 3 and 4 depict diagrammatic views of two possible embodiments of an in situ power generator ( 36 ) usable within the scope of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 3 depicts a fluid-driven embodiment of the power generator ( 36 ), in which the body portion ( 12 ) of the actuation tool is shown, having the pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ) at an end thereof, as described previously. The interior portion of the tool body ( 12 ) is shown having a circuit board ( 38 ) therein, which includes a microprocessor ( 40 ), an acceleration sensor ( 42 ) (e.g., an accelerometer), and a temperature sensor ( 44 ) (e.g., a thermistor), mounted thereon. The circuit board ( 38 ) is shown associated with the in situ power generator ( 36 ), which includes a generator ( 46 ), engaged with a gearbox ( 48 ), which engages a bulkhead ( 50 ), which is associated with a caged vane ( 52 ) mounted about a shaft ( 54 ). In use, fluid circulation rotates the vane ( 52 ), which turns the shaft ( 54 ), thereby powering the generator ( 46 ) via the gearbox ( 48 ), which in turn provides power to the circuit board ( 38 ) and the components mounted thereon and/or associated therewith (e.g., the processor ( 40 ) and sensors ( 16 , 42 , 44 )). Movement of the vane ( 52 ) and/or shaft ( 54 ) can be restricted until it is desirable for an actuation process to be initiated (e.g., through use of temporal parameters and/or programmed pressure, temperature, and acceleration ranges, as described above).
FIG. 4 depicts a mechanical, spring-based embodiment of the power generator ( 36 ), in which the body portion ( 12 ) of the tool, pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ), circuit board ( 38 ), microprocessor ( 40 ), acceleration sensor ( 42 ), and temperature sensor ( 44 ) are shown. The depicted power generator ( 36 ) includes a spring housing ( 56 ), which contains an internal, mechanically windable spring, associated with a solenoid ( 58 ). In use, the spring can be wound at the surface, then actuation of the solenoid ( 58 ) can be used to release spring to power the generator ( 46 ), which in turn powers the circuit board ( 38 ) and the components associated therewith. Any number and/or manner of gearbox, shaft, and/or transmission can be used to transfer power from the spring to the generator ( 46 ), as needed.
Referring now to FIG. 5 , an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the actuation tool ( 10 ) of FIG. 1 is shown, having the body members ( 12 , 14 ) containing the processor, circuit board, pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ), and power source (e.g., batteries), as described previously, two inner housing members ( 18 ) sized to be positioned over the body members ( 12 , 14 ), and two outer housing members ( 60 ) sized to be positioned over the inner housing members ( 18 ). FIG. 5 also depicts the bottom connector ( 28 ), top connector ( 30 ), central connector ( 24 ) having ends ( 26 ), transducer plug ( 32 ), and socket head screws ( 34 ), as described above.
In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the tool ( 10 ) of FIG. 5 includes alternate outer housing members ( 60 ), which are sized for insertion into a smaller conduit. Specifically, the depicted outer housing members ( 60 ) have a diameter of 1.5 inches, while the outer housing members ( 20 ) of FIG. 1 have a diameter of 2.5 inches. The central, top, and bottom connectors ( 24 , 28 , 30 ) are also shown having a diameter sized for engagement and use with the depicted outer housing members ( 60 ). It should be understood that embodiments of the present tool ( 10 ) can be provided with housing members and/or connectors of multiple sizes, which can be installed and removed, as needed, to accommodate conduits, wellbores, and/or restrictions of various diameters. Additionally, it should be noted that while FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the tool ( 10 ) that includes a second body portion ( 14 ) and associated housing members ( 18 , 60 ) for containing batteries and/or a similar power source, the depicted embodiment could also be used with an in situ power generator, and the second body portion ( 14 ), central connector ( 24 ), and bottommost housing members ( 18 , 60 ) could be omitted.
Referring now to FIG. 6 , an exploded view of an embodiment of a bottom connector ( 28 ), usable with the tool of FIG. 1 , is shown. It should be noted that a bottom connector ( 28 ) having a differing diameter could be used with other embodiments of the tool, such as that shown in FIG. 5 , or in embodiments of the tool used without outer housing members. As described previously, the bottom connector ( 28 ) can be attachable to the remainder of the tool using a plurality of socket head cap screws ( 34 ) or similar fastening elements. Alternately, the bottom connector ( 28 ) could be attached to the remainder of the tool via a force or interference fit, a threaded connection, welding, or any other means known in the art. The upper end ( 62 ) of the connector ( 28 ) is depicted having multiple receptacles for accommodating a grounding spring ( 64 ) (e.g., a garter spring) and/or one or more O-rings ( 66 a , 66 b ) or similar sealing elements. An insulator ( 68 ) and receptacle ( 70 ) (e.g., a banana receptacle) are also associated with the upper end ( 62 ) for electrical contact and/or engagement with the adjacent portions of the tool (e.g., the power source and/or the circuit board). The lower end ( 72 ) of the connector ( 28 ) is also shown having grooves for accommodating O-rings ( 66 c , 66 d ) or similar sealing elements. The lower end ( 72 ) also includes an associated contact plunger ( 74 ), biased outward by a contact spring ( 76 ), for association with adjacent objects and/or for receiving pressure from the wellbore and transmitting the pressure to a pressure transducer within the tool. The plunger ( 74 ) is shown configured and/or positioned by a retainer ring ( 78 ), insulating washer ( 80 a ), and a contact insulator ( 82 ) which surrounds the spring ( 76 ). The upper end of the spring ( 76 ) is shown associated with a pan head screw ( 85 ) or similar rigid fastening element, which in turn passes through one or more washers and/or insulated washers ( 80 b , 80 c ) before engaging the body of the connector ( 28 ).
Referring now to FIG. 7 , an exploded view of an embodiment of a central connector ( 24 ), usable with the tool of FIG. 1 , is shown. It should be noted that a central connector ( 24 ), having a differing diameter, could be used with other embodiments of the tool, such as that shown in FIG. 5 , or in embodiments of the tool used without outer housing members. The depicted connector ( 24 ) is shown having each end ( 26 ) associated with two sets of socket head cap screws ( 34 ); specifically, each inner set of screws ( 34 ) is usable to secure the connector ( 24 ) to adjacent outer housing portions of the tool, while each outer set of screws ( 34 ) is usable to secure the connector ( 24 ) to adjacent inner housing and/or body portions of the tool. Alternatively and/or additionally, the connector ( 24 ) could be attached to the remainder of the tool via a force or interference fit, a threaded connection, welding, or any other means known in the art.
Each end ( 26 ) of the connector ( 24 ) can include substantially identical components, and as such, a single end ( 26 ) of the connector ( 24 ) is shown in exploded view for reference. The end ( 26 ) includes grooves for accommodating a grounding spring ( 64 ) (e.g., a garter spring) and/or one or more O-rings ( 66 a , 66 b ) or similar sealing elements. A three-prong wire ( 84 ) (e.g., Teflon coated wire) can extend through the connector ( 24 ), terminating in a three-pin male connector ( 86 ), thus providing electrical communication through the connector ( 24 ), e.g., to enable transmission of power between one or more batteries and the circuit board, and/or to enable transmission of data and/or power between other components of the tool. An adapter plug ( 88 ) is also shown engaged with the end ( 26 ) of the connector ( 24 ) for accommodating engagement with adjacent components (e.g., the inner housing and/or body members of the tool), via a box connector ( 90 ).
As described above, the dimensions and/or shape of the connector ( 24 ) can vary depending on the dimensions (e.g., the diameter) of the outer and inner housing members, if used, and/or the dimensions of the tool body. For example, FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a central connector ( 24 ) having substantially identical components as those of the embodiment of the connector ( 24 ) shown in FIG. 7 ; however, the body of the connector ( 24 ), the socket head cap screws ( 34 ), and other components have been sized to accommodate a tool that includes outer housing members having a diameter of 1.5 inches. Conversely, the embodiment of the connector ( 24 ) shown in FIG. 7 is adapted for engagement with a tool that includes outer housing members having a diameter of 2.5 inches.
Similarly, FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a central connector ( 24 ) having substantially identical components as those of the embodiment of the connector ( 24 ) shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 ; however, the body of the connector ( 24 ) and other components have been sized to accommodate a tool having a diameter of 0.875 inches, e.g., a tool that does not include outer housing members. As such, only a single set of socket head cap screws ( 34 ) is shown, for providing engagement between the connector ( 24 ) and the inner housing members and/or body portions of the tool.
In a similar manner, the shape and/or dimensions of the bottom connector ( 28 ) can vary depending on the dimensions (e.g., the diameter) of the outer and inner housing members, if used, and/or the dimensions of the tool body. For example, FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a bottom connector ( 28 ) having substantially identical components as those of the embodiment of the connector ( 28 ) shown in FIG. 6 . However, the body of the connector ( 28 ), the socket head cap screws ( 34 ), and other components have been sized to accommodate a tool that includes outer housing members having a diameter of 1.5 inches. Conversely, the embodiment of the connector ( 28 ) shown in FIG. 6 is adapted for engagement with a tool that includes outer housing members having a diameter of 2.5 inches.
FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a bottom connector ( 28 ) similar to those shown in FIGS. 6 and 10 ; however the body of the connector ( 28 ) and other components have been sized to accommodate a tool having a diameter of 0.875 inches, e.g., a tool that does not include outer housing members. As such, while the upper end ( 62 ) of the connector ( 28 ) includes a grounding spring ( 64 ), O-rings ( 66 a , 66 b ), an insulating washer ( 68 ), and a receptacle ( 70 ) (e.g., a banana receptacle), the components engaged with the lower end ( 72 ) of the connector ( 28 ) differ from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 10 . Specifically, in addition to one or more O-rings ( 66 c , 66 d ), the lower end ( 72 ) of the connector ( 28 ) can include a spring loaded contactor ( 92 ) (e.g., a biased plunger), which is insertable within an insulator ( 94 ), and can engage a threaded connector rod ( 96 ) for engagement with the body of the connector ( 28 ) and/or with adjacent components of the tool. The connector rod ( 96 ) can pass through and/or otherwise engage an insulator ( 98 ), such as a washer or similar component.
Referring now to FIG. 12 , FIG. 12 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ), usable with the actuation tools shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , and/or with other embodiments of the present actuation tool. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , the pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ) is engageable with an end of the body of the tool, such that a pressure transducer ( 102 ) is placed in association with the processor and/or other circuitry of the tool. The depicted pressure transducer ( 102 ) includes a retaining unit ( 104 ) adapted to engage a corresponding member and/or portion of the tool body such that the pressure transducer ( 102 ) is retained in association with the processor and/or circuit board. Specifically, the pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ) can be secured to the tool body using socket head cap screws ( 34 ) and/or similar fasteners, or in an embodiment, a force or interference fit, a threaded connection, welding, and/or any other means known in the art. The end ( 100 ) of the pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ) includes grooves for accommodating O-rings ( 66 a , 66 b ) or similar sealing elements, while the interior of the assembly ( 16 ) can be sized to engage and/or accommodate a crush washer ( 106 ) or similar spacing member, which can in turn engage the pressure transducer ( 102 ). When assembled, pressure transmitted through the lower end ( 107 ) of the assembly ( 16 ), e.g., through the bottom connector and/or other portions of the tool, is communicated to the pressure transducer ( 102 ), which measures the pressure and communicates the measured data to the processor and/or data storage of the tool. While the depicted pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ) is shown as a generally tubular (e.g., cylindrical) component, having a diameter of approximately 0.875 inches for engaging a tool body having a similar diameter, it should be understood that the dimensions of the assembly ( 16 ) can be varied depending on the corresponding dimensions of other portions of the actuation tool.
Referring now to FIG. 13 , an exploded view of an embodiment of a tool body portion ( 12 ), such as that shown in actuation tool ( 10 ) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 5 , is depicted. Specifically the tool body portion ( 12 ) is shown having a generally tubular body with various openings ( 110 ) formed therein, to enable light emitting diodes and/or other indicators, portions of the circuit board ( 38 ), and/or other components or portions thereof to be visualized, and also to enable the communication of gas and/or temperature to the sending components of the tool ( 10 ). The pressure transducer assembly ( 16 ) is shown engaged at one end of the tool portion ( 12 ) with the circuit board ( 38 ) for communicating data therebetween. At the opposing end of the tool portion ( 12 ), a grounding spring ( 64 ) is engaged (e.g., within an interior or exterior groove within the body of tool portion ( 12 )). A female three-pin connector ( 112 ) is also provided, e.g., for engagement with a corresponding three-pin male connector within the adjacent central connector, and/or another adjacent component. The depicted pin connector ( 112 ) includes an end piece ( 114 ) associated therewith.
Referring now to FIG. 14 , an exploded view of an embodiment of a tool portion ( 14 ), such as that shown in actuation tool ( 10 ) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 5 , is depicted. The depicted tool portion is usable to contain one or more batteries (e.g., AAA batteries) and/or other power sources therein, for engagement with other portions of the actuation tool (e.g., the circuit board, processor, and/or sensors). In an embodiment, one or more inserts can be provided into the tool portion ( 14 ) to facilitate proper spacing and/or positioning of batteries or other power sources. A first end of the tool portion ( 14 ) is engaged, via a screw ( 116 ) (e.g., a button head cap screw), to a female three-pin connector ( 112 ) and associated end piece ( 114 ), which can be used to engage and provide electrical communication with adjacent components (e.g., a male connector within a bottom connector, a probe and/or power tool, or other components having a portion adapted to engage the female three-pin connector ( 112 )). The depicted end piece ( 114 ) is shown having three bores ( 146 ) therein for accommodating the individual pins of the pin connector ( 112 ), and can also include a central hole extending at least partially therethrough, e.g., for accommodating the screw ( 116 ). At the opposing end of the tool portion ( 14 ), a plug ( 118 ) (e.g., a banana plug), battery connector ( 120 ), and battery spring ( 122 ) are secured, e.g., using a screw ( 116 ) or similar means of fastening. FIG. 14 also depicts a wire ground spring ( 124 ) and solder lug ( 126 ) to provide appropriate grounding and/or spacing of components within the tool portion ( 14 ) (e.g., the wire ground spring ( 124 ) can be positioned through a bore ( 144 ) within the battery connector ( 120 ) to engage the solder lug ( 126 ) and/or the battery plug ( 118 )); however, it should be understood that other such elements can be used in various embodiments, and/or that such elements could be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The depicted housing of the tool portion ( 14 ) is shown having a plurality of orifices ( 138 ) formed therein, which can be used to visually verify the presence of batteries or other internal elements, for engagement with fasteners (e.g., socket head cap screws), and/or to communicate gas and/or temperature. The housing is also shown having grooves and/or channels ( 140 ) formed on the outer surface thereof, which, in an embodiment, can be engaged with corresponding protruding elements of a housing component (e.g., inner housing member ( 18 )), adapted for being placed over the tool portion ( 14 ). Additionally or alternatively, the grooves and/or channels ( 140 ) can define internal protrusions within the tool portion ( 14 ) housing, which can engage complementary channels ( 142 ) within the battery connector ( 120 ). While FIG. 14 shows a channel ( 142 ) within the battery connector ( 120 ) that extends partially along the length thereof, in other embodiments, such channels could extend across the entire length thereof to enable insertion of the entirety of the battery connector ( 120 ) within the tool portion ( 14 ).
Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure also include kits usable to monitor (e.g., log) a wellbore and/or actuate a downhole device, which can include one or more embodiments of the actuation tools described above. For example, an actuation tool can be provided that includes multiple sizes of housing members, such that the tool can be configured, as needed, for insertion into wellbores and/or conduits of various sizes and/or having various internal restrictions therein. One or more tools (e.g., wrenches, etc.), fasteners (e.g., socket head cap screws), and similar components for reconfiguring the actuation tool can also be included, as can a display and/or input device for accessing and programming the actuation tool, and various calibration and/or testing components for testing and/or calibrating one or more sensors within the tool.
For example, FIG. 15 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a power connector and/or probe assembly ( 124 ) usable within embodiments of the present actuation tool, such as those depicted in FIGS. 1 and 5 . The depicted assembly ( 124 ) is shown including probe connector wire ( 126 ) extending through the body thereof, with a male three-pin connector ( 86 ) and box connector ( 90 ) at one end thereof, and a female three-pin connector ( 112 ) having an end piece ( 114 ) and housing ( 128 ) associated therewith. The probe assembly ( 124 ) is usable as a conduit to provide power to the actuation tool, verify the charge of power sources within the actuation tool, to communicate between the actuation tool and a display and/or input device, and for various other purposes where a generally flexible connector and/or conduit may be desirable to communicate between components.
FIG. 16 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a pressure simulation tool assembly ( 130 ), usable to calibrate and/or test the functionality of a pressure sensor of an actuation tool, such as the pressure transducer assembly described above. In use, a threaded end ( 132 ) of the pressure simulation tool assembly ( 130 ) can be threaded to and/or otherwise engaged with the pressure transducer assembly of an actuation tool, while a rod ( 134 ) can be inserted into a corresponding bore ( 136 ) of the assembly ( 130 ), such that the rod ( 134 ) applies a pressure to the pressure sensor and/or causes the body of the assembly ( 130 ) to apply a pressure to the pressure sensor. While FIG. 16 depicts the rod ( 134 ) and bore ( 136 ) having generally smooth surfaces, embodied pressure simulation tools can include threaded and/or adjustable engagements between components to enable a controlled and/or precise application of pressure to an actuation tool.
While various embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure have been described with emphasis, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention can be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
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Systems and methods for monitoring a wellbore and actuating a downhole device include a body adapted for insertion into the wellbore that contains a processor, data storage, and sensors that detect a pressure, temperature, and acceleration associated with the body. Computer instructions are usable to receive and store preselected parameters, which include pressure, temperature, and acceleration ranges, and to compare measured values to these ranges for forming a determination usable to initiate actuation of a downhole tool. Additional parameters, such as temporal parameters, can be used to allow, cease, reset, or prevent actuation of the downhole tool.
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BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for bladder irrigation. At the present time there exist no commercially acceptable methods and apparatus for aseptically washing the bladder of an individual with an indwelling catheter. The typical prior art procedure for bladder irrigation -- and example of which is set forth in pages D-1 to D-3 of Publication No. PKST 1035 of Pharmaseal Laboratories of Glendale California -- has been to remove the drainage tube from an indwelling catheter, fill, a disposable bulb-type or disposable piston syringe with a medication prescribed by a doctor [usually Neosporine], insert the syringe into the catheter and slowly inject it, clamp off the catheter, fill the syringe with irrigation fluid, insert the tip of the syringe into the catheter, remove the catheter clamp, inject the fluid, clamp off the catheter, refill the syringe again and repeat the procedure as many times as is necessary to substantially fill the bladder with irrigation liquid [usually about 150-200 cc; the syringes used are most often 50cc], after the final fill clamp off the catheter and allow the irrigation liquid to remain in the bladder the prescribed length of time and then remove the clamp and allow the fluid to drain into a disposable collecting basin, and reattach the drainage tube. To insure asepsis, if the syringe is ever laid down during the filling operations, it must be placed on a sterile surface. No matter what precautions are taken however, it is virtually impossible to prevent at least some air from being admitted to the bladder during the repeated refilling operations.
According to the method and apparatus of the present invention, a bladder may be washed completely aseptically. According to the method of the present invention, a prescribed medication may be introduced through the tip of a prefilled bladder washing device, mixing taking place in the washing device. The tip cover covering the tip of the bladder washing device is then removed and the tip of the device inserted into the catheter. The device has been prefilled to contain the amount of solution necessary to wash the bladder completely, The device is then compressed, introducing the liquid into the bladder. When the device has been substantially completely compressed, the device is locked in that position. After the passage of the prescribed length of time, the device is unlocked and expanded, whereby the fluid contained within the bladder is withdrawn into the body of the device. When withdrawal is complete, the device is removed from the catheter, capped again with its original cover, and disposed of.
As is readily apparent, the method and apparatus of the present invention have many advantages over the prior art method and apparatus. The main advantage of the method of the present invention is of course that there is virtually no chance of air or any contaminants being introduced into the bladder as a result of the bladder irrigating process. The method of the present invention is truly aseptic. Also, the time for performing bladder washing is reduced by the method of the present invention; there are no time-consuming syring filling and catheter clamping procedures. Fewer items need to be handled, thus resulting in a more simplified handling procedure. Since substantially the same amount of liquid will of necessity be withdrawn from the bladder as was introduced therein by the washing procedure, there is no chance of bladder collapse due to the withdrawal of too much liquid. Also, the medication can be introduced with the irrigating solution, thus they will be properly mixed before reaching the bladder and will have their maximum effectiveness. [there will be no concentrated medication introduced which might not have the desired effects or reach all the areas required]. Also with this method a mechanical bladder washing can be utilized in addition to the washing that results just from the presence of the solution by introducing and withdrawing the liquid alternately. Also, because the method is so aseptic, the need for an antibiotic medication to reduce the chances of infection might be obviated.
The apparatus of the present invention also has numerous advantages over prior art devices. Since only one element is needed, obviously space will be saved for storage purposes. The device is less expensive to manufacture than the composite equipment that it replaces [usually a disposable syringe, disposable collecting tray, disposable graduate with cover, and sterile field are necessary for prior art methods]. Also the device preferably has means thereon for guiding the tip portion of the device into the catheter and holding it steady while the fluid is being expelled therefrom, and means for facilitating expansion of the device to draw the liquid into it. The device is prefilled so that the chances of a mistake being made in the introduction of a particular volume of liquid will be reduced, and a syringe filling operation will not be necessary.
In the preferred embodiment of the bladder washing device according to the teachings of the present invention, the device is bellows-like for easy and effective expansion and compression, and the lock for locking the device in a compressed position is designed to securely hold the device in place while not interfering at all with the operation thereof. Prior art devices generally concerned with the introduction and drawing of liquids have not had the positive desirable features of the present invention which result in its suitability for a bladder washing operation [see U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,610, 2,428,577, 3,557,788 and 3,747,812 for example].
It is the principle object of this invention to provide a bladder irrigation method and apparatus that assures asepsis and does not have any of the other drawbacks of prior art devices. This and other objects of the invention will become clear from an inspection of the detailed description of the invention and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary pre-filled bladder washing device according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIGS. 2a through 2c are top views of the device shown in FIG. 1 in various stages of compression thereof; and;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bladder washing device shown in FIG. 1 in place in a catheter and in its locked position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred apparatus for practicing the method of the present invention is shown generally at 10 in FIG. 1. The bladder washing device 10 is composed of four main parts; a hollow prefilled body member 12, a tubular tip member 18, a removable cover 50 for tip 18, and cooperating locking portions, 38, 26, for locking the body member 12 in a compressed position thereof.
As shown in the drawings the body member 12 consists of a hollow structure prefilled with a suitable bladder irrigation fluid -- such as normal saline, Ringer solution, sterilized water etc. The bellows member 12 is expandable and compressable to vary the volume of liquid that may be contained therein. Under many circumstances, when following a bladder washing procedure, a certain volume of medication must be introduced into the bladder along with the liquid contained in the member 12. Provision is made within the member 12 for accepting such an extra volume of medication by insuring that the member 12 is not completely expanded when it is prefilled with liquid at the factory. Thus there is room within the member 12 to receive medication introduced therein through tip cover 50 (as will be explained more clearly below), and premixing of the medication and the prefilled liquid occurs.
A tubular tip portion 18, having an opening 20 throughout the length thereof, is attached to one end of the member 12, and is in fluid communication therewith. The liquid within the member 12 is thus expelled through the opening 20 in tip 18 when the member 12 is compressed, and liquid is drawn into the member 12 through the tip 18 when the member 12 is expanded. The tip 12 may be of any desired configuration as long as it corresponds to the configuration of the catheter to which it is to be connected in fluid engagement. A Luer tip would be preferred under many circumstances.
A means 50 is provided for covering the tip 18 after the member 12 has been prefilled and before use thereof. As shown in the drawings, the means 50 is a clear latex tip cover having a portion 52 thereof shaped so that it may be easily grasped by a thumb and finger for easy removal however, other tip configuration may be employed. Medication may be injected directly through the tip cover 50 by a needle tip syringe, or the cover 50 may be removed and the medication aseptically inserted into the body 12 via a Luer tup of a syringe which cooperates with the passage 20 through the tip portion 18. If desirable, the interior portion of the cover 50 may be sized so that if fits over the drainage tube that will be removed from an indwelling catheter before the irrigating fluid may be introduced by the device 10.
Attached to the "top" portion of the bellows member 12 is a plate 22, terminating the end of the member 12, which plate 22 has locking projections 26 extending therefrom. These locking projections 26 cooperate with locking portion 38 of the member 35 terminating the other end of the body 12, as will be more fully explained hereinafter. Located on top of the plate 22 is a ring 30 adapted to receive the thumb of a person using the bladder washing device 10, whereby compression and expansion of the member 12 are facilitated.
Terminating the other end of the member 12 is the member 35. Member 35 has locking surfaces 38 formed therein for cooperation with the locking projections 26 of plate 22, and has a pair of ring-like portions 40 adapted to receive two fingers of an individual using the bladder washing device 10. By inserting one's fingers into the ring portions 40, guidance of the tip 18 of the device 10 into a catheter is facilitated as well as steadying of the device while the bellows member 12 is being compressed or expanded. The rings 40 and locking surfaces 38 are so positioned that the device 10 can be positively latched in place while the operation of the device is not hindered.
As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2a-2c, when the device 10 is being used, and it is desired to compress the body member 12 and introduce the liquid contained therein into a bladder, the member 12 is compressed until the portions 26 of plate 22 abut or are just above the portion 35. Then the whole device 12 is twisted -- as shown in FIG. 2b -- until projections 26 are out of the path of engagement with the portion 35. Then the member 12 is further compressed, and the projections 26 are allowed to return to their normal position wherein they will engage the undersurfaces 38 of the portion 35 -- as shown in FIG. 2c. A view of the device 10 in this locked position while inserted in a catheter 60 is shown in FIG. 3.
Since the bellows member 12 is preferably constructed of resilient plastic rubber or other resilient material, it will tend to return to its original shape -- as shown in FIG. 1 -- after the locking portions 26, 38 for holding it into its locked position have been released. However, the normal resilient action will not be large enough to completely return it to its normal position and draw the liquid that had been introduced into the bladder back into the member 12; thus, the operator will use the ring portion 30 to pull up on the member 12 to expand it. Since the member 12 will be able to hold only substantially as much liquid as it had therein when it was prefilled and had the medication introduced therein, there will be virtually no possibility for too much liquid being withdrawn from the bladder so that bladder collapse would ensue. Alternatively, in cases where it is anticipated that there will be a large amount of excess liquid in the bladder when the bladder washing operation has been completed (such as when the device 10 remains locked for a long period of time, such as 45 minutes), provision can be made for this by prefilling and capping the member 12 at the factory while in a significantly compressed position. While this will not result in the introduction of any air into the system, it will allow enough room for medication that is to be introduced and for any excess liquid to be withdrawn from the bladder.
Although the apparatus has been shown in the drawings in what is presently conceived to be the most practical embodiment, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the method of the present invention may be practiced with other apparatus than that shown. For instance, different types of guiding means may be provided other than rings 40, a different means for facilitating compression and expansion of the member 12 may be provided other than the ring 30, different types of tips and tip covers may be provided, different locking positions could be used, and even a different type of volume expansion and contraction member may be provided than the bellows 12 (such as a piston and cylinder or a bulb) -- a bellows such as 12 is preferred however for ease of handling, ease of prefilling to the desired amount of inexpensive manufacture and the positive suction and expelling forces obtainable therewith.
The bladder washing operation of the present invention generally comprises the following main steps: The prescribed medication (if any -- the need for antibiotics may be obviated by the use of the aseptic system of the present invention) is introduced into the bladder washing device, the drainage tube is removed from the patient's indwelling catheter, and the tip cover of the bladder washing device is removed. Then a sealed air-tight communication is made between the tip of the device and the catheter, the prefilled volume of liquid in the device is introduced into the bladder via the catheter, the solution is maintained in the bladder for the prescribed length of time [which is usually about 20 - 30 minutes, but can be longer or only instantaneous] while the seal is maintained, and the solution is withdrawn while the seal is maintained. After withdrawal of the liquid -- and only then -- the seal is broken, and the device disposed of.
A detailed step-by-step procedure for practicing the present invention is as follows:
A. Check to see that the patient has an indwelling clean catheter, and aseptically disconnect the drainage tubing and drainage bag from the catheter.
B. Add the prescribed medication to the device 10 by injecting it through the tip cover 50 into the opening 20 through the tip 18. The medication and the prefilled liquid should then be mixed properly.
C. Remove the tip cover 50 from the tip 18, and either place the tip 50 on a flat surface for further use, or place it over the open end of the drainage tube that has been disconnected.
D. By grasping the rings 40 for guidance, insert the tip 18 into a female adapter of the catheter 60, thereby forming a seal between the tip 18 and the catheter 60 that is air-tight.
E. Still holding the rings 40 with the fingers, and inserting the thumb in the ring 30, compress the member 12 thereby expelling the liquid therefrom into the catheter.
F. If it is desired to mechanically wash the bladder in addition to introducing the irrigating liquid therein, the liquid will be withdrawn immediately after introduction by holding the rings 40 while pulling up on the ring 30 and then again introducing the liquid by pressing down on ring 30. This procedure may be repeated as many times as necessary, and no air will be introduced thereby since the seal between the tip 18 and the catheter 60 will still be maintained. The liquid should not be introduced as rapidly as is possible, otherwise injury to the patient may result. There is no need to hold the device 10 as carefully as prior art devices to insure that air will not be introduced since the device is prefilled.
G. After mechanical washing, if it is desired to hold the liquid within the bladder a predetermined amount of time, the bellows 12 is compressed until the projections 26 on plate 22 abut or are just above the portion 35, then the bellows 12 are twisted by twisting ring 30 and plate 22, the bellows 12 are further depressed, and the twisting force is relieved so that the projections 26 will engage the locking surfaces 38 of the portion 35. The device 10 will then stay in this latched position with the seal between the tip 18 and the catheter 60 maintained the prescribed amount of time.
H. When the time has passed, the device 10 is unlocked by again twisting ring 30 and plate 22 so that the projections 26 no longer engage the surfaces 38, the bellows 12 are expanded slightly (they will do so by themselves to a certain extent) by pulling up on the ring 30, the twisting force is relieved, and while holding the rings 40 the ring 30 is slowly pulled up whereby all the liquid previously introduced into the bladder will be drawn into the member 12.
I. After the member 12 is filled -- and only then -- the seal between the tip 18 and the catheter 60 is broken, and the drainage tube is attached to the catheter again.
J. The tip cover 50 may be again placed on the tip 18 of the device 10, and the device is disposed of. Note that as a result of practicing the present invention, this is the only thing that need be disposed of instead of a syringe, collecting tray, graduate with cover, and sterile field as is necessary when practicing the prior art procedures for bladder washing.
To provide for versatility in the type of bladder washing and irrigating procedures that will be employed, prefilled devices 10 may be provided in various sizes - usually a 150 cc and a 200 cc size. As mentioned above, it may also be desirable where the device will be left in longer than the normal 20-30 minutes of dwell time to provide a device 10 that has a potential volume a predetermined amount (such as 50cc) larger than the volume of irrigation solution to be used, and to fill the bellows 12 while the bellows are contracted that predetermined amount, and then to cap the tip 18 with the cover 50. Then more liquid can be withdrawn thereby than introduced therewith. Provision can always be made for the introduction of medication.
It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that a bladder washing method and apparatus have been herein disclosed that insure asepsis during a bladder washing prodedure, and have all of the other advantages mentioned over the methods and apparatus of the prior art. While the invention has been herein disclosed in what is presently conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that many modifications may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention; thus it is intended that the method and apparatus of the present invention cover all equivalents thereto within the scope of the invention, which scope is to be restricted only by the appended claims.
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A method and apparatus for washing the bladder of a patient with an indwelling catheter. The method comprises introducing the tip of a prefilled bladder washing device into the catheter, expelling the liquid from the device to the bladder, latching the device in its compressed position, maintaining the liquid in the bladder a predetermined amount of time and then unlatching the device, withdrawing the previously introduced liquid thereinto, and disposing of the device. Asepsis is assured by the present method. The apparatus has guiding and expansion and contraction means associated therewith as well as latching means that do not interfere with the operation of the device yet assures secure latching in the compressed position.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Present Invention
[0002] The field of the present invention relates to a system to optimize illumination with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that emit specific light wavelengths, wherein said illumination is used on light affected biological processes.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Biological processes that are affected by illumination with specific light wavelengths are well documented in the literature. However, there are limitations regarding adequate illumination distribution conditions required to achieve desired efficiencies of specific biological processes.
[0005] By way of example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/746,389 by Bayless describes an apparatus with a complex light distribution system to illuminate algae that detoxify CO 2 to O 2 in a photosynthetic process or for algae that may be involved in biodiesel refining. Bayless refers to adequate amounts of collected solar white light and dark zones without mentioning at all the effect of light with specific wavelengths, e.g., red light.
[0006] LED emitted red light (680 nm wavelength) is known to increase 5-fold the production of oxygen of algal cultures (see Lee, C. G. and Palsson B. O., High Density Algal Photobioreactors Using Light Emitting Diodes , Biotechnology and Bioengineering. 44:1161-1167 (1994)). Lee and Palsson mention the minimization by LEDs of heat generation, but conclude about the need to improve light distribution.
[0007] Another biological process affected by light is greenhouse plant growth. Jagers mentions the advantage of LEDs for horticultural processes, specifically that LEDs increase energy efficiency by 30% (see Jagers op Akkerhuis, F., LED lighting Systems Will Be More Efficient , Fruit and Veg. Tech., 7:5 pages 6-7 (2207). However, Jagers concludes with questions with respect to the proper illumination conditions.
[0008] A further example of the potential advantage of illumination using LEDs is described by Tamulaitis. Tamulaitis discloses how growing lettuce and radish could be improved by illuminating with four wavelength light LEDs (see Tamulaitis, G. et al., High Power Light - Emitting Diode Based Facility for Plant Cultivation , J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 38:3182-3187 (2005)). However Tamulaitis concludes that further optimization is required.
[0009] Additional examples are U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,933 to Kadkade that describes explants tissue culture under illumination with a specific light wavelength, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,182 to Anderson that discloses illuminating with complex array of LEDS to enhance plant growth.
[0010] Although there is ample evidence about the need of adequate illumination systems for biological processes, e.g., plant growth, algae CO 2 detoxification, alga refining of biodiesels, tissue culture, etc, there is no description in the prior art of an illumination system which allows optimal distributed lighting with specific light wavelengths, low power energy consumption and low heat generation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides a system for optimized illumination of biological processes, wherein said system comprises a LED (Light Emitting Diode) or LEDs and a tridimensional enclosure or tridimensional enclosures, which allows ideal distribution of lighting with specific light wavelengths, low power energy consumption and low heat generation. The system of the present invention permits using specific light wavelengths in alternating or cycling ways, as well as easy-to-set light-dark cycles. In previous pending unpublished U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 11/635,986 and 12/135,175, which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, the first inventor of the present application describes specific applications methods that use the system.
[0012] More specifically, the present invention provides a tridimensional closed system that houses within biological processes, wherein said system comprises:
A. A tridimensional enclosure with internal surfaces, wherein all tridimensional enclosure internal surfaces have all the characteristics of a mirror, and wherein said tridimensional enclosure houses all the elements of a ongoing biological process affected by lighting; B. At least one source of light that illuminates the tridimensional enclosure internal space, wherein the tridimensional enclosure is sealed in order not to allow entry of light from outside of the tridimensional enclosure.
[0015] In a preferred aspect of the system of the present invention, all tridimensional enclosure internal surfaces are mirrors.
[0016] In another preferred aspect of the system of the present invention, the source of light is a Light Emitting Diode (LED), wherein the LED emits a specific wavelength light.
[0017] In one more aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure has a mechanism to regulate temperature.
[0018] In one further aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure has a mechanism to monitor temperature.
[0019] In another aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure has mechanisms to regulate and monitor humidity.
[0020] In an additional aspect of the system of the present invention, the system has a mechanism of agitation.
[0021] In one more aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure is constituted by a single compartment.
[0022] In another aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure is constituted by more than one compartment, and wherein each compartment has at least one source of light that illuminates inside each compartment.
[0023] In a further aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure is constituted by more than one compartment, wherein each compartment has at least one source of light that illuminates inside each compartment, wherein the source of light is a LED, and wherein the source of light of each compartment emits a specific light wavelength.
[0024] Objectives and additional advantages of the present invention will become more evident in the description of the figures, the detailed description of the invention and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 . is an illustrative view of an embodiment of the tridimensional closed system of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 . is another view of an embodiment of the tridimensional closed system of the present invention, in which one of the walls of the tridimensional enclosure is hypothetically open to illustrate that all the internal surfaces (shaded areas) of the enclosure are mirrors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] the present invention provides a tridimensional closed system that houses within biological processes, wherein said system comprises a tridimensional enclosure with one ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) or more compartments ( FIG. 3 ) with internal surfaces, wherein all tridimensional enclosure and internal surfaces have all the characteristics of a mirror ( 3 ), and wherein said tridimensional enclosure houses all the elements of a ongoing biological process ( 1 y 2 ) affected by lighting; and, at least one source of light ( 4 ) that illuminates the tridimensional enclosure internal space, wherein the tridimensional enclosure is sealed in order not to allow entry of light from outside of the tridimensional enclosure.
[0028] The definition of the tridimensional enclosure includes all kind of enclosures with room or space in any geometrical shape or form, e.g., incubators, bioreactors, greenhouses, etc., that houses within all the elements of any type of ongoing biological process either directly inside the tridimensional enclosure or in a support or container ( 1 ) with inside the enclosure.
[0029] In the system of the present invention, if all the elements of the ongoing biological process are in a container ( 1 ) inside the tridimensional enclosure, said container can be any geometrical shaped container that holds, e.g., culture media ( 2 ), etc., and other elements necessary for the ongoing biological process. Examples of containers commonly used are Erlenmeyer flasks ( 1 A) ( FIG. 3 ), laboratory tubes ( 1 B), etc.
[0030] The definition of a biological process affected by lighting covers all kind of light affected biological processes driven by the human hand under controlled conditions: in vitro lab cultures, human cell cultures, animal cell culture, plant cell cultures, microorganism cultures, tissue growth cultures, plant development, plant growth, plant propagation, biomass production (human, animal, plant, fungal, bacterial biomass, etc.), fermentation with microorganisms (e.g., yeast, bacteria, etc), alga growth, alga driven processes (e.g., Co2 detoxification, biodiesel production and refining, materials and substance production, etc), microorganism driven processes (protein, material and substance production, etc), plant driven processes, cell and tissue driven processes, etc
[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, all tridimensional enclosure internal surfaces are mirrors. However, the system of the present invention also covers any kind of surface that has all the characteristics of a mirror although technically such surface may not be a mirror.
[0032] The mirror or mirror like surfaces inside the tridimensional enclosure fully reflect the light emitted by the light source, so all the light emitted is retained and evenly distributed inside the tridimensional enclosure with minimal or no loss of light to the outside of the tridimensional enclosure.
[0033] In another preferred aspect of the system of the present invention, the source of light is a Light Emitting Diode (LED), wherein the LED emits a specific wavelength light.
[0034] The LED definition covers all kind of LEDs that emit a light wavelength in any possible range of the visible and invisible light spectrum. The LED definition covers white light emitting LEDs, ultraviolet light emitting LEDs, violet light emitting LEDs, blue light emitting LEDs, green light emitting LEDs, yellow light emitting LEDs, orange light emitting LEDs, red light emitting LEDs, and infrared light emitting LEDs.
[0035] In one more aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure has a mechanism to regulate temperature. Said mechanism could be any device to generate heat.
[0036] In one further aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure has a mechanism to monitor temperature. Said mechanism includes, thermostats, heat sensors, etc.
[0037] In another aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure has mechanisms to regulate and monitor humidity.
[0038] In an additional aspect of the system of the present invention, the system has a mechanism of agitation ( 5 ).
[0039] In another aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure is constituted by more than one compartment, wherein all compartments have mirror or mirror like internal surfaces, and wherein each compartment has at least one source of light ( 4 ) ( FIG. 3 ) that illuminates inside each compartment.
[0040] In a further aspect of the system of the present invention, the tridimensional enclosure is constituted by more than one compartment ( FIG. 3 ), wherein each compartment has at least one source of light ( 4 ( FIG. 3 ) that illuminates inside each compartment, wherein the source of light is a LED, and wherein the source of light of each compartment emits a specific light wavelength, wherein said LED could be a white light emitting LEDs, ultraviolet light emitting LEDs, violet light emitting LEDs, blue light emitting LEDs, green light emitting LEDs, yellow light emitting LEDs, orange light emitting LEDs, red light emitting LEDs, and/or infrared light emitting LEDs.
[0041] While the description presents the preferred embodiments of the present invention, additional changes can be made in the form and disposition of the parts without distancing from the basic ideas and principles comprised in the claims.
EXAMPLE
[0042] The retention of light was measured by putting a commercially available luxometer inside a cubical box (55 cm side length). Measurements with the luxometer were made for two settings: i) the cubical box has all six internal surfaces covered with mirrors, and ii) the cubical box has five internal surfaces completely covered with mirrors and the sixth surface (just one surface out of six) is not covered with a mirror but had a very clear whitish gray color. Measurements were performed for three LEDs: blue LED, yellow LED and red LED as it is shown in table 1. The LEDs were commercially available 2.5 Watt lamps (Optiled™ 110V Spotlight LED Light Bulb Next Gen Silicon Valley Light Emitting Diode). Results are shown in Table 1.
[0000]
TABLE 1
BLUE LED
YELLOW LED
RED LED
6 mirrors
5 mirrors
6 mirrors
5 mirrors
6 mirrors
5 mirrors
Time
(luxes)
(luxes)
(luxes)
(luxes)
(luxes)
(luxes)
LED off
14
15
14
14
13
16
5 min. on*
98
73
85
45
91
57
10 min. on
95
60
62
36
76
49
20 min. on
94
25
54
27
72
35
30 min. on
94
30
48
24
69
25
60 min. on
94
20
48
24
69
24
90 min. on
95
20
45
23
69
24
*min on: the time in minutes that the LED has been constantly on.
[0043] The results show that when one out of the six internal surfaces of the cubical box is not a mirror (although a surface with very clear whitish gray color), in relation to when the cubical box has all six internal surfaces completely covered with mirrors, there is about 79% light missing for illumination with the blue LED, about 50% light missing for illumination with the yellow LED, and 66% light missing for illumination with the red LED, after 20-90 minutes of constant illumination
[0044] In other words, when about 16.6% of the internal surfaces of the tridimensional enclosure (in this case the cubical box), is not a mirror or mirror like surface, there is 50% or more light missing from the illuminated space inside.
[0045] It has been shown that because of the system of the present invention, illumination with a LED that generates 2.5 watts, may provide adequate lighting to a 166,375 cm 3 (10,648 cubic inches) space for biological processes, and as additionally mentioned in the same inventor referenced patent applications (incorporated herein in their entirety), there is no detectable heat increase.
[0046] Therefore, the system of the present invention provides great optimization of illumination with LEDs with potentially great savings of energy used for lighting.
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The present invention provides a system for optimized illumination of biological processes, wherein said system comprises a LED (Light Emitting Diode) or LEDs and a tridimensional enclosure or tridimensional enclosures, which allows ideal distribution of lighting with specific light wavelengths, low power energy consumption and low heat generation. The system of the present invention permits using specific light wavelengths in alternating or cycling ways, as well as easy-to-set light-dark cycles.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application incorporates by reference and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/786,325 filed on Mar. 15, 2013.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present subject matter relates generally to decking systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plastic or composite exterior decking system that includes a simple snap locking fastener system for installation.
Previous decking solutions suffer from several drawbacks. For example, conventional decking solutions require complicated and cumbersome installation of current deck products. For example, the decking solutions often included a user to manually space and align each deck board for the proper installation of the deck boards. Such solutions result in many failed attempts at evenly spaced deck boards and hours of frustration on the user's behalf.
Further, previous decking solutions lack weather protection for underlying deck joists. As a result, existing systems often have exposed fasteners that detract from the appearance of the deck and allow the elements to directly effect the fasteners causing them to rust or discolor.
In addition, previous decking solutions are typically made in designs and of materials that degrade in response to expansion and contraction caused by seasonal fluctuations in temperature.
Accordingly, there is a need for a decking system that is simple to install, spaces itself automatically, provides weather protection to the deck joists and fasteners, and resists degradation due to expansion and contraction, as described herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure provides a solution to the above mentioned problems. Specifically, the system may include a receiver and deck plank, wherein the plank removeably connects to receiver for installation. For example, the receiver may provide a snap lock function that secures and automatically spaces the deck planks on the receiver, which is fastened to a deck joist. The receiver may further act as a flashing for the deck joists to protect the deck joists from the elements. In addition, the planks are adapted to snap onto the snap lock receiver and act as a cover to protect the underlying fasteners. The receiver may be injection molded from any of a number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, to name a few. The planks may be extruded from any number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, to name a few.
The receiver is installed directly on a deck joists and acts as a receiver for the plank while also acting as a flashing for the deck joist. The receiver includes a plurality of retainers that provide automatic spacing for the deck planks. For example, once the receiver is in place the deck planks are simply pressed or snapped on to the receiver. The decking planks are adapted to shed water and resist the accumulation of water, ice or snow by incorporating a design that includes a convex plank top surface, a point for a continuous drop, and a void in the plank edge to allow for proper water drainage. Once installed if a single deck plank needs to be removed for whatever reason the planks can simply be slid off the end and reinstalled.
In an embodiment, the system includes a receiver and plank, wherein the receiver includes a receiver body including a receiver top surface and an receiver bottom surface. The receiver further includes a retainer extending from the receiver top surface, wherein the retainer has a retainer first end and a retainer second end, wherein the retainer first end extends from the retainer interior surface. The retainer second end may be conical shaped. In yet another example, the retainer is integrally formed with the receiver.
The plank includes a plank body including a plank top surface, plank bottom surface, and two plank edges. The plank may be a deck board. In an example, the plank top surface is convex. The plank further includes a set of arms extending perpendicular from the plank bottom surface, wherein each arm includes an arm first end and an arm second end, wherein the arm first end extends from the plank bottom surface, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank body. The retainer first end is configured to receive the tabs of the set of arms. When the tabs of the arms are engaged with the retainer of the receiver, the arms maintain a space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface. The tab may include a tab end that is tapered.
The receiver may include a plurality of retainers periodically spaced along a length of the receiver. The retainer first end includes a retainer groove on each side of the retainer for receiving the tabs of a set of arms.
In an example, each plank edge includes an arm extending from the interior surface of the plank body, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank of the body. In addition, the arm second end may include a point to enable a continuous drip from the plank.
The system may further include at least one fastener configured to connect the receiver to a deck joist, wherein at least a portion of the fastener resides in a portion of the space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
In another embodiment, the system includes a receiver, a plank, and a deck board. The receiver includes a receiver body including a receiver top surface and a receiver bottom surface. The receiver further includes a retainer extending from the receiver top surface, wherein the retainer has a retainer first end and a retainer second end, wherein the retainer first end extends from the receiver top surface. In an example, the retainer is integrally formed with the receiver.
The plank includes a plank top surface, plank bottom surface, and two plank edges. The plank further includes a set of arms extending perpendicular from the plank bottom surface, wherein each arm includes an arm first end and an arm second end. The arm first end extends from the plank bottom surface, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank body.
The deck board includes a deck board body including a board bottom surface, a board top surface, and board ends, wherein the deck board body is configured to mate with the plank body. In an example, when the deck board body mates with the plank body, the deck board body conceals the plank from view. The deck board ends may include a board groove for receiving the plank edges. In another example, the deck board ends include a point to enable a continuous drip from the deck boards.
The retainer first end is configured to receive the tabs of the set of arms. When the tabs of the arms are engaged with the retainer of the receiver, the arms maintain a space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
The system may include at least one fastener configured to connect the receiver to a deck joist, wherein at least a portion of the fastener resides in a portion of the space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
An objective of the invention is to provide a solution to the complicated and cumbersome installation of current deck products, including providing a solution to spacing of the deck planks.
Another objective is to provide weather protection to the deck joists and to resist degradation and other issues due to seasonal expansion and contraction, as well as a means of concealing the installation fasteners.
An advantage of the present system is that it simplifies a decking installation process by providing a system that inherently provides equal spacing for the deck planks.
A further advantage of the present system is that it conceals the installation fasteners, making it more aesthetically pleasing while providing protection to the installation fasteners from the environmental elements.
Another advantage of the invention is that it provides improved water control and does not allow moisture to accumulate anywhere in or on the system.
Yet another advantage is that the positioning of the installation screws is directly below the decking board, thus they are concealed and out of sight and are also out of direct exposure to weather.
A further advantage of the invention is that the use of materials and designs that resist degradation due to seasonal expansion and contraction.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system in combination with a deck joist.
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system disclosed herein including a plank installed onto the receiver.
FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an example of a plank disclosed herein.
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system disclosed herein including a deck board installed on a plank, which is installed on a receiver.
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a plank disclosed herein.
FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a deck board disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As shown in FIGS. 1-2 , the present disclosure provides a decking system 10 that includes a receiver 12 and plank 14 that may removeably attach to each other. For example, the plank 14 may snap, slide, or otherwise temporarily lock into the receiver 12 .
FIG. 2 depicts the receiver 12 including a generally linear receiver body 16 including a receiver top surface 18 and a receiver bottom surface 20 . The receiver 12 further includes a retainer 22 extending from the receiver top surface 18 . The retainer 22 may be integrally formed with the receiver 12 , or a separate entity that is otherwise attached to the receiver 12 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the receiver 12 may include a plurality of retainers 22 . The retainers 22 may be spaced periodically such that the position of the retainers 22 on the receiver 12 enables a user to attach planks 14 , such as deck boards, that will automatically be aligned. In other words, the spacing of the retainers 22 prevents users from having to measure and align the deck boards themselves, a frustrating and cumbersome process.
The retainer 22 has a retainer first end 24 and a retainer second end 26 , wherein the retainer first end 24 extends from the receiver top surface 18 . The retainer 22 may have any suitable shape. In an example, the retainer second end 26 may be conical shaped. Although, it is contemplated that the shape of the retainer second end 26 may be spherical, square, or rectangular, among other shapes.
The plank 14 includes a generally linear plank body 28 including an plank top surface 30 , plank bottom surface 32 , and two plank edges 34 . In an example, the plank 14 is a deck board. The plank 14 and receiver 12 may be independently made from any of a number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, among others.
The plank top surface 30 may be convex such that rain and water run off the plank edges 34 . The plank 14 also includes a set of arms 36 extending perpendicular from the plank bottom surface 32 , wherein each set of arms 36 includes two arms 38 . Each arm 38 includes an arm first end 40 and an arm second end 42 , wherein the arm first end 40 extends from the plank bottom surface 32 .
As shown in FIG. 3 , the arm second end 42 includes a tab 44 extending parallel to the plank body 28 . Within a set of arms 36 , the two tabs 44 of separate arms 38 may be pointed towards each other. The tab 44 may include a tab end 54 that is tapered. The tapered shape of the tab end 54 may facilitate a user in snapping the plank 14 into place around the retainer 22 . Of course, it is contemplated the tab end 54 may be any suitable shape for facilitating temporarily locking the tab 44 around the retainer groove 48 . For example, the tab end 54 may be round.
The retainer first end 24 is configured to receive the tabs 44 of the set of arms 36 . For example, the retainer first end 24 may include a retainer groove 48 on each side of the retainer 22 for receiving the tabs 44 of a set of arms 36 .
When the tabs 44 of the arms 38 are engaged with the retainer 22 of the receiver 12 , the arms 38 maintain a space 46 between the receiver top surface 18 and the plank bottom surface 32 . In an example, the system 10 may further include at least one fastener 52 configured to connect the receiver 12 to a deck joist. The fastener 52 may be any suitable fastener 52 that connects the receiver to structure, such as a deck joist. For example, the fastener 52 may be a screw, nail, clamp, staple, latch, pin, or anchor, among others.
As shown in FIG. 2 , at least a portion of the fastener 52 resides in a portion of the space 46 between the receiver top surface 18 and the plank bottom surface 20 . For example, when the fastener 52 is a screw, the head of the screw may reside in the space 46 between the receiver top surface 18 and the plank bottom surface 32 .
As shown in FIG. 3 , each plank edge 34 may include an arm 38 extending from the plank bottom surface 32 , wherein the arm second end 42 includes a tab 44 extending parallel to the plank body 28 . In addition, the arm second end 42 may include a point 50 to enable a continuous drip from the plank 14 . For example, the point 50 may be located on a corner between the arm 38 and the tab 44 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the plank edge 34 may include a corner between the arm 38 and the tab 44 , wherein a portion of the corner is a void 68 to allow water drainage from the plank edges 34 .
In another embodiment, the system 10 includes a receiver 12 , a plank 14 , and a deck board 56 . Similarly to the receiver 12 and plank 14 , the deck board 56 may be made from any of a number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, among others. As shown in FIG. 4 , the plank 14 removeably attaches to the retainers 22 of the receiver 12 . In addition, the deck board 56 removeably attaches to the plank 14 , such that the deck board 56 conceals the plank 14 from view.
As shown in FIG. 6 , the deck board 56 may include a deck board body 58 including a board bottom surface 62 , a board top surface 60 , and board ends 64 . The deck board body 58 is configured to mate with the plank 14 . For example, the deck board ends 64 may include a board groove 66 for receiving the plank edges 34 .
In contrast to the example in FIG. 3 , the example of the plank 14 in FIG. 5 does not include arms 38 extending from the plank edges 34 . As a result, the plank edges 34 may be positioned within the board grooves 66 of the deck board 58 . The plank edges 34 may be snapped, slid, or otherwise removeably attached to the deck board 58 .
In another example, the deck board ends 64 include a point 50 to enable a continuous drip from the deck boards 56 . As shown in FIG. 6 , the deck board ends 34 may include a corner that includes the point 50 . The corner may further include a void 68 that allows for proper drainage of the water.
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For example, various embodiments of the method and portable electronic device may be provided based on various combinations of the features and functions from the subject matter provided herein.
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The present disclosure provides a decking system including a receiver and deck plank, wherein the plank removeably connects to receiver for installation. For example, the receiver may provide a snap lock function that secures and automatically spaces the deck planks on the receiver, which is fastened to a deck joist. In addition, the system is designed to conceal fasteners used to attach the system to the deck joist.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth system and its method, more particularly to a crystal growth system and its method using a vibration frequency not less than 0.2 Hz for the vibration with even heating as to improve the crystal quality and enhance the growth interface stability.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the field of single crystal manufacturing technology, the materials for growing crystals include semiconductors, organic matter, inorganic matter (oxides), metals and superconductors, etc. The current methods for growing these crystals mainly include Czochralski method, Bridgman method and a gradient freeze method that is very similar to Bridgman method.
[0003] In general, the yield of Czochralski method is higher than that of gradient freeze method, but the number of defects caused by the thermal stress in the Czochralski method is larger. Therefore, it is more popular to use the Bridgman method and the gradient freeze method to grow compound crystals in addition to the silicon single crystals in recent years.
[0004] As to the Bridgman method and the gradient freeze method, the differences reside in that the Bridgman method moves a crucible in a furnace having a high temperature portion and a low temperature portion to change the melting temperature inside the crucible, and the gradient freeze method moves the crucible to change the melting temperature inside the crucible. Whether the Bridgman method or the gradient freeze method, a stable ambient temperature is provided for steadily growing single crystals regardless, and thus a more appropriate crystal growth condition is provided for manufacturing crystals with higher quality and less defects. However, the latent heat of solidification will be released in a crystal growth process. FIG. 1 shows the interface between the melting state and solid state of the single crystal growth according to the prior art. The interface 13 between the solid-state single crystal 11 and melting state 12 is usually depressed; wherein the melting state 12 could be for any of the foregoing single crystal growing materials, and the convective flow caused by gravitational force will create a doping 14 in the melting state 12 which is distributed and centralized at the center of the interface 13 . In other words, an axial segregation and the radial segregation of the doping 14 are created and thus cause an excessively cold interface 13 or an interface breakdown. The direction of the gravitational force is indicated by Arrow G, and the direction of the convective flow is indicated by Arrow C. As described above, even though the heat transfer can be precisely controlled in the crystal growth process, it is still unable to eliminate the convective flow in the melting state. Therefore, the crystal so grown will be defective, and it is necessary to reduce the axial segregation and radial segregation in order to effectively control the distribution of the doping in the axial and radial directions. It is very important to effectively control the convective flow.
[0005] In the prior art, a magnetic field is added to reduce some of the accumulated doping in order to effectively reduce the impact of convective flow to the crystal growth. However, such arrangement not only makes the manufacturing difficult and the cost high, but also cannot effectively provide a magnetic field to the crystal growing area to control the crystal growth, and thus the method can only be applied for the solution being used as an electric conductor.
[0006] Please refer to FIG. 2 for the illustrative view of the prior-art centrifugal crystal growth system. In recent years, a centrifugal method has been developed to reduce some of the convective flow and further improve the axial segregation. This method uses a large centrifuge 21 to produce a centrifugal force on a crucible 22 . In most cases, a free-swing rotation is adopted for such operation. In other words, the direction of the composite acceleration of the centrifugal force and the gravitational fore is parallel to the axis of the crucible. However, the aforementioned operation method has not fully used the centrifugal force and the Coriolis force, and will cause a three-dimensional flow of the melting state 23 and increase the axial segregation of the doping 24 . A coaxial rotation can be used to achieve the same effect. Further, the accelerated crucible rotation technique (ACRT) is used by changing rotation speed, and an Eckman flow near the interface and a Taylor flow along the ampoule wall are added and mixed to produce a long-cycle unstable growth and impurity fluctuated distribution. To effectively form the Eckman (convective) layer, the cycle for the change of rotation is long and usually falls in the range from several seconds to several minutes.
[0007] In the R.O.C. Patent Publication No. 500839 entitled “rational directional solidification crystal growth system and method”, a furnace, a crucible and a rational mounting device are disclosed. The rational mounting device holds and rotates the crucible, and the tangential speed of the rotation of the crucible is not less than 5π/3 cm/sec. Therefore, it is known that the rational mounting device rotates the crucible in hope of providing a certain centrifugal force perpendicular to the gravitational force to the raw materials and the doping therein and further to eliminate the recession disposed at the center of the interface due to the accumulated doping and enhance the interface stability. That invention also produces a convective flow in the opposite direction of the natural convective flow to eliminate the natural convective flow in order to improve the doping distribution (both in the axial and radial directions) and the single crystal quality. However, a simple rotation in one direction really cannot meet the desired efficiency. Therefore, an effective way of reducing the convective flow phenomenon (which also reduces the axial segregation) and eliminating the central recession and breakdown at the center of the interface as to reduce the axial segregation and the radial segregation and further to avoid the excessively cold interface and the interface breakdown is a subject that deserves immediate attention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth system and method to resist the natural convective flow produced by the gravitational force in order to improve the doping distribution and the crystal quality.
[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth system and method to eliminate the recession disposed at the center of an interface caused by the accumulation of a solute or a doping and enhance the interface stability.
[0010] A rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth system in accordance with the present invention comprises: a furnace, being vertically disposed for providing different ambient temperatures; a crucible, being disposed in the furnace and vertically aligned together with the axis of the furnace; and a rotational vibrating apparatus, including a mounting holder, a motor and a vibrating apparatus and being coupled to the crucible for vibrating the crucible; wherein the furnace further contains a high temperature portion, a thermal isolation portion and a low temperature portion. The high temperature portion provides a high temperature status; the low temperature portion provides a low temperature status; and the high temperature status provides a temperature higher than the melting point of a raw material for performing a heating process and the low temperature status provides a temperature lower than the melting point of a raw material for performing a crystallization process, and thus the present invention can provide different ambient temperature for performing different processes.
[0011] A rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth method in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of: (S 1 ) providing a furnace having a crucible therein, and the crucible contains a seed and a raw material; (S 2 ) using the furnace to heat the crucible and melt the raw material as to achieve the even blending effect; and (S 3 ) providing a rotational vibrating apparatus for angularly vibrating the crucible and using the furnace to cool the crucible.
[0012] It is noteworthy that the person skilled in the art may rotate the crucible at a low speed in a prior-art crystal growth system and method as to increase the evenness of heating the crucible, and also stop rotating the crucible and then rotating the crucible in an opposite direction as to improve the mixing. Such method is called the accelerated crucible rotation technique (ACRT), which is significantly different from the present invention. In other words, the frequency of rotating the crucible or changing the rotational direction according to the prior art is very low (far lower than 0.2 Hz) and its objective is to increase the evenness of heating the crucible and mixing with the impurities, which is significantly different from the objective of the present invention. Further, the frequency of rotating the crucible or changing the rotational direction is far smaller than 0.2 Hz claimed in the present invention.
[0013] Since the rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth method in accordance with the present invention uses a frequency higher than 0.2 Hz to vibrate the raw materials and their doping alternatively in clockwise and counterclockwise rotational directions in the crystal growth process, therefore the present invention can provide sufficient resistance for the Stokes flow at the interface in order to resist the uneven convective flow caused by the gravitational force to the raw materials and their doping and further eliminate the recession disposed at the center of the interface due to the accumulated doping and enhance the interface stability. The present invention also produces a streaming flow that flows in a direction opposite to the natural convective flow for eliminating the natural convective flow and enhancing the doping distribution (in both axial and radial directions) and the crystal quality.
[0014] To make it easier for our examiner to understand the objective of the invention, its structure, innovative features, and performance, we use a preferred embodiment together with the attached drawings for the detailed description of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the interface of the melting sate and the solid state according to a prior crystal growth system.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of a prior centrifugal crystal growth system.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Attachments 1 and 2 are two photographs of the laboratory for carrying out the embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The detailed description and technical characteristics of the present invention are described together with the drawings as follows.
[0021] Please refer to FIG. 3 for an illustrative view of a rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth system 3 comprises: a furnace 31 , being vertically disposed for providing different ambient temperatures; a crucible 32 , being disposed in the furnace 31 and vertically aligned with the same axis of the furnace 31 ; and a rotational vibrating apparatus 33 , including a mounting holder 331 , a motor 333 and a rotational vibrating apparatus 335 and being coupled to the crucible 32 for vibrating the crucible 32 ; wherein the furnace 31 further contains a high temperature portion 311 , a thermal isolation portion 313 and a low temperature portion 312 . The high temperature portion 311 provides a high temperature status; the low temperature 312 portion provides a low temperature status; and the high temperature status provides a temperature higher than the melting point of a raw material for performing a heating process and the low temperature status provides a temperature lower than the melting point of a raw material for performing a crystallization process, and thus the present invention can provide different ambient temperatures for performing different processes. The thermal isolation portion 313 is disposed between a high temperature portion 311 and the low temperature portion 312 for isolating the temperature different between the high temperature portion 311 and the low temperature portion 312 of the furnace 31 . The crucible 32 has a seed well 321 and a crystal growth arena 322 , and the seed well 321 accommodates a seed 72 and the crystal growth arena 322 accommodates a raw material 71 and a doping 711 distributed in the raw material 71 . The raw material 71 could be an organic matter, an oxide, a superconductor, a metal or a semiconductor, such as Benzil (an organic matter), LiNbO 3 (an oxide), PZNT (a piezoelectric material), Yba 2 Cu 3 O 6+x (a superconductor), aluminum (a metal), gallium phosphide (GaP), gallium arsenide (GaAs), silicon germanium compound (Si x Ge 1−x ), and cadmium telluride (CdTe) (semiconductors) which is applicable to this invention. The crucible 32 further contains a crucible axle 332 working together with the rotational vibrating apparatus 33 for achieving the stable effect for the rotation and vibration. More precisely speaking, the rotational vibrating apparatus 33 and the crucible 32 substantially, coaxially and simultaneously rotate and vibrate. The present invention further comprises a bearing 334 disposed at an end of the crucible 32 for facilitating the rotation and vibration in the furnace, and the rotational vibrating apparatus 33 vibrates with a vibrating frequency no less than 0.2 Hz, and the amplitude of the vibration can be adjusted as needed. In the figure, the crucible 32 moves vertically up and down as to rotate and vibrate the crucible 32 in the furnace 31 from the high temperature portion to the low temperature portion. Therefore, a movement in the opposite direction with the thermal convective flow is produced by the heating in the high temperature portion 311 to resist the natural convective flow produced by the gravitational force, improve the doping distribution, eliminate the recession disposed at the center of the interface caused by the accumulation of solutes or impurities, and enhance the interface stability. After the movement, the cooling of the low temperature portion 312 is used to carry out the crystal growth process with the seed 72 in the seed well 321 . Therefore, this embodiment further comprises a motor (not shown in the figure) and a linear sliding track (not shown in the figure) for driving and controlling the crucible 32 to move vertically up and down. In another embodiment, the furnace 31 can move vertically to rotate and vibrate the crucible 32 in the furnace 31 and move the crucible 32 from the high temperature portion 311 to the low temperature portion 312 . Similarly, the foregoing heating, melting, cooling, and crystallization processes are performed. Please refer to FIG. 3 for the rotational vibrating apparatus 33 being disposed under the crucible 32 according to this embodiment. Alternatively, the rotational vibrating apparatus 33 could be disposed above the crucible 32 or some other places.
[0022] All doping 711 corresponding to the foregoing raw material 71 such as neodymium in benzyl; magnesium oxide (MgO) or iron in lithium niobate (LiNbO 3 ), silicon or selenium in gallium arsenide; and phosphorus in cadmium telluride. It is noteworthy that the yttrium-barium-copper oxides and the silicon germanium compounds use different combination of elements as the doping, such as the yttrium-barium-copper oxide (Yba 2 Cu 3 O 6 ) containing 6 oxygen atoms and the yttrium-barium-copper oxide (Yba 2 Cu 3 O 7 ) containing 7 oxygen atoms. Further, mole-mass ratio of the lithium niobate (LiNbO 3 ) or the lithium tantalate (LiTaO 3 ) is 1:1 for the crystal growth.
[0023] Taking semiconductors for example, if the raw material 71 is a semiconductor of gallium belonging to the element group IIIA and arsenic belonging to the element group VA, then the high temperature portion 311 must provide a temperature higher than the melting point of the gallium arsenide (GaAs) and the low temperature portion provides a temperature lower than the melting point of the gallium arsenide (GaAs).
[0024] Please refer to Attachments 1 and 2 for two pictures of the laboratory demonstrating the use of this invention, which show the succinonitrile being added to a small quantity of acetone to serve as a doping for the crystal growth, and the crystal growth rate is 2.5 μm/s. Attachment 1 shows the crystal growth result without rotating and vibrating the crucible and Attachment 1 shows the crystal growth result by rotating the crucible 32 at a vibrating frequency of 60 Hz (angular vibration of approximately 0.06 radian). From Attachments 1 and 2 , it is obvious that if the crucible 32 is not rotated or vibrated, the acetone will accumulate at the center of the interface, and thus will expedite the occurrence of interface breakdown. If the crucible 32 is rotated and vibrated, then the interface breakdown will not occur.
[0025] Please refer to FIG. 4 for the procedure of the rotationally vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth method, which comprises the steps of:
(S 1 ): providing a furnace having a crucible therein, and the crucible contains a seed and a raw material: since the crucible contains a seed well and a crystal growth arena, therefore the seed well can accommodate the seed and the crystal growth arena can accommodate the raw material and the doping distributed in the raw material; the present invention adopts the semiconductor gallium phosphide of Element Group III-V for the raw material and silicon for the doping; (S 2 ): using the furnace to heat the crucible and melt the raw material as to achieve the even blending effect; since the furnace contains a high temperature portion for providing a high temperature status and the high temperature status provides a temperature higher than the melting point of the raw material, and thus the raw material can be melted; since gallium phosphide is used as the raw material in the invention, therefore the crucible must be heated to a temperature over 1465° C. to melt the gallium phosphide; and (S 3 ) providing a rotational vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating the crucible and using the furnace to cool the crucible: the rotational vibrating apparatus is disposed either above or under the crucible to work together with a bearing and a crucible axle; the rotational vibrating apparatus and the crucible substantially, coaxially and simultaneously rotate and vibrate for achieving the stable effect for the rotation and vibration and the rotational vibrating apparatus vibrates with a vibrating frequency no less than 0.2 Hz, and the amplitude of the vibration can be adjusted as needed. On the other hand, since the crucible can move vertically up and down, the crucible in the furnace can rotate and vibrate from the high temperature portion to the low temperature portion. The low temperature portion provides a low temperature status for providing a temperature lower than the melting point of the raw material, so that the seed in the seed well can be used to crystallize the raw material, and the furnace further comprises a thermal isolating portion disposed between the high temperature portion and the low temp portion for isolating the temperature difference between the high temperature portion and the low temperature portion, so that the crystallized raw material will not be affected by the heating portion. In another embodiment, the furnace moves vertically to facilitate the crucible to rotate and vibrate in the furnace and move from the high temperature portion to the low temperature portion. Since the raw material used in this invention is gallium phosphide, therefore it is necessary to cool the crucible to a temperature below 1465° C. to solidify the gallium phosphide.
[0029] The raw material adopted in this invention could be an organic matter, an oxide, a superconductor, a metal or a semiconductor, such as Benzil (an organic matter), LiNbO 3 (an oxide), PZNT (a piezoelectric material), Yba 2 Cu 3 O 6+x (a superconductor), aluminum (a metal), gallium phosphide (GaP), gallium arsenide (GaAs), silicon germanium compound (Si x Ge 1−x ), and cadmium telluride (CdTe) (semiconductors). Therefore this invention can be applied extensively in the semiconductor and related industries.
[0030] In summation of the description above, since the rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth system and the method according to the present invention adopt a vibrating frequency no less than 0.2 Hz to rotate and vibrate the crucible in a crystal growth process, a sufficient streaming flow (Stokes flow) at the interface to the raw material in the crucible can be achieved. Therefore, the raw material will produces a flow in the direction opposite to that of the natural convective flow as indicated by Arrow C in FIG. 1 . As a result, the present invention can eliminate the recession at the center of the interface caused by the doping and the natural convective flow as well as reduce the axial and radial segregations of the reactant as to avoid an excessively cold assembly caused by the partially accumulated doping and interface breakdown.
[0031] The foregoing embodiments are used for examples only and not intended for being a limitation. For example, the temperature of the finance can be changed according to the gradient freeze method or the Bridgman method, and the temperature distribution of the furnace can be changed by multi-sectional heating, and the rotational vibrating apparatus can just rotate and vibrate the crucible. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and procedures.
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A rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth system comprises a furnace, a crucible, a rotational-vibration device including a mounting holder, a motor and a vibrating apparatus. The furnace contains a high temperature portion, a thermal isolation portion and a low temperature portion. The crucible connected to the rotational-vibration device within the furnace has a seed well down to a crystal growth arena. The crystal is grown as the ambient temperature profile moving from high to low, which can be achieved through a relative movement between the furnace and the crucible. That is either the furnace or the crucible is undergoing a top-down movement. The rotational-vibration device offers the crucible the required rotation and angular vibration, with a vibrating frequency no less than 0.2 Hz.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a linear ball bearing unit suitable for use as a slide bearing unit in, for example, machine tools, machining centers or the like, as well as in transportation robots having parts which make reciprocal sliding motion while carrying heavy load.
2. Description of the Prior Art:
A typical known linear ball bearing unit has a bearing body which is mounted on an elongated track shaft for movement along the length of the track shaft through the medium of balls interposed therebetween and retained by a ball retainer. This known linear ball bearing unit, however, suffers from various problems as follows.
Firstly, the known linear ball bearing unit of the type mentioned above can bear only light load particularly in the horizontal and radial directions. This is attributable to the fact that the vertical loads acting in upward and downward directions and horizontal loads acting in the horizontal directions to the left and right, as well as radial loads acting in radial directions, are born only by trains of loaded balls arranged to run along the upper and lower sides of lateral projections projected laterally from both lateral ends of the track shaft.
Secondly, the height of the bearing body is increased undesirably due to the necessity of the space for loaded ball trains and non-loaded ball trains on and above the track shaft, which in turn increases the level of position of the load application point of the bearing body. The loaded ball trains on the track shaft elevates also the position of load application point of the track shaft. The elevation of the load application points of both of the track shaft and the bearing body serve to deteriorate the stability of the linear ball bearing unit.
For stabilizing the bearing unit, particularly when the level of load application point of the track shaft is high, it is necessary to lower the position of the load application point of the bearing body by decreasing the vertical thickness of the same. The reduction of thickness, however, is accompanied inevitably by a reduction in the rigidity of the bearing body itself, resulting in a smaller capacity for bearing loads particularly in the horizontal and radial directions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a linear ball bearing unit which can bear greater horizontal and radial loads than known linear ball bearing units.
It is another object of the invention to provide a linear ball bearing unit in which the position of the load application point is lowered to increase the stability, without being accompanied by any substantial reduction in the rigidity.
To these ends, according to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a linear ball bearing unit comprising: a bearing body having a pair of skirts provided on their opposing surfaces with longitudinal ribs, the bearing body further having ball rolling grooves formed in both side surfaces of the ribs and constituting parts of passageways for loaded balls, and non-loaded ball passage bores formed substantially in the central portions of said skirts; a track shaft provided in both side surfaces thereof with recesses for receiving the ribs on the bearing body, the recesses being provided in both side walls thereof with ball rolling grooves constituting parts of the passageways for loaded balls; and lids attached to both ends of the bearing body and adapted to provide ball turn grooves through which the passageways for loaded balls constituted by said ball rolling grooves in said bearing body and said track shaft are connected to corresponding non-loaded ball passage bores thereby to permit ball trains to be recirculated through the passageways for loaded ball and then through the non-loaded ball passage bores.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1 to 15 in combination show an embodiment of the linear ball bearing unit in accordance with the invention in which:
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a bearing body;
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a track shaft;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of the bearing body and the track shaft assembled together through the medium of balls interposed between ball rolling surfaces of the bearing body and the track shaft;
FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of a segment of a side lid;
FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the segment shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI--VI of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII--VII of FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a segment of a retainer;
FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line IX--IX of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is an end view of the segment of the retainer;
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the bearing body mounted on the track shaft;
FIG. 12 is a plan view of the bearing body mounted on the track shaft;
FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line XIII--XIII of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line XIV--XIV of FIG. 13, showing the interior of the bearing body demounted from the track shaft; and
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV--XV of FIG. 13 illustrating the recirculation of the ball train.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described hereinunder with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring first to FIG. 1, a bearing body generally designated at a numeral 1 is an elongated member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section defined by a top wall 11 and a pair of skirt portions 12a and 12b which are suspended from both side portions of the top wall 11 and defining therebetween a central recess 10 beneath the top wall 11. The skirts 12a and 12b are provided on their inner or opposing sides with longitudinal ribs each having a trapezoidal cross-section. The ribs 13a and 13b are provided in both side walls thereof with ball rolling grooves 14a,14a' and 14b,14b', each having a radius of curvature which is about a half of the diameter of the ball and extending over the entire length of the bearing body 1. Four ball rolling grooves 14a,14a',14b,14b' are arranged in symmetry with respect to a horizontal axis X which connects the centers of both ribs 13a,13b and with respect to a vertical axis Y which passes the center of the top wall 11. The centers of the arcs constituting the ball rolling grooves are located on respective sides Z of an imaginary diamond shape the sides Z of which intersect the horizontal and vertical axes X and Y at predetermined angles. Passage bores 15a,15a' and 15b,15b', for non-loaded balls are formed in respective skirts 12a and 12b to extend in the longitudinal direction of the latter in parallel with the ball rolling grooves 14a,14a',14b,14b' mentioned before. The passage bores 15a,15a',15b,15b' are arranged in symmetry with respect to the horizontal axis X and the vertical axis Y mentioned before. More specifically, the non-loaded ball passage bores 15a,15a',15b,15b' are disposed in the close proximity of the horizontal axis X so that the height of the bearing body 1 is reduced considerably. This in turn lowers the position of the load application point of the bearing body to stabilize the bearing particularly against the loads applied in horizontal or radial directions. In order to ensure a smooth running of the non-loaded balls B 2 , the non-loaded ball passage bores 15a,15a',15b,15b' are made to have a diameter somewhat greater than that of the balls.
Referring now to FIG. 2, an elongated track shaft 2, which is adapted to be received by the central recess 10 of the bearing body 1, is fixed to a movable or stationary part of a machine tool or the like by means of a fixing means such as bolts. The track shaft 2 is provided in its both sides with recesses 20a and 20b for receiving the ribs 13a and 13b on the bearing body 1. The recess 20a is provided in its both vertical end portions with ball rolling grooves 21a and 21a' opposing to the ball rolling grooves 14a and 14a' formed in the bearing body 1. Similarly, ball rolling grooves 21b and 21b' formed in the vertical ends of the recess 20b correspond to the ball rolling grooves 14b and 14b' formed in the bearing body 1. The ball rolling surfaces 21a,21a',21b and 21b' have a radius of curvature which is about a half of the diameter of the ball, and extend over the entire length of the track shaft 2. Thus, four loaded ball passageways 3 to 6 for loaded balls B 1 are formed by the cooperation between the ball rolling grooves 14a,14a',14b and 14b' in the bearing body 1 and the ball rolling grooves 21a,21a',21b and 21b' in the track shaft 2. Since the contact angle α between the loaded balls B 1 and the loaded ball passageways 3 to 6 is selected to be 45° as illustrated in FIG. 3, the bearing unit can uniformly bear both of the vertical and horizontal loads applied to the bearing body 1.
As stated before, the loaded ball passageways 3 to 6 are formed by ball rolling grooves 14a,14a',14b and 14b' formed in the bearing body 1 and the ball rolling grooves 21a,21a',21b and 21b' formed in the track shaft 2, each ball rolling grooves being a circular arc groove having a radius of curvature which is about a half of the ball diameter. Therefore, the loaded ball B 1 makes contact with the ball rolling grooves at two points m and n spaced from each other in the direction of application of load, when the ball is preloaded or load is applied in various directions, so that the balls are allowed to roll smoothly without making any differential sliding or slip. When a heavy load is applied to the bearing body 1, each ball contacted by ball rolling grooves at two points makes an elastic deformation to provide substantial contact areas to increase the rigidity of the ball bearing. Furthermore, ideal arrangement employing a suitable contact angle α between the balls and four rows of circular grooves, in combination with the construction for two-point contact of the balls, can relieve elastic deformation of tha balls, so that any offset of the ball rolling grooves which may be incurred during assembling is conveniently absorbed within the bearing to ensure a smooth linear movement without encountering substantial resistance.
Numerous balls B in the form of continuous trains are circulated through each of the loaded ball passageways 3 to 6 defined by the ball rolling grooves 14a,14a',14b and 14b' in the bearing body 1 and the ball rolling grooves 21a,21a',21b and 21b' in the track shaft 2 and then through each of the non-loaded ball passage bores 15a,15a',15b,15b'. In each train of the balls B, the balls residing in the loaded region, i.e. the loaded ball passageway are referred to as "loaded balls B 1 " while the balls in the non-loaded region, i.e. in the non-loaded passage bore, are referred to as "non-loaded balls B 2 ". Thus, the balls B in respective trains are recirculated through the loaded ball passageways 3 to 6 and then through the non-loaded ball passage bores 15a to 15b'.
FIGS. 4 to 7 in combination show segment type lids 7 and 8 adapted to be attached to the front and rear ends of the bearing body 1. These lids 7 and 8 are made by an injection molding or die-casting from a synthetic resin or a die-cast alloy. The construction of the lids 7 and 8 will be explained hereinunder with specific reference to the right-hand side segment 70b of the lid 7 by way of example. The right-side segment 70b of the lid 7 has U-shaped ball turn grooves 71b and 71b' having curved groove bottoms. These U-shaped ball turn grooves 71b and 71b' are connected at their starting ends to the loaded ball passageways 5 and 6 which are formed between the ball rolling grooves 14b,14b' and 21b,21b' on the bearing body 1 and the track shaft 2 and at terminal ends to the non-loaded ball passage bores 15b and 15b', respectively. The right-hand side segment 70b having the U-shaped ball turn grooves 71b, 71b' cooperate with a left-hand side segment 70a having similar construction and function in connecting the front ends of the loaded ball passageways 3 to 6 and the front ends of corresponding non-loaded ball passage bores 15a to 15b' which in combination form continuous passageways for recirculation of the balls.
On the other hand, the loaded ball grooves 3 to 6 and the non-loaded ball passage bores 15a to 15b' are connected at their rear ends through another lid 8 composed of a pair of segments 80a and 80b having same construction and function as the segments of the first-mentioned lid 7. Thus, four independent ball recirculating passageways are formed by the combination of the loaded ball passageway 3 and the non-loaded ball passage bore 15a, combination of the loaded ball passageway 4 and the non-loaded ball passage bore 15a', combination of the loaded ball passageway 5 and the non-loaded ball passage bore 15b, and the combination of the loaded ball passageway 6 and the non-loaded ball passage bore 15b', respectively.
A retainer groove 72b is formed to have a predetermined depth in one 70b of the segments. The retainer groove 72b is formed across the starting ends of the U-shaped ball turn grooves 71b and 71b' mentioned before. Similar retainer grooves are formed also in the other 70a of the segments of the front lid 7, as well as in the pair of segments 80a and 80b of the rear lid 8.
Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 10, a reference numeral 9 denotes an elongated retainer for retaining and guiding loaded balls B 1 . The retainer 9 consists of a left segment 90a and a right segment 90b arranged in a pair. Slits 91a,91a',91b and 91b' are formed in the segments 90a and 90b so as to extend along both side edges of these segments 90a and 90b. The slits 91a,91a',91b and 91b' are sized to retain the balls B. Tongues 92a,92a',92b and 92b', formed in both ends of these slits, are intended for scooping the balls coming out of the loaded ball passageways 3 to 6 and delivering the same into corresponding U-shaped ball turn grooves 71a,71a',71b,71b' and 81a,81a',81b,81b', thereby to ensure smooth turning of the ball running direction from the linear passageways to the semi-circular turn grooves. As will be seen from FIGS. 14 and 15, the pair of retainers 9 are fixed to the lids 7 and 8 with their both ends engaged by the retainer grooves 72a,72b,82a and 82b in the lids 7 and 8.
The arrangement is such that, in the assembled state in which the retainers 9 are fitted in the bearing body 1 and fixed at both ends by the lids 7 and 8, the axes of the slits 91a,91a',91b and 91b' coincide with the axes of the loaded ball passageways 3 to 6, respectively, as shown in FIG. 13.
The operation of the linear ball bearing unit of the invention will be described hereinunder with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15 which in combination show the bearing unit in the assembled state. A machine part such as a robot arm (not shown) is mounted on the bearing body 1. As the bearing body 1 is moved forwardly, the loaded balls B 1 are made to run rearwardly while being clamped between the ball rolling grooves 14a,14a',14b and 14b' in the bearing body 1 and the ball rolling grooves 21a,21a',21b and 21b' in the track shaft 2 and guided by the retainer 9. The loaded balls B 1 then come out of respective loaded ball passageways 3 to 6 and are scooped by the tongues 92a,92a',92b and 92b' on one end of the retainer 9. The tongues then deliver the balls into the U-shaped ball turn grooves 81a,81a',81b and 81b' in the lid 8 so that the ball running direction is turned from the linear direction to the circular direction. The balls are then introduced into the non-loaded ball passage bores 15a,15a',15b,15b' in the bearing body 1 to run forwardly along these passageways as the non-loaded balls B 2 . The non-loaded balls coming out of the non-loaded ball passage bores 15a,15a',15b,15b' are turned as they move along the U-shaped ball turn grooves 71a,71a',71b and 71b' formed in the front lid 7 and then introduced into the loaded ball passageways 3 to 6 to run along the latter as loaded balls B 1 . This recirculation of ball trains is continued during the forward movement of the bearing body 1. Obviously, the ball trains are recirculated in the reverse direction when the bearing body 1 is moved backwardly.
The linear ball bearing unit of the invention having the construction heretofore described offers the following advantages.
It is to be noted that, since two loaded ball passageways are formed at each side of the track shaft as shown in detail in FIG. 13, the linear ball bearing unit can bear heavy load applied in the horizontal or radial direction as indicated by arrows.
It is to be noted also that the height or level H of the top surface of the bearing body 1 from the plane G on which the track shaft is fixed can be reduced because the loaded ball passageways and non-loaded ball passageways are all disposed at lateral sides of the track shaft but not on or above the latter. The reduced level H lowers the position of load application point, i.e. the position of the top surface of the bearing body, which in turn contributes to the enhancement of stability of the linear ball bearing unit. The elimination of the loaded ball passageways from the upper side of the track shaft, i.e. the positioning of the loaded ball passageways on lateral sides of the track shaft allows the bearing unit to bear the load at lateral sides of the track shaft, i.e. at levels comparatively close to the plane G to which the track shaft is fixed, in contrast to the conventional linear slide bearing in which the load acts at a level considerably spaced upward from the plane G. This of course makes it possible to reduce the height of the track shaft itself to further enhance the stability of the linear ball bearing unit advantageously.
In addition, the rigidity of the bearing body 1 is increased because the thickness T of the solid upper part of the bearing body 1 can be increased thanks to the elimination of the loaded ball passageways and non-loaded ball passageways from the upper side of the track shaft. The increased rigidity of the bearing body obviates undesirable outward deformation or opening of the skirts which is often experienced with the known linear ball bearing unit having insufficient rigidity of the bearing body when a heavy load is applied to the upper side of the bearing body and, accordingly, ensures safe and smooth rolling and running of the balls and bearing body.
Although the invention has been described through specific terms, the described embodiment is not exclusive and various changes and modifications may be imparted thereto without departing from the scope of the invention which is limited solely by the appended claims.
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A linear ball bearing unit for use in machine tools, transportation robots or the like comprises a bearing body having a pair of skirts with opposed inner surfaces. Ball rolling grooves are formed in both inner surfaces of the skirts and constitute parts of the passageways for loaded balls. Passage bores for non-loaded balls are formed in the central portions of the skirts. The bearing unit further comprises a track shaft which is provided in both side surfaces thereof with recesses in face-to-face relationship with the ball rolling grooves of the skirts thus forming passageways for loaded balls. Lids are attached to both ends of the bearing body and adapted to provide ball turn grooves through which the passageways for loaded balls are connected to corresponding passage bores for non-loaded balls thereby permitting ball trains to be recirculated through the passageways for loaded balls and then through the passage bores for the non-loaded balls. The angle of contact between the loaded balls and the ball-rolling grooves in the bearing body and the track shaft is set to be about 45 degrees.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the design and construction of sprinkler systems, it is common practice to mount the individual sprinkler head in a so-called "recessed" mode. In this construction, the sprinkler head is located above an aperture in the ceiling and does not extend below the ceiling; a cover plate is provided which is usually arranged to fall away from the ceiling and from the sprinkler head at a given temperature in order to expose the sprinkler to the hot gases from a fire. In the past, these cover plates have been mounted for the support of the cover plate on a tubular extension which, after the sprinkler is installed, is attached to a similar tubular portion surrounding the sprinkler. Since the location of the sprinkler can vary by considerable amounts, due to the water distribution pipe locations above the ceiling, it has always been difficult to place the cover in position properly, so that it is not spaced from the surface of the ceiling. Furthermore, a bayonet lock was used to join the two tubular parts and this made it difficult for the installer to make a good connection. Also, such equipment is quite expensive, since all the parts are made of stamped metal and held together by a low-temperature alloy. These and other difficulties experienced with the prior art devices have been obviated in a novel manner by the present invention.
It is, therefore, an outstanding object of the invention to provide a sprinkler assembly in which a recessed sprinkler head has an improved appearance.
Another object of this invention is the provision of a sprinkler assembly including a casing and cover plate which are easy to apply by the sprinkler installer.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a sprinkler assembly including a cover plate which drops away at a substantially low temperature to expose the sprinkler head.
It is another object of the instant invention to provide a sprinkler asembly which is simple in construction, which is inexpensive to manufacture, and which is capable of a long life of useful service with a minimum of maintenance.
With these and other objects in view, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention resides in the combination of parts set forth in the specification and covered by the claims appended hereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general, the invention consists of a sprinkler assembly having a water distribution pipe to which is connected a sprinkler head which is operative when exposed to a preselected temperature. A ceiling underlies the sprinkler piping and has a lower surface that is below the lowest point of the sprinkler heas; the ceiling has an aperture in which the lowest point of the sprinkler head lies. A tubular casing surrounds the sprinkler head and is suspended therefrom, so that the casing has a lower edge which lies substantially in the plane of the said lower surface of the ceiling. A cover plate lies against the lower surface of the ceiling and completely covers the aperture, the cover plate having an upwardly-extending abutment that extends snugly into the lower end of the casing. The cover plate is formed of a polymer material that softens at a temperature substantially below the said preselected temperature.
More specifically the cover plate is formed of polyepsilon caprolactone and the casing is formed of a polymer material having a softening temperature substantially above the said preselected temperature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The character of the invention, however, may be best understood by reference to one of its structural forms, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a sprinkler assembly embodying the principles of the present invention, and
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a casing and cover plate forming part of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring first to FIG. 1, wherein are best shown the general features of the invention, the sprinkler assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 10, is shown as consisting of a water distribution pipe 11 which is operatively connected to a sprinkler head 12 which head is operative when exposed to a preselected temeperature, such as 160° F.
A ceiling plaster or tile 13 forms part of a suspended ceiling that underlies the sprinkler. The tile has a lower surface 14, which lies below the lowest point of the sprinkler head and has an aperture 15 to which the lowest point of the sprinkler head lies.
A tubular casing 16, formed of a relatively high-temperature plastic or polymer, surrounds the sprinkler 12 and is suspended from it. The casing is generally tubular or bell-shaped and has a lower edge 17 which lies substantially in the plane of the said lower surface 14 of the tile 13. A cover plate 18 lies against the lower surface of the tile and completely covers the aperture 15 and the lower portion of the sprinkler head. The cover plate has an upwardly-extending cylindrical abutment 19 that fits snugly into the lower end of the casing 16 and is held in place by the friction between the abutment and the inner surface of the casing. The cover plate 18 is formed of a polymer material that softens at a temperature substantially below the said preselected temperature at which the sprinkler 12 operates.
The sprinkler 12 has a threaded neck 21 which extends upwardly for threaded engagement with the water distribution pipe 11 operating in the preferred embodiment through a T-fitting and a coupling.
As is evident in FIG. 2, the casing 16 has an inwardly-directed flange 22 constituting a upper end closure for the tubular casing; the flange 22 defines an aperture 23 which threadedly engages the threaded neck of the sprinkler head. The aperture 23 and the casing is provided with a circular enlarged rim 24 and the entire casing is formed of a semi-rigid plastic, so that the threaded neck 21 can be threadedly joined to the rim 24 by plastic deformation of the latter.
In the preferred embodiment, the aperture 15 in the tile 13 and the cross section of the casing 16 are both circular and of approximately the same size. The interior of the lower end of the casing 16 and the abutment 19 on the cover plate 18 are both cylindrical surfaces of approximately the same size. The cover plate 18 is a circular disk of larger diameter than the aperture 15, so that it extends beyond the edges of the aperture.
In the preferred embodiment, the preselected temperature at which the sprinkler head 12 operates is approximately 160° F., while the softening temperature of the polymer material in the cover plate 18 is approximately 125° F. In the preferred embodiment, the polymer material of which the cover plate is formed is polyepsilon caprolactone. Furthermore, the casing 16 is formed of a plastic or polymer material having a softening temperature substantially above the set preselected temperature at which the sprinkler head 12 operates.
The operation and advantages of the invention will now be readily understood in view of the above discussion. It is assumed that the tile 13 forming part of the ceiling is already in place as is the water distribution pipe 11 with a suitable T or lateral threaded element which is already in place also. The person installing the sprinkler system moves the sprinkler head up through the aperture 15 and threads it into the coupling forming part of the distribution pipe 11, so that the sprinkler head occupies a position in which its lower end lies within the aperture 15 in the ceiling tile. Before installing the sprinkler, however, he threads the threaded neck 22 through the aperture 23 in the casing 16, so that the casing surrounds the sprinkler head and is generally coaxial thereof. Since the rim 24 is formed of semi-rigid plastic, it can be deformed by the threads in the neck 21 to form threads that engage the threads in the neck, so that the casing 16 is held firmly in place. The sprinkler head is installed and adjusted vertically to lie entirely above the surface 14 of the tile 13. It is possible for the installer to rotate the casing 16, allowing the threads to bring its lower edge 17 exactly into the plane of the lower surface 14 of the tile. Finally, after the sprinkler installation has been completed, the installer simply presses the cover plate 18 upwardly, so that the abutment 19 slides snugly into the inner surface of the casing 16 at its lower end. Moving the abutment upwardly vertically eventually will cause the cover plate to engage the lower surface 14 and provide a snug fit and an excellent appearance.
The sprinkler assembly 10, as is shown in FIG. 1, may lie inoperative for a considerable length of time; however, if and when a fire takes place in the room space below the sprinkler head, the temperature of the gases reaching the assembly will increase in proportion to the severity of the fire. When the softening temperature of the cover plate 18 is reached (which in the case of polyepsilon caprolactone will be around 125°), the cover plate will soften and drop out of the casing 16 downwardly in the room. This serves to expose the sprinkler head 12 and to allow it to be subjected to the temperature of the gases rising from the fire. Eventually, the temperatures of the gases will reach the preselected temperature for which the sprinkler has been set, such as 160° F. The low-temperature alloy or other release mechanism in the sprinkler head will cause it to open and spray water downwardly. Because of the formation of the sprinkler, the spray will extend in a broad cone from the bottom of the casing 16 and, presumably, put out the fire. The casing 16 serves as an oven for the hot gases to accumulate before the sprinkler head releases and, after the sprinkler becomes operative, it also prevents water from spraying onto the top of the ceiling 13 and the space above the ceiling, thus reducing the amount of damage. Because the casing 16 is formed of a relatively high-temperature plastic, it will remain in place even in the presence of gases that are hot enough to operate the sprinkler, so that after the sprinkler begins operating the casing is still protective to maintain the water from the spray below the level of the tile 13.
It can be seen, then, that the present apparatus is not only inexpensive but provides an easy, accurate method of adjustment of the casing and the cover relative to the bottom surface of the tile, so that the appearance is excellent. Furthermore, it is clear that the cover plate 18 can be replaced after the fire is put out and the apparatus reactivated. Furthermore, the fact that the installation of the cover plate 18 takes place after all other elements of the sprinkler assembly have been located, means that the cover plate remains clean and does not have to be washed by the installer after the job has been completed.
It is obvious that minor changes may be made in the form and construction of the invention without departing from the material spirit thereof. It is not, however, desired to confine the invention to the exact form herein shown and described, but it is desired to include all such as properly come within the scope claimed.
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Recessed sprinkler apparatus including a cover plate having a melting temperature substantially lower than the release temperature of the sprinkler head.
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The present application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/709,347 filed Aug. 18, 2005 and entitled “Sonde Housing.”
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates to drilling apparatus for directional drilling in utility installations and, more particularly, to housings for drill string instrumentation such as sonde transmitters and the like.
2. Background Description of the Prior Art
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a means of boring horizontally underground to provide utility installations and remediation of utility installations already in place. While most open areas are “open trenched” with various trenching equipment, the HDD boring rigs are used to “drill” a bore path under obstacles such as rivers, roads, railroads, other existing utilities etc.
An HDD drill rig consist basically of a boring machine and a drill string including drill pipe, locating electronics (aka transmitter, sonde or transmitter beacon, typically configured as an instrument assembly for being enclosed or packaged within a tubular housing), and a boring bit attached to the front of the drill string. A bore path is plotted and laid out for the contractors. The drilling crew then drills at an angle into the ground along the bore path until the desired depth is reached. The bore is then leveled out and advanced under the obstacle. During this time the locating electronics instrumentation is installed between the drill bit and the drill pipe for transmitting the drill bit's depth, pitch and clock location (e.g., at 12, 3, 6, or 9 o'clock) to the surface. Once the desired bore length is reached under and past the obstacle, the bit is steered toward the surface. The pilot tool is then removed and a reamer can be used to open the hole to a larger diameter while pulling the drill pipe back. If the pilot hole is the desired size, the tool is removed and the pipe, conduit or “product” is pulled back through the hole. During drilling, the drill pipe is fed into the bore 10 to 15 feet at a time. Attached to the front of the drill pipe just behind the drill bit (or, alternatively, a mud motor) is the instrumentation package such as a sonde housing which houses and protects the sonde (transmitter).
With respect to the instrumentation package, currently there are two types of prior art sonde housing designs on the market. The first type of prior art housing is known as an “end load” sonde housing. The sonde is loaded from one end of the housing and secured therewithin. With no “door” or “lid” access to the sonde this design requires “breaking” the connection between housing and drill stem to obtain access to the sonde within the housing. However, this design allows for a full set of “water ports” to be machined within the wall space surrounding the sonde cavity allowing a large volume of drilling fluids to be pumped through the drill pipe and tool. The volume and pressure capacity of this design allow drillers to drive hydro/mechanical drilling tools in the hole often called “mud motors”
The “end load” design is preferred for its flow capabilities and the security it offers for the electronics in the sonde. Secured inside the end load housing, the sonde is rarely lost during the coarse of boring. However, since the transmitter is powered by batteries, the process of disconnecting the drill string from the housing and removing the sonde can be cumbersome and difficult. This is especially true on shorter, smaller diameter “in & out” bores where the tool usually remains on the drill pipe from bore to bore.
The second type of prior art housing is known as a “side load” housing. It is more popular for use with smaller machines without the large pump capacity for mud motor drilling. These rigs use a variety of bits that drill by rotational force from the drill rig transferred through the drill pipe. The side load design allows easy access to the sonde for maintenance, battery changes and replacement of the sonde. On a side load housing the sonde is installed through an opening in the side of the housing that is long enough for the sonde to be inserted laterally, with its axis parallel to the axis of the sonde housing. The sonde is inserted parallel with the housing and secured in place. A housing door or “lid” is then attached to the housing to cover and protect the transmitter.
The side load feature is a time saving design but reduces the number of water ports that may be provided to direct fluid from one end of the housing to the other. This fluid restriction is the primary reason this housing design is not used with the larger machines.
Another drawback to the side load design is that, on occasion during the drilling process, due to deterioration or extreme rotational torque, the side lids or doors become dislodged from the housing. Once the door is dislodged from a closed position or removed the sonde is completely exposed and typically protrudes from the housing or even falls out of the housing. At that point the sonde is usually irretrievable or damaged beyond repair. The cost associated with this failure is usually the loss of the sonde ($2,000-$5,000) plus the added expense of “tripping” out of the hole, making repairs” and tripping back into the bore.
What is needed is an instrument housing for a drill string that provides full protection for the instrumentation, allows full capacity water ports for use with mud motors, provides for ease of assembly into a drill string, and provides an easily adjusted clocking mechanism for the instrument package, and is low in cost of manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an instrument housing for a drill string is described herein, comprising: a cylindrical housing having a centered axial bore forming a cavity for receiving an instrument assembly such as a transmitter sonde, the dimensions of the cross section of the cavity exceeding the diameter of the instrument assembly by a predetermined clearance; an elongated side load opening disposed parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cavity, formed through a side of the cylindrical housing and into the cavity opening, the side load opening having a length substantially less than the length of the instrument assembly; and an elongated side load door assembly, having first and second ends and configured to fit within the side load opening, for enclosing and securing the instrument assembly within the cylindrical housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a sonde housing according to the present invention, having a sonde partially installed therewithin;
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 including a clocking mechanism, a spacer assembly, and a side load door in position for assembly, and further having the sonde in place within the cavity of the sonde housing;
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 following assembly;
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section view of one embodiment of the sonde housing of FIG. 3 ; and
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section view of an alternate embodiment of the sonde housing of FIG. 3 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Disclosed herein and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 is one embodiment of a new side load housing for and instrument assembly called a transmitter sonde, sometimes referred to as a ‘beacon.’ While the specific embodiment describe herein is a sonde housing according to the present invention, the principles of the invention are applicable generally to cylindrical instrument housings having round or rectangular cross sections, that enclose a generally tubular instrumentation assembly, and that are typically used in harsh environments.
The sonde housing of the present invention illustrated in the appended figures provides a side-loaded sonde housing that is more resistant to damage to the side loading door assembly, and to the transmitter sonde (or, simply, sonde) itself, that may result from the torque applied to the drill string during drilling. The novel sonde housing design not only reduces the possibility of door loss but also protects and secures the sonde in the event the door does fail. As will be described, the clocking mechanism for use with the sonde is simplified, to reduce the time required to load and calibrate the sonde within the housing. This design also allows for an increased number (3 or 4 or 5) of water ports to accommodate the water flow capacity requirements of mud motors, as compared with prior art side load designs. In the description that follows, the reference numbers identifying the various structural features remain the same throughout the five figures when they refer to the same structures.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the side load sonde housing 10 of the present invention is made from either a tubular product or a solid material with a center bore or cavity 14 disposed along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The center cavity 14 may have a round cross section, or the cross section may be rectangular having interior wall surfaces 16 as in the illustrate embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 . In other embodiments the cross section may have other shapes. The housing is typically fabricated from a heat treated and hardened 4140 or 4340 alloy of stainless steel. Around the center cavity 14 of the housing 10 in the body 12 (see FIG. 4 or 5 ) of the housing 10 , several water ports 110 may be drilled the length of the housing 10 . The size and number of these ports 110 is determined by the drill rig and pipe size and the type of tools being used. Typically there are at least 3 or 4 such water ports 110 , although in conventional side load sonde housings having a full length side load door, the number of such side ports is limited to one or two such ports.
The center cavity 16 may be “plugged” and welded to provide a seal on each end 18 , 20 . A side load door opening 30 is machined through the body 12 of the housing 10 . The door opening 30 , which is shorter than conventional side load sonde housings, and disposed near one end of the cavity, is approximately 60% to 80% of the length of the sonde 40 . Also machined in the body 12 of the sonde housing 10 are a series of narrow antenna ports 22 that permit the transmitted signal from the sonde or beacon 40 to be radiated from the sonde 40 . There are typically five such ports (two are shown in FIG. 1 ), including one cut through the door 80 , shown in a longitudinal cross section. In some embodiments, the antenna ports 22 are cut using a circular saw blade and produce an antenna port cross section as shown by the arcuate lines 96 in FIG. 2 . Further, FIG. 1 illustrates a drilled, tapped, and countersunk hole called a “flush port” 24 for receiving a ¾ inch flush plug. The flush plug may be removed for cleaning the sonde housing 10 after use to remove mud, debris and other materials that accumulate in the housing 10 during drilling operations. At each end of the sonde housing 10 , the housing is machined to be coupled with other drill string components at the tapered and threaded tool joints 26 , 28 .
Continuing with FIG. 1 , the interior notches 34 , 36 are machined in each narrow end of the opening 30 to allow the tabs 86 , 88 machined on the door 80 to engage the housing 10 . An interior ledge 32 is also machined around the perimeter of the opening 30 to support the door 80 and to eliminate any deflection of the door 80 into the cavity 14 by forces occurring in the drill string path. The body 12 of the housing 10 further includes a drilled and tapped hole 54 for a third bolt 94 to secure the door 80 to the body of the housing 10 . A drilled and tapped hole 54 is also formed in the floor of the cavity in the housing to receive a second bolt 70 for securing the spacer 66 to the housing. The third bolt 94 and the second bolt 70 , as well as a first bolt 64 to be described may each preferably be, for example, a nylon pelleted, socket head shoulder bolt.
To install the sonde 40 into the housing 10 , the first end 42 of the sonde 40 is configured to be inserted into the center cavity 14 at an angle 50 relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing 10 . Before insertion, the sonde 40 may be oriented rotationally, so that, in the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 3 , the keyway or slot 46 is positioned at an initial position of “6 O'clock” and pushed into the enclosed portion of the housing 10 . Once fully inserted into the enclosed portion of the housing 10 , whereby the inside end 42 is positioned against the end 18 of the cavity 14 , and the indexing or exposed end 44 of the sonde 40 can be lowered into the cavity 14 and settled into position substantially inside the enclosed area of the housing 10 . Resilient collars 48 , such as O rings, are installed on the sonde 40 to center the sonde 40 within the cavity 14 and provide cushioning against mechanical shock. In the embodiment shown, for a typical sonde housing, approximately four inches of open space 100 (See FIG. 2 ) should remain in the open area of the cavity 14 after the sonde 40 is installed in the cavity 14 .
Referring to FIG. 2 , since the sonde 40 is to be “clocked” or indexed in respect to the drill bit's installed position, the sonde 40 may be rotated inside the cavity 14 to the desired position for indexing. In FIG. 2 , a two-piece “clocking mechanism” 60 is installed into the housing 10 and attached to the sonde 40 via the keyway or slot 46 formed in the end of the sonde 40 . This clocking mechanism 60 secures the sonde 40 in the proper rotational relationship (calibration) and partially secures the sonde 40 in the housing 10 . The clocking mechanism 60 itself may then be secured with a first bolt 64 . First bolt 64 may be a socket head shoulder bolt.
Continuing with FIG. 2 , once the clocking mechanism 60 is installed and secured with the first bolt 64 , the spacer 66 is inserted to fill the remaining open space 100 in the cavity 14 . The spacer 66 is designed with an extension or lip 67 that extends over the clocking mechanism 60 and a portion of the sonde 40 itself. The spacer 66 is secured to the bottom of the cavity 14 in the tapped hole 54 using the second bolt 70 and provides added measure of security for the sonde 40 should the door 80 (to be described) be lost. With the sonde 40 , clocking mechanism 60 and spacer 66 installed, somewhat less than about half the length of the sonde 40 is exposed if the door 80 is lost as compared to the exposure of the entire 18″ length of the sonde 40 when the prior art full length side load doors are lost.
The exploded view of the sonde housing 10 shown in FIG. 2 includes a door 80 for enclosing and securing the sonde 40 within the cavity 14 of the housing 10 . The door 80 includes an exterior surface 90 , a machined hole 92 for passage of the third bolt 94 therethrough, and an edge 98 on either side of the door 80 that fits along the interior ledges 32 of the sonde housing 10 when the door 80 is in place. After securing the spacer 66 , the first end 82 of the door 80 with machined tab 86 is slid at an angle completely into the first notch 34 in the housing 10 and then slid in the opposite direction along the supporting interior ledges 32 (See FIG. 1 ) within the bore 16 to engage the second tab 88 into the second notch 36 . The door 80 is then secured to the housing 10 using the third bolt 94 . The housing 10 may include tool joints 26 , 28 on either end, as previously described.
Continuing with FIG. 2 , a drill bit 102 having a threaded male end 104 is shown in an aligned position in preparation to be threaded into the female socket end of the tool joint 28 of the sonde housing 10 .
Referring to FIG. 3 , an instrument housing 10 for a transmitter sonde 40 according to the present invention is shown with the sonde 40 installed and indexed or “clocked” within the housing 10 in a proper orientation to correspond to the position of the drill bit (not shown) as described herein above. It will also be observed that once the door 80 is placed in its final position, a slight gap 106 remains between the end 82 of the door 80 and the end of the opening 30 that receives the door 80 . However, only part of the tab 86 is exposed, the rest (and most) of its length remaining within the housing 10 . Also shown in FIG. 3 is the ¾ inch (typically) “flush plug” 116 in place in the hole 24 provided. FIG. 3 further illustrates the drill bit 102 installed in position tool joint 28 .
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 there are illustrated cross sections of the sonde housing 10 with the transmitter sonde 40 installed, taken at the position indicated by the Roman Numerals IV and V respectively in FIG. 3 . FIGS. 4 and 5 depict respective embodiments of a sonde housing 10 having four water ports 110 disposed in the body 12 of the sonde housing 10 ( FIG. 4 ) and two water ports 110 disposed in the body 12 of the sonde housing 10 ( FIG. 5 ). The embodiment of FIG. 4 is especially suited for sonde housings used with mud motors, which require relatively large volumes of water be pumped through the body of the sonde housing. The embodiment of FIG. 5 is suited for drilling operations where a mud motor is not used.
While the invention has been shown in only one of its forms, it is not thus limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, one version of the sonde housing 10 is available wherein the cross section may be any of three diameters adapted to 3.0″, 3.5″, and 4.5″ drill bits. The invention including its various component parts is readily scaled.
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An instrument housing for a drill string, comprising: a cylindrical housing having a cavity for receiving an instrument assembly such as a transmitter sonde; an elongated side load opening disposed parallel with and toward one end of the cavity and formed through a side of the cylindrical housing into the cavity. The side load opening is substantially shorter than the length of the instrument assembly; and an elongated side load door assembly is configured to fit within the side load opening, to enclose and secure the instrument assembly within the cylindrical housing such that the instrument is protected from loss or damage due to loss or damage to the side load door during operation.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to a hair extension assembly and a method of securing it to the natural scalp hair of a wearer. An attachment assembly is connected to a base and cooperatively structured therewith to facilitate passage of a plurality of natural hair groupings there through. The natural hair groupings are secured to one another subsequent to passage through the attachment assembly thereby accomplishing a secure, long lasting application in a manner which avoids the disadvantages of attaching it to the wearer's head in a conventional manner.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are many and various techniques and products designed to increase hair volume and/or hair length. Chemical products or the addition of natural or artificial hair to the natural scalp hair are well known. The hair pieces vary in structure, design and materials, as well as the methods of application to the natural hair of the wearer. The disadvantages and problems associated with such known devices are well known and the satisfaction level of wearers is generally low. However, people continue to use such known devices as well as the current techniques of application, due in large part to the unavailability of viable alternatives.
Aside from inferior extension designs and techniques of attachment, there are also drawbacks associated with the adhesive products that are used to attach the extension hair to the natural scalp hair. More specifically, as commonly applied the adhesive becomes brittle, and therefore allows hair loss of the extension hair as well as damage to the natural hair. Removal of the adhesive is time consuming, and further damages the hair. In addition, the glue does not have a long operable life thereby requiring the extension hair to be replaced often, further damaging the natural hair.
Moreover, current application techniques, with the exception of “comb style” extensions, take several hours, and therefore reduce profitability of the stylist and tolerance of the client. Some of the current techniques used for the application of hair extensions include the relatively small gatherings of extension hair being bonded to the natural scalp hair. It is recognized that this procedure may take one or even two days, resulting in very high costs to the client. Also, the ability to naturally comb, brush and even wash known extension hair is limited. From an appearance stand point, the attached hair is placed under the top layer of natural hair in a manner which still renders it visible during normal daily activities.
Other known extension structures and methods of application include the use of small tubes through which extension hair and natural head hair are threaded. The tubes are then clamped to grip the hair contained therein. As with other known techniques, the use of such tubes, etc. is uncomfortable and easily observable. Other techniques include the use of small beads to tie the extension hair to the natural head hair. In addition, combs and clasps are frequently used but are recognized as being temporary, uncomfortable to wear, and easily detectable. Another method includes weaves and braiding of natural and extension hair. However, these methods are very time consuming for original applications and must be completely removed and re-applied to accommodate hair growth. Still other known techniques may utilize plastics and tape adhesives to attach extension hair strips to the wearer's scalp or hair. Recognized problems include the formation of “lumps” or “bulges” under a top layer of natural hair.
Use of at least some of these known techniques also causes damage to the natural scalp hair in addition to the long application time and high costs to the user, as set forth above. As also indicated, most current hair extension products and techniques must be completely removed and reapplied to overcome deterioration of the extension hair and the growth of the wearer's natural hair. Finally, known techniques for applying extension hair involve extensive training and a long learning curve for the stylist in order to become proficient in the application method and to provide the user with a desired and consistent appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a hair extension assembly as well as a method of its application to the scalp hair of the wearer. Accordingly, the structural and operative features of the hair extension assembly provide for an increase in hair volume and/or hair length of the wearer's natural hair. Moreover, the method of attaching the hair extension to the hair of the wearer can be learned by a hair stylist in a significantly shortened training period. Advantageously, when applied to the hair of the wearer, the hair extension can be washed and subjected to conventional, every day treatment.
More specifically, the various preferred embodiments of the hair extension assembly of the present invention include an elongated base formed of an appropriate material such as, but not limited to, an open mesh material. As will be apparent, the material used for at least the base has sufficient flexibility to conform to the natural contours of the wearer's head and/or scalp. The base further includes a collection of extension hair comprising a plurality of supplemental strands connected to the base and extending outwardly preferably from a common longitudinal side thereof. Different ones of the hair extension assembly of the present invention may include the plurality of supplemental strands varying in number, length, texture, color, etc. and be collectively formed from a variety of different materials including, but not limited to human hair or other hair-like substitutes known in the industry.
In addition, the base includes an attachment assembly secured to and extending along at least a majority of the length of one longitudinal side of the base which is opposite to the side associated with the plurality of supplemental strands, as set forth above. Moreover, the attachment assembly is structured to facilitate the passage of the natural hair of the wearer therethrough in a manner which secures the base and the remainder of the hair extension assembly to the head of the wearer in an efficient and effective manner. At least one or more preferred embodiments of the attachment assembly comprise a plurality of loops collectively extending along the length of the common longitudinal side of the base. As such, the plurality of loops may be integrally formed with the base or otherwise connected thereto so as to at least partially define the longitudinal side of the base which is common to the plurality loops.
Further, the plurality of loops may be disposed in a contiguous or spaced apart relation to one another and are sufficiently dimensioned and configured to facilitate the passage of natural hair of the wearer through correspondingly disposed ones of the plurality of loops. As set forth in greater detail hereinafter, the effective application of the hair extension assembly to the head of the wearer is accomplished by forming a plurality of hair groupings from the natural hair of the wearer. The plurality of natural hair groupings are formed to collectively extend along a length of and adjacent to a “hair part” or seam. Such a seam will be formed in a predetermined location and in a horizontal or transverse orientation across the head of the wearer. As such, the plurality of natural hair groupings are formed from the natural hair of the wearer located adjacent the formed seam or hair part.
Further steps in the application of the hair extension assembly to the head of the wearer include the positioning of the base and more specifically the plurality of loops defining the attachment assembly in adjacent and/or aligned relation to the seam or hair part. When the attachment assembly is in the preferred, aligned orientation, the plurality of natural hair groupings are manipulated, using appropriate hair styling instruments, so that they pass through correspondingly positioned ones of the plurality of loops. Thereafter, portions of the lengths of adjacent ones of the hair groupings are connected to one another, subsequent to having passed through the correspondingly disposed plurality of loops. At least two, but in certain embodiments a plurality of at least three, adjacently disposed natural hair groupings are secured to one another such as by using a wax based adhesive such as, but not limited to, Keratin. Alternatively, the free ends of two or more of the natural hair groupings, once having passed through the corresponding loops, may be secured to one another by a braiding technique or a tie method, each of which is commonly practiced by a number of hair stylists.
As should be apparent, more than one hair extension assembly may be applied to the head of the wearer at various levels in order to accomplish the intended enhancement of the length, thickness, etc. of the wearer's natural hair. However, in each instance, the base and attachment assembly is at least initially, adjustably connected in aligned relation to the seam or hair part. Such an adjustable connection facilitates a more accurate positioning of the attachment assembly relative to the seam, preferably along the length of the base and attachment assembly. Once attachment of the hair extension assembly is accomplished in the manner set forth in greater detail hereinafter, the supplemental strands of the collection of extension hair are then disposed in overlying relation to the seam and the natural hair of the wearer. As a result, the collection of extension hair and the natural hair of the wearer will be blended together to provide a natural appearance while accomplishing the intended purpose of increased volume, length, etc.
Further with regard to the method of attaching a hair extension assembly to the head of the wearer, the aforementioned seam or hair part is formed by gathering a collection of natural hair above the seam as well as a collection of natural hair being disposed below the seam or hair part. As set forth above, seam will preferably extend in a generally horizontal or transverse orientation to the wearer's head, assuming that the head is in a generally upright position. Hair clips or other conventional instruments may be used to obtain the collection of natural hair located above and/or below the seam. Upon application, the base of the hair extension is substantially aligned adjacent to the seam, wherein the plurality of loops associated with the connecting assembly are disposed above the seam but in substantially alignment therewith. Therefore, the plurality of loops are disposed in an “inverted” orientation such that the loops face downwardly toward the bottom or free end of the natural hair of the wearer. Clips or other conventional instruments may be used to secure the collection of extension hair, including the plurality of supplemental strands temporarily to the collection of natural hair located above the seam. Such clips or other conventional instruments thereby serve to removably dispose the base and the plurality of loops relative the seam further facilitating a more precise or accurate alignment of the loop with the seam.
Thereafter, the plurality of natural hair groupings are gathered by the hair stylists, wherein each grouping is disposed in somewhat spaced relation to the next adjacent natural hair groupings and each is sized to pass through a correspondingly disposed one of the plurality of loops. As such, not all of the plurality of loops will necessarily receive a natural hair grouping there through. However, the natural hair groupings while disposed in at least minimally spaced relation to one another will be sufficiently close or adjacent to facilitate the attachment of two or more adjacent hair groupings to one another subsequent to passing through correspondingly disposed loops of the attachment assembly. The connection of the hair extension assembly to the head of the wearer will thus be accomplished in a more ‘natural’ manner, thereby avoiding the discomfort, problems and recognized disadvantages of securing the portion of the hair extension directly to the head using adhesive or any other conventional manner.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a front plan view in partial cutaway of the hair extension assembly of the present invention.
FIG. 1A is an end view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a user's head and scalp hair arranged to form a hair part or seam within a predetermined part of the natural hair of the wearer.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 wherein the hair part or seam is being formed.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hair extension assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 1A being aligned with the formed hair part or seam of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 .
FIG. 5 is a perspective view in partial cutaway showing the various steps in the attachment of the hair extension assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 1A to the natural hair of the wearer.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are each perspective views in partial cutaway further representing the method of applying the hair extension assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 1A to the natural hair of the wearer.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a hair extension assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 1A having been attached to the natural hair of a wearer and being blended therein.
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As represented in the accompanying Figures, the present invention is directed to a hair extension assembly generally indicated as 10 , which is structured to be added to the natural scalp hair 102 on the head of a wearer 100 , as schematically represented in FIGS. 2-8 . More specifically, the hair extension assembly 10 includes a base 12 formed of a mesh material or other material which includes a sufficient degree of flexibility to at least partially conform to the contours of the head and/or scalp of a wearer 100 .
With primary reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A , the hair extension assembly 10 also includes a collection of extension hair comprising a plurality of supplemental strands generally indicated as 14 . The supplemental strands may be formed of a variety of materials including human or animal hair or other material which may be commonly known to form wigs, hair pieces, etc. As such, the plurality of supplemental strands 14 may collectively or individually vary in length, texture, number, etc. dependent at least in part on the desires or intent of the wearer 100 to enhance the volume and/or length of the natural hair. Moreover, the plurality of supplemental strands 14 are connected to the base 12 such as by sewing thereto or by other appropriate means. As such, the plurality of supplemental strands 14 collectively extend along and outwardly from what may be generally considered a first longitudinal side 16 of the base 12 .
As also represented in FIGS. 1 and 1A , the hair extension assembly 10 includes an attachment assembly generally indicated as 18 connected to or integrally formed along a second longitudinal side 20 of the base 12 . As clearly represented in FIG. 1 , the attachment assembly 18 may in fact define at least a portion of the second longitudinal side 20 and is oppositely disposed to the first longitudinal side 16 to which the plurality of supplemental strands 14 are attached. As also represented, the plurality of supplemental strands 14 and the attachment assembly 18 may extend along a majority or substantially the entire length of the corresponding longitudinal sides 16 and 20 and therefore along the corresponding length of the base 12 .
The attachment assembly 18 is specifically structured to facilitate the attachment or connection of the hair extension assembly 10 to the natural hair 102 of the wearer 100 , in a manner which avoids its repeated detachment and replacement due to normal hair growth. More specifically, the attachment assembly 18 is structured to facilitate the passage of predetermined portions of the natural hair or “hair groupings” 22 through the attachment assembly 18 . The natural hair groupings 22 are subsequently interconnected in the manner described in detail with specific reference to FIGS. 1-7 . Accordingly, at least one preferred embodiment of the hair extension assembly 10 defines the attachment assembly 18 as comprising a plurality of loops 24 each having an open interior 24 ′ with a closed peripheral or boundary. Therefore, the plurality of loops 24 can be accurately described as being closed loops of sufficient dimension and configuration to facilitate the passage of the hair groupings 22 therethrough.
With further regard to FIG. 1 , the plurality of closed loops 24 may be disposed in contiguous relation to one another or alternately in at least minimally spaced relation to one another. The plurality of loops 24 extend along a predetermined length of the base 12 and second longitudinal side 20 . It is emphasized that the dimension and configuration of different ones of the hair extension assembly 10 may vary depending upon the needs and desires of the wearer 100 . As set forth above, the number of supplemental strands 14 as well as the number of loops 24 may vary as they extend along a predetermined length of the corresponding first and second longitudinal sides 16 and 20 . Therefore, the configuration and dimensions of different hair extension assemblies 10 may vary such as, but not limited to, when more than one hair extension assembly 10 is concurrently used by the same individual. When a plurality of hair extension assemblies 10 are applied to the natural hair 102 of the wearer 100 , their placement will differ from one another so as to accomplish an enhancement of the length and/or volume of the natural hair, as desired by the wearer 100 .
As primarily demonstrated in FIGS. 2-8 , the hair extension assembly 10 is structured to facilitate attachment or application thereof to the natural hair 102 of the wearer 100 in a manner which is distinguishable from known methods of attachment of conventional hair pieces. More specifically, in the attachment of each hair extension assembly 10 , a “hair part” or seam 105 is formed in the natural hair 102 of the wearer 100 at a location where the extension assembly 10 is to be disposed. Moreover, the hair part or seam 105 is more specifically defined by a first collection of natural 102 ′ located beneath the seam 105 and disposed to naturally extend downwardly from corresponding first side 105 ′ schematically represented in FIG. 2 . The hair part or seam 105 is further defined by a second collection of natural hair 102 ″ positioned to extend upwardly or away from a second side 105 ″ of the seam 105 . As is also represented, in order to maintain the second collection of natural hair 102 ″ on the corresponding side 105 ″ of the seam 105 , a clip, band, tie, etc. 107 may be used as indicated. Similarly, as represented in FIG. 3 , a similar clip, band, tie, etc. 107 may be used to gather and/or maintain the first collection of hair 102 ′ in a gathered orientation.
As also indicated, the hair part or seam 105 may be formed in a substantially horizontal orientation or more specifically an orientation which extends transversely across the hair 102 and head or scalp of the wearer 100 . The term “horizontal” as used herein is not meant to describe a precisely horizontal orientation or position but rather describe the general disposition of the hair part or seam 105 when the head of the wearer 100 is maintained in a normal, upright position. In contrast, the term “vertical” may be used to describe the natural fall or hanging, of the first collection of natural hair 102 ′ or orientation of the natural hair 102 before and after the hair extension assembly 10 is applied to the wearer 100 .
With primary reference to FIGS. 3-5 , once the part or seam 105 has been formed and is clearly distinguishable on the scalp of the wearer 100 some of the hair, generally indicated as at 104 is separated from the first collection of natural hair 102 ′. The separated hair 104 is disposed adjacent to the first side 105 ′ of the seam 105 and is sufficient in quantity to form a plurality of hair groupings 22 , as set forth above and as represented in FIGS. 5-7 . As also indicated, the plurality of hair groupings 22 comprise a plurality of natural hair strands, wherein each of the hair groupings 22 are disposed in spaced relation to one another on the same first side 105 ′ of the seam 105 which defines the first collection of natural hair 102 ′. The plurality of hair groupings 22 may vary in number and the actual number of strands defining each hair grouping 22 may also vary in number. However, the number and size of the hair groupings 22 should be sufficient to facilitate a secure attachment of the base 12 to the natural hair 102 subsequent to the passage thereof through corresponding ones of the openings 24 ′ of the closed loops 24 . Also, the size of the natural hair groupings 22 should be at least partially dependent on the size and/or configuration of the loops 24 and openings 24 ′. By way of example only, one preferred embodiment of the attachment assembly 18 may include a dimension of the loops 24 to be in the range of ⅛ inch to ¼ inch in diameter, wherein the corresponding dimension of the openings 24 ′ are slightly smaller.
The attachment of the hair extension assembly 10 is further represented in FIGS. 4 and 5 , wherein the base 12 of the hair extension assembly 10 is adjustably and removably disposed in aligned relation with the seam 105 . In the representations of FIGS. 4 and 5 , the seam 105 is not clearly represented in that the alignment between the base 12 with the seam 105 may result in at least a portion of the base 12 , such as the attachment assembly 18 , being disposed in overlying relation to the seam 105 . The adjustable alignment of the base 12 with the seam 105 is further defined by the plurality of closed loops 24 , being disposed in an “inverted” orientation such that the plurality of loops 24 face downwardly along the length of the natural hair 102 , 102 ′. In addition, the collection of extension hair defined by the plurality of supplemental strands 14 is removably connected to the second collection of natural hair 102 ″ and maintained in overlying relation therewith by virtue of a clip, band, tie, etc. 107 . The initial, adjustable attachment of the base 12 in adjacent relation to the seam 105 facilitates a more accurate or precise final alignment therewith. This initial adjustable alignment of the base 12 with the seam 105 facilitates the plurality of loops 24 being accurately disposed relative to the first collection of natural hair 102 ′ and the plurality of hair groupings 22 formed therefrom, as clearly represented in FIGS. 5-7 .
With primary reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 , once the plurality of hair groupings 22 are formed so as to collectively extend along the first side 105 ′ of the seam 105 they are individually passed through correspondingly disposed ones of openings 24 ′ of the plurality of loops 24 defining the attachment assembly 18 . FIGS. 5 and 6 represent each of the openings 24 ′ of the closed loops 24 having a different hair grouping 22 passing there through. However, the present invention also contemplates that adjacent ones of the plurality of hair groupings 22 will be passed through spaced apart ones of the openings 24 ′. As a result, each of the openings 24 ′ of the plurality of closed loops 24 may not have a hair grouping 22 pass therethrough. In addition, the manipulation of each of the plurality of hair groupings 22 which facilitates their passage through correspondingly disposed ones of the openings 24 ′ may be accomplished by a hair stylist or other individual, utilizing appropriate instruments such as a “hair hook” commonly known in the hair styling industry.
As represented in FIGS. 6 and 7 , once the plurality of hair groupings 22 have passed through correspondingly disposed openings 24 ′, at least two of the adjacently positioned hair groupings 22 are connected together preferably by using a wax based adhesive such as Keratin. Alternatively, the adjacently disposed ones of the natural hair groupings 22 can be connected together such as by being braided or tied. However, when a wax based adhesive such as Keratin is used, heat may be applied to the adhesive to facilitate bonding of the at least two adjacent hair groupings 22 . During such application of heat, appropriate plastic or other material shields may be used to protect the natural hair, scalp and supplemental hair strands of the wearer 100 .
It should also be noted that more than two adjacently disposed hair groupings 22 may be secured together such as, but not limited to, at least three adjacently disposed hair groupings 22 . Moreover, the location of the junction 25 of the connected or attached hair groupings 22 ′ should be sufficiently close to the base 12 and the attachment assembly 18 to provide a tight, secure fitting of the base 12 adjacent to or aligned with the aforementioned hair part or seam 105 . However, at least a minimal amount of spacing should be provided between the junction 25 of attached hair groupings 22 ′ and the base 12 so as to allow a certain amount of flexibility and natural movement of the attached hair extension assembly 10 relative to the natural hair 102 of the wearer 100 .
FIG. 7 represents a plurality of adjacent hair groupings 22 ′ being secured together at corresponding junctions 25 subsequent to having been passed through corresponding ones of the loops 24 and/or openings 24 ′. Prior to completing all of the connections of the hair groupings 22 ′, the supplemental strands 14 defining the collection of extension hair will be maintained in overlying or otherwise connected relation to the second collection of natural hair 102 ″ by the aforementioned clip, connector, band, tie, etc. 107 . However, upon completion of the attachment of the hair groupings 22 ′, the supplemental strands 14 will be detached from the second collection of natural hair 102 ″ and folded over the base 12 and attachment assembly 18 so as to be blended with the first collection of natural hair 102 ′ located beneath or below the now connected base 12 , as depicted in FIG. 8 . As a result, the length and/or volume of the hair of the wearer 100 will then be defined by the blending or mixture of the supplemental strands 14 with the natural hair 102 dependent at least in part on the location of the hair extension assembly 10 relative to the natural hair 102 and scalp of the wearer 100 . If desired, and if of sufficient length, portions of the second collection of natural hair 102 ″ may subsequently overlay the base 12 and/or attachment assembly 18 to at least partially conceal same.
Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Now that the invention has been described,
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A hair extension assembly includes an elongated base being sufficiently flexible to conform to the contours of the wearer's head and including an attachment assembly comprising a plurality of loops extending along one longitudinal side of the base. A collection of extension hair includes a plurality of supplemental strands secured to the base substantially opposite relative to the plurality of loops. As applied, the base and more specifically the plurality of loops are disposed in adjacent, substantially aligned relation to a hair part or seam formed in the natural hair of the wearer. A plurality of natural hair groupings are formed along one side of the seam and the plurality of loops are cooperatively disposed and dimensioned to facilitate passage of the hair groupings therethrough for attachment to one another thereby securing the base and the collection of extension hair in an intended position on the head of the wearer.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention:
This invention relates in general to a spring driving and winding machine for winding plumbing cleanout snakes into a plumbing cleanout device.
2. Description of Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 238,046, of which the inventor is the same as the present application discloses a plumbing cleanout device in which a cleanout snake is mounted which can be selectively removed and used to cleanout a water pipe, for example. Previously, the coiled cleanout snake was manually inserted into the plumbing cleanout device and this required a substantial time to manually insert each such cleanout snake. The following patents relate to coiling wires, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,258,955, 3,942,238, 4,095,326 and 4,377,893.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a machine for driving and winding a spring snake into a plumbing cleanout tool. The machine comprises a pair of rollers at least one of which is driven between which the snake can be clamped so as to drive it toward a plumbing cleanout tool into which the snake is to be inserted. The plumbing cleanout tool has a reservoir with a rear opening into which a centering cone can be inserted and which is rotatably supported so as the coil of wire is inserted into the cleanout tool, the reservoir for the coil can rotate. Also, the cone serves as a guide to deflect the end of the coil to the outer confines of the housing of the cleanout tool so that it will coil in the reservoir.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved spring driving and winding machine which allows snake coils to be rapidly wound into a plumbing cleanout reservoir.
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, and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the spring driving and winding machine of the invention; and
FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates the spring driving and winding machine 10 of the invention which comprises a base 11 upon which may be mounted the bed 30 of a milling machine, for example. An L-shape upright guide 14 has its base 12 connected by bolts 13 to the bed 30 of the machine. An upright portion 14 rotatably supports a shaft 16 which carries a rotatable cone 18 that has a collar 17 connected to shaft 16. A bearing 19 and nut 21 rotatably connects the shaft 16 to the upright 14. A plumbing cleanout tool 22 such as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 238,046 has a cylindrical portion 24 with a handle 26 that rotatably supports a rotatable member 27 which extends through the member 24 and which is attached to a spring reservoir 23 into which the coils 25 of a snake 31 can be inserted. The reservoir 23 is formed with an opening 28 into which the tapered end 20 of the cone 18 can be inserted as best shown in FIG. 2. A handle 45 is attached to the reservoir 23 so as to rotate it when in use for cleaning out water pipes, for example. A guide member 32 is formed with a base 33 which is connected by bolts 34 to the machine 30 and may engage the snake 31.
A pair of rollers 37 and 47 are rotatably supported by the machine 30 above each other and are formed with concave outer edges 38 and 48 between which the coiled wire 31 of the snake can be received. The upper roller 37 is rotatably supported on a shaft 39 which extends through a bearing support 72 and carries a flywheel 71. The shaft 39 also extends through a second bearing 73 as shown in FIG. 1. A gear 42 is mounted on shaft 39 and meshes with a gear 43 mounted on the shaft 46 of a driving motor 44. The driving motor 44 is connected to a power supply 81 and to a switch 82 which has an actuating button 83. The switch 82 is connected to the power supply 81 to energize the motor 44 when the switch 82 is closed.
The lower roller 47 is mounted on the base 30 so that it can be vertically moved and is supported by an upright 51 which rotatably supports the shaft 49 upon which the roller 47 is mounted. A crank shaft 52 is coupled to the upright 51 and has a handle portion 53 which allows the upright 51 to be moved so that the roller 47 can be moved relative to the roller 37 to selectively clamp the snake 31 between the rollers 37 and 47. The mechanism for moving the upright 51 may comprise a conventional mechanism of a milling machine such as a rack and pinion and is not described in detail herein.
A shaft 61 has a crank 62 for moving the bed 30 of the machine in a conventional manner so as to move the upright 14 relative to the rollers 37 and 47.
In use the crank 53 is rotated so as to move the upright 51 downwardly and the roller 47 away from the roller 37 so that a coiled wire snake 31 can be inserted between the rollers 37 and 47 after which the roller 47 is moved upwardly to clamp the snake 31 between rollers 37 and 47. The end 25 of the snake is inserted into the opening of the member 29 of the plumbing cleanout tool 22 and the end 25 engages the pointed surface 20 of the cone 18 and is deflected out toward the outer periphery of the holding magazine 23 for the coil. Then the switch button 83 is depressed to close the switch 82 which starts the motor 44 to drive the upper roller 37 which will drive the snake 31 into the reservoir 23. Driving continues until a suitable length of the snake is stored in the reservoir 23. The operator can hold the plumbing tool 22 by the handle 26 as this is accomplished and the guide 32 assists in keeping the snake straight. When the snake 31 has been substantially stored in the reservoir 23, the switch 82 is opened and the motor 44 stops so as to discontinue drive of the roller 37. Then the roller 47 may be moved away from the roller 37 by using the crank 53 to move roller 47 downwardly and the plumbing tool 22 can be removed from the cone 18 of the machine. Thus, the snake 31 is coiled into the reservoir 23 of the plumbing tool and the plumbing tool is then ready for use. Another empty plumbing tool 22 can then be mounted on the cone 18 and a second snake 31 can be clamped between the rollers 37 and 47 and its end inserted into the member 29 of the plumbing tool so as to coil the snake to be coiled into the second plumbing tool.
This invention allows rapid loading and coiling of the snake 31 into the plumbing tool 22. The snake may be made of coiled steel wire, for example.
Although the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it is not to be so limited as changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full intended scope as defined by the appended claims.
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A spring snake driving and winding machine for a plumbing cleanout tool which has a pair of rollers of which at least one is driven so as to drive a cleanout snake into the plumbing cleanout tool so as to rapidly coil it. The rollers can be moved apart to allow the snake to be initially mounted in the machine.
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This is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 07/740,693 filed on Aug. 6, 1991, now abandoned.
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to co-pending, commonly assigned Ser. No. 07/653,598, filed Feb. 11, 1991 and to a co-pending, commonly assigned division and continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 07/653,598, now abandoned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fuel rails for internal combustion engines.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The parent patent application that has been referenced above relates to a fuel rail that contains a novel fuel injector configuration which allows for certain reductions in the size of the envelope that is occupied by the fuel rail assembly on an internal combustion engine, particularly reductions in the extent to which the fuel injectors project transversely of the fuel rail. The exemplary fuel rail assembly comprises a circular cylindrical-walled tube within which essentially the entirety of each fuel injector is disposed so that the transverse dimension of the fuel rail assembly at the location of a fuel injector is essentially that of the O.D. of the tube. The tube may be either a separate tube that is itself ultimately attached to the engine, or means defining a hole in the engine manifold. The fuel injectors are mounted on a carrier to form a sub-assembly that is assembled into the tube by endwise insertion. The electrical leads for the fuel injectors run along the carrier to a receptacle that is at one lengthwise end of the completed fuel rail assembly. Pressurized liquid fuel fills the interior of fuel rail tube to immerse the fuel injectors. The injectors' nozzles, from which fuel is injected, are seated in a sealed manner in holes in the sidewall of the tube.
The fuel injectors themselves are unique. Rather than having a solenoid, an armature, a needle, and a seat coaxially arranged along the length of the fuel injector, as in conventional fuel injectors, each fuel injector has a magnetic circuit that encircles a spherical valve element. This sphere is resiliently urged by a cantilever spring blade toward closure of an outlet hole that is circumscribed by a frusto-conical seat. The sphere-encircling magnetic circuit may be considered to comprise four sides. The armature and the solenoid are disposed at two opposite sides. The stator has a U-shape whose base passes through the solenoid and whose legs form the remaining two sides. The armature is a bar of magnetically permeable material whose midpoint acts on the sphere. When the solenoid is not energized, working gaps exist between the ends of the bar and the distal ends of the stator's legs, and when the solenoid is energized, the magnetic flux attracts the bar to reduce these working gaps. As a result, the bar pushes the sphere out of concentricity with the seat to cause the outlet hole to open and pass the pressurized liquid fuel for injection. When the solenoid is de-energized, the cantilever spring pushes the sphere back to concentricity with the seat, and the resultant closure of the outlet hole terminates the injection. The fuel injector of the invention is well-suited for miniaturization to fit within a fuel rail and is an efficient and economical use of parts and materials.
The invention of the referenced division and continuation-in-part patent application relates to features of the fuel rail assembly and its method of manufacture. The fuel rail assembly comprises an elongated carrier that contains spaced apart cavities in which the fuel injectors are respectively disposed. The carrier also contains electric circuitry for operating the fuel injectors, and includes electrical terminals for making electrical circuit connection to a remotely located engine management computer which delivers principal command signals to the fuel rail assembly for operating the fuel injectors. The carrier-mounted electric circuitry also includes its own microprocessor, a calibration PROM (programmable read only memory, fuel injector drivers, and related auxiliary electronic circuit devices. These further electronic circuit components provide for the fuel rail assembly to be electronically calibrated for dynamic flow throughout the entire dynamic operating range. The inclusion of such electronic circuitry in the fuel rail assembly confers a number of substantial benefits, as described in detail in the referenced patent application. It becomes possible to fabricate a common fuel rail assembly that can be electronically customized and adapted to accommodate a multitude of varying uses and that will be properly calibrated for dynamic flow over its full range.
The invention that is the subject of the present patent application relates to an end closure and electrical connector for fuel rails of the type disclosed in the referenced patent applications, especially the later application.
In the fuel rail of the referenced parent application, the electrical connector is provided at one end of the carrier. Lead wires extend along the carrier from the fuel injectors to the electrical connector. With the carrier having been assembled into the main longitudinal hole in the fuel rail tube, the connector will be disposed at an open end of that tube which is subsequently closed by a suitably shaped closure that allows the connector to be exposed to the exterior of the fuel rail and to be mated with a complementary connector of a wiring harness that leads to the engine management computer which delivers signals to the fuel rail assembly for operating the fuel injectors.
The present invention proposes a combined fuel rail end closure and electrical connector which will provide certain advantages and benefits for such a fuel rail assembly. One of the chief benefits is that sealing of the end closure and electrical connector can be accomplished at a single pair of confronting circular surfaces, one surface being on the tube and the other on the end closure and electrical connector. For example, the surfaces may be telescopically engaged, and an O-ring seal provided between them. Because the end closure and electrical connector has not yet been assembled to the carrier at the time of assembly of the carrier to the tube, the possibility that it will impede or complicate the process of assembling the carrier to the tube is foreclosed.
Further features, advantages, and benefits of the invention, along with those already mentioned, will be seen in the ensuing description and claims, which are accompanied by drawings. The drawings disclose a presently preferred embodiment of the invention according to the best mode contemplated at the present time in carrying out the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the general organization and arrangement of a preferred fuel injector for a fuel rail assembly embodying principles of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a carrier used in the fuel rail assembly, and includes the inventive end closure and electrical connector thereon.
FIG. 3 is a view in the direction of arrows 3--3 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the right hand end portion of the carrier of FIGS. 2 and 3 by itself without the inventive end closure and electrical connector thereon.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view in the direction of arrows 5--5 in FIG. 4, but illustrating a portion of the inventive end closure and electrical connector in association therewith.
FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the completed fuel rail with a portion broken away for illustrative purposes.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view similar to the right hand end of FIG. 3 illustrating a modified form.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 discloses an exemplary fuel injector 20 that may be used in a fuel rail assembly that embodies the present invention. As revealed in subsequent drawing Figs., there are several similar fuel injectors disposed on a carrier 22 that fits within a circular cylindrical walled tube 24.
For each injector 20, carrier 22 comprises a somewhat rectangular-shaped well 26 which has a sidewall and a bottom wall. Each injector comprises a seat member 32 that has a frustoconical seat that funnels to an outlet hole. The seat and outlet hole share a co-axis which is perpendicular to the bottom wall of well 26, and the bottom wall has a suitably-shaped hole allowing seat member 32 to fit therein. A sphere 40 is seated on the seat, and all Figs. show the sphere concentric with the co-axis in closure of the outlet hole in the seat member. The sphere is resiliently urged to such concentricity by an overlying flat spring blade 42 which is cantilever-mounted atop an upright post 44 on wall 30 aside seat member 32. Blade 42 is essentially parallel with the bottom wall of well 26. The cantilever mounting of the blade on the post is accomplished by means of a hole in the blade through which a close-fitting pin on the post passes and a head 46 on the pin which overlaps the margin of the hole in the blade to hold the corresponding end of the blade securely on the top of post 44. Although the blade is flat and essentially parallel with the bottom wall of the well, the spring exerts a pre-load force on sphere 40 when the sphere is concentric with the co-axis.
The injector has a magnetic circuit that encircles sphere 40 and is composed of a solenoid coil 48, a stator 50, and an armature 52. The magnetic circuit may be considered to have a generally four-sided rectangular shape for fitting into well 26. Coil 48 and armature 52 form two opposite sides while the remaining two sides, which are opposite each other, are formed by portions of stator 50. Coil 48 is disposed in well 26 with its axis parallel to the bottom wall of the well and spaced from the co-axis of the seat and outlet hole in member 32. Stator 50 is generally U-shaped, comprising a base 54 that passes through coil 48 and parallel legs 56, 58 that extend from base 54 to form two opposite sides of the magnetic circuit. Armature 52 is in the form of a bar that is disposed along side sphere 40 and operated by the magnetic circuit to act on the sphere at essentially the midpoint of the bar. Seat member 32 contains a suitably shaped notch that allows the armature to act on the sphere. In the condition portrayed in FIG. 1, which is for the solenoid coil not energized, the opposite ends of the bar are spaced from the distal ends of legs 56, 58 by generally equal working gaps 62, 64, and the midpoint of the armature is in contact with the sphere at the end of a particular radial of the sphere. When the solenoid coil is energized, the magnetic flux that is generated in the magnetic circuit operates to reduce working gaps 62, 64 by attracting armature 52 toward the ends of the stator's legs 56, 58. This causes armature 52 to be moved bodily predominantly along the direction of an imaginary line that intersects the co-axis and that when viewed along the co-axis is essentially coincident with the radius of the sphere whose end is contacted by the midpoint of the armature. The cooperative effect of the motion of armature 52, of the resilience of spring blade 42, and of the angle of the seat in member 32 is such that the sphere is moved from concentricity with the co-axis of the seat and outlet hole to eccentricity therewith and the resultant opening of the outlet hole in the seat member. Sphere 40 is actually caused to roll slightly up the seat in the direction toward post 44. When energization of the solenoid coil terminates, the magnetic attractive force that stator 50 had been exerting on the armature ceases, and this enables the resiliency of spring blade 42 to return the sphere to concentricity with the co-axis of the seat and outlet hole and resulting closure of the outlet hole.
The outlet hole is surrounded by the tip end, or nozzle, 68 of the fuel injector at which fuel is injected into the engine. An O-ring seal 70 is seated in a groove extending around the sidewall of the injector tip end. Metering of injected fuel can be performed by a thin orifice disc (not shown) mounted on the injector tip end in covering relation to the outlet hole.
Electric lead wires from the injectors extend along carrier 22 to a circuit board assembly 100 that is also mounted on the carrier. The solenoid coils, stators, and seat members are secured within the carrier wells by any suitable means of securement. The fuel injectors shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 differ from the one in FIG. 1 only in that the cantilever mounting of spring blade 42 is on the opposite side of the seat member from solenoid coil 48. This allows the magnetic circuit path to be shortened since the solenoid coil can be placed closer to the seat and the legs 56, 58 of the stator can be shorter.
The combination of the carrier, the injectors, and the circuit board assembly forms a sub-assembly that is assembled into tube 24 by insertion through one end of the tube. (Although FIGS. 2 and 3 show the inclusion of an end closure and electrical connector 76 assembled to the sub-assembly, it is actually united with the sub-assembly only after the latter has been assembled into tube 24.) The sub-assembly has an envelope that is smaller than the main longitudinal hole through tube 24. Carrier 22 has a generally semi-circular transverse cross sectional shape that is on a radius smaller than that of the I.D. of tube 24. The sub-assembly is inserted into the tube to align the injector tip ends 68 with corresponding circular holes 82 through the wall of the tube. It is then displaced radially to pass the tip ends into holes 82 so that O-rings 70 seal between the tip ends and the holes in fluid-tight manner. Such assembly is performed before end closure and electrical connector 76 is assembled onto the tube end and circuit board assembly. A keeper (not shown) is then inserted via the same open end of the tube into space overlying the sub-assembly, said space being between the sub-assembly and the semi-circumference of the tube wall that is generally opposite holes 82. Further details of the keeper can be obtained from the referenced co-pending applications. The illustrated embodiment has a shoulder 22A in carrier 22 which divides the carrier into a smaller radiused section lying to the left in FIGS. 2 and 3, and a larger radiused section to the right. The tube 24 has a corresponding internal shoulder so that in the completed fuel rail assembly each approximately semi-circularly curved section will fit closely to a corresponding internal section of the tube.
After the sub-assembly has been assembled into the tube, an end closure and electrical connector 76 is assembled to both close the end of the tube through which the sub-assembly was inserted and make electric circuit connection with conductors on circuit board assembly 100. End closure and electrical connector 76 serves to connect circuitry on circuit board assembly 100 to the engine management computer (not shown) so that the computer, acting through electronic circuitry on the circuit board assembly, will operate the injectors at the proper times and for the proper durations.
In use, pressurized liquid fuel is introduced into tube 24 via a closure 120 containing a through-nipple 122. The closure is disposed at the end opposite the end via which the sub-assembly was inserted. The fuel injectors are essentially completely immersed in fuel, and when each is operated, it will inject fuel from its nozzle 68. This particular fuel rail assembly configuration is intended for use in a "dead-head" type system where the fuel pressure in the rail is controlled by the control of an electric motor driven pump, and a mechanical pressure regulator with a fuel return line for returning excess fuel to tank is not used.
The several electronic devices on circuit board assembly 100 include a microprocessor 104 with associated crystal 106, fuel injector drivers 108, a PROM 110, and a voltage regulator 112. End closure and electrical connector 76 comprises three terminals 114, 116, 118. DC electric power (+V volts referenced to Ground) is delivered through a first (+V) and a second (Ground) of these terminals to the self-contained electronics on the circuit board assembly, and voltage regulator 112 converts the delivered power to regulated DC level for microprocessor 104 and drivers 108. Principal command signals (referenced to ground) delivered by the engine management computer to the fuel rail assembly pass through the third terminal (Signal) to a serial input port of microprocessor 104. The microprocessor output ports are connected to inputs of the respective drivers via the board, and the drivers' outputs are connected by respective conductors extending from the board along the carrier to the respective fuel injectors. The microprocessor acts on the principal command signals to produce corresponding operation of the fuel injectors. In other words, the principal command signals received by the self-contained electronics represent the pulse widths of signals that should cause the fuel injectors to deliver corresponding injections of fuel into their respective portions of the engine's induction system. As explained in detail in the later referenced co-pending, commonly assigned patent application, dynamic flow calibration is electronically performed on the fuel rail assembly during its manufacturing process so that such correspondence is assured despite the presence of certain differences in the operating characteristics of different components. Circuitry on circuit board assembly 100 is used to perform such calibration.
The three terminals 114, 116, 118 have an exterior configuration for mating with a complementary connector and an interior configuration for mating with circuit board assembly 100. FIGS. 4 and 5 show an exemplary interior configuration for one of the terminals 114 and it is to be understood that each terminal has a similar interior configuration. The interior configuration for terminal 114 comprises a push-on edge connector that fits over the edge of the circuit board assembly to make electrical contact with a corresponding conductor 130 that has been deposited on the surface of the circuit board. The conductor 130 in turn leads to the electronic circuitry on the board. The circular cylindrical outside of end closure and electrical connector 76 contains an O-ring seal 132 in a groove. The O-ring seal provides a fluid-tight fit of the end closure and electrical connector to the I.D. of tube 24. After it has been assembled, to the tube and mated with the circuit board assembly 100, the end closure and electrical connector may be joined by any conventional means of attachment to the tube to secure it in place. The terminals 114, 116, and 118 extend through the body of member 76 and are sealed thereto in conventional fashion. Each terminal may be of one-piece or multiple-piece construction.
If a fuel rail assembly like the one just described were used in a system having a mechanical fuel pressure regulator and a return line, the return line connection could be provided in end closure and electrical connector 76, as shown in FIG. 7, to include a through-nipple 124 through which excess fuel from such a fuel rail mounted pressure regulator would be returned to tank. Although not explicitly depicted in FIG. 7, it is understood that the interior end of through-nipple 124 is fluid coupled by a conduit to the return port of the pressure regulator, and that the through-nipple is in no way in direct communication with the pressurized fuel in the rail.
It is contemplated that certain plastics may be useful for certain parts. For example, carrier 22, tube 24, and cover 78 can be made from plastics that are inert when placed in a wet fuel environment, and of course all materials that are exposed to fuel must be inert to the particular fuel composition or compositions that are used.
While a presently preferred embodiment has been illustrated and described, it should be understood that principles of the invention may be practiced in other equivalent ways.
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The end of a fuel rail hole is closed by a closure member which contains electrical terminal means having an external portion that mates with a connector from a wiring harness and an internal portion that mates with circuitry on a carrier that is disposed within the hole and contains the fuel injectors.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/539,565 filed Sep. 27, 2011. The entire disclosure of the provisional application is incorporated herein by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The challenge of designing an energy efficient, economical residential electrical water heating system which effectively utilizes available building floor space has been heightened by the U.S. Department of Energy's recent amendment of their existing energy conservation standards for residential water heaters. In formulaic fashion, this amendment effectively requires that any residential water heater having a water storage capacity greater than fifty five gallons must incorporate therein a heat pump. While such incorporation is designed to increase the efficiency of an over-fifty five gallon water heater, installation with suitable airflow for all replacement applications may not be practical or cost effective. In view of this heightened efficiency requirement it would be desirable to provide multiple water heaters to meet the hot water requirements. It is to this goal that the present invention is primarily directed.
In representatively illustrated embodiments thereof, this invention provides specially designed water heater apparatus with features that allow for an installation comprising upper and lower vertically stacked electric individual water heaters served by a single electrical branch circuit. Each of the upper and lower water heaters has a water storage capacity not exceeding 55 gallons, and the combined water storage capacity of the upper and lower water heaters is greater than 55 gallons. The electric heating elements of the two water heaters are non-simultaneously controlled so that at no time do the two water heaters heat water at the same time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view through two vertically stacked electric water heaters embodying principles of the present invention and served by a single electrical branch circuit;
FIG. 2 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of the stacked water heaters;
FIG. 3 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of a single element electric water heater useable in place of the lower water heater in FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 4 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of a double element electric heater useable in place of the lower water heater in FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 5 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of first and second vertically stacked single element electric water heaters which are electronically controlled and served by a single electrical branch circuit;
FIG. 6 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of vertically stacked single element and double element electric water heaters which are electronically controlled and served by a single electrical branch circuit; and
FIG. 7 schematically depicts an alternative electronic control scheme for vertically stacked water heaters that are served by a single electrical branch circuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Schematically depicted in FIG. 1 is a specially designed electric water heater assembly 10 which comprises vertically stacked upper and lower electric water heaters 12 and 14 and is served by a single branch electrical circuit portion 16 of an electrical distribution panel 18 . Branch circuit 16 comprises two power wires or leads L 1 and L 2 , and a ground wire or lead G. Each of the water heaters 12 and 14 has a metal tank 20 adapted to hold a quantity of water 22 to be heated. According to an aspect of the present invention, the volume of each of the tanks 20 is no more than fifty five gallons, and the total volume of the two tanks 20 is greater than fifty five gallons. As subsequently described herein, the upper and lower electric water heaters 12 and 14 are non-simultaneously controlled in a manner such that neither water heater operates while the other one is performing its water heating function. Thus, the electrical branch circuit 16 need only be sized to accommodate one of the two water heaters 12 and 14 (the larger one if they do not have equal water heating capacities). Importantly, this combination of design aspects in the present invention adheres to both the letter and spirit of the DOE energy efficiency standard amendment. Specifically, neither of the water heaters has a water storage capacity exceeding fifty five gallons, and the two stored water quantities (which together exceed fifty five gallons) are never heated at the same time.
Still referring to FIG. 1 , each the tanks 20 is enclosed within an outwardly spaced metal jacket 24 , with suitable insulation 26 being disposed within the space between the jacket 24 and the tank 20 . The upper end of each jacket 24 has a centrally disposed upward projection 24 a , and the lower end of each jacket 24 has a complementarily shaped central recess 24 b . The upper and lower water heaters 12 and 14 are vertically stacked as shown in FIG. 1 by placing the lower water heater 14 on a suitable horizontal support surface such as a floor 28 and then placing the upper water heater 12 atop the lower water heater 14 in a manner such that the upper projection 24 a of the lower water heater 14 is interlockingly received in the lower recess 24 b of the upper water heater 12 . This horizontally aligns and stabilizes the upper and lower water heaters 12 and 14 .
While the illustrated upper and lower water heaters 12 and 14 are representatively depicted as being identical, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in this particular art that they could be of different storage capacities, heating capacities and/or different physical sizes if desired without departing from principles of the present invention. For example, the upper water heater 12 could be of a smaller diameter than the lower water heater 14 , with the central vertical axes of the two water heaters being horizontally offset from one another. It should be noted that the vertical stacking of the two water heaters 12 and 14 advantageously reduces the footprint of the overall water heater assembly 10 compared to, for example, (1) placing both of the water heaters 12 , 14 on the floor 28 , or (2) using a single water heater (having the same total water storage and heating capacity as the stacked water heater assembly 10 ).
Each of the upper and lower water heaters 12 and 14 has a resistance type electrical heating element 30 horizontally extending into the interior of its tank 20 and being controlled by a conventional combination high limit/operating thermostat 32 . As indicated by the flow arrows in FIG. 1 , during operation of the assembly 10 , water flows into the lower tank 20 via an inlet pipe P 1 , from the lower tank 20 into the upper tank 20 via a transfer pipe P 2 , and then out of the upper tank 20 through an outlet pipe P 3 . As will be readily appreciated by those of skill in this particular art, the plumbing connections between the two water heaters may be accomplished to provide either a serial flow connection therebetween (as illustratively depicted in FIG. 1 ) or a parallel flow connection between the two water heaters.
Circumferentially aligned junction boxes 34 are disposed in peripheral portions of the upper and lower ends of each of the upper and lower water heaters 12 and 14 . Extending downwardly through the insulation 26 between the two junction boxes 34 on each water heater 12 and 14 is a vertical wiring passage 36 . The upper water heater 12 is stacked atop the lower water heater 14 in a manner such that, as schematically depicted in FIG. 1 , the junction boxes 34 and the wiring passages 36 are circumferentially aligned with one another.
As subsequently described in more detail herein, power and ground wiring from the single branch electrical circuit 16 is passed downwardly through the circumferentially aligned wiring passages 36 and is operatively connected to the heating elements 30 and the thermostats 32 in a manner such that the heating elements are non-simultaneously controlled. With reference now to FIG. 2 , each of the conventional thermostats 32 has an upper high limit section 38 and a lower operating section 40 . Sections 38 and 40 have the indicated wiring terminals 1 - 4 , and each operating section 40 is provided with the indicated single pole, double throw switch 42 . Each electric heating element 30 is electrically coupled to its associated switch terminals 2 and 4 as indicated.
According to a feature of the present invention, the two thermostats 32 are electrically coupled in a manner providing the non-simultaneous control of the two heating elements 30 so that only one is operable at a given time. Specifically, as schematically depicted in FIG. 2 , power leads L 1 and L 2 are respectively connected to terminals 1 and 3 of the high limit section 38 of the upper thermostat 32 , and the ground lead G is connected to the grounding terminal 44 of the upper water heater 12 . Operative control coupling of the upper and lower water heaters 12 and 14 is effected utilizing supplemental power leads L 1 a ,L 2 a and a supplemental grounding lead Ga. Lead L 1 a is interconnected between the thermostat operating section terminal 4 of the upper water heater 12 and the thermostat high limit section terminal 1 of the lower water heater 14 . Lead L 2 a is interconnected between the thermostat high limit section terminal 4 of the upper water heater 12 and the thermostat operating section terminal 3 of the lower water heater 14 . Lead Ga is interconnected between lead G and the grounding terminal 46 of the lower water heater 14 .
By tracing the circuitry in FIG. 2 it can be seen that with the upper thermostat switch 32 interconnecting its associated thermostat operating section terminals 1 and 2 current flow through the upper heating element 30 to satisfy the water heating demand of the upper water heater 12 is permitted, but simultaneous current flow through the lower heating element 30 is precluded by the circuit opening between terminals 1 and 4 of the operating section 40 of the upper thermostat 32 . Conversely, when the water heating demand of the upper water heater 12 is satisfied, the upper switch 32 disconnects the terminals 1 and 2 of the operating section 40 of the upper thermostat 32 and electrically connects the terminals 1 and 4 of the operating section 40 of the upper thermostat 32 , thereby permitting current flow through the lower heating element 30 and blocking current flow through the upper heating element 30 . Accordingly, neither heating element 30 can receive a current throughflow when the other heating element 30 has electrical current being supplied thereto.
Representatively, but not by way of limitation, the water heaters schematically depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are of substantially identical size and construction, with the lower water heater 14 having capped-off power and ground leads L 1 b , L 2 b and Gb connected as shown to its heating element 30 and thermostat 40 . As will be appreciated, these leads may be operatively connected to the thermostat and heating element of another water heater upon which the water heater 14 is to be stacked. Water heater 12 would, as manufactured, also have these capped off leads which may be operatively coupled to a water heater upon which it could be stacked. In the stacked water heater assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lead sets L 1 , L 2 and G, L 1 a , L 2 a and Ga, and L 1 b , L 2 b and Gb may be conveniently run downwardly through the aligned wiring passages 36 as shown in FIG. 1 .
An alternate bottom electric water heater embodiment 14 a is shown in FIG. 3 . Water heater 14 a is identical in construction to the previously described water heater 14 with the exceptions that it is not provided with the bottom interconnecting leads L 1 b , L 2 b and Gb, and its thermostat 32 a does not utilize a terminal 4 on its operating section 40 a.
A second alternate bottom electric water heater embodiment 14 b is shown in FIG. 4 . Water heater 14 b has upper and lower electric heating elements 30 and 48 which are respectively controlled by a conventional combination high limit/operating thermostat 32 and a thermostat 50 having a single pole single throw switch 52 . The upper thermostat 32 and heating element 30 are operatively interconnected as shown by power leads L 1 c and L 2 c , and the upper thermostat 32 is connected to the thermostat 32 of the upper water heater 12 (see FIG. 2 ) by the leads L 1 a , L 2 a and Ga. As can be seen this wiring connection provides non-simultaneous control of the water heaters 12 and 14 b , and further prevents non-simultaneous operation of the heating elements 32 and 48 in the lower water heater 14 b.
Schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment 10 a of the previously described stacked water heater assembly 10 . In assembly 10 a the previously described combination high limit/operating thermostats 32 shown in FIG. 1 are replaced by high limit switch structures 54 and 56 respectively disposed within the tank portions of the upper and lower water heaters 12 and 14 , and the switching capability useable to provide non-simultaneous control of the upper and lower water heaters 12 and 14 is provided by an electronic control panel 58 incorporating therein a suitable preprogrammed microprocessor 60 . Power lead L 1 is connected to the upper and lower high limits switches 56 , and the heating elements 30 are also connected as shown to the high limit switches 54 and 56 . Further, the high limit switches 54 and 56 are respectively connected as illustrated to two control panel switches 62 and 64 which are also electrically connected as shown to the power lead L 2 . Switches 62 and 64 may alternatively be relays, or other electronic devices, that can switch the resistive load of the heating elements. In response to temperature signals 66 and 68 respectively received from upper and lower tank water temperature sensors 70 and 72 , the control panel 58 electronically controls the switches 62 and 64 in a manner providing non-simultaneous control of the upper and lower water heaters 12 and 14 shown in FIG. 5 .
A second alternate embodiment 10 b of the water heater assembly 10 is schematically shown in FIG. 6 and is substantially identical to the previously described assembly 10 a in FIG. 5 with the primary exceptions that the lower water heater 14 is provided with upper and lower heating elements 30 a and 30 b coupled to their associated high limit switch 56 as shown, and three switches 86 , 88 and 90 are included in the control panel 58 and coupled to the high limit switches 54 , 56 and the electric heating elements 30 , 30 a and 30 b as shown. Switches 86 , 88 and 90 may alternatively be relays, or other electronic devices, that can switch the resistive load of the heating elements. In response to temperature signals 66 and 68 respectively received from upper and lower tank water temperature sensors 70 and 72 , the control panel 58 electronically controls the switches 86 , 88 and 90 in a manner providing non-simultaneous control of the upper and lower water heaters 12 and 14 , and further providing non-simultaneous energization of the lower water heater heating elements 30 a and 30 b.
Shown in FIG. 7 is a third alternate embodiment 10 c of the previously described stacked water heater assembly 10 . Embodiment 10 c , by way of non-limiting example, comprises vertically stacked upper and lower water heaters 76 and 78 electrically coupled by the previously described lead sets L 1 , L 2 and G, and L 1 a , L 2 a and Ga, and each having dual electrical resistance heaters 30 extending through the interiors of their tank portions. The upper and lower water heaters 76 and 78 are non-simultaneously controlled by upper and lower control structures 80 and 82 which may communicate with one another via a communication line 84 . Representatively, the upper control structure 80 may be a master unit, and the lower control structure 82 may be a slave unit, with the master unit 80 having the capability of sensing whether the upper and lower water heaters 76 and 78 have single or multiple heating elements and responsively adjusting the control functions and sequences associated with the operative control of the upper and lower water heaters 76 and 78 . Master unit 80 also determines which element to turn on in a way that only one element is turned on at any given time.
The foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited solely by the appended claims.
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Water heater apparatus is provided with features that allow for a horizontally compact water heater installation comprising upper and lower vertically stacked electric individual water heaters served by a single electrical branch circuit. Each of the upper and lower water heaters has a water storage capacity not exceeding 55 gallons, and the combined water storage capacity of the upper and lower water heaters is greater than 55 gallons. The electric heating elements of the two water heaters are non-simultaneously controlled so that at no time do the two water heaters heat water at the same time.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process and a device to dry a drying room.
2. Prior Art
The German Patent DE 36 44 077 A1 and EP0043 361 A1 reveal a process and a device to dry wet laundry. Such systems are however technically seen as very complicated and the drying process as very time consuming. This is so because the high inlet volume flow is difficult to handle and because the non condensable gases in the inlet volume flow, such as air or the like, are difficult to extract. Additionally the energy consumption is very high.
Another known drying process uses a rotary sliding vane type compressor or a liquid seal pump to pump condensable gases as well as non condensable gases. However, it is importent that the temperature of the liquid ring is considerably lower than the temperature of the inlet gas otherwise the liquid of the liquid ring of the pump will evaporate due to the fact that the boiling pressure is reached. At this point practically no compression takes place. If the temperature of the liquid ring or the water jet considerably below the temperature of the condensing fluid, good results are achieved.
With a gas ballast device in a rotary sliding vane type compressor the working fluid can attain higher pressure ratios. The disadvantage is a lower efficiency and the following condensation is more difficult due to the lack of non condensable gases.
Another generally known method to evacuate a room filled with condensable and non condensable gases is the use of a gas jet pump for the first stage of compression to avoid cavitation. The disadvantage is the necessity of a gas source and the mixture of condensable and non condensable fluids.
A general problem is the very high inlet volume flow of the gas mixture at the beginning of compression. It is possible to use a roots pump or a rotary sliding vane type compressor. However, this is an expensive investment as a large space for a big pump is needed.
Further, it is generally known from the publication, H. D. Baehr, "Thermodynamik", Springer Verlag 4th edition, 1978, pages 289-292, and especially FIG. 6.48, to approximate a compression process to the Carnot cycle by intermediate cooling.
Therefore it is an object of the present invention to have a process and a device to dry a drying room by means of a few small elements with the need of little energy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This object is attained according to the present invention by a special process e.g. by first raising the pressure of the gas mixture to be evacuated by means of a turbo pump to such an extent that in the next step the fluid or fluid mixture respectively can be compressed and the rising liquid can be carried away with a pump with an eccentric liquid ring or a liquid jet pump.
By this method the inner section of the dryer has a lower pressure and the boiling point of one or more fluids in the container are lowered. If there is wet laundry in the container the boiling point of the water is lowered till the water evaporates. Hence, the laundry can be dried at a lower pressure and at a temperature slightly above room temperature. An additional advantage is the carefull treatment since only a low temperature and little mechanical load is necessary. The laundry is left loosly mixed in the container. On top of that it is sterilised since most life can not withstand such a low pressure. Finally energy consumption, in the range of 40%, is much lower relative to the above mentioned processes.
Here the evaporating fluid is a mixture of air and water and in the container of the drier is air and wet laundry. By evacuating the container, water in the form of steam and air as a gas mixture is removed from the container.
The air is evacuated with a liquid seal pump and the steam will be condensated to avoid a high inlet volume flow. To have a sufficient pressure of water/steam above the boiling point of the water, a turbo pump is used to build the water in the liquid seal pump. This arrangement will raise the pressure of the mixture of air and water/steam. The pressure ratio can be low, while the volume flow is quite high. The air which prevents an efficient condensation is evacuated after a short time. It is preferred to use a condenser for the fluid or the mixture of fluids after the first compression stage.
It is seen as an advantage to cool the fluid or mixture of fluids in a heat exchanger to at least partly condense the steam and then let the fluid or mixture of fluids be further compressed and let the steam by further condensed.
A further advantage is seen if the condensed steam is collected in a special container for further usage. For example, the condensed water can be used for ironing or can be used to run the liquid seal pump or the water jet pump to avoid the usage of an external water source. Preferably, the special container with the condensate is cooled with a cool fluid flow.
It is seen as an advantage to use the condensation heat and/or the extracted heat of one or more of the non condensing gases to heat the non evaporative fluid or mixture of fluids.
Preferably the fluid or mixture of fluids will be further compressed in a diffusor after compression in the impeller.
If the diffusor following the turbo pump is built as one piece with the heat exchanger further advantages are gained. A smaller device volume is achieved and there is a heat exchange occuring already during the compression in the diffusor.
A further advantage is gained if the non evaporative fluid or mixture of fluids is heated with the excess heat of the driving motor.
A further advantage is gained if the non evaporating fluid or fluid mixture is guided first across a cool moving drum then through a heat exchanger and finally a feed pump. In this way, the warm non evaporating fluid heats the cool drum and consequently the cool partly dry laundry is heated. This added heat is for example the condensation heat of the evaporated fluid. Preferably the outlet pipe of the pump unit or the compressor unit is mounted within the device.
A very good arrangement of the cycle with the non evaporating fluids is achieved if these first very warm fluids are guided to the cool drum and as a result being cooled down. A fraction of the cool flow can be used to cool the condensate in the special condensate container. The main flow of the cool liquid will be used in the heat exchanger to condense the compressed mixture of gases partly or completely. Raising the heat reduces the viscosity of the liquid, which is an advantage in view of the pressure losses in the following pipes. An additional joint for cooling is saved by this method.
Preferably, a single driving motor is used to drive the liquid seal pump, the feed pump, with a gear, the turbo pump, the drum and, further units, if present.
The above mentioned object is achieved according to the present invention with a gas tight device, a container for evaporative and non evaporative fluids, a turbo engine to precompress the evaporative fluids or mixture of fluids respectively, and a liquid seal pump to evacuate the evaporative fluid or mixture of fluids respectively.
A turbo compressor is understood to be a continuous working compressor of the axial or radial type. Mixed types, as semiaxial, are possible. The turbo compressor might consist of a single radial impeller followed by a diffuser. By means of the turbo compressor the evaporative fluid will be precompressed with the effect of a raising the pressure or raising the temperature of the fluid or mixture of fluids respectively. The fluid will then be evacuated by a liquid seal pump or by a liquid jet pump without the risk of evaporation or cavitation within the pump. The turbo compressor can be driven at high speed having the advantage of a high inlet volume flow combined with the advantage of small resulting dimensions.
In a preferred design the turbo compressor is followed by a condenser. This is to reduce the volume flow and for the extraction of heat out of the mixture of fluids. The heat exchanger condenses the mixture of fluids partially or completely. A strong reduction of the volume flow results. By doing this a small seized liquid seal pump or liquid jet pump can be used after this step. The temperature of the mixture of fluids is as much above the temperature of the liquid seal or the liquid jet respectively in the pump that evaporation and/or cavitation of the liquid seal or the liquid jet respectively is avoided.
Because this cycle is run at a very low pressure, suction is only possible when a sufficient geodetical hight is given. This geodetical hight is chosen in such a way that in connection with cross sections of the flow channels in the device the heat transfer in the heat exchanger is high enough and a sufficient velocity at the inlet of the feed pump is maintained to avoid cavitation in the feed pump. After that the flow of the liquid is directed to the cool wall of the drum.
A further design has a siphon following the condenser. Such a siphon can also be used after the liquid seal pump or liquid jet pump.
If the liquid seal pump or the liquid jet pump can take condensed liquid the siphon after the condenser is not necessary.
Preferably a gear pump after the siphon is used to remove the condensed liquid.
In a prefered design of the device the liquid seal pump partly uses the condensed fluid.
In a different design a single driving device is used to drive the turbo engine, the liquid seal pump, a gear pump and, if applicable, a feed pump.
There is an advantage to having the driving device mounted within the container, for example within the non evaporating and especially electrically non conducting fluid. By doing this the dissipative heat of the pump or the compressor unit can be utilized to heat the drying laundry.
In a very prefered design, the flow of the non evaporative fluid will be used to cool the driving motor after running through the heat exchanger. In this way the dissipative power of the driving device is used in an effective way to heat the drying product. Therefore there is the possibility to choose a smaller driving motor since the power of a driving motor is limited by excessive heat and the cooling reduces the temperature.
Generally a problem with vacuum equipment is the insurance of the thightness of the seals, because a high leakage causes air to flow through open cross sections with the speed of sound, and hence, a high inlet volume flow of vacuum pumps results. Therefore it is a specific advantage that at most one seal for a small driving shaft leading into the evacuated room is needed. All other seals are static and only a very small leakage has to be assumed. Further, a small and economic design is achieved since with this driving shaft all other units are driven. These are the feed pump drive, the non evaporative fluid, the drive of the turbo machine by a speed increasing gear, and the drive of the drum by a speed reducing gear etc. If applicable other units can be driven as well.
In a special design the driving shaft is connected to the shaft of the driving motor of the liquid seal pump or another driven unit since an additional driving motor is saved and especially a driving unit within the evacuated room. In one design the turbo machine is mounted within the container.
There is an advantage to use an open-loop controlling device or a close-loop controlling device to have small dynamic peak moments and hence, to have smaller components. Further on, in this way there are means to influence the pressure and temperature as a function of time for example to avoid an excessive need of power during the start-up because, for example, a high density of the mixture of gases leads to a high compressor power of the tubo engine and large components would result.
There is an advantage if the container has special bodies which press the laundry against the wall of the container and have a heat capacity to warm up cooled down laundry in the surroundings by means of bodies able to spend heat.
There is an advantage if the bodies are filled with material which will by changing its own phase, spend heat and possibly have an increased its heat capacity due to this feature.
There is an advantage if the container has a microwave transmitter to accelerate the drying process by at least enhancing or supporting the evaporating of the fluid especially if the heat conductivity in the dry product is very low.
Further advantages, features and details result from the following description where a prefered example is described by making references to drawings. In the invention the described features may be combined in any order.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a drying device.
FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the drying device according FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal view of the drying device according FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a drying device 1 with a drying room 2 which can be evacuated and which has a mixture of fluids consisting of one or more evaporative fluids (for example, water) and one or more non evaporative fluids. The fluids can consist of gases and/or liquids labeled 4 and 5. To have an effective heat transfer the non evaporating liquid 5 is sprayed within the drying room 2 by means of a feed pump 6. The feed pump 6 is connected with the drying room 2 containing a sump with the non evaporative liquid.
With the drying room 2 containing the mixture of fluids 3 connected by an intake pipe 8 is a turbocompressor 7, followed by a condenser 9. The condenser 9 is mounted within the drying room 2. Following the condenser 9 is a siphon 10 whose outlet pipe with the collected liquid is connected to a gear pump, such as, for example, a positive-displacement pump 14. The exhaust pipe of the siphon 10 for the gas is connected to a liquid seal pump 11 followed by a further siphon 13. Parallel or in exchange to the liquid seal pump 11, a liquid jet pump can be used as shown by the dashed line. Finally the flow from the positive-displacement pump 14 as well as the flow from the liquid jet pump is reaching a reservoir 15 in which the evaporative fluid of the drying room 2 is collected.
The turbocompressor 7 aspirates the mixture of fluids 3 and raises its pressure at least to such a level that the pressure losses in the intake pipe 8, the condenser 9, and the siphon 10 together with the related pipes and together with the intake losses of the liquid seal pump 11 are compensated for. By this method cavitation and/or evaporation of the liquid seal in the liquid seal pump 11 are prevented. After the pressure rise produced by the turbocompressor 7, the mixture of fluids 3 runs through the condenser 9 where the compressed mixture of fluids 3 is cooled and the non evaporative liquid 5 is heated. After the condenser 9, the mixture of fluids 3 reaches the siphon 10 where the liquid components are separated from the gaseous components. The latter components are pumped off by the liquid seal pump 11. With the liquid jet pump 12 this pumping and condensating can be done alternatively or parallel.
According to the desired procedure, the compressed mixture of fluids can be carried away together with the condensed liquid, or it can be separated in the further siphon 13 e.g. the permanent gas will be released and the condensed liquid will be collected in the reservoir 15.
Basically all pumps and compressors 6, 7, 11, 12, and 14 can be driven by a single drive or groups of these components can be driven by a single drive. An especially prefered design has a fast drive for the turbocompressor and 9 slow drive for the pumps and compressor(s) 6, 11, 12 and 14.
A very simplified design has no siphon 10 and 13, no positive-displacement pump 14 and no reservoir 15.
FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a drying device 1 and FIG. 3 a longitudinal view of a drying device 1 in which the drying room will be evacuated. By doing this the drying room is dried simultaneously. In the drying room 2 is a laundry drum 13 containing moist laundry e.g. laundry and the mixture of fluids 3 consisting of the permanent gas (air) and evaporative fluid (water). Further, in the drying room 2 is the non evaporative and odorless fluid 5. Entry into the drum 18, which is pivoted on rollers 19, is through an opening 20. It is prefered to drive the rollers by a gear drive driven by the drive 17. This drive has an open-loop drive 21 to avoid high peak moments of the driven parts in the device, especially during start-up when there is a high pressure and hence, a high mechanical load in the device.
Above the level of the non evaporative liquid 5, the drum 18 is mounted. The liquid 5 is fed through a pipe 22 to spray nozzles 23 by the feed pump 6 to spray liquid equally onto drum 18. By doing this the drum 18 as well as the laundry within the drum 18 is heated. Penetration of the liquid 5 into the drum 18 is prevented by suitable barriers 24 or labyrinth seals, respectively. A skimmer 25 separates non-evaporative fluid 5 from the drum 18 and guides it to the siphon 13. A further cooling of the siphon 13 is gained by connecting it together with the pressure tank 26 and the cold lid 27, as though of one piece.
The turbocompressor 7, mounted underneath the drum 18, aspirates the evaporative fluid through a diffusor 28 and brings the compressed mixture of fluids 3 to the condenser 9. This condenser 9 is mounted within the sump of the non-evaporative fluid 5 to heat the non-evaporative liquid 5 by the compressed mixture of fluids 3. Behind the liquid seal pump 11 the fluid will be forced to the siphon 13 to separate the gas (permanent gas) and condensated liquid.
The feed pump 6, a high speed gear 29 to drive the turbocompressor 7 and a low speed gear 30 to drive the drum 18 will be driven by a thin drive shaft 32 connected to the liquid seal pump 11.
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A process and a device for evacuating a drying room filled with one or more evaporable fluids or one or more non-evaporable fluids or mixtures thereof. The device includes a turbo engine, a liquid seal pump and a condensor. The pressure of the fluids or mixture of fluids is raised by the turbo engine, the resulting volume flow is reduced by condensation in the condensor, and the resulting reduced volume flow is pumped off with the pump.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an arrangement of fiber optic strands that employs a radial arrangement, which allows a more compact design and adds the ability to define and permit light to emit from the complete perimeter of the arrangement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are numerous invents utilizing fiber optic lighting as a panel for illuminating an object.
Poly-optical Products commercial distributes a product referred to as Two-layer Uniglo® manufactured under U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,312,569 and 5,499,912. The apparatus comprises a backing member, a plurality of fiber optic strands, the strands are adhered to the backing member in a linear, parallel format, and positioned proximate an adjacent strand to manufacture a ribbon type material. The fiber optic strands separate the backing material and are gathered onto a collector. An illumination source, such as an LED is then coupled to the collector by a coupling device providing a means to control the transference of light from the illumination source into the fiber optic strands.
The light emission has the greatest intensity at the sheared end of each strand. The apparatus is limited in the requirement of an “illumination sourcing tail section” that separates from the backing material and is gathered into a collector. This illumination sourcing tail section can be referred to as a “hot spot” whereby the light intensity is greater and less uniform than the ribbon section. The perimeter of the ribbon can not sheared along the tail section thus limiting the outline of the apparatus as well as the illuminated outline of the apparatus.
Daniel (U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,017) teaches a light emitting optical fiber assembly that employs a non-woven geometric grid which can be cut or sectioned without losing all light emitting capabilities. FIGS. 2-6 illustrate fiber optic materials of continuous strands, using the frame and means of wrapping to create the desired pattern. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the application of placing fibers through apertures within the backing material to create a pattern. Daniel is limited in the same manner as the Poly-Optical product, requiring an illumination sourcing tail section.
Marsh (U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,416) teaches an ornamental application of light pipes positioned between flexible sheets. Marsh is limited in the same manner as the Poly-Optical product, requiring an illumination sourcing tail section.
Harrison (U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,372) teaches an illuminable covering of a textile material with at least one lighting source connected to the back of the textile material. Harrison is limited in the same teachings as the above cited arts, wherein Harrison teaches the application of a bundle of light-transmissive fibers to illuminatively couple the fiber optic fibers to the illumination source. Harrison is further limited in the application of the Harrison invention wherein Harrison utilizes the porosity of the textile material to position the ends of the fiber optic strands to provide points of illumination. Harrison is thus limited in that Harrison utilizes the ends of the fiber optic strands for illumination and does not provide a means to illuminate the entire surface area of the material. This is further substantiated within the specification, wherein Harrison describes creating patterns of illumination.
Fuwausa (U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,075) teaches an illuminated ornamental device, the device using a pliable plastic for transmitting light such as sourced from an LED, formulated for maximum dispersion of light through the unit. Fuwausa is limited in that the object shape is molded, and pliable plastic and of a shape conducive to evenly illuminating the device.
Each of the above illuminating devices is limited in the ability to freely shape the object. The more desirable, fiber optic material devices are limited by the inclusion of an illumination sourcing tail section. The molded objects are limited by the physics to control the emissions within the shape and size of the molded object. Small objects such as watches, pagers, cell phones, key rings, PDA's, toys, and the like are not conducive to fiber optic panels which include an illumination sourcing tail section. Use in objects, which are manufactured of cloth, are further limited in applications of fiber optic panels that require the illumination sourcing tail section.
Each of the above taught devices require a coupling device, commonly referred to as a fiber optic ferrule. The fiber optic ferrule gathers the bundle of fiber optic strands of the illumination sourcing tail section and couples the illumination source to the fiber optic light panel.
A number of lights emitting panels are contained in the prior art that teach lateral emission of light along the length of the fibers. Various methods to disrupt the index of refraction are used and have been in practice for a number of years.
Daniel (U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,907) teaches a light emitting fabric, utilizing woven optical fibers to provide an illuminated fabric. Daniel utilizes an illumination sourcing tail section to provide illumination to the fabric. Daniel further provides an enhancement of the illumination from the fiber optic strands by introducing small scratches that pierce the outer coating. Daniel is limited in the requirement of the illumination sourcing tail section and by providing a woven pattern, Daniel is limited in the shape of the perimeter of the fabric.
Levens (U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,700) teaches a light coupler utilizing an array of non-imaging optical microcouplers for collecting sunlight and distributing it within a building. The teachings are limited to a spherical surface. The teachings utilize a hemispherical cone as a means to focus the transfer of light. Levens is limited to a curved surface, requiring the curved shape as a means to focus the illumination from the illumination source to the fiber optic strands.
Fasanella, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,243) teaches a low cost star coupler for use in optical data networks. The star coupler taught comprising a support plate having groves in which polymer optical fibers may be placed and a central aperture. The apparatus is a modular design used to facilitate replacement of fibers. The teaching is limited to an apparatus for coupling fiber optical fibers. The teachings are limited to a coupling apparatus with the apparatus requiring slots and distal proximities between adjacent polymer optic fibers, thus being such that it is incapable of providing illumination such as a backing panel.
Fasanella, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,228) teaches a cost effective side-coupling polymer fiber optics for optical interconnections, whereby the coupler utilizes mirrors comprising a notch and mirrors to transfer the optical signals from one fiber bus to a second fiber bus. Fasanella, et al is limited in the location of the optical source similar to the sourcing of the above devices.
What is desired is an apparatus, which can provide evenly distributed illuminations and illuminate the entire perimeter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is to provide a fiber optic light panel lacking an illumination source tail section.
A second aspect of the present invention is to provide a fiber optic light panel whereby the light can be emitted along the entire perimeter of the panel.
A third aspect of the present invention is to provide an optically coupling an illumination source to a plurality of fiber optic strands positioned about a centralized illumination receiving port, wherein the centralized illumination receiving port is a position within the perimeter of said fiber optic light panel.
A fourth aspect of the present invention is to provide an aperture within the fiber optic light panel, said aperture is positioned proximate said centralized illumination receiving port.
A fifth aspect of the present invention is to position the illumination source proximate at least one of said centralized illumination receiving port and said aperture.
A sixth aspect of the present invention is to provide multiple centralized illumination receiving ports within the perimeter of said fiber optic light panel.
A seventh aspect of the present invention is to provide multiple apertures respective to said multiple centralized illumination receiving ports.
An eighth aspect of the present invention is to position multiple illumination sources respective to at least one of multiple centralized illumination receiving ports and multiple apertures.
A ninth aspect of the present invention is the ability to utilize multiple colors of illumination by positioning differing colors of illumination sources to multiple centralized illumination receiving ports.
A tenth aspect of the present invention is to provide a light diffuser covering said illumination source and centralized illumination receiving ports to obtain an intensity matching that of the adjacent fiber optic light panel.
An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the ability to shear the entire perimeter of said fiber optic light panel at any angle between zero and 180 degrees respective to the radial line of the center of the centralized illumination receiving port and the contact point on the perimeter.
A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the ability to shape the fiber optic light panel into a figurative shape.
A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to shape the fiber optic light panel into a figurative shape, the shape comprising the entire outline of said fiber optic light panel.
A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a modified surface finish of the fiber optic strands to enhance the intensity of illumination along the length of the fiber optic strand.
A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of at least one reduced length fiber optic strand, whereby the reduced length fiber optic strand is oriented radially from at least one centralized illumination receiving port to a position distant from the perimeter of said fiber optic light panel providing points of illumination at greater intensity than the surrounding panel.
A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to manufacture said fiber optic light panel.
A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the placement of the fiber optic strands in a radial orientation.
An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the placement of the fiber optic strands through an aperture within a backing material.
A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the use of a vacuum to assist in the positioning of the fiber optic strands onto the light panel backing material.
A twentieth aspect in the positioning of the fiber optic fiber utilizes centrifugal forces to assist in the positioning of the fiber optic strands onto the light panel backing material.
A twenty-first aspect of the present invention is the use of a shaped placement head to assist in positioning of said fiber optic strands.
A twenty-second aspect of the present invention is whereby said shaped placement head is of at least one of planar, concave, spherical, conical, or egg shaped, and the like.
A twenty-third aspect of the present invention is the placement of the fiber optic strands, whereby a first end of the fiber optic strands is positioned adjacent the aperture within the fiber optic light panel.
A twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the shearing of the fiber optic strands adjacent a centralized illumination sourcing position to create an illumination sourcing port proximate said centralized illumination sourcing position.
A twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is whereby at least a portion of said centralized illumination exiting ports of the fiber optic strands are sheared prior to said perimeter if said backing member.
A twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is the whereby the aperture is reinforced by a pliable grommet.
A twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is the ability to provide multiple colors for illumination.
A twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention is utilization of a flexible material, a rigid material, an opaque material, a translucent material, a non-reflective material, a reflective material, a luminescent material, individually, or in combination as said backing member.
A twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention is the placement of radially arranged fiber optic strands on both sides of the planar backing member.
A thirtieth aspect of the present invention is the application of a plurality of layers of radially arranged fiber optic strands to increase the intensity of illumination.
A thirty-first aspect of the present invention is the use of an adhesive comprising of a luminescent material applied as the adhesive for the plurality of layers of radially arranged fiber optic strands.
A thirty-second aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of multiple-colored illumination sources, whereby the multiple-colored illumination sources are strategically coupled to specific radially arranged fiber optic strands, the coupling positions such to illuminate the present invention in a multi-colored image.
A thirty-third aspect of the present invention is the utilization, directly or indirectly, of a natural illumination source such as daylight.
A thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the utilization, directly or indirectly, of a natural illumination source such as daylight, combined with the radially arranged fiber optic strands as a decorative skylight, observatory, and the like.
A thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a diffuser, the diffuser designed to increase thermal dissipation from the illumination source.
A thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention is the ability to remove the backing material from the radially arranged fiber optic panel, whereby the adhesive between the plurality of fiber optic strands provides the means for supporting the shape of the plurality of fiber optic strands.
A thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention is the utilization of the radially arranged pattern as a means to index angles for applications such as industrial inspections, and the like.
A thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention is the application of the radially arranged fiber optic panel within a rotating apparatus, such as a fan, and the like.
A thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention is the application of a strobing effect for the illumination source optically coupled to the radially arranged fiber optic panel.
A fortieth aspect of the present invention is the application of multiple layers of radially arranged fiber optic strands in conjunction with multiple centralized illumination receiving positions, whereby the pattern apparatus can present an animated image by synchronously timing the illumination sources. Each specified layer would be coupled to a specified centralized illumination receiving positions, wherein as each illumination source provides illumination, it illuminates a predetermined pattern. As the series of illuminations step through the multiple illuminations, the pattern outputs change, thus animating the radially arranged fiber optic panel.
A forty-first aspect of the present invention is the application of a radially arranged fiber optic panel within a z-axis, resonating structure, such as an audio speaker.
A forty-second aspect of the present invention is the application of a colorant such as translucent or luminescent paint, dye, or “ink” to the top surface of the fiber so that decorative, warning, or instructional patterns can be seen.
A forty-third aspect of the present invention is the application of a solar cell or solar array to power the light source directly or indirectly, or charging of the light power source, thus giving the assembly great mobility.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a known prior art using a fiber optic ribbon adhered to a backing member.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a first embodiment as a radially arranged fiber optic light panel representative of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a second embodiment as an ornamental, radially arranged fiber optic light panel representative of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a section of a radially arranged fiber optic light panel illustrating the benefits of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a first phase and state of respective tooling for one embodiment of manufacture of a radially arranged fiber optic light panel.
FIG. 6 illustrates a second phase and state of respective tooling for one embodiment of manufacture of a radially arranged fiber optic light panel.
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the first phase and state of respective tooling for an alternate embodiment of manufacture of a radially arranged fiber optic light panel.
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional drawing illustrating an installed radially arranged fiber optic light panel, the illustration further comprising a detailed cross sectional drawing illustrating a diffuser.
FIG. 9 is an isometric view illustrating a single sided, radially arranged fiber optic light panel, further comprising an illumination source and incorporated into an enclosure.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional drawing illustrating an installed radially arranged fiber optic light panel with radially arranged fiber optic strands positioned on both sides of the backing member.
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view providing a more detailed illustration of a proposed diffuser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a current, commercially-available, linear fiber optic panel 10 comprising a plurality of fiber optic strands 12 positioned contiguous and parallel one another and adhered to a backing material 14 . The plurality of fiber optic strands 12 are arranged into an illumination sourcing tail section 16 and gathered within an optical coupling member 22 . The ends of the plurality of fiber optic strands 12 are sheared and polished at the illumination-sourcing end 18 of the plurality of fiber optic strands 12 . The illumination source (not shown) would be optically coupled to the illumination sourcing tail section 16 using the optical coupling member 22 ; the light would travel within the plurality of fiber optic strands 12 across the linear fiber optic panel 10 ; and exit at an illumination-exiting end 20 of the plurality of fiber optic strands 12 . The arrangement of the linear fiber optic panel 10 does not allow the shearing of the plurality of fiber optic strands 12 along a linear edge 24 of the linear fiber optic panel 10 . Should the linear edge 24 of the linear fiber optic panel 10 become damaged, the light path will become compromised, thus limiting or no longer transferring the light to the illumination-exiting end 20 .
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of the present invention; a radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 comprising a plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 positioned radially from at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 . The fiber optic strands 112 can be of any light transmissive fibers such as plastic optical fiber, glass optical fiber, and the like. The plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 comprise a first end being an illumination receiving port 126 and a second end being an illumination exiting port 120 . The plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 are positioned with the centralized illumination receiving port 126 adjacent the at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 and the illumination exiting port 120 positioned towards a peripheral edge 122 of a radially arranged fiber optic backing member 114 . The plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 are adhered to said radially arranged fiber optic backing member 114 and adjacent plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 . The ends of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 are sheared and polished at the illumination-sourcing end 126 of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 . The illumination source (not shown) would be optically coupled to the illumination-sourcing end 126 of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 at said at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 . The light would travel within the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 across the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 ; and exit at an illumination-exiting end 120 of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 . The arrangement of the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 allows the shearing of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 along the peripheral edge 122 of the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 .
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the present invention; an ornamental, radially arranged fiber optic panel 130 comprising a plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 positioned radially from at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 . The plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 are positioned with a centralized illumination receiving port 126 adjacent the at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 and an illumination exiting port 120 positioned towards an ornamentally shaped, peripheral edge 132 of a radially arranged fiber optic backing member 114 . The plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 are adhered to said radially arranged fiber optic backing member 114 and adjacent plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 . The ends of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 are sheared and polished at the illumination-sourcing end 126 of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 . The illumination source (not shown) would be optically coupled to the illumination-sourcing end 126 of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 at said at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 . The light would travel within the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 across the ornamental, radially arranged fiber optic panel 130 ; and exit at an illumination-exiting end 120 of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 . The arrangement of the ornamental, radially arranged fiber optic panel 130 allows the shearing of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 along the ornamentally shaped, peripheral edge 132 of the an ornamental, radially arranged fiber optic panel 130 .
The various embodiments can be further enhanced with the inclusion of additional centralized illumination receiving positions 124 to provide for additional sources for illumination. The additional sources can provide a means for applying multiple colors of light to the various embodiments of the present invention. A portion of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 can be sheared at a position prior to the peripheral edge 122 , 132 of the present invention as a means to increase the intensity of light at positions within the peripheral edge 122 , 132 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates a section of an isometric view of a radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 illustrating the benefit of the present invention. The present invention provides the ability to shape the outline of the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 in a non-rectangular shape. The radially arranged plurality of fiber optic strands 112 allows the designer to shear the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 at angles described herein when following the perimeter 122 of the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 as described in a clockwise direction. The angles described provide the capabilities of the present invention, wherein the actual embodiments reduced to practice may not have the severity of angles as described, while maintaining the same spirit and intention of the present invention. The perimeter 122 can have a first angle θ A shearing the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 up to 180 degrees (parallel) to the adjacent fiber optic strand 112 towards the at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 . The perimeter 122 has a second angle θ B shearing the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 the second angle θ B equal to or greater than 0 degrees and equal to or less than 180 degrees respective to the adjacent fiber optic strand 112 . If the shearing were greater than 180 degrees, the shearing would disunite the continuity of the fiber optic strand 112 , thus limiting the transfer of the illumination at the point of disunity. The perimeter 122 has a third angle θ c shearing the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 the third angle θ c being up to 180 degrees (parallel) to the adjacent fiber optic strand 112 away from the at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 . The present invention provides the designer the capability of incorporating angles as described herein and completely circumventing the at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 . One perfect application of the present invention illustrating the advantage over the prior art would be a round shaped object requiring a back lighting, such as an automotive gauge.
The figure further illustrates an enlarged section of a fiber optic strand 112 , wherein the enlarged section of the fiber optic strand 112 comprises deformations 113 in the surface of the fiber optic strand 112 .
FIG. 5 illustrates a first phase in a first embodiment of the steps of manufacture to fabricate the present invention, the first phase being the radial arrangement of a plurality of fiber optic strands 112 . The manufacturing process would include a fiber optic bundle feeding mechanism 140 which directs a predetermined length of fiber optic strands 112 through the at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 of the fiber optic backing member 114 towards a radially arranging placement head 150 . The radially arranging placement head 150 can comprise of a radially arranging forming member 151 and a vacuum directing member 152 . The radially arranging forming member 151 comprises a placement surface 153 , a compression region 155 and a compression supporting surface 156 . The radially arranging forming member 151 would have a normally non-compressed state providing a normally non-compressed force 154 when the radially arranging forming member 151 is positioned in the radially directing position (as shown). The process can apply a rotational force 144 to the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 to utilize centrifugal force as a means to assist in positioning the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 into the desired radial positions. The fiber optic bundle feeding mechanism 140 can be utilized to apply the rotational force 144 to the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 by shearing the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 , temporarily coupling the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 to the fiber optic bundle feeding mechanism 140 , and rotating the fiber optic bundle feeding mechanism 140 . An adhesive layer 142 can be applied to the fiber optic backing member 114 prior to the positioning of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 onto the fiber optic backing member 114 . This can expedite the manufacturing process. A vacuum force 160 can be applied to further assist in the radially positioning process, whereby the vacuum force 160 would assist in drawing the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 evenly against the radially arranging forming member 151 .
FIG. 6 illustrates a second phase in the first embodiment of the steps of manufacture to fabricate the present invention, the second phase being the positioning of the radially arranged plurality of fiber optic strands 112 onto the fiber optic backing member 114 . The plurality of fiber optic strands 112 are positioned in a radially arranged pattern within the first phase of the manufacturing process. The plurality of fiber optic strands 112 are then positioned onto the fiber optic backing member 114 by bringing the fiber optic backing member 114 and the radially arranging placement head 150 proximate each other. The contacting force (not shown) would overcome the normally non-compressed force ( 154 of FIG. 4 ) and cause the compression region 155 to collapse as shown. The compression supporting surface 156 would provide support beyond the dimensions provided by the collapse of the compression region 155 . The placement surface 153 would apply a placing force (not illustrated) to position the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 onto the fiber optic backing member 114 . Bonding between the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 and the fiber optic backing member 114 can be completed by any of commonly known means, including, but not limited to pre-applied adhesives, spray adhesives, liquid adhesives, heating, and ultrasonic welding. The vacuum force 160 can optionally be continuously applied to assist in maintaining a radial arrangement of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 against the placement surface 153 . Upon completion of the bonding process, a shearing mechanism 162 would shear, and preferably polish, the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 . One alternative shearing mechanism 162 would be a punching process, whereby the shearing mechanism 162 vertically shears the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 proximate the at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 . The final phase of the manufacturing process (not illustrated) would be shaping the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 by shearing the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 . One means of accomplishing this is using a steel rule die shearing apparatus.
The illumination exiting ports ( 120 of FIG. 2 ) provide a greater intensity of light compared to the intensity of light emitted along the length of the fiber optic strands 112 . The plurality of fiber optic strands 112 can be applied to the fiber optic backing member 114 in several repeated steps, whereby the lengths can be varied. The varied lengths (as shown) positions the illumination exiting ports 120 across the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 , as opposed to only being along the sheared edge(s).
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the first phase of manufacturing of the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 . The alternate first phase would comprise the same members as described as within the first embodiment above, with the addition of an air flow, radially position assistance port 180 . The air flow, radially position assistance port 180 would provide air flow 182 directed towards the center of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 fed from the fiber optic bundle feeding mechanism 140 . The air flow 182 would assist in positioning the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 into a radial position as shown. The air flow, radially position assistance port 180 can be elastically coupled to the radially arranging placement head 150 wherein the air flow, radially position assistance port 180 can elastically adjust vertically to modify the position of the air flow, radially position assistance port 180 respective to the placement surface 153 of the radially arranging forming member 151 . During the first phase of manufacture, the air flow, radially position assistance port 180 can be positioned protruding from the placement surface 153 towards the fiber optic bundle feeding mechanism 140 . During the second phase of manufacture, the air flow, radially position assistance port 180 can be positioned proximate the placement surface 153 . One means to accomplish this would be to place a compliant member such as rubber, a spring, and the like, at least one of coupled to and behind the air flow, radially position assistance port 180 .
An alternate embodiment would be to utilize electro-static charge to assist in positioning the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 into a radial position. The manufacturing apparatus can apply a charge to the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 , preferably at the fiber optic bundle feeding mechanism 140 . An electro-static charge, with a polarity opposing the charge applied to the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 , would be discharged by a member positioned similar to the air flow, radially position assistance port 180 illustrated. The opposing charges would assist in positioning the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 into a radial position.
FIG. 8 illustrates the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 incorporated within a proposed application. The radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 would be positioned with the centralized illumination receiving position 124 proximate an illumination source 204 . The illustration presents a Printed Circuit Assembly 200 , the Printed Circuit Assembly 200 comprising a Printed Circuit Board 202 , a respective illumination source driving circuit (not shown), and the illumination source 204 . The illumination source 204 would be optically coupled with the centralized illumination receiving port 126 of each of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 . A light diffuser 170 can be coupled to the assembly proximate the illumination source 204 . It would be preferred that the light diffuser 170 be of a material, transparency, and/or coloration which illuminates to an intensity and colorization similar to that emitted by the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 of the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 . The present invention can be furthered by the inclusion of a plurality of illumination sources 204 . The present invention can be furthered wherein the illumination source(s) 204 can emit multiple colors. A first means of accomplishing multiple colors can be accomplished by providing a plurality of illumination sources 204 , whereby at least one of the illumination sources 204 illuminates a first color and at least a second of the illumination sources 204 illuminates a second color. A second means of accomplishing multiple colors can be accomplished by providing at least one of illumination source 204 , whereby the least one of illumination source 204 is capable of illuminating in multiple colors. One such available illumination source 204 would be a bi-color LED. A third means of providing multiple colors to the illumination source 204 is by including a color wheel (not shown), the color wheel being a color-tinted, translucent material positioned between the illumination source 204 and the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 . The color wheel can be coupled in a manner providing the ability to change in position respective to the illumination source 204 . If the color wheel comprises multiple colors, the color can be changed by changing the position of the color wheel respective to the illumination source 204 .
FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 incorporated within a proposed application as one embodiment of an end product. The embodiment shown is representative of the first reduction to practice achieved by the inventors. The illustrated embodiment comprises the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 , a Printed Circuit Assembly 200 , the Printed Circuit Assembly 200 comprising a Printed Circuit Board 202 , a respective illumination source driving circuit (not shown), and the illumination source 204 . The radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 and Printed Circuit Assembly 200 are coupled to an enclosure 220 (shown as a cutaway section). The illumination source 204 provides illumination to the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 . The plurality of fiber optic strands 112 distribute the illumination radially whereby the illumination is emitted through the external surface of the fiber optic strands 112 . The distribution of the plurality of fiber optic strands 112 provides illumination across the entire surface area of the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 , illuminating the enclosure 220 . A light diffuser 170 can be integrated within the enclosure 220 . Additional illumination can be provided from the illumination exiting ports 120 . Features can be provided within the enclosure to direct the illumination from the illumination exiting ports 120 across the surface area of the enclosure 220 . The surface of the enclosure 220 can be textured to change the intensity of the illumination. The enclosure can be manufactured to become more appealing, including such features as colored materials, variations in transparency, images molded within the enclosure, and other known molding processes. The apparatus can include variations for providing color(s) to the illumination. Some examples of applications include, but are not limited to: key chain, Christmas, and other ornaments (first reduction to practice), picture frames, fabric and clothing, art pieces, cell phones, pagers, computers, personal data assistants, automotive accessories, sporting goods, medical devices, musical instruments, training mechanisms, pins, toys (Frisbee, tops, Yo-Yo's, etc.) signs, cards (business, greeting, playing, etc.), trophies and plaques, accent lighting, and timepiece (watch, clock, etc.).
FIG. 10 illustrates an installed, encapsulating radially arranged fiber optic light panel 206 with a plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 positioned on two opposing sides of an encapsulating backing member 222 . The encapsulating radially arranged fiber optic light panel 206 comprises an illumination sourcing compartment 224 positioned either between two backing members ( 114 of FIG. 8 ) or within the encapsulating backing member 222 . The plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 can be coupled to one or both sides of the encapsulating backing member 222 . The application can provide two (or more) illumination sources 204 as shown to provide illumination to the plurality of radially arranged fiber optic strands 112 . A Printed Circuit Assembly 200 , the Printed Circuit Assembly 200 comprising a Printed Circuit Board 202 , a respective illumination source driving circuit (not shown), and the illumination source 204 is shown as a means for providing illumination to the encapsulating radially arranged fiber optic light panel 206 . The Printed Circuit Assembly 200 can be double sided to provide the illumination source 204 to both sides of the encapsulating radially arranged fiber optic light panel 206 . Alternatively, the illumination source 204 can be positioned proximate the at least one centralized illumination receiving position 124 . The illumination source 204 can be powered by any remote means such as a circuit comprising a power source, wires, and a switch.
FIG. 11 illustrates a more detailed view of two diffuser concepts. The diffuser 170 can be positioned above the illumination source 204 and coupled to the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 . The diffuser 170 can be of any material, but preferably the material would be of a translucence providing an intensity that is comparable to that of the adjacent fiber optic strands. If the design is such that the illumination at the diffuser 170 is not desired, the diffuser 170 can comprise a reflective material to assist in directing the illumination towards the illumination receiving port 126 . An illumination backing diffuser 224 can be incorporated, the illumination backing diffuser 224 providing a means to direct the illumination towards the illumination receiving port 126 . The illumination backing diffuser 224 can be used to couple the illumination source 204 to the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 . One means of accomplishing this would be a friction fit between the illumination backing diffuser 224 and the aperture respective to the centralized illumination receiving position 124 . The illumination source 204 is shown including a conductor 226 which can be a wire. The conductor 226 would be electro-mechanically coupled to a power source (not shown). The illumination backing diffuser 224 can include a reflective material to assist as a means to direct the illumination towards the illumination receiving port 126 .
Applications: It can be recognized that the fiber optic backing member 114 can be of a flexible material, preferably woven, a rigid material, an opaque material, a translucent material, a non-reflective material, and a reflective material. This provides a material whereby the end user can couple multiple sections for applications that can be considered “illuminating fabric” for items such as clothing, hats, accessories, and the like. The planar nature of the radially arranged fiber optic panel 100 provides an apparatus whereby the user can create illuminating shapes that can be assembled into ornamental housings, adhered to glass for decorative applications, etc.
Additional applications of the present invention would be: illuminated Pavers™ for lawn, driveway and gardens; dishes and cups, buttons, and emblems for clothing and hats; home and office lighted novelties; furniture; outdoor lighting; targets; standard lighting replacements; airport lighting; night-lights; map-readers; and UFO models.
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An apparatus and method of manufacture is disclosed for a fiber optic lighting device. The fiber optic lighting device is formed by adhering fiber optic strands onto a backing material in a radial pattern from a centralized illumination receiving port within a perimeter of the backing material. The centralized illumination receiving port of the fiber optic strands is where the illuminating source would transfer the illuminations into the fiber optic strands. The fiber optic strands can include a surface finish, which enhances the intensity of the light emitting from the fiber optic strands. The fiber optic lighting device can provide a non-linear sheared edge along the entire perimeter of the backing material.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a method for separating harmful substances, such as SO 2 , HCl and NO x where x is 1 or 2, for example, from combustion exhaust gases, by way of dry adsorbents based upon hydrated oxides, hydroxides, or oxides. Such dry adsorbents include Ca(OH) 2 , AlOOH, Al(OH) 3 , Al 2 O 3 xH 2 O, bauxite, CaO, NaOH, and/or carbonates, and/or hydrogen carbonates. The exhaust gases so treated, have high combustion chamber temperatures, such as attained by bituminous coal firing, for example.
In the present invention, the powdered or particulate adsorbents, are blown into at least a portion of the flowing exhaust gas at an exhaust gas temperature below about 400° C., thereby binding any chlorides which may be present in the exhaust gas. The exhaust gases or fumes are subsequently released into the open environment through a chimney, after precipitation of the solid components therefrom. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out this procedure.
DE-OS No. 31 39 080 discloses the blowing or injection of Ca(OH) 2 adsorbent into a waste or refuse boiler at a flue gas temperature of 400° to 350° C. in order to separate the chlorine and/or fluorine from the flue gases of a waste or refuse incinerator, and to bind these harmful substances. The exhaust gases are then cleaned and transmitted into the atmosphere. The disadvantage of this procedure and apparatus, is that the exhaust gases containing the dust and adsorbents, are directed through the final heating surfaces, so that the gases quickly pollute the environment. The combined separation of dust and chlorides or fluorides leads to an intimate mixture of these three components, thus making separation and further treatment practically impossible. Simultaneous adsorption of SO 2 and/or reduction of NO x or sulphate formation, is not indicated.
It is known that adsorption is more efficient in a "wet" manner than in a "dry" condition for the separation of SO 2 -containing harmful fumes from the exhaust gases. It is also known that in the case of the "dry" separation of the harmful fumes, at similar surface boundary conditions, but with different exhaust gases, the degree of separation is subject to large fluctuations, whereby refuse firing generally produces a better degree of separation than coal firing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to improve separation of harmful substances from combustion exhaust gases.
It is a more particular object of the present invention to improve removal of SO 2 , and HCl from the exhaust gas, and to improve removal or conversion of NO x in the exhaust gas.
It is another object of the present invention to improve the "wet" separation of harmful substances from the flowing exhaust gas.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide for synthesis or regeneration of adsorbent for removing harmful substances from the flowing exhaust gas.
It is also another object of the present invention to improve stoichiometric ratios in reaction of adsorbent with flowing exhaust gas, to remove the harmful substances from the same.
These and other objects are attained by the present invention in which harmful substances, such as SO 2 , HCl, and NO x where x is 1 or 2, are removed from combustion exhaust gases containing the same. The exhaust gas is contacted with at least one particulate adsorbent which, at a release temperature below 400° C., releases at least one reactant for the harmful substances. The reactant, which leaves the adsorbent in activated condition substantially free of the reactant itself, is selected from the group consisting of water, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Thus, the reactant and the activated adsorbent act to remove harmful substances from the flowing exhaust gas.
Physically, and/or chemically-conditioned release of fission and/or reaction products, is attained by the present invention during the addition of the adsorbent into the partially cooled-off exhaust gas flow. Therefore, the molecules of the harmful gas component will encounter wet conditions at the well-dispersed adsorbent molecules in the exhaust gas, so that a gas-liquid reaction is executed instead of just a gas-solid reaction. The essential "in situ" water accumulation at the adsorbent particles, always provides sufficient available water for the gas/liquid reaction at the adsorbent grains (granules), in spite of water accumulation at the sulfate molecule. Thus the stoichiometric ratios of adsorbent to harmful substances can be greatly improved and simplified over the stoichiometrics in previouslyutilized installations and processes, such prior stoichiometrics being three times greater than those attained by the present invention.
At least a portion of the dust produced in the combustion chamber is removed prior to the blowing-in or addition of the adsorbents into the flowing exhaust gas to be purified. Also, at least a portion of the adsorbents is split off into molecular size, as a result of the influence of temperature, to generate H 2 O and/or NH 3 and/or CO 2 , thus activating the added-adsorbent. The adsorbent may include one or more of the following compounds, for an example: NaHCO 3 , NH 4 HCO 3 , Al(OH) 3 , silica gel, Ca(OH) 2 , salts with water of crystallization such as CaCl 2 or Al 2 O 3 .
By the activation of these added adsorbents, SO 2 is not only bound (through formation of a sulfite or sulfate), but nitric oxides are also bound or transformed to nitrogen. This latter step is attained by a change of the crystal structure of the particularly-active adsorbent, which takes place in "status nascendi".
The present invention is also directed to an apparatus for carrying out the above-noted procedure, where an inlet for an adsorption agent or a mixture of adsorption agents is provided in the flowing exhaust gas after a combustion installation or chamber. This inlet is especially provided in front of a final heat recovery surface, and after or downstream of the last tubular heating surface in the combustion chamber. Moreover, a dry filter device, especially a cloth filter, and a suction draft blower are provided in the path of the flowing exhaust gas.
It has been surprisingly found that the transformation of NO x harmful gaseous substances, to harmless component parts, is greatly improved by the present invention.
Formation of fission and/or reaction products (reactant) from adsorbents, occurs, for example, according to the following equations:
(1) Reaction water: CaO+2 HCl=CaCl 2 +H 2 O
(2) Molecular water: 2NaHCO 3 decomposes at temperatures above 100° C. to Na 2 CO 3 +H 2 O+CO 2 , or NH 4 HCO 3 splits at temperatures of 35° C. into NH 3 +H 2 O+CO 2 or Al(OH) 3 splits into AlOOH+H 2 O.
(3) Water of crystallization: CaCl 2 . 6H 2 O splits off 4H 2 O at temperatures above 30° C. and also splits off the remaining (2H 2 O) water of crystallization particularly at temperatures greater than 200° C. FeCl 3 and Al 2 O 3 react in a similar manner.
(4) Adsorbed water: Water from the atmosphere (capillary condensation) may condense in molecular size in the pores of dry dust particles (salts), whereby these water molecules can evaporate only at high temperatures, often above 500° C.
Furthermore, during the re-forming of NO x , it is important for NH 3 to be available in small (molecular) size in sufficient quantity, in order to disintegrate or reduce the NO x or to bind NO x into nitrates. For this purpose, it is possible to use ammonium compounds, such as NH 4 Cl which breaks down into NH 3 and HCl at 300° C., as well as utilizing NH 4 HCO 3 which already breaks down at approximately 60° C. into NH 3 +H 2 O+CO 2 .
Operation of simultaneous desulfurization and denitrogenization, is described as follows: It has been known that Na 2 CO 3 (soda) binds sulfur barely effectively. However the addition of NaHCO 3 , for instance in the form of baking soda or as a mineral (nahcolite), binds sulfur to a considerably greater extent, when the addition takes place at temperatures above the release or evolution of H 2 O and CO 2 (i.e. above 60° C.). H 2 O and CO 2 escape from the crystal, with Na 2 CO 3 remaining, present in an especially active form, because it appears in "status nascendi" and thus still possesses the lattice structure of the baking soda, while it is chemically present as Na 2 CO 3 (soda).
At the same time, water is present in the pores which are formed during the release from the crystal, thus promoting the binding-in of SO 2 . The active crystal, Na 2 CO 3 , on the other hand, is active for the reason that the lattice defects release unsaturated electrons, which in turn, effect the binding-in or transformation of NO into N 2 and/or NO 2 . The Na 2 CO 3 is also active because the specific surface of the freshly-formed or transforming crystals is very large.
It is essential that unstable compounds are created, at least partially, which reduce NO x to N 2 , so that N 2 can be formed which can no longer be changed back into NO x due to the low temperature level. Remaining NO 2 is transformed into N 2 by the NH 3 made available at the same time (either as NH 3 or as NH 4 OH, or as a result of disintegration of an NH 3 -containing salt). 3.5N 2 +6H 2 O is ultimately formed from 3NO 2 +4NH 3 .
The following criteria apply for the selection of the active substances for the mixing of the adsorbents, for attaining the simultaneous desulfurization and denitrogenization. Within the individual groups of adsorbents, selection takes place according to availability or economic consideration, and/or further treatment of the adsorbents that is conducted. For desulfurization, compounds should be used which split off H 2 O creating surfaces for the binding of sulfite or subsequent sulfate, thus creating more favorable initial conditions for the otherwise extremely inert or inactive reaction gas/solids (SO 2 or alkaline substances) which then react in the presence of water. In other words, suitable compounds include, for example, NaOH (in solid or liquid form), NaHCO 3 , NH 4 HCO 3 , Ca(OH) 2 , Al(OH) 3 , AlO(OH), compounds which give off water of crystallization, calcium oxide which reacts as follows: CaO+2HCl to give off reaction water, NaHSO 3 , BOH, or solid or liquid organic compounds, such as organic acids including formic acid or acetic acid.
For the denitrogenization, the adsorbent should include a compound which additionally or simultaneously results in a sudden crystal lattice transformation, whereby the newly created compound (by way of heat, or by way of mechanical force such as pulverizing or grinding, for example) is especially active in "status nascendi" (i.e. by "bursting" transformation into a new compound), and possesses unsaturated surface valences which can be used for transformation of NO to N 2 and/or NO 2 . This occurs, for example, through the addition of NaHCO 3 (transformation to Na 2 CO 3 ), forming an especially active Na 2 CO 3 * in "status nascendi".
NO 2 which has not been simultaneously transformed into N 2 (from the former NO), must now be transformed into N 2 . This is accomplished by adding, at the same time or later, NH 3 or NH 3 -containing compounds or solutions which release NH 3 when heat is introduced (possibly also releasing NH 3 *).
Within the scope of the present invention, it is possible to increase the degree of dry adsorption, as far as effectiveness is concerned. This is of special importance in the case of high temperatures in the combustion chamber, occurring, for example, if bituminous coal is used for firing, where the addition of lime into the combustion chamber is only of little effect. Since chemical industrial processes and installations must first be adjusted to requirements of exhaust gas purification (e.g. inexpensive adsorbents of not too great a purity, but availability in large amounts), it is very important that a manufacturer of furnaces can easily produce the adsorbent by oneself, thus requiring only chemically raw material NH 3 which is available in great quantities, and the purchase of which does not constitute too great an expense. This attainment is explicitly possible with the present invention.
For the separation of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), especially in the absence of any HCl in the exhaust gas, an additive has to be blown into the flowing exhaust gas stream together or in admixture with the adsorbent itself. In particular, this additive may be HCl in solid or in liquid form. More especifically, the adsorbent may be introduced into the flowing exhaust gas in admixture with from 0.5-50%, more preferably from 2 to 10%, of a halide especially chlorides such as NaCl, ammonium-containing compounds or alkaline compounds, such as NH 4 Cl, (NH 4 ) 2 CO 3 , or Ca(OH) 2 with decomposition or sublimation temperatures less than or equal to about 400° C.
Powdered, "over-quenched" Ca(OH) 2 , as an adsorption agent, is preferably blown into the exhaust gas flow in a hydration step, especially in admixture with CaCl 2 and/or FeCl 3 with water of crystallization, whereby chlorides are produced through treatment with HCl of the Ca(OH) 2 and its impurities. For the separation of SO 2 in the absence of HCl, especially for the additional separation of NO x , the following adsorbent may be blown into the flowing exhaust gas current: Ca(OH) 2 and/or hydrogen carbonate such as NaHCO 3 and/or NH 4 HCO 3 , NH 4 OH, NH 3 , or NH 3 -containing compounds, for example. In particular, the required ammonium-based and/or soda-based adsorbent is produced from the purified gas flow after or downstream of a dry-separator, by introducing ammonia in aqueous solution under the release of heat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawing is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the present invention. This figure illustrates the interconnection, i.e. a circuit arrangement of a thermo power installation equipped with exhaust gas purification and adsorption agent production installations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawing, cooled flue gas current 1 flows from a combustion chamber 13, at approximately 200° C. through a cloth filter 2, in which powdered impurities are precipitated through a chimney 14, into the open. At the outlet of the combustion installation or chamber 13, the exhaust gas is precipitated in a dry-separator such as an electric filter 16. A dry adsorbent, such as Ca(OH) 2 is added to the thus-purified flue gas which has now been cooled to below 400° C., in an adsorption phase. The added adsorbent, adsorbs the harmful gases such as SO 2 and/or HC1, whereby the loaded adsorbent is then separated in a cloth filter 2.
A difficulty is encountered at this point, in that the adsorbent reacts only on the surface thereof with the SO 2 , if the chloride content in the flowing exhaust gas is low, so that only a very minor binding of SO 2 can take place, and then only with high stoichiometrics of 2 to 3. However, this disadvantage can be eliminated by adding, to the adsorbent, chlorides such as CaCl 2 and/or FeCl 3 in an amount of e.g. 2 to 5%, so that the Ca(OH) 2 is intermixed with chlorides. This admixture is especially effective if the two adsorbents have been produced together from the start (e.g. by slaking of the burned lime under the addition of hydrochloric acid).
The important advantage of utilizing the CaCl 2 is that this salt is able to contain a relatively large amount of water of crystallization, and is able to release all of this water of crystallization at temperatures exceeding 200° C. As a result, these water particles are formed in molecular size in "status nascendi", during the formation of sulfate.
This moistness, which bursts forth along not only the surface of the dust particles but also in the interior thereof, precipitates an extremely effective gas/liquid reaction instead of a customary gas/solid reaction, which would otherwise occur in a relatively slow and insufficient manner. In this connection, it is extremely important that the liquid originates practically on the grains and is not conveyed in by water vapor content of the flowing exhaust gas. This latter step had been tried with "wet" processes up to now, such as washing spray procedures. Such previously-used steps included falling below the dew point of the flowing exhaust gas, and/or injecting water in front of a filter such as a cloth filter, along with other types of attempts. These steps only produced the unfavorable result that the cloth filters, in particular, were subject to an uneconomically high loss of pressure, since the water outside the dust particles cause the dust particles to become glued together. In contrast, the water at the so-called "inner" surface of the dust particles, i.e. within the adsorbent, does not suffer from this disadvantage.
The NO x cannot be disintegrated in large quantities through the addition of Ca(OH) 2 and CaCl 2 . In order to get this harmful gas under control, the present invention provides that, together with the Ca(OH) 2 which may also contain CaCl 2 , hartshorn salt, primarily NH 4 HCO 3 , and/or baking soda (NaHCO 3 ), and/or similar compounds, are admixed with the Ca(OH) 2 . Alternatively, the aforementioned hydrocarbonates, which are not stable and disintegrate into component parts at temperatures from 30° C. to 400° C., may be entirely substituted for the Ca(OH) 2 adsorbent.
To the extent that the component parts of the disintegrated hydrogen carbonates have a tremendous reaction tendency, it is possible to disintegrate (reduce) the harmful gases in good stoichiometric ratios with high effectiveness. Hartshorn salt and baking soda are relatively expensive adsorbents. However, these adsorbents can be produced or recovered from the CO 2 of the flowing flue gas, with water, NH 3 (and optionally with sodium chloride), in an installation which is connected thereto.
For this purpose, approximately 5% of the flue gas is diverted from the flue gas current 1 and guided through a flue gas cooler 3. This partial current 1' is now conveyed to one or several solution reactors 10, 10', where it is brought into contact with water or with an NH 3 -saturated liquid, with the CO 2 of the cleansed flue gas being partially dissolved. Flue gas removal points 4, 4' and 4" are provided in the partial current 1' of the exhaust gas, for this purpose.
The newly produced solution of the three aforementioned components (NH 3 , NaCl, and CO 2 ) is then cooled in the solution reactor 10', as well as in a cooler 9 which is connected thereto at the outlet side, so that hartshorn salt or baking soda precipitates. The precipitating crystals are thrown out within a centrifuge 5, and then conveyed through a dryer 7, and through a crystal-crushing device 8 such as a mill, to a distributing device 6 for introducing the adsorbents into the flowing flue gas.
The mother liquor, which is crystal poor, is conveyed through a recirculation line 11 to an NH 3 -saturator 12, and/or is mixed with mother liquor that has been saturated with NH 3 . This NH 3 -saturated solution is then conveyed to the flue gas removal point 4, so that this solution again comes into contact with the CO 2 of a partial current 1' to generate new adsorbent crystals.
The partial current 1' of the flue gas is again mixed into the hot flue-gas current 1 at approximately 220° C., after the required amounts of CO 2 have been removed. This combined stream is then released into the chimney 14 through a blower 15 as illustrated. As illustrated in the FIGURE, NaCl may be added to the aqueous solution of ammonia, e.g. in the saturator 12, for production of a soda-based adsorbent.
In order to obtain a pure-loaded adsorbent, it is preferable to dry-clean the flue gases ahead of the distributing device 6 for introducing the adsorbent into the flowing flue gas stream 1. The exhaust gases are preferably cleaned in an electro-filter 16, with ash particles being removed in the direction of arrow 17 in the drawing, so that as few ash particles as possible from the combustion installation 13 reach the cloth filter 2. Thus, this filter 2 requires much less frequent cleaning, while pressure loss is maintained within narrow limits.
Additional reasons for this initial removal of ash in the direction of arrow 17, in addition to other features of the present invention, are as follows. The product obtained during the adsorption phase through reaction of the adsorbent with the harmful gases, can be sold or re-used directly in the plant. However, due to high dust contents of the flowing exhaust gas, the value of this product is decreased, or it becomes completely unuseable. However, one obtains ammonium sulfate or ammonium bisulfate during the reaction of SO 2 with hartshorn salt, the ammonium sulfate/bisulfate being relatively pure, and being capable of being used as fertilizers.
It may be advisable to carry out the reaction of the adsorbent with the flowing gas at the cloth filter, as completely as possible (by additive utilization). This means a rather long time interval between purification pulses at the cloth filter. However, the coating of the non-reacting dust from the combustion chamber requires a shorter purification interval, with any adsorbent which is still capable of reaction being removed prematurely from the reaction surface in the filter cake of the cloth filter.
Accordingly, if in an existing installation, a filter is available, such as an E-filter (which has been used, but which is still more or less, at least partially useable), this E-filter can be utilized and the cloth filter downstream can be maintained on a smaller scale. Thus, the entire installation would be much less costly to operate.
Thus, if the exhaust gases are purified as completely as possible before the distribution 6 of the adsorbents, it is possible to set up downstream of the combustion installation, a fertilizer factory or a bituminous coal plant or a plate manufacturing installation, which refines the thus-produced and loaded adsorbents, and thus takes advantage of an environmental protection installation, or which at least reduces the amounts deposited in the atmosphere, or outside the installations.
Within the scope of the present invention, it is possible to also release an adsorbent in the combustion chamber of the combustion installation itself, or into the exhaust gas current at an exhaust gas temperature of approximately 100° C. (i.e. shortly after the combustion stage), such adsorbent binding SO 2 and thus creating better conditions for the SO 2 /NO x precipitation, which takes place downstream. Thus, the quantitative ratio of SO 2 /NO x can be influenced so that a stoichiometric ratio at or near an optimum of 2:1 is attained. Alternatively, it is thus possible to reduce SO 2 partial pressure altogether, in order to reduce the cost of the correspondingly-expensive adsorbents added at the low-temperature point 6.
The process and apparatus of the present invention thus permits conversion of older installations, whereby the flue gases released into the atmosphere are now in compliance with environment protection regulations for new installations. Use of the present invention in new installations is also advantageous, since loaded adsorbents are obtained in a state of great purity, and are thus suitable as base substances for factories of building material and/or fertilizers.
The preceding description of the present invention is merely examplary, and is not intended to limit the scope thereof in any way.
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Method and apparatus for separating at least one harmful substance such as SO 2 , HCl or NO x where x is 1 or 2, from combustion exhaust gases containing the same. The exhaust gases are contacted with at least one particulate adsorbent which, at a release temperature below 400° C., releases at least one of water, ammonia, or carbon dioxide, for reaction with the harmful substances. This reactant leaves the adsorbent in activated condition. Thus, the reactant and activated adsorbent serve to remove harmful substances from the flowing exhaust gas.
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The present invention relates to apparatus for separating two phases of a sample of a heterogeneous liquid by centrifuging, and particularly suitable for separating plasma from whole blood.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the past, a blood sample contained in a tube has either been coagulated or else it has been centrifuged. If centrifuged, the red corpuscles which correspond to substantially 60% (by volume) of whole blood separate from the plasma and collect in the bottom of the tube. An operator then uses a pipette disposed above the red corpuscles to take off the quantity of plasma required for the intended analyses. If the operator is clumsy about the separation zone between the two phases, one or other of the following two situations may arise:
a significant amount of plasma to be collected is lost; or
red corpuscles enter the pipette and contaminate the plasma for analysis.
An object of the present invention is to avoid this drawback and to separate plasma automatically from a blood sample without manual intervention and without contamination, and as soon as the sample has been taken, without waiting for coagulation, and to do this at very low cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus for separating two phases of a sample of heterogeneous liquid by centrifuging, the apparatus being particularly suitable for separating plasma from whole blood, wherein the apparatus comprises a closed assembly about an axis of revolution and comprising:
a distributor-divider disposed centrally and provided with n compartments delimited by radial partitions, the first compartment communicating firstly with the outside via a well for receiving a sample of whole blood and secondly with the second compartment via an overflow, the second compartment similarly communicating with a third via an overflow, and so on to the n-th compartment which does not communicate with the first compartment, all of the overflows being situated at the same height, and said distributor-divider being filled progressively merely under gravity;
a ring separator situated around said distributor-divider and incorporating n receptacles respectively communicating:
with n compartments via respective orifices situated at a height which is significantly greater than that of said overflows to ensure that the blood contained in said compartments pours into said receptacles only under the effect of centrifuging;
via respective restrictions with n outer separation cells for storing red corpuscles, the ratio of the volume to be contained in each cell relative to the volume of said associated compartment being not less than the volume ratio of red corpuscles relative to whole blood, thereby ensuring that the interface between the red corpuscles and the plasma which is established in each cell when centrifuging stops lies below said restrictions;
in between, a common bottom portion narrowing into a funnel; and
a removable plasma collector situated centrally beneath said funnel.
The general principle of the above apparatus is to divide the said sample into a plurality of defined quantities such that the separation line between plasma and red corpuscles is also well-determined so to enable automatic collection to be performed.
In addition, said plasma collector includes identity means, with all of the necessary information being recorded at the moment that a sample is taken.
In a variant, said distributor-divider includes an (n+1)th compartment which is open to the outside and intended solely for disposing of any possible excess quantity of said sample of whole blood.
Apparatus of the invention may have a diameter lying in the range about 60 mm to about 70 mm may be made of a plastic that is molded or injected and that is inert relative to blood.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the invention is described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway diagrammatic plan view of apparatus of the invention installed on a centrifuge;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic section view on line II--II of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic exploded section view on line III--III of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the top portion of the ring separator of the FIG. 1 apparatus;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the distributor-divider of the FIG. 1 apparatus;
FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway fragmentary perspective view of the bottom portion of the separator of FIG. 4; and
FIGS. 7 to 12 are diagrams showing various stages in the operation of the apparatus of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The apparatus 1 of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 has an axis of revolution 2 and it is designed to be installed on a cetrifuge 3.
In outline and without going into detail of the shapes that are defined below, it can be seen that the device 1 may be made up of four parts (see FIG. 3). A top part 4 constitutes a cover and carries on its inside face 8 an intermediate part 5 which is in the form of a cup and which is fixed thereto around its top lip 13 by means of glue or any other appropriate means. The periphery 10 of the top part 4 is fixed to the periphery 9 of a bottom part 6, e.g. by welding, and the central portion of the bottom part is funnel-shaped, leading to an opening 12. A substantially rectangular plasma collector 7 is fitted at 11 onto the opening 12. One of its faces 15 carries the identity of the blood sample to be treated. Any appropriate optical or magnetic means may be considered for this purpose. There is therefore no need to transcribe this identity from the receptacle containing the blood to the receptacle containing the plasma as is the case in prior methods. This constitutes a considerable saving in manual intervention and a considerable gain in security.
The four above-specifiexi parts are made of a plastic which is inert relative to blood. The parts 4, 5, and 6 may be injected whereas the part 7 may be blown. The apparatus 1 advantageously has a diameter lying in the range 60 mm to 70 mm, and a height of about 20 mm. The quantity of plastic required is about 6 grams (g). The dimensions and the weight of the apparatus 1 are such that it is suitable for installing on the turntable of a portable minicentrifuge 3.
As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the top part 4 and the intermediate part 5 define a whole blood distributor-divider. The part 5 is internally divided into eight compartments 21 to 28 delimited by radial partitions 31 to 38 disposed around a central chimney 19. The first compartment 21 communicates via an opening 29 with a central well 20 for receiving a sample of whole blood. Unlike the partition 31 between the first compartment 21 and the last compartment 28 (see FIGS. 3 and 5), all of the other partitions 32 to 38 have respective notches 18 at the same level for putting the compartment 21 into communication with the compartment 22, and so on, successively to the compartment 28. Numeral 17 references eight radial distribution fins projecting from the outside wall of the central chimney 19.
When a whole blood sample 70 is placed in the well 20, the blood 70 flows through the opening 29 into the first compartment 21 until it reaches the level of the notch 18 in the partition 32 constituting an overflow for pouring blood into the second compartment 22, and so on. In most cases, the seven compartments 1 to 22 will be filled under gravity from one compartment to the next, while the compartment 21 will be filled only in part (see FIGS. 7 and 8).
There now follows a description of how the parts 4 and 6 and the outside wall of the part 5 define a separator for separating red corpuscles and plasma.
This separator is disposed in a ring around the distributor-divider. It is made up of eight receptacles 41 to 48 respectively associated with the compartments 21 to 28 and leading to eight respective outer separation cells 51 to 58 for storing red corpuscles. The receptacle 41 and the cell 51 are taken by way of example and they appear in greater detail in the section of FIG. 2 and in perspective in FIGS. 4 and 6. The receptacle 41 communicates with the compartment 21 via an orifice 50 situated at a height which is considerably higher than the bottom edge of the overflow notch 18. The receptacle 41 is connected by a restriction 60 to the outer cell 51. The volume that can be retained in any one of the outer cells 51 to 58 up to the restriction 60 is not less than 60% of the volume that may be contained in the corresponding compartment 21 to 28. (The value of 60% corresponds substantially to the volume ratio of red corpuscles to whole blood.)
The funnel-shaped common bottom portion of the receptacles 41 to 48 communicates with the above-defined plasma collector 7. The edge of the opening 12 to the funnel has a deformation in the form of a rib 61 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) which co-operates with the lip 11 of the plasma collector 7 to define an air vent orifice 62.
FIGS. 9 to 12 are diagrams showing the various operating stages of the apparatus 1. When the centrifuge is caused to spin about the axis 2 (arrow 100 in FIG. 9), the blood 70 is expelled from the compartments 21 to 28 via the orifices 50 (arrows 101). The red corpuscles 71 separate from the plasma 72 and are stored in the outer separation cells 51 to 58 (FIG. 10). When the centrifuge is stopped (FIG. 11) the red corpuscles 71 together with a very small quantity of plasma 72 are held captive in the outer cells 51 to 58 up to the level of the restrictions 60. The remainder of the plasma 72 pours under gravity into the funnel-shaped bottom portions of the receptacles 41 to 48 and thus enters the collector 7.
FIG. 12 shows the state of the cell 50 associated with the eighth compartment 28 after the centrifuge has stopped. The quantity of plasma 72 is insufficient to pass over the restriction 60 and it therefore remains inside the cell 58.
It can be seen that the structure of the apparatus of the invention and in particular the volumes of the various portions thereof are such that a small quantity of plasma may possibly be lost but under no circumstances do red corpuscles become mixed in with the plasma collected in the collector 7.
For a blood sample having a volume of about 6 milliliters (ml), the recovered quantity of plasma is about 2.2 ml.
The plasma collector 7 together with its identity marker 15 is disconnected from the other parts of the apparatus which are then discarded. The collector is then ready for sending to a laboratory for analysis if the analysis cannot be performed on the same premises as sampling and separation, otherwise it may be used on-site, e.g. by being integrated in an automatic machine.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The number n may be different from eight. The apparatus 1 may be made up from a number of parts other than four, depending on the technology used.
The application of the apparatus of the invention is not limited to separating plasma and red corpuscles. The apparatus may be used for separating the two phases of any heterogeneous liquid so long as the volume fractions of the two phases are known and the volume proportions of the compartments and the outer cells are selected accordingly.
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The device for separating plasma from a sample of whole blood by centrifuging comprises:
a distributor-divider disposed centrally and provided with n compartments communicating with a sample-receiving well and communicating with one another via notches;
a ring separator including n receptacles communicating with the n compartments and with n outer cells and terminating in an open funnel; and
a removable plasma collector fitted onto said funnel.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/135,533, filed on May 23, 2005, which claims the benefit, as does the present application, of the following U.S. Provisional Applications: 60/574,182, filed May 25, 2004; 60/652,018, filed Feb. 11, 2005 and 60/660,745, filed Mar. 11, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of acyclic compounds useful as agents for the treatment of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infections.
2. Background Information
The compounds of the following formula (I) and methods for their preparation are disclosed in the following patent publications: WO 00/09543; U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,180 B1; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0020503 A1:
wherein Het is a five-, six- or seven-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocycle containing from one to four heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur; said heterocycle being substituted with R 1 at any available position on the heterocycle;
R 1 is R 20 , —NR 22 COR 10 , —NR 22 COOR 20 —NR 22 R 21 and —NR 22 CONR 21 R 23 , wherein R 20 is selected from (C 1-8 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl and (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl(C 1-4 )alkyl-, wherein said cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl may be mono-, di- or tri-substituted with (C 1-3 )alkyl; R 21 is H or has one of the meanings of R 20 as defined above, R 22 and R 23 are independently selected from H and methyl, Alk is a C 1 -C 6 alkyl group; A is O or NH; B is (C 1-10 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl(C 1-4 )alkyl,
a) wherein said cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl may be mono-, di- or tri-substituted with (C 1-3 )alkyl; and b) wherein said alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl may be mono- or di-substituted with substituents selected from hydroxy and (C 1-4 )alkoxy; and c) wherein all said alkyl-groups may be mono-, di- or tri-substituted with halogen; and d) wherein said cycloalkyl-groups being 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered having optionally one (for the 4-, 5, 6, or 7-membered) or two (for the 5-, 6- or 7-membered) —CH 2 -groups not directly linked to each other replaced by —O— such that the O-atom is linked to the group A via at least two C-atoms;
R 2 is (C 1-8 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl or (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl(C 1-3 )alkyl, wherein said cycloalkyl groups may be mono-, di- or tri-substituted with (C 1-4 )alkyl; R 3 is ethyl or vinyl; R C is hydroxyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy or NHSO 2 R S wherein R S is (C 1-6 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl(C 1-6 )alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, pyridinyl, phenyl(C 1-4 )alkyl, naphthyl(C 1-4 )alkyl or pyridinyl(C 1-4 )alkyl; all of which optionally being mono-, di- or tri-substituted with substituents selected from halogen, hydroxy, cyano, (C 1-4 )alkyl, (C 1-6 )alkoxy, —CO—NH 2 , —CO—NH(C 1-4 -alkyl), —CO—N(C 1-4 -alkyl) 2 , —NH 2 , —NH(C 1-4 -alkyl) and —N(C 1-4 -alkyl) 2 ; and all of which optionally being monosubstituted with nitro;
or R s can be further selected from: —NH(C 1-6 alkyl), N(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 , -Het,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.
The compounds of formula (I) are disclosed in the above-mentioned patent documents as being active agents for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. The methods disclosed for the preparation of these compounds included many synthetic steps and were extremely linear, in that groups were built up sequentially in small increments, rather than synthesizing large fragments and bringing them together (convergency). The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide highly convergent processes which allow for the manufacture of these compounds with a minimum number of steps and with sufficient overall yield.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The processes provided by the present invention, as described herein, are highly convergent and this convergency manifests itself in a much shorter synthetic sequence leading to the compounds of Formula (I). The S N Ar assembly strategy of the present invention utilizing monopeptides, dipeptides and tripeptides eliminates steps from the known synthetic sequence since it is not necessary to invert the natural hydroxyproline stereochemistry. This allows one to utilize the far less expensive natural aminoacid as starting material, thereby gaining a further economic advantage.
The processes of the present invention also provide for the preparation of certain intermediates in crystalline form. This crystallinity imparts numerous large scale handling and storage advantages over an amorphous solid or an oil.
The processes of the present invention all provide for the preparation of Formula (I) via S N Ar coupling reaction between a compound having a hydroxyproline moiety of the following general formula A:
and the following quinoline compound QUIN:
wherein Het and R 1 are as defined previously and X is a halogen atom or an SO 2 R group, wherein R is C 1-6 alkyl, C 6 or C 10 aryl or heteroaryl, leading to compounds of the following general formula B:
Depending upon the hydroxyproline compound of general formula A that is used in this step, be it a mono-, di- or tripeptide, highly convergent processes leading to compound of Formula (I) are possible by employing standard peptide coupling techniques as described in the schemes set forth herein.
The present invention is therefore directed to a multi-step synthetic process for preparing compounds of formula (I) using the synthetic sequences as described herein; particular individual steps of this multi-step process; and particular individual intermediates used in this multi-step process.
The present invention is also directed to novel crystalline forms of particular intermediates and also of the compound of Formula (I).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definition of Terms and Conventions Used
Terms not specifically defined herein should be given the meanings that would be given to them by one of skill in the art in light of the disclosure and the context. As used in the specification, however, unless specified to the contrary, the following terms have the meaning indicated and the following conventions are adhered to.
In the groups, radicals, or moieties defined below, the number of carbon atoms is often specified preceding the group, for example, (C 1-8 )alkyl means an alkyl group or radical having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl means a cycloalkyl group having from 3 to 7 carbon atoms in the ring. In general, for groups comprising two or more subgroups, the last named group is the radical attachment point, for example, “cycloalkylalkyl” means a monovalent radical of the formula cycloalkyl-alkyl- and phenylalkyl means a monovalent radical of the formula phenyl-alkyl-. Unless otherwise specified below, conventional definitions of terms control and conventional stable atom valences are presumed and achieved in all formulas and groups.
The term “alkyl” as used herein, either alone or in combination with another substituent, means acyclic, straight or branched chain alkyl substituents containing the specified number of carbon atoms.
The term “alkoxy” as used herein, either alone or in combination with another substituent, means an alkyl group as defined above linked as a substituent through an oxygen atom: alkyl-O—.
The term “C 6 or C 10 aryl” as used herein, either alone or in combination with another substituent, means either an aromatic monocyclic system containing 6 carbon atoms or an aromatic bicyclic system containing 10 carbon atoms. For example, aryl includes a phenyl or a naphthyl ring system.
The term “Het” as used herein, either alone or in combination with another substituent, means a monovalent substituent derived by removal of a hydrogen from a five-, six-, or seven-membered saturated or unsaturated (including aromatic) heterocycle containing carbon atoms and from one to four ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. Examples of suitable heterocycles include: tetrahydrofuran, thiophene, diazepine, isoxazole, piperidine, dioxane, morpholine, pyrimidine or
The term “Het” also includes a heterocycle as defined above fused to one or more other cycle be it a heterocycle or a carbocycle, each of which may be saturated or unsaturated. One such example includes thiazolo[4,5-b]-pyridine. Although generally covered under the term “Het”, the term “heteroaryl” as used herein precisely defines an unsaturated heterocycle for which the double bonds form an aromatic system. Suitable example of heteroaromatic system include: quinoline, indole, pyridine,
In general, all tautomeric forms and isomeric forms and mixtures, whether individual geometric isomers or optical isomers or racemic or non-racemic mixtures of isomers, of a chemical structure or compound are intended, unless the specific stereochemistry or isomeric form is specifically indicated in the compound name or structure.
The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” as used herein includes those derived from pharmaceutically acceptable bases. Examples of suitable bases include choline, ethanolamine and ethylenediamine. Na + , K + , and Ca ++ salts are also contemplated to be within the scope of the invention (also see Pharmaceutical Salts , Birge, S. M. et al., J. Pharm. Sci., (1977), 66, 1-19, incorporated herein by reference).
The term “pharmaceutically acceptable ester” as used herein, either alone or in combination with another substituent, means esters of the compound of formula I in which any of the carboxyl functions of the molecule, but preferably the carboxy terminus, is replaced by an alkoxycarbonyl function:
in which the R moiety of the ester is selected from alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, t-butyl, n-butyl); alkoxyalkyl (e.g. methoxymethyl); alkoxyacyl (e.g. acetoxymethyl); aralkyl (e.g. benzyl); aryloxyalkyl (e.g. phenoxymethyl); aryl (e.g. phenyl), optionally substituted with halogen, C 1-4 alkyl or C 1-4 alkoxy. Other suitable prodrug esters are found in Design of Prodrugs , Bundgaard, H. Ed. Elsevier (1985) incorporated herewith by reference. Such pharmaceutically acceptable esters are usually hydrolyzed in vivo when injected in a mammal and transformed into the acid form of the compound of formula I. With regard to the esters described above, unless otherwise specified, any alkyl moiety present advantageously contains 1 to 16 carbon atoms, particularly 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Any aryl moiety present in such esters advantageously comprises a phenyl group. In particular the esters may be a C 1-6 alkyl ester, an unsubstituted benzyl ester or a benzyl ester substituted with at least one halogen, C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, nitro or trifluoromethyl.
The following chemicals may be referred to by these abbreviations:
Abbreviation
Chemical Name
ACN
Acetonitrile
BOC
Tert-butoxylcarbonyl
DABCO
1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
DBU
1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene
DCC
1,3-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide
DCHA
Dicyclohexylamine
DCM
Dichloromethane
DIPEA or
Diisopropylethylamine or Hünigs-Base
DIEA
DMAP
Dimethylaminopyridine
DMF
N,N-Dimethylformamide
DMSO
Dimethylsulfoxide
DMTMM
4-(4,6-Dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpho-
linium Chloride
EDC
1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiinide hydro-
cholide
HATU
O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,′,N′-tetramethyluronium
hexafluorophosphate
HBTU
O-Benzotriazol-l-yl-N,N,′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexa-
fluorophosphate
HOAT
1-Hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole
HOBT
1-Hydroxybenzotriazole
IPA
Isopropyl alcohol
KDMO
Potassium 3,7-dimethyl-3-octanoxide
MCH
Methylcyclohexane
MIBK
4-Methyl-2-pentanone
MTBE
Methyl, tert-butyl ether
NMP
1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone
SEH
Sodium 2-ethylhexanoate
TBTU
O-(Benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium
tetrafluoroborate
THF
Tetrahydofuran
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
In the synthetic schemes below, unless specified otherwise, all the substituent groups in the chemical formulas shall have the same meanings as in the Formula (I). The reactants used in the synthetic schemes described below may be obtained either as described herein, or if not described herein, are themselves either commercially available or may be prepared from commercially available materials by methods known in the art. Certain starting materials, for example, may be obtained by methods described in the International Patent Applications WO 00/09543, WO 00/09558, WO 00/59929, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,323,180 B1 and 6,608,027 B1.
Optimum reaction conditions and reaction times may vary depending on the particular reactants used. Unless otherwise specified, solvents, temperatures, pressures, and other reaction conditions may be readily selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific procedures are provided in the Synthetic Examples section. Typically, reaction progress may be monitored by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), if desired, and intermediates and products may be purified by chromatography on silica gel and/or by recrystallization.
I. Preparation of QUIN
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the following general multi-step synthetic methods for preparing the intermediate compounds of formula QUIN, as well as the individual steps and intermediates set forth therein. Those compounds of formula QUIN wherein X is a halogen are herein designated as formula QUIN-1 and those compounds of formula QUIN wherein X is an SO 2 R group, where R is as defined previously, are herein designated as formula QUIN-2. The compounds of formula QUIN-1 and QUIN-2 are prepared as set forth in Schemes IA and IB below, respectively:
wherein each Alk is independently a C 1 -C 6 alkyl group, X is a halogen atom, Z is tert-butyl or t-butyl-oxy, and R 1 and Het in this and subsequent schemes are as defined for Formula I.
In the first step, a compound of formula 1 is treated with a base and a brominating agent to obtain compound 2. The general requirements for this step are the use of a base of strength sufficient to form the desired dianion. This could be any alkyllithium, a metalloamide such as Lithium diisopropylamide (LDA), Lithium tetramethylpiperidide, a metallohexamethyldisilazide such as KHMDS, an organozincate, a metal alkoxide in a cation-solvating solvent such as DMSO, and the like. The preferred bases would be n-Butyllithium and LDA. Any organic solvent that does not interfere with the dianion formation could be used, such as THF, alkyl-THF's, dioxane, alkanes, cycloalkanes, dialkylethers such as MTBE, cyclopentylmethylether, dibutylether, and the like. The preferred solvents would be THF, alkyl-THF's and alkanes. The temperature for the dianion formation could be between −100° C. and 25° C., with the preferred range between −30° C. and 25° C. The brominating reagent could be any compound which contains a labile bromine atom such as Br 2 , NBS, bromohydantoins, N-bromophthalimides, bromohaloalkanes such as 1,2-dibromotetrachloroethane and perfluoroalkylbromides, and the like. The preferred brominating reagents would be the bromohaloalkanes. Once the dianion has been generated in a suitable solvent, the brominating reagent could be added neat or in solution, or alternatively the dianion could be added to the brominating reagent either neat or in solution. The preferred mode would be to add the dianion slowly to the brominating reagent in solution. The temperature for the bromination could be between −100° C. and 25° C., with the preferred range between −30° C. and 25° C.
In the next step, compound 2 is hydrolyzed by treatment with an aqueous acid mixture to obtain 3. Any aqueous acid mixture could be used such as water with [trifluoroacetic acid, a chloroacetic acid such as trichloroacetic acid, a sulfonic acid such as methanesulfonic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, a strong acid resin such as DOWEX 50], and the like. The preferred acids would be hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid in 2-12 M concentration, preferably at least 6M. Cosolvents that are miscible with water could also be used, such as alcohols like ethanol, isopropanol, or ethers such as DME, diglyme, and the like. The hydrolysis could be carried out between 0° C. and 200° C., with the preferred temperature between 0° C. and 100° C.
In the next step, compound 3 is treated with an alkylated nitrile (Alk-CN) and a Lewis acid to obtain compound 4. For the conversion of 3 to 4, Lewis acids by themselves or in combination, could be used, such as AlCl 3 , BCl 3 , GaCl 3 , FeCl 3 and mixtures thereof, and the like. The preferred method would be to use BCl 3 with AlCl 3 . Any solvent which will not be easily acylated could be used such as halocarbons, halobenzenes, alkylbenzenes such as toluene, and alkylnitriles such as acetonitrile, with the preferred solvents being 1,2-dichloroethane, fluorobenzene, chlorobenzene and toluene. The reaction temperature could be between 0° C. and 150° C., preferably between 25° C. and 75° C.
In the next step, compound 4 is acylated with compound 5 to obtain compound 6. For the conversion of 4 to 6, acylation could be achieved by either first converting carboxylic acid 5 to an activated form such as an acid chloride or by using standard peptide coupling protocols. The preferred method would be to create the acid chloride of compound 5 using oxalyl chloride or thionyl chloride. This activated species would then be coupled with aniline 4 in any organic solvent or in water, with or without an added base. The preferred solvents would be NMP and THF and the preferred base (if used) is triethylamine. The reaction temperature could be between −30° C. and 150° C., preferably between −20° C. and 50° C.
In the next step, compound 6 is cyclized in the presence of a base to obtain compound 7. Compound 6 can be isolated and purified, or alternatively, crude 6 in an organic solvent such as NMP can simply be subjected to the cyclization conditions to furnish quinolone 7 directly, preforming two steps in a one-pot process. For the conversion of 6 to 7 in Scheme I, any base capable of forming the enolate could be used, such as t-BuOK, KDMO, LDA, and the like, with t-BuOK and KDMO being preferred. Any organic solvent which does not react with the enolate could be used, such as THF's, dioxane, DMSO, NMP, DME, and the like, with NMP, DME and DMSO being preferred. The cyclization could be performed at any temperature between 25° C. and 150° C., with 50° C. to 100° C. being preferred.
In the final step, hydroxoquinoline compound 7 is treated with a halogenating agent to obtain the compound QUIN. For the conversion of 7 to QUIN in Scheme I, many halogenating reagents could be used, such as methanesulfonyl chloride, SOCl 2 , POCl 3 , PCl 3 , PCl 5 , POBr 3 , HF, and the like, with POCl 3 and SOCl 2 being preferred. The halogenation could be performed neat in the halogenating reagent, or in any organic solvent which does not react with the halogenating reagent, such as DME, diglyme, THF's, halocarbons and the like, with DME and THF's being preferred. The reaction temperature could be between −20° C. and 150° C. with 25° C. to 100° C. being preferred.
In a first embodiment, the hydroxyl-substituted quinolines 7 can first be converted to the halogen substituted quinolines QUIN-1 according the final step of Scheme IA above. The compound of formula QUIN-1 is then converted to the target sulfonequinoline QUIN-2 by reaction with a sulfinate salt RSO 2 M, wherein R is as defined previously and M is an alkali metal, such as PhSO 2 Na, PhSO 2 K or PhSO 2 Cs.
Alternatively, compound 7 can be converted to the sulfonequinoline QUIN-2 in a one-pot procedure by first generating an intermediate sulfonate by reaction with an arene sulfonylchloride compound R A SO 2 Cl wherein R A is an electron rich arene group, such as benzenesulfonyl chloride or tosyl chloride, in the presence of a suitable base in a suitable solvent. Suitable bases for this step include tertiary amine bases such as N-methylpyrrolidine and diisopropylethylamine, and suitable solvents include aprotic solvents such as acetonitrile, THF, toluene and DMF, preferably acetonitrile. The resulting species is then reacted in situ, under acidic conditions (for example in the presence of acetic, trifluoroacetic, hydrochloric acid or the like, preferably acetic acid), with a sulfinate salt RSO 2 M wherein M is an alkali metal, such as PhSO 2 Na, PhSO 2 K or PhSO 2 Cs at a suitable reaction temperature, for example in the range of 0 to 100° C., preferably 25 to 50° C. The sulfonequinoline product can be isolated from the reaction mixture using conventional techniques well know to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the sulfonequinoline can be crystallized out by cooling the solution to room temperature and adding water. The crystallized product can then be filtered, rinsed and washed using conventional techniques.
In particular, the individual intermediate compounds 4, 6, 7, QUIN-1 and QUIN-2, as well as the synthetic procedures to obtain these compounds, all as depicted in the above schemes, are additional aspects and embodiments of the present invention.
I.A. General Embodiment Relating to Quinoline Compounds 7, QUIN-1 and QUIN-2
Another aspect of the present invention are the quinoline intermediates 7, QUIN-1 and QUIN-2 set forth above, as represented by the general formula QUIN′ below:
wherein Het is a five-, six- or seven-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocycle containing from one to four heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur; said heterocycle being substituted with R 1 at any available position on the heterocycle;
R 1 is R 20 , —NR 22 COR 20 , —NR 22 COOR 20 —NR 22 R 21 and —NR 22 CONR 21 R 23 , wherein R 20 is selected from (C 1-8 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl and (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl(C 1-4 )alkyl-, wherein said cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl may be mono-, di- or tri-substituted with (C 1-3 )alkyl; R 21 is H or has one of the meanings of R 20 as defined above, R 22 and R 23 are independently selected from H and methyl, Alk is a C 1 -C 6 alkyl group; and X′ is a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom or an SO 2 R group, wherein R is C 1-6 alkyl, C 6 or C 10 aryl or heteroaryl.
With respect to the processes for preparing such QUIN′ compounds set forth previously, additional embodiments of the present invention include processes comprising:
(a) when X′ is a hydroxyl group, cyclizing a compound of formula 6 in the presence of a suitable base in a suitable solvent to obtain a compound of formula 7:
or
(b) when X′ is a halogen atom, treating a compound of formula 7 with a halogenating agent to obtain a compound of formula QUIN-1:
or
(c) when X′ is an SO 2 R group, R is C 1-6 alkyl, C 6 or C 10 aryl or heteroaryl, either: (1) treating a compound of formula 7 with a halogenating agent to obtain a compound of formula QUIN-1 and then reacting compound QUIN-1 with a sulfinate salt RSO 2 M, where R is as defined previously and M is an alkali metal, to obtain a compound of formula QUIN-2; or (2) reacting a compound of formula 7 with a compound R A SO 2 Cl wherein R A is an electron rich arene group, in the presence of a suitable base, and then reacting the resulting compound in situ, under acidic conditions, with a sulfinate salt RSO 2 M, where R is as defined previously, wherein M is an alkali metal, to obtain a compound of formula QUIN-2:
all of which processes are as set forth previously in Schemes IA and IB above.
II. Preparation of Mono- and Di-Peptide QUIN Compounds
In additional embodiments, the present invention is directed to the synthetic methods for preparing of the mono- and di-peptide QUIN compounds P2-QUIN, P3-P2-QUIN and P2-QUIN-P1, as outlined in Schemes II through VI, as well as the individual steps and intermediates in these methods.
For the formation of P2-QUIN-PG in Scheme II, the S N Ar reaction between QUIN and P2-PG, wherein PG is an amino-protecting group, could be performed in any organic solvent, or organic solvent mixture, that will not react with the base used, such as DMSO, DMF, DMA, THF, NMP, DMPU, DME, and the like, or mixtures thereof, with DMSO, DMF, and the combination of DMF and THF being preferred. The reaction could be performed at a temperature between −20° C. and 150° C. with 0° C. to 25° C. being preferred. Any base capable of forming the alkoxide could be used such as t-BuOK, LDA, KHMDS, KDMO, LiTMP, Cs-t-amylate and the like, with t-BuOK, Cs-t-amylate, and KDMO being preferred, and KDMO being most preferred. The preferred amount of base used is 3 to 6 equivalents. Cosolvents such as alkanes and cycloalkanes could also be used, with heptane being a preferred co-solvent.
In the next step, the compound P2-QUIN-PG is deprotected to obtain P2-QUIN under suitable deprotection conditions. For the formation of P2-QUIN, any acid could be used for the removal of PG=BOC, such as TFA, HCl, methanesulfonic acid and the like, with HCl being preferred. For PG=CBZ, any hydrogenative or transfer hydrogenative removal could be used, such as H 2 with Pd/C, NH 4 HCO 3 with Pd/C, or HCO 2 H with Pd/C, with HCO 2 H with Pd/C being preferred. For PG=FMOC, and organic amine could be used such as Et 2 NH, morpholine, piperidine, and the like, with morpholine and piperidine being preferred. The product P2-QUIN may be isolated by precipitation from aqueous acid or by standard extractive isolation once the free carboxylic acid has been generated.
For the formation of P3-P2-QUIN in Scheme III, the S N Ar reaction could be performed in any organic solvent, or organic solvent mixture, that will not react with the base used, such as DMSO, DMF, DMA, THF, NMP, DMPU, DME, and the like, or mixtures thereof, with DMSO, DMF, and the combination of DMF and THF being preferred. The reaction could be performed at a temperature between −20° C. and 150° C. with 0° C. to 25° C. being preferred. Any base capable of forming the alkoxide could be used such as t-BuOK, LDA, KHMDS, KDMO, LiTMP, Cs-t-amylate and the like, with t-BuOK, Cs-t-amylate and KDMO being preferred, and KDMO being most preferred. The preferred amount of base used is 3-6 equivalents. Cosolvents such as alkanes and cycloalkanes could also be used, with heptane being a preferred co-solvent.
For the formation of P2-QUIN-P1-PG in Scheme IV, the S N Ar reaction between QUIN and P2-P1-PG, wherein PG is an amino-protecting group, could be performed in any organic solvent, or organic solvent mixture, that will not react with the base used, such as DMSO, DMF, DMA, THF, NMP, DMPU, DME, and the like, or mixtures thereof, with DMSO, DMF and the combination of DMF and THF being preferred. The reaction could be performed at a temperature between −20° C. and 150° C. with 0° C. to 25° C. being preferred. Any base capable of forming the alkoxide could be used such as t-BuOK, LDA, KHMDS, KDMO, LiTMP, Cs-t-amylate and the like, with t-BuOK, Cs-t-amylate and KDMO being preferred, and KDMO being most preferred. The preferred amount of base used is 3-6 equivalents. Cosolvents such as alkanes and cycloalkanes could also be used, with heptane being a preferred co-solvent.
The removal of the amino-protecting group in the next step to obtain P2-QUIN-P1 is performed under suitable deprotection conditions, for example, treatment with any acid for the removal of PG=BOC, such as TFA, HCl, methanesulfonic acid and the like, with HCl being preferred. For PG=CBZ, any hydrogenative or transfer hydrogenative removal could be used, such as H 2 with Pd/C, NH 4 HCO 3 with Pd/C, or HCO 2 H with Pd/C, with HCO 2 H with Pd/C being preferred, with the proviso that R 3 not equal to vinyl for the use of PG=CBZ. For PG=FMOC, and organic amine could be used such as Et 2 NH, morpholine, piperidine, and the like, with morpholine and piperidine being preferred.
The peptide coupling between P2-QUIN-Me (obtainable via Scheme II but using the methyl-ester of P2-PG as starting material)_and P3 to give P3-P2-QUIN-Me in Scheme V could be performed using any of the conventional peptide coupling reagents and protocols know in the art. Examples of suitable peptide coupling reagents include, but would not be limited to, DCC, EDC, TBTU, HATU, PYBOP, mixed anhydrides, and acidhalides. The preferred reagent would be EDC or mixed anhydrides formed with chloroformates such as isobutylchloroformate or sulfonyl chlorides such as tosylchloride and a tertiary amine such as N-methylpyrrolidine or N-methylmorpholine. The coupling can be performed in any suitable non-reactive organic solvent such as, for example, acetonitrile, THF, CH 2 Cl 2 , 1,2-dichloroethane, DMA, NMP, DMPU or dioxane. The reaction temperature could be between −78° C. and 100° C., with −30° C. to 25° C. being preferred.
The subsequent hydrolysis to give P3-P2-QUIN in Scheme V could be performed with an aqueous basic solution, optionally containing a co-solvent that is miscible with H 2 O such as THF, dioxane, alcohols, or DME or combinations of these co-solvents. The preferred solvent mixture would be aqueous base containing THF as a co-solvent. Any water soluble base could be used such as LiOH, NaOH, KOH, Na 2 CO 3 , K 2 CO 3 , and the like. The preferred base would be LiOH. The amount of base could vary from 1 to 100 equivalents with 1-10 equivalents being preferred. The concentration of base could range from 0.25 M to 12 M, with 1-4 M being preferred. The reaction temperature could vary from −40° C. to 100° C., with −20° C. to 50° C. being preferred.
The peptide coupling between P2-QUIN-PG, wherein PG is an amino-protecting group, and P1 to give P2-QUIN-P1-PG in Scheme VI could be performed using any of the conventional peptide coupling reagents and protocols known in the art. Examples of suitable reagents and conditions are outlined above with respect to peptide coupling step of Scheme V.
The removal of the amino-protecting group in the last step of Scheme VI could be performed under the conditions as described above for the deprotection step in Scheme IV.
III. Preparation of Formula I
In additional embodiments, the present invention is directed to the synthetic methods for preparing of the compounds of Formula I, as outlined in Schemes VI through VIII, as well as the individual steps and intermediates in these methods.
and when R C is a C 1 -C 6 alkoxy group, optionally subjecting the compound of formula (I) to de-protection conditions to obtain a compound of formula (I) wherein R C is a hydroxyl group;
and when R C is a hydroxyl group in the resulting compound of formula (I), optionally coupling this compound with a sulfonamide of formula R S SO 2 NH 2 in the presence of a suitable coupling agent, such as carbodiimide reagents, TBTU or HATU, to obtain a compound of formula (I) wherein R C is NHSO 2 R S .
The peptide coupling to give compound I in Scheme VII could be performed using any of the conventional peptide coupling reagents and protocols known in the art. Examples of suitable reagents and conditions are outlined above with respect to peptide coupling step of Scheme V.
and when R C is a C 1 -C 6 alkoxy group, optionally subjecting the compound of formula (I) to de-protection conditions to obtain a compound of formula (I) wherein R C is a hydroxyl group;
and when R C is a hydroxyl group in the resulting compound of formula (I), optionally coupling this compound with a sulfonamide of formula R S SO 2 NH 2 in the presence of a suitable coupling agent, such as carbodiimide reagents, TBTU or HATU, to obtain a compound of formula (I) wherein R C is NHSO 2 R S .
The peptide coupling to give compound I in Scheme VIII could be performed using any of the conventional peptide coupling reagents and protocols known in the art. Examples of suitable reagents and conditions are outlined above with respect to peptide coupling step of Scheme V.
and when R C is a C 1 -C 6 alkoxy group, optionally subjecting the compound of formula (I) to de-protection conditions to obtain a compound of formula (I) wherein R C is a hydroxyl group;
and when R C is a hydroxyl group in the resulting compound of formula (I), optionally coupling this compound with a sulfonamide of formula R S SO 2 NH 2 in the presence of a suitable coupling agent, such as carbodiimide reagents, TBTU or HATU, to obtain a compound of formula (I) wherein R C is NHSO 2 R S .
For the formation of compound I in Scheme IX, the S N Ar reaction could be performed in any organic solvent, or organic solvent mixture, that will not react with the base used, such as DMSO, DMF, DMA, THF, NMP, DMPU, DME, and the like, or mixtures thereof, with DMSO, DMF and the combination of DMF and THF being preferred. The reaction could be performed at a temperature between −20° C. and 150° C. with 0° C. to 25° C. being preferred. Any base capable of forming the alkoxide could be used such as t-BuOK, LDA, KHMDS, KDMO, LiTMP, Cs-t-amylate and the like, with t-BuOK, Cs-t-amylate and KDMO being preferred, and KDMO being most preferred. The preferred amount of base used is 3-6 equivalents. Cosolvents such as alkanes and cycloalkanes could also be used, with heptane being a preferred co-solvent.
III.A. General Embodiments Relating to Schemes II, III, IV and IX
Another aspect of the present invention are the S N Ar processes depicted in Schemes II, III, IV and IX, and depicted generally as a process for preparing a compound of formula II:
wherein Het, R 1 and Alk are as defined for formula I above;
R A is PG wherein PG is an amino-protecting group, or R A is a moiety of the formula:
R B is CO 2 H or a moiety of the formula:
and wherein A, B and R 2 , R 3 and R C are as defined for formula I above;
said process comprising reacting a compound of formula QUIN, wherein X is a halogen atom or SO 2 R group, wherein R is C 1-6 alkyl, C 6 or C 10 aryl or heteroaryl, with a compound of formula P2 to obtain a compound of formula II:
wherein Alk, Het, R 1 , R A and R B in formulas QUIN and P2 are the same as defined above for formula II.
Another aspect of the present invention are the P2-QUIN and substituted P2-QUIN compounds prepared by the S N Ar processes depicted in Schemes II, III, IV and IX, and as depicted generally by formula II below:
wherein Het, R 1 and Alk are as defined for formula I above;
R A is H or PG wherein PG is an amino-protecting group, or R A is a moiety of the formula:
R B is CO 2 H or a moiety of the formula:
and wherein A, B and R 2 , R 3 and R C are as defined for formula I above;
and wherein when R A is
then R B cannot be
Additional embodiments of formula II above are:
(1) wherein R A is H or PG and R B is CO 2 H; or (2) wherein R A is a moiety of the formula:
and R B is CO 2 H; or
(3) wherein R A is H or PG and R B is a moiety of the formula:
IV. Preparation of Peptidic Starting Materials
The mono-. di- and tripeptidic starting materials employed in the above schemes may be synthesized from known materials using the procedures as outlines in the Schemes X to XIII below.
The peptide coupling to give P3-P2-Me in Scheme X could be performed using any of the conventional peptide coupling reagents and protocols known in the art. Examples of suitable reagents and conditions are outlined above with respect to peptide coupling step of Scheme V. The peptide coupling step to give P3-P2-Me in Scheme X is preferably performed in the presence of tosyl chloride and N-methylmorpholine in acetonitrile.
The subsequent hydrolysis to give P3-P2 in Scheme X could be performed without isolation of the P3-P2-Me intermediate using an aqueous basic solution, optionally containing a co-solvent that is miscible with H 2 O such as THF, dioxane, alcohols, MeCN, DME or combinations of these co-solvents. The preferred solvent mixture would be aqueous base containing THF as a co-solvent. Any water soluble base could be used such as LiOH, NaOH, KOH, Na 2 CO 3 , K 2 CO 3 , and the like. The preferred base would be LiOH. The amount of base could vary from 1 to 100 equivalents with 1-10 equivalents being preferred. The concentration of base could range from 0.25 M to 12 M, with 1-4 M being preferred. The reaction temperature could vary from −40° C. to 100° C., with −20° C. to 50° C. being preferred.
The peptide coupling to give P2-P1-PG, wherein PG is an amino-protecting group, in Scheme XI could be performed using any of the conventional peptide coupling reagents and protocols known in the art. Examples of suitable reagents and conditions are outlined above with respect to peptide coupling step of Scheme V.
The removal of the amino-protecting group in the last step of Scheme XI could be performed under the conditions as described above for the deprotection step in Scheme IV.
The peptide couplings to give P3-P2-P1 in Scheme XII could be performed using any of the conventional peptide coupling reagents and protocols known in the art. Examples of suitable reagents and conditions are outlined above with respect to peptide coupling step of Scheme V. When the R C is an alkoxy group in the P1 moiety of the mono- or dipeptidic starting materials, the resulting tripeptide compound P3-P2-P1 wherein R C is an alkoxy group may then be subjected to standard hydrolysis conditions to obtain the corresponding tripeptide compound wherein R C is hydroxyl. Examples of suitable hydrolysis conditions are as outlined above with respect to the hydrolysis step of Scheme X.
Additional embodiments of the invention are directed to the individual steps of the multistep general synthetic method described above and the individual intermediates used in these steps. These individual steps and intermediates of the present invention are described in detail below. All substituent groups are as defined in the general multi-step method above.
V. Preferred Embodiments of the Compound of Formula (I)
The compounds that may be prepared by the processes of the present invention are compounds of the formula (I) as previously set forth, i.e. compound of the following formula:
wherein Het is a five-, six- or seven-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocycle containing from one to four heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur; said heterocycle being substituted with R 1 at any available position on the heterocycle;
R 1 is R 20 , —NR 22 COR 20 , —NR 22 COOR 20 —NR 22 R 21 and —NR 22 CONR 21 R 23 , wherein R 20 is selected from (C 1-8 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl and (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl(C 1-4 )alkyl-, wherein said cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl may be mono-, di- or tri-substituted with (C 1-3 )alkyl; R 21 is H or has one of the meanings of R 20 as defined above, R 22 and R 23 are independently selected from H and methyl, Alk is a C 1 -C 6 alkyl group; A is O or NH; B is (C 1-10 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl(C 1-4 )alkyl,
a) wherein said cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl may be mono-, di- or tri-substituted with (C 1-3 )alkyl; and b) wherein said alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl may be mono- or di-substituted with substituents selected from hydroxy and (C 1-4 )alkoxy; and c) wherein all said alkyl-groups may be mono-, di- or tri-substituted with halogen; and d) wherein said cycloalkyl-groups being 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered having optionally one (for the 4-, 5, 6, or 7-membered) or two (for the 5-, 6- or 7-membered) —CH 2 -groups not directly linked to each other replaced by —O— such that the O-atom is linked to the group A via at least two C-atoms;
R 2 is (C 1-8 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl or (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl(C 1-3 )alkyl, wherein said cycloalkyl groups may be mono-, di- or tri-substituted with (C 1-4 )alkyl; R 3 is ethyl or vinyl; R C is hydroxyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy or NHSO 2 R S wherein R S is (C 1-6 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl(C 1-6 )alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, pyridinyl, phenyl(C 1-4 )alkyl, naphthyl(C 1-4 )alkyl or pyridinyl(C 1-4 )alkyl; all of which optionally being mono-, di- or tri-substituted with substituents selected from halogen, hydroxy, cyano, (C 1-4 )alkyl, (C 1-6 )alkoxy, —CO—NH 2 , —CO—NH(C 1-4 -alkyl), —CO—N(C 1-4 -alkyl) 2 , —NH 2 , —NH(C 1-4 -alkyl) and —N(C 1-4 -alkyl) 2 ; and all of which optionally being monosubstituted with nitro;
or R S can be further selected from: —NH(C 1-6 alkyl), N(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 , -Het,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.
In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I):
Het is selected from the following groups, wherein the arrow desigantes the position of the bond to the quinoline group of formula (J), said heterocycle being substituted with the R 1 group at any available position on the heterocycle:
R 1 is R 20 , —NHCOR 20 , —NHCOOR 20 , —NHR 21 and —NHCONR 21 R 22 ,
wherein
R 20 is selected from (C 1-8 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl, (C 1-3 )alkyl-(C 3-7 )cycloalkyl, wherein said cycloalkyl, alkyl-cycloalkyl may be mono-, di- or tri-substituted with (C 1-3 )alkyl; and
R 21 is H or has one of the meanings of R 20 as defined above; and
R 22 is H or methyl;
Alk is a C 1-3 alkyl group;
A is O or NH;
B is (C 2-8 )alkyl, (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl or C 1-3 alkyl-C 3-7 cycloalkyl, all said groups being optionally mono- or di-substituted with methyl or halogen;
R 2 is (C 1-6 )alkyl or (C 3-7 )cycloalkyl, both of which being optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from C 1-4 alkyl;
R 3 is ethyl or vinyl; and
R C is hydroxy, NHSO 2 -methyl, NHSO 2 -ethyl, NHSO 2 -(1-methyl)ethyl, NHSO 2 -propyl, NHSO 2 -cyclopropyl, NHSO 2 -cyclopropylmethyl, NHSO 2 -cyclobutyl, NHSO 2 -cyclopentyl or NHSO 2 -phenyl.
In yet another embodiment of formula (I):
Het is selected from the following groups, wherein the arrow desigantes the position of the bond to the quinoline group of formula (I), said heterocycle being substituted with the R 1 group at any available position on the heterocycle:
R 1 is —NHCOR 20 , —NHCOOR 20 or —NHR 21 , wherein R 20 and R 21 are independently selected from: methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl and 2,2-dimethylpropyl;
Alk is a C 1-3 alkyl group;
A is O or NH;
B is selected from: ethyl, n-propyl, cyclopentyl,
R 2 is selected from 1,1-dimethylethyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and 1-methylcyclohexyl;
R 3 is vinyl; and R C is hydroxy, NHSO 2 -methyl, NHSO 2 -cyclopropyl and NHSO 2 -phenyl.
In yet another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I):
Het-R 1 is a group of the formula
wherein the arrow desigantes the position of the bond to the quinoline group of formula (I);
R 1 is —NHCOR 20 , wherein R 20 is selected from: methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl and 2,2-dimethylpropyl; Alk is a C 1-3 alkyl group; A is O; B is selected from: ethyl, n-propyl, 2-fluoroethyl, and cyclopentyl; R 2 is selected from 1,1-dimethylethyl and cyclohexyl; R 3 is vinyl; and R C is hydroxy.
Representative compounds of formula (I) that may be prepared by the processes described herein can be found in Llinas-Brunet et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0020503 A1, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, including any specific compounds in this publication falling within the scope of formula (I) of the present invention. Representative compounds that may be prepared by the process of the present invention are also listed in the tables below:
TABLE 1
Cpd.
B
L 0
L 1
R 2
1001
MeO—
Br—
1002
MeO—
Br—
1003
MeO—
Br—
1004
MeO—
Br—
1005
MeO—
Br
1006
MeO—
Br
1007
MeO—
Br
1008
MeO—
Br
1009
MeO—
Br
1010
MeO—
Br
1011
MeO—
Br
1012
MeO—
Br
1013
MeO—
Br
1014
MeO—
Br
1015
MeO—
Br
1016
MeO—
Br
1017
MeO—
Br
1018
MeO—
Br
1019
MeO—
Br
1020
MeO—
Br
1021
MeO—
Br
1022
MeO—
Br
1023
MeO—
Br
1024
MeO—
Br
1025
MeO—
Br
1026
MeO
Br
1027
MeO
Br
1028
EtO—
Br
1029
EtO—
Br
1030
EtO—
Br
1031
EtO—
Br
1032
PrO—
Br
1033
PrO—
Br
1034
PrO—
Br
1035
PrO—
Br
1036
MeO—
Br
1037
MeO—
Br
1038
MeO
Br
1039
MeO—
Br
1040
MeO—
Br
1041
MeO—
Br
1042
MeO—
Br
1043
MeO
Br
1044
MeO—
Br
1045
MeO
Br
1046
MeO
Br
1047
MeO
Br
1048
MeO
Br
1049
MeO
Br
1050
MeO
Br
1051
MeO
Br
1052
MeO
Br
1053
MeO
Br
1054
MeO
Br
TABLE 2
Cpd. #
B
L 0
L 1
R 2
2001
MeO—
Br—
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Disclosed are highly convergent processes for preparing compounds of formula (I), which compounds are potent active agents for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection:
The disclosed processes use S N Ar-type coupling reactions between peptidic compounds having a hydroxyproline moiety of the following formula:
and halogenated or sulfonated bromoquinoline compounds.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many industrial processing cleaning compositions have been based on acetone, xylene and other ketone, alcohol, ester, aromatic hydrocarbon, aliphatic hydrocarbon, and ether solvents. As ecological concerns have risen in importance, the search for replacements for such cleaners has attained increased importance. Several requirements exist for replacement cleaners and/or solvents. One of the requirements is a concern for ozone depletion by volatile organic compounds. A solvent used historically is acetone. In 1990 2,330 million pounds were used in the United States and 110 million pounds were exported.
The greatest danger regarding acetone is that is poses a serious fire hazard. Although acetone is an excellent solvent and is relatively non-toxic, it is extremely flammable. It has a flash point of −18 C (0 F). If handled improperly, acetone may pose a dangerous fire risk. Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) Clean Air Act, acetone is an exempt volatile organic compound (VOC). Thus, basic problems associated with providing an effective, VOC exempt, and safe solvent has not been considered or solved using terpene alcohols to eliminate the fire hazard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method to increase flash points of solvents, which are typically below 140 F., to over 140 F
A further aspect of the invention is an acetone based cleaning composition which is admixed with a terpene alcohol, or which may be admixed with other organic solvents. An additional aspect of the invention involves the admix of solvents with acetone, a terpene alcohol, and other organic solvents to bring the blended formulation in compliance with Federal and state VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) regulations and DOT (Department of Transportation) flash point regulations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to increasing the flash points of aliphatic hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon, alcohol, ethers, esters and ketone solvents. Solvents which provides a safer environment to be useful in many industrial applications and processes which presently rely on low flash point solvents, such as acetone, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, toluene, xylene, hexane, kerosene, and heptane which have flash points lower than 140 F. A solvent of particular interest is acetone, which under the United States Environmental Protection Agency's 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment has exempted acetone as a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound). Acetone is extremely flammable with a flash point of −18 C (0 F).
These improved flash point compositions comprise;
1 to 25 wt percent terpene alcohol and from 1 to 99 wt percent of a organic solvent or combination of organic solvents.
The organic solvent or combination of solvents can comprise up to 99 weight percent of the composition in total, and may be the combination of two or more different types of organic solvents. A typical combination may comprise;
1.0 to 99 weight percent organic solvent.
1.0 to 25 weight percent of terpene alcohol and specifically alpha terpineol.
The term “terpene alcohol” is understood for purposes of the present invention to encompass compounds of the formulae C 10 H 18 O
which are monocyclic, bicyclic, and acyclic alcohols, respectively. Terpene alcohols are structurally similar to terpene hydrocarbons except the structure also includes some hydroxyl functionality. They can be primary, secondary, or tertiary alcohol derivatives of monocyclic, bicyclic, or acylic terpenes as well as above. Such tertiary alcohols include terpineol which is usually sold commercially as a mixture of alpha, beta, and gamma isomers. Linalool is also a commercially available tertiary terpene alcohol. Secondary alcohols include borneol, and primary terpene alcohols include geraniol. Terpene alcohols are generally available through commercial sources.
Optionally, the solvent blended compositions of the present invention may also include a suitable solvent for a specific solvate purpose. Such solvent blends include individual solvents with a flashpoint greater than 140 F. Such solvents include the groups of ketones, alcohols, aromatic and aliphatichydrocarbons, esters, ethers, and amines
Examples of organic solvents, which are employed, include 1.polyhydric alcohols, flash point 232 F consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,3 butandiol flash point 249.8 F. 2. aliphatic hydrocarbons consisting of 140 solvent, flash point 140 F., naphtha, flash point 143.6 F, 3. aromatic hydrocarbons consisting of isopar L flash point 147.2 F, 4. esters consisting of propylene carbonate flash point 269.6 F., dibasic ester flash point 212 F., 5. ethers consisting of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether flash point 204.8 F., diethylene glycol dimethyl ether flash point 145.4 F., ethylene glycol dibutyl ether flash point 185 F., and 6. amines consisting of n-methyl pyrrolidone flash point 269 F. All of the chemical components used in the present invention are commercially available.
EXAMPLES
The following examples illustrate certain aspects of the present invention. They are not intended to exemplify the full scope of the invention. In certain aspects they enable certain aspects of the invention. A method was used to determine the correct steiociometric mixture to maximize the highest point of flash. An example using xylene which has a normal flash point from between 76 F to 82 F. With certain percentage mixes of alpha terpineol the flash point is raised and the physical characteristics of the solvent are not harmed. It was observed the addition of alpha terpineol increased the flash point to a maximum and then decreased the flash point as the alpha terpineol concentration surpassed the optimum amount.
Example 1
Standard Flash Point Xylene—(76 F)
90.0% xylene 10.0% alpha terpineol—flash point 140 F (60 C)
88.5% xylene 11.5% alpha terpineol—flash point 144 F (62.2 C)
85.0% xylene 15.0% alpha terpineol—flash point 156 F (68.9 C)
82.5% xylene 17.5% alpha terpineol—flash point 145 F (62.8 C)
20.0% xylene 80.0% alpha terpineol—flash point 139 F (59.4 C)
The combination was clear and stable. The optimum blend contained 85% xylene and 15% alpha terpineol and increased amounts of alpha terpineol resulted in a decreased flash point.
Example 2
Standard Isopropyl Alcohol 99%
Flash point—53.1 F (11.7 C)
Ingredient
Wt. %
Isopropyl alcohol 99%
85.5%
Alpha terpineol
14.5%
100.0%
The combination was clear and stable. When tested it exhibited a flash point of 145.4 F (63.0 C) using a Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Flash Point procedure
Example 3
Standard Methanol
Flash point—51.8 F (11 C)
Ingredient
Wt. %
Methanol
86.0%
Alpha terpineol
14.0%
100.0%
The combination was clear and stable. When tested it exhibited a flash point of 141.6 F (62.0 C) using a Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Flash Point procedure.
Example 4
Standard Acetone
Flash point—0 F (−18.0 C)
Ingredient
Wt %
Acetone
82.0%
Alpha terpineol
18.0%
100.0%
The combination was clear and stable. When tested it exhibited a flash point of 143.6 F (62.0 C) using a Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Flash Point procedure.
Example 5
Standard Ethyl Acetate
Flash point—30.2 F (−1.0 C)
Ingredient
Wt %
Ethyl acetate
83.0%
Alpha terpineol
17.0%
100.0%
The combination was clear and stable. When tested it exhibited a flash point of 141.8 F (61.0 C) using Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Flash Point procedure.
Example 6
Standard Ethanol
Flash point—55.4 F (13.0 C)
Ingredient
Wt %
Ethanol
86.0%
Alpha terpineol
14.0%
100.0%
The combination was clear and stable. When tested it exhibited a flash point of 145.4 F (63.6 C) using Pensky-Martins Closed Cup Flash Point procedure.
The preceding examples 1-6 were directed principally to increase the flashpoint of organic solvents to over 140 F. These compositions are environmentally and significantly safer for handling and storage over the individual organic solvent.
The solvent system of this invention can be used as is, may be blended with other organic solvents to produce an environmentally and safer performance solvent system. Acetone has a flashpoint of 0 F (−18.0 C) by itself. In example 4 the acetone mixed at 82.0 wt percent with 18.9 wt percent of alpha terpineol, the resulting flashpoint is increased to 141.6 F (62.0 C). The acetone and alpha terpineol mixture can be mixed with other environmentally correct solvents with flash points over 140 F resulting in a safer solvent designed for a specific application, such as, a paint stripper. The acetone portion of the preferred mixture is an exempt volatile organic compound and therefore provides a solvent system that meets Federal and state regulations
Example 7
Ingredient
Wt. %
N-Methyl Pyrrlidone
29.0%
Dibasic Ester
29.0%
Acetone
42.0%
100.0%
The combination was clear and stable. When tested it exhibited a flash point of −4.2 C using Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Flash Point Tester.
Another sample was made adding alpha terpineol to the formulation, as exhibited in Example 8
Example 8
Ingredient
Wt. %
N-Methyl Pyrrolidone
24.0%
Dibasic Ester
24.0%
Alpha Terpineol
10.0%
Acetone
42.0%
100.0%
The composition of example 8 had a flashpoint of 141.6 F (62.0 C) using Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Flashpoint Tester. By the addition of 10% alpha terpineol, the flash point of the mixture in Example 7 was increased by 64.2 C. The composition of example 8, contains 0% Volatile Organic Compound content based on USEPA Regulations that a component or mixture having a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mm Hg at 20 C, exempts that mixture-from the VOC content limit making the composition compliant with Federal and state VOC regulations. N-methyl pyrrolidone, dibasic ester, and alpha terpineol exhibit vapor pressures less than 0.1 mm Hg at 20 C and acetone is VOC exempt under Federal Regulations. The increased flash point complies with DOT flammability regulations.
Alpha terpineol is a commercially available terpene alcohol sold by Millennium Chemical. Alpha terpineol can contain alpha terpene, among other terpene hydrocarbons, and exhibits a flashpoint of between 180 F and 200 F, depending upon the volatile impurities present.
In the event a solvent formulation is used, such as example 8, then I prefer that the solvents, other than the low flash point solvent blended with alpha terpineol, likewise have a relativity high flash point. According to the Condensed Chemical Dictionary 1956 edition, Reinhold Publishing Company, n-methyl pyrrolidone has a flash point of 204 F and dibasic ester has a flash point of 212 F.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the alpha terpineol/solvent blend may themselves be used to remove grease and other contaminants from various materials, such as steel, aluminum, and other substrates. The terpene alcohol blend with other solvents may be contained within a tank into which the material to be cleaned is placed. Heating of the terpene alcohol/solvent blend may not be needed, depending upon the application, although because of the high flash point, heating may be useful. Should the terpene alcohol/solvent blend become too concentrated with contaminates, then the bath may be disposed of or the contaminate separated from the alcohol/solvent blend by various means, including membrane filtration.
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention, following the general principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure has come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention of the limits of the appended claims.
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The present invention relates to a method to decrease the flammability of normally flammable alcohols and solvents. The additive is Alpha Terpineol, which will increase the flash point of flammable alcohols or solvents, by blending the Terpineol into the flammable solvent or alcohol. Solvents such as acetone, methanol, ethylacetate, ethanol and xylene, to name a few, increases flash points by 50° C. to 60° C., by addition of 12-14% terpineol. The said solvent can then be blended with other organic solvents to produce performance solvents, such as paint strippers with flash points greater than 140° F. and meet Federal and state Volatile Organic Compound regulations.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to circuit breaker operating handles, and more particularly to handles mounted on the exterior of an enclosure surrounding the circuit breaker.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A problem with circuit breaker operating handles which are mounted on the exterior of an enclosure surrounding the circuit breaker is that the handle position does not indicate a trip condition of the circuit breaker. Handles have, in the past, required more force to effect their motion than can be delivered by a circuit breaker toggle. In normal operation, a circuit breaker toggle moves into a trip position when the circuit breaker goes into a trip condition. However, the circuit breaker will trip even though the toggle is restrained from moving into the trip position. The toggle exerts a force on any resisting mechanism. Operating handles have required more force to move the handle than can be exerted by the toggle of a typical circuit breaker.
Circuit breaker operating handles mounted on the exterior of an enclosure surrounding the circuit breaker are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,475,576, issued to Bugni, et al., on Oct. 28, 1969, and 3,207,880, issued to Mekelburg, on Sept. 21, 1965, and 3,059,072, issued to Mekelburg, et al., on Oct. 16, 1962. A disadvantage of the operating handles illustrated in these U.S. patents is that all require too much force for the toggle of the circuit breaker to move the handle into a trip indicating position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a circuit breaker operating apparatus which can move a hand lever into a trip indicating position by action of the circuit breaker toggle. The hand lever is mounted on the exterior of an enclosure surrounding the circuit breaker.
The invention is a circuit breaker operating apparatus of the type having an enclosure, the circuit breaker is mounted inside the enclosure, the circuit breaker has an operating toggle, the operating toggle has at least a trip position into which trip position the toggle is urged when the circuit breaker goes into a trip condition, the apparatus has a handle mounted on the exterior of the enclosure, the handle has a lever mounted for rotational motion relative to the enclosure. The invention has a guide fixedly attached to the handle; a cam link, the cam link having a first end rotatably attached to the lever, and the cam link having a second end slidably attached to the guide so that as the lever undergoes rotation the second end of the cam link moves along the guide; means for sliding the second end of the cam link along the guide in response to the toggle as the toggle is urged into the trip position by the circuit breaker going into a trip condition so that the position of the lever indicates that the circuit breaker is in a trip condition.
Other and further aspects of the present invention will become apparent during the course of the following description and by reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like parts in the several views:
FIG. 1A is a side view, in cutaway, of a circuit breaker operating handle.
FIG. 1B is a sectional view along section 1B--1B of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are a side view showing an operating handle and a circuit breaker in various positions.
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are side views showing handle and toggle mechanical connections in an enclosure.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing handle and toggle mechanical connections in an enclosure.
FIG. 7 is a front view, in partial cutaway, of a circuit breaker operating handle mounted on the outside of an enclosure.
FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11 are side views, in cutaway, showing a circuit breaker operating handle mechanism.
FIGS. 12 and 13 are side views of a guide and cam link.
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a control center showing operating handles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1A shows a circuit breaker operating handle 20. Housing 22 of the circuit breaker operating handle 20 is shown in partial cutaway. A bearing 24 is mounted for rotational motion within housing 22. Hand lever 30 is fixedly attached to bearing 24, and so hand lever 30 may be pivoted about bearing 24, thereby causing bearing 24 to undergo rotational motion. Cam 32 is rigidly attached to hand lever 30 and bearing 24, so that as hand lever 30 is pivoted, causing rotational motion of bearing 24, then cam 32 undergoes rotational motion. Handle pin 34 is mounted in a hole in cam 32. Handle pin 34 also passes through a hole in cam link 36. Cam link 36 is free to rotate about handle pin 34. Linkage pin 40 passes through a hole in cam link 36. Also, linkage pin 40 is slidably restrained to move in slot 44 of guide 46. Further, linkage pin 40 passes through a hole in connecting link 42, and connecting link 42 is free to rotate about linkage pin 40. Guide 46 is fixedly attached to housing 22.
As hand lever 30 is pivoted about bearing 24, cam link 36 rotates about handle pin 34. However, linkage pin 40 is constrained to slidably move within slot 44. As linkage pin 40 slides within slot 44 and hand lever 30 is pivoted about bearing 24, then cam link 36 is forced to rotate about handle pin 34. Connecting link 42 is caused to move left and/or right as shown by arrows 50 when hand lever 30 is pivoted about bearing 24. Pivotal motion of hand lever 30 therefore causes linkage pin 40 to move back and forth in slot 44. Alternatively, force applied to end 42a of connecting link 42 causes linkage pin 40 to slide in slot 44, and also causes hand lever 30 to pivot about bearing 24.
Interlock lever 52 has a pawl 54 which engages cutout 56 attached to cam 32, thereby preventing rotation of cam 32, thereby preventing pivotal motion of hand lever 30. Interlock lever 52 is urged upward by spring 58 in order to positively engage pawl 54 in cutout 56. Interlock lever 52 may be urged into a lower position by compression of spring 58 in order to disengage pawl 54 from cutout 56, thereby releasing hand lever 30 for pivotal motion about bearing 24. Interlock lever 52 is used to prevent turning a circuit breaker on when the door to an enclosure surrounding the circuit breaker is open, as a safety measure. A bracket on the door of the enclosure depresses interlock lever 52, thereby disengaging pawl 54 from cutout 56 when the door is closed.
FIG. 1B is a cross-section through section 1B--1B of FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B linkage pin 40 is shown in enlarged cross-section. Step 40a of linkage pin 40 rides in slot 44 of guide 46. Cam link 36 and connecting link 42 are held in place by flattened end 40b of linkage pin 40. Step 40a of linkage pin 40 provides a slidable surface in slot 44 of guide 46.
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show circuit breaker 60 having an operating toggle in four different positions 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, and also a circuit breaker operating handle 20 having the hand lever 30 in four positions, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, corresponding to the positions of toggle 62. A circuit breaker, in normal operation, has a toggle which operates the circuit breaker. Operation of the circuit breaker may be described by beginning with the toggle in the "off" position 62c. Normally the circuit breaker is turned on by moving the toggle into the "on" position 62a. If a current surge, or other event, trips the circuit breaker, the toggle moves into a "trip" position 62b. In a trip condition current flow within the circuit breaker is interrupted, thereby protecting electrical apparatus connected to the circuit breaker. In order to turn the circuit breaker on again, the toggle must be moved into the "reset" position 62d, and then moved into the "on" position 62a.
The operation of handle 20 may be discussed beginning with hand lever 30 in the "off" position 30c. The circuit breaker is turned on by moving handle 30 from the "off" position 30c into the "on" position 30a, and a mechanical linkage between hand lever 30 moves toggle 62 from the "off" position 62c into the "on" position 62a. When an electric current surge, or other event, causes the circuit breaker to trip, the toggle 62 moves from the "on" position 62a into the "trip" position 62b, and in so doing applies force to the mechanical linkage of hand lever 30, causing hand lever 30 to move into trip position 30b. The circuit breaker 60 may then be turned on by a person: first by moving hand lever 30 from the "trip" position 30b into the "reset" position 30d, and in so doing the mechanical linkage causes toggle 62 to move into "reset" position 62d; and second by moving hand lever 30 into the "on" position 30a, and the mechanical linkage correspondingly moves the toggle into the "on" position 62a, completing the "turn on" cycle of the circuit breaker.
FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 show a side view of a circuit breaker operating handle 20 mounted on the front face 70 of an enclosure 72. A frame for mounting the parts of the apparatus is formed by the top 72a, back 72b, bottom 72c, front 70, and ends 72d, and 72e shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Also, connecting link 42 is attached to a control rod 74, and control rod 74 is attached to an operating bail 76. Connecting link 42 is attached by cotter pin 80 to control rod 74. Control rod 74 is attached by a pivotal attachment 82 to operating bail 76. Operating bail 76 pivots about axle 84. Operating bail 76 is attached by plate 86 to toggle 62 of circuit breaker 60.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, and more clearly shows axle 84, plate 86, and the connection between connecting link 42 and control rod 74. FIG. 6 also shows the connection between plate 86 and toggle 62. Bracket 85 depresses interlock lever 52 when door 87 is closed, as illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIG. 3 shows hand lever 30 in the "on" position, linkage pin 40 in the "on" position in guide 46, and toggle 62 in the "on" position 62a.
When a current surge, or other event causes circuit breaker 60 to trip, the internal mechanism (not shown) of circuit breaker 60 causes the toggle to move into the trip position 62b, as shown in FIG. 4. Toggle 62 applies force to operating bail 76, and operating bail 76 applies force to control rod 74, which in turn applies force to end 42a of connecting link 42. Connecting link 42 then causes linkage pin 40 to slide within slot 44 of guide 46. Linkage pin 40 then moves into the trip position as shown in FIG. 4. Hand lever 30 is then forced into the "trip" position by action of cam link 36. Hand lever 30 is shown in "trip" position 30b in FIG. 4.
After circuit breaker 60 goes into trip condition and hand lever 30 goes into the trip indicating position 30d, then a person normally moves hand lever 30 into the "off" position 30c, as shown in FIG. 5. Hand lever 30 is then normally moved into the "reset" position 30d, moving toggle 62 into the "reset" position 62d, and the circuit breaker then is turned on by moving hand lever 30 into the "on" position 30a. When hand lever 30 is moved into the "on" position 30a, the mechanical linkage comprising cam link 36, guide 46, connecting link 42, control rod 74, and operating bail 76, move toggle 62 into the "on" position 62a.
FIG. 7 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, and shows more clearly plate 86. Plate 86 moves in the directions shown by arrows 88 during operation of the apparatus. In moving in the direction shown by arrow 88, plate 86 moves toggle 62 into the various toggle positions 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d.
FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 show motion of cam link 36, handle pin 34, and linkage pin 40, with respect to guide 46 and slot 44, during operation of the circuit breaker operating handle 20. FIG. 8 shows operating handle 20 in the "off" position 30c, and cam link 36, along with handle pin 34 and linkage pin 40 in the corresponding "off" position. FIG. 9 shows hand lever 30 in the "on" position 30a. Linkage pin 40 is shown in FIG. 9 to be in the extended position, corresponding to the "on" position, of circuit breaker 60.
FIG. 10 shows hand lever 30 in the "trip" position 30b. Linkage pin 40 is shown to be in the corresponding position in slot 44 of guide 46 for the trip position of the circuit breaker operating hand lever 30.
FIG. 11 shows hand lever 30 in the "reset" position 30d. Linkage pin 40 is shown to be in the position corresponding to reset, in slot 44 of guide 46.
Also cam link 36 is shown in its corresponding positions in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11. The important motion of cam link 36 is the linear motion of linkage pin 40 in slot 44 of guide 46 as hand lever 30 is pivoted about bearing 24. As hand lever 30 is pivoted about bearing 24, cam link 36 rotates about handle pin 34, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11. Pivotal motion of hand lever 30 about bearing 24 causes both rotation of cam 32, and the motions of cam link 36 between the "off", "on", "trip" and "reset" positions.
FIGS. 12 and 13 show guide 46 removed from circuit breaker operating handle 20. FIG. 12 shows cam link 36 near the "off" or "reset" positions. FIG. 13 shows cam link 36 near the "on" position. Rotation of cam link 36 about handle pin 34, and also rotation about linkage pin 40 is clearly illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. Also linear motion of linkage pin 40 in slot 44 of guide 46 as cam 32 undergoes rotational motion is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.
Angle 91 between the centerline 92 of slot 44 of guide 46 and the horizontal may be chosen for convenience. It may be necessary to select a specific value of angle 91 in order to match handle 20 of the invention to existing circuit breaker enclosures. Because of the linear motion linkage pin 40 undergoes within slot 44 of guide 46 during pivotal motion of hand lever 30, a range of values of angle 91 are available to the designer in order to obtain mechanical matching to existing circuit breaker enclosures originally designed for use with older style handles. Such older style handles are illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,475,576, and 3,207,880, and 3,059,072, as discussed hereinabove.
FIG. 14 shows a control center 100 for control of several circuit breakers. Each circuit breaker is in a separate enclosure. Enclosure 102 has door 104 standing open, and circuit breaker 105 is visible inside the enclosure. Enclosure 106 shows circuit breaker operating handle 20 having hand lever 30 in the "on" position. The circuit breaker (not shown) associated with enclosure 106 is therefore in the "on" condition.
Enclosure 108 shows circuit breaker operating handle 20 having hand lever 30 in the "off" position. The circuit breaker (not shown) inside enclosure 108 is therefore in the "off" condition.
Enclosure 110 shows circuit breaker operating handle 20 having hand lever 30 in the "trip" position. The circuit breaker (not shown) inside enclosure 110 is therefore in the trip condition.
Enclosure 102 shows the circuit breaker operating handle 20 having hand lever 30 in the "trip" position. Door 104 is shown standing open and there is illustrated the mechanical linkage between circuit breaker operating handle 20 and circuit breaker 60, as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are simply illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various other modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art which will embody the principles of the invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.
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A circuit breaker operating apparatus is of the type having an enclosure, the circuit breaker mounted inside the enclosure, the circuit breaker has an operating toggle, the operating toggle has at least a trip position into which trip position the toggle is urged when the circuit breaker goes into a trip condition, the apparatus has a handle mounted on the exterior of the enclosure, the handle has a lever mounted for rotational motion relative to the enclosure. A guide is fixedly attached to the handle; a cam link, the cam link having a first end rotatably attached to the lever, and the cam link having a second end slidably attached to the guide so that as the lever undergoes rotation the second end of the cam link moves along the guide. A pin allows the second end of the cam link to slide along the guide in response to the toggle as the toggle is urged into the trip position by the circuit breaker going into a trip condition so that the position of the lever indicates that the circuit breaker is in a trip condition.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to the measurement of film thicknesses. The invention relates particularly to such measurement using an electron analyzer.
BACKGROUND ART
Many technologically advanced devices rely upon composite structures having a very thin, substantially planar film covering a substrate of another material. An example of such a device is a magnetic recording or read head which has an active surface layer of a ferromagnetic material. High-performance ferromagnetic materials based on, for example, heavier elements such as cobalt, are often brittle and subject to oxidation so that it is common practice to cover the ferromagnetic layer with a very thin protective layer, often of a carbon-based material such as diamond. However, the performance and durability of such devices depend on the manufacturing process to produce a thickness of the covering layer within a relatively narrow range. If the structure is an electromagnetic sensor, the coating thickness must be closely controlled so as to not degrade the sensor performance.
Many thickness measurement techniques are available to measure such film thicknesses, which often are in the range of 1 to 150 nm. Optical techniques are simple, but their dependence on optical properties of both the film and substrate preclude their use for some combination. Auger electron spectroscopy, to be described below, is commonly used for compositional control and in principle can be used for measuring film thickness. However, it is entirely too slow for use in a production environment if the film thickness exceeds 3 nm and is practically useless at thicknesses above 5 nm. Scanning electron microscopy is straightforward, but it is a very slow process and requires the sectioning of the sample being tested. Frequent sampling in a production environment requires a fast, non-destructive technique.
Electron spectroscopy is a well known technique for characterizing the atomic constituents in a solid. Briggs et al. have edited a complete reference in Practical Surface Analysis, vol. 1 , Auger and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, 2 nd ed., (Wiley, 1990). In the typical practice of Auger spectroscopy, the solid is probed with an electron beam in the low keV range of energies and produces a secondary electron through an Auger transition process having a well defined Auger energy E AUGER . In Auger spectroscopy, the probing radiation ejects an inner-shell electron from an atom. Then in the Auger transition, a first outer-shell electron falls into the inner-shell vacancy and a second outer-shell electron is ejected carrying the difference in energy. The spectrometer analyzes the energy of the ejected electron as the Auger energy E AUGER . The Auger energy E AUGER is for the most part unique for each atom, primarily dependent upon the atomic number Z. Thus, the measured electron energy can be used to determine the composition of the material, at least near its surface. These energies are generally in the range of a few hundred eV to a few keV for the typical practice of Auger electron spectroscopy. Usually to enhance the Auger signal, the primary energy Ep is made twice or more the Auger energy E AUGER . Auger electron spectroscopy allows the very quick and highly accurate measurement of film thicknesses up to about 30 nm. Other types of electron spectroscopy are possible with similar equipment, and the technology is close to electron microscopy.
A generic electron spectrometer is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 . Other geometrical relationships may be used. An electron gun 10 emits a primary radiation beam 12 of energy E p towards a sample 14 under test, which is supported on a holder 15 . An electron energy analyzer 16 receives a beam 18 of secondary electrons emitted from the sample 14 and characterized by energy E s . The low electron energies require that the entire analyzer be operated at very high vacuum levels. The secondary beam 18 tends to be spatially very broad. The electron energy analyzer 16 typically has a spatially fixed entrance slit 20 to fix the angle between the analyzer 16 and the sample 14 , and it internally analyzes the secondary energy E s by means of a electrostatic retarder or a magnetic analyzer or other means. Although in some automated applications, the electron analyzer 16 outputs a small number of experimentally determined parameters, the typical analyzer at some level outputs an energy spectrum from which the energy location of one or more peaks is extracted. Such electron spectrometers are well known, very often as Auger or ESCA spectrometers, and are commercially available from several sources, including Physical Electronics (PHI), a division of Perkin-Elmer of Eden Prairie, Minn., Vacuum Generators of the United Kingdom, and Omicron of Delaware.
Although electrons are often used as the probing radiation, other types of radiation can By produce similar effects, for example, X-ray or positrons.
One of the major experimental effects in electron spectroscopy is background noise introduced by inelastic scattering of the primary electrons (if an electron source is used) and of secondary electrons as they pass through the material between its surface and their points of interaction with the constituent atoms of the material. All electrons experience both elastic and inelastic collisions. Inelastically scattered electrons have a wide distribution of energies beginning at the energy E p of the probing beam and extending downwardly.
Primary electrons used for Auger spectroscopy typically have energies of a few keV while the Auger transitions are typically below 1 keV. A 1 keV electron has a mean free path in a solid of about 3 nm; a 3 keV electron, 15 nm. X-rays exhibit significantly deeper penetration. Furthermore, secondary Auger electrons are subject to the same type of inelastic scattering. Many technical articles have attempted to explain and quantify the effects of inelastic scattering in order to extract the Auger spectrum. Other technical articles have used the inelastic spreading as a way of measuring the scattering cross-sections between electrons. Elastic scattering depends upon the average atomic number Z of the material and is stronger in materials with higher Z.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method and apparatus for quickly and non-destructively determining the thickness of an overlayer of one material formed over an underlayer of another material having a different effective atomic number. A source of primary radiation, for example, keV electrons or X-rays, creates a wide spectrum of inelastically scattered secondary electrons. The spectrum of secondary electrons emitted through the overlayer of a test sample is measured and compared to similar spectra for reference samples having known thicknesses of the overlayer to thereby determine the overlayer thickness in the test sample. The apparatus may be derived, in the case of electrons being the primary radiation, from conventional electron spectrometers.
In one embodiment of the invention, ratios of the intensity of a portion of the spectrum of inelastically scattered electrons to that of elastically scattered electrons are measured both for the reference and test samples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an electron spectrometer.
FIG. 2 is a graph of the relationship of secondary electron spectra including inelastic scattering and the thickness of a over coating.
FIG. 3 is a graph of the relationship between the spectral intensity at a fixed energy in FIG. 2 with the coating thickness.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of using secondary electron spectra to determine the thickness of the over coating.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Under the proper conditions, the spectrum for inelastically scattered, secondary electrons provides a fast non-destructive method of determining the thickness of a thin layer deposited on a substrate having a significantly different atomic number. Electron spectra are illustrated in FIG. 3 for several different thicknesses of a carbon-based film deposited on a magnetic substrate composed of heavier ferromagnetic transition elements such as manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, etc., with perhaps significant fractions of heavy rare-earth elements, such as neodymium and samarium. The intensity scale is in arbitrary units and reflects the fact that the secondary electron flux is energy analyzed before being detected by an electron counter, such as an electron multiplier tube. However, the illustrated spectra have been normalized to the intensity of a peak 30 associated with elastic scattering of the primary electron.
Carbon has an atomic number of 6 while the four cited transition elements have atomic numbers between 25 and 28. The rare-earth elements are much heavier yet.
For a primary electron energy E p of 2 keV, the unillustrated transition metal Auger peaks are in the range of 700 to 800 eV, that is, far below the illustrated energy range. These Auger peaks are easily resolved at coating thicknesses of 3 nm or less, but, for thicker coatings, the inelastic scattering introduces major difficulty in extracting the Auger peaks.
The inelastic scattering produces noise-like spectra at energies between the Auger peaks and the primary electron energy. In the illustrated example, the elastic peak 30 at about 1.95 keV corresponds to the primary electron energy. A minimum 32 at least for the thinner coatings separates the elastic peak 30 and a broad distribution for inelastically scattered electrons. Typically in Auger spectroscopy, the optics are adjusted to produce a very narrow, intense elastic peak 30 that is substantially higher than the inelastic spectra. The inelastic spectra have been emphasized in FIG. 2 by detuning the spectrometer.
As illustrated, the relative intensity of the inelastic spectra versus that of the elastic peak increases in a regular fashion with increasing carbon film thickness between 0 and 6 nm. The illustrated data are normalized to a unity intensity of the elastic peak 30 . If the intensity is measured at a fixed secondary electron energy away from the elastic peak 30 , that intensity is a measure of the film thickness. For example, the intensity at 1700 eV along an isoenergy line 36 of FIG. 2 is plotted as curve 38 in FIG. 3 for the various film thicknesses. Under the same measurement conditions, the value of second electron intensity is correlated with the coating thickness.
As a result, a method in one embodiment of invention of measuring an unknown film thickness is illustrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 4 . In step 40 , a number of reference samples are prepared having a coating composed of a first material, having one of several known thicknesses, and covering a substrate of a second material. The combination of the two materials should be the same or at least close to the material combination for the samples to be tested. Also, the excitation beam energy and the spectrometer's resolution should be the same in the thickness measurement as in the calibration. The thicknesses should span the expected range of thicknesses to be experienced in testing. In the example presented in FIG. 2, the thicknesses ranged from zero (no coating) to 60 nm in approximately 10 nm increments. In establishing the reference spectra, the coating thicknesses can be measured by any known technique, including scanning electron micrographs of sectioned samples, since they need to be measured only once in establishing the reference spectra and calibrating the measurement of the test samples.
In a continuation of the calibration step 40 , a secondary electron energy spectrum is measured for each sample of known coating thickness. Conceptually, following the example of FIG. 3, the intensity of only a single energy needs to be measured. However, a broader spectrum is preferred, both to establish the validity of the data and to use more sophisticated parameter extraction, as will be described later. The multiple reference spectra are saved or analyzed to produce a smaller set of parameters, which are saved for use with later acquired test spectra.
In step 42 , a secondary electron spectrum is measured for a test sample having a unknown coating thickness. The test sample should have the same combination of substrate and coating compositions as the reference samples. This is a non-destructive test which can be performed relatively quickly as an adjunct to a production line.
In step 44 , the test spectrum obtained in step 42 is correlated with the reference spectra obtained in step 40 . In the simple intensity model of FIG. 3, this correlation need only determine the intensity for the test spectrum at the same energy as was done for the reference spectra (1700 eV in FIG. 3) with perhaps a multiplicative constant to reflect differences in measurement duration or primary beam intensity.
In step 46 , the coating thickness is determined from the results of the test spectrum. In the simple example of FIG. 3, the illustrated curve 38 relates the measured intensity at 1700 eV with the film thickness.
After the coating thickness has been determined for one test sample, another test sample having the sample combination of materials can be tested without a need to repeat the measurement of the reference spectra.
The above example assumes that the inelastic spectra result from inelastic scattering of the primary electrons. Advantageously, the measured spectrum is between the elastic peak and the Auger peaks. Similar results are obtained when the inelastic spectra are measured for inelastic scattering of the Auger electrons. In this case, the inelastic spectra extend to lower energies than the Auger energy.
The inventive thickness measurement depends upon the effective atomic mass Z of the coating being substantially different from that of the substrate underlying the coating. This difference causes very significant differences in the ratio between the elastic and inelastic scattering, which can be detected as a relative background-to-elastic ratio at an energy far enough away from the elastic peak. In general, high-Z materials favor elastic scattering of electrons. In the case of a carbon-based coating over a transition metal substrate (low Z over high Z), the inelastic spectrum arises from the coating. In the case of high Z over low Z, inelastic scattering in the substrate is moderated by elastic scattering in the coating. The coating and substrate may have some overlapping elemental compositions, but the invention is still applicable if two separated portions of the periodic table are separately represented by substantial fractions in the two layers. It is further appreciated that the substrate may be a layer having a thickness of at least approximately the relevant electron absorption or scattering length.
The inventive method can be practiced on the already described conventional analyzer of FIG. 1 with the addition of some computational and control capabilities. A computer 50 receives the output of the electron energy analyzer 16 and uses it to calculate the characteristics of the electron spectra used in quantifying the film thickness. In the three analysis examples described below, the single characteristic is either the intensity at a fixed energy, its ratio to the elastic peak, or the energy of the peak. More than one characteristic may be used. A memory 52 such as semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk or other type of other available data storage device or medium is associated with the computer 50 and stores for each of the reference coatings both the thickness of the reference coatings and the values of the thickness characteristics for all the reference coatings. When a test sample is measured, the computer 50 not only calculates its characteristic values, but also then correlates those values with those of the reference coatings stored in the memory 52 so as to determine the coating thickness of the test sample. The computer 50 outputs the value of experimentally determined coating thickness.
The computer 50 and memory 52 may be part of the control instrumentation already provided for the conventional analyzer with additional software written to perform the required control and calculations. Alternatively, the spectra established by the electron analyzer may be downloaded to a separate computer for contemporaneous or delayed calculation of coating thickness. It is appreciated that the reference data need not be stored in tabular form but may be represented by parameters for curve fitting the reference data or by other data representations linking the electron spectra to coating thickness. The same apparatus with additional programming may be used to establish the reference spectra.
The single-energy correlation provided by the curve 38 of FIG. 3 is not preferred. The measured intensities are subject to variations that are not easy to measure or control, including noise of various sorts. The vast majority of the energy spectra are ignored. A more complex data reduction using more measured points is preferred. For example, as suggested by the normalization of the spectra of FIG. 2, the ratio may be taken of inelastic data to inelastic data for both the reference and test samples, and the ratios are compared in determining the coating thickness for the test sample. In particular, the elastic peak may be measured by integrating the spectra across an energy band 56 , illustrated in FIG. 2, extending from the minimum 32 at about 1930 eV to the primary energy E p at 2000 eV. Similarly, the inelastic scattering may be measured by integrating the spectra across an energy band 58 of similar width but lower energy, for example, around 1300 eV. Preferably, in the case of low Z over high Z, the inelastic energy band 58 is above 50% of the primary energy E p , and more preferably in a range about 20 to 30% lower than the primary energy. The ratios of the two intensities will exhibit a behavior similar to that of FIG. 3 . However, use of the ratios suppresses noise, common instrumental drift, and differing measurement periods.
In another approach, the reference spectra of FIG. 2, at least for thicker coatings, exhibit peaks in energy which vary with coating thickness along line 60 . The peak positions for both reference and test samples can be obtained by curve fitting a large number of points in each spectrum. Advantageously, the peak position is relatively insensitive to variations in equipment characteristics and operation as long as the relative geometries remain the same and the energy accuracy is maintained. Thus, the peak position for the test sample can correlated with the thickness of coatings in the reference samples.
Other and possibly more complex curve fitting can be performed to extract the coating thickness from the reference data.
The described example of the invention depends upon the primary radiation and its absorption length than the secondary electrons created by the primary radiation. The relative intensity of elastic scattering in the secondary spectrum of the overlayer must differ significantly from that in the secondary spectrum of the underlayer. This condition is usually satisfied by the two materials having significantly different atomic masses on average. In the described embodiment, the overlayer has a lower atomic mass than does the underlayer. The smoothly varying secondary scattering spectra of FIG. 2 result from the measured electron energies being no more 90% of the primary electron energy but being above the Auger energy in both the coating and the substrate. The thickness of the film being measured should not be significantly greater than the scattering length for either the initial or the scattered secondary electrons in that material because otherwise few electrons would reach the surface. The energy of the probing electrons or X-rays or other radiation may be adjusted in view of the anticipated thicknesses of the coating so that a substantial portion of the probing radiation reaches through the coating.
The invention thus provides a quick and non-destructive test of the thickness of a coating. It can be practiced on conventional spectroscopic equipment with only straightforward and simple modifications.
Although the invention has been described with reference to inelastic scattering of Auger electrons, the invention is not necessarily so limited.
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A method and apparatus for measuring the thickness of a thin coating, having a thickness on the order of 1 to 10 nm, of one material formed over a substrate of another material of significantly different atomic number, for example, a carbon coating on a ferromagnetic substrate. A primary radiation source, for example, of electrons or X-ray, creates low-energy secondary electrons in the substrate. The intensity of inelastically scattered electrons generally increases with film thickness. The secondary electron spectrum measured for a test sample is compared with the spectra for a plurality of similar reference samples of the same set of compositions, and a test thickness is thereby determined. The method may be practice on conventional electron spectrometers with the addition of some programmed analysis. Various techniques are available for extracting the data and comparing the test and reference data.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 823,490, filed Aug. 10, 1977 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,808.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus for splitting or separating yieldable materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus for performing a wedging function on any material having a softer composition than the material from which the wedging apparatus is fabricated. The present invention is particularly useful for splitting logs, lumber products or the like but has other utilities that will be readily apparent from the description herein. For instance, the invention can be used for driving holes into the earth, splitting rocks, and so forth.
The problem of how to split logs and the like lengthwise has been predominantly resolved by the use of angular shaped wedges which are pounded into the log by mauls, sledgehammers or other instruments. The task can be satisfactorily completed by use of such implements but certain hazards and difficulties are inherently encountered. For example, the top of the wedge frequently releases flakes of metal upon impact, the holding of the wedge in place for initial striking necessarily exposes the user to injury especially to the hands and arms, the head of the maul or hammer may glance from the head of the wedge or unexpectedly separate from the handle exposing the user to serious injury, etc. Furthermore, particularly with large hardwood logs, the wedge will enter the log to a point where it can no longer be struck by the maul but is securely held in that position by the log thereby requiring the use of additional wedges or some other procedure for completing the log splitting. Additionally, the wedges and hammers needed for this form of log splitting somehow seem to frequently be in widely sparated locations when they are needed as anyone who has had any experience with log splitting by this procedure can attest.
One prior art solution to the myriad of problems associated with log splitting as mentioned above is through the use of hydraulic powered wedges. This solution is not attractive to the average log splitter since the device is expensive, inconvenient to transport, requires a suitable frame for holding the logs in place, and involves multiple moving parts that are subject to costly repair. Although lever actuated cutter devices such as that shown in U.S. Pat No. 2,526,362 by Johnston may be adapted for transverse cutting of some logs, these type devices are not suitable for lengthwise log splitting especially in view of the awkwardly large log holding frame that would be needed as well as the excessively long cutter elements and lever lengths for adaption to log splitting. Even if so adapted, the Johnston type apparatus would not be convenient for easy transport by an individual user.
So-called captured hammer devices have been suggested in the prior art such as in U.S. Pat. No. 2,474,037 by Cuthrell and U.S. Pat. No. 3,050,095 by Prather. Cuthrell employs a tractor mounted trip-hammer type mechanism wherein the wedge element is positioned upon a reciprocally moveable carriage so that it can be raised by the tractor's winch and released to fall upon the object to be severed. Prather shows an elongated stem of a hexagonal cross-section with a piercing tip on one end and a large diameter weight slidable on the stem between two stops. Neither device is acceptable to the average log splitter since, in the case of Cuthrell, an unacceptably complex mechanism is required whereas for Prather, the elongated stem must be at least approximately as long or longer than the longest log that may be split. Prather further requires acceptance of exposed anvil surfaces at the stops, a hazard somewhat similarly involved in the Cuthrell device. Further, a typical disadvantage of prior art manually operated captured hammer devices, such as the Prather device, the shock generated by the hammer portion on the impact surface is transmitted through the rigid hammer structure and associated rigid handles to the operator's hands and arms. This constant repetition of such shock applied to the person's hands and arms cause discomfort, soreness and premature fatigue that can be quite painful and debilitating to a person after extended use of such devices.
Another prior art attempt to overcome the difficulties of single wedge use is suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 3,865,163 by Root wherein outwardly pivotable jaws are hinged to the wedge element to spread the log sides as the wedge enters the log. However, various mechanical disadvantages render these devices unacceptable such as the difficulty in selecting a universally usable jaw length and reliability problems with long-term usage because of the stress associated with the jaw pivot points.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide novel shock absorbing handle bars and an impact surface cushion, for a captured hammer type wedge device to dampen shock vibrations caused by the impact of the hammer apparatus transmitted to an operators hands and arms.
The present invention is an apparatus particularly well suited for performing wedging type operations such as log splitting and the like. Typically the invention includes a pair of elongated members arranged so that one such member is coaxially moveable relative to the other through the agency of one member being hollow for receiving the other member. An elongated, preferably wedge shaped working head is rigidly attached to one of the coaxially reciprocable members. That is, the working head has a base and a tapered body extending from the base with one of the elongated members rigidly attached to this base so that the central axis of the attached member is generally normal to the plane of the base. Thus the coaxially moveable members can introduce impact forces directly upon or via transferal to the head as a result of the movement between the members. These impact forces drive the head into the log until it has completely passed through the log.
In one form of the invention, the outer member is moveable with the outer, lower edge thereof configured so as to be equal to or less than the dimension of the wedged opening in the log. A cap enclosing one end of the outer member can be included to provide driving impact to the inner member and, by having the outer member shorter than the inner member, a greater thickness of the outer member can be fixed to the working head base and the inner member reciprocally moveable therein.
An especially advantageous feature of the present invention resides in the shock absorber means for dampening the shock vibrations caused by the impact of the hammer apparatus before they are transmitted to an operator's hands and arms. An exemplary form of this feature includes semi-flexible springy handle bars mounted on and extending radially outwardly from the hammer apparatus terminating in hand grip portions at the respective distal ends and a resilient member insert interposed between the impact surfaces of the hammer apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a broken and sectioned view of the FIG. 1 embodiment shown as it is entering a log;
FIG. 3 is a sectioned and broken side view of a variation of the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a side view in broken section showing additional variations of the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a broken and sectioned side view illustrating replaceable end caps and other variations of the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a sectioned side view of the FIG. 3 embodiment with the movable member in a typical raised position immediately prior to its downward movement to impact the wedge head;
FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, including the shock absorber features of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, including a variation of the shock absorber apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, including another variation of the shock absorber apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is another elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, including still another variation of the shock absorber handle bars of the present invention;
and
FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, including still another variation of the shock absorbing handle bars, and including a flexible cord for holding the parts of the apparatus together.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
An exemplary form of the preferred embodiment of a wedging apparatus particularly useful for log splitting is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The splitter assembly 10 includes elongated outer member 11 which has a hollow interior for receiving inner member 12. A wedge shaped working head 15 is shown with a base 16 and an outwardly extending but tapered body 17 which terminates in a cutting edge or point 18. Inner member 12 is rigidly attached to head 15 in normal relation to the general plane of base 16 relative to the central axis of member 12. Although member 12 is shown joined integrally with head 15, it will be understood that it can be attached by threads, welding, bonding or any suitable arrangement. The cross-sectional configuration of members 11 and 12 can be cylindrical as illustrated or of any appropriate cross-section as long as they are coaxially reciprocable.
As is best seen in FIG. 2, elongated member 11 has a hollow interior so as to allow coaxial relative movement between members 11 and 12. Outer member 11 has an end cap 20 either formed integrally therewith or otherwise suitably attached. Member 12 is of a greater axial length than outer member 11 as is evident by the gap between base 16 of head 15 and the lower end face 24 of member 11. Thus end cap 20 impacts end 21 of inner member 12 each time member 11 is raised and dropped or rammed downwardly thereby transferring a wedging force to head 15.
Note that cap 20 can be replaceable as by threaded attachment to member 11 thereby permitting increase or decrease of the total weight of member 11 and cap 20 combined. For convenience, the upper portion of inner member 12 including impact surface 21 can be a removable plug threaded or force-fit into the main body of member 12, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 2. This feature permits replacement of the plug as it deforms or mushrooms from extended use. Further, such a plug can be of a smaller diametric dimension at face 21 than the main body of member 12 to accommodate at least some of this deformation.
As shown in FIG. 2, the outer edge of lower face 24 of outer member 11 is dimensioned so as to be equal to or smaller than the wedged opening of log 25 as it is split. Although the outer edges of face 24 are shown slightly narrower than the width of head base 16 in FIG. 2, the width of face 24 can clearly be somwhat larger than base 16 and still not be frictionally impeded from reciprocation by the interior walls of log 25 as it is split. Of course, the outer, lower portion of member 11 can be itself tapered to clear the split log walls if desired.
As a consequence, continual raising and lowering of member 11 so as to impact member 12 will not be disrupted by the entire head 15 entering the log to be split. The wedge head can be continually driven under influence of the coaxially reciprocating motion between members 11 and 12 until head 15 has completely passed through log 25.
Member 11 and 12 can be arranged so as to include means for temporarily interlocking against the coaxial movement to facilitate withdrawal and transporting of the device as a unit. One advantageous arrangement for accomplishing this result is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the form of flexible band 30, which snugly fits over the outer circumferential surface of member 11. Outer member 11 has a bore 31 into which a ring 33 and inwardly extending bulbous portion 34 are seated when band 30 is in place. The small outwardly extending nub 35 aids the user in locating the proper pressure point when interlocking is desired. The interlocking is established by the user grasping member 11 around band 30 when inner member 12 is positioned with end 21 generally as depicted in FIG. 2. Radially inward pressure on nub 35 causes bulbous portion 34 to deform into bore 31 until it engages the outer surface of member 12. The outside surface of member 12 can be knurled or other suitable procedures taken to increase friction as necessary. At this point, the user can lift the entire device as a unit.
In FIGS. 3 and 6, wedge or working head 40 is rigidly attached to inner elongated member 41 in a manner somewhat similar to the FIG. 1 arrangement. However, the outer member 43, which is coaxially movable over member 41, has no end cap and therefore is allowed to impact the upper surface 44 of head 40. As will be readily apparent to those having skill in the art from the foregoing description as well as from the perusal of the drawings (i.e., FIGS. 1 and 2 along with FIG. 3), outer member 43 is of a length for accommodating manual reciprocal movement of the upper end thereof substantially beyond the upper end of inner member 41 while maintaining the coaxial relation between members 41 and 43. Additionally, inner member 41 is made of a longer dimension lengthwise than member 43 so that a portion 42 extends above as shown for grasping and transporting of the entire unit without the need for an interlocking device.
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment wherein the outer member 50 is rigidly attached to working head 51. Inner coaxially movable member 52 impacts the upper inner surface 53 of head 51 and is retractable via upper extension 54. The FIG. 4 embodiment shows a temporary interlocking flexible band 55 deformable into hole 56 in a manner somewhat analogous to the structure described hereinbefore in FIG. 1. Additionally, a pin 58 can be inserted through bores 57, 59 and 60 through members 50 and 52. This pin 58 thereby more permanently interlocks the movable elements for convenient transport.
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment somewhat similar to FIG. 4 except that outer member 70, which is rigidly attached to work head 71, is longer in length than inner member 72. Thus the driving force for head 71 is developed by the lower flange surface 73 of cap end 74 impacting the upper surface 75 of member 70. FIG. 5 also illustrates a means for varying the weight of the impacting member 72 through replaceable stub 76 shown here as threadedly engaged into member 72.
A particularly advantageous feature of the present invention is the shock absorber apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 7 through 11. In FIG. 7, a log splitter similar to that shown in FIG. 1 includes an outer elongated member 11 in the form of an elongated cylinder having an internal bore therein extending upwardly from the lower end to an upper capped end 20. An inner elongated member 12 is received in the bore of the outer elongated member 11, and the outer member 11 is slidable up and down over the inner member 12 in the manner of a conventional captured hammer arrangement. As the outer elongated member 11 is slid downwardly over the inner elongated member 12, the capped end 20 will strike the upper end of inner member 12, with the inside surface of capped end 20 and the upper surface 21 of inner member 12 being the impact surfaces of the respective elongated outer and inner members 11, 12. In this embodiment, a cushion insert 80, preferably of a material such as neoprene rubber or resilient plastic, is positioned between the respective impact surfaces of the inside surface of capped end 20 and the upper end 21 of inner member 12.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is also provided with a pair of shock absorbing handles 82, 92. Each handle 82, 92 is made of elongated semi-flexible material, a portion of which is coiled in a helicoid 84, 94. The upper ends 86, 96 are affixed to the exterior walls of elongated member 11 in such a manner that the handle bars 82, 92 extend radially outwardly and downwardly from opposite sides of the elongated member 11. Hand grip cushions 89, 99 are provided in the lower ends 88, 98 of handle bars 82, 92, respectively.
The shock generated by the impact surfaces striking one another in conventional apparatus would normally be transferred to the person's hands and arms by the solid components of the outer member 11. However, the combination of the semi-flexible handle bars 82, 92 and the resilient insert 80 between the impact surfaces in the present invention dampen significantly the shock transferred to a person's hands and arms. The insert 80 is preferably somewhat resilient but not so resilient or so thick as to significantly inhibit the momentum transfer from the outer elongated member 11 to the inner elongated member 12. Further, the handle bars 82, 92 are semi-flexible and resilient such that they are effective for driving the outer elongated member 11 downwardly with a significant force, while still effectively dampening or absorbing a significant amount of the shock generated by the respective impact surfaces hitting on one another.
In FIG. 8, the embodiment of FIG. 3 is shown with a pair of semi-flexible handle bars 102, 112, attached at their upper ends 106, 116, respectively, to extend radially outwardly and downwardly from opposite sides of the outer member 43. An annular resilient shock absorbing insert 100 is positioned between the impact surfaces defined by the lower end of outer member 43 and the upper surface 44 of tapered wedge or working head 40.
In FIG. 9, an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 4 is equipped with a pair of handle bars 122, 132 attached to and extending outwardly and downwardly from the upper end 54 of inner elongated member 52. The upper portions of handle bars 122, 132 form a common cross-member 126, and hand grip pieces 129, 139 are provided on the distal ends 128, 138 of the handle bars 122, 132.
FIG. 10 is also essentially the same embodiment as FIG. 4, with the addition of handle bars 140, 144 attached to the upper end 54 of inner elongated member 52. The hand bars 140, 144 extend outwardly and downwardly from opposite sides of a common helicoid 141 formed by said handle bars and affixed to the upper end 54 of inner elongated member 52.
FIG. 11 is another variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, with shock absorbing handles 150, 155 extending radially outwardly and downwardly from opposite sides of the top end 54 of inner member 52. A common cross-member 154 is affixed to the top 54 of inner elongated member 52, with each of the outer ends of cross-member 154 being formed in respective helicoids 151, 156 at opposite sides of the inner member 52. The handles 150, 155 respectively extend downwardly from the respective helicoids 151, 156. Hand grips 153, 158 are positioned on the lower distal ends 152, 157, respectively of the handle bars 150, 155. As described above for the other shock absorber handle bars, these handle bars 150, 155 are preferably fabricated of a semi-flexible, resilient spring-steel material that is capable of transferring downward forces to the inner member 52, but which also are effective in dampening the shock created by the respective impact surfaces of the outer and inner members 50, 52.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a flexible cord 160 is shown attached at one end to a loop affixed to outer member 50 and at the other end to a loop affixed to the upper end 54 of inner member 52. This flexible cord is dimensioned to retain the inner member 52 slidably within the outer member 50. This feature also is quite effective for binding the inner and outer members together during storage or transportation by simply wrapping the flexible cord around the handle bars 150, 155, or over cross-member 154 when the apparatus is not in use.
Although the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that various changes, variations, modifications and applications of the present invention will be readily apparent to those having normal skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
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Two elongated members are coaxially movable relative to one another with one member rigidly attached to a working head such as an elongated wedge or the like. In one embodiment, the inner member is fixed to the working head while the outer member movably surrounds the inner member. The outer member is dimensioned so that its lower perimeter edge is small enough to allow the members to be reciprocated so as to drive the head into a log or other material without the outer member being held against coaxial reciprocal movement by the material. The members can be secured as for lifting, withdrawing, transporting, and the like with a flexible collar on the outer member for cooperating with a hole therethrough for gripping the inner member. The outer member can be fixed to the working head and the inner member reciprocally movable therein. Shock absorbing handles and an impact surface cushion insert are also shown which reduce jarring and fatigue in an operator's hands and arms.
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