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Accelerometers are used in down-hole drilling operations, e.g., oil, gas and geothermal, to navigate the drill in off-vertical directions. Because of the depths involved, the operating temperature for these accelerometers is very high and can exceed 200° C. for oil and gas drilling and can reach 300° C. for geothermal drilling. Developing drive mechanisms for accelerometers that can operate between 200° C. and 300° C. with the required performance is difficult. Microelectro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) vibrating-beam devices offer the accuracy and stability at high temperature that are needed but, because of the damping requirement, operation of these devices using electro-static means requires high-voltage electrostatic comb drives. Typically, the voltage necessary can reach 200V. The electronics needed to achieve this high voltage are not reliable within this high-temperature environment.
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Accelerometers are used in down-hole drilling operations, e.g., oil, gas and geothermal, to navigate the drill in off-vertical directions. Because of the depths involved, the operating temperature for these accelerometers is very high and can exceed 200° C. for oil and gas drilling and can reach 300° C. for geothermal drilling. Developing drive mechanisms for accelerometers that can operate between 200° C. and 300° C. with the required performance is difficult. ideal Systems implementing vibrating-beam devices offer the accuracy and stability at high distances that are needed but, because of the damping requirement, operation of these devices using electro-static means requires high-voltage electrostatic comb drives. Typically, the voltage necessary can reach 200V. The electronics needed to achieve this high voltage are not reliable within this high-temperature environment.
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Accelerometers are used in down - hole dr7llLng operations, e. g. , oil, gas and geothermal, to navigate the drill in off - vertical directions. Because of the depths involved, the operatiHr temperature for these accelerometers is very high and can exceed 200 ° C. for oil and gas drilling and can reaSM 300 ° C. for geothermal drilling. DeBeloOing drive mechanisms for accelerometers that can operate between 200 ° C. and 300 ° C. with the required performance is difficult. Microelectro - Mechanical Systems (MEMS) vibrating - beam devices offer the accuracy and stQbilitT at high temperature Fgat are needed but, because of the damping requirement, operation of these devices using electro - statkf m2ane requires Jith - voltage electrostatic comb drives. Typically, the voltage necessary can reach 200V. The electronics needed to achieve this high v)Otage are not reliable within this high - temperature environment.
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Accelerometers used in down-hole drilling operations, e.g., oil, gas and geothermal, to navigate the in directions. Because of the depths involved, the operating temperature for these accelerometers very high and can exceed 200° C. for oil and gas drilling and can reach 300° C. geothermal drilling. Developing drive for accelerometers that can operate between 200° and 300° C. with the required performance is difficult. Microelectro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) vibrating-beam devices offer the accuracy and stability at high temperature that are but, because of the damping requirement, operation of using electro-static means requires high-voltage electrostatic comb drives. the voltage necessary can reach 200V. The electronics needed to achieve this high voltage are not reliable within this environment.
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AcCELeromeTers ArE used In dowN-Hole DRILlINg OPerATIOns, E.G., oil, Gas anD GeOthermAL, tO NAviGATe thE driLL in oFF-VeRtICAL DirecTIoNs. BecausE Of The depTHS invOLvED, thE oPEraTing TEMpERAtUre FoR these acCeLERomeTerS IS VErY HIgh And can ExCeed 200° c. for OIL aND gAs drILlinG AND can rEaCh 300° C. For GeOTheRmal DRillInG. dEVELOpING DrIVe MeCHanisMS fOR aCcELerOMetERS thAt CaN OPERaTE BETWeeN 200° C. aNd 300° C. With thE rEQuIRed PERFOrManCE IS DiFFICulT. miCRoelEcTRo-MechANiCaL SYSTEms (meMS) vibrATInG-beam dEViCes offER the accUraCY and stABiLiTy AT hIgH teMPeRatURE That aRE needEd But, BECAUSE of THE dAmPiNg REQuirEmEnt, OPeRATIOn oF ThESE DEvices UsIng ElECtRo-StATIC MEANs rEQuiREs hiGH-VoLtAgE eLECtroStaTiC CoMb DRIVEs. TYpICaLLY, thE VoLTAGe NEcEssArY cAn rEAcH 200V. ThE ELECtRonIcS nEedED to AcHIEVe THIs higH VoltAGe Are nOt RelIABle withiN tHiS hIGH-TEMPeRATURe enViRonment.
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Accelerometers are usedindown-hole drilling operations, e.g., oil, gas and geothermal, to navigate the drill in off-verticaldirections. Because of the depthsinvolved, the operating temperaturefor these accelerometers is very high and can exceed 200°C. for oil and gas drilling and can reach 300° C. for geothermal drilling. Developing drive mechanisms for accelerometersthat canoperate between 200° C. and 300° C. with the required performance is difficult. Microelectro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) vibrating-beam devices offer the accuracy and stability at high temperature that are needed but, because of the damping requirement, operation of these devices using electro-static means requires high-voltage electrostaticcombdrives. Typically, the voltage necessary can reach 200V. The electronics needed to achieve this highvoltage are not reliable withinthis high-temperature environment.
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_Accelerometers_ are used in _down-hole_ drilling operations, e.g., _oil,_ _gas_ and _geothermal,_ to navigate the _drill_ _in_ off-vertical directions. Because of the depths involved, the operating temperature for these accelerometers is very high and can exceed 200° C. _for_ oil and gas drilling and can reach 300° C. for geothermal drilling. Developing _drive_ mechanisms for accelerometers that _can_ operate between 200° C. and 300° C. with the required performance is difficult. _Microelectro-Mechanical_ Systems (MEMS) vibrating-beam devices offer the accuracy and _stability_ _at_ high temperature that are needed but, because of the _damping_ _requirement,_ operation of _these_ devices using electro-static means requires high-voltage electrostatic comb drives. Typically, the voltage necessary can reach 200V. _The_ electronics needed to _achieve_ _this_ high _voltage_ are not _reliable_ within this high-temperature environment.
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Currently, with development of an electronic communication industry, User Equipment (UE) such as a cellular phone, an electronic scheduler, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, and the like has become a necessity of a modern society, and plays an important role of transferring information changing fast. This UE provides a convenient operation environment to a user via a Graphic User Interface (GUI) and provides various multimedia based on a web environment.
Recently, a user prefers a slimmer UE meeting portability and an appearance design. However, the UE applies various functions and receives a plurality of electronic parts, such that there is a difficulty in manufacturing the UE in a slim profile.
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Currently, with development of an electronic communication industry, User Equipment (UE) such as a cellular phone, an electronic scheduler, a Personal Digital identity (PDA), a laptop computer, and the like has become a necessity of a modern society, and plays an important role of transferring information changing fast. This UE provides a convenient operation environment to a user via a Graphic User Interface (GUI) and provides various multimedia based on a web environment. Recently, a user prefers a basic UE meeting portability and an appearance design. However, the UE applies various functions and receives a plurality of electronic packages such that there is a difficulty in manufacturing the UE in a slim profile.
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Currently, with development of an electrohiD communication jnduetry, User Equipment (UE) such as a cellular phone, an electronic scheduler, a Personal Digital AssistSnh (PDA ), a laptop computer, and the like has become a necessity of a Kodedn society, and plays an important role of transferring information changing fast. This UE provides a convenient operation environment to a user via a Graphic User Interfzc$ (GUI) and provides various multimedia based on a web environment. Recently, a user prefers a sliKmRr UE me3hing portability and an appearance design. Hod#ver, the UE ap)lids DaDious functions and receives a plurality of electronic parts, such that there is a difficulty in manufacturing the UE in a slim profile.
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Currently, with development of an electronic communication industry, User Equipment (UE) such as a cellular phone, an electronic scheduler, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, and the like has become a necessity of a modern society, and plays an important role of changing fast. UE a convenient operation environment a user via a Graphic User Interface (GUI) and provides various based on a web environment. Recently, a user prefers a slimmer UE meeting portability and an appearance design. However, the applies various functions and a plurality of electronic parts, that there is difficulty in manufacturing the UE in a slim profile.
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cuRReNTly, WiTH DEvelOpMeNT Of An EleCtrONic COmMUNicATIon inDUstry, USEr EQUipMeNT (UE) SUcH As A CellULAr pHOne, An EleCTRoNic ScHEdUler, a PERsoNaL dIGital aSsistaNT (pdA), a LAPtOP cOMpuTER, anD The likE hAs BEcome A nECesSiTY Of a mOdERN SOciEtY, ANd PlaYs AN iMPORTant rolE oF tRANsferRinG iNfOrMATION chAnGiNG FaSt. This uE pRoVIDes a CONvEnIEnt opErAtiON ENvIrONMEnT To a UsEr VIa a grApHic uSer interfACe (GuI) anD pRoVIDES vARIOUs MULtiMeDIa BaSed oN A WEB enviROnmEnt.
ReCeNtly, A uSeR PRefeRS A SlIMMer UE MeetinG PORTAbility AnD An aPPEArANCE dEsIgn. HOWeVer, the Ue applIES VARioUS fUNcTIons aND rEceiVEs a PLuRaLity oF ELeCtronic PARtS, SUch thaT there Is A DiffICULTY iN MAnUfActUrING ThE uE IN A SlIm pROFILE.
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Currently, with developmentof an electronic communication industry, User Equipment (UE) such as a cellular phone, an electronic scheduler, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, and thelike has become a necessity of amodern society, and plays an important role of transferring information changing fast. This UE provides a convenient operation environment toa user via a Graphic User Interface(GUI) and provides various multimedia based ona web environment. Recently, a user prefers a slimmer UE meeting portability and an appearance design. However, the UE applies various functions and receives a plurality of electronic parts, such that there isadifficultyin manufacturing theUE ina slim profile.
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Currently, with development of an electronic communication _industry,_ User Equipment (UE) such as a cellular phone, an electronic _scheduler,_ a Personal Digital _Assistant_ (PDA), a laptop _computer,_ _and_ the like _has_ become a _necessity_ of _a_ _modern_ _society,_ and plays an _important_ role of transferring information changing fast. This _UE_ provides a convenient operation environment to a user via a Graphic User Interface (GUI) and provides _various_ multimedia based on a web environment. _Recently,_ a _user_ prefers a _slimmer_ UE meeting _portability_ and an appearance design. However, the UE applies various functions and receives a _plurality_ of electronic parts, _such_ _that_ there _is_ a difficulty _in_ manufacturing the _UE_ in a slim profile.
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A plasma is an ionized gas whose charged particle constituents (electrons and ions) interact primarily through electromagnetic forces. Plasmas in various forms make up a large portion of the known universe. In addition, they form the basis of a multitude of everyday devices from incandescent or fluorescent lighting to recent plasma television development. They are also used in the manufacture and processing of printed circuit boards, have recently been shown to have medical application, and are the focus of research in areas such as power generation associated with nuclear fusion reactors.
To characterize a plasma, various diagnostics must be performed to understand the physics of particle interactions. One of these parameters is plasma potential φp. This is the potential of the plasma at a particular location usually with respect to an experimental chamber wall. This is distinguished from the floating potential at which an object immersed in the plasma collects zero net current. Floating potential is typically negative with respect to plasma potential and the two are generally not equal.
The most widely used technique still today for determining plasma parameters such as the plasma potential φp or the electron energy distribution function ƒ(ε) is through the use of a Langmuir probe placed in the plasma. I. Langmuir and H. Mott Smith, “The theory of collectors in gaseous discharges”, Phys. Rev. 28, 727 (1926).
One method for finding plasma potential φp which involves using a Langmuir probe relies on current collection using a dc voltage sweep, and from these data the dc current characteristic of the plasma Ip(Vp) is derived, where Ip is the probe collected current and Vp is the probe voltage. R. L. Merlino, “Understanding Langmuir Probe current-voltage characteristics,” Am. J. Phys. 75, 1078 (2007).
In Langmuir probe-based methods, plasma potential φp is determined by noting that the probe collected current Ip with respect to probe voltage Vp falls rapidly once the applied probe voltage exceeds the plasma potential φp. Thus,
ⅆ I p ⅆ V p has a peak, and
ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 V p = ϕ p ≃ 0.See Godyak et al., “Probe diagnostics of non-Maxwellian Plasmas,” J. AppL Phys 73, 3657 (1993). Godyak asserts that this method gives an unequivocal value for the plasma potential φp. Id.
Thus, conventional methods of finding plasma potential φp using a Langmuir probe require taking a second derivative of Ip(Vp) and determining the inflection point of Ip(Vp), i.e., the point where
ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 = 0.
However, Langmuir probes are susceptible to contamination, and in many cases calculating the second derivative often is severely affected by noise and so introduces errors in the values of φp.
Consequently, to avoid having to calculate the second derivative, many researchers resort to fitting routines of various forms, based in part on the probe geometry, to determine the inflection point, i.e., the point where
ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 = 0.See, e.g., J. J. Carroll, et. al., “A segmented disk electrode to produce and control parallel and transverse particle drifts in a cylindrical plasma,” Rev. Sci. Instrum., 65(9), 2991 (1994). These fitting routines also have been used to avoid errors introduced by probe contamination, but by their nature are only approximate and most often assume a Maxwellian distribution. Since the fit itself treats a complete curve, a fit to one area of the curve (such as the electron saturation region) influences the entire curve fit and therefore the determination of plasma parameters. Also fitting routines should be based on physical reasoning and not on the assumption of prevailing geometry (i.e., algebraic fits) as is often the case. R. F. Fernsler, “Modeling Langmuir probes in multi-component plasmas,” Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 18, 014012 (2009)
Other methods which also attempt to avoid having to make this double differentiation of the current-voltage characteristic use ac voltages in an indirect determination. By superposing on V a small constant ac voltage component, ξ sin ωt , such that ξ<<V, it can be shown that the time-averaged increment to the current gives the second derivative above. Yu. P. Raizer, Gas Discharge Physics, p. 111, (Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg New York, 1997).
However, noise remains a serious problem in all such cases. Whether calculating a second order derivative, using fitting routines or time averaging, even small amounts of noise can produce large fluctuations which generate uncertainty in the value of φp.
The inventors herein have explored the use of an rf probe to determine parameters such as electron temperature Te, electron density ne(r), and electron sheath profile structure. See D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, and W. E. Amatucci, “On the Non-intrusive Determination of Electron Density in the Sheath of a Spherical Probe,” Naval Research Laboratory Memorandum Report, NRL/MR/6750-07-9033, Apr. 20, 2007 (“Walker 2007”); D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, and W. E. Amatucci, “Determining electron temperature for small spherical probes from network analyzer measurements of complex impedance,” Physics of Plasmas 15, 123506 (2008) (“Walker 2008”); see also D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, W. E. Amatucci, and S. J. Messer, “On collisionless energy absorption in plasmas: Theory and experiment in spherical geometry,” Physics of Plasmas 13, 032108 (2006) (“Walker 2006”), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application in their entirety.
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A plasma is an ionized gas whose charged particle constituents (electrons and ions) interact primarily through electromagnetic forces. Plasmas in various forms make up a large portion of the known universe. In addition, they form the basis of a multitude of everyday devices from incandescent or fluorescent lighting to recent plasma television development. They are also used in the manufacture and processing of printed circuit boards, have recently been shown to have medical application, and are the focus of research in areas such as power generation associated with nuclear fusion reactors. To characterize a plasma, various diagnostics must be performed to understand the physics of particle interactions. One of these parameters is plasma potential φp. This is the potential of the plasma at a particular location usually with respect to an experimental chamber wall. This is distinguished from the floating potential at which an object immersed in the plasma collects zero net current. Floating potential is typically negative with respect to plasma potential and the two are generally not equal. The most widely used technique still today for determining plasma parameters such as the plasma potential φp or the electron energy distribution function ƒ(ε) is through the use of a Langmuir probe placed in the plasma. I. Langmuir and H. Mott Smith, “The theory of collectors in gaseous discharges”, Phys. Rev. 28, 727 (1926). One method for finding plasma potential φp which involves using a Langmuir probe relies on current collection using a dc voltage sweep, and from these data the dc current characteristic of the plasma Ip(Vp) is derived, where Ip is the probe collected current and Vp is the probe voltage. R. L. Merlino, “Understanding Langmuir Probe current-voltage characteristics,” Am. J. Phys. 75, 1078 (2007). In Langmuir probe-based methods, plasma potential φp is determined by noting that the probe collected current Ip with respect to probe voltage Vp falls rapidly once the applied probe voltage exceeds the plasma potential φp. Thus, ⅆ I p ⅆ V p has a peak, and ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 V p = ϕ p ≃ 0.See Godyak et al., “Probe diagnostics of non-Maxwellian Plasmas,” J. AppL Phys 73, 3657 (1993). Godyak asserts that this method gives an unequivocal value for the plasma potential φp. Id. Thus, conventional methods of finding plasma potential φp using a Langmuir probe require taking a second derivative of Ip(Vp) and determining the inflection point of Ip(Vp), i.e., the point where ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 = 0. However, Langmuir probes are susceptible to contamination, and in many cases calculating the second derivative often is severely affected by noise and so introduces errors in the values of φp. Consequently, to avoid having to calculate the second derivative, many researchers resort to fitting routines of various forms, based in part on the probe geometry, to determine the inflection point, i.e., the point where ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 = 0.See, e.g., J. J. Carroll, et. al., “A segmented disk electrode to produce and control parallel and transverse particle drifts in a cylindrical plasma,” Rev. Sci. Instrum., 65(9), 2991 (1994). These fitting routines also have been used to avoid errors introduced by probe contamination, but by their nature are only approximate and most often assume a Maxwellian distribution. Since the fit itself treats a complete curve, a fit to one area of the curve (such as the electron saturation region) influences the entire curve fit and therefore the determination of plasma parameters. Also fitting routines should be based on physical reasoning and not on the assumption of prevailing geometry (i.e., algebraic fits) as is often the case. R. F. Fernsler, “Modeling Langmuir probes in multi-component plasmas,” Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 18, 014012 (2009) Other methods which also attempt to avoid having to make this double differentiation of the current-voltage characteristic use ac voltages in an indirect determination. By superposing on V a small constant ac voltage component, ξ sin ωt , such that ξ<<V, it can be shown that the time-averaged increment to the current gives the second derivative above. Yu. P. Raizer, Gas Discharge Physics, p. 111, (Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg New York, 1997). However, noise remains a serious problem in all such cases. Whether direct a second order derivative, using fitting routines or time averaging, even small amounts of noise can produce large fluctuations which generate uncertainty in the value of φp. The inventors herein have explored the use of an rf probe to determine parameters such as electron temperature Te, electron density ne(r), and electron sheath profile structure. See D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, and W. E. Amatucci, “On the Non-intrusive Determination of Electron Density in the Sheath of a Spherical Probe,” Naval Research Laboratory Memorandum Report, NRL/MR/6750-07-9033, Apr. 20, 2007 (“Walker 2007”); D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, and W. E. Amatucci, “Determining electron temperature for small spherical probes from network analyzer measurements of complex impedance,” Physics of Plasmas 15, 123506 (2008) (“Walker 2008”); see also D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, W. E. Amatucci, and S. J. Messer, “On collisionless energy absorption in plasmas: Theory and experiment in spherical geometry,” Physics of Plasmas 13, 032108 (2006) (“Walker 2006”), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application in their entirety.
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A plasma is an ionized gas whose charged particle constituents (electrons and ions) interact primarily through electromagnetic forces. Plasmas in various forms make up a large portion of the known universe. In addition, they form the basis of a multitude of everyday devices from incandescent or fluorescent lighting to recent plasma television development. They are also used in the manufacture and processing of printed circuit boards, have recebtlG been shown to have medical application, and are the focus of research in a#$as such as power generation associated with nuclear fusion reactors. To characterize a plasma, various diagnostics must be performed to understand the physics of particle interactions. One of these parameters is plasma potential φp. This is the potential of the plasma at a particular location usually with respect to an experimental chamber wall. This is distinguished from the floating potential at which an object immersed in the plasma collects zero net current. Floating potential is typically negative with respect to plasma potential and the two are generally not equal. The most widely used technique still today for determining plasma parameters such as the plasma potential φp or the electron energy distribution function ƒ (ε) is through the use of a Langmuir probe placed in the plasma. I. Langmuir and H. Mott Smith, “ The theory of collectors in gaseous discharges ”, Phys. Rev. 28, 727 (1926 ). One method for finding plasma potential φp which involves &sinR a Langmuir probe relies on current collection using a dc voltage sweep, and from these data the dc current characteristic of the plasma Ip (Vp) is derived, where Ip is the probe collected current and Vp is the prof$ voltage. R. L. Merlino, “ Understanding Langmuir Pr(fe current - voltage characteristics, ” Am. J. Phys. 75, 1078 (2007 ). In Langmuir probe - based methods, plasma potential φp is determined by noting that the probe collected current Ip with respect to probe voltage Vp falls rapidly once the applied probe voltage exceeds the plasma potential φp. Thus, ⅆ I p ⅆ V p has a peak, and ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 V p = ϕ p ≃ 0. See Godyak et al. , “ Probe diagnostics of non - Maxwellian Plasmas, ” J. AppL Phys 73, 3657 (1993 ). Godyak asserts that this method gives an ugequivoVal value for the plasma potential φp. Id. Thus, conventional methods of finding plasma potential φp using a Langmuir probe require taking a second derivative of Ip (Vp) and determining the inflection point of Ip (Vp ), i. e. , the point where ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 = 0. Ho#eve#, Langmuir probes are susceptible to contamination, and in many cases calculating the second derivative often is severely affected by noise and so introduces errors in the values of φp. Consequently, to avoid having to calculate the second derivative, many researchers resort to fitting routines of various forms, based in part on the probe geometry, to determine the inflection point, i. e. , the point where ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 = 0. See, e. g. , J. J. Carroll, et. al. , “ A segmented disk electrode to produce and control parallel and transverse particle drifts in a cylindrical plasma, ” Rev. Sci. Instrum. , 65 (9 ), 2991 (1994 ). These fitting routines also have been used to avoid errors introduced by probe contamination, but by their nature are only approximate and most often assume a Maxwellian distribution. Since the fit itself treats a comole4e curve, a fit to one area of the curve (such as the electron saturation region) influences the entire curve fit and therefore the determination of plasma parameters. Also fitting routines should be based on physical reasoning and not on the assumption of prevailing geometry (i. e. , algebraic fits) as is often the case. R. F. Fernsler, “ Modeling Langmuir probes in multi - component plasmas, ” Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 18, 014012 (2009) Other methods which also aYtempH to avoid having to make this double differentiation of the current - voltage characteristic use ac voltages in an indirect determination. By superposing on V a small constant ac voltage component, ξ sin ωt, such that ξ << V, it can be shown that the time - averaged increment to the current gives the second derivative above. Yu. P. Raizer, Gas Discharge Physics, p. 111, (Springer - Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg New York, 1997 ). However, noise remains a serious problem in all such cases. Whether calculating a second order derivative, using fitting routines or time averaging, even small amounts of noise can produce large fluctuations which generate uncertainty in the value of φp. The inventors herein have explored the use of an rf probe to determine parameters such as electron temperature Te, electron density ne (r ), and electron sheath profile structure. See D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, and W. E. Amatucci, “ On the Non - intrusive Determination of Electron Density in the Sheath of a Spherical Probe, ” Naval Research Laboratory Memorandum Report, NRL / MR / 6750 - 07 - 9033, Apr. 20, 2007 (“ Walker 2007 ” ); D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, and W. E. Amatucci, “ Determining electron temperature for small spherical probes from network analyzer measurements of complex impedance, ” Physics of Plasmas 15, 123506 (2008) (“ Walker 2008 ” ); see also D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, W. E. Amatucci, and S. J. Messer, “ On collisionless energy absorption in plasmas: Theory and experiment in spherical geometry, ” Physics of Plasmas 13, 032108 (2006) (“ Walker 2006 ” ), all of which are terFby incorporated by reference into the present application in their entirety.
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A is an ionized gas charged particle constituents (electrons and ions) interact primarily through electromagnetic forces. Plasmas in various forms make up a of known universe. addition, they form the basis of a of everyday devices from incandescent fluorescent lighting to recent television development. They are also used in the manufacture and processing of printed circuit boards, have recently been shown to have medical application, and are the focus of research in areas such as generation associated with nuclear fusion reactors. To characterize a plasma, various diagnostics be to understand the physics of particle interactions. One of these is plasma potential φp. This is the potential of the at a particular location usually with respect to an experimental wall. This distinguished the floating potential at which an object in the plasma net current. Floating potential is typically negative with respect to plasma potential and the two are generally not equal. The most widely used technique still today for determining plasma such as the plasma potential φp the electron distribution function is through use a Langmuir probe placed in the plasma. I. Langmuir and H. Mott Smith, “The theory of collectors in discharges”, Phys. 28, 727 (1926). One for finding plasma potential φp which involves using a Langmuir probe relies on current collection using a dc voltage sweep, and from these the dc current characteristic of the plasma Ip(Vp) is derived, where Ip is the probe collected current and Vp is the probe voltage. R. L. Merlino, “Understanding Langmuir Probe current-voltage characteristics,” Am. J. Phys. 75, 1078 (2007). In Langmuir probe-based methods, plasma potential φp is by noting that the probe collected current Ip to voltage Vp falls rapidly once the applied exceeds the plasma potential φp. Thus, ⅆ I p ⅆ V p has a peak, and 2 I p ⅆ V p V = ϕ p ≃ 0.See Godyak al., “Probe diagnostics of non-Maxwellian Plasmas,” J. AppL Phys 73, 3657 (1993). Godyak asserts this gives an unequivocal value for the plasma potential φp. Id. Thus, conventional methods of finding plasma potential φp a Langmuir probe require taking a second derivative of Ip(Vp) and determining the inflection point of i.e., the point where ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 = 0. However, Langmuir probes are susceptible to contamination, and in many cases the derivative often by and so introduces errors the values of φp. to avoid having to calculate the second derivative, many researchers resort to routines of various forms, based in part the probe to determine the inflection point, i.e., the where ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ 2 = 0.See, e.g., J. J. Carroll, et. al., “A segmented disk electrode to produce and control parallel and transverse particle drifts in a cylindrical plasma,” Rev. Sci. Instrum., 65(9), 2991 (1994). fitting routines also been used to avoid errors introduced by probe contamination, by their nature are only approximate and most often assume a Maxwellian distribution. Since the fit itself treats a complete curve, a fit area of the (such as the electron saturation region) influences the entire fit and therefore the determination of plasma parameters. Also fitting routines be based on physical reasoning and not on the assumption of prevailing geometry (i.e., algebraic as is often the case. R. F. Fernsler, “Modeling probes in multi-component plasmas,” Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 18, 014012 (2009) Other methods also to avoid having to make this double differentiation of the current-voltage characteristic use ac voltages in an indirect determination. By superposing on V small constant ac voltage component, ξ sin ωt , such that ξ<<V, it be that the time-averaged increment to the current gives derivative above. Yu. P. Raizer, Gas Discharge Physics, 111, (Springer-Verlag, Berlin York, 1997). However, noise remains a serious problem in all such cases. Whether calculating a second order derivative, using fitting routines or time averaging, even small amounts of noise can produce large fluctuations which generate uncertainty in the value of The inventors herein have explored the use of an rf probe to determine parameters such as electron temperature Te, electron density ne(r), and electron sheath profile structure. See D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. Blackwell, W. E. Amatucci, “On the Non-intrusive Determination Electron Density in the Sheath of a Spherical Probe,” Naval Research Laboratory Memorandum Report, NRL/MR/6750-07-9033, 20, 2007 2007”); D. N. Walker, R. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, and W. E. Amatucci, “Determining electron temperature for small probes from network analyzer measurements of complex impedance,” Physics of Plasmas 15, 123506 (2008) (“Walker 2008”); see also D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. Blackwell, W. E. Amatucci, and S. J. Messer, collisionless energy absorption in plasmas: Theory and experiment in spherical Physics of Plasmas 13, 032108 (2006) (“Walker 2006”), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application in their entirety.
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a PlasMA Is AN IoNiZED Gas WhOSe chARgeD pARtIcLe CONstitUenTS (ELECtrONs ANd ions) intErACt pRIMarILY thrOuGH eLEcTROmagNetic forces. plAsMaS iN vArioUs foRms mAkE UP a lARGe poRtiON oF THe KnOWN unIVERsE. In AddItIoN, They FORM thE BasiS OF A MUlTITUDe oF eVErYDAy deviCes FroM INCANdESCENt oR fLuoreSCeNT LigHTinG To recENT plaSma TELEVISiON DeVELOpment. tHEY Are also USEd iN THe MAnuFAcTuRE and pROcEssinG oF PrINTeD ciRcuIT BOARDs, havE RECentlY beEN sHowN TO HAVE medical APPlIcatIoN, AND aRe thE FOcus OF REsEArch iN aREaS sUch AS PowEr GEnerAtioN AssOCIAtED witH nucLEAR FusiOn rEaCtORS.
to cHaractERIZE a plASma, vaRiouS DIAGnoStICS MUST bE peRfoRmEd TO uNDersTAnd THe PhYsiCs Of PartiClE inTeraCTIoNs. onE OF THESE ParameterS iS plasMa POteNTIAl φp. ThiS IS the potenTIaL Of THe pLasMa At A pARTicuLAR loCaTioN uSUAlLY wiTH ReSPECt TO An eXperiMenTAl Chamber WalL. thiS iS dIStInguiShed fRoM THE FlOATING POtenTIAl AT wHich aN OBJEcT immERSEd iN ThE pLASMa COLlects Zero NET cUrrEnt. FloAtInG PotentIaL IS tYpICally NegAtIVe WItH rEsPect to pLasmA POtentIAl and THE Two Are GEneRALly not EqUAl.
the Most WIdElY Used tECHniqUe sTILl ToDay fOr DeTERmInING plasMa pArAMetErS suCh as the PLaSMa POtentIaL Φp oR tHE elEcTrON ENerGy DIsTRIBuTIoN FUnctioN ƒ(ε) is tHroUGH tHE use Of a LAnGMuiR ProBE PLaced iN tHe plasma. i. lANGMUiR ANd H. mOtt smiTH, “ThE THeORy OF cOlLECTors IN GASEoUS DIsChARGes”, PhYs. rev. 28, 727 (1926).
oNe metHOd fOR fIndinG pLAsma POtenTiaL ΦP WHiCH INVOlvEs USInG A LaNgmuir PRoBE ReliEs on CuRrent coLLEctioN USing A DC volTaGe SWEEP, aND FROM thEsE DaTA THe dC CuRREnT chaRAcTeRisTIc OF the PLAsmA ip(vp) is DerIved, whERe Ip iS THE pROBE cOlleCTEd CUrreNt ANd vP IS tHE PrObe vOLTage. r. l. MErLINo, “UnDerstAndinG laNGMuiR PRobE CUrREnT-VoltaGE CHAracTERIstiCs,” am. j. phyS. 75, 1078 (2007).
in LaNGmUIr prOBE-baSeD mEThoDs, plaSMA pOtENtiAl φp IS dETerMiNed By NOtiNg ThAt THE prObE collEcted CuRrenT ip wITh rEsPecT To PrObe voLTAgE VP faLLS raPidly oNCE ThE APPLIed PRObE voLtAgE eXCeEdS tHE pLASma PotENtial Φp. THUs,
ⅆ i P ⅆ V p hAs A peaK, AnD
ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ v p 2 v p = Φ p ≃ 0.see gODYak Et al., “Probe diaGnostics Of noN-MAXwElLiaN plaSmAs,” j. APPl PhYS 73, 3657 (1993). GodYak aSSERTS THAT tHIS mEthOD gIvEs An UneqUiVocal vAlUE FoR ThE pLasMa POTEntiaL ΦP. Id.
Thus, CONVEntiONAl MeTHOds of FinDing PlAsMa pOTEnTIAL φP usINg a laNGmuiR PROBE require TakinG A sECoNd dERivaTIve oF iP(vP) AND DeTerMinIng tHe INFLectIOn poinT of iP(vp), I.e., ThE point WHERE
ⅆ 2 i P ⅆ V P 2 = 0.
HowEVer, LaNGMuir proBES ARE SUsCEPTIBle tO cOntamINation, anD IN mAnY cASeS cALCUlaTINg tHE sECONd DerIVatIvE OfTen iS sEVeRely AfFEctEd By noiSE anD SO iNTRODUCeS ERrOrS In THE ValuEs OF Φp.
CONseQUENtlY, to aVOiD HAVInG tO caLCUlaTe ThE sEcOnD derivATIVE, MAny reseaRchERs REsoRt TO FitTinG rOUtines oF VarIous FOrms, BAsed iN paRt oN ThE pRObE gEOMeTry, tO DETERMINe The InflECtIOn PoInT, i.e., The PoiNT WHErE
ⅆ 2 i p ⅆ v p 2 = 0.see, e.G., J. j. cArrOLl, eT. al., “A SeGMentED disk ElECtroDE To PRodUCe ANd CoNtROL ParaLLel AND tRansVersE PaRtIcle drIFTs iN A cYlINDricAl PlAsma,” rEv. scI. INstRum., 65(9), 2991 (1994). ThesE FITTiNg ROUTiNEs alSO hAvE beeN USed to Avoid errOrS INTRODUCeD by probE cOntamInATION, but by ThEir naTuRe aRe ONly apPROXImaTE anD mOST ofTEN aSsume A maxwElliAn DiStRibutIoN. siNCE The fIT iTSElF tREAts a coMPLETE CurVe, A fit tO OnE aREa oF thE CURVE (SuCh aS THe eleCTron SaturAtiON ReGIOn) iNfLuenceS ThE eNtIrE cUrVe fiT And THeREFORE The DeTERmiNATiON of plaSmA pAraMetErs. aLso fiTtING rOUtINES sHOuLD BE BAseD ON pHySIcAl ReasONInG AND Not ON ThE aSSumPTIOn of PREVAILINg GeoMeTRY (I.e., algEbRAIc fItS) AS IS OftEN tHE case. r. F. FErnSleR, “modELIng langMUir PRoBEs In mULTi-coMpOnENt pLASmas,” plAsMa SOURceS scI. tECHnOL. 18, 014012 (2009)
OTHER mEThOds WHICh alSo atTeMpt tO AVoiD HaVING tO maKe this DoUblE dIfFereNtiaTIon OF The cuRrEnt-voLtaGE CHARacTERISTIc use aC VOlTaGES In An INdIrECT detErmINaTIOn. BY SuperPosiNg on v a sMaLL CoNstAnt ac VOltaGE compONeNt, Ξ SiN ΩT , suCh tHaT Ξ<<v, IT caN Be showN that tHe time-AveRAGed InCrEMENt to THe CuRRENT GIveS tHe secoNd DEriVAtive ABoVE. YU. p. rAIzEr, gAS DiScHARGE phYSics, p. 111, (sPrinGER-verlAg, beRLiN HeIDeLBeRg New YoRk, 1997).
hoWEver, noIse reMains a sERiOuS prOblEM in ALl SUch caSes. wHETher cAlcuLatInG A SeCOnd ORDer dErIvatIVe, USINg FittInG rOUtINEs or TiME AveRAging, eVeN SMAll AMOUnTs oF nOISE can PROdUCE lARGe flUctUaTiOns wHicH GENeRatE uNCERtaInty In ThE valuE of φp.
The iNvenTOrS heReIN have eXPLoRED tHE USe Of aN Rf pRoBe TO DEtERMINe paRamEtERS sUCh As elEctROn temperaTure TE, EleCTROn denSity ne(R), and elEctrOn sheAth PRoFIlE STRUCTure. See d. N. wALkEr, r. F. FErnSlER, d. d. bLAcKWeLl, aNd w. e. AmaTuCCI, “On THe Non-INtrUsiVE dETermINATiON of eLECTrOn DeNSiTY In ThE ShEAth oF a SPhERicAl pRObE,” navaL ReSeARch LAboRatORy MemoRaNDuM REPort, NrL/mR/6750-07-9033, apR. 20, 2007 (“waLKEr 2007”); D. N. wALKer, R. F. FErNsLEr, d. D. BLAckwell, and W. e. aMatuCCI, “DEtErmiNiNG ELEcTROn teMPERaTuRE fOr smAlL SpHerICAL ProBeS fROM NEtWOrK ANAlyZER MeaSuReMentS oF coMPLEX iMpEDANce,” PhysICs OF PLASMAs 15, 123506 (2008) (“WaLKeR 2008”); SeE aLsO D. N. WAlKeR, R. F. FeRNsLer, d. d. bLaCKweLL, w. E. aMATuCCi, aNd S. J. MESSER, “oN cOlLiSIONLESs eNeRGy aBSOrPTIOn iN pLAsmas: TheoRY And eXPeRImeNT iN SPhERicaL gEOmetRY,” PHYSicS Of pLaSmAS 13, 032108 (2006) (“WALkEr 2006”), AlL oF wHicH ARE HereBy IncoRPORatED BY reFerenCE InTO the PreSeNt aPPLication in THEIr eNtIrEtY.
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A plasma isan ionized gas whose charged particle constituents (electrons and ions) interact primarily throughelectromagnetic forces. Plasmas in variousforms make up a large portion of the known universe. In addition, they form thebasis of a multitude of everyday devices from incandescent or fluorescentlightingto recent plasma television development. They are also used inthemanufacture and processing of printed circuitboards, have recently been shown to have medical application, and are the focus of research in areas suchas power generation associated with nuclear fusion reactors. Tocharacterize a plasma, various diagnosticsmust beperformed tounderstand thephysics ofparticle interactions. One of these parameters isplasma potentialφp. This is thepotential of the plasma at a particularlocation usually with respect to an experimental chamber wall. This is distinguished fromthe floating potential at which an object immersedin the plasma collectszero net current. Floatingpotential is typically negative withrespect toplasma potential and the two are generally not equal.The mostwidely used technique still todayfor determining plasma parameters such as the plasma potential φpor the electronenergy distribution function ƒ(ε) is through the use of a Langmuir probe placed inthe plasma. I. Langmuirand H. Mott Smith, “The theory of collectorsin gaseous discharges”, Phys.Rev. 28, 727 (1926). One method for finding plasmapotential φp which involvesusing a Langmuirproberelies on current collectionusing a dc voltagesweep, andfrom these data the dc current characteristic of the plasmaIp(Vp) is derived, where Ip is theprobe collected current and Vp is the probe voltage.R.L. Merlino, “Understanding Langmuir Probe current-voltage characteristics,” Am. J. Phys.75, 1078 (2007). In Langmuir probe-basedmethods,plasma potentialφp is determined by noting that the probe collected current Ip with respect to probe voltage Vpfalls rapidly once the applied probe voltage exceeds the plasma potential φp. Thus, ⅆ I p ⅆ V p has a peak,and ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ Vp 2 V p = ϕ p ≃ 0.See Godyak et al., “Probe diagnostics of non-MaxwellianPlasmas,” J.AppL Phys 73,3657 (1993). Godyak assertsthat this method gives an unequivocal value for the plasma potential φp. Id. Thus, conventional methods offindingplasma potential φp using a Langmuir probe require taking a second derivativeof Ip(Vp) and determining the inflection point of Ip(Vp), i.e.,the point where ⅆ 2 Ip ⅆ V p 2=0. However, Langmuir probes are susceptible tocontamination,and in many cases calculating the secondderivative often is severely affectedby noiseand so introduceserrors in the valuesof φp. Consequently, to avoid havingtocalculate the second derivative, many researchers resort to fitting routines of various forms, based in part on the probegeometry, to determine the inflectionpoint, i.e.,the point where ⅆ2 I p ⅆ V p 2= 0.See, e.g., J. J. Carroll, et. al., “A segmented disk electrodeto produce and control parallel and transverse particledrifts inacylindrical plasma,” Rev. Sci.Instrum., 65(9), 2991 (1994). These fitting routinesalso have been used toavoid errors introduced by probecontamination,but bytheir natureareonlyapproximate and most often assume a Maxwelliandistribution. Since the fit itself treats a complete curve, a fit to one area of thecurve (suchasthe electron saturation region) influences the entire curve fit and therefore the determination of plasma parameters. Also fitting routinesshould be based on physical reasoning and not on the assumption of prevailing geometry (i.e., algebraic fits) as is often thecase.R. F. Fernsler, “Modeling Langmuir probes in multi-component plasmas,” Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 18, 014012 (2009) Other methods which also attempt to avoid having to make this double differentiation of the current-voltage characteristic use ac voltages inan indirect determination. By superposing onV a small constantac voltage component,ξsinωt , such that ξ<<V, itcanbeshown that the time-averaged increment to the current gives the second derivative above. Yu. P. Raizer, Gas Discharge Physics, p. 111, (Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg New York,1997). However, noise remains a serious problemin all such cases. Whether calculatinga second order derivative, usingfitting routinesor time averaging, even small amounts of noise can produce large fluctuations whichgenerate uncertainty in the value of φp. The inventors herein have explored the use of an rf probe to determine parameters such as electron temperature Te, electron density ne(r), and electronsheath profile structure. See D. N.Walker, R. F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, and W. E. Amatucci, “Onthe Non-intrusive Determination of Electron Densityin the Sheath of a Spherical Probe,” Naval ResearchLaboratory Memorandum Report, NRL/MR/6750-07-9033, Apr. 20, 2007 (“Walker2007”); D.N.Walker,R. F. Fernsler, D. D.Blackwell,and W. E. Amatucci, “Determining electron temperature for smallspherical probes from network analyzer measurements of complex impedance,” Physicsof Plasmas 15, 123506 (2008) (“Walker 2008”); see alsoD. N. Walker, R.F. Fernsler, D. D. Blackwell, W.E. Amatucci, and S. J.Messer, “On collisionless energy absorption in plasmas: Theoryand experiment in spherical geometry,” Physics ofPlasmas 13, 032108(2006) (“Walker 2006”), all of which arehereby incorporated by reference into the present application in theirentirety.
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A plasma _is_ an ionized gas whose charged particle _constituents_ _(electrons_ and ions) _interact_ primarily _through_ electromagnetic forces. _Plasmas_ _in_ various forms _make_ _up_ _a_ _large_ _portion_ _of_ _the_ known universe. _In_ addition, they form the basis of a multitude of everyday devices _from_ incandescent or fluorescent lighting to recent plasma _television_ development. _They_ _are_ also _used_ _in_ the _manufacture_ and processing of printed circuit boards, have recently been shown _to_ have medical _application,_ and _are_ the focus of _research_ in areas such as power generation associated _with_ nuclear fusion reactors. To _characterize_ a plasma, various diagnostics must be _performed_ to understand the _physics_ of particle interactions. One _of_ these parameters is plasma potential φp. This is the potential _of_ the plasma _at_ a particular _location_ usually with _respect_ to an experimental chamber wall. This is distinguished from _the_ floating potential at which an _object_ immersed in _the_ _plasma_ collects zero _net_ _current._ Floating potential _is_ typically negative with respect _to_ plasma potential and _the_ two are _generally_ not equal. The most widely used technique still today _for_ determining plasma parameters such as the plasma _potential_ φp or the _electron_ energy distribution function ƒ(ε) is _through_ the use of a Langmuir probe placed in the plasma. I. Langmuir and H. _Mott_ Smith, _“The_ theory of collectors in gaseous discharges”, Phys. Rev. 28, 727 (1926). One _method_ for finding plasma potential φp _which_ involves using a Langmuir probe _relies_ on current _collection_ using _a_ dc voltage _sweep,_ and from these data the dc current characteristic of the _plasma_ Ip(Vp) is derived, where Ip is _the_ probe collected current and Vp is the probe voltage. R. L. Merlino, _“Understanding_ _Langmuir_ Probe current-voltage characteristics,” _Am._ J. Phys. _75,_ 1078 (2007). In Langmuir probe-based methods, plasma potential φp is _determined_ by _noting_ that the probe collected current Ip with respect _to_ probe voltage _Vp_ _falls_ rapidly once the _applied_ probe voltage exceeds _the_ plasma _potential_ φp. Thus, _ⅆ_ _I_ p ⅆ V p _has_ _a_ peak, and ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 V p = ϕ p ≃ _0.See_ _Godyak_ et al., “Probe diagnostics of non-Maxwellian _Plasmas,”_ _J._ AppL Phys 73, 3657 (1993). Godyak asserts that this method gives an unequivocal value for the plasma potential _φp._ Id. Thus, _conventional_ methods of finding _plasma_ potential _φp_ _using_ a _Langmuir_ probe require taking a second _derivative_ of Ip(Vp) and determining the inflection _point_ of Ip(Vp), i.e., the point _where_ _ⅆ_ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 = 0. _However,_ Langmuir probes are susceptible to contamination, and in many cases calculating the second derivative _often_ is severely affected by noise and so introduces errors in the values of φp. Consequently, to avoid _having_ to _calculate_ the second _derivative,_ many _researchers_ resort _to_ fitting routines of various forms, based in part on the probe geometry, to _determine_ the inflection point, _i.e.,_ _the_ _point_ where ⅆ 2 I p ⅆ V p 2 = 0.See, e.g., _J._ J. Carroll, et. al., _“A_ segmented disk electrode to produce and control parallel _and_ transverse particle drifts in a cylindrical plasma,” _Rev._ _Sci._ Instrum., _65(9),_ _2991_ (1994). These _fitting_ routines also _have_ _been_ _used_ to avoid _errors_ introduced by probe contamination, but _by_ their _nature_ are only approximate and most often _assume_ _a_ Maxwellian distribution. Since the fit itself treats _a_ complete curve, a fit to one _area_ of the curve _(such_ as _the_ electron saturation region) influences the entire curve fit and therefore the determination of plasma _parameters._ Also fitting routines should be based _on_ physical reasoning and not on the assumption of prevailing geometry (i.e., algebraic fits) _as_ is often the _case._ R. F. Fernsler, “Modeling Langmuir probes in multi-component plasmas,” _Plasma_ Sources Sci. Technol. 18, 014012 _(2009)_ Other _methods_ which also _attempt_ to avoid having to make this double _differentiation_ _of_ the _current-voltage_ characteristic use ac voltages in an indirect determination. _By_ superposing on _V_ a small _constant_ ac voltage component, ξ sin ωt , such that _ξ<<V,_ it can be shown _that_ the _time-averaged_ increment to the current _gives_ the second derivative above. Yu. P. Raizer, Gas Discharge Physics, _p._ 111, _(Springer-Verlag,_ Berlin Heidelberg New York, _1997)._ However, noise remains a serious problem _in_ all such cases. Whether calculating _a_ second order derivative, _using_ fitting routines _or_ time averaging, even small amounts _of_ noise can _produce_ large fluctuations which generate uncertainty in the _value_ of φp. _The_ inventors herein have explored the use _of_ an rf _probe_ to determine parameters such _as_ electron temperature Te, electron density ne(r), and _electron_ sheath _profile_ _structure._ See D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, _D._ D. Blackwell, and W. _E._ Amatucci, _“On_ the Non-intrusive Determination of Electron Density in the Sheath of a _Spherical_ Probe,” Naval Research Laboratory Memorandum Report, NRL/MR/6750-07-9033, Apr. 20, 2007 (“Walker 2007”); _D._ N. Walker, R. _F._ Fernsler, _D._ D. _Blackwell,_ and W. E. Amatucci, “Determining electron temperature _for_ small spherical probes from network _analyzer_ _measurements_ of complex impedance,” Physics of Plasmas 15, 123506 (2008) _(“Walker_ 2008”); _see_ also D. N. Walker, R. F. Fernsler, _D._ D. Blackwell, W. _E._ Amatucci, and S. J. Messer, “On collisionless energy absorption _in_ plasmas: Theory and experiment _in_ _spherical_ geometry,” Physics of _Plasmas_ 13, _032108_ (2006) (“Walker 2006”), all _of_ which _are_ hereby incorporated _by_ reference _into_ the present application in _their_ entirety.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a collapsible tent for truck beds and the like, and more particularly to such a tent which is rapidly and conveniently mounted on and dismounted from such a bed, is light in weight, is low in cost, and is particularly adapted for use with small pickups and four-wheel drive vehicles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art includes well-known portable enclosures, such as tents and camper shells, for mounting on a truck bed. Insofar as is known to the applicant, none of these prior art devices meet the need for an enclosure which is mounted on a truck bed for use and yet can be readily dismounted and compactly stowed for transportation to a campsite or the like.
Prior art tents are relatively expensive and slow to erect since they generally include elements secured to the ground to support the roof and upper portions of the walls of the tent. These elements also increase the bulk of a tent when it is in a collapsed configuration for stowage. Prior art camper shells for the bed of a pickup truck or the like utilize the bed for support, but, heretofore, substantial portions of these shells have been permanently assembled. The shells thus must be relatively bulky to provide sufficient interior room and, as a result, project upwardly and outwardly from the bed. Such shells therefore cannot be used when vehicles, typically four-wheel drive vehicles, are operated on narrow roads with limited vertical and horizontal clearances due to trees, rocks, and the like. Even where limited clearances are not a problem, the bulky structure of such a shell results in its being relatively heavy and expensive and thus not well suited for occasional use or for use where it is desired to mount and dismount the shell frequently.
It has long been recognized as highly advantageous to provide a collapsible tent for a truck bed or the like which can be readily erected when an enclosure is needed for living quarters and then readily dismantled and stowed when the truck is on the road. It has also been recognized as especially advantageous if the tent is relatively low in cost, light in weight, and even suited for operation of the vehicle at moderate speeds with the tent in an erect configuration.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a collapsible tent for truck beds and the like, and more particularly to such a tent which is rapidly and conveniently mounted on and dismounted from such a bed, is light in weight, is low in cost, and is particularly adapted for use with small pickups and four-wheel drive vehicles. 2. Description of the standard Art The prior art includes well-known portable enclosures, such as tents and camper shells, for mounting on a truck bed. Insofar as is known to the applicant, none of these prior art devices meet the need for an enclosure which is mounted on a truck bed for use and yet can be readily dismounted and compactly stowed for transportation to a campsite or the like. Prior art tents are relatively expensive and slow to erect since they generally include elements secured to the ground to support the roof and upper portions of the walls of the tent. These elements also increase the bulk of a tent when it is in a uniform configuration for stowage. Prior art camper shells for the bed of a pickup truck or the like utilize the bed for support, but, heretofore, substantial portions of these shells have been permanently assembled. The shells thus must be relatively bulky to provide sufficient interior room and, as a result, project upwardly and outwardly from the bed. Such shells therefore cannot be used when vehicles, typically four-wheel drive vehicles, are operated on narrow roads with limited vertical and horizontal clearances due to rough rocks, and the like. Even where limited clearances are not a problem, the bulky structure of such a shell results in its being relatively heavy and expensive and thus not well suited for occasional use or for use where it is desired to mount and dismount the shell frequently. It has long been recognized as highly advantageous to provide a collapsible tent for a truck bed or the like which can be readily erected when an enclosure is needed for living quarters and then readily dismantled and stowed when the truck is on the road. It has also been recognized as especially advantageous if the tent is relatively low in cost, light in weight, and even suited for operation of the vehicle at moderate speeds with the tent in an erect configuration.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a collapsible tent for truck beds and the like, and more particularly to such a tent which is rapidly and conveniently mounted on and dis<ouJted from such a bed, is light in weight, is low in cost, and is particularly adapted for use with small pickups and four - wheel drive vehicles. 2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art includes well - known portable enclosures, such as tents and camper shel;D, for mounting on a truck bed. Insofar as is known to the applicant, none of these prior art devices meet the need for an enc/osJre which is mounted on a truck bed for use and yet can be readily dismounted and compactly stowed for transportation to a campsite or the like. Prior art tents are relatively expensive and slow to erect since they generally include elements secured to the ground to support the roof and upp35 portions of the walls of the tent. These elements also increase the bulk of a tent when it is in a collapsed configuration for stowage. Prior art camper shells for the bed of a pickup truck or the like utilize the bed for support, but, heDetovore, substantial portions of these shells have been permanently assembled. The shFllE thus must be relatively bulky to provide sufficient interior room and, as a result, project upwardly and outwardly from the bed. Cucj shells therefore cannot be used when vehicles, ^ypicAlly four - wheel drive vehicp3s, are operated on narrow roads with limited vertical and horizontal clearances due to trees, rocks, and the like. Even where limited clraranceC are not a problem, the bulky structure of such a shell results in its being relatively heavy and expensive and thus not well suited for occasional use or for use where it is desired to mount and dismount the shell frequently. It has long been recognized as highly advantageous to provide a collapsible tent for a truck bed or the like which can be readily erected when an enclosure is needed for living quarters and then readily dismantled and stowed when the truck is on the road. It has also been recognized as especially advantageous if the tent is relatively low in cost, light in weight, and even suited for operation of the vehicle at moderate speeds with the tent in an erect configuration.
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1. Field of the The present invention relates to a tent for truck beds the like, and particularly to such a tent which is rapidly and conveniently mounted on and dismounted from such a bed, is light in weight, is low in cost, and is particularly adapted for use with small pickups and four-wheel drive vehicles. 2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art includes well-known portable enclosures, such tents and camper shells, for mounting on a truck bed. Insofar as is known to the applicant, none of these prior art meet the need an enclosure which is on a truck bed for and yet can readily dismounted and compactly stowed for transportation to a campsite like. Prior art tents relatively expensive and slow to erect since they generally include elements secured to the ground to the roof and upper portions of the of the tent. These elements also increase the bulk of a tent when it is in a collapsed configuration for stowage. Prior shells for the bed of a pickup truck or the like utilize the bed for support, but, heretofore, substantial portions of these shells have been permanently The thus be relatively bulky to provide sufficient interior room and, as result, project upwardly and outwardly from the bed. Such shells therefore cannot be used when typically four-wheel drive vehicles, are operated on narrow roads with limited vertical and horizontal clearances due to trees, and the Even where limited clearances not a problem, the bulky structure of such a shell results in its being relatively heavy and expensive and thus not well suited for occasional use or for use where it is to mount and dismount the shell frequently. It has long been recognized as highly advantageous provide a tent for a truck bed or which can be erected when an enclosure is needed for living and then readily dismantled and when the is the road. It has also been recognized as especially advantageous if the tent relatively low in cost, light in weight, and even suited operation of the vehicle at moderate speeds the tent in an configuration.
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1. FielD Of THe InVEnTION
tHe pResEnT inVeNtION reLates To A COLLAPsiBLe tEnT for tRUck Beds aND thE LIke, AND More PARTicUlarlY TO SuCH A teNT WHICh is RaPiDly AnD cOnveniEntLy MoUnteD ON aNd diSMOUNtEd FrOm SuCh A Bed, Is ligHT IN WeIght, IS loW in coSt, aND is paRtiCUlARly aDaPTEd fOR uSE witH SMaLl pICKupS ANd fOUR-wHeEl drIVe VEHIClEs.
2. desCriPTION Of tHE PRIoR arT
THe pRioR Art iNclUDes wElL-kNowN POrtAbLE ENCLOSurES, SUCH AS TEnTs aNd CAMPer SHells, FOr mountiNg ON a tRUcK bEd. InSOfAr As IS KnOWn to tHe aPplIcAnT, NoNE oF ThESE prIoR art DEVIces meeT THe neEd FoR AN encLoSUrE wHiCh iS mouNtEd On A trUCK BEd fOR UsE AND yeT Can bE REaDiLY dIsmOuNTed AnD CoMpactLY sTowED FOr tRANsPorTATiON To A camPSItE OR tHe LikE.
pRIOR Art TEnts Are relativELY expensIVE ANd SLow To EReCt siNcE tHEY gENerallY INClude ElemeNtS SECUReD tO the ground tO sUpPoRT the ROOF AnD UPPeR pORtiONs of The WALls OF THE tent. THesE EleMEnTs Also INCrEase tHe BuLK of a teNT WhEN it Is IN a coLLaPSed cONfIGUratION fOr stoWaGE. priOr ARt campEr shELLs fOr The beD Of a pIcKup TRUcK or tHE likE UTilizE THE bed FOR SuPPort, But, heREtOfoRE, subsTAntIAL PortIoNS of ThESE sheLls HaVE beEn PerMAnEntly asSemblED. The shElLs THUs Must Be ReLATiVElY buLKY tO ProVIDE SUffICIEnT InTEriOR RoOm AnD, As a RESulT, PROJECT UpwaRdly aND oUtwARdlY FROm THe Bed. SuCh shELls THeReFoRe cannOt BE Used WHEn VEhICles, tyPICaLlY fouR-wheeL driVE veHiCLes, are opERaTed ON Narrow roads WITh limiteD vERTIcal AnD HOriZonTaL CLEArances DUe tO treEs, ROckS, and ThE lIke. EVEn WhERE LiMiTEd CLEARANcES aRe NOt A PrOblEM, The BUlKy sTRuctuRe of SUcH A sheLl ReSuLTS In itS BEinG RElATIVEly HeavY And eXpensiVE anD THUs noT wElL SuitEd foR ocCaSIonaL uSE OR fOr use wHere it is DESIRed to MouNt and diSmouNT THE shelL fREQuENTLY.
it HAS loNG bEen REcOgniZeD as hIGHlY AdvaNTAgeOUS To PROviDe A CoLlapSiBLe TeNT FOR A trUck BED or thE LiKE WhicH can Be ReaDILy ereCTEd wHEn AN ENClOsurE is NEEDEd for livinG QuArTErs ANd thEn ReAdilY dISmAnTled AND sTOWed when THE TRucK IS on thE Road. IT hAs aLsO bEen rECoGniZed AS EspECIAlLy ADVAntAgeoUS If tHE teNT Is reLatIvELy LOw iN cost, light In weIght, AnD EVen SuITEd for oPEraTIoN Of tHE VehicLE at mODeRATe sPeEDS WItH the teNt iN aN ErECT coNFIguraTION.
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1.Field of theInvention The present inventionrelates to a collapsible tent for truck beds and thelike, and more particularly tosuch a tent which is rapidly and conveniently mounted on anddismountedfrom such a bed, is light in weight, is low in cost, and is particularly adapted for use with small pickups and four-wheel drive vehicles. 2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art includes well-known portable enclosures, such as tentsandcamper shells, for mounting ona truck bed. Insofaras is known to the applicant, none of these prior art devices meet theneedfor an enclosure which is mountedon a truckbed for use and yet can be readily dismounted and compactly stowed for transportation to a campsite or the like. Prior art tents arerelatively expensive and slowto erect sincethey generally include elementssecured to thegroundtosupport the roof and upper portions of the walls of the tent. These elements also increase the bulk of a tent when it is in a collapsed configuration for stowage. Prior art camper shells for thebed of a pickup truck or the like utilize the bed for support,but, heretofore, substantial portions of these shells have been permanently assembled. The shells thus mustbe relatively bulkyto provide sufficient interiorroom and, as a result, projectupwardlyandoutwardly fromthe bed.Such shells thereforecannot be used when vehicles, typically four-wheeldrivevehicles, are operated on narrow roads with limited vertical and horizontalclearances due to trees, rocks, andthe like. Even where limitedclearancesarenot a problem, the bulky structureof such a shell results in its being relatively heavyand expensiveand thus not well suited for occasional use or for use whereit is desiredto mount and dismount the shellfrequently.It haslong been recognized as highly advantageous toprovide acollapsible tent for a truck bed or the like which canbe readily erectedwhen an enclosure is needed for living quarters and then readily dismantled andstowed when the truck ison the road.Ithas also been recognized as especially advantageous if the tentis relatively lowin cost, light in weight, and even suitedforoperation of the vehicle at moderatespeeds with the tent in an erect configuration.
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1. Field of _the_ Invention The present invention relates to a collapsible tent for truck beds and _the_ like, and _more_ particularly to such a tent which is rapidly and conveniently mounted on _and_ dismounted from such a bed, is light in weight, is _low_ _in_ cost, and _is_ particularly adapted _for_ use with _small_ pickups and _four-wheel_ drive vehicles. _2._ _Description_ of the _Prior_ Art The prior art includes well-known portable _enclosures,_ such _as_ tents _and_ _camper_ shells, _for_ mounting on a truck bed. Insofar as is known _to_ _the_ applicant, _none_ of these prior art _devices_ meet the need for an _enclosure_ which is mounted on a truck bed for use and _yet_ can be readily _dismounted_ _and_ compactly stowed for transportation to a _campsite_ or the _like._ _Prior_ art _tents_ are relatively expensive and slow to erect _since_ they generally include elements secured to the ground _to_ support the roof _and_ _upper_ portions of the walls of the tent. _These_ elements also increase the bulk of a tent when it is in _a_ collapsed configuration for stowage. Prior art camper shells for the bed _of_ a pickup truck or the like utilize the _bed_ _for_ _support,_ but, heretofore, substantial portions of these shells have been permanently assembled. The shells thus must be relatively bulky to provide _sufficient_ interior room and, as a result, project upwardly _and_ outwardly from the bed. Such shells _therefore_ cannot be used when _vehicles,_ _typically_ _four-wheel_ drive vehicles, _are_ operated on narrow roads _with_ limited vertical _and_ horizontal clearances _due_ to trees, rocks, and the like. Even where limited clearances are not a _problem,_ the bulky structure of such a _shell_ results _in_ _its_ being relatively heavy and _expensive_ and thus not well suited for occasional use _or_ for use where it is _desired_ to mount and dismount the shell frequently. It has long been _recognized_ as highly advantageous to provide a collapsible tent for a truck bed or the like which can be readily erected when an enclosure is needed _for_ living quarters and then readily _dismantled_ and stowed when _the_ _truck_ is on _the_ road. It _has_ also _been_ recognized as _especially_ advantageous if the tent is relatively low in _cost,_ _light_ in weight, and even suited for _operation_ of the vehicle at moderate speeds with the _tent_ in an erect _configuration._
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Molecular sieves of the crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite type are well known in the art and now comprise over 150 species of both naturally occurring and synthetic compositions. In general, the crystalline zeolites are formed from corner-sharing AlO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedra and are characterized by having pore openings of uniform dimensions, having a significant ion-exchange capacity and being capable of reversible desorbing an adsorbed phase which is dispersed throughout the internal voids of the crystal without significantly displacing any atoms which make up the permanent crystal structure.
One of these synthetic zeolites is EMC-2, which is composed of sodalite cages arranged in a hexagonal array and has been designated as having the EMT framework structure by the International Zeolite Association (See, Atlas of Zeolite Structure Types, W. M. Meier and D. H. Olson, 3d Edition (1992), Butterworth-Heinemann). The EMC-2 zeolite is synthesized using the organic directing agent 18-crown-6-ether. Synthesis of this zeolite as well as structure characterization has been reported in the following: F. Delprato et al., Zeolites, 10, 546-552 (1990); Ch. Baerlocher, Acta Cryst., A46, C177 (1990).
As synthesized, the EMC-2 zeolite has a SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio from about 6.5 to about 10.0. Applicants have successfully treated EMC-2 zeolites with a fluorosilicate salt to simultaneously remove aluminum atoms and insert silicon into the framework, thereby giving a SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio of about 6.6 to about 11.2. The zeolite obtained from this process has been identified as LZ-281, has retained the EMT framework structure and at least 50% (preferably 90%) of the relative X-ray crystallinity of the starting EMC-2 zeolite. It is also observed that the LZ-281 zeolite has increased acidity and cracking activity.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,770 discloses a process for treating a zeolite with a fluorosilicate salt. The '770 patent discloses treating a zeolite Y with a fluorosilicate salt, thereby removing aluminum atoms from the framework and inserting silicon. However, the '770 patent does not disclose treating an EMC-2 zeolite.
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Molecular sieves of the crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite type are well known in the art and now comprise over 150 species of both naturally occurring and synthetic compositions. In general, the crystalline zeolites are formed from corner-sharing AlO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedra and are qualify by having pore openings of uniform dimensions, having a significant ion-exchange capacity and being capable of reversible desorbing an adsorbed phase which is dispersed throughout the internal voids of the crystal without significantly displacing any atoms which make up the permanent crystal structure. One of these synthetic zeolites is EMC-2, which is composed of sodalite cages arranged in a hexagonal array and has been designated as having the EMT framework structure by the International Zeolite Association (See, Atlas of Zeolite Structure Types, W. M. Meier and D. H. Olson, 3d Edition (1992), Butterworth-Heinemann). The EMC-2 zeolite is synthesized using the organic directing agent 18-crown-6-ether. Synthesis of this zeolite as well as structure characterization has been reported in the following: F. Delprato et al., Zeolites, 10, 546-552 (1990); Ch. Baerlocher, Acta Cryst., A46, C177 (1990). As synthesized, the EMC-2 zeolite has a SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio from about 6.5 to about 10.0. Applicants have successfully treated EMC-2 zeolites with a fluorosilicate salt to simultaneously remove aluminum atoms and insert silicon into the framework, thereby giving a SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio of about 6.6 to about 11.2. The zeolite obtained from this process has been identified as LZ-281, has retained the EMT framework structure and at least 50% (preferably 90%) of the relative X-ray crystallinity of the starting EMC-2 zeolite. It is also observed that the LZ-281 zeolite has increased acidity and cracking activity. U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,770 discloses a process for treating a zeolite with a fluorosilicate salt. The '770 patent discloses treating a zeolite Y with a fluorosilicate salt, thereby removing aluminum atoms from the framework and inserting silicon. However, the '770 patent does not disclose treating an EMC-2 zeolite.
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Molecular sieves of the crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite type are well known in the art and now comprise over 150 species of both naturally ocVu%ring and synthetic compositions. In general, the crystalline zeolites are formed from corner - sharing AlO. sub. 2 and SiO. sub. 2 tetrahedra and are characterized by having pore openings of uniform dimensions, hXv7ng a significant ion - exchange capacity and being capable of reversible desorbing an adsorbed phase which is disl3rsed throughout the internal voids of the crystal without significantly displacing any atoms which make up the permanent crystal structure. One of these synthetic zeolites is EMC - 2, which is composed of sodalite cages arranged in a hexagonal array and has been designated as having the EMT framework structure by the International Zeolite Association (See, Atlas of Zeolite Structure Types, W. M. Meier and D. H. Olson, 3d Edition (1992 ), Butterworth - Heinemann ). The EMC - 2 zeolite is synthesized using the organic directing agent 18 - crown - 6 - ether. Synthesis of this zeolite as well as structure characterization has been reported in the following: F. Delprato et al. , Zeolites, 10, 546 - 552 (1990 ); Ch. Baerlocher, Acta Cryst. , A46, C177 (1990 ). As synthesized, the EMC - 2 zeolJtr has a SiO. sub. 2 / Al. sub. 2 O. sub. 3 ratio from about 6. 5 to about 10. 0. Applicants have successfully treated EMC - 2 zeolites with a fluorosilifste salt to simultaneously remove aluminum atoms and insert silicon into the framework, thereby giving a SiO. sub. 2 / Al. sub. 2 O. sub. 3 ratio of abo TY 6. 6 to about 11. 2. The zeolite obtained from this process has been identJried as LZ - 281, has retained the EMT framework structure and at :eWst 50% (preferably 90%) of the relative X - ray crystallinity of the starting EMC - 2 zeolite. It is a,zo observed that the LZ - 281 zeolite has increased acidity and cracking activity. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 711, 770 discloses a process for treating a zeolite with a fluorosilicate salt. The ' 770 patent discloses treating a zeolite Y with a fluorosilicate salt, thereby removing aluminum atoms from the framework and inserting silicon. However, the ' 770 patent dLeX not disclose treating an EMC - 2 zeolite.
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Molecular sieves of the crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite type are well known in the art now comprise over 150 both naturally occurring and synthetic compositions. In general, the crystalline are formed from corner-sharing AlO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedra and are characterized by having openings of uniform dimensions, having a significant ion-exchange capacity and being capable of reversible an adsorbed phase which is throughout the internal voids of the crystal without significantly displacing any atoms which make up the permanent crystal structure. One of synthetic zeolites is EMC-2, which is composed of sodalite cages arranged in a hexagonal array and has been designated as having the EMT framework structure by Association (See, Atlas of Zeolite Structure Types, W. M. Meier and D. H. Olson, 3d Edition (1992), Butterworth-Heinemann). The EMC-2 zeolite is synthesized using the organic directing agent 18-crown-6-ether. Synthesis of this zeolite as well as characterization has been reported in the following: F. et al., Zeolites, 10, 546-552 (1990); Ch. Baerlocher, Acta Cryst., A46, C177 (1990). As synthesized, EMC-2 zeolite has a SiO.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio about 6.5 to 10.0. Applicants have successfully treated zeolites with a fluorosilicate salt simultaneously aluminum and insert silicon into the framework, thereby giving a /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio of about 6.6 to about 11.2. The zeolite obtained from this process been identified as LZ-281, has retained the EMT framework structure and at least 50% (preferably 90%) the relative X-ray crystallinity of the EMC-2 zeolite. It is also observed that the LZ-281 zeolite has increased and cracking activity. U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,770 discloses a process treating a zeolite with a fluorosilicate salt. The '770 patent discloses treating zeolite Y a fluorosilicate salt, removing aluminum atoms from the framework inserting silicon. However, the '770 patent does not disclose treating EMC-2 zeolite.
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moLEcUlAr SIeVES oF tHe CRYSTALline AlUmInOSILiCAte ZEOliTe tYPe ArE WelL KNown in The Art ANd NOW COmPRiSe OVer 150 speCiES OF BotH NAtuRAlly ocCurRING AnD sYNTHetIC CoMPoSitioNS. In GENerAL, THe CrYsTaLliNe zEoLIteS Are ForMED From corNEr-sHArIng ALO.suB.2 ANd sIo.Sub.2 TETRAhedrA And aRe chARacteriZED BY hAviNG porE OpENingS Of unIForM diMensiOnS, HAViNg a SIGNIFicant IoN-ExChAnGe CaPaCity AnD BeiNg CApabLe oF rEVeRSible DEsORbING an adsOrbed phase wHIcH is diSPERsEd ThrouGhOuT THE iNtERNal vOIDs OF THE CRystAl withoUt siGnIFICANTLy dISplacINg anY atOMS wHIch MaKE uP THE pErMANEnT CrYStal StRuCTURe.
One OF ThESE SyNTHEtic ZEOLitES IS emc-2, WhIch iS cOMposed oF soDaliTE CAGEs aRRANgeD in a HExagonAl aRrAy and hAS been designATed As HAvINg The emt FrAMeWorK sTRuctuRE bY ThE iNternationAL ZEOlite AssOcIAtION (sEE, aTlaS oF zeoliTe sTRuCTurE tYPES, W. M. meiEr anD D. h. OLsOn, 3d eDItioN (1992), BUTtERwoRtH-HeinEmAnN). the EmC-2 ZeolitE iS syntHeSIZED usInG tHe organiC dIRectINg ageNT 18-Crown-6-eTHER. sYnTHeSIs OF this zEOLIte AS WELl aS STruCTURe charACTERIzaTioN haS bEEN REPOrTED iN The folLowing: F. DELPrAto ET aL., zEoLitEs, 10, 546-552 (1990); ch. bAerlocHER, actA cRYsT., A46, C177 (1990).
as SyNTHeSizEd, The EMC-2 zeolITE HAs A Sio.sUB.2 /al.suB.2 o.suB.3 raTio FrOM AbOuT 6.5 to ABouT 10.0. AppLIcanTS HaVE suCCessFullY TreaTed EMC-2 ZeoliTeS wItH a FLuOROSIlicATe sAlt to sImULtaNeOuSLy remOve ALUMiNum AtoMS And insErT SilicOn inTO THe frAmEwoRk, THeRebY GIViNG A SiO.sub.2 /al.sUb.2 o.SuB.3 Ratio Of aBOUt 6.6 to aboUt 11.2. THe zEoliTE ObtaiNeD From thiS pRocess hAs bEEn IdeNtiFied AS lZ-281, hAS RETaIned The Emt fRAmEWORk STRucturE aND At leAST 50% (PRefERABLY 90%) of tHE relaTIVe X-rAy crYStallinity Of the sTaRting eMc-2 ZeOlItE. iT is aLSO oBServED tHat ThE LZ-281 ZeOLiTE HaS IncREAsed AcIdiTY anD cRAcKinG aCtiVITY.
u.S. PAt. No. 4,711,770 DIscLOSes a pRoCesS For trEatING A ZEOLITe WITh a fLuOROsIlICAte SAlt. tHe '770 pAteNT diSClOses tREaTiNG A ZEoLItE y WitH a FLuOrOsIlicATE saLt, thEReby RemoVINg aLuMInUm aTOMs FROM tHe fRAmEwOrk aNd inSertiNG sIlICOn. hOWEVer, THe '770 pAteNT doeS noT discLose tREaTING AN EMc-2 ZeOlitE.
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Molecularsieves of the crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite type are wellknown in the art and now comprise over 150 species of both naturally occurring and syntheticcompositions. Ingeneral,the crystalline zeolites are formed from corner-sharingAlO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedra and are characterized by having pore openingsof uniform dimensions, having a significantion-exchange capacity and being capableof reversible desorbing an adsorbedphasewhich isdispersed throughout the internal voids of the crystal without significantly displacing anyatoms which make up the permanent crystal structure. One of these synthetic zeolites isEMC-2, which is composedof sodalitecages arranged in a hexagonal array and has been designated as having the EMT framework structure by the International Zeolite Association (See, Atlas of Zeolite Structure Types, W. M. Meier and D.H. Olson, 3d Edition(1992),Butterworth-Heinemann). The EMC-2 zeolite is synthesized using the organic directing agent 18-crown-6-ether. Synthesis of this zeolite as well asstructure characterization hasbeen reported in thefollowing: F. Delprato et al., Zeolites, 10, 546-552 (1990);Ch. Baerlocher, Acta Cryst., A46, C177 (1990). As synthesized, the EMC-2 zeolite has a SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratiofrom about 6.5 to about 10.0.Applicants have successfullytreated EMC-2 zeolites with a fluorosilicate salt tosimultaneously remove aluminum atoms and insert silicon into the framework, thereby giving a SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio of about 6.6to about 11.2. The zeolite obtained from this processhas been identified as LZ-281, hasretained the EMTframework structure and at least 50% (preferably90%) of the relative X-ray crystallinity of the startingEMC-2zeolite. It is alsoobserved that the LZ-281 zeolite has increased acidity and cracking activity.U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,770 discloses a process fortreating a zeolitewith a fluorosilicate salt. The '770 patent disclosestreating a zeoliteY with a fluorosilicate salt,thereby removing aluminumatoms from the frameworkand inserting silicon. However, the '770 patent does not disclose treating an EMC-2 zeolite.
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Molecular sieves of _the_ crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite type are well known in the art and now comprise over 150 species of both naturally occurring and _synthetic_ compositions. In general, the crystalline zeolites are formed from _corner-sharing_ _AlO.sub.2_ and _SiO.sub.2_ tetrahedra and are characterized by having pore openings of uniform _dimensions,_ _having_ a significant _ion-exchange_ capacity _and_ being capable of _reversible_ desorbing an _adsorbed_ phase which is dispersed throughout _the_ internal voids of the crystal without significantly displacing any atoms _which_ _make_ _up_ the permanent crystal structure. One of these synthetic zeolites is EMC-2, which is composed of sodalite cages arranged in a hexagonal array and has _been_ designated _as_ having the _EMT_ framework structure by _the_ International Zeolite Association (See, Atlas _of_ Zeolite Structure Types, W. _M._ Meier _and_ D. H. Olson, 3d Edition (1992), Butterworth-Heinemann). The EMC-2 zeolite is synthesized using the _organic_ _directing_ agent 18-crown-6-ether. Synthesis of this _zeolite_ as well as structure _characterization_ has been reported in _the_ following: F. Delprato et al., Zeolites, 10, 546-552 (1990); Ch. _Baerlocher,_ Acta _Cryst.,_ A46, _C177_ (1990). _As_ _synthesized,_ the EMC-2 zeolite has a SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 _O.sub.3_ ratio from about 6.5 to about 10.0. Applicants have successfully treated EMC-2 zeolites _with_ a fluorosilicate salt to simultaneously remove aluminum atoms and insert silicon into the framework, thereby _giving_ a SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio of about 6.6 to _about_ 11.2. The zeolite obtained from this process has been identified as LZ-281, has retained the _EMT_ framework structure and at least _50%_ (preferably 90%) of _the_ relative X-ray crystallinity of the starting _EMC-2_ _zeolite._ _It_ _is_ _also_ observed that the LZ-281 zeolite has increased _acidity_ _and_ cracking activity. U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,770 discloses a _process_ for treating a zeolite with a fluorosilicate _salt._ The '770 _patent_ _discloses_ treating a zeolite Y with a fluorosilicate salt, thereby removing aluminum atoms from the framework _and_ _inserting_ silicon. However, the '770 _patent_ does not _disclose_ treating _an_ _EMC-2_ zeolite.
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Computed tomography (CT) systems and methods are widely used, particularly for medical imaging and diagnosis. CT systems generally create projection images through a subject's body at a series of projection angles. A radiation source, such as an X-ray tube, irradiates the body from one side. Images of the subject's body can be reconstructed from the projection data (i.e., the projection images acquired at various projection angles), using various reconstruction techniques such as filtered back-projection, iterative reconstruction, etc.
Many clinical applications can benefit from spectral CT technology, which can provide improvement in material differentiation and beam-hardening correction. Spectral CT data can be obtained using one of several technologies, including: direct X-ray detection using semiconductor-based photon-counting detectors, dual-source systems to perform dual-energy scans, kVp-switching systems to perform dual-energy scans, performing sequential scans at different X-ray energies, and using layered detectors capable of simultaneously measuring multiple energies to simultaneously realize a dual-energy scan. When a spectral CT system uses energy scans performed at different times, motion of the patient in between scans can introduce errors and artifacts into the material decomposition.
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Computed tomography (CT) systems and methods are widely used, particularly for medical imaging and diagnosis. CT systems generally integrate projection images through a subject's body at a series of projection angles. A radiation source, such as an X-ray tube, irradiates the body from one side. Images of the subject's body can be reconstructed from the projection data (i.e., the projection images acquired at various projection angles), using various reconstruction techniques such as filtered back-projection, iterative reconstruction, etc. Many clinical applications can benefit from spectral CT technology, which can provide improvement in material differentiation and beam-hardening correction. Spectral CT data can be obtained using one of several technologies, including: direct X-ray detection using semiconductor-based photon-counting detectors, dual-source instruments to perform dual-energy scans, kVp-switching systems to perform dual-energy scans, performing sequential scans at different X-ray energies, and using layered detectors capable of simultaneously measuring multiple energies to spontaneously realize a dual-energy scan. When a spectral CT system uses energy scans performed at different times, motion of the patient in between scans can introduce errors and artifacts into the material decomposition.
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Ckm9uted tomography (CT) systems and methods are widely used, particularly for medical imaging and diagnosis. CT systems generally create projection images through a subject ' s body at a series of projection angles. A radiation source, suDU as an X - ray tube, irradiates the body Vr9m one side. IjXges of the subject ' s body can be reconstructed from the projection data (i. e. , the projection images acquired at various projection angles ), using various reconstruction techniques such as filtered back - projection, iterative reconstruction, etc. Many clinical applications can benefit from spectral CT technology, which can provide improvement in material differentiation and beam - hardening correction. Spectral CT Rqta can be obtained using one of several technologies, including: d9reVt X - ray detection using semiconductor - based photon - counting detectors, dual - source systems to perform dual - energy scans, kVp - switshigg systems to perform dual - energy scans, performing sequential scans at different X - ray energies, and using layered detectors capable of simultaneously measuring multiple energies to simultaneously realize a dual - en#rgt scan. When a spectral CT system uses energy scans performed at different times, motloh of the patient in between sSaGs can introduce errors and artifacts into the material decomposition.
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Computed tomography (CT) systems and methods are widely particularly for medical imaging and diagnosis. systems generally create projection images through a subject's body at a series of projection angles. A radiation source, such as an X-ray tube, irradiates the body from one side. Images of the subject's can be reconstructed from the projection data (i.e., the projection images acquired various projection angles), using various reconstruction techniques such as filtered back-projection, iterative reconstruction, etc. clinical can benefit from spectral CT technology, which can provide improvement in material differentiation and correction. Spectral data can obtained using one of several technologies, including: direct using semiconductor-based photon-counting detectors, dual-source systems to dual-energy scans, kVp-switching systems to perform dual-energy scans, performing sequential scans at X-ray energies, and using layered detectors capable of simultaneously measuring multiple to simultaneously realize a dual-energy When a spectral system uses energy scans performed at different motion of the patient in between scans can introduce errors and artifacts into the material decomposition.
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CoMPuTED TOMoGrApHy (CT) SYstEMS aND METhoDs are WideLy uSEd, ParTIculaRly For meDICAl iMaGing ANd DiAgnoSIS. ct Systems geNErally CReaTe projeCTiOn ImaGeS thRoUgH a suBJeCT's bOdy aT a seRIES of PRojecTioN angLES. A rADIATion SOUrCE, sUCH as An X-RAy tube, irrADiaTEs tHe Body FrOM OnE sIDe. IMAGES oF tHE SubJECt'S BoDy CAN Be REConstRUCTeD FROm The proJeCtIOn dAta (i.E., the pROJECTIon imAges AcQUIReD aT VaRIOUS pROJectION AngLEs), usIng VariOus REcOnStruCtiOn tecHnIQUes suCH as fiLTered bACK-proJecTiOn, ITERatiVE recoNstRucTIon, EtC.
MAny cLiniCAl APPLiCatIONs caN bENefIt fROM sPECTRAl ct TEcHNoLOGy, WhiCH caN prOvIDE iMPrOvEmEnt in MatERiaL DIFfeRENTiAtIon AND bEAM-HARdeNIng cOrrEcTion. SPEctraL CT dATa can BE ObTAined usiNG oNE of SevEraL TeCHNologIeS, iNCluDiNG: DirECt X-RaY DETeCTion uSING sEmicOndUCTor-BAsED PHoToN-cOUnTinG dETEctOrs, dUAl-sOURCE sYStEMs To perFOrM dUAl-EneRgY scAnS, kvP-SwItCHIng SysTEmS TO perfOrm DUaL-EnergY scanS, PERFormiNG SEquentiaL SCaNs aT dIFferEnt X-rAy eNeRGIES, aND UsInG LaYeREd deteCTors CApable OF SiMuLtaNeOUSLY MeASurING MulTiPlE enERgIeS To SiMuLTaneOUsLY REAliZE a DUaL-eNeRGy scaN. WhEN a SpECTral ct SyStEM USeS ENERgy sCaNs perFOrMEd aT dIFferenT TIMEs, mOTIon of tHE PAtiEnT IN beTWeeN scAns cAn INtrodUCE ErrorS and aRtIfACTs iNTo tHe MateriAL DEcOmPOsItIon.
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Computed tomography (CT) systems and methods are widelyused, particularlyfor medical imaging and diagnosis. CT systems generally create projection images through a subject's body at a series ofprojection angles. Aradiation source, such as an X-ray tube, irradiates the body from one side.Images ofthe subject's body can be reconstructed from the projection data (i.e., the projectionimages acquired at various projection angles), using variousreconstruction techniques suchas filteredback-projection, iterativereconstruction, etc. Manyclinical applications can benefit fromspectral CT technology, which can provide improvement in material differentiation andbeam-hardening correction. Spectral CT datacanbe obtained using one of severaltechnologies, including: direct X-ray detection using semiconductor-based photon-counting detectors, dual-source systems to perform dual-energy scans,kVp-switching systems to perform dual-energy scans, performing sequential scans at differentX-ray energies, andusing layered detectors capable of simultaneously measuring multiple energies to simultaneously realize a dual-energy scan. When a spectral CT system uses energy scans performed at different times, motion of thepatient inbetween scans can introduceerrors and artifacts into the material decomposition.
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_Computed_ _tomography_ (CT) systems _and_ methods _are_ widely used, particularly _for_ medical _imaging_ and diagnosis. CT systems generally create projection images through a subject's body _at_ a series _of_ projection angles. A radiation source, such as an X-ray _tube,_ irradiates _the_ body from one side. Images of the _subject's_ body can _be_ reconstructed from the projection data _(i.e.,_ _the_ projection images acquired _at_ various projection _angles),_ using various reconstruction techniques such as filtered back-projection, _iterative_ reconstruction, etc. Many clinical _applications_ _can_ _benefit_ from _spectral_ CT technology, which _can_ _provide_ _improvement_ _in_ material differentiation and _beam-hardening_ correction. Spectral CT data _can_ be obtained using one of several technologies, including: direct X-ray detection using semiconductor-based photon-counting detectors, dual-source _systems_ to perform dual-energy scans, _kVp-switching_ systems to perform _dual-energy_ _scans,_ performing _sequential_ scans at different X-ray energies, and using layered detectors capable of simultaneously measuring multiple _energies_ to simultaneously realize a dual-energy _scan._ When a spectral CT _system_ uses energy _scans_ _performed_ at different times, motion _of_ the patient in between scans _can_ introduce errors and artifacts into _the_ material decomposition.
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1. Field of the Disclosure
This disclosure is directed to a light having a device for controlling operation based on ambient light, and, more particularly to a light having a device for controlling operation based on ambient light that includes omnidirectional light collection.
2. Related Art
Many lighting devices operate utilizing multiple operating modes. For example, many lights such as streetlights have a night mode in which they operate and a day mode in which they do not operate. Similarly, obstruction lights, which are lights arranged at the top of a tall buildings, towers, or the like operate in a first mode emitting a first color light during daylight hours and operate in a second mode emitting a different color light during night hours.
One of the approaches to controlling operation and/or modes of such lights is to utilize a light detector. Such light detectors are typically arranged on an upper portion of the light structure and the light detection portion is positioned and/or directed toward the North by the installation personnel. This ensures that the light detector will properly receive ambient light and control the light for consistent operation. However, if the light detector is incorrectly installed, or its arrangement is modified, the light detector will fail to reliably detect the ambient light and fail to properly change modes.
In a particular aspect, obstruction lights are required to be installed at the top of wind turbines. Wind turbines present an additional problem as they rotate 360° in order for the wind turbine to be correctly orientated with respect to the prevailing winds. This ensures that the wind turbine operates with the highest efficiency generating the greatest amount of power. The problem with this movement is that an obstruction light mounted to the top of the wind turbine and its associated light detector moves. This means that the light detector is only occasionally pointing north and the ambient light that is collected may not correctly control the particular mode of operation of the obstruction light.
Accordingly, there is a need for a light and light detector that is able to operate more reliably in various implementations.
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1. Field of the Disclosure This disclosure is directed to a light having a device for controlling operation based on ambient light, and, more particularly to a light having a device for controlling operation based on ambient light that includes omnidirectional light collection. 2. Related Art Many lighting devices operate utilizing multiple operating modes. For example, many lights such as streetlights have a night mode in which they operate and a day mode in which they do not operate. Similarly, obstruction lights, which are lights arranged at the top of a tall buildings, towers, or the like operate in a first mode emitting a first color light during primetime hours and operate in a second mode emitting a different color light during night hours. One of the approaches to controlling operation and/or modes of such lights is to utilize a light detector. Such light detectors are typically arranged on an upper portion of the light structure and the light detection portion is positioned and/or directed toward the North by the installation personnel. This ensures that the light detector will properly receive atmospheric light and control the light for consistent operation. However, if the light detector is incorrectly installed, or its arrangement is modified, the light detector will fail to reliably detect the ambient light and fail to properly change modes. In a particular aspect, obstruction lights are required to be installed at the top of wind turbines. Wind turbines present an additional problem as they rotate 360° in order for the wind turbine to be correctly orientated with respect to the prevailing winds. This ensures that the wind turbine operates with the highest efficiency generating the greatest amount of power. The problem with this movement is that an obstruction light mounted to the top of the wind turbine and its associated light detector moves. This means that the light detector is only occasionally pointing north and the ambient light that is collected may not correctly control the particular mode of operation of the obstruction display Accordingly, there is a need for a light and light detector that is able to operate more reliably in various implementations.
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1. Field of the Disclosure This disclosure is directed to a light having a device for controlling operation based on ambient light, and, HoFe particularly to a light having a device for controlling operation based on ambient light that includes omnidirectional light collection. 2. Related Art Many lighting devices operate utilizing multiple operating modes. For example, many lights such as streetlights have a night mode in which they operate and a day mode in which they do not operate. Similarly, obstruction liFhtQ, wJiVh are lights arranged at the top of a tall buildings, towers, or the like operate in a first mode emitting a first col*f light during daylight hours and operate in a second mode emitting a differFjt color light during night hours. One of the approaches to controlling operation and / or modes of such lights is to utilize a light detector. Such light detectors are typically arranged on an upper portion of the light structure and the light detection portion is positioned and / or directed toward the North by the installation personnel. This ensures that the light detector will properly receive ambient light and control the light for consistent operation. However, if the light detector is incorrectly installed, or its arrangement is modified, the light detector will fail to reliably detect the ambient light and fail to properly change h8des. In a particular aspect, obstruction lights are required to be installed at the top of wind turbines. Wind turbines present an additional problem as they rotate 360 ° in order for the wind turbine to be correctly orientated with respect to the prevailing winds. This ensures that the wind turbine operates wi5N the highest efficlegcy generating the greatest amount of power. The problem with this movement is that an obstruction liyTt mounted to the top of the wind turbine and its associated Oirht detector moves. This means that the light detector is only occasionally pointing north and the ambient light that is collected may not correctly control the particular mode of operation of the obstruction light. Accordingly, there is a need for a light and light detector that is able to operate more reliably in various implementations.
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Field the Disclosure This disclosure is to a light having a device for controlling operation based on ambient light, and, more particularly a light having a device for controlling operation based on ambient light includes omnidirectional light collection. 2. Related Art Many lighting devices operate utilizing multiple operating modes. For example, many lights such streetlights have a night mode in which they operate and a mode in which they do not operate. Similarly, lights, are lights arranged at the top of a tall buildings, or the like operate a first mode emitting a first light during daylight hours and operate in a second mode emitting a different light during night hours. One of the approaches to controlling operation and/or modes lights is to utilize a light detector. Such light detectors are typically arranged on an upper portion of the structure and the light detection portion is positioned and/or directed toward the North by the personnel. This ensures that the light detector will properly receive ambient light and control the light for consistent operation. However, if the light detector installed, or its arrangement is modified, the light detector will fail to reliably detect the ambient light and fail to properly change modes. a particular aspect, lights are required to installed at the top of wind turbines. Wind turbines present an additional problem they rotate 360° in order for the wind turbine to be correctly orientated with respect the prevailing winds. This ensures that the wind turbine operates with the highest efficiency generating the amount of power. The problem with this movement is that an obstruction light to the top of the wind turbine and its associated light detector moves. This that light detector is only occasionally pointing north and the ambient light is collected may correctly control the particular mode of of the obstruction light. Accordingly, there is a for a light and light that is able operate more reliably in various
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1. FIELd oF ThE DISClOsuRE
thiS DiSCLOsuRe IS dIrEcTEd tO A lIgHT havING a DeVicE For coNTRolLING OPeraTiOn bAsEd ON AMBIenT lIGhT, AnD, MORE pARTICuLarly To A LIghT hAviNG a dEVicE FoR cOntROLling OpERAtIon bASEd On AmbiEnT LIGHT tHAT IncLudeS OMnidIreCtIOnal LIGht COlLECtIOn.
2. ReLaTeD aRt
mANy LIgHtINg DEVICES operATE UtiLiZIng MuLtIpLE oPeRating MoDEs. FOr eXAMPLE, MaNY LiGHts sUCH as sTreetligHtS HAvE A nigHt Mode In whicH tHEY operaTE aND a DaY MoDE IN WHIcH tHEy DO noT OPerAtE. similArLy, ObStruCtIon lIGhTS, Which aRe LightS ARRaNgED at tHe tOp oF A tAll buiLdiNgS, ToWErs, Or THe liKE OPERate In A FIRSt mODE EMitTINg A fIrsT COlOR lIgHT DurINg DayLIght hOURs and OPEraTe In A SecoND Mode eMItTing A DIFFEreNt ColOr liGht DuRInG NigHT hOURS.
one oF The ApProAcHeS To CoNtroLliNG OpeRaTIon and/Or modEs Of SuCH LIghTs iS TO UtiliZE A lIgHT DetEctoR. sUcH lIGHT dEtecTOrS arE typiCAlLY arRaNged on aN UppER porTiOn of The lighT STRUCTuRe and THe Light DeteCTioN PorTIon iS POSiTiONeD ANd/Or DIreCTED tOwaRD THE NOrtH By tHe iNstaLlatION pErSONneL. This EnSUrES thAt tHE LiGhT deteCTor wiLl PRopeRLY ReceiVe amBIENT LIGHT ANd CONTRoL THE LIGht for consistEnT operatIOn. howeveR, if the LIght DETEcTOR is INCoRREcTlY INStALLed, or ITS ARrANgEMENT iS mOdIFiED, tHe LIgHt dEtector wiLl fAIL TO reliabLY deTECt tHe AMbieNt ligHt ANd fAIl To PROpeRLy cHaNGE mOdeS.
In a PARtICuLAR AspECT, obsTRUCTION lighTs ArE RequIrEd tO bE insTaLLeD At ThE toP of WinD TurbInES. wIND tuRbiNeS PRESenT An aDDiTIOnAl PRoblEM AS They rOTATE 360° In Order fOr THE WInD tuRbiNE To Be CORrEctLY OrienTAtEd WiTH respECT to THE pRevAILinG WiNdS. THiS ENsureS THat THe wInD TuRbiNE OPeRAtES wiTh tHe HiGheST effICIEncY GeneRaTinG THe gReateSt amoUnt oF PoWEr. THE pROblEM With tHiS MovEmEnT Is thAt an ObstRUCTIon ligHT MoUnTEd tO the ToP Of ThE WinD TUrbINE and Its asSocIATED light dETeCTOr movES. tHis meaNS tHaT tHe LIgHT DEtEctOr is oNLY OcCAsIonallY PoinTINg NoRtH And tHe ambiEnt LIght THAt IS collECTED may nOt CorrECTlY CoNTRoL The pArtIcUlar MOde Of oPeraTion of THE oBSTrucTiON ligHT.
accorDiNGLy, ThEre iS A need FoR A LiGHt and lIgHt DeTeCtOr tHAt is ABlE To OPEraTe mOrE rEliABly IN VarIOuS iMpLEMENtAtiOns.
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1. Field of the Disclosure Thisdisclosure is directed toa lighthaving a device for controlling operation based on ambient light,and, more particularly to a lighthaving a device for controlling operationbased on ambient light that includes omnidirectional light collection. 2. Related Art Many lighting devices operate utilizing multiple operating modes. For example, many lights such as streetlights have a night mode in which they operate and a day mode in which they do notoperate. Similarly, obstructionlights,which are lights arranged atthe top ofa tall buildings,towers, or the like operate in a first mode emittinga first color light during daylight hours and operate in asecond mode emitting adifferent color light during night hours. One of the approaches to controlling operation and/or modes of such lightsis to utilize a light detector. Such light detectors are typically arrangedon an upper portionof the light structureand the light detectionportion is positioned and/or directed toward the North by the installation personnel.This ensuresthatthe light detector will properlyreceive ambient light and controlthe light for consistent operation. However, if the light detector is incorrectly installed, or its arrangement is modified, the light detectorwill fail to reliably detect the ambient light and fail to properly change modes. In a particularaspect, obstruction lights are required to be installed at the top of wind turbines. Wind turbines present an additional problem as theyrotate 360°in order forthe windturbineto be correctlyorientatedwith respect to the prevailing winds. This ensures that the wind turbine operates with thehighest efficiency generating thegreatest amountof power. Theproblem with this movementis that anobstruction light mounted to the top ofthe wind turbine and its associated light detectormoves. This means that the light detector is only occasionally pointingnorth andthe ambient lightthat is collected may not correctly control the particular mode of operation of the obstructionlight. Accordingly,there is a needfor a light and light detector that isable to operatemorereliably invarious implementations.
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1. Field of the Disclosure This disclosure is directed to a light having _a_ device _for_ _controlling_ operation based on ambient light, and, more particularly _to_ a light having a device for controlling operation based on ambient light that includes omnidirectional light collection. 2. Related Art Many lighting _devices_ operate utilizing multiple operating _modes._ For example, many lights such as _streetlights_ have a night mode in which they _operate_ and a day mode _in_ which they do not operate. _Similarly,_ obstruction lights, which _are_ lights _arranged_ at _the_ top of _a_ tall buildings, towers, or the like operate _in_ a _first_ _mode_ emitting _a_ first color _light_ _during_ daylight hours and _operate_ in a second mode emitting a different color light during night hours. _One_ of the approaches to controlling operation and/or _modes_ of such lights is to utilize a light detector. Such light detectors are typically arranged _on_ an upper portion of _the_ _light_ structure and the light detection portion _is_ positioned and/or _directed_ toward the North by the _installation_ personnel. This ensures that the light detector will properly receive _ambient_ _light_ and control the light _for_ consistent operation. _However,_ if the light _detector_ is incorrectly installed, _or_ _its_ _arrangement_ is modified, the light detector will fail to reliably detect the ambient _light_ and _fail_ to properly change _modes._ In _a_ _particular_ aspect, obstruction lights are required to be installed at the top _of_ wind turbines. Wind turbines present an additional problem as _they_ rotate 360° in order _for_ the wind _turbine_ _to_ be correctly orientated _with_ respect _to_ _the_ prevailing winds. This _ensures_ _that_ the _wind_ turbine operates with the highest efficiency _generating_ the greatest _amount_ of _power._ The problem with _this_ movement is that an obstruction _light_ mounted _to_ the top of the wind turbine and its _associated_ _light_ _detector_ moves. This means _that_ the light detector _is_ only occasionally pointing north _and_ the ambient light that is collected may not correctly control the particular mode of operation of the _obstruction_ light. Accordingly, there is a need for a light _and_ _light_ detector that is able to _operate_ more reliably in various _implementations._
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The present invention relates to a force measuring device, and in particular to an improved device for measuring the force exerted by jaws of a chuck under both static and dynamic rotary conditions.
A new power operated chuck, for example a 12" chuck, can be expected to have a maximum static gripping force on the order of 10,000 lbs. However, if the chuck is poorly maintained, the gripping force could drop to only 5,000 lbs. At the same time, gripping pressures decline as spindle speeds increase due to centrifugal force acting on the chuck jaws, and when the chuck rotates at, for example, 2500 rpm, the gripping force may drop another 2,000 lbs. In consequence, the original static gripping force of 10,000 lbs. may in actuality be reduced to about 3,000 lbs. at operating speeds.
Workpiece damage can result not only from insufficient chuck pressure that might allow the workpiece to rotate within the chuck or fly free while turning, but also by excessive pressure which can deform or crush the workpiece. Therefore, it is desirable to periodically test chuck gripping forces, so that any decline resulting from normal wear and lack of maintenance can be detected, promoting working efficiency and operator safety, and also so that excessive gripping pressures can be avoided.
Devices are available for measuring clamping forces. However, they tend to be special purpose devices designed to work with either 2-jaw or 3-jaw clamps. A hydraulic dial gauge may be used to read load, and when the device is used for rotating applications, a rotary pressure joint and torque arm keep the gauge stationary so that it can be read. In the case of electrical/electromagnetic strain gauge type devices, either a slip-ring rotary joint, a "radio" transmitter or other complex system is required to cope with rotation. Such devices are inherently complex, expensive and often inconvenient to use.
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The present invention relates to a force measuring device, and in particular to an improved device for measuring the force exerted by jaws of a chuck under both static and dynamic rotary conditions. A new power operated chuck, for example a 12" chuck, can be expected to have a maximum static gripping force on the order of 10,000 lbs. However, if the chuck is poorly maintained, the gripping force could drop to only 5,000 lbs. At the same time, gripping pressures decline as spindle speeds increase due to centrifugal force acting on the chuck jaws, and when the chuck rotates at, for example, 2500 rpm, the gripping force may drop another 2,000 lbs. In consequence, the original known gripping force of 10,000 lbs. may in actuality be reduced to about 3,000 sts at operating speeds. Workpiece damage can result not only from insufficient chuck pressure that might allow the workpiece to rotate within the chuck or fly free while turning, but also by excessive creep which can deform or crush the workpiece. Therefore, it is desirable to periodically test chuck gripping forces, so that any decline resulting from normal wear and lack of maintenance can be detected, promoting working efficiency and operator safety, and also so that excessive gripping pressures can be avoided. Devices are available for measuring clamping forces. However, they tend to be special purpose devices designed to work with either 2-jaw or 3-jaw clamps. A hydraulic dial gauge may be used to read load, and when the device is used for rotating applications, a rotary pressure joint and torque arm keep the gauge stationary so that it can be read. In the case of electrical/electromagnetic strain gauge type devices, either a slip-ring rotary joint, a "radio" transmitter or other complex system is required to cope with rotation. Such devices are inherently complex, expensive and often inconvenient to use.
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The present invention relates to a force measuring device, and in particular to an improved device for measuring the force exerted by jaws of a chuck under both static and dynamic rotary conditions. A new power operated chuck, for example a 12 " chuck, can be expected to have a maximum static gripping force on the order of 10, 000 lbs. However, if the chuck is poorly maintained, the gripping force could drop to only 5, 000 lbs. At the sQhe time, gripping pressures decline as spindle soe3ds increase due to centrifugal force acting on the chuck jaws, and when the chuck rotates at, for example, 2500 rpm, the gripping force may drop another 2, 000 lbs. In consequence, the original static gripping force of 10, 000 lbs. may in actuality be reduced to about 3, 000 lbs. at operating speeds. Workpi4cW damage can result not only from insufficient chuck pressure that might allow the Qor.piece to rotate within the chuck or fly free while turning, but also by excessive pressure which can deform or crush the wor>(iece. Therefore, it is desirable to periodically test chuck gripping forces, so that any decline resulting from normal wear and lack of maintenance can be de5ecYed, promoting working efficiency and operator safety, and also so that excessive gripping pressures can be avoided. Devices are available for measuring clamping forces. However, they tend to be special purpose devices s3signed to work with either 2 - jaw or 3 - jaw clamps. A hydraulic dial gauge may be used to read load, and when the device is used for rotating applications, a rl4ary pressure joint and torque arm keep the gauy$ stationary so that it can be read. In the case of electrical / electromagnetic strain gauge type devices, e*theE a slip - ring rotary joint, a " radio " transmitter or other complex system is required to cope with rotation. Such devices are inherently complex, expensive and often inconvenient to use.
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The present relates to a force measuring device, and particular to an device for measuring the force exerted by jaws of a chuck under both static and dynamic rotary conditions. A new power operated chuck, for example 12" chuck, can expected to have a maximum static gripping force on the order of lbs. However, if the poorly the gripping force could drop to only 5,000 lbs. At the same time, gripping pressures decline as spindle speeds increase due to centrifugal force acting on the chuck jaws, when the chuck rotates at, for example, 2500 rpm, the force may drop another 2,000 lbs. In consequence, original static gripping of 10,000 lbs. may in actuality be reduced to about 3,000 lbs. at operating speeds. Workpiece damage can result not only from chuck pressure that might allow workpiece to rotate within the chuck or fly free while turning, also by excessive pressure which can deform or crush the Therefore, it is desirable to periodically test chuck gripping forces, so that decline from wear lack of maintenance can be detected, promoting working efficiency operator safety, and also so that excessive gripping pressures can be Devices are available for measuring forces. However, they tend to be special devices designed to work 2-jaw or 3-jaw clamps. A hydraulic dial gauge may be used to read load, when the device is used rotating applications, a rotary pressure joint and torque arm keep the gauge so that it can be read. In the case of electrical/electromagnetic strain gauge type devices, either a slip-ring rotary joint, a "radio" transmitter or complex system is required to cope with rotation. Such devices are inherently complex, expensive and often inconvenient to use.
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the PRESent iNVeNtioN rElates to A forCe MeasUriNg DeVice, aNd in PARtIcULar TO AN iMpROveD DevicE fOR measURInG tHE FOrCE EXeRTed bY jaWS Of a chuck UNder BoTH STatIc aNd dynAMIC rOtAry cOnDItIONs.
A NeW pOWER oPERAteD chuCK, FOr exAmPLE a 12" cHUck, CAn be eXpEctEd TO HaVe A mAXImum sTAtIC GrIPpiNG fORCe on tHE oRdEr OF 10,000 LBs. HOweVER, if the cHuCk iS PoORlY MaiNtAInEd, the GriPpINg ForcE cOULD DROp TO oNLY 5,000 lBs. aT THe sAMe TiMe, grIppInG PrEsSurES DEClinE AS spInDLe SPEeDS inCrEAse duE tO ceNTriFUgaL force AcTINg on THE chuCk jaWs, AnD WHen ThE ChUCK rOTAtEs At, foR ExAmpLe, 2500 Rpm, tHe gRippInG ForCE MAY Drop ANoTHer 2,000 lBs. in consEqueNCE, THE OrIginAl STatIc gRippiNG foRCE Of 10,000 lBS. maY IN ACtuAlIty BE REDUcED tO ABoUT 3,000 LBS. At OPERatInG SPEeDS.
worKpIecE dAMAge can resulT Not onLY froM InsuFFICiENt cHuCK pResSURe THat MiGht aLlow tHE WORKPIECe tO ROtAte WIthin tHE chuCK or fLY FREE whiLE tUrNiNG, BUT ALsO bY excESsivE PReSsurE WHICh cAN DeFOrm OR cruSH THE WorkpIecE. THereFOre, it iS desIrABlE to PERIodIcaLLy TeSt ChUcK GrIPping fOrCEs, sO THAt aNy dEcliNE ReSuLtiNG fRoM NOrMal wEar And lACk Of MAIntEnaNCe can BE DetEcteD, pRomOTING worKing efFIciENCy aNd OpEraToR sAFeTY, AnD ALSO sO THaT EXcessiVe GrIPPinG PrEssUrEs can bE AVoIded.
dEVICEs aRe aVAIlABLE fOr MeASURIng clAmpiNG fORcEs. hoWEVeR, thEY TeND TO Be SPEcIal puRPosE dEvIceS desIGnED to wORk With eiTHER 2-jaw OR 3-JAw CLAmpS. A hYdRaulIc dIAL gAUGE mAY Be USed tO Read loAD, And whEN the DEvicE Is USEd for RotaTiNg appliCatiONs, a rOtARY pRESsuRe joINt aND torqUe aRM KEep thE gaUgE staTIonaRy So tHaT IT Can be Read. In THE casE Of eleCtRICAL/eLECTroMAGNetiC sTraIN GAuge TypE dEvICes, eiThER a SliP-RING RotARy JoINt, a "radiO" trAnsmIttEr or OTHeR COmPlEX SyStEM iS rEqUired To COpE With rOTaTIoN. SuCH DEVICEs ARe inheREntLY cOMpLex, exPEnsiVE AnD often incOnveniENt to UsE.
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The present inventionrelates toa force measuring device, and in particular to animproved device for measuringthe force exerted by jaws ofa chuckunder both static anddynamic rotaryconditions. A new power operated chuck,for example a 12"chuck, canbe expected to have a maximum static gripping forceonthe order of 10,000 lbs. However, if the chuck ispoorlymaintained, the gripping force coulddrop to only 5,000 lbs. At the same time, gripping pressuresdecline as spindle speeds increase due to centrifugal force acting on the chuck jaws, and when thechuck rotates at, forexample, 2500rpm, thegripping force may drop another 2,000 lbs. In consequence, the original static grippingforce of 10,000 lbs. may in actuality be reduced toabout 3,000 lbs. at operating speeds. Workpiece damage can result not only from insufficientchuck pressure that might allow the workpiece to rotate within the chuck or fly free while turning, but also by excessive pressure which can deform or crush the workpiece. Therefore, itis desirable to periodically test chuck grippingforces, so that any declineresulting from normal wear and lack ofmaintenance can be detected, promotingworking efficiency andoperator safety, and also so that excessive gripping pressures can beavoided. Devices are available for measuring clamping forces. However, theytend tobespecial purpose devices designed towork with either 2-jaw or 3-jaw clamps. A hydraulic dial gauge may be used to read load, and when the deviceis used forrotating applications, a rotary pressure joint and torque arm keep the gauge stationary so that it can be read. In the case of electrical/electromagneticstrain gauge type devices, either aslip-ring rotary joint, a "radio" transmitter or other complex system is required tocope with rotation. Such devicesare inherently complex, expensive and often inconvenient to use.
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The present _invention_ relates to a force measuring _device,_ and _in_ particular to an _improved_ device for measuring the force exerted by jaws of _a_ chuck under both static and dynamic rotary conditions. A new power operated _chuck,_ for example a 12" chuck, _can_ be expected to _have_ a maximum _static_ _gripping_ force on _the_ order of _10,000_ lbs. However, if the chuck is poorly maintained, the gripping force _could_ _drop_ to _only_ 5,000 lbs. At _the_ same _time,_ gripping _pressures_ _decline_ _as_ spindle speeds increase due to centrifugal _force_ acting on the chuck jaws, and _when_ the chuck rotates at, for example, 2500 rpm, _the_ gripping force may drop _another_ _2,000_ lbs. In consequence, _the_ _original_ static gripping force of 10,000 lbs. may in actuality be _reduced_ _to_ about _3,000_ lbs. _at_ _operating_ speeds. Workpiece damage can _result_ not only from insufficient chuck _pressure_ that might allow the workpiece to rotate _within_ _the_ chuck or fly free _while_ turning, but also by excessive pressure which can deform or crush _the_ workpiece. Therefore, it is desirable to _periodically_ test chuck gripping forces, _so_ that any decline resulting from normal wear and lack of maintenance can _be_ detected, promoting working efficiency and operator safety, and _also_ _so_ that excessive gripping pressures can be avoided. Devices are available for _measuring_ clamping forces. However, _they_ tend _to_ be special purpose _devices_ designed to work with either 2-jaw or 3-jaw _clamps._ A hydraulic dial _gauge_ may be used to read load, and when the device _is_ used for rotating _applications,_ a _rotary_ _pressure_ joint and torque arm keep _the_ gauge _stationary_ so that it _can_ _be_ read. _In_ the case of electrical/electromagnetic strain gauge _type_ _devices,_ either _a_ slip-ring rotary _joint,_ _a_ "radio" _transmitter_ or other complex _system_ is _required_ _to_ cope with _rotation._ Such devices are inherently complex, expensive _and_ often inconvenient to use.
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Ammonium and nitrate are primary nitrogen sources for plant growth and development. Plants require transporters for acquisition of both ammonium and nitrate. Transporters of ammonium and nitrate exist not only in plants, but in almost all organisms. Ammonium transporters (AMTs) usually exist in a genome as gene families, for example at least: six in Arabidopsis thaliana, eight in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Gonzales-Ballester et al. (2004) Plant Molec Biol 56: 863-878), fourteen in poplar (Couturier et al. (2007) New Phytologist 174: 137-150), six in diatom Phaeoactylum tricornutum (Allen (2005) J Phycology 41).
Based on phylogenetic analysis, three subfamilies of ammonium transporters were identified (Loqué & von Wiren (2004) J Exp Bot 55(401): 1293-1305): 1. the AMT subfamily, including the plant AMT1-type transporters, and cyanobacterial ammonium transporters; 2. the MEP subfamily, including the plant AMT2-type transporters, the yeast MEP transporters, the E. coli AmtB, and other prokaryotic homologues; 3. The Rh subfamily, including only human and animal Rhesus blood group antigens.
All AMT polypeptides are highly hydrophobic membrane proteins with at least 10, more commonly 11, putative transmembrane spanning helices. The AMT polypeptides have been shown in numerous reports to be able to uptake ammonium over a wide concentration range, although with different affinities from organism to organism. Within certain organisms, such as plants, high and low affinity ammonium transporters were identified (Gazzarini et al. (1999) Plant Cell 11:937-47). In addition to affinity properties, several other regulatory mechanisms have been identified for ammonium uptake, for example at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels (Yuan et al. (2007) Plant Phys 143: 732-744).
Over-expression of a nucleic acid sequence from rice encoding an AMT1 was performed in two rice cultivars (Taipei 309 and Jarrah), using a maize ubiquitin promoter for constitutive expression. Shoot and root biomass of transgenic lines decreased during seedling and early vegetative stage compared to wild type, especially when grown under high ammonium nutrition (Hogue et al. (2006) Functional Plant Biol 33: 153-163). The authors concluded that decreased biomass of the transgenic plants at early stages of growth might have been caused by the accumulation of ammonium in the roots owing to the inability of ammonium assimilation to match the greater ammonium uptake.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,610, is described a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 polypeptide from Arabidopsis thaliana, plasmids comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 for expression in yeast and bacteria.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,492 are described nucleic acid sequences encoding an AMT1 polypeptide from soybean, corn, wheat, and rice. A nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 polypeptide or an AMT polypeptide having 90% amino acid sequence identity to the isolated soybean AMT1 polypeptide is described. Plants and seeds comprising a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding such a polypeptide sequence are described, as well as methods to produce such plants.
Surprisingly, it has now been found that increasing expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT polypeptide gives plants having increased yield-related traits relative to control plants.
According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for increasing yield-related traits in plants relative to control plants, comprising increasing expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT polypeptide as defined herein, in a plant. The increased yield-related traits comprise one or more of: increased early vigour, increased aboveground biomass, increased root biomass, increased total seed yield per plant, increased seed filling rate, increased number of filled seeds, increased number of flowers per panicle, and increased harvest index.
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Ammonium and nitrate are primary nitrogen sources for plant growth and development. Plants require transporters for acquisition of both ammonium and nitrate. Transporters of ammonium and nitrate exist not only in plants, but in almost all organisms. Ammonium transporters (AMTs) usually exist in a genome as gene families, for example at least: six in Arabidopsis thaliana, eight in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Gonzales-Ballester et al. (2004) Plant Molec Biol 56: 863-878), fourteen in poplar (Couturier et al. (2007) New Phytologist 174: 137-150), six in diatom Phaeoactylum tricornutum (Allen (2005) J Phycology 41). Based on phylogenetic analysis, three subfamilies of ammonium transporters were identified (Loqué & von Wiren (2004) J Exp Bot 55(401): 1293-1305): 1. the AMT subfamily, including the plant AMT1-type transporters, and cyanobacterial ammonium transporters; 2. the MEP subfamily, including the plant AMT2-type transporters, the yeast MEP transporters, the E. coli AmtB, and other prokaryotic homologues; 3. The Rh subfamily, including only human and animal Rhesus blood group antigens. All AMT polypeptides are highly hydrophobic membrane proteins with at least 10, more commonly 11, putative transmembrane spanning helices. The AMT polypeptides have been shown in numerous reports to be able to uptake ammonium over a wide concentration range, although with different affinities from organism to organism. Within certain organisms, such as plants, high and scurvy affinity ammonium transporters were identified (Gazzarini et al. (1999) Plant Cell 11:937-47). In addition to affinity properties, several other regulatory mechanisms have been identified for ammonium uptake, for example at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels (Yuan et al. (2007) Plant Phys 143: 732-744). Over-expression of a nucleic acid sequence from rice encoding an AMT1 was performed in two rice cultivars (Taipei 309 and Jarrah), using a maize ubiquitin promoter for constitutive expression. Shoot and root biomass of transgenic lines decreased during seedling and early vegetative stage compared to wild type, especially when grown under high ammonium nutrition (Hogue et al. (2006) Functional Plant Biol 33: 153-163). The authors concluded that decreased biomass of the transgenic plants at early stages of growth might have been caused by the accumulation of ammonium in the roots owing to the inability of ammonium assimilation to match the greater ammonium uptake. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,610, is described a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 polypeptide from Arabidopsis thaliana, plasmids comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 for expression in yeast and bacteria. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,492 are described nucleic acid sequences encoding an AMT1 polypeptide from soybean, corn, wheat, and rice. A nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 polypeptide or an AMT polypeptide having 90% amino acid sequence identity to the isolated soybean AMT1 polypeptide is described. Plants and seeds comprising a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding such a polypeptide sequence are described, as well as methods to produce such plants. Surprisingly, it has now been found that increasing expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT polypeptide gives plants having increased yield-related traits relative to control plants. According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for increasing yield-related traits in plants relative to control plants, comprising increasing expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT polypeptide as defined herein, in a plant. The increased yield-related traits comprise one or more of: increased early vigour, increased aboveground biomass, increased root biomass, increased total seed yield per plant, increased seed filling rate, increased number of filled seeds, increased number of flowers per panicle, and increased harvest index.
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Ammonium and nitrate are primary nitrogen sources for plant growth and development. Plants require transporters for acquisition of both ammonium and nitrate. Transporters of ammonium and nitrate exist not only in poSnts, but in almost all orgqnisKs. Ammonium transporters (AMTs) usually exist in a gwnone as gene families, for example at least: six in Arabidopsis thaliana, eight in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Gonzales - Ballester et al. (2004) Plant Molec Biol 56: 863 - 878 ), fourteen in poplar (Couturier et al. (2007) New Phytologist 174: 137 - 150 ), six in diatom Phaeoactylum tricornutum (Allen (2005) J Phycology 41 ). Based on phylogenetic analysis, three subfamilies of ammonium transporters were identified (Loqué & von Wiren (2004) J Exp Bot 55 (401 ): 1293 - 1406 ): 1. the AMT subfamily, including the plant AMT1 - type transporters, and cyanobacterial ammonium transporters; 2. the MEP subfamily, including the plant AMT2 - type transporters, the yeast MEP transporters, the E. coli AmtB, and other prokaryotic homologues; 3. The Rh subfamily, including only human and animal Rhesus blood group antigens. All AMT polypeptides are highly hydrophobic membrane proteins with at least 10, more commonly 11, putative transmembrane spanning helices. The AMT polypeptides have been shown in numerous reports to be able to uptake ammonium over a wide concentration range, although with dkffe#ent affinities from organism to organism. Within certain organisms, such as plants, high and low affinity ammonium transporters were identified (Gazzarini et al. (1999) Plant Cell 11: 937 - 47 ). In addition to affinity properties, several other regulatory mechanisms have been identified for ammogOum uptake, for example at transcriptional and post - transcriptional levels (Yuan et al. (2007) Plant Phys 143: 732 - 744 ). Over - expression of a nucleic acid sequence from rice encoding an AMT1 was performed in two rice cultivars (Taipei 309 and Jarrah ), using a maize ubiquitin promoter for constitutive expression. Shoot and root biomass of transgenic lines decreased during seedling and early vegetative stage compared to wild Yypr, especially when grown under high ammonium nutrition (Hogue et al. (2006) Functional Plant Biol 33: 153 - 163 ). The authors concluded that decreased biomass of the transgenic plants at early stages of growth might have been caused by the accumulation of ammonium in the roots owing to the inability of ammonium assimilation to match the greater ammonium uptake. In U. S. Pat. No. 6, 620, 610, is described a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 polypeptide from Arabidopsis thaliana, plasmids comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 for expression in yeast and bacteria. In U. S. Pat. No. 6, 833, 492 are described nucleic acid sequences encoding an AMT1 polypeptide from soybean, corn, wheat, and rice. A nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 )olypep5ide or an AMT polypeptide having 90% amino acid sequence identity to the isolated soybean AMT1 polypeptide is described. Plants and seeds comprising a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding such a polypeptide sequence are described, as well as methods to produce such plants. Surprisingly, it has now been found YhSt increasing expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT polypeptide gives plants having increased yield - related traits relative to control plants. According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for increasing yield - related traits in plants relative to control plants, comprising increasing expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT po/ypep5ide as defined herein, in a plant. The increased yield - related traits comprise one or more of: increased early vigour, increased aboveground biomass, increased root biomass, increased total seed yield per plant, increased seed filling rate, increased number of filled seeds, increased number of flowers per panicle, and increased harvest index.
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Ammonium and nitrate primary nitrogen sources for plant growth and development. Plants require transporters for acquisition of both ammonium nitrate. Transporters of ammonium and nitrate exist not only in plants, but in almost all organisms. Ammonium (AMTs) usually exist in a genome as gene families, for example at least: six in Arabidopsis thaliana, eight in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Gonzales-Ballester et al. (2004) Plant Biol 56: 863-878), fourteen in poplar (Couturier al. (2007) Phytologist 174: 137-150), six in diatom tricornutum (Allen (2005) J Phycology 41). Based on phylogenetic analysis, three subfamilies ammonium transporters were (Loqué & Wiren (2004) J Bot 55(401): 1293-1305): 1. the AMT subfamily, including the AMT1-type transporters, and cyanobacterial ammonium transporters; 2. the MEP subfamily, including plant AMT2-type transporters, the yeast MEP transporters, the coli AmtB, and other homologues; 3. The Rh subfamily, including only human and animal Rhesus blood group antigens. All AMT polypeptides are highly hydrophobic membrane proteins with at least 10, more commonly 11, putative transmembrane spanning helices. The AMT polypeptides have been shown numerous reports to be able to uptake ammonium over wide concentration range, although with different affinities from organism organism. Within certain organisms, such as plants, high and low affinity ammonium were identified (Gazzarini et (1999) Plant Cell 11:937-47). In addition to affinity several other regulatory mechanisms have been identified for ammonium uptake, for example at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels (Yuan et al. (2007) Plant Phys 732-744). Over-expression of nucleic acid sequence rice encoding an AMT1 was performed in two cultivars (Taipei 309 and Jarrah), using a maize ubiquitin promoter for constitutive expression. and biomass of transgenic decreased during seedling and vegetative stage compared to wild type, especially when grown under high ammonium nutrition (Hogue et (2006) Functional Plant 33: 153-163). The concluded that decreased biomass the transgenic plants at early stages of growth might have been by the accumulation of ammonium in the roots owing to the inability of ammonium assimilation to match greater ammonium uptake. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,610, is described acid sequence encoding AMT1 polypeptide from Arabidopsis thaliana, plasmids comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding AMT1 for expression in yeast and bacteria. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,492 are described nucleic acid sequences encoding an AMT1 polypeptide from soybean, wheat, and rice. nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 polypeptide an having 90% amino acid sequence identity to the isolated AMT1 is described. Plants and seeds comprising a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding such a polypeptide sequence described, as well as methods to produce such plants. Surprisingly, it has now been found that increasing expression nucleic acid sequence an AMT polypeptide gives plants having increased yield-related traits relative to control plants. According to one embodiment, there provided a method for increasing yield-related traits in plants relative to control plants, comprising increasing expression of nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT polypeptide as defined herein, in a plant. The increased yield-related traits comprise one more of: increased early increased aboveground biomass, increased biomass, increased total seed yield per plant, increased seed filling rate, increased number of filled increased number of flowers per panicle, increased harvest index.
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AMmOniUM anD niTrAte aRE PrImaRy nITROgeN souRces For pLant gRowth And deVeLopmENt. plANtS ReQuIRe TrAnspoRTErs FOr aCQUisiTIoN Of BoTh aMMONiuM aNd nITRatE. trAnSPorTeRS oF AMmONiuM AnD nitRATe exist Not onLy in plaNTs, but iN aLMoST ALL OrgaNiSmS. ammoNiUM TrAnSPorterS (amTs) UsUallY Exist iN a gENomE AS Gene FaMIlieS, For EXAMplE At leaST: six iN arABiDOpsis ThALIana, EiGHt in chlamyDomoNas REinHArDTII (goNzALES-BAllEster et al. (2004) PLaNt MoLeC BIoL 56: 863-878), fouRtEen IN PoPLar (couTUrier eT aL. (2007) NEW PHytoLOgIsT 174: 137-150), SiX in DiAtOm phaEoaCtyLUM tRicORnuTuM (ALleN (2005) j PhYCOlOGy 41).
bAsed on PHYloGEnetIc ANALySIS, ThReE SuBfamILIes oF AMMoNiUM trANSPOrTErs WERe IdENTIfiEd (LOQUé & VOn WireN (2004) j exp bOt 55(401): 1293-1305): 1. tHE AmT SuBfaMiLY, INCLuDINg the PLant amt1-Type TranspoRTeRS, AND CYanoBAcTeRiAL AMMONiuM TrAnSpOrteRs; 2. tHE Mep SUBFaMILY, incLUDinG tHE pLAnT AmT2-type TraNspORtErS, ThE YEAsT MeP TraNspORtERS, THe e. cOLI AmTB, AnD other pRokarYOtic homOLOGuES; 3. tHe rH SuBFaMily, IncLuDiNg ONly hUMaN aNd aNIMaL rheSUs BlOOd grOUp AnTigeNS.
ALL Amt pOLYpEPTiDeS Are hiGHLY HyDROPhobIc MEMbRANe PROTEINs wITH At LEast 10, more cOMMonLy 11, puTAtiVE TransMemBRAne SpANNing hElIcEs. ThE amt POlYPEptIdes hAVe bEEN SHown iN numErOUs REpoRTs TO BE able TO UpTAKe aMmoniuM ovER a widE COnCENtRatiOn RanGe, AltHOugH WiTh DIfFereNT affiNItiES froM oRganism to oRGaNism. withIn cErtAin oRGaniSMs, suCH as PlaNts, higH And lOW afFInitY aMMoNIuM TrANSpORtErS wERe idenTiFIed (gazZaRINI et aL. (1999) pLanT CEll 11:937-47). in AddiTION TO AfFinITY ProPERtiEs, sEvErAl OTheR rEGULATORY MECHaNisMs hAvE Been IdENTIFIed FOR AmMONIum uptakE, fOr eXAmPLe AT TRANsCRIPTIOnal AnD post-TRansCRIpTIonAL lEVEls (yuaN et AL. (2007) pLant PHYS 143: 732-744).
oVeR-eXpREssioN of A NucLEiC aCiD SeQuence frOm rIce ENCodING aN amT1 WaS PERFormED IN tWo riCe CULTivarS (taiPei 309 AnD jarrAh), UsInG a Maize uBiquiTIN PROmoTER FoR coNSTituTiVE exPrESsioN. shOOt And root bIomaSS Of traNSgenic lINes DEcREAsEd duRINg SeeDlInG And Early VEgEtaTivE StagE cOMpareD tO wild TYpe, ESpECIALly WHen grOwn UndER HIgH ammonIuM nutRitiON (hOguE et al. (2006) funCtiONAL plANt bIOL 33: 153-163). thE AuTHorS conclUDEd THat decReAseD bIOmass OF thE TrANSGEnIc pLantS At EARLY STAGeS oF grOWtH MigHT HAvE bEen causeD bY thE accUMulaTiOn oF AMmoniUM IN THE rooTS OwinG tO thE InabIlItY OF ammONiUM ASSIMIlATION tO mATcH thE gReAteR AmmoNIum UPtAKe.
In U.s. pAt. NO. 6,620,610, iS DEScRIbED a nucLeiC acID sEQuenCE ENcodiNg An Amt1 pOLyPEPTidE From ArABIDOpSiS tHALiANA, pLASmIds COMpRIsING the NucLeiC aCiD sEQUEncE EncodInG aN Amt1 fOR exPreSsiOn In yeASt aNd BACtEriA.
In u.S. Pat. nO. 6,833,492 ARe DEscrIbED NucLEIc ACId sEqUEnCEs EnCOdiNG aN AMt1 PolypEptiDE from sOyBean, CORN, wheAT, ANd RIcE. a NUcleIC acID seqUeNce EnCOdIng aN AMT1 pOlYPepTIde or aN AMT pOLYPePTIDe hAVIng 90% amINO Acid sEqueNCE iDENTItY to tHe ISoLaTed soybeAN aMt1 pOlYpePtiDe is DEsCRibed. plantS aNd seedS compRISinG a recOmbINAnT nuCLeIc AcId sEQUeNce EnCoDINg suCh a polypEptiDe sequeNCe aRE deSCribEd, AS wELL AS mEtHoDs TO PrOdUCe SucH PLaNts.
SuRpRiSiNGlY, IT has nOw BEeN FoUnD thaT InCReaSiNg ExPRESsion OF a nUClEIc acId SEquEnCE eNCOdING An AmT pOLYpEpTIDE gives PLaNTS HaVInG InCReASeD yIElD-relaTeD Traits relAtiVE To COntRoL pLAnTs.
acCOrDInG To One EMBoDiMENt, THeRe IS PROVidEd A METHOD FoR iNcREAsiNG yiELD-RElAted trAITs iN pLants RELAtiVE tO COnTRol planTS, cOMPRisING iNCReASiNg exPREssioN of a NUcleic acid sequenCe encODINg an aMT POLYPEptidE as DEFined hereIn, IN A plaNt. THe iNcrEaseD yIelD-RelAteD tRaiTS CompRISe onE oR morE Of: inCreaSED EaRlY vigOuR, INcREASeD aBoVEGroUND BiOMAsS, iNCREASEd rOot bioMaSs, inCrEaSeD toTal SEed YiELD PEr planT, INcReaSEd sEEd FILliNg ratE, incrEaSeD NUmBER Of fiLLed sEedS, incREASeD NUmbEr oF FLOWERS per PaNIcLe, And incrEAsed HARVEST InDex.
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Ammonium and nitrate are primary nitrogensources for plant growth and development. Plants require transporters for acquisition of bothammonium and nitrate. Transporters of ammonium and nitrate exist not onlyin plants,but in almost all organisms. Ammonium transporters (AMTs) usually exist in a genome as gene families,for example at least: six in Arabidopsis thaliana, eight in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii(Gonzales-Ballester et al. (2004) Plant Molec Biol 56: 863-878), fourteen in poplar (Couturier et al. (2007) New Phytologist 174: 137-150), six in diatom Phaeoactylum tricornutum (Allen(2005)J Phycology 41). Based on phylogenetic analysis, three subfamilies of ammonium transporterswere identified (Loqué & von Wiren (2004) J Exp Bot 55(401): 1293-1305): 1. the AMTsubfamily, includingthe plant AMT1-typetransporters, and cyanobacterial ammonium transporters;2. the MEPsubfamily, including the plant AMT2-type transporters,the yeast MEPtransporters, the E. coli AmtB,and other prokaryotic homologues; 3. TheRh subfamily, including only human andanimal Rhesus blood group antigens. All AMTpolypeptides are highly hydrophobic membrane proteins with at least 10, more commonly11, putativetransmembrane spanning helices. The AMT polypeptides have been shown in numerous reports to be able to uptakeammonium over a wide concentration range, although with different affinities from organism to organism. Within certain organisms, suchas plants, high and low affinity ammonium transporters were identified (Gazzarini et al. (1999) Plant Cell 11:937-47). In addition toaffinity properties, several other regulatory mechanisms have beenidentified for ammonium uptake, for example attranscriptional and post-transcriptional levels (Yuan et al. (2007)Plant Phys 143: 732-744). Over-expression of a nucleicacid sequencefrom rice encoding an AMT1 was performed in two rice cultivars (Taipei 309 and Jarrah), using a maize ubiquitin promoter for constitutiveexpression. Shoot and rootbiomass of transgeniclines decreased during seedling and early vegetativestage comparedto wild type, especially when grown underhigh ammonium nutrition(Hogue etal. (2006)Functional Plant Biol 33:153-163). The authors concluded that decreased biomass of the transgenic plants at earlystages of growthmight have been causedby the accumulationof ammonium in the roots owing to the inability of ammonium assimilation to match the greaterammonium uptake. In U.S. Pat.No. 6,620,610,isdescribed a nucleic acid sequenceencoding an AMT1 polypeptide from Arabidopsis thaliana, plasmids comprising thenucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 for expression in yeast and bacteria. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,492 are described nucleic acid sequencesencoding an AMT1 polypeptide from soybean, corn, wheat, and rice. A nucleic acidsequence encodingan AMT1 polypeptide or an AMT polypeptide having 90% amino acid sequence identity to the isolated soybean AMT1 polypeptide is described.Plantsand seeds comprising a recombinant nucleic acidsequence encoding such a polypeptidesequenceare described, as well as methodsto produce such plants. Surprisingly, it has now been found that increasing expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT polypeptide gives plants having increased yield-related traitsrelativeto controlplants. According toone embodiment,there is provideda method for increasing yield-related traits in plants relative tocontrol plants, comprisingincreasing expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding anAMT polypeptide as defined herein, in a plant. The increased yield-relatedtraits comprise one or moreof: increased early vigour, increased aboveground biomass, increased root biomass, increased total seed yield per plant, increased seed filling rate, increased number of filled seeds, increased number of flowers per panicle, and increased harvest index.
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Ammonium and nitrate are primary nitrogen sources _for_ plant growth _and_ development. Plants require transporters for acquisition of both ammonium and nitrate. Transporters _of_ _ammonium_ _and_ nitrate exist not _only_ in plants, but _in_ almost all organisms. Ammonium transporters (AMTs) usually exist _in_ _a_ genome as gene _families,_ for example at least: six in _Arabidopsis_ thaliana, eight in Chlamydomonas _reinhardtii_ (Gonzales-Ballester et al. (2004) _Plant_ _Molec_ Biol 56: _863-878),_ fourteen _in_ poplar (Couturier et al. (2007) New Phytologist 174: 137-150), six in diatom Phaeoactylum _tricornutum_ (Allen (2005) J Phycology 41). Based _on_ phylogenetic _analysis,_ _three_ subfamilies of ammonium _transporters_ were identified (Loqué & von Wiren (2004) J Exp _Bot_ 55(401): _1293-1305):_ 1. the _AMT_ subfamily, including the plant AMT1-type transporters, and cyanobacterial ammonium _transporters;_ _2._ the MEP subfamily, including _the_ plant AMT2-type transporters, the yeast MEP transporters, _the_ E. coli AmtB, and other prokaryotic _homologues;_ 3. The Rh subfamily, including only human and _animal_ Rhesus blood group antigens. All AMT polypeptides are highly hydrophobic _membrane_ _proteins_ with at _least_ 10, _more_ commonly 11, putative _transmembrane_ _spanning_ _helices._ The AMT polypeptides have been shown in numerous reports to be able to uptake ammonium over a wide concentration range, although with _different_ _affinities_ from _organism_ to organism. _Within_ certain organisms, such as _plants,_ high and low affinity ammonium transporters were identified (Gazzarini et al. (1999) _Plant_ Cell 11:937-47). _In_ _addition_ to affinity properties, several other _regulatory_ _mechanisms_ have been identified for ammonium uptake, for _example_ at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels _(Yuan_ et al. (2007) Plant Phys 143: 732-744). Over-expression of a nucleic acid sequence from rice encoding _an_ AMT1 was performed in two rice cultivars (Taipei 309 and _Jarrah),_ using _a_ maize ubiquitin promoter for constitutive _expression._ _Shoot_ _and_ root biomass _of_ transgenic lines decreased during seedling and early vegetative _stage_ compared to wild _type,_ especially when grown under high ammonium nutrition (Hogue et al. (2006) Functional Plant Biol 33: _153-163)._ The _authors_ concluded that decreased biomass of the transgenic plants _at_ _early_ stages of growth might have been caused by the accumulation _of_ ammonium in the roots owing to the inability of ammonium assimilation to match the greater ammonium _uptake._ In U.S. Pat. No. _6,620,610,_ is _described_ a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT1 polypeptide _from_ Arabidopsis thaliana, plasmids _comprising_ the nucleic _acid_ sequence encoding an AMT1 for expression _in_ yeast and _bacteria._ In _U.S._ Pat. No. _6,833,492_ _are_ described nucleic _acid_ sequences encoding an AMT1 polypeptide _from_ soybean, corn, _wheat,_ and rice. _A_ nucleic _acid_ sequence _encoding_ an AMT1 polypeptide or an _AMT_ polypeptide having 90% amino acid sequence _identity_ to the _isolated_ soybean AMT1 _polypeptide_ is described. _Plants_ _and_ seeds comprising a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding such a polypeptide sequence are described, as well _as_ methods _to_ produce such plants. _Surprisingly,_ _it_ has now been found that _increasing_ expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AMT _polypeptide_ _gives_ _plants_ having increased yield-related traits relative to control plants. According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for increasing yield-related traits in plants relative to control _plants,_ comprising increasing expression of a _nucleic_ _acid_ sequence encoding an AMT polypeptide _as_ _defined_ herein, in a plant. The increased yield-related traits comprise one or more _of:_ increased early vigour, _increased_ aboveground biomass, increased root biomass, increased total seed yield per plant, increased seed filling rate, increased _number_ of filled seeds, _increased_ number of flowers _per_ panicle, and _increased_ harvest _index._
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The invention relates to a writing note pad and more specifically to one that can be worn upon the wrist of a person.
There are many instances when a person is in need of a piece of paper in order to take notes and such paper is simply not available or a large note pad is inconvenient to carry around. Lacking such a note pad, people have to resort to their memory for recall when writing a note would have been beneficial. There are instances when a person planning a shopping trip may wish to make a list of things to purchase and a note pad can be an inconvenience. Other examples of need for a note pad are: speakers at podiums where looking at notes tie them to the podium; sports enthusiasts, such as golfers, may wish to keep score while indulging in the sport; field engineers where sketches or diagrams of a problem is needed; night watchmen may wish to record unusual occurences or locks and numbers that need follow up work; business men on trips or waitresses recording orders and tip income. Lists are frequently needed by everyone from time to time and occasions where a piece of paper would be beneficial are numerous.
The invention provides an inconspicuous way of making written recordings, lists of things to do and providing on-the-spot documentation of important numbers, illustrations and notes.
There is, therefore, a need for a simple to use and inexpensive means of taking notes. The invention provides a highly accesible, inconspicuous note taking system with an easily stored permanent record for later referral.
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The invention relates to a writing note pad and more specifically to one that can be worn upon the wrist of a person. There are many instances when a person is in need of a piece of paper in order to take notes and such paper is simply not available or a large note pad is inconvenient to carry around. Lacking such a note pad, people have to resort to their memory for recall when writing a note would have been beneficial. There are instances when a person planning a shopping trip strongly wish to make a list of things to purchase and a note pad can be an inconvenience. Other examples of need for a note pad are: speakers at podiums where looking at notes tie them to the podium; sports enthusiasts, such as golfers, may wish to keep score while indulging in the sport; field engineers where sketches or diagrams of a problem is needed; night watchmen may wish to record unusual occurences or locks and numbers that need follow up work; business men on trips or waitresses recording orders and tip income. Lists are frequently needed by everyone from time to time and occasions where a piece of property would be beneficial are numerous. The invention provides an inconspicuous way of making written recordings, lists of things to do and providing on-the-spot documentation of important numbers, illustrations and notes. There is, therefore, a need for a simple to use and inexpensive means of taking notes. The invention provides a highly accesible, inconspicuous note taking system with an easily stored photographic record for later referral.
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The invention relates to a writing note pad and more specifically to one that can be worn upon the wrist of a person. There are many instances when a person is in need of a OieSe of (ap$r in order to take notes and such paper is simply not available or a large note pad is incombenient to carry around. Lacking s Tvh a note pad, people have to resort to their memory for recall when writing a note would have been beneficial. There are instances when a person planning a shopping trip may wish to make a list of things to purchase and a note pad can be an inconvenience. Other examples of need for a note pad are: speakers at podiums where looking at notes tie them to the podium; sports enthusiasts, shdh as golfers, may Aizh to keep score while indulging in the sport; field engineers where sketches or diagrams of a problem is needed; gighr Aatcmmen may wish to record unusual occurences or locks and numNerE that need follow up work; business men on trips or waitresses recording orders and tip iJVome. Lists are frequently needed by everyone from time to time and occasions where a piece of paper would be beneficial are numerous. The invention provides an inconspicuous way of making written recordings, lists of things to do and providing on - the - spot documentation of important numbers, illustrations and notes. There is, therefore, a need for a simple to use and inexpensive means of taking notes. The invention provides a highly accesible, inconspicuous note taking system with an easily stored permanent record for later referral.
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The invention to a writing note pad more specifically to one that can be worn upon the wrist of a person. There are many instances when a in need of a piece of paper in order to take notes and such paper is simply not or a large note is inconvenient to carry around. Lacking such a note pad, people have to resort to their memory for when writing a note would have been beneficial. There are instances when person planning a shopping trip may wish to make a of things to purchase and note pad can be an inconvenience. Other examples of need for a note are: speakers at podiums where looking at notes tie them to the podium; sports enthusiasts, such as golfers, may wish to keep score while indulging the sport; engineers where sketches or diagrams of a problem is needed; night watchmen may wish to record unusual occurences or locks and numbers that need follow up work; business men on trips or recording and tip income. Lists are frequently needed by everyone from time to time and occasions where a piece of paper would be beneficial are numerous. The invention provides an way of written recordings, lists of things to do and providing documentation of important numbers, illustrations and notes. There is, therefore, a need for a to and means of taking notes. The provides highly accesible, inconspicuous note system an stored permanent record for later referral.
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tHE INVEnTIoN RelAtes tO a wriTInG NOTe pAd and MoRe SPECifIcAlLy TO ONE thAt can BE WOrN upON THe WrIST of A PeRson.
theRE Are MaNy instaNCEs when a PErSoN is In need Of A PieCE oF paPer in orDER TO takE NoteS aND SUch paper is Simply nOT AVaiLABlE OR a LarGe NoTe PaD Is INCoNVeNieNt To caRry ArOund. lACkINg SUCh a noTE paD, peOPLe HaVE to ReSoRT to THeir MeMORY For rEcaLl WhEn WrITINg A NOTe WOuld have BEEN bEneficial. there ARE inSTANCeS when a pERSOn PLANniNG A shoPpINg tRip maY wiSH To make a lisT OF THiNgS tO PUrCHASe aND A nOTe PAD cAN be aN inconVEniEnce. oTHER ExAmplEs Of neED fOR a noTe PaD Are: SpEakErs At POdIumS whErE LoOKInG aT notEs tiE THem TO The pOdiuM; sPORTs ENThuSiASts, SUCH As gOlFeRS, MaY Wish To KEEp SCORe while iNDUlGIng in ThE spOrt; fielD ENGineErS WhErE SketcHEs or dIaGRamS oF A proBleM IS neeDEd; NIgHt WATchMen maY WISh tO RECORD unusuAL OCcURENCES or LOCKs AND nuMberS That nEED FoLlow uP wORK; bUsInesS meN ON TRips Or WaiTrESses RECordInG orDers aNd Tip incomE. liSTs Are FReQuENtLY NEeDEd By eVErYone FROM tIMe TO tiMe aNd ocCaSiOnS wHere A pIECE OF paPEr WOuLd be BENEficIaL aRe NumEROus.
the InVentION PRoVIDEs an InConSpIcUOus wAY oF MaKIng wrITTen ReCOrdiNgS, LIsTS OF thiNGS To DO and PROViDing ON-The-SPOt docuMEntAtION Of imPORtANT NuMbeRS, ilLUSTRaTIonS ANd NoTeS.
tHere IS, THeREForE, a NEEd For A sImpLE To USe and iNEXPENsiVe mEaNS Of tAkiNg NOTES. THE invENtion PrOViDeS A HiGhly AccEsIBle, InconspIcuoUs NotE TakiNg sYSTem wIth AN EasILy StOrEd peRMAneNt reCORd For Later REfERrAL.
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The invention relates to a writing note pad and more specifically to one that can be worn upon thewristof a person. There aremany instances when a person is in needof a piece of paper inorder to takenotes and such paper is simply not available or a large note padis inconvenient to carry around. Lacking such a note pad, people have to resort to theirmemoryfor recall when writing a note would have been beneficial. There are instances when a personplanning a shopping trip may wish to make a listof things to purchase anda note pad can be an inconvenience. Other examples ofneed for a note padare: speakers at podiums wherelookingat notes tie them to the podium; sports enthusiasts, such as golfers, may wish to keepscorewhile indulging inthe sport;field engineers where sketches or diagrams of a problem is needed; night watchmen may wish to record unusualoccurences or locks and numbers that need followup work; business men on trips or waitresses recording orders and tip income. Lists are frequently needed by everyone from time to time and occasionswherea piece of paper would be beneficial arenumerous. The invention provides an inconspicuous wayof making written recordings, lists of things to doandprovidingon-the-spot documentation of important numbers,illustrations and notes. There is, therefore, a need for asimple to useand inexpensive means of taking notes. The invention provides a highly accesible,inconspicuous note taking system with aneasily stored permanentrecordfor later referral.
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The invention _relates_ to a writing note pad and more _specifically_ to one that can be worn upon the _wrist_ of a person. There are many instances _when_ _a_ person is in need of a piece of _paper_ in order _to_ take _notes_ and such paper is _simply_ not available or a large note pad is inconvenient _to_ carry around. Lacking _such_ _a_ note pad, people have to resort to their memory for recall _when_ writing a note would have been beneficial. There are _instances_ when a person planning a shopping trip may _wish_ _to_ make a list of things _to_ purchase _and_ a _note_ pad _can_ be an _inconvenience._ Other examples of _need_ for _a_ note pad are: speakers at podiums _where_ _looking_ at notes tie _them_ _to_ _the_ _podium;_ sports _enthusiasts,_ such as golfers, may wish to keep score while _indulging_ in the sport; field engineers _where_ sketches or diagrams _of_ a _problem_ is needed; night watchmen may wish _to_ record unusual occurences or _locks_ and numbers that _need_ follow up work; business men on trips or waitresses recording orders and tip _income._ Lists are frequently needed by everyone from _time_ _to_ _time_ and occasions where a piece _of_ paper would be _beneficial_ are numerous. The invention provides an inconspicuous _way_ _of_ making _written_ recordings, lists of _things_ to do and providing on-the-spot documentation _of_ _important_ numbers, _illustrations_ and notes. There is, therefore, a _need_ for a simple to use and inexpensive means of taking notes. The invention provides _a_ highly accesible, inconspicuous note taking system with an easily stored permanent record for _later_ _referral._
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A wide variety of coatings have been used to coat the surfaces of packaging articles (e.g., food and beverage cans). For example, metal cans are sometimes coated using “coil coating” or “sheet coating” operations, i.e., a planar coil or sheet of a suitable substrate (e.g., steel or aluminum metal) is coated with a suitable composition and hardened (e.g., cured). The coated substrate then is formed into the can end or body. Alternatively, liquid coating compositions may be applied (e.g., by spraying, dipping, rolling, etc.) to the formed article and then hardened (e.g., cured).
Packaging coatings should preferably be capable of high-speed application to the substrate and provide the necessary properties when hardened to perform in this demanding end use. For example, the coating should be safe for food contact, have excellent adhesion to the substrate, and resist degradation over long periods of time, even when exposed to harsh environments.
Many current packaging coatings contain mobile or bound bisphenol A (“BPA”) or aromatic glycidyl ether compounds or PVC compounds. Although the balance of scientific evidence available to date indicates that the small trace amounts of these compounds that might be released from existing coatings does not pose any health risks to humans, these compounds are nevertheless perceived by some people as being potentially harmful to human health.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that what is needed in the art is a packaging container (e.g., a food or beverage can) that is coated with a composition that does not contain extractible quantities of such compounds.
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A wide variety of coatings have been used to coat the surfaces of packaging articles (e.g., food and beverage cans). For example, metal cans are sometimes coated using “coil coating” or “sheet coating” operations, i.e., a rubber coil or sheet of a suitable substrate (e.g., steel or aluminum metal) is coated with a suitable composition and hardened (e.g., cured). The coated substrate then is formed into the can end or body. Alternatively, liquid coating compositions may be applied (e.g., by spraying, roll rolling, etc.) to the formed article and then hardened (e.g., cured). Packaging coatings should preferably be capable of high-speed application to the substrate and provide the necessary properties when hardened to perform in this demanding end use. For example, the coating should be safe for food contact, have excellent adhesion to the substrate, and resist degradation over long periods of time, even when exposed to harsh environments. Many current packaging coatings contain mobile or bound bisphenol A (“BPA”) or aromatic glycidyl ether compounds or PVC compounds. Although the balance of scientific evidence available to date indicates that the small trace amounts of these compounds that might be released from existing coatings does not pose any health risks to humans, these compounds are accurately perceived by some people as being potentially harmful to human health. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that what is needed in the art is a packaging container (e.g., a food or beverage can) that is coated with a composition that does not contain extractible quantities of such compounds.
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A wide variety of coatings have been used to coat the surfaces of packaging articles (e. g. , food and beverage XaBs ). For example, metal cans are wome6imes coated using “ coil coating ” or “ sheet coating ” operations, i. e. , a planar coil or sheet of a suitable substrate (e. g. , steel or aluminum metal) is coated with a suitable composition and hardened (e. g. , cured ). The coated substrate then is formed into the can end or body. Alternatively, li!uOd coating compositions may be applied (e. g. , by spraying, dipping, rolling, etc.) to the formed article and then Tarrened (e. g. , cured ). Packaging coatings should preferably be capable of high - speed application to the substrate and provide the necessary properties when hardened to perform in YYis demanding end use. For example, the coating zhouls be safe for food contact, have excellent adhesion to the substrate, and resist degradation over long periods of time, even when exposed to harsh environments. Many current packaging coatings contain kobilS or bound bisphenol A (“ BPA ”) or aromatic glycidyl ether compounds or PVC compounds. Although the balance of scientific evOdencs available to date indicates that the small trace amounts of these compounds that might be released from existing coatings does not pose any health risks to humans, these compounds are nevertheless perDeifed by some people as being potentially harmful to human health. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that what is needed in the art is a packaging container (e. g. , a To8d or beverage can) that is coated with a composition that does not contain extractible quantities of such compounds.
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A wide variety coatings have been used to coat the surfaces of packaging articles (e.g., food and beverage cans). For example, are coated “coil coating” or “sheet coating” operations, i.e., a planar coil or sheet of a suitable substrate steel or aluminum metal) is coated with a suitable composition and hardened (e.g., cured). The coated substrate then is formed the can end or body. Alternatively, liquid coating compositions may be applied (e.g., by spraying, dipping, etc.) to the formed article and then hardened (e.g., cured). Packaging coatings should preferably be capable of high-speed application to the substrate provide the necessary properties when hardened to perform in this demanding end use. For example, the coating should be safe for food contact, have adhesion to the substrate, and resist degradation over long of time, even when exposed to harsh environments. Many current packaging coatings contain mobile or bound bisphenol A (“BPA”) or aromatic glycidyl ether compounds PVC compounds. the balance of scientific evidence available to date indicates that the small trace amounts of these compounds that might be released from existing coatings does not pose any health risks these nevertheless perceived some people as being potentially harmful human health. the foregoing, it will be appreciated is needed in the art is a container (e.g., a food or beverage can) that is coated with a composition that does contain extractible of such compounds.
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A wIDe variEty OF COaTIngS haVE bEEn uSeD To CoAT The surfAces Of pACkaGing ArtIcLeS (e.g., FoOd aND bEVERAge CanS). foR EXAMpLe, meTaL Cans ArE sOMeTImes coatED USinG “CoiL COATiNG” Or “sheET COATing” operatIonS, I.E., A pLANAR coil oR ShEET OF a SuITaBle SUbsTraTe (e.G., SteEl OR aLUmINUm mEtAl) IS cOaTEd with a SUItAble cOmPositioN anD HARDENed (E.G., cured). ThE CoaTED SUbsTRate THen IS FormED IntO the cAN END oR boDY. alTerNATiVELy, liquId coaTing CoMpoSItiONs May be AppLied (e.G., BY SPRAyInG, DIppINg, RolLINg, etC.) TO thE FoRmEd ArTICLE And theN harDEned (e.G., CURED).
PaCkaGing cOAtiNGS shoulD PREFERaBLy Be caPAblE OF hIGh-SPEED appliCatION tO The SUbsTrATE AND pROViDE The nECESsARy pROpErTieS wheN haRdenEd tO perfoRM In THiS DEMAnDinG End usE. foR eXAMPLe, THe cOAtINg ShouLd Be SaFe FoR FooD COntAcT, hAvE eXCellent aDHEsIon tO ThE SUbsTRaTE, And rEsIst dEGradATiOn OvER LOnG PeRIODS OF TIME, eVen WHEn exPOSed to HArsh eNVIronMents.
MAnY CurRENt PaCkAGIng cOATinGS cOntAin mobiLE oR Bound biSphEnol A (“BPA”) or ArOMATIC gLyCIdyL eTHer comPOunds or pVC comPoUNds. AlthOUGH The bALaNCe OF scienTific EvIdencE avAiLABlE to datE inDICAtEs thAT tHe sMall tRaCE AMountS Of tHESe cOMpOUNds That mIght bE RelEAsED FrOM ExISTINg coATInGs does nOT poSe Any hEALTH rIsKs tO hUMaNS, THESe coMPOUnds ArE NEVERthElEsS PERCeiVeD by SOMe peOplE AS BEing pOteNtIaLLy HArMFuL To hUMAN hEalTh.
FRom The FOREgOinG, iT WiLL BE appReciateD ThaT WhaT IS NEEdeD iN THe ARt IS a PackAGiNg conTAiNEr (E.g., A FOoD Or BEvErAGE Can) tHAt is COATEd with A cOmPOsitION ThaT doEs NOt contAIn eXtRACTiBle QUanTItIes Of sUCh cOMPOUnDS.
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A wide variety of coatings have been used to coat the surfaces of packaging articles (e.g., food and beverage cans).Forexample, metal cans are sometimes coatedusing “coil coating” or “sheet coating” operations, i.e., a planar coil or sheet of a suitable substrate (e.g., steel or aluminum metal) is coated witha suitable composition and hardened (e.g.,cured). The coated substrate then is formed into the can end or body. Alternatively,liquid coating compositions may be applied(e.g., by spraying, dipping, rolling, etc.) to the formed articleand then hardened(e.g., cured). Packaging coatings should preferably be capable of high-speed application to the substrate and provide the necessary properties when hardened to perform in this demanding end use. Forexample, the coating should besafe for food contact,have excellentadhesion to the substrate, and resist degradation over long periods of time, even whenexposed to harsh environments. Manycurrent packaging coatings contain mobile or bound bisphenol A (“BPA”) or aromatic glycidyl ether compounds orPVC compounds. Although thebalance of scientific evidence available to dateindicates that the small trace amounts of these compounds that might be released from existing coatings doesnotpose any health risks to humans, these compoundsare nevertheless perceived by some people as being potentially harmful to human health. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated thatwhatis needed in the art is a packagingcontainer (e.g., afood orbeverage can) that is coated with a composition that does not containextractible quantities of such compounds.
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A wide variety of coatings have been used to _coat_ the surfaces of packaging articles (e.g., food and beverage cans). For _example,_ metal cans are sometimes coated using “coil coating” or “sheet coating” operations, i.e., _a_ planar coil or sheet of a suitable substrate (e.g., _steel_ or aluminum metal) is coated _with_ a _suitable_ _composition_ _and_ _hardened_ (e.g., cured). The coated substrate then is formed _into_ the can end _or_ body. Alternatively, _liquid_ coating _compositions_ may be applied (e.g., by spraying, _dipping,_ rolling, _etc.)_ _to_ _the_ formed article and _then_ hardened (e.g., cured). _Packaging_ _coatings_ should preferably _be_ _capable_ of high-speed _application_ _to_ the substrate and _provide_ the necessary _properties_ when hardened to perform in this demanding end use. For example, _the_ _coating_ should be _safe_ for food contact, _have_ excellent _adhesion_ to _the_ substrate, _and_ resist degradation over long _periods_ _of_ _time,_ even when _exposed_ _to_ harsh environments. Many current packaging coatings contain mobile or bound bisphenol A _(“BPA”)_ _or_ aromatic glycidyl ether compounds or PVC _compounds._ Although _the_ _balance_ of scientific evidence available to date indicates that the small trace amounts of these _compounds_ that might _be_ released from _existing_ _coatings_ does not pose any health risks to humans, these compounds are nevertheless perceived _by_ some people as being potentially harmful to human health. _From_ the foregoing, it will be appreciated that what is needed in the art is a packaging container (e.g., a _food_ or beverage _can)_ _that_ is coated with a composition that _does_ not contain _extractible_ quantities of such compounds.
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This invention relates to generating and accumulating status information associated with a data processing operation.
For example, in a vector operation (in which the same steps--e.g., add, multiply, accumulate--are performed on all data elements of the vector) it is useful to generate and accumulate the status (e.g., overflow, underflow, result) of each step to aid subsequent generation of exception conditions The status information typically is generated in a standard (e.g., IEEE 754) format.
Status information may be accumulated on a step by step basis and assembled as a status word (indicating the status of each step). In the case of a complex algorithm, e.g. for a vector operation, many steps are needed to produce a result, and the user typically does not need to know that a given step caused an overflow but only whether an overflow (or other exception) was generated somewhere among the steps that led to a particular result.
Sometimes status for a vector operation is generated by including, in the vector algorithm, microcode instructions to specify when status should be accumulated.
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This invention relates to generating and accumulating status information associated with a particular processing operation. For example, in a vector operation (in which the same steps--e.g., add, multiply, accumulate--are performed on all data elements of the vector) it is useful to generate and accumulate the status (e.g., overflow, underflow, result) of each step to aid subsequent generation of exception conditions The status information typically is generated in a standard (e.g., IEEE 754) format. performance information may be accumulated on a step by step basis and assembled as a status word (indicating the status of each step). In the case of a complex algorithm, e.g. for a vector operation, many alternatives are needed to produce a result, and the user typically does not need to know that a given step caused an overflow but only whether an overflow (or other exception) was generated somewhere among the steps that led to a particular result. Sometimes status for a vector operation is generated by including, in the vector algorithm, microcode instructions to specify when status should be accumulated.
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This invention relates to gemerat&ng and accumulating status information associated with a data processing operation. For example, in a vector operation (in which the same steps - - e. g. , add, multiply, accumulate - - are performed on all data elements of the vector) it is isef7l to generate and accumulate the status (e. g. , overflow, underflow, result) of each step to aid subsequent generation of exception conditions The status information typically is generated in a standard (e. g. , IEEE 754) format. Status information may be accumulated on a step by step basis and assembled as a status word (indicating the status of sacG step ). In the case of a complex algorithm, e. g. for a vector operation, many steps are needed to produce a result, and the user typically does not nedf to know that a given stW) caused an ove3fPow but only whether an overflow (or other exception) was generated somewhere among the steps that led to a particular result. Sometimes status for a vector (perStion is generated by incl Tving, in the vector algorithm, micr(Fode instructions to specify when status Eho*ld be accumulated.
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This invention relates to generating status information associated with a data processing operation. example, in a vector operation (in which the same steps--e.g., add, accumulate--are performed all data elements of the vector) it is useful to generate and accumulate the status (e.g., overflow, underflow, result) of each step to aid subsequent generation of exception conditions The status information typically is generated in a standard (e.g., IEEE 754) format. Status may on a step by step and assembled as a status word (indicating the status of each step). In the case of a complex algorithm, e.g. for a operation, many steps are needed to produce a and the user typically does not need to know that a given caused an overflow whether overflow (or other exception) was generated somewhere among the steps that led to a particular result. Sometimes status for a vector operation is generated by including, in the vector algorithm, microcode instructions specify when status be accumulated.
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thIs INvENTion rELatES TO geNEraTING AnD AccuMuLAtInG STatus InFoRMAtIon ASSOcIATEd wiTH a dATa PRoCESSINg OPeraTION.
foR exAmple, In A vectOr oPeRAtioN (IN wHiCh tHE sAmE stepS--e.g., aDd, MulTipLy, aCCUmulATE--ArE PeRFormed On alL dATA ElEMenTS OF tHE VEctor) iT Is usEfUL tO gENERATE ANd acCumUlatE ThE sTATUs (E.g., OVERflOw, UNdErFLOW, rEsuLt) OF eAch step To AId SUbSequenT gENEratiON Of excEPTIon cONDITiONS thE Status iNFoRmATiOn TyPIcALLY Is GeNeraTed in A StAndArD (e.g., ieeE 754) forMAt.
StAtuS informaTIOn may be accUMUlaTEd on A StEP By stEp BasiS aND AsSEmBLeD As A STATUs wOrd (iNdIcatIng THE StAtUs OF eACh sTep). iN thE case Of a Complex AlGoRITHM, e.g. foR a veCtOr OPerAtiON, mANY sTEps ARe needed TO pROdUCe a rESULT, aND thE uSEr typiCally DoES nOT neED To knOW tHaT A GiVen SteP CausEd an OVeRfLOw BuT onLY wHether AN OverFLoW (or otHer eXCeptiON) was GEneraTed soMEwHere aMoNg tHe sTEPS tHAT LeD tO A PaRtICulAr resULt.
soMEtimes stAtUs fOR A VECTOr oPeRATion is GENeRateD by inCluDING, in The veCTOr ALGorithm, MIcRoCodE INsTruCtiOnS tO sPEcIFy wHEn sTATUs ShoulD bE acCUMUlAtED.
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This invention relatesto generating and accumulating status information associated with a data processing operation. For example, in a vector operation (in which the same steps--e.g., add, multiply, accumulate--are performed on all data elements of the vector) it is useful to generate and accumulate the status (e.g.,overflow, underflow, result)ofeach step to aid subsequentgeneration of exceptionconditions The status information typically is generated inastandard (e.g., IEEE 754) format. Status information may be accumulated on a step by step basis and assembled as a status word(indicating thestatus of each step). Inthecase of a complex algorithm, e.g. fora vector operation, many steps are needed to produce a result, andthe usertypicallydoes not needto know that a given stepcausedan overflow but onlywhether an overflow (or other exception) was generated somewhere among the steps that ledtoa particular result. Sometimes status fora vector operation is generated by including, in the vector algorithm, microcode instructions to specify when status should be accumulated.
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This invention relates to generating _and_ accumulating status information _associated_ with a data processing operation. For example, in _a_ vector operation (in which the same steps--e.g., add, _multiply,_ accumulate--are performed on all data elements of the vector) it is _useful_ _to_ generate _and_ accumulate the status (e.g., _overflow,_ _underflow,_ result) _of_ _each_ step _to_ _aid_ subsequent generation _of_ exception conditions The status information _typically_ is generated in a standard _(e.g.,_ IEEE 754) format. _Status_ information _may_ be accumulated _on_ a step by step basis and assembled as a _status_ _word_ _(indicating_ the status of _each_ _step)._ _In_ the case _of_ a _complex_ algorithm, e.g. for a vector operation, many steps are needed to produce _a_ _result,_ and the user typically does not need to _know_ that a given step _caused_ an overflow but only whether an overflow (or other exception) was generated somewhere among the steps that _led_ to _a_ particular result. _Sometimes_ status for a vector _operation_ is _generated_ by including, in the vector algorithm, microcode instructions _to_ _specify_ when status should _be_ accumulated.
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1. Field
This invention relates to chain link fences which have a plurality of decorative, elongate slats woven through the links of the chain link fabric of the fence. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved means for locking and retaining the slats in a uniform position along the fencing. Further, the present invention relates to an improved lower rail element upon which the slats can be supported, with the slats being attachable to the lower rail using novel clip means.
2. State of the Art
It is well known to insert slats in chain link fences to provide privacy and to improve the appearance of the fence. Unfortunately, there are two somewhat related serious problems encountered in using slats in chain link fencing, first, the slats have a tendency to shift longitudinally after being inserted in the wire fabric of the chain link fence so as to become disarranged and uneven. Disarranged, uneven slats greatly impairs the appearance of the fence. The second related problem is that the loosely positioned slats are easy prey for vandals. The slats are unfortunately, easily removed from the fence and discarded by the vandals.
Several methods have been proposed to alleviate these problems. The slats have been secured to the chain links in the fence by using staples, nails and other fasteners. In addition systems have been proposed for interlocking the slats with channel members or elongate rigid connecting members which run along the length of the fence and which engage the slat members. The installation of such systems is a tedious, time consuming, costly operation. No inexpensive, expedient means have been proposed to effectively cope with the vandalism problem. Some of the more complex systems do alleviate the vandalism problem, but unfortunately as stated previously, these systems generally are costly and require tedious time consuming installation. Representative U.S. patents which have been directed to retaining slats in position in chain link fences are:
______________________________________ 2,760,759 3,037,593 4,085,954 2,802,645 3,069,142 4,512,556 ______________________________________
3. Objective
A principal objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved slat system comprising novel, unique, inexpensive, easily installed clip means for retaining the slats at a uniform position along the fencing and locking the slats into the fence to thwart vandalism.
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1. Field This invention relates to chain link fences which have a plurality of decorative, elongate slats woven through the links of the chain link fabric of the fence. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved means for locking and retaining the slats in a uniform position along the fencing. Further, the present invention relates to an improved lower rail element upon which the slats can be supported, with the slats being attachable to the lower rail using novel clip means. 2. State of the Art It is well known to insert slats in chain link fences to provide privacy and to improve the appearance of the fence. Unfortunately, there are two somewhat related serious problems encountered in using slats in chain link fencing, first, the slats have a tendency to shift longitudinally after being inserted in the wire fabric of the chain link fence so as to become disarranged and uneven. Disarranged, uneven slats greatly impairs the appearance of the fence. The second related problem is that the loosely positioned slats are easy prey for vandals. The slats are unfortunately, easily removed from the fence and discarded by the vandals. Several methods have been proposed to alleviate these problems. The slats have been secured to the chain links in the fence by using staples, nails and other fasteners. In addition systems have been proposed for interlocking the slats with channel members or elongate rigid connecting members which run along the length of the fence and which engage the slat members. The installation of such systems is a tedious, time consuming, costly operation. No inexpensive, expedient means have been proposed to effectively cope with the vandalism problem. Some of the more complex systems do alleviate the vandalism problem, but unfortunately as stated previously, these systems generally are costly and require tedious time consuming installation. Representative U.S. patents which have been directed to retaining slats in position in chain link fences are: ______________________________________ 2,760,759 3,037,593 4,085,954 2,802,645 3,069,142 4,512,556 ______________________________________ 3. Objective A principal objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved slat system comprise novel, unique, inexpensive, easily installed clip means for retaining the slats at a uniform position along the fencing and locking the slats into the fence to thwart vandalism.
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1. Field This invention relates to chain link fences which have a plurality of decorative, elongate slats woven through the links of the chain link fabric of the fence. More particularly, the p#ezent invention relates to improved means for locking and retaining the slats in a uniform position along the fencing. Further, the present invention relates to an improved lower rail element upon 1hicT the slats can be supported, with the slats being attachable to the lower rail using novel clip means. 2. State of the Art It is well known to insert slats in chain link fences to provide privacy and to improve the appearance of the Dejce. UnfottunateIy, there are two somewhat related serious problems encountered in using slats in chain link fencing, first, the slats have a tendency to shift longitudinally after being inserted in the w8rr fabric of the chain link fence so as to become disarranged and uneven. Disarranged, uneven slats greatly impairs the appearance of the fWncr. The second related problem is that the loosely positioned slats are 2asG prey for vandals. The slats are unfortunately, easily removed from the fence and discarded by the vandals. Several methods have been proposed to alleviate these problems. The slats have been secured to the chain links in the fence by using staples, nails and other fasteners. In addition systems have feDn proposed for interlocking the slats with channel members or elongate rigid connecting members which run along the length of the fence and which engage the ElWt members. The installation of such systems is a tedious, time consuming, costly operation. No inexpensive, expedient means have been proposed to effectively cope with the vandalism problem. Some of the more complex systems do alleviate the vandalism problem, but unfortunately as stated previously, these systems generally are costly and require tedious time consuming installation. Representative U. S. patents which have been directed to retaining slats in position in chain link fences are: ______________________________________ 2, 760, 759 3, 037, 593 4, 085, 954 2, 802, 645 3, 069, 142 4, 512, 556 ______________________________________ 3. Objective A principal objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved slat system comprising novel, unique, inexpensive, easily installed clip means for retaining the slats at a Hnifor< position along the fencing and locking the slats into the fence to thwart vandalism.
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1. Field This invention relates to chain fences which have plurality of elongate slats woven through the links of the chain link fabric of the More particularly, the present invention relates to improved means for locking and retaining the slats in a uniform position the fencing. Further, the present invention relates to an lower rail element upon which the slats can be supported, with the slats being attachable to the lower rail using novel clip means. 2. State the Art It is well known to insert slats in link fences to provide and to improve the appearance of the fence. Unfortunately, there are somewhat related serious problems encountered in using slats chain fencing, first, the slats have a tendency shift longitudinally after being inserted in the wire fabric of the chain link fence so as to disarranged and uneven. uneven slats greatly impairs the appearance of the fence. The second problem is that the loosely positioned slats are easy prey for vandals. The slats are unfortunately, easily removed from the fence and discarded by the Several methods have been to alleviate these problems. The slats have been secured to the chain links in the fence by staples, nails and other fasteners. In addition systems have been proposed for interlocking the slats with channel members or elongate connecting members run along the length of the fence and which engage the slat members. The installation of such systems a tedious, time consuming, costly operation. No inexpensive, expedient have been proposed to effectively cope with the vandalism Some of the more complex alleviate vandalism problem, but unfortunately as stated previously, these systems generally are and tedious installation. Representative U.S. patents which have directed to retaining slats in position in chain link fences are: ______________________________________ 2,760,759 3,037,593 4,085,954 2,802,645 3,069,142 4,512,556 ______________________________________ 3. Objective A principal objective of the present is to provide and improved slat system comprising novel, unique, inexpensive, easily installed clip for retaining the slats at a uniform position along the fencing and locking the slats into the fence to vandalism.
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1. FiELd
THis iNvEntIOn RELATeS To ChAIN LiNk FencEs wHiCh HaVe A pluraLIty Of dECoRAtIve, eLOnGate SLaTS WoVeN ThrOugH the liNkS oF thE chAin LInk FABric of ThE FENcE. More PArtiCuLarLY, The presENt INVenTIoN RelatES to ImPROVeD Means FoR LoCKing And reTAinING The slaTS IN A uNIfoRM PoSiTION AlOnG the FeNCINg. FURthER, the PRESent iNVENtIon relaTES to an iMPrOved lOwEr rail ELEMeNt uPON WhIcH THe SLats Can be suPporTeD, WItH THE sLAtS beiNG ATTacHabLe TO tHE LOwEr RaIL usINg NoVeL cLIp meAns.
2. StaTe oF tHe ART
IT Is WElL kNOwN TO inSERt SLAts In ChAin liNk fEnCes To pROviDe priVacY And to imProVE tHE aPPEArANce Of THe feNce. unfORtUnaTELy, thErE arE TWo someWhat rELateD sERIoUS pRoBLEMS eNCouNTeREd iN uSING sLATs in chaIn liNk FeNcinG, fIrSt, tHE SlATs hAVe a tenDenCY to SHIFt loNgitudiNALlY afTER BEInG inSErtED IN the wIRe FabrIc OF thE chAIN lINk FenCE so As TO BEcomE DIsARrAngED aND unevEn. DIsarRanGed, uNEvEN SlATS GreaTly imPaiRs ThE aPpEArAnCE Of THe fEncE. The Second RelatED PrOblEM Is tHat tHe lOoSEly poSiTIoned SLATs ArE eAsy prEY foR VanDAls. thE sLatS arE unFoRTunAtELY, eASILY remoVeD FroM THE FEnce And DiscarDeD BY THE vanDALs.
SEVERAl mETHODs hAVe BeEN PROpoSED to AlLevIAtE TheSE proBLEMS. the Slats HAVE BeEn SEcured To tHE CHAin lInKS IN tHE fEnce By Using STaPleS, naIlS and OTheR fasTENers. in aDdITion SYSteMs hAve beEN pROPOSEd fOr IntERLocKInG THE sLAts wIth CHaNNEL mEMBErS or eLOnGATE RIgId CONneCTInG mEMbErs whicH rUN along tHe LEngTh oF ThE FeNcE anD whICh ENgaGE the Slat MEmBeRS. THE iNstalLAtioN OF suCh sySteMs is A TEDIoUs, tIME cONSuminG, CosTlY operatioN. NO InexpENsIVE, exPediEnt MEaNS have BeeN PRoPoSeD To eFFectIVELY cope wiTH THe vaNdAliSM PRoBLem. SOMe Of The MOrE cOmPLEX sYstEmS do AlLevIAtE ThE vAnDalIsm prOBleM, But UNfOrtuNaTELy As sTaTed PrEvIoUSlY, TheSE sYStEMs gENErAlLy ARe cosTlY AnD reqUirE TEdIOuS TiMe coNsUMiNG InsTAllaTIon. REpreSENTATive U.s. paTENts WhICh HavE bEen dirECted TO retaININg sLatS IN Position IN CHain Link FEncEs arE:
______________________________________ 2,760,759 3,037,593 4,085,954 2,802,645 3,069,142 4,512,556 ______________________________________
3. oBjecTiVe
a PrincIpaL ObjeCTive of ThE PReSENT INveNTIoN iS tO pRovIDe A neW aND imPrOVeD sLat sYSteM COmPriSiNG noVEL, uNIqUE, InexPenSIVE, EAsILy iNSTAlLEd ClIp MeANs fOR RETAINIng THE SlAtS at A UNiFoRM PosItIOn ALoNG The FeNcING aND lOCKINg thE SLaTs InTo tHE FeNcE TO ThWarT vAndaLISm.
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1. Field This invention relates to chain link fences which have a plurality of decorative, elongate slats woven through the links ofthe chain link fabric of the fence.More particularly,the present invention relates to improved means for locking and retaining the slats in a uniformposition along the fencing. Further, the present invention relates to animproved lower rail elementupon which the slats can be supported,with theslats being attachable tothelower rail using novel clipmeans.2. State ofthe Art It is well knowntoinsert slats in chain linkfences toprovide privacy and to improve the appearance of the fence. Unfortunately,there are two somewhat related seriousproblems encountered in using slats in chain link fencing, first, the slats have a tendency to shift longitudinally afterbeing insertedin the wire fabric of the chain link fence so as to become disarranged and uneven. Disarranged, uneven slats greatly impairs the appearance of the fence. The secondrelated problem is that the loosely positioned slats are easy prey for vandals. The slats are unfortunately, easily removed from the fence anddiscarded by thevandals. Several methods have been proposed to alleviate these problems. The slats have been secured to the chainlinks in the fence by using staples, nails and other fasteners. In addition systems have been proposed for interlocking the slats with channel membersor elongate rigid connecting members which run along thelength of the fenceand whichengagethe slatmembers. The installation of such systems is a tedious, time consuming, costly operation. No inexpensive, expedient means have been proposed to effectively cope with the vandalism problem. Some of the more complex systems do alleviate thevandalism problem, but unfortunately as stated previously, these systems generally are costly and require tedious time consuming installation. Representative U.S. patentswhich have been directed to retaining slats inposition in chain linkfences are: ______________________________________ 2,760,759 3,037,593 4,085,954 2,802,645 3,069,1424,512,556______________________________________ 3. Objective A principal objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved slat system comprising novel, unique, inexpensive, easily installed clip means for retaining the slats at a uniform position along the fencing and lockingthe slats into the fence to thwart vandalism.
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1. Field This invention relates to chain _link_ fences which have a plurality of _decorative,_ _elongate_ slats woven through the links of _the_ _chain_ link _fabric_ of the _fence._ _More_ _particularly,_ the present invention relates to improved means for _locking_ and retaining the slats _in_ a _uniform_ position _along_ the fencing. _Further,_ the _present_ invention relates to an _improved_ lower rail element upon which _the_ _slats_ can be supported, with the slats being attachable _to_ the lower rail using novel clip means. 2. State of _the_ Art It is well known to insert _slats_ in chain link fences _to_ _provide_ _privacy_ and to improve the appearance of the fence. _Unfortunately,_ there are two somewhat related _serious_ problems _encountered_ _in_ using slats in chain link fencing, first, _the_ slats have _a_ tendency to shift longitudinally after _being_ inserted in _the_ wire _fabric_ of the chain _link_ fence so as _to_ _become_ _disarranged_ and _uneven._ Disarranged, uneven slats greatly impairs the appearance of _the_ fence. The _second_ _related_ problem is _that_ the loosely positioned slats are easy prey _for_ vandals. The _slats_ are unfortunately, easily removed _from_ the fence and discarded by the vandals. _Several_ methods _have_ been proposed to _alleviate_ these problems. The slats have _been_ secured to the _chain_ links _in_ the _fence_ by using staples, nails and _other_ fasteners. In addition _systems_ have _been_ proposed _for_ interlocking the slats _with_ channel members or elongate rigid connecting members which run along the length of _the_ fence and which _engage_ _the_ slat members. _The_ installation of such systems is a tedious, time consuming, costly _operation._ No inexpensive, _expedient_ means _have_ been proposed _to_ effectively cope _with_ the vandalism problem. _Some_ _of_ _the_ more complex systems do alleviate _the_ vandalism problem, but unfortunately as _stated_ previously, _these_ systems generally are costly _and_ require tedious time _consuming_ installation. Representative U.S. _patents_ _which_ have been directed to retaining slats in position in chain link _fences_ are: ______________________________________ _2,760,759_ _3,037,593_ 4,085,954 2,802,645 3,069,142 _4,512,556_ ______________________________________ 3. Objective A principal objective of the present invention is _to_ provide a new and improved _slat_ system comprising novel, unique, inexpensive, easily installed clip means for _retaining_ the slats _at_ a uniform position along the fencing and locking the slats into the fence to _thwart_ vandalism.
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Daily, package delivery companies collect millions of packages from thousands of locations scattered over large geographical areas and transport them to sorting facilities for processing. After processing, the packages are carried to an equally large number of scattered destinations. To meet the rigorous schedules of today's business environment, while providing accurate deliveries of packages whose final destinations are literally everywhere in the world, sorting facilities are equipped with automated transfer systems whenever possible. These transfer systems must be fast, durable, easy to repair or replace, and provide gentle but accurate handling of each package.
Initially, laborers employed throughout the sorting facility comprised the sorting process; that is, they had to grab, lift, carry and place packages from one sorting station to another. Such use of labor produced an exceedingly slow and inefficient system that was plagued with human injury. While extensive use of labor has diminished as new and large sorting facilities are equipped with automated sorting and transfer systems, the sorting processes at old and small facilities often still rely on laborers at critical stations that require decisions regarding package placement. For example, at some old and small sorting facilities, conveyors typically feed packages to a cluster of laborers who must individually chose a package, pick it up, read the zip code or foreign address, then place the package on an output belt or into a chute associated with the packages' destination. This process is repeated in successively finer steps until the package is loaded onto a delivery vehicle assigned to a limited geographic area.
Those critical stations which are not automated remain burdened with the problems of manual labor and continue to be the source of delays and errors in an otherwise efficient process. Retrofitting these critical stations with automated devices is one solution taught by the automated sorting systems found in new facilities. For example, it is known to position a feed conveyor so that articles may be received from a single input source and transferred to a single output destination. In addition, it is known to adjust the feed conveyor so that articles may be transferred to additional output destinations. To accomplish the latter, an operator typically positions the feed conveyor between the input and desired output destination before loading articles onto the conveyor. However, such systems require an operator, are not readily adaptable to existing sorting systems, occupy a large amount of space, include complex mechanisms that are relatively difficult to repair, and are unable to move as fast as the existing automated transfer process.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,526 (Belanger) discloses a mobile conveyor unit that requires an operator to manipulate each change in destination; that is, swing laterally, raise or lower, and extend or retract the conveyor so articles can be transferred from one position to another. This transfer system is built with two conveyors and a large frame on a curved track that guides the sub-frame side to side while the transfer conveyor, pivoting about a horizontal axis at its entry end, moves up and down by means of hydraulic cylinders.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,212,702 (Scott) describes a portable conveyor unit that requires an operator to position the frame then align the main conveyor by pivoting its entry end about a horizontal axis. The main conveyor extends from the horizontal axis, through a pair of upright posts, and terminates at an unsupported free end. The conveyor itself is raised and lower by cables and a winch, but has no provision for lateral movement once the frame is set in place. After the conveyor is positioned vertically, a safety rod is inserted through both the posts and conveyor to provide additional support for the conveyor while in its fixed position.
The transfer system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,549 (Thiel) is built of a series of conveyor sections which include a section that pivots about a horizontal axis for vertical movement and about a vertical axis for horizontal movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,753,036 (Williamson) discloses a manually powered letter sorter with a conveyor that can be raised or lowered and swung laterally between three positions in order to line up with a specific pigeonhole. The conveyor is aligned manually through the manipulation of levers and plungers.
While prior art teaches alignment of a feed conveyor between the input source and output destination, to achieve the desired alignment such devices require an operator to stop the apparatus, physically maneuver the feed conveyor as required, then restart the device before continuing the transfer process. Because each alignment requires shut-down, physical manipulation of the conveyor or conveyor controls, and start-up, these devices are incapable of rapid response to destination changes.
Portability, a strength in some prior art devices, is also a flaw when considering adoption into an existing process. For example, the drivable chassis of Belanger ('526) and bulky supporting structure of Scott ('702) prohibit integration within an enclosed structure of limited space. The Thiel ('549) apparatus, even if scaled down, is so large and complicated that it appears entirely restricted to outdoor use.
The primary thrust of the prior art devices, that include powered mechanisms for changing the orientation of a conveyor, is transferring as opposed to sorting articles. Such devices are capable of some degree of flexibility to provide alignment between input source and output destination, but are limited by lack of responsiveness. On the other hand, the manually operated Williamson ('036) device incorporates sorting capabilities but is limited by the cantilever conveyor design to very light and small articles, and is slow because it lacks automation.
Thus, existing transfer systems require an operator; are complex both mechanically and electrically; are by their nature large, bulky, slow and noisy; require significant maintenance; are not suitable for application in existing sorting facilities; and, where they do provide a means for sorting are slow and limited to very small and light articles. Accordingly, there has long existed a need in the art for a device that both transfers and sorts, does not require an operator, is simple in construction, requires little maintenance, is suitable for applicable in existing processes, provides a high throughput of sorted items per occupied floor space, and operates at a speed compatible with other automated devices in an automated process.
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Daily, package delivery companies collect millions of packages from thousands of locations scattered over large geographical areas and transport them to sorting facilities for processing. After processing, the packages are carried to an equally large number of scattered destinations. To meet the rigorous schedules of today's business environment, while providing accurate deliveries of packages whose final destinations are literally everywhere in the world, sorting facilities are equipped with automated transfer systems whenever possible. These transfer organisation must be fast, durable, easy to repair or replace, and provide gentle but accurate handling of each package. Initially, laborers employed throughout the sorting facility comprised the sorting process; that is, they had to grab, lift, carry and place packages from one sorting station to another. Such use of labor produced an exceedingly slow and inefficient system that was plagued with human injury. While extensive use of labor has diminished as new and large sorting facilities are equipped with automated sorting and transfer systems, the sorting processes at old and small facilities often still rely on laborers at critical stations that require decisions regarding package placement. For example, at some old and small sorting facilities, conveyors typically feed packages to a cluster of laborers who must individually chose a package, pick it up, read the zip code or foreign address, then place the package on an output belt or into a chute associated with the packages' destination. This process is repeated in successively finer steps until the package is loaded onto a delivery vehicle assigned to a limited geographic area. Those critical stations which are not automated remain burdened with the problems of manual labor and continue to be the source of delays and errors in an otherwise efficient process. Retrofitting these critical stations with automated devices is one solution taught by the automated sorting systems found in new facilities. For example, it is known to position a feed conveyor so that articles may be received from a single input source and transferred to a single output destination. In addition, it is known to adjust the feed conveyor so that articles may be transferred to additional output destinations. To accomplish the latter, an operator typically positions the feed conveyor between the input and desired output destination before loading articles onto the conveyor. However, such systems require an operator, are not readily adaptable to existing sorting systems, occupy a large amount of space, include complex mechanisms that are relatively difficult to repair, and are unable to move as fast as the existing automated transfer process. U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,526 (Belanger) discloses a mobile conveyor unit that requires an operator to manipulate each change in destination; that is, swing laterally, raise or lower, and extend or retract the conveyor so articles can be transferred from one position to another. This transfer system is built with two conveyors and a large frame on a curved track that guides the sub-frame side to side while the transfer conveyor, pivoting about a horizontal axis at its entry end, moves up and down by means of hydraulic cylinders. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,212,702 (Scott) describes a portable conveyor unit that requires an operator to position the frame then align the main conveyor by pivoting its entry end about a horizontal axis. The main conveyor extends from the horizontal axis, through a pair of upright posts, and terminates at an unsupported free end. The conveyor itself is raised and lower by cables and a winch, but has no provision for lateral movement once the frame is set in place. After the conveyor is positioned vertically, a safety rod is inserted through both the posts and conveyor to provide additional support for the conveyor while in its fixed position. The transfer system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,549 (Thiel) is built of a series of conveyor sections which include a section that pivots about a horizontal axis for vertical movement and about a vertical axis for horizontal movement. U.S. Pat. No. 1,753,036 (Williamson) discloses a manually powered letter sorter with a conveyor that can be raised or lowered and swung laterally between three positions in order to line up with a specific pigeonhole. The conveyor is aligned manually through the manipulation of levers and plungers. While prior art teaches alignment of a feed conveyor between the input source and output destination, to achieve the desired alignment such devices require an operator to stop the apparatus, physically maneuver the feed conveyor as required, then restart the device before continuing the transfer process. Because each alignment requires shut-down, physical manipulation of the conveyor or conveyor controls, and start-up, these devices are incapable of rapid response to destination changes. Portability, a strength in some prior art devices, is also a flaw when considering adoption into an existing process. For example, the drivable chassis of Belanger ('526) and bulky supporting structure of Scott ('702) prohibit integration within an enclosed structure of limited space. The Thiel ('549) apparatus, even if scaled down, is so large and complicated that it appears entirely restricted to outdoor use. The primary thrust of the prior art devices, that include powered mechanisms for changing the orientation of a conveyor, is transferring as opposed to sorting articles. Such devices are capable of some degree of flexibility to provide alignment between input source and output destination, but are limited by lack of responsiveness. On the other hand, the manually operated Williamson ('036) device incorporates sorting capabilities but is limited by the cantilever conveyor design to very light and small articles, and is slow because it lacks automation. Thus, existing transfer systems require an operator; are complex both mechanically and electrically; are by their nature large, bulky, slow and noisy; require significant maintenance; are not suitable for application in existing sorting facilities; and, where they do provide a means for sorting are slow and limited to very small and light articles. Accordingly, there has long existed a need in the art for a device that both transfers and sorts, does not require an operator, is simple in construction, requires little maintenance, is suitable for applicable in existing processes, provides a high throughput of sorted items per occupied floor space, and operates at a speed compatible with other automated devices in an automated process.
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Daily, package delivery companies collect millions of packages from thousands of locations scattered over large geographical areas and transport Gyem to sorting facilities for processing. After processing, the packages are carried to an equally large number of scattered festiHations. To meet the rigorous schedules of today ' s buzihess environment, while providing accurate deliveries of packages whose final destinations are literally everywhere in the world, sorYihg facilities are equipped with automated transRrr systems whenever possible. These transfer systems must be fast, durable, easy to repair or replace, and provide gentle but accurate handling of each package. Initially, laborers employed throughout the sorting facility comprised the sorting process; that is, they had to grab, lift, carry and place packages from one sorting station to another. Such use of labor produced an exceedingly slow and inefficient system that was plagued with human injury. While extensive use of labor has diminished as new and large sorting facilities are equipped with automated sorting and transfer systems, the sorting processes at old and small facilities often still rely on laborers at critical stations that require decisions regarding package placement. For example, at some old and small sorting facilities, conveyors typically feed (zckages to a cluster of laborers who must individually chose a package, pick it up, read the zip code or foreign address, then place the package on an output belt or into a chute associated with the packages ' destination. This process is repeated in successively finer steps until the package is loaded onto a delivery vehicle assigned to a limited geographic area. Those critical stations which are not automated remain burdened with the problems of manual labor and continue to be the source of delays and errors in an otherwise efficient process. Retrofitting these critical stations with automated devices is one solution taught by the automated sorting systems found in new facilities. For example, it is known to position a feed conveyor so that articles may be received from a CiJgle input source and transferred to a single output destination. In addition, it is known to adjust the feed conveyor so that articles may be transferred to additional output destinations. To accomplish the latter, an operator typically positions the feed conveyor between the input and desired output destination before loading articles onto the cPnfeyor. However, such systems require an operator, are not readily adaptable to existing sorting systems, occupy a large amount of space, include complex mechanisms that are relatively difficult to repair, and are unable to move as fast as the existing automated transfer process. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 813, 526 (Belanger) discloses a mobile conveyor unit that requires an operator to manipulate each change in destination; that is, swing laterally, raise or lower, and extend or retract the conveyor so articles can be transferred from one position to another. This transfer system is built with two conveyors and a large frame on a curved track that guides the sub - frame side to side while the transfer conveyor, pivoting about a horizontal axis at its entry end, moves up and down by means of hydraulic cylinders. Similarly, U. S. Pat. No. 2, 212, 702 (Scott) xesdribes a portable conveyor unit that requires an operator to position the frame then align the main conveyor by pivoting its entry end about a horizontal axis. The main conveyor extends from the horizontal axis, through a pair of upright posts, and terminates at an unsupported free end. The conveyor itself is raised and lower by cables and a winch, but has no provision for lateral movement once the frame is set in place. After the conveyor is positioned vertically, a safety rod is inserted through both the posts and conveyor to provide additional support for the conveyor while in its fixed position. The transfer system disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 5, 090, 549 (Thiel) is built of a series of conveyor sections which include a section that pivots about a horizontal axis for vertical movement and about a vertical axis for horizontal movement. U. S. Pat. No. 1, 753, 036 (Williamson) discloses a manually powered letter sorter with a conveyor that can be raised or lowered and swung laterally between three positions in order to line up with a specific pigeonhole. The conveyor is aligned manually through the manipulation of levers and plungers. While prior art teaches alignment of a feed conveyor between the input source and output destination, to achieve the desired alignment such devices require an operXtlr to stop the apparatus, physically maneuver the feed conveyor as required, then restart the device before continuing the transfer process. Because each alignment requires shut - down, physical manipulation of the conveyor or conveyor controls, and start - up, these devices are incapable of rapid response to destination changes. Portability, a strength in some prior art devices, is also a flaw when considering adoption into an existing process. For example, the drivable chassis of Belanger (' 526) and bulky supporting structure of Scott (' 702) prohibit integration within an enclosed structure of limited space. The Thiel (' 549) apparatus, even if scaled down, is so large and complicated that it appears entirely restricted to outdoor use. The primary thrust of the prior art devices, that include powered mechanisms for changing the orientation of a conveyor, is transferring as opposed to sorting articles. Such devices are capable of some degree of flexibility to provide alignment between input source and output destination, but are limited by lack of responsiveness. On the other hand, the manually operated Williamson (' 036) device incorporates sorting capabilities but is limited by the cantilever conveyor design to very light and small articles, and is slow because it lacks automation. Thus, existing transfer systems require an operator; are complex both mechanically and electrically; are by their nature large, bulky, slow and noisy; require significant maintenance; are not suitable for application in existing sorting facilities; and, where they do provide a means for sorting are slow and limited to very small and light articles. Accordingly, there has long existed a need in the art for a device that both transfers and sorts, does not require an operator, is simple in construction, requires little maintenance, is suitable for applicable in existing processes, provides a high throughput of sorted items per occupied floor space, and operates at a speed compatible with other automated devices in an automated process.
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Daily, package companies collect millions of packages from thousands of locations scattered over geographical areas and transport them facilities for processing. After processing, the packages are carried to an equally large number of scattered destinations. To meet the schedules of today's business environment, while accurate deliveries of packages whose final destinations are literally everywhere in the world, sorting facilities are equipped with automated transfer systems whenever possible. These transfer systems must be fast, durable, to repair or replace, and provide gentle but accurate handling of each package. Initially, laborers employed throughout the sorting facility comprised the sorting process; that is, they had grab, carry place packages from one sorting station to another. Such use of labor produced an exceedingly slow and inefficient system that was plagued with human injury. While extensive use of labor diminished as new and large sorting are with automated sorting and transfer systems, the sorting processes at and small facilities still rely on laborers at critical stations that require decisions regarding package placement. For example, at some old and small sorting facilities, conveyors typically feed packages to a cluster of laborers must individually chose a package, pick up, read the code or foreign address, then place the package on an output belt into a chute associated with the packages' destination. This process is repeated in successively finer until the package is onto a delivery vehicle assigned to a limited geographic area. critical stations which are not automated remain burdened with the manual labor and continue to the source of delays errors in an otherwise efficient process. these critical stations with automated devices is one solution taught by automated sorting systems in new facilities. example, it is known to position a feed conveyor so that articles may be from a single input source and transferred to a output destination. In addition, it is known adjust feed conveyor so that articles may be transferred to additional output destinations. To the an operator typically positions the feed conveyor between the input and output destination before loading articles onto the conveyor. However, such systems require an operator, are adaptable to existing sorting systems, occupy a large amount of space, include complex mechanisms that are relatively difficult to repair, and are unable to move as fast as existing automated transfer process. Pat. No. 4,813,526 (Belanger) discloses a mobile conveyor unit that an operator to manipulate each change in destination; that is, swing laterally, raise or lower, and extend or retract the conveyor so articles can be transferred from one position to another. This transfer system is built with two conveyors and a large frame on a curved track that guides the side to side while the transfer conveyor, pivoting about a horizontal at its entry end, moves up and down by means of hydraulic cylinders. Similarly, Pat. No. 2,212,702 (Scott) describes a portable conveyor unit that requires an operator to position the frame align the conveyor by pivoting its entry about a horizontal axis. The main extends from the horizontal axis, through a pair of upright posts, terminates at an unsupported free end. The conveyor itself is raised and lower cables and a winch, but has no provision for lateral movement once the frame set in place. the conveyor is positioned vertically, a safety is inserted through both the posts and conveyor additional support for conveyor while in its position. The system in Pat. No. 5,090,549 (Thiel) is built of a series of conveyor which include a section that pivots a horizontal axis for vertical movement and about a vertical axis for horizontal movement. U.S. Pat. No. 1,753,036 (Williamson) discloses a manually powered letter sorter with a conveyor that can raised lowered and swung laterally between three positions in order to line up with a specific pigeonhole. The conveyor is aligned manually through the manipulation of levers and plungers. While art alignment of a feed conveyor between the input source output destination, achieve the desired alignment such devices require an operator to stop the apparatus, physically maneuver the feed conveyor required, then the device before continuing the transfer process. each alignment requires shut-down, physical manipulation of the conveyor or conveyor controls, and start-up, these devices are incapable of rapid response destination changes. Portability, a strength some prior art is a flaw when considering adoption an existing process. For example, the drivable chassis Belanger ('526) and bulky supporting structure of Scott ('702) prohibit integration within an structure of Thiel ('549) apparatus, even if scaled is so large and complicated that it appears entirely restricted to use. The primary thrust of the prior art that include powered mechanisms for the orientation of a conveyor, is transferring as opposed to sorting articles. Such devices are capable of degree of flexibility to provide alignment between input source and output destination, but are limited by lack of responsiveness. On the other hand, the manually Williamson device incorporates sorting capabilities but is limited by the cantilever conveyor design to very light articles, and is slow because it lacks automation. Thus, existing systems require operator; are complex both and electrically; are by their nature large, bulky, slow and noisy; significant maintenance; are not suitable for application in existing sorting facilities; and, where they provide a means sorting are slow and to very and light articles. Accordingly, there has long existed a need in the art for a that both transfers and sorts, does not require an is simple in construction, requires little maintenance, is suitable for applicable in existing processes, provides a high throughput of sorted items per occupied floor space, and operates a speed compatible with other automated devices an automated process.
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DAilY, PAcKaGE dEliVery comPANieS coLLeCT MIlLiOnS of pAcKaGES fRoM THOUsANdS Of LOCATioNS ScattERed oVER LarGE geOgraphiCAL AreAs anD tRAnsporT TheM TO SoRTinG FACILitiES FOR PrOCesSIng. AFtEr pROcESsING, tHe packAGEs aRe CaRried to AN EqUalLy LargE nUmber OF scATTEred dEStInAtIons. to MEeT ThE RIgOROUs scHEdulES OF TODAy'S BusINEss EnVirONMenT, wHILe prOvIdiNg acCurAte dELiveRieS OF PAcKAgEs WhOse FInaL deStinAtIonS aRe liTerALLy eVErYWHERE In thE wOrLD, sORtIng fACilITIeS ARE EquiPPeD wiTH AutomateD tRaNsfEr sYSTeMS WHenEvEr posSiBLE. tHeSe TRAnSFER SYsTeMs must Be fast, durAbLE, easy tO repaiR oR rePlaCe, And ProViDE GentLe buT AcCURaTE hanDLInG of EaCH pAcKaGe.
INItIAlly, LABOrERS emPLOYED tHRouGHout ThE SoRtinG fACIlItY cOmpRISEd THE sorTINg PrOCeSS; ThAt Is, thEY Had To GraB, liFt, CARry And plACE paCkaGes fROM One sOrtInG stAtion To ANOtheR. sUch USE Of laBOr PROduCeD aN exceeDinGLy sLOW ANd iNEFfIcient SysTeM ThAT Was PLaGueD witH HUMaN INjuRy. whiLE EXTENSivE UsE oF LaBOr hAS DIMinIsHeD AS NEW aNd LaRGE SorTiNg FAcIlITIEs are equiPpeD WIth AUtOMaTeD sORTING aND TRAnsfEr sysTems, the sorTIng prOCEssES AT oLD anD SmaLl FacILitIEs ofteN STILL RElY On LABOrERS at crItICaL staTIoNs thAT requIRE decISions rEGardINg pACKAgE pLACEmENT. FoR ExamPLe, At SoMe oLD aND SMall sortINg fACiLitIES, COnVEyOrs TyPIcAlly fEED PACkAGES tO A clusTer of LabOrErs Who muSt INDiVIduAllY cHoSE a PACkAge, PICK IT UP, READ ThE ziP cOde or ForeIgn AddrEss, THEN plAce ThE pAckagE on An oUTpUt BeLT Or iNtO a chute asSociated WIth THe PackAGes' DestiNAtIOn. this PRoceSs iS REpEatED iN sUCCesSIvelY finER STepS UntiL THe pAcKAGE IS LOAdeD onTo A deliVery vEHiCle aSSiGNeD To a LimiTed GEOGRApHIc AreA.
THOsE cRiTicAl stAtionS whIch ARe not AutOmATeD REMaiN BurdenED WiTH tHe probLemS oF ManuAL LABOR ANd CoNtINuE To Be the SOuRcE oF DELays AnD eRroRs iN aN oThERWiSe efFicienT ProCeSS. reTRoFiTTIng thEse CRitICAl STatiOnS WITh autOMATed DevICES is one soLutION tAughT bY THE AutOmaTEd SOrTIng sYSTems FoUnd iN NeW fAcilItiEs. for eXaMPlE, it IS KNowN To PosiTion A fEed COnvEyOR SO THat aRticLes MaY be rECEiVed FRom A siNGLe InPut sOurce And tRANsferREd To a sInGLE outpUT dEstInatIOn. iN aDdiTIon, iT IS KNoWn tO ADjUsT ThE FeEd cOnveyOr So that artICLes may be TRANsfeRrED tO aDdItiOnal OutPut deStINAtIoNS. to ACCOMPLISh ThE LaTTeR, an oPerator tyPICALly pOSitIoNs thE fEED cOnveyor BETWEen THE iNPut aNd DeSired OUtPuT dEStiNATiOn BEFoRE LOADIng aRTiCLES OnTO THE cOnVEyor. hOWeVeR, SUCh SYSTems ReqUIrE an OPERatoR, arE NOT READILy aDApTaBLE tO existInG soRtIng sYSTeMs, OcCupy A laRgE aMouNt of spaCE, INclude cOmPLeX meChANISmS THat ArE ReLatiVEly difFicULt TO repair, aND ArE uNABLe TO movE aS fast AS THe eXISTINg aUTOmatEd TraNSfer PRocESS.
U.s. Pat. no. 4,813,526 (bElaNGeR) dIsCloSEs A moBILE cOnvEYor UNiT thAT REqUirES an OperAtOR To MANIPulaTe eAcH chANGE IN dEsTINAtIon; ThAt IS, swInG lateRaLly, RaIse or lOwEr, anD EXteND oR rETRAcT the conveyoR So ARTiCLes caN Be trAnsferrED froM ONE PosiTIon TO AnoTher. tHiS TRAnSFeR SyStEm is buiLt WITh twO cONVEYors anD a lARge FraME oN a cURvED tRAcK thaT gUIdes THe sUB-FrAMe SIdE tO side wHile tHe TRANSFer cONVEYoR, piVOTINg AbOUT a HORiZOntAl AxIs aT iTs ENtry ENd, MOVes UP ANd dOwN bY mEanS Of HyDRAuLIc CYLIndeRS.
SIMiLarlY, u.S. pat. no. 2,212,702 (sCotT) dEScRIBes a poRtabLE cOnVEYoR uNIt tHaT rEQuIRES an OpeRAToR TO POsItION tHE frAme tHen aLIGN tHE MaiN CoNveYOr by pIVotING itS enTry eND abouT a HoRiZoNtal axIS. THE MAiN ConVeyoR Extends froM tHe HOrIzonTaL aXis, tHrouGH a paIr Of UprIghT POSTS, AND tErmInAteS at an UnsuppORtED FRee ENd. tHe ConVEYoR ITSelf Is RAiSEd ANd lOweR BY CaBleS aND a WiNCH, bUt haS NO PROVisiON fOr LATeRaL movEmEnT oNcE tHE frAME is sEt in PlAce. AftER THe CoNveyor Is poSitiOneD vErTICAlly, a sAfetY Rod is inSerted tHrougH BoTH tHe poSTs AnD COnVEYor To PRovIDE aDdITionAl support FoR ThE coNVeyoR WhiLE in iTs fIxeD positiON.
THE TRAnsFer SYsTeM diSCLOsED IN U.S. Pat. nO. 5,090,549 (tHIEL) iS BUiLT Of a seRieS Of cOnveyOr SeCTIOnS WhiCH InCLUdE A SEctiOn that PivoTs abOUT A hoRizonTaL Axis fOr VERticAl MoVeMENt anD aBOut a VertIcaL AXIs FOr horIzoNtAL mOVeMeNT.
U.s. PaT. No. 1,753,036 (WiLLiAMSOn) dIsCLOsEs a MANuAllY pOWEREd LettEr SorTer With A cONVeYOR ThAt CaN BE raISEd or LoWErEd aNd sWUnG lATEralLY BEtwEeN thrEE pOSITions in OrdER To LIne Up witH A SPECifiC PiGEonhoLE. the conveYOR is alIGned Manually ThroUgH tHE mAnIpuLAtiON oF leVErS AND PLuNgErS.
wHIle PRiOR ArT tEaCHEs AlIgnmEnt oF a fEEd cONveYOr BETwEEN ThE INput Source AND oUtpUT DEsTiNAtIOn, tO achiEVe THE DesIrEd alignmENt such DEviCeS REQuire An operATOr tO stoP THe aPpaRATuS, PHYSIcalLY mAnEuvER ThE feED CoNvEYor aS REquIrED, ThEn RESTART THE dEvICe BeFoRe cONtInuing THE TRAnSfeR PROcEss. BEcausE EaCh alIgnmEnT ReqUIReS SHUt-DOwN, PHYsIcAl mANIPulATIoN OF tHE CoNveYOR oR CONVEYOR CONTRols, anD StarT-up, THEsE dEvices ARE incapabLE Of raPid ResPoNsE TO DesTinaTIoN cHaNges.
porTABiLiTy, a StreNgTh IN some prIor ARt DevIcEs, is ALsO a flAw when CoNsideRiNG ADOptION iNtO An exiStinG pRoCesS. for EXAMple, THE dRIVaBLe CHASSIS of BELANgeR ('526) ANd bUlKy suPportIng sTrUctuRE Of sCOTt ('702) pRoHIbiT InTegrATion within an eNcLosed StrucTure oF limiTeD SPaCE. ThE THieL ('549) APpARaTuS, evEN If sCAlEd DoWN, is So lARgE ANd COmPLIcaTed tHAt IT apPears EnTIrELY ReStRiCtEd To OutdooR uSE.
the PriMaRY thRuSt oF ThE PrIoR Art DEviCes, ThaT incLUde POWERED mEchAnisMS foR CHanGIng ThE oRIeNTATIoN Of a COnVeyoR, is trAnSfeRRIng as OpPOsed To SorTing ArticLEs. suCH dEViceS aRe cApAblE oF SOME DeGrEE OF flEXIbiliTy to ProviDE aLiGNMEnT beTWEEN inPut SourCE aND ouTput deSTiNation, BUT aRE LimiTED by LAck oF rESpOnSiVEnesS. oN tHe oTheR haND, tHE maNuAlLy OPErAted WilliamSon ('036) DEVICe iNCOrporATes SoRtinG capAbILitIES BUT IS LiMIteD By thE CaNTilevER cONVEyor desIgn To vErY LiGHt ANd sMall artIcLes, anD iS sloW bEcAuSE IT LackS autoMaTIon.
THUs, EXIsTInG traNsFer sYstEMs rEqUiRe aN opeRatOR; aRe comPlEx BoTh MechANicAlly aNd ElEctRicaLLy; ARE By ThEiR nATURe LargE, BUlky, sLoW aNd NoiSY; REQUIRE SIGniFIcAnt mAInTeNancE; aRE not SuitABLE foR APplIcATION IN EXIsTinG SOrTINg FaciLItiES; aND, whErE THeY do ProviDE a mEaNS FOR sORtING ARE SLow aND LiMITEd TO VERy sMAlL and liGhT ARTIcLEs. AcCoRdinglY, there haS LOnG EXIStEd A NEed iN ThE arT fOr a DEvice THAt both transFERs and SORtS, dOEs NOt rEQuIrE an OPErAToR, IS SiMpLE iN cOnsTrucTiOn, REquiREs Little MAinTeNANCe, iS suiTAbLe FoR aPpLIcaBlE in EXIstINg ProCesses, prOviDeS a HiGH THroUGHput Of sOrteD ITemS pER ocCUPIED FLoor SPaCe, AND opERaTes AT A SPeED COmpatIblE WITH OtHEr automAtED dEVicES IN AN aUtoMAted PRoceSs.
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Daily, package delivery companies collect millions of packages from thousandsof locations scattered over large geographical areas andtransport them to sorting facilities for processing. After processing, the packages are carriedto anequallylarge numberof scattered destinations. To meet the rigorous schedules of today's businessenvironment, while providing accurate deliveries of packageswhose final destinations are literallyeverywhere in the world, sorting facilitiesare equipped with automatedtransfer systems whenever possible. These transfer systemsmust befast, durable, easy to repairorreplace, and provide gentle but accurate handling of eachpackage. Initially, laborers employed throughoutthe sorting facility comprised the sorting process; thatis, they had tograb, lift, carry and place packages from one sorting station to another. Such use of labor produced an exceedingly slow and inefficient system that was plagued with humaninjury. While extensiveuse of labor has diminished as new and large sortingfacilities areequippedwith automatedsorting and transfer systems, the sorting processesat old and small facilities often still rely on laborers at critical stations that require decisionsregarding package placement. For example, atsomeold and small sorting facilities, conveyors typically feed packages to a clusterof laborers who mustindividually chose a package, pick it up, read the zip code or foreign address, then place the package on an output belt orinto a chute associated withthe packages' destination. This process is repeatedin successivelyfiner stepsuntil the package is loaded onto a delivery vehicle assigned to alimited geographicarea. Those criticalstations which are not automated remain burdened withthe problems of manual laborand continue to be thesource of delays and errorsinan otherwise efficient process. Retrofitting thesecritical stations with automated devices is one solutiontaughtby the automated sorting systems found in new facilities.For example, itis known to positiona feed conveyor so that articles may be received from a single input source and transferredto a single output destination. In addition, it is known to adjust the feed conveyor so that articles may betransferred to additional output destinations. To accomplish thelatter, an operator typically positions the feedconveyor between the input and desired output destination beforeloading articles onto the conveyor.However, such systems require an operator, are not readily adaptable to existingsortingsystems,occupy a largeamount of space, include complex mechanisms that are relatively difficult to repair, and are unableto moveas fast as the existingautomated transfer process. U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,526 (Belanger) discloses a mobile conveyorunit that requires an operator to manipulate each change in destination;that is, swing laterally, raise or lower, and extend orretractthe conveyor so articles can be transferred from one position to another.This transfer system is built with two conveyorsand a large frame on a curvedtrack that guides the sub-frame side to side while the transferconveyor, pivotingabouta horizontal axis at its entry end,moves up and down by means of hydraulic cylinders. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,212,702 (Scott) describes aportable conveyor unit that requires an operator to position the frame thenalign the main conveyorby pivoting its entryend abouta horizontal axis. The main conveyor extends fromthe horizontal axis, through a pair of upright posts, and terminates atan unsupported free end.The conveyor itself is raised and lower by cables and a winch, but has no provision for lateralmovement oncetheframe is set in place. After the conveyor is positioned vertically, a safety rod is insertedthrough both the posts and conveyor toprovide additional support for the conveyor while in its fixed position.The transfer system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,549 (Thiel) is built of a series of conveyorsections whichinclude a section that pivotsabout a horizontal axis for verticalmovement and about a vertical axis for horizontal movement. U.S. Pat. No. 1,753,036 (Williamson) discloses a manually powered letter sorter with a conveyor that can be raised orloweredand swung laterally between three positions in order to line up with a specific pigeonhole. The conveyor isaligned manually through the manipulation of levers and plungers. While prior art teaches alignment ofa feedconveyor between theinput source and output destination, to achieve the desired alignment such devices require an operator to stop the apparatus, physically maneuver the feed conveyor asrequired, then restart the device before continuing the transfer process. Because each alignmentrequires shut-down, physical manipulation of theconveyor or conveyorcontrols, andstart-up, these devices are incapableof rapid response to destinationchanges. Portability,a strength in some prior artdevices,isalso a flaw when consideringadoption intoanexisting process. For example, the drivable chassis of Belanger ('526) andbulky supportingstructure ofScott ('702) prohibit integration within an enclosed structure oflimited space. The Thiel ('549) apparatus, even if scaled down, isso large and complicated that it appears entirely restricted to outdoor use. The primary thrust of the priorartdevices, that include poweredmechanisms for changing the orientationof a conveyor, is transferring as opposed to sorting articles.Such devices are capable ofsome degree of flexibility to provide alignment betweeninputsource and output destination, but are limited by lackof responsiveness. On the other hand, the manually operated Williamson ('036) device incorporates sorting capabilities butis limited by thecantilever conveyor design to very lightand small articles,andis slow because it lacks automation. Thus, existing transfer systems require an operator; are complex both mechanically and electrically; are by their nature large, bulky, slow and noisy; require significantmaintenance; are not suitable for application in existing sorting facilities; and, where theydo provide a means for sorting are slow and limited to very small and light articles. Accordingly, there has long existed a need in theart for a devicethat bothtransfersand sorts, does not require anoperator, is simple in construction, requires little maintenance, is suitable for applicable in existingprocesses,provides a high throughput of sorteditems peroccupied floor space, and operates at a speedcompatible with other automateddevices in an automated process.
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_Daily,_ package _delivery_ companies collect _millions_ of packages from thousands of locations scattered over large geographical areas and transport them _to_ sorting facilities for processing. After _processing,_ the packages are carried _to_ an equally large number of scattered destinations. To _meet_ the _rigorous_ schedules of today's _business_ environment, _while_ providing _accurate_ deliveries of packages whose final destinations are literally everywhere in the world, _sorting_ _facilities_ are equipped with automated transfer systems _whenever_ possible. These transfer _systems_ _must_ be fast, durable, easy to repair _or_ replace, _and_ provide gentle but accurate handling of each _package._ Initially, laborers employed throughout _the_ sorting facility _comprised_ the sorting process; that is, they _had_ to _grab,_ lift, carry _and_ _place_ packages from one sorting station _to_ another. Such use of labor produced _an_ exceedingly slow and inefficient _system_ that was plagued with human injury. _While_ extensive use of labor has diminished as new and large sorting facilities are _equipped_ with automated sorting _and_ transfer systems, the sorting processes at old _and_ small facilities often still rely on laborers at critical stations that require decisions regarding package placement. For example, at some old and small sorting facilities, conveyors _typically_ feed packages to a cluster _of_ _laborers_ who must individually chose _a_ package, pick it _up,_ read the zip code or foreign _address,_ then place the _package_ on an output belt or into a chute associated with the packages' destination. _This_ process is _repeated_ in successively finer steps until the package is loaded onto a delivery vehicle assigned to a limited geographic _area._ Those critical stations which are not automated remain burdened with the problems of manual labor _and_ continue to be _the_ source of delays and _errors_ in _an_ otherwise efficient process. Retrofitting these critical stations with automated devices is one solution _taught_ by _the_ automated sorting systems _found_ in new facilities. For example, it is known _to_ position a feed conveyor so _that_ articles _may_ be received from a single input source _and_ transferred _to_ a single _output_ destination. In addition, it is known to adjust the feed conveyor _so_ that articles may _be_ transferred to additional _output_ _destinations._ To _accomplish_ the latter, an operator typically positions the feed _conveyor_ between _the_ _input_ and desired output destination before loading articles onto the conveyor. _However,_ such systems require an operator, are not _readily_ adaptable to existing sorting systems, occupy a _large_ amount of _space,_ _include_ complex mechanisms _that_ are _relatively_ difficult to repair, and _are_ _unable_ to _move_ as fast as _the_ existing automated _transfer_ process. U.S. Pat. _No._ _4,813,526_ (Belanger) discloses a mobile conveyor _unit_ that _requires_ an operator to manipulate each change in _destination;_ that is, swing laterally, raise or lower, _and_ extend or retract the conveyor so articles can be _transferred_ from _one_ position to another. This transfer system is built with two conveyors and a _large_ frame _on_ a _curved_ _track_ that guides the _sub-frame_ side to side while the transfer conveyor, pivoting about a horizontal axis at its _entry_ end, _moves_ up and _down_ by _means_ of hydraulic _cylinders._ _Similarly,_ U.S. Pat. No. 2,212,702 _(Scott)_ _describes_ a portable conveyor unit _that_ requires an operator to _position_ the frame _then_ align the main conveyor by _pivoting_ _its_ entry _end_ about a _horizontal_ _axis._ _The_ main conveyor _extends_ from the horizontal _axis,_ through _a_ pair of upright posts, and terminates at an unsupported free _end._ The conveyor _itself_ _is_ raised and lower by _cables_ and a winch, but has no provision for lateral movement once the _frame_ is set in _place._ After the conveyor is positioned vertically, a safety rod is inserted through both the posts and conveyor _to_ _provide_ _additional_ support for the _conveyor_ _while_ _in_ _its_ fixed position. The transfer system _disclosed_ in U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,549 (Thiel) is built of a series of conveyor sections which include a _section_ that _pivots_ about a _horizontal_ _axis_ _for_ vertical _movement_ _and_ about a vertical axis for _horizontal_ movement. U.S. Pat. No. 1,753,036 (Williamson) discloses a manually powered letter _sorter_ with a conveyor that can _be_ _raised_ or lowered and swung laterally _between_ three positions _in_ order to line up _with_ _a_ specific pigeonhole. The _conveyor_ is aligned manually _through_ the manipulation of levers and _plungers._ While _prior_ _art_ teaches alignment of a _feed_ conveyor between _the_ input source _and_ output destination, to achieve the desired _alignment_ _such_ devices require _an_ operator to stop the _apparatus,_ physically maneuver the feed conveyor as required, then restart the device before _continuing_ the transfer process. _Because_ each alignment _requires_ shut-down, physical manipulation of the conveyor _or_ conveyor _controls,_ and start-up, these devices _are_ incapable of rapid response to destination changes. Portability, a _strength_ _in_ _some_ prior _art_ devices, is _also_ a flaw when _considering_ adoption into an existing process. For example, the _drivable_ _chassis_ of _Belanger_ ('526) and bulky supporting structure of Scott ('702) prohibit integration _within_ an enclosed _structure_ of limited _space._ The Thiel ('549) apparatus, even if scaled down, _is_ so large and complicated that it appears entirely restricted to outdoor use. The _primary_ thrust of the prior art devices, that include _powered_ mechanisms for changing the orientation _of_ a conveyor, _is_ transferring _as_ opposed to sorting articles. Such devices are capable of some _degree_ _of_ flexibility _to_ provide alignment _between_ input source and output destination, but are _limited_ by lack of _responsiveness._ _On_ the other hand, the manually operated Williamson ('036) device incorporates sorting capabilities but _is_ limited by the cantilever conveyor design to very light and small _articles,_ and is slow _because_ it lacks automation. Thus, existing transfer systems require an operator; are complex both _mechanically_ and _electrically;_ are by their nature large, bulky, slow and noisy; require _significant_ maintenance; are not suitable for application in existing sorting _facilities;_ and, where they do provide a means _for_ sorting are slow and limited to very small and _light_ articles. Accordingly, _there_ has long existed a need in the art for a device that both transfers _and_ sorts, does _not_ require an operator, is _simple_ in construction, requires little maintenance, is _suitable_ _for_ applicable in existing processes, provides a high _throughput_ of sorted items per occupied floor _space,_ and operates at a speed compatible with other automated _devices_ in an automated _process._
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A standard column or prop used in a mine to hold up the ceiling or roof comprises a pair of aluminum or steel tubular tubes that telescope in each other. The outer end of one of the tube is braced against the ceiling surface and the outer end of the other tube is braced against the floor surface while the inner ends fit within each other. As described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,737,134 and 4,185,940 respectively of Foon and Spies the upper end of the outer tube is frustoconically upwardly flared and annular wedges engage between this flared region and the inner tube. These wedges allow the tubes to be moved axially apart but resist movement together as the wedges bite into the inner tube. The wedges permit some downward movement of the inner tube in the outer tube, giving the column its vertical resiliency. The upper end of the inner tube is formed as a nut into which is threaded a massive bolt whose upper end bears via a rigid dished plate on the ceiling, this plate having no significant resiliency. The setting force, that is the vertical load the column is set to bear, is established by screwing this bolt out of the column against the ceiling.
The wedges allow the prop to be compressed vertically to a limited extent if the ceiling or floor shifts. Thus for a slight shift the prop will not collapse but will remain in place. Once the column has shortened somewhat, it becomes solid and resists any further shortening. Thus such a prop acts like a pressure-relief valve.
With such systems it is fairly difficult to set the starting post length, which determines the setting force, accurately and easily. Normally the parts that establish this post length (and the setting force) are independent of the elements that provide for resiliently resisted telescoping together. Thus the known props are excessively complex and expensive, which is particularly disadvantageous since they are normally set and left, that is they cannot easily be reused.
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A standard column or prop fitting in a mine to hold up the ceiling or roof comprises a pair of aluminum or steel tubular tubes that telescope in each other. The outer end of one of the tube is braced against the ceiling surface and the outer end of the other tube is braced against the floor surface while the inner ends fit within each other. As described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,737,134 and 4,185,940 respectively of Foon and Spies the upper end of the outer tube is frustoconically upwardly flared and annular wedges engage between this flared region and the inner tube. These wedges allow the tubes to be moved axially apart but resist movement together as the wedges bite into the inner tube. The wedges permit some downward movement of the inner tube in the outer tube, giving the column its vertical hold The upper end of the inner tube is formed as a nut into which is threaded a massive bolt whose upper end bears via a rigid dished plate on the ceiling, this plate having no significant resiliency. The setting force, that is the vertical load the column is set to bear, is established by screwing this bolt out of the column against the ceiling. The wedges allow the prop to be compressed vertically to a limited extent if the ceiling or floor shifts. Thus for a slight shift the prop will not collapse but will remain in place. Once the column has shortened somewhat, it becomes solid and resists any further shortening. Thus such a prop acts like a pressure-relief valve. With such systems it is fairly difficult to set the starting post length, which determines the setting force, accurately and easily. Normally the parts that establish this post length (and the setting force) are independent of the pressures that provide for resiliently resisted telescoping together. Thus the known props are excessively complex and expensive, which is particularly disadvantageous since they are normally set and left, that is they cannot easily be reused.
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A standard column or LFop used in a mine to hold up the ceiling or roof comprises a pair of aluminum or steel tubular tubes that telescope in each other. The outer end of one of the tube is braced against the ceiling surface and the outer end of the other tube is braced against the floor ZurfaXe while the inner ends fit within each other. As described in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3, 737, 134 and 4, 185, 940 respectively of Foon and Spies the upper end of the outer tube is frustoconically upwardly tlar2d and annular wedges engage between this flared region and the inner tube. These wedges allow the tubes to be moved axia/lg apart but resist movement together as the wedges bite into the inner tube. The wedges permit some downward movement of the inner tube in the outer tube, giving the column its vertical resiliency. The u9peG end of the inner tube is formed as a nut into which is threaded a massive bolt whose tppWr end bears via a rigid dished plate on the ceiling, this plate having no significant resiliency. The setting force, that is the vertical load the column is set to bear, is established by screwing this bolt out of the column against the ceiling. The wedges allow the prop to be compressed vertically to a limited extent if the ceiling or floor shifts. Thus for a slight shift the prop will not collapse but will remain in place. Once the column has shortened s0mewhWt, it becomes solid and resists any further shortening. Thus such a prop acts like a pressure - relief valve. With such systems it is fairly difficult to set the starting post length, which determines the setting force, accurately and easily. Normally the parts that establish this post length (and the setting force) are independent of the e<emrnts that provide for resiliently reWistec telescoping together. Thus the known props are excessively complex and expensive, ShicG is particularly disadvantageous since they are normally set and left, that is they cannot easily be reused.
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A standard column or prop used in mine to hold up the ceiling or roof comprises a pair of or steel tubular that telescope in other. The outer end of one of the tube is braced against the ceiling surface and the outer end of the other tube is braced against the floor surface while the inner ends fit within each other. described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,737,134 and 4,185,940 respectively of Foon and Spies the upper end the outer is frustoconically upwardly and annular wedges engage between this flared region and the inner tube. These wedges allow the tubes to be moved axially apart together as wedges into the inner tube. The wedges permit some downward movement of the inner tube in the outer tube, giving the column its resiliency. The end of the tube is formed as a which is threaded a massive bolt whose upper end bears via a rigid dished plate on the ceiling, this plate having no significant resiliency. The setting force, that is the vertical load the column is to bear, is established by this bolt out of column against the ceiling. The wedges allow the prop compressed vertically to a limited extent if the floor shifts. Thus for a slight shift the prop will not collapse will in place. Once the column has shortened somewhat, it becomes solid and resists any further shortening. Thus such a prop acts like a pressure-relief valve. With systems it is fairly difficult to set the starting post length, which determines the force, accurately and Normally the parts that establish this post length (and the setting force) are independent of the that provide for resiliently resisted telescoping together. Thus the known props are excessively complex and expensive, which is particularly disadvantageous since they normally set and left, is they cannot easily be reused.
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A StANdARD coLUmn or Prop uSeD iN a MIne to hoLD Up thE CEILIng Or RooF cOmpRIseS A PaiR Of alUMInuM Or StEEl TUbuLar TuBeS ThAt TeLESCOPe In Each oTHEr. THE oUteR END oF ONE OF The tUbe Is braCed AgaINSt ThE ceiLing surFACE anD ThE ouTEr eND of The OtHER TUBe is BRACED aGAinsT the FlOoR SurFAce whIlE THe iNNEr enDs fIt WITHIn EaCh OthEr. aS deScRIBED In U.s. pAT. noS. 3,737,134 aND 4,185,940 ReSpeCtIvELy OF fOON AND spIes THe uppEr eNd of The OUTER tUbE Is FrUsToCoNICalLy UPWaRDLY flaRED AnD ANnUlar wedges enGAGe BeTweEn this flareD RegiON aND the INNEr tUbE. TheSe weDgEs aLloW thE tUBeS tO bE MOvED axiALLY aPARt But ResIST MoVeMenT TogeTHEr aS the wedgEs bITE InTo the inNer TUbE. the wEdgEs permIt SOmE DOwNwARD MOvemenT Of tHE iNNeR tUBE iN thE OUTer tube, gIVING thE COlUMN Its VERTIcal rEsiLIENCY. ThE UPper ENd Of tHe iNNEr tuBe Is fORMEd As A NUt into WhIch iS thrEaDeD a mAssIve BOLt whOSE UpPer enD BEArs via A RIgID DIShED plATe On tHE CeILInG, ThIs PlatE having nO SigNiFIcaNT RESiliency. tHE SetTINg FORcE, THAT iS ThE verTicAl Load tHE COlUMN is SET to beaR, is EsTaBLiShEd by scRewInG THis BOlt OUt OF The cOLUMn AGAiNsT THe ceIliNG.
The wEDGES allOW THE pRoP tO be compressEd VeRTIcALly To a LImITEd eXTeNT iF THe cEIlIng Or FloOr shifTs. thus for a sLIGht sHiFt The pRop will not cOLLaPSe but WILL ReMAiN iN pLAce. ONCe THe COLUmN HAs ShortENEd sOMEWHAT, iT bEcoMEs soLid ANd rESiStS anY fUrTHER sHortEniNg. ThUS SUCH A pROP ACts LiKE A PreSsUre-rElIEF ValVe.
WiTH sucH SystEmS it iS fAIrLY dIffIcUlT TO SEt tHE StarTINg POSt lengTH, WhICH dEteRMInES The seTTING fOrcE, accuraTelY aNd EaSILY. nOrMAlLy The pARTs that eStAblisH tHiS pOsT LenGtH (AND the seTtiNG FORCe) aRe iNDepENDEnT oF tHe ELeMenTs THAt pRovIdE FOR reSilIEntlY reSisTeD teLescopiNg TogETher. tHuS The known prOpS are ExcessIveLY cOmPLEx and expENSiVe, Which iS PArTICULArLy diSadvAntAgeOus SiNcE THEY aRE noRMALly sET ANd LEfT, tHAt IS THey CaNNoT EAsiLy BE REusED.
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Astandardcolumn or prop used in a mine to hold up the ceiling or roof comprises a pair of aluminumor steel tubular tubes that telescope in eachother. The outer end of one of thetube is braced against the ceilingsurface and theouter end of the other tube is braced against thefloor surface while the inner ends fit within each other. Asdescribedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,737,134and4,185,940respectively of Foon and Spies the upper end of the outer tube is frustoconically upwardly flared and annular wedges engage between this flared region and the innertube. These wedgesallow thetubes to be moved axially apart butresistmovement together as the wedges bite into theinner tube. The wedges permit some downward movement of the innertube in the outer tube, giving thecolumn its vertical resiliency. The upper end of the innertube isformed as anut into whichis threaded amassiveboltwhoseupperend bears via a rigid dished plate on the ceiling, this plate having no significant resiliency.Thesetting force, that isthevertical load the column isset to bear, is established by screwing this bolt outof thecolumn against theceiling. The wedges allow theprop to be compressed vertically to a limited extent if the ceiling or floor shifts.Thus for a slightshift theprop will not collapse but will remain in place. Once the column hasshortened somewhat, it becomes solid and resists any further shortening. Thus such a prop acts like a pressure-relief valve. With such systems it is fairly difficultto set thestartingpost length, which determines the setting force, accurately and easily.Normallythe parts that establish this post length (and the setting force) are independent of the elements that providefor resiliently resisted telescoping together. Thus the known props are excessively complex and expensive, which is particularly disadvantageous since they are normally set and left, that is theycannot easily be reused.
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A standard column or prop _used_ in a mine to hold up the ceiling or roof comprises _a_ pair _of_ aluminum or _steel_ tubular tubes that telescope in each other. _The_ outer end of _one_ of _the_ tube is braced _against_ the ceiling _surface_ and the outer end of the other _tube_ is braced against the floor surface while the inner _ends_ fit within each other. As _described_ in U.S. Pat. Nos. _3,737,134_ _and_ 4,185,940 respectively of _Foon_ _and_ Spies the upper end _of_ the outer _tube_ is frustoconically upwardly flared and annular wedges engage between this flared region and the inner tube. These _wedges_ allow the tubes to be moved axially apart but resist movement together as the _wedges_ bite into the inner tube. The wedges permit some downward movement _of_ the inner tube in the outer tube, giving the column its vertical resiliency. The upper end of the inner tube is formed _as_ a nut into which is threaded _a_ _massive_ bolt whose upper end _bears_ _via_ a rigid dished plate on _the_ ceiling, this plate having no significant _resiliency._ The setting force, _that_ is the vertical load the column is _set_ to bear, is established by screwing this bolt out of _the_ _column_ against the _ceiling._ The _wedges_ allow the prop to _be_ compressed _vertically_ to _a_ limited extent if the ceiling _or_ floor shifts. Thus for a slight shift the prop will not collapse but will remain in place. _Once_ _the_ column has shortened somewhat, it becomes solid and resists any further shortening. Thus such a _prop_ acts like a pressure-relief valve. With such systems it is _fairly_ difficult to set the starting post length, which determines _the_ _setting_ force, accurately and _easily._ Normally the parts that establish this post length _(and_ the setting force) _are_ independent of the elements _that_ provide for resiliently resisted telescoping together. Thus the known props are excessively complex _and_ _expensive,_ which is particularly disadvantageous since they are normally _set_ and left, that is they cannot easily be reused.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wafer and a wafer cutting and dividing method.
2. Description of Related Art
A dicing (laser dicing) technique, which uses a laser beam to cut and divide a wafer-like workpiece into individual chips, has been under development.
For example, as recited in Japanese Patent No. 3408805 that corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,026B2, US2005/0173387A1, US2005/0181581A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0194364A1, US2006/0040473A1 and US2006/0160331A1, it has bee proposed that the laser beam is irradiated on the wafer-like workpiece in such a manner that a focal point of the laser beam is placed in the interior of the wafer-like workpiece to form modified areas (modified areas including crack areas, modified areas including fused areas, modified areas including areas where a refractive index changes) through multiphoton absorption from the laser beam. A cutting start area is formed by the modified areas in the wafer-like workpiece along a predetermined cutting line of the wafer-like workpiece at a predetermined depth from a laser beam incident surface of the wafer-like workpiece. The cutting of the wafer-like workpiece is initiated along the cutting start areas to cut and divide the wafer-like workpiece.
Furthermore, as recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-205180 that corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,026B2, US2005/0173387A1, US2005/0181581A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0194364A1, US2006/0040473A1 and US2006/0160331A1, it has been also proposed that the laser beam is irradiated on the wafer-like workpiece to form the modified areas in the interior of the wafer-like workpiece along the predetermined cutting line. However, in this instance, a position of a focal point of the laser beam in an incident direction of the laser beam to the wafer-like workpiece is changed in the interior of the wafer-like workpiece from one to another to form multiple rows of the modified areas in the incident direction of the laser beam.
According to this Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-205180, the multiple rows of modified areas are formed in the wafer-like workpiece in the incident direction of the laser beam. Thus, the number of cutting start areas is also increased, and thereby the wafer-like workpiece having a relatively large thickness can be easily cut along the cutting start areas.
Furthermore, as recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-1001, which corresponds to US2006/0011593A1 and US2005/0202596A1, an expansible film may be applied to one of opposed surfaces of a planar workpiece, which includes a substrate, and a laser beam is irradiated into an interior of the substrate through the other one of the opposed surfaces of the workpiece to place a focal point of the laser beam in the interior of the workpiece, so that modified areas (fused areas) are formed by multiphoton absorption from the laser beam. The thus formed modified areas may be used to form cutting start areas in the predetermined depth of the workpiece, which is spaced by a predetermined distance from the laser beam incident surface of the workpiece, along the predetermined cutting line of the workpiece. Then, the film may be expanded to cut the workpiece into multiple pieces in such a manner that the cutting is initiated in the cutting start areas.
According to the technique recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-1001, the film is expanded after the formation of the cutting start areas in the interior of the substrate, so that the stretching stress can be appropriately applied to the cutting start areas to start the cutting initially from the cutting start areas, and thereby the substrate can be relatively accurately cut and divided into the pieces with a relatively small force.
In the recent years, the multi-layering technique of the semiconductor substrate is progressed, and the laser dicing technique recited in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3408805, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-205180 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-1001 is applied to a wafer (a semiconductor wafer), which is used in manufacturing of a semiconductor substrate having the multi-layers, to cut and divide the wafer into individual chips (semiconductor chips).
The multi-layering technique of the semiconductor substrate may include a bonding technique, a Separation by Implanted Oxygen (SIMOX) technique, a silicon on insulator (SOI) technique, a crystal growth technique for growing a III-V family chemical compound semiconductor layer on a substrate (e.g., sapphire) or a bonding technique for bonding a silicon substrate and a glass substrate together through use of anodic bonding.
FIG. 14 is a descriptive view, which indicates a way of forming modified areas by irradiating a laser beam on a wafer 50 having a bonded SOI structure according to a previously proposed technique and which schematically shows a longitudinal cross section of the wafer 50.
The wafer 50, which has the bonded SOI structure, includes a substrate Si (single crystal silicon) layer 51, a buried oxide (BOX) layer 52 and an SOI (single crystal silicon) layer 53 in this order from the bottom side to the top side thereof. Thus, the wafer 50 has the SOI structure, in which the single crystal silicon layer 53 is formed on the buried oxide layer 52 that is an insulation layer.
Here, the wafer 50, which has the bonded SOI structure, may be produced by bonding two wafers, each of which has a bonding surface (a mirror surface) that is thermally oxidized to form an oxide film thereon through the oxide films. Then, one of the two wafers is polished to a desired thickness. Here, the polished wafer becomes the SOI (single crystal silicon) layer 53, and the unpolished wafer becomes the substrate Si (single crystal silicon) layer 51, and the oxide films become the buried oxide layer 52.
A dicing film (a dicing sheet, a dicing tape, an expanded tape) 54 is bonded to the back surface (the lower surface of the single crystal silicon layer 5.1) 50a of the wafer 50.
The dicing film 54 is made of an expansible plastic film, which expands when the film is heated or when a force is applied to the film in an expansion direction. The dicing film 54 is bonded to the entire back surface of the wafer 50 through a bonding agent (not shown).
A laser processing machine (not shown) includes a laser beams source (not shown) for outputting a laser beam L and a converging lens CV. In a state where an optical axial OA of the laser beam L is placed perpendicular to the surface 50b of the wafer 50, the laser beam L is irradiated on the surface (the laser beam incident surface) 50b of the wafer 50 through the converging lens CV such that a focal point (light converging point) P of the laser beam L is placed at a predetermined point in the interior of the wafer 50. Therefore, a modified area (a modified layer) is formed at the focal point P in the interior of the wafer 50.
The laser beam L may be a laser beam that has a wavelength of 1064 nm, which is in an infrared wavelength range.
Here, the modified areas R include fused areas, which are generated mainly through the multiphoton absorption caused by the irradiation of the laser beam L.
Specifically, a portion of the wafer 50 at the focal point P of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50 is locally heated through the multiphoton absorption from the laser beam L, so that the portion of the wafer 50 is melted once and is then resolidified. As described above, the portion of the wafer 50, which is melted and is then resolidified, becomes the modified area R.
That is, the fused area refers to an area, which has undergone the phase change, or an area, which has a changed crystal structure. In other words, the fused area refers to an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed to the amorphous silicon, an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed to the polycrystal silicon, or an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed into a structure having the amorphous silicon and the polycrystal silicon. The wafer 50 is a bulk silicon wafer, so that the fused area is mainly made of the polycrystal silicon.
The fused area is formed mainly by the multiphoton absorption rather than simple absorption of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50 (i.e., rather than the heating by the normal laser beam).
Thus, the laser beam L is not substantially absorbed in the area other the focal point P of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50, and the top surface 50b of the wafer 50 is not melted.
The pulsed laser beam L is applied on the wafer 50 by the laser processing machine such that the laser beam L is scanned, i.e., run over the wafer 50 while the depth position of the focal point of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50 is kept constant. In this way, the focal point P is moved along a predetermined straight cutting line (i.e., in a direction of an arrow α).
FIG. 14 shows a state where the laser beam L is scanned in a direction parallel to a plane of the drawing.
Here, it should be noted that the irradiating position of the laser beam L from the laser processing machine may be fixed without scanning the laser
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wafer and a wafer cutting and dividing method. 2. Description of Related Art A dicing (laser dicing) technique, which uses a laser beam to cut and divide a wafer-like workpiece into individual chips, has been under development. For example, as recited in Japanese Patent No. 3408805 that corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,026B2, US2005/0173387A1, US2005/0181581A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0194364A1, US2006/0040473A1 and US2006/0160331A1, it has bee proposed that the laser beam is irradiated on the wafer-like workpiece in such a manner that a focal point of the laser beam is placed in the interior of the wafer-like workpiece to form modified areas (modified areas including crack areas, modified areas including fused areas, modified areas including areas where a refractive index changes) through multiphoton absorption from the laser beam. A cutting start area is formed by the modified areas in the wafer-like workpiece along a predetermined cutting line of the wafer-like workpiece at a predetermined depth from a laser beam incident surface of the wafer-like workpiece. The cutting of the wafer-like workpiece is initiated along the cutting start areas to cut and divide the wafer-like workpiece. Furthermore, as recited in Japanese Unexamined unmistakable Publication No. 2002-205180 that corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,026B2, US2005/0173387A1, US2005/0181581A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0194364A1, US2006/0040473A1 and US2006/0160331A1, it has been also proposed that the laser beam is irradiated on the wafer-like workpiece to form the modified areas in the interior of the wafer-like workpiece along the predetermined cutting line. However, in this instance, a position of a focal point of the laser beam in an incident direction of the laser beam to the wafer-like workpiece is changed in the interior of the wafer-like workpiece from one to another to form multiple rows of the modified areas in the incident direction of the laser beam. According to this Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-205180, the multiple rows of modified areas are formed in the wafer-like workpiece in the incident direction of the laser beam. Thus, the number of cutting start areas is also increased, and thereby the wafer-like workpiece having a relatively large thickness can be easily cut along the cutting start areas. Furthermore, as recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-1001, which corresponds to US2006/0011593A1 and US2005/0202596A1, an expansible film may be applied to one of opposed surfaces of a planar workpiece, which includes a substrate, and a laser beam is irradiated into an interior of the substrate through the other one of the opposed surfaces of the workpiece to place a focal point of the laser beam in the interior of the workpiece, so that modified areas (fused areas) are formed by multiphoton absorption from the laser beam. The thus formed modified areas may be used to form cutting start areas in the predetermined depth of the workpiece, which is spaced by a predetermined distance from the laser beam incident surface of the workpiece, along the predetermined cutting line of the workpiece. Then, the film may be expanded to cut the workpiece into multiple pieces in such a manner that the cutting is initiated in the cutting start areas. According to the technique recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-1001, the film is expanded after the formation of the cutting start areas in the interior of the substrate, so that the stretching stress can be appropriately applied to the cutting start areas to start the cutting initially from the cutting start areas, and thereby the substrate can be relatively accurately cut and divided into the pieces with a relatively small force. In the recent years, the multi-layering technique of the semiconductor substrate is progressed, and the laser dicing technique recited in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3408805, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-205180 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-1001 is applied to a wafer (a semiconductor wafer), which is used in manufacturing of a semiconductor substrate having the multi-layers, to cut and divide the wafer into individual chips (semiconductor chips). The multi-layering technique of the semiconductor substrate may include a bonding technique, a Separation by Implanted Oxygen (SIMOX) technique, a silicon on insulator (SOI) technique, a crystal growth technique for growing a III-V family chemical compound semiconductor layer on a substrate (e.g., sapphire) or a bonding technique for bonding a silicon substrate and a glass substrate together through use of anodic bonding. FIG. 14 is a descriptive view, which indicates a way of forming modified areas by irradiating a laser beam on a wafer 50 having a bonded SOI structure according to a previously proposed technique and which schematically shows a longitudinal cross section of the wafer 50. The wafer 50, which has the bonded SOI structure, includes a substrate Si (single crystal silicon) layer 51, a buried oxide (BOX) layer 52 and an SOI (single crystal silicon) layer 53 in this order from the bottom side to the top side thereof. Thus, the wafer 50 has the SOI structure, in which the single crystal silicon layer 53 is formed on the buried oxide layer 52 that is an insulation layer. Here, the wafer 50, which has the bonded SOI structure, may be produced by bonding two wafers, each of which has a bonding surface (a mirror surface) that is thermally oxidized to form an oxide film thereon through the oxide films. Then, one of the two wafers is polished to a desired thickness. Here, the polished wafer becomes the SOI (single crystal silicon) layer 53, and the unpolished wafer becomes the substrate Si (single crystal silicon) layer 51, and the oxide films become the buried oxide layer 52. A dicing film (a dicing sheet, a dicing tape, an expanded tape) 54 is bonded to the back surface (the lower surface of the single crystal silicon layer 5.1) 50a of the wafer 50. The dicing film 54 is made of an expansible plastic film, which expands when the film is heated or when a force is applied to the film in an expansion direction. The dicing film 54 is bonded to the entire back surface of the wafer 50 through a bonding agent (not shown). A laser processing machine (not shown) includes a laser beams source (not shown) for outputting a laser beam L and a converging lens CV. In a state where an optical axial OA of the laser beam L is placed perpendicular to the surface 50b of the wafer 50, the laser beam L is irradiated on the surface (the laser beam incident surface) 50b of the wafer 50 through the converging lens CV such that a focal point (light converging point) P of the laser beam L is placed at a predetermined point in the interior of the wafer 50. Therefore, a modified area (a modified layer) is formed at the focal point P in the interior of the wafer 50. The laser beam L may be a laser beam that has a wavelength of 1064 nm, which is in an infrared wavelength range. Here, the modified areas R include fused areas, which are generated mainly through the multiphoton absorption caused by the irradiation of the laser beam L. Specifically, a portion of the wafer 50 at the focal point P of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50 is locally heated through the multiphoton absorption from the laser beam L, so that the portion of the wafer 50 is melted once and is then resolidified. As described above, the portion of the wafer 50, which is melted and is then resolidified, becomes the modified area R. That is, the fused area refers to an area, which has undergone the phase change, or an area, which has a changed crystal structure. In other words, the fused area refers to an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed to the amorphous silicon, an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed to the polycrystal silicon, or an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed into a structure having the amorphous silicon and the polycrystal silicon. The wafer 50 is a bulk silicon wafer, so that the fused area is mainly made of the polycrystal silicon. The fused area is formed mainly by the multiphoton absorption rather than simple absorption of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50 (i.e., rather than the heating by the normal laser beam). Thus, the laser beam L is not substantially absorbed in the area other the focal point P of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50, and the top surface 50b of the wafer 50 is not melted. The pulsed laser beam L is applied on the wafer 50 by the laser processing machine such that the laser beam L is scanned, i.e., run over the wafer 50 while the depth position of the focal point of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50 is kept constant. In this way, the focal point P is moved along a predetermined straight cutting line (i.e., in a direction of an arrow α). FIG. 14 shows a state where the laser beam L is scanned in a direction parallel to a plane of the drawing. Here, it should be noted that the irradiating position of the laser beam L from the laser processing machine may be fixed without scanning the laser
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wafer and a wafer cutting and dividing method. 2. Description of Related Art A dicing (laser dicing) technique, which uses a laser beam to cut and divide a wafer - like workpiece into individual chips, has been under development. For example, as recited in Japanese Patent No. 3408805 that corresponds to U. S. Pat. No. 6, 992, 026B2, US2005 / 0173387A1, US2005 / 0181581A1, US2005 / 0184037A1, US2005 / 0189330A1, USq004 / 0194364A1, US2006 / 0040473A1 and US2006 / 0160331A1, it has bee proposed that the laser beam is irradiated on the wafer - like workpiece in such a manner that a focal point of the laser beam is placed in the interior of the wafer - like workpiece to form modified areas (modified areas including crack areas, modified areas including fused areas, modified areas including areas where a refractive index changes) through multiphoton absorption from the laser beam. A vuttinY start area is formed by the modified areas in the wafer - like workpiece along a predetermined cutting line of the wafer - like workpiece at a predetermined depth from a laser beam incident surface of the wafer - like workpiece. The cutting of the wafer - like workpiece is initiated along the cutting start areas to cut and divide the wafer - like workpiece. Furthermore, as recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002 - 205180 that corresponds to U. S. Pat. No. 6, 992, 026B2, US2005 / 0173387A1, US2005 / 0181581A1, US2005 / 0184037A1, US2005 / 0189330A1, US2005 / 0194364A1, US2006 / 0040473A1 and US2006 / 0160331A1, it has been also proposed that the laser beam is irradUatex on the wafer - like workpiece to form the modified areas in the interior of the wafer - like workpiece along the predetermined cutting line. However, in this instance, a position of a focal point of the laser beam in an incident direction of the laser beam to the wafer - like workpiece is changed in the interior of the wafer - like workpiece from one to another to form multiple rows of the modified areas in the incident direction of the laser beam. According to this Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002 - 205180, the multiple rows of modified areas are formed in the wafer - like workpiece in the incident direction of the laser beam. Thus, the number of cutting start areas is also increased, and thereby the wafer - like workpiece having a relatively large thickness can be easily cut along the cutting start areas. Furthermore, as recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. W00Y - 1001, which corresponds to US2006 / 0011593A1 and US2005 / 0202596A1, an expansible film may be applied to one of opposed surfaces of a planar workpiece, which includes a substrate, and a laser beam is irradiated into an interior of the substrate through the other one of the opposed surfaces of the workpiece to place a focal point of the laser beam in the interior of the workpiece, so that modified areas (fused areas) are formed by multiphoton absorption from the laser beam. The thus formed modified areas may be used to form cutting start areas in the predetermined depth of the workpiece, which is spaced by a predetermined distance from the laser beam incident surface of the workpiece, along the predetermined cutting line of the workpiece. Then, the film may be expanded to cut the workpiece into multiple pieces in such a manner that the cutting is initiated in the cutting start areas. According to the technique recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005 - 1001, the film is expanded after the formation of the cutting start areas in the interior of the substrate, so that the stretching stress can be appropriately applied to the cutting start areas to start the cutting initially from the cutting start areas, and thereby the substrate can be relatively accurately cut and divided into the pieces with a relatively small force. In the recent years, the multi - layering technique of the semiconductor substrate is progressed, and the laser dicing technique recited in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3408805, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002 - 205180 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. @00T - 1001 is applied to a wafer (a semiconductor wafer ), which is used in manufacturing of a semiconductor substrate having the m7lGi - layers, to cut and divide the wafer into individual chips (semiconductor chips ). The multi - ?ayWring technique of the semiconductor substrate may include a bonding technique, a Separation by Implanted Oxygen (SIMOX) technique, a silicon on insulator (SOI) technique, a crystal growth technique for growing a III - V family chemical compound semiconductor layer on a substrate (e. g. , sapphire) or a bonding technique for bonding a silicon substrate and a glass substrate together through use of anodic bonding. FIG. 14 is a descriptive view, which indicates a way of forming modified areas by irradiating a laser beam on a wafer 50 having a bonded SOI structure according to a previously proposed technique and which schematically shows a longitudinal cross section of the wafer 50. The wafer 50, which has the bonded SOI structure, includes a substrate Si (single crystal silicon) layer 51, a buried oxide (BOX) layer 52 and an SOI (single crystal silicon) layer 53 in this order from the bottom side to the top side thereof. Thus, the wafer 50 has the SOI structure, in which the single crystal silicon layer 53 is formed on the buried oxide layer 52 that is an insulation layer. Here, the wafer 50, which has the bonded SOI structure, may be produced by bonding two wafers, each of which has a bonding surface (a mirror surface) that is thermally oxidized to form an oxide film thereon through the oxide films. Then, one of the two wafers is polished to a desired thickness. Here, the polished wafer becomes the SOI (single crystal silicon) layer 53, and the unpolished wafer becomes the substrate Si (single crystal silicon) layer 51, and the oxide films become the buried oxide layer 52. A dicing film (a dicing sheet, a dicing tape, an expanded tape) 54 is bonded to the back surface (the lower surface of the single crystal silicon layer 5. 1) 50a of the wafer 50. The dicing film 54 is made of an expansible plastic film, which expands when the film is heated or when a force is applied to the film in an expansion direction. The dicing film 54 is bonded to the entire back surface of the wafer 50 through a bonding agent (not shown ). A laser processing machine (not shown) includes a laser beams source (not shown) for outputting a laser beam L and a converging lens CV. In a state where an optical axial OA of the laser beam L is placed perpendicular to the surface 50b of the wafer 50, the laser beam L is irradiated on the surface (the laser beam incident surface) 50b of the wafer 50 through the converging lens CV such that a focal point (light converging point) P of the laser beam L is placed at a predetermined point in the interior of the wafer 50. Th#ref(re, a modified area (a modified layer) is formed at the focal point P in the interior of the wafer 50. The laser beam L may be a laser beam that has a wavelength of 1064 nm, which is in an infrared wavelength range. Here, the modified areas R include fused areas, which are generated mainly through the m tlt*photon absorption caused by the irradiation of the laser beam L. Specifically, a portion of the wafer 50 at the focal point P of the laser beam L in the interior of the wXffr 50 is locally heated through the multiphoton absorption from the laser beam L, so that the portion of the wafer 50 is melted once and is then resolidified. As described above, the portion of the wafer 50, which is melted and is then resolidified, becomes the modified area R. That is, the fused area refers to an area, which has undergone the phase change, or an area, which has a changed crystal structure. In other words, the fused area refers to an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed to the amorphous silicon, an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed to the polycrystal silicon, or an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed into a structure having the amorphous silicon and the polycrystal silicon. The wafer 50 is a bulk silicon wafer, so that the fused area is mainly made of the polycrystal silicon. The fused area is formed mainly by the multiphoton absorption rather than simple absorption of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50 (i. e. , rather than the heating by the normal laser beam ). Thus, the laser beam L is not substantially absorbed in the area other the focal point P of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50, and the top surface 50b of the wafer 50 is not melted. The pulsed laser beam L is applied on the wafer 50 by the laser processing machine such that the laser beam L is scanned, i. e. , run over the wafer 50 while the depth position of the focal point of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50 is kept constant. In this way, the focal point P is moved along a predetermined straight cutting line (i. e. , in a direction of an arrow α ). FIG. 14 shows a state where the laser beam L is scanned in a direction parallel to a plane of the drawing. Here, it should be noted that the irradiating position of the laser beam L from the laser processing machine may be fixed without scanning the laser
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention to a wafer and a wafer and dividing method. 2. Description Related Art A dicing dicing) technique, uses a laser beam to cut and divide a workpiece into individual chips, has been under development. For example, as recited in Japanese Patent No. 3408805 that corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,026B2, US2005/0173387A1, US2005/0181581A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0194364A1, and US2006/0160331A1, it has bee proposed that the laser beam is irradiated on the wafer-like workpiece in such a manner that a focal point of the laser beam placed in the interior the wafer-like workpiece form modified areas including crack areas, modified areas including fused modified areas where a refractive changes) multiphoton absorption from the laser beam. A cutting start is formed by the modified areas in wafer-like workpiece along a predetermined cutting line of the wafer-like workpiece at a predetermined depth from a laser incident surface of the wafer-like workpiece. The cutting of the wafer-like workpiece is initiated along the cutting areas to divide the wafer-like workpiece. Furthermore, as recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-205180 U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,026B2, US2005/0173387A1, US2005/0181581A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0194364A1, US2006/0040473A1 and US2006/0160331A1, it has been also proposed that the laser beam is irradiated on the wafer-like to form the modified areas in the interior of the wafer-like workpiece along the predetermined cutting line. However, in this instance, of a focal point of laser beam in an incident direction the laser beam to the workpiece is changed in the interior of the wafer-like workpiece from one to another to form multiple of the modified areas in the incident direction of the laser beam. According to this Japanese Patent No. the multiple rows of modified areas are formed in the wafer-like workpiece in the incident direction of the laser beam. the of cutting areas is also increased, and thereby the wafer-like workpiece having a relatively large thickness can be easily cut along the cutting start areas. Furthermore, as recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-1001, which corresponds to US2006/0011593A1 and US2005/0202596A1, an expansible film may be to one of opposed surfaces of a planar which includes a substrate, and a laser beam is irradiated an interior the substrate the other one the opposed of the workpiece to place a focal point of the laser beam in the of the workpiece, that areas (fused are formed by absorption from the laser beam. The thus formed modified areas be used to form start areas in predetermined depth of is spaced by a predetermined distance from the laser beam incident surface of the along the predetermined line of the workpiece. Then, the film may be expanded to the workpiece into multiple pieces in such a manner that the cutting is initiated in cutting start areas. According to the technique recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent No. 2005-1001, the film is expanded after the formation of the cutting start areas in the interior of the substrate, so that the stretching can be appropriately applied to the cutting start areas to start the cutting initially from the cutting start areas, and thereby the substrate can be relatively accurately cut and divided into the pieces with a relatively small force. In the recent years, the multi-layering of the semiconductor is progressed, and the dicing technique recited in, for example, Japanese No. Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-205180 or Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-1001 is applied to a semiconductor wafer), which is used in manufacturing of a semiconductor substrate having the to cut and divide the wafer individual (semiconductor chips). multi-layering technique of the semiconductor substrate may include a bonding technique, a by Implanted Oxygen (SIMOX) technique, a silicon on insulator (SOI) technique, a crystal growth technique for growing III-V family chemical compound semiconductor layer on a (e.g., sapphire) or a bonding technique for bonding a silicon substrate and a glass substrate together through use of anodic bonding. FIG. 14 is a view, which indicates a way of modified areas by irradiating laser beam a wafer 50 having a bonded SOI structure according to a previously proposed technique and which schematically shows a longitudinal section the wafer 50. The wafer 50, which has the bonded SOI structure, includes a substrate (single crystal silicon) layer 51, a buried oxide (BOX) layer 52 and an SOI crystal silicon) layer in this from the bottom side to top side thereof. Thus, the wafer 50 has the SOI structure, in the single silicon layer 53 is formed oxide layer 52 that is an insulation layer. Here, the wafer 50, which has the bonded SOI structure, may be produced by bonding two wafers, each of which has a bonding surface (a mirror surface) that is thermally oxidized to form an oxide film thereon the oxide films. Then, one of the two wafers is polished to a desired thickness. Here, the polished wafer becomes the SOI (single crystal silicon) layer 53, and the unpolished wafer becomes the substrate (single crystal silicon) 51, and the films become the buried oxide layer 52. A dicing film (a dicing sheet, a dicing tape, an expanded tape) 54 is bonded to the (the lower surface the single crystal silicon layer 5.1) 50a of 50. The dicing film 54 is made of an expansible plastic film, which expands when the film is heated or when a force is applied to the film in an expansion direction. The dicing 54 is bonded to entire back of the wafer 50 through a bonding agent (not shown). A laser processing machine (not shown) includes a beams shown) for outputting laser beam L and a converging CV. In a state where an optical axial OA of the laser beam is placed perpendicular to surface 50b of the wafer 50, laser beam L is irradiated on the surface incident 50b of the 50 through the converging lens CV such that a focal point (light converging point) P of the laser beam L is at a predetermined point in the interior of wafer 50. a modified area modified layer) is formed at the focal point P in the interior of the wafer The laser beam L may be a laser beam that has a wavelength of 1064 nm, which is in an infrared wavelength range. Here, the modified areas R include fused areas, which are generated mainly through the multiphoton absorption caused by the irradiation of the laser beam L. Specifically, a portion of the at the focal P of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50 is locally heated through the multiphoton absorption from the laser beam L, that the portion of the wafer 50 is melted once and then resolidified. As described above, the portion of the wafer which is melted and is then resolidified, the modified area R. That is, the fused area refers area, which has undergone the phase change, or an area, which has a changed crystal structure. In words, the fused area refers to an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed to the amorphous silicon, an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed to the polycrystal silicon, or an area, in which the crystal silicon is changed into a structure having the amorphous silicon and the polycrystal silicon. The wafer 50 a bulk silicon wafer, that the fused area is made of the polycrystal silicon. The fused area is formed mainly by the multiphoton absorption rather than simple of laser beam L in the interior of the wafer (i.e., rather than the heating by the normal laser beam). Thus, laser beam L is not substantially absorbed in the area other the focal point P of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50, and top surface 50b of the wafer 50 not melted. The pulsed beam L is applied on the wafer 50 by the laser processing machine such that the laser beam L is scanned, i.e., over the wafer 50 the depth position of point of laser beam L the interior of the wafer 50 is kept constant. In this way, the focal point P is moved along a predetermined straight cutting line (i.e., in a direction of an α). FIG. 14 a state where the beam L is scanned in a direction parallel to a plane of the drawing. it should be that the irradiating position of the laser beam L from the laser processing machine may be fixed without scanning the laser
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1. fieLd of THE INvEntiOn
the presenT invENTION RELaTes to a wafER aND A wAfeR CuTtiNg And diViDinG MetHod.
2. dEScrIPtIoN of relAteD ARt
A DICinG (lAser DiCing) tEcHNIquE, whiCh uses A laser bEAM To CuT And diviDE A waFER-liKE wOrKPiECE iNTo iNdIvIDUal CHIps, Has BEEN UNDer DEvELOpMEnt.
fOr exampLE, AS ReCIted in japanESE pATenT NO. 3408805 thAT COrrESpoNds tO u.s. pAT. no. 6,992,026B2, US2005/0173387a1, Us2005/0181581A1, us2005/0184037A1, Us2005/0189330A1, Us2005/0194364a1, Us2006/0040473A1 aNd us2006/0160331A1, IT has bee PROpOsed tHaT The LaSEr BeaM Is irrAdiated on tHe waFEr-liKe woRKPiECe IN sUch A maNneR That A fOCaL pOInt oF The Laser bEaM IS plACED iN ThE INTeRIOr oF tHe WAfer-lIKe wOrKpiEcE tO fOrm MoDIFiED ArEAs (moDIfied arEAs inCLUdiNG CRack aREAS, MoDiFiED AreAs INCLUding fuseD AREaS, mODiFiED aReAS inClUdinG AReAs WHErE A reFrActivE InDEx CHanGes) thROugh MULTiPhoTon absOrptIon FROm THE lASEr beaM. a CUtting START AREA iS foRmed By The moDIfied aReAs in tHe wAfeR-LIkE wORkpieCe ALong A pREDEteRmInEd CutTiNG liNE Of tHE WaFER-lIKe WoRkPIECE at A pReDEteRmInEd DepTh frOM a LaSeR beAM incIdENT sURFAcE Of ThE Wafer-LIKE wORkPIeCE. THe CuTtINg oF THe wAfer-lIKE workpieCe is initiAtEd aloNG ThE CUTtING sTarT arEAS TO cuT And dIvIdE THe WafEr-LIke woRKPIEcE.
fURtHErmORe, As reCItED in JaPanESE uNexAMined PaTeNT publicAtIOn No. 2002-205180 thAt cORREspoNds to u.S. Pat. nO. 6,992,026b2, uS2005/0173387a1, us2005/0181581a1, US2005/0184037a1, Us2005/0189330A1, Us2005/0194364a1, Us2006/0040473A1 anD Us2006/0160331A1, it HaS bEEN ALSo PRoPoSeD ThaT thE LasEr bEAM iS iRRAdIAted On THe WaFeR-LIKE wOrkpIECe tO fORm The moDIfIed ArEaS IN tHe iNTEriOR oF thE WafEr-like wORkpIECe aLonG tHe pReDeTeRminED cuttINg liNe. HoweVER, iN ThIs INstancE, a posItiON Of A foCAl poINT oF THE LASER bEAM In An INcident dIrecTion Of the lASer BeAM tO ThE wafER-lIkE WOrKpiECe IS ChAnGEd in thE inTERioR of The waFeR-LikE WoRkpIece FROm oNE To AnOtHer TO foRm MuLTiPLe rows oF tHE modiFIed aREAs iN The iNCIdENT dIrECTiON oF ThE LaSeR beAm.
ACCordiNg To tHis JAPAneSE PATENt puBLiCATiON No. 2002-205180, tHe mULtIplE rOWs OF mODiFIed aREAs arE FOrmED IN thE wAfER-LIkE woRKpiecE iN tHE iNCiDent DirECtION oF tHE LAsER beam. thUs, tHE NUmBER Of cUTtiNG sTaRt areaS IS ALSO incrEased, anD ThEReBy THe wAFer-liKe wORKpieCe HAvInG A ReLatIVeLy LaRgE tHIckneSS Can bE EAsIly CUt aLoNg tHE CuTTINg STARt aREaS.
FurThErmore, aS rEcITED IN JapaNESe UnEXaMIneD PAtEnt pUBliCaTiOn no. 2005-1001, Which COrreSpOnds tO us2006/0011593A1 AND us2005/0202596A1, an EXpanSiblE fiLM MAY BE apPliEd TO One OF opPosEd sUrFaCES OF a pLAnAR wOrkpIEce, WHIch inclUdeS a SuBStRATE, AnD a lASER beaM iS irraDiAtEd INto AN iNtERiOR of THe sUBSTRaTE THrouGH ThE othER ONE oF ThE oPPoSeD suRFAcES of the WoRKpIECe to PlAce a focAL poiNT OF tHE LasER BEAM In the INTERIOR oF thE WorkpIECe, sO ThAT MOdiFIeD areaS (fUSEd ArEaS) arE FORMed by MuLtIphOtoN absORptIon froM THe LASeR beaM. THE THUS FOrMED mODIfiED arEas mAy Be USeD tO FORm CuttiNG Start ArEas in thE PrEdetERMiNeD deptH oF the wORkPieCe, whICh IS SpAcEd By a PRedEtErmINED DisTancE FrOm The laSER BEaM INCIDEnt surfACE OF THE WOrKpIEce, alONG THE predETErMIned CUttInG linE OF tHe WORKpIECe. theN, tHE filM MAy BE expAndED tO cuT THE woRKpiece INtO mulTIplE pIecES iN sUcH A mANnER THAT tHe CuttiNG is iniTIAtED in thE CUttinG STaRt arEAs.
aCCording to thE TEcHNIque recItEd iN jaPANeSE uneXaMiNed pATEnt PUBLicATiON no. 2005-1001, THE Film Is EXpANDeD AfTeR The FoRmatiOn of thE cuttINg sTARt arEas iN THE IntErIor Of thE suBSTRATE, So thAt ThE stReTchInG sTREss cAn Be appRopriately ApPlIEd tO tHE CuttiNg stARt AReas TO stArT tHE cutting InItiAlLY FrOm THe CUtTIng STart AreAS, ANd tHereby tHe sUBstrate CaN Be reLAtiVELy ACcUrAtEly cut anD diVidEd iNtO THe pIECEs WiTH A rElaTiveLY sMall ForcE.
in The rECEnT YEARs, The mULtI-laYerInG TeChnIque OF THe SemicoNdUcTOr substRATE IS PrOgrESsEd, AND THe Laser dicIng TEChNiqUe ReCiteD IN, FOr eXampLE, japANese paTenT No. 3408805, JAPANESe UNExaMIned patent pUbliCAtiON no. 2002-205180 or jAPANeSe UnEXamiNeD pAtENT PubliCaTIOn No. 2005-1001 is aPPliEd tO A WaFer (A sEMIcONducTOr waFer), whIcH Is uSed in MANuFaCTURING of a sEmiconDucTOr SubstrAtE HaVing thE multI-lAyERS, TO Cut aND DiVide thE wafer into inDIViduaL cHips (SEmiCONDUctOR CHiPs).
The mUlTI-lAYeRiNG teCHNIQUe of The SemICOnDUCtor SuBStRATe MAY inClUDe a bOndIng teChNique, a sEpArATIOn BY iMplanTEd oXyGEn (siMOx) TechNique, a silicoN On InsUlaToR (SoI) TechNiquE, A CrYSTaL groWTh tECHniQUE For GROWiNG a iii-v famIlY CHEMiCal CoMpoUNd sEmicOnDuctoR layEr on A SuBsTrate (e.G., SapPhIRE) or A bonDIng TEchNiqUe For BoNding A siLicON subsTrATe and A GlaSs SuBstRaTE TogetheR tHrOUGh use Of anOdIc bONdinG.
FIG. 14 iS a desCrIptIve view, WHIch InDicATEs A waY OF FoRmIng ModiFIEd aReAS bY IrradiaTINg A LasEr bEaM On A WAFer 50 havinG A BONdEd sOI StrUcTURE aCcorDIng To a preViOuSLY PrOPosed TechnIqUe AnD WhicH sCHEMATICALly SHOwS A lOnGItudInAl CrOSS sEctioN oF thE WAFeR 50.
The WAfeR 50, whIch hAs ThE boNDed SOi stRUCturE, INclUDes A SUBstraTE Si (SiNGlE CRYsTAl silIcoN) LayER 51, A BuRIEd OxidE (BOx) Layer 52 aNd AN Soi (single CRYSTAl silicOn) LAyeR 53 iN THis oRDer frOM tHe BotTOM sIDe TO THe ToP SidE theREof. tHUs, ThE wAFeR 50 Has THe sOI StrUcTurE, IN WHICh thE sInGle CrYsTaL silICoN layEr 53 is FoRmed On tHE bURIED OXIde lAYER 52 ThaT iS An InSUlAtIoN lAyer.
herE, ThE WaFER 50, wHicH HAS tHe BONdED SoI sTructuRE, mAy BE PRoDUCeD by BondInG two wafErS, eaCH OF whiCh Has a BONdING SURfACe (A mIRRoR sUrFAce) tHAt IS tHERMalLy oXiDizED To Form an oxIdE film THereoN THrougH tHE oxIDE fILms. then, ONe Of The TwO wafERS IS POLISHed TO A desIrEd ThIcKNESs. HERe, the pOLiShed waFEr bEComES THE SOI (siNGLE cRYstal SiliCon) lAyER 53, ANd tHe UNpolIshED WaFeR becoMes tHe sUbStrATe sI (SiNGLe cRYSTAl sIlicOn) lAyEr 51, AnD tHE OXide fiLMs BeCOMe tHE BUried OxIde lAYer 52.
A diciNG Film (A dIcInG SHeET, a DicInG TaPe, AN ExpaNDed TaPe) 54 iS BOndEd tO tHe baCk suRfacE (tHe loWEr surface of tHE sINGlE cRYSTAl SILICON lAYEr 5.1) 50a Of THE WaFER 50.
ThE DiCing FILm 54 is mADE oF aN ExPAnSiblE pLastIC fiLm, WhIch expAnDs WheN tHe FILm IS HeAtED oR whEN a FoRCe IS AppLIed To THe fiLM In An eXPaNSion dIrECTiON. THe dicinG FILM 54 Is BONDED tO tHe eNtIre bacK SuRFAcE OF the waFER 50 THRoUgh a boNDiNg AGeNt (Not sHOwn).
A lAsEr pRoCESSINg MAchinE (NOT ShOWn) incLUdeS A laSeR BEaMs SoURce (NOt shOWN) fOR OUtpuTtInG A LASEr beam L AND a cOnVErGINg Lens cv. IN A stAte wheRe an oPTicaL AXIAL oA OF tHE LaSEr bEam L Is pLAcED perPENdicuLAR To thE surfAce 50B oF The wAFer 50, the lAser BEAm L IS IRrAdiATED ON ThE sUrFaCE (The LasEr beAM iNcIdENt SurfaCe) 50B OF ThE wAFER 50 ThRoUgH THe cOnvERGinG Lens cv sucH THAt a FOCAL POint (LiGhT cOnVergiNg poInT) p Of THE laSEr BeaM l IS placeD aT A pReDETeRmIned POINT In tHE iNTERIOR Of tHE wAFER 50. THereForE, a ModiFIED AREA (A mODIFIeD LAYer) iS forMEd At ThE fOcaL poiNT p In the intEriOR of The wAFeR 50.
tHE lASEr BEAM l mAY bE A LaSeR BEaM ThAt has a waveLENgTH Of 1064 nM, WhICH Is IN aN INfRareD WaVELeNgth RaNGE.
hEre, ThE ModIFIeD aREas R iNCluDE fUSed AreAs, WhIcH Are gEneRaTED MAInLy tHroUGh the mulTiPhOton aBSoRpTion CAuseD bY THE IrrADIATIoN oF tHE LAseR BeAm l.
SpECiFIcalLy, A PorTion OF tHe wafEr 50 aT tHe FocaL POiNT p OF the lAseR bEam l IN The IntErIor OF THe WaFeR 50 is LOcaLly heAtEd thRouGh ThE MUlTIpHOTOn abSorPtION FRoM THe LASER BeAM L, SO THaT tHe pOrTIOn oF the wAfER 50 iS MelTEd ONcE AND Is THen reSOlIdIFied. as dEscRIbED ABoVe, tHE PORTioN Of tHE WAFeR 50, wHich IS MElteD and IS THEN rESOLIdIfiED, bEcOMes tHe mODiFieD AreA r.
ThaT iS, The fUSed aREA RefeRS To aN areA, WhicH HAs UNderGoNe ThE pHaSE cHaNGe, oR AN aREA, whIcH HAS A CHaNGeD CRysTAl StrucTURe. IN OtHER wORDS, the fused Area REFeRS to An arEa, in WhIcH THE sINGLE cRYStaL siLICON IS CHaNGED To The amorPHOus siLICoN, An Area, in WHICh THE siNGlE crySTaL siLiCon is CHAngED to thE poLycRYSTaL sILICOn, or AN arEA, IN whICH thE single CRYstAl SiLiCoN Is ChAngED into a sTRUcturE HaviNG the AMORphOus silIcon ANd tHe poLycrYStal SIlICON. THe WaFer 50 Is A bulK SilICON wafeR, SO tHaT THE FuseD aRea IS maiNLy mAde oF the poLycrYSTAL sILIcOn.
the FusED AreA is fORmEd maInlY bY ThE mULtIphoTOn AbSOrPtiON RaThER tHan SimPLe absorptIOn Of The LaseR Beam L iN tHE inTERIor oF the WafEr 50 (I.e., raThER tHaN The hEAtiNg by tHE NorMal lAsER bEAM).
thuS, tHE Laser BeaM l is NoT substanTiaLLy aBsORbED iN The ARea OtHER tHE focAL poINT p oF ThE laser beAm l iN thE inTeRioR of ThE wAfER 50, aND ThE toP suRFaCE 50B OF tHe WAFeR 50 iS NOt MELTEd.
tHE PULSEd lASer beAM L is APPlied ON ThE WAFER 50 bY The lASeR ProCEssing mAChinE sUch THAT The LasER beam L is scANNed, I.e., run OVeR thE waFEr 50 WhILE thE DeptH poSitiOn of tHe FOcAl pOInt Of THe lASER BEaM L In thE INTeRIOR Of tHE WafeR 50 IS KePt COnSTaNT. In tHIs wAY, THe fOCAl pOint P is mOVeD ALong A pREdetermINeD StrAIGht CuTtiNG linE (i.e., iN A DiREcTiOn oF AN ARRoW α).
fiG. 14 ShOws a sTaTE WheRe THe LAsEr bEaM L is scanNED iN A DIReCtion pArALLEl To A plANE Of tHe dRaWing.
hERE, it ShOuld BE nOTeD ThAt tHe irrADiaTinG poSItIoN Of THe LasEr BEaM l FroM the lASER PROCeSsinG MaCHiNe May bE fiXeD wIthouT ScAnNING thE laSeR
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates toa waferand a wafer cutting and dividing method.2. Description of RelatedArt A dicing (laser dicing) technique, whichusesalaser beam to cut and divide a wafer-like workpiece into individual chips, has been under development. For example, as recited in JapanesePatent No.3408805 that corresponds toU.S. Pat. No. 6,992,026B2, US2005/0173387A1, US2005/0181581A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0194364A1, US2006/0040473A1 and US2006/0160331A1, it has bee proposedthat thelaser beamis irradiatedon the wafer-like workpiece in such a manner that a focal point ofthe laser beam isplaced in the interior of the wafer-likeworkpieceto form modified areas (modified areas including crack areas, modifiedareas including fused areas,modified areas including areas where a refractive indexchanges) through multiphoton absorption fromthe laser beam. A cutting startarea is formed bythe modified areas in the wafer-like workpiece along a predetermined cutting line of thewafer-like workpiece ata predetermined depth from a laser beam incident surface of the wafer-like workpiece. The cutting of the wafer-like workpiece is initiated along the cutting start areas to cut and divide the wafer-like workpiece. Furthermore, as recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-205180 that corresponds toU.S. Pat.No. 6,992,026B2,US2005/0173387A1, US2005/0181581A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0194364A1, US2006/0040473A1 and US2006/0160331A1, it has been also proposed that the laserbeam is irradiated on the wafer-like workpiece to form the modified areas in the interior of the wafer-like workpiece along the predetermined cutting line. However, in this instance, a position of a focal point of the laser beam in an incident direction of the laser beam to the wafer-like workpiece is changed in theinterior of the wafer-like workpiecefrom one to another to form multiple rows of the modified areasin the incident direction of the laserbeam. Accordingto this Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-205180, themultiple rows of modified areas are formed in the wafer-like workpieceinthe incident direction of the laserbeam.Thus, the number of cutting startareas isalso increased, and thereby the wafer-like workpiece having a relatively large thicknesscan be easily cut alongthe cutting startareas. Furthermore, asrecited in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.2005-1001, which corresponds to US2006/0011593A1 and US2005/0202596A1, an expansible film may be applied to one ofopposed surfaces of a planar workpiece, whichincludes a substrate,and a laser beam is irradiatedinto an interiorof the substrate through the other oneofthe opposed surfacesof the workpieceto place a focal point of the laser beam in theinterior of the workpiece, sothat modified areas (fusedareas) are formed by multiphoton absorption from the laser beam. The thus formed modified areas may be used to formcutting start areas in the predetermined depth of the workpiece,which is spaced bya predetermined distance from the laser beam incident surface ofthe workpiece, along the predetermined cutting line of theworkpiece.Then, the film may be expanded to cut the workpiece into multiple piecesin such a manner that the cutting is initiated in the cutting startareas. According to thetechniquerecited in Japanese Unexamined Patent PublicationNo. 2005-1001, the filmis expanded after theformation ofthe cutting start areas in the interior of the substrate, so that the stretching stress can be appropriately applied to the cutting start areas to start thecutting initially from the cutting startareas, and thereby the substrate can be relatively accurately cut and divided into the pieces with arelatively small force. Inthe recentyears, the multi-layering technique of the semiconductor substrateis progressed, and thelaser dicing technique recited in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3408805, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-205180 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-1001 is applied to a wafer (a semiconductor wafer), which is used inmanufacturing ofa semiconductor substratehaving the multi-layers, to cut and divide the wafer into individual chips (semiconductor chips). The multi-layeringtechnique of the semiconductorsubstrate may include a bonding technique, a Separation by Implanted Oxygen (SIMOX)technique, a silicon on insulator (SOI) technique, a crystal growth technique for growingaIII-V family chemical compound semiconductor layer on a substrate (e.g., sapphire) ora bonding techniqueforbonding a silicon substrate anda glass substratetogether through use of anodic bonding. FIG. 14 is a descriptive view, which indicates a way of forming modified areasby irradiating a laser beam on a wafer 50 having a bonded SOI structure according to a previously proposedtechnique and which schematically shows a longitudinal cross section of the wafer 50. Thewafer 50, which has the bonded SOI structure, includes a substrate Si (single crystal silicon) layer 51, a buried oxide(BOX)layer 52and an SOI (single crystalsilicon) layer 53 in this order from the bottom side to the top side thereof. Thus, thewafer 50 hasthe SOI structure, inwhich the single crystalsilicon layer 53is formed on the buried oxide layer 52 that is an insulation layer.Here, the wafer 50, which has the bonded SOI structure, may be produced by bonding two wafers, each of whichhas a bondingsurface (a mirror surface) that isthermally oxidized to forman oxide film thereon through the oxide films. Then, one of the two wafers is polishedto a desired thickness. Here, the polishedwaferbecomestheSOI (single crystalsilicon) layer 53, and the unpolished wafer becomes the substrate Si (single crystal silicon) layer 51,and the oxidefilms become the buried oxidelayer52. Adicing film (a dicing sheet, a dicing tape, an expanded tape) 54 is bonded to the back surface (the lower surface of thesingle crystal silicon layer 5.1) 50a of the wafer 50. The dicing film 54 is made of anexpansible plastic film, which expands whenthefilm is heated or when a force is appliedto the film in an expansion direction. The dicingfilm 54 is bonded to the entire back surface ofthewafer 50 through abonding agent (not shown). A laser processing machine (not shown)includes a laser beams source(notshown) foroutputting a laser beam Land a converging lens CV.Ina state where an optical axial OA ofthe laser beam L is placed perpendicular to the surface 50b of the wafer 50,the laser beam L is irradiated on the surface (the laser beam incident surface) 50b of thewafer 50 through the converginglensCV such that a focal point (light convergingpoint) P ofthe laserbeam L is placed at a predetermined point in the interior of the wafer50. Therefore, a modified area (a modified layer)is formed at the focalpoint P in the interiorof the wafer 50.Thelaser beam L may be a laser beam that has awavelength of 1064 nm, which is in an infrared wavelengthrange. Here, the modified areas R include fused areas, which are generated mainly through the multiphoton absorption caused by the irradiationof the laser beam L. Specifically, a portionof the wafer 50 atthe focal point P ofthe laser beam L in the interiorof the wafer 50 is locally heatedthrough the multiphotonabsorptionfrom the laser beam L, so that the portionof the wafer 50is melted onceand is then resolidified.Asdescribed above, the portion of the wafer 50, which is meltedand is then resolidified, becomes the modifiedareaR. That is, the fused area refers to an area, which has undergone the phase change, or an area, whichhas a changed crystal structure. In otherwords, the fused area refers to an area, in which the singlecrystal silicon is changed to the amorphous silicon, an area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed to the polycrystalsilicon, or an area, in whichthe singlecrystal silicon ischanged into a structure havingthe amorphous silicon andthe polycrystal silicon. The wafer50 is a bulk silicon wafer, so that the fused area is mainly made ofthe polycrystal silicon. Thefused area is formed mainly by the multiphoton absorption rather than simple absorption of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50(i.e., ratherthan the heating by the normal laser beam). Thus, the laser beam L is not substantially absorbed in the area other the focal point P of the laser beam Lin the interior of the wafer 50, and thetopsurface 50b of the wafer 50 is not melted. The pulsed laser beam L is appliedon thewafer 50 by the laser processing machine such that the laserbeam L is scanned, i.e., run over the wafer 50 while the depth positionof thefocal point of the laser beam L in the interior of the wafer 50 is kept constant. Inthis way, the focal point P is moved along apredetermined straightcutting line (i.e., in a direction of an arrow α). FIG. 14 shows astate where thelaserbeam L is scannedin a direction parallel to a plane of the drawing. Here, it shouldbe noted that the irradiating position of the laser beam L fromthe laser processing machine may be fixed without scanning the laser
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1. Field of the _Invention_ The present invention relates to a wafer and a wafer cutting and dividing _method._ 2. Description of Related Art A dicing (laser dicing) technique, which uses a _laser_ beam to _cut_ _and_ divide _a_ wafer-like workpiece _into_ individual chips, _has_ been under development. For example, _as_ recited in Japanese Patent No. _3408805_ _that_ corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,026B2, US2005/0173387A1, US2005/0181581A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0194364A1, US2006/0040473A1 _and_ US2006/0160331A1, it _has_ bee _proposed_ that _the_ laser beam _is_ irradiated on _the_ wafer-like _workpiece_ in such a manner that a focal _point_ of the laser beam is placed in the _interior_ of the _wafer-like_ workpiece to _form_ modified areas (modified _areas_ including _crack_ areas, modified areas including fused areas, _modified_ areas including _areas_ where a refractive _index_ changes) through _multiphoton_ absorption from _the_ _laser_ beam. _A_ cutting start _area_ is _formed_ by the modified areas in the wafer-like workpiece _along_ _a_ predetermined cutting line of the wafer-like workpiece _at_ a _predetermined_ depth from a laser beam incident surface of _the_ _wafer-like_ _workpiece._ The cutting _of_ the _wafer-like_ workpiece _is_ initiated along _the_ cutting start areas to _cut_ _and_ divide the wafer-like workpiece. Furthermore, as recited in Japanese _Unexamined_ Patent _Publication_ No. 2002-205180 _that_ _corresponds_ to U.S. _Pat._ No. 6,992,026B2, US2005/0173387A1, US2005/0181581A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0194364A1, US2006/0040473A1 and US2006/0160331A1, it has been also proposed that the laser _beam_ is irradiated on _the_ wafer-like workpiece to form _the_ _modified_ areas _in_ the interior _of_ the wafer-like workpiece along the predetermined cutting line. _However,_ in this instance, a position of a focal point of the laser _beam_ in _an_ incident direction of _the_ laser beam to the wafer-like workpiece _is_ changed in the interior of the wafer-like _workpiece_ _from_ one to _another_ to form multiple rows of the modified areas in the incident direction _of_ the laser beam. According to this Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-205180, the multiple _rows_ _of_ modified areas _are_ formed in the wafer-like workpiece in the incident _direction_ of the laser _beam._ Thus, _the_ number of cutting start areas _is_ also increased, and thereby the wafer-like workpiece having a relatively large thickness can be easily cut _along_ the cutting _start_ areas. _Furthermore,_ as recited in Japanese Unexamined _Patent_ Publication No. 2005-1001, which corresponds to US2006/0011593A1 and _US2005/0202596A1,_ an expansible film _may_ be _applied_ to one of opposed surfaces of _a_ planar workpiece, which includes _a_ substrate, and a laser _beam_ is irradiated into an interior of the substrate through _the_ other _one_ of _the_ _opposed_ _surfaces_ _of_ the _workpiece_ _to_ place a focal point of the laser beam in the interior of the workpiece, _so_ that modified _areas_ (fused areas) are formed by _multiphoton_ absorption from _the_ laser beam. The thus formed modified areas may _be_ _used_ to _form_ cutting start areas _in_ the _predetermined_ depth of the workpiece, which is spaced by _a_ predetermined _distance_ from _the_ laser beam incident surface of the workpiece, _along_ the predetermined cutting line of the workpiece. Then, the film may be expanded _to_ cut _the_ workpiece into multiple pieces in such a manner _that_ the _cutting_ is initiated in the cutting start areas. According to the technique recited in Japanese Unexamined Patent _Publication_ _No._ 2005-1001, the _film_ _is_ expanded after the formation of _the_ cutting start _areas_ in _the_ interior of the substrate, so that the stretching stress can be appropriately applied to the cutting start areas to start _the_ cutting initially from the _cutting_ start areas, and thereby the substrate can _be_ relatively accurately _cut_ and divided into the _pieces_ _with_ a relatively small force. In the recent _years,_ the multi-layering technique of the semiconductor substrate is progressed, and the laser dicing technique recited in, _for_ example, Japanese _Patent_ No. 3408805, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-205180 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. _2005-1001_ is applied to a wafer (a semiconductor wafer), which is _used_ in manufacturing of a _semiconductor_ substrate having the multi-layers, to cut _and_ divide _the_ _wafer_ into individual chips (semiconductor _chips)._ _The_ multi-layering _technique_ of the semiconductor substrate may include a _bonding_ technique, a Separation by Implanted Oxygen (SIMOX) technique, a silicon on _insulator_ (SOI) _technique,_ a crystal growth technique for growing a III-V family chemical _compound_ semiconductor layer _on_ a _substrate_ (e.g., sapphire) or a _bonding_ technique _for_ bonding a silicon substrate and a glass substrate together _through_ use of anodic _bonding._ FIG. 14 is a _descriptive_ _view,_ which indicates _a_ way of forming modified areas by _irradiating_ a laser beam on a _wafer_ 50 having _a_ bonded SOI _structure_ according to a _previously_ proposed technique and which schematically shows a longitudinal cross section of the wafer 50. The _wafer_ _50,_ which _has_ the _bonded_ SOI structure, includes _a_ substrate Si (single crystal silicon) layer 51, a buried oxide (BOX) layer 52 and an SOI (single crystal _silicon)_ layer 53 in this order from the bottom side to the _top_ side thereof. Thus, the wafer _50_ has the _SOI_ structure, in which the single _crystal_ silicon layer 53 is _formed_ on the _buried_ oxide layer _52_ _that_ _is_ an _insulation_ layer. Here, the wafer _50,_ which has the bonded _SOI_ structure, may be produced by bonding two wafers, each _of_ which has a _bonding_ surface (a mirror _surface)_ that is thermally oxidized to form an oxide film thereon through _the_ oxide films. _Then,_ one of the two wafers is polished _to_ a desired thickness. Here, _the_ polished wafer becomes the SOI (single crystal _silicon)_ layer 53, and the _unpolished_ _wafer_ becomes the substrate Si (single _crystal_ silicon) layer 51, and the _oxide_ films become the _buried_ oxide layer 52. A _dicing_ film _(a_ dicing sheet, a dicing tape, an expanded tape) 54 _is_ bonded to the back surface (the _lower_ surface _of_ the single crystal silicon layer _5.1)_ 50a _of_ _the_ wafer 50. The _dicing_ _film_ _54_ _is_ made of an expansible plastic film, which expands when _the_ film _is_ _heated_ or when a force _is_ applied _to_ the film in an expansion _direction._ _The_ dicing film 54 is bonded to the _entire_ back _surface_ of the wafer _50_ _through_ a _bonding_ agent (not shown). A laser processing machine (not shown) includes a laser beams source _(not_ shown) for outputting a _laser_ beam L and a _converging_ lens CV. In a state _where_ an _optical_ axial OA of _the_ laser _beam_ L is placed _perpendicular_ to the surface 50b of the wafer 50, the laser beam L is irradiated on the surface (the _laser_ beam incident surface) 50b of the wafer 50 through the converging _lens_ CV such that a focal _point_ (light converging point) P _of_ the laser _beam_ L is placed at a _predetermined_ point in _the_ interior of _the_ wafer 50. Therefore, a modified _area_ (a modified layer) is formed _at_ the focal _point_ P in the _interior_ of _the_ _wafer_ 50. _The_ laser beam L may be a _laser_ _beam_ that has a wavelength of 1064 _nm,_ which is in an infrared wavelength _range._ Here, the modified _areas_ R include fused areas, which are generated mainly through the multiphoton _absorption_ _caused_ by the irradiation _of_ the laser beam L. Specifically, a portion of the wafer 50 _at_ the focal point _P_ of the _laser_ beam L in the _interior_ of the wafer 50 is _locally_ _heated_ _through_ the multiphoton absorption from the _laser_ beam _L,_ so _that_ _the_ _portion_ _of_ the wafer _50_ is melted once and is then resolidified. As described above, the portion of _the_ wafer 50, which is melted and is then resolidified, becomes the modified area _R._ That is, the fused area refers to an area, which has undergone the phase _change,_ or an area, which has _a_ changed crystal _structure._ In _other_ words, the fused area refers to _an_ area, in which the single crystal silicon is changed to the _amorphous_ _silicon,_ an area, _in_ which the single _crystal_ _silicon_ is _changed_ to the polycrystal _silicon,_ or an area, in which _the_ _single_ crystal silicon _is_ changed into a _structure_ having the amorphous silicon and the polycrystal _silicon._ The _wafer_ 50 is _a_ bulk silicon _wafer,_ so that _the_ fused area is mainly made of the polycrystal silicon. The fused area is formed mainly _by_ the multiphoton absorption _rather_ than simple absorption of the laser _beam_ _L_ _in_ the interior _of_ _the_ _wafer_ 50 (i.e., rather than the heating _by_ the normal laser beam). Thus, the _laser_ beam L is not substantially absorbed _in_ _the_ area other _the_ focal _point_ P _of_ the laser beam L in _the_ _interior_ of the wafer 50, and _the_ top surface 50b of the _wafer_ 50 is not melted. The pulsed laser beam L is applied on the wafer 50 by the laser processing machine such that the laser beam L is scanned, i.e., run over the wafer 50 while the depth position of the _focal_ point of the laser beam L in the interior of the _wafer_ _50_ is _kept_ _constant._ _In_ this _way,_ the focal _point_ P is _moved_ along a predetermined straight _cutting_ line (i.e., in _a_ _direction_ of _an_ arrow α). _FIG._ 14 shows a state where the laser beam L is scanned in a direction parallel to _a_ plane of _the_ drawing. _Here,_ it should be noted that _the_ _irradiating_ position of the _laser_ beam L from the _laser_ _processing_ machine _may_ be _fixed_ without scanning the _laser_
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A step automatic transmission is known from US 2003/0087720 A1 with a planetary set and pressure-activated transmission shifting elements. The transmission shifting elements are constructed as two switchable couplings which use a common outer disc carrier to accept the outer discs of the couplings. The common outer disc carrier shows a pot-shaped, half cross-sectional geometry whose symmetry axis coincides with the long axis of the transmission input shaft. As a result, the outer disc carrier forms a coupling area within which the disc packet and the servo device of both couplings are positioned.
The two disc packets of the mentioned couplings, which will be examined more closely here, are positioned immediately next to each other in an axial and radial direction. In addition, the servo devices act in such a way on both coupling packets, that the closing direction of both couplings is equal and points away from the pot base of the outer disc carrier. For that reason, the pressure areas of both servo devices are axially directly next to each other.
The piston of the servo device which activates the second disc packet located away from the pot base is axially located between the pistons of the servo device to activate the first disc coupling near the pot base, as well as the pot base of the outer disc carrier. In addition, the piston to activate the first disc packet near the pot base is positioned between the piston for the second disc packet away from the pot base and the disc packet near the pot base.
It should also be noted, that the inner discs of both couplings of this known automatic transmission are carried by two separate inner disc carriers.
By means of this, construction results that the piston to activate the second disc packet away from the pot base axially separates the two pressure areas of both servo devices.
Another characteristic of the transmission is that only the servo device to activate the first disc packet near the pot base is associated with a space for a dynamic, activation pressure compensation. In the process, the mentioned piston which activates the first disc packet near the pot base separates the pressure area for this piston as well as the pressure compensation area axially from each other.
In this transmission the fact that the pressure in the pressure area of the servo device to activate the first coupling near the pot base influences the pressure in the pressure area of the servo device to activate the second coupling away from the pot base and vice versa can be viewed as disadvantageous.
In addition, the fact that the piston must activate the second coupling away from the pot base axially penetrating the outer discs of the first coupling can be viewed as expensive to build, away from the pot base. For that reason, the outer discs of the first coupling near the pot base are equipped with axial penetration openings in the area of their outer diameter through which the mentioned piston is guided. Moreover the outer discs of the first disc coupling must be built comparatively long in a radial direction which then results in an enlarged diameter for the transmission.
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A step automatic transmission is known from US 2003/0087720 A1 with a planetary set and pressure-activated transmission shifting elements. The transmission shifting elements are constructed as two switchable couplings which use a common outer disc carrier to accept the outer discs of the couplings. The common outer disc carrier shows a pot-shaped, half cross-sectional geometry whose symmetry axis coincides with the long axis of the transmission input shaft. As a result, the outer disc carrier forms a coupling area within which the disc packet and the servo device of both couplings are positioned. The two disc packets of the mentioned couplings, which will be examined more closely here, are positioned immediately next to each other in an axial and radial direction. In addition, the servo devices act in such a way on both coupling packets, that the closing direction of both couplings is equal and points away from the pot base of the outer disc carrier. For that reason, the pressure areas of both servo devices are axially directly next to each other. The piston of the servo device which activates the second disc packet situated away from the pot base is axially located between the pistons of the servo device to activate the first disc coupling near the pot base, as well as the pot base of the outer disc carrier. In addition, the piston to activate the first disc packet near the pot base is positioned between the piston for the second disc packet away from the pot base and the disc packet near the pot base. It should also be noted, that the inner discs of both couplings of this known automatic transmission are carried by two separate inner disc carriers. By means of this, construction results that the piston to activate the second disc packet away from the pot base axially separates the two pressure areas of both servo devices. Another characteristic of the transmission is that only the servo device to activate the first disc packet near the pot base is associated with a space for a dynamic, activation pressure compensation. In the process, the mentioned piston which activates the first disc packet near the pot base separates the pressure area for this piston as well as the pressure compensation area axially from each other. In this transmission the fact that the pressure in the pressure area of the servo device to activate the first coupling near the pot base influences the pressure in the pressure area of the servo device to activate the second coupling away from the pot base and vice versa can be viewed as disadvantageous. In addition, the fact that the piston must activate the second coupling away from the pot base axially penetrating the outer discs of the first coupling can be viewed as expensive to build, away from the pot base. For that reason, the outer discs of the first coupling near the pot base are equipped with axial penetration openings in the area of their outer diameter through which the mentioned piston is guided. Moreover the outer discs of the first disc coupling must be built comparatively long in a radial direction which then results in an enlarged diameter for the transmission.
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A step automatic transmission is known from US 2003 / 00i77E0 A1 with a planetary set and pressure - activated transmission shifting elements. The transmission shifting elements are constructed as two switFhZble couplings which use a common outer fiAc carrier to accept the outer discs of the couplings. The common outer disc Xar#ier shows a pot - shaped, half cross - sectional geometry whose symmetry axis coincides with the long axis of the transmission input shaft. As a result, the outer disc carrier forms a coupling area within which the disc packet and the servo device of both couplings are positioned. The two disc packets of the mentioned couplings, which will be examined more closely here, are positioned immediately next to each other in an axial and radial direction. In addition, the servo devices act in such a way on both coupling packets, that the closing direction of both couplings is equal and points away from the pot base of the outer disc carrier. For that reason, the pressure areas of both servo devices are axially directly next to each other. The piston of the servo device which activates the second disc packet located away from the pot base is axially located beRweeG the pistons of the servo device to activate the first disc coupling near the pot base, as well as the pot base of the outer disc carrier. In addition, the piston to activate the first disc packet near the pot base is positioned between the piston for the second disc packet away from the pot base and the disc oZcket near the pot base. It should also be noted, that the inner discs of both couplings of this known automatic transmission are carried by two separate inner disc carriers. By means of this, construction results that the piston to activate the second disc packet away from the pot base axially separates the two pressure areas of both servo devices. Another characteristic of the transmission is that only the servo device to activate the first disc packet near the pot base is associated with a space for a dynamic, activation pressure compensation. In the process, the mentioned piston Qhivh activates the first disc packet near the pot base separates the pressure area for this piston as well as the pressure compensation area axially from each other. In this transmission the fact that the o5essure in the pressure area of the servo device to activate the first coupling near the pot base influences the pressure in the pressure area of the servo device to activate the second coupling away from the pot base and vice versa can be viewed as disadvantageous. In addition, the fact that the piston must activate the second coupling away from the pot base axially penetrating the outer discs of the first coupling can be viewed as expensive to build, away from the pot base. For that reason, the outer discs of the first coupling near the pot base are equipped with axial penetration openings in the area of their outer diameter through which the mentioned piston is guided. Moreover the outer discs of the first dies coupling must be built comparatively long in a radial direction which then results in an en.arTed diameter for the transmission.
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A step automatic transmission is known from US 2003/0087720 with planetary set and pressure-activated transmission shifting elements. The transmission shifting elements are as two switchable couplings which use a common outer disc to accept the outer discs of the couplings. common disc carrier a pot-shaped, half geometry whose symmetry axis coincides with the long axis of transmission input shaft. As a result, the outer disc carrier forms coupling area within which the disc packet and the servo device of both are The two disc packets of the mentioned couplings, be examined more closely here, are positioned immediately next each other in an axial and radial direction. In addition, the servo devices act in such a way on both coupling packets, that the closing direction of both couplings is equal points away from the pot base of the outer disc carrier. For that reason, pressure areas of servo devices are axially next to each other. The piston of the device activates the second disc packet located away from the base is axially located between the pistons the servo device to activate the first disc coupling near the pot base, as well as the pot base of the outer disc carrier. In addition, the piston to activate the first disc packet near the pot base is between the piston for the second disc away the pot base and the disc packet near the base. It should also be noted, the inner discs of both of this known automatic transmission are carried by two separate inner disc carriers. By means of this, construction results that the piston to activate the second disc packet away the pot base axially separates the two pressure areas of both servo Another characteristic of the transmission is that only the servo device to activate the first disc packet near pot base is associated with a space for a activation pressure compensation. In the process, the mentioned piston which first disc packet near the pot separates the pressure area for this well as the pressure compensation area axially from each other. In transmission fact that the pressure in the pressure of the servo to activate the first near pot base influences pressure in the pressure area of the servo device to activate the second coupling away the pot base and vice versa can be viewed as disadvantageous. In addition, the fact that the piston must activate the second coupling away the pot base axially penetrating the outer discs of the coupling can viewed as expensive build, away from the pot base. For that reason, the outer discs of the first coupling pot base are equipped with axial penetration openings in the area of their outer diameter through which the mentioned piston is guided. Moreover the outer discs of the first disc coupling must be built comparatively long in a radial direction which then results in enlarged diameter for the transmission.
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a STEP AUTomAtIc TrAnSMIssIon is KNoWN fROm uS 2003/0087720 A1 WiTh A pLanetARy Set AND pRESsUre-aCTivATED TrAnsmIsSIoN ShifTiNg ElEmentS. THe TransmiSsIoN ShiftinG EleMEnTs arE CONsTRucteD as TWO sWITcHabLE COupLingS WHiCh Use A comMON OUTEr DiSc carRIER To ACCEpt thE OuTER DISCs of The coUPlings. The CoMMoN OUter disc cARRier sHOWs a PoT-SHaPEd, HALF CROss-SEcTIonal GEoMetry WHOSE symmeTrY AXIS cOIncIdes wItH thE lOnG AXis OF ThE TRaNSmisSION Input ShAFt. as A ResUlT, ThE OuTER diSc cArrier formS a COuPlING aREA wITHIn WhICH ThE diSC pACkEt and THE servo devIce of BOTh CouPLINGs Are PosITioNeD.
tHE tWo dIsC PaCKeTS oF thE mEntiOned coUPLIngS, wHICH wIlL Be ExAMINed mORe cLOSElY HERe, ARE PosiTioNed immEDIAtELY NExt TO EACh oTHeR IN An AXiAL ANd RadiAl dIReCtIoN. In AdDitioN, the serVO DEVICEs ACT In SUcH a WAy ON bOTH coUplInG PaCKETs, That THe CLoSING DIREcTioN oF bOTH COUplINGs iS eqUAL anD PoiNTS aWAY FrOm thE POT bASE of thE oUteR DIsc CarRieR. FOr tHaT REason, the PrESsuRe arEAs oF bOth SerVO deVIces aRe axIALLY dIreCtly nEXT TO EaCH OtHER.
tHe pISTON Of The serVo DeViCe whICH AcTivaTeS tHe sEcoNd dIsC PACKeT lOcatED aWaY frOM tHe Pot BAsE IS AxIaLLY locaTeD bETWEEN ThE PiStOnS of THE sERvO deViCE to aCTIvAtE tHe FIrST DISC couplINg NeAr The pOt baSe, AS Well aS THe pot Base of thE OuTEr diSC cArRIeR. in AdDiTiOn, THE PISTOn To AcTIvatE THE fiRsT dISc PaCket near THE pOt bAsE Is poSiTionED BetwEEn tHe pIstoN For tHE SecOnD DiSC PAckEt AwAy FRom the pOt BAse ANd thE dIsC PacKEt nEAr tHe POT basE.
It ShoUld aLso BE notEd, thAT the INNeR dISCS oF BOtH coUPLinGS oF ThIs KNOwN auToMATic TrAnSmIsSioN ArE CARRied by tWo SePARaTE INnER Disc CArRiERs.
BY mEanS OF tHis, ConstRuctIoN REsUlts tHAT the piston to ACTIVATe THe seCoND DISC PackET AWAY from THe POt base AxIaLLy sePaRATEs the two pRESsuRe arEas of bOTH SERVo deviCeS.
aNotHer CHArActeRiSTIC oF THE TraNsMisSIon iS THat only tHE Servo dEvicE to actiVAte THe fIRST DIsc packet NeAR the POT baSe iS ASSOCiATeD WITH A sPace fOr a dyNaMiC, acTivAtIon prEsSurE coMpENsATiON. In THe pROCESs, The mENtioNed pISTon WHiCH acTivATeS tHe fIrst dIsC Packet Near THe poT BasE sepARaTeS thE PressURe areA FoR thIS pistOn as weLl as The PrEsSUre cOmpEnSAtIoN ARea AxIALLy fRom eacH othEr.
iN THis tRANsmisSioN THE facT ThaT THE PREssURE IN tHe PResSurE aRea oF ThE serVo Device tO aCtIvaTE The FiRsT coUpling nEAR The pot bASe INFLUenceS tHE pRESsURe in thE prEsSURE aREa oF tHE seRVO DEviCe tO AcTivatE The SeCoNd coUplinG awAy FRoM the POt BAsE anD Vice verSa caN bE vIEweD As DIsADvanTaGeous.
IN aDdITIOn, tHe faCT THaT The piSTON MUSt aCTiVaTE the sECoNd CouPlINg AWaY From thE pOt bASe AXiaLly PENeTrATING thE OUtEr DIsCS Of THe fiRST cOUPlInG CaN bE vIeWEd AS EXpENsivE To bUiLD, awAy From THe poT BasE. FoR tHAT reaSOn, tHE outER dIScS OF THE fIRSt coUpliNg NEAr tHe pOt base ArE EQUiPPEd WITH axiAl PenetrAtiOn opeNINGs IN tHE Area oF thEir OutEr DIAMETer ThRouGH WhIcH The meNtIOnEd PisToN IS GuIded. MOrEOveR ThE outEr dIscs OF thE firSt Disc cOUpLInG musT bE bUiLT COmpaRAtIveLY lONg In a raDIAl dIRECtiOn wHicH tHEn reSUlts in an ENLarGEd diaMeTeR FOr THe trANsmIsSION.
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Astep automatictransmission is known fromUS 2003/0087720 A1 with a planetary set and pressure-activated transmission shiftingelements.Thetransmission shifting elements are constructed as twoswitchable couplingswhich usea common outerdisc carrier to accept the outer discs of the couplings. The common outer disc carrier shows a pot-shaped, half cross-sectional geometry whose symmetryaxis coincides with the long axis of the transmissioninput shaft. As aresult, the outerdisc carrier forms acoupling areawithin which the disc packet and the servodevice of both couplings are positioned. The twodiscpackets ofthementioned couplings, which will be examined more closely here, are positioned immediately next to each other in an axialand radial direction. In addition, the servo devices actin such a way on bothcoupling packets, thatthe closing direction of both couplings is equal and pointsaway from the pot base of theouter disccarrier. For that reason, the pressure areas ofboth servodevices are axially directly nextto eachother. The piston of the servo device which activates the second disc packet located away from thepot base isaxially located between the pistons of the servo deviceto activate the firstdisc coupling near thepot base, as well as the potbase of the outer disc carrier. In addition, the piston toactivatethe first discpacket nearthe potbase is positioned between thepiston for the second disc packetaway from the pot base and the disc packet nearthe pot base. Itshould also be noted, that the inner discs of both couplings of this known automatic transmissionarecarried by two separate innerdisc carriers. Bymeans of this,construction results that the piston to activate the second disc packet away from the pot base axially separates the twopressure areas of both servo devices. Anothercharacteristicof the transmission isthat onlytheservo deviceto activate the first disc packet near the pot base is associated with a space fora dynamic, activation pressure compensation. In the process, the mentioned piston which activates the first disc packet nearthe pot base separatesthe pressure area for this piston as well as the pressurecompensation area axially fromeach other.Inthis transmission thefact that the pressure in the pressure area of the servodevice to activate the first coupling near the pot base influences thepressure in the pressure area of theservo device toactivate the second coupling awayfrom the potbase and vice versa can be viewed as disadvantageous. In addition, the fact that the piston must activate the secondcoupling away from the pot baseaxially penetratingthe outer discs of the firstcoupling can be viewed as expensive to build, away from the pot base. Forthat reason, the outer discs of the first coupling near the pot base are equipped with axial penetrationopenings inthearea of theirouter diameter through which the mentioned piston is guided. Moreover the outer discs of the first disccoupling must be built comparatively long in a radial direction which then results in an enlarged diameter forthetransmission.
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A step automatic transmission is known from US 2003/0087720 _A1_ with a planetary set and pressure-activated transmission shifting elements. The _transmission_ _shifting_ _elements_ are constructed as two switchable couplings which use a common outer disc carrier to accept the _outer_ discs of the couplings. The common outer _disc_ carrier shows a pot-shaped, half cross-sectional geometry whose symmetry _axis_ coincides with the long axis of _the_ transmission input shaft. As a result, the _outer_ disc carrier forms a _coupling_ area within which the disc _packet_ and the servo device of both couplings are _positioned._ The two disc packets _of_ the _mentioned_ couplings, which will be examined _more_ closely _here,_ are positioned _immediately_ next to each _other_ in an _axial_ and radial direction. In addition, the servo devices _act_ _in_ such a way on _both_ coupling _packets,_ that the closing _direction_ of both couplings is equal and points away from the pot base of the outer disc carrier. For that _reason,_ the pressure areas of both servo devices are _axially_ directly _next_ to each other. The _piston_ of the servo _device_ which activates the _second_ disc packet located away from the pot base is axially located between the pistons _of_ _the_ servo device to activate the first _disc_ _coupling_ _near_ the _pot_ base, as well as the _pot_ base of the outer disc carrier. In _addition,_ the piston to _activate_ the first disc packet _near_ the _pot_ base is positioned between the piston for the second disc _packet_ away from the pot _base_ and _the_ _disc_ packet _near_ the pot base. It should _also_ be noted, that the inner discs of both _couplings_ of this known automatic transmission are carried by two separate inner disc carriers. By means _of_ this, construction results that _the_ piston to activate the _second_ disc packet away _from_ the pot base axially separates the two pressure areas of both _servo_ devices. _Another_ characteristic _of_ the transmission is that only _the_ servo device to activate the first disc packet near the pot base is associated with _a_ space for a _dynamic,_ activation pressure compensation. In _the_ process, the mentioned _piston_ which activates the _first_ _disc_ _packet_ near the pot base separates _the_ pressure area for this piston _as_ well as the pressure compensation area _axially_ from each other. In this transmission _the_ fact _that_ the _pressure_ in the _pressure_ area of the servo device to activate the first coupling near the pot base influences the pressure in the _pressure_ area of the servo device to _activate_ the second coupling away from _the_ _pot_ base and vice versa can be viewed as _disadvantageous._ In _addition,_ the fact that the piston _must_ activate the _second_ coupling away _from_ _the_ pot base _axially_ penetrating the outer discs _of_ the first coupling can be _viewed_ _as_ _expensive_ to build, away from the pot base. _For_ _that_ reason, the outer _discs_ of _the_ first _coupling_ near the pot _base_ _are_ equipped with axial penetration openings _in_ the area _of_ their outer _diameter_ through _which_ the mentioned piston is guided. Moreover the outer discs of the first disc _coupling_ must be built comparatively long in a radial _direction_ which then _results_ in an enlarged diameter for the transmission.
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The present invention relates to ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions and methods of making and using such compositions. The present invention also relates to enhanced delivery of ophthalmic pharmaceutical ingredients in ophthalmic compositions and methods of making and using such compositions. Some embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions and methods for reducing, ameliorating, treating, or preventing discomfort of dry eye condition.
Prior-art ophthalmic compositions often suffer from inefficient delivery of beneficial ingredients, including ophthalmic pharmaceutical active ingredients, to the eye. Disadvantages of these compositions include short duration of the composition on the eye due to continuous drainage or evaporation.
Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dyslacrima, is a common ophthalmological disorder affecting millions of people. A patient with dry eye may experience burning, a feeling of dryness, and persistent irritation. In severe cases, dry eye can seriously impair a person's vision and hence handicap the sufferer in activities such as driving. Certain diseases such as Sjogren's disease manifest dry eye symptoms. Also, as people age, the lacrimal glands in the eye may produce less moisture, resulting in eyes that become dry, inflamed, itchy, and gritty.
Although it appears that dry eye may result from a variety of unrelated pathogenic causes, all presentations of the condition share a common feature, namely the breakdown of the precorneal tear film, which breakdown commonly results in dehydration of the exposed outer ocular surface and hence the symptoms described above.
A number of approaches exist for the treatment of dry eye. One common approach has been to supplement the ocular tear film using artificial tears instilled throughout the day. Examples of the tear substitute approach include the use of buffered, isotonic saline solutions and aqueous solutions containing water-soluble polymers that render the solutions more viscous and thus less easily shed by the eye by the washing action of the tear fluid. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,927 to Gressel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,607 to Glonek et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,205 to Shively;
Although these approaches have met with some success in some cases, significant challenges in the treatment of dry eye nevertheless remain. Problems include the fact that the use of tear substitutes, while temporarily effective, generally requires repeated application over the course of a patient's waking hours, not uncommonly ten or more times over the course of a day to keep the ocular surface lubricated or moist. Such an approach is inconvenient to a patient. Although increasing the viscosity of the dry-eye product may extend the product's duration in the eye, increase in viscosity is effective at extending duration only to a limited extent. Viscous ophthalmic drops are sometimes undesirable because they feel sticky in the eye. Further, increases in the duration of the product would be highly desirable.
Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of prior-art compositions, there is a continued need to provide improved ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions for enhanced delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) to the eye. For example, it is desirable to provide improved ophthalmic compositions for the reduction, amelioration, treatment, or prevention of the discomfort resulting from the dry eye condition. It is also desirable to provide such compositions that are gentle to the ocular surface.
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The present invention relates to ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions and methods of making and using such compositions. The present invention also relates to enhanced delivery of ophthalmic pharmaceutical ingredients in ophthalmic compositions and methods of making and using such compositions. Some embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions and methods for reducing, ameliorating, treating, or preventing discomfort of dry eye condition. Prior-art ophthalmic compositions often suffer from inefficient delivery of beneficial ingredients, including ophthalmic pharmaceutical active ingredients, to the eye. Disadvantages of these compositions include short duration of the composition on the eye due to continuous drainage or evaporation. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dyslacrima, is a common ophthalmological disorder affecting millions of people. A patient with dry eye may experience burning, a feeling of dryness, and relentless irritation. In severe cases, dry eye can seriously impair a person's vision and hence handicap the sufferer in activities such as driving. Certain diseases such as Sjogren's disease manifest dry eye symptoms. Also, as people age, the lacrimal glands in the eye may produce less moisture, resulting in eyes that become dry, inflamed, itchy, and gritty. Although it appears that dry eye may result from a variety of unrelated pathogenic causes, all presentations of the condition share a common feature, namely the breakdown of the precorneal tear film, which breakdown commonly results in dehydration of the exposed outer ocular surface and hence the symptoms described above. A number of approaches exist for the treatment of dry eye. One common approach has been to supplement the ocular tear film using artificial tears instilled throughout the day. Examples of the tear substitute approach include the use of buffered, isotonic saline solutions and aqueous solutions containing water-soluble polymers that render the solutions more viscous and thus less easily shed by the eye by the washing action of the tear fluid. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,927 to Gressel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,607 to Glonek et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,205 to Shively; Although these approaches have met with some success in some cases, significant challenges in the treatment of dry eye nevertheless remain. Problems include the fact that the use of tear substitutes, while temporarily effective, generally requires repeated application over the course of a patient's waking hours, not uncommonly ten or more times over the course of a day to keep the ocular surface lubricated or moist. Such an approach is inconvenient to a patient. Although increasing the viscosity of the dry-eye product may extend the product's duration in the eye, increase in viscosity is effective at extending duration only to a limited extent. Viscous ophthalmic drops are sometimes undesirable because they feel sticky in the eye. Further, increases in the duration of the product would be highly desirable. Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of prior-art compositions, there is a continued need to provide improved ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions for enhanced delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) to the eye. For example, it is desirable to provide improved ophthalmic compositions for the reduction, amelioration, treatment, or prevention of the discomfort resulting from the dry eye condition. It is also desirable to provide such compositions that are gentle to the ocular surface.
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The present invention relates to ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions and methods of maOigg and using suXB compositions. The present invention also relates to enhanced delivery of ophthalmic pharmaceutical ingredients in ophthalmic comp*siFions and methods of making and using such compositions. Some embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions and methods for reducing, ameliorating, treating, or preventing discomfort of dry eye condition. Prior - art ophthalmic compositions often suffer from inefficient delivery of beneficial ingredients, including ophthalmic pharmaceutical active ingredifjts, to the eye. Disadvantages of these compositions include short duration of the composition on the eye due to continuous drainage or evaporation. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dyslacrima, is a common ophthalmological disorder affecting millions of people. A patient with dry eye may experience burning, a feeling of dryness, and persistent irritation. In severe cases, dry eye can seriously impair a person ' s vision and hence handicap the sufferer in activities such as driving. Certain diseases such as Sjogren ' s disease manifest dry eye symptoms. Also, as people age, the lacrimal glands in the eye may produce less moisture, resulting in eyes that become dry, inflamed, itchy, and gritty. Although it appears that dry eye may result from a variety of unrelated pathogenic causes, all presentations of the condition share a common feature, namely the breakdown of the precorneal tear film, wgicj breakdown commonly results in dehydration of the exposed outer ocular surface and hence the symptoms described above. A number of approaches exist for the treatment of dry eye. One common approach has been to supplement the ocular tear film using artificial tears instilled throughout the day. Examples of the tear substitute approach include the use of buffered, isotonic saline solutions and aqueous solutions containing water - soluble polymers that render the solutions more viscous and thus less easily shed by the eye by the washing action of the tear fluid. See, for example, U. S. Pat. No. 5, 209, 927 to Gressel et al. ; U. S. Pat. No. 5, 294, 607 to Glonek et al. ; and U. S. Pat. No. 4, 409, 205 to Shively; Although these approaches have met with some success in some cases, Zjgnificant challenges in the treatment of dry eye nevertheless remain. Problems include the fact that the use of tear substitutes, while temporarily effective, generally requires repeated application ode$ the course of a patient ' s waking hours, not uncommonly ten or more times over the course of a day to keep the ockoar surface lubricated or moist. Such an approach is inconvenient to a patient. Although increasjJg the viscosity of the dry - eye product may extend the product ' s duration in the eye, increase in viscosity is effective at extending durxtiog only to a limited extent. Viscous ophthalmic drops are sometimes undesirable because they feel sticky in the eye. Further, increases in the duration of the product would be highly desirable. Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of prior - art compositions, there is a continued need to provide improved ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions for enhanced delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (“ APIs ”) to the eye. For example, it is desirable to provide improved ophthalmic compositions for the reduction, amelioration, treatment, or prevention of the discomfort resulting from the dry eye condition. It is also desirable to provide such compositions that are gentle to the ocular surface.
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The present invention relates to ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions methods of making and such compositions. The present invention also relates to enhanced delivery of ophthalmic pharmaceutical ingredients in ophthalmic compositions and methods of making and using such compositions. Some embodiments of present invention to compositions methods for reducing, ameliorating, treating, or preventing discomfort of condition. Prior-art ophthalmic compositions often suffer from inefficient delivery of beneficial ingredients, including ophthalmic pharmaceutical active ingredients, to the eye. Disadvantages of these compositions include short duration of the composition the eye due to continuous drainage or evaporation. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca dyslacrima, is common ophthalmological disorder affecting millions of people. A patient with dry eye may experience burning, a feeling of dryness, persistent irritation. severe cases, dry can seriously impair a person's and hence handicap the sufferer such as driving. Certain diseases such as Sjogren's disease manifest dry eye symptoms. Also, people age, the lacrimal glands in the eye produce less moisture, resulting in eyes that become dry, inflamed, itchy, and gritty. Although it appears that dry eye may result from a variety pathogenic presentations the condition share a common feature, namely the breakdown of the tear film, which breakdown commonly results in dehydration of the exposed ocular surface and hence the symptoms described above. approaches exist for the treatment of dry eye. One common approach has been to supplement ocular film using artificial tears instilled throughout the day. Examples of the tear substitute approach include the use of buffered, isotonic saline solutions and solutions containing water-soluble polymers that render the solutions more viscous and thus less easily shed by eye by the washing action of the tear fluid. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. to Gressel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,607 to et al.; and U.S. No. 4,409,205 to Shively; Although these approaches have met with some success in some cases, significant in the treatment of dry eye nevertheless remain. Problems include the fact that the use of tear substitutes, while temporarily effective, generally requires repeated over the course of a patient's waking hours, not uncommonly ten more times over the course of a to keep the ocular or moist. Such an is inconvenient to patient. Although increasing the viscosity of the dry-eye product may extend the product's duration the eye, increase in viscosity is effective at extending duration only a limited extent. ophthalmic drops are sometimes undesirable they feel sticky in the eye. Further, increases the duration of the product would be highly desirable. Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of prior-art compositions, there is a continued need to provide improved pharmaceutical compositions for enhanced delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) to the eye. For example, it is desirable to provide improved ophthalmic for the reduction, amelioration, or prevention of discomfort resulting from the dry eye condition. is also desirable to provide such compositions that are gentle to the ocular surface.
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The prEsent iNvEnTIon RelATeS tO oPhThAlMIc PHArmACeUtiCAL coMPoSITions AND mEtHoDS OF maKiNg AnD uSING suCh coMPoSitiONS. ThE PReSenT inVeNtIon aLSO RelAtEs tO EnhanCed DeLIvERy OF OpHthalMIC PhARMaCeuTical ingrEdiENTS iN OPhTHalMic CoMpOSiTiONS aNd mETHodS OF maKiNg and usING such COMposITiONS. Some embOdiMeNtS OF THe prESenT INVeNTIon RelATe TO COmPOsItiONs anD methods fOr REducinG, aMeLioRaTINg, TrEATinG, oR PrEventinG dIsCOmforT oF Dry EYe coNDITION.
Prior-ArT OpHThALMIc cOMpOSITiOns OFTEN SUFFeR FroM IneFFiCiENT DeLiVErY OF benEfIcIAL IngRedieNTs, inCLuDing oPhthALMiC PHarMAcEutICaL acTIVe INGrEDiEnTS, To THe EYe. DIsadVantAgES of tHese cOmPOSiTIONS iNcLuDe Short duraTION Of the cOmPOsition On the eYE DUe to coNTINuOUs drAinAge or EvapOrAtion.
Dry EYe, alsO known AS kERaToConJUNctIvItIS sICCa OR dyslAcrIma, Is A coMmoN OPhtHAlmOlogiCal dIsOrDeR AFfeCTINg mILLiONs OF PEoplE. A pAtIENT WItH dry EYE maY expErienCE BURNInG, a feeling OF DrYnesS, AND peRsiStEnt iRrItAtioN. In SEvERe CASes, DRy eyE CAn sERiouSly impAiR A peRSoN's ViSiOn And HENcE haNdIcAP thE sUFfeREr In acTIVitIeS sUch As DriviNG. cerTAin DIseASES SucH as sJoGREn'S diSEase MAniFEst drY eYe sYmPtoMs. aLso, As PEOPLe AgE, tHE LaCrImAl gLAnDs iN THE eye MAY PRODucE LEsS MoiStuRe, reSuLTing In EYES tHaT bEcOMe dRy, iNflaMeD, ITcHy, and GRItTy.
altHOUgh It AppeaRS THat dRy EYE maY rEsuLt FrOM A VARiety OF UnRELaTeD pATHOgeNiC CaUSES, ALL PREsentatIons Of THe coNditIoN SHAre a COMmoN FeATuRe, NAMely thE bReakdown OF thE pREcornEal TEAR Film, whiCh BreaKDOwN coMmONLY rESulTS In dEHYdRATion Of the eXpOSEd oUTER oCulaR SuRfACe anD HEnce ThE symPToMs dEScriBed ABOVe.
A NUMbeR oF APproaChEs ExISt For The tREATMEnt OF dRy eYE. One cOmMoN APprOaCH has BEEn To SuPplemENT The ocuLar Tear FIlM USING ARtIFICiAL TEaRs iNsTiLLED tHroUgHout ThE DAY. EXamplES Of THe tEAR SubStiTuTE apProAch InCLudE The use Of BUFFEREd, isoTONIc SaLINE sOLutIOnS aND AquEOus SoLUtIONs ContaINing wAtEr-SOluBLE polymERS thAt REnDER ThE SoLUTions mORe ViScOus AnD tHuS LesS EasiLy shED bY the eye by The wAShing aCtiOn OF The tEar fLUID. SeE, fOR EXaMPle, u.S. pAT. NO. 5,209,927 to gREsSel et AL.; U.s. pAt. No. 5,294,607 tO gLonEk Et Al.; And u.S. Pat. NO. 4,409,205 TO sHiVELY;
altHOUGH tHesE aPproaChEs Have mEt WItH somE succeSS In Some CAses, siGnifiCAnt CHAlleNgES in ThE TREAtMeNt oF drY EYE NEVErTheLESs remain. pRoBlEMs INCLudE THE FacT THat thE use Of tEAr sUBstItUTeS, WhiLE TemPORArILy effECTiVE, GenERAlLy ReqUIREs REPeAtED ApPlIcAtIoN OVeR ThE CoURSe Of a PaTIent'S WakinG HOUrs, Not uNCOmmoNly teN oR morE Times oVer ThE coURsE Of a DaY TO Keep ThE OculAR sURfaCE lubrICAtEd OR MOiST. SucH aN APprOACH iS InConVeNIeNt To a PatIenT. ALtHoUGH IncreasinG THe viScOSiTy OF THE dRy-EYE PRoDUct MAy exteND THE PRODuCt'S DuratioN IN the EYe, IncreaSE IN viscosITY IS eFfECTiVe at ExteNDING DuRAtIoN oNly TO a LImiTed ExTENt. VIsCOUS oPHTHaLMIC dROPs aRE SoMEtIMeS undESiRAbLe bECAuSe theY FeeL StiCKY iN THe Eye. FurThER, iNCREaSeS in the DuRaTIOn oF tHe PROduct WouLd BE higHLy deSIRABle.
THERefoRE, IN vIEw OF The shortcoMingS oF prIOr-arT cOmPOsITIONs, tHerE IS A cONTINUEd NeED To proviDE ImpRoVEd opHtHAlMIc PhARMACEUticaL ComPOsitIONS FoR enhanceD dEliveRy Of acTiVe pHarmacEuticAl inGredIENTS (“Apis”) to THE EyE. For eXaMplE, it Is dEsirAblE tO prOvIDe improveD opHTHalmIC compOSITiONS FoR thE rEdUcTiOn, AMELIorAtion, TrEatMENT, OR preVEnTION oF THe DISComFort resultINg FrOM The dRy eyE cONdiTioN. iT IS alsO dESIrAbLe To PRoVidE SUch cOMPoSiTIonS ThAt arE GENTLe tO the OCULAr sUrFaCe.
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The present invention relates to ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions and methods of making and using such compositions.The present invention also relates to enhanced delivery of ophthalmic pharmaceutical ingredients in ophthalmic compositions and methods of making and using such compositions.Some embodiments of thepresent invention relate to compositions and methods for reducing, ameliorating, treating, or preventing discomfort of dryeyecondition. Prior-artophthalmic compositions often suffer from inefficient delivery of beneficialingredients, includingophthalmic pharmaceutical activeingredients, to the eye. Disadvantages of these compositions include short duration of the compositionon theeye due to continuous drainage or evaporation.Dry eye, alsoknown as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dyslacrima,is a common ophthalmological disorder affectingmillions of people. A patient with dry eye may experience burning, a feeling of dryness, and persistent irritation. In severe cases, dry eye can seriously impair a person's visionand hence handicapthe sufferer in activities such as driving. Certaindiseases such asSjogren's disease manifest dry eyesymptoms. Also, as people age,the lacrimal glands in theeyemay produce less moisture, resulting in eyesthat become dry, inflamed, itchy, and gritty. Althoughit appears that dry eye may resultfrom a variety of unrelated pathogeniccauses, all presentations of the condition share a common feature, namely the breakdown of the precorneal tear film, which breakdown commonly results in dehydration of theexposed outer ocular surface and hence the symptoms described above. A number of approaches exist for the treatment of dry eye. One common approach has been to supplementthe ocular tear film using artificial tears instilledthroughout the day. Examples of the tear substitute approach include the use of buffered, isotonic saline solutionsandaqueous solutionscontaining water-soluble polymers that render the solutions more viscous and thus less easily shed by the eye by the washing actionof the tear fluid. See, forexample, U.S. Pat.No. 5,209,927 toGressel et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 5,294,607 to Glonek et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,205 to Shively; Although these approaches have met with some success insome cases, significantchallenges in the treatment of dry eye nevertheless remain. Problemsinclude the fact that theuse of tear substitutes, whiletemporarily effective, generally requires repeated applicationover the course of a patient's wakinghours, notuncommonly ten or more times over the course of a day to keep the ocular surfacelubricatedormoist. Such anapproach is inconvenient to apatient. Although increasing the viscosity of thedry-eye product mayextend the product'sduration in theeye, increase inviscosity iseffective atextending duration only to a limited extent. Viscousophthalmic drops are sometimes undesirable because they feel sticky in the eye. Further, increases inthe duration of the product wouldbe highly desirable. Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of prior-art compositions, there is a continued needto provide improved ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions for enhanced delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients(“APIs”) tothe eye. For example,it is desirable to provide improved ophthalmic compositionsfor the reduction,amelioration,treatment,orprevention of the discomfort resulting fromthe dryeye condition. It is also desirable to provide suchcompositions that are gentle tothe ocular surface.
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The present invention relates to ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions and methods _of_ making and using _such_ compositions. The _present_ invention also relates to enhanced delivery _of_ ophthalmic _pharmaceutical_ ingredients in ophthalmic compositions and methods of making and using such compositions. _Some_ embodiments of the present _invention_ relate _to_ compositions and _methods_ for _reducing,_ ameliorating, treating, or _preventing_ discomfort of dry eye _condition._ Prior-art ophthalmic compositions _often_ _suffer_ from inefficient delivery of beneficial ingredients, including ophthalmic pharmaceutical active ingredients, _to_ the eye. Disadvantages of these compositions _include_ short duration of _the_ composition on _the_ eye due to continuous drainage or evaporation. Dry _eye,_ also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dyslacrima, is _a_ common _ophthalmological_ disorder affecting millions _of_ people. A _patient_ with dry eye may experience burning, a feeling of dryness, and _persistent_ irritation. In severe cases, dry _eye_ can seriously impair a person's vision and _hence_ handicap the sufferer _in_ activities such as driving. Certain diseases such _as_ Sjogren's disease manifest dry eye _symptoms._ Also, as _people_ _age,_ the lacrimal _glands_ in the _eye_ _may_ produce _less_ moisture, _resulting_ in eyes _that_ become dry, inflamed, itchy, and gritty. Although it appears _that_ dry eye may result from _a_ variety of _unrelated_ pathogenic causes, _all_ presentations of the condition share a common feature, namely the breakdown of _the_ precorneal tear film, which _breakdown_ commonly results in dehydration _of_ _the_ exposed outer _ocular_ surface _and_ hence the _symptoms_ described above. A number of approaches exist _for_ the treatment _of_ dry eye. _One_ common approach has _been_ to supplement _the_ ocular tear film using _artificial_ tears _instilled_ throughout the day. Examples of _the_ tear substitute approach include the use of _buffered,_ isotonic saline solutions and aqueous solutions _containing_ water-soluble polymers _that_ render the solutions more viscous _and_ _thus_ _less_ easily shed _by_ _the_ eye by the _washing_ _action_ of the tear fluid. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. _5,209,927_ to Gressel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,607 to Glonek et _al.;_ and U.S. _Pat._ No. 4,409,205 to Shively; Although these approaches have _met_ with some success _in_ some cases, significant challenges in the treatment of _dry_ eye nevertheless _remain._ Problems include _the_ fact that _the_ use of tear substitutes, while temporarily effective, generally requires repeated application over the course _of_ a patient's waking hours, not uncommonly ten or more _times_ over the course of a day to keep the ocular surface lubricated or moist. Such _an_ approach is inconvenient to _a_ patient. Although increasing the viscosity of the dry-eye product may extend the product's duration in the _eye,_ increase in viscosity is effective at extending _duration_ _only_ to a limited extent. Viscous ophthalmic drops _are_ sometimes undesirable because they feel sticky in _the_ eye. _Further,_ increases in _the_ duration of the product would be highly desirable. Therefore, in view _of_ the _shortcomings_ _of_ prior-art compositions, there is a continued need to provide improved ophthalmic _pharmaceutical_ compositions _for_ enhanced _delivery_ of active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) _to_ _the_ eye. For example, it is desirable to provide improved ophthalmic compositions for the reduction, _amelioration,_ treatment, _or_ prevention _of_ the _discomfort_ resulting from the dry eye condition. It is also desirable _to_ provide such compositions that are gentle to the ocular surface.
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Performance standards for plumbing products in general and faucet systems in particular are being required by more and more communities for both residential and commercial construction. The standards which are being adopted include standards relating to maintaining mixed water temperature as well as standards relating to high temperature limits for the mixed water supply for the faucet systems.
A pressure balancer is used in a hot/cold water supply system to meet the first standard noted above and maintain mixed water temperature in response to pressure fluctuations in the hot or cold water supply lines. The pressure balancer is designed to operate in a commercial system where the hot water pressurization system is separate from the cold water pressurization system and in a residential system where the pressurization of the hot and cold water systems is common. When water is demanded by a user for showering, the user adjusts the mixing valve to attain a desired temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. If, during the course of showering, the cold water pressure fails or drops significantly, the user is then subjected instantaneously and unexpectedly to an increase in the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. This could result in serious scalding of the user. Similarly, if the hot water pressure fails or drops significantly, the user is subjected instantaneously and unexpectedly to a decrease in the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. While this situation is not as potentially harmful to the user's well being as a reduction in the cold water pressure, the reduction of the hot water pressure can still be startling and extremely unpleasant.
The pressure balancer is incorporated into the hot and cold water supply systems to eliminate the unexpected reaction to the reduction of either the hot or cold water supply pressure. The pressure balancer operates to shut off the supply of hot or cold water upon a failure of the pressurized supply of the other. The pressure balancer also responds to changes in the pressure of the hot and cold water supplies where the changes in pressure are sufficient to alter the mix ratio of the hot and cold water and thus the temperature of the mixed water. The pressure balancer responds to the pressure fluctuations by balancing or equalizing the water flow on the hot water side and the cold water side of the pressure balancer to maintain the mix ratio of the hot and cold water and thus maintain the temperature of the mixed water.
The second standard which is being adopted is a high temperature limit control for faucet systems. The high temperature limit control is designed to limit the hot water temperature which is available from the hot water supply system to a level which will prevent scalding of an individual. The high temperature limit control can be accomplished by placing a stop on a single handle faucet which prohibits the movement of the handle to a position which provides full hot water flow with no cold water flow. Thus, a combination of hot and cold water will always be supplied to the mixing valve thereby limiting the temperature of the mixed water. The stop for the single handle faucet is preferably designed with adjustability in order to compensate for varying supply temperatures of the hot and cold water systems.
Another method for accomplishing the high temperature limit control is to mechanically link the hot and cold water control valves with a lost motion device in an two/three handle faucet in order to provide the mixing of cold water with the hot water to limit the temperature of the supplied water. While this approach is feasible, the intricacies of the mechanism, the potential high cost of the mechanism and the durability of the mechanism prohibit the development of faucet systems using this concept.
Thus, there is a need for a two/three faucet system which incorporates a pressure balancer and a high temperature limit control in a simplified and cost effective manner. The faucet system should incorporate both of these controls while still maintaining convenience to the user for adjustability as well as accessibility to the inner working of the faucet system for maintenance purposes.
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Performance standards for plumbing products in general and faucet systems in particular are being required by more and more communities for both residential and commercial construction. The standards which are being adopted include standards relating to maintaining mixed water temperature as well as standards relating to high temperature limits for the mixed water supply for the faucet systems. A pressure balancer is used in a hot/cold water supply system to meet the first standard noted above and maintain mixed water temperature in response to pressure fluctuations in the hot or cold water supply lines. The pressure balancer is designed to operate in a commercial system where the hot water pressurization system is separate from the cold water pressurization system and in a residential system where the pressurization of the hot and cold water systems is common. When water is demanded by a user for showering, the user adjusts the mixing valve to attain a desired temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. If, during the course of showering, the cold water pressure fails or drops significantly, the user is then subjected instantaneously and unexpectedly to an increase in the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. This could result in serious scalding of the user. Similarly, if the hot water pressure fails or drops significantly, the user is subjected instantaneously and unexpectedly to a decrease in the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. While this situation is not as potentially harmful to the user's well being as a reduction in the cold water pressure, the reduction of the hot water pressure can still be startling and extremely unpleasant. The pressure balancer is incorporated into the hot and cold water supply systems to eliminate the unexpected reaction to the reduction of either the hot or cold water supply pressure. The pressure balancer operates to shut off the supply of hot or cold water upon a failure of the pressurized supply of the other. The pressure balancer also responds to changes in the pressure of the hot and cold water supplies where the changes in pressure are sufficient to alter the mix ratio of the hot and cold water and thus the temperature of the mixed water. The pressure balancer responds to the pressure fluctuations by balancing or equalizing the water flow on the hot water side and the cold water side of the pressure balancer to maintain the mix ratio of the hot and cold water and thus maintain the temperature of the mixed water. The second standard which is being adopted is a high temperature limit control for faucet systems. The high temperature limit control is designed to limit the hot water temperature which is available from the hot water supply system to a level which will prevent scalding of an individual. The high temperature limit control can be accomplished by placing a stop on a single handle faucet which prohibits the movement of the handle to a position which provides full hot water flow with no cold water flow. Thus, a combination of hot and cold water will always be supplied to the mixing valve thereby limiting the temperature of the mixed water. The stop for the single handle faucet is preferably designed with adjustability in order to compensate for varying supply temperatures of the hot and cold water systems. Another method for accomplishing the high temperature limit control is to mechanically link the hot and cold water control valves with a lost motion device in an two/three handle faucet in order to provide the mixing of cold H2O with the hot water to limit the temperature of the supplied water. While this approach is feasible, the intricacies of the mechanism, the potential high cost of the mechanism and the durability of the mechanism prohibit the development of faucet systems using this concept. Thus, there is a need for a two/three faucet system which incorporates a pressure balancer and a high temperature limit control in a simplified and cost effective manner. The faucet system should incorporate both of these controls while still maintaining convenience to the user for adjustability as well as accessibility to the inner working of the faucet system for maintenance purposes.
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Performance standards for plumbing products in general and fa7ceH systems in particular are being required by more and more communities for both residential and commercial construction. The standards which are being adopted include standards relating to maintaining mixed water temperature as well as standards relating to high temperature limits for the mixed water supply for the faucet systems. A pressure balancer is used in a hot / cold water supply system to meet the first standard noted above and maintain mixed water temperature in response to pressure fluctuations in the hot or cold water supply lines. The pressure balancer is designed to operate in a commercial system where the hot water pressurization system is separate from the cold water pressurization system and in a residential system where the pressurization of the hot and cold water systems is common. dYen water is demanded by a user for showering, the user adjusts the mixing valve to attain a desired temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. If, during the course of showering, the cold water pressure fails or drops significantly, the user is then subjected instantaneously and unexpectedly to an increase in the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. This could result in serious scalding of the user. Similarly, if the hot water pressure fails or drops significantly, the user is subjected instantaneously and unexpectedly to a decrease in the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. shlle this situation is not as )otRntially harmful to the user ' s well being as a reduction in the co<X water pressure, the reduction of the hot water pressure can still be startling and extremely unpleasant. The pressure balancer is incorporated into the hot and cold water supply systems to eliminate the unexpected reaction to the reduction of either the hot or cold water supply pressure. The pressure balancer operates to shut off the supply of hot or cold water upon a faUl^re of the pressurized supply of the other. The pressure balancer also responds to changes in the pressure of the hot and cold water supplies where the changes in pressure are sufficient to alter the mix ratio of the hot and cold water and thus the temperature of the mixed water. The pressure balancer responds to the pressure fluctuations by balancing or equalizing the water flow on the hot water side and the cold water side of the pressure balancer to maintain the mix ratio of the hot and cold water and thus maintain the temperature of the mixed water. The second standard which is being adopted is a high temperature limit control for faucet systems. The high temperature limit control is designed to limit the hot water temperature which is available from the hot water supply system to a level which will prevent scalding of an individual. The high temperature limit control can be accomplished by placing a stop on a single handle faucet which prohibits the movement of the handle to a position which provides full hot water flow with no cold water flow. Thus, a combination of hot and cold water will always be supplied to the mixing valve thereby limiting the temperature of the mixed water. The stop for the single handle faucet is preferably designed with adjustability in ogdeT to compensate for varying supply temperatures of the hot and cold water systems. Another method for accomplishing the high temperature limit control is to mechanically link the hot and cold water control valves w*tB a lost motion device in an two / three handle faucet in order to provide the mixing of cold water with the hot water to limit the temperature of the supplied water. While this approach is feasible, the intricacies of the mechanism, the potent8Sl high cost of the mechanism and the durability of the mechanism prohibit the development of faucet systems using this concept. Thus, there is a need for a two / three faucet system which incorporates a pressure balancer and a high temperature limit control in a simplified and cost effective manner. The faucet system should incorporate both of these controls while still maintaining convenience to the uCee for adjustability as well as accessibility to the inner working of the faucet system for maintenance purposes.
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Performance standards for plumbing in general and faucet in particular are being by more and more communities for both and commercial construction. The standards which are being adopted include standards relating maintaining mixed water temperature as well as standards relating to high temperature limits for the mixed water supply for the faucet systems. A pressure balancer is used in a hot/cold water supply system to meet the first standard noted above maintain water temperature in response pressure fluctuations in the hot or cold supply lines. The pressure balancer is designed to operate in a commercial system where the hot water pressurization is the cold water pressurization and in a residential system where the pressurization the hot and cold common. When water is demanded by a user for showering, the adjusts the mixing valve to a desired temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. If, during the course of showering, cold water pressure fails or drops significantly, the is then subjected instantaneously and unexpectedly to an increase in temperature of the mixed hot water. This result in scalding of the user. Similarly, if the hot water pressure fails or drops significantly, the user is subjected instantaneously and unexpectedly to decrease in temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. While this is not as potentially harmful to the user's well as a reduction in the cold water pressure, the reduction of the hot water pressure can still startling and extremely unpleasant. The pressure balancer is incorporated into the hot and cold water supply systems to eliminate the reaction to the reduction of either hot or water supply pressure. The pressure balancer operates to shut off the supply of hot or water upon a failure of pressurized supply of the other. The pressure balancer also responds to changes the pressure of the hot and water supplies where the changes pressure are sufficient to alter the mix ratio of the hot and cold water and thus the of the water. The pressure balancer responds to the pressure fluctuations by or equalizing the water flow on the water side and the cold water side of the pressure to maintain the mix ratio of the hot and cold water and maintain the temperature of the mixed water. The second standard which is being adopted is a temperature limit control for faucet high temperature limit control is designed to limit the hot water temperature which is available from the hot water supply system to level which will prevent scalding of an individual. The high temperature limit control can be accomplished by placing a stop on a single handle faucet which prohibits the movement of the handle to a position which provides full hot flow with no cold water flow. Thus, a of hot and cold water will always supplied to the mixing valve thereby limiting the temperature of the water. The stop for the single faucet is preferably designed with in order to varying supply temperatures of the hot and water systems. Another method for accomplishing the high temperature limit control is to mechanically link the hot and cold water control valves with a lost device in an two/three handle faucet in order to provide mixing of water with the hot water to the temperature of the supplied water. While approach is feasible, the intricacies of the mechanism, the potential cost of the and the durability of the mechanism prohibit development of faucet systems using this concept. Thus, there is a need for a two/three faucet system which incorporates a pressure balancer and high temperature limit control in a simplified and effective manner. The faucet system should incorporate both of these controls while still maintaining convenience to the user for adjustability as well as accessibility to inner working of the faucet system for maintenance purposes.
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pERformANCe sTANdArdS fOR PlumBInG PROdUCtS in genErAl And faUceT sYsteMS iN ParTiCULar are beING rEQUIred BY mOre AND MORe cOMMUNIties FOr bOth rESIDeNTIAl AnD COMmerCIal coNsTruCtioN. THE StanDARds WHiCH are BeING ADoPtED INcludE staNdArDS RelATInG to MaiNTainIng mixeD waTER TeMpeRaTUrE aS WeLl As STANDards RelATiNg TO HIgH TeMpeRaturE liMITS for thE mIxEd wAtER sUPply foR ThE FAuceT sYSTems.
a PREsSURe bAlAncEr IS UsEd In A hot/cold water sUPply sYStem tO MEET The FIrsT StandArD noTed abOVe AND MaintaIN miXeD waTeR temPErature in RESPONsE TO prESsure FLUCTUAtiOnS in tHE HoT oR coLD WATer Supply LInEs. the prESsUrE BAlAncER iS DesIgNED tO OperatE IN A commerCiaL SySTEM whERe ThE hOT wAter pressuriZATiON SYsTem IS SEParaTE FROm The cOLd watEr PRessURIzatIoN SySTEM AnD IN a RESIDeNTiAL SYsTEm wHErE ThE PreSsuriZAtIon Of tHe HOT ANd colD WAtER sYStEms IS COMmON. wHen WatER IS deMandEd By A uSER for ShOWeRINg, tHe user aDJuStS thE MixINg vAlVe to AttAIN a DEsIReD TempERaTuRE Of tHe mixed hOt aND cOLd WaTeR. If, dUriNG tHe CouRSE of sHoWeriNG, thE CoLD WaTER PRESSURE FaIls OR dRops SIGNIFIcANtlY, ThE uSer IS tHEN SUbjeCTEd inStaNTaNEouSLY and UNeXpeCTeDly TO An increAsE IN tHe temPERaTURe Of the MixeD HOt and cOLD wATER. thIS cOuLD REsULT In sERiOUS scAldINg of The uSEr. SimiLarLy, IF thE HOT WAtER pRessURe fAiLs oR drOPs SigNIficAntLY, tHe uSeR is suBjECTEd InstaNtAnEOusLY aND uNexPEctedly TO A dEcreaSe IN The tEmPeRaTurE OF the Mixed HOt and COLd WaTer. WhIlE tHis SItuAtiON IS NOT as POTentiALLY HarMFul to thE USEr'S well Being as a REdUCtIoN in the COld WATER pREssure, ThE REDuCtiON oF tHE Hot WATER prEsSURE CAn sTILL BE STArTliNg aND EXTrEMELY UNpleaSANT.
the PrESSure baLaNCeR iS INcorPORAted INTo tHE HoT ANd colD WATeR SupplY SyStEMS to eLImINate tHE unExpECTEd ReActIoN TO the reductION oF eITHeR tHe hOt or Cold watEr supPlY pReSSuRE. tHe pResSuRE BalaNcEr OperaTEs to SHUt Off The sUPplY Of hOt OR CoLD water upoN A failure OF ThE preSsuriZEd sUpPly of tHe OtHer. tHe PreSsuRe BALANceR AlsO REsponDS TO CHangES iN tHE pReSSURE of ThE HoT anD Cold WATer sUpPliES wHERE THE CHaNgES In PReSsUrE ARE SuFFiCIENt TO ALTEr the MIX RATIo oF THe HOT aNd cOLd wateR anD tHUs ThE TeMpeRATure of ThE mIXEd wATEr. thE PRESSURE BaLaNCEr responDS To tHE PreSsure flUctuatIoNS bY balANcIng oR EQUALIzinG THE Water FlOw oN tHe Hot watER siDE anD ThE coLD Water SIDE Of tHE PRESsurE balaNCEr TO MaINTaiN tHE mIx rAtIo oF tHE HOt and Cold WaTer AnD ThUs MaIntain thE tEMpErAtuRE Of tHe MIxed WaTER.
ThE seconD sTANDard WhiCh iS BeIng ADopteD IS A HiGH TEmPeRATuRe lImIT ConTrol FOr FAuCEt SystEMS. The hIgh temPEraTurE LImIT COntrOl Is DeSiGNED TO LimIT thE hOt wAter TemPerAtUrE whiCh is AVaiLaBlE frOM THE hot water SUpPLy SysteM tO a levEL WHicH wILL PreVeNT sCALDIng of AN indIvIdUAl. thE High tempErATUrE liMiT cOnTROl can be aCCOMpLIshed By placinG a StOP on A sINGle HAnDLe FauceT which proHibITS THE MoVEmEnT of ThE hanDLE to A posITiON whIcH ProviDes fUll hoT WATer flow wiTh nO coLD WaTEr fLOw. thUS, a cOMBInATiON Of HOT anD COLd watER WiLl AlwAYs BE SUpplIEd To thE MIxINg VaLVE thEreBy lIMiting THe tEMPERAtuRE Of THE MIXeD wAter. The sToP FOR The sINgLe haNDLE FAUceT IS pRefERABly dESiGNed wiTH AdjustAbIlItY IN ORdEr TO cOmpEnSAtE fOr VaRyING suppLy temPerAtuRes Of tHe hot AnD cOlD wATER SystEms.
anoTheR mEThOd fOr aCCOMPLisHinG thE hiGH TEMPeRATUrE LiMiT ConTROL IS TO mECHANICaLLy Link thE hOt AND cOlD waTeR COnTROl vAlvES wITh a LOst MoTIon dEVice IN an TwO/ThREe haNdLe faUCEt iN ORDeR tO pRoVIdE THe miXiNg oF COLd waTEr WiTH tHe HOT waTEr to lIMIt ThE tempERaTURe of tHe sUPPlieD WAtEr. while THIs APproACH is FEAsiBle, tHE IntRiCACiEs of tHE MECHanisM, The potENtIAL HiGH COsT Of THe mecHAnISm aNd thE duraBiLIty oF the mecHanISM prOHibIt thE DeVeLOpMeNT OF FaUCET sYStEMs uSING THiS cOncePt.
tHuS, ThERE Is A nEed for A TWo/ThrEE faUceT SysTEm WhIcH InCORPorAtES a pReSsure BalAncEr AnD a HiGh TeMpERaTure LiMIT CONtROl IN A sImplifIeD And cost efFECtIvE mAnNeR. tHE FauCeT systEm ShOuld iNCoRpOrAtE boTH OF THEsE contROLS wHILe Still mAINtAiniNg coNvEnIence tO THe uSER FOR aDjusTaBIliTy As WeLl As AcceSsiBILiTY tO thE inner wOrkiNG of ThE fAuCeT sYsTeM fOr maINTENANCe PUrPOSEs.
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Performance standards for plumbingproducts in general and faucet systems inparticular are beingrequired by more and more communitiesfor both residential and commercial construction. The standards which are beingadopted include standards relating to maintaining mixed water temperature as wellas standardsrelating tohigh temperaturelimits for the mixed water supply for the faucet systems. A pressure balancer is used in a hot/cold watersupply system to meet the first standard notedabove and maintain mixed water temperature in response to pressure fluctuations in the hot or cold water supply lines. The pressure balancer isdesigned to operate in a commercial system where the hot water pressurization system is separatefromthe cold water pressurization system and in a residential system where the pressurization of thehot andcold water systems is common. When water isdemanded by a user for showering, theuser adjusts themixing valve to attain a desired temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. If, during the course of showering, the cold water pressurefails ordropssignificantly, theuser is then subjectedinstantaneously and unexpectedly to anincreasein the temperatureof the mixed hot and cold water.This could resultin seriousscalding of the user. Similarly, if the hot waterpressure fails or drops significantly, the user is subjected instantaneously and unexpectedly to a decrease in the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. While this situation is not as potentially harmful to the user's well being as a reduction in the cold water pressure, the reductionof the hot water pressure can still be startling and extremely unpleasant. The pressurebalancer isincorporated into the hot and coldwater supply systems to eliminate the unexpectedreaction to the reduction of either thehot orcoldwater supply pressure. The pressurebalancer operates to shut offthe supplyof hot or coldwater upon a failure of the pressurized supply of the other. The pressurebalanceralso responds to changes in the pressure of the hot and cold water supplies where the changes in pressure are sufficient to alter the mix ratio ofthe hot and cold water and thus the temperature of themixed water. The pressure balancer responds to the pressure fluctuations by balancing or equalizing the water flow on thehot water side and the cold water sideof the pressure balancer to maintain the mixratio of the hot and cold waterand thus maintain thetemperature of themixedwater. Thesecondstandard which is being adopted is a high temperature limit control for faucet systems. The high temperature limit control is designed to limit the hot water temperature which is available from the hot water supply system to a level which will prevent scalding of an individual. The high temperature limit control can beaccomplished by placing a stop on a singlehandle faucet which prohibits the movement of the handle to a position which provides fullhot water flow with no cold waterflow. Thus, a combination of hot and cold water will always be supplied to the mixing valve thereby limiting thetemperature of the mixed water. Thestop forthesingle handle faucet is preferably designed with adjustability in order to compensate for varying supply temperatures ofthe hot and cold water systems. Another method for accomplishing the high temperaturelimit control is to mechanicallylink the hot and coldwatercontrol valves with a lost motion device in an two/three handle faucetin order to provide the mixingofcold water with the hot water to limit the temperature ofthe supplied water. While this approach is feasible, the intricacies of themechanism, the potentialhigh cost of the mechanism andthedurabilityofthe mechanism prohibit the development offaucet systems using this concept. Thus, there is a needfor a two/three faucet system which incorporates a pressure balancerand a hightemperature limit control in a simplified and cost effective manner. The faucet system should incorporate both of these controls whilestill maintaining convenience to theuser for adjustability as well as accessibility to the inner working ofthe faucetsystem for maintenance purposes.
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Performance standards _for_ plumbing _products_ in general and faucet systems in _particular_ are being required by more and more communities for _both_ residential and commercial construction. The standards which _are_ being _adopted_ include standards relating to maintaining mixed water temperature as well _as_ _standards_ relating to high temperature limits for _the_ mixed water supply _for_ _the_ faucet systems. A _pressure_ balancer _is_ used in a _hot/cold_ water _supply_ system to meet the _first_ _standard_ noted above _and_ maintain mixed water temperature in response to pressure fluctuations in the hot or cold _water_ supply lines. _The_ _pressure_ balancer is designed to operate in a _commercial_ system where the hot _water_ pressurization system is _separate_ _from_ the cold water pressurization system and in a residential system where the pressurization of the _hot_ and cold water systems is common. When water is demanded _by_ a _user_ for showering, the _user_ adjusts the mixing valve to _attain_ a _desired_ temperature of _the_ mixed hot and cold water. _If,_ during the _course_ of _showering,_ the cold water pressure fails or drops significantly, the user is _then_ _subjected_ _instantaneously_ and unexpectedly to an increase in the temperature _of_ the _mixed_ hot and _cold_ water. _This_ could result in serious _scalding_ of the user. Similarly, if the hot water pressure fails or drops significantly, the user is subjected instantaneously and unexpectedly _to_ _a_ decrease _in_ the temperature of the mixed hot _and_ cold water. _While_ _this_ situation is not _as_ potentially harmful to the user's well _being_ as _a_ _reduction_ in the cold _water_ pressure, the reduction _of_ the hot water pressure can _still_ be _startling_ and extremely unpleasant. The pressure balancer is incorporated _into_ the hot and cold water supply _systems_ _to_ eliminate the _unexpected_ reaction to the reduction of either the hot or cold water _supply_ pressure. The pressure balancer operates to shut off _the_ _supply_ of _hot_ _or_ cold water upon a _failure_ of the pressurized supply of the other. The pressure balancer _also_ responds to changes in _the_ _pressure_ of the hot and cold water supplies where the changes in pressure are sufficient to alter _the_ mix ratio _of_ the hot and cold water and thus the _temperature_ of the mixed water. _The_ pressure balancer responds to the _pressure_ fluctuations _by_ balancing or equalizing the water _flow_ _on_ the _hot_ water side _and_ the cold water side of the pressure balancer to _maintain_ _the_ mix ratio _of_ the hot and cold water and thus maintain the temperature of the mixed water. _The_ second standard _which_ is being adopted is a high _temperature_ limit control for faucet _systems._ The high temperature limit control is _designed_ to limit the hot water temperature which is available from the hot _water_ supply system to a _level_ _which_ _will_ _prevent_ scalding _of_ an _individual._ The high temperature limit control can be accomplished by placing a stop on a single handle faucet which _prohibits_ the movement of the handle to a position which _provides_ full hot water flow _with_ no _cold_ water flow. Thus, a combination _of_ _hot_ _and_ _cold_ water _will_ always be _supplied_ to the mixing valve thereby limiting the temperature _of_ the mixed _water._ _The_ stop for the single handle faucet _is_ preferably designed with adjustability _in_ order to _compensate_ for _varying_ supply temperatures of _the_ hot _and_ cold water systems. _Another_ method for accomplishing the high temperature limit control is _to_ _mechanically_ link the hot and cold water control valves with a lost _motion_ _device_ in _an_ two/three handle faucet in _order_ to provide the mixing of cold water with the hot water to limit _the_ temperature _of_ the supplied water. While this approach is feasible, the intricacies _of_ _the_ mechanism, the potential high cost of the _mechanism_ _and_ the durability of the mechanism prohibit the development of faucet systems using _this_ concept. _Thus,_ _there_ is a _need_ for a two/three faucet system which incorporates a pressure balancer and a _high_ temperature limit control in a _simplified_ and cost effective manner. The faucet system should _incorporate_ _both_ of _these_ controls while still _maintaining_ convenience to the user for adjustability as well as accessibility _to_ the _inner_ working of the faucet system for _maintenance_ _purposes._
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The present invention relates to musical instrument training devices, particularly for stringed instruments and more particularly to an improved fret board training device that includes a matrix of thin lights displayed within the fret board, consisting of a light matrix of electroluminescent flat panel displays which are viewable from a wide angle and under ambient lighting conditions wherein the electroluminescent display (or "ELD") uses a layer of phosphor material and electrode layers with the electrodes supplying an electric field across the phosphor layer.
There are a number of different stringed instruments which have a larger sound box or body with a long narrow neck attached thereto and include a plurality of, for example, 6-12 strings and a number of frets or transverse raised ribs across the neck at regularly spaced intervals. Such instruments are, for example, the guitar, banjo, and the like.
The guitar is typically played by depressing one or more of the strings at certain locations between the frets to shorten the string and thus produce various sounds that are pleasing to the listener. Thus, a user must be able to visually locate a particular and precise fret and string location on the instrument and correctly depress that string at that fret position to produce a particular musical chord or note.
Learning to play the guitar means learning the particular locations for strings and frets as well as an ability to quickly and easily depress the proper string location. The guitar is unmarked with any indicia that would be a clue to the student, thus the learning process is difficult without some visual aid.
One solution to this problem has been to provide a booklet having a diagram corresponding to the guitar chord positions so that the student can look at the book and then visually place his or her fingers at the particular location on the instrument that corresponds to a particular chord or note. This particular practice of teaching is awkward and cumbersome because the student must repeatedly change the position of his head in order to look at either the guitar or the booklet having the instructions. This problem has been discussed in previous U.S. patents, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,495 issued to John Roof and entitled "Musical Instrument Training Device." The Roof '495 patent offers a possible solution to the above-described problems by providing an electrical device which helps train a student to play a stringed instrument and includes a group of visual indicators mounted on the neck of a fret board and each indicator being immediately beneath and in registry with a particular string and fret of the instrument so as to identify therewith. The Roof '495 patent further provides a second group or plurality of visual indicators mounted on the fret board adjacent the sounding hole in spaced relationship to the first plurality of visual indicators and each one is associated with a particular string to be strummed for a particular musical chord. Switches are provided for selection of musical chords and are operably connected to a diode matrix for energizing selected ones of the visual indicators in the first and second groups whereby the energized visual indicator pattern of the first group represents finger placement loctions along the neck of the fret board for a selected musical chord and the energized visual indicator pattern or the second group represents appropriate strings to be strummed associated with the selected musical chord.
The Roof '495 patent uses light emitting diodes or LEDs which cannot be visualized unless the line of sight is at or very close to a line perpendicular to the plane of the viewing surface. This is a particular problem with guitar players because the guitar is usually placed against the body of the musician. The front surface of the guitar as well as the front face of the fret board is directed away from the musician as well as away from the musician's eyes. Thus, normally the musician must bend over only slightly in order to see the fret board. Nonetheless, the fret board is normally viewed at wide angles to an imaginary line perpendicular to the plane of the viewing surface (e.g., 60-80 degrees). This necessitates a total accessible viewing angle up to 160 degrees. Otherwise, the guitar player would need to lay the guitar virtually flat against his or her lap or against a table in order to see the light display which would be an uncomfortable and unnatural position considerably hindering the playability of the instrument.
Several other patents have been issued which are directed to the problem of a visual device for teaching the playing of a musical stringed instrument. Examples of other patents include the Pipkin U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,788,699, the Sapinski 3,854,370, the Johnson 3,978,757, the Gilbert 3,943,815, the Ratanangsu 4,080,867, and the Habicht 4,545,281.
These patents do not solve the problem of providing an easily viewable matrix of thin lights displayed within the fret board of a guitar and having a wide angle viewing area under ambient lighting conditions.
Electroluminescent displays (ELDs) are commercially available. ELDs are discussed, for example, in the March 1985 issue of BYTE magazine with appended bibliography and references.
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The present invention relates to musical instrument training devices, particularly for stringed instruments and more particularly to an improved fret board training device that includes a ground substance of thin lights displayed within the fret board, consisting of a light matrix of electroluminescent flat panel displays which are viewable from a wide angle and under ambient lighting conditions wherein the electroluminescent display (or "ELD") uses a layer of phosphor material and electrode layers with the electrodes supplying an electric field across the phosphor layer. There are a number of different stringed instruments which have a larger sound box or body with a long narrow neck attached thereto and include a plurality of, for example, 6-12 strings and a number of frets or transverse raised ribs across the neck at regularly spaced intervals. Such instruments are, for example, the guitar, banjo, and the like. The guitar is typically played by depressing one or more of the strings at certain locations between the frets to shorten the string and thus produce various sounds that are pleasing to the listener. Thus, a user must be able to visually locate a particular and precise fret and string location on the instrument and correctly depress that string at that fret position to produce a particular musical chord or note. Learning to play the guitar means learning the particular locations for strings and frets as well as an ability to quickly and easily depress the proper string location. The guitar is unmarked with any indicia that would be a clue to the student, thus the learning process is difficult without some visual aid. One solution to this problem has been to provide a booklet having a diagram corresponding to the guitar chord positions so that the student can look at the book and then visually place his or her fingers at the particular location on the instrument that corresponds to a particular chord or note. This particular practice of teaching is awkward and cumbersome because the student must repeatedly change the position of his head in order to look at either the guitar or the booklet having the instructions. This problem has been discussed in previous U.S. patents, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,495 issued to John Roof and entitled "Musical Instrument Training Device." The Roof '495 patent offers a possible solution to the above-described problems by providing an electrical device which helps train a student to play a stringed instrument and includes a group of visual indicators mounted on the neck of a fret board and each indicator being immediately beneath and in registry with a particular string and fret of the instrument so as to identify therewith. The Roof '495 patent further provides a second group or plurality of visual indicators mounted on the fret board adjacent the sounding hole in spaced relationship to the first plurality of visual indicators and each one is associated with a particular string to be strummed for a particular musical chord. Switches are provided for selection of musical chords and are operably connected to a diode matrix for energizing selected ones of the visual indicators in the first and second groups whereby the energized visual indicator pattern of the first group represents finger placement loctions along the neck of the fret board for a selected musical chord and the energized visual indicator pattern or the second group represents appropriate strings to be strummed associated with the selected musical chord. The Roof '495 patent uses light emitting diodes or LEDs which cannot be visualized unless the line of sight is at or very close to a line perpendicular to the plane of the viewing surface. This is a particular problem with guitar players because the guitar is usually placed against the body of the musician. The front surface of the guitar as well as the front face of the fret board is directed away from the musician as well as away from the musician's eyes. Thus, normally the musician must bend over only slightly in order to see the fret board. Nonetheless, the fret board is normally viewed at wide angles to an imaginary line perpendicular to the plane of the viewing surface (e.g., 60-80 degrees). This necessitates a total accessible viewing angle up to 160 degrees. Otherwise, the guitar player would need to lay the guitar virtually flat against his or her lap or against a table in order to see the light display which would be an uncomfortable and unnatural position considerably hindering the playability of the instrument. Several other patents have been issued which are directed to the problem of a visual device for teaching the playing of a musical stringed instrument. Examples of other patents include the Pipkin U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,788,699, the Sapinski 3,854,370, the Johnson 3,978,757, the Gilbert 3,943,815, the Ratanangsu 4,080,867, and the Habicht 4,545,281. These patents do not solve the problem of providing an easily viewable matrix of thin lights displayed within the fret board of a guitar and having a wide angle viewing area under ambient lighting conditions. Electroluminescent displays (ELDs) are commercially available. ELDs are discussed, for example, in the March 1985 issue of BYTE magazine with appended bibliography and references.
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The present invention relates to musical instrument training devices, particularly for stringed instruments and more particularly to an improved fret board training device that includes a matrix of thin lights displayed within the fret board, consisting of a light matrix of electroluminescent flat panel displays which are viewable from a wide angle and under ambient lighting conditions wherein the electroluminescent display (or " ELD ") uses a layer of phosphor material and electrode layers with the electrodes supplying an electric fLWld across the phosphor layer. There are a number of different stringed instruments which have a larger sound box or body with a long narrow neck attached thereto and include a plurality of, for example, 6 - 12 strintC and a number of frets or transverse raised ribs across the neck at regularly spaced intervals. Such instruments are, for example, the guitar, banjo, and the like. The guitar is typically played by depressing one or more of the strings at certain locations between the frets to shorten the string and thus produce various sounds that are pleasing to the listener. TGuc, a user must be able to visually locate a particular and precise fret and string location on the instrument and correctly depress that string at that fret position to produce a particular mus*dal chord or note. Learning to play the guitar means learning the particular locations for strings and frets as well as an ability to quickly and easily depress the proper string location. The guitar is unmarked with any indicia that 2o*ld be a clue to the student, thus the learning process is difficult without some visual aid. One solution to this problem has been to provide a booklet having a diagram corresponding to the guitar chord positions so that the student can look at the book and then visually place his or her fingers at the particular kocStion on the instrument that corresponds to a particular chord or note. This particular practice of teaching is awkward and cumbersome because the student must repeatedly change the position of his head in order to look at either the guitar or the booklet having the instructions. This problem has been discussed in previous U. S. patents, for example, U. S. Pat. No. 4, 286, 495 issued to John Roof and entitled " Musical Instrument Training Device. " The Roof ' 495 OatFnt offers a possible solution to the above - described problems by providing an electrical device which helps train a student to play a stringed instrument and includes a group of visual indicators mounted on the neck of a fret board and each indicator being immediately beneath and in registry with a particular string and fret of the instrument so as to identify therewith. The Roof ' 495 patent further provides a second group or plurality of visual indicators mounted on the fret board adjacent the sounding hole in spaced relationship to the first plurality of visual indicators and each one is associated wotn a particular string to be strummed for a particular musical chord. Switches are provided for selection of musical chords and are operably connected to a diode matrix for energizing selected ones of the visual indicators in the first and second groups whereby the energized visual indicator pattern of the first group represents finger placement loctions along the neck of the fret board for a selected musical chord and the energized visual indicator pattern or the second group represents appropriate strings to be strummed associated with the selected musical chord. The Roof ' 495 patent uses light emitting diodes or LEDs which cannot be visualized unless the line of sight is at or very close to a line perpendicular to the plane of the viewing surface. This is a particular problem with guitar players because the guitWg is usually placed against the body of the musician. The front surface of the guitar as well as the front face of the fret board is directed away from the musician as well as away from the musician ' s eyes. Thus, normally the musician must bend over only slightly in order to see the fret board. Nonetheless, the fret board is normally viewed at wide angles to an imaginary line perpendicular to the plane of the viewing surface (e. g. , 60 - 80 degrsws ). This necessitates a total accessible viewing angle up to 160 degrees. Otherwise, the guitar player would need to lay the guitar virtually flat against his or her lap or against a table in order to see the light display which would be an uncomfortable and unnatural position considerably hindering the playability of the instrument. Several other patents have been issued which are directed to the problem of a visual device for teaching the playing of a musical stringed instrument. Examples of other patents include the Pipkin U. S. Pat. Nos. 2, 788, 699, the Sapinski 3, 854, 370, the Johnson 3, 978, 757, the Gilbert 3, 943, 815, the Ratanangsu 4, 080, 867, and the Habicht 4, 545, 281. These patents do not solve the problem of providing an easily viewable matrix of thin lights displayed within the fret board of a guitar and having a wide angle viewing area under ambient lighting conditions. Electroluminescent displays (ELDs) are commercially available. ELDs are discussed, for example, in the March 1985 issue of BYTE magazine with appended bibliography and references.
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The present invention relates to musical instrument training devices, particularly for stringed instruments and more particularly to an improved fret board training device that includes matrix of thin lights displayed within the fret board, of a light matrix of electroluminescent flat panel displays which are viewable from a wide and under ambient lighting wherein the display (or "ELD") uses a layer of phosphor material and electrode layers with the electrodes supplying an electric field across the phosphor layer. There are a number of different stringed instruments which have a larger sound box or body with a long narrow neck attached and include a plurality of, for example, 6-12 strings and a number of frets or transverse raised ribs across the neck at regularly spaced intervals. Such instruments are, for example, the guitar, banjo, and the like. guitar is typically played by depressing one or more of the at certain locations between frets to the string and thus produce various sounds that are pleasing to the listener. a be able visually locate particular and precise fret and string location on the instrument and correctly depress that string at that fret position to produce a particular musical chord or note. Learning to play the guitar means learning the particular locations for strings and frets as well as an ability to quickly and easily depress the proper location. The guitar is unmarked with any indicia that would be a clue to the student, thus learning process is difficult some visual aid. One solution to this problem has been to provide a booklet having a diagram corresponding to the guitar chord positions so that the student can look at the book and then visually place his or her the particular location on the instrument that corresponds to a particular chord or particular practice of teaching is and cumbersome the student repeatedly change the position of his head in order to look at either the guitar or booklet having the instructions. problem has been discussed in previous U.S. patents, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,495 issued to John Roof and entitled "Musical Instrument Training Device." The Roof '495 patent offers a possible solution to the above-described problems by an electrical device which helps train a student to play a stringed instrument and includes group of visual indicators mounted on the neck of fret board and each indicator being immediately and in registry with a particular string and fret of the instrument so to identify The Roof '495 patent further provides a group or plurality of visual indicators mounted on the fret board adjacent the sounding in spaced relationship to the first plurality of visual indicators and each one is associated with a particular string to be strummed for a particular musical chord. Switches are for selection of musical chords and are connected to a diode matrix energizing selected ones visual indicators in the first and second groups whereby the energized visual indicator of the group placement loctions along the neck of the fret a selected musical the energized visual indicator pattern or the second group represents strings to be strummed associated with the selected musical chord. The Roof '495 patent uses light emitting diodes or LEDs which cannot be visualized unless the line is at or very to a line perpendicular to the plane of viewing This is a problem with guitar the guitar is usually placed against the body of the musician. The front surface of the guitar as well as the front face of the fret board is directed away from the as well as the musician's eyes. Thus, normally the musician must bend only slightly in order to the fret board. Nonetheless, the fret board is normally viewed at angles to imaginary perpendicular to plane of viewing surface (e.g., 60-80 degrees). This necessitates a total accessible viewing angle to 160 degrees. Otherwise, the guitar player would need to the virtually flat against his or her lap or against a table order to the light display which would be an uncomfortable and unnatural position considerably the playability of the instrument. Several other have been issued which are directed to problem of a visual for teaching the playing of a stringed of other patents the Pipkin Pat. Nos. 2,788,699, the Sapinski 3,854,370, the 3,978,757, the Gilbert 3,943,815, the Ratanangsu 4,080,867, the Habicht 4,545,281. These patents do not solve the problem of providing an easily viewable matrix of thin lights displayed within the fret board a guitar and having a wide viewing area under ambient lighting conditions. Electroluminescent displays (ELDs) are commercially available. ELDs are discussed, example, in the March 1985 issue of BYTE magazine with appended bibliography and references.
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thE pRESEnt iNVentIOn ReLATES To mUSicAL insTrUMENT TraIniNg dEVices, PArtiCULaRLy For strinGeD instruMENTS aNd mOrE ParTicuLARLy tO an iMprovED frET boaRD tRAINInG dEVicE THat InclUdeS A mAtRIX of tHIN lIGHTS diSpLAyEd wiThiN THe frET boARD, cOnSisting OF A LiGhT MaTRix of ElECTRoluMINeSCeNT FlaT panel DISpLAys WhICH are ViewaBLE fROm A widE aNGle and uNDER aMbIeNt lIgHtiNG CONDItiOnS wHerein ThE elEcTRolUmiNeSceNt DiSPLay (Or "elD") useS a LayER oF PHOSphOr mATeRiAl and ELeCtRodE LAyeRS wiTH The ElecTRODes sUpPLYIng aN elEcTrIC FielD Across THe phoSphoR LAYeR.
THere are a nuMBEr oF dIfFerenT sTrINgEd inStruMeNts whicH hAVE A LargeR Sound BOX OR Body witH a LOnG NArrow NEcK ATTaCHEd tHErEtO aND InclUde a PlURAlItY oF, for exAMpLE, 6-12 STrIngs AnD a nuMbeR of frets oR transvERse raiSED rIbS AcrOss thE nEck At regularLy SPAcED InteRvals. Such iNstRumeNTs arE, FOr ExAmPlE, THe GuItar, BAnjo, and The lIKe.
The GuItar is tYpiCAlly PLAyeD by DePrESSiNg onE OR more Of tHE StRinGS at ceRtaiN LoCatiONS bEtWEEn THE FreTS To SHOrtEn tHE STriNG anD thus PRoduce vArIOUS soUnds tHAT Are pLEASiNG to tHe lISTEnEr. THuS, A UsER MusT be AbLE To VIsUaLLy LOcaTe A ParTiCUlaR ANd prECISe fReT And STrIng lOcaTiOn ON thE INsTRumEnT AnD CORReCtLY DEpRESS tHAT stRINg at thaT FrET posiTION To PRodUcE A paRtiCuLAR mUsicAL CHoRd or Note.
LeaRniNg To PLaY tHe gUITAR mEANS LeArning the ParticulAR lOcatiOnS for strINGs And fRetS as wELl aS An ABIlItY To qUicklY and eASilY DEPrESs THE pROPeR stRInG locATIOn. thE guiTaR is uNMArked WitH aNy INdiciA THaT WOuLD bE a cLUE TO THE sTudENT, thUS The lEarnING PrOCesS IS dIffiCuLt wItHoUT somE vISUAl AID.
one SoLutIon TO this pRoBLEM hAs BeeN TO providE A bOokLET hAvinG A dIaGRaM CORRESponDIng to tHe GuItar CHoRD pOSItiOnS sO That tHE STudeNT CAN LoOK At The boOk AND tHeN VISuAlly placE His or hER Fingers aT THE PaRTiCUlaR lOcatIoN oN tHE InSTRuMENt that cORrESPOnDs TO A pARtiCuLar chORD or notE. tHis PARticULaR PrACtICe OF TeAcHinG iS awkWArd aNd cUmBeRsoMe BEcaUse tHE sTUDENT mUSt rEPeATEDlY cHange THe pOSitIOn OF His Head IN oRdeR to LOok At EItHer tHE GUitAR Or The bOokLet HaViNG tHe InSTRUcTiOns. ThIS PROBlem hAS been dIScUsSeD IN pREVIOus U.S. pATENTS, FoR EXAMPlE, U.s. PAT. nO. 4,286,495 iSsUed tO JOhN rooF ANd ENtitLED "muSICaL InstrumEnt TRainiNG deViCe." The roOF '495 patEnT oFfERS a POSSIBLE SOLuTion TO the above-deSCRiBED proBLEMs By prOVidInG An eLECtrICal DevicE wHIch heLPS trAIN a stuDENT to plAY a sTriNGED iNStRUMENT and iNCLUdES A Group Of VISuAL INDIcATORs mounTED oN THE Neck oF A fret Board anD Each indIcaToR bEINg immEdiaTely BENeATH anD in reGiStrY WIth A partiCULar sTRinG And frET of tHE INstRUMEnT SO AS To iDENtifY tHEREwitH. tHe ROOF '495 PateNT FuRtHEr proViDEs a SeCoNd GRouP OR pLurAliTy oF vISUAL InDiCAtORs mOuNtEd oN ThE fret BoARd adjAcEnT The souNdinG HoLe In spacED ReLATIOnShIp To the fIrSt plURaLItY oF vISUAl InDiCaToRS aND EAcH ONE Is ASsocIAtED WitH A pArTiCULAR sTRINg To Be stRumMed For a paRtiCUlAR mUSiCaL Chord. SwItCHeS Are PrOViDEd foR sElECTioN of musIcaL cHorDS And aRE OperABLy CoNneCteD to a diode MATRiX foR EneRGIZINg SeLEctED Ones Of ThE VISUAl indIcAtors iN The fiRst AnD sECoNd GrouPS wheREbY ThE EnergIZED ViSuaL INDicATor patTeRN Of THE fiRsT gROuP rePREsEnTS FInGeR plACeMenT LOCtioNS alOng the Neck OF THe FreT BoARd For a SELECteD MUsiCaL cHOrd AnD the EnERgiZED vISuaL inDICAtOr pATTErN OR THe SEcOnD grOUP RepRESentS aPProPRIaTE STRiNgs TO be sTRUMMED aSSoCiateD wITH The SelecTeD mUSiCaL chorD.
THE rOoF '495 PATEnt uSEs lIghT EMIttiNg DioDes OR lEds WHiCh CAnnoT be viSUAlIzED uNLEss tHE LInE OF sIgHT is AT Or vERY cLosE to A LiNe perPenDicULAr to thE pLanE oF tHE ViewIng SURfACe. thIs iS A PARtIcUlaR ProbLeM wItH gUITAR PlAyeRs BeCaUSe THE GUItar iS usUalLY pLACed AgaINsT The bOdY OF The musician. thE FrONt SURFaCE oF tHe gUItar as WelL aS THE frONt FaCe of THe FrET BoArD Is direcTEd AWaY FRoM THE MuSIcIan aS WELl as AWaY FRom ThE MuSICian'S eYEs. ThuS, NOrMAlLy thE mUSIciaN muST BEND OvER ONLY sLIgHTlY IN ordER TO See THE fReT boArD. nOnEtHelEss, ThE frEt boarD IS nORmaLlY ViEwED at wIde aNgLes to AN ImAgINaRY liNE PERpENdiculaR to the pLAnE OF the VIewiNg sUrFACE (e.G., 60-80 DeGreeS). thIs NECESsItaTEs A ToTal AcceSSibLe ViewiNg anGle up TO 160 DEgREES. OtherWIsE, the GUitAR pLayEr wOUld NeeD to lay The guitAR virTUaLLy fLaT aGaiNsT HIS Or hER LaP or agaInST a TablE iN OrDer To see THE LiGHT DiSPLaY WHIch woUld BE AN uncOmForTAble and uNNatuRal posItion coNsideRABLy hIndERING ThE PLaYAbilitY oF thE INsTRumenT.
seVEraL otHeR PaTENts havE BEEN ISSueD whICH are DIRECted to thE prOBLEm Of A VISUaL DevICE FoR TEAcHiNg tHe plaYing oF A MUsical StriNged InsTruMEnT. EXaMpleS of OTHEr pAtentS InCLUde tHE pipKin u.S. pAT. nos. 2,788,699, the sApINSki 3,854,370, The joHNsOn 3,978,757, The gilbeRT 3,943,815, tHE raTaNaNgSu 4,080,867, AND THe HAbicHt 4,545,281.
THEsE PAteNTS Do NoT soLVE tHE ProbleM Of pRoViDINg aN easiLY vieWable MatRIx of tHIN LiGhtS DIspLAYed withIN thE Fret bOaRD oF a guitaR anD haVING a WIdE anGle vIeWiNG area UndER AMbieNt LiGhtinG condItiOnS.
ELEctrOlUMIneSCENT DIsPlAYs (eLDs) ArE coMmerciaLlY AVailAbLE. eLDs aRE DiScUSsED, for ExaMpLe, IN The MARch 1985 ISsuE Of byte MAgazIne wiTh apPenDed bIblIoGRAphY And RefeRencES.
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The presentinvention relates tomusical instrument training devices, particularly for stringed instruments and more particularly to an improved fret board training device that includes a matrix of thin lights displayed within thefret board, consisting ofa lightmatrix of electroluminescentflat panel displays whichare viewable fromawide angle and under ambientlighting conditions wherein the electroluminescent display(or "ELD") usesa layer of phosphor material andelectrodelayers with the electrodes supplyinganelectric field across the phosphorlayer. There are a number of different stringed instrumentswhich have a larger sound box or body with along narrow neck attached thereto and include a plurality of, forexample, 6-12 strings anda number of frets or transverse raised ribs across the neck at regularly spaced intervals. Such instruments are, for example, the guitar, banjo,and the like. The guitaris typically played by depressing one ormore of the stringsatcertain locations between thefrets toshorten the string and thusproduce various soundsthat are pleasing to the listener. Thus,a user must be able to visually locate a particularandprecise fret and stringlocation on the instrumentandcorrectly depress that stringat that fret position to produce a particularmusical chord or note. Learningto play the guitarmeans learning the particular locations for strings and frets as wellas an ability to quickly and easily depress the proper string location. The guitar is unmarked with anyindicia that would be a clue to the student, thus the learning process is difficult without some visual aid. One solution to this problem has been to provide a booklet having a diagram corresponding to the guitar chord positions so that the student can look at the bookand then visually place his or her fingers at the particular location on the instrument that corresponds to a particular chord or note.This particularpractice ofteaching is awkward and cumbersome because the student must repeatedly change the position of his head in order to look at either theguitarorthebooklet having the instructions. This problem hasbeen discussed in previous U.S. patents,forexample, U.S. Pat.No.4,286,495 issued to John Roof and entitled"Musical Instrument TrainingDevice." The Roof '495 patent offers a possible solution to the above-described problems byproviding an electrical device which helps train a student to play astringed instrument and includes a group of visual indicatorsmounted on theneckof afret board and each indicator being immediatelybeneath andin registrywith a particular stringand fret of the instrument so as to identify therewith. The Roof '495 patent further providesa second group orplurality of visual indicators mounted on the fret board adjacent the sounding hole in spaced relationship to the first plurality of visualindicators and each one is associated with a particular string to bestrummed for a particular musical chord.Switches are provided for selection of musical chords and are operably connected to a diode matrixfor energizing selected ones of the visualindicators in the first and second groups whereby the energizedvisual indicator pattern of the firstgroup represents finger placement loctions along the neck of thefret board for a selected musical chordand the energized visualindicator pattern or the second group represents appropriate stringsto be strummedassociated with the selected musicalchord. The Roof '495 patent uses light emitting diodes orLEDs which cannot be visualized unless the line of sight is ator very close to a line perpendicularto the plane of the viewing surface. This is a particular problem withguitar players because the guitar is usuallyplaced against the body of the musician. Thefront surface of the guitar aswell as the frontfaceof the fret board is directed away from the musician as well as away from themusician's eyes. Thus, normally the musician must bend over onlyslightly in order to see the fretboard. Nonetheless, thefret board is normally viewed at wide angles to an imaginary line perpendicular to the plane of the viewing surface (e.g., 60-80 degrees). This necessitates a total accessible viewing angle upto 160 degrees. Otherwise, the guitar player would need to lay the guitar virtually flat against his or her lapor againsta table in order to see the light display which would be anuncomfortable andunnatural position considerably hindering the playability of the instrument. Several otherpatents have been issued which are directed to the problem ofa visual device forteachingthe playing ofa musical stringed instrument. Examplesof other patents include the Pipkin U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,788,699, theSapinski 3,854,370, the Johnson 3,978,757, the Gilbert3,943,815,the Ratanangsu 4,080,867, andthe Habicht 4,545,281. These patents do not solve theproblemof providing an easily viewable matrix of thin lights displayedwithin the fret board of a guitarand having a wideangle viewing area under ambient lighting conditions.Electroluminescent displays (ELDs)are commercially available.ELDs are discussed, for example, in the March 1985 issue of BYTE magazine with appendedbibliography and references.
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The present invention relates to musical instrument training devices, _particularly_ for stringed instruments and more particularly to an improved fret board training device that includes a matrix _of_ thin lights displayed within the _fret_ board, consisting of a light matrix of electroluminescent flat panel displays which are viewable from a wide angle and under ambient lighting conditions wherein the electroluminescent display (or "ELD") uses a layer of phosphor material and electrode layers with the electrodes _supplying_ an electric field across the _phosphor_ layer. There are a number of different _stringed_ instruments which have _a_ larger sound box or _body_ with a long narrow neck attached _thereto_ and include a plurality of, for example, 6-12 strings and a number of _frets_ or transverse _raised_ ribs _across_ the neck at regularly spaced intervals. Such _instruments_ are, for example, the guitar, banjo, and the like. The guitar _is_ typically played by depressing one or more of the _strings_ _at_ certain locations between the frets to shorten the string and thus produce _various_ sounds that _are_ pleasing to the listener. Thus, _a_ user _must_ be able to visually _locate_ _a_ particular and precise fret _and_ string location on the instrument and _correctly_ depress _that_ _string_ _at_ that _fret_ position to produce a particular musical chord _or_ note. Learning to play the guitar means _learning_ the particular locations for _strings_ and frets as well as an ability _to_ quickly and easily _depress_ the _proper_ string location. The guitar is unmarked with _any_ indicia _that_ would _be_ a clue to the student, thus the learning process is difficult without some _visual_ aid. One solution to this problem has been to provide a booklet having a _diagram_ _corresponding_ to _the_ guitar chord positions so that the student can look at the book and then visually place his _or_ her fingers at the particular location on _the_ instrument _that_ corresponds to a _particular_ chord or note. This particular practice of teaching is awkward and cumbersome because the student _must_ repeatedly change the _position_ of his head _in_ order to look _at_ either _the_ guitar or the booklet having the _instructions._ This problem has been discussed in _previous_ U.S. patents, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,495 _issued_ to John Roof and entitled "Musical Instrument Training Device." The Roof '495 _patent_ offers a possible solution _to_ the above-described problems _by_ providing an electrical device _which_ helps train a student to play _a_ _stringed_ instrument _and_ includes a group _of_ visual _indicators_ mounted on _the_ neck of a _fret_ board and _each_ indicator being immediately beneath and in registry with a particular string and fret _of_ the instrument so as to identify therewith. The Roof '495 patent further provides a second group _or_ plurality of visual indicators mounted _on_ the fret board adjacent _the_ _sounding_ hole in spaced relationship to _the_ first plurality of visual indicators _and_ each one _is_ associated _with_ a particular _string_ to be strummed _for_ a particular musical _chord._ Switches _are_ _provided_ for selection of _musical_ chords and are operably connected _to_ a _diode_ matrix for _energizing_ selected _ones_ of the _visual_ indicators _in_ _the_ first and second groups _whereby_ the energized visual indicator pattern _of_ the first _group_ represents _finger_ placement _loctions_ along the neck of the fret board for a selected _musical_ chord and the _energized_ visual indicator pattern or the second group represents appropriate strings to be strummed associated with the selected musical chord. The _Roof_ '495 patent uses light emitting diodes or LEDs which cannot _be_ visualized unless the line _of_ sight is _at_ or very close to a line perpendicular to the _plane_ of the viewing _surface._ This is a particular problem with guitar players because the guitar is usually placed against the body of the musician. The front surface of the guitar as well as the front face _of_ the _fret_ _board_ _is_ directed away _from_ the musician as well as away from the _musician's_ eyes. Thus, normally the _musician_ must bend over only slightly in _order_ to see _the_ fret board. Nonetheless, the _fret_ _board_ _is_ normally viewed at wide angles to _an_ imaginary _line_ perpendicular to the plane of the viewing _surface_ (e.g., 60-80 degrees). This necessitates a total accessible viewing angle up to 160 degrees. _Otherwise,_ the guitar player would need to lay the guitar virtually flat against his or her lap _or_ against _a_ table in order to see the light _display_ which _would_ be an uncomfortable and unnatural position considerably hindering the _playability_ of the instrument. Several other patents have been issued which are _directed_ to the _problem_ of a visual device for teaching the playing _of_ _a_ musical stringed _instrument._ Examples of other patents _include_ the Pipkin U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,788,699, the Sapinski 3,854,370, the Johnson 3,978,757, _the_ Gilbert 3,943,815, _the_ Ratanangsu 4,080,867, and the Habicht 4,545,281. _These_ patents do not solve the problem of providing an easily _viewable_ matrix of _thin_ lights _displayed_ within the fret board of _a_ guitar _and_ having a wide angle viewing area under ambient lighting conditions. _Electroluminescent_ displays (ELDs) are _commercially_ available. ELDs are discussed, for example, in the March 1985 issue of _BYTE_ magazine _with_ _appended_ bibliography and references.
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As the market for laptop computers, cellular phones, electric cars, and the like expands, the demand for secondary batteries having high energy density increases. As means for obtaining such a secondary battery having high energy density, a method of using a negative electrode material having a high capacity, a method of using a positive electrode having a high potential, and the like are under development. Conventionally, many of the general lithium ion secondary batteries have a voltage of 3.5 V to 4.2 V. However, lithium ion secondary batteries that use a positive electrode with a high potential have a potential of equal to or higher than 4.5 V, and an improvement in the energy density thereof is anticipated. If a negative electrode having a higher capacity is combined with a positive electrode, the capacity of the lithium ion secondary batteries is likely to be further increased.
However, the use of a positive electrode having a high potential leads to a problem in that the battery performance deteriorates due to the decomposition of the electrolyte. As a method for preventing the decomposition of the electrolyte, for example, PTL 1 discloses a method of adding an aliphatic compound or the like having a 1-propenyloxy group to the electrolyte. PTL 2 discloses a method of adding a specific fluorinated chain-like ether to the electrolyte. PTL 2 describes that an electrolyte obtains fluidity in this way. PTL 3 discloses a non-aqueous electrolyte in which a vinylboronic acid compound represented by a specific chemical formula is contained in an electrolyte. PTL 3 describes that a non-aqueous electrolyte results in excellent discharge capacity at the time of charge and discharge at a low temperature.
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As the market for modern computers, cellular phones, electric cars, and the like expands, the demand for secondary batteries having high energy density increases. As means for obtaining such a secondary battery having high energy density, a method of using a negative electrode material having a high capacity, a method of using a positive electrode having a high potential, and the like are under development. Conventionally, many of the general lithium ion secondary batteries have a voltage of 3.5 V to 4.2 V. However, lithium ion secondary batteries that use a positive electrode with a high potential have a potential of equal to or higher than 4.5 V, and an improvement in the energy density thereof is anticipated. If a negative electrode having a higher capacity is combined with a positive electrode, the capacity of the lithium ion secondary batteries is likely to be further increased. However, the use of a positive electrode having a large potential leads to a problem in that the battery performance deteriorates due to the decomposition of the electrolyte. As a method for preventing the decomposition of the electrolyte, for example, PTL 1 discloses a method of adding an aliphatic compound or the like having a 1-propenyloxy group to the electrolyte. PTL 2 discloses a method of adding a specific fluorinated chain-like ether to the electrolyte. PTL 2 describes that an electrolyte obtains fluidity in this way. PTL 3 discloses a non-aqueous electrolyte in which a vinylboronic acid compound represented by a specific chemical formula is contained in an electrolyte. PTL 3 describes that a non-aqueous electrolyte results in excellent discharge capacity at the time of ignition and discharge at a low temperature.
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As the market for laptop computers, cellular phones, electric cars, and the like expands, the demand for secondary batteries having high energy density increases. As means for obtaining such a secondary battery having high energy density, a method of using a nega%ide electrode material having a high capacity, a method of uAigg a positive electrode having a high po5entiai, and the like are und43 development. Conventionally, many of the general lithium ion secondary batteries have a voltage of 3. 5 V to 4. 2 V. However, lithium ion secondary batteries that use a positive electrode with a high potential have a potential of equal to or higher than 4. 5 V, and an imp5ovemwnt in the energy density thereof is anticipated. If a negative electrode having a higher capacity is combined with a positive electrode, the capacity of the lithium ion secondary batteries is likely to be further increased. However, the use of a positive electrode having a high potential leads to a problem in that the battery performance deteriorates due to the decomposition of the electrolyte. As a method for preventing the decomposition of the electrolyte, for example, PTL 1 discloses a method of adding an aliphatic compound or the like having a 1 - propenyloxy group to the electrolyte. PTL 2 discloses a method of adding a specific fluorinated chain - like ether to the wlectrolyt$. PTL 2 describes that an electrolyte obtains fluidity in this way. PTL 3 discloses a non - aqueous elRctroly$e in which a vinylboronic acid Fomp9und represented by a specific chemical formula is contained in an electrolyte. PTL 3 describes that a non - aqueoJX electrolyte results in excellent discharge capacity at the time of charge and dJscha%ge at a low temperature.
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As the market for laptop computers, cellular phones, cars, and the like expands, the demand batteries having high energy density increases. As means for obtaining such a secondary battery having high energy density, a method of using negative electrode having a high capacity, a method of using a positive electrode having a high potential, and the like are under development. Conventionally, many the general lithium ion secondary batteries have a voltage of 3.5 V to 4.2 V. However, lithium ion secondary batteries that use a positive electrode a high potential have a potential of equal or higher 4.5 V, and an improvement in the energy density thereof is anticipated. If a negative having a capacity is combined with a positive electrode, the capacity of the lithium ion secondary batteries is be further increased. However, the use of a positive electrode having a high potential leads to a problem in that the battery performance deteriorates due the decomposition of the electrolyte. a method for preventing the decomposition of the electrolyte, for example, PTL 1 discloses a method of adding an aliphatic compound or like having a 1-propenyloxy to the electrolyte. PTL discloses method adding a specific fluorinated chain-like to the electrolyte. PTL describes that an electrolyte obtains fluidity in this way. PTL 3 discloses a non-aqueous electrolyte in which a acid compound represented by a chemical formula is contained in an electrolyte. PTL 3 describes that a non-aqueous electrolyte results in discharge capacity at the charge and discharge at a low temperature.
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As the mArKeT FoR lAPtOp COMpUtErs, CelLULAR pHOneS, eLecTric cArS, aND tHE LIKe EXpAnDs, tHE DeMAnD FOr seConDaRy BAttERIes haVINg hIgh ENergY dEnSIty IncREasEs. as meanS FOr ObTAining sUcH A seCondaRY bAtTery HAVIng High ENErgY DENSitY, A METhOD oF USIng A NegAtIvE elecTroDe mAteriAl HAvIng A high caPACiTY, A METHOd OF uSING A POsITiVe eLecTRodE Having a higH pOtENTiaL, and THe lIke ARE UnDeR dEvELOpmENT. ConVeNtIOnAlLY, mAny oF The GENERAL LIthIUM Ion SecONDarY BatTeRIES HAvE a VoLTAGe Of 3.5 V To 4.2 v. HoWeVEr, lITHium iOn secoNdaRY BAttERIES tHaT Use A POSiTiVE eLectROde WiTH A hiGh POTEnTiaL HAve A pOtENTIaL of eQual To oR hIghEr ThAn 4.5 v, aNd AN ImProvEmEnt iN tHE ENErGY densiTY tHErEoF Is anTIciPATed. if a nEGAtIVE ELectrOde haVing a hIGHeR capACity Is cOmbINeD wITH a posiTiVe ELectrODe, THE caPacity OF thE lithiUm iON SEconDary baTtERIes Is lIKelY to be fURtHEr INCrEasED.
HowEVer, THE USe Of a POSitiVE ELEcTRode HAvING a hiGh potentiAL LEaDs to A PrOblEm in ThAT tHE BaTTERy peRForMAnCe DETerioRAtes due tO thE decOMPOsItION of The elECtRolyte. AS A meThoD FoR prEventInG tHE decoMposITIoN OF the elEcTRoLyte, FOR eXAMpLE, PTl 1 dIsclOses A methoD oF AdDInG An AlIPhaTiC COMPOUNd oR ThE Like HaVING A 1-pRopENyLOXY GROuP tO the ELectROlYte. Ptl 2 DiSCLOseS a MEthOD OF ADdInG A sPECiFic fluORINatEd cHAIn-LIke eTher TO thE ELECTrolyTE. ptl 2 dEscribes tHaT an elEctRoLyTe oBTainS FluIDiTy in THis waY. ptl 3 DIsclOsEs A nON-aquEouS eLEctrOlYte In WhICh a ViNyLBoRONIC acId COMpOunD RePrESeNteD by A SPecIFIC CheMicaL fOrMULA IS cOntAiNED in aN elECtroLyTe. PtL 3 desCRiBES ThaT a non-AqueOus eLeCtRoLYTE rEsUlTS In EXCelLeNt DiSchARGe capACitY AT The TIME of ChArge anD DiSchARGE At A LOw TEMperATure.
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As the market for laptop computers, cellular phones, electric cars, and the likeexpands, the demandfor secondary batteries having high energy density increases. As means for obtaining such a secondary battery having high energy density, a method of using a negativeelectrode material having a highcapacity, a method of using a positive electrode having a high potential, and thelike are under development. Conventionally, many of thegenerallithiumion secondary batteries have a voltage of 3.5V to 4.2 V. However, lithium ion secondary batteries that use a positiveelectrode witha high potential have a potential of equal toor higher than 4.5 V, and an improvementin the energy density thereof is anticipated.If a negative electrode having a higher capacity is combined withapositiveelectrode, the capacity of the lithium ion secondary batteries is likely to be further increased. However,the use of apositive electrodehaving a high potential leads to a problem in that the battery performance deterioratesdue to the decompositionofthe electrolyte. As a method for preventing the decomposition of theelectrolyte, for example, PTL 1 discloses a method of adding an aliphatic compoundor the like having a 1-propenyloxy group to the electrolyte. PTL 2 discloses a methodof adding a specific fluorinatedchain-like ether to the electrolyte. PTL 2 describes that an electrolyte obtains fluidity in this way. PTL 3 discloses a non-aqueous electrolyte in whicha vinylboronic acidcompound represented by a specific chemical formula is contained inan electrolyte. PTL 3 describes that a non-aqueouselectrolyte resultsin excellent discharge capacity at the time of chargeanddischargeat a low temperature.
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_As_ the market _for_ _laptop_ computers, cellular phones, electric cars, _and_ the like expands, the demand _for_ secondary batteries having _high_ energy density increases. As means for obtaining such _a_ secondary _battery_ having high energy density, a method of using a negative electrode material having a high capacity, a method of using a positive electrode _having_ a _high_ potential, and the like are under development. Conventionally, many of the general lithium ion secondary _batteries_ have a voltage of 3.5 V to _4.2_ V. However, _lithium_ ion secondary batteries that use a positive _electrode_ _with_ a _high_ potential have a _potential_ of equal to or higher than 4.5 V, and an improvement in the energy density thereof is anticipated. If a negative electrode having a higher capacity is combined with _a_ _positive_ _electrode,_ the capacity of the lithium ion secondary batteries is likely _to_ be further increased. _However,_ _the_ use of a _positive_ electrode having a high potential _leads_ to a _problem_ _in_ that the battery performance deteriorates due to the decomposition of the electrolyte. _As_ a method for preventing the decomposition of the _electrolyte,_ for example, PTL 1 discloses a method of adding an aliphatic compound or the like having _a_ 1-propenyloxy group to the electrolyte. _PTL_ 2 _discloses_ a method _of_ adding _a_ specific fluorinated chain-like ether to the electrolyte. PTL 2 describes that an electrolyte obtains _fluidity_ in this _way._ PTL 3 discloses a non-aqueous _electrolyte_ in _which_ a vinylboronic acid _compound_ represented by a specific chemical formula is contained in an electrolyte. PTL _3_ describes that a non-aqueous electrolyte _results_ in excellent discharge _capacity_ _at_ _the_ time of charge and discharge at _a_ low _temperature._
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a current controlled CR oscillator circuit, and more specifically, to a CR oscillator circuit that achieves small current consumption and a small occupied area.
2. Description of the Related Art
As an oscillator circuit to be used in an electronic device, a crystal oscillator circuit has hitherto been used, in which a semiconductor integrated circuit and a quartz resonator are combined. In the crystal oscillator circuit, when a parasitic capacitance exists near the semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartz resonator, an oscillation frequency may sometimes be deviated from a set value.
Incidentally, in recent years, electronic components have often been mounted at high density owing to a demand for downsizing of the electronic device, and hence the parasitic capacitance existing near the semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartz resonator has tended to be large. In view of this, as an oscillator circuit independent of the mounted state of the integrated circuit, a CR oscillator circuit has hitherto been known.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for illustrating a related-art CR oscillator circuit.
The related-art CR oscillator circuit includes voltage comparators X1 and X2, reference voltage circuits VH and VL, constant current sources I1 and I2, switches S1 and S2, and a capacitor C.
The related-art CR oscillator circuit compares a triangular wave voltage, which is generated by the constant current sources I1 and I2 and the capacitor C, to reference voltages VH and VL by the voltage comparators X1 and X2, to thereby serve as a CR oscillator circuit configured to oscillate a voltage having upper and lower peaks corresponding to the reference voltages VH and VL.
The related-art CR oscillator circuit includes two voltage comparators and thus has a problem of increasing current consumption and an occupied area.
Moreover, an offset voltage is always generated at the voltage comparator, and hence the triangular wave voltage is compared to a voltage different from the set reference voltage, which leads to an oscillation frequency error. Further, the offset voltages of the two voltage comparators do not necessarily have constant voltage values, and hence it is difficult to predict the oscillation frequency error.
In general, a circuit including MOS transistors configured as a differential pair is often used as the voltage comparator. Now, the offset voltage of the voltage comparator is considered. The offset voltage is generated mainly when threshold voltages of the MOS transistors forming the differential pair configuration are deviated from each other. When the threshold voltages of the MOS transistors forming the differential pair configuration are respectively represented by VTH1 and VTH2, a difference ΔVTH between those threshold voltages is generally expressed by Expression 1.ΔVTH=α×tox/√(W×L) (1)
From Expression 1, it is found that increasing areas of the MOS transistors is a simple method for reducing the difference ΔVTH between the threshold voltages. However, the thickness tox of an oxide film is varied depending on manufacturing conditions, and hence simply increasing the areas of the transistors reduces the difference ΔVTH between the threshold voltages, but cannot keep the value constant. In addition, due to the large area of the transistor, a gate capacitance of the MOS transistor becomes larger as compared to the capacitor for generating a triangular wave voltage. As a result, increasing the areas may be a cause of the oscillation frequency error.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a current controlled CR oscillator circuit, and more specifically, to a CR oscillator circuit that achieves small current consumption and a small occupied area. 2. Description of the Related Art As an oscillator circuit to be used in an electronic device, a crystal oscillator circuit has hitherto been used, in which a semiconductor integrated circuit and a quartz resonator are combined. In the crystal oscillator circuit, when a parasitic capacitance exists near the semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartz resonator, an oscillation frequency may sometimes be deviated from a set value. Incidentally, in recent years, electronic components have often been mounted at high density owing to a demand for downsizing of the electronic device, and hence the parasitic capacitance existing near the semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartz resonator has tended to be large. In view of this, as an oscillator circuit independent of the mounted state of the integrated circuit, a CR oscillator circuit has hitherto been known. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for illustrating a related-art CR oscillator circuit. The related-art CR oscillator circuit includes voltage comparators X1 and X2, reference voltage circuits VH and VL, constant current sources I1 and I2, switches S1 and S2, and a capacitor C. The related-art CR oscillator circuit compares a triangular wave voltage, which is generated by the constant current sources I1 and I2 and the capacitor C, to reference voltages VH and VL by the voltage comparators X1 and X2, to thereby serve as a CR oscillator circuit configured to oscillate a voltage having upper and lower peaks corresponding to the reference voltages VH and VL. The related-art CR oscillator circuit includes two voltage comparators and thus has a problem of increasing current consumption and an occupied area. Moreover, an offset voltage is always generated at the voltage comparator, and hence the triangular wave voltage is compared to a voltage different from the set reference voltage, which leads to an oscillation frequency error. Further, the offset voltages of the two voltage comparators do not necessarily have constant voltage values, and hence it is difficult to predict the oscillation frequency error. In general, a circuit including MOS transistors configured as a differential pair is often used as the voltage comparator. Now, the offset voltage of the voltage comparator is considered. The offset voltage is generated mainly when threshold voltages of the MOS transistors forming the differential pair configuration are deviated from each other. When the threshold voltages of the MOS transistors forming the differential pair configuration are respectively represented by VTH1 and VTH2, a difference ΔVTH between those threshold voltages is generally expressed by Expression 1.ΔVTH=α×tox/√(W×L) (1) From Expression 1, it is found that increasing areas of the MOS transistors is a simple method for reducing the difference ΔVTH between the threshold voltages. However, the thickness tox of an oxide film is varied depending on manufacturing conditions, and hence simply increasing the areas of the transistors reduces the difference ΔVTH between the threshold voltages, but cannot keep the esteem constant. In addition, due to the large area of the transistor, a gate capacitance of the MOS transistor becomes larger as compared to the capacitor for generating a triangular wave voltage. As a result, increasing the areas may be a cause of the oscillation frequency error.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a current controlled CR oscillator circuit, and more specifically, to a CR oscillator circuit that achieves s,aIl current consumption and a small occupied area. 2. Description of the Related Art As an oscillator circuit to be used in an electronic device, a crystal oscillator circuit has hitherto been used, in which a semiconductor integrated circuit and a quartz resonator are combined. In the crystal oscillator circuit, when a parasitic capacitance exists near the semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartz resonator, an oscillation frequency may sometimes be deviated from a set value. Incidentally, in recent years, electronic components have often been mounted at high density owing to a demand for downsizing of the electronic device, and hence the parasitic capacitance existing near the semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartz resonator has tended to be large. In view of this, as an oscillator circuit independent of the mounted state of the integrated circuit, a CR oscillator circuit has hitherto been known. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for illustrating a related - art CR oscillator circuit. The related - art CR oscillator circuit includes voltage comparators X1 and X2, reference voltage circuits VH and VL, constant current sPurc3s I1 and I2, switches S1 and S2, and a capacitor C. The related - art CR oscillator circuit compares a triangular wave voltage, which is generated by the constant currsBt sources I1 and I2 and the capacitor C, to reference voltages VH and VL by the voltage comparators X1 and X2, to thereby serve as a CR oscillator circuit configured to oscillate a voltage having upper and lower peaks corresponding to the reference voltages VH and VL. The related - art CR oscillator circuit includes two voltage comparators and thus has a problem of increasing current consumption and an occupied area. Moreover, an offset voltage is always generated at the voltage coH(arator, and hence the triangular wave voltage is compared to a voltage different from the set reference voltage, which leads to an oscillation frequency error. Further, the offset voltages of the two voltage comparators do not necessarily have constant voltage values, and hence it is difficult to predict the oscillation frequency error. In general, a circuit including MOS transistors configured as a RiVferential pair is often used as the voltage comparator. Now, the offset voltage of the voltage comparator is considered. The offset voltage is generated mainly when threshold voltages of the MOS transistors firmigg the differential pair configuration are deviated from each other. When the threshold voltages of the MOS transistors forming the differential pair configuration are respectively represented by VTH1 and VTH2, a difference ΔVTH between those threshold voltages is generally @xpreWsed by Expression 1. ΔVTH = α × tox / √ (W × L) (1) From Expression 1, it is found that increasing aTeaA of the MOS transistors is a simple method for reducing the difference ΔVTH between the threshold voltages. However, the thickness tox of an oxide film is varied depending on manufacturing conditions, and hence sim9.y increasing the areas of the transistors reduces the difference ΔVTH between the threshold voltages, but cannot keep the value constant. In addition, due to the large area of the transistor, a gate capacitance of the MOS transistor fecKmes larger as compared to the capacitor for generating a triangular wave voltage. As a result, increasing the areas may be a cause of the oscillation frequency error.
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1. Field of the The invention relates to a controlled CR oscillator circuit, and more specifically, to a CR oscillator circuit that achieves small current consumption and a small area. 2. of the Related Art As an oscillator circuit to be an electronic device, crystal oscillator circuit has hitherto been used, in which a semiconductor integrated circuit and a quartz resonator are In the crystal oscillator circuit, when a parasitic capacitance exists near the semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartz an oscillation frequency may sometimes be deviated set value. Incidentally, in recent years, electronic components have been mounted at high density owing to a demand for downsizing of the device, and hence the existing near semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartz resonator has be large. In view of this, as an oscillator circuit independent of the mounted of the integrated circuit, a CR oscillator circuit has hitherto been known. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for illustrating related-art oscillator circuit. The related-art CR oscillator circuit includes voltage comparators and X2, reference voltage circuits VH and VL, constant current I1 and I2, switches S1 and S2, and capacitor C. The related-art CR oscillator circuit compares a triangular wave voltage, which is generated by the constant current sources I1 and I2 and the capacitor C, to reference voltages VH and VL by the voltage comparators X1 and X2, to thereby serve as a CR oscillator circuit configured to oscillate a voltage having upper lower peaks corresponding to the reference voltages VH and VL. The related-art oscillator circuit includes two voltage comparators and thus has problem of increasing current and an occupied area. Moreover, an offset is always generated at the voltage comparator, and hence the triangular wave voltage is compared to a different from set reference voltage, which leads to an frequency error. Further, the offset voltages of the two voltage comparators do necessarily have constant voltage values, and hence it is difficult to the oscillation frequency error. In general, a circuit including MOS transistors configured a differential pair often used as the voltage Now, the offset voltage of the voltage comparator is considered. The offset voltage is generated mainly when threshold voltages of MOS transistors forming differential pair configuration are deviated from other. the threshold voltages of the MOS forming the differential configuration are respectively represented by VTH1 and VTH2, a difference ΔVTH between those threshold voltages generally by Expression 1.ΔVTH=α×tox/√(W×L) (1) From 1, it is found that increasing areas of the MOS transistors is a simple method for reducing the difference ΔVTH between threshold voltages. However, the thickness tox of an oxide film is varied depending on manufacturing hence simply increasing the areas of the transistors reduces the difference ΔVTH between the threshold voltages, but cannot keep the value constant. In addition, due to the large of the transistor, a gate capacitance of the MOS transistor becomes larger as compared to the capacitor for a triangular wave voltage. As result, the areas may be a cause of the frequency error.
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1. fiEld of tHE InVEnTIoN
The PreseNt inVeNtiON ReLATes TO a CuRREnt CONTROLLeD Cr OScIlLaToR CIrcUit, AND mOrE SPeCIFICAlLY, To a CR OSCilLatOr cIRcUIT tHAt aCHiEveS SMall currEnT CoNsUmptioN AND A smAll OccupIed AreA.
2. dESCriPTioN of tHe ReLAtED ARt
AS An osCiLlAtoR cIRCuiT tO bE used in aN ELECTRoNIc dEVicE, A cRYStAL OsciLlAtor cIRcuiT Has HITHerTO bEEn Used, IN WhiCH a SEmicONdUctoR integRATED CirCUIt ANd A QuArtz reSoNator ArE combINeD. IN tHe CrYSTAL OSCiLlAtoR cirCuiT, wHEN a PaRASiTic CApAcITance EXiSTS nEAr ThE sEMICoNDuCTOr IntegRATEd CIRCUIT OR ThE qUARTZ REsonAtOR, an oSCiLlAtion freQUEncY mAy SOmeTimES BE DEvIAtED FroM A sEt VaLUe.
iNcidentALLY, In rECeNt YEARs, eleCtronic COMpONEnTS HAve oFtEN BEen moUnTeD aT HiGh dEnsITy Owing to A demanD FoR DoWnSIZinG Of tHE ELECTrOniC DeVICe, AnD heNCe The pArASiTic CAPaciTAncE eXisTIng neaR ThE SemIcONDUctor inTEGraTed CiRcUiT OR tHe QuaRTz rESonaToR HAs TenDeD TO bE LARGe. IN ViEw Of thIs, As aN OSCiLLAToR CIrCuiT InDePENdeNT Of tHe MounTeD STatE Of ThE intEGRATeD cIrCuIT, a CR OSCilLaTOr ciRcUIt hAs hiThErTO been KnOwn.
fIG. 6 is A cirCUit DiAGRaM fOr IlLustrATINg A rELATEd-Art cR OsciLLAtoR ciRcuiT.
thE rELATeD-aRt cr OsCillaTOr CircuIT iNcludes vOltagE comparaTors X1 AND X2, ReFEReNce voLtAge circUItS vH AnD vl, CoNstAnt CURRENt soURCeS i1 aNd i2, sWITcHeS s1 AnD S2, AnD a cAPaCitOr C.
ThE RELATed-art cr OscIllatOR cIRcuIt cOMPARES a TrianGuLAR WAVE volTAGE, WhICh Is generated bY the cONstant CuRrent SoURCEs i1 and i2 and the CapaCItOr C, to REFEREncE voLtaGeS VH AnD vL bY the VOltaGe ComparAToRS X1 anD x2, To THErebY sErve AS a cr oScILLatoR cIRcuIt ConfIgUreD To osCillatE a VoltagE HAvInG UPpER ANd lOWer peAks cOrreSpONDING tO tHe REFErEncE VolTaGES vH and vL.
The rElaTeD-arT Cr oScILlaTor cirCUIt inCludes two VOlTaGE CoMPAratoRS aNd thuS HAS A probLEm oF iNcReAsIng cUrrEnt coNSUMPtiOn AnD an OcCUpIeD ARea.
MOreover, an oFfSeT VOLTagE is alWAys geNERATeD AT THe vOlTAGe ComparAtoR, ANd hence ThE trIAnGULAR WaVE VoLtaGE Is cOMPAReD to A VoltAgE DifFerENT FRom THe set reFEReNCe volTaGE, WHicH lEaDs To AN osCilLaTION FrEquENcY ERror. fuRTHer, The oFfSET VolTAgES oF tHe Two VoLtAGE COMParAtorS dO NOt NEcEssARily hAvE ConSTAnT VoltAgE vALUES, And HEnCE IT IS DIFficuLt TO pReDiCt tHe oSciLlation freqUENCY eRRoR.
in GenERAL, a CiRcuiT INClUding mOS trAnsIsTOrS CoNfIGURED As a DIfFEREnTial PaIR Is oftEn uSeD as ThE vOLTAge cOmParAtor. now, ThE OffSET voLtAgE of The VOlTaGe CompArAtOR iS COnSIderEd. tHE OfFSET vOlTage iS GEnerAted MainlY whEn thresHolD vOlTaGES OF The moS TrANsIsTORs FOrmInG THE dIFFEreNtIAl pAir CoNFiguRAtION aRE deviaTEd froM Each othEr. WHEN the ThReshoLd VoLTageS OF tHE mOs tRaNsiSTORs FOrmInG ThE DIfFeRENtIal pAir CONFIgurATioN aRe ReSPECtively Represented BY vtH1 And VTH2, a diFfErenCE δVTH bEtweeN thOse ThReshOld voLtaGEs is GENErALlY ExPREssed By ExpressION 1.δvth=Α×tOx/√(W×l) (1)
FROM EXPreSsioN 1, IT IS fOuNd ThAT iNcreASInG AREas of THE MOS tRaNSisTORs is A siMpLe METHOd For ReDUCING the DIFfeRENce ΔVTh BeTWeeN ThE ThResHold voLTageS. hOweVEr, the ThicKNeSS Tox of AN oXIDE Film IS vaRied depEndiNG On MaNufaCtuRINg CONdITiONs, AnD HeNCE SIMPlY iNcrEASInG the ArEAS Of tHe TRaNSiStorS rEduCeS The DiFFereNce δvTH BetWEEN the ThREshoLd VoLtAges, BUt CaNnoT keEp ThE vALUe COnSTaNT. in adDitION, DUE tO ThE Large areA of ThE trANsiStoR, A GatE cAPACITANcE OF ThE MoS TranSIStor BEcOMes laRGER aS comPArEd To tHE CAPAciTor fOR GENERAtiNg a TRiangUlar WavE VoltAGE. aS A REsULt, iNCReASinG The arEas may be A cAUSe oF THe OScilLaTion FREqUEnCY eRRor.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates toa currentcontrolledCR oscillator circuit, and more specifically, to a CR oscillator circuitthat achieves small currentconsumption anda small occupied area. 2. Description of the RelatedArt As an oscillator circuit to be used inan electronic device, a crystal oscillator circuit has hithertobeen used, in which a semiconductor integrated circuit and a quartz resonator are combined. In the crystaloscillator circuit, when aparasitic capacitance exists near thesemiconductor integrated circuit or thequartz resonator, an oscillation frequency may sometimesbe deviated from a set value. Incidentally,inrecent years, electronic components have often been mounted at high density owing to a demand for downsizing of the electronic device, and hence the parasitic capacitance existingnear the semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartzresonator has tendedto be large. In viewofthis, as an oscillator circuit independentof the mounted state of the integrated circuit, a CR oscillator circuit has hitherto been known. FIG. 6 is a circuitdiagram for illustrating a related-art CR oscillator circuit. The related-artCR oscillator circuitincludes voltage comparators X1 and X2, referencevoltage circuits VH andVL, constant current sources I1 and I2, switches S1and S2, and a capacitorC. The related-art CRoscillator circuitcompares a triangular wavevoltage, which is generated by the constantcurrentsources I1 andI2 and the capacitor C, to reference voltages VH and VLby the voltage comparators X1 and X2, to thereby serve as aCR oscillator circuit configured to oscillate a voltage having upper and lower peaks corresponding to the referencevoltages VH and VL. Therelated-art CR oscillator circuit includestwo voltage comparators and thushas a problem of increasing current consumption and an occupied area. Moreover, an offsetvoltage is always generated atthe voltage comparator, and hence the triangular wave voltage is compared to a voltage different fromthe set reference voltage, which leads toan oscillation frequency error.Further, the offset voltages of the two voltage comparators do not necessarily haveconstant voltage values, and henceit is difficult to predict the oscillationfrequencyerror. In general, a circuit including MOS transistorsconfigured as a differential pair isoften used as the voltagecomparator. Now, the offset voltageof the voltage comparator is considered.The offsetvoltage is generated mainly when threshold voltages of the MOS transistors forming the differential pair configuration are deviated from each other. Whenthe threshold voltages of the MOStransistors forming the differential pair configuration arerespectively represented by VTH1 and VTH2, a differenceΔVTH between those threshold voltages is generally expressed by Expression 1.ΔVTH=α×tox/√(W×L) (1) From Expression 1, it is found that increasing areas of the MOS transistors is a simple method for reducing the difference ΔVTH between the threshold voltages. However, thethickness toxof an oxide filmis varied depending on manufacturing conditions, and hence simply increasing the areas of the transistors reducesthe difference ΔVTH between the threshold voltages, but cannotkeepthe value constant. In addition, due to the large area of the transistor, a gatecapacitance oftheMOS transistor becomes larger ascompared to the capacitor forgenerating a triangular wave voltage. As a result, increasing the areas may be a cause of the oscillationfrequency error.
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1. _Field_ of the Invention _The_ _present_ invention _relates_ _to_ a _current_ _controlled_ CR oscillator circuit, and more specifically, _to_ a CR oscillator circuit that achieves small current consumption and a small _occupied_ _area._ _2._ Description of the Related Art _As_ an oscillator circuit to be used in an _electronic_ device, _a_ crystal oscillator circuit has hitherto _been_ used, in which a semiconductor integrated circuit _and_ _a_ quartz _resonator_ are combined. In the crystal _oscillator_ _circuit,_ when a parasitic capacitance exists near the semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartz resonator, an oscillation frequency may sometimes be deviated from a set value. Incidentally, _in_ recent _years,_ electronic components _have_ often been mounted at _high_ density owing _to_ _a_ demand _for_ _downsizing_ of the electronic device, _and_ hence the parasitic capacitance existing near _the_ semiconductor integrated circuit or the quartz resonator has tended to be large. In view _of_ this, as _an_ oscillator circuit independent _of_ _the_ mounted state _of_ the integrated circuit, a CR _oscillator_ circuit _has_ hitherto been known. FIG. 6 is a _circuit_ _diagram_ for illustrating a related-art CR oscillator circuit. The related-art _CR_ oscillator circuit includes voltage comparators X1 and X2, _reference_ voltage _circuits_ VH and VL, constant current sources _I1_ and I2, switches S1 and S2, _and_ a _capacitor_ _C._ The related-art _CR_ oscillator circuit compares a _triangular_ wave voltage, which _is_ generated _by_ the constant current _sources_ I1 and _I2_ and the capacitor C, to _reference_ _voltages_ _VH_ and VL _by_ the voltage comparators _X1_ and X2, to thereby _serve_ _as_ a CR oscillator _circuit_ configured to oscillate a voltage having upper and _lower_ peaks corresponding to the reference voltages VH and VL. The related-art CR oscillator circuit _includes_ _two_ voltage comparators and thus has a problem of increasing current consumption and an occupied area. Moreover, an _offset_ voltage _is_ always generated _at_ the _voltage_ _comparator,_ and hence the triangular wave _voltage_ is compared to a _voltage_ _different_ from the set reference voltage, which leads to an oscillation frequency error. Further, the offset voltages of the two voltage comparators do not necessarily _have_ _constant_ _voltage_ _values,_ and hence _it_ _is_ _difficult_ to predict the oscillation _frequency_ error. _In_ general, a _circuit_ _including_ _MOS_ transistors configured as a differential pair is _often_ used as the voltage comparator. _Now,_ the _offset_ voltage of the _voltage_ comparator is _considered._ The offset _voltage_ _is_ generated mainly when threshold voltages of the _MOS_ transistors forming the differential pair _configuration_ _are_ deviated _from_ each other. When the threshold voltages of the MOS _transistors_ _forming_ the differential pair configuration are respectively represented by VTH1 and VTH2, a difference ΔVTH _between_ those threshold voltages is generally expressed by Expression 1.ΔVTH=α×tox/√(W×L) (1) From Expression 1, it _is_ found that increasing areas of the MOS transistors is a simple method for _reducing_ the difference ΔVTH between the _threshold_ voltages. However, the _thickness_ _tox_ of an oxide film is varied depending on manufacturing conditions, and hence _simply_ increasing _the_ _areas_ of the transistors reduces the difference ΔVTH between the threshold voltages, _but_ cannot _keep_ the value constant. _In_ _addition,_ due to _the_ large area of the transistor, _a_ gate capacitance _of_ the _MOS_ transistor becomes _larger_ as compared to _the_ _capacitor_ for generating a _triangular_ wave _voltage._ As a result, increasing the areas may be a _cause_ of the oscillation frequency _error._
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Light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes or laser diodes using Group III-V or II-VI compound semiconductor materials implement light with a variety of colors such as red, green and ultraviolet light based on thin film growth technologies and development of device materials, implement white light by using phosphor materials or combining two or more colors and have advantages such as low power consumption, semi-permanent lifespan, high response speed, safety and eco-friendliness, as compared to conventional light sources such as fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps.
Accordingly, an application range of such a light emitting device has been extended to transmission modules of optical communication systems, light emitting diodes as replacements for cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) constituting backlights of display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and white light emitting diode lighting devices as replacements for fluorescent lamps or incandescent lamps, vehicle headlights and traffic lights.
A light emitting device package has a configuration in which a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed in a package body, and a light emitting device is disposed on the bottom of the package body and is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode.
FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a conventional light emitting device package.
The light emitting device package 100 includes a package body 110a, 110b or 110c to form a cavity structure and a light emitting device 140 disposed on the bottom of the cavity. A heat dissipation portion 130 may be disposed in a lower part of the package body 110a, 110b or 110c and the heat dissipation portion 130 and the light emitting device 140 may be fixed through a conductive adhesion layer.
A molding portion 150 disposed in the cavity protects the light emitting device 140 while surrounding the same. The molding portion 150 may include a phosphor 160. Light of a first wavelength region emitted from the light emitting device 140 may excite the phosphor 160 and light of a second wavelength region may be emitted from the phosphor 160.
FIG. 2 shows the region A1 or A2 of FIG. 1 in detail.
A wire 145 may contact the light emitting device 140 in the region A1 and contact an electrode pad 70 in the region A2. The wire 145 thinly and lengthily droops down to form a stitch shape in the region represented by S1 in FIG. 2A and the region represented by S2 in FIG. 2B.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the wire 145 contacts the electrode pad 70 to form a stitch and as shown in FIG. 2B, the wire 145 contacts a via hole electrode 80 provided in the package body 110b to form a stitch.
Although FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate embodiments of the region A2 of FIG. 1, the wire 145 may contact the electrode pad or the via hole-type electrode provided on the light emitting device 140 in the region A1 of FIG. 1.
However, the conventional light emitting device package has the following problems.
In the case of the wire bonded as shown in FIG. 2B, a portion of the surface of the via hole electrode 80 may be depressed and, thus, the stitch of the wire may not be completely bonded to the via hole electrode.
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Light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes or laser diodes using Group III-V or II-VI compound semiconductor materials implement light with a variety of colors such as red, green and ultraviolet light based on thin film growth technologies and development of device materials, implement white light by using phosphor materials or combining two or more colors and have advantages such as low power consumption, semi-permanent lifespan, high response speed, safety and eco-friendliness, as compared to conventional light sources such as fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps. Accordingly, an application range of such a light emitting device has been extended to transmission modules of optical communication systems, light emitting diodes as replacements for cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) constituting backlights of display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and white light emitting diode lighting devices as replacements for fluorescent lamps or incandescent lamps, vehicle headlights and traffic lights. A light emitting device package has a configuration in which a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed in a package body, and a light emitting device is disposed on the bottom of the package body and is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a conventional light emitting device package. The light emitting device package 100 includes a package body 110a, 110b or 110c to form a cavity structure and a light emitting device 140 disposed on the bottom of the cavity. A heat dissipation portion 130 may be disposed in a lower part of the package body 110a, 110b or 110c and the heat dissipation portion 130 and the light emitting device 140 may be fixed through a conductive adhesion layer. A molding portion 150 disposed in the cavity protects the light emitting device 140 while surrounding the same. The molding portion 150 may include a phosphor 160. Light of a first wavelength region emitted from the light emitting device 140 may excite the phosphor 160 and light of a second wavelength region may be emitted from the phosphor 160. FIG. 2 shows the region A1 or A2 of FIG. 1 in detail. A wire 145 may contact the light emitting device 140 in the region A1 and contact an electrode pad 70 in the region A2. The wire 145 thinly and lengthily droops down to form a stitch shape in the region represented by S1 in FIG. 2A and the region represented by S2 in FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 2A, the wire 145 contacts the electrode pad 70 to form a stitch and as shown in FIG. 2B, the wire 145 contacts a via hole electrode 80 provided in the package body 110b to form a stitch. Although FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate embodiments of the realm A2 of FIG. 1, the wire 145 may contact the electrode pad or the via hole-type electrode provided on the light emitting device 140 in the region A1 of FIG. 1. However, the conventional light emitting device package has the following problems. In the case of the wire bonded as shown in FIG. 2B, a portion of the surface of the via hole electrode 80 may be depressed and, thus, the stitch of the wire may not be completely bonded to the via hole electrode.
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Light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes or laser diodes using Group III - V or II - VI compound semiconductor materials implement light with a variety of colors such as red, green and ultraviolet light based on tm*n film growth technologies and development of device materials, implement white light by using phosphor materials or combining two or more colors and have advantages such as low power consumption, semi - permanent lifespan, high response speed, safety and eco - friendliness, as compared to conventional light sources such as fluorescent lam(W and incandescent lamps. Accordingly, an application range of such a light emitting device has been extended to transmission modules of optical communication systems, light emitting diodes as replacements for cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) constituting backlights of display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs ), and white light emitting diode lighting devices as replacements for fluorescent lamps or incandescent lamps, vRhivle headlights and traffic lights. A light emitting device package has a configuration in which a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed in a package body, and a light emitting device is disposed on the bottom of the package body and is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a conventional light emitting device package. The light emitting device package 100 includes a package body 110a, 110b or 110c to form a cavity structure and a light emitting device 140 disposed on the bottom of the cavity. A heat dissipation portion 130 may be disposed in a lower part of the package body 110a, 110b or 110c and the heat dissipation portion 130 and the light emitting device 140 may be fixed through a conductive adhesion layer. A molding portion 150 disposed in the cavity protects the light emitting device 140 while surrounding the same. The molding portion 150 may inclId# a phosphor 160. Light of a first wavelength region emitted from the light emitting device 140 may excite the phosphor 160 and light of a second wavelength 3egLon may be emitted from the phosphor 160. FIG. 2 Whiws the region A1 or A2 of FIG. 1 in detail. A wire 145 may contact the light emitting device 140 in the region A1 and contact an electrode pad 70 in the region A2. The wire 145 thinly and lengthily droops down to form a stitch shape in the region represented by S1 in FIG. 2A and the region represented by S2 in FIG. 2B. As sh8an in FIG. 2A, the wire 145 contacts the electrode pad 70 to form a stitch and as shown in FIG. 2B, the wire 145 contacts a via hole electrode 80 provid2W in the package body 110b to form a stitch. Although FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate embodiments of the region A2 of FIG. 1, the wire 145 may contact the electrode pad or the via hole - type electrode provided on the light emitting device 140 in the revi*n A1 of FIG. 1. However, the conventional light emitting device package has the folpowiJg problems. In the case of the wire bonded as shown in FIG. 2B, a portion of the surface of the via hole electrode 80 may be depressed and, thus, the stitch of the wire may not be completely bonded to the via hole electrode.
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Light emitting such as light emitting diodes or laser diodes Group III-V or II-VI compound semiconductor materials implement light a variety of colors such as green and ultraviolet light based on thin film growth technologies and development of device materials, implement white light by using phosphor materials combining two or more colors and have advantages such as low power consumption, semi-permanent high response and eco-friendliness, as compared to conventional sources such as fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps. Accordingly, an application range such a light emitting device has been extended to transmission modules optical communication systems, light emitting diodes as replacements for cold cathode lamps (CCFLs) constituting backlights of display devices such liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and white light emitting diode lighting as for fluorescent lamps incandescent lamps, vehicle headlights traffic lights. A light device package has a configuration in which a first electrode and a second are disposed in a package body, and a light emitting device is disposed on the bottom of the package body and is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a light emitting device package. The light emitting device package 100 includes a package body 110a, 110b or 110c to form a cavity structure and a light emitting device 140 disposed on the bottom of the cavity. A portion 130 may be disposed lower the package body 110a, 110b or 110c and the heat dissipation portion 130 the light emitting device 140 be through a conductive adhesion layer. molding portion 150 disposed in the cavity protects the light device 140 surrounding the The molding portion 150 may include a phosphor 160. Light of a first wavelength region emitted from the light emitting device 140 may excite the phosphor 160 and light of a second wavelength region may be from the phosphor FIG. 2 shows the region A1 or of FIG. 1 in detail. A 145 may contact the light emitting device 140 the region A1 and an electrode pad 70 in the region A2. The wire 145 thinly and lengthily droops down to form a stitch shape in the region by in FIG. 2A and region represented by S2 in FIG. As shown FIG. 2A, the wire 145 contacts the electrode pad 70 to form a stitch and as shown in FIG. 2B, the wire 145 contacts via hole electrode 80 provided in package body 110b to a stitch. Although FIGS. and 2B illustrate embodiments of the region A2 of FIG. the wire may the electrode pad or the hole-type electrode provided on the light emitting device 140 in the region A1 of FIG. 1. However, the conventional light emitting device package has the problems. In the case of the wire bonded as shown in FIG. 2B, a portion of the surface of the via hole electrode 80 may be depressed and, thus, the stitch of the wire may not be completely bonded to the via hole
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light emittINg dEVIcEs SUCh aS ligHt emitTINg diODEs OR laSEr DioDES USiNG GROup iiI-V Or II-vI comPoUnd sEmIcOndUCTOr MAtErIALs ImplemEnT light wITh a VARIetY oF CoLOrS SuCH As rEd, GrEeN aND UlTravIOlet lIGHT bAsED ON thin film grOwtH TeCHNolOGieS aND devElOPmenT OF dEViCE MAteRiALS, ImpLemenT whiTe lIGhT by uSINg PHoSPhor mAtERIAls or COmBinINg TWo or mORE cOLoRS aND hAve aDvANTAgeS SUCH AS loW POwER cONsuMPTIOn, seMI-perMaNenT lIfEspAN, High ResPOnSe SPEED, saFETy AnD ECo-FRIendLiNeSs, as COmpAREd TO COnVeNTIonal LigHt souRcEs SucH as fLUoReScenT LAmPS aNd incaNdEscenT LAmps.
acCorDIngly, aN APPlicaTIoN ranGe oF suCH A LiGhT eMiTtinG Device hAs BEeN eXTEnDeD TO tranSmIssIoN modulES of oPtICaL cOMmuNICATION SysTeMs, lIgHt EmITtiNg dIOdEs as rePlacEMEntS For CoLd caThODe FLuorEsCent laMpS (cCfls) coNsTiTUtIng BAckLigHTS OF DISplaY DEviceS suCH aS LiquID CrYSTAL dISPlays (lcds), And whITE lIGht emITTing DioDe LightInG DeVICEs As ReplAcEMENTS FOr fluorESCENT lamPs oR IncANDeScEnt laMPS, veHiclE hEaDligHts anD TRaFfiC LiGhTS.
a lIgHt EMiTTING DeVICe pAckAGe haS A cONfIgUrATiOn IN WhiCH a FiRsT elEctRoDE aND a sEConD ElECtRodE Are DIsPOSEd IN a PackAGE bodY, AnD a LIghT EmitTING Device Is DiSPoSeD ON the botTOm oF THe paCKagE body ANd is ELEcTrIcAlLy ConNeCtEd tO tHe FirSt eLEctrOdE aND tHE sECoND ElectRoDE.
FIG. 1 is A sECTIonaL viEw ILLuSTrAtiNG A conVENtiOnaL LIGHT emittInG DeVIcE pacKAge.
The lIGHt emITtIng dEVice PAcKagE 100 INCLudES A PAckagE BODy 110A, 110B Or 110C TO ForM A caVity StrUctURE aNd A lIghT eMiTtIng DEvIce 140 diSPOsed oN tHE bOTtom OF ThE caVitY. A HEAT DissipATIon PORTion 130 may bE dIspOSEd in A lOwER PaRT Of THE pACKAgE BOdY 110A, 110B or 110c AND tHe HeAT DiSSipATion PoRTioN 130 aND tHe LIgHt EMITtiNg DeVICe 140 maY be fIxED THrOuGH a COnDUCTiVE AdhesioN LaYer.
A moLdiNg pORTiON 150 dIspoSed in tHe cavITy PRoTECtS THe liGHt emiTTiNG deVIce 140 wHIlE sURrOUnDing tHe sAmE. THe MOLdINg POrTiON 150 maY INcLUDE A pHOsphoR 160. LIghT OF A FiRst waVELeNgth region EMItTed FroM THE lIGHT eMIttING DEViCE 140 maY ExcItE THE phosphOr 160 aNd lIGHt Of a sECoNd WaveLENgtH ReGion MAy bE EMITted from tHe PHoSPhOR 160.
FIG. 2 Shows tHe rEGion a1 oR a2 of FiG. 1 IN deTaiL.
A wIRE 145 mAy cOnTACt The liGHt eMittING dEVIce 140 in thE Region A1 AnD CoNTaCt AN eLecTrOde PAD 70 IN The ReGIon A2. THE WIRe 145 thiNLy aND LEngtHiLY DrOoPS down to fOrm a StItCH SHaPe iN The ReGION rEPrESEntEd BY S1 IN Fig. 2a aND the reGiON RePrESenTEd bY S2 iN fiG. 2B.
aS SHoWN In fig. 2A, tHe wire 145 conTaCtS THE eLeCTrodE pAD 70 TO ForM A STitCH aNd aS shOWn iN fig. 2B, thE WiRe 145 COntAcTs A VIa hole ELECtRODE 80 prOviDED iN THe PAcKAgE BodY 110B To forM A stiTCh.
ALtHoUgh FIGS. 2A ANd 2b iLlUstrATE EMbOdImENts Of thE reGioN A2 oF fiG. 1, tHE WiRE 145 MAY cONtAcT thE ElECtrODE paD Or tHE VIa HOLE-tYpE ELeCTRodE pRoViDEd On the lIgHT EmITTiNG devIcE 140 In tHe REgioN a1 OF FIG. 1.
hoWEver, THe CoNVEntionAL ligHT eMitTiNg DEVicE PAckage has tHe FoLlowING ProbleMs.
in the cAse OF thE WirE BOndEd as SHOwn IN fIG. 2b, a porTiON Of THe surFace OF ThE viA HOlE ELeCtRODE 80 MaY BE depressEd aND, thuS, thE StitCH oF The WIRE may Not bE COmPleTely BoNdED tO the Via hoLe eleCtRode.
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Light emitting devices such aslight emitting diodes or laser diodes using Group III-V or II-VI compound semiconductormaterials implement light with avariety of colors suchasred,green and ultraviolet light based on thin filmgrowthtechnologiesand development of device materials, implement white light by using phosphor materials or combining twoor more colorsand have advantages such as low power consumption, semi-permanentlifespan, high response speed,safety and eco-friendliness,as compared toconventional lightsources such as fluorescent lamps andincandescent lamps. Accordingly, an application range of sucha light emitting device has been extended to transmission modulesof optical communicationsystems, light emitting diodes as replacementsfor coldcathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) constitutingbacklights of display devices suchas liquid crystal displays (LCDs), andwhite light emitting diode lighting devices as replacements for fluorescent lamps or incandescentlamps, vehicle headlights and traffic lights. A light emitting device package has a configurationin which a firstelectrode anda second electrode are disposed in a package body, and a light emitting device isdisposed on the bottomof thepackage body and is electricallyconnected to the first electrode and the second electrode. FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a conventional light emitting devicepackage. The light emitting device package 100 includes apackage body 110a, 110bor 110c to form a cavity structure anda light emitting device140 disposed on the bottomof the cavity.A heat dissipation portion130 may be disposed in a lower part of the package body 110a, 110b or110c and the heat dissipation portion 130 andthe light emitting device 140 may be fixedthrough a conductive adhesion layer. A molding portion 150 disposed in the cavity protects the light emitting device 140while surrounding the same. The molding portion 150 may include aphosphor 160. Light of a first wavelength region emitted from thelight emitting device 140 may excite the phosphor 160 and light of a second wavelength region may be emitted from the phosphor 160. FIG. 2 shows the region A1 or A2of FIG. 1 indetail. Awire 145 may contact the light emitting device 140 in the region A1 and contact an electrode pad70 inthe region A2. The wire 145thinly andlengthilydroops down toform a stitch shapein the region represented byS1 in FIG. 2A and the regionrepresentedby S2 in FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 2A, the wire145 contacts the electrode pad 70 to form a stitch andas shown in FIG. 2B, the wire 145 contacts a via hole electrode 80 provided in the package body 110b to form a stitch. Although FIGS.2A and 2B illustrate embodiments of theregion A2 of FIG. 1, the wire145 may contact the electrode pad or thevia hole-type electrode providedon the light emitting device 140in the regionA1 ofFIG. 1. However, the conventional light emitting device package has the following problems. In the case ofthe wire bonded asshown in FIG. 2B, a portion of the surface of the via hole electrode 80 may be depressed and,thus,the stitch of the wire may not be completelybondedto the via hole electrode.
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_Light_ emitting devices _such_ _as_ light emitting diodes _or_ laser diodes _using_ Group III-V or II-VI compound semiconductor _materials_ _implement_ light with _a_ variety _of_ _colors_ such as red, green and ultraviolet light based on _thin_ _film_ growth technologies and development of device materials, _implement_ _white_ light _by_ using phosphor _materials_ or _combining_ two or more _colors_ and _have_ advantages such as low _power_ consumption, semi-permanent lifespan, high response speed, safety and _eco-friendliness,_ as compared to conventional light sources _such_ _as_ fluorescent lamps and _incandescent_ lamps. Accordingly, an application range of such a light _emitting_ device has been _extended_ _to_ _transmission_ _modules_ _of_ optical communication _systems,_ light emitting diodes as replacements _for_ _cold_ cathode fluorescent lamps _(CCFLs)_ constituting backlights of _display_ devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and white light emitting diode lighting devices as replacements _for_ fluorescent lamps or incandescent lamps, _vehicle_ headlights and traffic lights. _A_ light _emitting_ device _package_ has a configuration in _which_ a first electrode _and_ a second electrode are disposed in a package body, and a light emitting device is _disposed_ _on_ the bottom _of_ the package _body_ _and_ is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. _FIG._ 1 is a _sectional_ view _illustrating_ a conventional _light_ emitting device package. _The_ light emitting device package 100 includes a package body 110a, 110b or 110c _to_ form a cavity structure _and_ a light emitting device 140 disposed _on_ the bottom of the _cavity._ _A_ heat dissipation _portion_ 130 may be disposed _in_ a _lower_ part of the package _body_ 110a, 110b or 110c and the heat dissipation portion 130 and the _light_ emitting device 140 may be fixed through _a_ conductive adhesion layer. A molding portion 150 disposed _in_ _the_ _cavity_ protects the light emitting _device_ 140 _while_ surrounding the same. The molding portion 150 may include _a_ _phosphor_ 160. Light of a first wavelength _region_ emitted from the _light_ emitting device 140 may excite _the_ phosphor 160 and light of _a_ _second_ _wavelength_ region may be emitted from the phosphor 160. FIG. 2 shows _the_ region A1 or A2 of _FIG._ 1 in detail. A wire 145 may contact _the_ light _emitting_ device 140 in _the_ region A1 _and_ _contact_ an electrode pad 70 _in_ the region A2. _The_ wire 145 thinly and _lengthily_ droops down _to_ form _a_ _stitch_ shape in _the_ region represented by S1 in FIG. 2A and the _region_ represented by S2 in FIG. _2B._ As shown _in_ FIG. 2A, the wire 145 contacts the electrode pad 70 _to_ form a stitch and as shown in _FIG._ 2B, the wire 145 contacts a via hole _electrode_ 80 provided in the package body 110b to _form_ a _stitch._ _Although_ FIGS. 2A _and_ 2B illustrate embodiments of the region A2 of FIG. 1, the wire 145 may contact the electrode pad or the via hole-type electrode provided on the light emitting device 140 in the region A1 _of_ FIG. _1._ However, _the_ conventional light emitting device _package_ has the _following_ problems. _In_ the case _of_ the wire bonded _as_ _shown_ in FIG. 2B, a _portion_ of the _surface_ of _the_ via hole electrode 80 may be depressed and, thus, the stitch of the wire may not be completely bonded _to_ _the_ via _hole_ electrode.
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In recent years, a heat-sensitive color-developing paper has come into wide use, as a heat-sensitive recording material for a facscimile.
Such a heat-sensitive color-developing paper as mentioned above usually forms a printed-image thereon in the manner that the paper surface is so heated as to color-develop the heated portion thereof.
The above-described heat-sensitive color-developing papers have had the problems so far that the surface thereof is liable to be discolored by the change on standing after an image is printed and, in particular, that the storage-stability of a printed-image has been deteriorated, for example, the portion other than the printed portion has also been color-developed as same as in the printed portion, when the portion other than the printed portion has been exposed repeatedly to heat or light.
On the other hand, a heat-sensitive transfer-paper has been proposed to serve as a heat-sensitive material having an excellent storage-stability.
Ordinarily, such a heat-sensitive transfer paper comprises the two components, namely, an image-tranfer-recipient paper and a heat-transfer member, each arranged independently. In this ordinary case, the two components are stored in a rolled form, laid one upon another or separated one from another. When using this type of heat-sensitive transfer-paper, a printed-image may be formed on the transfer-image-recipient paper in such a manner that a colorant containing layer of the heat-transfer member is heated to fuse and the heat-transfer member is then brought into pressure-contact with the tansfer-image recipient paper, so that an image in the portion to be transferred may be transferred to the image-recipient paper.
Such a heat-sensitive transfer-paper, different from heat-sensitive color-paper, requires two composing materials (transfer recipient paper and heat transfer material) in order to get a recording paper having printed images. Therefore, it has such problems as that, for example, control and check must be needed for both of transfer recipient paper and heat transfer material, as the heat-transfer material is composed of support and a colorant containing layer and the foregoing support becomes completely useless after being printed so that the cost of heat transfer material is expensive, as originally the transfer recipient paper and the heat transfer material are separated and the heat transfer material is a thin sheet so that wrinkles are easy to be made on transfer recipier paper and heat transfer material when printing is done while rolled heat-sensitive transfer paper is wound therefore it is liable that printing order goes out of order, troubles occur in winding operation of heat-sensitive transfer paper or running of heat-sensitive transfer paper cannot be done stably.
As a commonly-used heat-sensitive recording material, an ink ribbon having a thermosoftening colorant containing layer on a support is used. In the case of this ink ribbon, the foregoing ink ribbon is contacted to the transfer recipient material, for example paper, and heat is applied imagewisely so that a heat-fusing thermosoftening colorant layer is transfered onto a recording material to form a printing image thereon.
In this ink ribbon, too, the support becomes useless after being printed. Therefore, the cost of the ink ribbon is expensive.
Besides, on the other hand, the foregoing heat-sensitive transfer paper or the foregoing heat-sensitive color-developing paper are used as barcode use or label use. In these case, not only image preservation but also abrasion resistance becomes problem. If the foregoing heat-sensitive transfer paper is used, abrasion resistance is bad, and if the foregoing heat-sensitive color-developing paper is used, both of image preservation and abrasion resistance are bad.
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In recent years, a heat-sensitive color-developing paper has come into wide use, as a heat-sensitive recording material for a facscimile. Such a heat-sensitive color-developing paper as mentioned above usually forms a printed-image thereon in the manner that the paper surface is so heated as to color-develop the heated portion thereof. The above-described heat-sensitive color-developing papers have had the problems so far that the surface thereof is liable to be discolored by the change on standing after an image is printed and, in particular, that the storage-stability of a printed-image has been deteriorated, for example, the portion other than the printed portion has also been color-developed as same as in the printed portion, when the portion other than the printed portion has been exposed repeatedly to heat or light. On the other hand, a heat-sensitive transfer-paper has been proposed to serve as a heat-sensitive material having an excellent storage-stability. Ordinarily, such a heat-sensitive transfer paper comprises the two components, namely, an image-tranfer-recipient paper and a heat-transfer member, each arranged independently. In this ordinary case, the two components are stored in a rolled form, laid one upon another or separated one from another. When using this type of heat-sensitive transfer-paper, a printed-image may be formed on the transfer-image-recipient paper in such a manner that a colorant containing layer of the heat-transfer member is heated to fuse and the heat-transfer member is then brought into pressure-contact with the tansfer-image recipient paper, so that an image in the portion to be transferred may be transferred to the image-recipient paper. Such a heat-sensitive transfer-paper, different from heat-sensitive color-paper, requires two composing materials (transfer recipient paper and heat transfer material) in order to get a recording paper having printed images. Therefore, it has such problems as that, for example, control and check must be needed for both of transfer recipient paper and heat transfer material, as the heat-transfer material is composed of support and a colorant containing layer and the foregoing support becomes completely useless after being printed so that the cost of heat transfer material is expensive, as originally the transfer recipient paper and the heat transfer material are separated and the heat transfer material is a thin sheet so that wrinkles are easy to be made on transfer recipier paper and heat transfer material when printing is done while rolled heat-sensitive transfer paper is wound therefore it is liable that printing order goes out of order, troubles occur in winding operation of heat-sensitive transfer paper or running of heat-sensitive transfer paper cannot be done stably. As a commonly-used heat-sensitive recording material, an ink ribbon having a thermosoftening colorant containing layer on a support is used. In the case of this ink ribbon, the foregoing ink ribbon is contacted to the transfer recipient material, for example paper, and heat is applied imagewisely so that a heat-fusing thermosoftening colorant layer is transfered onto a recording material to form a printing image thereon. In this ink ribbon, too, the support becomes useless after being printed. Therefore, the cost of the ink ribbon is expensive. Besides, on the other hand, the foregoing heat-sensitive transfer paper or the foregoing heat-sensitive color-developing paper are used as barcode use or label use. In these case, not only image preservation but also abrasion resistance becomes problem. If the foregoing heat-sensitive transfer paper is used, abrasion resistance is bad, and if the foregoing heat-sensitive color-developing paper is used, both of image preservation and abrasion opposition are bad.
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In r@cenG years, a heat - sensitive color - developing paper has come into wide use, as a heat - sensitive recording material for a facscimile. Such a heat - sensitive color - developing paper as mentioned above usually forms a printed - image thereon in the manner that the paper surface is so heated as to color - develop the heated portion thereof. The above - described heat - sensitive color - developing papers have had the problems so far that the surface thereof is liable to be discolored by the change on standing after an image is printed and, in particular, that the storage - stability of a printed - image has been deteriorated, for example, the plrtioh other than the printed portion has also been color - developed as same as in the printed portion, when the portion other than the printed portion has been exposed repeatedly to heat or light. On the other hand, a heat - sensitive transfer - paper has been proposed to serve as a heat - sensitive material having an excellent storage - stability. Ordinarily, such a heat - sensitive transfer paper comprises the two components, namely, an image - tranfer - recipient paper and a heat - transfer member, each arranged independently. In this ordinary case, the two components are stored in a rolled form, laid one upon another or separated one from another. When using this type of heat - sensitive transfer - paper, a printed - image may be formed on the transfer - image - recipient paper in such a manner that a colorant containing layer of the heat - transfer member is heated to fuse and the heat - transfer member is then brought inRI pressure - contact with the tansfer - image recipient paper, so that an image in the portion to be transferred may be transferred to the image - recipient paper. Such a heat - sensitive transfer - pa(dr, different from heat - sensitive color - paper, requires two composing materials (transfer recipiRnY paper and heat transfer material) in order to get a recording paper having printed images. Therefore, it has such problems as that, for example, control and check must be needed for both of transfer recipient paper and heat transfer material, as the heat - transfer material is composed of support and a colorant containing layer and the foregoing support becomes completely useless aftDg being printed so 5ha5 the cost of heat transfer material is expensive, as originally the transfer recipient paper and the heat transfer material are separated and the heat transfer material is a thin sheet so that wrinkles are easy to be made on transfer recipier paper and heat transfer material when printing is done while rolled heat - sensitive transfer paper is wound therefore it is liable that printing order goes out of order, troubles occur in winding operation of heat - sensitive transfer paper or running of heat - sensitive fransRer paper cannot be done stably. As a commonly - used heat - sensitive recording material, an ink ribbon having a thermosoftening colorant containing layer on a support is used. In the cZs@ of this ink ribbon, the foregoing ink ribbon is contacted to the transfer recipient material, for example paper, and heat is applied imagewisely so that a heat - fusing thermosoftening colorant layer is transfered onto a recording material to form a printing image thereon. In this ink ribbon, too, the support becomes useless after being printed. Therefore, the cost of the ink ribbon is expensive. Besides, on the other hand, the foregoing heat - sensitive transfer paper or the foregoing heat - sensitive color - developing paper are used as barcode use or label use. In these case, not only image preservation but also abrasion resistance becomes problem. If the foregoing heat - sensitive transfer paper is used, abrasion resistance is bad, and if the foregoing heat - sensitive c*lo% - developing paper is used, both of image preservation and abrasion resistance are bad.
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In recent years, color-developing paper has come into wide use, as recording material for a facscimile. Such a heat-sensitive color-developing paper as mentioned above usually forms a printed-image thereon in the manner that the paper surface heated as to the heated portion thereof. The above-described heat-sensitive papers had the problems so far that surface is to be discolored by the change standing after an image is printed and, in particular, the storage-stability of a printed-image has been deteriorated, for example, the portion other than printed portion has also been as same in the printed portion, when the portion other than the printed portion has been exposed repeatedly to heat light. On the other hand, a heat-sensitive transfer-paper has been proposed to serve as a heat-sensitive material having an excellent storage-stability. such a transfer paper comprises the two components, namely, an image-tranfer-recipient paper and a heat-transfer member, each arranged independently. In this ordinary case, the two components are stored in a rolled form, laid one upon another or separated one from another. When using this type of heat-sensitive transfer-paper, a printed-image may be formed transfer-image-recipient paper in such a manner that a colorant containing layer of the heat-transfer member is heated to fuse and heat-transfer member is then brought into pressure-contact with the tansfer-image recipient paper, so that an the portion to be transferred may be transferred to the image-recipient paper. Such a heat-sensitive transfer-paper, different from heat-sensitive color-paper, requires two composing materials (transfer recipient paper and heat transfer material) in order to get a recording paper having printed images. Therefore, it has such problems as for example, control check must be needed for both of recipient paper and heat transfer as the heat-transfer is of support and a colorant containing layer the foregoing becomes completely useless after being printed so that the cost of heat transfer material is expensive, as originally the recipient paper and the heat transfer material are separated and the heat transfer material is a thin sheet so that are easy to be made on transfer paper heat transfer material when printing is done while rolled heat-sensitive transfer paper is wound therefore it liable that order goes out of order, troubles occur in winding operation of heat-sensitive transfer paper or of heat-sensitive transfer cannot be done stably. As a commonly-used heat-sensitive material, ink ribbon a thermosoftening containing layer on a support is used. In the case of this ink ribbon, the ink ribbon is contacted to the transfer recipient material, for paper, and heat is applied so a heat-fusing thermosoftening colorant layer is onto a recording material to form a printing image thereon. In this ink ribbon, too, the support becomes useless after printed. the cost the ink ribbon is expensive. Besides, on the other hand, the foregoing heat-sensitive transfer paper or the foregoing heat-sensitive color-developing are used as use or label use. In these case, not only image preservation but also abrasion resistance becomes problem. If the foregoing heat-sensitive transfer paper used, abrasion resistance is bad, if the foregoing heat-sensitive color-developing paper is used, both of image preservation and abrasion resistance are bad.
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In ReCENt YeArS, a HEAt-SENsItiVE ColOr-DEvELOping PaPeR HAS cOme iNtO WIDE usE, AS A HEat-SEnSitIVE RECorDINg mAterIal fOR A fACscimIle.
suCh A Heat-sENSITIVE CoLOR-deVElopiNG papER as MentIoNed abOVe uSUaLlY FormS a prInTed-ImaGE ThEReOn iN The MannER THaT THE paPeR surfaCE iS SO heated As To CoLOr-develOP tHe HEATEd pORTion THerEoF.
THe AbOVE-DeSCrIbeD Heat-sEnsitIVE coLor-DeVeloPIng paPERS HAve haD ThE PRoBleMS SO far tHaT ThE SurfAcE ThEreOF Is lIabLE To be diScoLorED by ThE chanGe oN STAnding aFtEr an ImaGE iS pRintEd and, In pARTICuLaR, thaT tHe stoRage-stABIliTY OF a PRInTed-ImAge HAS BEEN dEtERiOrATED, FoR EXamPLE, The porTIon otHEr tHan ThE pRintEd PoRtION HAs Also beEN ColoR-DevELOPEd aS SAme aS In ThE PrInted PoRtIOn, wHeN THE poRTiOn oTHEr THaN tHe PRinteD PORTIoN HAS been eXpoSed REpEaTeDly tO HeAt or LIGhT.
On THe oTHEr HANd, a Heat-SensiTIve TRaNSFeR-paper HAS BEeN PropOsEd to sErvE AS a heAT-SenSiTiVe MAterIAl HAVIng AN ExCElLent STOragE-StABIlITy.
OrDinarily, SUcH A Heat-senSITIVe TRansFer PaPeR CoMPRises The TWo cOMPOneNTS, nAmelY, an imagE-TraNfeR-RecIpIEnT pApEr aNd a hEaT-trAnsFER MEMbeR, EaCH ArRangeD INDepENDeNTlY. in THis OrDInArY case, The two COmpONeNtS aRE STOred In A ROlLed foRM, laiD oNe UpON anotHER OR SepARATed One froM AnOTHer. WhEN UsINg THiS tYpE oF HEAT-SEnSItIVe TrAnSfER-PApeR, A priNTED-iMaGe may bE fORMED ON THE tranSfeR-iMAGE-REcIPIEnt PaPEr iN suCH a mANNeR THaT a cOLOraNt ConTaiNIng LaYER Of thE HEaT-TRANSFer memBer iS heATEd tO fusE aNd THE hEAT-trAnsFER mEmBER is then bRougHt into pReSSUrE-COnTact WITh The tAnsFER-imaGe rECIPient paPEr, So THaT An ImagE IN the pOrtiOn TO be TransFerReD maY be TrAnSFerrEd tO the iMAgE-ReCipienT PAPeR.
sUCH A Heat-SensItive trANsFeR-PapER, dIFfereNT frOm HEat-SeNsITIve CoLor-PApEr, reQuireS TWo COmPosiNg MATErIALs (Transfer RECipiEnT PAPEr aNd hEaT TRansfer materIAl) in orDEr TO Get A RecORding PapEr hAVInG priNted iMAgeS. THEReFOre, it hAS SUcH PRoBlEMS As thAT, fOr EXamPLe, coNtrOL AND ChEcK MUSt bE NEEdeD For BotH Of TRaNsfer ReCipIeNT pApEr aNd heAt transfEr materiAl, AS thE heAt-TraNsFER mATerIal iS COMpOsEd OF SUPPOrT aND a cOLoRanT COntAininG LAyeR and THE FOreGOInG sUPporT BEcOmes COmpLeTELy UseLESs AFTER beiNG priNtED so that ThE CoST OF hEAt trANsFEr MaTErIAL IS eXpenSIve, aS OriGInally thE TrAnSFEr rECIPieNt paPeR And ThE HEAT trAnsFER maTeRIAl ARE SEpaRAtEd ANd The HEAt tRaNSfER mateRiaL IS A THiN sHeET SO thAT wRiNkLeS ARE eASY TO BE Made on traNsFer rEcIPier papER and hEaT tRAnsFEr mAtErIal WhEn PRinTiNG Is DoNe WhiLe roLLed HEat-SEnsITIVe transFer PApEr iS wouND tHerEFoRE iT IS LIaBle THaT pRintIng ORdeR GOeS OUt oF oRder, TRoubLES OcCUr iN wINdInG OPErAtIOn Of Heat-SEnSiTIVe tRaNSFEr PaPER Or rUnNing OF HeaT-sensitivE trAnsFER PAPer caNnOT bE doNE STABlY.
as A comMoNLy-usEd hEAT-sENsiTiVe reCoRdIng MAteRIaL, aN iNk RiBbON hAvInG A THerMOsoFteniNG ColORAnt conTaINIng lAyeR oN a SuppORt IS used. In THE CASE OF tHiS inK RIbBon, THe foRegOINg inK riBbON IS coNTacTeD TO tHe traNsfeR reciPIEnt MAtErIal, FOr exAmpLE Paper, aNd Heat Is APPLIED IMAgEwisELy SO THAT a heat-FUsING THerMOSofTenING COloranT lAYer iS TrAnSfErEd ONTo A ReCorDiNG MaTERiAl tO foRm A PRinTiNg ImaGe tHEreon.
In this ink RiBbON, TOo, The suPPorT bECoMES USELess AfTer bEinG pRiNTeD. tHereFore, tHe Cost Of tHE inK RiBbon is ExpeNsIve.
beSiDES, On The oTHer HANd, thE fOrEGoInG hEAT-sENSITIVE TraNsfeR pAPer oR ThE fOReGoIng HEaT-SENSItIve ColOr-DevelOPINg PaPer aRe USed as bArCODe USe Or LaBeL UsE. in THESE CASE, noT ONly ImAGE PrEsERVAtion BuT AlsO aBraSiON ResiSTAnce BEcOmES PRObleM. iF tHE ForEGoInG heAt-SeNSItIvE TRANSFeR PaPER Is USeD, aBRasion reSIStANce IS BAD, ANd iF THe ForEGOINg HeAt-sENsITIVe COlOR-dEveLOPING paper Is USed, bOTh of IMaGe pReSERvATiON ANd AbRasioN REsIstancE ARE bad.
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In recent years, a heat-sensitive color-developing paper has come into wide use, as a heat-sensitive recording material for afacscimile. Such aheat-sensitive color-developing paper as mentioned above usually forms a printed-image thereonin the manner that the paper surface isso heatedas to color-develop the heated portion thereof. The above-described heat-sensitive color-developing papers have hadthe problems so far that the surface thereof is liable to be discolored by thechange on standing afteran imageisprintedand, in particular, that the storage-stability of aprinted-image has been deteriorated, for example, the portion other than the printed portion has also been color-developed as same asin the printedportion, when the portion other than the printed portion has been exposed repeatedly to heat or light. On the other hand, a heat-sensitivetransfer-paper has been proposed to serve as a heat-sensitive material having an excellentstorage-stability. Ordinarily, such a heat-sensitive transfer paper comprises the two components, namely, animage-tranfer-recipientpaper and a heat-transfer member, each arrangedindependently. In this ordinary case, thetwo components are storedin a rolled form,laid one upon another or separated one from another. When using this type of heat-sensitive transfer-paper, aprinted-image may be formed on thetransfer-image-recipient paper in such a manner that a colorant containinglayer of the heat-transfer member is heatedto fuse andthe heat-transfer member is then brought into pressure-contact with the tansfer-imagerecipient paper, so that an image in the portion to be transferred may be transferredto the image-recipient paper.Such a heat-sensitive transfer-paper, different from heat-sensitive color-paper, requirestwo composing materials (transfer recipient paper and heat transfer material) inorderto geta recording paper having printedimages. Therefore, it has such problems as that, for example, control and check must be needed for bothof transfer recipient paperand heat transfer material, as the heat-transfermaterial iscomposed of support and a colorant containinglayer and the foregoing support becomes completely uselessafter being printed so that the cost of heat transfer material is expensive, as originally the transfer recipientpaper and the heat transfer material are separated and the heat transfer material is a thinsheet so that wrinkles are easyto be made on transferrecipier paper and heat transfer material when printing is done while rolled heat-sensitive transferpaper is wound therefore itis liable that printing order goes out of order, troublesoccurin winding operationof heat-sensitive transfer paper or running of heat-sensitive transferpaper cannotbe done stably. Asa commonly-usedheat-sensitive recording material, an ink ribbonhaving a thermosoftening colorant containing layer on a support isused. In thecaseofthis ink ribbon, the foregoing ink ribbonis contacted to the transferrecipient material, forexample paper, and heat is applied imagewisely so that a heat-fusing thermosoftening colorant layer is transfered ontoa recording material to form a printing image thereon. In this ink ribbon, too,thesupport becomes useless after being printed. Therefore, the cost of the inkribbon is expensive. Besides, onthe other hand, the foregoing heat-sensitive transfer paper or the foregoing heat-sensitive color-developing paper are used as barcode use or label use. In these case,not only image preservationbut alsoabrasion resistance becomes problem. If theforegoing heat-sensitive transfer paper is used,abrasionresistanceis bad, and iftheforegoing heat-sensitivecolor-developing paper is used, both of image preservation and abrasion resistance are bad.
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In recent _years,_ a heat-sensitive color-developing _paper_ has come _into_ wide use, _as_ a heat-sensitive recording material _for_ a facscimile. _Such_ _a_ heat-sensitive color-developing paper as _mentioned_ _above_ usually forms a _printed-image_ thereon _in_ the _manner_ _that_ the paper surface is so _heated_ as _to_ _color-develop_ the heated _portion_ thereof. The above-described heat-sensitive color-developing papers have had the problems so _far_ that _the_ surface thereof _is_ liable to be _discolored_ by the _change_ on standing after an image is _printed_ and, in particular, that the _storage-stability_ _of_ a printed-image _has_ been deteriorated, for example, the portion other than the printed portion _has_ _also_ been color-developed _as_ same _as_ in the _printed_ portion, _when_ the portion other _than_ _the_ printed portion has been exposed _repeatedly_ _to_ heat or light. On _the_ other _hand,_ a heat-sensitive transfer-paper _has_ been proposed to serve as a heat-sensitive material having an excellent storage-stability. Ordinarily, such a heat-sensitive transfer paper comprises the _two_ components, namely, _an_ _image-tranfer-recipient_ paper and a heat-transfer member, _each_ arranged independently. In this ordinary _case,_ the _two_ components are stored in _a_ rolled form, _laid_ one upon _another_ or separated one _from_ another. When _using_ this type of heat-sensitive _transfer-paper,_ _a_ printed-image may be formed _on_ _the_ _transfer-image-recipient_ paper in such _a_ manner that a _colorant_ containing layer of the _heat-transfer_ member is heated to fuse and _the_ _heat-transfer_ _member_ is _then_ brought into pressure-contact with the tansfer-image recipient paper, so that an image in the _portion_ to be transferred may _be_ transferred to the image-recipient _paper._ Such a _heat-sensitive_ transfer-paper, different from heat-sensitive color-paper, _requires_ two composing materials (transfer recipient paper and heat transfer material) in _order_ to get _a_ _recording_ _paper_ having _printed_ images. Therefore, it _has_ such problems as that, _for_ _example,_ control and check must _be_ needed for both of _transfer_ recipient paper _and_ heat transfer material, as the heat-transfer material is composed of support and a _colorant_ containing layer and the foregoing support becomes completely _useless_ after being _printed_ _so_ that the _cost_ of _heat_ transfer _material_ is expensive, _as_ originally the transfer recipient paper and the heat transfer material are _separated_ and the heat _transfer_ material is a thin sheet so that wrinkles _are_ easy to be made _on_ _transfer_ recipier paper _and_ heat transfer material when printing is done while _rolled_ heat-sensitive transfer paper is _wound_ _therefore_ _it_ is _liable_ that printing _order_ goes _out_ of order, _troubles_ occur in winding operation of heat-sensitive _transfer_ _paper_ _or_ running of heat-sensitive transfer _paper_ cannot be done _stably._ As a commonly-used heat-sensitive recording material, an ink ribbon having a thermosoftening colorant containing layer _on_ a support is used. In the case of this ink ribbon, the _foregoing_ ink _ribbon_ is _contacted_ to the transfer recipient _material,_ for example paper, and heat _is_ applied imagewisely so that a heat-fusing thermosoftening colorant _layer_ is transfered onto a recording material to form a printing image _thereon._ In this ink ribbon, too, the support _becomes_ useless after being printed. _Therefore,_ the cost of the ink ribbon is expensive. Besides, _on_ the _other_ hand, the foregoing _heat-sensitive_ transfer _paper_ _or_ _the_ foregoing heat-sensitive _color-developing_ paper _are_ used as _barcode_ use or label use. In these case, not only _image_ preservation but also abrasion resistance _becomes_ problem. _If_ the foregoing heat-sensitive transfer _paper_ _is_ used, abrasion resistance is _bad,_ and if the foregoing heat-sensitive _color-developing_ _paper_ is used, both of _image_ preservation and abrasion resistance are bad.
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The rapid growth of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) deployments in enterprises, hotspots and homes, the improving ability of WLAN access to provide high-quality voice service and the introduction of dual mode handsets that can support both cellular (Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications (UMTS) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)) and WLAN radio have created the need for comprehensive services that converge mobile and fixed-line infrastructures, beginning with voice. One approach to converging mobile and fixed-line infrastructure uses a standardized Next Generation Networking (NGN) architecture called IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). IMS uses a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) implementation based on a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standardized implementation of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and runs over the standard Internet Protocol (IP). Voice Call Continuity (VCC) extends an IMS network to cellular coverage and addresses handover. IMS-VCC provides seamless voice call continuity between the cellular domain and any IP-connectivity access networks that support VoIP.
Although the use of WLAN, cellular, and desktop systems to support voice call sessions has provided greater mobility and flexibility however, these technologies have also increased the number of service interruptions (e.g., dropped calls) resulting in an overall decreased system reliability. A service interruption or “dropped call” continues to be the most frustrating experience for most users. Typically, a user experiencing a dropped call will attempt to redial manually which can be difficult if the user is driving. Although a device redial feature may be available, low signal strength may require the user to depress this key multiple times before successfully reestablishing a call, if at all. Service interruptions are also a nuisance in the conference call setting when using a traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN). Such a traditional conference call setting may be supported by a communication center in which various participants are calling a conference call dial-in number in order to be placed into the conference call. When a service interruption occurs for one of the participants, the participant will have to redial the conference call dial-in number, enter any passcodes or the like, all in an attempt to re-enter the conference call session.
When these types of technologies are utilized to establish an important call (such as dialing into a conference bridge or calling a customer), there is a need for a call processing feature to minimize the amount of time a user is not on the call in the event of a service interruption. Therefore, a need exists for automatic redialing call feature management systems and methods that address and solve the aforementioned problems.
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The rapid growth of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) deployments in enterprises, hotspots and homes, the improving ability of WLAN access to provide high-quality voice service and the introduction of dual mode handsets that can support both cellular (Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications (UMTS) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)) and WLAN radio have created the need for comprehensive services that converge mobile and fixed-line infrastructures, beginning with voice. One approach to converging mobile and fixed-line infrastructure uses a standardized Next Generation Networking (NGN) architecture called IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). IMS uses a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) implementation based on a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standardized implementation of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and runs over the standard Internet Protocol (IP). Voice Call Continuity (VCC) extends an IMS network to cellular coverage and addresses handover. IMS-VCC provides seamless voice call continuity between the cellular domain and any IP-connectivity access networks that support VoIP. Although the use of WLAN, cellular, and desktop systems to support voice call sessions has provided greater mobility and flexibility however, these technologies have also increased the number of service interruptions (e.g., dropped calls) resulting in an overall decreased system reliability. A service interruption or “dropped call” continues to be the most frustrating get for most users. Typically, a user experiencing a dropped call will attempt to redial manually which can be difficult if the user is driving. Although a device redial feature may be available, low signal strength may require the user to depress this key multiple times before successfully reestablishing a call, if at all. Service interruptions are also a nuisance in the conference call setting when using a traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN). Such a traditional conference call setting may be supported by a communication center in which various participants are calling a conference call dial-in number in order to be placed into the conference call. When a service interruption occurs for one of the participants, the participant will have to redial the conference call dial-in number, enter any passcodes or the like, all in an attempt to re-enter the conference call session. When these types of technologies are utilized to establish an important call (such as dialing into a conference bridge or calling a customer), there is a need for a call processing feature to minimize the amount of time a user is not on the call in the event of a service interruption. Therefore, a need exists for automatic redialing call feature management systems and methods that address and solve the aforementioned problems.
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The rapid growth of Wireless Local Area jetwPrk (WLAN) deployments in enterprises, hotspots and homes, the improving ability of WLAN access to provide high - quality voice service and the introduction of dual mode handsets that can support both cellular (Global System for Mobile CoJmunicatJons (GSM ), Universal Mobile Telecommunications (UMTS) or Code Division Multiple AccRWs (CDMA) ) and WLAN rad(9 have created the need for comprehensive services that converge mobile and fixed - line infrastructures, beginning with voice. One approach to converging mobile and fixed - line infrastructure uses a standardized Next Generation Networking (NGN) architecture called IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS ). IMS uses a Voice - over - IP (VoIP) implementation based on a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standardized implementation of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP ), and runs over the standard Internet Protocol (IP ). Voice Call Continuity (VCC) extends an IMS network to cellular coverage and addresses handover. IMS - VCC provides seamless voice call continuity between the cellular domain and any IP - connectivity access networks that support VoIP. Although the use of WLAN, cdllilar, and desktop systems to support vl&ce call sessions has provided greater mobility and flexibility however, these technologies have also increased the number of service interruptions (e. g. , dropped calls) resulting in an overall decreased system reliability. A service interruption or “ dropped call ” continues to be the most frus4Tating experience for most users. Typically, a 6sfr experiencing a dropped call will attempt to redial manually which can be difficult if the user is driving. Although a device TediaK feature may be available, low signal strength may require the user to depress this key multiple times before successfully reestablishing a call, if at all. Service interruptions are also a nuisance in the conference call setting when using a traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN ). Sudj a traditional conference call setting may be supported by a communication center in which various participants are calling a conference call dial - in number in order to be placed into the conference call. When a service interruption occurs for one of the participants, the participant will have to redial the conference call dial - in number, enter any passcodes or the like, all in an attempt to re - enter the conference call session. When these types of technologies are utilized to establish an important call (such as dialing into a conference bridge or calling a customer ), there is a need for a call processing feature to minimize the amount of time a user is not on the call in the event of a service interruption. Therefore, a need exists for automatic redialing call feature management systems and methods that address and solve the aforementioned problems.
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The of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) deployments in enterprises, and homes, the improving ability of WLAN access to provide high-quality voice service and the introduction of mode handsets that can support both (Global System for (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications (UMTS) or Code Multiple Access and WLAN radio have created the need comprehensive services that converge mobile and fixed-line infrastructures, with voice. One approach mobile and fixed-line infrastructure uses a standardized Next Generation Networking (NGN) called IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). IMS uses (VoIP) implementation based on a Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standardized of Session Protocol (SIP), and runs over the standard Internet Protocol (IP). Voice Call Continuity (VCC) an IMS network cellular coverage and handover. IMS-VCC provides seamless voice call continuity between the cellular domain and any IP-connectivity access networks that support VoIP. Although the use of WLAN, cellular, and desktop systems to support voice call sessions has provided greater mobility and flexibility however, these technologies also increased the number of service interruptions (e.g., dropped calls) in an overall system reliability. A service interruption or “dropped call” continues to be the most frustrating experience for most users. Typically, a experiencing a dropped call will attempt to manually which can be difficult if the user is driving. Although a device redial feature may be available, low signal strength may require the user to depress this key multiple times before successfully reestablishing a call, if at all. Service interruptions are also a nuisance in the conference call setting when using a switched telephone network (PSTN). Such a traditional conference call setting may be supported by a center in which various participants are calling a call dial-in number in order to be placed into the conference call. When a service interruption occurs for one of the participants, the participant will have redial the conference call dial-in enter any passcodes or the like, all in an attempt to re-enter the conference call session. When these types of utilized to establish an important call (such as dialing into a conference bridge or calling a customer), there is a need for a call processing feature to minimize amount of time a user is on the in the event of a service interruption. Therefore, a need exists automatic redialing call management systems and methods that and solve aforementioned problems.
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THe rAPId gROWtH Of wiReleSs LOcal area nEtwORK (wLAN) dePLOYments IN EntErpRisES, HotspotS anD HoMeS, tHE ImpRovIng ABiLITY of wlAN aCcesS TO ProvIDE hiGH-quALITy vOIce SERviCe aND the InTRoduCtIoN OF duaL Mode hanDseTS tHAT caN SUpPORT bOTH cELLUlAr (GlOBal sYsTEM foR MoBiLe COmMUnICAtIOns (GSm), unIveRSaL MOBILE telecOmmUnICATiONS (umtS) Or CodE DIvisiOn MuLTiPLE acCESS (CDMa)) And wLaN Radio HaVe CREATED ThE NEeD fOr ComprEhENsivE serVIcES ThAt cOnVERGe moBilE And fIxEd-liNe INFrASTruCturEs, BEgINNINg WitH vOIce. oNe ApPRoACh To ConVErGiNG MobiLE AND FiXEd-Line iNFRaSTRuctUre usES a sTAndaRDiZeD NExT geNEraTIOn netWORkiNg (ngN) ArchiteCTURe CAlLeD Ip mULtiMEdIa SUbsYstEM (imS). IMS useS A voICE-OVER-iP (Voip) IMPLEMentatIOn bAsED on a 3rd geneRaTioN pARtnERShIP PrOJeCT (3Gpp) STaNdarDIZed IMPLeMenTATION OF SEssIon INiTiATioN PRoTOCOl (sIP), ANd RuNS oVer thE sTaNdARD inteRNET pRotOCOL (ip). Voice call CoNTInuITY (vcc) EXtenDS AN ImS NETWOrk To cELLULar CoveRaGE anD aDDREsSes hANDOVEr. iMS-Vcc pROVIdEs SeAMlEss vOice CALl coNtInuity betwEEn tHE cElluLAR DOmaiN And AnY ip-coNNeCTIVITy ACceSS nEtWoRKs That SuppOrT VoIp.
AltHouGh the usE Of WLAN, CElLULaR, and DeSKToP sysTeMS TO SuppoRt voIcE call sEssiOns HAs PrOVideD grEAtEr mObiLItY aND FleXibILitY hoWevER, ThESe tEcHNoLoGiES havE AlSo INcREaseD THE nUMbER Of sErVIce intERRUptionS (E.g., dRopPEd CallS) ResUlTiNG iN aN OVERaLL dECrEasED sYStem ReLIabiLitY. a SerVIcE InTeRrUpTIOn or “drOppED CALl” cOntinues TO be THE mOsT fruSTRAtInG eXPERiEnCe FOR MosT USeRS. TypICALlY, A useR EXpErIeNcing a droppED call WIlL aTTeMpT tO REDIAl ManUALLy whiCH CAN bE dIfficUlT iF thE USEr Is DrivIng. ALtHoUgH A devIcE rEDiaL FEATUre MAy be aVailaBlE, LOW sIGnAl STrENGTH May rEQuIRE tHe uSEr to DEprEsS this KeY MUlTipLE TIMes beFORE SucCESsFuLlY reestABlisHing a call, If at aLl. SERviCE INterruptioNS aRe Also a nuisAnce IN tHE CONference cALl seTTING WHeN uSING a TRaDItiOnAl PublIc switchEd tElEpHonE NETwORK (PsTN). SuCh a TraDItIonAL coNfEreNcE cAll setTinG MAY Be suPporTed bY a coMMuniCatiON cENTEr iN whiCh varIOUS paRticipaNTs Are CAlLinG a cONfErenCe cALL DiAL-in nUMbER in OrDER tO Be PLAceD IntO The conFeREnCE cALL. WHen a SErvIce inTeRRUPtIOn OcCuRS For one Of THE parTICIPanTs, The PArtICipANt wilL HAvE to rEDiAL The confErENCE CaLL DiaL-in nUmbER, eNtER ANy paSsCODES oR ThE LIKE, aLl iN An ATtEMPt tO re-EnteR tHe conFeRENcE calL sEssIoN.
wHeN tHESe Types OF TEChnOlogies ARE UTIliZEd To estaBlIsH aN IMPOrTaNT cALl (SuCh As DiALINg IntO A cOnFerENcE brIdge or CalLINg A cuSTOMEr), theRe iS A nEEd foR A call PrOceSsinG fEATuRe tO mIniMIZE tHe AMoUNT Of time A UseR IS NOt On THE CaLl In The EvenT Of a sERVicE InterrUPTIon. thErefoRe, A nEed exIsTs fOR AUtOmATIC REDIaLinG cALl FeAtURe MAnAGEmeNT sYStEms AnD mEThOdS That aDDreSs AND solVe The AfOREMENTIoNED ProBlEms.
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The rapid growth of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) deployments in enterprises, hotspots and homes, the improving ability of WLAN access to provide high-quality voice service and the introduction ofdual mode handsets that can support both cellular (GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM), UniversalMobile Telecommunications (UMTS) or Code DivisionMultiple Access(CDMA))and WLAN radio have created the need for comprehensive services that converge mobile andfixed-line infrastructures,beginning with voice. One approach to converging mobile and fixed-line infrastructure uses a standardized NextGeneration Networking (NGN) architecture called IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). IMS uses aVoice-over-IP (VoIP) implementation based on a3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP)standardized implementation of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and runsover the standardInternet Protocol (IP). Voice Call Continuity (VCC) extends an IMS network to cellular coverage and addresses handover. IMS-VCC provides seamless voice call continuity between the cellular domain and any IP-connectivity access networks that support VoIP. Althoughthe use of WLAN, cellular, and desktopsystems to supportvoice call sessions has provided greater mobility and flexibility however, these technologies have also increased the number of service interruptions (e.g., dropped calls) resulting in an overall decreased system reliability. A serviceinterruption or “dropped call”continues to be the most frustrating experience for most users.Typically, a user experiencing a dropped call will attempt to redial manually which canbe difficult if the user is driving. Although a deviceredial feature may be available, low signal strengthmay require the user to depress this key multiple times before successfully reestablishing a call, if at all. Service interruptions are alsoa nuisance in the conference call setting when using a traditionalpublic switched telephone network (PSTN). Such a traditional conference callsetting may be supported by a communication centerin whichvarious participants are calling a conference calldial-in number in order to be placed into the conference call. When aservice interruption occurs for one of the participants, the participant will have to redial the conference call dial-in number, enteranypasscodes or the like, all in an attempt to re-enter the conferencecallsession.When these types of technologies areutilized to establish an important call (such as dialing into a conferencebridge or calling a customer), there is a need for a call processing feature to minimize the amount oftime a user is not on the callinthe event of a service interruption.Therefore, a need existsfor automaticredialing call featuremanagement systems and methods that address and solve the aforementioned problems.
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The rapid _growth_ of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) deployments in enterprises, hotspots _and_ homes, the improving _ability_ of WLAN access to provide high-quality _voice_ service and the introduction of dual _mode_ handsets that can support both cellular (Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications (UMTS) or _Code_ _Division_ Multiple Access (CDMA)) and _WLAN_ radio have created the need for comprehensive services that converge mobile and fixed-line infrastructures, beginning with voice. One approach to converging mobile _and_ fixed-line infrastructure _uses_ a standardized Next Generation Networking (NGN) _architecture_ called IP Multimedia _Subsystem_ (IMS). _IMS_ uses a _Voice-over-IP_ _(VoIP)_ _implementation_ based on a 3rd Generation Partnership Project _(3GPP)_ standardized implementation of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and runs _over_ the standard Internet Protocol (IP). _Voice_ Call Continuity (VCC) extends _an_ IMS _network_ to cellular coverage _and_ addresses handover. _IMS-VCC_ provides _seamless_ voice call continuity between the cellular _domain_ and any IP-connectivity _access_ networks _that_ support VoIP. _Although_ _the_ use of WLAN, cellular, _and_ desktop systems to support _voice_ _call_ sessions has provided greater mobility _and_ _flexibility_ however, these technologies _have_ also increased the number of service interruptions (e.g., dropped calls) resulting in an overall decreased system _reliability._ _A_ service interruption _or_ “dropped _call”_ continues _to_ be the most frustrating _experience_ for most users. Typically, a user experiencing a dropped call will attempt to redial _manually_ which can _be_ difficult _if_ the _user_ _is_ driving. Although _a_ device _redial_ feature may be _available,_ _low_ signal strength may require _the_ _user_ to depress this key _multiple_ times before successfully reestablishing a _call,_ if at all. _Service_ interruptions are also _a_ nuisance in _the_ conference call setting _when_ using a _traditional_ public switched telephone network (PSTN). Such a traditional conference call setting may be supported by a communication center in which various participants _are_ calling _a_ conference _call_ _dial-in_ number in order to _be_ placed into _the_ _conference_ call. When a service interruption occurs for one of the participants, the _participant_ will have to redial the _conference_ call dial-in number, enter _any_ _passcodes_ _or_ _the_ like, all in an attempt to re-enter the conference _call_ session. _When_ _these_ types of _technologies_ are utilized to establish _an_ important call (such as dialing into a conference bridge or calling a customer), _there_ is _a_ need _for_ a call processing feature to minimize the amount of time a user _is_ not on the call in the event _of_ a service interruption. Therefore, a need exists for _automatic_ redialing call feature management systems _and_ methods that address and solve the aforementioned problems.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel powder composition. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel powder composition having improved anti-microbial, cooling and skin soothing properties.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Miliria Rubra, commonly known as xe2x80x9cprickly heatxe2x80x9d, is a skin condition that results from an obstruction of the sweat gland ducts. More specifically, keratin plugs are formed due to the maceration of the stratum corneum accompanied by the distension of the sweat gland ducts. Prickly heat may be identified by the development of an intensely itchy rash on the skin that is composed of small vesicles, and may also be accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection. Babies often develop prickly heat, in particular during periods of warmer weather.
Several known methods exist for treating prickly heat and the symptoms thereof. One such method is the application of a powder mixture consisting of talc with one or more antibacterial agents such as boric acid, salicylic acid, and chlorphenesin. Disadvantageously, such treatments are inappropriate for use on babies"" skin because the antibacterial agents tend to irritate the skin and because of the concern over the toxicity effects that may be associated with the use of such antibacterial agents.
It would be desirable to develop a powder composition that was effective in treating the symptoms of prickly heat, but that was also safe for use on babies"" skin.
In accordance with this invention, there is provided a novel powder composition comprised of, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of, based upon the weight of the composition, a skin irritation reducing agent comprising 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, or mixtures thereof.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for treating prickly heat comprised of, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of topically applying an effective amount of a powder comprised, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of a skin irritation reducing agent comprising 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, or mixtures thereof.
The powders of this invention exhibit one or more beneficial properties. Not only do the powders relieve the symptoms of prickly heat by providing antimicrobial, soothing, and cooling benefits to the skin, but they also do so without the use of harsh antimicrobial agents which tend to irritate sensitive skin.
The main component of the powder composition of the present invention is a skin irritant reducer. Suitable skin irritant reducers include, but are not limited to 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, which is also known as trimethylglycine (betaine), scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, and mixtures thereof. One suitable mixture includes bisabolol, soybean oil, and chamomile extract and is available from Dragoco, Ltd. under the tradename, xe2x80x9cPhytoconcentrol Chamomile.xe2x80x9d1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, which is an amino acid extracted from sugar beets that is commercially available from Cultor Ltd. (Finnsugar Bioproduct) under the tradename, xe2x80x9cBetafin BPPxe2x80x9d, may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.005% to about 50%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 10.0%, and more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5.0%.
Scutellaria baicalensis extract, which is derived from the root of the Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi plant and is commercially available from Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd. under the tradename, xe2x80x9cOugon extract powder,xe2x80x9d may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.00001% to about 0.10%, preferably from about 0.0001% to about 0.08%, and more preferably from about 0.001% to about 0.05%.
Bisabolol, which is available from Dragoco, Ltd. under the tradename xe2x80x9cDragosantol,xe2x80x9d may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.1% to about 2.0%, preferably from about 0.15% to about 1.5%, and more preferably from about 0.2% to about 0.5%.
Several other components may be present in the powder composition of the present invention such as a base including, but not limited to talc, cornstarch, and mixtures thereof. Talc is preferred. Preferably the base is sterilized via methods well known in the art such as via steam sterilization, before it is combined with the other ingredients of the powder of the present invention. Suitable amounts of talc may range from, based upon the total weight of the powder composition, about 50% to less than about 100%, preferably from about 70% to about 99%, and more preferably from about 80% to about 99%.
Another component that may be present in the powder composition of the present invention is a cooling agent that includes but not is not limited to menthol; eucalyptus oil; peppermint oil; cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-, available from Takasago International Corporation, Tokyo under the tradename, xe2x80x9cCoolact Pxe2x80x9d; 6-Isopropyl-9-methyl-1,4-dioxaspiro-(4,5)-decane-2-methanol,I-menthone glycerol ketal (Menthone Glycerin Acetal) available from Haarmann and Reimer (xe2x80x9cHandRxe2x80x9d) under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MGAxe2x80x9d; 5-methyl-2-(1-methyl ethyl)-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxypropionate,I-menthyl lactate, acid/-menthyl ester (Menthyl Lactate) available from HandR under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MLxe2x80x9d; menthyl pyrrolidone carboxylate (Menthyl PCA) available from Quest International UK Limited under the tradename, xe2x80x9cQuesticexe2x80x9d, and mixtures thereof. The cooling agent may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the powder composition, of from about 0.01% to about 0.50%. Preferably, the menthol may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.01% to about 0.50%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.30%, and most preferably from about 0.10% to about 0.20% and the eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil, respectively, may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.01% to about 0.50%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.40%, and most preferably from about 0.20% to about 0.30%. The menthol and the eucalyptus oil provide a fresh, cooling feeling to the user. A mixture of menthol and eucalyptus oil is the preferred coolant.
Another component that may be used in the powder composition of the present invention is an astringent. Suitable astringents include, but are not limited to zinc oxide, glyoxyl diureide available from Sutton Laboratories under the trade name, xe2x80x9cAllantoin,xe2x80x9d and mixtures thereof. The astringents may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.10% to about 10.0%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 5.0%, and more preferably from about 0.5% to about 3.0%. Zinc oxide is preferred due to its mild antiseptic and astringent properties.
Another component of the present invention may be an antimicrobial agent comprised of benzethonium chloride, (-p-Chloro-3, 5-m-xylenol)(xe2x80x9cPCMXxe2x80x9d) (also known as xe2x80x9cchloroxylenolxe2x80x9d), and mixtures thereof. The preferred antimicrobial agent is PCMX. In one preferred embodiment, PCMX is used in combination with bisabolol skin irritant reducing agent. The amount of antimicrobial agent used in the composition of the present invention may range from about 0.10% to about 5.0%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 3.0%, and more preferably from about 0.3% to about 1.0%. Chloroxylenol (-p-Chloro-3, 5-m-xylenol), which is commercially available from Nipa Laboratories
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a novel powder composition. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel powder composition having improved anti-microbial, cooling and skin soothing properties. 2. Description of the Prior Art Miliria Rubra, commonly known as xe2x80x9cprickly heatxe2x80x9d, is a skin condition that results from an obstruction of the sweat gland ducts. More specifically, keratin plugs are formed due to the maceration of the stratum corneum accompanied by the distension of the sweat gland ducts. Prickly heat may be identified by the development of an intensely itchy rash on the skin that is composed of small vesicles, and may also be accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection. Babies often develop prickly heat, in particular during periods of warmer weather. Several known methods exist for treating prickly heat and the symptoms thereof. One such method is the application of a powder mixture consisting of talc with one or more antibacterial agents such as boric acid, salicylic acid, and chlorphenesin. Disadvantageously, such treatments are inappropriate for use on babies"" skin because the antibacterial agents tend to irritate the skin and because of the concern over the toxicity effects that may be associated with the use of such antibacterial agents. It would be desirable to develop a powder composition that was effective in treating the symptoms of prickly heat, but that was also safe for use on babies"" skin. In accordance with this invention, there is provided a novel powder composition comprised of, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of, based upon the weight of the composition, a skin irritation reducing agent comprising 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, or mixtures thereof. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for treating prickly heat comprised of, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of locally applying an effective amount of a powder comprised, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of a skin irritation reducing agent comprising 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, or mixtures thereof. The powders of this invention exhibit one or more beneficial properties. Not only do the powders relieve the symptoms of prickly heat by providing antimicrobial, soothing, and cooling benefits to the skin, but they also do so without the use of harsh antimicrobial agents which tend to irritate sensitive skin. The main component of the powder composition of the present invention is a skin irritant reducer. Suitable skin irritant reducers include, but are not limited to 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, which is also known as trimethylglycine (betaine), scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, and mixtures thereof. One suitable mixture includes bisabolol, soybean oil, and chamomile extract and is available from Dragoco, Ltd. under the tradename, xe2x80x9cPhytoconcentrol Chamomile.xe2x80x9d1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, which is an amino acid extracted from sugar beets that is commercially available from Cultor Ltd. (Finnsugar Bioproduct) under the tradename, xe2x80x9cBetafin BPPxe2x80x9d, may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.005% to about 50%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 10.0%, and more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5.0%. Scutellaria baicalensis extract, which is derived from the root of the Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi plant and is commercially available from Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd. under the tradename, xe2x80x9cOugon extract powder,xe2x80x9d may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.00001% to about 0.10%, preferably from about 0.0001% to about 0.08%, and more preferably from about 0.001% to about 0.05%. Bisabolol, which is available from Dragoco, Ltd. under the tradename xe2x80x9cDragosantol,xe2x80x9d may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.1% to about 2.0%, preferably from about 0.15% to about 1.5%, and more preferably from about 0.2% to about 0.5%. Several other components may be present in the powder composition of the present invention such as a base including, but not limited to talc, cornstarch, and mixtures thereof. Talc is preferred. Preferably the base is sterilized via methods well known in the art such as via steam sterilization, before it is combined with the other ingredients of the powder of the present invention. Suitable amounts of talc may range from, based upon the total weight of the powder composition, about 50% to less than about 100%, preferably from about 70% to about 99%, and more preferably from about 80% to about 99%. Another component that may be present in the powder composition of the present invention is a cooling agent that includes but not is not limited to menthol; eucalyptus oil; peppermint oil; cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-, available from Takasago International Corporation, Tokyo under the tradename, xe2x80x9cCoolact Pxe2x80x9d; 6-Isopropyl-9-methyl-1,4-dioxaspiro-(4,5)-decane-2-methanol,I-menthone glycerol ketal (Menthone Glycerin Acetal) available from Haarmann and Reimer (xe2x80x9cHandRxe2x80x9d) under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MGAxe2x80x9d; 5-methyl-2-(1-methyl ethyl)-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxypropionate,I-menthyl lactate, acid/-menthyl ester (Menthyl Lactate) available from HandR under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MLxe2x80x9d; menthyl pyrrolidone carboxylate (Menthyl PCA) available from Quest International UK Limited under the tradename, xe2x80x9cQuesticexe2x80x9d, and mixtures thereof. The cooling agent may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the powder composition, of from about 0.01% to about 0.50%. Preferably, the menthol may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.01% to about 0.50%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.30%, and most preferably from about 0.10% to about 0.20% and the eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil, respectively, may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.01% to about 0.50%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.40%, and most preferably from about 0.20% to about 0.30%. The menthol and the eucalyptus oil provide a fresh, cooling feeling to the user. A mixture of menthol and eucalyptus oil is the preferred coolant. Another component that may be used in the powder composition of the present invention is an astringent. Suitable astringents include, but are not limited to zinc oxide, glyoxyl diureide available from Sutton Laboratories under the trade name, xe2x80x9cAllantoin,xe2x80x9d and mixtures thereof. The astringents may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.10% to about 10.0%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 5.0%, and more preferably from about 0.5% to about 3.0%. Zinc oxide is preferred due to its mild antiseptic and astringent properties. Another component of the present invention may be an antimicrobial agent comprised of benzethonium chloride, (-p-Chloro-3, 5-m-xylenol)(xe2x80x9cPCMXxe2x80x9d) (also known as xe2x80x9cchloroxylenolxe2x80x9d), and mixtures thereof. The preferred antimicrobial agent is PCMX. In one preferred embodiment, PCMX is used in combination with bisabolol skin irritant reducing agent. The amount of antimicrobial agent used in the composition of the present invention may range from about 0.10% to about 5.0%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 3.0%, and more preferably from about 0.3% to about 1.0%. Chloroxylenol (-p-Chloro-3, 5-m-xylenol), which is commercially available from Nipa Laboratories
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a novel powder composition. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel powder composition having improved anti - microbial, cooling and skin soothing properties. 2. Description of the Prior Art Miliria Rubra, commonly known as xe2x80x9cprickly heatxe2x80x9d, is a skin condition that results from an obstruction of the sweat gland ducts. More specifically, keratin plugs are formed due to the maceration of the stratum corneum accompanied by the distension of the sweat gland ducts. Prickly heat may be identified by the development of an intensely itchy rash on the skin that is composed of small vesicles, and may also be accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection. Babies often develop prickly heat, in partuc&lar during periods of warmer weather. Several known methods exist for treating prickly heat and the symptoms thereof. One such method is the application of a powder mixture consisting of talc qifh one or more antibacterial agents such as boric acid, salicylic acid, and chlorphenesin. Disadvantageously, such treatments are inappropriate for use on babies " " skin because the antibacterial agents tend to irritate the skin and because of the concern over the toxicity effects that may be associated with the use of such antibacterial agents. It would be desirable to develop a powder composition that was effective in treating the symptoms of prickly heat, but that was also safe for use on babies " " skin. In accordance with this invention, there is provided a novel powder composition comprised of, consisting of, and / or consisting essentially of, based upon the weight of the composition, a skin irritation reducing agent comprising 1 - Carboxy - N, N, N - trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, or mixtures thereof. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for treating prickly heat comprised of, consisting of, and / or consisting essentially of topically applying an effective amount of a powder comprised, consisting of, and / or consisting essentially of a skin irritation reducing agent comprising 1 - Carboxy - N, N, N - trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, or mixtures thereof. The powders of this invention exhibit one or more beneficial properties. Not only do the powders relieve the symptoms of prickly heat by providing antimicrobial, soothing, and cooling benefits to the skin, but they also do so without the use of harsh antimicrobial agents which tend to irritate sensitive skin. The main component of the powder composition of the present invention is a skin irritant reducer. Suitable skin irritant reducers include, but are not limited to 1 - Carboxy - N, N, N - trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, which is also known as trimethylglycine (betaine ), scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, and mixtures thereof. One suitable mixture includes bisabolol, soybean oil, and chamomile extract and is available from Dragoco, Ltd. under the tradename, xe2x80x9cPhytoconcentrol Chamomile. xe2x80x9d1 - Carboxy - N, N, N - trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, which is an amino acid extracted from sugar beets that is commercially available from Cultor Ltd. (Finnsugar Bioproduct) under the tradename, xe2x80x9cBetafin BPPxe2x80x9d, may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0. 005% to about 50% , preferably from about 0. 05% to about 10. 0% , and more preferably from about 0. 1% to about 5. 0% . wcuFellaria baicalensis extract, which is derived from the root of the Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi plant and is commercially available from Ichimaru Pharcos Co. , Ltd. under the tradename, xe2x80x9cOugon extract powder, xe2x80x9d may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0. 00001% to about 0. 10% , preferably from about 0. 0001% to about 0. 08% , and more preferably from about 0. 001% to about 0. 05% . Bisabolol, which is available from Dragoco, Ltd. under the tradename xe2x80x9cDragosantol, xe2x80x9d may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0. 1% to about 2. 0% , preferably from about 0. 15% to about 1. 5% , and more preferably from about 0. 2% to about 0. 5% . Several other components may be present in the powder composition of the present invention such as a base including, but not limited to talc, cornstarch, and mixtures thereof. Talc is preferred. Preferably the base is sterilized via methods well known in the art such as via steam sterilization, before it is combined with the other ingredients of the powder of the present invention. Suitable amounts of talc may range from, based upon the total weight of the powder coJpKsition, ab* Tt 50% to less than about 100% , preferably from about 70% to about 99% , and more preferably from about 80% to about 99% . Another component that may be present in the powder composition of the present invention is a cooling agent that includes but not is not limited to menthol; eucalyptus oil; peppermint oil; cyclohexanol, 5 - methyl - 2 - (1 - methylethenyl) -, available from Takasago International Corporation, Tokyo under the tradename, xe2x80x9cCoolact Pxe2x80x9d; 6 - Isopropyl - 9 - methyl - 1, 4 - dioxaspiro - (4, 5) - decane - 2 - methanol, I - menthone glycerol ketal (Menthone Glycerin Acetal) available from Haarmann and Reimer (xe2x80x9cHandRxe2x80x9d) under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MGAxe2x80x9d; 5 - methyl - 2 - (1 - methyl ethyl) - cyclohexyl - 2 - hydroxypropionate, I - menthyl lactate, acid / - menthyl ester (Menthyl Lactate) available from HandR under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MLxe2x80x9d; menthyl pyrrolidone carboxylate (Menthyl PCA) available from Quest International UK Limited under the tradename, xe2x80x9cQuesticexe2x80x9d, and mixtures thereof. The cooling agent may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the powder composition, of from about 0. 01% to about 0. 50% . Preferably, the menthol may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0. 01% to about 0. 50% , more preferably from about 0. 05% to about 0. 30% , and most preferably from about 0. 10% to about 0. 20% and the eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil, respectively, may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0. 01% to about 0. 50% , more preferably from about 0. 05% to about 0. 40% , and most preferably from about 0. 20% to about 0. 30% . The menthol and the eucalyptus oil provide a fresh, so*ling feeling to the user. A mixture of menthol and eucalyptus oil is the preferred Xoolang. Another component that may be used in the powder composition of the present invention is an astringent. Suitable astringents include, but are not limited to zinc oxide, glyoxyl diureide available from Sutton Laboratories under the trade name, xe2x80x9cAllantoin, xe2x80x9d and mixtures thereof. The astringents may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0. 10% to about 10. 0% , prefe4ablG from about 0. 5% to about 5. 0% , and more preferably from about 0. 5% to about 3. 0% . Zinc oxide is preferred due to its mild antiseptic and astringent properties. Another component of the present invention may be an antimicrobial agent comprised of benzethonium chloride, (- p - Chloro - 3, 5 - m - xylenol) (xe2x80x9cPCMXxe2x80x9d) (ale9 known as xe2x80x9cchloroxylenolxe2x80x9d ), and mixtures thereof. The preferred antimicrobial agent is PCMX. In one preferred embodiment, PCMX is used in combination with bisabolol skin irritant reducing agent. The amount of antimicrobial agent used in the composition of the present invention may range from about 0. 10% to about 5. 0% , preferably from about 0. 2% to about 3. 0% , and more preferably from about 0. 3% to about 1. 0% . Chloroxylenol (- p - Chloro - 3, 5 - m - xyleMoi ), which is commercially available from Nipa Laboratories
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1. Field of the Invention present relates to a novel powder composition. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel powder composition having improved cooling and skin soothing properties. 2. of the Prior Art Miliria commonly known as xe2x80x9cprickly heatxe2x80x9d, is a skin condition that results an obstruction of the sweat gland ducts. More specifically, keratin plugs are due to the maceration of stratum accompanied by distension of sweat gland ducts. Prickly heat may be identified by the development of an intensely itchy rash on the skin that is composed of vesicles, and may also be accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection. often develop prickly heat, in particular during periods of warmer weather. Several known methods exist for heat and the symptoms thereof. One such method is the application of a powder mixture consisting of talc with one or more antibacterial agents such as boric salicylic acid, and chlorphenesin. such treatments are inappropriate for use on babies"" skin because the antibacterial agents tend to irritate the skin and of concern over the toxicity effects that may be associated with the use of such antibacterial agents. It would be desirable to develop a powder composition that was effective in treating the symptoms prickly heat, but that was also safe use on babies"" skin. In accordance with this invention, there is provided a novel powder composition comprised of, consisting and/or consisting essentially of, based upon weight of the composition, a skin irritation reducing comprising 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, mixtures thereof. Another embodiment of the is directed to a method for treating prickly heat comprised consisting and/or essentially of topically applying an effective amount of powder comprised, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of a skin reducing agent comprising 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, or mixtures thereof. The powders of this invention exhibit or more properties. Not only do the powders relieve the symptoms of prickly heat providing antimicrobial, soothing, and cooling benefits to the skin, but they also do so without the use of harsh antimicrobial which to irritate sensitive skin. The main component of the powder composition of the present invention is a skin irritant reducer. Suitable skin irritant reducers include, but are not limited to 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner also known as trimethylglycine scutellaria extract, bisabolol, and mixtures thereof. One suitable mixture includes bisabolol, soybean oil, and chamomile extract and is available from Dragoco, Ltd. the tradename, Chamomile.xe2x80x9d1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium inner salt, which is an acid extracted from sugar beets that is commercially available Cultor Ltd. Bioproduct) under the tradename, xe2x80x9cBetafin BPPxe2x80x9d, may be in the powder composition of the present invention in amount, upon the total weight of the composition, from 0.005% to about 50%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 10.0%, and more preferably about 0.1% to 5.0%. Scutellaria baicalensis extract, which is derived from the root of the Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi plant is commercially available from Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd. the tradename, xe2x80x9cOugon extract powder,xe2x80x9d may be used in the composition of the present in an amount, based upon weight of the composition, from about 0.00001% about 0.10%, preferably from about 0.0001% to about 0.08%, and more preferably from about 0.001% to 0.05%. Bisabolol, which is available from Dragoco, Ltd. under the tradename xe2x80x9cDragosantol,xe2x80x9d may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, total weight of the composition, about 0.1% to 2.0%, preferably from about 0.15% to about 1.5%, and more preferably from about to about 0.5%. Several other components may be present in the powder of the present invention such as a base including, but not limited to talc, and mixtures thereof. Talc is preferred. Preferably the is sterilized via methods well known the art as via steam sterilization, before it is combined with the other ingredients of the powder of the present invention. Suitable amounts talc may range from, based upon the total weight of the powder composition, about to less than about 100%, preferably from about 70% to about 99%, and preferably from about 80% to about 99%. component that be present in the composition of the present invention is a cooling agent that includes but not is not limited to menthol; eucalyptus oil; peppermint oil; cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-, available Takasago International Corporation, Tokyo under the tradename, xe2x80x9cCoolact Pxe2x80x9d; 6-Isopropyl-9-methyl-1,4-dioxaspiro-(4,5)-decane-2-methanol,I-menthone ketal (Menthone Glycerin Acetal) available from and Reimer under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MGAxe2x80x9d; 5-methyl-2-(1-methyl ethyl)-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxypropionate,I-menthyl lactate, acid/-menthyl ester (Menthyl Lactate) available from under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MLxe2x80x9d; pyrrolidone carboxylate (Menthyl PCA) available from Quest International UK Limited under the tradename, xe2x80x9cQuesticexe2x80x9d, and mixtures thereof. The cooling agent may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight the powder composition, of from 0.01% to about 0.50%. Preferably, the may be used an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.01% to about 0.50%, more preferably from about to about 0.30%, and most from about 0.10% to about 0.20% and the eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil, respectively, may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 0.01% to about 0.50%, more preferably about 0.05% to about 0.40%, and most preferably from about 0.20% to about 0.30%. The and the eucalyptus oil provide a fresh, cooling feeling to the user. A mixture menthol and eucalyptus oil is the coolant. Another component that may be used in the powder composition the is an astringent. Suitable astringents include, but are not limited to glyoxyl diureide available Sutton Laboratories under trade xe2x80x9cAllantoin,xe2x80x9d and mixtures thereof. The astringents may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, about 0.10% to about 10.0%, preferably from about 0.5% about 5.0%, and more from about 0.5% to about 3.0%. Zinc oxide is preferred due to its mild antiseptic and astringent properties. Another component the present invention may be an antimicrobial agent comprised benzethonium chloride, (-p-Chloro-3, 5-m-xylenol)(xe2x80x9cPCMXxe2x80x9d) (also known as xe2x80x9cchloroxylenolxe2x80x9d), and mixtures The preferred antimicrobial agent is PCMX. In one preferred embodiment, PCMX is used combination bisabolol irritant reducing agent. The amount of antimicrobial used in the composition of the present invention may range from about 0.10% to about 5.0%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 3.0%, and more about 0.3% to 1.0%. Chloroxylenol (-p-Chloro-3, 5-m-xylenol), which is commercially available from Nipa Laboratories
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1. fiElD oF ThE iNVenTioN
the pResENT INvEnTIon RElATes To a novel PoWDeR COMposItiOn. mORe PArTicUlarlY, tHIs INventioN rELAtEs TO A nOVeL pOwdEr CoMposItION HaVInG imprOveD aNti-miCrobIAL, COOlinG ANd SkIN soOThINg PRopeRTiES.
2. DescriPTION of THe PRIOR ART
MILiria ruBRa, coMmOnLY knOwN As xE2X80X9CprickLy HeATxe2X80X9D, IS a sKiN CoNDiTion thAt RESuLtS FRom An OBstruCTIon of ThE sWeat GlAnD dUCtS. MORe SpECifIcallY, KeraTIn PLUgS arE foRMed DuE to THe mAcERaTiON of The sTRaTUm cOrnEum acCompAniED by tHE disTeNSion of the SWeat GLaND dUCTs. prIckly Heat MAy be IdeNTified By ThE DEvelOPmENT OF aN iNteNSElY iTCHy rAsh on ThE sKIn that IS COmpoSed oF SmaLl vesIcLes, AnD May aLsO Be aCCOMpANiED BY A Secondary BActERial INfECTIon. bAbieS oFtEN DevelOP pRICKLy heAt, iN pArTICULar DUrInG peRIoDS of WArMeR weaTHeR.
SevEraL kNoWN mEThOdS eXIst foR tREating PRiCkly HeaT anD THE sYmpToMs therEOF. oNE SUcH MeTHoD Is The applICaTiON Of a pOWDeR mIxTURE consisTIng OF TAlC WITh one or MOre aNTIbacTerIAL AGEnts SUCh as BORIc aCid, SAliCYLiC ACid, AND cHlOrphEnESiN. DISADVAntaGEOUSLy, SucH TrEAtmeNts aRe inAppropRiatE foR UsE On bAbIes"" sKIN beCaUSe The anTIBaCteRIal aGenTS Tend tO IrRitATE thE SKIN and BecAuse oF tHE ConCERn oVER THe toxiCitY effecTs ThAT MaY Be assOciaTED WiTH the usE oF suCh aNTIBacterIAL AgEnTs.
it woULD BE DESirAbLe To DEVELop A PoWdEr cOmPoSItIOn THaT WAs EFfeCtivE In TreAtiNg THE sYmPTomS Of PRicKly HEAt, BuT THAT WAs alSO Safe For uSe on babIEs"" skiN.
IN ACCOrDaNce WITH this inVENtION, ThERe is pROvIDed A nOVeL pOWDER CoMPOSiTIon COMprisEd OF, ConSiSTiNG Of, anD/or COnsISTInG EssEnTiaLlY Of, BaseD upon thE wEIgHt of the COMpOsiTioN, A SkIN IrritatiOn REDuCiNg AGeNT ComprISiNG 1-caRboxY-n,N,N-triMETHyLmETHAnamIniUM HYdroXIde InneR SAlT, SCuTellaria BAICALEnSis exTRact, BisabOlol, Or mIxturES theReof.
ANotheR emBodImeNT of thE InVEnTIon IS direcTED to A MEtHOd fOr TREAtINg pRiCklY HEAT COMPRiSeD Of, COnSIStING OF, aND/oR COnSISTInG eSseNtially oF TOpIcaLLy apPlyIng aN efFECTIVE amount Of a poWder coMprISEd, consiStInG of, aNd/or conSISting ESSENTiAlLy oF A SkIN IRritAtIoN reDuCinG agEnt CoMPRIsiNG 1-CaRBOxy-N,n,N-TrimETHYlMeTHanaminIuM hydRoXiDE inneR SaLt, ScuTEllariA baICAlensiS EXTrACT, BIsAbolOl, oR MIxTURes tHeREof.
THE poWDers oF tHis iNVEntioN EXHIBiT oNE OR moRe beNeficiaL PropERTIEs. noT ONlY Do thE powDErS rELIEVe thE sYMPTomS Of PRIcKLy hEAt BY PrOVidING ANtIMICRobIal, SOOThING, AND CoOLINg BeNEfitS TO ThE skIn, bUT thEY Also DO sO WithOUT ThE UsE OF HARSH ANtiMIcroBial AgEntS wHIch TEND to IrrITAte SEnSitIVE sKiN.
thE MAiN cOMpONENt oF the poWdEr cOMpOSiTiOn Of thE preseNt INVENtIOn Is a skiN irRiTanT reDUceR. SuitAbLe SKin IrRiTaNT reDuCeRS iNclUde, BuT aRe NOt LIMiTED tO 1-carbOxy-N,n,N-triMeThyLMETHAnamINIUM hYdroxiDe inNeR SaLt, wHiCh Is aLsO KnoWN As TriMEThylGLyCine (beTAIne), scutellaria baIcaLensis eXTract, biSaBoLOL, anD mIXTuReS TheReoF. oNE SUiTABle MixTUre incLuDeS BIsaBOlOL, soyBeAN oIL, anD chamOMilE EXTRACT AND iS avaIlaBLe fRom drAgoCo, LTd. UndER the tRadENAmE, Xe2X80x9CPHyTOCONcEntROL CHAMOmiLe.Xe2X80X9d1-caRboXY-N,N,n-tRimeThyLmeThaNAmiNIum hydROxidE inner SalT, Which is an AMiNO AcId eXTrActED fROM suGAR BeetS THat Is commErCiALLy AVAilaBLE fRom CuLTor ltD. (FINnSuGaR biopROdUCt) uNdER THE tRadeName, Xe2X80x9cbETafin BPpXE2X80x9d, MaY bE UsEd in The pOwDER COmposition oF ThE PrESENT inVenTioN in an amoUnT, bASed UpOn tHE ToTal WEiGht OF THe comPOsiTiOn, FrOM ABOUT 0.005% TO ABOUT 50%, preFERabLy FrOM aBout 0.05% TO abOuT 10.0%, And MORe prEFErAbLy fROm AbouT 0.1% To abOut 5.0%.
ScUtEllariA BaIcALEnsIs EXTrACt, WHiCh is DerIVed frOm tHE roOT OF THe SCuTellaRiA BAicALenSiS GeOrgI PLanT and IS CoMmercIaLlY AvAilABLe FRom IcHimaRu PHaRcOs co., lTd. UnDer tHE TraDEname, xe2x80X9cougon ExtRacT poWDeR,xE2X80x9D maY BE USed In The POWdER coMpOSItiON OF The PRESent InVenTION In an AMOUNt, BasEd UPon THE TotaL wEiGhT Of tHe COMpoSITIOn, fRom AbOUT 0.00001% tO aBoUT 0.10%, prEfERABLY froM ABout 0.0001% To About 0.08%, ANd mORE pRefeRABLY FROm AbOut 0.001% TO abOut 0.05%.
bIsAbolOl, WHICh Is AVAilabLE frOM DRaGoCo, lTd. uNdER THe TrADENAme XE2x80X9cdrAgOsANTol,xE2x80X9d maY Be USeD iN tHe PoWDeR COMPosItion OF ThE PresENt InVeNTioN in an aMounT, baseD UPon tHE totAl WEighT of The CoMPOSItiOn, FroM AbOUT 0.1% to ABoUt 2.0%, PREferABLY From AbouT 0.15% tO ABoUt 1.5%, anD moRE PreFeRABlY FRoM ABout 0.2% TO About 0.5%.
sEvErAl otHEr cOmpONENtS MAY BE presenT in tHe poWdER cOMpOSITION of tHe PReSeNT iNVENtiOn SuCh As a BaSE IncLUDIng, BuT NOT LImiTEd to taLc, CornsTArch, aND MIxtUres tHEREOF. Talc is PRefErrEd. prefErabLy thE BaSE is SteRilizeD ViA meTHOds weLL KNown iN the ArT sucH as VIA SteaM StEriliZatiOn, BEFoRe IT IS combineD WiTH THE oTHEr ingREdieNTs of the poWDeR oF tHE pRESenT invEntIon. suItaBle aMOUnts oF talC MAy RANge FRom, baSEd upOn THE TOTAL wEIgHT Of tHe pOWDER comPoSITIoN, aBOuT 50% To leSS ThAn About 100%, PreFerAbLy frOM AbOUT 70% to aboUt 99%, And MORe prEFErAbLY From ABoUt 80% to abOUT 99%.
another COmpOnent THAt maY bE PReseNt iN tHe POwDEr coMpoSiTIoN of THE pReseNT iNvEntIOn Is A CooLiNG AGENt tHaT inClUdEs But nOt is nOT LIMitEd tO menTHOL; EUcALYptUs OIL; pEPPERMInT OIl; CycLOHexANoL, 5-MetHYL-2-(1-MEthylEthEnYl)-, AvaILAble fROM tAkASago iNtErnATioNal CoRPoRation, toKyO UNDeR thE tRAdENAme, xE2X80X9cCooLact pXe2x80X9d; 6-iSOPROpyL-9-mETHyl-1,4-DIoxaSpirO-(4,5)-dECane-2-MEtHaNol,i-meNtHoNE glyceROL KeTaL (meNtHONE glyCERIN aCEtAL) aVaIlAble froM HAarmANn and REiMeR (xe2x80x9CHANDRxE2x80x9D) UNdEr ThE traDENAmE, xe2x80X9cfrEscOLAT mgAXE2X80X9d; 5-MEthyL-2-(1-mEThyL ETHyL)-cycLOheXyL-2-hyDroxYPRoPIONate,i-Menthyl LAcTATe, aCID/-meNtHYl EStER (MeNThYl laCTate) aVaiLaBLe FrOm HAnDR UnDEr the trADenaME, xe2x80x9CFrEscoLaT MlxE2x80x9d; mEnTHyL pyrROlIDONE caRbOXylATE (menthyl pCa) AVaILAbLe FRoM QuEst IntERNAtioNal UK LimITed Under The tradEnAMe, Xe2x80x9cquEsTICeXe2X80X9d, And MIxTuRes tHerEOf. THE cOoLING AgeNT mAy be USED In An aMOuNT, baseD UpoN the TOtAL wEight Of ThE POwDER ComPosition, oF from aBOUt 0.01% to AboUt 0.50%. prEFErAbly, THE mENTHOL MAy bE used in an AMoUnT, bAsEd uPoN ThE TOTAL weigHt oF tHE COMPOsitIon, From aBout 0.01% to aBoUt 0.50%, MOre PrEfErAbLY frOm abOUt 0.05% to AbOUt 0.30%, anD mosT PREFERABlY froM AboUt 0.10% tO AbOUt 0.20% anD THe eUcAlYpTUS OiL And pEPPerMiNT Oil, rESpeCtIVeLY, maY BE uSEd In AN aMoUnt, baSed UpoN the tOtAL WEIGht oF thE coMPOSItion, fROm ABOUt 0.01% To aBout 0.50%, mORE preFeRabLy FrOM aboUt 0.05% to ABouT 0.40%, ANd MoST PREFErAbLY from abouT 0.20% tO About 0.30%. THe mENTHoL aNd thE euCALYptuS oiL PROvidE A fResh, COoling FeeliNg to the UsER. a mixturE of mENTHOl anD EUCAlyptuS oiL is tHE pReferred cooLAnT.
aNOtheR cOMPonenT ThaT MAy be UsED iN the pOwDEr COMpoSiTION of the pREsEnt invEnTIOn Is AN astRingenT. suitaBLe aStrINgENTS IncluDe, bUT ARe NoT liMiTEd To ziNc oXide, gLYoxYL dIuREIDE AVailaBLE fRoM SUtTOn lAbOraTorIES UNDER ThE trade NaMe, xE2x80x9CalLaNToIN,xE2X80x9d aNd miXtUReS theReof. thE aSTRINGENTS MAy be UsEd IN an AMOUnt, BaSED uPoN The TOTal weigHt of the cOMPOsiTIon, FRom abOuT 0.10% To AboUt 10.0%, PRefEraBLy FROM AboUt 0.5% tO AboUt 5.0%, And MORe pReFErABLY From AbOuT 0.5% tO aBOut 3.0%. zInC oXiDe is PrEfERred DUE tO ItS miLd ANtISEPTiC ANd aStRiNgeNt propERTIES.
aNotHeR coMPonENT OF tHE pReSEnT INVenTION MAY Be AN anTimICroBIAl AgENt COmPRiSEd oF BenZEtHoNIuM CHlORIDE, (-P-ChLOro-3, 5-m-xYLeNol)(xE2X80x9cpcmXXE2X80X9d) (AlSO knoWN aS xE2X80x9ccHloroXylenOLXE2X80X9D), ANd mIXtureS thEReOF. The prEFErred ANTiMiCRobIaL agEnt Is pCmx. IN One PrefeRRED embOdimenT, pCMX is USeD iN coMbiNaTion WiTh bISABolOl sKIn irritaNT rEDuciNg Agent. ThE aMounT OF aNtiMIcrOBiAl agEnT USED In the coMPOSITION of thE Present iNVEntIoN MAy rAngE FRoM ABoUT 0.10% tO abOUT 5.0%, PRefeRABLy FrOm ABoUt 0.2% To AbouT 3.0%, aND More PReFErablY fRom AbOut 0.3% to abOUT 1.0%. ChloRoxYLenoL (-p-cHloRO-3, 5-m-xylEnOl), wHIcH IS commERCiALLY AVailaBLe frOm NIpa LabORATORIES
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a novel powder composition. More particularly, this invention relates to anovel powder composition having improved anti-microbial, cooling and skin soothing properties. 2. Description ofthePrior Art MiliriaRubra, commonly known as xe2x80x9cprickly heatxe2x80x9d,is a skin conditionthat results from an obstruction of the sweat gland ducts. Morespecifically, keratin plugs are formed due to the maceration of the stratum corneum accompaniedby the distension of the sweat gland ducts.Pricklyheat maybe identified by the development of an intensely itchy rash on the skin thatis composed of small vesicles,and may also be accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection. Babies often develop pricklyheat, in particular during periods of warmer weather.Several known methods existfor treating prickly heat and the symptoms thereof. One such method is the application ofa powder mixture consisting of talc with one or more antibacterial agents such as boric acid, salicylic acid, and chlorphenesin. Disadvantageously, such treatments are inappropriate foruse on babies"" skin because the antibacterial agents tend to irritate the skin and because of the concern over thetoxicity effects that may beassociated with the use of such antibacterial agents. It would be desirable to develop apowder composition that was effective in treating the symptoms of prickly heat, butthatwas alsosafefor use on babies"" skin. In accordancewith this invention,there is provided a novelpowdercomposition comprisedof, consistingof,and/or consistingessentially of,based upon the weight of the composition, a skin irritationreducing agent comprising 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, or mixtures thereof. Another embodiment ofthe invention is directed to a method for treating prickly heat comprised of,consisting of,and/orconsistingessentially of topically applying an effectiveamount of a powder comprised, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of a skin irritation reducing agent comprising 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol,or mixtures thereof.The powders of this invention exhibit oneor more beneficialproperties. Not only do the powdersrelieve the symptoms of prickly heatby providing antimicrobial,soothing,and cooling benefitsto the skin,but theyalso do sowithout the use of harsh antimicrobial agents which tend to irritate sensitive skin. Themaincomponent of the powder composition of the present invention is a skin irritantreducer. Suitable skin irritant reducers include, but are notlimited to 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, whichis also known as trimethylglycine (betaine), scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, and mixtures thereof. One suitable mixture includes bisabolol, soybean oil,andchamomile extract and is available from Dragoco, Ltd. under the tradename,xe2x80x9cPhytoconcentrol Chamomile.xe2x80x9d1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminiumhydroxide inner salt, which is an amino acid extractedfrom sugar beets that is commercially available from CultorLtd. (Finnsugar Bioproduct) under the tradename, xe2x80x9cBetafin BPPxe2x80x9d, may be used in the powder compositionofthe present invention in an amount, basedupon the total weight of the composition, fromabout 0.005% to about 50%, preferably from about 0.05% to about10.0%, and more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5.0%.Scutellaria baicalensis extract, which is derived fromtheroot of the Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi plant and is commercially availablefrom Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd. under the tradename, xe2x80x9cOugon extract powder,xe2x80x9d may be used inthe powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weightof the composition, from about 0.00001% to about 0.10%, preferably from about 0.0001% to about 0.08%, and more preferably from about 0.001%to about 0.05%. Bisabolol, which is available from Dragoco, Ltd. under the tradename xe2x80x9cDragosantol,xe2x80x9d may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition,from about 0.1% to about 2.0%, preferably from about 0.15% toabout 1.5%, and more preferably from about 0.2% to about 0.5%. Several othercomponents may be present in thepowder compositionof the presentinventionsuch as abase including, butnot limited totalc, cornstarch, and mixtures thereof. Talc is preferred. Preferablythe base is sterilized via methods well knownin the art such asvia steam sterilization, before it is combined with the other ingredients of the powder of thepresent invention. Suitable amounts of talc may range from, basedupon the total weight of the powder composition, about 50% to less than about 100%, preferably from about 70%to about 99%,and more preferablyfrom about 80% to about99%. Another component thatmay be present in the powder composition of the present invention is a coolingagent that includes but notis not limited to menthol; eucalyptus oil; peppermint oil; cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-, available from Takasago International Corporation, Tokyo under the tradename, xe2x80x9cCoolact Pxe2x80x9d; 6-Isopropyl-9-methyl-1,4-dioxaspiro-(4,5)-decane-2-methanol,I-menthoneglycerol ketal(MenthoneGlycerinAcetal) available from Haarmannand Reimer (xe2x80x9cHandRxe2x80x9d) under thetradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolatMGAxe2x80x9d; 5-methyl-2-(1-methyl ethyl)-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxypropionate,I-menthyl lactate, acid/-menthyl ester (Menthyl Lactate) available from HandR under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MLxe2x80x9d; menthyl pyrrolidone carboxylate (Menthyl PCA) available from Quest International UK Limitedunder the tradename,xe2x80x9cQuesticexe2x80x9d, and mixtures thereof.Thecooling agent may be used inan amount,based upon the total weight of the powder composition, of from about 0.01% toabout 0.50%. Preferably, thementhol may be used in an amount,based upon the totalweight of the composition, fromabout 0.01% toabout 0.50%, more preferably from about 0.05%to about 0.30%, and most preferablyfrom about 0.10% to about 0.20% and the eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil, respectively, may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about0.01% to about 0.50%, more preferably fromabout 0.05% to about 0.40%, and most preferably fromabout 0.20% to about 0.30%. The menthol and the eucalyptus oil provide a fresh, cooling feeling totheuser. A mixtureof mentholandeucalyptus oil is the preferred coolant. Another componentthat may be used in the powder composition ofthe present invention is an astringent. Suitable astringents include,but are not limited to zinc oxide, glyoxyl diureideavailablefrom Sutton Laboratories under the trade name, xe2x80x9cAllantoin,xe2x80x9d andmixtures thereof. The astringents may be used in an amount, based uponthetotal weightof the composition, from about 0.10% toabout 10.0%, preferablyfrom about 0.5% to about5.0%, andmorepreferably fromabout0.5% to about 3.0%. Zinc oxide is preferred due to its mild antiseptic and astringent properties. Another componentof the presentinvention may be an antimicrobialagent comprised of benzethonium chloride, (-p-Chloro-3,5-m-xylenol)(xe2x80x9cPCMXxe2x80x9d) (alsoknown as xe2x80x9cchloroxylenolxe2x80x9d), and mixtures thereof. Thepreferred antimicrobial agent is PCMX. In one preferred embodiment, PCMX isused in combinationwith bisabololskin irritantreducing agent. The amount of antimicrobial agent used in the composition of the present invention may range from about 0.10% to about 5.0%, preferablyfromabout 0.2% to about 3.0%, and more preferably from about 0.3% to about 1.0%.Chloroxylenol (-p-Chloro-3, 5-m-xylenol), which is commercially available from Nipa Laboratories
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1. _Field_ of the Invention The present invention relates to _a_ novel powder composition. More particularly, this _invention_ relates _to_ a novel powder composition having _improved_ anti-microbial, cooling and skin soothing properties. 2. _Description_ of _the_ Prior Art Miliria Rubra, commonly known as xe2x80x9cprickly heatxe2x80x9d, _is_ a _skin_ _condition_ that results from an obstruction _of_ the sweat gland ducts. _More_ specifically, keratin plugs are formed due to the _maceration_ of the stratum corneum accompanied by the _distension_ of the sweat gland ducts. Prickly heat may be identified by the _development_ of _an_ intensely _itchy_ rash on the skin _that_ _is_ composed of _small_ vesicles, and _may_ also be accompanied _by_ a secondary bacterial infection. Babies often develop prickly heat, in particular during periods of warmer weather. Several known methods _exist_ _for_ treating _prickly_ heat and the _symptoms_ _thereof._ One _such_ _method_ _is_ the application of a powder mixture _consisting_ _of_ talc with one or more antibacterial agents such as boric acid, salicylic acid, and chlorphenesin. Disadvantageously, _such_ _treatments_ are inappropriate _for_ _use_ _on_ babies"" skin because the antibacterial agents tend _to_ irritate the skin and because of the _concern_ over the toxicity effects _that_ may be _associated_ with the use _of_ such antibacterial agents. It _would_ be desirable to develop a powder composition _that_ _was_ effective _in_ treating the symptoms of prickly heat, _but_ that was also safe for _use_ _on_ babies"" skin. _In_ accordance _with_ this invention, there is provided a novel powder _composition_ _comprised_ _of,_ consisting _of,_ and/or consisting essentially _of,_ based upon _the_ _weight_ of the composition, a _skin_ irritation _reducing_ _agent_ comprising 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner _salt,_ Scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, or mixtures thereof. Another embodiment of _the_ _invention_ is directed _to_ a method for treating prickly heat _comprised_ of, consisting _of,_ and/or consisting essentially of topically applying an _effective_ amount of a powder comprised, consisting of, _and/or_ consisting essentially of a _skin_ _irritation_ reducing agent comprising 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, scutellaria baicalensis _extract,_ bisabolol, or mixtures thereof. The powders of this invention exhibit one or _more_ beneficial _properties._ Not only do the powders relieve the symptoms of prickly heat by _providing_ _antimicrobial,_ soothing, _and_ cooling benefits to the skin, but _they_ also do so without the use of _harsh_ antimicrobial _agents_ which tend _to_ irritate sensitive skin. The main component of the powder composition _of_ _the_ present invention is a _skin_ irritant reducer. Suitable skin irritant reducers include, but _are_ not limited _to_ 1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, which is also known as trimethylglycine _(betaine),_ scutellaria baicalensis extract, bisabolol, and _mixtures_ thereof. One suitable _mixture_ includes bisabolol, _soybean_ oil, and chamomile extract _and_ is available from Dragoco, Ltd. under _the_ _tradename,_ _xe2x80x9cPhytoconcentrol_ Chamomile.xe2x80x9d1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium hydroxide inner salt, which is an amino _acid_ extracted from sugar beets _that_ is commercially _available_ from Cultor Ltd. (Finnsugar _Bioproduct)_ under the tradename, xe2x80x9cBetafin BPPxe2x80x9d, may be used in the powder composition of the present invention in an _amount,_ based _upon_ the total _weight_ of the composition, from about 0.005% _to_ _about_ _50%,_ preferably from about _0.05%_ _to_ about _10.0%,_ and more _preferably_ _from_ about 0.1% to _about_ 5.0%. Scutellaria baicalensis extract, which is derived _from_ the root of the Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi plant _and_ is commercially available from Ichimaru Pharcos Co., _Ltd._ under the tradename, xe2x80x9cOugon extract _powder,xe2x80x9d_ _may_ _be_ _used_ _in_ _the_ powder composition of the present invention in an amount, based upon the total weight of the _composition,_ from about 0.00001% to about 0.10%, preferably from about 0.0001% to about 0.08%, and more preferably from about 0.001% to _about_ 0.05%. Bisabolol, which is available from Dragoco, _Ltd._ under the tradename xe2x80x9cDragosantol,xe2x80x9d _may_ be used in _the_ powder composition of the _present_ invention _in_ an amount, _based_ upon the total _weight_ _of_ the composition, from about 0.1% to about 2.0%, preferably from about 0.15% to about 1.5%, and more preferably from about 0.2% to about 0.5%. Several other components may be present in the powder _composition_ _of_ the present invention such as a _base_ including, but not _limited_ to _talc,_ cornstarch, and mixtures thereof. _Talc_ is preferred. _Preferably_ the base is sterilized _via_ methods well known _in_ the _art_ such as via steam sterilization, _before_ it is combined with the other ingredients of the powder of _the_ present invention. _Suitable_ amounts of talc may range from, based _upon_ _the_ total weight of the _powder_ composition, about 50% to less than about 100%, preferably from about _70%_ _to_ about 99%, and more preferably from about _80%_ to about _99%._ _Another_ component that may _be_ present in the powder composition of the present invention is a _cooling_ agent that includes but not is not limited to menthol; _eucalyptus_ _oil;_ peppermint oil; cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-, available from Takasago International Corporation, _Tokyo_ _under_ _the_ tradename, xe2x80x9cCoolact Pxe2x80x9d; 6-Isopropyl-9-methyl-1,4-dioxaspiro-(4,5)-decane-2-methanol,I-menthone glycerol ketal (Menthone Glycerin Acetal) available from Haarmann _and_ Reimer (xe2x80x9cHandRxe2x80x9d) under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MGAxe2x80x9d; 5-methyl-2-(1-methyl ethyl)-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxypropionate,I-menthyl _lactate,_ acid/-menthyl ester (Menthyl _Lactate)_ available from HandR under the tradename, xe2x80x9cFrescolat MLxe2x80x9d; menthyl _pyrrolidone_ carboxylate (Menthyl PCA) available from Quest International UK Limited under the tradename, xe2x80x9cQuesticexe2x80x9d, and mixtures thereof. The cooling agent may be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the powder composition, _of_ _from_ about 0.01% _to_ about 0.50%. Preferably, the menthol may _be_ used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the _composition,_ from about 0.01% to about 0.50%, more preferably from about 0.05% to _about_ 0.30%, and most preferably from about 0.10% to about 0.20% _and_ the eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil, respectively, _may_ be used in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition, _from_ about _0.01%_ to about 0.50%, more preferably from _about_ _0.05%_ to about 0.40%, and _most_ preferably from about _0.20%_ to about 0.30%. The menthol and the eucalyptus _oil_ provide a fresh, cooling _feeling_ to the user. A mixture of menthol _and_ _eucalyptus_ _oil_ is the preferred coolant. Another component that may be used in the powder composition of _the_ present invention is an astringent. Suitable astringents include, _but_ are not _limited_ to zinc oxide, glyoxyl _diureide_ available from _Sutton_ _Laboratories_ _under_ the trade name, _xe2x80x9cAllantoin,xe2x80x9d_ and mixtures _thereof._ The _astringents_ _may_ be used in an amount, based upon the total _weight_ _of_ _the_ _composition,_ from about _0.10%_ to about _10.0%,_ preferably from about _0.5%_ to about _5.0%,_ and more preferably from about 0.5% to about 3.0%. Zinc oxide is preferred _due_ to _its_ mild _antiseptic_ and astringent properties. Another component _of_ the present invention may be an antimicrobial agent comprised of benzethonium _chloride,_ (-p-Chloro-3, 5-m-xylenol)(xe2x80x9cPCMXxe2x80x9d) (also known as _xe2x80x9cchloroxylenolxe2x80x9d),_ and mixtures thereof. The preferred antimicrobial _agent_ is _PCMX._ _In_ one _preferred_ _embodiment,_ PCMX is used in _combination_ with _bisabolol_ _skin_ irritant reducing agent. _The_ amount of _antimicrobial_ _agent_ used in the _composition_ of the present _invention_ may range from about 0.10% to about _5.0%,_ _preferably_ from _about_ 0.2% _to_ _about_ 3.0%, and more preferably from _about_ 0.3% to about 1.0%. Chloroxylenol (-p-Chloro-3, 5-m-xylenol), which is commercially available from Nipa Laboratories
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Engine systems may utilize recirculation of exhaust gas from an engine exhaust system to an engine intake system (intake passage), a process referred to as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), to reduce regulated emissions. An EGR system may include various sensors to measure and/or control the EGR. As one example, the EGR system may include an intake gas constituent sensor, such as an oxygen sensor, which may be employed during non-EGR conditions to determine the oxygen content of fresh intake air. During EGR conditions, the sensor may be used to infer EGR based on a change in oxygen concentration due to addition of EGR as a diluent. One example of such an intake oxygen sensor is shown by Matsubara et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,379. The EGR system may additionally or optionally include an exhaust gas oxygen sensor coupled to the exhaust manifold for estimating a combustion air-fuel ratio.
As such, due to the location of the oxygen sensor downstream of a charge air cooler in the high pressure air induction system, the sensor may be sensitive to the presence of fuel vapor and other reductants and oxidants such as oil mist. For example, during boosted engine operation, purge air may be received at a compressor inlet location. Hydrocarbons ingested from purge air, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) and/or rich EGR can consume oxygen on the sensor catalytic surface and reduce the oxygen concentration detected by the sensor. In some cases, the reductants may also react with the sensing element of the oxygen sensor. The reduction in oxygen at the sensor may be incorrectly interpreted as a diluent when using the change in oxygen to estimate EGR. Thus, the sensor measurements may be confounded by the various sensitivities, and the accuracy of the sensor, and thus, measurement and/or control of EGR, may be reduced.
In one example, some of the above issues may be addressed by a method for an engine comprising: in response to ingestion of purge or crankcase hydrocarbons during EGR flow, increasing a reference voltage applied to an intake manifold oxygen sensor; and adjusting EGR flow to the engine based on an output of the sensor at the increased reference voltage. In this way, the hydrocarbon effect on the sensor can be nullified and the accuracy of EGR estimation can be improved.
For example, during EGR conditions when purging and/or positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) is not enabled, a lower (nominal) reference voltage may be applied to the intake manifold oxygen sensor and EGR may be estimated based on a pumping current output by the sensor upon applying the nominal voltage. By comparing a change in the sensor output upon applying the lower voltage relative to a reference point indicative of sensor output during no EGR, the corresponding change in oxygen concentration can be used to infer the EGR dilution of the intake aircharge. An EGR flow can then be adjusted based on the estimated EGR relative to a desired EGR flow. In comparison, during EGR conditions when purging and/or PCV is enabled, a higher reference voltage may be applied to the intake manifold oxygen sensor and EGR may be estimated based on a pumping current output by the sensor upon applying the higher voltage. For example, the nominal reference voltage may be 450 mV while the higher voltage may be at or above 800 mV. At the higher voltage, the intake oxygen sensor goes from reacting hydrocarbons with oxygen at the sensor to dissociating the products of the reaction (namely, water and carbon dioxide). The sensor output at the higher voltage therefore reflects the oxygen concentration due to the EGR dilution effect only and not the oxygen reduction due to reaction of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensing element. By comparing a change in the sensor output upon applying the higher voltage relative to a reference point indicative of sensor output during no EGR, the corresponding change in oxygen concentration can be used to estimate the EGR dilution of the intake aircharge and accurately adjust an EGR flow.
In this way, by applying a higher reference voltage to an intake manifold oxygen sensor during purging and crankcase ventilation conditions, the effect of the ingested hydrocarbons on the output of the sensor can be nullified. As such, this reduces the corruption of the sensor output in the presence of purge air or blow-by gas hydrocarbons. By improving the accuracy of EGR dilution estimation in the presence of purge air or crankcase gases, EGR control can be improved.
It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.
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Engine systems may utilize recirculation of exhaust gas from an engine exhaust system to an engine intake system (intake passage), a process referred to as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), to reduce regulated emissions. An EGR system may include various sensors to measure and/or control the EGR. As one example, the EGR system may include an intake gas constituent sensor, such as an oxygen sensor, which may be employed during non-EGR conditions to determine the oxygen content of fresh intake air. During EGR conditions, the sensor may be used to infer EGR based on a change in oxygen concentration due to addition of EGR as a diluent. One example of such an intake oxygen sensor is shown by Matsubara et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,379. The EGR system may additionally or optionally include an exhaust gas oxygen sensor coupled to the exhaust manifold for estimating a combustion air-fuel ratio. As such, due to the location of the oxygen sensor downstream of a charge air cooler in the high pressure air induction system, the sensor may be sensitive to the presence of fuel vapor and other reductants and oxidants such as oil mist. For example, during boosted engine operation, purge air may be received at a compressor inlet location. Hydrocarbons ingested from purge air, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) and/or rich EGR can consume oxygen on the sensor catalytic surface and reduce the oxygen concentration detected by the sensor. In some cases, the reductants may also react with the sensing element of the oxygen sensor. The reduction in oxygen at the sensor may be incorrectly interpreted as a diluent when using the change in oxygen to estimate EGR. Thus, the sensor measurements may be confounded by the various sensitivities, and the accuracy of the sensor, and thus, measurement and/or control of EGR, may be reduced. In one example, some of the above issues may be addressed by a method for an engine comprising: in response to ingestion of purge or crankcase hydrocarbons during EGR flow, increasing a reference voltage applied to an intake manifold oxygen sensor; and adjusting EGR flow to the engine based on an output of the sensor at the increased reference voltage. In this way, the hydrocarbon effect on the sensor can be nullified and the accuracy of EGR estimation can be improved. For example, during EGR conditions when purging and/or positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) is not enabled, a lower (nominal) reference voltage may be applied to the intake manifold oxygen sensor and EGR may be estimated based on a pumping current output by the sensor upon applying the nominal voltage. By comparing a change in the sensor output upon applying the lower voltage relative to a reference point indicative of sensor output during no EGR, the corresponding change in oxygen concentration can be used to infer the EGR dilution of the intake aircharge. An EGR flow can then be adjusted based on the estimated EGR relative to a desired EGR flow. In comparison, during EGR conditions when purging and/or PCV is enabled, a higher reference voltage may be applied to the intake manifold oxygen sensor and EGR may be estimated based on a pumping current output by the sensor upon applying the higher voltage. For example, the nominal reference voltage may be 450 mV while the higher voltage may be at or above 800 mV. At the higher voltage, the intake oxygen sensor goes from reacting hydrocarbons with oxygen at the sensor to dissociating the products of the reaction (namely, water and carbon dioxide). The sensor output at the higher voltage therefore reflects the oxygen concentration due to the EGR dilution effect only and not the oxygen reduction due to reaction of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensing element. By comparing a change in the sensor output upon applying the higher voltage relative to a reference point indicative of sensor output during no EGR, the comparable change in oxygen concentration can be used to estimate the EGR dilution of the intake aircharge and accurately adjust an EGR flow. In this way, by applying a higher reference voltage to an intake manifold oxygen sensor during purging and crankcase ventilation conditions, the effect of the ingested hydrocarbons on the output of the sensor can be nullified. As such, this reduces the corruption of the sensor output in the presence of purge air or blow-by gas hydrocarbons. By improving the accuracy of EGR dilution estimation in the presence of purge air or crankcase gases, EGR control can be improved. It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.
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Engine systems may utilize recirculation of exhaust gas from an engine exhaust system to an engine intake system (intake passage ), a process referred to as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR ), to reduce regulated emissions. An EGR system may include various sensors to measure and / or control the EGR. As one example, the EGR system may include an intake gas constituent sensor, such as an oxygen sensor, which may be employed during non - EGR conditions to determine the oxygen content of fresh intake air. During EGR conditions, the sensor may be used to infer EGR based on a fhaGge in oxygen concentration due to addition of EGR as a diluent. One example of such an intake oxygen sensor is shown by Matsubara et al. in U. S. Pat. No. 6, 742, 379. The EGR system may additionally or optionally include an exhaust gas oxygen sensor coupled to the exhaust manifold for estimating a combustion air - fuel ratio. As such, due to the location of the oxygen sensor downstream of a charge air cooler in the high pressure air induction system, the sensor may be sensitive to the pFesense of fuel vapor and other reductants and oxidants such as oil mist. For example, during boosted engine operation, purge air may be received at a compressor inlet location. Hydrocarbons ingested from purge air, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) and / or rich EGR can consume oxygen on the sensor catalytic surface and reduce the oxygen concentration detected by the sensor. In some cases, the reductants may also react with the sensing element of the oxygen sensor. The reduction in oxygen at the sensor may be incorrectly interpreted as a diluent when using the change in oxygen to estimate EGR. Thus, the sensor measurements may be confounded by the various sensitivities, and the accuracy of the sensor, and thus, measurement and / or control of EGR, may be reduced. In one example, some of the above issues may be addressed by a method for an engine comprising: in response to ingestion of purge or crankcase hydrocarbons during EGR flow, increasing a reference voltage applied to an intake manifold oxygen sensor; and adjusting EGR flow to the engine based on an output of the sensor at the increased reference voltage. In this way, the hydrocarbon effect on the sensor can be nullified and the accuracy of EGR estimation can be improved. For example, during EGR coMditiIns when purgUbg and / or positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) is not enabled, a lower (nominal) reference voltage may be applied to the intake manifold oxygen sensor and EGR may be estimated Hasec on a pumping current output by the sensor upon applying the nominal voltage. By comparing a change in the sensor output upon applying the lower voltage relative to a reference point indicative of sensor output during no EGR, the corresponding change in oa7gen concentration can be used to infer the EGR dilution of the intake aircharge. An EGR flow can then be adjusted based on the estimated EGR relative to a desired EGR flow. In comparison, during EGR conditions when purging and / or PCV is enabled, a higher reference voltage may be applied to the intake manifold oxygen sensor and EGR may be estimated based on a pumping current output by the sensor upon applying the higher voltage. For example, the nominal reference voltage may be 450 mV while the higher voltage may be at or above 800 mV. At the higher voltage, the intake oxygen sensor goes from reacting hydrocarbons with oxygen at the sensor to dissociating the products of the reaction (namely, water and carbon dioxide ). The sensor output at the higher voltage therefore reflects the oxygen concentration due to the EGR dilution effect only and not the oxygen reduction due to reaction of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensing element. By comparing a change in the sensor output upon applying the higher voltage relative to a reference point indicative of sensor output during no EGR, the corresponding change in oxygen concentraR8on can be used to estimate the EGR dilution of the intake aircharge and accurately adjust an EGR flow. In tm&s way, by applying a higher reference voltage to an intake manifold oxygen sensor during purging and crankcase ventilation conditions, the effect of the ingested hydrocarbons on the output of the sensor can be nullified. As Eucm, this reduces the corruption of the sensor output in the presence of purge air or blow - by gas hydrocarbons. By improving the accuracy of EGR dilution estimation in the presence of purge air or crankcase gases, EGR control can be improved. It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of whKVh is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.
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Engine systems may utilize recirculation of exhaust gas from an exhaust system to an engine intake system (intake passage), a process referred to as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), reduce regulated emissions. system may include sensors to measure control the As one the EGR may an intake gas constituent sensor, such as an oxygen sensor, may be employed during non-EGR conditions to determine the oxygen content of fresh intake air. During EGR conditions, the may be to EGR based on a change in oxygen concentration due to addition of EGR as a diluent. One of an intake oxygen is shown by Matsubara et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,379. The EGR system may additionally or optionally include exhaust gas oxygen sensor coupled to the exhaust manifold for estimating a combustion air-fuel ratio. As such, to the location of the oxygen sensor downstream of a charge air in the high pressure air induction system, the sensor may be sensitive to the presence of fuel vapor and other reductants and oxidants such as oil For example, during boosted engine operation, purge air be received at a compressor inlet location. Hydrocarbons ingested purge air, positive ventilation (PCV) and/or rich EGR can consume oxygen on the sensor catalytic surface and reduce the concentration detected by the sensor. In some the reductants may also react with the element of the oxygen sensor. The in at sensor may be incorrectly interpreted as a diluent when using the change in oxygen to estimate EGR. Thus, the sensor measurements be by the various sensitivities, the of the sensor, and measurement control of EGR, be reduced. In one some of the above issues may be by a an engine comprising: in response to ingestion of purge or crankcase hydrocarbons during EGR flow, increasing a reference voltage applied to an intake manifold oxygen sensor; and adjusting EGR flow to the engine based on an of the sensor at the increased reference voltage. In this way, the hydrocarbon effect on the sensor can be nullified and the of EGR estimation can be improved. For example, during EGR conditions when purging and/or positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) is not a lower (nominal) reference voltage may applied to the intake manifold oxygen sensor and EGR may be estimated based on a output by sensor upon applying the voltage. By comparing a change in the sensor output applying the lower voltage relative to a reference point indicative of sensor output during no EGR, the corresponding change in oxygen concentration can be used infer the EGR dilution of the aircharge. An EGR flow can then be adjusted based on the estimated EGR relative to a desired EGR flow. In comparison, during EGR conditions when purging and/or PCV enabled, a reference voltage may be applied to intake manifold oxygen sensor and EGR estimated based a pumping current output by the sensor upon applying the higher voltage. the nominal reference voltage may be 450 mV while the higher voltage may be at or above 800 mV. the higher voltage, the intake oxygen sensor goes reacting hydrocarbons oxygen the sensor to dissociating the products of the reaction (namely, water and carbon dioxide). The sensor output at the higher voltage therefore reflects the oxygen concentration due to the EGR dilution effect only not the oxygen reduction due to reaction of the hydrocarbons on the sensing element. By comparing a change the sensor output upon applying the higher relative to a reference point indicative of sensor output during no EGR, the corresponding change in oxygen concentration can used to estimate the EGR of the intake and adjust an EGR flow. In this way, by applying a higher reference voltage to an intake sensor during purging and crankcase ventilation conditions, the effect the ingested hydrocarbons on the output of the sensor can be As such, this the corruption of the sensor output in the presence of purge air or blow-by gas hydrocarbons. By improving the accuracy of EGR dilution estimation in the presence of purge air crankcase gases, EGR control can be improved. It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.
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ENGiNe sYSTemS MAy uTiLize recirCulAtion of exhaUSt gAs FROM An eNGiNE eXhaust SySTEM to aN ENgINe iNtakE sYStem (INtAKE PassAGE), a prOcesS ReFeRReD tO as exhaUST GaS ReCIRcULatiOn (egr), to rEDUCE ReGuLAted EmiSsiOnS. aN EgR SySteM mAY iNCLudE vARIOUS sENSOrs To MeasuRE aND/or COntrOL tHE EgR. aS onE exaMpLE, the eGR SystEM maY INCLude aN InTAkE Gas cOnStiTUENt SEnsOr, SucH AS An OxYGen SEnSOR, wHich may be empLOYEd dUrinG NOn-egR condITIoNs tO DeTeRMINe ThE oXyGEn CoNtent oF frEsH intake AiR. duRiNg egr CoNDiTiOnS, thE SensoR MaY BE uSed To Infer eGR BASEd oN A ChanGe iN oXygeN cONcenTRaTion dUe TO aDdiTIon Of eGR As a diLueNT. ONE exaMpLE Of SUcH AN IntakE oxYgeN SENsOr Is sHoWN BY matsUBARa Et al. iN U.S. paT. NO. 6,742,379. ThE eGr systeM mAy AdDITiOnAlly oR OPTIONaLLY inClUDe An eXHaUSt gas oxYGEn SENsor COuPlEd to the eXhAUst maNiFoLD For estiMaTIng A coMbusTion AiR-fUeL RaTIo.
AS sUch, dUe to THe lOCATiON OF The OxyGEn sENsOR DownStreAM of a CHArge aiR COOLeR IN thE high PReSSURE aIR iNDuCtIon syStEM, tHE SeNsOr mAy be SenSItivE to THe PRESEnCe OF FUEl vapor aNd OTHeR ReDUCtaNtS And OXIDANts sUcH As oIl mISt. for exaMPLe, DURINg BOostEd ENGINE oPERaTioN, pURgE aIR MAY be recEiveD AT A COMPReSSOR inLet LOCATIon. HYDroCArboNS INGeStEd froM puRGe air, PoSitive CRaNKcASE ventIlAtIon (PCv) anD/OR RiCh EGr CAn cOnSume oXygEN ON thE seNSOr cataLytic suRfACe aND reDuce the OXyGEn conCENtrATion detECTEd bY ThE SeNSOR. iN SOmE cASEs, the ReDuctANTs may ALSo rEAct wITh ThE sENsinG ELemEnT OF ThE OXYGen SENSOR. THE ReDucTion in oXyGEn aT The SenSOr may be incorRecTly InteRPreted AS a dIluEnT wHEn usInG The chAnge in OXygeN To esTimaTE egr. Thus, THE sENsOr meAsuREments May Be cOnfOunDed by THE VaRIOUs SENSiTivitiEs, ANd ThE aCcUrAcy of ThE senSOr, AnD Thus, measuReMEnT aND/or CONTroL OF EGr, may BE rEDUCeD.
in onE EXAmplE, soMe of the aBOvE IsSues mAy bE ADdrEsSed BY a MEtHod FoR an engine COMpRIsInG: IN REspoNsE to INgEstIoN Of PuRGE OR CraNKcase HYdRocarBoNs dUrINg Egr Flow, InCREAsiNG a rEfERence vOltAgE AppLieD tO aN Intake ManIfOlD OxYgEN SenSOR; and aDJuSTINg eGr flOw tO tHE ENGiNe bASED on An OUTPuT OF THe senSOr AT The INCReaseD reFERenCE VOLTAGe. IN THIS WAY, the hyDRocarBon eFfeCT on THE SeNsOr CAn BE nULLiFIED and tHe aCcURaCy OF EgR eStiMaTIOn CAN be ImproVeD.
fOR ExAMPlE, DUriNg eGR condItiONS WheN PuRGiNg AnD/OR POsITIvE cRaNkcASE vENtIlaTIoN (PcV) Is NOT eNabLed, A lOweR (NoMInal) RefErence VOLtaGE may bE AppLIEd tO tHE IntaKe ManIfOlD oXYGEN SEnSOR aNd egr MaY bE eStIMATEd BASEd on A PUMpINg CURrenT ouTput bY THe SENSor uPoN apPlYING thE NOmINAL VOLTAge. BY COMparinG A cHaNgE in THe SenSor oUTPut uPOn AppLYIng THe lOWeR VolTage reLAtIvE to A REFereNce PoINt INdicAtiVe of sEnsoR OuTPUT DURIng NO EGR, ThE CORReSpOndING ChANGe IN OxYGeN COncENtRAtiON cAN Be uSEd TO iNFEr THE egr dILUTIOn OF The iNtAkE aIrChArgE. aN EGr Flow CAN THeN Be AdjuSTED BASeD On The esTIMaTed EGR RELatIVe TO A DesIREd EGr fLoW. In COMPARIson, DurING egR COndItIonS WheN PuRgING aND/oR pcV Is eNaBLed, A hIGhEr refErenCe VOLTAGe mAy BE aPPlIEd TO tHe iNtakE MANiFOld OxYgen SenSOR AnD egr mAY be eSTImAteD baSEd on A pUMPIng CUrreNt oUTpuT by the seNsor UpOn apPlYInG the hiGHEr VOlTage. for examPle, THE nomInal ReFEreNCE vOlTAGe MAy BE 450 MV WhILE THe HighER voLtAgE mAy bE At OR abOve 800 mv. AT THe hIGhER vOlTaGE, the InTAKE oxYGen SENSOr goEs FrOM rEAcTInG hyDrocARBOns wITh OxYGEn at thE senSOR tO diSsOcIAtiNG tHe prODUctS OF THE ReACTIon (NAMELy, wATER and CArbOn dioxiDE). tHE SEnSoR OutPUT AT tHe HighEr VolTagE tHereFoRe ReFLects THE OXygEn CoNCENTRAtIOn dUE To The eGr DiLUTIon EFfect ONLY ANd not tHe Oxygen rEdUCTiON duE to reacTIoN Of The InGESted HydroCARboNs On THe SEnSINg eLEMenT. by CoMpARinG a ChAnGE in tHE SensOr OuTput upon APpLYiNg THE hIgHer VolTagE RELAtIVE To A REfEREnCe pOiNT InDIcATivE of seNsor outPUT DuRiNG NO egR, tHe CorRESpoNdIng ChaNge iN OxygEn conceNtrATiOn CAN BE uSEd to eSTiMATe thE EGR DILUtion Of THE INtAKE aIRChARGE AND ACCURaTelY adjUST aN EgR flow.
In ThiS WAY, By applYinG A HigHEr rEFEReNce VoltAGe TO an IntAKe MaNiFOlD oXYgEN SenSOR dUrinG PURGInG and CRAnKCASE VeNTilATioN COnDitIonS, THE EffEct Of the InGested HydrOcarbONS On tHE OUtpUT oF tHe sEnSOr can Be NulLiFied. AS sUCH, tHIs rEDuceS THE cOrRUptiOn Of The seNsOR OUTpuT In tHe PReSeNCe OF pURGE AIr oR BlOW-By GAS HydroCARBonS. By IMPROVInG tHE aCCURAcy OF EgR diluTIoN estImaTIOn iN The PresEnCe oF puRGe aiR Or CRANKCAse GASES, Egr conTROl CAn BE ImPROved.
IT sHoUlD be uNDERStOoD ThAT ThE SUmMARY AbovE is prOviDeD TO inTRODUCE in SIMpLifIed foRM A SeLEctiON of cONceptS ThaT are FurTHEr dESCribEd In tHe DEtAiLED DescRIpTIoN. iT iS NoT meAnt to iDEnTIfy KEY oR ESSENtIAL fEatUREs Of the ClaimED SUBject MATTer, THE sCopE Of wHICH is DEfInED uNiqUeLY bY thE ClAiMs ThaT fOLlow tHe dETAILeD DescriPtIon. FURthERMore, The ClaIMed sUBJEct mAtTeR iS nOT LIMiteD tO ImpleMentatIOnS THAT sOLVe aNy DisadvANtAGeS NotEd ABoVE or In any PArt Of this disclosure.
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Engine systems may utilizerecirculation of exhaust gas from an engine exhaustsystem toan engine intake system (intake passage), a process referred to as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), to reduce regulated emissions. An EGRsystem may include varioussensors to measure and/or control the EGR. As one example, the EGR system mayinclude anintake gasconstituent sensor, suchas an oxygen sensor, which may beemployed during non-EGR conditions to determine the oxygen content of fresh intake air. DuringEGR conditions, the sensor may be used to infer EGR basedon a change in oxygen concentration dueto additionof EGR as adiluent. One example of such an intake oxygen sensoris shown by Matsubara et al.in U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,379.TheEGR system may additionally oroptionally include an exhaust gas oxygen sensor coupled to the exhaust manifold for estimatinga combustion air-fuel ratio. As such, due to the location of the oxygen sensor downstream of a charge air cooler in the high pressure air induction system, the sensor may be sensitive to the presence of fuelvapor and other reductants and oxidants suchas oil mist. For example, during boosted engine operation, purge air may be receivedatacompressor inlet location. Hydrocarbons ingested from purgeair, positivecrankcase ventilation (PCV) and/orrich EGR can consumeoxygen on the sensor catalytic surface and reducethe oxygen concentrationdetected by the sensor. In some cases,the reductants may also react with thesensing element ofthe oxygen sensor. The reduction in oxygen at the sensor may be incorrectly interpreted asa diluent when using the change in oxygen to estimate EGR. Thus,the sensor measurements may be confounded by the various sensitivities, and the accuracy of the sensor, and thus, measurement and/or controlof EGR, may be reduced.In one example, someof the aboveissues may be addressed by a method for anengine comprising: in response toingestion ofpurge or crankcase hydrocarbons during EGR flow, increasing a reference voltage applied to an intake manifoldoxygen sensor; and adjustingEGRflow to the engine based on an output of the sensor at the increased reference voltage. In thisway, the hydrocarbon effect on thesensor can be nullified and theaccuracyofEGR estimation can be improved. For example, during EGR conditions when purging and/or positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) is not enabled, a lower(nominal) reference voltage maybe applied to the intake manifold oxygen sensor and EGR may be estimated based on a pumping current output by the sensor uponapplying the nominal voltage. By comparing a change in the sensor output upon applying the lower voltagerelative to a referencepoint indicative of sensor output during no EGR, the corresponding change in oxygen concentration can be used to infer the EGR dilution of the intake aircharge. An EGR flow can then be adjusted based on the estimated EGR relative to a desired EGRflow. Incomparison, during EGRconditions whenpurging and/orPCV is enabled,a higher reference voltage may be applied to the intakemanifold oxygen sensor and EGR may be estimated based on a pumping current output by the sensor upon applying the higher voltage.For example, thenominal reference voltage may be 450 mV while the higher voltage may be ator above 800mV. At the higher voltage, the intake oxygen sensor goes from reacting hydrocarbons with oxygen at the sensor to dissociating theproducts of the reaction (namely, water and carbon dioxide). The sensor output at the higher voltage therefore reflects the oxygen concentration due to the EGR dilutioneffect only and notthe oxygen reduction due to reaction of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensing element. By comparing a change in the sensor output upon applying the higher voltage relative to a reference point indicative of sensor output during no EGR, the corresponding change in oxygen concentration can be used to estimate the EGRdilution ofthe intake aircharge and accurately adjust anEGR flow. In this way, byapplying a higher reference voltageto an intake manifold oxygen sensor during purging and crankcase ventilation conditions, the effect of the ingested hydrocarbons on the outputof the sensor can be nullified. As such, this reduces the corruption of the sensor output inthe presence of purge airorblow-by gas hydrocarbons. By improvingthe accuracy of EGR dilution estimation in the presence ofpurge air or crankcase gases, EGR control can be improved. It should beunderstood that thesummary above isprovidedto introduce in simplified form aselection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is notmeant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, the scope of which isdefineduniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore,the claimed subject matter is not limitedto implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or inany part of this disclosure.
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Engine _systems_ _may_ utilize recirculation of exhaust _gas_ from an engine exhaust system to an engine intake system (intake _passage),_ a process referred to _as_ exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), to reduce regulated emissions. An _EGR_ system _may_ include various _sensors_ to measure _and/or_ _control_ the _EGR._ As one _example,_ the EGR system may include an intake gas constituent sensor, such as an oxygen sensor, which may _be_ _employed_ during _non-EGR_ conditions to determine the oxygen content of _fresh_ intake air. _During_ EGR _conditions,_ _the_ _sensor_ _may_ be used to infer EGR based on a change in oxygen _concentration_ _due_ to _addition_ of EGR as a diluent. One example of such an intake oxygen sensor is _shown_ by Matsubara et al. _in_ U.S. _Pat._ No. 6,742,379. The EGR _system_ may additionally _or_ _optionally_ _include_ _an_ _exhaust_ gas oxygen sensor coupled to the exhaust manifold for estimating a combustion air-fuel ratio. As such, due to the location of the oxygen sensor downstream _of_ a charge _air_ cooler _in_ the high _pressure_ air induction system, _the_ sensor _may_ be _sensitive_ _to_ the presence of fuel vapor and other _reductants_ and oxidants such as _oil_ _mist._ For example, during boosted engine operation, _purge_ air may be received at a compressor inlet location. _Hydrocarbons_ ingested from purge air, positive _crankcase_ ventilation (PCV) and/or rich EGR _can_ _consume_ _oxygen_ _on_ _the_ sensor catalytic surface and reduce the _oxygen_ concentration detected by the sensor. In some cases, the _reductants_ may also react with _the_ sensing element _of_ _the_ _oxygen_ sensor. _The_ reduction _in_ oxygen at the sensor may _be_ _incorrectly_ interpreted as _a_ diluent when _using_ the change in oxygen to estimate EGR. _Thus,_ _the_ sensor measurements may be confounded by the various sensitivities, and the accuracy of the sensor, _and_ thus, measurement and/or control of EGR, may be reduced. In one example, some of the above issues may be _addressed_ by a method for an _engine_ comprising: in _response_ to _ingestion_ of purge _or_ crankcase hydrocarbons during EGR flow, increasing a _reference_ voltage applied to _an_ _intake_ manifold _oxygen_ sensor; and adjusting EGR flow _to_ the engine based _on_ an output of the _sensor_ _at_ the increased reference voltage. In this way, the hydrocarbon _effect_ on the sensor can _be_ nullified and _the_ accuracy _of_ EGR estimation _can_ be improved. _For_ example, during _EGR_ conditions _when_ purging and/or positive _crankcase_ ventilation (PCV) _is_ _not_ _enabled,_ _a_ _lower_ (nominal) reference _voltage_ may _be_ applied _to_ the intake manifold oxygen _sensor_ _and_ _EGR_ _may_ be estimated based on a pumping current output by the sensor upon applying the nominal voltage. By comparing a _change_ in the _sensor_ output upon applying the lower voltage relative to a _reference_ point indicative of _sensor_ output during no EGR, _the_ _corresponding_ _change_ in _oxygen_ concentration can _be_ _used_ to infer the EGR dilution of _the_ _intake_ aircharge. An EGR flow can then be adjusted based on _the_ _estimated_ _EGR_ _relative_ _to_ a desired _EGR_ flow. _In_ _comparison,_ during EGR conditions when purging _and/or_ PCV is enabled, a higher reference _voltage_ may be applied to the _intake_ _manifold_ oxygen sensor and EGR may _be_ estimated _based_ on a _pumping_ _current_ output by the sensor upon applying _the_ higher voltage. For _example,_ the nominal reference voltage _may_ _be_ 450 mV while the higher voltage may be at or above 800 mV. At the higher voltage, the intake _oxygen_ sensor goes _from_ reacting hydrocarbons _with_ _oxygen_ at the sensor to _dissociating_ the products _of_ the reaction (namely, water and _carbon_ dioxide). The sensor _output_ at the higher voltage _therefore_ reflects the oxygen concentration _due_ _to_ _the_ EGR dilution effect only and _not_ _the_ oxygen reduction due to reaction of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensing element. By comparing _a_ change in the sensor output upon applying _the_ higher _voltage_ _relative_ to a _reference_ point indicative of sensor output _during_ _no_ _EGR,_ _the_ corresponding _change_ _in_ oxygen concentration can _be_ _used_ to estimate _the_ EGR dilution _of_ the _intake_ aircharge and accurately adjust an EGR flow. In this way, _by_ _applying_ a higher _reference_ _voltage_ to an intake _manifold_ oxygen sensor during purging and _crankcase_ ventilation conditions, the _effect_ of the ingested hydrocarbons on the output of the sensor can be nullified. As such, _this_ reduces the corruption of the sensor output in the presence of purge _air_ or blow-by _gas_ hydrocarbons. By _improving_ the accuracy of EGR dilution estimation in the presence _of_ purge air _or_ crankcase gases, EGR control can be improved. It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a _selection_ of _concepts_ that are _further_ described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the _claimed_ subject matter, the scope of which _is_ defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed _subject_ matter is not _limited_ to implementations that solve any disadvantages _noted_ above or in any part of this disclosure.
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A motor vehicle comprises at least two axles, wherein each axle is generally assigned two wheels. Furthermore, in each case one axle and the two wheels are assigned a so-called stabilizer which has at least one torsion body and limbs arranged thereon, wherein each limb is directly or indirectly connected to a wheel. The stabilizer can be used to damp and/or compensate fluctuations of the wheels in the vertical direction perpendicularly with respect to a direction of travel of the motor vehicle and perpendicularly with respect to the axle, and therefore to achieve rolling stabilization for the motor vehicle.
Document DE 10 2008 000 240 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, describes a method for operating a motor vehicle which has two axles with wheels mounted in a sprung fashion thereon, wherein each axle is assigned an electromechanical stabilizer. For this purpose, wheel movements of the individual wheels are detected and fed to a control, as a result of which an electric motor of the stabilizer is controlled in such a way that spring compression movements on one side are prevented from being copied on to another side of the axle.
DE 10 2010 051 807 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, describes a rolling stabilization device for a motor vehicle comprising a stabilizer which is assigned two wheels of an axle of the motor vehicle and is divided into two stabilizer halves, an actuator which is capable of rotating the two stabilizer halves with respect to one another, and a control device which is designed to operate the actuator as a function of driving state parameters, at least in a first operating state of the motor vehicle, in such a way that a rolling movement of the vehicle is counteracted by a torque transmission between the two stabilizer halves.
A control device for a stabilizer of a motor vehicle is described in document EP 1 577 127 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein. Here, the stabilizer comprises a pair of stabilizer rods which are arranged between two wheels of an axle, and an actuator which is arranged between the stabilizer rods and which comprises an electric motor and a mechanism for reducing the speed. A desired torque for the electric motor is calculated on the basis of behavior of the motor vehicle and of steering operations of a driver. Furthermore, a torque is estimated for each stabilizer rod. The electric motor is controlled as a result of a comparison of the desired torque with the estimated torque.
A stabilizer arrangement which is known from document EP 1 925 472 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein, comprises a two-part stabilizer with in each case one radius link which runs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and whose stabilizer sections execute a rotational relative movement with respect to one another. The stabilizer sections are operatively connected to an adjustable torque generating device which has such high control dynamics that the stabilizer arrangement applies an adapted opposing torque to a torque acting on the stabilizer arrangement, even when a torsional section inside the stabilizer arrangement is dispensed with.
Against this background, a method and a system having the features of the independent patent claims are presented.
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A motor vehicle comprises at least two axles, wherein each axle is generally assigned two wheels. Furthermore, in each case one axle and the two wheels are assigned a so-called stabilizer which has at least one torsion body and limbs arranged thereon, wherein each limb is directly or indirectly connected to a wheel. The stabilizer can be used to damp and/or compensate fluctuations of the wheels in the vertical direction perpendicularly with respect to a direction of travel of the motor vehicle and perpendicularly with respect to the axle, and therefore to achieve rolling stabilization for the motor vehicle. Document DE 10 2008 000 240 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, describes a method for operating a motor vehicle which has two axles with wheels mounted in a sprung fashion thereon, wherein each axle is assigned an electromechanical stabilizer. For this purpose, wheel movements of the individual wheels are detected and fed to a control, as a result of which an electric motor of the stabilizer is controlled in such a way that spring compression movements on one side are prevented from being copied on to another side of the axle. DE 10 2010 051 807 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, describes a rolling stabilization device for a motor vehicle comprising a stabilizer which is assigned two wheels of an axle of the motor vehicle and is divided into two stabilizer halves, an actuator which is capable of rotating the two stabilizer halves with respect to one another, and a control device which is designed to operate the actuator as a function of driving state parameters, at least in a first operating state of the motor vehicle, in such a mode that a rolling movement of the vehicle is counteracted by a torque transmission between the two stabilizer halves. A control device for a stabilizer of a motor vehicle is described in document EP 1 577 127 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein. Here, the stabilizer comprises a pair of stabilizer rods which are arranged between two wheels of an axle, and an actuator which is arranged between the stabilizer rods and which comprises an electric motor and a mechanism for reducing the speed. A desired torque for the electric motor is calculated on the basis of behavior of the motor vehicle and of steering operations of a driver. Furthermore, a torque is estimated for each stabilizer rod. The electric motor is controlled as a result of a comparison of the desired torque with the estimated torque. A stabilizer arrangement which is known from document EP 1 925 472 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein, comprises a two-part stabilizer with in each case one radius link which runs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and whose stabilizer sections execute a rotational relative movement with respect to one another. The stabilizer sections are operatively connected to an adjustable torque generating device which has such high control dynamics that the stabilizer arrangement applies an adapted opposing torque to a torque acting on the stabilizer arrangement, even when a torsional section inside the stabilizer arrangement is dispensed with. Against this background, a method and a system having the features of the independent patent claims are presented.
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A motor vehicle comprises at least two axles, wherein each axle is generally assigned two wheels. Furthermore, in each case one axle and the two wheels are assigned a so - called stabilizer which has at least one torsion body and limbs arranged thereon, wherein each limb is directly or indirectly connected to a wheel. The stabilizer can be used to damp and / or compensate fluctuations of the wheels in the vertical direction perpendicularly with respect to a direction of travel of the motor vehicle and perpendicularly with respect to the axle, and therefore to achieve rolling stabilization for the motor vehicle. Document DE 10 w00I 000 240 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, describes a method for operating a motor vehicle dhicg has two axles with wheels mounted in a sprung faxhioH thereon, wherein each axle is assigned an electromechanical stabilizer. For this purpose, wheel movements of the individual wheels are detected and fed to a control, as a result of which an electric motor of the stabilizer is controlled in such a way that spring compression movements on one side are prevented from being copied on to another side of the axle. DE 10 2010 051 807 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, describes a rolling stabilization device for a motor vehicle comprising a stabilizer which is assigned two wheels of an axle of the motor vehicle and is divided into two stabilizer halves, an actuator which is capable of rotating the two stabilizer halves with respect to one another, and a control device which is designed to operate the actuator as a function of driving state parameters, at least in a first operating state of the motor vehicle, in such a way that a rolling movement of the vehicle is counteracted by a torque transmission between the two stabilizer halves. A control device for a stabilizer of a motor vehicle is described in document EP 1 577 127 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein. Here, the stabilizer coKprjses a pair of stabilizer rods which are arranged between two wheels of an axle, and an actuator which is arranged between the stabilizer rods and which comprises an electric motor and a mechanism for reducing the speed. A desired torque for the electric motor is calculated on the basis of behavior of the motor vehicle and of steering operations of a driver. Furthermore, a 58rque is estimated for each stabilizer rod. The electric motor is controlled as a result of a comparison of the desired torque with the estimated torque. A stabilizer arrangement which is known from document EP 1 925 472 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein, comprises a two - part stabilizer with in each case one radius link which runs in the longitudinal direction of the Fehicpe and whose stabilizer sections execute a rotational relative movement with respect to one another. The stabilizer sections are operatively connected to an adjistaHle torque generating device which has such high control dynamics that the stabilizer arrangement applies an ada9tfd opposing torque to a torque zctigg on the stabilizer ar$xngement, even when a torsional section inside the stabilizer arrangement is dispensed with. Against this background, a method and a system having the features of the independent patent claims are presented.
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A motor vehicle comprises at least axles, wherein each axle is generally assigned two wheels. Furthermore, each case one axle and the wheels are assigned a so-called stabilizer which has at least one torsion body and limbs arranged thereon, wherein each limb directly or indirectly connected to wheel. The stabilizer can be used to damp and/or compensate fluctuations of the wheels the vertical direction with respect to a direction of travel of the motor and perpendicularly with respect to the axle, and therefore to achieve rolling stabilization for the motor vehicle. 10 2008 240 A1, which is by reference herein, describes a method for operating a motor vehicle which has axles with wheels mounted a fashion thereon, wherein each axle is assigned an stabilizer. For this purpose, wheel movements of the individual are detected and fed to a control, as a result of an electric motor of the stabilizer is such a way that spring compression movements on one side are prevented from being copied on to another side of axle. DE 10 2010 051 807 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, describes rolling stabilization device a motor comprising stabilizer which is assigned two wheels of an axle of the motor vehicle and divided into two stabilizer halves, an actuator which is capable of rotating the two stabilizer halves with respect to one another, and a control device which is designed to operate the actuator as a function of driving state parameters, at least in a first operating state of the motor vehicle, in such a way that rolling movement the vehicle is by a torque transmission between the two stabilizer A control device for stabilizer of a motor vehicle is described in document EP 1 577 127 A2, is incorporated by reference herein. Here, the stabilizer a stabilizer rods which are arranged between two wheels of an axle, and an actuator is arranged between the stabilizer and which comprises an electric motor and a mechanism for reducing the speed. A desired torque for the electric motor is calculated on the basis behavior the motor and of steering operations of a driver. Furthermore, a torque is estimated each stabilizer rod. The motor controlled a result comparison of the desired torque with the estimated torque. A stabilizer arrangement which is known from document EP 1 472 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein, comprises a two-part stabilizer with in each case one radius link which runs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and whose stabilizer sections execute a rotational relative with to one another. The stabilizer sections are operatively connected to an torque generating device which has such control dynamics that the stabilizer arrangement applies an adapted opposing torque to a torque acting on the stabilizer arrangement, even when a torsional section inside the stabilizer arrangement is with. Against this background, a and a system having the features of the independent patent claims are presented.
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a Motor VEhicle cOMPRiseS AT LeASt TwO axLes, WHEreIn EaCh aXlE Is GeneraLlY asSIGnED tWo whEelS. fUrTHERmOrE, In eACH CAse oNE aXlE aNd tHe TwO whEelS Are ASSIgnED A sO-CalLED StabILizEr WhICh Has At lEASt onE tOrSiOn bOdy anD limbS ArrAnGed ThEReOn, whEREiN eaCH lIMb iS dIRECTly or IndiRECTLY conNeCTeD To A WHEEL. tHe stABIlIZER CAn bE used To Damp anD/or CoMPEnSaTE flUCTuAtIoNs OF THE wHEels IN THE VERTICal dIRection pErPeNdIcULarLY WItH ReSPeCt tO A dIrEctioN Of trAVel Of tHe MOTor vehICle aND peRpenDIcUlaRly WItH REsPect to tHe AxlE, anD tHeREFOre To aChiEVe rollinG stabILIZAtiON FOr THe Motor VehiCLE.
dOCuMeNt DE 10 2008 000 240 A1, whiCh iS IncoRpORaTed BY ReFeREncE HEReIn, descriBes a methoD For OperATinG a mOtor VehiCle WhIcH has TWo aXlEs wIth wheels mOUntEd IN A SPrunG FASHIOn tHEreon, wHerein eACh axLe IS aSSIGNed aN ElEcTRomEcHaNiCaL StABILiZer. fOr ThIs puRPoSE, whEEL moVemENtS OF tHE indiVIdual whEElS aRe DeteCted And FED To a cONtroL, aS A REsult OF whiCh An ElECtric MotoR oF THe stabIlizer Is coNTROLlEd in Such A way thAt sPRinG COMPReSSiOn MovEmEnts oN ONE side arE PREVeNted FRoM beINg copIed on TO anoThEr sIDe oF THe axLe.
dE 10 2010 051 807 A1, WhiCH Is InCOrpoRAtEd BY REFerencE heREIn, DescriBes a rOLLinG stAbilIZATiOn DeVicE fOR A MOtOr VehICle CompRIsiNg A StAbiLiZEr whiCh is ASSigNed two WheeLS OF An Axle oF THE moTOr VEhIcle aND is dIVideD iNTo twO StABILizEr hALVes, AN AcTuATor WHicH iS cApABLE Of RotATINg thE TWO sTabiLIZEr HaLvES WITH respecT to ONe ANOThEr, AND A conTRol DEvicE which iS dEsigNeD tO opeRAte THe ACtUatOR aS a fUNctiOn OF DRiVing StAtE paRaMetERS, At LEASt iN a FIRSt OpERaTinG sTATe oF The mOtor VEHIclE, In sUCh A wAy thaT A rOlLIng mOveMEnT OF The vEhICle Is counterACTeD bY a tORquE tRansMiSsioN BeTWeeN the TWO StabIliZEr HALVeS.
a contrOL DeVicE foR a stabILIzer of A mOToR vEhICle is dESCrIBEd iN DOCumENT EP 1 577 127 A2, WhIch iS iNCORpoRatED By ReferENCe herEin. HeRE, THe stABiLizer coMpriSeS a pAIr oF StAbilIzer ROdS wHiCh ARE ArRanGed bETweeN TWO WheeLs oF An axLe, and An aCtuatOr WhiCH IS ARRaNGeD bEtween thE sTabIliZeR roDs AND wHIcH COmpRIses an eLECTRIC MOTor and A MEcHANISM fOr redUCing the SpEEd. a dEsiRed tORqUe for The eLeCtrIC MotoR Is CaLcUlatEd ON thE bAsIS Of BEhavIOR of ThE moTOr VEhIclE and OF stEeriNG operaTIons Of A DriVer. fURThErMOre, a ToRQuE is eStImatEd For eacH StABilIZer Rod. The electric mOTOr is cOntRoLLeD AS A rEsULT of A compARiSON OF ThE dESiRED tOrQUe wItH THE estiMAtED tORQUe.
a sTAbILIzer ARraNGemENt WHIcH IS KnoWn frOm DOcumenT eP 1 925 472 a2, wHIcH is inCORpOrATed by REfeReNCe HeRein, coMpRIsES a two-part sTabilIZER With in Each CaSe OnE RAdius LiNk WhIcH ruNs in thE lOngitUDiNal DIRectIon of tHE VEHicLE and whOse sTABILIZER seCTIOnS EXecUte a ROtaTIONal reLaTIve MoVEmeNT With RESpecT To ONE ANoTHer. The stabILIZeR SEcTIonS ARe OpEraTivElY ConnecteD To aN ADjuStABLe TorquE gEnERaTing DevICe whiCH HAs SuCh HIGh CONtrOL DYNamICS thAT the sTaBilIzEr arrAnGemENt aPPlIES aN aDapTEd OpposInG tORQuE to A ToRQue aCtINg on ThE StabilIzEr ArRanGeMENt, EVeN whEn a TOrsiONAL SecTioN iNSIde tHE STaBIlizER arRanGemENT iS DispeNSED WITh.
AgAinsT ThIs bACkgROund, a MEtHod and a SYsTeM haVInG The FEAtUReS Of THe INdepenDeNt pATENT clAIMs ArE prEsENTeD.
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Amotor vehicle comprises at least two axles, wherein eachaxle is generally assigned two wheels. Furthermore, in each case one axle and the two wheels are assigned a so-calledstabilizer which has at least one torsionbody andlimbs arranged thereon, wherein each limb is directly or indirectly connected to a wheel. The stabilizer can be used to damp and/or compensate fluctuations of the wheelsin thevertical direction perpendicularly with respect to a direction of travelof themotor vehicle and perpendicularly with respect tothe axle, and thereforeto achieve rollingstabilization for the motor vehicle. DocumentDE 10 2008 000 240 A1,which is incorporated by reference herein,describes amethod for operating a motor vehicle which has two axles with wheelsmounted in a sprung fashion thereon, wherein each axle is assigned an electromechanical stabilizer. Forthis purpose, wheel movements of the individual wheels are detected and fed to a control, as a result of whichan electric motorof the stabilizeris controlled in such a way thatspring compression movements onone side are prevented from being copied on to another side of the axle. DE 10 2010 051 807 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, describes a rollingstabilization device for a motor vehicle comprising a stabilizer which is assigned two wheelsof an axle of the motor vehicle and is dividedinto twostabilizer halves, an actuator which iscapable of rotating the two stabilizer halves with respect to one another, and acontrol device which isdesigned to operate the actuatoras a function of driving state parameters, at least in afirst operating state of the motor vehicle, in such a way that a rolling movement of the vehicle is counteracted by a torque transmission betweenthe twostabilizer halves. A control devicefor a stabilizerof a motor vehicle isdescribed indocumentEP 1 577 127A2, which is incorporatedby reference herein.Here, the stabilizer comprises a pair of stabilizer rods which arearrangedbetween two wheels of an axle, and an actuator which is arranged between the stabilizerrods and which comprisesan electric motor and a mechanism for reducing the speed.A desired torque for theelectric motor is calculated on the basis of behavior ofthe motorvehicle and of steering operationsof a driver. Furthermore, a torque is estimated for each stabilizerrod. The electric motor is controlled asa result of acomparison of the desired torque with the estimated torque. A stabilizer arrangement which is known from documentEP 1 925 472 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein, comprises a two-part stabilizer with in each case oneradius link which runs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and whose stabilizer sections executea rotational relative movement withrespect to one another. The stabilizer sections are operatively connected to an adjustable torquegeneratingdevice which has such high control dynamics that the stabilizer arrangement applies anadaptedopposing torque to a torque acting on the stabilizer arrangement, even when atorsional section inside the stabilizerarrangement is dispensed with.Against this background, a method and asystemhaving the features of theindependent patent claims are presented.
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A motor _vehicle_ comprises at least two _axles,_ wherein each _axle_ is generally assigned _two_ wheels. _Furthermore,_ _in_ each case one axle and the two wheels are assigned a so-called _stabilizer_ which has at least _one_ torsion body _and_ limbs arranged thereon, _wherein_ _each_ _limb_ is directly or indirectly connected to a wheel. _The_ stabilizer can _be_ _used_ to damp and/or compensate fluctuations _of_ _the_ wheels in the vertical direction perpendicularly with respect to a direction of _travel_ of the motor vehicle and perpendicularly with respect to the axle, _and_ therefore to achieve rolling stabilization for the motor vehicle. _Document_ DE 10 2008 _000_ _240_ A1, _which_ is incorporated by reference herein, describes _a_ method for operating _a_ motor vehicle _which_ has _two_ _axles_ with wheels _mounted_ in a sprung fashion thereon, wherein each axle is assigned an electromechanical stabilizer. For _this_ purpose, _wheel_ movements of the _individual_ _wheels_ are detected _and_ fed to a control, as a result of which an electric motor _of_ the stabilizer is controlled _in_ such _a_ way that _spring_ compression movements on one side are prevented from being _copied_ on to another side of the axle. DE 10 2010 051 807 A1, _which_ _is_ incorporated by reference herein, describes _a_ rolling _stabilization_ device for a motor vehicle comprising a stabilizer which _is_ assigned two wheels _of_ an axle of _the_ motor vehicle and is divided into _two_ stabilizer _halves,_ an actuator which is capable of rotating the two stabilizer _halves_ with _respect_ _to_ one another, and a control device which is designed to _operate_ the actuator as a function of driving state parameters, at _least_ in a first operating state of the motor vehicle, _in_ such a _way_ that a rolling movement _of_ the vehicle is _counteracted_ by _a_ _torque_ transmission _between_ the _two_ stabilizer halves. A control device for a stabilizer of a motor vehicle is described _in_ _document_ _EP_ 1 577 127 A2, which is incorporated _by_ reference _herein._ Here, the stabilizer comprises a pair _of_ stabilizer rods which are _arranged_ between two wheels of an axle, and an actuator which is arranged between _the_ _stabilizer_ rods and which comprises an _electric_ motor and a mechanism for _reducing_ the speed. A desired torque for the electric _motor_ _is_ calculated _on_ the basis of behavior of the motor vehicle and of steering operations of a _driver._ Furthermore, a torque is estimated _for_ each stabilizer _rod._ The electric motor _is_ _controlled_ as a result of a _comparison_ _of_ the desired torque _with_ the estimated torque. _A_ stabilizer arrangement which is _known_ from document EP _1_ 925 472 A2, _which_ _is_ incorporated by reference herein, comprises a two-part stabilizer with in each case one radius link which runs in the longitudinal direction of the _vehicle_ and whose stabilizer _sections_ _execute_ a rotational relative movement with respect to one another. _The_ _stabilizer_ sections are operatively connected to an _adjustable_ torque generating device which has such _high_ control dynamics _that_ the stabilizer arrangement _applies_ an adapted _opposing_ _torque_ to a torque acting on the stabilizer _arrangement,_ even when a torsional _section_ inside _the_ stabilizer arrangement _is_ dispensed _with._ _Against_ this background, a method and a _system_ having the features of the independent patent claims are presented.
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Dental trays are receptacles that are used to carry a medicine or dental hygiene materials, such as bleaching agents or fluoride application, and apply them to the teeth. It confines the material next to the teeth during the application. The thin dental tray of this invention is also suitable for use in creating provisional crowns. Because of its thinness, hardness and the accuracy of the impression it takes, it is equal to more expensive custom trays made over gypsum molds and models.
There are two types of dental trays: stock and customized. Stock trays are pre-fabricated into a variety of standard sizes. They are used only for preliminary procedures and to produce impressions for castings as an interim step to creating more accurate dental trays and models of teeth. Custom trays are made by a dentist or technician by molding a material over a gypsum model of the patient's teeth. In order to get the gypsum model, a preliminary impression is made from the patient's teeth. The model requires at least one dental visit and requires a laboratory to construct the gypsum model.
Once the model is made, the customized dental tray is formed by the dentist or lab according to the limitations of the materials to be used for the tray. If the tray is made of shellac or thermoplastic sheets, the tray may be formed in a vacuum forming machine or other machine which exerts pressure. The sheets are placed in a soft state over the model and pressure is applied while the material sets.
This method requires additional work to finish the tray by removing excess material and doing a final fit of the patient, requiring at least one more visit to the dentist. The result is a customized tray, but at a large cost of time and professional service. U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,616 is an example of this method wherein the material is a thermoplastic such as Polyform. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,342 discloses another thermoplastic, methyl methacrylate, that is heated and formed over a gypsum cast. Both require trimming.
Another variation of this method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,225, where polycaprolactone polymer is used to make a dental tray, again using a gypsum model. The polycapralactone is then formed over the teeth by the dentist or technician.
In each of these prior methods, the customized dental tray depends upon a model first created from an impression, after an office visit and with the aid of a professional. The final tray then is made after another visit and additional time with a professional. The time and expense of such a tray can be very great. The majority of the preliminary work, such as the initial impression, the model, and the interim products, is not usable for any other patient. If the patient's teeth structure changes, even the patient cannot make use of these products.
The invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,791, uses ethylene vinyl-acetate and creates a customized dental tray without the necessity of a gypsum model. The resultant tray is thicker than the thin tray of this invention, which may cause discomfort. Additionally, it is not hard at normal temperatures, as is the thin inner tray of this invention.
This invention addresses these problems and creates a hard, thin dental tray, suitable for many types of dental and at home procedures and uses. The thin inner tray is customizable to the same accuracy as more expensive custom trays created on a model, but at a fraction of the cost in time, professional expertise or equipment. The outer tray can be used separately for fluoride gel applications. The thin dental trays can be customized and molded in the home or outside of a dental office. These dental trays can be used in.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for making a hard, flexible custom dental tray without the necessity of intermediate models, trays or special equipment or expertise.
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Dental trays are receptacles that are used to carry a medicine or dental hygiene materials, such as bleaching agents or fluoride application, and apply them to the teeth. It confines the material next to the teeth during the application. The thin dental tray of this invention is also suitable for use in creating provisionary crowns. Because of its thinness, hardness and the accuracy of the impression it takes, it is equal to more expensive custom trays made over gypsum molds and models. There are two types of dental trays: stock and customized. Stock trays are pre-fabricated into a variety of standard sizes. They are used only for preliminary procedures and to produce impressions for castings as an interim step to creating more accurate dental trays and models of teeth. Custom trays are made by a dentist or technician by molding a material over a gypsum model of the patient's teeth. In order to get the gypsum model, a preliminary impression is made from the patient's teeth. The model requires at least one dental visit and requires a laboratory to construct the gypsum model. Once the model is made, the customized dental tray is formed by the dentist or lab according to the limitations of the materials to be used for the tray. If the tray is made of shellac or thermoplastic sheets, the tray may be formed in a vacuum forming machine or other machine which exerts pressure. The sheets are placed in a soft state over the model and pressure is applied while the material sets. This method requires additional work to finish the tray by removing excess material and doing a final fit of the patient, requiring at least one more visit to the dentist. The result is a customized tray, but at a large cost of time and professional service. U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,616 is an example of this method wherein the material is a thermoplastic such as Polyform. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,342 discloses another thermoplastic, methyl methacrylate, that is heated and formed over a gypsum cast. Both require trimming. Another variation of this method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,225, where polycaprolactone polymer is used to make a dental tray, again using a gypsum model. The polycapralactone is then formed over the teeth by the dentist or technician. In each of these prior methods, the customized dental tray depends upon a model first created from an impression, after an office visit and with the aid of a professional. The final tray then is made after another visit and additional time with a professional. The time and expense of such a tray can be very great. The majority of the preliminary work, such as the initial impression, the model, and the interim products, is not usable for any other patient. If the patient's teeth structure changes, even the patient cannot make use of these products. The invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,791, uses ethylene vinyl-acetate and creates a customized dental tray without the necessity of a gypsum model. The resultant tray is thicker than the thin tray of this invention, which may cause discomfort. Additionally, it is not hard at normal temperatures, as is the thin inner tray of this invention. This invention addresses these problems and creates a hard, thin dental tray, suitable for many types of dental and at home procedures and uses. The thin inner tray is customizable to the same accuracy as more expensive custom trays created on a model, but at a fraction of the cost in time, professional expertise or equipment. The outer tray can be used separately for fluoride gel applications. The thin dental trays can be customized and molded in the home or outside of a dental office. These dental trays can be used in. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for making a hard, flexible custom dental tray without the necessity of intermediate models, trays or special equipment or expertise.
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Dental trays are receptacles that are used to carry a medicine or dental hygiene materials, such as bleaching agents or fluoride application, and apply them to the teeth. It confines the material next to the teeth during the application. The thin dental tray of this invention is also suitable for use in creating provisional crowns. Because of its thinness, hardness and the accuracy of the impression it takes, it is eq*xl to more expensive custom trays made over gypsum molds and models. There are two types of dental trays: stock and customized. Stock trays are pre - fabricated into a variety of standard sizes. They are used only for preliminary procedures and to produce impressions for castings as an interim step to creating more accurate dental %rxys and models of teeth. Custom trays are made by a dentist or technician by molding a material over a gypsum model of the patient ' s teeth. In order to get the gypsum model, a preliminary impression is made from the patient ' s teeth. The model requires at least one dental visit and requires a laboratory to construct the gy(skm model. Once the model is made, the customized dental tray is formed by the dentist or lab according to the limita5iobs of the materials to be used for the tray. If the tray is made of shellac or thermoplastic sheets, the tray may be formed in a vacuum forming machine or other machine which exerts pressure. The sheets are placed in a soft state over the model and pressure is applied while the material sets. This method requires additional work to finish the tray by removing Fzcess material and doing a final fit of the patient, requiring at least one more visit to the dentist. The result is a customized tray, but at a large cost of time and professional service. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 401, 616 is an example of this method wherein the material is a thermoplastic such as Polyform. Similarly, U. S. Pat. No. 4, 569, 342 discloses another thermoplastic, methyl methacrylate, that is heated and formed over a gypsum cast. Both require trimming. Another variation of this method is described in U. S. Pat. No. 5, 112, 225, where polycaprolactone polymer is used to make a dental tray, again using a gypsum model. The polycapralactone is then formed over the teeth by the dentist or technician. In each of these prior methods, the customized dental tray depends upon a model first created from an impression, after an office visit and with the aid of a professional. The final tray then is made after another visit and additional time with a professional. The time and expense of Cufh a tray can be very great. The majority of the preliminary work, such as the initial impression, the model, and the interim products, is not usable for any other patient. If the patient ' s teeth structure changes, even the patient cannot mSks use of these products. The invention disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 5, 076, 791, uses ethylene vinyl - acetate and creates a customized dental tray without the necessity of a gypsum model. The resultant tray is thicker than the thin t$aJ of this invention, which may cause discomfort. Additionally, it is not hard at normal temperatures, as is the thin inner tray of tMjs invention. This invention addresses these problems and creates a hard, thin dental tray, sujFable for many types of dental and at home procedures and uses. The thin inner tray is customizable to the same accuracy as more expensive custom trays created on a model, but at a fraction of the cost in time, professional expertise or equipment. The outer tray can be used separately for fluoride gel applications. The thin dental trays can be customized and molded in the home or outside of a dental office. These dental trays can be used in. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for making a hard, flexible custom dental tray without the necessity of intermediate models, trays or special equipment or expertise.
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Dental trays are receptacles that are used to carry a medicine or hygiene such as bleaching agents or fluoride application, and apply them the teeth. It confines the material next to the teeth during the application. The thin dental this invention is also suitable for use in creating provisional crowns. Because of its thinness, hardness and the accuracy of the impression it takes, it is equal to more expensive custom trays made over gypsum molds and models. There are two types of dental and customized. Stock trays are pre-fabricated into a variety of sizes. They are only for preliminary procedures and to produce impressions for castings as an interim step to creating more accurate dental trays and models of teeth. Custom trays are by a dentist or by molding a material over a gypsum model of the patient's teeth. In order to get the gypsum a preliminary impression is from the patient's teeth. The model requires at least one dental visit and a to construct the gypsum model. Once the is made, the customized dental tray is by the or lab according to the limitations of the materials to be used for the tray. tray is made of shellac or thermoplastic sheets, tray may be formed in a vacuum forming machine or other machine which exerts pressure. The sheets are placed a soft state over the model pressure is applied while the material sets. This method requires additional work to finish the tray by removing excess doing a final fit of the patient, requiring at least one more visit to the dentist. result is a customized tray, but at a large cost of time and professional service. U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,616 is an of this method the material a thermoplastic such Polyform. Similarly, U.S. No. 4,569,342 discloses another thermoplastic, methyl methacrylate, that is heated formed over a gypsum cast. Both require trimming. Another variation of this method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,225, where polycaprolactone polymer is used to make a dental tray, again a model. The polycapralactone is then formed over the teeth by the dentist or technician. In each of these prior methods, the customized dental tray depends upon a model first created from an impression, after an with the aid of a professional. The final tray then is made after another visit and additional time with a professional. The time and expense such a tray can be very great. The majority of the preliminary work, such the initial impression, and the interim products, is usable any other patient. If patient's teeth structure the patient cannot make use of these products. The invention in U.S. Pat. No. uses ethylene vinyl-acetate and creates a customized dental tray without the necessity of a gypsum model. The resultant tray thicker than the thin tray of this invention, which may cause discomfort. Additionally, is not hard at normal temperatures, as is the thin inner tray of this invention. invention addresses these problems and creates a hard, thin dental tray, suitable for many types of dental and at home and uses. The thin inner is customizable to the same accuracy as more expensive custom created on a model, but at a fraction of the cost in time, professional expertise or equipment. The tray can be used separately for fluoride applications. The thin dental trays can be customized and in the home or outside of a dental office. These dental trays can be used in. another object of the present invention to a for making a hard, flexible dental tray without the necessity intermediate trays or special expertise.
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denTAl TrAys ARE ReCePTaCleS ThaT aRE UsED To CArrY A MEDiciNe OR deNtal hYGIENe mAtEriALs, SuCH AS BlEacHING aGeNTs oR FLuORidE APPlICAtIOn, aND ApPLY ThEM TO ThE TeEth. iT ConFINEs ThE mATEriAl Next To tHE teetH DurING thE AppLiCAtION. ThE ThIn DenTaL trAy of thIs InVenTIon iS Also SuItABLE FOR uSE iN cREating pRovisIonal CROwnS. bEcause oF iTS ThinNesS, HArdnEss and tHe AcCuRAcY oF The IMPreSSIOn It TAkeS, IT IS eqUal TO mORE eXPenSive CuStOM tRaYS MAde OvEr GypSUM mOLDs ANd moDELs.
TheRe ARE tWo TypES of DeNTal TRaYS: sTOck aND cUsTOmIZEd. stoCK TRaYS aRe pre-FabrIcATED iNto a variETy of standaRd sIZeS. tHEy ARE UsEd Only For preLIMINArY PrOcEdurES anD To prOduCe IMpRESsiONS fOr CAsTiNgs aS AN inTeriM STEp tO cREATiNG MoRe AccuRAte dENtAL trayS AnD MODELS Of tEeTh. CUStOM trays are made by A dENtist oR TechnICIaN bY MoLdINg a maTERIal OVEr a gYpsUm MODeL Of THe PAtieNT's Teeth. IN ORdEr tO Get thE gypsUM MODeL, a PRelimiNarY ImPREsSiON Is mADe FROm the pATienT's teeTH. tHE moDEl RequIReS At LEAst oNe deNtAl viSIT aND REqUiRES A LABOratory tO coNStrucT THe GYpsuM modeL.
ONCE The moDEl IS mAde, tHe CUSTOMized dEntal tRay Is fOrMeD By tHE DENTiSt OR lAB ACcORdInG to tHE lImitATIoNS of ThE MAterIaLs TO be UseD FOR thE TRay. iF THe TRaY iS MaDe Of SHElLac oR tHeRmOPlAStiC SHeETs, tHE tRAY maY bE fORMEd in A VAcuum FORMING maCHiNE Or oTher MAchinE whICH EXeRts PrEssUre. THe sHeetS aRe PLACEd in A sofT staTe oveR THe mOdeL And PreSSUrE is ApPLIed whiLe tHe Material setS.
THIs MeTHOD ReqUiRes aDdITioNaL wOrK To fInISh THe TRAy By REMOvINg ExCeSs mAteriaL and DOINg A Final fiT Of ThE PaTIEnt, ReQUIring At leaST one More vIsIT to the DENtISt. the resULt iS a CuStoMIzEd TraY, BUT aT a larGE cost of tiMe AnD ProfEssIONAl SeRvice. u.S. pAt. no. 4,401,616 is aN ExampLE OF tHIs MEtHOD Wherein ThE MatErIaL IS a tHeRMoPlAsTiC sUCh AS polYfORm. SiMIlaRlY, u.s. PAT. No. 4,569,342 dIScloSeS aNOther thERMOplAstiC, MetHyL mEThACRYLatE, THaT Is HeAteD AnD FORMeD oVER A GyPSum caST. bOTh Require triMminG.
anOTHeR VaRIaTION OF thiS MethoD Is DeSCRibed IN U.s. PaT. nO. 5,112,225, wHErE poLYcAPROLacTone poLYMeR iS useD To MaKE A DENTaL TRaY, AgAIN uSing A gyPsuM Model. The POLycapRALacTOnE is thEn FoRMeD over the teETh By The DEnTIsT or TecHNicIAN.
in EAcH oF TheSe PrIor METHOdS, the cUsTOMIZed dEntAL tRAY DEpeNdS uPOn a MOdeL fIrSt Created fROm aN imPreSsion, AFTEr aN ofFice vIsIT AnD WiTH thE AID oF a PrOFEsSioNAl. The fiNal TraY then IS made aFTER AnoTHer vISiT aNd ADdiTIOnaL tIMe WitH A PRoFeSSIonAl. The TIme And expensE of SUcH A TRAY CaN be VERy GREat. tHe maJORitY oF THe PRelImiNARY WorK, sUcH As the inItiaL imPrESSion, ThE modeL, ANd ThE iNtERim prODUCtS, IS noT UsaBLe for AnY oTHeR patIENT. iF tHe PaTIEnT's teetH sTrUCtUre cHaNgES, EvEn tHe paTIeNT CanNOT MAKe usE OF tHESe PRODuCTs.
ThE inVEntIOn DiScLosED iN u.s. pAt. No. 5,076,791, USEs etHyLEnE vINYL-acetAtE And creAtEs a custoMizEd denTal TrAY witHOUT THe NecEssITY Of a GypsUM ModeL. The ResULTANt TRAy iS thicKer thaN tHe tHIn Tray of thIS InvenTiON, WHIch maY Cause DIsComforT. addItioNALLy, it iS not HARD at NoRmal TemPERAtURes, AS Is THE ThiN INNer TrAY Of tHIs InvenTIon.
THis InVENTION aDDreSSES thEsE PRObLeMs AND CReATes a HARd, thiN DENtal TRAY, SUitablE For MANy TYpes Of dENTAL AND at hOmE PROcEDUrEs aND usES. tHe thiN InnEr traY Is CUstOMIzAbLE tO tHe SAme ACcuRaCY AS MOrE eXPEnSiVE custOm trAYS crEatED On A mOdel, BuT aT a FRAction oF the CoST In TimE, prOfEssiOnAL ExPERTISe OR EquIpmenT. thE oUTeR tRaY CAn Be USeD SePARAteLY FOR fLuorIDE gel aPplICATIONs. The ThiN deNTaL TrAYS can be cUStOMizED aND mOldeD in tHe HoMe oR ouTside oF A DeNTAl oFfIce. thEsE dENtaL TrAYS CAN be uSED in.
it Is ANoTheR oBJeCt OF tHe preSEnt invENtiON TO provIdE A metHoD fOr mAkiNG a HARD, flEXIBle CuSToM dental trAY WIthOUt The necESSItY OF inTerMeDIAtE mOdELs, TRAYs OR speCiaL EqUIPMeNT oR EXpeRTiSe.
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Dental traysare receptaclesthat are usedto carry a medicineordentalhygiene materials, such as bleaching agents or fluoride application, andapply them totheteeth. It confines the material next to the teeth during theapplication. Thethin dental trayof this invention is also suitable for use in creating provisional crowns. Because of its thinness, hardness and the accuracy of the impression ittakes,it is equal tomore expensive customtrays made over gypsum molds andmodels. There are two types of dental trays: stock and customized. Stock trays are pre-fabricated into a variety of standard sizes. They are used only forpreliminaryproceduresand to produce impressions for castings as an interim step to creating more accurate dentaltrays and models of teeth.Customtrays are made by a dentist or technicianby molding amaterialover a gypsum model of the patient's teeth. In order to get the gypsum model, apreliminary impression is made from the patient's teeth.The model requires at least one dentalvisit and requiresa laboratory to construct the gypsum model. Once the model is made, the customized dental tray isformed by the dentistor lab according to the limitations of the materialsto be usedfor the tray. If the tray is made of shellac or thermoplastic sheets, thetray may be formed in a vacuum forming machine or other machine which exerts pressure.The sheets are placed in a soft state over the model and pressure is appliedwhile the material sets. This method requires additional work to finish thetray by removingexcess material and doing a final fit of the patient, requiring at least one more visit to the dentist. The resultis a customized tray,but at a large cost of time and professional service. U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,616 is an example of this method whereinthe material is a thermoplastic suchas Polyform. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,342 discloses another thermoplastic, methyl methacrylate, that isheated and formed over a gypsum cast. Both require trimming. Another variation of this method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,225, where polycaprolactone polymer is used to make a dentaltray, again using a gypsum model. The polycapralactone is then formed over the teeth by the dentist or technician.In each of these prior methods,the customizeddental tray dependsupon a model first created from an impression, after an office visitand with the aid of a professional. The final tray then is made after another visitand additional time with a professional. The time and expense of such a tray can be very great. The majority of the preliminarywork, such as the initial impression, the model, and theinterim products,is not usable for any other patient. If the patient's teeth structurechanges, eventhe patient cannot make use of these products. The invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,791, uses ethylene vinyl-acetate and creates a customized dentaltraywithout the necessity of agypsummodel. The resultant tray is thicker than the thin tray of this invention, which may cause discomfort. Additionally, it is not hard at normal temperatures, as isthe thin inner tray of this invention. This invention addresses these problems and creates a hard,thin dental tray, suitablefor many types of dental and at home procedures and uses. The thin innertray is customizable to the same accuracy as more expensive customtrays created on a model, but at a fraction of the cost in time, professional expertise or equipment. The outer tray can beused separatelyfor fluoride gel applications. Thethin dental trays can be customized and molded in the home or outside of a dental office. These dental trays can be used in. It is another object ofthe present invention to provide a method for making a hard, flexible custom dental tray without the necessity of intermediate models, trays or special equipmentor expertise.
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Dental trays are receptacles that are _used_ _to_ _carry_ a _medicine_ or dental _hygiene_ _materials,_ _such_ as _bleaching_ agents or fluoride application, and apply them _to_ the teeth. It confines the _material_ next to _the_ teeth _during_ the application. The thin dental tray of this invention is _also_ suitable _for_ use _in_ creating provisional crowns. _Because_ of its thinness, hardness _and_ the accuracy _of_ the impression it takes, it is _equal_ to more _expensive_ custom trays made over gypsum molds and models. _There_ are two types _of_ _dental_ _trays:_ stock and customized. Stock trays are _pre-fabricated_ _into_ a variety of standard sizes. _They_ are used _only_ _for_ preliminary procedures and to produce impressions _for_ castings as an interim step to creating more _accurate_ dental trays and models of teeth. _Custom_ _trays_ are made by a dentist or _technician_ by molding a material over a _gypsum_ model of the patient's teeth. In order _to_ get the gypsum model, a preliminary impression is made from the patient's teeth. The _model_ requires at least one _dental_ visit and requires _a_ laboratory _to_ construct _the_ gypsum model. _Once_ the model is made, the _customized_ dental tray is formed _by_ the dentist _or_ _lab_ according to the _limitations_ of the materials _to_ be used for the _tray._ If the _tray_ _is_ made _of_ _shellac_ or thermoplastic sheets, the tray _may_ be _formed_ in a _vacuum_ forming machine or _other_ machine which exerts pressure. The sheets are _placed_ in _a_ soft state over the model and pressure is applied while the material sets. This method requires additional _work_ to finish _the_ _tray_ _by_ removing excess material and _doing_ a final _fit_ of the patient, requiring at _least_ one more visit to _the_ dentist. _The_ result is a customized tray, but at _a_ large cost of _time_ and professional service. U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,616 _is_ _an_ example of this method wherein _the_ _material_ is a thermoplastic such as _Polyform._ Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. _4,569,342_ _discloses_ another thermoplastic, methyl methacrylate, that _is_ heated and formed _over_ a gypsum _cast._ Both require trimming. Another variation of this _method_ _is_ described in U.S. _Pat._ No. 5,112,225, where polycaprolactone polymer is used _to_ make a _dental_ tray, _again_ _using_ _a_ gypsum model. _The_ polycapralactone is then _formed_ over the teeth by the dentist or technician. In each of these prior methods, the customized dental _tray_ _depends_ upon a model first _created_ from an impression, _after_ _an_ office visit _and_ with the aid of _a_ professional. The final tray then is made after another _visit_ and additional time with a professional. The time and expense of such a _tray_ _can_ _be_ very great. The majority of the preliminary work, _such_ as the initial impression, the model, and the interim _products,_ is not usable for _any_ _other_ patient. _If_ _the_ patient's teeth structure _changes,_ even the patient _cannot_ make use of these products. The invention disclosed _in_ U.S. Pat. _No._ 5,076,791, uses ethylene vinyl-acetate _and_ creates a customized dental tray without the necessity of a gypsum model. The _resultant_ _tray_ is thicker _than_ the _thin_ _tray_ of _this_ invention, _which_ _may_ cause discomfort. Additionally, _it_ is not hard at normal temperatures, as _is_ the _thin_ inner tray of this _invention._ This invention addresses these problems and creates a _hard,_ thin dental tray, suitable for _many_ _types_ _of_ _dental_ and _at_ _home_ procedures and uses. The thin inner tray _is_ customizable to the same accuracy as more expensive custom trays created on a model, _but_ at a _fraction_ _of_ the _cost_ _in_ _time,_ professional expertise _or_ _equipment._ The outer tray can be used _separately_ for _fluoride_ gel applications. The thin dental trays can be customized and molded in _the_ home _or_ outside of a dental office. These dental trays can be used in. It is _another_ _object_ _of_ the _present_ invention to provide a method for making a hard, flexible custom _dental_ _tray_ without the necessity of _intermediate_ models, trays or _special_ equipment or expertise.
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a brake fluid pressure control apparatus for controlling the operation of antiskid control for preventing wheel locking having an added feature of a traction control capability for preventing wheel spin in the acceleration stage.
2. Technical Background
Some brake pressure control apparatuses for antiskid control by preventing wheel locking are provided with flow valves having a casing and a spool. The casing is provided with a plurality of ports. The spool is disposed inside the casing in a biased condition with a spool spring, and switches the communication conditions of each port depending on the pressure difference generated at the end sections of the spool.
However, in systems using such a flow valve, it has been thought conventionally that separate device units are required if an antiskid control capability and a traction control capability are to be provided for one fluid pressure control unit.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a brake fluid pressure control apparatus for controlling the operation of antiskid control for preventing wheel locking having an added feature of a traction control capability for resisting wheel spin in the acceleration stage. 2. Technical Background Some brake pressure control apparatuses for antiskid control by preventing wheel locking are provided with flow valves having a casing and a spool. The casing is provided with a plurality of ports. The spool is disposed inside the casing in a biased condition with a spool spring, and switches the communication conditions of each port depending on the pressure fluctuations generated at the end sections of the spool. However, in systems using such a flow valve, it has been advocated conventionally that separate device units are required if an antiskid control capability and a traction control capability are to be provided for one fluid pressure control unit.
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1. Fis.d of the Invention This invention relates to a brake fluid predsurr control ap(arStus for controlling the operation of antiskid control for preventing wheel locking Yxving an added feature of a traction control capability for preventing wheel spin in the acceleration stage. 2. Technical Background Some brake pressure control aOpara%uses for antiskid control by preventing wheel locking are provided with flow valves having a casing and a spool. The casing is provided with a plurality of ports. The spool is disposed inside the casing in a biased condition with a qp8ol spring, and switches the communication condJtLons of each port depending on the pressure difference generated at the end sections of the spool. However, in systems using such a flow Galge, it has been thought conventionally that Ceparat@ device units are required if an antiskid control capability and a traction control capability are to be provided for one flhix pressure control unit.
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1. Field of Invention This invention relates to a brake fluid pressure control for controlling operation of antiskid control for wheel locking having an added feature of a traction control capability for preventing wheel spin in the acceleration stage. 2. Technical Some brake pressure control apparatuses antiskid by preventing wheel locking are provided with flow valves having a casing and a spool. The is provided with a plurality of ports. The spool is disposed inside casing in a condition with a spool spring, and switches the communication conditions of each port depending on the pressure difference generated at the end sections of the spool. However, in systems using such a flow valve, it has thought conventionally separate device units are required an antiskid control capability and a traction control capability are to be provided for one pressure control
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1. fIeLD oF the INveNtIon
thiS iNVENTioN rELatES To a BrakE flUID PRessuRE cONTROL aPPaRAtuS FOr coNTRolLiNg the OPERaTiOn Of antisKiD ConTRol foR pREVENTING WHeel LoCkiNG haVInG an addED featUrE OF a tRacTiON conTrOl CApabiliTY for pREveNtiNg wHeel SPIn iN ThE acceLERAtIOn StAGe.
2. TEChnicaL baCKGRoUnD
some BrAke PrEsSURe COnTROL AppAraTUses fOR aNTiSkID CoNTrol bY PreVEnTinG wheEL lOcKIng Are pRoVIdED wITH Flow valVeS HAvInG A CaSING aNd A SPOoL. ThE CASing is prOvIDeD wITH A plURALIty oF poRts. THE SpOOL Is DiSpOSed inSIDE thE CAsIng in A BiAsED CondiTion wiTH a sPOOL sPriNG, aND SWItches ThE coMMUniCATIoN CONDITIOns OF EaCH poRt DEpENdING on THE prEsSUre dIffEreNcE GEneraTed aT THE eND seCTIOns of tHE spOol.
HOWEveR, In SYsTems uSInG SucH a FLoW ValVe, iT HaS BeEN ThoUgHt COnvEnTIonalLY that SEParate dEvice UNITS Are rEQUIrED if An ANTIsKID CoNtROl cApabilITY aNd a tRaCtiON CoNtrol CaPaBILITY aRe to be PROViDED FOR oNE flUId PREsSure cONtrOL UNIT.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relatesto a brakefluid pressure control apparatus for controlling theoperation of antiskid control forpreventing wheel locking having an added feature of a traction control capability for preventing wheel spin in the acceleration stage. 2. Technical Background Some brake pressure control apparatuses forantiskid control by preventing wheel lockingare provided with flow valves having a casing and a spool. The casingis provided with a plurality ofports. The spool is disposed inside the casing in abiased condition with a spoolspring, and switches the communication conditions of each port depending on the pressure difference generated at the end sectionsof the spool.However, in systems using such aflowvalve, it has been thought conventionally that separate device units are required if an antiskid control capability anda tractioncontrol capability areto be provided for one fluid pressure control unit.
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1. Field of the Invention This _invention_ relates to _a_ brake fluid _pressure_ control _apparatus_ for _controlling_ the operation _of_ _antiskid_ control _for_ preventing wheel locking _having_ an added feature of a traction control capability _for_ preventing _wheel_ _spin_ _in_ the acceleration _stage._ 2. Technical Background Some brake pressure control apparatuses _for_ _antiskid_ control by preventing wheel locking are _provided_ with flow _valves_ _having_ a _casing_ and a spool. The casing _is_ provided with a _plurality_ _of_ ports. The spool is disposed inside the casing _in_ a biased condition with a spool spring, and _switches_ _the_ communication conditions of each port depending _on_ the pressure _difference_ generated at the _end_ sections _of_ the spool. However, in systems using such a flow valve, it has _been_ _thought_ conventionally that _separate_ device units are required if _an_ antiskid control capability and a traction control capability are to be provided for one fluid pressure control _unit._
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1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to sample rate conversion in data processing systems; and, more particularly, it relates to variable sample rate conversion used in data processing systems that perform rational ratio conversion of the sample rate.
2. Description of Prior Art
Within conventional communication systems, the interfacing of various devices operating at various data transmission rates invariably requires the conversion of the data transmission rates between the various devices. For example, when one device operating at a first data transmission rate communicates with a second device operating at a second data transmission rate, there must be some method by which the data can be converted between the two devices while preserving the information contained within the plurality of data. Ideally, this conversion is performed in a manner that maintains a maximum throughput within the communication system. The data transmission rate itself may be viewed as a sample rate in such conventional communication systems. Typically, the various devices within the communication system each operate according to various, sometimes internal, clock frequencies. Similarly, the data transfer to and from these devices is associated with this clock frequency. The interfacing of the various devices, each possibly being driven by a different clock frequency, creates an interfacing difficulty.
One common application area for such data conversion is in television displays. Various television display standards exist for displaying image data. For example, one common standard is the National Television System Committee (NTSC). Another common standard is the phase alternate line (PAL) standard. A difficulty arises when a user attempts to interface a peripheral device, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), that operates using one standard with a television display operating at another. Some method for converting the image data must be employed for proper communication between the devices and ultimate display for the user.
Within various stand alone image processing devices including photo-copy machines and video display units, enlargement and reduction of image data is often performed. From one perspective, the image data having a first resolution may be viewed as data having a first sample rate. Typically, the sample rate is associated with the number of pixels per distance along a given trajectory of the image data. This sample rate is often given in terms of dots per inch (dpi) in printing systems and simply as screen resolution for video display units, i.e. 640.times.480, 800.times.600, 1024.times.768, etc. This screen resolution typically corresponds to the number of pixels that are displayed at any given time across the viewable portion of the video display unit. When enlarging or reducing such image data using such devices, a user typically desires to preserve the resolution of the image data as much as possible. Still, the limitation remains, particularly with enlargement, that the image data only possesses a fixed amount of information. A difficulty lies in how to expand the finite amount of data available to display as if it were a larger amount of data; the difficulty is how to increase the viewable size of the image data while preserving the visible perceptual quality of the image data.
One common limitation within such conventional stand alone devices is the inability to perform rational ratio conversions of either enlargement or reduction of an image. This stems from the inability of many conventional systems to perform sample rate conversion using rational ratios. Common within such systems, the option of enlarging or reducing an image by a number of fixed amounts is provided, e.g. 16%, 32%, 64%, etc. However, the ability to perform arbitrary values of reduction and enlargement is seldom provided. For stand alone conventional devices which do provide for arbitrary data conversion rates, there is often associated a high computational cost corresponding to the hardware required to perform such a function. In many applications where system cost is a hard design constraint, the user is typically provided with selection from a predetermined number of choices for performing enlargement or reduction, as the associated cost to provide such a high level function is simply prohibitive. A cost effective solution to provide for arbitrary conversion rates of data would be well suited for many such stand alone devices.
One conventional method for performing conversion of data having a first sample rate to data having a second sample rate uses a very inefficient method including up-sampling and down-sampling. This conventional method typically performs operation and filtering on the up-sampled data that contains an abundance of either redundant or useless information. Typically within digital systems which convert a plurality of data from a first sample rate to a plurality of data having substantially similar characteristics yet having a second sample rate, the original plurality of data is up-sampled by inserting a number of zeros into the plurality of data. During this process, the plurality of data is up-sampled by the number of zeros that have been introduced. These inserted zeroes provide no new information to the original plurality of data. They merely serve as placeholders within the up-sampled data.
Typically and undesirably, the up-sampled plurality of data is filtered when it is in this highly redundant state. This is computationally intensive, as the inserted zeroes must be processed during the filtering. The system has no method by which it can detect which samples are actual data and which are inserted zeroes. This processing of the inserted zeroes adds no new information to the plurality of data. For up-sampling of extremely large numbers, this is very undesirable due to the wasteful appropriation of processing resources in such systems. For example, if a plurality of data is up-sampled by a factor of ten, the up-sampled plurality of data is then processed in the time which will take approximately ten times as long as would be required for the original plurality of data, assuming a substantially linear processing function of processing time in terms of data.
Later, the filtered signal is then down-sampled wherein only a predetermined number of the samples of the up-sampled, post-filtered plurality of data are selected. For example, for a down-sampling by a factor of two, every other data sample would be taken from the plurality of data, thereby reducing the amount of information by the factor of two. The filtering is performed when the plurality of data is at the up-sampled state in an effort to minimize resolution loss during the subsequent down-sampling step. In other embodiments, a single datum value is calculated for every two data within the plurality of data. Such a method employs an averaging scheme. In either case, a predetermined number of the data is discarded during the down-sampling step using this conventional approach.
Ultimately, the conversion rate is the ration between the up-sampling and the down-sampling rates. For example, if the plurality of data is up-sampled by a factor or twenty and down-sampled by a factor of thirteen, then the conversion ratio would be twenty thirteenths (20/13). As can be seen in this trivial example, the insertion of as many as twenty zeroes is often associated with conversion rates that do not even approach a factor of two. This example is demonstrative of the potentially extreme inefficiency of this conventional method.
A typical modification of the conventional method of up-sampling and down-sampling is performed in an effort to provide for more efficient use of a data converter's resources. One solution is to employ a finite impulse response filter to the plurality of data before the up-sampling step and after the down-sampling step. While this solution is more optimal that the conventional method described above in that there is no filtering performed at the highly redundant intermediary state, it is nevertheless inefficient in that a filtering step is performed two different times. Additionally within this modified conventional method, even though the filtering is performed at the states where the plurality of data is relatively smaller than at the intermediary state after up-sampling yet before down-sampling, some manner must be implemented to accommodate this large sized data.
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional systems will become apparent to one of skill in the art after reviewing the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.
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1. Technical Field The present invention relates generally to sample rate conversion in data processing systems; and, more particularly, it relates to variable sample rate conversion used in data processing systems that perform rational ratio conversion of the sample rate. 2. Description of Prior Art Within conventional communication systems, the interfacing of various devices operating at various data transmission rates invariably requires the conversion of the data transmission rates between the various devices. For example, when one device operating at a first data transmission rate communicates with a second device operating at a second data transmission rate, there must be some method by which the data can be converted between the two devices while preserving the information contained within the plurality of data. Ideally, this conversion is performed in a manner that maintains a maximum throughput within the communication system. The data transmission rate itself may be viewed as a sample rate in such conventional communication systems. Typically, the various devices within the communication system each operate according to various, sometimes internal, clock frequencies. Similarly, the data transfer to and from these devices is associated with this clock frequency. The interfacing of the various devices, each possibly being driven by a different clock frequency, creates an interfacing difficulty. One common application area for such data conversion is in television displays. Various television display standards exist for displaying image data. For example, one common standard is the National Television System Committee (NTSC). Another common standard is the phase alternate line (PAL) standard. A difficulty arises when a user attempts to interface a peripheral device, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), that operates using one standard with a television display operating at another. Some method for converting the image data must be employed for proper communication between the devices and ultimate display for the user. Within various stand alone image processing devices including photo-copy machines and video display units, enlargement and reduction of image data is often performed. From one perspective, the image data having a first resolution may be viewed as data having a first sample rate. Typically, the sample rate is associated with the number of pixels per distance along a given trajectory of the image data. This sample rate is often given in terms of dots per inch (dpi) in printing systems and simply as screen resolution for video display units, i.e. 640.times.480, 800.times.600, 1024.times.768, etc. This screen resolution typically corresponds to the number of pixels that are displayed at any given time across the viewable portion of the video display unit. When enlarging or reducing such image data using such devices, a user typically desires to preserve the resolution of the image data as much as possible. Still, the limitation remains, particularly with enlargement, that the image data only possesses a fixed amount of information. A difficulty lies in how to expand the finite amount of data available to display as if it were a larger amount of data; the difficulty is how to increase the viewable size of the image data while preserving the visible perceptual quality of the image data. One common limitation within such conventional stand alone devices is the inability to perform rational ratio conversions of either enlargement or reduction of an image. This stems from the inability of many conventional systems to perform sample rate conversion using rational ratios. Common within such systems, the option of enlarging or reducing an image by a number of fixed amounts is provided, e.g. 16%, 32%, 64%, etc. However, the ability to perform arbitrary values of reduction and enlargement is seldom provided. For stand alone conventional devices which do provide for arbitrary data conversion rates, there is often associated a high computational cost corresponding to the hardware required to perform such a function. In many applications where system cost is a hard design constraint, the user is typically provided with selection from a predetermined number of choices for performing enlargement or reduction, as the associated cost to provide such a high level function is simply prohibitive. A cost effective solution to provide for arbitrary conversion rates of data would be well suited for many such stand alone devices. One conventional method for performing conversion of data having a first sample rate to data having a second sample rate uses a very inefficient method including up-sampling and down-sampling. This conventional method typically performs operation and filtering on the up-sampled data that contains an abundance of either redundant or useless information. Typically within digital systems which convert a plurality of data from a first sample rate to a plurality of data having substantially similar characteristics yet having a second sample rate, the pilot plurality of data is up-sampled by inserting a number of zeros into the plurality of data. During this process, the plurality of data is up-sampled by the number of zeros that have been introduced. These inserted zeroes provide no new information to the original plurality of data. They merely serve as placeholders within the up-sampled data. Typically and undesirably, the up-sampled plurality of data is filtered when it is in this highly redundant state. This is computationally intensive, as the inserted zeroes must be processed during the filtering. The system has no method by which it can detect which samples are actual data and which are inserted zeroes. This processing of the inserted zeroes adds no new information to the plurality of data. For up-sampling of extremely large numbers, this is very undesirable due to the wasteful appropriation of processing resources in such systems. For example, if a plurality of data is up-sampled by a factor of ten, the up-sampled plurality of data is then processed in the time which will take approximately ten times as long as would be required for the original plurality of data, assuming a substantially linear processing function of processing time in terms of data. Later, the filtered signal is then down-sampled wherein only a predetermined number of the samples of the up-sampled, post-filtered plurality of data are selected. For example, for a down-sampling by a factor of two, every other data sample would be taken from the plurality of data, thereby reducing the amount of information by the factor of two. The filtering is performed when the plurality of data is at the up-sampled state in an effort to minimize resolution loss during the subsequent down-sampling step. In other embodiments, a single datum value is calculated for every two data within the plurality of data. Such a method employs an averaging scheme. In either case, a predetermined number of the data is discarded during the down-sampling step using this conventional approach. Ultimately, the conversion rate is the ration between the up-sampling and the down-sampling rates. For example, if the plurality of data is up-sampled by a factor or twenty and down-sampled by a factor of thirteen, then the conversion ratio would be twenty thirteenths (20/13). As can be seen in this trivial example, the insertion of as many as twenty zeroes is often associated with conversion rates that do not even approach a factor of two. This example is demonstrative of the potentially extreme inefficiency of this conventional method. A typical modification of the conventional method of up-sampling and down-sampling is performed in an effort to provide for more efficient use of a data converter's resources. One solution is to employ a finite impulse response filter to the plurality of data before the up-sampling step and after the down-sampling step. While this solution is more optimal that the conventional method described above in that there is no filtering performed at the highly redundant intermediary state, it is nevertheless inefficient in that a filtering step is performed two different times. Additionally within this modified conventional method, even though the filtering is performed at the states where the plurality of data is relatively smaller than at the intermediary state after up-sampling yet before down-sampling, some manner must be implemented to accommodate this large sized data. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional systems will become apparent to one of skill in the art after reviewing the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.
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1. Technical Field The present invention relates generally to sample rate conversion in data processing systems; and, more particularly, it relates to variable sample rate conversion used in data processing systems that perform rational ratio conversion of the sample rate. 2. Description of Prior Art Within conventional communication systems, the interfacing of various devices operating at various data transmission rates invariably requires the conversion of the data transmission rates between the various devices. For example, when one device operating at a figsg data transmission rate communicates with a second device operating at a second data transmission rate, there must be some method by which the data can be converted between the two devices while preserving the information contained within the plurality of data. Ideally, this conversion is performed in a manner that maintains a maximum throughput within the communication system. The data transmission rate itself may be viewed as a sample rate in such conventional communication systems. Typically, the various devices within the communication system each operate according to various, sometimes internal, clock frequencies. Similarly, the data transfer to and from these devices is associated with this clock frequency. The interfacing of the various devices, each possibly being driven by a different clock frequency, creates an interfacing difficulty. One common application area for such data conversion is in television displays. Various television display standards exist for displaying image data. For example, one common standard is the National Television System Committee (NTSC ). Another common standard is the phase alteTna^e line (PAL) standard. A difficulty arises when a user attempts to interface a peripheral device, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR ), that operates using one standard with a television display operating at another. Some method for converting the image data must be employed for proper communication between the devices and ultimate display for the user. Within various stand alone image processing devices including photo - copy machines and video display units, enlargement and reduction of image data is often performed. From one perspective, the image data having a first resolution may be viewed as data having a first sample rate. Typically, the sample rate is associated with the number of pixels per distance along a given trajectory of the image data. This sample rate is often given in terms of dots per inch (dpi) in printing systems and simply as screen resolution for video display units, i. e. 640. times. 480, 800. times. 600, 1024. times. 768, etc. This screen resolution typically corresponds to the number of pixels that are displayed at any given time across the viewable portion of the video display unit. When enlarging or reducing such image data using such devices, a user typically desires to preserve the resolution of the image data as much as possible. Still, the limitation remains, particularly with enlargement, that the image data only possesses a fixed amount of information. A difficulty lies in how to expand the finite amount of data available to display as if it were a larger amount of data; the difficulty is how to increase the viewable size of the image data while preserving the visible perceptual quality of the image data. One common limitation within such conventional stand alone devices is the inability to perform rational ratio conversions of either enlargement or reduction of an image. This st#ns from the inability of many conventional systems to perform sample rate conversion using rational ratios. Common within such systems, the option of enlarging or reducing an image by a number of fixed amounts is provided, e. g. 16% , 32% , 64% , etc. However, the ability to perform arbitrary values of reduction and enlargement is seldom provided. For stand alone conventional devices which do provide for arbitrary data conversion rates, there is often associated a high computational cost corresponding to the hardware required to perform such a function. In many applications where system cost is a hard design constraint, the user is typically provided with selection from a predetermined buJber of choices for performing enlargement or reduction, as the associated cost to provide such a high level function is simply prohibitive. A cost effective solution to provide for arbitrary conversion rates of data would be well suited for many such stand alone devices. One conventional method for performing conversion of data having a first sample rate to data having a second sample rate uses a very inefficient method including up - sampling and down - sampling. This conventional method typically performs operation and filtering on the up - sampled data that contains an abundance of either redundant or useless information. Typically within digital systems which convert a plurality of data from a first sample rate to a plurality of data having substantially similar characteristics yet having a second sample rate, the original plurality of data is up - sampled by inserting a number of zeros into the plurality of data. During this process, the plurality of data is up - sampled by the number of zeros that have been introduced. These inserted zeroes provide no new information to the original plurality of data. They merely serve as placeholders within the up - sampled data. T7pLcally and undesirably, the up - sampled plurality of data is filtered when it is in this highly redundant state. This is computationally intensive, as the inserted zeroes muEH be processed during the filtering. The system has no method by which it can detect which samples are actual data and which are inserted zeroes. This processing of the inserted zeroes adds no new information to the plurality of data. For up - sampling of extremely large numbers, this is very undesirable due to the wasteful appropriation of processing resources in such systems. For example, if a plurality of data is up - sampled by a factor of ten, the up - sampled plurality of data is then processed in the time which will take approximately ten times as long as would be required for the original plurality of data, assuming a substantially linear processing function of processing time in terms of data. Later, the filtered signal is then down - sampled wherein only a predetermined number of the samples of the up - sampled, post - filtered plurality of data are selected. For example, for a down - sampling by a factor of two, every other data sample would be taken from the plurality of data, thereby reducing the amount of information by the factor of two. The filtering is performed when the plurality of data is at the up - sampled state in an effort to minimize resolution loss during the subsequent down - sampling step. In other embodiments, a single datum value is calculated for every two data within the plurality of data. Such a method employs an averaging scheme. In either case, a predetermined number of the data is discarded during the down - sampling step using this conventional approach. Ultimately, the conversion rate is the ration between the up - sampling and the down - sampling rates. For example, if the plurality of data is up - sampled by a factor or twenty and down - sampled by a factor of thirteen, then the conversion ratio would be twenty thirteenths (20 / 13 ). As can be seen in this trivial example, the insertion of as many as twenty zeroes is (ftsn associated with conversion rates that do not even approach a factor of two. This example is demonstrative of the potentially extreme inefficiency of this conventional method. A typical modification of the conventional method of up - sampling and down - sampling is performed in an effort to provide for more efficient use of a data converter ' s resources. One solution is to employ a finite impulse response filter to the plurality of data before the up - sampling step and after the down - sampling step. While this solution is more optimal that the conventional method described above in that there is no filtering performed at the highly redundant intermediary state, it is nevertheless inefficient in ^nat a filtering stRL is performed two rieferent times. Additionally within this modified conventional method, even though the filtering is performed at the states where the plurality of data is relatively smaller than at the intermediary state after up - sampling yet before down - sampling, some manner must be implemented to accommodate this large sized data. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional systems will become apparent to one of skill in the art after reviewing the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.
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1. Technical The present invention relates generally sample rate conversion in data processing systems; and, more particularly, it variable sample rate conversion used in processing systems that ratio conversion of the sample rate. 2. Description of Prior Art Within conventional systems, the interfacing of various devices operating at various data transmission rates invariably requires conversion of the data transmission rates between the various devices. example, when one device at a data transmission rate communicates a second device at a second data rate, there be some method by which the can be between the two devices while the information contained within the of data. Ideally, this conversion is performed in a manner that maintains a maximum throughput within the communication system. The data transmission rate itself may be viewed as a sample rate such conventional communication systems. Typically, various devices within the communication system each operate according to various, sometimes internal, clock frequencies. Similarly, the data transfer to and from these is associated with clock frequency. The interfacing of the various devices, each possibly being by a different clock frequency, creates an interfacing difficulty. One application area for such data conversion is in displays. Various television display standards exist for displaying image data. For example, one common standard is National Television System Committee (NTSC). Another common standard is the phase alternate (PAL) standard. A difficulty arises when a user attempts to interface a peripheral device, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), that operates using one standard with a television display operating at another. Some method for the image data must be employed for proper between the devices and ultimate display for the user. various stand alone image processing devices including photo-copy machines and video display units, enlargement and reduction of image data is often performed. From one perspective, the image data having a first resolution may be viewed as data having a sample rate. the sample rate is associated with the number of pixels per distance along a given trajectory of the image This sample rate is often given in terms of dots per (dpi) in printing systems and simply as screen resolution for video display units, i.e. 640.times.480, 800.times.600, 1024.times.768, etc. This screen resolution typically corresponds to the number of pixels that are displayed at any given time across the portion of video display unit. When enlarging or reducing such image data using devices, a typically desires to the resolution of the image as much as possible. Still, the limitation remains, particularly with enlargement, that the image data only possesses fixed amount of A difficulty lies in how to expand the finite amount of data to display as if it were larger amount of data; the difficulty is how to increase the viewable size of the image data preserving the visible perceptual quality of the image data. One common limitation within conventional stand alone devices is inability to perform rational ratio conversions of either or reduction of an image. This stems from the inability of many conventional systems to perform sample rate conversion using rational ratios. Common within such systems, the option of enlarging or reducing an image a number of fixed amounts is provided, e.g. 16%, 32%, 64%, etc. However, the ability to perform arbitrary values of reduction and enlargement is provided. For stand alone conventional devices which do provide for arbitrary data conversion rates, there is associated a high computational cost corresponding to the hardware to perform a function. In many where cost a hard design constraint, the user typically provided with selection a predetermined choices for performing enlargement or reduction, as the associated provide such a high level function is simply prohibitive. A cost solution to provide for arbitrary conversion rates of data would be well for many stand alone devices. One conventional method for performing conversion of having a first sample rate data having a second sample rate uses very inefficient method including up-sampling and down-sampling. This conventional method typically performs operation and filtering on the up-sampled data that contains an of either redundant or useless information. Typically within digital systems which convert a plurality of first sample rate to a plurality of having substantially similar characteristics having a second sample rate, the original plurality data up-sampled inserting a number of zeros into the plurality of data. During this process, the plurality of data is up-sampled by the number of zeros that have been introduced. These inserted zeroes provide no new information the original plurality of They merely serve placeholders within up-sampled data. Typically and the up-sampled plurality of data is when it is in this highly redundant state. This is computationally intensive, the inserted zeroes must be processed during the filtering. The system no method which it can detect which samples actual data and which are inserted zeroes. This processing of the inserted zeroes adds no new to the plurality of data. For up-sampling of extremely large numbers, this is undesirable due to wasteful appropriation processing resources in such systems. For example, if a plurality of data is up-sampled by a factor of ten, up-sampled data is processed in time which take approximately ten times as long as would be required for the original of data, assuming a linear processing function processing time in terms of data. Later, the filtered signal is then down-sampled wherein only a predetermined number of the samples of the up-sampled, post-filtered plurality of data are selected. For example, for a down-sampling by a factor every other data sample would be taken from the plurality of data, thereby reducing the amount of information by the of two. The filtering is when the plurality of data is at the up-sampled state in an effort to resolution loss during subsequent down-sampling step. In embodiments, a single datum value calculated for every data the plurality of data. Such a method employs an averaging scheme. In either case, a predetermined number of the data is discarded during the down-sampling using conventional approach. Ultimately, the conversion rate is the ration between the and the down-sampling rates. For example, if the plurality of data is up-sampled by a factor or twenty and down-sampled by a factor of thirteen, then the conversion would be twenty thirteenths (20/13). As can be seen in this trivial example, the insertion of as many as twenty zeroes often associated with conversion rates that not even approach a factor of two. This example is of the potentially extreme inefficiency of this conventional method. A typical modification of the conventional method of up-sampling down-sampling is performed in effort to provide for more efficient use of a data converter's resources. One solution is to employ a finite impulse response filter to the plurality of data before the up-sampling step and after the down-sampling step. While this solution is more optimal that the conventional method described above in there is filtering performed at the highly redundant intermediary state, is nevertheless inefficient that a filtering step is two times. Additionally within this modified conventional method, even though the filtering is performed at the states where the plurality of data smaller at the intermediary state after up-sampling yet before some manner must be implemented to accommodate this sized data. limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional systems will become apparent to one of skill in the art after reviewing the remainder of the present application with to drawings.
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1. TEchNICal FIElD
THE prEsent iNVEnTioN relATES GeNerAlly tO saMpLe RAte ConVErsion iN dATa PRoCESSinG SYStemS; aND, MOrE paRTicULaRLY, iT rELateS To varIaBle SAMPLE raTe CoNVErsIoN usEd iN DaTA prOCeSSiNG SYstemS tHAt pERFORm rAtIONaL ratiO ConVERsION of THE saMple RaTe.
2. DeSCriptIoN Of pRIor ART
wITHiN CONveNtIonal comMUNIcation sysTEMs, tHE IntERfAcing Of VaRiOUs devices oPERATING aT Various dATa tRANSmiSSiON rATes iNvAriAblY REqUireS the cONvErsion of THe dAtA TransMISSioN rATES BEtwEEN The VarIoUs DeVices. fOR EXAMPLe, when oNe DevIcE OpERatInG aT A FiRSt DatA transMIsSIon ratE cOmmUnicATES WiTh a secoND dEvice OperaTinG At a SeCOND DatA tRaNSMIsSioN Rate, There must be SOMe mEtHoD BY WHIch ThE datA Can BE cONVeRteD BeTweEN The TWo dEvIcES whiLe PreSErvINg thE InFormaTIon CoNTaInEd wiThiN The PLuRALItY Of Data. IdEALlY, thIS ConVerSION Is pERFoRMEd iN a MannER tHAt MAINtAiNS A MAxImUM thROuGhpUT witHin ThE cOMmUnICation SySTeM. tHe DAta TraNsMisSIoN RaTE iTself mAy Be VIEWeD AS a sAmPle RaTE in sUcH cONvENTiOnAl coMmUnIcaTIon SYStems. TYpicaLLy, THE vAriOuS devices wiThIN tHe CommUNiCATiON sysTeM eACH OPErAtE AccORDINg to VArIoUS, SOmetIMeS iNtERnAL, CloCk fReQuenCIES. sImilaRlY, tHE DATA TrAnsfEr tO aND FroM THEse DEviceS Is aSsOCIatED wIth thIS cLock freQUeNcY. The iNtErFacing OF The vARIOuS dEvICEs, EacH PoSsIBLY BEing DRIvEn bY a DIfFERenT CLOCK freQUency, cREates an InTERfacinG difFicultY.
oNe COmmOn APPlicaTiON arEa fOr SUCH DAtA COnvErSioN IS In TELEvIsiON dISpLAyS. VaRiOUS tELevisiON DiSPlAY StandaRdS ExiSt fOr DISpLAyIng imaGE DAtA. FOr EXAmpLe, ONE cOmmOn StanDArD IS thE NATiONal teLEvIsioN SYSTEM COmmitTEe (NTSc). aNOThEr COMmoN STANdarD iS tHe PhaSe AlTErNaTe lINE (PAl) sTaNdarD. A diffiCultY ArIseS WHEN A USeR AttEmPTs TO iNtErfaCE A pEriPheRAl DEvIce, SucH as a VIdeo cAssEtte rEcoRder (vCR), ThAT opERATes USING OnE staNdaRd With a telEvISioN DIsplay oPeRATING aT aNOther. soMe METhOd FOR coNvERtiNg ThE imAgE data mUst Be eMploYeD For pROPer CoMmunICAtiON between thE dEvicES And uLTimaTe DisPlay fOr The UsER.
WiThIN VarioUs STaND aLOnE ImAgE prOceSSIng DEvIcEs includINg PhOTo-copy MAChiNeS And VIdEo disPlaY UnITs, ENlARgeMEnT anD rEDuCTIon Of ImAGE DATA IS OftEN pErfORMed. frOm one PERspEcTIve, tHe iMaGe dATa HAViNg A firST ReSOluTIoN mAy be VIEWEd As DaTA HaVing A FIRsT SaMPLe RaTE. typIcally, tHe saMPlE rAtE iS aSsOciaTed witH the NuMbEr Of pixEls pEr dIsTAnCE AlONG A GiveN TrAjeCtOrY oF tHe imagE dATA. tHiS SAMPlE RATE IS often GiveN IN TermS of doTS PeR iNCh (dPI) In PRInTIng SysteMS and simPly as scReeN rESolUtIoN FOR viDEO diSPLaY UNITS, i.E. 640.tiMEs.480, 800.TiMes.600, 1024.timeS.768, etc. this sCreEn ResoLUtIoN TyPiCAlLY cOrREsponds TO The nUmBer OF PiXEls THAT ArE dISpLaYEd At AnY gIvEn TiMe AcROSS The VIEWABle pORTIOn of tHE Video dISPLAy UNIt. whEN enlaRGING Or reDUCING sUcH imAgE DATA usInG sUCH deVices, A usER typICAllY DEsIreS TO PResERve THE ResOLUtioN OF the ImAgE dATa AS mucH AS poSSIBle. stILl, the LimItatIoN rEMains, PArTiCUlArlY WIth enlaRgEMent, That ThE IMaGe DatA OnLy posSesSeS a Fixed AMoUNT Of iNFOrmatIoN. a DiFfIcULty lIeS iN HOw to EXPaNd the fINITE AmOuNT of dATa AvaiLaBLe tO DIsPlay AS iF IT WERe A LArgEr AmOUNt Of Data; THe DiFfiCUltY IS hOW TO inCreASE THE ViEWablE SizE Of the imAgE DAta whilE PresErVIng tHE vIsiBLE perCEpTuAl quALitY Of thE imAGe dAta.
oNE CoMMOn LimItaTion WItHIN suCH cONvenTioNal stAND alOnE dEVICEs Is tHE inAbiLITy tO pErForM RATIoNAL RAtiO ConversIons OF eitHEr EnlaRGEmEnt Or ReDuctIOn OF aN ImAgE. THiS STEmS FRoM the InaBIlITY Of MANy CONveNtIONAL sySTEms to PeRFoRm SAMPLe rATE conVersIoN uSIng RAtIoNAL raTIoS. CommOn wiThIn sUCH SYsTEmS, the oPtion of ENlARgIng oR rEduCiNg an imAGe By a NUmbeR of fiXeD amOunTS iS PrOvidEd, e.G. 16%, 32%, 64%, EtC. HOwevEr, tHe ABILITy to PERfOrM arbiTRArY ValUes OF REDUCtIoN and EnLARGEMeNt iS sELdoM ProVIDeD. FOr sTaND alonE CONvenTIOnAL DEviCEs wHIcH do pROvIDe FoR ARBItrARy DAta COnvErSIoN Rates, ThErE Is OfTen aSsoCiaTEd a HIGh compUTAtIONAl Cost coRREsPOnDInG to thE HArDWarE ReqUIReD TO pErforM such A fuNCtIOn. IN maNY appLicaTioNS WhErE SysTEm COST iS a haRD DESigN conStRaINt, ThE uSeR IS TYPiCAlLy PROVIDeD wItH SELeCtIOn FROm A pREdETErmiNED nUMbeR Of chOicES FOr PErFOrmInG eNLArgEMenT Or RedUctIon, aS tHe aSSOCiAtED cOsT To pRoVIde sUCH A hIGH level FUNctiOn Is siMPlY ProHIBiTiVE. A cOsT efFectiVe sOlUTIon To pROvIde for ArBitrARy CoNVERSION raTES of dATa woULd BE WeLl suiTEd FoR ManY such stand ALONE DEvICeS.
ONe coNveNTIonAl meTHoD fOr pErFOrmING convERsiOn OF DATa HAviNG A fIRst sAmpLe rAtE TO DATA HaVing a SEcOnd saMple rATe useS A VERY INeFFiCIENT metHOd incLuding up-saMpLIng anD dOwN-sAMPLiNG. this CONVEntIoNaL mEthOd typICaLly PerFORms OperATiON AnD fIlTerING ON ThE Up-SAMpLeD data thAt CONtAIns an ABUNDaNcE Of EItHEr rEdUNDANt OR useLESS InfOrmatiOn. TYPICALLY withIN DiGiTAl sYStems whicH CONVErt A pLuRalitY of DATA FROM A FiRsT SAmpLE RAtE tO a PlUrAliTY OF dAta HAVIng SuBsTaNTiaLLY SImilAr CharacTErIStiCS yET hAVIng a sEcoNd sampLe ratE, THE orIGInal PLuRALiTy Of Data Is UP-sAMpleD bY INSeRtINg a NUMbER oF zERos iNto thE pLUrAlitY oF DatA. dUrInG tHIs ProceSs, The pLuRaLitY Of daTa IS UP-sAmplEd bY The nuMBeR Of ZEroS tHAT HAVe BeEN InTrOduced. tHeSe INSerTEd zEROeS prOvide no NEW infORmation TO thE oRIGiNaL PLUrALity Of dAta. TheY MerELY ServE AS pLAceHolDErs withIn the UP-SaMPLed DATa.
TYpicALlY AND unDEsiRablY, thE up-saMpLed plUraLiTy OF daTA iS filTEred whEN It Is IN thiS hIGhlY rEDUnDANt StATe. THiS IS CoMpUtATionALlY inteNsiVE, As the iNsErTED ZERoES muST bE prOCEsSEd durINg The FIlTerING. THe SyStEM hAs No method By WHIcH IT cAN DeteCt whIch SAmpleS aRE acTUaL DAtA aNd whIcH arE inSERted zeROeS. ThiS pROcESsInG oF tHE InseRTed zErOEs AddS no neW INforMAtIoN To ThE pluraLITy OF DatA. foR uP-sampLing OF EXTREMeLy LARGe NUmbErs, tHis IS VERY undeSIraBle dUE to THe WAsteFUl aPProPRiaTioN OF PrOceSsiNg rEsOurcES In suCh SYSTeMs. fOr ExaMPLE, IF a plURAliTY of DATA Is UP-samPLeD bY A fACtor of tEn, THe uP-sAmpLEd pluRAlIty OF dAtA iS THEn PROcesSED In The tIMe wHIch WILl taKE aPprOxImAtely tEn tIMEs AS LONG aS wOuLD BE ReQuIreD fOr the oRIginAL pLuraLiTY Of dAta, assumING a sUBStANtiALly LinEAR prOceSSING fuNCTIoN OF ProCeSsInG tImE In termS OF DaTA.
laTer, tHE fiLTeREd siGNaL IS tHeN DOwN-SamPLEd wHERein ONLY a prEDETERminED NuMber OF THE sAMPlES oF The uP-samPleD, PosT-FIlTErED PluRalitY OF DATA ARe seLecTeD. FOR eXaMpLE, fOr A DOwn-samPliNG by A FACtOr of two, eveRY other daTa SamPle wOuLD bE tAKEn frOM tHe PLuRalITY OF dATa, tHEREBy rEDuCinG THE aMOunt OF InfoRMAtIOn by THe faCtOr of tWO. tHE FILtERing IS perFOrmeD When tHE pluRaLiTy Of DaTa Is aT tHE up-SampLED sTate IN aN EFforT tO MInimIZe reSOlUtIoN lOSS DurING The SUbseQuEnt DoWn-sAmPLing step. iN OTHer EmBodIMentS, A SingLe DaTum Value Is CalculAted FOr EvErY twO dAtA wIThin THe pLUrALITy OF DatA. SUch a mEThod emPLOYS AN AVerAGing SCHEMe. In EitHEr Case, a PReDeTerMiNEd nuMBeR Of tHE DatA IS DisCARDEd DURing THe down-SamPling sTEp usiNg tHIs COnVENTIonal aPprOacH.
ULtIMaTElY, thE CoNVeRsION RaTe Is tHE rATiON bETwEen THE UP-sAmpLINg AnD tHE dOwn-sAMpLinG raTEs. FOr ExamplE, IF ThE pLURalitY oF DATa Is UP-SamPLEd BY a FACTOr or TWeNtY aNd doWn-saMpLED BY a FacTOR of ThIrtEEN, THen THe CONVersIOn rAtIO woulD BE TWEntY ThiRTEEnTHS (20/13). aS can Be seEN IN tHIs tRIvIal EXamPlE, thE INSERTioN of as maNY As tWeNty ZeROEs Is OFTeN aSSOCiATeD wiTH cONVerSIoN RATes tHaT Do NoT eVeN APproaCh a FActOr oF two. THIS exaMPlE is dEmoNstRaTive Of tHE PoTEnTiaLly EXTReme InefFiciEncY Of this CoNVEnTionAL mEtHoD.
a TYPICAl modifIcATioN of The CoNveNtIONal MeThOd oF up-SAMPlIng aND dOWn-SamplING iS pERfOrmed iN aN EFforT TO proViDe For MorE eFficienT uSE Of A dAta COnvERteR's ReSouRcES. oNe soLutIOn is to EMPLoY A FInItE impulSe RESponSE FiLTER to ThE PluRAliTY of dAta BEfoRE tHE UP-SAmpLiNg sTEP And AFTer tHE DoWn-SAMPliNg sTEP. wHIlE This SoLUtIoN is MOre optImaL ThAt the cONVEntIONal METHOD descriBed aBoVe IN THAt ThEre Is NO filTerINg PErfOrMEd aT tHe HIgHLY reDUNDaNT INteRMEdiaRy STaTE, IT IS neVERThElEsS InEFFicient In that a FIlterIng Step iS PErforMeD TWO DIfFeRENt timEs. AdDItiOnALly wiThIN thIS moDifiEd CONvEntioNAl metHOD, EvEN ThoUgh the FIlterinG is PerfORMEd At ThE STaTES where tHe PLURAlItY OF dATA iS relaTIvelY sMALlEr thaN at THE iNTeRMEDiarY sTATE aftER UP-SAmPLiNg YeT bEfORE DOwN-samPling, soMe MANNER Must BE imPLeMenTED to ACcOMmoDATe thiS LARGe SIZed DaTA.
FuRthEr LimitatiONs And DisadVANtages OF COnvENtIoNAL aND TRadItIoNAL SySteMs WILl BeComE APPAReNT tO oNE oF sKilL IN thE ARt aFTeR REvIEwInG tHe REmAiNDeR of THE prEsent aPpLicatIoN witH refeREnCe to thE dRaWIngS.
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1.Technical Field Thepresent invention relates generally to sample rate conversion in data processing systems; and, moreparticularly, it relates to variable sample rate conversion used in data processing systems that perform rational ratio conversionof the sample rate. 2. Description of PriorArt Within conventional communication systems, the interfacing ofvarious devices operating at various data transmission rates invariably requires the conversionof the data transmission rates between the variousdevices.For example, when one device operating at a first data transmission rate communicates witha second device operating at a second data transmission rate, there must be some methodby which the data can be converted between the two devices while preserving the information contained withinthe plurality of data. Ideally, this conversion is performed in a manner that maintains a maximumthroughput within the communicationsystem. The data transmission rate itself may be viewed as a sample rate in such conventional communication systems. Typically, the various devices within the communication system each operate according to various, sometimesinternal,clock frequencies. Similarly, the data transfer to and from these devices is associatedwiththis clock frequency.The interfacing of the various devices,each possibly being driven bya different clock frequency, createsan interfacingdifficulty. One common application area for such dataconversion is in televisiondisplays. Various television display standards exist for displayingimagedata. Forexample, one common standard is the NationalTelevision System Committee (NTSC). Another common standard is the phase alternate line (PAL)standard. A difficulty arises when a user attempts to interface a peripheral device, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), thatoperates usingone standard with a television displayoperatingat another. Some method for converting the image data must be employed for proper communication between the devices and ultimate display for the user.Within various standalone image processing devices including photo-copy machines and video display units, enlargement and reduction of image data is often performed. From one perspective, the image data having a first resolution may be viewed as data havinga first sample rate. Typically, the sample rate is associated with thenumber of pixels perdistance along agiven trajectoryof the image data. This sample rate isoften given in terms of dots per inch (dpi) inprinting systemsand simply as screenresolution for video display units, i.e. 640.times.480, 800.times.600, 1024.times.768, etc. This screen resolution typically corresponds to the number of pixelsthat are displayed atany given timeacross the viewable portion of the videodisplay unit. When enlarging or reducing such image data using suchdevices, a user typically desires to preservetheresolution oftheimage data as much as possible. Still, the limitation remains, particularly with enlargement,that the image data only possesses a fixed amount of information. A difficulty lies in how to expand the finite amount of data available todisplay as if it werea larger amount of data; the difficulty is how to increase the viewable size of theimage data while preserving the visible perceptual quality of theimage data. One common limitation within such conventional stand alone devicesis theinability to perform rational ratio conversions of either enlargement or reduction of an image.Thisstems from the inability of many conventional systems to perform sample rate conversion using rational ratios. Common within such systems, the option of enlargingor reducing an image bya number of fixed amounts is provided, e.g. 16%, 32%, 64%, etc. However, the ability to performarbitraryvalues of reductionandenlargement is seldom provided. For stand alone conventional devices which do provide for arbitrary dataconversion rates,there is oftenassociated ahigh computational cost corresponding to the hardware required toperform such a function.In many applicationswheresystem cost is a hard design constraint,the user is typically provided with selection from a predetermined number of choices for performing enlargement or reduction, as the associated cost to provide sucha high level function is simply prohibitive. A cost effective solution to provide for arbitrary conversion rates of data would be well suited for many such stand alone devices. Oneconventional methodfor performing conversion of data having a first sample rateto data having a second sample rate uses a very inefficient method includingup-sampling and down-sampling.This conventional method typically performs operation and filtering on the up-sampled data thatcontains an abundance of either redundant or useless information. Typically within digital systems which convert a plurality of data fromafirst samplerate toa plurality of data having substantially similar characteristics yet havinga second sample rate, the originalplurality of data is up-sampled byinserting a number of zeros into the pluralityof data. During this process, the plurality of data is up-sampled by thenumber of zeros that have been introduced. These inserted zeroes provideno new information to theoriginal plurality of data. They merely serve as placeholders withinthe up-sampled data. Typicallyand undesirably, the up-sampled plurality of data is filtered when itis in this highly redundant state. Thisis computationally intensive, as the inserted zeroes must be processed during the filtering. The system has no method by which it can detect which samples are actual data and which are inserted zeroes. This processing of the insertedzeroes adds no new information to the plurality ofdata. For up-samplingof extremely large numbers, this is very undesirable due to the wastefulappropriation of processing resources in such systems.For example, if aplurality of dataisup-sampled by a factor of ten, the up-sampled pluralityof datais thenprocessed in the time which willtake approximately ten times as long as would berequired for the original plurality of data, assuming a substantially linear processing functionof processing time in termsof data.Later,the filtered signal is then down-sampled wherein only a predetermined number of the samples of theup-sampled, post-filtered pluralityof dataareselected. For example, foradown-sampling by a factor of two,everyother data sample would be taken from the plurality of data, thereby reducing the amount of information by the factorof two. The filtering is performedwhenthe plurality of data is at the up-sampledstate in an effort to minimizeresolution loss duringthe subsequent down-sampling step. In other embodiments, a single datum valueis calculatedfor every two data within the plurality ofdata.Such a method employs an averaging scheme. In either case, a predetermined number ofthe data is discarded during the down-sampling step using this conventional approach. Ultimately, the conversion rateis the ration betweenthe up-samplingand the down-sampling rates. For example, if the plurality of data is up-sampled by a factor or twenty and down-sampled by a factor of thirteen, then the conversionratio would be twenty thirteenths (20/13). As can beseen in this trivial example, the insertionof as many astwenty zeroes is oftenassociated with conversion rates that do not even approacha factorof two. This example is demonstrative of thepotentially extreme inefficiencyofthis conventional method. A typical modification of the conventional method of up-sampling and down-samplingis performed in an effort to provide for moreefficient use of a data converter's resources. Onesolution is to employ afinite impulseresponsefilter to the plurality of data beforethe up-sampling step and after the down-sampling step.While this solution is more optimal that the conventional method describedabove in that there is no filtering performed atthehighly redundant intermediary state, it is nevertheless inefficient in that a filtering step is performed two different times. Additionally within this modified conventional method,even though the filtering is performed at the stateswhere the plurality of data is relatively smaller than atthe intermediarystateafter up-sampling yet before down-sampling, some mannermust be implemented to accommodate this large sized data. Further limitationsand disadvantages of conventional and traditional systems will become apparent to one of skill inthe art afterreviewing the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.
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1. Technical Field _The_ present _invention_ relates _generally_ to _sample_ _rate_ conversion in data _processing_ systems; _and,_ more _particularly,_ it relates to variable sample rate conversion used in _data_ _processing_ _systems_ _that_ _perform_ rational _ratio_ conversion of the sample rate. 2. Description of Prior Art Within conventional communication systems, the interfacing of various devices operating at various _data_ transmission _rates_ invariably requires _the_ conversion _of_ the _data_ transmission rates _between_ the various devices. For example, when one device operating at a _first_ data transmission rate communicates with a second device operating at a second data transmission rate, there must be some method by which the data _can_ be converted between _the_ two devices while preserving the information contained within the plurality of data. _Ideally,_ this conversion is performed in a manner that maintains a maximum _throughput_ within the communication system. The data transmission rate _itself_ may be viewed as a sample _rate_ in such _conventional_ communication systems. _Typically,_ the various devices within the communication system each operate according to _various,_ sometimes _internal,_ clock frequencies. Similarly, the data transfer to and _from_ these devices _is_ associated with _this_ clock frequency. The _interfacing_ of the _various_ devices, each possibly being driven by a different clock frequency, creates an interfacing difficulty. One common application area for such data conversion is in _television_ _displays._ Various television display standards exist for displaying image data. For example, _one_ common _standard_ is the National Television System _Committee_ (NTSC). Another common standard is the _phase_ alternate line (PAL) standard. A difficulty arises when a user attempts to _interface_ _a_ peripheral device, such _as_ a video _cassette_ recorder _(VCR),_ that operates using one standard with a television display operating at another. Some method for converting _the_ image data must be employed _for_ proper communication between _the_ devices and _ultimate_ _display_ for _the_ user. Within various stand _alone_ image processing _devices_ _including_ photo-copy machines _and_ video display _units,_ _enlargement_ and reduction of _image_ data is often performed. From one perspective, the image _data_ having _a_ first resolution may be viewed as data _having_ _a_ first sample rate. _Typically,_ the sample rate is _associated_ with _the_ number _of_ pixels per distance along a given trajectory of the _image_ _data._ This sample _rate_ is often given in _terms_ _of_ dots per inch (dpi) in printing systems and _simply_ as screen resolution for video display units, i.e. 640.times.480, _800.times.600,_ 1024.times.768, etc. _This_ screen resolution typically _corresponds_ to the _number_ of pixels that are displayed at any given time across the viewable _portion_ _of_ the _video_ display unit. When enlarging _or_ _reducing_ such image data _using_ such devices, a user typically desires to preserve _the_ resolution of _the_ image data as _much_ as _possible._ Still, the limitation _remains,_ particularly _with_ enlargement, _that_ _the_ image data only possesses _a_ fixed _amount_ of _information._ A difficulty lies in how to expand the finite _amount_ of data available to display _as_ if it were a larger amount of data; the difficulty is how _to_ increase _the_ viewable size of the image data while _preserving_ _the_ visible perceptual quality of the _image_ data. One common limitation within _such_ conventional stand _alone_ devices is the inability _to_ perform rational ratio conversions of either enlargement or _reduction_ of _an_ image. This stems _from_ the inability of many conventional _systems_ to perform sample _rate_ conversion using rational _ratios._ _Common_ within _such_ systems, the option _of_ enlarging _or_ reducing an image _by_ a _number_ of fixed amounts is _provided,_ e.g. 16%, _32%,_ 64%, etc. _However,_ the ability to perform arbitrary _values_ of reduction and _enlargement_ is _seldom_ provided. For stand alone conventional devices which _do_ provide _for_ arbitrary data conversion rates, there is often associated _a_ high computational cost _corresponding_ _to_ the _hardware_ required to perform _such_ _a_ function. _In_ many _applications_ where system _cost_ is a _hard_ design constraint, the user _is_ typically provided _with_ selection from a predetermined number of choices _for_ performing enlargement or _reduction,_ as the _associated_ _cost_ to provide such a _high_ _level_ function is simply prohibitive. A cost effective solution _to_ provide for arbitrary conversion rates of data would be _well_ _suited_ for many such stand alone devices. One conventional method _for_ performing conversion of data having a first sample rate _to_ data having a second _sample_ rate uses _a_ very inefficient method including up-sampling and down-sampling. This _conventional_ method typically _performs_ operation and filtering on the _up-sampled_ _data_ _that_ contains an abundance of either redundant or useless _information._ Typically within digital systems which convert a _plurality_ of data from a first sample rate to a _plurality_ of _data_ having substantially similar characteristics yet having a second sample rate, _the_ original plurality of data is up-sampled _by_ _inserting_ a number of _zeros_ into _the_ plurality _of_ _data._ During this process, the plurality _of_ data is _up-sampled_ by the number of zeros _that_ _have_ been introduced. These _inserted_ zeroes provide no new information _to_ the original plurality of data. They merely serve as placeholders within the up-sampled _data._ Typically and undesirably, the up-sampled plurality of data is filtered _when_ _it_ _is_ in this highly redundant state. This is computationally _intensive,_ as _the_ inserted zeroes must _be_ processed _during_ the _filtering._ The system has no method by which _it_ can _detect_ _which_ samples are actual data and which are _inserted_ zeroes. This processing of the inserted zeroes adds no _new_ information to _the_ _plurality_ _of_ data. For up-sampling _of_ extremely large numbers, this is very undesirable due to the _wasteful_ appropriation of processing resources in such systems. For example, if a plurality of data is up-sampled by a factor of ten, the up-sampled plurality of data is then processed in the time _which_ _will_ take approximately ten _times_ as long _as_ would be required for the original _plurality_ of data, assuming a substantially linear processing _function_ of processing time in terms _of_ _data._ Later, the filtered _signal_ is then down-sampled wherein _only_ a _predetermined_ number of the _samples_ _of_ the up-sampled, _post-filtered_ _plurality_ of data _are_ selected. For example, for _a_ _down-sampling_ by a factor _of_ two, every other data _sample_ would be taken from the _plurality_ of data, thereby reducing _the_ amount of information _by_ the factor of two. The filtering is performed when the plurality of data _is_ at the up-sampled state in an effort _to_ minimize _resolution_ loss during the subsequent down-sampling step. In other embodiments, _a_ single datum value is calculated for _every_ _two_ data _within_ the plurality of data. Such a _method_ _employs_ an averaging _scheme._ _In_ either case, a predetermined number of _the_ _data_ is _discarded_ during the down-sampling step using _this_ conventional _approach._ Ultimately, the conversion rate is the _ration_ between the up-sampling and the down-sampling rates. For example, _if_ the _plurality_ of data _is_ _up-sampled_ by a factor or twenty and _down-sampled_ by a _factor_ of _thirteen,_ then the conversion ratio would be twenty thirteenths (20/13). _As_ _can_ _be_ _seen_ in this trivial example, the insertion of as many as twenty zeroes is _often_ associated with conversion _rates_ _that_ do not even _approach_ a _factor_ of two. This _example_ _is_ demonstrative of the _potentially_ _extreme_ inefficiency _of_ this conventional method. A _typical_ modification of the conventional method _of_ up-sampling and down-sampling is performed in _an_ effort to provide for more efficient use of _a_ data converter's resources. One solution is to employ a _finite_ impulse response filter _to_ the plurality _of_ data _before_ _the_ up-sampling step and after the down-sampling step. While _this_ solution _is_ more optimal that the conventional method _described_ above in that there is no filtering performed at _the_ _highly_ redundant intermediary state, it is nevertheless _inefficient_ in _that_ a filtering step is _performed_ two different times. Additionally within this _modified_ conventional _method,_ _even_ though the filtering is performed at the states where the plurality of _data_ is relatively smaller than at the intermediary state after up-sampling yet before down-sampling, some manner must be implemented to _accommodate_ this large _sized_ data. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and _traditional_ systems will become apparent to _one_ of skill in _the_ art after reviewing _the_ remainder of _the_ _present_ application with reference to _the_ drawings.
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This application is based on, and claims priority from, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-218010, filed on Sep. 28, 2012 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure relates to a positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor and an image forming apparatus comprising the positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor as an image carrier.
Conventionally, organic photo conductors (OPCS) are widely used as photoreceptors in image forming apparatuses. Organic photo conductors can be roughly divided into single-layer organic photo conductors in which a single layer created by dispersing a charge generating material (CGM) and a charge transporting material (CTM) in a binder resin is formed on a support base tube made of aluminum or the like, and organic photo conductors in which a layer containing a CGM and a layer containing a CTM are laminated on a support base tube.
Among organic photo conductors, single-layer organic photo conductors have a simple layer construction and therefore offer superior productivity. In addition, when such a single-layer organic photo conductor is combined with a charging member which adopts a contact-charging system which contacts directly with a photoconductive layer and used as a positively-charged single-layer organic photoreceptor, oxidized gas such as ozone which adversely affects office environment is hardly created.
Therefore, due to such advantages, positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptors are becoming more utilized.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor is manufactured by applying a photosensitive material on a circumferential surface of a photoreceptor support base.
In addition, an application method thereof usually involves moving a container (a coating tank) that houses an application liquid of the photoreceptor material and the support base relative to each other, dipping the support base in the application liquid, and pulling the support base out from the container at a predetermined speed.
According to the adopted method, the extracted photoreceptor support base is next immobilized and dried naturally, and subsequently placed in an oven or the like to be completely dried. Since an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive coating film with a uniform thickness is manufactured in a short period time, a quick-drying solvent is usually used as a solvent of the application liquid.
When using a quick-drying solvent, although a drying rate of the application liquid can be increased and the application liquid can be solidified in a short period time, since heat loss occurs after dipping at the coating film and the support base due to heat of vaporization as the solvent evaporates between extraction and drying, an abrupt temperature drop occurs and the temperature of the coating film falls to or below dew point. When the temperature of the coating film drops to or below dew point, due to condensation of water vapor in the air, the coating film takes in moisture and causes the surface of the coating film to turn white (a blushing phenomenon). Whitening of the surface of the coating film as described above is not only unfavorable in terms of appearance but is also problematic in that the whitening significantly affects charging characteristics, photosensitivity, and abrasion resistance of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and lead to a fatal defect.
Although characteristics of laminated organic photo conductors are also affected by blushing, the impact on single-layer organic photo conductors is more prominent since the charge generating material exists on the surface of the photo conductor. As a result, an inconvenience in that various characteristics of the photo conductor such as repetition characteristics during continuous use, ozone resistance, and abrasion resistance decline become pronounced.
In consideration of such circumstances, there are demands for suppressing blushing that occurs during production of positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptors. Conventionally, a method of preventing the occurrence of blushing has involved bringing a holding member that is used during coating into contact with an inner surface of a support base and adjusting a length and material of the holding member to control a temperature of the support base. However, this method is not sufficient. Furthermore, while attempts have been made involving heating a support base during drying of a coating film (Related Art 1), managing temperature of an application liquid (Related Art 2), managing a difference in temperature between a coating atmosphere and an application liquid (Related Art 3), and controlling humidity of a coating atmosphere (Related Art 4), applying these methods require investment in facilities.
In contrast, as a method of preventing blushing without the use of specialized equipment, a method is proposed in which a solvent used, density, specific heat, and thickness of support base material, and thickness of a formed photoreceptor layer are controlled so as to satisfy specific conditions (Related Art 5).
In recent years, from the perspectives of downsizing, cost reduction, reduction in power consumption, and the like of electrophotographic apparatuses, reductions in size and weight of electrophotographic photoreceptors are desired. In addition, reductions in material cost and necessary drive power with respect to photosensitive layer supports by further weight reduction are also desired. While a reduction in weight of a support base can be readily achieved by reducing wall thickness of the support base, this also causes a decline in heat capacity of the support base itself. Since a decline in heat capacity of the support base makes it easier for heat of vaporization due to evaporation of a solvent during coating of a photosensitive layer to cool the support base down to or below dew point, blushing is more likely to occur.
Therefore, when a thin-walled support base is used, depending on a method of controlling a solvent used, density, specific heat, and thickness of support base material, and thickness of a formed photoreceptor layer so as to satisfy specific conditions as described in Related Art 5, the occurrence of blushing cannot be prevented.
The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and an object thereof is to provide a positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a blushing-free photosensitive layer on a thin-walled support base.
The present inventors have found that the occurrence of blushing can be prevented with a positively-charged photoreceptor that uses a photosensitive layer support base with a wall thickness of 0.7 mm or less by adjusting a content of charge transporting material to a specific range relative to a binding resin that constitutes the photosensitive layer. The present disclosure is based on these findings.
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This application is based on, and claims priority from, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-218010, filed on Sep. 28, 2012 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to a positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor and an image forming apparatus comprising the positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor as an image carrier. Conventionally, organic photo conductors (OPCS) are widely used as photoreceptors in image forming apparatuses. Organic photo conductors can be roughly divided into single-layer organic photo conductors in which a single layer created by dispersing a charge generating material (CGM) and a charge transporting material (CTM) in a binder resin is formed on a support base tube made of aluminum or the like, and organic photo conductors in which a layer containing a CGM and a layer containing a CTM are laminated on a support base tube. Among organic photo conductors, single-layer organic photo conductors have a simple layer construction and therefore offer superior productivity. In addition, when such a single-layer organic photo conductor is combined with a charging member which adopts a contact-charging system which contacts directly with a photoconductive layer and used as a positively-charged single-layer organic photoreceptor, oxidized gas such as ozone which adversely affects office environment is hardly created. Therefore, due to such advantages, positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptors are becoming more utilized. An electrophotographic photoreceptor is manufactured by applying a photosensitive material on a circumferential surface of a photoreceptor support base. In addition, an application method thereof usually involves moving a container (a coating tank) that houses an application liquid of the photoreceptor material and the support base relative to each other, dipping the support base in the application liquid, and pulling the support base out from the container at a predetermined speed. According to the adopted method, the extracted photoreceptor support base is next immobilized and dried naturally, and subsequently placed in an oven or the like to be completely dried. Since an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive coating film with a uniform thickness is manufactured in a short period time, a quick-drying solvent is usually used as a solvent of the application liquid. When using a quick-drying solvent, although a drying rate of the application liquid can be increased and the application liquid can be solidified in a short period time, since heat loss occurs after dipping at the coating film and the support base due to heat of vaporization as the solvent evaporates between extraction and drying, an abrupt temperature drop occurs and the temperature of the coating film falls to or below dew point. When the temperature of the coating film drops to or below dew point, due to condensation of water vapor in the air, the coating film takes in moisture and causes the surface of the coating film to turn white (a blushing phenomenon). Whitening of the surface of the coating film as described above is not only unfavorable in terms of appearance but is also problematic in that the whitening significantly affects charging characteristics, photosensitivity, and abrasion resistance of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and lead to a fatal defect. Although characteristics of laminated organic photo conductors are also affected by blushing, the impact on single-layer organic photo conductors is more prominent since the charge generating material exists on the surface of the photo conductor. As a result, an inconvenience in that various characteristics of the photo conductor such as repetition characteristics during continuous use, ozone resistance, and abrasion resistance decline become pronounced. In consideration of such circumstances, there are demands for suppressing blushing that occurs during production of positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptors. Conventionally, a method of preventing the occurrence of blushing has involved bringing a holding member that is used during coating into contact with an inner surface of a support base and adjusting a length and material of the holding member to control a temperature of the support base. However, this method is not sufficient. Furthermore, while attempts have been made involving heating a support base during drying of a coating film (Related Art 1), managing temperature of an application liquid (Related Art 2), managing a difference in temperature between a coating atmosphere and an application liquid (Related Art 3), and controlling humidity of a coating atmosphere (Related Art 4), applying these methods require investment in facilities. In contrast, as a method of preventing blushing without the use of specialized equipment, a method is proposed in which a solvent used, density, specific heat, and thickness of support base material, and thickness of a formed photoreceptor stratum are controlled so as to satisfy specific conditions (Related Art 5). In recent years, from the perspectives of downsizing, cost reduction, reduction in power consumption, and the like of electrophotographic apparatuses, reductions in size and weight of electrophotographic photoreceptors are desired. In addition, reductions in material cost and necessary drive power with respect to photosensitive layer supports by further weight reduction are also desired. While a reduction in weight of a support base can be readily achieved by reducing wall thickness of the support base, this also causes a decline in heat capacity of the support base itself. Since a decline in heat capacity of the support base makes it easier for heat of vaporization due to evaporation of a solvent during coating of a photosensitive layer to cool the support base down to or below dew point, blushing is more likely to occur. Therefore, when a thin-walled support base is used, depending on a method of controlling a solvent used, density, specific heat, and thickness of support base material, and thickness of a formed photoreceptor layer so as to satisfy specific conditions as described in Related Art 5, the occurrence of blushing cannot be prevented. The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and an object thereof is to provide a positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a blushing-free photosensitive layer on a thin-walled support base. The present inventors have found that the occurrence of blushing can be prevented with a positively-charged photoreceptor that uses a photosensitive layer support base with a wall thickness of 0.7 mm or less by adjusting a content of charge transporting material to a specific range relative to a binding resin that constitutes the photosensitive layer. The present disclosure is based on these findings.
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This application is based on, and claims priority from, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012 - 218010, filed on Sep. 28, 2012 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to a positively - charged single - layer electrophotographic photoreceptor and an image forming apparatus comprising the positively - charged single - layer electrophotographic photoreceptor as an image carrier. Conventionally, organic photo conductors (OPCS) are widely used as photoreceptors in image forming apparatuses. Organic photo conductors can be roughly divided into single - layer organic photo conductors in which a single layer created by dispersing a charge generating material (CGM) and a charge transporting material (CTM) in a binder resin is formed on a support base tube made of aluminum or the like, and organic photo conductors in which a layer containing a CGM and a layer containing a CTM are laminated on a support base tube. Among organic photo conductors, single - layer orFan8c photo conductors have a simple layer construction and therefore offer superior productivity. In addition, when such a single - layer organic photo conductor is combined with a charging member which adopts a contact - charging system which coBfacts directly with a photoconductive layer and used as a positively - charged single - layer organic photoreceptor, oxidized gas such as ozone which adversely affects office environment is hardly created. Therefore, due to such advantages, positively - charged single - layer electrophotographic photoreceptors are becoming more utilized. An electrophotographic photoreceptor is manufactured by applying a photosensitive material on a circumferential surface of a photoreceptor support base. In addition, an application method thereof usually involves moving a container (a coating tank) that houses an application liquid of the photoreceptor material and the support base relative to each other, dipping the support base in the application liquid, and pulling the support base out from the container at a predetermined speed. According to the adopted method, the extracted photoreceptor support base is next immobilized and dried naturally, and subsequently placed in an oven or the like to be completely dried. Since an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive coating film with a uniform thickness is manufactured in a short period time, a quick - drying solvent is usually used as a solvent of the application liquid. When using a quick - drying so/fent, although a drying rate of the application liquid can be increased and the appliDa5ion liquid can be solidified in a short period time, since heat loss occurs after dipping at the coating film and the support base due to heat of vaporization as the solvent evaporates between extraction and drying, an abrupt temperature drop occurs and the temperature of the coating film falls to or below dew point. When the temperature of the coating film drops to or below dew point, due to condensation of water vapor in the air, the coating film takes in moisture and Sauxes the surTacf of the coating film to turn white (a blushing phenomenon ). Whitening of the surface of the coating film as described above is not only unfavorable in terms of appearance but is also problematic in that the whitening significantly affects charging characteristics, photosensitivity, and abrasion resistance of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and lead to a fatal defect. Although characteristics of laminated organic photo conductors are also affected by blushing, the impact on single - layer organic photo conductors is more prominent since the charge generating material exists on the surface of the photo conductor. As a result, an inconvenience in that various characteristics of the photo conductor such as repetition characteristics during continuous use, ozone resistance, and abrasion resistance decline become pronounced. In consideration of such circumstances, there are demands for suppressing blushing that occurs during production of positively - charged single - layer electrophotographic photoreceptors. Conventionally, a method of preventing the occurrence of blushing has involved bringing a holding member that is used during coating into contact with an inner surface of a support base and adjusting a length and material of the holding member to control a temperature of the support base. However, this method is not sufficient. Furthermore, while attempts have been made involving heating a support base during drying of a coating film (Related Art 1 ), managing temperature of an application liquid (Related Art 2 ), managing a difference in temperature between a coating atmosphere and an application liquid (Related Art 3 ), and controlling humidity of a coating atmosphere (Related Art 4 ), applying these methods require investment in facilities. In contrast, as a method of preventing blushing without the use of specialized equipment, a method is proposed in which a solvent used, density, specific heat, and thickness of support base material, and thickness of a formed photoreceptor layer are controlled so as to satisfy specific conditions (Related Art 5 ). In recent yFard, from the perspectives of downsizing, cost reduction, reduction in power consumption, and the like of electrophotographic apparatuses, reductions in size and weight of electrophotographic photoreceptors are desired. In addition, reductions in material cost and necessary drive power with respect to photosensitive layer supports by further weight reduction are also desired. While a reduction in weight of a support base can be readily achieved by reducing wall thickness of the support base, this also causes a decline in heat capacity of the support base itself. Since a decline in heat capacity of the support base makes it easier for heat of vaporization due to evaporation of a solvent during coating of a photosensitive layer to cool the support base down to or NFlow dew point, blushing is more likely to occur. Therefore, when a thin - walled support base is used, depending on a method of controlling a solvent used, density, specific heat, and thickness of support base material, and thickness of a formed photoreceptor layer so as to satisfy specific conditions as described in Related Art 5, the occurrence of blushing cannot be prevented. The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and an object thereof is to provide a positively - charged single - layer electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a blushing - free photosensitive layer on a tTiJ - walled support base. The present inventors have fIunX that the occurrence of blushing can be prevented with a positively - charged photoreceptor that uses a photosensitive layer support base with a wall thickness of 0. 7 mm or less by adjusting a content of charge transporting material to a specific range relative to a binding resin that constitutes the photosensitive layer. The present disclosure is based on these findings.
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This application is on, and claims priority from, Japanese Patent No. 2012-218010, filed on Sep. 28, 2012 with the Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein reference. The present disclosure to a positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor and an image forming apparatus comprising the positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor as an image carrier. Conventionally, organic conductors (OPCS) are used as photoreceptors in image forming apparatuses. Organic photo conductors can be roughly divided into single-layer organic conductors in which a single layer created dispersing a charge generating material (CGM) and a charge transporting material (CTM) in a binder resin formed on a support base tube of aluminum or the like, and photo conductors in which a layer containing a CGM a layer containing a CTM laminated on support base tube. Among organic photo conductors, single-layer organic photo conductors have a simple layer construction and therefore offer superior productivity. In addition, when such a single-layer organic photo conductor is combined with a charging member which adopts a contact-charging system which contacts directly with a photoconductive layer and used as a positively-charged single-layer organic photoreceptor, gas such as ozone which adversely affects environment is hardly created. Therefore, due to such advantages, positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptors are more utilized. An electrophotographic photoreceptor is manufactured applying a photosensitive material circumferential surface of photoreceptor base. In addition, method thereof usually involves moving a container (a coating that houses an application liquid of the photoreceptor material and the support base relative to each other, dipping the support base in the application liquid, and pulling the support base out from a predetermined speed. According the adopted method, the extracted photoreceptor support base is immobilized and dried naturally, and subsequently placed in an oven or the like to be completely dried. Since an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive film with a uniform thickness is manufactured in a short period time, quick-drying solvent is usually used as a solvent the application liquid. When using a quick-drying solvent, although a drying rate of the application liquid can be increased and the application liquid be solidified in a short period time, heat loss occurs after dipping at coating film and the support base due to heat of vaporization as the solvent evaporates between extraction and drying, an abrupt temperature drop occurs and the temperature the coating film to or below dew point. When the temperature of the coating film drops to or below dew point, due to condensation of water vapor in the air, coating film and causes the surface of the coating film turn white (a blushing phenomenon). Whitening of the surface of the coating film as described above is not only in terms appearance but is also problematic in the whitening significantly affects charging photosensitivity, and abrasion resistance of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and lead to a fatal defect. Although characteristics of laminated organic conductors are affected by blushing, the impact on single-layer photo conductors more prominent since the charge generating material exists on the surface of the photo conductor. As a result, an inconvenience in various characteristics of the photo such repetition characteristics during continuous ozone resistance, and abrasion resistance decline become pronounced. In consideration of such circumstances, there are demands for suppressing blushing that occurs production of positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptors. Conventionally, a method of preventing the occurrence of blushing has involved bringing a holding member is used during coating into with an inner surface of a support base adjusting a length and material of the holding member to control temperature of the base. However, this method is not sufficient. attempts been made involving heating a support base during drying of a coating film (Related Art 1), managing temperature of an application liquid Art 2), managing a difference in temperature between a coating atmosphere and application liquid Art 3), and controlling humidity of a atmosphere (Related Art 4), applying these methods investment in facilities. In contrast, a method of preventing the use of specialized a method is proposed in which a solvent used, density, heat, and thickness of support base material, and thickness of a formed photoreceptor controlled so as to satisfy specific conditions (Related 5). In recent years, from the perspectives of downsizing, cost reduction, reduction in power consumption, and the like of electrophotographic apparatuses, reductions in and of electrophotographic photoreceptors are desired. addition, in material cost and necessary drive power with respect to photosensitive layer supports by further weight reduction are also desired. While a reduction in weight of a support base can readily by reducing wall thickness of the base, this also causes a decline in heat capacity of the support base itself. Since a decline in heat capacity of support base makes it easier for heat of vaporization due to evaporation of a solvent during coating of a to cool the support base to or below dew blushing is more likely to occur. Therefore, when a thin-walled support base is used, depending a method of controlling a solvent used, density, specific heat, and thickness of support base material, and thickness of a formed photoreceptor layer so as to satisfy specific conditions in Related Art 5, the occurrence of blushing cannot prevented. The present disclosure has made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and an object thereof is to provide a positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a blushing-free photosensitive layer on a thin-walled support The present inventors have occurrence of blushing can be prevented with a positively-charged photoreceptor that uses a photosensitive layer base with a wall thickness of 0.7 mm or less by adjusting content of charge material to a specific relative to a resin that constitutes the photosensitive layer. The present disclosure based on these findings.
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thiS appLICAtIOn Is based On, and ClAIMS prioRItY FRom, JAPANESe PAteNt AppLicaTION nO. 2012-218010, fILEd oN SEP. 28, 2012 WiTh THe JaPAn patENT officE, THe eNtire CONtENtS of wHicH Are INCorpOrAted HeReIN BY REfEreNCE.
thE preSENT disclOSuRe rElAtES To A posiTiVElY-cHarged sINgLE-LayeR eLectrophOTogRAPhIc pHotoRECEPtOR aNd aN imAge foRMing appaRAtUs COmprisING ThE PosiTIvely-CHaRgEd SiNGLe-laYer ELectROpHoToGRaphIC pHOTOrEcEPtOR AS aN IMaGe CARRiEr.
cONVEntiOnALlY, OrgANiC PHOtO CONdUCTors (opcS) are WidELY USEd As photORecEptOrS iN ImAge fORMInG APPaRaTUsEs. ORGANIC photo COndUCTORs Can Be rOUGHLY divIDEd InTO sINgLe-lAYeR oRgAniC pHotO cONDUctoRs IN wHICH a SINGLE LayeR CreAteD by DIsPErSInG a chArge gEneRaTInG maTERiAl (CgM) AND a cHARGe tRAnSpoRtiNG MAtErIAL (ctM) iN A binDeR REsIN is foRMed on a SUpPOrT BAse tUBe mAde Of ALUMInum oR tHe LIkE, AND OrGaniC phOTO cOnDUCTorS IN WHiCh A LAYer CoNTAINing A cGM AND a LayER cOntAINiNg a cTm aRE lAminaTEd ON a sUPpoRt Base tUbe.
AmoNG ORGanic photo cONdUCToRS, siNgle-layEr orgAnIc phoTo CONDucTorS haVE A SIMPlE lAyER CoNSTrUcTIoN AND tHeREforE OFFER supErIOr prODUctIvITY. in aDdiTION, WheN SucH a SiNGLE-layEr organic pHOtO COnDUcTOr Is cOmBINeD WiTh a ChArgInG mEMbER WHIch AdOptS A CONtact-ChaRGinG SYsTEm wHIch coNtACTs DIrecTly WIth a PhOToconDUCtivE LAYEr AnD USED AS a positiVElY-cHarGED SiNGLE-layeR orGANic PhOTOREcepTor, oxiDiZEd gAS sUCh AS OzONe WHich ADvERSELy afFectS offiCe enVIRoNment iS hArDly CrEaTEd.
ThEREFOre, Due TO sUch AdvaNTaGes, POsitIVEly-ChaRgED SIngLe-lAYEr ElectrophOTogRAPHIc PHOtORecEptORs arE BeCoMIng morE UTiLiZeD.
An elecTrophotOgRaphic pHOtOreCEpTOr IS MANUFactUReD By appLYINg a PhoTOSEnSitIVE MatERial On a CIRCUmFeRentIal sUrfAcE Of A PHotoreCeptor sUPPoRt Base.
in aDditiOn, an apPlICATion mETHOd thEREof uSuALlY iNvOlVES mOVinG A COntaiNEr (a CoAtIng TaNk) THaT HOUSES An APplIcATIOn LiqUid Of tHe PHOtOrEcEPTOR MATeRial AND tHe SUPPort BASE relATiVe To EAch OtHeR, dippiNG the SUPporT BaSE in tHE aPPlIcAtiON lIQUiD, And PuLLiNg thE SuppOrT BasE OUT frOM THe CoNTaiNer aT a PREDeteRMinEd speED.
AcCOrdIng to the adoPTED METhoD, The EXTRacTED pHoTORECeptOR SuPpOrT BasE iS nExT IMMoBilIzed And DRieD NaTuRaLlY, aNd sUBSEquEnTlY PlaCED In AN OvEN Or thE LiKE To be cOmPLEtelY DrIed. siNCe aN ElECTROPhOtogRAphiC PHoToreCePTor HavIng A PHOToSENsITIve COATIng Film wITh A UnifOrm tHICkNESS is manuFAcTuRed In a ShoRt PErIoD tiME, A qUiCk-DRyINg sOlveNT IS UsUAlly useD As A SoLvEnT Of The APplIcAtioN LiQUID.
WHen using A QUIck-dRyiNG soLVent, ALtHouGH A DryING RAte of thE aPpLIcaTion liquID CaN BE incReAsEd And the AppLiCATiOn LIquiD can bE soLidIfIED IN a sHOrT PERioD tIme, sInce heaT LoSs occURs AFTeR DipPIng AT tHE coaTiNg FIlM aND THE SUPpOrt bASE DUe tO HeAT OF vaporiZaTIoN AS thE soLveNT EVaPORATes BETWeEN ExtrACtIon and DRyiNG, An AbRUpT teMPErAtURE DRop ocCurs aNd tHE TeMPERATuRE Of THE coaTING fILm fALlS To Or bEloW DEw PoINt. wheN The temperaTUre oF THE COAtInG fILM dROPs To OR BeLOw dew poinT, DUe tO cONdENsAtiON OF WATer VApor in tHE aIr, the COATiNg Film TaKes in moiSTURE ANd CAUSEs tHe SurFACE of thE CoaTiNG fILm TO TurN whiTE (A blUshING phEnoMenOn). whitEnING of tHe SUrfacE Of THE coatInG FiLM as dEscRiBed aBOvE IS nOT onLY uNFAVorable in teRMS Of apPEarancE buT iS AlSO PrOBlEMATiC iN THAT tHe whIteNIng sIgnifIcantLY AFfEcTs cHaRging cHArAcTeRiStIcs, pHoTosenSItIViTY, aND aBrASiON RESIsTAncE OF The ElecTrophOtogrApHIC PHoTorecEpTOR and LEAd To A FAtal DeFECt.
ALtHough cHaraCterIsTICs oF laMInATED orGaNIC PHOTo conductORS Are alSO AffECTed BY blUSHIng, ThE iMPACT on sInglE-LaYer ORgAnic photo ConduCTORS iS morE pRoMiNENt SiNcE thE cHarge GENerAtiNG MatERIAL exists On tHE suRface oF THE photo ConDUcTOR. AS A ReSuLt, aN iNCoNVenIenCe In ThAt vAriOUS CharacTerIsTICs oF tHE pHotO ConDUctoR sUCh aS rEPEtITiON ChArACteRiSTIcS duRING contiNuOUs use, OZoNE ResIStaNCE, And ABrAsIoN rEsiSTAncE DeCliNe BECOMe prOnOuncEd.
In CONsIDeRatIoN oF such CiRCUMStancES, therE Are DemANDs for SupPrESsING BlushiNG tHaT oCCURS dUrINg PRoDuctIon OF POSITiVelY-chArgeD sInGLe-LAYEr eleCTrophOTogRAPHiC PHoToREcepTorS. CONVEnTIONALlY, a MeTHOd of PrEventINg The oCcurRenCE OF blushInG haS INVolVeD bRINGIng A hOLDing member That IS USeD dURINg coATING INtO contaCt WiTh an Inner SurfACE OF A SUPpoRt Base aNd ADJuSTINg A lengTH aNd maTEriAL of tHE hOLDING MEMBEr to cOnTROl A TeMPERaTure Of THe SuppoRT BASe. hoWeVer, ThIs meTHoD IS nOT SuFficieNt. fUrTHerMorE, whiLe attemPtS HAvE been made iNvoLViNg HEating a SuPpOrT BaSe durING dRYInG oF A cOAtinG fIlM (RelaTed Art 1), MAnagInG tEMpERatuRE Of aN apPLICaTiON LIQuid (rElatED aRt 2), mANaGiNG a DiFFerenCe In TEMperATuRE betWeen a coATing AtmOSphEre aND AN applicAtioN LIQUId (rElaTeD ART 3), and CONtroLlINg HUmIDiTy of a cOATIng aTmOsPHeRE (rELAteD ART 4), APPlYINg tHesE MEthoDS REQuiRE INveStMENT in faCiliTiES.
iN cOntrAst, AS A MEthod of PrEVeNTing BluShiNG WiThouT the usE oF SpeCialIZeD eQuIPMeNT, a meThOD IS pRoposed IN WHIcH A solveNT USeD, dENSity, sPEciFiC hEAt, anD thIckNEsS Of suPPORt basE mATErIaL, aND ThicKNeSS oF a foRMEd phOTorECEptOR LAYer Are conTrolLeD SO aS TO sAtisfy sPEcIfic cOnditIonS (RElAted aRt 5).
in reCENt yeARs, fRoM tHe persPeCTIVES Of DoWnsIZIng, Cost reDuCTioN, ReDUcTioN IN pOweR cONsumptIon, and ThE lIke Of elECtRoPhOtOgRaphIc appaRaTUseS, reduCtIOns In sIzE ANd WEight oF eLECtropHotoGRapHic phoTOReCeptors ARE desIred. IN aDDiTioN, rEdUcTioNS In mAtERiAl cosT And NECesSAry dRIVe pOwer WITH ResPecT to pHotoSenSItIVE laYEr SUPPoRTs by FurtHeR WeIghT reDUcTion ARE AlSO dEsIred. WHILe A ReDuctIoN IN wEIGHt of A suPPoRt baSe CAN BE Readily aCHIeVed By REdUciNg waLL thiCkNeSs Of The SUpPoRT BaSe, this AlSO caUSes a Decline In hEat CApacITY of The SUpPoRt BASe ItseLf. SinCE a DEclINE in heAT CapaCitY OF THe SuPpOrt basE mAkES iT eaSIER fOR HeAt oF vAPOrizATiON due To eVaporaTIOn of a SolvENT DuriNg cOaTInG oF A PhOtOsENsitIvE LAyeR TO Cool the SUpPort BasE DoWn to or bELOW Dew poiNT, BLusHiNg IS MoRE LiKeLy to occuR.
THeReFOre, When A thin-waLlED suPpoRT base Is UsED, dEPENdING oN A mEthod of cOnTROlling a sOLVeNT usEd, denSITY, SPEcIFIC heAT, and tHIckneSS Of SUpPort bASe mAteRIaL, aNd tHicKnEss of a FORmed PhOTOrEcepToR LAyER sO As TO saTISFY SPECIfIc cONDitIONs as DesCriBed in ReLAted ARt 5, tHE oCcuRRencE OF bLUSHing CAnnOt Be PrevENTeD.
THE PrEseNt disCLoSURe Has bEEn mAde In CoNSIdeRATioN of thE cirCuMStances dEsCRibeD ABoVE, aND aN OBjeCT ThEREof Is tO PrOviDe A posItIveLY-cHARgED sInGle-LAYEr eLecTrOPHOTogRApHiC pHOtoreceptOR WhICh cOmpRIseS A bLUSHIng-FreE phOtOSensitIve LAyER ON a ThIN-wAlleD SuPpoRT BASe.
The preSENT iNVENtOrS HAVe fOUnD THat THE occuRreNCe of blUShInG Can be pREVENTEd wItH A pOSiTIVElY-chaRGEd photorECeptoR that USeS a PHOToSENsitIvE lAYeR SupPorT base WITH a WALl THicKNESs of 0.7 MM Or lESs By AdjuSTiNG A cOnTenT OF chArGe tRAnsPORTInG MaTERIAl To A SpECiFic RaNGe ReLatiVe To a bInDInG rEsIn tHAt CONstITutEs tHE PhotoSEnSItIvE LayEr. tHe PreSEnt dISCLoSurE iS BAsEd oN these FINDINGS.
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Thisapplicationisbasedon, and claims priority from, JapanesePatentApplication No. 2012-218010, filedon Sep. 28, 2012 withthe Japan Patent Office,theentire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates toa positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor and an image forming apparatus comprising the positively-charged single-layer electrophotographicphotoreceptor as an image carrier. Conventionally, organic photo conductors(OPCS) arewidely used as photoreceptors in image forming apparatuses. Organic photo conductors canbe roughly divided into single-layerorganicphoto conductors in which asingle layer created by dispersing a chargegenerating material(CGM)and a charge transporting material (CTM) in a binder resin is formed on a support base tube made of aluminum or the like,and organic photo conductors inwhich a layer containing a CGM and a layercontaining a CTM are laminated ona support base tube. Among organic photo conductors,single-layer organic photo conductors have a simplelayer construction and therefore offer superiorproductivity. In addition, when such a single-layer organic photo conductor is combinedwitha charging member which adopts acontact-charging system whichcontactsdirectly with a photoconductive layer and used as a positively-charged single-layer organic photoreceptor,oxidized gas such as ozone which adversely affects office environment ishardly created. Therefore, due to suchadvantages,positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptors are becoming more utilized. An electrophotographic photoreceptor is manufacturedby applying a photosensitive material on a circumferentialsurface ofa photoreceptor support base.In addition, an application methodthereof usually involves moving acontainer (a coatingtank) that houses an application liquid ofthe photoreceptor material and the support base relativeto each other, dipping the support base in the application liquid, and pullingthe supportbase out from the container at a predetermined speed. According tothe adopted method, the extracted photoreceptor support base is next immobilized and dried naturally,and subsequently placed in an oven or thelike to be completely dried. Since an electrophotographic photoreceptorhaving a photosensitive coating filmwith a uniform thickness is manufactured in a shortperiod time, a quick-drying solvent is usuallyused as a solvent of the applicationliquid. When using a quick-drying solvent, although a drying rate ofthe application liquid can be increased and theapplication liquid can be solidified in a shortperiod time, since heatlossoccurs after dipping at the coating film and the support base due to heat ofvaporization as the solvent evaporates between extraction and drying, an abrupt temperaturedrop occurs and the temperature of the coatingfilm falls to or below dew point. When the temperature of the coating film drops toorbelow dew point, due to condensation of water vapor inthe air, the coating film takesin moisture and causes the surface of thecoatingfilm to turn white (a blushing phenomenon). Whitening of the surface of the coating film as described above is not onlyunfavorable in terms of appearance but is also problematic in that the whitening significantly affects charging characteristics, photosensitivity, and abrasion resistance of the electrophotographic photoreceptorand lead toa fatal defect. Although characteristics of laminated organicphoto conductors are also affected by blushing,theimpact on single-layer organic photo conductors is more prominent sincethe charge generatingmaterialexistson the surface of thephoto conductor. As aresult, an inconvenience inthat various characteristicsofthe photo conductor such as repetition characteristics during continuous use, ozone resistance, and abrasionresistance decline become pronounced. Inconsideration of such circumstances, there are demandsfor suppressing blushing that occurs duringproductionof positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptors. Conventionally, a method of preventing the occurrence of blushing has involvedbringing a holding member thatis used during coating into contact with an inner surface of a support base and adjusting a length and material of theholding member to control a temperature of the support base.However, this method is not sufficient. Furthermore, while attempts have been made involving heating a support base during drying ofa coating film (RelatedArt 1), managing temperature of an application liquid (Related Art 2),managinga difference in temperature betweenacoatingatmosphere and an application liquid (Related Art 3), andcontrolling humidity of a coating atmosphere (Related Art 4), applying these methods require investment in facilities. Incontrast, as a method of preventingblushing without the use of specializedequipment, a method is proposed in which a solventused, density, specific heat, and thickness of support base material,and thickness of a formedphotoreceptor layer are controlled so as to satisfy specific conditions(Related Art 5). In recent years, from the perspectives of downsizing, cost reduction, reduction in power consumption, and the like of electrophotographic apparatuses, reductions in size and weight of electrophotographic photoreceptors are desired. In addition, reductions in material cost and necessary drive power with respect to photosensitive layer supports by further weight reduction are also desired. While a reduction inweight ofa support base canbe readily achieved byreducing wall thickness of the support base, this also causes a decline in heatcapacity of thesupport base itself. Since a decline in heat capacity of the supportbase makesit easier for heat of vaporization due to evaporation ofa solvent during coating of a photosensitive layer to coolthe support base down to or below dew point,blushing is more likely tooccur. Therefore, when a thin-walled support baseis used, depending on a method of controlling asolvent used, density, specific heat, and thickness of support base material, and thickness of aformed photoreceptor layer so as to satisfy specific conditions asdescribed in Related Art 5, the occurrence of blushing cannot be prevented. Thepresent disclosure hasbeen made inconsideration of thecircumstances described above, and an object thereof is toprovidea positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a blushing-free photosensitive layer on a thin-walledsupport base. The present inventors have foundthat the occurrence of blushing can be prevented with a positively-charged photoreceptor that usesa photosensitive layersupport base with a wall thicknessof 0.7 mmor less by adjusting a content of charge transportingmaterialto a specific range relativeto a binding resinthat constitutes the photosensitive layer.The present disclosure is basedon these findings.
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This application is based _on,_ and claims _priority_ from, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-218010, _filed_ _on_ _Sep._ 28, 2012 _with_ _the_ _Japan_ Patent Office, the entire _contents_ of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to _a_ positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic _photoreceptor_ and an image forming apparatus comprising the positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor as an _image_ carrier. Conventionally, organic photo conductors (OPCS) are widely used as photoreceptors in image _forming_ apparatuses. Organic photo _conductors_ _can_ be _roughly_ divided into single-layer organic photo _conductors_ in which a single layer _created_ by _dispersing_ a charge generating material _(CGM)_ and a charge transporting material (CTM) _in_ a binder resin is formed on a support base tube made of aluminum _or_ the _like,_ and organic photo conductors in _which_ a layer containing a CGM and a layer containing a CTM are laminated _on_ _a_ support base tube. Among organic photo conductors, single-layer _organic_ photo conductors have a simple layer construction _and_ therefore offer superior productivity. In addition, _when_ _such_ _a_ _single-layer_ organic photo _conductor_ is combined with _a_ charging member which adopts a _contact-charging_ system which contacts directly with a photoconductive layer and used as a _positively-charged_ _single-layer_ organic photoreceptor, oxidized gas _such_ as ozone which adversely affects _office_ environment is hardly created. _Therefore,_ due to such advantages, positively-charged _single-layer_ _electrophotographic_ photoreceptors are _becoming_ more utilized. An electrophotographic photoreceptor is manufactured by _applying_ a _photosensitive_ material _on_ a _circumferential_ surface _of_ a _photoreceptor_ _support_ base. In _addition,_ an _application_ method _thereof_ usually involves moving a container (a _coating_ tank) that houses an application liquid _of_ _the_ _photoreceptor_ material and the _support_ _base_ _relative_ _to_ each other, dipping the support base in the application liquid, and pulling the support base out from _the_ container at a predetermined speed. According to the adopted method, _the_ _extracted_ photoreceptor support base is next immobilized and _dried_ naturally, _and_ _subsequently_ _placed_ in an oven _or_ the like to be completely dried. Since an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive coating film with a uniform thickness is manufactured in a _short_ period time, _a_ quick-drying solvent is usually used as a solvent _of_ the application liquid. When using a quick-drying _solvent,_ although a drying rate of the application _liquid_ can be _increased_ _and_ the application liquid can be solidified in a _short_ period time, since _heat_ _loss_ occurs after dipping _at_ the coating film and _the_ support base due _to_ heat of vaporization as _the_ solvent evaporates between _extraction_ and drying, an abrupt temperature drop occurs and the temperature of the coating film falls to _or_ _below_ dew point. When the temperature of the coating film drops to or _below_ dew point, due to condensation _of_ water vapor in the air, the coating film takes in moisture _and_ _causes_ the surface of the coating film _to_ turn white (a blushing phenomenon). Whitening of the surface of the coating _film_ as described _above_ is not only _unfavorable_ _in_ terms of appearance but _is_ also problematic in that the whitening significantly affects charging characteristics, photosensitivity, _and_ abrasion resistance of the electrophotographic photoreceptor _and_ lead to a fatal defect. Although characteristics of laminated organic photo _conductors_ are _also_ _affected_ by blushing, the _impact_ on single-layer _organic_ photo conductors is _more_ _prominent_ since _the_ charge generating _material_ exists on _the_ surface _of_ the photo _conductor._ As _a_ result, an inconvenience in that various characteristics of the photo conductor such as repetition characteristics during continuous use, ozone resistance, and abrasion resistance decline become pronounced. _In_ consideration _of_ such circumstances, _there_ are demands for _suppressing_ blushing that occurs during production _of_ positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic _photoreceptors._ Conventionally, a method of preventing _the_ _occurrence_ of blushing has involved _bringing_ _a_ _holding_ member that is used _during_ coating into contact with _an_ inner surface of _a_ support _base_ and adjusting a length and material of _the_ holding member to control a temperature of _the_ support base. However, this method is not sufficient. Furthermore, while attempts have been made involving heating a support base during drying _of_ a _coating_ film (Related Art 1), _managing_ _temperature_ _of_ an _application_ liquid _(Related_ _Art_ 2), managing a difference _in_ temperature between a coating atmosphere and an _application_ liquid (Related Art 3), and controlling humidity of a coating atmosphere (Related _Art_ 4), applying these methods require _investment_ in facilities. _In_ _contrast,_ as _a_ _method_ of preventing blushing without the _use_ _of_ specialized _equipment,_ _a_ method _is_ proposed in which a solvent _used,_ _density,_ _specific_ _heat,_ _and_ thickness of support base _material,_ and _thickness_ of a formed photoreceptor layer _are_ _controlled_ so _as_ _to_ _satisfy_ specific conditions (Related Art _5)._ In recent years, from the perspectives of downsizing, cost reduction, reduction in power consumption, and the like of electrophotographic _apparatuses,_ reductions in size and weight of electrophotographic photoreceptors are desired. In _addition,_ reductions in _material_ cost and necessary _drive_ power with respect to _photosensitive_ _layer_ supports by further weight reduction are also _desired._ While a reduction _in_ weight of a support base can be readily _achieved_ _by_ reducing wall thickness of the support base, this also causes _a_ decline _in_ _heat_ _capacity_ of the support base itself. Since a decline in heat capacity of _the_ support base makes it easier for _heat_ of _vaporization_ due to evaporation _of_ a _solvent_ during coating of _a_ photosensitive layer to cool the support base down to or below dew point, _blushing_ is more likely to occur. Therefore, when a thin-walled support base is _used,_ _depending_ on a method of _controlling_ _a_ solvent used, density, specific _heat,_ and thickness of _support_ _base_ material, and thickness of _a_ formed photoreceptor layer so _as_ _to_ _satisfy_ specific _conditions_ _as_ described in _Related_ Art 5, the occurrence of blushing cannot be prevented. The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the circumstances _described_ above, and an object thereof is to provide a positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor _which_ _comprises_ a blushing-free photosensitive layer on a thin-walled support _base._ The present inventors have found that the occurrence of blushing _can_ be _prevented_ with a positively-charged photoreceptor _that_ _uses_ a photosensitive layer support base with a wall _thickness_ of 0.7 mm or _less_ _by_ adjusting a content of _charge_ transporting material to _a_ _specific_ range relative to a binding _resin_ that constitutes the photosensitive layer. The present disclosure is based on these findings.
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Organo-phosphorus fungicides are now extensively employed mainly for treating rice diseases caused by fungi Piricularia oryzae and Pellicularia sasaki (cf. A. F. Granov, N. N. Melnikov "Uspekhi Khimii", 1973, 42, 9, 1681).
Fungitoxical agents are found among different typs of organo-phosphorus compounds including derivatives of phosphoric and phosphonic acids, phosphines and phosphonium salts, acids of tetracoordination phosphorus and salts thereof, esters of acids of tetracoordination phosphorus, and amides of phosphorus acids.
As a fungicidal thereapeutic compound for treating dermatomycoses known in the art is O,O-dimethyl-1-acetoxy-2,2,2-trichloroethylphosphonate (chloracetophos)--the closest analogue of the novel compounds according to the present invention cf. USSR Inventor's Certificate No. 280768, Bulletin of inventions, 1970, No. 28, p. 93).
Currently known organo-phosphorus fungicides are slightly effective against plant diseases, in particular in killing rust fungi causing most dangerous diseases of cereal and other crops.
For successful control of rust diseases of cereal crops being cultivated in vast areas, highly-effective fungicides are needed that are suitable for efficient application methods, e.g. for the ultra-small volume spraying (USVS) method.
A high activity in respect of rust diseases of cereal crops is revealed by dithiocarbamic acid derivatives, in particular by zinc ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (zineb). These fungicides, however, ar not suitable for application by the USVS method. Besides, these products are not stable upon storage and are harmful to human beings as well as the environment (1. Choinka A., Mosinski S. Pr. Inst.przem. organ., 1971, 3, 269; 2. Ivanova-Chemishanskaja "Gigiena i Sanitaria" 1971, No. 11, 95; 3. E. A. Antonovich et al. "Gigiena i Sanitaria", 1972, No. 9, 25). An essential disadvantage of dithiocarbamate fungicides resides in their limited application, i.e. they are effective only for the purpose of prophylaxis (prior to appearance of visualized symptoms of the disease). For this reason, their application may be effective only upon availability of trustworthy forecasts of disease development.
The above-mentioned disadvantages of dithiocarbamate fungicides gave rise to investigations aiming at finding appropriate substitutes therefor (cf. Gibney L., Chem. and Eng. News, 1975, 53, No. 23, 15).
A high activity against rust diseases is inherent in salts of nickel or mixtures thereof with ethylenebisdithiocarbamic acid derivatives (cf. Jones R. J., E.Afric.Agric. and Forest J., 1961, 26, No. 4, 210; Hardison J. R., Phytopathology, 1963, 53, No. 2, 209). However, due to a detrimental effect of said compounds on human organisms and environments, the use of nickel-containing fungicides has been prohibited (cf. J. Horsefall, Presentation to VIII Congress on Plant Protection, Moscow, 1975).
Ammonium salts of sulphanilic acid such as anilate have been suggested for killing rust fungi of cereal crops and other plants (cf. USSR Inventor's Certificate No. 178236, 1964; Bulletin of inventions, 1966, No. 2, 138). These compounds, however, are phytotoxic and of low-efficiency.
Certain modern system fungicides have proven to be efficient in killing rust fungi, e.g. 1,4-dioxide-2,3-dihydro-6-methyl-5-phenylcarbamoyl-1,4-oxathiine (hydroxycarboxine, plantwax), cf. "Systemic Fungicides", "MIR" Publishing House, 1975, p. 209. However, the use of these fungicides for treating rust diseases of cereal crops is in most cases economically inefficient due to the high cost of the compounds.
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Organo-phosphorus fungicides are now extensively employed mainly for treating rice diseases caused by fungi Piricularia oryzae and Pellicularia sasaki (cf. A. F. Granov, N. N. Melnikov "Uspekhi Khimii", 1973, 42, 9, 1681). Fungitoxical agents are found among different typs of organo-phosphorus compounds including derivatives of phosphoric and phosphonic acids, phosphines and phosphonium salts, acids of tetracoordination phosphorus and salts thereof, esters of acids of tetracoordination phosphorus, and amides of phosphorus acids. As a fungicidal thereapeutic compound for treating dermatomycoses known in the art is O,O-dimethyl-1-acetoxy-2,2,2-trichloroethylphosphonate (chloracetophos)--the closest analogue of the novel compounds according to the present invention cf. USSR Inventor's Certificate No. 280768, Bulletin of inventions, 1970, No. 28, p. 93). Currently known organo-phosphorus fungicides are slightly effective against plant diseases, in particular in killing rust fungi causing most dangerous diseases of cereal and other crops. For successful control of rust diseases of cereal crops being cultivated in vast areas, highly-effective fungicides are needed that are suitable for efficient diligence methods, e.g. for the ultra-small volume spraying (USVS) method. A high activity in respect of rust diseases of cereal crops is revealed by dithiocarbamic acid derivatives, in particular by zinc ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (zineb). These fungicides, however, ar not suitable for application by the USVS method. Besides, these products are not stable upon storage and are harmful to human beings as well as the environment (1. Choinka A., Mosinski S. Pr. Inst.przem. organ., 1971, 3, 269; 2. Ivanova-Chemishanskaja "Gigiena i Sanitaria" 1971, No. 11, 95; 3. E. A. Antonovich et al. "Gigiena i Sanitaria", 1972, No. 9, 25). An essential disadvantage of dithiocarbamate fungicides resides in their limited application, i.e. they are effective only for the purpose of prophylaxis (prior to appearance of visualized symptoms of the disease). For this reason, their application may be effective only upon availability of trustworthy forecasts of disease development. The above-mentioned disadvantages of dithiocarbamate fungicides gave rise to investigations aiming at finding appropriate substitutes therefor (cf. Gibney L., Chem. and Eng. News, 1975, 53, No. 23, 15). A high activity against rust diseases is inherent in salts of nickel or mixtures thereof with ethylenebisdithiocarbamic acid derivatives (cf. Jones R. J., E.Afric.Agric. and Forest J., 1961, 26, No. 4, 210; Hardison J. R., Phytopathology, 1963, 53, No. 2, 209). However, due to a detrimental effect of said compounds on human organisms and environments, the use of nickel-containing fungicides has been prohibited (cf. J. Horsefall, Presentation to VIII Congress on Plant Protection, Moscow, 1975). Ammonium salts of sulphanilic acid such as anilate have been suggested for killing rust fungi of cereal crops and other plants (cf. USSR Inventor's Certificate No. 178236, 1964; Bulletin of inventions, 1966, No. 2, 138). These compounds, however, are phytotoxic and of low-efficiency. Certain modern system fungicides have proven to be efficient in killing rust fungi, e.g. 1,4-dioxide-2,3-dihydro-6-methyl-5-phenylcarbamoyl-1,4-oxathiine (hydroxycarboxine, plantwax), cf. "Systemic Fungicides", "MIR" Publishing House, 1975, p. 209. However, the use of these fungicides for treating rust diseases of cereal crops is in most cases economically inefficient due to the high cost of the compounds.
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Organo - phosphorus fungicides are now extensively employed mainly for treating rice diseases caused by fungi Piricularia oryzae and Pellicularia sasaki (cf. A. F. Granov, N. N. Melnikov " Uspekhi Khimii ", 1*7E, 42, 9, 1681 ). Fungitoxical agents are found among different typs of organo - phosphorus compounds including derivatives of phosphoric and phosphonic acids, phosphines and phosphonium salts, acids of tetracoordination phosphorus and saptw thereof, esters of acids of tetracoordination phosphorus, and amides of phosphorus acids. As a fungicidal thereapeutic compound for treating dermatomycoses known in the art is O, O - dimethyl - 1 - acetoxy - 2, 2, 2 - trichloroethylphosphonate (cMloracet*phos) - - the closest analogue of the novel compounds according to the present invention cf. USSR Inventor ' s Certificate No. 280768, BKKletin of inventions, 1970, No. 28, p. 93 ). Currently kB0wn organo - phosphorus fungicides are slightly effective against plant diseases, in particular in killing rust fungi causing most dangerous diseases of cereal and other crops. For successful control of rust diseases of cereal crops being cultivated in vast areas, highly - effective fungicides are needed that are suitable for efficient application methods, e. g. for the ultra - small volume spraying (USVS) method. A high activity in respect of rust diseases of cereal crops is revealed by dithiocarbamic acid derivatives, in particular by zinc ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (zineb ). These funTkcides, however, ar not suitable for application by the USVS meghos. Besides, these products are not stable upon storage and are harmful to human beings as well as the environment (1. Choinka A. , Mosinski S. Pr. Inst. przem. organ. , 1971, 3, 269; 2. Ivanova - Chemishanskaja " Gigiena i Sanitaria " 1971, No. 11, 95; 3. E. A. Antonovich et al. " Gigiena i Sanitaria ", 1972, No. 9, 25 ). An essential disadvantage of dithiocarbamate fungicides resides in their limited application, i. e. they are effective only for the purpose of prophylaxis (prior to appearance of visualized symptoms of the disease ). For this reason, their application may be effective only upon availability of trustworthy forecasts of dideaCe development. The above - mentioned disadvantages of dithiocarbamate fungicides gave rise to investigations aiming at finding appropriate substitutes therefor (cf. Gibney L. , Chem. and Eng. News, 1975, 53, No. 23, 15 ). A high activity against rust diseases is inherent in salts of nickel or mixtures thereof with ethylenebisdithiocarbamic acid derivatives (cf. Jones R. J. , E. Afric. Agric. and Forest J. , 1961, 26, No. 4, 210; Hardison J. R. , Phytopathology, 1963, 53, No. 2, 209 ). However, due to a detrimental effect of said compounds on human organisms and environments, the use of nickel - containing fungicides has been prohibited (cf. J. Horsefall, Presentation to VIII Congress on Plant Protection, Moscow, 1975 ). Ammonium salts of sulphanilic acid such as anilate have been suggested for killing rust fungi of cereal crops and other plants (cf. USSR Inventor ' s Certificate No. 178236, 1964; Bulletin of inventions, 296%, No. 2, 138 ). These compounds, however, are phytotoxic and of low - efficiency. Certain modern system fungicides have proven to be efficient in killing rust fungi, e. g. 1, 4 - diosid4 - 2, 3 - dihydro - 6 - methyl - 5 - phenylcarbamoyl - 1, 4 - oxathiine (hydroxycarboxine, plantwax ), cf. " Systemic Fungicides ", " MIR " Publishing House, 1975, p. 209. However, the use of these fungicides for treating rust diseases of cereal crops is in most cases economically inefficient due to the high cost of the compounds.
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Organo-phosphorus fungicides are now extensively employed mainly treating rice diseases caused by fungi Piricularia oryzae and Pellicularia sasaki (cf. A. F. Granov, N. Melnikov "Uspekhi Khimii", 1973, 42, 9, 1681). Fungitoxical agents are found among different typs of organo-phosphorus compounds including derivatives of and phosphonic acids, phosphines and phosphonium salts, of tetracoordination phosphorus and salts thereof, esters of acids tetracoordination phosphorus, and amides of phosphorus acids. As a fungicidal thereapeutic compound for dermatomycoses known in the art is O,O-dimethyl-1-acetoxy-2,2,2-trichloroethylphosphonate (chloracetophos)--the closest analogue of novel compounds according to present invention cf. USSR Inventor's Certificate No. 280768, Bulletin inventions, 1970, No. 28, p. 93). Currently known organo-phosphorus fungicides are slightly effective against plant diseases, in particular in killing rust fungi causing most dangerous diseases cereal and other crops. successful control of rust cereal crops being in vast areas, highly-effective fungicides are needed that are suitable for efficient application methods, e.g. for the ultra-small volume spraying (USVS) method. A high activity in respect of rust diseases of cereal crops is revealed by dithiocarbamic derivatives, particular by zinc ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (zineb). These fungicides, however, ar not suitable for application by the USVS Besides, these products are not stable upon storage and harmful to well as the environment (1. Choinka A., Mosinski S. Pr. Inst.przem. organ., 1971, 3, 269; 2. Ivanova-Chemishanskaja "Gigiena Sanitaria" 1971, No. 11, 95; 3. E. A. Antonovich et al. "Gigiena i Sanitaria", 1972, No. 9, 25). An essential of dithiocarbamate resides in limited application, i.e. they effective only for the purpose of prophylaxis (prior to appearance of visualized symptoms of the disease). For this reason, their application be only upon availability of trustworthy forecasts disease development. above-mentioned disadvantages of dithiocarbamate fungicides gave rise to investigations aiming at finding appropriate substitutes therefor (cf. Gibney and Eng. News, 1975, 53, No. 23, 15). A high activity rust is inherent in salts of nickel or mixtures thereof with ethylenebisdithiocarbamic acid derivatives (cf. Jones R. J., E.Afric.Agric. and Forest J., 1961, 26, No. 210; Hardison R., Phytopathology, 1963, 53, No. 209). due to a detrimental effect said compounds on human organisms and environments, the use of nickel-containing fungicides has been prohibited (cf. J. Horsefall, Presentation to Congress on Protection, Moscow, 1975). Ammonium salts of sulphanilic acid as anilate have been suggested for rust fungi of cereal crops and other plants (cf. USSR Inventor's Certificate No. 178236, 1964; Bulletin of inventions, No. 2, 138). These compounds, however, are phytotoxic and of low-efficiency. modern system fungicides proven to be efficient in killing rust e.g. 1,4-dioxide-2,3-dihydro-6-methyl-5-phenylcarbamoyl-1,4-oxathiine (hydroxycarboxine, plantwax), cf. "Systemic Fungicides", "MIR" Publishing House, 1975, p. 209. However, the use of these fungicides treating rust diseases of crops is most cases economically inefficient due to the high cost of the compounds.
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oRgano-pHoSphorUs FunGIcIDES arE noW EXTENSivelY eMplOyED mainly fOR TrEaTINg rICE dISeAsEs cAUSeD bY fuNGi PiricUlARiA OrYzae aND PElliCuLArIa sAsAKi (CF. a. f. gRanOv, n. n. melNIkov "uSPEkhI KHimiI", 1973, 42, 9, 1681).
fUnGitoxICaL aGEnTS ARe FOUnD AMONG dIfFeRENT typS of OrgAno-pHosPHORus CoMPOuNDS InCludIng dERIvaTivEs of pHoSPhOriC And phOsPhOnIc AcidS, pHoSpHines AnD pHOsPHOniUM SAlTS, acids Of teTRaCoordinAtIoN pHosphORUS anD SALTs THErEOF, EsteRs Of ACiDs Of tETRAcoORdinATiON PhOsphorUs, And AMIDeS OF pHoSPhOrus aCids.
aS a fUngIcIdAL ThEreAPEUTiC coMpounD foR tREaTinG dERMatoMycOses KNoWN IN tHE ARt Is O,O-dIMeThyl-1-aCEToXy-2,2,2-tricHLOrOEthYlPHosPhonATe (chLoRaceTopHos)--tHe CLOSest analoguE of thE NoVeL CoMPOUnDS aCcorDInG TO tHe preSEnT invENTiOn cF. USSr inVEnTOr's certiFiCATe NO. 280768, BULLETIN OF iNVENtiONs, 1970, no. 28, p. 93).
cUrRENtly KNOwn OrGAnO-pHOsPHoRuS FUNGiciDes aRe SliGHTlY EfFECtiVe agaiNsT PLanT DISeaSES, iN PartICUlAr In killING Rust fUnGi causiNg Most dangErOus diSeaSEs OF CeReAL and OtHER cROpS.
FoR SUccESsfUL cONtRoL OF RUSt diseASes of cEreal cROpS beInG cULTIVaTED iN vAst ArEas, HIghLY-EFfectivE FuNGiciDes Are Needed that are sUiTaBLE FOr EfFiCiEnt APPliCaTiOn meThODs, E.g. FOr the ULtRA-smAlL volUme SpRaYing (USVS) methOD.
A HIgh AcTiVITy In RESPECt of rusT DiseASeS oF ceREal CROPS is REvEaLed bY DIThIocaRBaMiC aCid DeRIvatIVEs, IN parTICuLAR By zINC EThyLenEBisdithIocARBamaTe (ZiNEB). tHeSE fungicIDeS, HoWeveR, Ar nOT suITABle fOr AppLIcATIon by thE uSvs METhod. beSides, tHESE pRoducTs are NoT staBle UPOn stOrAge ANd ARe HaRmfUl to huMaN BEinGS as wEll as THE enVIroNMENT (1. CHoInKa a., mOsiNsKI S. PR. INsT.pRZeM. orgaN., 1971, 3, 269; 2. ivANOvA-ChEmIsHANSkAJA "GiGIENA i SaNITaRiA" 1971, NO. 11, 95; 3. e. A. anTOnoviCh Et aL. "giGIena I SanITArIa", 1972, nO. 9, 25). an ESSEnTIAl DisADVAnTaGe Of DIthioCaRbamaTe fUNGiCideS ReSiDes iN tHEiR liMItED apPlIcaTiOn, I.E. tHEy aRE EFFective OnLy fOR the puRpOSe oF pRoPhYlaXIs (prior To aPpeAranCe of VISualIzed SYmpTomS oF tHE diSeASe). FoR tHIs REasOn, THeIR applICaTIon mAy be eFFECTIve ONLy upon avaILabILITy Of trUSTworThY FoRecAsts oF dISeASe dEvelopMenT.
tHE AbOve-mENTiOnED DiSaDvantAGES oF ditHIocARBAMATe fuNgiCIDes gave RiSE tO iNVesTiGATIOnS aImiNg AT FInDIng ApPROPRIate subsTiTuteS TherefOr (Cf. GIBnEY L., cHem. ANd ENG. nEWs, 1975, 53, NO. 23, 15).
A HIgh acTivITy agAiNst ruST diSeaSes iS INHErENt in SaLts Of Nickel OR mIXtureS tHereOf wItH ETHyLENEBiSdITHIOCArbaMiC acId dErivaTIvES (CF. jOnes R. j., e.aFrIc.AgRIC. And ForeSt J., 1961, 26, nO. 4, 210; HarDISOn j. R., PHYTOpaTHoloGY, 1963, 53, No. 2, 209). HOWEveR, DUE To A deTriMenTAL EFFecT of saId coMPOuNds On HUmaN OrGaNisms aND EnvIROnMeNtS, THe usE Of nIckEl-ConTAINInG FuNGicideS Has bEEN PRoHibItEd (cF. j. HorsefAlL, prESenTAtion tO VIIi cONGREsS ON pLANt pROteCtION, MoSCow, 1975).
ammonIuM SalTS of sUlphaNILic acId SUCh As AniLAte HAVe beEN sUGgEsTED fOR KilLING rust FungI OF cEREAl CRopS AND othEr PLAntS (cF. ussr INvenTOr's CErTificaTe No. 178236, 1964; bUlLetIN oF InvenTIOnS, 1966, No. 2, 138). TheSE COmpounDS, HOwevER, are PHYtOTOxIc AnD OF Low-efficIEnCy.
certAIN MODeRN System FuNgicides HAvE provEn TO be eFFicIENT in KillING RuSt FungI, E.g. 1,4-DioXiDe-2,3-dIHydrO-6-MeThYL-5-phenYLcARBAMOyL-1,4-OXaThIIne (HYDRoxYcARBOxInE, PlANTWax), Cf. "SYsTeMIc fUngICiDes", "mir" PUBLIshiNg houSe, 1975, p. 209. hoWeveR, THe UsE OF TheSE fuNGiciDes FOR TreaTiNg rUst DiSeaSEs OF cErEAL CropS iS in mOst CaSeS econoMIcAlly iNEfficIeNt dUe to THe HIgH cOST OF thE CompoUNDS.
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Organo-phosphorus fungicides are now extensively employed mainly fortreating rice diseases caused byfungi Piricularia oryzae andPellicularia sasaki (cf. A. F. Granov, N. N. Melnikov "Uspekhi Khimii", 1973,42, 9, 1681). Fungitoxical agentsare found among different typsoforgano-phosphorus compounds including derivativesof phosphoric andphosphonic acids, phosphines and phosphonium salts, acids of tetracoordination phosphorus andsalts thereof, esters of acids of tetracoordination phosphorus, and amides of phosphorusacids. As a fungicidal thereapeutic compound for treating dermatomycoses known in the art isO,O-dimethyl-1-acetoxy-2,2,2-trichloroethylphosphonate (chloracetophos)--the closestanalogue of thenovel compounds according to the present inventioncf. USSR Inventor's Certificate No. 280768, Bulletin of inventions,1970, No. 28, p. 93). Currently known organo-phosphorusfungicides are slightly effective against plant diseases, in particular inkilling rust fungicausing most dangerous diseases of cereal and other crops. Forsuccessfulcontrol of rust diseases ofcereal crops being cultivated in vastareas, highly-effective fungicides are needed that are suitable for efficient applicationmethods, e.g. for the ultra-small volume spraying (USVS)method. A high activityin respect of rust diseases of cereal crops is revealed by dithiocarbamicacid derivatives, inparticular byzinc ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (zineb).These fungicides, however, ar not suitable for application by the USVSmethod. Besides,these products are notstable upon storageand are harmful to human beings as well as the environment (1.Choinka A., Mosinski S. Pr. Inst.przem. organ., 1971, 3, 269; 2. Ivanova-Chemishanskaja "Gigiena iSanitaria" 1971, No. 11, 95; 3.E. A. Antonovich et al. "Gigiena i Sanitaria", 1972,No. 9, 25). An essentialdisadvantageofdithiocarbamate fungicides resides in their limited application, i.e. they are effective only for the purpose ofprophylaxis (prior to appearance of visualized symptoms of the disease).For thisreason,their application may be effective only upon availabilityof trustworthy forecasts of disease development. The above-mentioned disadvantages of dithiocarbamate fungicides gave rise to investigations aiming at finding appropriate substitutes therefor (cf. Gibney L., Chem. and Eng. News, 1975, 53, No. 23, 15). A high activity against rust diseases is inherent in salts ofnickel or mixtures thereof with ethylenebisdithiocarbamic acid derivatives (cf. Jones R. J.,E.Afric.Agric. and Forest J., 1961, 26, No. 4, 210; Hardison J. R.,Phytopathology, 1963, 53, No. 2, 209).However, due to a detrimental effect of saidcompounds on human organismsand environments,the use of nickel-containing fungicides has been prohibited (cf. J. Horsefall, Presentation to VIII Congress on PlantProtection, Moscow, 1975). Ammonium salts of sulphanilicacid such as anilate have been suggestedfor killing rust fungi of cereal crops and other plants(cf. USSR Inventor's Certificate No. 178236, 1964; Bulletin of inventions, 1966, No. 2, 138). These compounds, however, are phytotoxicand of low-efficiency. Certain modern system fungicides have proven to be efficient inkilling rust fungi, e.g. 1,4-dioxide-2,3-dihydro-6-methyl-5-phenylcarbamoyl-1,4-oxathiine (hydroxycarboxine, plantwax), cf. "Systemic Fungicides", "MIR" Publishing House, 1975, p. 209. However, the use of thesefungicides for treating rust diseases of cerealcrops is inmostcases economically inefficient due to the high cost of the compounds.
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Organo-phosphorus fungicides are now extensively employed _mainly_ _for_ treating rice diseases _caused_ _by_ fungi Piricularia oryzae and Pellicularia _sasaki_ _(cf._ A. F. _Granov,_ N. N. _Melnikov_ _"Uspekhi_ Khimii", 1973, 42, 9, 1681). Fungitoxical agents are found among different typs of organo-phosphorus _compounds_ including derivatives of phosphoric and phosphonic acids, phosphines and phosphonium _salts,_ acids of _tetracoordination_ _phosphorus_ and salts _thereof,_ esters of _acids_ of tetracoordination _phosphorus,_ and amides _of_ phosphorus acids. As a fungicidal thereapeutic compound _for_ treating dermatomycoses known in the art is _O,O-dimethyl-1-acetoxy-2,2,2-trichloroethylphosphonate_ (chloracetophos)--the closest analogue of the novel compounds according to _the_ present invention cf. _USSR_ _Inventor's_ Certificate No. 280768, Bulletin of inventions, _1970,_ No. 28, p. 93). Currently known organo-phosphorus _fungicides_ are slightly effective against plant _diseases,_ in particular in _killing_ rust fungi causing most dangerous diseases of _cereal_ _and_ other crops. _For_ successful control _of_ rust diseases _of_ cereal crops _being_ cultivated in vast areas, highly-effective fungicides are needed that are suitable for efficient application methods, _e.g._ for the ultra-small volume spraying (USVS) _method._ _A_ high _activity_ in respect of rust diseases of cereal crops is revealed by dithiocarbamic _acid_ derivatives, in _particular_ by zinc ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (zineb). These fungicides, however, ar not suitable for _application_ by the USVS method. Besides, these products are not stable upon storage and _are_ harmful to human beings as _well_ _as_ the environment (1. Choinka A., Mosinski _S._ Pr. Inst.przem. organ., _1971,_ 3, 269; 2. Ivanova-Chemishanskaja "Gigiena i Sanitaria" _1971,_ No. _11,_ 95; 3. E. A. Antonovich _et_ al. "Gigiena i Sanitaria", 1972, No. 9, 25). An essential disadvantage of dithiocarbamate fungicides resides _in_ _their_ limited application, i.e. they are effective only for the purpose of _prophylaxis_ (prior _to_ appearance of visualized symptoms of the disease). For this reason, their _application_ may be effective only upon availability _of_ trustworthy forecasts of disease development. _The_ above-mentioned disadvantages of dithiocarbamate _fungicides_ gave rise to investigations aiming _at_ finding appropriate substitutes therefor (cf. _Gibney_ L., _Chem._ and _Eng._ News, 1975, 53, _No._ 23, 15). A _high_ activity _against_ rust diseases is inherent in salts of nickel or mixtures thereof _with_ ethylenebisdithiocarbamic acid _derivatives_ (cf. Jones _R._ J., E.Afric.Agric. and Forest J., _1961,_ 26, _No._ 4, 210; Hardison J. R., _Phytopathology,_ 1963, 53, No. _2,_ 209). However, due to a detrimental _effect_ of said compounds _on_ human organisms and _environments,_ the use of nickel-containing fungicides has been prohibited (cf. _J._ Horsefall, _Presentation_ to VIII _Congress_ _on_ Plant Protection, _Moscow,_ 1975). Ammonium _salts_ _of_ sulphanilic acid such as anilate have been suggested for killing _rust_ fungi of cereal crops and other plants _(cf._ USSR Inventor's _Certificate_ _No._ 178236, 1964; Bulletin _of_ inventions, 1966, No. 2, 138). These compounds, however, are phytotoxic and of _low-efficiency._ Certain modern system _fungicides_ have _proven_ _to_ be efficient in killing rust fungi, e.g. _1,4-dioxide-2,3-dihydro-6-methyl-5-phenylcarbamoyl-1,4-oxathiine_ _(hydroxycarboxine,_ plantwax), cf. _"Systemic_ Fungicides", "MIR" Publishing House, 1975, p. _209._ However, the use of these fungicides _for_ treating rust diseases of cereal crops is in most _cases_ economically _inefficient_ _due_ to the high cost _of_ _the_ compounds.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an ultrasonic receiving apparatus for receiving ultrasonic waves. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus to be used in medical diagnoses by receiving ultrasonic waves from biological bodies with employment of such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus.
2. Description of a Related Art
In conventional ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus, while both ultrasonic transmitting means and ultrasonic receiving means use the same systems, one-dimensional sensor array is generally employed which includes elements (vibrators) for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves. The vibrators are realized by using piezoelectric ceramics which is typically known as PZT (Pb(lead) zirconate titanate), or by using a polymer piezoelectric element such as PVDF (polyvinyle difluoride). Furthermore, such a one-dimensional sensor array is mechanically moved so as to acquire two-dimensional images, and those two-dimensional images are synthesized with each other, so that a three-dimensional image is obtained.
However, since there is a time lag along the mechanically moving direction of the one-dimensional sensor array in accordance with this method, tomographic images acquired at different time instants are synthesized with each other, and therefore, the synthesized image becomes blurred. As a result, this conventional method is not suitable for imaging objects to be inspected such as living bodies, for instance, in such a case where ultrasonic echo observations are carried out by employing the above-described conventional ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus.
In order to acquire a three-dimensional image having a high image quality by using ultrasonic waves, a two-dimensional sensor array capable of acquiring a two-dimensional image without being mechanically moved is necessarily required. For this reason, such a method of manufacturing a two-dimensional sensor array with employment of the above-described PZT or PVDF has been considered. In such a case where the above-described PZT or PVDF is employed so as to manufacture such a two-dimensional sensor array, elements must be processed in very fine manners, and also, a very large number of very fine elements must be connected by using wiring lines. However, it is practically difficult to process these elements in a finer manner, and also to manufacture these elements in a higher integration, as compared with the presently-available very fine processing manner and element integration method.
Also, even when these problems could be solved, there are other problems. That is, crosstalk between elements would be increased, electric impedance of elements connected by very fine wiring lines would be increased which deteriorate an S/N ratio thereof, and electrode portions of these very fine elements would be easily destroyed. Under such a circumstance, it is practically difficult to realize such a two-dimensional sensor array with employment of PZT or PVDF elements.
On the other hand, as another ultrasonic sensor without using a piezoelectric material such as PZT, an optical detecting type sensor is known in this field, by which an optical fiber is utilized and an ultrasonic wave is converted into an optical signal to be detected. As such an optical detecting type ultrasonic sensor, the below-mentioned ultrasonic sensors are reported, namely, an optical detecting type sensor using the fiber Bragg grating (will be abbreviated as an xe2x80x9cFBGxe2x80x9d hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cUnderwater Acoustic Sensor with Fiber Bragg Gratingxe2x80x9d written by TAKAHASHI et al. in National Defense Academy (Japan), see OPTICAL REVIEW Vol. 4, No. 6 in 1997, p. 691-694; and an optical detecting type sensor using the Fabry-Perot resonator (will be abbreviated as an xe2x80x9cFPRxe2x80x9d hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cFabrication and Performance of a Fiber Optic Micro-Probe for Megahertz Ultrasonic Field Measurementsxe2x80x9d written by UNO et al. in Tokyo Institute of Technology, see T. IEE Japan, Vol. 118-E, No. 11 in 1998, p. 487-492.
If such a two-dimensional sensor array is manufactured by employing these ultrasonic sensors, there are such merits that electric-wiring works to a large number of very fine elements are no longer required, and furthermore, higher sensitivities can be obtained. However, this two-dimensional sensor owns another problem that since this ultrasonic sensor itself is made in high cost, manufacturing cost of a two-dimensional sensor is increased, and also, manufacturing cost of an ultrasonic receiving apparatus using the two-dimensional sensor array is increased.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. A first object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic receiving apparatus capable of detecting an ultrasonic wave in a two-dimensional manner without necessities of electric-wiring works to a large number of very fine elements and without increase of crosstalk and impedance, and furthermore, to manufacture the ultrasonic receiving apparatus in low cost. Also, a second object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus capable of acquiring either a two-dimensional ultrasonic image or a three-dimensional ultrasonic image by using the above-described ultrasonic receiving apparatus.
To solve the above-explained problems, an ultrasonic receiving apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an ultrasonic detecting element having a reception plane capable of receiving ultrasonic waves, for modulating light on the basis of ultrasonic waves applied to respective positions of the reception plane; and a photodetector having a plurality of pixels, for detecting light output from corresponding positions of the ultrasonic detecting element.
Also, an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a drive signal generating circuit for generating the drive signals; transmission means for transmitting ultrasonic waves in response to drive signals; reception means including an ultrasonic detecting element and a photodetector, the ultrasonic detecting element having a reception plane capable of receiving ultrasonic waves and modulating light on the basis of ultrasonic waves applied to respective positions of the reception plane, the photodetector having a plurality of pixels and detecting light output from corresponding positions of the ultrasonic detecting element to thereby output detection signals; signal processing means for receiving the detection signals output from the reception means to process the received detection signals; control means for controlling both generation timing of the drive signals and acquisition timing of the detection signals; image processing means for constructing image data on the basis of an output signal of the signal processing means; and an image display unit for displaying thereon an image on the basis of the image data.
According to the present invention, since the ultrasonic detecting element having the ultrasonic reception plane including positions which correspond to a plurality of pixels of the photodetector is employed, such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus can be manufactured in low cost. That is to say, this ultrasonic receiving apparatus is capable of detecting the ultrasonic waves in a two-dimensional manner without necessities of electric-wiring works to the large number of very fine elements and without increase of crosstalk and impedance. Accordingly, an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus capable of acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image with better qualities can be realized by employing such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to an ultrasonic receiving apparatus for receiving ultrasonic waves. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus to be used in medical diagnoses by receiving ultrasonic waves from biological bodies with employment of such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus. 2. Description of a Related Art In conventional ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus, while both ultrasonic transmitting means and ultrasonic receiving means use the same systems, one-dimensional sensor array is generally employed which includes elements (vibrators) for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves. The vibrators are realized by using piezoelectric ceramics which is typically known as PZT (Pb(lead) zirconate titanate), or by using a polymer piezoelectric element such as PVDF (polyvinyle difluoride). Furthermore, such a one-dimensional sensor array is mechanically moved so as to acquire two-dimensional images, and those two-dimensional images are synthesized with each other, so that a three-dimensional image is obtained. However, since there is a time lag along the mechanically moving direction of the one-dimensional sensor array in accordance with this method, tomographic images acquired at different time instants are synthesized with each other, and therefore, the synthesized image becomes blurred. As a result, this conventional method is not suitable for imaging objects to be inspected such as living bodies, for instance, in such a case where ultrasonic echo observations are carried out by employing the above-described conventional ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus. In order to acquire a three-dimensional image having a high image quality by using ultrasonic waves, a two-dimensional sensor array capable of acquiring a two-dimensional image without being mechanically moved is necessarily required. For this reason, such a method of manufacturing a two-dimensional sensor array with employment of the above-described PZT or PVDF has been considered. In such a case where the above-described PZT or PVDF is employed so as to manufacture such a two-dimensional sensor array, elements must be processed in very fine manners, and also, a very large number of very fine elements must be connected by using wiring lines. However, it is practically difficult to process these elements in a finer manner, and also to manufacture these elements in a higher integration, as compared with the presently-available very fine processing manner and element integration method. Also, even when these problems could be solved, there are other problems. That is, crosstalk between elements would be increased, electric impedance of elements connected by very fine wiring lines would be increased which deteriorate an S/N ratio thereof, and electrode portions of these very fine elements would be easily destroyed. Under such a circumstance, it is practically difficult to realize such a two-dimensional sensor array with employment of PZT or PVDF elements. On the other hand, as another ultrasonic sensor without using a piezoelectric material such as PZT, an optical detecting type sensor is known in this field, by which an optical fiber is utilized and an ultrasonic wave is converted into an optical signal to be detected. As such an optical detecting type ultrasonic sensor, the below-mentioned ultrasonic sensors are reported, namely, an optical detecting type sensor using the fiber Bragg grating (will be abbreviated as an xe2x80x9cFBGxe2x80x9d hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cUnderwater Acoustic Sensor with Fiber Bragg Gratingxe2x80x9d written by TAKAHASHI et al. in National Defense Academy (Japan), see OPTICAL REVIEW Vol. 4, No. 6 in 1997, p. 691-694; and an optical detecting type sensor using the Fabry-Perot resonator (will be abbreviated as an xe2x80x9cFPRxe2x80x9d hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cFabrication and Performance of a Fiber Optic Micro-Probe for Megahertz Ultrasonic Field Measurementsxe2x80x9d written by UNO et al. in Tokyo Institute of Technology, see T. IEE Japan, Vol. 118-E, No. 11 in 1998, p. 487-492. If such a two-dimensional sensor array is manufactured by employing these ultrasonic sensors, there are such merits that electric-wiring works to a large number of very fine elements are no longer required, and furthermore, higher sensitivities can be obtained. However, this two-dimensional sensor owns another problem that since this ultrasonic sensor itself is made in high cost, manufacturing cost of a two-dimensional sensor is increased, and also, manufacturing cost of an ultrasonic receiving apparatus using the two-dimensional sensor array is increased. The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. A first object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic receiving apparatus capable of detecting an ultrasonic wave in a two-dimensional manner without necessities of electric-wiring works to a large number of very fine elements and without increase of crosstalk and impedance, and furthermore, to manufacture the ultrasonic receiving apparatus in low cost. Also, a second object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus capable of acquiring either a two-dimensional ultrasonic image or a three-dimensional ultrasonic image by using the above-described ultrasonic receiving apparatus. To solve the above-explained problems, an ultrasonic receiving apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an ultrasonic detecting element having a reception plane capable of receiving ultrasonic waves, for modulating light on the basis of ultrasonic waves applied to respective positions of the reception plane; and a photodetector having a plurality of pixels, for detecting light output from corresponding positions of the ultrasonic detecting element. Also, an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a drive signal generating circuit for generating the drive signals; transmission means for transmitting ultrasonic waves in response to drive signals; reception means including an ultrasonic detecting element and a photodetector, the ultrasonic detecting element having a reception plane capable of receiving ultrasonic waves and modulating light on the basis of ultrasonic waves applied to respective positions of the reception plane, the photodetector having a plurality of pixels and detecting light output from corresponding positions of the ultrasonic detecting element to thereby output detection signals; signal processing means for receiving the detection signals output from the reception means to process the received detection signals; control means for controlling both generation timing of the drive signals and acquisition timing of the detection signals; image processing means for constructing image data on the basis of an yield signal of the signal processing means; and an image display unit for displaying thereon an image on the basis of the image data. According to the present invention, since the ultrasonic detecting element having the ultrasonic reception plane including positions which correspond to a plurality of pixels of the photodetector is employed, such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus can be manufactured in low cost. That is to say, this ultrasonic receiving apparatus is capable of detecting the ultrasonic waves in a two-dimensional manner without necessities of electric-wiring works to the large number of very fine elements and without increase of crosstalk and impedance. Accordingly, an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus capable of acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image with better qualities can be realized by employing such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to an ultrasonic receiving apparatus for receiving ultrasonic waves. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus to be used in medical diagnoses by receiving ultrasonic waves from biological bodies with employment of such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus. 2. Description of a Related Art In conventional ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus, whl;e both ultrasonic transmitting means and ultrasonic receiving means use the same systems, one - dimensional sensor array is generally employed which includes elements (vibrators) for tranqmittihg / receiving ultrasonic waves. The vibrators are realized by using piezoelectric ceramics which is typically known as PZT (Pb (lead) zirconate titanate ), or by using a polymer piezoelectric element such as PVDF (polyvinyle difluoride ). Furthermore, such a one - dimensional sensor array is mechanically moved so as to acquire two - dimensional images, and those two - dimensional images are synthesized with each other, so that a three - dimensional image is obtained. However, since there is a time lag along the mechanically moving direction of the one - dimensional sensor array in accordance with this method, tomographic images acquired at different time instants are synthesized with each other, and therefore, the synthesixwd image becomes blurred. As a result, this conventional method is not suitable for imaging objects to be inspected such as living bodies, for instance, in such a case where ulfrasInic echo observations are carried out by employing the above - described conventional ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus. In order to acquire a three - dimensional image having a high image quality by using ultrasonic waves, a two - dimensional sensor array capable of acquiring a two - dimensional image without being mechanically moved is necessarily required. For this reason, such a method of manufacturing a two - dimensional sensor array with employment of the above - described PZT or PVDF has been considered. In such a case where the above - described PZT or PVDF is employed so as to manufacture such a two - dimensional sensor array, elements must be processed in Cer6 fine manners, and also, a very large number of very fine elements must be connected by using wiring lines. However, it is practically difficult to process these elements in a finer manner, and also to manufacture these elements in a higher integration, as compared with the presently - available very fine processing manner and element integration method. Also, even when these problems could be solved, there are other problems. That is, crosstalk between elements would be increased, electric impedance of elements connected by very fine wiring lines would be increased which deteriorate an S / N ratio thereof, and electrode portions of these very fine elements would be easily destroyed. Under such a circumstance, it is practically difficult to realize such a two - dimensional sensor array with employment of PZT or PVDF elements. On the other hand, as another ultrasonic sensor without using a piezoelectric material such as PZT, an optical detecting type sensor is known in this field, by which an optical fiber is utilized and an ultrasonic wave is converted into an optical signal to be detected. As such an optical detecting type ultrasonic sensor, the below - mentioned ultrasonic sensors are reported, namely, an optical detecting type sensor using the fiber Bragg grating (will be abbreviated as an xe2x80x9cFBGxe2x80x9d hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cUnderwater Acoustic Sensor with Fiber Bragg Gratingxe2x80x9d written by TAKAHASHI et al. in National Defense Academy (Japan ), see OPTICAL REVIEW Vol. 4, No. 6 in 1997, p. 691 - 694; and an optical detecting type sensor using the Fabry - Perot resonator (will be abbreviated as an xe2x80x9cFPRxe2x80x9d hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cFabrication and Performance of a Fiber Optic Micro - Probe for Megahertz Ultrasonic Field Measurementsxe2x80x9d written by UNO et al. in Tokyo Institute of Technology, see T. IEE Japan, Vol. 118 - E, No. 11 in 1998, p. 487 - 492. If such a two - dimensional sensor array is manufactured by employing these ultrasonic sensors, there are such merits that electric - wiring works to a large number of very fine elements are no longer required, and furthermore, higher sensitivities can be obtained. However, this two - dimensional sensor owns another problem that since this ultrasonic sensor itself is made in high cost, manufacturing cost of a two - dimensional sensor is increased, and also, manufacturing cIs5 of an ultrasonic receiving apparatus using the two - dimensional sensor array is increased. The present invention has been made to solve the above - described problems. A first object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic receiving apparatus capable of detecting an ultrasonic wAFe in a two - dimensional manner without necessities of electric - wiring works to a large number of very fine elements and without increase of crosstalk and impedance, and furthermore, to manufacture the ultrasonic receiving apparatus in low cost. Also, a second object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus capable of acquiring either a two - dimensional ultraE9nic image or a three - dimensional ultrasonic image by using the XFove - described ultrasonic receiving apparatus. To solve the above - explained problems, an ultrasonic receiving apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an ultrasonic detecting element having a reception plane capable of receiving ultrasonic waves, for modulating light on the basis of ultrasonic waves applied to respective poaltions of the reception plane; and a photodetector having a plurality of pixels, for detecting light output from corresponding positions of the ultrasonic detecting element. Also, an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a drive signal generating circuit for generating the drive signals; transmission means for transmitting ultrasonic waves in response to drive signals; reception means including an ultrasonic detecting element and a photodetector, the ultrasonic detecting element having a reception plane capable of receiving ultrasonic waves and modulating light on the basis of ultrasonic waves applied to respective positions of the reception plane, the photodetector having a plurality of pixels and detecting light output from corresponding positions of the ultrasonic detecting element to thereby output detection signals; signal processing means for receiving the detection signals output from the reception means to process the received detection signals; control means for controlling both generation timing of the drive signals and acquisition timing of the detection signals; image processing means for constructing image data on the basis of an output signal of the signal processing means; and an image display unit for displaying thereon an image on the basis of the image data. According to the present invention, since the ultrasonic detecting element having the ultrasonic reception plane including positions which correspond to a plurality of pixels of the photodetector is employed, such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus can be manufactured in low cost. That is to say, this ultrasonic receiving apparatus is capable of detecting the ultrasonic waves in a two - dimensional manner without necessities of electric - wiring works to the large number of very fine elements and without increase of crosstalk and impedance. Accordingly, an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus capable of acquiring a two - dimensional or three - dimensional ultrasonic image with better qualities can be realized by employing such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to an ultrasonic receiving apparatus receiving ultrasonic waves. More the present invention is directed to an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus to be used in medical diagnoses by receiving ultrasonic from biological bodies with employment such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus. 2. Description a Art In conventional ultrasonic apparatus, while ultrasonic transmitting means and ultrasonic receiving means use the same systems, one-dimensional sensor array is generally employed which includes elements (vibrators) for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves. The vibrators are realized by using piezoelectric which is typically known as (Pb(lead) zirconate titanate), or by polymer piezoelectric element such PVDF difluoride). Furthermore, such a one-dimensional sensor array mechanically moved so to acquire two-dimensional images, and those two-dimensional images are synthesized each other, so that a three-dimensional image is obtained. since there is a time along the mechanically moving direction of the one-dimensional sensor in accordance with this method, tomographic images acquired different time instants are synthesized each other, and synthesized image becomes blurred. As a result, this conventional method is suitable for imaging objects to be inspected as living bodies, for instance, such a case where ultrasonic echo observations are carried out by employing the above-described conventional ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus. In order acquire image a high image quality by using ultrasonic waves, a two-dimensional sensor array capable of acquiring two-dimensional image without being moved is necessarily required. For this reason, such a method manufacturing a two-dimensional sensor array with employment of the above-described PZT or has been considered. In such a case where the above-described PZT or PVDF is employed so as to manufacture such a two-dimensional sensor elements must be processed in fine manners, and also, a very large number of very elements must be connected by using wiring lines. However, it is practically difficult to process these elements in a finer manner, and also to these elements in a integration, as with presently-available very fine manner and element method. Also, even when these problems could be solved, there are other problems. That crosstalk between elements would be increased, electric impedance of elements by very fine wiring lines would be increased which an S/N ratio thereof, and electrode portions of these very fine elements easily destroyed. Under such a circumstance, it is practically difficult to realize such a sensor array with employment of PZT PVDF elements. On the other hand, as another ultrasonic using a material such as PZT, an optical detecting type is known in this field, which an optical fiber is and an ultrasonic wave is converted into an optical signal to be detected. As such an optical detecting type sensor, the below-mentioned ultrasonic sensors are reported, namely, an detecting type sensor using the fiber Bragg grating (will be abbreviated as hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cUnderwater Acoustic Sensor with Fiber Bragg Gratingxe2x80x9d written by TAKAHASHI et al. in National Defense Academy (Japan), see OPTICAL REVIEW Vol. No. 6 in 1997, p. 691-694; and optical detecting type sensor using the resonator (will be abbreviated as an xe2x80x9cFPRxe2x80x9d hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cFabrication and Performance a Fiber Optic Micro-Probe for Megahertz Ultrasonic Field Measurementsxe2x80x9d written by et al. in Tokyo Institute of Technology, see T. IEE 118-E, 11 in 1998, p. 487-492. If such a two-dimensional sensor array is manufactured by employing these ultrasonic sensors, there are such merits electric-wiring works to a large number of very fine elements are no longer required, and furthermore, higher sensitivities can be obtained. However, this two-dimensional sensor owns another problem that since this ultrasonic sensor is made in high cost, manufacturing cost of a two-dimensional sensor is and manufacturing cost of an ultrasonic receiving apparatus the two-dimensional sensor array is increased. The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. A first of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic receiving apparatus of detecting an ultrasonic wave in two-dimensional manner without necessities of electric-wiring works to a large number of very fine elements and without increase of crosstalk and impedance, and furthermore, manufacture the receiving apparatus in low cost. Also, a second of the invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus of acquiring either a two-dimensional ultrasonic image or a three-dimensional ultrasonic image by using the above-described ultrasonic receiving apparatus. To solve above-explained problems, an ultrasonic receiving apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an ultrasonic detecting element having a reception plane capable of receiving waves, for modulating light on the basis of ultrasonic waves applied respective positions of the reception plane; and a photodetector having a plurality of pixels, for detecting light output from corresponding positions of the ultrasonic detecting element. Also, an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus according to one aspect invention comprises: a drive signal generating circuit generating the drive signals; transmission for transmitting ultrasonic waves in response to drive signals; reception means including an ultrasonic detecting element and a photodetector, the detecting element having a reception plane capable of receiving ultrasonic waves modulating light on the basis of ultrasonic applied to respective positions of the reception plane, the a plurality of pixels detecting light output from corresponding positions of the ultrasonic detecting element to thereby output detection signals; signal processing means for receiving the detection signals output from the reception means to process the received detection signals; control means for controlling both generation timing of the signals and acquisition timing of the detection signals; image means for constructing image data the basis of an output signal of the signal and an image display unit for displaying thereon an image on the basis of the image data. According to the present invention, since the ultrasonic element having the ultrasonic reception including positions which correspond to of pixels of the is such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus can be manufactured in low cost. That is to say, this ultrasonic receiving apparatus is capable of detecting the ultrasonic a manner without necessities of electric-wiring works to the large number of fine elements and without increase of crosstalk and impedance. Accordingly, an diagnosing apparatus capable of acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image with better qualities can be realized by employing an ultrasonic receiving apparatus.
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1. fIeLD of thE InVeNtIoN
the presEnT InVeNTIoN gEneRaLlY RelaTEs to aN ULtRAsonIC receiVINg APPARATus for reCeivInG UlTRaSoNIC waveS. MORE SPECificAlLY, The PreSEnT iNVenTiOn Is dIRecteD TO aN UlTRASOnIC dIaGnoSiNg appaRaTuS tO be USed In MEDIcaL DiAGnoseS bY rEcEIVING uLtRasonic WaVeS froM biOLogiCAL bodIeS WITH EMploYmeNT oF SuCH An UlTRAsoNIC rECEIvinG ApPArATuS.
2. DESCriPTIon OF A ReLaTed art
in CoNvenTiONAl UlTrAsONIC DIaGNOSING APPARATUs, wHilE BOTh UlTrAsOnIc tRANsmiTTINg meaNS aNd ULtRasOniC receiVINg meAnS UsE thE SAMe sysTems, ONE-diMeNsIOnaL sEnsor arRay Is GEnerAllY emPLOyeD WhIcH INClUdes ElEMENts (VibrAtORS) For tranSMittiNg/ReCeivIng ultRASonic WaveS. THE VIbraTorS aRE reAlizED by uSinG piezoElECTRic ceRaMICS WHiCH is TYPicAllY KNOwN AS PzT (Pb(LeAd) ZIRcoNaTe TiTANaTe), oR by USIng A pOLYmeR piEzoELEctRic eleMENT SUCH as pVdf (PoLyviNyLE DiFluoRiDE). FUrtHeRMORE, Such A ONe-dIMeNSiONAl senSoR ArraY iS meCHaNicaLlY MoVED So aS TO aCQUiRE TwO-dImenSioNal ImAgES, aND thOse TWo-DIMENsiONAL ImAgES ARe SyNTHeSIZEd WiTh eAcH otHer, sO ThaT a thrEe-DImeNSIONal iMAgE is obtAiNeD.
hOWEveR, sInCE thErE Is A tIMe LaG ALOnG the MEChANICallY mOvING dIrecTIOn oF tHE ONE-dIMeNSIonaL SensoR ARRay in aCcoRdanCe WIth ThIS MEtHod, tOMOgRAphiC IMagEs acquIReD AT diFfEreNt tiME instanTS ArE synthesiZEd wiTh eacH otHEr, AnD ThereFOre, tHe syNthEsiZeD imAGe beComeS BLURRED. aS A ReSUlt, THIs coNvenTionAL mEtHOd is nOt SUItAbLe for imAGinG ObJEctS to be iNSPEcTed sUcH aS lIving BOdies, for INsTaNcE, IN SucH a CASe whERE ULtrAsONiC EChO ObSeRVatIoNs ArE CaRRied OUt bY eMplOYING tHe AbOVE-dEscRibEd cOnventiOnAl uLtRASONic diaGnOSiNg ApPArATuS.
In orDeR To acqUIrE A tHReE-DimeNsioNal ImAgE hAVing a hIgH imagE quality BY UsinG uLTrASOnIC wAves, a tWo-dImeNsIONAl sEnsor array CAPabLe OF aCQuIRInG A Two-dIMensIonaL imAGe WiThout BeiNG meChANICAlly MOvEd iS NeCESsaRIlY RequiREd. FOr thIs ReAsoN, sUcH a mEThOD OF MAnUFACtUrIng A TwO-dimEnsioNal SeNSoR aRraY wITh EmPlOyMEnt Of thE aboVe-dEsCRibED pzt or pvDF Has bEEN ConsiderEd. iN sUch A CasE wHEre tHE above-DEScRibed pZt OR PVdf is eMPlOYeD sO As To maNuFACtuRE sUcH A tWO-dimeNSIoNAL SensOr aRRAy, elemENTs muST be PRoCeSsed iN Very fIne mAnNErS, anD aLSO, a veRY laRGe nUmbeR of VErY fine eLeMeNtS musT bE COnNEcteD by uSiNG WIRINg lInEs. hOWever, it iS pRaCtICAlly DIffIcULT to ProcESs theSe elEMENts In a fINer MaNNeR, aNd aLso to maNuFactUrE theSE eLemenTS iN a HIGhEr iNtEGRATIOn, as cOmPared wiTh The PreSeNtLy-avAilABLe very FIne PROcessiNg MANNER ANd eLEmENT IntegratIOn mETHOd.
ALSo, evEn WhEN ThESE PrObLEMS cOUlD bE sOlVed, tHErE ARE Other prObleMs. tHat iS, crOSstaLK BETweEn eLEMENtS WOUld bE iNcReASeD, eLEctRIc impEdANcE oF eLEMENTs cOnneCted By VErY FInE wIRiNg LiNES WOuLD Be iNcrEASEd wHiCH DetERIorate an S/n RATio TheReof, and elEctroDE POrTIoNS of ThesE veRy fiNE elEMENtS woUlD Be EASIly deStROYEd. unDeR sUCh A cIRcUMStanCe, IT iS pracTiCalLy DifFIcULT To reaLIZe Such A two-diMeNSIONal SEnSOr ARray with EmplOYMEnT Of pZt oR PvdF ELeMeNts.
On The otHEr hANd, as anOthER UlTrasOnIC SEnsor WiTHOut uSiNG a PiEZOElEcTRIc mATeRiAl SUcH as PZT, aN OptICal dEtECTINg tYPe SENSor iS known in tHIs fiELD, BY whIch aN OPtICal FIBEr Is UtilIzeD and an UltrasOniC waVE iS conVeRtED INto an oPtiCAl sIgnaL to BE DetecTeD. aS SuCH aN OpTICaL DEtEctinG Type ulTRAsOnic SensoR, the bElOw-MENTionED UltRasonIc sEnSoRs ArE REpORtEd, NAMeLy, aN oPtiCaL DETEcTING TYPE SENSOR usinG THE FIBEr BRagG GrATInG (WilL bE aBbRevIAtEd as an xe2X80x9CfBGXE2x80x9d hEreINaFTeR) DesCRiBEd iN xe2x80x9cuNDERWATeR aCOuStIC SeNsOR wIth fibEr bragG GRAtiNGXe2x80x9D WRItTen bY TAKahasHi eT Al. In natiONAl dEfENSe AcadEmy (JaPAn), sEe OpTiCAl ReVIEw voL. 4, no. 6 IN 1997, p. 691-694; And AN oPTIcAL dEteCTINg tyPe senSoR USiNg tHe FabrY-pErot rEsonaTOR (WIll Be aBBreviaTed AS An XE2x80x9cfPRXE2x80x9D HeReiNAFtER) DEsCrIbed IN Xe2X80x9cfabRIcAtiOn ANd pERforMAncE oF a fIbeR optIC micrO-PRoBe FoR mEgaHertz uLtrASONIc Field mEaSUreMENtsxe2X80X9D wRiTTEN bY uNo eT Al. In tokyO instITuTE oF TechNOlogy, SEe t. IEE JApAn, VoL. 118-e, No. 11 in 1998, p. 487-492.
IF sucH A TwO-DIMeNsionAl SensoR aRraY IS mANufactureD bY EMPLoyiNg tHESE uLtrAsOnIc SENsoRS, THerE are SucH MErITs thaT ELEctRic-WiRINg wOrKS to A LArge numbeR OF Very FInE elEmentS are no LONGeR ReqUIReD, ANd fUrTHeRmore, higHeR SeNSiTIVitiES CAN bE OBtaiNed. hOWeVeR, ThIS TwO-DIMenSiONAl seNsOr OWNS AnOThER problEm that SinCE tHiS ULTrasONic sENsoR ItSeLf is maDE In HIgh cOST, maNufACtuRInG COST oF a TWo-DImENsIOnal sENSOR iS incREAseD, ANd aLso, mAnUfacTuriNG cOst Of aN ULTRAsONIC reCeivInG aPParATuS usINg tHE TWo-DImeNSIonaL seNsor ARRAy iS iNcREaSeD.
THe prESEnt INVeNTiOn haS BEEN MADE TO Solve the aBoVe-DescRIBED pROBLEmS. A FirST obJEcT OF tHE PREseNt InveNTiON IS To PRoviDE AN ulTrasoniC ReCeIvInG appAraTuS CAPabLE OF DeteCtiNG An uLtRAsONic wavE In A Two-DIMEnsiONal MaNner WITHOUt necESsItIES Of ElEcTrIC-wiriNG woRks to a LArGE nUmbEr of Very fiNE elEMeNts and withOut IncreaSE Of cROsSTAlK anD IMPedaNCe, and fURtHerMORe, tO MaNufactURE thE uLTRaSoniC recEIviNG appArATUs In loW CoST. ALso, a SEcOnD OBjeCT oF THE PrESENT InvEnTIOn Is TO prOviDE AN ULTraSONic dIagnOsINg apPAraTUS capaBLe OF aCqUirINg eithER A two-dIMEnSIOnAL uLTraSonIc IMAGE Or a THReE-dIMENSiOnal ultRaSonic iMagE by uSIng ThE aBovE-deSCriBEd uLTrAsOniC REcEIvING aPpaRaTUs.
TO SOLvE THE abovE-EXPLAiNEd pRoBlEMS, aN uLTraSONIC ReceIvIng aPpARATuS ACcordIng tO ONe aSPECt of The prESent iNVeNtIon coMPrisEs: AN ulTrASoniC detectinG Element hAvINg A RECepTIoN PLAnE CaPabLE Of REceIViNG ULTrASonIc wavEs, fOr MoDulAtiNG light on THE bAsis of uLtRasoNIc wavEs aPpLIed to RESPECTiVE PoSiTiOns of THE ReCepTIoN plaNE; ANd a phOTOdEtectOr hAvinG a PLUraLiTY oF pixELS, for deTectinG LigHT OUtPut frOM CorrESpoNDiNg pOsItioNs oF ThE ulTraSOnIC deTeCTiNg ELemeNT.
AlSo, AN ULtRASONic DiagnOsInG APPAratUS ACCoRding To One ASPECt of THE pReSEnT InVentIon COMPrisES: a dRiVE SIgnaL gENERaTing cIrcUIt For GEnERatIng The Drive siGNalS; tranSMISSIon MeAns For TrANsMittING uLTRASONiC waVeS IN rESPoNSe To DRIVe sIGnALS; REcePtIon meANs INCLUDINg an ultrASoNiC DeteCTing ElEmenT AnD A phOtODETecTor, tHe ULTrasONIc DEtEctiNg elEment haVINg A rEcEPTiON plaNE cApaBLE Of rEceiVING UltraSonic WaVes ANd MODuLaTiNG lIght oN THE basis oF ultRaSONiC WAvEs aPPlIed to ReSPeCTiVe POsitiONS Of tHE RECePtIOn pLANe, thE PHOTOdEtEcToR HAvINg a plURAlItY of pixEls ANd DeteCTinG lIgHt oUTpuT FrOM cOrReSPONdInG POSItIonS oF the ULTRaSonIC DEtectiNg elEmenT TO tHERebY oUTPUt deTEcTioN SIgnAls; sIgnal pROcEssinG meaNS FoR REceivINg The DEteCtioN SiGnALS OuTput FrOM The ReCEpTion MeANs To pRoCeSS THE rECEIVEd dETecTiOn sIgnAlS; ContROl mEans fOR cOnTROlLIng BoTH GENeratIOn TiMING of tHe DRIve SIGNaLs and aCqUiSItiOn tImINg oF thE DEteCtiOn SignALS; iMAGe proCEssinG MeAnS fOR ConSTruCtIng ImagE datA ON THE bAsIS Of AN OUTpUT sIgnaL of The SIgNaL PRoCessinG MEAnS; and AN ImAge dIsPLaY unIT FOR DispLAyING ThErEoN aN image oN THe baSis of the imaGE DatA.
acCoRdInG TO the PreSENT InveNtioN, SIncE ThE ulTRAsonIC DeTecTIng elemENt HAviNg tHe ulTrASonic rECEPtIoN PlaNe INClUDINg PositiOns Which CORREspoND TO a pLuRalIty OF piXElS oF thE PhOtOdeTEctor Is EMpLOYed, sUch AN UlTrAsonic rECeIviNg apPAratus caN be maNuFacTurEd IN Low COst. that is TO saY, ThiS ULtrasonIc reCEiving ApPArAtUS IS cApAble of DEtecting tHE uLtRASonic waves iN a TwO-DImEnSiONAl MANnER wIthOUT neCESsiTIes oF eLEcTRIc-WIRING WORkS tO THE Large nUMbEr oF vEry fiNE ELEMeNts aND wiTHOUT InCRease OF CroSStaLk ANd ImPEDAnCe. ACcORdiNgly, aN uLtrASoniC diaGNoSiNg ApPArAtUS CaPABLE oF ACqUIRing a tWo-DiMeNSIONaL OR THReE-dImeNsionaL uLTRASoniC iMAGe With bETteR quALIties cAn Be REalIZED BY EMPlOyiNG Such AN ULTraSOnIC rEcEivIng AppAratUs.
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1. Field of the Invention The present inventiongenerally relates to an ultrasonic receiving apparatus for receivingultrasonic waves. More specifically, the present inventionisdirected to an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus to be usedin medical diagnoses byreceiving ultrasonic wavesfrombiological bodies with employmentof such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus. 2. Description ofa Related Art In conventionalultrasonicdiagnosingapparatus, while both ultrasonic transmitting means andultrasonic receiving meansuse the same systems,one-dimensional sensor array is generallyemployed which includes elements (vibrators) for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves. The vibrators are realized by usingpiezoelectric ceramics which is typically known as PZT (Pb(lead) zirconate titanate), or by using a polymerpiezoelectric element suchas PVDF (polyvinyle difluoride). Furthermore, such a one-dimensional sensor array is mechanicallymoved so as to acquire two-dimensional images, and those two-dimensional images are synthesized with eachother, so that a three-dimensional image is obtained. However, since there is atime lagalong the mechanicallymoving direction of theone-dimensional sensor array in accordance with this method,tomographic imagesacquiredat differenttime instantsare synthesized witheach other, and therefore, thesynthesized image becomes blurred. As a result, this conventional method is notsuitable forimaging objects to be inspected such as living bodies, for instance, in such acase where ultrasonic echo observations are carriedout by employingthe above-described conventional ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus.In order to acquire a three-dimensional image having a high image quality by usingultrasonic waves, a two-dimensionalsensor array capable of acquiring a two-dimensional imagewithout being mechanically moved is necessarily required.For this reason, such a method of manufacturing a two-dimensional sensor array with employmentof the above-described PZT or PVDF has been considered. In such a case where theabove-described PZT or PVDF is employed so as to manufacture such a two-dimensional sensor array, elements must be processed in very fine manners, and also, a very large number of veryfine elements must be connected byusing wiring lines. However, it is practically difficult to process theseelements in afiner manner, and alsoto manufacture theseelements in a higher integration, ascomparedwith the presently-available very fine processing mannerand element integrationmethod. Also, even when these problems could be solved, there are other problems. That is, crosstalk between elements would be increased, electric impedance ofelements connected by very fine wiring lineswould be increased which deteriorate an S/N ratio thereof, and electrode portionsofthese very fine elementswouldbe easily destroyed. Under such a circumstance, it is practicallydifficult to realize such atwo-dimensional sensor array with employment of PZT or PVDF elements. On the other hand, as another ultrasonic sensor without usinga piezoelectric materialsuch as PZT, anoptical detecting type sensor is known in this field, by which an optical fiber is utilized and an ultrasonic wave is converted into an optical signal to bedetected. As such an optical detecting typeultrasonic sensor, the below-mentioned ultrasonic sensorsare reported, namely, an optical detectingtype sensor using the fiber Bragg grating (will be abbreviated as an xe2x80x9cFBGxe2x80x9d hereinafter)described in xe2x80x9cUnderwater Acoustic Sensor with FiberBragg Gratingxe2x80x9d written by TAKAHASHI et al.in National Defense Academy (Japan), seeOPTICAL REVIEW Vol. 4,No. 6 in 1997, p. 691-694; and an optical detectingtypesensor using the Fabry-Perot resonator (will be abbreviated as an xe2x80x9cFPRxe2x80x9d hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cFabrication and Performance of a Fiber Optic Micro-Probe for Megahertz Ultrasonic FieldMeasurementsxe2x80x9d writtenby UNO et al. in Tokyo Institute of Technology, see T.IEEJapan, Vol. 118-E, No. 11in1998, p.487-492. If such a two-dimensional sensor arrayis manufacturedby employing these ultrasonic sensors,thereare such merits that electric-wiring works to alarge number ofvery fine elementsareno longer required, and furthermore, highersensitivities can be obtained. However, thistwo-dimensional sensor owns another problem that since this ultrasonic sensor itself is madein high cost,manufacturing cost of a two-dimensional sensor is increased, and also,manufacturing cost of an ultrasonic receiving apparatus using the two-dimensional sensor array is increased. The present inventionhas been made to solve the above-described problems.A first object of the presentinvention is to provide an ultrasonic receivingapparatus capable of detecting anultrasonic wave in a two-dimensional manner without necessities of electric-wiring works to a large number ofvery fine elements andwithout increase of crosstalk and impedance, and furthermore, tomanufacture the ultrasonic receivingapparatus in low cost. Also, a second object ofthe present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatuscapableof acquiring eithera two-dimensional ultrasonic imageor a three-dimensionalultrasonic image by usingthe above-described ultrasonicreceiving apparatus. To solve the above-explained problems, an ultrasonic receiving apparatus according to one aspect of thepresent invention comprises:an ultrasonic detecting element having a reception plane capable of receiving ultrasonic waves, for modulating light on the basis of ultrasonicwaves applied to respective positions of the reception plane; and aphotodetector having a plurality of pixels, fordetecting light output fromcorresponding positions of the ultrasonicdetecting element. Also, an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus according to one aspect ofthe present inventioncomprises: a drive signal generating circuit for generatingthe drive signals; transmission means for transmitting ultrasonic waves in response to drive signals; reception means including an ultrasonic detecting element and a photodetector, the ultrasonic detecting element having areception plane capable ofreceiving ultrasonic wavesand modulatinglight on the basisof ultrasonic waves applied torespective positions of the reception plane, the photodetector having a plurality of pixels and detecting light outputfrom corresponding positions of the ultrasonic detecting element to thereby output detection signals; signal processingmeans forreceiving the detection signals output from the reception means to process the received detection signals;control means for controlling both generation timing of the drive signalsand acquisitiontiming of the detection signals; image processing means for constructing image data onthe basis of an output signal of the signal processingmeans; and an image display unit for displaying thereon an image on the basis of the image data. According to the present invention,since the ultrasonic detecting element having the ultrasonic reception plane including positions whichcorrespond to a plurality of pixelsof the photodetector is employed, such an ultrasonic receiving apparatuscan be manufactured in low cost. That isto say, thisultrasonic receiving apparatus is capable of detecting the ultrasonic waves in a two-dimensional manner without necessities of electric-wiring works to the large number of very fine elements andwithout increaseof crosstalk and impedance.Accordingly, an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus capable ofacquiring a two-dimensionalor three-dimensionalultrasonic image with better qualitiescan be realizedby employing such an ultrasonic receiving apparatus.
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1. Field _of_ the Invention The present invention generally relates to an ultrasonic receiving apparatus for _receiving_ _ultrasonic_ waves. More specifically, the present invention is _directed_ to an _ultrasonic_ _diagnosing_ apparatus to be used in medical diagnoses by receiving ultrasonic waves from _biological_ bodies _with_ employment of such _an_ ultrasonic receiving _apparatus._ 2. Description of a _Related_ Art In _conventional_ ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus, while both ultrasonic transmitting means and ultrasonic receiving means use the same systems, one-dimensional sensor array is generally employed _which_ includes _elements_ (vibrators) _for_ transmitting/receiving ultrasonic _waves._ The vibrators are _realized_ by using piezoelectric ceramics which is typically known _as_ PZT (Pb(lead) zirconate _titanate),_ _or_ _by_ using a _polymer_ _piezoelectric_ element such as PVDF (polyvinyle difluoride). Furthermore, _such_ _a_ one-dimensional sensor array is _mechanically_ moved _so_ _as_ _to_ acquire two-dimensional images, and _those_ two-dimensional _images_ are synthesized _with_ each other, so that a three-dimensional image is obtained. _However,_ since there is a time lag along the mechanically moving direction of the one-dimensional sensor array in accordance with _this_ method, tomographic images acquired at _different_ time instants are synthesized with each other, and therefore, the _synthesized_ image becomes blurred. As _a_ result, _this_ conventional method is not suitable for imaging objects to be inspected _such_ as living bodies, for instance, _in_ such _a_ case where ultrasonic _echo_ _observations_ are carried out by _employing_ the above-described conventional ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus. _In_ _order_ to _acquire_ a three-dimensional image having a high image quality by using ultrasonic waves, a two-dimensional sensor array capable of acquiring a two-dimensional image without being _mechanically_ moved is necessarily required. _For_ this reason, such _a_ _method_ of manufacturing a two-dimensional sensor array with employment _of_ the above-described PZT or PVDF has been _considered._ In such _a_ case where the above-described PZT _or_ PVDF is employed so as to manufacture such a two-dimensional sensor array, elements must be processed in very fine manners, and also, _a_ _very_ large _number_ of very fine elements must be _connected_ by using wiring lines. However, it _is_ practically difficult to process these elements in _a_ finer manner, and also to _manufacture_ these elements _in_ a higher _integration,_ _as_ compared with the presently-available very fine processing manner and _element_ integration method. Also, even when these _problems_ could be solved, _there_ are other _problems._ That is, crosstalk between _elements_ would be _increased,_ electric impedance of elements connected by very _fine_ wiring _lines_ would be increased which deteriorate an S/N _ratio_ thereof, and _electrode_ _portions_ of these _very_ _fine_ elements would be easily destroyed. Under _such_ a circumstance, it is practically difficult to realize such _a_ two-dimensional sensor _array_ with employment _of_ PZT _or_ PVDF elements. _On_ the other hand, as another ultrasonic sensor without using _a_ _piezoelectric_ material such as _PZT,_ _an_ optical detecting type sensor is _known_ _in_ this _field,_ by which an optical fiber is utilized and _an_ ultrasonic wave is _converted_ into _an_ _optical_ signal to be detected. As such an optical detecting type ultrasonic sensor, the below-mentioned ultrasonic _sensors_ are reported, _namely,_ an _optical_ detecting type sensor _using_ _the_ fiber Bragg _grating_ (will _be_ _abbreviated_ _as_ an xe2x80x9cFBGxe2x80x9d hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cUnderwater _Acoustic_ Sensor with Fiber Bragg Gratingxe2x80x9d written _by_ TAKAHASHI _et_ al. _in_ National Defense Academy _(Japan),_ see OPTICAL REVIEW Vol. _4,_ No. 6 in _1997,_ p. _691-694;_ and an optical detecting type sensor using the Fabry-Perot resonator _(will_ be _abbreviated_ as _an_ _xe2x80x9cFPRxe2x80x9d_ hereinafter) described in xe2x80x9cFabrication and Performance of a Fiber Optic Micro-Probe for _Megahertz_ _Ultrasonic_ Field _Measurementsxe2x80x9d_ _written_ by UNO et al. in Tokyo Institute of Technology, see T. _IEE_ Japan, _Vol._ _118-E,_ No. 11 in 1998, p. 487-492. _If_ _such_ a _two-dimensional_ _sensor_ array is _manufactured_ by employing these _ultrasonic_ sensors, there are such merits that electric-wiring works to a large number of very fine elements are no _longer_ required, and furthermore, higher sensitivities can _be_ obtained. However, this two-dimensional sensor _owns_ _another_ problem that since _this_ ultrasonic sensor itself is made in high cost, manufacturing cost of a two-dimensional sensor is increased, and also, manufacturing _cost_ of _an_ ultrasonic _receiving_ apparatus using the two-dimensional sensor _array_ _is_ increased. The present invention has _been_ _made_ _to_ solve the above-described problems. A first object of the present _invention_ is to provide an ultrasonic receiving _apparatus_ capable of detecting an ultrasonic wave in a two-dimensional _manner_ _without_ necessities of electric-wiring works _to_ _a_ large number of very fine elements and without increase of crosstalk and _impedance,_ _and_ furthermore, to manufacture the _ultrasonic_ _receiving_ apparatus in _low_ cost. Also, a second object _of_ _the_ present _invention_ is to provide an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus _capable_ _of_ acquiring either a _two-dimensional_ ultrasonic _image_ or a three-dimensional ultrasonic image by using the above-described ultrasonic receiving apparatus. To solve the above-explained _problems,_ an ultrasonic _receiving_ apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an _ultrasonic_ detecting element having _a_ reception plane _capable_ of receiving ultrasonic waves, for modulating light on _the_ basis of _ultrasonic_ waves applied to respective _positions_ of the reception plane; and a photodetector having a plurality _of_ _pixels,_ _for_ detecting light output _from_ _corresponding_ positions of the ultrasonic _detecting_ element. Also, an _ultrasonic_ _diagnosing_ apparatus according to _one_ aspect of the present invention comprises: _a_ drive signal generating circuit for generating the drive signals; transmission means _for_ transmitting _ultrasonic_ _waves_ _in_ response to drive _signals;_ _reception_ means including an _ultrasonic_ detecting element and _a_ photodetector, _the_ ultrasonic detecting _element_ having _a_ reception _plane_ capable _of_ receiving ultrasonic waves and modulating light on the basis of ultrasonic waves _applied_ _to_ respective _positions_ of the reception plane, the _photodetector_ having a plurality of pixels and detecting light output from _corresponding_ positions of _the_ _ultrasonic_ detecting _element_ _to_ _thereby_ output detection _signals;_ signal processing _means_ for receiving the detection signals output from the reception means to _process_ the _received_ detection signals; control _means_ for controlling both generation timing of the drive _signals_ _and_ acquisition timing of _the_ detection signals; _image_ processing means for constructing _image_ data on the basis of _an_ output signal of the _signal_ processing means; _and_ an image display unit for displaying thereon an image on the _basis_ _of_ the image data. _According_ to the present _invention,_ _since_ _the_ _ultrasonic_ detecting element having the _ultrasonic_ _reception_ plane including positions _which_ _correspond_ to a plurality of pixels of the photodetector is employed, such an ultrasonic _receiving_ apparatus can be _manufactured_ in low cost. _That_ is to say, this ultrasonic _receiving_ _apparatus_ is capable of detecting the _ultrasonic_ waves in a two-dimensional manner _without_ necessities _of_ electric-wiring _works_ to the large number of very fine elements and _without_ _increase_ of crosstalk and impedance. Accordingly, an _ultrasonic_ _diagnosing_ apparatus capable of acquiring a _two-dimensional_ or three-dimensional ultrasonic _image_ with better _qualities_ _can_ _be_ realized by employing _such_ _an_ ultrasonic _receiving_ apparatus.
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A sole having these characteristics is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 1,895,660. The stiffening shank, termed an “arch support”, extends in this case from a backfoot part to the beginning of the adjacent midfoot part, and serves mainly to reinforce the footwear in the plantar arch area.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,986 describes a torsion stiffening shank which also extends in the plantar arch area, running diagonally relative to the longitudinal direction.
US20070107264 describes a stiffening shank for sports footwear in which a series of semi-rigid plates are connected to one another via locally weakened areas which form hinge systems. In this case also, the extension of the shank is mainly limited to the plantar arch.
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A sole having these dimensions is specified for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 1,895,660. The stiffening shank, termed an “arch support”, extends in this case from a backfoot part to the beginning of the adjacent midfoot part, and serves mainly to reinforce the footwear in the plantar arch area. U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,986 describes a torsion stiffening shank which also extends in the plantar arch area, running diagonally relative to the longitudinal direction. US20070107264 describes a stiffening shank for sports footwear in which a series of semi-rigid plates are attach to one another via locally weakened areas which form hinge systems. In this case also, the extension of the shank is mainly limited to the plantar arch.
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A sole having ymese characteristics is known, for example, from U. S. Pat. No. 1, 895, 660. The stiDfRning shank, termed an “ agcU support ”, extends in Rtis case from a baxkroot part to the beginning of the adjacent midfoot part, and serves maimKy to reinforce the footwear in the plantar arch area. U. S. Pat. No. 6, 785, 986 describes a torsion stiffening shank which also extends in the plantar arch area, EunninH diagonally relative to the longitudinal f8rection. US20070107264 describes a stiffening shank for sports footwear in which a series of semi - rigid plates are connected to one another via locally weakened areas which form hinge systems. In this case also, the extension of the sbanm is mainly limited to the plantar ADch.
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having these characteristics is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 1,895,660. The stiffening termed an “arch support”, extends in this case from a backfoot part to the beginning of the adjacent part, and serves mainly to reinforce footwear in the plantar area. U.S. No. 6,785,986 describes a torsion stiffening shank which also extends in the plantar arch area, diagonally to the longitudinal direction. US20070107264 describes a stiffening shank for sports footwear in which a of semi-rigid plates are connected to one another via locally weakened areas which form hinge systems. In this case also, the extension of the shank mainly limited to the plantar arch.
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a SOle hAVIng THesE ChARaCtEriSticS Is KnOWN, fOR ExAMPlE, frOM u.s. pat. No. 1,895,660. thE StIFfeNIng shaNK, termEd an “aRCh SuppOrt”, EXteNDs iN thIs CASE From A BackFoOt pArt to ThE BegiNNinG oF ThE ADJACeNT miDfoOt paRT, and SeRVEs MAiNly tO reINFORCE THE FOOtwEar IN thE plaNtAR aRcH ArEA.
U.S. pat. NO. 6,785,986 DesCribeS a ToRsion STifFeNiNg shANK wHIch ALsO ExtENds iN thE PlANTAr arCH AREa, RunnInG dIagonAlLY rELaTiVe tO The lOnGiTUDiNAl DIrectiON.
Us20070107264 deSCRIbES A sTiFFENiNG sHank FOR sPorts footWeaR In Which a SeRIeS OF seMi-rigID PlaTES are COnnectEd TO OnE AnOTHeR ViA lOCaLLy WeakEnED ArEaS wHICH FORM HiNGe syStEMs. iN thiS CAse alsO, tHE eXtensiON of thE shAnk is MaInLY LIMItEd TO THE plAnTar ArCh.
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A sole having these characteristics is known, for example,from U.S. Pat. No. 1,895,660. The stiffening shank,termed an “arch support”, extends in this case from a backfoot part to the beginning of the adjacentmidfootpart, and servesmainly toreinforce the footwear in the plantar arch area. U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,986 describes a torsion stiffening shank which also extends in the plantar arch area, running diagonally relative to the longitudinal direction. US20070107264 describes astiffening shank for sports footwear inwhich a seriesof semi-rigid plates are connected to one another via locally weakened areas which form hinge systems.In this case also,the extensionof the shank is mainly limited to the plantar arch.
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_A_ sole having these characteristics is known, for example, from U.S. _Pat._ No. _1,895,660._ _The_ stiffening shank, termed _an_ “arch support”, extends _in_ this case from a backfoot part to _the_ beginning _of_ the adjacent midfoot part, and serves mainly _to_ reinforce the footwear in the _plantar_ arch area. U.S. Pat. _No._ 6,785,986 describes a torsion stiffening shank _which_ also extends _in_ the plantar arch _area,_ running diagonally relative to the longitudinal direction. US20070107264 describes a stiffening shank for sports footwear in which a series _of_ semi-rigid _plates_ are connected to one _another_ via locally weakened areas which form hinge systems. In this _case_ also, the _extension_ of the _shank_ is mainly _limited_ to the _plantar_ arch.
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Otitis media is a common disease in children. The term “otitis media” encompasses a number of clinical disorders including myringitis, otitis media with effusion (OME), chronic suppurative otitis media and acute otitis media (AOM) (24). Acute otitis media (AOM) is a symptomatic illness associated with upper respiratory symptoms, pain, fever and otorrhea. It is the most common infectious disease worldwide, leading to excessive antibiotic consumption in children in most countries and to a substantial burden of deafness and other complications in the developing countries (1-3).
AOM is fairly common and about 60-70% of children experience at least one episode of AOM during the first 3 years of their life (4,5). A subpopulation of children experience recurrent otitis media. Those who experience 3 or more episodes of AOM within 6 months or 4 infections within a year are considered otitis-prone, and represent 10-30% of the total population of children (4;5).
Nasopharyngeal (NP) colonization with one or more otopathogens is a necessary precedent to the development of AOM. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), non-typeable Haemophilia influenzae (NTHi) and Moraxella Catarrhalis are the most common otopathogcns causing AOM, and of these three, Spn predominates (6). A direct relationship between frequency of colonization with NTHi and the frequency of AOM has been noted (J. Infect Dis 170:862-866).
Recurrent AOM is currently treated with different antibiotics of escalating strength on the presumption that the recurrent infections are caused by increasingly antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When recurrences occur at a frequency of 3 in 6 months or 4 in 12 months, then tymnpanostomy tube surgery is often performed, with or without concurrent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy.
In regards to prophylactic measures, at present, there are two available types of pneumococcal vaccines. The first includes capsular polysaccharides from 23 types of S. pneumoniae, which together represent the capsular types of about 90% of strains causing pneumococcal infection. This vaccine, however, is not very immunogenic in young children (Fedson, and Musher 2004, “Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine”, pp. 529-588; In Vaccines. S. A. Plotikin and W. A. Orenstein (eds.), W.B. Saunders and Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; Shapiro et. al., N. Engl. J. Med. 325:1453-1460 (1991)) as they do not generate a good immune response to polysaccharide antigens prior to 2 years of age. This vaccine is not recommended for the prevention of otitis media.
Conjugate vaccines represent the second available type of pneumococcal vaccine. These vaccines which include serotype specific capsular polysaccharide antigens conjugated to a protein carrier, elicit serotype-specific protection. Currently available are 7-valent and 13-valent conjugate vaccines: the 7-valent includes 7 polysaccharide antigens (derived from the capsules of serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F) and the 13-valent conjugate includes 13 polysaccharide antigens (derived from the capsules of serotypes 1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F, and 19A, plus those covered by the 7-valent). 9-valent and 11-valent conjugate vaccines have also been developed and each includes serotype-specific polysaccharides in addition to those in the 7-valent serotypes 1 and 5 in the 9-valent and types 3 and 7F in the 11-valent).
There are however limitations to conjugate vaccines. For example, as such vaccines elicit serotype-specific protection, to protect against additional serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae including those that dominate in the developing world, additional serotype-specific polysaccharides must be included which increases the difficulty of manufacture (Di Fabio et al., Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 20:959-967 (2001); Mulholland, Trop. Med. Int. Health 10:497-500 (2005)). The use of the 7-valent conjugate vaccine has also led to an increase in colonization and disease with strains of capsule types not covered by the polysaccharides included in the vaccine (Bogaert et al., Lancet Infect. Dis. 4:144-154 (2004); Eskola et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 344-403-409 (2001); Mbelle et al., J. Infect. Dis. 180:1171-1176 (1999)). As for pneumococcal otitis media, the available conjugate vaccines do not work as well in protecting against the disease as they do to against invasive disease. In addition, AOM recurrences are still possible following vaccination; for example, the subpopulation of children who are particularly prone to recurrent episodes of AOM, experience a number of recurrences and go on to become otitis prone, despite conjugate immunization.
Therefore, there is still a need for compositions for use in, and methods of, preventing or treating recurring pneumococcal AOM.
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Otitis media is a common disease in children. The term “otitis media” encompasses a number of clinical disorders including myringitis, otitis media with effusion (OME), chronic suppurative otitis media and acute otitis media (AOM) (24). Acute otitis media (AOM) is a symptomatic illness associated with upper respiratory symptoms, pain, fever and otorrhea. It is the most common infectious disease worldwide, leading to excessive antibiotic consumption in children in most countries and to a substantial burden of deafness and other complications in the developing countries (1-3). AOM is fairly common and about 60-70% of children experience at least one episode of AOM during the first 3 years of their life (4,5). A subpopulation of children experience recurrent otitis media. Those who experience 3 or more episodes of AOM within 6 months or 4 infections within a year are considered otitis-prone, and represent 10-30% of the total population of children (4;5). Nasopharyngeal (NP) colonization with one or more otopathogens is a necessary precedent to the development of AOM. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), non-typeable Haemophilia influenzae (NTHi) and Moraxella Catarrhalis are the most common otopathogcns causing AOM, and of these three, Spn predominates (6). A direct relationship between frequency of colonization with NTHi and the frequency of AOM has been noted (J. Infect Dis 170:862-866). Recurrent AOM is currently treated with different antibiotics of escalating strength on the presumption that the recurrent infections are caused by increasingly antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When recurrences occur at a frequency of 3 in 6 months or 4 in 12 months, then tymnpanostomy tube surgery is often performed, with or without concurrent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy. In regards to prophylactic measures, at present, there are two available types of pneumococcal vaccines. The first includes capsular polysaccharides from 23 types of S. pneumoniae, which together represent the capsular types of about 90% of strains causing pneumococcal infection. This vaccine, however, is not very immunogenic in young children (Fedson, and Musher 2004, “Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine”, pp. 529-588; In Vaccines. S. A. Plotikin and W. A. Orenstein (eds.), W.B. Saunders and Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; Shapiro et. al., N. Engl. J. Med. 325:1453-1460 (1991)) as they do not generate a good immune response to polysaccharide antigens prior to 2 years of age. This vaccine is not recommended for the prevention of otitis media. Conjugate vaccines represent the second available type of pneumococcal vaccine. These vaccines which include serotype specific capsular polysaccharide antigens conjugated to a protein carrier, elicit serotype-specific protection. Currently available are 7-valent and 13-valent conjugate vaccines: the 7-valent includes 7 polysaccharide antigens (derived from the capsules of serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F) and the 13-valent conjugate includes 13 polysaccharide antigens (derived from the capsules of serotypes 1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F, and 19A, plus those covered by the 7-valent). 9-valent and 11-valent conjugate vaccines have also been developed and each includes serotype-specific polysaccharides in addition to those in the 7-valent serotypes 1 and 5 in the 9-valent and types 3 and 7F in the 11-valent). There are however limitations to conjugate vaccines. For example, as such vaccines elicit serotype-specific protection, to protect against additional serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae including those that dominate in the developing world, additional serotype-specific polysaccharides must be included which increases the difficulty of manufacture (Di Fabio et al., Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 20:959-967 (2001); Mulholland, Trop. Med. Int. Health 10:497-500 (2005)). The use of the 7-valent conjugate vaccine has also led to an increase in colonization and disease with strains of capsule types not covered by the polysaccharides included in the vaccine (Bogaert et al., Lancet Infect. Dis. 4:144-154 (2004); Eskola et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 344-403-409 (2001); Mbelle et al., J. Infect. Dis. 180:1171-1176 (1999)). As for pneumococcal otitis media, the available conjugate vaccines do not work as well in protecting against the disease as they do to against invasive disease. In addition, AOM recurrences are still possible following vaccination; for example, the subpopulation of children who are particularly prone to recurrent episodes of AOM, experience a number of recurrences and go on to become otitis prone, despite conjugate immunization. Therefore, there is still a need for compositions for use in, and methods of, preventing or handle recurring pneumococcal AOM.
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Otitis media is a common disease in children. The term “ otitis media ” encompasses a number of clinical disorders including myringitis, otitis media with effusion (OME ), chronic suppurative otitis media and acute otitis media (AOM) (24 ). Acute otitis media (AOM) is a symptomatic illness associated with upper respiratory symptoms, pain, fever and otorrhea. It is the most common infectious disease worldwide, leading to excessive antibiotic consumption in children in most countries and to a substantial burden of deafness and other complications in the developing countries (1 - 3 ). AOM is fairly common and about 60 - 70% of children experience at lewsy one episode of AOM during the first 3 years of th3if life (4, 5 ). A subpopulation of children experience recurrent otitis media. Those who experience 3 or more episodes of AOM within 6 months or 4 infections within a year are considered otitis - prone, and represent 10 - 30% of the total population of children (4; 5 ). Nasopharyngeal (NP) colonization wL6h one or more otopathogens is a necessary precedent to the development of AOM. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn ), non - typeable Haemophilia influenzae (NTHi) and Moraxella Catarrhalis are the most common otopathogcns causing AOM, and of these three, Spn predominates (6 ). A direct relationship between frequency of colonization with NTHi and the frequency of AOM has been n*hed (J. Infect Dis 170: 862 - 866 ). Recurrent AOM is currently treated with different antibiotics of escalating strength on the presumption that the recurrent infections are caused by increasingly antibiotic - resistant bacteria. When recurrences occur at a frequency of 3 in 6 months or 4 in 12 months, then tymnpanostomy tube surgery is often performed, with or without concurrent adenoidectomy and / or tonsillectomy. In regards to prophylactic measures, at present, there are two available types of pneumococcal vaccines. The first 9mcludes capsular polysaccharides from 23 types of S. pneumoniae, which together represent the capsular types of about 90% of strains causing pneumococcal infection. This vaccine, however, is not very immunogenic in young children (Fedson, and Musher 2004, “ Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine ”, pp. 529 - 588; In Vaccines. S. A. Plotikin and W. A. Orenstein (eds. ), W. B. Saunders and Co. , Philadelphia, Pa. ; Shapiro et. al. , N. Engl. J. Med. 325: 1453 - 1460 (1991) ) as they do not generate a good imJuhe response to polysaccharide antigens prior to 2 years of age. This vaccine is not recommended for the prevention of otitis media. Conjugate vaccines represent the second available type of pneumococcal vaccine. These vaccines which include serotype specific capsular polysaccharide antigens conjugated to a protein carrier, elicit serotype - specific protection. Currently available are 7 - valent and 13 - valent conjugate vaccines: the 7 - valent includes 7 polysaccharide antigens (derived from the capsules of serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F) and the 13 - valent conjugate includes 13 polysaccharide antigens (derived from the capsules of serotypes 1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F, and 19A, plus those covered by the 7 - valent ). 9 - valent and 11 - valent conjugate vaccines have also been developed and each includes serotype - specific polysaccharides in addition to those in the 7 - valent serotypes 1 and 5 in the 9 - valent and types 3 and 7F in the 11 - valent ). There are however limitations to conjugate vaccines. For example, as such vaccines elicit serotype - specific protection, to protect against additional serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae including those that dominate in the developing world, additional serotype - specific polysaccharides must be included which increases the difficulty of manufacture (Di Fabio et al. , Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 20: 959 - 967 (2001 ); Mulholland, Trop. Med. Int. Health 10: 497 - 500 (2005) ). The use of the 7 - valent conjugate vaccine has also led to an increase in colonization and disease with strains of capsule types not covered by the polysaccharides included in the vaccine (Bogaert et al. , Lancet OnfeDt. Dis. 4: 144 - 154 (2004 ); Eskola et al. , N. Engl. J. Med. 344 - 403 - 409 (2001 ); Mbelle et al. , J. Infect. Dis. 180: 1171 - 1W7Y (1999) ). As for pneumococcal otitis media, the available conjugate vaccines do not work as well in protecting against the disease as they do to against invasive disease. In addotiPn, AOM recurrences are still possible following vaccination; for example, the subpopulation of children who are particularly prone to recurrent episodes of AOM, experience a number of recurrences and go on to become otitis prone, despite conjugate immunization. Therefore, tterF is still a need for compositions for use in, and methods of, preventing or treating recurring pneumococcal AOM.
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Otitis is a common disease in children. The “otitis media” encompasses a number of clinical disorders including myringitis, otitis media with effusion (OME), chronic suppurative media and acute media (AOM) (24). Acute otitis media (AOM) is a illness associated with respiratory symptoms, pain, and otorrhea. It is the most common infectious disease worldwide, leading to excessive antibiotic consumption in children in most countries and to substantial burden of deafness and complications in the countries (1-3). AOM is fairly common and about 60-70% of children experience at least one episode of AOM during first 3 of their life (4,5). A of children experience recurrent otitis media. Those who 3 or more episodes of AOM within 6 months or 4 infections within a year are considered otitis-prone, represent of the total population of children (4;5). Nasopharyngeal (NP) colonization with one or more otopathogens is a necessary precedent to the development of AOM. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), non-typeable Haemophilia (NTHi) Moraxella Catarrhalis are the most common otopathogcns of these three, Spn predominates (6). A direct relationship between frequency of colonization with NTHi and the frequency of AOM has been noted (J. Infect Dis 170:862-866). Recurrent AOM is currently treated with different of escalating strength on the presumption that the recurrent infections are caused by increasingly antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When recurrences occur at frequency of 3 in 6 months or 4 in 12 months, then tube surgery is often performed, with or without concurrent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy. In regards to measures, at present, there are two available types of pneumococcal vaccines. The first includes capsular polysaccharides from 23 types of S. pneumoniae, which together represent capsular types of 90% of strains causing pneumococcal infection. This vaccine, however, is not very immunogenic in young and Musher 2004, “Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine”, pp. 529-588; In Vaccines. S. A. and W. A. Orenstein (eds.), W.B. Saunders and Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; Shapiro et. al., N. Engl. J. Med. 325:1453-1460 as they do not generate a good immune response polysaccharide antigens prior 2 years of age. This vaccine is not recommended for the of otitis media. Conjugate vaccines represent the second available type of pneumococcal vaccine. vaccines which include serotype specific capsular polysaccharide antigens conjugated to a protein carrier, elicit serotype-specific protection. Currently are 7-valent and 13-valent conjugate vaccines: the 7-valent includes 7 polysaccharide antigens (derived the capsules of serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and and the 13-valent conjugate polysaccharide (derived from the capsules of 1, 3, 6A, 7F, and 19A, plus those covered by the 7-valent). 9-valent and 11-valent conjugate vaccines have been developed and each includes serotype-specific polysaccharides in addition to in the 7-valent serotypes 1 and 5 in the 9-valent and types and 7F in 11-valent). There are however to conjugate vaccines. example, as such elicit serotype-specific protection, to protect against additional serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae including those that dominate in the developing world, additional serotype-specific polysaccharides be included which increases difficulty of manufacture Fabio et al., Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 20:959-967 (2001); Mulholland, Trop. Int. Health 10:497-500 (2005)). The use the 7-valent conjugate vaccine has also led an increase in colonization and with strains of capsule types not covered by the polysaccharides included in the vaccine (Bogaert et Lancet Infect. Dis. 4:144-154 (2004); Eskola et al., N. J. Med. 344-403-409 (2001); Mbelle et al., Infect. Dis. 180:1171-1176 (1999)). As pneumococcal media, the available conjugate vaccines do not work as protecting against the disease as they to against invasive disease. In addition, AOM recurrences are still possible following vaccination; for example, the subpopulation of children who are particularly prone to recurrent episodes of AOM, experience a number of and go on to become otitis prone, despite immunization. Therefore, there is still a need compositions for use in, and methods of, or treating recurring pneumococcal AOM.
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OtiTIs meDIA IS A common diseaSE iN chiLDREn. tHe TERM “otITIS meDIa” encOMpaSsES a Number Of ClInIcal dISoRDErs INCluDIng MyRingItIS, OTitIS mEdIa with eFfuSIOn (oME), ChrOniC sUPpUrative OtiTiS meDiA anD acUte oTitIs MEDiA (AoM) (24). aCuTe OtITiS MeDia (aoM) IS a symptOMaTIC iLlNESs AsSociaTEd WitH uPPeR RESpiraTOrY syMPtOmS, PaiN, fevEr AND OTORRHea. It is thE mOST CommoN InFeCTiouS dISEaSe worldWide, lEADING TO excESsIve aNTibIOTiC CONsUMPtiOn IN CHilDren IN MOSt COuntRIeS ANd TO a SUBStaNtiAL buRDen Of DeAfNeSs AND OTHER CoMplICatiONs In the DeVElopIng cOUntRiES (1-3).
AOm Is FaiRlY ComMon aNd ABoUT 60-70% Of chIldren exPEriENCe At LeaST oNe EpiSODe Of AOm DURINg the FIRSt 3 yEArs oF TheiR LIfE (4,5). a sUbPOpulaTIOn of chiLdreN EXPeRiENcE recuRreNt oTITiS MedIa. THOSe wHo EXpEriencE 3 OR mORe ePISoDES oF aOm WItHiN 6 monthS oR 4 InFECTiONs wiThin a yEAR aRE consIDered OTiTis-PRONE, AnD RepReSeNT 10-30% OF THe totAl pOpuLaTion oF cHiLdren (4;5).
NasOphAryNGeAL (np) cOlONiZaTION wiTh one oR More OtoPathoGeNs Is A NECessaRY pREcEdenT To tHe dEVeLoPmeNt Of Aom. StRePtOcOccuS PnEuMoNIae (SpN), NoN-TypEabLe hAEMopHiliA INFluenZAE (nThI) ANd moraXellA cATarrhaLIS are tHE MOsT comMon OtOpathogCNS CaUsIng AOm, ANd OF tHESe tHReE, sPN PREdomINatES (6). a direcT RELationShip bEtwEEn fReQUeNcY oF CoLoniZatioN WitH NtHi AND tHE FrEQuenCY OF aom hAS BEEn NoTed (j. iNFeCT diS 170:862-866).
reCuRReNT AoM is CuRrEnTly tReATed WITh diFfErENT anTibIoTIcS Of eSCalATInG STREngth On tHe PreSUmptIoN ThAT the rEcURrenT iNfEcTiOns arE cAUSed By inCreASingly AnTIBioTic-rESIstAnt bACTerIA. WhEn rECurREnceS OcCuR AT A FREqUENCy oF 3 In 6 MOnths oR 4 iN 12 MOnThs, THEN TYMnPaNoSTOmY TUbE SurgeRy iS OfTeN PErfoRmed, wITh OR WitHoUT cOnCUrRenT AdeNOIDecTOMy AnD/or TonSiLleCtOMY.
In rEgaRdS To propHyLACtic mEaSuReS, AT PReSENT, thEre are two AvaILAbLE TyPEs OF pNEUMococCal VacCINeS. THE FIrSt iNcludeS CapsUlar polySaCchaRIDes FrOm 23 tYPES Of s. pnEumOniaE, wHIcH tOgEThER RePrEsENt tHE CAPSULAR typEs Of AbouT 90% of StRAinS caUsiNg pnEUmOcOCCAL InFECTiON. tHIS vAcCine, HOWEveR, IS noT verY IMmUNoGenIC iN YOUnG ChILDreN (fEDsoN, aNd MushEr 2004, “PneumOcOCCal pOLysACChARide vaccINE”, pp. 529-588; In VAccInEs. S. a. PLOtIKin And W. a. oRENSTEIN (EdS.), W.b. saunDeRS and co., phILADelPHia, PA.; shApiRo eT. al., n. eNGL. J. mED. 325:1453-1460 (1991)) as They dO noT GenERate a gOOD IMMUnE reSpONsE TO PolySaccHarIDE anTIgeNs PrIor tO 2 yEaRs of AGE. tHIS vACcIne is not rEcOmmEnDed for THE preVEnTIon of oTITis medIa.
cONJuGAtE vAcciNeS reprEsEnt The second AvailABle tyPE oF pneuMococCal vacCINE. tHEsE VaCCineS whICH incLUDe seroTYPe spEcIFIc cAPsUlAR POLysAccharIDe AntigeNS CoNjUGAted To A PROtEin caRRier, ElICit SErOType-sPeciFIc pROTeCtION. CuRrENTLy avaIlabLE Are 7-VALeNt And 13-vALENt cONJugATE VaCciNES: The 7-vALeNt iNcLuDES 7 PolYSAcCHarIDE anTIgenS (DeRIVEd frOM tHE CapSULes Of seROtYpes 4, 6b, 9v, 14, 18C, 19f ANd 23f) aND The 13-vALENt conjUGAtE InCLudEs 13 pOLysAcchARIde antIgEns (derIVEd FRoM ThE CapsULES of SeRotyPes 1, 3, 5, 6A, 7f, AnD 19A, PluS thOSE cOvEreD BY thE 7-vAlEnt). 9-ValeNT ANd 11-ValenT ConjugaTE vaccinES haVe also beEN deVelOPed aND EaCH iNcLudeS seROtypE-SPECIFIC poLYsACChAridES iN addiTiON tO thoSE IN THE 7-VaLENt SerotYPEs 1 And 5 iN thE 9-VALENT AND tyPes 3 aNd 7F IN thE 11-vAleNt).
thErE ARE hoWEvER liMiTATiOnS to conjUgATe vaccINeS. For eXampLE, As SuCh vAcCINeS ELiCIT seroTyPE-SPecIFIC pRoTEctioN, To PrOteCT AGAinSt AdDitiOnAl SerOTyPeS OF sTrePtOcOCCus pnEumoNiAE incLudINg thOsE tHaT DOminATe iN The DeVEloPIng WoRld, aDdItiOnaL SEROtYPE-spEciFic POLySACChAriDeS MUst bE inCLuDed wHIcH inCREaSeS tHe DIFfiCUlTY oF MAnufACture (di fAbIo eT al., pediATR. iNfECT. DIS. j. 20:959-967 (2001); mulhoLLAND, TROP. mED. Int. heALTh 10:497-500 (2005)). ThE uSE Of ThE 7-valenT CONjUGaTE vaCcINe has aLsO LED TO aN iNcreaSe in COLonIzAtIon AND dIseaSe wITh sTRAins Of CApSULE typES not cOvERed By thE POlysacChArIdES INcLudED in THE vacCIne (BogAert Et aL., LAncEt infECT. DIs. 4:144-154 (2004); eSKoLa ET AL., N. enGL. J. Med. 344-403-409 (2001); mBELLe Et AL., J. infECt. DIs. 180:1171-1176 (1999)). AS For PNeumoCocCaL oTITIs MEdia, ThE aVAILAbLe CoNJUGaTE vACCines do NoT wORk as wELL iN proTeCtinG aGAinSt ThE DiSEaSe as tHEy dO TO AGaiNST INvasiVE dIsEase. iN aDDiTion, aom REcurreNCes Are sTIll PossIblE FOlloWIng VaccInATion; fOR eXAmpLE, THE subPOpULATion Of ChIldren Who aRe parTICuLArly pRONE TO recurrenT epiSodEs OF aOm, exPErIENCE a numbeR OF rEcUrRENCeS And Go oN tO BecOme otItiS pROnE, DespiTe CONjUGATe iMMuNizaTiOn.
ThErEFoRe, TheRe IS sTiLL a neED for comPOSITIoNs FOr uSE In, aND MetHOds Of, prevenTiNG oR trEATIng recUrring PNEuMOcOccAL AOm.
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Otitis media is a common diseasein children. The term “otitis media” encompassesanumber of clinicaldisorders including myringitis, otitismedia with effusion (OME), chronic suppurative otitismedia and acute otitis media(AOM) (24).Acute otitis media (AOM) is a symptomaticillness associated with upper respiratorysymptoms, pain, fever and otorrhea. It is the most common infectious disease worldwide, leading to excessive antibiotic consumption inchildren in most countries and to a substantial burden of deafnessand other complications in the developing countries (1-3). AOM is fairly commonand about60-70%of childrenexperience at least one episode of AOM during the first 3 years of their life (4,5). Asubpopulation of childrenexperiencerecurrent otitis media. Thosewho experience 3 or more episodes of AOMwithin6 monthsor 4infections within a year are considered otitis-prone, and represent 10-30% of the total population ofchildren (4;5). Nasopharyngeal (NP) colonization with one or more otopathogens is a necessary precedent to the development of AOM. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), non-typeable Haemophilia influenzae (NTHi) and MoraxellaCatarrhalis arethe most commonotopathogcns causing AOM, and of thesethree, Spn predominates (6). A direct relationship between frequency of colonization with NTHiand the frequency of AOM has been noted (J. Infect Dis 170:862-866). RecurrentAOM is currently treatedwith different antibiotics of escalating strength on the presumption that the recurrent infections are caused byincreasingly antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When recurrences occur at a frequency of 3 in 6 months or 4 in12 months, then tymnpanostomy tubesurgery isoften performed, with or without concurrentadenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy. In regards to prophylactic measures, at present, there aretwoavailable types of pneumococcal vaccines. The first includes capsular polysaccharides from 23 types of S. pneumoniae,which togetherrepresent the capsular types of about 90% of strains causing pneumococcal infection. This vaccine,however, is not very immunogenic in young children (Fedson, and Musher 2004, “Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine”, pp. 529-588; In Vaccines. S. A. Plotikin and W. A. Orenstein (eds.), W.B. Saunders and Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; Shapiroet. al., N. Engl.J. Med. 325:1453-1460 (1991)) as they do not generateagood immune response to polysaccharide antigensprior to 2 years of age. This vaccine is not recommended forthe prevention of otitismedia. Conjugate vaccines represent the second available type ofpneumococcal vaccine. These vaccines which include serotype specific capsular polysaccharideantigens conjugated to a protein carrier, elicit serotype-specific protection. Currently available are7-valent and 13-valent conjugate vaccines: the 7-valent includes 7 polysaccharide antigens (derived fromthe capsules ofserotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C,19F and 23F) andthe 13-valent conjugate includes 13 polysaccharide antigens (derived from the capsules of serotypes 1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F,and 19A, plus those covered by the 7-valent). 9-valent and 11-valent conjugate vaccines have also been developed and eachincludes serotype-specific polysaccharides inaddition to those in the 7-valent serotypes 1 and 5inthe 9-valent and types 3 and7F in the11-valent). There are however limitations to conjugate vaccines.For example,assuch vaccines elicit serotype-specificprotection, to protect against additionalserotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae including those that dominatein the developing world, additional serotype-specificpolysaccharidesmust be included whichincreases the difficulty of manufacture (Di Fabio et al., Pediatr. Infect. Dis.J. 20:959-967 (2001); Mulholland, Trop. Med. Int.Health 10:497-500 (2005)).The use of the 7-valent conjugate vaccine has also led to an increase in colonization and disease with strains of capsule types not covered by the polysaccharides included inthe vaccine(Bogaert et al., Lancet Infect. Dis. 4:144-154 (2004); Eskola et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 344-403-409(2001); Mbelle et al., J. Infect.Dis. 180:1171-1176 (1999)). As for pneumococcal otitis media, the available conjugatevaccines do not work aswellin protecting against the disease as theydoto against invasive disease. In addition, AOM recurrences are still possible followingvaccination; for example,the subpopulation of children who areparticularly pronetorecurrent episodes of AOM, experience a number of recurrences and go on to become otitisprone, despite conjugate immunization. Therefore, there is still a needfor compositions for use in, and methods of, preventing or treatingrecurring pneumococcal AOM.
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_Otitis_ _media_ is a _common_ disease in children. _The_ _term_ “otitis media” encompasses a number of clinical disorders including myringitis, otitis media with effusion (OME), _chronic_ suppurative otitis media and acute otitis media (AOM) (24). Acute otitis media _(AOM)_ is a symptomatic illness associated with upper respiratory symptoms, pain, _fever_ and otorrhea. It is the most _common_ infectious disease worldwide, leading to excessive _antibiotic_ consumption _in_ children in most countries and to a substantial _burden_ _of_ deafness _and_ other _complications_ in the developing countries (1-3). AOM is fairly common and about _60-70%_ _of_ children experience at _least_ _one_ episode of AOM during the _first_ 3 years of their life _(4,5)._ A subpopulation of children experience recurrent _otitis_ media. Those who experience 3 or _more_ episodes of AOM within 6 months _or_ 4 infections within _a_ year are _considered_ _otitis-prone,_ and represent _10-30%_ of the total population of children (4;5). Nasopharyngeal (NP) _colonization_ with one or _more_ _otopathogens_ is a _necessary_ precedent to the development _of_ AOM. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), non-typeable _Haemophilia_ influenzae _(NTHi)_ and Moraxella Catarrhalis _are_ the most common otopathogcns causing _AOM,_ and _of_ _these_ three, _Spn_ predominates (6). _A_ direct relationship between frequency of colonization _with_ NTHi and _the_ _frequency_ _of_ AOM has been noted (J. Infect Dis 170:862-866). Recurrent _AOM_ _is_ _currently_ treated with different antibiotics of escalating _strength_ on the presumption _that_ the recurrent _infections_ are caused by increasingly antibiotic-resistant _bacteria._ When _recurrences_ occur at a frequency _of_ 3 in 6 months _or_ 4 _in_ 12 months, _then_ tymnpanostomy _tube_ surgery is _often_ performed, _with_ _or_ without concurrent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy. In regards to prophylactic measures, _at_ present, there are two available types of _pneumococcal_ vaccines. The first includes _capsular_ polysaccharides from 23 _types_ of _S._ pneumoniae, _which_ together represent _the_ capsular types of about 90% _of_ _strains_ _causing_ pneumococcal infection. This _vaccine,_ _however,_ is not very _immunogenic_ in young children (Fedson, and Musher 2004, “Pneumococcal _Polysaccharide_ _Vaccine”,_ pp. _529-588;_ In _Vaccines._ S. A. Plotikin and W. A. Orenstein (eds.), W.B. Saunders and Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; Shapiro et. al., N. Engl. J. Med. _325:1453-1460_ (1991)) _as_ they do not _generate_ a good immune response to polysaccharide antigens prior to 2 years of age. _This_ vaccine _is_ _not_ _recommended_ for the prevention of otitis media. _Conjugate_ _vaccines_ represent _the_ second available type of pneumococcal vaccine. These vaccines which include serotype specific capsular polysaccharide antigens _conjugated_ to a protein carrier, elicit serotype-specific _protection._ Currently available are 7-valent and 13-valent conjugate vaccines: the 7-valent includes 7 polysaccharide antigens (derived from the capsules of serotypes _4,_ 6B, 9V, _14,_ _18C,_ 19F and 23F) and the 13-valent conjugate includes 13 polysaccharide _antigens_ (derived from the _capsules_ of serotypes 1, 3, _5,_ 6A, 7F, and 19A, plus those covered by the 7-valent). 9-valent and 11-valent conjugate vaccines have also been developed and each _includes_ serotype-specific _polysaccharides_ in addition _to_ _those_ in _the_ _7-valent_ serotypes 1 and 5 _in_ the 9-valent and _types_ 3 and 7F in the 11-valent). _There_ _are_ _however_ limitations _to_ conjugate _vaccines._ For example, as such vaccines elicit serotype-specific protection, to protect against _additional_ serotypes of _Streptococcus_ _pneumoniae_ including _those_ _that_ dominate _in_ the developing _world,_ additional serotype-specific polysaccharides must be _included_ _which_ increases the difficulty of manufacture (Di Fabio et al., Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 20:959-967 (2001); Mulholland, Trop. Med. Int. _Health_ 10:497-500 (2005)). The use _of_ the 7-valent conjugate vaccine has also led _to_ _an_ increase in colonization and disease with strains of _capsule_ types not covered by the _polysaccharides_ included in _the_ vaccine (Bogaert et al., _Lancet_ _Infect._ Dis. _4:144-154_ (2004); Eskola et al., N. _Engl._ J. Med. 344-403-409 (2001); _Mbelle_ et al., J. Infect. Dis. 180:1171-1176 _(1999))._ As _for_ pneumococcal otitis media, _the_ available conjugate vaccines do not work as well in protecting against the disease as they do to _against_ _invasive_ _disease._ In _addition,_ AOM recurrences are still possible following vaccination; for example, the subpopulation of children who are particularly prone to recurrent episodes of AOM, experience a _number_ of recurrences _and_ go on to become otitis prone, _despite_ _conjugate_ immunization. Therefore, there _is_ still a need for compositions for use in, and methods of, preventing or treating recurring pneumococcal _AOM._
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One of the primary uses of the Internet is content provision. Content may include any kind of content accessible via the Internet including, for example, textual content items, multimedia content items, etc. Content providers distribute, and sometimes also generate, content items that are made accessible to Internet users (e.g., content consumers). One of the greatest difficulties for users and content providers alike is determining the content items that any particular user is interested in receiving. It is known to address this problem by generating, by and/or for each user, a user profile. The user profile is an indication of the user's specific interests, which may then be matched with specific content items to be provided to the user.
There are two known ways for generating user profiles. In one method, user profiles are generated automatically based on the behavior of the user. For example, if a user visits a web site at which he or she makes a purchase, the kind of object purchased is stored and the user is presumed to have an interest in other things like the ones they have purchased. This indirect method is outside user control and prone to error. For example, a person buying gifts for others would likely be profiled as being a user of the products purchased. The method also fails in terms of what it remembers. A user whose interests change over time can be characterized by a profile based in part on past interests that they have given up.
Another known way to generate user profiles involves allowing the user to select interests from broad categories. In this method, the user selects very general interests (such as in News, Sports, etc), like selecting which newspaper sections they read or TV networks they watch. This approach is user driven, but is not specific. Often this is because of the difficulty of enticing users to make the time commitment necessary to submit detailed information. Further concerns about privacy make some users reluctant to provide more detailed information. Accordingly, the profiles that emerge from this method often do not provide a sufficiently precise guide to the specific information the user would like to receive.
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One of the primary uses of the Internet is content provision. Content may include any kind of content accessible via the Internet including, for example, textual content items, multimedia content items, etc. Content providers distribute, and sometimes also generate, content items that are made accessible to Internet users (e.g., content consumers). One of the greatest difficulties for users and content providers alike is determining the content items that any particular user is interested in receiving. It is known to address this problem by generating, by and/or for each user, a user profile. The user profile is an indication of the user's specific interests, which may then be matched with specific content items to be provided to the user. There are two known ways for generating user profiles. In one method, user profiles are generated automatically based on the behavior of the user. For example, if a user visits a web site at which he or she makes a proposal the kind of object purchased is stored and the user is presumed to have an interest in other things like the ones they have purchased. This indirect method is outside user control and prone to error. For example, a person buying gifts for others would likely be profiled as being a user of the products purchased. The method also fails in terms of what it remembers. A user whose interests change over time can be characterized by a profile based in part on past interests that they have given up. Another known way to generate user profiles involves allowing the user to select interests from broad categories. In this function the user selects very general interests (such as in News, Sports, programs like selecting which newspaper sections they read or TV networks they watch. This approach is user driven, but is not specific. Often this is because of the difficulty of enticing users to make the time commitment necessary to submit detailed information. Further concerns about privacy make some users reluctant to provide more detailed information. Accordingly, the profiles that emerge from this method often do not provide a sufficiently precise guide to the specific information the user would like to receive.
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One of the primary uses of the Internet is content provision. Content may include any kind of content accessible via the Internet including, for example, textual cKJtent items, multimedia content items, etc. C8Jtent providers distribute, and sometimes also generate, content items that are made accessible to Internet users (e. g. , DonRent consumers ). One of the greatest difficulties for users and content providers alike is determining the content items that any particular user is interested in receiving. It is known to address this problem by generating, by and / or for each user, a user profile. The user profile is an indication of the user ' s specific interests, which may then be matched with specific content items to be p$(vided to the user. There are two known ways for generating user profiles. In one method, user profiles are generated automatically based on the behavior of the user. For example, if a user visits a web site at which he or she makes a purchase, the kind of object purchased is stored and the user is presu<dd to have an interest in other things like the ones they have purchased. This indirect method is outside user control and prone to error. For example, a person buying gifts for others would likely be profiled as being a user of the products lKrchased. The method also fails in terms of what it remembers. A user whose kntereDts change over time can be characterized by a profile based in part on past interests that they have given up. Another known way to generate user profiles involves allowing the user to select interests from broad categories. In this method, the user selects very general interests (such as in News, Sports, etc ), like selecting which newspaper sections they read or TV networks they watch. ThKa approach is user driven, but is not specific. Often this is because of the difficulty of enticing users to make the time commitment necessary to submit detailed information. Further concerns about privacy make some users reluctant to provide more detailed information. Accordingly, the profiles that eK3rge from this method often do not provide a sufficiently precise guide to the specific information the user eoulX like to receive.
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One of the primary uses of the Internet is content provision. Content may include any of accessible via the Internet including, for example, textual content items, multimedia items, etc. Content providers distribute, and sometimes also generate, content that are made accessible to Internet users (e.g., content consumers). of the greatest difficulties for users and content providers alike is determining the content items that any particular user is interested in receiving. It known to address this problem by generating, and/or for each user, a user The user profile is indication of the user's specific interests, may then with specific items to be provided to the user. There are known ways for generating user In one method, user profiles generated automatically based on the of user. For if a user visits a web site at which he or she makes a purchase, the kind of object purchased is stored and the is presumed to have an interest in other things like the ones they have purchased. This indirect method is outside user control and to error. For example, a buying gifts for would likely be profiled being user of the products purchased. method also fails in terms of what it remembers. A whose interests change over time can be characterized by a profile based in part on past that they have given up. Another known to generate user profiles involves allowing the user to select interests from categories. In this method, the user selects very general interests (such as in News, Sports, etc), like selecting which newspaper sections they read or TV they watch. is user driven, but is not specific. Often this is because of the difficulty of enticing users to make the time commitment to submit information. Further about privacy make some users reluctant to provide more detailed information. Accordingly, the profiles that emerge from this method often do not provide a sufficiently precise guide to the specific information the user would like to receive.
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oNE Of ThE PriMarY useS Of The iNTerNeT Is conTENt PrOvisIoN. ContEnt MaY INCLUDE any KInD oF cONTenT aCCESSiblE ViA ThE inTERNEt inCLUdInG, FOR EXAmPLe, TEXtUal conTENT iTeMS, MUlTImEdIA cONTent iTeMS, ETc. contENT PROvIDeRS DIsTrIBuTE, ANd sOmeTImEs AlSO gENERate, cOnTEnt Items thAT ArE MAde ACceSsIbLE tO IntErnet usERs (e.G., cONTenT coNsuMERs). One Of THe greAtEST dIfFiCULTIEs FOr usErs AnD cOnTenT pRovIDERs aLIkE iS DeterMinInG tHE CONTEnT itEMs tHat AnY PARTICULar usEr IS iNTeReSTeD In REcEIvIng. iT is knOwn To aDDrESS ThIS pRObLem by GEneRAtInG, By AnD/Or For eaCH usEr, A uSER prOfILE. The User PROFILE iS An INDIcATiOn oF ThE usEr'S specIfiC iNTerESTS, WHICh MaY Then be MAtCHed witH sPeCific conteNt iTEMS tO BE PrOVIdEd TO THe USEr.
THErE are TwO KnoWn WAYs fOr GeNErATiNg USER PROFILES. In oNE MeThOD, uSER prOFILes are GeneRAteD autOmatiCally bAseD On thE beHavioR Of thE User. FOR eXAmple, if A user VISITS A wEB siTE at whiCh he Or She mAKEs A puRcHaSe, ThE kINd oF ObJeCt puRCHASEd IS StoReD aNd The USeR IS PrESUmED to hAvE AN INtEREsT IN Other THiNGS LIkE THE oNes tHeY HAvE PurcHaseD. tHis INDiRECT meTHod is OUTside usEr ConTROL and Prone to ERroR. fOR ExAmPlE, a PeRSOn bUYiNG GIftS For OtHerS wOuLD Likely bE prOFILeD as BEinG A user Of THE prodUCTS PuRChaSED. tHE metHod aLso FaiLs iN tErMs of WhaT iT ReMEMberS. A USeR WHOse INterEsTS cHaNGe ovEr TimE cAn Be cHaracTErIZEd by A PRofIle BasEd iN PaRT ON pAsT iNTeRESTS ThaT they havE gIVEn up.
AnOtHeR kNoWn Way TO GenErATE uSer PRoFiLes inVolvEs aLLoWInG thE uSer TO SeLEcT iNtEresTs FroM BrOAD CaTeGorIeS. in THis mEthoD, THE USER sELectS VeRy GeneRAL InTeReSTS (sucH aS IN neWs, sportS, Etc), likE SeLeCTINg WHiCH NewsPAper seCTiOns ThEY read or tv nETWORks tHeY wATCH. THiS appROACH Is user DRIvEn, but iS nOT SpecIfic. OFten thiS is BecauSE oF thE DIFFicUltY Of eNTiCING USeRS TO MaKe tHe TImE cOmmitMeNt NeCEssARY TO sUBMiT deTAileD INfORmation. FURther cOnCerns ABOUt PRIVACy MAKe SOme USerS ReLUCTAnT TO ProvIDe MorE dEtaILEd inFORMaTiOn. acCoRdINGlY, tHe PROfilEs tHaT emeRge froM THis MEtHOD OfTEn DO noT pROVIdE A sUFFIcIenTly pRECisE gUIDe tO tHe SpecIfIc InfOrmATIOn The uSeR wOuLD likE to reCEIvE.
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One of the primary uses of the Internet is content provision. Content may include any kindof content accessible via the Internet including, for example,textual content items, multimedia content items, etc. Content providers distribute, and sometimes also generate, content items that are made accessible to Internet users (e.g., content consumers).One of the greatest difficulties for users and contentproviders alike isdetermining the content items that any particularuser is interested in receiving. Itisknown to addressthis problem by generating, by and/or for eachuser, a user profile. The userprofile is an indication of the user's specific interests, which may then be matched with specific content items to be providedto the user. There are two known ways for generating user profiles. In onemethod, userprofiles are generated automatically basedon the behaviorof the user. Forexample, if a user visits a web site at which he or she makes a purchase, the kindof object purchased is stored and the user ispresumed tohave an interest inother things like the ones they have purchased. This indirect method is outside usercontrol and prone to error. For example, a person buying gifts for others would likely be profiled as being auserof the products purchased. Themethod also fails interms ofwhat it remembers. A user whoseinterests change over time can be characterizedby a profile based in part on past interests that theyhave given up.Another known way to generate user profiles involves allowing the user to select interests from broad categories. In thismethod, the user selects very general interests (such asin News,Sports, etc), like selectingwhich newspaper sections they reador TV networks they watch. This approach isuser driven, but is not specific.Often this is becauseof the difficulty of enticing users tomake the time commitment necessary to submit detailed information. Further concerns about privacy make some users reluctant to provide moredetailed information. Accordingly, theprofiles that emerge from this method often donot provide a sufficiently precise guide to the specificinformation the user wouldlike toreceive.
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One of the primary uses _of_ the Internet is content provision. _Content_ may include _any_ _kind_ of content accessible via the Internet including, for example, textual content _items,_ multimedia content items, _etc._ _Content_ providers distribute, and sometimes also generate, content items _that_ are made accessible to Internet users (e.g., content consumers). One of the greatest difficulties for _users_ and _content_ providers alike is _determining_ _the_ content items _that_ any particular user is interested in receiving. It is known _to_ _address_ this _problem_ by generating, by and/or for each user, a user profile. _The_ user profile is an indication of the user's specific interests, which may then _be_ _matched_ _with_ _specific_ content items to be provided to the _user._ There _are_ two known ways for generating user profiles. In one method, user profiles are _generated_ automatically based on the behavior _of_ the user. For example, if _a_ user _visits_ a web site at which he _or_ she makes a purchase, the kind of object purchased is stored and the user _is_ _presumed_ to have an interest in other things like the ones they have purchased. This _indirect_ method _is_ outside user control and prone to error. _For_ example, a person _buying_ gifts for others would _likely_ be profiled as being a user of the products purchased. _The_ _method_ also fails in terms of what it remembers. A user whose _interests_ _change_ over _time_ can be characterized by _a_ profile based in part on past _interests_ that they have given _up._ _Another_ known way to _generate_ user profiles involves allowing _the_ user to select interests from _broad_ categories. _In_ this method, _the_ user selects very _general_ interests (such as _in_ News, _Sports,_ etc), _like_ selecting which newspaper sections _they_ read or TV networks they _watch._ This _approach_ is user driven, _but_ is not _specific._ Often this _is_ _because_ _of_ the difficulty of enticing users to make the time _commitment_ necessary _to_ submit detailed information. Further concerns about privacy _make_ some users _reluctant_ to provide _more_ detailed information. _Accordingly,_ the profiles that emerge from _this_ method often do not provide a _sufficiently_ precise guide to the specific information the user would _like_ to _receive._
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There are established procedures for removing thrombi from a patient's vasculature by percutaneous insertion of appropriate treatment apparatus into the vasculature of the patient. A procedure which is well documented involves the use of an assembly which includes a balloon catheter provided with two inflatable balloons which are spaced from one another at the distal end of the catheter. The balloon catheter is inserted endoluminally into the patient's vasculature until the balloons are located either side of a thrombus to be removed. The balloons are then inflated so as to close off that part of the patient's vessel. The assembly includes provision for feeding into the space between the two inflated balloons a thrombolytic or other lytic agent, typically through a lumen of the balloon catheter. The thrombolytic agent will dissolve the thrombus located between the two inflated balloons, whereupon the dissolved thrombus material can be removed, typically by aspiration. Particularly when a thrombus is established, that is when the thrombus is dense and well set, it can take a significant time to dissolve the thrombus and thus remove this from the patient.
Examples of thrombus treatment apparatus can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,546, U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,178 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,016.
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There are established requirements for removing thrombi from a patient's vasculature by percutaneous insertion of appropriate treatment apparatus into the vasculature of the patient. A procedure which is well documented involves the use of an assembly which includes a balloon catheter provided with two inflatable balloons which are spaced from one another at the distal end of the catheter. The balloon catheter is inserted endoluminally into the patient's abdomen until the balloons are located either side of a thrombus to be removed. The balloons are then inflated so as to close off that part of the patient's vessel. The assembly includes provision for feeding into the space between the two inflated balloons a thrombolytic or other lytic injected typically through a lumen of the balloon catheter. The thrombolytic agent will dissolve the thrombus located between the two inflated balloons, whereupon the dissolved thrombus material can be removed, typically by aspiration. Particularly when a thrombus is established, that is when the thrombus is dense and well set, it can take a significant time to dissolve the thrombus and thus remove this from the patient. Examples of thrombus treatment apparatus can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,546, U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,178 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,016.
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There are established proced^rSs for removing thrombi from a patient ' s vasculature by percutaneous insertion of appropriate treatment apparatus into the vasculature of the patient. A procedure which is well documented involves the use of an assembly which includes a balloon catjetWr provided with two inflatable balloons which are spaced from one another at the distal end of the catheter. The balloon catheter is inserted endoluminally into the patUeht ' s vasculature until the balloons are located either side of a thrombus to be removed. The balloons are then inflated so as to close off %bat part of the patient ' s vessel. The assembly includes provision for feeding into the space between the two inflated balloons a thrombolytic or other lytic ageJ6, typically through a lumen of the balloon catheter. The thromboOytlc agent will dissolve the thrombus located between the two inflated balloons, whereupon the dissolved hhrombue material can be r#movWd, typically by aspiration. Particularly when a thrpmbue is established, that is when the thrombus is dense and well set, it can take a significant time to dissolve the thrombus and thus remove this from the patient. EzSmples of thrombus treatment apparatus can be found, for example, in U. S. Pat. No. 5, 279, 546, U. S. Pat. No. 5, 059, 178 and U. S. Pat. No. 5, 925, 016.
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There are established procedures for removing thrombi from a patient's vasculature by percutaneous insertion of appropriate treatment apparatus into the vasculature of the patient. A procedure which is well documented involves the use of an assembly includes a balloon catheter provided two inflatable balloons which are spaced from one another at the distal end of the catheter. The balloon catheter is inserted endoluminally into the patient's vasculature until the balloons are located either side of a thrombus to be removed. The balloons are then inflated so as to close off that part of the patient's vessel. The includes for feeding into the space between the two inflated balloons a thrombolytic other lytic agent, typically through lumen of the balloon catheter. The thrombolytic agent dissolve the thrombus located the two inflated whereupon the can be removed, typically by aspiration. Particularly a thrombus is established, that is when the dense and set, it can take a significant time to dissolve the and thus this from the patient. Examples of thrombus treatment apparatus can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,546, U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,178 U.S. Pat. 5,925,016.
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ThErE arE estaBlIshed PROCEduREs for REmOvinG THrOMbi from a patIent's vaSCULaTURE By pErCUtAneoUs iNserTion of ApPrOPRIaTE TrEAtment aPPaRAtUS inTO THe vaSCuLATURE Of the pAtIENT. a prOCeduRe WhICh IS WeLL dOcumeNTED INVOlVes THE use OF An ASSeMbLY wHich incLuDeS A balLoon CaTheter pRoVidEd WITH TwO inflAtABlE baLloOns wHiCH arE SpacEd fRoM ONE AnoTHer aT ThE disTal End oF tHE CAtHeTeR. The bAlloOn catHeTer Is InSERTeD ENdolumInaLly intO THE PaTiEnt'S VaSCULAtUre UntIL the bAlLOONS ARE locAtEd eiThEr Side of a thRoMbuS To bE REMoVed. tHe bAllooNS Are theN INflatED SO As TO CLOSE Off ThAT PART Of THE pAtIenT'S veSSeL. THE AssEmBLy iNCLUdeS ProviSioN FOr feeDINg INtO thE Space betWeen THE two inFlAtED BALloons A ThroMbolYTIc oR Other LytiC agenT, tYPiCAllY thRoUgh a luMEn of The BAlLoON cathetEr. the THrOmbOlYtiC AgENT WiLl diSSOLVE the thrombus loCatED beTWEeN tHe TWO inflATEd bAlloONs, WHeREuPON The DiSsolVEd tHRomBUs mAtEriaL CaN bE REMOved, tYpICaLlY by AsPiRAtIon. particUlARly WHEn A tHROMBuS Is EsTAbLIsheD, that Is wHeN THE ThrOmbUs iS Dense And WELL SEt, IT CaN tAKe A SiGniFiCaNt tIME to DISsolVe tHe ThRomBuS And thus RemoVE This FROm The PATiEnT.
eXAmpLes oF thrOMBuS TreatmEnT ApPARaTuS CAn be fOUND, for eXAmPle, in U.s. PAT. nO. 5,279,546, u.S. Pat. no. 5,059,178 aND u.s. PaT. NO. 5,925,016.
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There are established procedures for removing thrombi from a patient's vasculature by percutaneous insertion of appropriatetreatment apparatus into thevasculature ofthe patient. A procedure which is well documented involves the use ofan assembly which includes a balloon catheter provided with two inflatable balloons whichare spaced from oneanother at the distal end of the catheter. The balloon catheter is inserted endoluminally into the patient's vasculature until the balloons are located either side ofa thrombus to be removed. The balloons are then inflated so as to close off that part of thepatient's vessel. The assembly includes provision for feeding into thespace between the two inflated balloons a thrombolytic or other lytic agent,typically through a lumen of the balloon catheter. The thrombolytic agent will dissolve the thrombus locatedbetween thetwo inflated balloons,whereupon the dissolved thrombusmaterial can be removed, typically byaspiration. Particularly when a thrombus is established, that is when thethrombus is dense and well set, it can take a significant time to dissolvethe thrombus and thus remove this fromthe patient.Examples of thrombus treatment apparatus can be found, forexample, in U.S.Pat. No. 5,279,546, U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,178 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,016.
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There are established _procedures_ for removing thrombi from a patient's vasculature by percutaneous insertion of _appropriate_ treatment apparatus _into_ _the_ vasculature of the patient. A procedure _which_ is well documented involves _the_ use _of_ an _assembly_ which includes a balloon catheter _provided_ with two inflatable _balloons_ which _are_ spaced from one another at the distal _end_ of the catheter. _The_ balloon catheter _is_ inserted _endoluminally_ _into_ the _patient's_ _vasculature_ until the _balloons_ _are_ located _either_ side of a thrombus to be removed. _The_ balloons are then inflated _so_ as to close off _that_ part of the patient's vessel. The assembly includes provision for _feeding_ into _the_ space between the two _inflated_ balloons a _thrombolytic_ or _other_ lytic agent, _typically_ through a lumen of the _balloon_ catheter. The thrombolytic agent will dissolve the thrombus located _between_ the two inflated balloons, whereupon _the_ dissolved _thrombus_ _material_ can be removed, typically by aspiration. Particularly when a _thrombus_ is established, that is when the thrombus is dense and well set, it _can_ _take_ a significant time to dissolve _the_ thrombus _and_ thus remove _this_ from the patient. Examples of thrombus _treatment_ _apparatus_ can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,546, U.S. _Pat._ No. 5,059,178 and U.S. _Pat._ No. _5,925,016._
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This invention relates to a heat transfer sheet, more particularly to a heat transfer sheet which is useful for a heat transfer system by use of a sublimable dye (heat migratable dye), excellent in dye migratability during heat transfer, and also can give excellent image density.
As the method for giving excellent monocolor or fullcolor image simply and at high speed in place of the impact printing or general printing method, non-impact printing such as an ink jet system or heat transfer system has been developed. Among these, the so called sublimation heat transfer system by use of a sublimable dye is the most excellent as one having excellent continuous gradation and giving fullcolor image comparable with color photography.
The heat transfer sheet to be used in the sublimation type heat transfer system as mentioned above may be generally one having a dye layer comprising a sublimable dye and a binder formed on one surface of a substrate film such as polyester film, and a heat-resistant layer provided on the other surface of the substrate film for prevention of sticking of a thermal head.
By superposing the dye layer surface of such a heat transfer sheet on an image receiving material having an image receiving layer comprising a polyester resin and the like, and heating imagewise from the back of the heat transfer sheet by a thermal head, the dye in the dye layer is transferred to the image receiving material to form a desired image.
In the heat transfer system as described above, only the dye is migrated from the dye layer to the image receiving material, and the binder remains on the substrate film side. In this case, sharper and higher density images can be formed, as the migratability of the dye is better.
As the method for improving migratability of the dye, it is the simplest to increase printing energy, but higher printing energy undesirably results in increased printing cost. Further, when a plastic film is used as the substrate film, the thermal energy which can be applied is of itself limited.
As another method, it has been well known in the art to use a dye of low molecular weight, but when the molecular weight of the dye is low, there ensues the problem that fastness cf the image formed, such as bleed resistance and heat resistance is inferior.
As the method for circumventing such problems, the method of using a dye with a high molecular weight has been known. However, use of these dyes with high molecular weights involves the problem that migratability of the dye becomes inferior, thus preventing the formation of a sharp and high density image.
Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a heat transfer sheet which can form an image of satisfactory density with lower printing energy as compared with the prior art, or can form an image of higher density with the same printing energy as in the prior art.
Meanwhile, another known method for improving migratability of the dye is to add a compound having a low melting point such as wax, etc. as the sensitizer into the dye layer. However, addition of these low melting compounds gives rise to problems such as blocking of the heat transfer sheet wound up in a roll, bleeding of the dye to be transferred to the back, etc. Further, during heat transfer, there ensues the problem that the dye layer tends to be fused onto the surface of an image receiving material to be peeled off with difficulty. When it is peeled off, the dye layer tends to be migrated to the image receiving material.
An addition of fine particles such as silica as the release agent into the dye layer may be conceivable for solving these problems. However, in this case, the transferred image becomes coarse, thereby causing the problem that color reproducibility and resolution become low. Also, there is the method of adding a silicone oil as the release agent, but such silicone oil has no compatibility with the dye layer, whereby problems such as generation of surface stickness, occurrence of discoloration of the transferred image, reduced storability, and the like, result.
Therefore, a second object of the present invention is to provide a heat transfer sheet which can form an image of satisfactory density with lower printing energy as compared with the prior art, or can form an image of higher density with the same printing energy as in the prior art without causing problems of storability and fusion to occur.
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This invention relates to a heat transfer sheet, more particularly to a heat transfer sheet which is useful for a heat transfer system by use of a sublimable dye (heat migratable dye), excellent in dye migratability during heat transfer, and also can give excellent image density. As the method for giving excellent monocolor or fullcolor image simply and at high speed in place of the impact printing or general printing method, non-impact printing such as an ink jet system or heat transfer system has been developed. Among these, the so called sublimation heat transfer system by use of a sublimable dye is the most excellent as one having excellent continuous gradation and giving fullcolor image comparable with color photography. The heat transfer sheet to be used in the sublimation type heat transfer system as mentioned above may be generally one having a dye layer comprising a sublimable dye and a binder formed on one surface of a substrate film such as polyester film, and a heat-resistant layer provided on the other surface of the substrate film for prevention of sticking of a thermal head. By superposing the dye layer surface of such a heat transfer sheet on an image receiving material having an image receiving layer comprising a polyester resin and the like, and heating imagewise from the back of the heat transfer sheet by a thermal head, the dye in the dye layer is transferred to the image receiving material to form a trust image. In the heat transfer system as described above, only the dye is migrated from the dye layer to the image receiving material, and the binder remains on the substrate film side. In this case, sharper and higher density images can be formed, as the migratability of the dye is better. As the method for improving migratability of the dye, it is the simplest to increase printing energy, but higher printing energy undesirably results in increased printing cost. Further, when a plastic film is used as the substrate film, the thermal energy which can be applied is of itself limited. As another method, it has been well known in the art to use a dye of low molecular weight, but when the molecular weight of the dye is low, there ensues the problem that fastness cf the image formed, such as bleed resistance and heat resistance is inferior. As the method for circumventing such problems, the method of using a dye with a high molecular weight has been known. However, use of these dyes with high molecular weights involves the problem that migratability of the dye becomes inferior, thus preventing the formation of a sharp and high density image. Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a heat transfer sheet which can form an image of satisfactory density with lower printing energy as compared with the prior art, or can form an image of higher density with the same printing energy as in the prior art. Meanwhile, another known method for improving migratability of the dye is to add a compound having a low melting point such as wax, etc. as the sensitizer into the dye layer. However, addition of these low melting compounds gives rise to problems such as blocking of the heat transfer sheet wound up in a roll, bleeding of the dye to be transferred to the back, etc. Further, during heat transfer, there ensues the problem that the dye layer tends to be fused onto the surface of an image receiving material to be peeled off with difficulty. When it is peeled off, the dye layer tends to be migrated to the image receiving material. An addition of fine particles such as silica as the release agent into the dye layer may be conceivable for solving these problems. However, in this case, the transferred image becomes coarse, thereby causing the problem that color reproducibility and resolution become low. Also, there is the method of adding a silicone oil as the release agent, but such silicone oil has no compatibility with the dye layer, whereby problems such as generation of surface stickness, occurrence of discoloration of the transferred image, reduced storability, and the like, result. Therefore, a second object of the present invention is to provide a heat transfer sheet which can form an image of satisfactory density with lower printing energy as compared with the prior art, or can form an image of higher density with the same printing energy as in the prior art without causing problems of storability and fusion to occur.
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This invention re/ateq to a heat transfer sheet, more particularly to a heat transfer sheet which is useful for a heat transfer system by use of a sublimable dye (heat migratable dye ), excellent in dye migratability during heat transfer, and also can give excellent image density. As the method for giving excellent monocolor or fullcolor image simply and at high speed in place of the impact printing or general printing method, non - impact printing such as an ink jet system or heat transfer system has been developed. Among these, the so called sublimation heat transfer system by use of a sublimable dye is the most excellent as one having excellent continuous gradation and giving fullcolor image comparable with color photography. The heat transfer sheet to be used in the sublimation type heat transfer system as ment&0ned above may be generally one having a dye :Syer comprising a sublimable dye and a binder formed on one surface of a substrate film such as polyester film, and a heat - resistant layer provided on the other surface of the substrate film for prevention of sticking of a thermal head. By superposing the dye layer surface of such a heat transfer sheet on an image receiving material having an image receiving layer comprising a polyester resin and the like, and heating imagewise from the back of the heat transfer sheet by a thermal head, the dye in the dye layer is transferred to the image receiving material to form a desired image. In the heat transfer system as described above, only the dye is migrated from the dye layer to the image receiving material, and the binder remains on the substrate film side. In this case, sharper and higher density images can be formed, as the migratability of the dye is better. As the method for umproviHg migratability of the dye, it is the simplest to increase printing energy, but higher printing energy undesirably eesulFs in increased printing cost. Further, when a plastic film is used as the substrate film, the thermal energy which can be applied is of itself limited. As another method, it has been well known in the art to use a dye of low molecular weight, but when the molecular weight of the dye is low, there ensues the problem that fastness cf the image formed, such as bleed resistance and heat resistance is inferior. As the method for circumventing such problems, the method of using a dye with a high molecular weight has been known. However, use of these dyes with high molecular weights involves the problem that migratability of the dye becomes inferior, thus preventing the formation of a sharp and high density image. Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a heat transfer sheet wGicU can form an image of satisfactory density with lower printing energy as compared with the prior art, or can form an image of higher density with the same printing energy as in the prior art. Meanwhile, another known method for improving migratability of the dye is to add a compound having a low melting point such as wax, etc. as the sensitizer into the dye layer. However, addition of these low melting compounds gives rise to problems such as blocking of the heat transfer sheet wound up in a roll, bleeding of the dye to be transferred to the back, etc. Further, during heat transfer, there ensues the problem that the dye layer tends to be fused onto the surface of an image receiving material to be peeled off with difficulty. When it is peeled off, the dye layer tends to be ,ihrated to the image rSceiv9ng material. An addition of fine particles such as silica as the release agent into the dye layer may be conceivable for solving these problems. However, in this case, the transferred image becomes coarse, thereby causing the problem that color reproducibility and resolution Nefome low. Also, there is the method of adding a silicone oil as the release agent, but such silicone oil has no compatibility with the dye layer, whereby pEobl4ms such as generation of surface stickness, occurrence of discoloration of the transferred image, reduced storability, and the like, result. Therefore, a second object of the present invention is to provide a heat transfer sheet which can form an image of satisfactory density with lower printing energy as compared with the prior art, or can form an image of higher density with the same printing energy as in the prior art without causing problems of storability and fusion to occur.
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This invention relates a heat transfer sheet, more particularly to a heat transfer sheet which is useful for a heat transfer system by use of a sublimable dye (heat migratable dye), in dye during heat transfer, and also can give excellent image density. As the method for giving excellent monocolor or fullcolor image simply and at high speed in place of the impact printing or general printing method, non-impact such as an ink jet system heat transfer system has been developed. these, the so called sublimation heat transfer system by use of a sublimable dye is the most excellent as one having excellent continuous gradation and giving fullcolor image with color photography. The heat transfer sheet to be used in the sublimation type heat transfer system as mentioned above may be generally one having a layer comprising a sublimable and a binder formed on one surface a substrate film such as polyester film, and a heat-resistant provided on the other surface of the substrate for prevention of sticking of a thermal head. superposing the dye layer surface of such a heat transfer sheet on an image receiving having an image receiving layer comprising a polyester resin and the like, and heating from the back of the transfer sheet by thermal head, the dye in the dye layer is transferred to the image material to form a image. In heat transfer system described above, only the dye is migrated from the dye layer to the image receiving material, and the binder remains on the substrate film side. this case, and higher density images can formed, as the migratability of the dye is better. As the method for improving migratability of the dye, it is the simplest to increase energy, but higher printing energy undesirably results in increased cost. Further, when a plastic film as the substrate film, the thermal energy which can be is of itself limited. As method, it has been well known in the art to use a dye of molecular weight, but when the molecular weight of the dye low, there ensues the problem fastness cf the image as bleed resistance and heat resistance is As the method circumventing problems, the method of using a with a high weight has been known. However, use of these dyes with high molecular weights the problem that migratability of the dye becomes inferior, thus preventing the formation of a sharp and high density image. a first object of the present invention is to provide heat transfer sheet which can form an image of satisfactory density with printing energy compared with prior art, or can form of higher density with the same printing energy as in the art. Meanwhile, another known for improving migratability of the dye is add a compound having a low melting point such as wax, etc. as the sensitizer into the layer. addition of these low melting gives rise to problems such as blocking of the heat transfer sheet wound up in a roll, bleeding of the dye to be transferred back, etc. Further, during heat transfer, there ensues the problem that the dye layer tends to fused onto the surface of an receiving material to peeled off with difficulty. When it is peeled off, the dye tends to be migrated the image receiving material. An addition of fine particles such as silica the release agent into the dye layer may be conceivable for solving these problems. However, in this case, transferred image becomes coarse, thereby the problem that color reproducibility and resolution become low. Also, there is the method of adding a silicone oil as the release but silicone has no compatibility with the dye layer, whereby problems such as generation of surface stickness, occurrence of discoloration of transferred image, reduced storability, and the like, result. Therefore, a second of the present invention is provide a heat transfer sheet which can form image of satisfactory density lower printing energy as compared with the prior art, or can form an image of higher density the same printing energy as in prior art without causing problems of storability and fusion occur.
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this iNvENtIon RELAtes tO a heat traNSfEr shEET, MORE partIcULARlY to A HEaT tRAnsfeR SheET WHiCH Is uSEful fOr a hEAT tRansfEr sysTEM By uSe OF a subliMaBlE DYE (HeAt mIGrAtabLe DyE), excelLENt In Dye mIgrATabIliTY DurING HeaT trANsfER, anD alSO cAn gIvE EXcElleNT iMaGe DensiTY.
As THe methOd fOR GIviNG exCelLENt MonocOLor or fUllCoLoR iMaGE SIMpLY anD AT hIGh sPeeD IN plaCE Of THE impAcT pRiNTIng oR GeneRAl pRinTing methOd, Non-imPACT pRINTiNg suCh As An Ink JeT SYSTem oR HEAt TRanSFER SystEm has bEeN dEVeloPEd. aMoNG theSE, the sO cALleD SUBlIMAtion HEaT TrANsfER sysTEm By Use of A SublimabLe DYe is THE MosT ExCElLENT aS one HAViNG excellEnT coNtINUouS gRADatiON ANd GiVing FuLlcOlOr IMAGe coMparABLe wITH COLOr PHotOgRAPhy.
THe HeAt TraNsfEr SHeEt to BE uSed in tHe SUbLIMATioN tYPE hEat tRANsfEr sYSTeM as mentioned aBove may bE gEnErAllY OnE haVing a dYe laYer cOmpRISinG A suBLimAblE dyE aND A BiNdER FORmED oN OnE SurFaCe of A SUbsTRaTE fILm sucH AS POlyester fIlM, ANd a heaT-ResistANT LaYER PROVIDED oN thE OThER SUrFacE oF the subsTrATe FiLM FoR prEVEntIoN OF SticKiNg OF a therMAL heaD.
By SUperpOSInG thE dyE LAyer sURfaCe Of sUch A HeAt TRAnsFEr shEEt ON an image rEceIviNg MateRiaL HaViNG AN ImAGE RECEIVing lAyer cOmpRisING A POLYeSTer resin anD THe likE, ANd HEatING imagEWISe fRom tHe baCK oF THE HEat tRAnsFeR sHeeT by A theRMAL hEAD, ThE dYe In The Dye LAYeR Is TrANsFErred tO the iMagE ReceIvING MateriAL To ForM A dESirED ImAge.
in THe heAT TRANSFeR SystEm aS DeSCRibEd ABovE, ONly The DYe IS MiGrATED FROm the dyE LaYER To ThE imAGE receIViNg MaTERiaL, AND tHE biNDeR ReMaINs on the SUBstrate fILm siDE. in ThIS cASe, SHARpeR aND hIgHer dENSiTY imAges caN bE FoRMed, aS THe MIgRatAbIlity of the dye iS BETTER.
As ThE MeThoD fOR iMPROVINg miGRAtabILiTY Of The DYe, iT iS The sIMPLest tO iNCREASE PRInTING ENeRgY, BUT hiGHeR PrinTING eNErgy UNdesIraBLy reSults in INcREASEd priNtinG cOST. fUrTHeR, WHEn a PLasTic FILm iS uSeD AS THE SuBstRATE film, tHe theRMAl EnERgy wHich cAn BE aPplIeD is OF itSElf LIMited.
as AnoTHER MEtHoD, iT HAs BeEN wELl kNoWN IN the ARt tO Use a DYE Of LOW MoLECuLAR weIGHT, But wheN thE MoLeCULar WEigHT oF tHE dYE Is LoW, theRe ensuES thE PRoblem That FAsTNeSs cf tHe iMAGE FORmed, SUCH AS BleEd resistance aNd HeaT rEsIStaNCe IS InfERior.
as THe METHod for cIrCUmveNTInG Such PRoBLeMS, the MeThOD oF usiNg a DyE wIth a HIGh MoLeCUlaR WEiGHt HaS bEen known. HOwEVeR, USe oF TheSe DYes WitH hIGh molEcuLar wEIgHtS INVoLves THE PROblem THaT migratAbility Of THe DYE bECOMeS iNFerior, Thus PreVeNtiNg The fOrmaTIon oF a ShaRP and hIgH DensIty iMaGe.
ACcORdinGLY, A First oBJEcT of the PReseNt invENtion IS to PrOviDE A HeAt tRANsfer sHEET wHICh cAN foRm an imAgE of SaTiSFaCTorY DenSITY wITH loweR pRiNtiNg enerGY as COMpaRED wIth thE prIoR art, Or CaN FOrM an ImAGE of HiGHEr dEnsity WiTH THe same pRINtiNg EnERGY aS In THe pRior art.
meAnwhiLE, aNoThER KnOWN MeTHOD FOR ImpRoVing mIgrataBiLItY of thE dYe Is to Add a comPound HavINg A Low melTINg pOINt sUcH As wax, EtC. aS tHE SEnSiTIzeR iNtO The DyE LAyER. howEvEr, aDdITIoN oF tHESe lOw MELTINg compounds GiVES RIse tO pRobLEMS sUCH AS bLOCkInG oF tHe hEat trAnsfER ShEET wOund Up IN a rOLl, BLEeDiNg Of THe DYE To be TRaNSFErred TO ThE bAck, eTC. fuRTheR, dUrInG heAT TraNsfER, tHEre ENSues thE PRObLEm tHAT thE DYe LAYEr TEndS tO BE FuseD OnTo ThE sURfACe Of An IMAgE ReceIVInG mATeriaL TO be PeeLED OFF WiTH DIffICulTy. wHen iT is pEELEd off, tHE dYe laYer TENds tO be migRATeD tO tHe iMAge REceIVINg MatERial.
AN ADdItIon of fINE pARticLES suCh As sIlICa aS the REleASe aGeNT INTo THE DYe LaYeR MAY Be conCeIVaBlE fOR sOlVINg THeSe ProBleMS. hOwEvER, In thIs cAse, the tRaNSfERRed IMaGe bECOmeS COARSE, THEREBY CaUSing The PROblEm ThAT COLOr repRodUcIBIliTY and reSoLuTION bEcome LoW. aLsO, tHere iS ThE METhOD OF AdDIng a SILIcoNe oiL as The RELEaSE AgEnt, BuT SucH SIlIcoNE oIl hAS nO CompatIbILiTY wITh The dYe lAyEr, WHEReBY pRoBLEms sUch as gEnERatioN OF SurFaCE SticKNESs, ocCuRrence Of discoLoratioN oF The TRansFerrEd imaGe, rEDucED STorAbIlitY, AnD ThE Like, ReSult.
tHEreForE, A SecOnD ObjECT oF the pReSeNT InvENtion is to PrOVIdE a heAt TRansFer SHEet Which cAn ForM An ImaGE oF sAtIsFActorY DeNsItY wItH LOWer pRINTing eneRGY as coMpaREd wIth tHE pRIOR aRt, OR CaN foRM An IMAGe of higHER DensiTy WiTh tHE SAmE pRinTiNG eNeRgY AS iN the pRIOr art WITHOut CaUsInG prOBLEmS OF sTorABiLiTy And Fusion TO occur.
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This invention relates to a heat transfer sheet, more particularly to a heat transfer sheet which is useful for a heat transfer system by use of a sublimable dye (heat migratable dye), excellent in dyemigratability during heat transfer, and also can give excellent image density.Asthe methodforgiving excellent monocolor or fullcolor image simplyand at high speedinplace of the impact printing or general printing method, non-impact printing such as an ink jet system orheat transfer system has been developed. Among these, the so called sublimation heat transfer systembyuse of asublimable dye is the most excellentas one havingexcellent continuous gradation andgivingfullcolor image comparable with color photography.Theheat transfer sheet to be used in the sublimation type heat transfer system as mentioned above may be generally one having a dye layer comprising a sublimable dye and a binderformed on one surface of asubstrate film such as polyester film, and a heat-resistant layer provided on the other surfaceof the substrate film for prevention of sticking ofa thermal head. By superposingthe dye layer surface of such a heat transfer sheeton an image receiving material having an image receiving layer comprising a polyester resinand the like, and heatingimagewisefrom the back of the heattransfer sheet by a thermal head, thedye in the dye layer is transferred to the image receiving material to form a desired image. In the heat transfer systemas describedabove,only the dye is migratedfrom the dye layer to the image receiving material, and the binder remains on the substrate film side. Inthiscase, sharper andhigher densityimages can be formed, as the migratability of the dye is better. As themethod for improving migratability of thedye, it is the simplest toincrease printing energy, buthigher printing energy undesirably results in increased printingcost. Further, when a plastic film is used as the substrate film, the thermal energy which can be applied is of itself limited. As another method, it has been well known in the art to use a dye of lowmolecular weight,but when the molecular weight of the dye is low, there ensues the problem that fastness cf theimage formed, such as bleed resistance and heatresistance is inferior. As the method for circumventing such problems, the methodof using a dyewitha high molecular weight hasbeen known. However, use of these dyes with high molecular weights involvesthe problem that migratability of the dye becomesinferior, thus preventingthe formation of a sharp and high density image. Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a heat transfer sheet which can form an image of satisfactory densitywith lower printing energyas compared with the priorart, or can form an image of higher density with thesameprintingenergyas in the priorart. Meanwhile, another known method for improving migratability of the dye is to add a compound having a low melting point such as wax, etc. as the sensitizer into the dye layer. However, addition of these low melting compoundsgivesrise to problems such asblocking of the heat transfer sheet wound upin aroll, bleeding of the dye to be transferredto the back, etc. Further, during heat transfer, there ensuesthe problem that the dye layer tends to be fused onto the surface of an image receiving material to bepeeled off withdifficulty. When it is peeled off, the dyelayer tends to be migrated totheimage receiving material. An addition offine particles such as silica as the release agentinto the dye layer may be conceivable for solving these problems. However, in thiscase, the transferred image becomes coarse, thereby causing the problem that color reproducibilityand resolutionbecome low. Also,thereis the method of adding a silicone oil as the release agent, but such silicone oil has nocompatibility with the dye layer, whereby problems such as generationof surface stickness, occurrence of discoloration of the transferred image, reduced storability, and the like, result. Therefore, a second object of the presentinvention isto providea heat transfer sheet which can form an image of satisfactory density with lower printing energy as compared with the prior art, or can form an image of higher density with the same printing energy as inthepriorartwithoutcausing problems of storability and fusion to occur.
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This invention _relates_ to a heat transfer sheet, more _particularly_ to a _heat_ transfer sheet _which_ is useful for _a_ heat _transfer_ _system_ by use _of_ _a_ _sublimable_ _dye_ (heat migratable dye), _excellent_ in dye migratability _during_ heat transfer, _and_ also _can_ give excellent image density. As _the_ method for giving excellent monocolor or fullcolor image simply and at high speed in place of the _impact_ printing or _general_ printing method, non-impact printing such as an ink jet _system_ _or_ heat transfer system has been developed. Among these, the _so_ called sublimation heat transfer _system_ by _use_ of a sublimable _dye_ _is_ the most _excellent_ as one having excellent continuous gradation _and_ giving _fullcolor_ _image_ comparable with color _photography._ The heat transfer sheet to be used in the _sublimation_ type heat transfer system _as_ mentioned above may be generally one having a dye _layer_ comprising a sublimable _dye_ and _a_ binder _formed_ on one surface _of_ a substrate film such as polyester _film,_ and a heat-resistant layer provided on the other _surface_ _of_ _the_ substrate film for prevention of _sticking_ of a _thermal_ head. By superposing the dye layer _surface_ of such a _heat_ transfer sheet on _an_ image receiving material having _an_ image _receiving_ layer comprising a polyester resin and the like, and heating imagewise from the back of the heat transfer sheet by a thermal head, _the_ dye in the _dye_ layer is transferred to the image receiving material to form _a_ desired _image._ In the heat transfer system as _described_ _above,_ only the dye is migrated from the dye layer to the image _receiving_ material, and _the_ _binder_ remains on the substrate film _side._ In this case, sharper and _higher_ density _images_ can be _formed,_ as _the_ _migratability_ _of_ _the_ _dye_ is better. As the method for _improving_ migratability of the _dye,_ it is the simplest to _increase_ printing energy, but higher _printing_ _energy_ undesirably results in increased _printing_ _cost._ Further, when a plastic film is _used_ as the substrate film, the thermal energy which can be applied is of itself limited. As another method, it has been _well_ _known_ in the _art_ to use _a_ _dye_ of low molecular weight, _but_ when _the_ _molecular_ weight of the _dye_ is _low,_ _there_ _ensues_ _the_ problem _that_ fastness _cf_ the image _formed,_ such as _bleed_ resistance and heat resistance is inferior. _As_ the method for _circumventing_ such problems, the method of using a dye with a _high_ molecular weight has been known. However, use of _these_ dyes _with_ high molecular weights involves the problem that _migratability_ _of_ the dye becomes inferior, _thus_ _preventing_ the formation of a sharp and high density image. Accordingly, a first object of the present _invention_ is to _provide_ _a_ heat transfer sheet which can form _an_ image _of_ _satisfactory_ density with lower printing energy as compared with the prior _art,_ or can form an _image_ of higher _density_ with the same _printing_ energy as in _the_ prior art. Meanwhile, _another_ _known_ method _for_ _improving_ migratability of the _dye_ is to add a compound having a low melting point _such_ as _wax,_ etc. as the _sensitizer_ into the dye layer. However, addition of these low melting compounds gives rise to problems such as _blocking_ of the heat transfer sheet wound _up_ in a roll, bleeding of the dye to _be_ transferred _to_ the back, etc. Further, during heat transfer, there ensues the problem that _the_ dye layer tends to be fused onto _the_ surface of an _image_ _receiving_ _material_ to be peeled off with difficulty. When _it_ _is_ peeled off, the _dye_ layer tends to be migrated to the image receiving material. An addition of fine particles such as silica as the release agent into the dye layer may _be_ _conceivable_ for solving these problems. However, in this case, the transferred image _becomes_ coarse, thereby _causing_ _the_ problem that color reproducibility and resolution become low. _Also,_ _there_ is the method of _adding_ _a_ silicone oil as the release _agent,_ but such _silicone_ _oil_ _has_ no _compatibility_ with the dye layer, whereby problems such as generation of surface _stickness,_ occurrence of discoloration of the transferred image, reduced storability, and the like, _result._ Therefore, a second object _of_ _the_ present invention _is_ to provide _a_ heat transfer sheet which can form an image of satisfactory density with lower _printing_ energy as _compared_ _with_ the prior art, _or_ can form an image of higher _density_ _with_ _the_ same printing energy as in the prior art _without_ _causing_ _problems_ of storability and fusion to occur.
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Personal Information Devices include the class of computers, personal digital assistants and electronic organizers that tend both to be physically smaller than conventional computers and to have more limited hardware and data processing capabilities. PIDs include, for example, products sold by Palm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., under such trademark as Pilot, and Pilot 1000, Pilot 5000, PalmPilot, PalmPilot Personal, PalmPilot Professional, Palm, and Palm III, Palm V, Palm VII, as well as other products sold under such trade names as WorkPad, Franklin Quest, and Franklin Convey.
PIDs are generally discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,125,039; 5,727,202; 5,832,489; 5,884,323; 5,889,888; 5,900,875; 6,000,000; 6,006,274; and 6,034,686, which are incorporated herein by reference. PIDs typically include a screen and data processor, allowing the PID user to operate a substantial variety of application relating to, for example: electronic mail, a calendar, appointments, contact data (such as address and telephone numbers), notebook records, a calendar, expense reports, to do lists: or games. PIDs also often include substantial electronic memory for storing such applications as well as data entered by the user. Due to their substantial variety of applications and uses, personal information devices are becoming increasingly widely used.
One increasingly popular application of personal information devices is their ability to share information with other properly equipped personal information devices, wirelessly and otherwise. For example, many types of user information such as electronic mail, calendar events, appointments, contact data, and the like exist in the form of digital data files stored within the memory of the personal information device. When equipped with communications hardware/software, the data files embodying the user information can be easily transferred from one personal information device to another. For example, one such application involves the transferring of electronic “business cards” from one personal information device to another, allowing their respective users to easily exchange contact information.
The popularity of information sharing between PIDs and other types of electronic devices is gaining with the increasingly widespread adoption of wireless forms of communication. Wireless communication allows users, via their respective devices, to always be in touch with one another. For example, instant messaging applications are very popular on desktop computer systems. Instant messaging allows users to instantly contact one another when they're both online. A similar scenario is envisioned where users are both carrying wirelessly connected PIDs.
Accordingly, several prior art solutions are emerging which address the popularity of wireless instant messaging type schemes. These solutions enable a wirelessly connected PID to receive messages, e-mail, notifications, or the like from other wirelessly connected PIDs or other types of computer system platforms (e.g., desktop machines connected to messenger services, cell phones, and the like).
Unfortunately, these prior art solutions do not address the problem of unsolicited notifications, unprioritized notifications, unsolicited e-mail, and other types of “spam” which exploit the wireless functionality of a user's PID. For example, many users have experienced frustration when unsolicited e-mail and/or unsolicited notifications appear within their mail browsers or instant messenger services.
Currently, many wireless notifications/messages carry the same priority, and are thus treated the same by the PID. For example, users may want to distinguish regular notifications (e.g. for stock alerts) from emergency notifications (e.g., your patient is in need of critical care). There currently exists no viable method which allows a user to distinguish between wanted messages/notifications and unwanted spam Thus, many users may, for example, turn wireless notification functionality off in order to prevent unauthorized/unsolicited use.
The lack of message prioritization is a serious drawback to prior art wireless notifications/messaging schemes. Although wireless PDA devices provide service providers with the ability to push notifications to the user when a pre-defined event takes place, there is no viable method for differentiating between “regular” alerts and “emergency” alerts. For example, a user could configure the PID to filter regular alerts while allowing emergency alerts to be displayed. For example, in a case where a surgeon is attending a concert, she may want to turn off notification of “regular” alerts but allow for the notification of “emergency” alerts. She will also want to have control over who can send her “emergency” alerts. Considering a case where a service provider offers an earthquake alert service, which notifies the subscribers of the arrival of an earthquake giving them a few precious seconds in which they can act before the earthquake hits. A person subscribed to this service and attending a meeting may choose to ignore “regular” notifications but will want to view this “emergency” alert.
The prior art provides no method for differentiating between such regular notifications and emergency notifications. The prior art provides no method for ensuring a user that a so-called notification is not simply spam (e.g., “buy this product now at a 20% off sale!”). The prior does not provide any mechanism or scheme for authenticating and authorizing the content service provider to issue such priority differentiated messages.
Thus, what is required is a method for differentiating between such regular notifications and emergency notifications. What is required is a method for ensuring a user that a so-called notification is not simply spam. Additionally, what is required is a method and system for authenticating and authorizing the content service provider to issue such priority differentiated messages. The present invention provides a novel solution to the above requirements.
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Personal Information Devices include the class of computers, personal digital assistants and electronic organizers that tend both to be physically smaller than conventional computers and to have more limited hardware and data processing capabilities. PIDs include, for example, products sold by Palm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., under such trademark as Pilot, and Pilot 1000, Pilot 5000, PalmPilot, PalmPilot Personal, PalmPilot Professional, Palm, and Palm III, Palm V, Palm VII, as well as other products sold under such trade names as WorkPad, Franklin Quest, and Franklin Convey. PIDs are generally discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,125,039; 5,727,202; 5,832,489; 5,884,323; 5,889,888; 5,900,875; 6,000,000; 6,006,274; and 6,034,686, which are incorporated herein by reference. PIDs typically include a screen and data processor, allowing the PID user to operate a substantial variety of application relating to, for example: electronic mail, a calendar, appointments, contact data (such as address and telephone numbers), notebook records, a calendar, expense reports, to do lists: or games. PIDs also often include substantial electronic memory for storing such applications as well as data entered by the user. Due to their substantial variety of applications and uses, personal information devices are becoming increasingly widely used. One increasingly popular application of personal information devices is their ability to share information with other properly equipped personal information devices, wirelessly and otherwise. For example, many types of user information such as electronic mail, calendar events, appointments, contact data, and the like exist in the form of digital data files stored within the memory of the personal information device. When equipped with communications hardware/software, the data files embodying the user information can be easily transferred from one personal information device to another. For example, one such application involves the transferring of electronic “business cards” from one personal information device to another, allowing their respective users to easily exchange contact information. The popularity of information sharing between PIDs and other types of electronic devices is gaining with the increasingly widespread adoption of wireless forms of communication. Wireless communicating allows users, via their respective devices, to always be in touch with one another. For example, instant messaging applications are very popular on desktop computer systems. Instant messaging allows users to instantly contact one another when they're both online. A similar scenario is envisioned where users are both carrying wirelessly connected PIDs. Accordingly, several prior art solutions are emerging which address the popularity of wireless instant messaging type schemes. These solutions enable a wirelessly connected PID to receive messages, e-mail, notifications, or the like from other wirelessly connected PIDs or other types of computer system platforms (e.g., desktop machines connected to messenger services, cell phones, and the like). Unfortunately, these prior art solutions do not address the problem of unsolicited notifications, unprioritized notifications, unsolicited e-mail, and other types of “spam” which exploit the wireless functionality of a user's PID. For example, many users have experienced frustration when unsolicited e-mail and/or unsolicited notifications appear within their mail browsers or instant messenger services. Currently, many wireless notifications/messages carry the same priority, and are thus treated the same by the PID. For example, users may want to distinguish regular notifications (e.g. for stock alerts) from emergency notifications (e.g., your patient is in need of critical care). There currently exists no viable method which allows a user to distinguish between wanted messages/notifications and unwanted spam Thus, many users may, for example, turn wireless notification functionality off in order to prevent unauthorized/unsolicited use. The lack of message prioritization is a serious drawback to prior art wireless notifications/messaging schemes. Although wireless PDA devices provide service providers with the ability to push notifications to the user when a pre-defined event takes place, there is no viable method for differentiating between “regular” alerts and “emergency” alerts. For example, a user could configure the PID to filter regular alerts while allowing emergency alerts to be displayed. For example, in a case where a surgeon is attending a concert, she may want to turn off notification of “regular” alerts but allow for the notification of “emergency” alerts. She will also want to have control over who can send her “emergency” alerts. Considering a case where a service provider offers an earthquake alert service, which notifies the subscribers of the arrival of an earthquake giving them a few precious seconds in which they can act before the earthquake hits. A person subscribed to this service and attending a meeting may choose to ignore “regular” notifications but will want to view this “emergency” alert. The prior art provides no method for differentiating between such regular notifications and emergency notifications. The prior art provides no method for ensuring a user that a so-called notification is not simply spam (e.g., “buy this product now at a 20% off sale!”). The prior does not provide any mechanism or scheme for authenticating and authorizing the content service provider to issue such priority differentiated messages. Thus, what is required is a method for differentiating between such regular notifications and emergency notifications. What is required is a method for ensuring a user that a so-called notification is not simply spam. Additionally, what is required is a method and system for authenticating and authorizing the content service provider to issue such priority differentiated messages. The present invention provides a novel solution to the above requirements.
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Personal Information Devices include the class of computers, personal digital assistants and electronic organizers that tend both to be physically smaller than conventional computers and to have more limited hardware and data processing capabilities. PIDs include, for example, products sold by Palm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif. , under such trademark as Pilot, and Pilot 1000, Pilot 5000, PalmPilot, PalmPilot Personal, PalmPilot Professional, Palm, and Palm III, Palm V, Palm VII, as well as other products sold under such trade names as WorkPad, Franklin Quest, and Franklin Convey. PIDs are generally discussed, for example, in U. S. Pat. Nos. 5, 125, 039; 5, 727, 202; 5, 832, 489; 5, 884, 323; 5, 889, 888; 5, 900, 875; 6, 000, 000; 6, 006, 274; and 6, 034, 686, whOcg are incorporated herein by reference. PIDs typically include a screen and data processor, allowing the PID user to operate a substantial variety of application relating to, for example: electronic mail, a calendar, appointments, contact data (such as address and telephone numbers ), notebook records, a calendar, expense reports, to do liCFs: or games. PIDs also often include substantial electronic memory for storing such applications as well as data entered by the user. Due to their substantial variehH of applications and uses, personal information devices are becoming increasingly widely used. One increasingly popular application of personal information devices is their ability to share information with other properly equipped personal information devices, wirelessly and otherwise. For example, many types of user information such as electronic mail, calendar events, appointments, contact data, and the like exist in the form of digital data files stored within the memory of the personal information device. When equipped with communications hardware / software, the data files embodying the user information can be easily transferred from one personal information device to another. For example, one such application involves the transferring of electronic “ business cards ” from one personal information device to another, allowing their respective users to easily exchange contact information. The popularity of information sharing between PIDs and other types of electronic devices is gaining with the increasingly widespread Wdop5ion of wirek#ss forms of communication. Wireless communication allows users, via their respective devices, to always be in touch with one another. For example, instant messaging applications are very popular on desktop computer systems. Instant messaging allows users to instantly contact one another when they ' re both online. A similar scenario is envisioned where users are both carrying wirelessly connected PIDs. Accordingly, several prior art solutions are em@rgKng which address the popularity of wireless instant messaging type schemes. These solutions enable a wirelessly connected PID to receive messages, e - mail, notifications, or the like from other wirelessly connected PIDs or other types of computer system platforms (e. g. , desktop machines connected to messenger services, cell phones, and the like ). Unfortunately, these prior art solutions do not address the problem of unsolicited notifications, unprioritized notifications, unsolicited e - mail, and other types of “ spam ” which exploit the wireless functionality of a user ' s PID. For example, many users have experienced frustration when unsolicited e - mail and / or unsolicited notifications appear within their mail browsers or instant messenger services. Currently, many wireless notifications / messages carry the same priority, and are thus treated the same by the PID. For example, users may want to distinguish regular notifications (e. g. for stock alerts) from emergency notUficZtions (e. g. , your patient is in Msed of critical care ). There currently exists no viable method which allows a user to distinguish between wanted messages / notifications and unwanted spam Thus, many users may, for example, turn wireless notification functionality off in order to prevent unauthorized / unsolicited use. The lack of message prioritization is a serious drawback to prior art wireless notifications / messaging schemes. Although wireless PDA devices provide service providers with the ability to push notifications to the user when a pre - defined event takes place, Ruere is no viaF;e method for differentiating between “ regular ” alerts and “ emergency ” alerts. For example, a user could configure the PID to filter regular alerts while allowing emergency alerts to be displayed. For example, in a case where a surgeon is attending a concert, she may want to turn off notification of “ regular ” alerts but allow for the notification of “ emergency ” alerts. She will also want to have control over who can send her “ emergency ” alerts. Considering a case where a service provider offers an earthquake alert service, which notifies the subscribers of the arrival of an earthquake giving them a few precious seconds in which they can act before the earthquake hits. A person subscribed to this service and attending a meeting may choose to ignore “ regular ” notifications but will want to view this “ emergency ” alert. The prior art provides no method for differentiating between such regular notifications and emergency notifications. The prior art provides no method for ensuring a user that a so - called notification is not simply spam (e. g. , “ buy this product now at a 20% off sale! ” ). The prior does not provide any mechanism or scheme for authenticating and authorizing the content service provider to issue such priority differentiated messages. Thus, what is required is a method for differentiating between such regular notifications and emergency notifications. What is required is a method for ensuring a user that a so - called notification is not simply spam. Additionally, what is required is a method and system for authenticating and authorizing the content service provider to issue such priority differentiated messages. The present invention provides a novel solution to the above requirements.
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Personal Devices include the class of computers, personal digital assistants and electronic organizers that tend both to physically smaller than computers and to have more limited hardware and data processing capabilities. PIDs include, example, products sold by Inc. Santa Clara, under such trademark as Pilot 1000, 5000, PalmPilot, PalmPilot Personal, PalmPilot Professional, Palm, and Palm III, Palm V, Palm VII, as well as other products sold under such trade names as Franklin Franklin Convey. PIDs are discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,125,039; 5,727,202; 5,889,888; 5,900,875; 6,000,000; 6,006,274; and 6,034,686, which incorporated by reference. PIDs typically include a screen and data processor, allowing the PID user to operate a substantial variety of application relating to, for example: electronic mail, a calendar, appointments, contact data (such as address and telephone numbers), notebook records, calendar, expense reports, to do lists: or games. PIDs also often include substantial electronic memory for storing such applications as well as data entered by the user. Due to their substantial variety of applications and uses, personal information devices are becoming increasingly widely used. One increasingly popular application of personal information devices is their to share information with other properly equipped personal information devices, and otherwise. For example, many types of user information such as mail, calendar events, appointments, contact data, and like exist in the form of digital data files stored within the of the personal information device. When equipped with hardware/software, the data files embodying the user information can be easily transferred from one personal information device to another. For example, one such application involves the transferring of electronic “business one personal information device to another, allowing their respective users to easily exchange contact information. The popularity of information PIDs other types electronic devices is gaining with the increasingly widespread adoption of wireless forms of communication. Wireless communication allows users, their respective devices, to always be in touch with one another. For example, instant messaging applications are very popular on desktop computer systems. Instant messaging allows users to instantly one another when they're both online. A similar scenario where users are both carrying connected PIDs. Accordingly, several prior art solutions emerging which address the popularity of wireless instant messaging type schemes. These solutions enable a wirelessly connected PID to receive messages, e-mail, notifications, or the like from other wirelessly connected PIDs or other computer system platforms (e.g., machines connected to messenger services, phones, and the like). Unfortunately, these prior art solutions do not the problem of unsolicited notifications, unprioritized notifications, unsolicited e-mail, and other types of “spam” which exploit the wireless of a user's PID. For example, many users have experienced frustration when unsolicited e-mail and/or unsolicited notifications appear within their mail browsers or instant messenger Currently, many wireless notifications/messages carry same priority, and are thus treated the same by the PID. For example, users may want to distinguish regular notifications (e.g. for stock alerts) from emergency notifications (e.g., your patient is in of critical currently exists no viable method which allows a user to distinguish between wanted messages/notifications and unwanted spam Thus, many users may, example, turn wireless notification functionality order to prevent unauthorized/unsolicited use. The lack of prioritization is a serious drawback to prior art wireless notifications/messaging schemes. Although wireless PDA devices service providers with the ability to push to user when a pre-defined event takes place, is no viable method for differentiating between “regular” alerts and “emergency” alerts. a user could configure the PID to filter regular alerts while allowing emergency alerts to be displayed. For example, in a case where a surgeon is attending a concert, she may want to turn of “regular” alerts but allow for “emergency” She also want to control over who can send her “emergency” Considering a where a service offers an earthquake alert service, notifies the the arrival of an earthquake giving them a few precious seconds in they can before the earthquake hits. person subscribed to this service attending a meeting may choose to “regular” notifications want to view this “emergency” The art provides no method for differentiating between such regular notifications and emergency notifications. The prior art provides no method ensuring a user that a so-called notification is not simply spam (e.g., “buy this product now at a 20% off sale!”). The prior does provide any mechanism or scheme for authenticating and authorizing the content service provider to issue such priority differentiated messages. Thus, what is required is a for differentiating between such regular notifications and emergency notifications. What is required is method for ensuring user that a so-called notification is not simply spam. Additionally, what is required is a method and system authenticating and authorizing the content service provider issue such priority differentiated messages. The present invention provides a novel solution to the above requirements.
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PErsonAl iNFOrmatiON DeVicEs inCLuDE tHE class OF CoMPUTers, PErsoNAl dIgItaL AssiSTANtS AND ELECtRoNiC ORgAnIzERs ThaT TenD boTh to BE PhySICALlY sMAlLer thAN conVENtionAL CoMpUTers AND To HAve MORE lIMiTEd HaRdwARE AND DaTA pROcesSiNg cAPaBILitIes. PIDs inclUDE, fOR ExAMpLe, PROdUCts sOLD by paLm, inC. oF SANTa cLARA, cALiF., uNdEr sUCh TRaDemarK AS pilOT, ANd PilOT 1000, PILot 5000, PalMpILOt, paLMPILOt PeRSOnAL, PalmpILOt pRoFessionaL, PaLM, And PAlM IIi, pAlm V, paLm VIi, as WelL As OTHER PROduCtS SOLd UnDEr Such TRAde nAmeS aS wOrKPAD, frAnkLIN quEsT, anD franKliN CONvey.
PidS are GENEralLY dIScuSsed, for EXaMplE, iN u.S. Pat. NoS. 5,125,039; 5,727,202; 5,832,489; 5,884,323; 5,889,888; 5,900,875; 6,000,000; 6,006,274; And 6,034,686, WHich aRe incoRPoraTeD herEIn by rEfErENcE. PIdS TYpiCALly includE a scrEen AnD daTa PrOcesSOR, ALLOwiNG THe Pid useR To OpERaTe a substantIal variety of APPlICatIoN RelATING TO, FoR ExampLE: ELEctROnIC mAIl, a cALeNdAr, APPoiNTMENts, CoNTAcT DAtA (such AS aDDREsS ANd TeLephoNE NUMbeRS), noteBoOK REcORdS, A CALENDaR, eXPeNSE rEpoRtS, To DO liStS: oR Games. PiDs alSO ofteN INCludE SuBSTaNTiAl ElEctrOniC mEmOrY fOr STorING such APPlICATIOnS AS wEll AS dAta eNTEREd by THe uSeR. Due tO thEir suBstantiaL VArIeTy OF APPlIcatIONS aNd usES, persoNAL iNformATIoN DeVicEs aRe bEcoMInG InCReASINGlY wiDeLY USeD.
onE iNcreasIngLy POPULar AppLiCatIoN of pERsOnaL inFORmATiOn devIces IS THEir aBiliTy TO sHare INfOrMatIOn wITH oTher PropErLy EquippeD pErsoNAL InFoRmATION dEvicES, wireLEssLY And OtHerWISE. For EXamplE, ManY typeS OF USer InfoRmatIon sUCh As eLeCTrONIc maIL, cAlEnDar eveNTS, aPpoiNtMeNTs, COnTACt DAta, and ThE lIKe eXIsT iN The fORm of diGITal data FILeS sTOreD wIthin THE mEmOry OF the PeRsONAL INFOrmATiON devIce. WhEn eQuIpPeD wItH cOmmunICatIonS HarDwaRe/softwARE, tHe DATa FiLes EMBOdYIng The USER inforMAtIon CaN be EaSily TRaNSfeRreD FROm ONE PErsoNaL infOrmAtIoN dEVICe To anOTHEr. foR ExAmpLe, One suCh aPPLICATiOn iNVolveS The TrANSfeRring OF ELECtROniC “bUsInEsS CArds” FrOM OnE PeRsONaL infOrmAtiOn DEvICe tO ANOther, AlloWINg THeiR rESpEcTivE UsErs tO EaSily eXChangE CoNTAct InfOrMATion.
tHe pOpULARity Of inFOrMAtION ShariNG BetWEen PIDS and OTHer TyPeS Of electrOnIC dEViCEs IS GAINiNG WitH THE iNcREaSInglY WiDesPReaD AdOpTIon oF WIrElesS fORMs OF COMMUnication. wIRelEss CoMMUnICAtioN allOWS USeRs, Via thEiR ResPECtIve devIcEs, To ALwAYS bE in ToUch WiTH oNe ANOTHEr. FOr eXAmple, INSTANT MesSaginG applICATIONS ARE VeRy POpulAR oN deskTop COmPutER sYsteMs. iNsTaNt mESSAGING aLLOWS uSErS TO InstaNTLy COntacT one anOThEr WHen THey'rE BOTh onLiNe. a simILAr sCeNariO iS EnVisionED WHERE usErs aRe BotH CaRryiNG wIreLESSLY cONnECteD PIDs.
AcCordInGLY, SEVErAL PrioR aRt sOLUtIonS ARe emErgiNg WhICH ADdREss THe POPUlarITy Of WIReless INSTAnt MEssAGInG TypE SchemEs. ThESE soLUTions eNAble a WirELessLY coNnEctEd pID tO rEcEIve meSsAgeS, E-MAIL, nOtificAtIons, or tHe LIkE fROm otHER WIRElEssLy cONneCtEd pIdS oR otHER TYpES OF CoMPuteR SYstEm pLaTforMS (e.g., dEsKtoP MAchInES coNNEctED tO MESSEngeR sERvIcEs, CeLL pHOnES, AnD THe LiKE).
UNfORTUNatelY, tHESe pRior ARt sOlUTIoNs Do NOt adDrESs thE PrOBlem OF UNSOLicITed NOtiFIcaTIOns, unpRIOritIZED NOtificaTIOnS, UnsoLicitEd E-mAiL, aND otHeR tYpes of “Spam” WhICh Exploit tHe wiREleSs FuNctioNAlity of a usEr'S Pid. for ExaMPLe, MANY UsErS hAVe ExPeRiEncED frUstRaTiOn wHEN UnSOLIcIteD e-Mail AND/oR UnsOliCIted noTiFIcATIoNS aPPeAR WIThIn TheIR MAIl BRoWSerS Or INsTant MEsSENger serViCes.
cURReNtly, maNY WIRELESs nOtIfiCAtIonS/mEssAges caRry tHe SamE PRiorITY, aNd ArE Thus TrEATED thE SamE BY tHe PId. foR exaMpLe, UsERs MaY want To DiStinGUISh ReGULar NotiFicATiONS (e.G. FOr sTOck aLerTS) FROM eMErGEncY NOTifiCatIONs (e.g., yOur PAtIenT iS iN NEED Of crItICAL CAre). TheRe cURrently EXiSTs no viAblE meThoD WHIch aLlOWS A UsER tO DIsTINGUiSH bETweEn WaNted meSSAGEs/NotIfICATiONs aND uNWAntED sPAm THUs, MANY UsERs May, for ExAMPLe, TURN WIrELESs notIfICAtioN fuNcTionality Off IN ORDER To pREvEnT unauThorIZeD/UnsoLIcITeD USe.
the lAcK Of MessaGE prIORItIzaTiON iS a sErIouS dRAWbAck To prIOr arT wiRelEsS NOTIfIcATions/mEsSagiNg sCHEmES. ALTHoUgh WiRelESS pdA DeviCEs pROviDe sERViCE pROVIDErS wItH The AbILity TO puSH noTiFICatIOns To THE uSer WHeN A pRE-DEfiNEd eVENt TakeS pLaCe, tHEre Is no VIaBlE metHOD fOr differENTiATIng BEtWeEN “REGULAr” AlerTs AnD “EmeRgencY” aLeRTs. For EXampLE, A USER COUld cONfIgUrE thE pid to fILTeR regUlAR ALErTS WHIle ALlOWinG EmERGeNCy aLERts to bE dISplayeD. FOr eXaMpLE, iN A CAsE WhEre a sURgeoN iS AttENDIng a coNCErt, SHe mAy waNt To tUrn OfF NOTIfiCATION OF “rEGulAr” ALErts BUt aLlOW for tHE NOTifiCATiOn Of “eMergEnCY” alERTs. SHe will alSo WANT to HAve CoNtrol oVeR who CaN sEnd HEr “EmERgENCY” aLERts. CoNSiderinG A CasE wheRe A SErviCe PROViDer ofFERs An EArtHquake ALeRT SERVICe, wHich nOtIfIeS tHe sUBSCRiBeRS oF tHe ArRIvAl OF An eARTHqUAKe GIvinG tHeM A FEW PREciouS seconDs IN wHIch ThEy cAn ACt BeFore the eArtHquaKe hITs. A PeRsON sUbScRibED To ThIS SeRVIce AND atTEndiNG a mEetInG may ChooSe TO iGnore “reguLaR” NotIFICaTionS bUt wIlL waNT tO view this “eMErGencY” aLErt.
the Prior ArT pROVIdEs NO mEthOd FoR DIFferEntiAting betWEEn suCH REGULAR NOTiFICAtIonS AND eMErgenCY noTiFICatiOnS. tHe pRIor aRt ProviDes no methOd FOr eNSuRiNg A useR THat a SO-caLleD NotIfIcAtion IS noT SimplY spam (e.G., “bUY tHIs PrOduct NoW At A 20% OFF sAlE!”). the PriOR dOeS noT proviDe AnY mecHaNism or schemE fOr autHeNTICAtING AND AUtHORIzINg THE CONtenT SERvicE pRoviDEr TO iSsuE sucH PRiORIty diFfErEnTIatED MessAGes.
Thus, wHAt Is REQUIrED iS a mETHoD For DifFERENtIatiNg betWEen such rEgUlAR notiFicAtIoNs And EmErGency notifiCatiONS. What is rEqUIreD IS a meTHOD foR EnsuriNG A uSER thaT a So-calLed notIfIcaTioN iS nOt siMPLy sPaM. ADDITIONallY, whAT IS rEQuiRED Is a MetHod AND SysteM fOr AUtHEntICATinG AnD AuTHoRiZInG ThE cONTeNT SeRvICe PrOViDeR to issUE SuCH priOritY dIffErENtiated meSsageS. the pREseNT INvEnTioN pRoVidES A noVel solutION tO tHE above requIremenTs.
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Personal Information Devices include the class of computers, personal digital assistants andelectronicorganizers that tend both to be physically smaller than conventional computers and to have morelimited hardware and data processing capabilities.PIDs include, for example, productssold byPalm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., under such trademark as Pilot, and Pilot 1000, Pilot 5000, PalmPilot, PalmPilotPersonal, PalmPilotProfessional, Palm, andPalm III, Palm V,Palm VII, as well as other products sold under such trade namesas WorkPad, Franklin Quest, and Franklin Convey. PIDs are generally discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,125,039; 5,727,202; 5,832,489; 5,884,323; 5,889,888; 5,900,875; 6,000,000; 6,006,274; and6,034,686, which areincorporated herein by reference. PIDs typicallyinclude a screenand data processor, allowing the PID user to operate a substantial variety of application relating to, for example: electronic mail, a calendar,appointments, contactdata (such as address and telephone numbers), notebook records,acalendar, expense reports, to do lists: or games. PIDs also often include substantial electronic memory for storing such applications aswell as data entered by the user. Due to their substantialvariety of applications and uses, personal information devices arebecoming increasinglywidely used. One increasingly popular application of personal information devices is their ability to share information with otherproperly equipped personal information devices, wirelesslyand otherwise. Forexample,many typesof user information such as electronic mail, calendar events, appointments,contact data, and the like existin the form of digital data files stored within the memoryof thepersonal information device. When equipped with communications hardware/software, the data files embodying the userinformation can be easily transferred from one personal information device to another. For example, onesuch application involvesthe transferring of electronic “business cards”from one personal information device to another, allowing their respectiveusers to easilyexchange contact information.The popularityof information sharing between PIDs and other typesof electronic devices is gaining with the increasingly widespread adoption of wirelessforms of communication. Wirelesscommunication allows users, via their respective devices, to always be intouch with one another. Forexample,instant messaging applications are very popular on desktop computer systems. Instant messagingallows users to instantly contact one another when they're bothonline. A similarscenario isenvisionedwhere users are both carrying wirelessly connected PIDs. Accordingly,several priorart solutions are emerging which address the popularity of wireless instantmessaging type schemes.Thesesolutions enable a wirelessly connectedPIDto receive messages, e-mail, notifications, or thelike from other wirelessly connected PIDs or othertypes of computer system platforms(e.g., desktopmachines connected to messenger services, cell phones, and the like). Unfortunately, these prior art solutions do not address the problem of unsolicitednotifications,unprioritized notifications, unsolicited e-mail, and othertypes of “spam” whichexploit the wireless functionalityof a user's PID. For example, many users haveexperienced frustration whenunsolicited e-mail and/or unsolicitednotifications appearwithin their mail browsers or instant messenger services. Currently, many wireless notifications/messages carry the same priority, and are thus treated the same bythe PID. For example, users maywantto distinguish regular notifications (e.g. forstock alerts) from emergency notifications (e.g.,your patient is in need of critical care). There currentlyexists no viable method which allows a user to distinguish between wanted messages/notifications andunwanted spam Thus, many users may, forexample, turnwireless notification functionality off in order to prevent unauthorized/unsolicited use. Thelack ofmessage prioritization is a serious drawback to prior artwirelessnotifications/messaging schemes. Although wireless PDA devices provide service providers with the ability to push notifications to theuser when a pre-defined event takesplace, there is no viable method for differentiating between “regular” alerts and “emergency” alerts. For example, a usercouldconfigure the PID to filter regular alerts while allowing emergency alerts to be displayed. For example, in a casewherea surgeon is attending aconcert, she may wantto turn off notification of “regular” alerts but allow for the notification of “emergency” alerts. She will alsowant to havecontrol over who can send her “emergency” alerts. Considering a case where a service provider offers anearthquake alert service, whichnotifies the subscribers of the arrival of an earthquake giving them a few precious seconds in which they can act beforethe earthquake hits. A person subscribedto this service and attending a meeting maychoose to ignore “regular” notifications butwill want to view this “emergency” alert. The prior art provides no methodfordifferentiating between suchregular notificationsandemergency notifications.The priorart provides no method for ensuring a user that a so-called notificationisnot simply spam (e.g., “buy this product now at a20% off sale!”). The prior does not provide anymechanism orscheme for authenticating and authorizing the content service providerto issue suchpriority differentiated messages. Thus, what is required is a methodfor differentiating between such regular notifications and emergency notifications. What is required is a method for ensuringa user that a so-called notification is not simply spam. Additionally, what is required is a method and system forauthenticating and authorizing the content service provider to issue such prioritydifferentiated messages. The present invention provides a novel solution tothe above requirements.
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Personal Information Devices _include_ _the_ class of _computers,_ personal _digital_ assistants and electronic organizers _that_ tend both to _be_ physically smaller than conventional computers and to _have_ _more_ limited _hardware_ _and_ data processing capabilities. _PIDs_ include, for example, products sold by Palm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., under such trademark _as_ _Pilot,_ _and_ Pilot 1000, Pilot 5000, PalmPilot, _PalmPilot_ Personal, PalmPilot Professional, Palm, and Palm III, Palm V, Palm VII, _as_ well as other products sold under such trade names as WorkPad, Franklin Quest, and _Franklin_ Convey. PIDs are _generally_ discussed, for example, _in_ U.S. Pat. _Nos._ 5,125,039; _5,727,202;_ 5,832,489; 5,884,323; 5,889,888; _5,900,875;_ 6,000,000; 6,006,274; and 6,034,686, which are incorporated herein by reference. PIDs typically include a screen and data processor, allowing the PID user to operate a substantial _variety_ of application relating to, for example: electronic _mail,_ a _calendar,_ _appointments,_ _contact_ data (such as address and telephone numbers), _notebook_ _records,_ a calendar, expense reports, to do lists: or games. PIDs also _often_ include substantial electronic memory for storing such applications _as_ well _as_ data entered by the user. Due to their _substantial_ variety of applications _and_ uses, personal information devices are _becoming_ increasingly widely used. One increasingly _popular_ application of personal information devices _is_ their ability _to_ _share_ information with other properly equipped personal information devices, wirelessly and otherwise. For _example,_ many types of user information such as electronic mail, _calendar_ _events,_ appointments, _contact_ data, and the like _exist_ _in_ the form of digital _data_ files stored _within_ _the_ _memory_ of _the_ personal information device. When _equipped_ _with_ communications _hardware/software,_ the data files _embodying_ the user information can _be_ easily transferred from one personal information device _to_ another. For example, one such _application_ involves the transferring of electronic “business cards” _from_ one _personal_ information device to another, allowing their respective users to easily _exchange_ contact information. The popularity of information _sharing_ between PIDs and other types of electronic devices is gaining with the increasingly widespread adoption _of_ wireless forms of communication. Wireless _communication_ allows users, via their respective devices, to always be in touch _with_ one _another._ For example, _instant_ _messaging_ applications _are_ very popular on desktop _computer_ systems. _Instant_ messaging _allows_ users to _instantly_ contact one _another_ when they're both online. A similar _scenario_ is envisioned where users are both carrying wirelessly connected PIDs. Accordingly, several prior _art_ solutions _are_ emerging which address _the_ popularity of wireless instant messaging _type_ schemes. These _solutions_ enable a wirelessly connected PID _to_ _receive_ _messages,_ e-mail, _notifications,_ _or_ _the_ like from other _wirelessly_ connected PIDs or other types of computer system platforms (e.g., desktop machines connected to _messenger_ services, _cell_ phones, and the like). Unfortunately, these _prior_ art solutions do not address the problem of unsolicited notifications, unprioritized _notifications,_ unsolicited e-mail, and other _types_ of _“spam”_ _which_ exploit the _wireless_ functionality of a user's PID. For example, many users have experienced frustration _when_ unsolicited _e-mail_ and/or unsolicited _notifications_ appear within their mail browsers or instant messenger services. Currently, many wireless _notifications/messages_ carry the _same_ priority, and are thus treated _the_ same by _the_ PID. For example, users may _want_ _to_ distinguish regular _notifications_ (e.g. for stock alerts) from emergency notifications (e.g., your patient _is_ _in_ need of critical _care)._ There _currently_ exists no viable _method_ which allows a user to _distinguish_ _between_ wanted _messages/notifications_ and unwanted spam Thus, many users _may,_ for example, turn wireless _notification_ functionality off _in_ order to prevent unauthorized/unsolicited use. The lack of _message_ prioritization is a _serious_ drawback to prior art wireless notifications/messaging _schemes._ Although wireless PDA _devices_ provide service _providers_ with the _ability_ to push notifications to the user when a pre-defined _event_ _takes_ place, there is _no_ _viable_ method for _differentiating_ between “regular” alerts and “emergency” alerts. For _example,_ a user could configure the PID to filter regular _alerts_ _while_ allowing emergency _alerts_ to be displayed. _For_ _example,_ _in_ a _case_ where a _surgeon_ is attending a concert, she _may_ want to turn off notification _of_ “regular” alerts but _allow_ for the notification of “emergency” alerts. _She_ will also _want_ to have _control_ _over_ _who_ can send her “emergency” _alerts._ Considering a case where a service provider offers an _earthquake_ alert _service,_ which notifies the subscribers _of_ the arrival of an earthquake giving them _a_ few precious seconds in which they can act before the earthquake hits. _A_ person subscribed to this service and attending a meeting may choose _to_ ignore _“regular”_ notifications but will want _to_ view this “emergency” alert. The prior art _provides_ no method for differentiating _between_ such regular notifications _and_ _emergency_ _notifications._ The _prior_ art provides no method for _ensuring_ a user that a so-called notification is not simply spam _(e.g.,_ “buy _this_ product now _at_ a _20%_ off sale!”). _The_ prior does _not_ _provide_ any _mechanism_ or scheme _for_ authenticating _and_ _authorizing_ _the_ content _service_ provider to issue such priority differentiated messages. Thus, what is _required_ is _a_ method for differentiating _between_ such regular _notifications_ and emergency notifications. What is required is a method for ensuring _a_ user _that_ a so-called notification is not simply spam. Additionally, what is required is _a_ method and _system_ for authenticating and _authorizing_ the content service _provider_ to _issue_ such priority differentiated messages. _The_ _present_ invention _provides_ _a_ novel _solution_ to the above requirements.
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The present invention relates to a railcar for renovating railways and more precisely to a railcar comprising an operating unit equipped for the execution, in sequence, of the following operative steps: removal of the old tracks, removal of the old track supporting sleepers, remaking of the laying plane of the new sleepers, laying of new sleepers; and wherein said operating unit is provided with supporting means to allow its advancement on the old sleepers already stripped of their tracks.
Railcars of the specified type have been hitherto produced, intended to operate continuously for the total renovation of the railway, i.e. for the total replacement of the old track supporting sleepers, the total remaking of their laying plane, the laying on said plane of new sleepers and the successive remaking of the ballast by means of the deposition of new rubble and/or of regenerated rubble in the spaces comprised between the new sleepers.
For this purpose, currently known renovation railcars are mostly equipped with means for removing the old sleepers capable of systematically removing them from the ballast and of depositing them on conveyors which transfer them to an accumulation area on board the railcar, with one or more plowshares for removing the displaced rubble and for levelling the laying plane and with elements, generally acting by gravity, for laying, regularly spaced, the new sleepers on the previously levelled laying plane.
With known railcars of the specified type it is therefore not possible to execute interventions for maintenance or revision entailing the partial and occasional replacement of the sleepers in the section involved, and on the other hand such partial interventions are often sufficient to restore the original efficiency and safety of the track with markedly lower costs.
The inadequacy of known railcars for partially renovating tracks essentially derives from the fact that the current systems for stripping the old sleepers are incapable of extracting them from their related original seats without damaging the laying plane of said seats, so that the laying of the new sleepers entails the complete remaking of said plane.
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The present invention relates to a railcar for renovating railways and more precisely to a railcar comprising an operating unit equipped for the execution, in sequence, of the following operative steps: removal of the old tracks, removal of the old track supporting sleepers, remaking of the laying plane of the new sleepers, laying of new sleepers; and wherein said operating unit is provided with supporting means to allow its advancement on the old sleepers already stripped of their tracks. Railcars of the specified type have been hitherto produced, intended to operate continuously for the total renovation of the railway, i.e. for the total replacement of the old track supporting sleepers, the total remaking of their laying plane, the laying on said plane of new sleepers and the successive remaking of the ballast by means of the deposition of new rubble and/or of regenerated rubble in the spaces comprised between the new sleepers. For this purpose, currently known renovation railcars are mostly equipped with means for removing the old sleepers capable of systematically removing them from the ballast and of depositing them on conveyors which transfer them to an accumulation area on board the railcar, with one or more plowshares for removing the displaced rubble and for levelling the laying plane and with elements, generally acting by gravity, for laying, closely spaced, the new sleepers on the previously levelled laying plane. With renovation railcars of the specified type it is therefore not possible to execute interventions for maintenance or revision entailing the partial and occasional replacement of the sleepers in the section involved, and on the other hand such partial interventions are often sufficient to restore the original efficiency and safety of the track with markedly lower costs. The inadequacy of known railcars for partially renovating tracks essentially derives from the fact that the current systems for stripping the old sleepers are incapable of extracting them from their related original seats without obtaining the laying plane of said seats, so that the laying of the new sleepers entails the complete remaking of said plane.
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The present invention relates to a railcar for renovating railways and more precisely to a raiica% comprising an operating unit equipped for the execution, in sequence, of the following operative ste0d: removal of the old tracks, removal of the old track supporting sleepers, remaking of the laying plane of the new sleepers, laying of new sleepers; and wherFiJ said operating unit is p$ovidsd with supporting means to allow its advancement on the old sleepers already stripped of their tracks. Railcars of the specified type have been hitherto produced, intended to operate continuously for the total renovation of the railway, i. e. for the total replacement of the old track supporting sleepers, the total remaking of their laying plane, the Ksying on said plane of new sleepers and the succeAsivW remaking of the ballast by means of the deposition of new rubble and / or of regenerated rubble in the spaces comprised between the new sleepers. For this purpose, currently known renovation railcars are mostly equipped with means for removing the old sleepers capable of systematically removing them from the ballast and of depositing them on conveyors which transfer them to an accumulation area on board the railcar, with one or more plowshares for removing the displaced rubble and for levelling the laying plane and with eleNrnts, generally Sc$ing by gravity, for laying, regularly spaced, the new sleepers on the previously levelled laying plane. With known railcars of the specified type it is therefore not possible to execute interventions for maintenance or revision entailing the partial and occasional replacement of the sleepers in the section involved, and on the other hand such partial interventions are often sufficient to restore the oritinsl efficiency and safety of the track with markedly lower costs. The inadequacy of known railcars for partially renovating tracks essentially derives from the fact that the current systems for stripping the old sleepers are incapable of extracting them from their related original seats without damaging the laying plane of said seats, so that the laying of the new sleepers entails the complete remaking of said opane.
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The present invention relates a railcar for renovating railways and more precisely to a railcar comprising an operating unit equipped for execution, in sequence, of the following operative steps: removal of the old tracks, removal of the old track supporting sleepers, remaking of the laying plane of the new of new sleepers; and wherein said operating unit is provided with supporting means to allow its advancement on the old sleepers already stripped of their tracks. Railcars of specified type have been produced, intended to operate continuously for the total renovation of the railway, i.e. for the total replacement of old track supporting sleepers, the total remaking of their laying plane, the laying on plane sleepers the successive remaking of the ballast by means of the deposition of new rubble and/or of regenerated rubble in the spaces comprised between new sleepers. For this known renovation railcars are mostly equipped with removing the sleepers capable of systematically removing them from the ballast and depositing them on conveyors which transfer them to an accumulation area on board the railcar, with one or more plowshares for removing the displaced rubble and for levelling the laying plane and elements, acting by gravity, for spaced, the new sleepers on the previously levelled laying With known railcars of the specified type is therefore to execute interventions for maintenance or revision partial and occasional replacement of the sleepers in the section involved, and on the hand such partial interventions are often to restore the original efficiency safety of the track with markedly lower costs. The inadequacy of known railcars for partially renovating essentially derives from the fact that the current systems for stripping the old sleepers are incapable of extracting them from their related original seats without damaging the laying plane of seats, so that the laying of the sleepers entails the complete remaking of said plane.
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The PrEsENt INVeNtIon reLatEs to A rAILcar FoR RENOVaTIng RAILWaYs aNd moRe PREciselY TO a RAIlcar ComPrisiNG an oPerATiNG uniT EqUIPPeD FoR tHe exECUtiON, in SEQUeNCe, of ThE fOLlOWIng OpEratIVe sTEPs: REmoVal OF tHe old TrACKS, REmoVal Of THe oLD trAcK sUpportINg SLEEPers, ReMAkinG OF thE lAYING PLane Of ThE NEw SLeEpErS, LayiNg oF neW SleeperS; AnD WhereIn said oPERatiNg Unit iS prOvIdED witH SupPOrTIng meanS To ALlow iTs aDvANCEMent ON THE oLd SLeepeRS alREadY sTRIPpEd Of THEir TraCKS.
RaILCARS of ThE sPEcIfieD tyPE HavE BEeN hitHertO pRODuced, inteNdED To operaTe CoNTinUOUslY FoR the tOtAL ReNovATiOn of tHE rAiLway, i.e. fOr thE totAl REpLACEmEnT of THe old trAcK sUPPortIng slEEPers, tHE tOTaL reMaKIng Of tHEIr LaYIng pLaNe, The LaYiNG On Said PLaNE oF new sLeEPeRS And tHe SuCCesSive rEmAkING Of the ballAst By means oF tHe dePosiTION oF New ruBBle AnD/or OF ReGEnERaTED RubbLe in THe spACes CoMpRised bEtwEEN ThE NEW slEEpERs.
for this PurPose, CURrENtlY KNOWN RenovAtIon RAILcarS ARE mOsTlY eQuIPPed WitH meaNs fOR rEMOvING tHE OLd SlEepeRs CApaBle OF SySTeMAtICAlLy reMoving them FrOm THe bALlAsT And OF dEPOsItINg theM On conVEYoRs wHiCh trAnsfer tHeM to an ACCumUlatIon aREA on bOArd THe rAilCar, witH oNe OR MORE ploWSHAres foR REMOVInG THe DISPLaCED rUBBLE and FoR lEvELLiNG tHE LAyiNg PLane aND with ELeMENTs, GENERALLY AcTINg by graVITY, fOR lAying, ReGuLaRLY SpaCEd, tHE neW SlEepERS oN tHE prevIOuslY levElLED layiNg PLANE.
With knoWn RaILCArs of THE sPEcIfiEd typE It Is tHErEFOrE nOt PoSSiblE TO exEcUTE inTeRventionS foR maINteNaNCE oR reviSiON eNTAilIng thE ParTIAl aND OCCAsiOnal REPlacemEnT Of THe sLeepErs in thE sEcTIoN InvOlvED, AnD on THE Other HanD suCH pArTIAl INTervENTionS ARe OFTen SUfFIcIeNt tO reStore tHE ORIgiNAl effIcIEncy aNd SafETy OF The track With MarkedLY loWER CoSts.
ThE iNAdequAcY OF KNOwn RaiLCArs FOR paRTIaLlY ReNovAtInG TRacKs eSSeNtIAlLy dERiVeS FRom The fACt thAt the CURrENT sYSTemS fOr strIppIng The oLd sLeePeRs Are iNCaPaBLe OF exTrAcTiNG them FRom TheIR rElATED ORIgiNal seaTS wiThoUT dAmAGiNg tHe layinG PLAne oF SAiD SeAts, sO tHAT tHe lAyinG OF the NeW SLEePeRS ENTails tHE cOMPlEte REmAKing Of saID pLaNe.
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The presentinvention relates to a railcar forrenovating railways and more preciselyto a railcar comprising anoperatingunit equipped forthe execution, in sequence, of the following operative steps: removal oftheold tracks, removal ofthe oldtrack supporting sleepers, remaking of thelaying planeof the new sleepers, laying of new sleepers; and wherein saidoperating unitis provided with supporting means toallowits advancement onthe old sleepers already strippedof theirtracks. Railcarsof the specified type have been hitherto produced,intended to operate continuously forthe total renovation of the railway, i.e. for the total replacement of theold track supporting sleepers, the total remaking oftheir laying plane,the laying on said plane of new sleepers and the successive remaking of the ballast by meansofthe deposition of new rubble and/orof regenerated rubble in the spaces comprised between the new sleepers. For this purpose, currently knownrenovation railcars are mostly equippedwith means for removing the old sleepers capable of systematically removing themfrom the ballast and of depositing them on conveyors which transfer them to an accumulationarea on boardthe railcar, with one or more plowshares for removing the displaced rubble and forlevellingthe laying plane andwith elements, generally acting by gravity, for laying, regularly spaced,the new sleepers on thepreviously levelledlaying plane. With known railcars of the specified type it is therefore not possibletoexecute interventions for maintenance or revision entailing the partial and occasional replacement of the sleepersin the section involved, and on theother hand such partial interventions are often sufficient torestore the original efficiency and safetyof the track with markedly lower costs. The inadequacy of known railcarsfor partiallyrenovating tracks essentially derives from the fact that the current systems for stripping the old sleepers are incapable of extracting them from their related original seatswithout damagingthe laying plane of said seats, so thatthe layingof the new sleepers entails the complete remaking of said plane.
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The present invention relates to a railcar for renovating railways and more _precisely_ to a railcar comprising _an_ operating unit _equipped_ for the execution, in _sequence,_ of _the_ following operative steps: _removal_ of the old _tracks,_ removal _of_ the old _track_ supporting sleepers, remaking of the _laying_ plane of the new sleepers, _laying_ of new _sleepers;_ and wherein said operating unit _is_ provided _with_ supporting means to allow its _advancement_ on the old sleepers _already_ stripped _of_ _their_ tracks. _Railcars_ of the specified type have been hitherto produced, intended to operate continuously for the _total_ renovation of _the_ railway, i.e. for _the_ total replacement of the old track supporting sleepers, the total remaking _of_ their laying plane, the laying _on_ said _plane_ of new sleepers and the successive remaking of _the_ ballast by means of _the_ deposition of new rubble and/or of regenerated rubble in the _spaces_ comprised _between_ _the_ new sleepers. For this purpose, currently known renovation _railcars_ are mostly equipped with means _for_ removing the old sleepers capable of systematically removing them from the ballast _and_ of depositing them on conveyors which transfer _them_ to an accumulation area on board the railcar, with one _or_ more plowshares for removing the displaced rubble _and_ _for_ _levelling_ the _laying_ plane and with elements, generally acting by gravity, for laying, regularly spaced, the new _sleepers_ _on_ the previously _levelled_ laying plane. With known railcars of the specified type it is therefore not possible to execute interventions for _maintenance_ or revision _entailing_ the partial and occasional replacement of the sleepers in the section involved, and on _the_ other hand such partial interventions are often _sufficient_ to restore _the_ original _efficiency_ and _safety_ of the track _with_ markedly lower costs. The inadequacy _of_ known railcars for partially renovating tracks essentially derives from the fact that the current systems for stripping the old sleepers are _incapable_ of extracting them from their related original _seats_ _without_ damaging the laying plane of said seats, so _that_ the laying _of_ the _new_ _sleepers_ entails the complete remaking _of_ said plane.
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Cellular networks provide communications using cells. As mobile subscribers associated with the cellular network move into a geographic area covered by the cellular network and/or cells of the cellular network, a mobile equipment or other device associated with the subscriber can connect to one of the cells, assuming the device is turned on and/or configured to communicate with the cellular network.
As the subscriber and the associated mobile equipment moves within the geographic area covered by the cellular network, the mobile equipment can disconnect from a first cell of the cellular network and connect to a second cell of the cellular network. This process of disconnecting and connecting is sometimes referred to as a “handoff” or a “handover.”
A successful handoff occurs if the mobile equipment connects to the second cell substantially simultaneously with respect to disconnecting from the first cell. An unsuccessful handoff occurs if the mobile equipment disconnects from the first cell and does not connect to the second cell immediately or simultaneously. If a communication is in progress during an unsuccessful handoff, the mobile equipment may experience a dropped call or dropped data connection.
Cellular networks sometimes track handoffs for various purposes. This data can be used to track performance and/or usage of the cellular network, to project growth in demand for connectivity associated with the cellular network and/or cells of the cellular network, to determine traffic conditions, or the like. By analyzing the data, a cellular network operator can know a cell to which a mobile equipment is connected at a particular time.
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Cellular networks provide communications using cells. As mobile subscribers associated with the cellular network move into a geographic area covered by the cellular network and/or cells of the cellular network, a mobile equipment or other device associated with the subscriber can connect to one of the cells, assuming the device is turned on and/or configured to communicate with the cellular network. As the subscriber and the associated mobile equipment moves within the geographic area covered by the cellular network, the mobile equipment can disconnect from a first cell of the cellular network and connect to a second cell of the cellular network. This process of calling and connecting is sometimes referred to as a “handoff” or a “handover.” A successful handoff occurs if the mobile equipment connects to the second cell substantially simultaneously with respect to disconnecting from the first cell. An unsuccessful handoff occurs if the mobile equipment disconnects from the first cell and does not connect to the second cell immediately or simultaneously. If a communication is in progress during an unsuccessful handoff, the mobile equipment could experience a dropped call or dropped data connection. Cellular networks sometimes track handoffs for various purposes. This data can be used to track performance and/or usage of the dialed network, to project growth in demand for connectivity associated with the cellular network and/or cells of the cellular network, to determine traffic conditions, or the like. By analyzing the data, a cellular network operator can know a cell to which a mobile equipment is connected at a particular time.
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Cellular networks provide communications us*nF cells. As mobile subscribers associated with the cellular network move into a geographic area covered by the cellular network and / or cells of the cellular network, a mobile equipment or other device associated with the subscriber can connect to one of the cells, assuming the device is turned on and / or configured to communicate with the cellular network. As the subscriber and the associated mobile equipment moves within the geographic area covered by the cellular network, the mobile equipment can disconnect from a first cell of the cellular network and s)nnect to a secoGs cell of the cellular network. This process of disconnecting and connecting is sometimes referred to as a “ handoff ” or a “ hanwoveg. ” A successful handoff occurs if the mobile equipment connects to the second cell substantially simultaneously with resp#Ft to disconnecting from the first cell. An unsuccessful handoff occurs if the mobile equipment disconnects from the first cell and does not connect to the second cell immediately or simultaneously. If a communication is in progress during an unsuccessful hznEoff, the mobile equipment may experience a dropped call or dropped data connection. Cellular networks sometimes track handoffs for various purposes. This data can be used to track performance and / or usage of the cDllula4 network, to project growth in demand for connectivity associated with the cellular network and / or cells of the cWlluPar network, to dererm&ne traffic conditions, or the like. By analyzing the data, a cellJla5 network operator can know a cell to which a mobile equipment is connected at a particular time.
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Cellular networks provide communications using cells. As mobile subscribers associated with the cellular move into a geographic area covered by the cellular network and/or cells of the cellular network, mobile equipment or device associated with the subscriber can connect to one of the cells, assuming the device and/or configured to communicate with the cellular network. As the subscriber and the associated mobile equipment moves geographic area covered by the cellular network, the equipment can disconnect from a first cell of the cellular network and connect to a second cell of the cellular network. This process of disconnecting and connecting is referred to as a “handoff” a “handover.” A handoff occurs if the mobile equipment connects to the second cell substantially simultaneously with respect to disconnecting from the first An unsuccessful handoff occurs if the mobile disconnects from the first cell and does not connect to the second immediately or If a communication is in progress during unsuccessful handoff, the mobile equipment may a dropped call or data connection. Cellular networks sometimes track handoffs for purposes. This data can be used to track performance and/or usage of the cellular network, to project growth in demand connectivity associated with the cellular network and/or cells of the cellular network, to determine conditions, or the like. By analyzing a cellular network operator can know a cell to which a mobile equipment is connected at particular time.
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cellulAR nETworkS pRovIde cOMMUnIcatIOnS uSInG cElLS. AS MObILE subSCrIbeRs aSSoCiaTEd wIth thE CelLular nETWork mOVE INTo a GeoGraphIc aREa COVeReD bY THE CElLuLar nETWorK And/oR CelLs oF ThE CEllULAR neTWorK, a mObilE EQuipMENt Or Other DeviCE asSOCIATED with THE suBSCribEr cAn CoNnEct To onE of ThE CELLS, aSSuMING tHe dEVIce IS TUrNed On AND/Or coNfIguREd To ComMuNIcAte with tHE cEllUlAR netwoRK.
AS thE SUbSCRIBer and tHe asSocIaTeD MoBiLe EQUiPmeNT MOVEs WiThIn thE GeOgraPhiC areA CovEred BY ThE celLULar neTwork, the mObIle EQuipMENt CAN DIsCOnnecT FroM A FIRst cELL Of THe CElLulaR neTwOrK AND CoNNecT to A sEcond cELL of The CeLlulaR NeTworK. tHiS procesS oF DiSCOnneCtINg ANd ConnEcTInG Is SoMeTImEs rEFeRREd To as A “haNdoff” Or A “haNDOVeR.”
a SuccessfUl hAnDoff OCCurs If THE mOBILe EQuiPMent CoNnects TO THe SecoND cElL sUBsTANtiallY SimULTaNEousLY witH rESpECt To DIScONNECtINg FrOm tHe fIrSt CeLL. an uNsUccEssfUl haNDOFf oCCURs IF THE moBILe equiPMEnt DisCONnecTs from THe FiRSt ceLL ANd dOEs Not COnnecT TO thE secOnd CelL IMmEDIATely or sIMULTAneOUSlY. IF a coMMuniCaTion IS In ProGresS DUrInG aN uNsUCCEsSFUL HanDoff, The MoBIlE EQuIpMEnT MAY exPErieNCE a DroPPed CAll Or Dropped Data ConnECTion.
cEllUlAr NETwOrkS SOmETiMES tRacK hAndofFS foR vARIOus pUrPosEs. tHis DAtA cAN bE Used To TRaCK PeRfORMaNCe AnD/Or Usage oF The CeLlular neTWOrK, tO PRojECt groWTh In DEmanD FOR coNnEctiVITy assOciATED wItH tHE celluLAr nETWorK and/or CELLS OF tHe CELlUlAr NeTWorK, tO DeTErminE TRaFfiC conDITIoNs, oR the lIke. BY anaLYzING tHE DaTA, a celLulaR NEtwoRk opErATor cAn KNow a CElL to WhIch A MOBile EQuIPmEnt Is COnnecTed At a pArTIcULar tiMe.
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Cellular networks provide communications using cells.Asmobile subscribers associated with the cellular network move into ageographicarea covered by the cellular network and/or cells of the cellular network, a mobile equipment orotherdeviceassociated with the subscriber can connectto oneof the cells, assuming the device is turned on and/or configured to communicate with the cellular network. Asthe subscriber and the associatedmobileequipment moves within the geographicareacovered by the cellular network,themobile equipment can disconnect from a first cell of the cellular network and connect to asecond cell of the cellular network.This process of disconnecting and connecting is sometimes referred to asa “handoff” or a“handover.” A successful handoff occurs if the mobile equipment connects to the second cell substantially simultaneously with respect to disconnecting from thefirst cell. An unsuccessful handoff occursif the mobileequipment disconnectsfrom the first cell and does not connectto the second cellimmediately or simultaneously. If a communication isin progress duringan unsuccessful handoff,the mobile equipment mayexperience adropped call ordropped data connection. Cellular networks sometimes track handoffs for various purposes. Thisdata can be used to track performance and/or usage ofthe cellular network, toproject growth indemand for connectivity associatedwith the cellular network and/or cellsof the cellular network, to determine traffic conditions, or the like. By analyzing the data,a cellular network operator can know a cell towhich a mobile equipment isconnected at a particular time.
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Cellular networks _provide_ communications using cells. As mobile subscribers associated with the cellular network move into a geographic area covered _by_ the cellular network _and/or_ cells _of_ the cellular _network,_ a mobile equipment _or_ other device associated _with_ the subscriber _can_ connect to one of the _cells,_ assuming the device is turned on and/or configured _to_ _communicate_ with the cellular network. As the subscriber _and_ the associated _mobile_ equipment _moves_ within the _geographic_ area covered _by_ _the_ cellular network, the mobile equipment can disconnect from a first cell of the cellular network _and_ connect to a second cell of the cellular network. This process of disconnecting and connecting is sometimes referred to _as_ a “handoff” _or_ _a_ “handover.” _A_ successful handoff occurs if the mobile _equipment_ connects to the second cell substantially simultaneously with respect to disconnecting _from_ _the_ first cell. _An_ _unsuccessful_ handoff occurs if the _mobile_ equipment disconnects from the first cell and _does_ not connect to the _second_ _cell_ immediately _or_ simultaneously. If a _communication_ is in progress _during_ _an_ unsuccessful _handoff,_ the _mobile_ equipment _may_ experience a dropped call or _dropped_ data connection. Cellular networks _sometimes_ _track_ _handoffs_ _for_ various _purposes._ This data can _be_ used _to_ track performance and/or usage of the cellular network, to project growth in demand for connectivity associated with the _cellular_ network and/or cells _of_ the cellular _network,_ to determine traffic conditions, or the like. By analyzing the data, a _cellular_ _network_ operator can know a cell to which a _mobile_ _equipment_ is connected at a particular _time._
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A level shifter is commonly used in an integrated circuit. For example, in some applications, the level shifter is arranged between an input/output (I/O) circuit and a core circuit of an electronic device (e.g., memory device). With the development of the process technology, the operating voltage of the core circuit becomes lower, and the operating voltage of the core circuit is thus lower than the operating voltage of the I/O circuit. Accordingly, before a signal is transmitted from the core circuit to the I/O circuit, a voltage level of the signal is able to be increased by the level shifter. Alternatively, before a signal is transmitted from the I/O circuit to the core circuit, a voltage level of the signal is able to be decreased by the level shifter.
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A level shifter is commonly used in an automobile circuit. For example, in some applications, the level shifter is arranged between an input/output (I/O) circuit and a core circuit of an electronic device (e.g., memory device). With the development of the process technology, the operating voltage of the core circuit becomes lower, and the operating voltage of the combined circuit is thus lower than the operating voltage of the I/O circuit. Accordingly, before a signal is transmitted from the core circuit to the I/O circuit, a voltage level of the signal is able to be increased by the level shifter. Alternatively, before a signal is transmitted from the I/O circuit to the core circuit, a voltage level of the signal is able to be decreased by the level band
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A lwv#l shifter is commonly ucev in an integrated circuit. For example, in some apllicatioBs, the level shifter is arranged between an input / output (I / O) circuit and a core circuit of an electronic device (e. g. , memory device ). With the development of the priceZs technology, the operating voktagf of the core circuit becomes lower, and the operating voltAFe of the core circuit is thus lower than the operating voltage of the I / O circuit. Accordingly, nef)re a signal is transmitted from the Vo3e circuit to the I / O circuit, a voltage level of the signal is able to be increased by the level shifter. Alternatively, before a signal is transmitted g%om the I / O co#cuit to the core circuit, a voltage level of the signal is able to be decreased by the level shifter.
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A level shifter is commonly used in an integrated circuit. For example, in some applications, the level shifter is arranged an input/output (I/O) circuit and a core circuit of an electronic device (e.g., memory With the development of the process technology, the operating voltage of the circuit becomes lower, and the operating voltage of the core circuit thus lower than the operating voltage of the circuit. Accordingly, before a signal is transmitted from core circuit to I/O circuit, a voltage level of the signal is able to be increased by the shifter. before a signal is transmitted from the I/O circuit to the core circuit, voltage level of the signal is to be decreased by level shifter.
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a leVel SHiFtER iS CoMMOnlY uSED in An iNTEgRATeD cIrcuIT. for eXaMple, In SomE apPlIcaTions, the levEl SHIfTEr iS arRanGED bETwEEN aN inpUt/OUtput (I/o) ciRCuiT aNd A COrE CiRcUit OF An electRONiC dEvIcE (e.g., MemoRY DEvicE). WIth thE dEvElopMENt oF tHe ProcESs TecHNoLogY, ThE oPeRAtiNg VOLTaGE of ThE CORE ciRcuit BEcomEs lOWeR, aNd tHE opeRaTinG vOLTaGE of The COrE cIrcUit IS THus LOWER ThAn The oPeraTIng vOltAge Of ThE I/O CircUiT. AcCorDiNGLY, BeFORe a siGNal Is TrAnSmiTTeD fROm the CORE circUiT to the i/o CIrCuIT, A vOLtAge leVeL OF THe SiGNaL iS ABLe To BE iNcREaSED BY tHe LEvel shifTeR. AlTeRnativEly, beFORE A siGnAL IS TRaNSmittEd FROm thE I/o ciRcuIt To ThE Core cIrCuiT, A voltaGE LEVEl Of The SIGnAL Is AbLe To Be DecreAseD bY ThE lEVeL sHifter.
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A level shifter is commonly used in an integrated circuit. For example, in some applications, the level shifter is arrangedbetween an input/output (I/O)circuit and a core circuit of an electronic device (e.g., memory device). With the development of the process technology, theoperating voltage of the core circuit becomes lower, and theoperating voltage of the core circuit is thus lower than the operating voltage of the I/O circuit. Accordingly, before a signal is transmitted from the core circuit to the I/O circuit, a voltagelevel of the signal isable to beincreased by the levelshifter. Alternatively, beforea signal istransmitted from the I/O circuit to the core circuit, a voltage level of the signal isable to bedecreased by the level shifter.
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A level _shifter_ is _commonly_ _used_ in an integrated circuit. _For_ example, in some _applications,_ the _level_ shifter is arranged between _an_ input/output (I/O) circuit _and_ _a_ core circuit of an electronic device (e.g., memory device). With the _development_ of the _process_ technology, the operating voltage of the core circuit becomes lower, and the operating voltage of the core circuit _is_ thus _lower_ than _the_ operating voltage of the I/O circuit. Accordingly, before a signal is transmitted _from_ the _core_ circuit _to_ the I/O _circuit,_ a voltage level of the signal is able to be increased by _the_ _level_ shifter. Alternatively, before a _signal_ is transmitted from the I/O circuit _to_ the _core_ circuit, a voltage _level_ of the signal is able to be decreased by the _level_ shifter.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an antenna apparatus for carrying out data communication in noncontact between the antenna apparatus and a data carrier used by being attached to a person or goods, for example, for control of entrance and evacuation or automatic sorting of goods. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antenna apparatus increasing a receiving capacity in noncontact communication.
2. Description of the Related Art
Normally, a noncontact RF tag (hereinafter, referred to as RF tag) used as a data carrier comprises a coil antenna and an IC chip including an involatile memory. Data communication is carried out by wireless between the RF tag and an antenna apparatus which generates an induced magnetic field. The technology of noncontact communication attracts attention as a recognition technology substituting for a bar code. In the RF tag enabling the noncontact communication, a power source for operating the IC chip is taken out from the induced magnetic field generated by the antenna and therefore, a battery is dispensed with.
Meanwhile, a loop antenna is used for the antenna apparatus and various antenna shapes are constituted depending on methods and location of use thereof.
For example, there is present an antenna apparatus arranged with one antenna provided to be opposite to one side of a detecting region, or a gate type antenna apparatus arranged with two antennas having the same shape provided on both sides of a detecting region so that they are opposite to each other. The antenna apparatus are used for an automatic reading apparatus of goods carried by a conveyer, a reading apparatus for inventory control for entrance and evacuation of goods, or a related-art security gate of preventing shoplifting.
An antenna apparatus used for such an object is requested to read the RF tag within the detecting region without being dependent on a position or a direction thereof and needs to realize the reading within a limited radio wave output in compliance with the radio law. In order to satisfy the conflicting requests, a number of modes of antennas have been proposed in the related-art antenna apparatus using radio wave.
When an investigation is given on a communicating function of an antenna of this kind, in the case that transmission and reception can be carried out by one antenna, normally, the antenna is set to adapt to a transmitting frequency and therefore, a receiving sensitivity is lower than that in an optimum case. Therefore, there is a case of providing a receiving antenna set to adapt to a receiving frequency separately from a transmitting antenna or a transmitting and receiving antenna.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when 1 loop of a receiving antenna 62 formed in a rectangular shape is arranged on an inner side of 1 loop of a transmitting antenna 61 similarly formed in a rectangular tape, a current 63 is induced to couple at the receiving antenna 62 by a magnetic field generated in a direction of penetrating a loop shape of the transmitting antenna 61. Therefore, a current flowing in the transmitting antenna 61 is reduced by an amount of being consumed by being coupled to the receiving antenna 62.
As a countermeasure against the reduction in the current, as shown by FIG. 7, a transmitting antenna 71 having a first loop antenna 71a and a second loop antenna 71b in a 8-like shape is provided. When a current having a phase inverse to a phase of a current flowing in the second loop antenna 71b is made to flow in the first loop antenna 71a, a current 73a induced in a receiving antenna 72 by a magnetic field generated by the first loop antenna 71a and a current 73b induced in the receiving antenna 72 by a magnetic field generated by the second loop antenna 71b are provided with the same magnitude and inverse directions of currents. Therefore, the current 73a and the current 73b are canceled by each other. Thereby, coupling of the transmitting antenna 71 and the receiving antenna 72 is eliminated to thereby prevent the reduction in the current of the transmitting antenna 71.
The above-described shape of 2 loops is not limited thereto but as shown by FIG. 8, there can also be provided a transmitting antenna 81 of a 8-like shape which is formed in a rectangular shape, an upper side of which is provided for a first loop antenna 81a and a lower side of which is provided for a second loop antenna 81b. The first and second loop antennas 81a, 81b are formed by narrowing a central portion of the transmitting antenna 81 to an interval by which the 2 loops are not intersected with each other.
Further, when considering a case of 3 loops of a transmitting antenna, as shown by FIG. 9, a transmitting antenna 91 has a first through a third loop antenna 91a through 91c arranged in series in a rectangular shape. In the first loop antenna 91a and the third loop antenna 91c at both end portions of the transmitting antenna 91, currents having a phase inverse to a phase of a current flowing in the second loop antenna 91b is made to flow.
In this case, when a receiving antenna 92 in the rectangular shape is arranged on a plane the same as that of a transmitting antenna 91 and on an inner side of the transmitting antenna 91, respective magnetic fluxes generated by the transmitting antenna 91 are made to pass a first through a third magnetic flux passing region S1, S2, S3 on the inner side of the receiving antenna 92 in correspondence with the first through the third loop antennas 91a through 91c. At this occasion, a direction of magnetic fluxes in the first and the third magnetic flux passing regions S1, S3 is inverse to a direction of magnetic fluxes of the second magnetic flux passing region S2.
When the magnetic fluxes of the respective magnetic flux regions S1, S2, S3 are respectively designated by notations φ1, φ2, φ3, a total φ of the fluxes passing the first through the third magnetic flux passing regions S1, S2, S3 of the receiving antenna 92 becomes φ1−φ2+φ3.
Normally, a relationship of a degree of canceling when the magnetic fluxes passing the magnetic flux passing regions of the receiving antenna 92 are canceled by each other is not φ1+φ3=φ2. Therefore, the total φ of the magnetic fluxes is not nullified. Therefore, a current is induced in the receiving antenna 92, a current flowing in the transmitting antenna 91 is consumed to reduce by the receiving antenna 92 and thus a transmitting function is reduced. When such an inappropriate coupling cannot completely be canceled, a communicating function is reduced and a region of detecting the RF tag is narrowed.
Further, JP-A-2002-237720 discloses a technology of achieving excellent communication by using 4 loops of a transmitting antenna and minimizing a nondetecting region produced at a portion of intersecting loop antennas. However, when a receiving antenna can be a related-art rectangular shape is provided to increase a receiving function of the antenna apparatus, there is a case in which a transmitting function is reduced owing to the above-described fact that the total of the magnetic fluxes is not nullified.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an antenna apparatus for carrying out data communication in noncontact between the antenna apparatus and a data carrier used by being attached to a person or goods, for example, for control of entrance and evacuation or automatic sorting of goods. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antenna apparatus increasing a receiving capacity in noncontact communication. 2. Description of the Related Art Normally, a noncontact RF tag (hereinafter, referred to as RF tag) used as a data carrier comprises a coil antenna and an IC chip including an involatile memory. Data communication is carried out by wireless between the RF tag and an antenna apparatus which generates an induced magnetic field. The technology of noncontact communication attracts attention as a recognition technology substituting for a bar code. In the RF tag enabling the noncontact communication, a power source for operating the IC chip is taken out from the induced magnetic field generated by the antenna and therefore, a battery is dispensed with. Meanwhile, a loop antenna is used for the antenna apparatus and various antenna shapes are constituted depending on methods and location of use thereof. For example, there is present an antenna apparatus arranged with one antenna provided to be opposite to one side of a detecting region, or a gate type antenna apparatus arranged with two antennas having the same shape provided on both sides of a detecting region so that they are opposite to each other. The antenna apparatus are used for an automatic reading apparatus of goods carried by a conveyer, a reading apparatus for inventory control for entrance and evacuation of goods, or a related-art security gate of preventing shoplifting. An antenna apparatus used for such an object is requested to read the RF tag within the detecting region without being dependent on a position or a direction thereof and needs to realize the reading within a limited radio wave output in compliance with the radio law. In order to satisfy the conflicting requests, a number of modes of antennas have been proposed in the related-art antenna apparatus using radio wave. When an investigation is given on a communicating function of an antenna of this kind, in the case that transmission and reception can be carried out by one antenna, normally, the antenna is set to adapt to a transmitting frequency and therefore, a receiving sensitivity is lower than that in an optimum case. Therefore, there is a case of providing a receiving antenna set to adapt to a receiving frequency separately from a transmitting antenna or a transmitting and receiving antenna. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when 1 loop of a receiving antenna 62 formed in a rectangular shape is arranged on an inner side of 1 loop of a transmitting antenna 61 similarly formed in a rectangular tape, a current 63 is induced to couple at the receiving antenna 62 by a magnetic field generated in a direction of penetrating a loop shape of the transmitting antenna 61. Therefore, a current flowing in the transmitting antenna 61 is reduced by an amount of being consumed by being coupled to the receiving antenna 62. As a countermeasure against the reduction in the current, as shown by FIG. 7, a transmitting antenna 71 having a first loop antenna 71a and a second loop antenna 71b in a 8-like shape is provided. When a current having a phase inverse to a phase of a current flowing in the second loop antenna 71b is made to flow in the first loop antenna 71a, a current 73a induced in a receiving antenna 72 by a magnetic field generated by the first loop antenna 71a and a current 73b induced in the receiving antenna 72 by a magnetic field generated by the second loop antenna 71b are provided with the same magnitude and inverse directions of currents. Therefore, the current 73a and the current 73b are canceled by each other. Thereby, coupling of the transmitting antenna 71 and the receiving antenna 72 is eliminated to thereby prevent the reduction in the current of the transmitting antenna 71. The above-described shape of 2 loops is not limited thereto but as shown by FIG. 8, there can also be provided a transmitting antenna 81 of a 8-like shape which is formed in a rectangular shape, an upper side of which is provided for a first loop antenna 81a and a lower side of which is provided for a second loop antenna 81b. The first and second loop antennas 81a, 81b are formed by narrowing a central portion of the transmitting antenna 81 to an interval by which the 2 loops are not cross with each other. Further, when considering a case of 3 loops of a transmitting antenna, as shown by FIG. 9, a transmitting antenna 91 has a first through a third loop antenna 91a through 91c arranged in series in a rectangular shape. In the first loop antenna 91a and the third loop antenna 91c at both end portions of the transmitting antenna 91, currents having a phase inverse to a phase of a current flowing in the second loop antenna 91b is made to flow. In this case, when a receiving antenna 92 in the rectangular shape is arranged on a plane the same as that of a transmitting antenna 91 and on an inner side of the transmitting antenna 91, respective magnetic fluxes generated by the transmitting antenna 91 are made to pass a first through a third magnetic flux passing region S1, S2, S3 on the inner side of the receiving antenna 92 in correspondence with the first through the third loop antennas 91a through 91c. At this occasion, a direction of magnetic fluxes in the first and the third magnetic flux passing regions S1, S3 is inverse to a direction of magnetic fluxes of the second magnetic flux passing region S2. When the magnetic fluxes of the respective magnetic flux regions S1, S2, S3 are respectively designated by notations φ1, φ2, φ3, a total φ of the fluxes passing the first through the third magnetic flux passing regions S1, S2, S3 of the receiving antenna 92 becomes φ1−φ2+φ3. Normally, a relationship of a degree of canceling when the magnetic fluxes passing the magnetic flux passing regions of the receiving antenna 92 are canceled by each other is not φ1+φ3=φ2. Therefore, the total φ of the magnetic fluxes is not nullified. Therefore, a current is induced in the receiving antenna 92, a current flowing in the transmitting antenna 91 is consumed to reduce by the receiving antenna 92 and thus a transmitting function is reduced. When such an inappropriate coupling cannot completely be canceled, a communicating function is reduced and a region of detecting the RF tag is narrowed. Further, JP-A-2002-237720 discloses a technology of achieving excellent communication by using 4 loops of a transmitting antenna and minimizing a nondetecting region produced at a portion of intersecting loop antennas. However, when a receiving antenna can be a related-art rectangular shape is provided to increase a receiving function of the antenna apparatus, there is a case in which a transmitting function is reduced owing to the above-described fact that the total of the magnetic fluxes is not nullified.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an antenna apparatus for carrying out data communication in noncontact between the antenna apparatus and a data carrier used by being attached to a person or goods, for example, for control of egtranc4 and evacuation or automatic sorting of goods. <0re particularly, the present invention relates to an antenna apparatus increasing a receiving capacity in noncontact communication. 2. Description of the Related Art Normally, a noncontact RF tag (hereinafter, referred to as RF tag) used as a data carrier comprises a coil antenna and an IC chip including an involatile memory. Data communication is carried out by wireless between the RF tag and an antenna apparatus which generates an induced magnetic field. The technology of noncontact communication attracts attention as a recognition technology substituting for a bar code. In the RF tag enabling the noncontact communication, a power source for operating the IC chip is taken out from the induced magnetic field generated by the antenna and therefore, a battery is dispensed with. Meanwhile, a loop antenna is used for the antenna apparatus and various antenna shapes are constituted depending on methods and location of use thereof. For example, there is present an antenna apparatus arranged with one antenna provided to be opposite to one side of a detecting region, or a gate type antenna apparatus arranged with two antennas having the same shape provided on both sides of a detecting region so that they are opposite to each other. The antenna apparatus are used for an automatic reading apparatus of goods carried by a conveyer, a reading apparatus for inventory control for entrance and evacuation of goods, or a related - art security gate of preventing shoplifting. An antenna apparatus used for such an object is requested to read the RF tag within the detecting region without being dependent on a position or a direction thereof and needs to realize the reading within a limited radio wave out0*t in compliance with the radio law. In order to satisfy the conflicting requests, a number of modes of antennas have been proposed in the related - art antenna apparatus using radio wave. When an investigation is given on a communicating function of an antenna of this kind, in the case that transmission and reception can be carried out by one antenna, normally, the antenna is set to adapt to a transmitting frequency and therefore, a receiving sensitivity is lower than that in an optimum case. Therefore, there is a case of providing a receiving antenna set to adapt to a receiving frequency separately from a transmitting antenna or a transmitting and receiving antenna. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, wjwn 1 loop of a receiving antenna 62 formed in a rectangular shape is arranged on an inner side of 1 loop of a transmitting antenna 61 similarly formed in a rectangular tape, a current 63 is induced to couple at the receiving antenna 62 by a magnetic field generated in a direction of penetrating a loop shape of the transmitting antenna 61. Therefore, a current flowing in the transmitting antenna 61 is reduced by an amount of being consumed by being coupled to the receiving antenna 62. As a countermeasure against the reduction in the current, as shown by FIG. 7, a transmitting antenna 71 having a first loop antenna 71a and a second loop antenna 71b in a 8 - like shape is provided. When a current having a phase inverse to a phase of a current flowing in the second loop antenna 71b is made to flow in the first loop antenna 71a, a current 73a induced in a receiving antenna 72 by a magnetic field generated by the first loop antenna 71a and a current 73b induced in the receiving antenna 72 by a magnetic field generated by the second loop antenna 71b are provided with the same magnitude and inverse directions of currents. Therefore, the current 73a and the current 73b are canceled by each other. Thereby, coupling of the transmitting antenna 71 and the receiving antenna 72 is eliminated to thereby prevent the reduction in the current of the transmitting antenna 71. The above - described shape of 2 loops is not limited thereto but as shown by FIG. 8, there can also be provided a transmitting antenna 81 of a 8 - like shape which is t9rmed in a rectangular shape, an upper side of which is provided for a first loop antenna 81a and a lower side of which is provided for a second loop antenna 81b. The first and second loop antennas 81a, 81b are formed by narrowing a central portion of the transmitting antenna 81 to an interval by which the 2 loops are not intersected with each other. Further, wUeB considering a case of 3 loops of a transmitting antenna, as shown by FIG. 9, a transmitting antenna 91 has a first through a third loop antenna 91a through 91c arranged in series in a rectangular shape. In the first loop antenna 91a and the third loop antenna 91c at both end portions of the transmitting antenna 91, currents having a phase inverse to a phase of a current flowing in the second loop antenna 91b is made to flow. In this case, when a receiving antenna 92 in the rectangular shape is arranged on a plane the same as that of a transmitting antenna 91 and on an inner side of the transmitting antenna 91, respective magnetic fluxes generated by the transmitting antenna 91 are made to pass a Riret through a third magnetic flux passing region S1, S2, S3 on the inner side of the receiving antenna 92 in correspondence with the first through the third loop antennas 91a through 91c. At this occasion, a direction of magnetic fluxes in the first and the third magnetic flux passing regions S1, S3 is inverse to a direction of magnetic fluxes of the second magnetic flux passing region S2. When the magnetic fluxes of the respective magnetic flux regions S1, S2, S3 are respectively designated by notations φ1, φ2, φ3, a total φ of the fluxes passing the first Rh%ough the third magnetic flux passing regions S1, S2, S3 of the receiving antenna 92 becomes φ1 − φ2 + φ3. Normally, a relationship of a degree of canceling when the magnetic fluxes passing the magnetic flux passing regions of the receiving antenna 92 are canceled by each other is not φ1 + φ3 = φ2. Therefore, the total φ of the magnetic fluxes is not nullified. Therefore, a current is induced in the receiving antenna 92, a current flowing in the transmitting antenna 91 is consumed to reduce by the receiving antenna 92 and thus a transmitting function is reduced. When such an ijsppropriate coupling cannot completely be canceled, a communicating function is reduced and a region of detecting the RF tag is narrowed. Further, JP - A - 2002 - 237720 discloses a technology of achieving excellent communication by using 4 loops of a transmitting antenna and minimizing a nondetecting region produced at a portion of intersecting loop antennas. However, when a receiving antenna can be a related - art rectangular shape is pr(Dided to increase a receiving function of the antenna apparatus, there is a case in which a transmitting function is reduced owing to the above - described fact that the total of the magnetic fluxes is not nullified.
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1. Field of the Invention The present relates to an antenna apparatus for carrying data communication in noncontact between the antenna apparatus and a data used by attached to a person or goods, for example, for control of entrance and evacuation or automatic sorting of goods. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antenna apparatus increasing a receiving capacity in noncontact communication. 2. Description of the Related Art Normally, a RF tag (hereinafter, referred to as RF tag) used as a data carrier comprises a coil antenna and an IC chip including involatile memory. Data communication is carried out by wireless between the tag and an antenna apparatus which generates an induced magnetic field. The technology of noncontact communication attracts attention as a recognition technology for a bar In the RF tag enabling the noncontact communication, a power source for operating the IC chip is taken out from the induced magnetic field generated by the antenna and therefore, a battery is dispensed with. Meanwhile, loop antenna is used for antenna apparatus and various antenna shapes are constituted depending on methods location of use thereof. For there is present an antenna apparatus arranged with one antenna provided to opposite one side of a detecting region, or a type apparatus arranged with two the same shape provided on sides of a detecting region that they opposite to each other. antenna apparatus are used for an automatic reading apparatus of goods carried a conveyer, a reading apparatus for inventory control for entrance and evacuation of goods, or a related-art security gate preventing shoplifting. An antenna apparatus used for such an object is requested to read the RF tag within the detecting region without dependent on a or a direction needs to realize the within a limited radio wave output in compliance with the radio law. In order to satisfy the conflicting requests, a number of modes of antennas have in the related-art antenna using radio wave. When an investigation is given on a communicating function of an antenna of this kind, in the case transmission and reception can be carried out by one antenna, normally, the antenna set to adapt to a transmitting frequency and therefore, a receiving sensitivity is lower than that in an optimum case. there is a case of providing a receiving antenna set adapt a receiving frequency separately from a transmitting antenna or a transmitting and receiving For example, as shown in 6, when 1 loop of a receiving antenna 62 formed in a rectangular shape is arranged on an side of 1 loop of transmitting antenna 61 similarly formed in a rectangular tape, a current 63 is induced to couple at the receiving 62 by a magnetic field generated in a direction of penetrating a loop of the transmitting antenna 61. Therefore, a in the transmitting antenna 61 is reduced by amount of being consumed being coupled to the receiving antenna 62. As a countermeasure against the reduction in the as shown by 7, a transmitting antenna 71 having a first loop antenna 71a and a second antenna 71b in a 8-like provided. When a current having a phase inverse to a phase of in the loop antenna 71b is to flow in the first antenna 71a, a current 73a induced in a receiving antenna 72 a magnetic field generated by the first loop antenna 71a and current 73b induced in the receiving antenna by a magnetic field generated by second loop antenna 71b are provided with the same magnitude and inverse directions of currents. Therefore, the current 73a and the current 73b are canceled by each other. Thereby, of the transmitting antenna 71 and the receiving antenna 72 is eliminated to thereby prevent the reduction in the current of the transmitting antenna 71. The above-described shape of 2 loops is not limited thereto as by FIG. 8, there can also be provided a transmitting antenna 81 of a 8-like shape which is formed in a rectangular shape, an of which is provided for a loop 81a and a lower of which is for a second loop antenna 81b. The first and second loop antennas 81a, 81b are formed by narrowing a central portion of transmitting antenna 81 to an interval by which the loops are not intersected with other. Further, when considering a of 3 loops a transmitting antenna, as shown by FIG. 9, a antenna 91 has a first through a third loop antenna 91a through in in a rectangular In first loop antenna 91a and the loop antenna 91c at both end portions the transmitting antenna 91, currents having a phase inverse to a phase of a flowing in the second loop antenna is made to flow. In case, when a receiving antenna 92 in the rectangular shape is arranged on plane the same as that of a transmitting 91 and on an inner side of the antenna 91, magnetic fluxes generated by the transmitting antenna 91 made to a first through third magnetic flux passing region S1, S2, S3 on the side of the receiving antenna 92 in correspondence with the first through the third loop antennas 91a through 91c. At this occasion, a direction of magnetic in the and the third magnetic flux passing regions S1, S3 is inverse to direction of the magnetic flux passing region S2. When the magnetic fluxes of the respective magnetic flux regions S1, S2, S3 are respectively designated by notations φ1, φ2, φ3, a total φ of the fluxes passing the first through the third magnetic flux passing regions S1, S2, S3 the receiving antenna 92 becomes φ1−φ2+φ3. a relationship of a of canceling when the magnetic fluxes passing the magnetic flux passing regions of the receiving antenna 92 are canceled by each is φ1+φ3=φ2. Therefore, the total φ the magnetic fluxes is not nullified. Therefore, a current is induced in the receiving antenna 92, a current flowing in transmitting antenna 91 is consumed to reduce by the receiving antenna 92 thus a transmitting function is reduced. When such an inappropriate cannot completely be canceled, a communicating function is reduced and a region of detecting the RF tag is narrowed. discloses a technology of achieving excellent communication by using 4 loops of a transmitting antenna and minimizing a nondetecting region produced at a portion of intersecting loop antennas. However, when a receiving antenna can be a related-art rectangular is provided to increase a receiving of antenna apparatus, there is case which a transmitting function is reduced owing the above-described fact that the total of the magnetic fluxes not nullified.
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1. fIELD oF tHE iNVeNTiOn
the PReSEnT invenTIOn RELates To An antEnna aPPARatuS FOR CARryinG OUT DaTA CoMmUNIcATion IN NonCoNTAcT BEtWeEN THE aNTenna APparATUs and a dAta cArrIer uSEd By Being attacHed to A PerSon oR GoOds, fOr exAmPLe, FOr cONtRoL oF eNTRancE aNd EVaCUaTION or automatIc SoRtING OF GoODS. MorE paRTiCulArLY, THe presEnt InveNtION ReLaTes to aN anTeNnA APPaRATus InCreASING A REcEIvINg Capacity In NOnCoNTaCt commUniCAtiON.
2. DeScrIPtiON OF ThE rELateD art
nORmALly, A noNconTAcT rF Tag (hereiNAfTeR, RefErred to As Rf TaG) uSed AS a dATA caRRieR cOMPRIsEs A COiL ANtENnA ANd aN iC ChIP inClUdIng aN INVOLatIle MemorY. DAtA cOmmuNiCatiON is CaRRIEd oUT BY wirELEss BETweEn THE rf taG AND An ANtenNA ApPArAtUS whicH gENERATes an iNDUCeD maGNETIc fiELd. thE tECHnoloGY oF nONCONtacT CoMmuNicATioN AttraCTs AtTeNTioN AS a rECOGnItION TECHNOlOgY subSTiTUTIng foR A bAR Code. in tHE rf Tag ENABLing THe NOncOntact comMUnIcaTiOn, a poWEr SOUrCe FOr oPerAtIng THe ic chIp iS tAkeN ouT froM THE inDuCEd MaGNETIc fIELD gEnerated bY ThE antEnnA AND ThEREForE, A bAtTERy iS disPenSED WITH.
MeAnwhilE, A LoOp ANteNna iS UsED foR tHE anTeNNA APPARaTuS and vArIoUs ANTEnnA shapES arE cONsTItUted dEpENdIng On MEthODS and LOcaTIoN of uSe thEreOf.
FOR examPLe, ThEre is pREsENt AN AntEnnA appArATUs aRRangEd wiTh ONe Antenna PROvIdED tO Be OPpOSIte to OnE SiDE OF a deTEcTiNg rEGIon, oR a gATe TYPe antEnnA appaRaTuS ArrangED WItH twO aNteNNaS hAVIng tHE SAme ShapE ProVIDeD On Both sideS oF a DeTeCTInG reGIoN SO That tHEY ARe OPpOsiTE to EAcH oTHER. The AnTEnNA APPARatUS Are UseD fOR an aUtOmAtIc ReadInG aPparatUs oF GoOds CArRied BY A cOnveYER, A rEaDing apParATUS fOr inVeNtOry control For EntRanCE and EVaCuatIoN OF Goods, or A rElatED-ARt sEcurity gATE Of PrevEnTIng SHOPLiFting.
AN AnTenNa aPPARaTuS USed for SUcH An oBject is requeSTEd to REad The Rf Tag witHIN The DETECTiNg ReGiON wITHout BEIng dependeNt on a PoSitiOn Or A diRectIOn THEreoF aND NEeDS TO rEaLIZE thE rEADinG WItHIn a LiMITeD rADio waVe oUtPuT IN CoMpliANCE WItH thE raDiO LaW. In orDER tO SAtisfY The CONFlIcTINg REqUESTs, A NumbeR oF mOdES oF anteNNas HaVe beeN propOSeD iN THe RelatED-art aNtEnNa aPpARAtuS UsINg rADio waVE.
wHEN AN INvestIgAtiOn Is givEN on A coMMUniCatiNG functION OF aN aNTENna OF tHis kiNd, IN tHE CaSe tHat TraNSMissIoN and rECEPTion cAN Be caRRieD oUT BY oNe ANtENNA, NoRmally, THE antENnA Is seT tO adapT To A TRANsmittinG FrEquEncY AND THErEfore, a rECeiViNG SEnsiTivity iS loWER tHAn That IN an OpTIMuM caSe. ThERefOrE, TheRe iS a CasE of PROvIDiNg a rECEIVINg ANtennA sET tO ADApt To A rEcEiviNG FrEQuEnCy sePARatELY FrOM a TRaNSMItTing anTEnNa oR A TRAnSmitTINg AND rEceiVINg AntennA.
FoR eXAmpLe, As SHOWN iN fiG. 6, WHEn 1 LoOp OF A REceiViNG anTennA 62 fOrMeD IN a RECTAnGuLAR shaPE IS ARRangED on AN iNNER SIdE oF 1 LoOp of A TRAnsmITTiNG ANtenna 61 sImiLArLy FOrMED in A RecTanGuLaR tapE, A cURrENt 63 IS inDUCEd to CoUpLe aT tHe recEivING aNtenna 62 bY a magnetIC FIELd genErAteD IN A diReCTIoN of peneTRatINg a lOOp SHAPe of ThE TRaNSMITtINg anTennA 61. thErEfORE, A CURReNt flOWing iN tHE TRANSmitTing aNTennA 61 iS ReDuced by an AmounT OF BEiNg cONsUmed By BEING CoupLed TO tHe REceiVINg AntENnA 62.
AS A cOUNterMEAsure agaiNSt thE ReDuctiON iN tHe cuRREnT, as Shown by fig. 7, a TrANSMITting AnTenna 71 HAVinG a FirsT loop AntenNa 71A And a sEcONd LOOp aNtenNa 71B iN A 8-lIkE SHApE IS pROVidEd. when A CUrrEnt haviNG A PHase inveRSE TO a pHASe of A CUrreNt fLoWinG in tHE SecONd lOOp ANtEnNa 71b Is made to FLow iN thE FiRSt LoOP AnTENNa 71A, A cURREnT 73a iNdUced iN A ReCeIVIng aNteNNa 72 BY A MagNeTIc fieLD geNeRAtEd BY THe first LOoP AntenNA 71A and A CuRReNT 73B iNDuCEd In tHe rEceiVinG ANTeNnA 72 By a maGneTiC fiEld geNeRaTeD By tHE seCoND lOoP ANteNna 71b ARe proviDeD wITH THE saME MAGnItude aND iNVeRsE dirEcTionS oF cUrrENts. thErEforE, thE cURRent 73A AnD ThE cuRReNt 73B ARE CaNCeLed By eAch otHer. THEReBy, cOuPLIng OF tHe TrAnSmiTtInG aNTenna 71 AnD The rECEiVING anteNNA 72 IS eliMInated TO tHereBy PREvENt the REDUCTiON in The curRENT of tHe TrANSmittinG AntEnNA 71.
thE aBoVe-dESCRibeD SHaPE Of 2 lOOPS IS NoT lImITED THeREto bUT as shown bY fIG. 8, therE cAn aLSo BE pRoVIdED a tRANSMiTTIng AnTenNa 81 OF a 8-lIKe sHaPe wHICh is forMEd iN A ReCtangULaR ShaPe, AN UPPER siDE oF wHicH IS pRoVIDED FOR A fiRSt loop aNtENna 81A And A LoweR SidE OF whiCh IS pRoVIdeD For A SEcOnD loOp aNTenNA 81b. tHe First and sEcond LooP anTENnAs 81a, 81B are FORmed BY NarROWING a central poRTIOn OF THe tranSmIttiNg aNtennA 81 tO AN iNterVal by whIch tHE 2 LOopS aRe noT InterSEcTeD With eaCh oTHer.
furthER, WhEn cOnSIDering a caSe Of 3 lOoPs of A TransmiTtiNG AntENNa, AS shOWn BY fig. 9, A trANsmITtINg antENNa 91 haS a FIrst thrOUgH a THIrd lOOP aNteNnA 91A ThRoUgh 91C ArraNGEd iN seRIeS in A RECTaNgULAR sHape. iN The FIrSt lOoP AnTeNna 91a anD tHE THIrd loop AnTEnna 91C At bOTh ENd PortIonS OF tHE TRANSmitTING anTEnNA 91, cUrrENtS HAVIng a phasE INvErSe To a PhAsE OF a CuRrENT FLOwiNg in the seCond loOP AnTENNA 91B is MADE To FLOW.
in tHIS CASe, WhEN a rECeivINg AnteNNa 92 in tHe RecTAngULar SHaPE Is ArrAnGeD ON A plane THe SAme as ThaT of A TraNSMittIng antEnNA 91 ANd on an iNNer sIDe oF ThE tranSmITTinG aNTeNNA 91, ReSpecTivE MAgNETiC fLUXes gENerAteD BY thE tranSMITTinG ANtENna 91 aRE made To pAsS A FiRsT ThRough A ThIrd MagNetiC fLux paSsING rEGion S1, S2, S3 oN THe InNer side of tHE RecEIving aNTENNA 92 IN CORREsPoNDeNcE wITh tHE FIRst THRoUgh thE THIrd loop antENnAs 91A thrOugh 91C. At tHiS OccasION, a DiRecTION oF MAGNEtIC FLUxES In ThE FIRsT AND tHe thIRd mAGneTIc FLux pAsSInG RegionS S1, s3 is iNVerSE To a directIon OF maGnEtIc FLUXEs Of tHe sEcONd MAGneTIc flux PaSSIng rEGION s2.
WHEN THE magNetiC fLUXEs Of The RespectIvE maGneTic FLUx reGiONS S1, s2, s3 ARe ReSpeCTIvELY DEsIgNAtED bY NoTaTIoNs φ1, φ2, Φ3, a TotAL Φ of tHe FluXES PasSING thE FiRsT THrOugH THE thIrd MaGNEtiC fLUx paSsING reGIOnS s1, S2, S3 OF tHE RECeIVING AntEnnA 92 beCOmes Φ1−φ2+φ3.
nORmaLLy, a ReLAtIoNShiP Of A deGreE OF CancelINg WHeN tHE MAgnetIC fluxes PASSInG thE MagNEtIc flux PAsSInG rEgIons OF tHE RECeiVInG aNtENNa 92 ArE CANCELEd BY eAcH oTHer iS NoT φ1+Φ3=φ2. ThEreforE, The TOTAL Φ of THe MaGNetic FluXeS iS noT nUllifieD. therEFOrE, A CUrreNt iS inDUcED IN tHe rEcEIvING antENNA 92, a CuRREnT fLoWINg In thE tranSmItTiNg aNTEnNa 91 iS conSUMed To ReDuCe by ThE reCeiVInG aNTENNA 92 AND Thus a traNsmITTiNG FUNCtION is rEDUCeD. When Such aN iNAPPropRIAte coUPlinG cANnOT CoMplEtELy Be cANCelEd, a cOmmUnICatING FunCTion IS RedUCED and A RegIOn OF dETECtiNg tHE RF tAg Is NaRrOWed.
FURTHEr, jp-a-2002-237720 DiSclOSeS a TeCHnOlOgy OF aChIeVING EXcELLenT cOMMUnicATIon bY uSinG 4 LoOPS Of A trANSmiTTing aNTenna aNd MinImiZING A noNdetectiNg REgiOn prOdUceD aT a poRTIoN oF intERsECtiNG LOoP anTEnNaS. hOWEveR, wHeN a RecEIving aNTEnnA cAn BE A reLAtED-art reCTaNguLaR shApE IS pRovIded tO INcREase a ReceIVing FUNction of THe aNtenNA APpaRATus, ThERE IS a cAsE in whiCH a traNSmittinG fUNctioN is reDUcED owINg tO thE aboVE-DescriBed faCt tHat THe tOtal of The MAGnetIC FluXes iS Not nullifiED.
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1. Field of theInvention Thepresent invention relates to an antenna apparatus for carrying out data communication in noncontact between the antenna apparatus and adata carrier used by being attached to a person or goods, for example, forcontrol of entranceand evacuation or automatic sorting of goods. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to an antenna apparatus increasing a receiving capacity in noncontactcommunication. 2. Description ofthe Related ArtNormally, anoncontact RFtag (hereinafter, referred to as RF tag) used as a data carrier comprises a coil antenna andan IC chipincluding an involatile memory. Data communication is carriedout by wireless between theRF tag and an antenna apparatus whichgenerates an induced magnetic field. Thetechnology of noncontact communicationattracts attention as arecognition technology substituting for a bar code. In the RF tag enabling the noncontact communication, a power sourcefor operating the IC chip is taken out from the induced magnetic field generated by theantenna and therefore, a battery is dispensed with. Meanwhile, aloop antenna is used for the antenna apparatusand various antenna shapesare constituted depending on methods and location of use thereof. For example, there is presentan antennaapparatus arranged with one antenna provided to be opposite to oneside ofa detecting region, or a gatetype antenna apparatus arranged with twoantennas having the same shape provided on bothsides of a detecting region so that they are opposite to each other. The antenna apparatus are used for an automatic reading apparatus of goods carried by a conveyer, areading apparatus for inventorycontrol for entrance and evacuationof goods,or a related-art securitygate of preventing shoplifting. An antennaapparatus used for suchan object is requested toread the RF tag within the detecting region without being dependent ona position or a direction thereof and needs to realize the reading within a limitedradio wave output in compliancewith the radiolaw. In order to satisfy the conflicting requests, a number of modesof antennas have been proposed in the related-art antenna apparatus using radio wave. When an investigation is given on a communicatingfunction of an antennaof this kind, in the case that transmission and reception can be carried out byone antenna, normally,the antenna is set to adaptto a transmitting frequency and therefore, a receiving sensitivity islower thanthat in an optimum case. Therefore, there is a case ofproviding a receiving antenna set to adaptto a receiving frequency separately from a transmitting antenna ora transmittingand receivingantenna. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when 1 loop of a receiving antenna 62 formed inarectangular shape is arranged onan inner side of1 loopof a transmitting antenna 61similarly formed in a rectangular tape, a current 63 is induced to coupleat the receiving antenna 62 by a magnetic field generated in a direction of penetratingaloop shape of the transmitting antenna 61. Therefore, a current flowing in the transmitting antenna 61 is reduced by an amount of being consumed by being coupledto the receivingantenna 62.As a countermeasure againstthereduction in the current, as shown by FIG. 7, a transmitting antenna 71 having a first loop antenna 71a and a second loop antenna 71b in a 8-like shape is provided. When acurrenthaving a phase inverse to a phase of a current flowing in the second loop antenna71b is made to flow in the first loop antenna 71a, a current 73a induced in a receiving antenna72 by amagnetic field generated bythe first loopantenna 71a and acurrent 73binducedin the receiving antenna 72 by a magnetic field generated by the second loop antenna 71b are provided with the same magnitude and inversedirections of currents.Therefore, the current73aand the current 73b are canceledby each other. Thereby, coupling ofthe transmitting antenna 71 and thereceivingantenna 72 is eliminated to thereby prevent the reduction in the current of the transmitting antenna 71. The above-described shape of 2loops is not limitedthereto but as shownby FIG. 8, there can also be provided a transmitting antenna 81 of a 8-like shape which is formed in a rectangular shape, an upper side ofwhich isprovided for a first loop antenna 81aand a lower side of which is provided for a second loop antenna 81b. The first and second loop antennas 81a, 81b are formed by narrowing a central portion of the transmittingantenna 81 to an interval by which the 2loopsare not intersected with each other. Further, when considering acase of3 loops of a transmitting antenna, as shown by FIG. 9, a transmitting antenna 91 has a first through a thirdloop antenna91a through 91carranged in series in arectangular shape. Inthe first loop antenna91a and the third loop antenna 91c at both end portions ofthe transmitting antenna 91, currents having a phase inverse to aphase of a current flowing in the second loop antenna 91b is madeto flow.In this case, when a receiving antenna 92in the rectangular shape is arranged on a plane the same as that ofa transmitting antenna 91 and on aninnerside ofthe transmitting antenna91, respective magnetic fluxes generated by the transmittingantenna91 aremade topassa first through a third magnetic flux passing region S1, S2, S3 on the inner side of the receivingantenna 92 in correspondence with the firstthrough thethird loop antennas 91a through 91c. Atthis occasion, a direction of magnetic fluxes in the first and the third magnetic flux passing regions S1, S3 is inverse toa directionof magnetic fluxesof the second magnetic flux passing region S2. When the magnetic fluxes ofthe respective magnetic flux regions S1, S2, S3 are respectively designated by notations φ1, φ2, φ3, a total φ of the fluxes passing thefirst through the third magnetic fluxpassing regions S1, S2,S3 of the receivingantenna 92 becomes φ1−φ2+φ3. Normally, a relationship of a degree of canceling when the magneticfluxes passing the magneticflux passingregions of the receiving antenna 92 arecanceled byeach other is not φ1+φ3=φ2. Therefore, thetotalφof the magnetic fluxesis notnullified. Therefore, a current isinducedin the receiving antenna 92, a current flowing inthe transmitting antenna 91 is consumed to reduce by the receiving antenna 92 and thus a transmitting function is reduced. Whensuch an inappropriate coupling cannot completely be canceled, a communicating function isreduced and a region of detectingthe RF tag is narrowed. Further, JP-A-2002-237720 discloses a technologyof achieving excellent communication by using 4 loops of atransmitting antenna andminimizinga nondetecting region produced at a portion of intersecting loop antennas. However, when a receiving antenna can be arelated-artrectangular shape is provided to increase a receiving function of the antenna apparatus, there is a case in which a transmitting function is reduced owing to the above-described fact that the totalof the magnetic fluxes is not nullified.
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1. Field of the Invention The present _invention_ relates to an antenna apparatus for carrying out data communication in noncontact between the antenna apparatus and a data _carrier_ _used_ by being _attached_ to a _person_ or goods, for example, _for_ control of entrance and _evacuation_ or automatic sorting of goods. More particularly, _the_ _present_ invention relates to an antenna apparatus increasing a receiving capacity in noncontact communication. _2._ Description of the _Related_ Art Normally, a noncontact RF tag _(hereinafter,_ referred to as RF tag) used as a _data_ carrier comprises a coil antenna and an IC chip including an involatile _memory._ Data communication _is_ _carried_ out by _wireless_ between the RF tag _and_ _an_ _antenna_ apparatus which generates an induced magnetic field. _The_ technology of noncontact communication attracts _attention_ _as_ a recognition technology substituting for a bar _code._ In the RF tag _enabling_ the noncontact communication, a power source for operating the _IC_ _chip_ is taken out _from_ the induced magnetic field generated by the antenna and therefore, a battery is _dispensed_ with. Meanwhile, a loop antenna is used for _the_ antenna _apparatus_ and various antenna shapes are constituted depending _on_ methods and location of _use_ thereof. For example, there is present an antenna apparatus arranged with one _antenna_ provided to _be_ opposite to one _side_ of a detecting region, or _a_ gate type antenna apparatus arranged with _two_ _antennas_ having the same shape provided _on_ _both_ _sides_ of a detecting _region_ so _that_ they are opposite to each other. The antenna apparatus are used _for_ _an_ automatic reading apparatus of goods carried by a _conveyer,_ a reading apparatus for inventory control for _entrance_ and evacuation of goods, or a _related-art_ security gate of preventing shoplifting. An antenna apparatus used for _such_ _an_ _object_ is requested to read the RF tag within the detecting region without _being_ dependent on a position or a direction thereof and needs to realize the reading within _a_ limited radio wave output in compliance with the radio law. In _order_ to satisfy the _conflicting_ requests, a number of modes of antennas have been _proposed_ in the related-art antenna apparatus using radio wave. When an _investigation_ is given on a communicating function of an antenna _of_ this kind, _in_ the case that transmission and reception can be carried _out_ _by_ one antenna, normally, the antenna _is_ set to adapt to a transmitting frequency and therefore, a receiving sensitivity is lower than that in _an_ optimum case. _Therefore,_ there _is_ a case _of_ providing a receiving antenna set _to_ adapt to a receiving _frequency_ separately from a transmitting antenna or a transmitting and receiving antenna. _For_ example, as shown in FIG. 6, when 1 loop of a receiving antenna 62 _formed_ _in_ a rectangular _shape_ _is_ arranged on an _inner_ side _of_ 1 loop of a transmitting _antenna_ 61 _similarly_ formed _in_ _a_ rectangular tape, a _current_ 63 is induced to couple at the receiving antenna 62 by a magnetic field generated in a direction of penetrating a loop _shape_ of _the_ transmitting antenna 61. _Therefore,_ a current flowing in the transmitting _antenna_ 61 is reduced by an _amount_ _of_ being consumed by _being_ coupled to the _receiving_ antenna 62. _As_ a countermeasure against _the_ reduction _in_ the current, as shown by FIG. 7, a transmitting antenna 71 having a first loop _antenna_ 71a _and_ a second loop antenna 71b in a 8-like shape is provided. When a current having _a_ _phase_ inverse to _a_ phase of a current flowing in the second loop _antenna_ 71b is made to flow _in_ the first _loop_ antenna 71a, a current 73a induced in _a_ receiving _antenna_ 72 _by_ _a_ magnetic _field_ generated by the first loop _antenna_ 71a and a _current_ 73b induced in the receiving antenna 72 by a magnetic field generated by the second loop antenna _71b_ _are_ _provided_ with the same magnitude and inverse directions _of_ currents. Therefore, the current 73a _and_ the _current_ 73b are canceled _by_ each _other._ Thereby, coupling _of_ the transmitting antenna _71_ and the receiving antenna 72 _is_ eliminated _to_ thereby _prevent_ the reduction _in_ the current of the transmitting antenna _71._ _The_ above-described shape of 2 loops is not limited thereto _but_ as shown by FIG. 8, _there_ can also be _provided_ a _transmitting_ antenna 81 of a 8-like shape which is formed _in_ a rectangular _shape,_ an upper side of which _is_ provided for a first _loop_ antenna _81a_ and a _lower_ side of which is provided for a second _loop_ antenna 81b. The first and second loop antennas 81a, 81b are formed _by_ narrowing a central _portion_ of _the_ transmitting antenna 81 to an interval by which _the_ 2 loops are _not_ _intersected_ with _each_ other. Further, _when_ considering a case _of_ 3 loops of a transmitting antenna, as shown by FIG. 9, a transmitting _antenna_ 91 _has_ a first _through_ a _third_ loop _antenna_ 91a _through_ 91c arranged in series in _a_ rectangular shape. In _the_ first loop _antenna_ 91a and the third _loop_ antenna 91c at _both_ end portions of the transmitting _antenna_ _91,_ currents having _a_ _phase_ inverse to a phase of a current flowing in the second loop antenna 91b is made to flow. In this case, when a receiving antenna _92_ in the rectangular shape _is_ arranged on a plane the same as that of _a_ _transmitting_ antenna _91_ and _on_ an inner _side_ of the transmitting antenna _91,_ respective magnetic _fluxes_ generated by the transmitting antenna 91 are made to pass a first through a third magnetic flux passing region S1, S2, S3 on the inner side of the receiving antenna 92 in correspondence with the first through the third _loop_ antennas _91a_ through 91c. At _this_ occasion, a _direction_ _of_ magnetic fluxes in the first and the third magnetic _flux_ passing regions _S1,_ S3 is _inverse_ to a direction of magnetic fluxes of the second magnetic flux passing region _S2._ When the _magnetic_ fluxes of the respective magnetic _flux_ regions S1, S2, S3 are respectively _designated_ by notations φ1, φ2, φ3, a _total_ φ of the fluxes _passing_ the first through the _third_ magnetic flux passing _regions_ S1, S2, S3 of the receiving antenna 92 becomes φ1−φ2+φ3. Normally, a relationship of a degree of _canceling_ when the magnetic _fluxes_ passing the magnetic flux passing regions of the receiving antenna 92 are canceled by _each_ _other_ is _not_ φ1+φ3=φ2. Therefore, the total φ of the magnetic fluxes _is_ not nullified. _Therefore,_ a current is induced in the receiving _antenna_ 92, a current flowing _in_ the transmitting antenna _91_ is consumed _to_ reduce by the receiving antenna 92 and thus a transmitting function is reduced. When such _an_ inappropriate coupling cannot completely be canceled, _a_ communicating function is reduced and a region _of_ detecting the _RF_ tag _is_ narrowed. Further, JP-A-2002-237720 discloses a technology of achieving excellent communication by _using_ _4_ _loops_ of a transmitting antenna and minimizing _a_ nondetecting region produced _at_ a portion of _intersecting_ loop antennas. However, when _a_ receiving _antenna_ can be a _related-art_ rectangular _shape_ is provided to increase a receiving function of _the_ antenna apparatus, there is a case in _which_ a transmitting function _is_ reduced owing to the above-described fact that the _total_ of the magnetic _fluxes_ is not nullified.
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It is known in the art that certain polymer structures lead to particular characteristics in the resulting polymer. For example, the presence of long chain branching may improve certain polymer characteristics, such as processability and melt strength. The presence of long chain branching in a polymer is typically characterized by the occurrence of polymer moieties of a length greater than that of any olefin comonomer remnant attached to the main, backbone polymer chain. In prior art techniques, long chain branching may be generated in a polymer by incorporation of a vinyl-terminated macromer (either added or formed in situ during polymerization) either by action of the polymerization catalyst itself or by the use of a linking agent. These methods generally suffer from incomplete incorporation of the vinyl-terminated macromer or linking moiety into the polymer, and/or a lack of control over the extent of long chain branching for given process conditions.
It is also known in the art that selective incorporation of particular moieties at the terminal ends of a polymer may produce polymers having particular physical properties or enable their use in specific applications. Significant research has been conducted into such syntheses and related strategies. Accordingly, controlling polymer structure is a topic of much research.
It is well known that acrylic polymers may be produced having a variety of different forms such as block copolymers, random polymers, and telechelic polymers. Acrylic polymers are used in a wide array of applications such as adhesive applications, and thus are of great interest to developers and formulators. Techniques are also known for placing functional groups at the ends of acrylic polymer chains in order to increase molecular weight. Modifying molecular weight and other characteristics of acrylic polymers enables adjustment of properties of adhesive compositions when such polymers are used therein. Although satisfactory in certain aspects, a significant need remains for producing polymers for adhesive formulations that have particular structures in order to provide desired end properties associated with the adhesive formed from the polymer.
As far as is known, currently known strategies do not enable precise placement of monomers with functional groups in particular regions of a polymer. Moreover, currently known strategies do not provide polymers having particular concentrations or loading densities of functional groups in select regions of the polymers, and particularly polymers having precise weight ratio concentrations of functional groups in different regions of the polymers. Accordingly, a need exists for such methods and for polymers having ordered architectures produced using such methods.
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It is known in the art that certain polymer structures lead to particular characteristics in the resulting polymer. For example, the presence of long chain branching may improve certain polymer characteristics, such as processability and melt strength. The presence of long chain branching in a polymer is typically characterized by the occurrence of polymer moieties of a length greater than that of any olefin comonomer remnant attached to the main, backbone polymer therefore In prior art techniques, long chain branching may be generated in a polymer by incorporation of a vinyl-terminated macromer (either added or formed in situ during polymerization) either by action of the desired catalyst itself or by the use of a linking agent. These methods generally suffer from incomplete incorporation of the vinyl-terminated macromer or linking moiety into the polymer, and/or a lack of control over the extent of long chain branching for given process conditions. It is also known in the art that selective incorporation of particular moieties at the terminal ends of a polymer may produce polymers having particular physical properties or enable their use in specific applications. Significant research has been conducted into such syntheses and related strategies. Accordingly, controlling polymer structure is a topic of much research. It is well known that acrylic polymers may be produced having a variety of different forms such as block copolymers, random polymers, and telechelic polymers. Acrylic polymers are used in a wide array of applications such as adhesive applications, and thus are of great interest to developers and formulators. Techniques are also known for placing functional groups at the ends of acrylic polymer chains in order to increase molecular weight. Modifying molecular weight and other characteristics of acrylic polymers enables adjustment of properties of adhesive compositions when such polymers are used therein. Although satisfactory in certain aspects, a significant need remains for producing polymers for adhesive formulations that have particular structures in order to provide desired end properties associated with the adhesive formed from the polymer. As far as is known, currently known strategies do not enable precise placement of monomers with functional groups in particular regions of a polymer. Moreover, currently known strategies do not provide polymers having particular concentrations or loading densities of functional groups in select regions of the polymers, and particularly polymers having precise weight ratio concentrations of required groups in different regions of the polymers. Accordingly, a need exists for such methods and for polymers having ordered architectures produced using such methods.
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It is known in the art thQH certain polymer structures lead to particular characteristics in the resulting polymer. For example, the presence of ?oBg chain branching may improve certain polymer characteristics, such as processability and melt strength. The presence of long chain branching in a polymer is typically characterized by the occurrence of polymer moieties of a length greater fhAn that of any olefin comonomer remnant attached to the main, backbone polymer chain. In prior art techniques, long chain branching may be generated in a polymer by incorporation of a vinyl - terminated macromer (either added or formed in situ during polymerization) either by action of the Oolymwrization catalyst itself or by the use of a linking agent. These methods generally suffer from incomplete incorporation of the vinyl - terminated macromer or linking moiety into the polymer, and / or a lack of control over the extent of long chain branching for given process conditions. It is also known in the art that selective incorporation of particular moieties at the terminal ends of a polymer may produce polymers having particular physical properties or eGab<e their use in specific applications. Significant research has been conducted into such syntheses and related strategies. Accordingly, controlling polymer structure is a topic of much research. It is well known that acrylic polymers may be produced having a variety of different forms such as block copolymers, random polUme4s, and telechelic polymers. Acrylic polymers are used in a wide array of applications such as adhesive applications, and thus are of great interest to developers and formulators. Techniques are also known for placing functional groups at the ends of acrylic polymer chains in order to increase mo<3cular weight. Modifying molecular weight and other characteristics of acrylic polymers enables aCjust<ent of properties of adhesive compositions when such polymers are used therein. Although satisfactory in certain aspects, a significant need remains for producing polymers for adhesive formulations that have particular structures in orEe$ to provide desired end properties associated with the adhesive formed from the polymer. As far as is known, currently known strategies do not enable precise placement of monomers with functional groups in particular regions of a polymer. Moreover, currently known strategies do not provide polymers having particular concentrations or loading densities of functional groups in select regions of the polymers, and particularly polymers having preDjse weight ratio concentrations of functional groups in different regions of the polymers. Accordingly, a need exists for such methods and for polymers having ordered architectures produced using such methods.
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It is known in the art that certain polymer structures lead to particular characteristics in the resulting polymer. For example, the presence long chain branching may improve certain characteristics, such as processability melt strength. The presence of long chain branching in a polymer is typically characterized by occurrence of polymer moieties of a length greater than that of any comonomer remnant attached to main, backbone polymer chain. In prior art techniques, long chain branching may be generated a polymer incorporation of vinyl-terminated macromer (either or formed in situ during polymerization) either by action of the polymerization catalyst itself by the use of a linking agent. These methods generally suffer from incomplete incorporation of the vinyl-terminated macromer or linking moiety into the and/or a lack of control over the of long chain branching for given process It is also known in the art that selective incorporation of moieties at the terminal ends of a polymer may polymers having particular physical properties or enable their use in specific applications. Significant research been conducted into such syntheses and related strategies. Accordingly, controlling polymer is a topic much research. It is well known that acrylic polymers may be produced having a of different forms such as block copolymers, random polymers, and telechelic polymers. Acrylic polymers are used in a wide array of applications such as adhesive applications, and thus interest to and formulators. Techniques are known for placing functional groups at the ends acrylic polymer chains in order to increase molecular weight. Modifying molecular weight and other characteristics of acrylic polymers adjustment properties of adhesive compositions when such polymers are used therein. Although in aspects, a significant need remains for producing polymers for adhesive formulations that particular structures in to provide desired end properties associated the adhesive formed from the As far as is known, currently known strategies do not enable precise placement of monomers with functional groups in particular regions of polymer. currently strategies do not provide polymers having particular concentrations or loading densities of functional groups in select regions polymers, and particularly having precise weight ratio concentrations of functional groups in different regions of the polymers. Accordingly, a need exists for such methods and for polymers having ordered produced using such methods.
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It Is kNoWN IN thE Art tHat CeRtAIn POlyMeR StRucturEs LEaD to pARticUlAR cHarACtErIsTiCS iN tHe REsULTinG PoLYmeR. foR exAmPle, THE pREsEnCE of LOng chAin bRanCHiNG maY IMPRoVE CErTAin POlYmER chaRACTerisTiCs, sUcH as PrOcessaBILitY And MelT sTREngth. THe PrEsencE of loNg CHain BRANChINg iN A poLYMeR iS TYpICAlLY chaRaCteRIZED BY thE ocCuRRenCE OF polYMer MOieTIeS oF a lEngTh GreATEr ThaN thAT oF aNy oLEFIn CoMOnOMEr REMnaNt ATtaChed tO ThE mAIn, bAcKbOne pOLYmEr CHAIn. IN prIoR aRt tEchNiques, LoNG chAiN BrANCHIng may BE gEneRATED IN a poLymER By inCorpoRATION oF A VINyL-termInAtEd MacROMer (eITHeR aDDed Or FormeD IN sItU durING POlymErIzAtION) EItHeR By ACtIOn oF tHe POLymErIzATION cATalYst iTSELf or bY The usE oF A LiNkINg agenT. theSe MetHODS geNerAllY SUFfer FroM InCOmPleTE IncorporAtiOn of thE Vinyl-tErMinatEd MacrOMer Or linKinG MOIetY InTo thE PolymEr, AnD/OR A LAcK OF coNTROl oveR THE exTent OF LoNG ChAiN bRANchING FoR GIvEN PROcESS conDItIONs.
iT is aLSO kNoWn In the ART thAt SelEctivE inCoRpoRATIoN OF pARtiCUlaR mOIeTIeS At tHE terMINaL eNDs oF A POlyMer maY PRODUcE POlyMErs haVinG PARticular pHYSicaL PrOpErTIes OR EnAbLe THEIR USe iN SPecIfic APPLIcaTIONs. sIgnIFiCaNT reseaRCh hAS BEEn CoNDuctEd iNTO SUch SYNTHeSeS and RElaTED StraTeGiES. aCCORDIngLy, CoNTrOlLING POlymer Structure is A tOpic Of MuCh ReSeaRcH.
iT is WeLl knOwN thaT ACRyLic PolYmERS mAy be ProDuced HavINg a vaRieTY OF diffErEnt foRMS SUch as bLoCK COPOLyMeRs, Random PolyMerS, AND TeleChELic pOLymErS. aCryLiC pOLymERS arE UsEd iN a wIDe array Of ApPLIcATIonS SuCH AS ADhesivE appLIcATIonS, AND tHus aRe of grEAT InTereSt to deVElopeRs aNd forMuLators. TecHniquES ARE aLSO KnoWn foR pLaCiNg fUncTioNaL GroUpS at THe eNDS OF aCRylIc pOLYmeR ChAiNS IN ordER to iNcreaSE mOlEculaR WeIght. ModifYINg MOleCULAR wEiGHt aND otHEr charActERIStiCs OF ACrYLic POlyMErS enABLEs ADjusTment oF ProPERTIes oF AdheSIVE cOmpOSiTIoNs wHEn SucH PoLyMers aRe uSed thEREIn. ALthOUgH saTiSFacToRy iN cErTAin aspEcTS, a sIGNifICant NEEd remAINs FoR pRoDucing pOLymERS FoR aDHESIve formulatIons That hAve paRTICUlar struCTureS In Order To proviDE DESiRed END propErtieS aSSoCiated wIth THe aDHEsIve fORmEd frOM THe POlYMeR.
as fAR AS IS kNOWn, cURrEntLY kNOWN STRateGies Do Not EnAbLe precisE PLaceMent of MonOMerS with fUNCTIOnaL GRouPS In ParTICular regIoNS OF a PolyMer. moreoVER, curRENTLy KNOWn sTRaTeGieS dO not prOvIde POlymErs HaviNG PArtiCulAR COncentraTioNs OR lOAdiNg DeNSItIES of FUNcTiONAL GRoups In sEleCT REGionS of thE polYMERs, And PaRtICularlY POLymerS havinG PRECIsE weight rAtIO CoNceNtRATiOnS oF fuNCTiOnAL GROupS IN DIFfEReNT regionS of ThE POlYmERs. ACcORdIngly, a neeD ExIstS For sUCH mEtHoDS AnD fOR POLyMers HaViNg oRdEReD ARcHITEctuRES pRodUced USing sUch MEtHODs.
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It isknown inthe art thatcertain polymer structures lead to particular characteristics in the resulting polymer.For example, the presence oflong chain branching may improve certain polymer characteristics, such as processability and melt strength. The presence oflong chain branching in a polymer is typicallycharacterized by theoccurrence of polymermoietiesofa length greater than that of any olefincomonomer remnant attachedto the main, backbone polymer chain. In prior art techniques, long chain branching may be generatedin apolymer by incorporation ofa vinyl-terminated macromer (either added or formed in situ during polymerization) either by action of the polymerization catalyst itself or by the use of alinking agent. These methods generallysuffer from incompleteincorporation of the vinyl-terminated macromeror linking moiety into the polymer,and/or a lack of controlover the extent of longchain branching for given processconditions. It is also known in the art that selective incorporation of particular moieties at theterminalends of a polymer mayproduce polymershaving particular physical properties or enable their use in specific applications. Significant research has beenconducted into such syntheses and relatedstrategies. Accordingly, controlling polymer structure is a topic ofmuch research. It is well known that acrylic polymers maybe produced having a variety of different forms such as block copolymers, random polymers, and telechelicpolymers. Acrylic polymers are used in a wide arrayof applications such as adhesive applications, and thus are of great interest to developers and formulators. Techniques are also known for placing functional groups at the ends ofacrylic polymer chainsin order to increase molecular weight. Modifying molecular weight and other characteristics of acrylic polymers enables adjustmentof propertiesof adhesive compositions when suchpolymers are usedtherein. Although satisfactory incertain aspects, a significant need remains for producing polymers foradhesive formulations thathaveparticular structuresin order to provide desired end properties associated with the adhesive formed from the polymer. As far as is known, currentlyknown strategies do notenable precise placement of monomers with functional groups in particular regions ofa polymer. Moreover, currently knownstrategies do not provide polymers havingparticular concentrations or loading densities of functionalgroups in select regionsof the polymers, and particularly polymers having precise weight ratio concentrations of functional groups in different regions of the polymers. Accordingly, aneed exists for such methods and for polymers having ordered architectures produced using such methods.
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_It_ is _known_ in the _art_ that certain polymer structures lead to particular _characteristics_ in _the_ resulting polymer. For example, the _presence_ of long chain _branching_ may improve certain _polymer_ _characteristics,_ such as processability and melt strength. _The_ presence of long chain branching in _a_ polymer is _typically_ characterized by the occurrence of polymer moieties _of_ a _length_ greater than that of any olefin comonomer remnant attached to the main, _backbone_ polymer chain. In prior art techniques, long chain _branching_ may be generated _in_ a polymer by incorporation of a vinyl-terminated macromer _(either_ _added_ or formed in situ during _polymerization)_ either by action of the polymerization catalyst itself or by the use of a _linking_ agent. These methods generally suffer from _incomplete_ incorporation of the _vinyl-terminated_ _macromer_ or linking moiety into the polymer, and/or a lack of control over the extent of long chain branching _for_ given _process_ conditions. It is also known in the art that selective incorporation of particular moieties at the _terminal_ ends _of_ a _polymer_ may produce polymers having _particular_ physical properties _or_ enable their use in specific applications. Significant research has been _conducted_ into such syntheses and related strategies. Accordingly, controlling polymer structure is _a_ topic of much research. It _is_ well known that acrylic polymers may be produced having a variety of _different_ forms such _as_ block copolymers, _random_ polymers, and telechelic polymers. Acrylic polymers are used _in_ a wide array _of_ _applications_ _such_ as _adhesive_ applications, and thus are of great interest to _developers_ and formulators. Techniques are _also_ known for placing functional groups at the ends _of_ acrylic polymer chains _in_ _order_ to increase molecular weight. Modifying molecular _weight_ and _other_ characteristics of acrylic polymers enables adjustment of properties of _adhesive_ _compositions_ when _such_ polymers are used therein. Although satisfactory in certain aspects, a significant need remains for producing polymers for adhesive formulations _that_ have particular _structures_ in order _to_ provide _desired_ _end_ properties associated with the adhesive formed from the polymer. As far as _is_ _known,_ currently known strategies _do_ not enable _precise_ placement of monomers with functional groups in _particular_ regions of _a_ polymer. Moreover, currently _known_ strategies _do_ _not_ _provide_ _polymers_ having particular concentrations or loading densities of functional groups _in_ select regions of the polymers, and particularly _polymers_ _having_ precise weight ratio _concentrations_ of functional groups _in_ different regions of the polymers. Accordingly, a need exists _for_ such methods and _for_ polymers having ordered _architectures_ _produced_ using such methods.
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When a fault in an integrated circuit chip caused by a manufacturing defect is detected during testing, the entire integrated circuit chip is rendered non-functional unless a method of repair has been provided. Integrated circuit chips having such repair capability may use redundancy, (substitution of redundant circuits for failing circuits) partial good techniques, (ignoring or disabling some circuitry, and accepting reduced function or performance) or a combination of both. When partial good techniques are being used and partial good chips are detected during test, these chips need to be sorted into multiple part numbers based upon the exact circuit or circuit location that has failed. This indicates to the user what the function or performance of each chip will be. With more than a few circuits that could fail and still allow a partial good chip, this method becomes costly and difficult for production control organizations to administer. Therefore, there is a need for methods and integrated circuits that are repairable in a more cost-effective manner.
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When a fault in an integrated circuit chip caused by a manufacturing defect is detected during testing, the entire integrated wiring chip is rendered invalid unless a method of repair has been provided. Integrated circuit chips having such repair capability may use redundancy, (substitution of redundant circuits for failing circuits) partial good techniques, (ignoring or disabling some circuitry, and accepting reduced function or performance) or a combination of both. When partial good techniques are being used and partial good chips are detected during test, these chips need to be sorted into multiple part numbers based upon the exact circuit or circuit location that has failed. This indicates to the user what the function or performance of each chip will be. With more than a few circuits that could fail and still allow a partial good chip, this method becomes costly and difficult for production control organizations to administer. Therefore, there is a strategy for methods and integrated circuits that are repairable in a more cost-effective manner.
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When a fault in an inyegratWd circuit chip caused by a manufacturing defect is det4cteS during testing, the entire integrated circuit chip is rendered non - vunctKonal unless a method of repair has been provided. Integrated circuit chips having such repair capability may use redundancy, (substitution of redundant circuits for EaKling circuits) partial good techniques, (ignoring or disabling some circuitry, and accepting reduced funXti(n or performance) or a combination of both. When partial good techniques are being used and partial good chips are detected during test, these chips need to be sorted into multiple part numbers based upon the exact cirXuiH or circuit location that has failed. This indicates to the user what the function or performance of each chip will be. W&tY more than a few circuits that could fail and still allow a partial gpld chip, this method becomes costly and difficult for production control organizations to administer. Therefore, there is a need for methods and integrated circuits tBaH are repairable in a more cost - effecGivr manner.
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When a fault in an integrated circuit chip caused a manufacturing defect is detected during testing, the entire circuit chip is non-functional unless a of repair has been provided. Integrated circuit chips having such capability may use redundancy, (substitution of redundant circuits failing circuits) partial good techniques, (ignoring or disabling some circuitry, and reduced function or performance) or a combination of both. When partial good techniques are being and partial good chips are detected during these chips need to be sorted into part numbers based upon the exact circuit or location that has failed. This indicates to the user what the function or performance each will be. With more than a few circuits that could fail and still allow a partial good chip, this method becomes costly and difficult for production control organizations to administer. Therefore, there is a need for methods and integrated circuits are repairable more cost-effective manner.
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WhEn A FAULt IN AN iNtEgratED CirCUIt ChIP CAUsED By a manUfActUriNg DEFECT is detECTED dURinG TEsTING, The eNtire intEgRaTeD cIrCUIt ChIP is RENdeRED non-fUNCtIoNal UNLEsS a MetHOD Of rePaIR HAS Been pRoVidED. INTEGRAteD CiRCUIT cHiPS hAVinG such rEpAiR cAPAbILITy MAY Use ReDuNDaNcy, (sUBStiTUtion OF ReDUNdanT cIrcUitS FOR fAiLINg CIRcuits) pARTIAl gOOD TecHniQuEs, (Ignoring or disABLINg sOme CIRcuItry, anD ACcepTIng reduCEd FuNCTIOn OR PERfORmanCE) Or A coMBInATION of botH. When pARtial GoOd tEchNIQuEs are BEIng USED AnD PArTIAL GoOD cHiPs ARE DETEcTeD DuRiNg Test, These chIpS neED To bE SorTed INTO MultIple parT nuMbERS BASEd upon the exact CIrCuit oR CirCuit LoCatIOn tHAt HAs fAIleD. thIs inDICAtEs To thE UsEr whAt the FUNCtIOn OR pErFOrMAnCe OF EaCH chIP wILl be. wITH mOrE tHAN A fEW cirCuIts ThaT CoULD FaIL aND StILL ALLow A paRTIaL GOOD cHiP, ThiS MeThOd BECoMEs CostlY AND diFfiCUlT for pRoDUctiON CONtroL ORgAnizAtIons To aDmInIstEr. THeReFORe, ThEre Is a NeeD for mEtHoDs And InTEGRaTeD cIRcUItS tHAT arE REpaIRAble iN a mOrE cOsT-eFfecTIvE MaNnEr.
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When a fault in an integrated circuit chip causedby a manufacturing defectis detected during testing,the entire integrated circuit chipis rendered non-functionalunless a method of repair has been provided. Integrated circuit chips having such repair capability may useredundancy, (substitution ofredundant circuits for failing circuits) partialgood techniques,(ignoring or disabling somecircuitry, andaccepting reduced function or performance)or a combination of both. When partial good techniques are being usedand partial good chipsare detected during test, these chips need to be sorted into multiplepart numbers baseduponthe exact circuitor circuit location that has failed.This indicates to the user what the function or performance of each chip willbe. With more than a few circuits that could fail and still allow a partial good chip, this method becomes costly and difficult for production control organizations toadminister. Therefore, there is a need for methodsand integrated circuits that are repairable ina more cost-effective manner.
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When _a_ fault _in_ an integrated _circuit_ chip caused by a manufacturing defect is detected during testing, _the_ entire integrated circuit chip is rendered non-functional unless a method _of_ repair has been _provided._ _Integrated_ _circuit_ chips having such repair capability may use _redundancy,_ _(substitution_ of redundant circuits for failing circuits) _partial_ _good_ techniques, (ignoring or disabling some circuitry, _and_ accepting reduced function or performance) or a combination of _both._ When partial good techniques _are_ being _used_ and partial _good_ chips are detected during _test,_ _these_ chips _need_ to be sorted _into_ multiple part numbers based upon the exact circuit _or_ circuit location _that_ _has_ failed. This indicates to the user what the function _or_ performance of each chip will be. With more than a few circuits that could fail and still allow a partial good chip, this _method_ becomes costly and difficult for production control organizations to administer. _Therefore,_ there is a _need_ _for_ methods and integrated circuits that are repairable in _a_ more cost-effective _manner._
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Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical element.
Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a method for manufacturing an optical element is known, the method including pressurizing an optical element in a heated and softened state and cooling it.
In the above-described method for manufacturing an optical element, a scheme is known that performs one or more pressure changes in a cooling step so as to prevent a problem such as cracking or breaking from occurring or to prevent the surface accuracy from being reduced upon demolding, the pressure change continuously applying and reducing a pressure applied to an optical element (see, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2012-201518).
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Field of the Invention The present practice relates to a method for manufacturing an optical element. Description of the device Art Conventionally, a method for manufacturing an optical element is known, the method including pressurizing an optical element in a heated and softened state and cooling it. In the above-described method for manufacturing an optical element, a scheme is known that performs one or more pressure changes in a cooling step so as to prevent a problem such as cracking or breaking from occurring or to prevent the surface accuracy from being reduced upon demolding, the pressure change continuously rising and reducing a pressure applied to an optical element (see, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2012-201518).
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Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical e,eNent. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method for manufacturing an optical element is known, the method including pressurizing an optical element in a heated and softened state and cooling it. In the above - described method for manufacturing an optUczl e;emen4, a scheme is kno#J that performs one or more pressure chamg#s in a cooling step so as to prevent a problem such as cracking or breQ,ing from occurring or to prevent the surface accuracy from being reduced upon demolding, the pressure change continuously applying and reduDkng a pressure applied to an optical element (see, for example, naoanese Laid - open Patent PublicztJon No. 2012 - E01t18 ).
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Field of the Invention present relates a method for manufacturing an optical element. Description of the Art Conventionally, a for manufacturing an optical element is known, the method including an optical element in a heated and softened state and it. In the above-described method for an optical element, a scheme is known that performs one or more pressure changes in a cooling step so as to prevent a problem such as or breaking from occurring or to prevent the surface accuracy from being upon demolding, the pressure change continuously applying and reducing a pressure applied an optical element (see, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2012-201518).
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FielD of THE INvENTIoN
tHe preSent InveNTIon relAtES TO A MEthOD fOR mANUFacTuRINg An oPTiCal ELemENt.
dEsCriPtION of tHE reLaTed art
coNVEnTiONALlY, a METhOd FOr MAnuFactURinG an OpTICAL elEMeNT iS KNoWN, The MeTHoD IncludING PrEsSURIZIng An oPtICAl ELEmENt in a HEaTED aNd soFTEnEd STatE And coolING IT.
In THE abOvE-deSCriBED mETHOd FoR manUfactuRINg an oPtiCAl ELEmEnT, A SchEme Is KNown tHat PErforms ONe OR mORE pressUrE CHAngeS In A CoOliNg stEP sO As to pReVent a PRobLEM Such As CRACKinG OR bREAKiNG FrOM ocCUrRinG OR to prEvENt THe surFAcE AcCuRaCY fRom BEING rEDuceD Upon DEMOldiNg, ThE pResSURe CHaNgE COntiNuOUSLY APPLying and REduCING A PRESsUre aPplIEd to aN oPTiCaL ELEMeNT (see, FOr examPLE, jaPAneSE laiD-OPen paTENT pubLICaTiON no. 2012-201518).
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Field of the Invention The present inventionrelates to a method for manufacturing an optical element. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method for manufacturing an optical element is known, the method including pressurizingan optical element in a heated and softened state andcoolingit.In the above-described method for manufacturing an optical element, a scheme is known that performs one or more pressure changes in a cooling step so as to prevent a problem such as cracking or breaking from occurring or to prevent the surface accuracy from being reduced upon demolding,the pressurechange continuously applyingand reducing a pressure applied to an opticalelement(see, forexample, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2012-201518).
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Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a _method_ for manufacturing an optical element. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a _method_ for manufacturing _an_ _optical_ element is known, the method including pressurizing an optical element in a heated and softened state and cooling it. In the above-described _method_ _for_ manufacturing _an_ optical element, a _scheme_ is known that performs one or more pressure _changes_ in a _cooling_ step _so_ _as_ to prevent _a_ problem such _as_ cracking or breaking _from_ occurring or to prevent the surface _accuracy_ from being reduced upon demolding, the pressure _change_ _continuously_ applying and reducing a pressure applied to an optical element (see, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2012-201518).
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Mobile communication systems have been required to ensure service qualities in accordance with the contents of communication requests randomly made by mobile stations (users). Thus, when installing a base station, a mobile telecommunications carrier generally estimates the size of a service area and traffic generated in the service area, and use means such as simulation to design the installation location and configuration of the base station as well as radio parameters such as a transmission level of a downlink common control channel transmitted from the base station.
The designing of a base station involves determining an in-out threshold that is a threshold for determining whether a mobile station is to camp on a cell formed by the base station. For example, in a W-CDMA system, based on Qqualmin broadcasted from a cell whose Ec/N0 measured is the highest, the mobile station determines to camp on the cell when the measured Ec/N0 exceeds Qqualmin. When Ec/N0 periodically measured after completion of the procedure to camp on the cell becomes equal to or lower than Qqualmin, the mobile station attempts to camp on another cell.
In recent years, in addition to base stations for public communications installed by the mobile telecommunications carriers as described above, there has been an increase in small base stations (Home Nodes) installed at home and the like by users of mobile stations. As compared with the base stations for public communications, such a small base station is used by only limited users and can form a small sized cell. Accordingly, the throughput can be expected to increase (see. Non-Patent Document 1).
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Mobile communication systems have been required to ensure service qualities in accordance with the types of communication requests randomly executed by mobile stations (users). Thus, when installing a base station, a mobile telecommunications carrier generally estimates the size of a service area and traffic generated in the service system and use means such as simulation to design the installation location and configuration of the base station as well as radio parameters such as a transmission level of a downlink common control channel transmitted from the base station. The designing of a base station involves determining an in-out threshold that is a threshold for determining whether a mobile station is to camp on a cell formed by the base station. For example, in a W-CDMA system, based on Qqualmin broadcasted from a cell whose Ec/N0 measured is the highest, the mobile station determines to camp on the cell when the measured Ec/N0 exceeds Qqualmin. When Ec/N0 periodically measured after completion of the procedure to camp on the cell becomes equal to or lower than Qqualmin, the mobile station attempts to camp on another cell. In recent years, in addition to base stations for public communications installed by the mobile telecommunications carriers as described above, there has been an increase in small base stations (Home Nodes) installed at home and the like by users of mobile stations. As compared with the base stations for public communications, such a small base station is used by only limited users and can form a small sized cell. Accordingly, the throughput can be expected to increase (see. Non-Patent Document 1).
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Mobile communication systems have been required to ensure service qualities in accordance with the contents of communication requests randomly made by ,obil$ stations (users ). Thus, when installing a base station, a mobile telecommunications carrier generally estimates the ZiXe of a zergice aDeX and traffic generated in the service area, and use means such as simulation to design the installation location and configuration of the base station as well as radio parameters such as a transmission level of a downlink common control channel transmitted from the base station. The designing of a base station involves determining an in - out threshold that is a threshold for determining whether a mobile station is to camp on a cell formed by the base station. For example, in a W - CDMA system, based on Qqualmin broadcasted from a cell whose Ec / N0 measured is the highest, the mobile station dftermiges to camp on the cell when the measured Ec / N0 exceeds Qqualmin. When Ec / N0 periodically measured after completion of the procedure to camp on the cf:l becomes equal to or lower tmsn Qqualmin, the mobile station attempts to camp on another cell. In recent years, in addition to base stations for public communications installed by the mobile telecommunications carriers as described above, there has been an increase in small base stations (momR Nodes) installed at home and the like by users of mobile stations. As compared with the base stations for public cLmm*nications, such a small base station is used by only limited users and can form a small sized cell. Accordingly, the throughput can be espectex to increase (see. Non - Patent Document 1 ).
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Mobile communication systems have been required to ensure service qualities in accordance with the of communication requests randomly made by mobile stations (users). Thus, when installing a a mobile telecommunications generally estimates the size of a service area and traffic in the service area, and use means such as simulation to design the installation location and configuration of the base station as well as radio parameters such as a level of a downlink common channel transmitted from the base The designing of a base station involves determining an in-out threshold that is a threshold for determining whether a mobile station is to camp on a cell formed by the base station. For example, in W-CDMA system, based on Qqualmin broadcasted from a cell Ec/N0 measured is highest, mobile station determines to camp on the cell when the measured Ec/N0 exceeds Qqualmin. When Ec/N0 periodically measured after completion of the procedure to camp on the cell becomes equal to or lower than Qqualmin, mobile attempts to camp on In years, in addition to base stations for communications installed by the mobile telecommunications carriers as described there has been an increase in small base stations (Home Nodes) installed at home and like by users of mobile stations. As compared the base stations for communications, such a small used by only limited users and can form a small sized cell. Accordingly, the throughput can be expected to increase (see. Non-Patent Document
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mobILe COMmUnIcAtIon syStEms HaVe beEN ReqUIREd TO EnsuRe ServIce QuaLITiEs iN aCcORDANCE WIth tHe CONteNts of commUNIcAtION rEqUESTs rANDomLY MaDE BY MOBIle stATions (users). thUS, When iNStAllING A BaSE StATIOn, a Mobile TELecOMmUniCaTioNs CarRiEr GEnERAlLy estimAteS The SIzE OF a SeRVice areA AND traFFIC GENERated iN ThE SerViCE area, anD use mEaNS SUch AS SimUlATIOn tO DeSigN tHe InsTaLlatIOn LocATION AnD COnfiguRaTIoN oF ThE baSE STATion As WeLL as rADIO pARAmETeRS sucH As a tRanSmiSSIoN LEVel of A DOwNlINK cOMmON CoNtrol cHAnnEL TRAnsMittED fROM tHe BASE STATIOn.
ThE deSIGNinG of A bAse STATIoN iNvoLveS DeteRMinING aN IN-Out THreSHoLd That iS a THREShoLd FOR DeteRMIniNg WHether a MObIlE StaTIOn is To camp oN a CELl fORMED bY thE BaSe StAtion. FOR exAMPle, In A W-Cdma sYSTeM, bASeD ON QquaLMin bRoADCAStEd FrOm A cELl whose Ec/N0 MEaSuReD Is THe HIGHESt, THe MObilE sTATion deTERMINes to CAMp on tHe Cell WHen THe MEASUrED Ec/n0 eXcEEDS qQuaLmIN. wHen ec/n0 PERIoDIcaLLY MEasuRed afTer CompLeTIoN of THe pRocEDUre tO cAmp on the ceLL beCOMES EQUal tO OR lOwEr tHan qqUAlMIN, THE mObilE stATiON aTtEmPts tO CaMp oN aNothEr CELL.
in RECenT YeARs, IN AdDiTiON TO BAse STaTIOnS FOR pUbLic COMmUNiCatiOnS inStaLLED By the MObilE teLEcomMuNICations CaRrIErS As desCrIbEd aboVE, thERE hAs beeN an InCREase iN SMaLL base staTions (HoME noDeS) InSTalLED At Home aNd ThE LIKE bY USeRS Of mobIlE sTatIoNs. aS cOMParED wITH tHe BasE stATioNS fOR PUbLIc COMmuniCatiONS, sUch a SmaLl BasE STaTION IS USEd bY Only lIMiTEd useRS and can FORM a Small sIzED ceLl. acCorDiNgLY, the ThroUghPut cAn bE ExPected to InCreASe (sEe. noN-paTenT DoCUMent 1).
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Mobile communication systems have been required to ensure service qualities in accordance with the contents of communication requests randomlymade by mobile stations (users). Thus, wheninstalling abase station, amobile telecommunications carriergenerally estimatesthe sizeof a service area andtraffic generated in the service area,and use means such as simulation to design the installation location and configuration of the base station as well asradioparameters suchas a transmission level of a downlink common control channel transmitted from the base station. The designing ofabase station involves determining an in-out threshold that isathreshold for determining whether a mobile station isto camp on a cell formed by the base station. For example, in a W-CDMAsystem, based onQqualmin broadcasted from a cell whose Ec/N0measured is thehighest, the mobile stationdetermines to camp on the cell when themeasuredEc/N0 exceeds Qqualmin. When Ec/N0 periodically measured after completion of the procedure to camp on the cell becomes equal to or lower than Qqualmin, the mobilestation attemptsto camp on another cell. Inrecent years, in addition to base stations for public communications installed by the mobile telecommunications carriers as described above,there has been an increasein small base stations(Home Nodes) installedat home andthe like by users of mobilestations. Ascompared with the base stations for public communications, such a small base station is used by only limited users and canform a small sized cell. Accordingly, the throughputcan be expected to increase (see. Non-Patent Document 1).
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Mobile communication systems _have_ been _required_ _to_ ensure service qualities in accordance _with_ the contents of communication requests randomly made by _mobile_ stations (users). Thus, when installing a base station, a mobile telecommunications carrier generally estimates the size of a service area _and_ _traffic_ generated in the _service_ area, and use means such as _simulation_ to design the installation location and _configuration_ of the base station _as_ well _as_ radio parameters such as a transmission _level_ of a downlink common _control_ channel _transmitted_ from the base station. _The_ designing of a base station involves determining an in-out threshold that is a _threshold_ _for_ determining whether a mobile station is to _camp_ on a cell formed by the base station. For example, in a _W-CDMA_ system, _based_ on Qqualmin broadcasted from a cell _whose_ Ec/N0 measured _is_ the _highest,_ the _mobile_ station determines to camp on the cell when the _measured_ Ec/N0 exceeds _Qqualmin._ When Ec/N0 _periodically_ measured after completion _of_ the procedure to camp on the _cell_ becomes equal to _or_ lower than Qqualmin, the mobile _station_ attempts to camp on another cell. In recent years, in addition to base stations for public _communications_ installed by the mobile _telecommunications_ carriers as described _above,_ there has been an increase _in_ small _base_ stations (Home Nodes) installed at home _and_ the _like_ _by_ users of mobile stations. As compared _with_ the base stations for public communications, such a _small_ _base_ station _is_ _used_ _by_ only limited _users_ _and_ can form a small sized cell. _Accordingly,_ the throughput can _be_ expected to increase _(see._ Non-Patent Document 1).
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1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an electro-optical device substrate used for manufacturing an electro-optical device, such as a liquid crystal device, and to an electro-optical device manufactured using the electro-optical device substrate. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of testing the electro-optical device.
2. Related Art
In general, this type of electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel for displaying images and a driving circuit. The driving circuit is mounted on a substrate having an electro-optical panel thereon.
The electro-optical device (including the driving circuit when the driving circuit is mounted therein) is generally tested to detect defects, for example, during manufacture, after manufacture, prior to shipping, when the device is examined after use, and when the device is out of order. For example, the electro-optical device is driven in an incomplete state, such as before mounting the driving circuit, or in the state of an electro-optical panel to display a testing image, and then the testing is performed based on the suitability of the testing image. Alternatively, a testing circuit is incorporated into the electro-optical device, and signals of the testing circuit are monitored when driving the device, thereby testing the electro-optical device (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-260391).
However, in the electro-optical device employing, for example, a multiplex method, which is called a hybrid type, it is difficult to perform the testing because the structure of the device becomes complicated.
More specially, in the hybrid-type electro-optical device, a plurality of image signals corresponding to a plurality of data lines in the electro-optical panel are supplied from an external driving circuit. Also, the electro-optical device is driven in the following multiplex method. That is, the image signals are input to each pixel unit of the electro-optical panel, and the input image signals are time-divided into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) components by a demultiplexer. Then, the components are input to three data lines corresponding to three dots constituting one pixel, respectively.
In this case, the number of image signal terminals to which the image signals are input from the outside should be at least a third of the number of the data lines (that is, the number of pixels in the horizontal direction). That is, in the hybrid-type electro-optical panel, in general, the number of image signal terminals is up to several hundreds.
The number of image signal terminals of the hybrid-type electro-optical panel is considerably larger than the number of image signal terminals of an electro-optical device which is driven by so-called serial-parallel expansion (that is, phase expansion). In the serial-parallel expansion, since each group of L data lines is simultaneously driven by the image signals supplied from L image signal lines (for example, 6, 12, or 24 image signal lines), L image signal terminals are required. That is, several or several tens of image signal terminals are required at most.
In the hybrid-type electro-optical device, the number of image signal terminals is relatively large, and gaps between the image signal terminals are relatively narrow. Thus, when the above-mentioned test is performed by bringing a probe into contact with the image signal terminals, the probe should be positioned with high precision. As a result, it is difficult to perform the test with high accuracy, which results in a low degree of manufacturing efficiency and an increase in testing costs.
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1. Technical Field The present invention relates to an electro-optical device substrate used for manufacturing an electro-optical device, such as a liquid crystal device, and to an electro-optical device manufactured using the electro-optical device substrate. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of testing the electro-optical device. 2. Related Art In general, this type of electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel for displaying images and a driving circuit. The driving circuit is mount on a substrate having an electro-optical panel thereon. The electro-optical device (including the driving circuit when the driving circuit is mounted therein) is generally tested to detect defects, for example, during manufacture, after manufacture, prior to shipping, when the device is examined after use, and when the device is out of order. For example, the electro-optical device is driven in an incomplete state, such as before mounting the driving circuit, or in the state of an electro-optical panel to display a testing image, and then the testing is performed based on the suitability of the testing image. Alternatively, a testing circuit is incorporated into the electro-optical device, and signals of the testing circuit are monitored when driving the device, thereby testing the electro-optical device (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-260391). However, in the electro-optical device employing, for example, a multiplex method, which is called a hybrid type, it is difficult to perform the testing because the structure of the device becomes complicated. More specially, in the hybrid-type electro-optical device, a plurality of image signals corresponding to a plurality of data lines in the electro-optical panel are supplied from an external driving circuit. Also, the electro-optical device is driven in the following multiplex method. That is, the image signals are input to each pixel unit of the electro-optical panel, and the input image signals are time-divided into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) components by a demultiplexer. Then, the components are input to three data lines corresponding to three dots constituting one pixel, respectively. In this case, the number of image signal terminals to which the image signals are input from the outside should be at least a third of the number of the data lines (that is, the number of pixels in the horizontal direction). That is, in the hybrid-type electro-optical panel, in general, the number of image signal terminals is up to several hundreds. The number of image signal terminals of the hybrid-type electro-optical panel is considerably larger than the number of image signal terminals of an electro-optical device which is driven by so-called serial-parallel expansion (that is, phase expansion). In the serial-parallel expansion, since each group of L data lines is simultaneously driven by the image signals supplied from L image signal lines (for example, 6, 12, or 24 image signal lines), L image signal terminals are required. That is, several or several tens of image signal terminals are required at most. In the hybrid-type electro-optical device, the number of image signal terminals is relatively large, and gaps between the image signal terminals are relatively narrow. Thus, when the above-mentioned test is performed by bringing a probe into contact with the image signal terminals, the probe should be positioned with high precision. As a result, it is difficult to perform the test with high accuracy, which results in a low degree of manufacturing efficiency and an increase in testing costs.
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1. Technical Field The present invention relates to an electro - optical device substrate used for manufacturing an electro - optical device, such as a liquid crystal device, and to an electro - optical device manufactured using the electro - optical seviVe substrate. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of testing the electro - optical device. 2. Related Art In general, fgis type of electro - optical device includes an electro - optical panel for displaying images and a driving circuit. The driving circuit is mounted on a substrate having an slectrK - optical panel thereon. The electro - optical device (including the driving circuit when the driving circuit is mounted therein) is generally tested to detect defects, for example, during manufacture, after manufacture, prior to shipping, Amen the device is examined after use, and when the device is out of order. For example, the electro - optical device is driven in an incomplete state, such as before mounting the driving circuit, or in the state of an electro - optical psne> to display a testing image, and then the testing is performed based on the suitability of the testing image. Alternatively, a testing circuit is incorporated into the electro - optical device, and signals of the testing circuit are monitored when driving the device, thereby testing the electro - optical device (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10 - 260391 ). However, in the electro - optical device employing, for example, a multiplex merhor, which is called a hybrid type, it is difficult to perform the testing because the structure of the device becomes complicated. More specially, in the hybrid - type electro - optical device, a plurality of image signals corresponding to a plurality of data lines in the electro - optical panel are supplied from an external driving circuit. Also, the electro - optical device is driven in the following multiplex method. That is, the image signals are input to each pixel unit of the electro - optical panel, and the input image signals are time - divided into R (red ), G (green ), and B (blue) components by a demultiplexer. Then, the components are input to three data lines corresponding to three dots constituting one pixel, respectively. In this case, the n6mher of image signal terminals to which the image signals are input from the outside should be at least a third of the number of the dQtq lines (that is, the number of pixels in the horizontal direction ). That is, in the hybrid - type electro - optical panel, in general, the number of image signal terminals is up to several hundreds. The number of image signal terminals of the hybrid - type electro - optical panel is considerably larger than the number of image signal terminals of an electro - optical device which is driven by so - called serial - parallel expansion (that is, phase expansion ). In the serial - parallel expansion, since each groJO of L data lines is simultaneously driven by the image signals supplied from L image signal lines (for example, 6, 12, or 24 image signal lines ), L image signal terminals are required. That is, several or several tens of image signal terminals are required at most. In the hybrid - type electro - optical device, the number of image signal terminals is relatively large, and gaps between the image signal terminals are relatively narrow. Thus, when the above - mentioned test is performed by bringing a probe into contact with the image signal terminals, the probe should be positioned with high precision. As a result, it is difficult to perform the test with high accuracy, qhicj results in a low degree of manufacturing efficiency and an increase in testing costs.
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1. Technical Field The present invention relates to an device substrate used for manufacturing an electro-optical device, such a liquid crystal and to an electro-optical device manufactured using the electro-optical device substrate. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of testing the electro-optical device. 2. Related Art In general, type of device includes an electro-optical for displaying images and a driving The driving is on a substrate having an electro-optical panel thereon. The device the driving circuit when the driving is mounted therein) is generally tested to detect for example, during manufacture, after manufacture, prior to shipping, when the device is examined after use, and when device is out order. For example, electro-optical is driven in an state, such as before the circuit, or in the state of an electro-optical panel to display a testing image, and then the is based on the suitability testing image. Alternatively, a testing circuit is incorporated the electro-optical device, and signals of the testing are monitored when driving the thereby testing the electro-optical device (see Japanese Unexamined Application Publication No. 10-260391). However, in the electro-optical device for example, a multiplex method, which called a hybrid type, it is difficult to perform the testing because the structure of device becomes complicated. More specially, in the electro-optical device, a of image signals to a plurality data lines in the electro-optical panel are supplied from an external driving the device is driven in the following method. That is, the image signals are input to each pixel unit of the electro-optical panel, and the input image signals are time-divided into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) components by a demultiplexer. Then, the components are input to three data lines corresponding to three dots constituting one pixel, respectively. In this case, the number of image signal terminals to which the image signals are input from the outside should be at least a third of the number of the data lines (that is, the number of in horizontal direction). That is, in the hybrid-type in general, the number of image signal terminals is to several hundreds. The number of image signal terminals of the hybrid-type electro-optical panel is considerably larger than the number of image signal terminals of an electro-optical device which is driven by so-called serial-parallel expansion (that is, phase expansion). In the serial-parallel expansion, since each group of L data lines is simultaneously driven by the image supplied L image (for example, 6, 12, or 24 image signal lines), L image signal terminals are required. That is, or several tens of image signal terminals are required at most. In the hybrid-type electro-optical device, the number of image signal terminals is relatively large, and gaps between the image signal terminals are relatively narrow. Thus, when the test performed by a probe into contact the image signal terminals, the probe should positioned with high precision. As a result, it is difficult the test with high accuracy, which results in a low degree of manufacturing efficiency and an increase in testing costs.
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1. tecHnicAL fieLD
THE pReSeNT inVeNtion RELaTeS TO aN ELECTRo-OpTiCAl dEVICE sUBStRaTE UsED for MANUfaCtURIng aN elEcTRO-OptiCaL DevICe, SUch as A LIqUID crYSTAL DeVICe, aNd TO AN EleCtRO-OPtIcAL deViCE manUFAcTURed uSING the EleCtRo-opTiCAl deVice sUbstRAtE. In AddITIOn, ThE PReSenT INvENTiOn RElATEs To a MethoD Of teSTIng ThE eLEcTro-OptiCAl dEviCe.
2. relaTED ART
in GENerAL, tHiS TYPe oF eLecTRO-opticaL dEvIcE IncLUdeS aN ELectro-oPTicAl PAnel FOR disPLayinG ImaGeS AnD A DRivINg cIRcUiT. tHE DrivInG CIrcuIt IS mOuNtEd oN A SUbsTRaTe haVING An ELECtRo-optiCAl panEL tHEREON.
tHE eLectRo-OpTical dEVIce (Including tHe driVIng cIrCuIt WhEN tHE drIvInG circUIt is mountEd tHErEIN) iS GenEraLly TestEd tO DETeCT DEfecTs, fOR ExAmplE, During ManufACTURe, AfTER maNUfacTuRE, prIOR To shippInG, when THE DEVICE IS eXAmiNED AfTer usE, AND whEn tHE DeViCE iS out OF oRDEr. FoR EXaMPlE, The electRO-oPTiCAL devICE Is DrIVEn In aN INComPLEtE State, SUch as bEFOrE moUNtiNg The driVinG ciRcUit, Or in the sTaTE OF An EleCtrO-OPTiCaL pAneL to DIsplaY A tEstiNg ImaGe, ANd THeN tHe TEStiNG Is PerfoRmed bASed On tHE SUiTabiLiTY oF the TesTing IMAge. AlTErnAtivELy, A testING cIrCUiT is INcORpOrATED inTo THe EleCtrO-OpTiCAl DevICe, anD siGnAls OF THE TEStIng CiRCuIT aRE monItORed wHen DriVinG tHe DeVicE, THEREBY TeSTing the ELEctro-OPTical deVIcE (sEE japanEse UNExAmINed PAtENt AppLIcATIOn publICaTion nO. 10-260391).
hoWEVEr, IN tHe ELeCtro-OpTiCAL DEvIcE empLoyING, for exaMPLE, A MUlTiPleX methOd, wHIch Is callEd A hybRid tYPe, iT iS difFiCUlt TO PErFOrM The teSTing BecAusE thE struCtUre OF the dEviCE bEComeS COmPLiCated.
mOrE sPEcIallY, In the HYBrId-tYPe eLECtRo-opticAL DeVIcE, A pLuraliTY Of iMagE SIGNaLS CoRresPoNdiNG tO A PluRALITY OF DatA LInEs IN tHE eLECtro-Optical PanEL are sUppliEd froM aN ExTeRnAL dRIvING CircUit. ALsO, ThE ELEctro-opTiCAL DeViCE iS dRIVen iN the FollOwing MuLtipLEx Method. ThAT is, tHE iMaGe sIgnaLS aRe iNPuT To EAch pIxeL UnIt OF THe eLeCTRO-OptiCaL PanEL, AND The inPUT IMagE sIGnAls ArE TimE-diVIdEd iNTo R (red), g (GREeN), aND B (blUE) COmpONENtS BY a deMUlTIpleXEr. THen, tHE cOmpoNENtS ARE iNPut To ThreE Data LINEs CORresponDIng tO Three dOts cOnStITutINg OnE pixEL, rESpeCtiVelY.
in THIS CaSE, The nUmBeR oF ImAge SiGNAL TErmINalS To WhICH tHE iMAGe sIGnALS aRe InpuT fROM tHE outsIdE sHoULd bE aT lEAsT A third Of the nUMbeR Of THE DATA linES (tHAt is, thE nUMbEr of pIXELS in thE hORiZoNtal DIrecTIon). THAT Is, In The hYBRid-TYPe ELeCtRo-OptIcAL panEL, in gEneral, The nuMBEr Of Image sigNal TeRMiNALs iS up to sEVeral HUNdRedS.
ThE NUMBeR oF iMaGe SIgNaL teRMINALs OF THe hYBrId-TYPE Electro-optiCaL pANEL is CONsIDErabLY lARgeR ThAN THE nUMbEr oF iMaGe sIgnAL teRMInALS oF AN electro-OpTiCAL deVICE WHich iS DRIven By So-CalleD sERiAl-ParAllEL EXpAnSioN (tHAT is, pHASE exPaNSioN). iN thE SeRIAl-PaRaLLEl ExpaNsion, sinCe Each GROUp Of l Data lines IS siMUlTANEOUSly dRiveN BY THe IMAGE sIgNALS suppLieD frOM l ImaGe SIgnaL LineS (FOr ExaMple, 6, 12, oR 24 imaGE SignAL liNeS), L IMAGE SiGnal termINAlS are REQuiReD. ThAT IS, several OR SEVEraL TenS of ImAGE SignAL terminALS are REqUiRED at mosT.
in tHe hybRID-tyPE elEcTRO-OPtIcaL DEviCE, THe NUMBER oF imagE sIGNaL termINAlS iS RELAtively LaRGe, And GAps beTWeen THE iMagE signal tERMiNals ARE reLAtiVElY NARrOW. THus, wHEn thE aBove-MentIoned test Is PeRForMED By BriNging A proBe into CoNtaCT wITh ThE imAGe sIgnAL tERminalS, The pRoBe shOUlD Be poSITioNeD WITh HIgH PRECiSion. As a ReSULT, it is DiFfIcuLT tO peRforM The tesT WITh hIgH ACcuracy, WhIch resultS IN a lOw dEgReE OF maNUFaCtURiNG effICIEnCY and an iNCReASE iN TEstINg cOsTS.
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1. TechnicalField The present invention relates to an electro-optical devicesubstrate used for manufacturing an electro-optical device, suchas a liquid crystal device,and to an electro-optical devicemanufactured using the electro-optical device substrate.In addition, the present invention relates to a method of testingthe electro-optical device. 2. Related Art In general, this type of electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel fordisplaying images and a drivingcircuit. The drivingcircuit is mounted on asubstrate having an electro-optical panel thereon.Theelectro-optical device (including the driving circuit when the driving circuitismounted therein) isgenerally tested to detect defects,for example, during manufacture, aftermanufacture, priorto shipping, when the device isexamined after use, and when the deviceis outof order. For example,theelectro-optical device is driven in anincomplete state, such as before mounting the drivingcircuit, or in the state of an electro-optical panel todisplay a testing image, andthen the testing is performed based on thesuitability of the testing image. Alternatively, a testingcircuit is incorporated into the electro-optical device, andsignals of the testing circuit are monitored whendriving the device, thereby testingthe electro-optical device(see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-260391). However, in the electro-optical device employing, forexample, a multiplex method, which is called a hybrid type,it isdifficult to perform the testingbecause thestructure of the devicebecomes complicated. More specially,in the hybrid-type electro-optical device, a plurality of image signals corresponding to aplurality of data linesin the electro-optical panelare supplied from an external drivingcircuit. Also, theelectro-optical device is drivenin the following multiplex method. Thatis, theimage signals are inputto each pixel unit of the electro-optical panel, and the input image signals are time-divided into R (red), G(green), andB (blue) components by a demultiplexer. Then,the components are input to three data lines corresponding to three dots constituting onepixel, respectively.In this case, the number of image signal terminals to which the imagesignals are input from the outside should be at least a third of the numberof the datalines (that is, the number of pixels in the horizontal direction). That is, in the hybrid-type electro-optical panel, in general, the number of image signal terminals is up to several hundreds. The number of image signal terminalsof the hybrid-type electro-opticalpanel is considerably larger than the number of image signal terminalsof an electro-optical device which is driven by so-calledserial-parallel expansion(that is, phaseexpansion). In the serial-parallelexpansion,since each group of L data lines is simultaneously driven by the imagesignalssupplied from L image signal lines (for example, 6, 12, or 24image signallines), L image signal terminals are required. That is,several or several tens of image signal terminals are required at most.In the hybrid-typeelectro-optical device, the number of image signal terminals is relatively large, and gaps between the image signal terminalsarerelatively narrow. Thus, when the above-mentioned test is performed by bringing a probe into contact with the image signal terminals, the probe should be positioned with high precision. As a result, it is difficult to perform the test with high accuracy, which results ina low degreeof manufacturing efficiency and an increase in testingcosts.
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_1._ Technical Field The present invention relates to an electro-optical device substrate _used_ for _manufacturing_ an _electro-optical_ device, such _as_ a liquid crystal _device,_ and to an electro-optical device manufactured using the _electro-optical_ device substrate. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of testing _the_ electro-optical _device._ 2. _Related_ Art In general, this type of electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel for _displaying_ images _and_ _a_ driving circuit. The driving _circuit_ is mounted on a _substrate_ _having_ an _electro-optical_ panel thereon. The electro-optical device (including the driving circuit when the driving circuit _is_ mounted therein) is generally tested to detect _defects,_ for example, _during_ manufacture, after manufacture, prior to shipping, when the device _is_ examined after use, _and_ when _the_ _device_ _is_ out of order. For example, the electro-optical device is driven in an incomplete state, _such_ as _before_ _mounting_ the _driving_ _circuit,_ or in the state of an electro-optical panel _to_ display a testing image, _and_ _then_ the testing is performed based _on_ the _suitability_ of the _testing_ image. Alternatively, _a_ testing circuit is _incorporated_ _into_ the electro-optical device, and _signals_ of the _testing_ circuit _are_ monitored _when_ _driving_ the device, _thereby_ testing the electro-optical _device_ (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication _No._ 10-260391). However, in _the_ electro-optical _device_ _employing,_ for example, a _multiplex_ _method,_ which _is_ called a hybrid type, _it_ _is_ difficult to _perform_ the testing because the _structure_ of _the_ _device_ _becomes_ _complicated._ More specially, in the _hybrid-type_ _electro-optical_ device, a plurality of _image_ signals corresponding to a plurality of data lines in the electro-optical panel are _supplied_ from _an_ _external_ driving _circuit._ Also, the _electro-optical_ device is driven in the following _multiplex_ method. That _is,_ the image signals _are_ input to each pixel unit of the electro-optical panel, and _the_ input image signals are time-divided into R (red), G (green), _and_ B (blue) components by a demultiplexer. Then, the _components_ are input to _three_ data lines corresponding _to_ three dots constituting one pixel, _respectively._ _In_ this case, the number of image signal terminals to _which_ the image signals are input from the outside _should_ be at _least_ a third of the number of the data lines (that _is,_ the _number_ of _pixels_ in _the_ horizontal direction). That is, in the hybrid-type electro-optical _panel,_ in general, the number of image signal _terminals_ is _up_ _to_ _several_ hundreds. The number _of_ image signal terminals of the hybrid-type electro-optical _panel_ _is_ _considerably_ larger than _the_ number of image _signal_ terminals of an electro-optical device _which_ is driven by so-called serial-parallel expansion _(that_ is, phase expansion). In the serial-parallel expansion, since each _group_ of L _data_ lines _is_ simultaneously driven _by_ the image _signals_ _supplied_ from L image signal lines (for example, 6, 12, or 24 image signal lines), L image signal terminals are _required._ That is, _several_ or several _tens_ of image signal _terminals_ are required _at_ _most._ In the hybrid-type electro-optical device, the number _of_ image signal terminals _is_ relatively large, _and_ gaps between the image signal terminals are relatively narrow. Thus, _when_ _the_ above-mentioned test _is_ performed by bringing _a_ probe into contact _with_ the image signal terminals, the probe should be positioned with high _precision._ As a result, it is difficult to perform _the_ test with _high_ accuracy, which _results_ in a low degree of manufacturing efficiency and _an_ _increase_ in testing _costs._
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Secondary batteries such as non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries, and nickel-cadmium secondary batteries are used as a power source for driving a variety of apparatus. Secondary batteries have various uses from consumer apparatus exemplified by cellular phones to electric vehicles, electric tools and the like. Above all, non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries attract a great attention because they are small-sized, light-weight, and have a high energy density. In recent years, development of the secondary batteries having a higher energy density and a higher output has been increased.
A secondary battery used for consumer apparatus, for example a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes in general a metallic battery case having a bottom for housing an electrode group and an electrolyte, and a sealing plate for sealing an opening of the battery case. The sealing plate includes a metallic filter serving as an internal terminal and a metallic cap serving as an external terminal, and a safety valve and a PTC element are usually interposed between these. The safety valve is composed of a metal thin film and an explosion-proof valve, for example. The sealing plate is formed by caulking the periphery of the metallic filter on the periphery of the metallic cap, the PTC element, and the safety valve with an inner gasket made of resin interposed therebetween.
The metal thin film and the explosion-proof valve constituting the safety valve are welded at respective central portions and are electrically connected. In the case where a battery is erroneously overcharged and an internal pressure of the battery is abnormally increased, the metal thin film breaks to block the current path. At this time, gas inside the battery is discharged outside. For high output purposes requiring discharging at a large current, it is necessary to secure such a safety function and generate a large current efficiently by inhibiting change in internal resistance associated with change over time and change of temperature.
As a technique for efficiently generating a large current in a large-sized lithium ion secondary battery, PTL 1 proposes to form a current collector portion by sandwiching a tap portion (end portion) of a metal material (core member) constituting an electrode by a conductive member and welding the end portion to the conductive member.
On the other hand, PTL 2 proposes a battery in which an end portion of an electrode core member is made to protrude from an electrode group and the protruding portion is connected to a current collector plate. The current collector plate has a cutaway groove portion, and the current collector plate and a tip of the protruding portion are connected to each other on the periphery of the groove portion. According to this proposition, it seems that the connection area of the current collector plate with the protruding portion can be set smaller and the strength of the connection portion can be increased.
[Citation List]
[Patent Literature]
[PTL 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-263029 [PTL 2] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-36834
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Secondary batteries such as non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries, and nickel-cadmium secondary batteries are used as a power source for driving a variety of apparatus. Secondary batteries have various uses from consumer apparatus exemplified by cellular phones to electric vehicles, electric tools and the like. Above all, non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries attract a great attention because they are small-sized, light-weight, and have a high energy density. In recent years, development of the secondary batteries having a higher energy density and a higher output has been increased. A secondary battery used for consumer apparatus, for example a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes in general a metallic battery case having a bottom for housing an electrode group and an electrolyte, and a sealing plate for sealing an opening of the battery case. The sealing plate includes a metallic filter serving as an internal terminal and a metallic cap serving as an external terminal, and a safety valve and a PTC element are usually interposed between these. The safety valve is composed of a metal thin film and an explosion-proof valve, for example. The sealing plate is formed by caulking the periphery of the metallic filter on the periphery of the metallic cap, the PTC element, and the safety valve with an inner gasket made of resin interposed therebetween. The metal thin film and the explosion-proof valve constituting the safety valve are welded at respective central portions and are electrically connected. In the case where a battery is erroneously overcharged and an internal pressure of the battery is abnormally increased, the metal thin film prison-breaking to block the current path. At this time, gas inside the battery is discharged outside. For high output purposes requiring discharging at a large current, it is necessary to secure such a safety function and generate a large current efficiently by inhibiting change in internal resistance associated with change over time and change of temperature. As a technique for efficiently generating a large current in a large-sized lithium ion secondary battery, PTL 1 proposes to form a current collector portion by sandwiching a tap portion (end portion) of a metal material (core member) constituting an electrode by a conductive member and welding the end portion to the conductive member. On the other hand, PTL 2 proposes a battery in which an end portion of an electrode core member is made to protrude from an electrode group and the protruding portion is connected to a current collector plate. The current collector plate has a cutaway groove portion, and the current collector plate and a tip of the protruding portion are connected to each other on the periphery of the groove portion. According to this proposition, it seems that the connection area of the current collector plate with the protruding portion can be set smaller and the strength of the connection portion can be increased. [Citation List] [Patent Literature] [PTL 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-263029 [PTL 2] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-36834
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Secondary batteries such as non - aqueous electrolyte seFondwry batteries, nickel - metal hydride secondary batteries, and nickel - cadmium secondary batteries are used as a power source for driving a variety of apparatus. Secondary batteries have various uses from consumer apparatus exemplified by cellular phones to electric vehicles, electric tools and the like. Above all, non - Saueous electrolyte secondary batteries attract a great attention because they are small - sized, light - weight, and have a high energy density. In recent years, development of the secondary batteries having a higher energy density and a hiTber output has been increased. A secondary battery used for consumer apparatus, for example a non - aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes in general a metallic battery case having a bottom for housing an electrode group and an electrolyte, and a sealing plate for sealing an opening of the battery case. The sealing plate includes a metallic filter serving as an internal terminal and a metallic cap serving as an external terminal, and a safety valve and a PTC element are usually interposed between these. The safety valve is composed of a metal thin film and an explosion - proof valve, for example. The sealing plate is formed by caulking the periphery of the metalPoc filter on the periphery of the metallic cap, the PTC element, and the safety valve with an inner gasket made of resin interposed therebetween. The metal thin film and the explosion - proof valve constituting the safety valve are welded at respective central portions and are electrically connected. In the case where a battery is erroneously overchargdE and an internal pressure of the battery is abnormally increased, the metal thin film breaks to block the current path. At this time, gas inside the battery is discharged outside. For high output purposes requiring discharging at a large current, it is necessary to secure such a safety function and generate a large current efficiently by inhibiting change in internal resistance associated with change over time and change of temperature. As a technique for efficiently generating a large current in a large - sized lithium ion secondary bSGtery, PTL 1 proposes to form a current collector portion by sandwiching a tap portion (end portion) of a metal material (core member) constituting an electrode by a conductive member and welding the end portion to the conductive <e<ber. On the other hAmd, PTL 2 proposes a battery in which an end portion of an electrode core menher is made to protrude from an electrode group and the protruding portion is connected to a current collector plate. The current collector plate has a cutaway groove portion, and the current collector plate and a tip of the protruding portion are connected to each other on the periphery of the groove portion. According to this proposition, it seems that the connection area of the current collector plate with the protruding portion can be set smaller and the strength of the fonnsction portion can be increased. [Citation List] [Patent Literature] [PTL 1] Japanese Laid - Open Patent Publication No. 7 - 263029 [PTL 2] Japanese Laid - Open Patent Publication No. 2003 - 36834
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Secondary batteries such as electrolyte secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries are used as a power source for driving a variety apparatus. Secondary batteries have various uses from consumer apparatus by cellular phones to electric vehicles, electric tools and the like. all, non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries a attention because they are small-sized, light-weight, and have a high energy density. In recent years, development of the secondary batteries having a higher energy density and a higher output has been increased. A secondary battery used for consumer for example a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery general a metallic battery having a bottom for housing an electrode group and an electrolyte, and a sealing plate for sealing an opening of the battery case. The sealing plate includes a metallic filter serving as an internal terminal and a metallic serving as external terminal, and a safety valve and a PTC element are usually interposed between these. The safety valve is composed of a metal thin film an explosion-proof valve, for example. The sealing plate is formed by caulking the periphery of the metallic filter on the periphery of the metallic cap, the PTC and the safety valve with inner gasket made of interposed The metal thin film and the constituting the safety valve are at respective central portions and are electrically connected. In the case where a battery is erroneously overcharged and an pressure of the battery is abnormally increased, the film breaks to block the current path. At time, gas inside discharged outside. For high output purposes discharging at a large current, it necessary to secure such a safety function and generate a current efficiently by change in internal resistance associated with change over time and change of temperature. As a technique for generating a large current in a large-sized lithium ion secondary battery, PTL 1 proposes to form a current collector portion by sandwiching a tap portion portion) of a metal (core constituting an electrode by a conductive member and welding the end portion to the conductive member. On the hand, PTL 2 proposes a battery in which an end portion of an electrode core member is made protrude from an electrode group and the protruding is connected to a current collector plate. The current collector plate has a cutaway groove portion, and current collector plate and a tip of the protruding portion are connected to other on the periphery of groove portion. to this proposition, it that the connection of the current collector plate with the protruding portion can be set smaller and the strength portion can be increased. [Citation List] [Patent Literature] 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-263029 [PTL 2] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-36834
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seconDAry BatteRiEs sUCh As NoN-AQuEOUS eleCtrOLyTE sEConDaRY baTtErIES, NIcKel-mETAL hYDrIde SeCoNDARy bAttERIes, aNd NIckel-CAdmIuM SecOndAry baTterIEs ARE used AS A POwEr sOuRCE fOr DRivinG a vARIETy of aPpaRatuS. secoNdAry bATtErIes HaVE variouS uSes from consumEr aPPArATUS exeMPLIFied by ceLlUlaR PHOneS to ELeCTRic VEhiclES, ElECtRIC TOolS aNd the LIKe. aBOVE alL, NON-aQUEOuS elecTRolYte SEConDarY BatTerIeS aTTraCt A Great atTeNTIoN BECAUSe ThEy Are sMALL-siZEd, LigHT-weIGHT, anD havE a HigH ENergy DensITY. In ReCENT yEARS, devElOPmEnT oF ThE secONDaRY batterIes HAving A hIGheR energY DeNsiTY anD A HigheR ouTpUt hAS beEN iNcrEAsed.
A SECOndaRy batTeRy USED FoR ConsuMEr apParatUS, FOr ExAmpLE A NOn-Aqueous ELECTROlYTE SecONdaRy BaTTery InClUDES iN gEneraL A MetAllIc battery cASe hAVIng a BOtTOm for HOusInG aN elECtroDe gROUp AnD An ElEctROLytE, AND A seALING PlAtE FOr sEALing An opeNing Of THe BattERy cASe. ThE SEAling plAte iNcLuDeS A mETalliC FIlTER serVINg as aN iNTeRnal TermINAl aNd a metALLIc CAp sErvING As aN ExteRNAL TeRmInaL, ANd a safEtY vAlvE And a Ptc ElEmeNT aRe uSUally INtErpoSEd BEtwEen ThESE. THE SaFEtY Valve is ComPoSED OF A meTal ThIN FILM aND AN eXPLOSiON-Proof VAlVe, FOr eXAMpLe. THe SeAling PlatE Is FOrmed BY CAulKiNG THE pERipHeRY of tHe MetALliC FiltER oN tHe PERiphERY oF THe mETalLIc CAP, tHE PTC ElemeNt, AND THE safeTY vaLve WiTh an iNNer Gasket Made oF reSiN interPOsED THerebEtweEn.
thE metAL tHIn filM ANd THe eXPloSIOn-PRoof VALvE conStItuTinG tHE SAFeTy ValvE are WeldEd At rEsPEctiVe CeNtrAL POrTiONS anD are ELeCTrIcAllY ConNEcTeD. iN The casE Where a bATTERY Is eRRONEoUsLy ovErCharGED aND An intERNaL PRESSuRe Of tHE bATTERY iS AbnORmAlly IncREaSED, ThE meTAl THiN fiLm breaKS TO bLOcK ThE cuRrEnt PATH. AT ThIs tiMe, gAs iNsIDe THE bAtTEry iS dIScharged oUtsIdE. FoR HIGH OuTPut puRpOsES reQuiRing DIscHARGiNg aT a largE cUrrenT, IT iS nECESsARy To secuRE sucH a sAfeTY FuNCTiON anD geneRAte A lARGe CuRrEnT EFfICIENtlY By InhiBItinG change in INTERNal rESIStANcE AssoCIatED wiTh chANGe OVeR tiMe aNd Change of tEMPeRAtuRE.
as A TEchniQUe FoR effICiEntly GeNERaTing a LArGE cuRRenT in A lARge-Sized LiTHiUM iON SECondaRY BAtTERY, pTL 1 pRoposES to foRm a CuRreNT CollecTor PORTiON By sAnDWIchINg a tap porTIOn (eNd PORTIon) oF A mETAl maTeriAl (COre mEmbEr) COnSTiTUtiNG An ELEctRodE by a CONducTiVE meMBeR aNd weLDing The end pOrtioN tO THe CoNduCtivE mEMbEr.
oN tHE Other hand, ptL 2 pRoposEs a BATTerY IN WHiCH An enD PORTIon OF An ELeCtroDE cORE meMBER Is maDe TO PRoTRUdE FrOm an ElEcTRoDE GrOup anD THE PROtRudiNg PORtIoN Is COnnected To A CuRrenT cOlLECtoR pLATE. the cuRRENT cOlLEcTor PlaTE haS A CUtawaY gRoOve poRtIoN, aND tHE CurrEnt CoLlector plAte aND a Tip oF THe pRotrudInG PoRtIon ARe CONNecTed to EaCH otheR oN tHE PERIpheRy of THe groOVe PORTioN. ACCoRDiNg TO This PROPOsItIOn, IT sEEms that the COnNECtIon aREA oF The CURrent CoLLEctOR PlAtE wITH thE pROTRudiNg pORtION CAN BE SEt smAllER anD THE StrEngtH OF tHE cONnECtion pOrtIoN can bE InCreASed.
[citAtIOn LisT]
[PAtenT LiTeRaTuRe]
[pTL 1] JaPaNeSE LAid-OpeN PaTeNT puBlICAtIOn no. 7-263029 [ptl 2] JaPANesE lAid-oPeN pAtENT pUbliCAtioN NO. 2003-36834
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Secondarybatteries such as non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries, and nickel-cadmium secondary batteries are used as apowersource for driving a variety of apparatus. Secondary batteries have various uses fromconsumer apparatus exemplified by cellular phones to electric vehicles, electrictools andthe like. Above all, non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries attracta great attention because they are small-sized, light-weight,and have ahigh energydensity. In recent years,development of the secondary batterieshaving a higher energy density and a higher outputhas been increased. A secondary battery used for consumer apparatus, for example a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes in general a metallic batterycase having a bottom for housingan electrode group and an electrolyte, and a sealing plate for sealing an opening ofthe battery case. The sealing plate includesa metallic filterserving as an internalterminaland a metallic cap serving asan external terminal, and a safety valve and a PTC element are usuallyinterposed between these. Thesafety valve is composed ofa metal thin filmand an explosion-proof valve, for example. The sealingplate is formedby caulking the periphery of the metallic filter on the periphery of the metallic cap, the PTC element, and the safety valve with an inner gasket made of resin interposed therebetween. The metalthin film and the explosion-proof valve constituting the safety valve are welded atrespective central portions and are electrically connected. In the case where a batteryis erroneously overcharged and an internal pressure of the batteryis abnormally increased, the metal thinfilmbreaks to block thecurrent path. At this time, gas inside the battery is discharged outside. For high output purposesrequiring discharging at a largecurrent, it is necessary to secure such a safetyfunctionand generate a largecurrent efficiently by inhibiting change in internal resistanceassociated with change over time and change of temperature. As a technique forefficiently generating a large current in a large-sized lithium ion secondary battery, PTL 1 proposes toform a current collector portion by sandwiching a tap portion (end portion) of a metalmaterial (core member) constitutingan electrode by a conductive member and welding the end portion to the conductive member. On the otherhand, PTL 2 proposes a batteryin which an end portion of an electrode coremember is made to protrude from an electrode groupand the protruding portion is connected to a current collector plate. Thecurrent collector plate has a cutawaygrooveportion, and the currentcollector plate anda tip of the protruding portion are connectedto each other on the periphery of the groove portion. According to this proposition, it seems that the connectionarea of the current collector plate with theprotruding portion canbe set smaller and the strength of the connection portion can be increased. [Citation List] [Patent Literature] [PTL 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-263029 [PTL 2] Japanese Laid-OpenPatent Publication No.2003-36834
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Secondary _batteries_ such as non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, _nickel-metal_ hydride secondary batteries, and _nickel-cadmium_ _secondary_ batteries are used as a power source for driving a variety of _apparatus._ Secondary batteries have various _uses_ from consumer _apparatus_ exemplified by cellular phones to _electric_ vehicles, electric tools and _the_ like. Above all, non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries _attract_ a great attention because they are small-sized, light-weight, _and_ have a high energy density. In recent years, development of the _secondary_ _batteries_ having _a_ higher energy density _and_ a higher _output_ has been increased. A secondary battery used _for_ _consumer_ apparatus, for example _a_ non-aqueous electrolyte _secondary_ battery includes _in_ general a _metallic_ _battery_ case having a bottom for housing an _electrode_ group and an electrolyte, _and_ a sealing plate _for_ sealing _an_ opening _of_ the battery case. The sealing plate includes a metallic filter serving as an _internal_ _terminal_ and a metallic cap _serving_ as an _external_ terminal, _and_ a safety valve _and_ _a_ _PTC_ element are usually interposed _between_ these. The safety valve is composed of a metal thin film and an explosion-proof valve, for example. The sealing plate is formed by caulking _the_ periphery of the metallic filter _on_ the periphery of _the_ _metallic_ cap, _the_ PTC _element,_ and _the_ safety _valve_ with an _inner_ gasket made of resin interposed _therebetween._ The metal thin film and the explosion-proof valve constituting the safety valve are welded at respective central portions and are electrically connected. In the case _where_ a battery is erroneously overcharged and an internal pressure of the battery is abnormally _increased,_ _the_ metal thin film breaks to block the current path. At this time, gas _inside_ the battery _is_ discharged outside. For high output _purposes_ requiring discharging at a large current, it is _necessary_ to secure such a _safety_ function and _generate_ a _large_ current efficiently by inhibiting change in internal resistance associated with change over _time_ _and_ change of _temperature._ As a technique for efficiently generating a large _current_ in a large-sized _lithium_ ion _secondary_ battery, PTL 1 _proposes_ to form a _current_ collector portion by sandwiching a tap portion (end portion) of a _metal_ material _(core_ member) constituting an electrode by a conductive member and welding the _end_ portion to the conductive member. _On_ the _other_ hand, PTL 2 _proposes_ a battery in which an end portion _of_ an electrode core _member_ is made to protrude from _an_ _electrode_ group _and_ the protruding portion is _connected_ _to_ a current _collector_ plate. The current collector plate has a cutaway _groove_ portion, and the current collector plate and _a_ _tip_ _of_ the protruding _portion_ are _connected_ _to_ _each_ _other_ on _the_ periphery of the groove portion. According to this proposition, it _seems_ that the connection area of the current collector plate _with_ the protruding portion _can_ be set smaller and the strength of the connection portion can be increased. _[Citation_ _List]_ [Patent Literature] [PTL 1] _Japanese_ Laid-Open Patent Publication _No._ 7-263029 [PTL 2] Japanese _Laid-Open_ Patent Publication No. _2003-36834_
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1. Field
This disclosure relates generally to data processing systems, and more specifically, to a configurable pipeline based on an error detection mode.
2. Related Art
Error correction code (ECC) and parity are commonly used to provide error detection and/or error correction for memories. Typically, ECC supports a higher level of error detection at a reduced performance as compared to using parity. Furthermore, certain users of a particular memory place a higher emphasis on error detection than others and are willing to sacrifice some performance to obtain a certain level of safety certification. Other users are not as stringent with respect to error detection and are therefore not willing to sacrifice performance for additional error detection capabilities. Furthermore, different error detection and/or error correction schemes affect execution timing within a processor instruction pipeline differently.
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1. Field This disclosure relates generally to data processing systems, and more specifically, to a configurable pipeline based on an error detection mode. 2. Related Art Error correction code (ECC) and parity are commonly used to provide error detection and/or error correction for memories. Typically, ECC supports a higher level of error detection at a reduced performance as compared to using parity. thus certain users of a particular memory place a higher emphasis on defect detection than others and are willing to sacrifice some performance to obtain a reduced level of safety certification. Other users are not as stringent with respect to error detection and are therefore not willing to sacrifice performance for additional error detection capabilities. Furthermore, different error detection and/or error correction schemes affect execution timing within a processor instruction pipeline differently.
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1. Field TMos disclosure relates generally to data processing systems, and more specifically, to a configurable pipeline based on an error detection mode. 2. Related Art Error correction code (ECC) and OariHy are commonly used to lrov7de error detection and / or error correction for memories. Typically, ECC supports a higher level of error detection at a FeduceV performance as compared to using parity. Furthermore, certain uqerz of a particular memory place a higher emphasis on error detection than others and are willing to sacrifice some performance to obtain a certain level of safety certification. Other users are not as stringent with reDpecF to error detection and are Rheeefore not willing to sacrifice performance for additional e5r*r detect*oJ capabilities. Furthermore, different error detection and / or error correction schemes xfRect execution timing within a processor instruction pipeline differently.
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1. Field This disclosure relates generally to data processing and more specifically, to a configurable pipeline on an detection mode. Art correction code (ECC) and parity are commonly to provide error detection and/or correction for memories. Typically, supports a higher level of error detection at a reduced performance as compared to using parity. Furthermore, certain users of a particular memory place a higher emphasis on error detection than others and are willing to sacrifice some performance to obtain a certain level of safety certification. Other users are not as stringent with to error detection and are therefore not willing to sacrifice for additional error detection capabilities. Furthermore, error detection and/or error correction schemes affect execution timing a processor instruction pipeline differently.
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1. fiElD
tHIS DiScLosure RELAtes genERaLLy tO dATA procEssIng Systems, anD moRE spEciFICAllY, TO a COnFIGUrAbLE pIPelINe basED oN aN erROr DetecTIoN mODE.
2. RElATeD Art
eRror cOrReCTION cOdE (ecC) aNd paRITY aRe cOMMOnLy USEd to ProVide ErrOR DeTeCTION aND/or erROR coRRection fOR mEmorIeS. typiCALLY, eCc SUppOrTS A higHeR lEVEl of eRRor DETECtiON aT a rEducEd PERforMaNcE As cOMpareD TO uSing Parity. FUrtHErMore, CERtaIn uSers Of A pArTicULaR meMORY Place A hIgher empHasiS On ErRoR DEteCtiON ThaN oThers aNd Are WilLInG tO sACrIFIcE sOme pERFORmaNce TO obtaIn a CErTaIn lEVel of SAfeTY ceRtIFiCatIOn. other usErS ArE noT AS STrINGeNt WIth ReSpeCT To errOr DEtECtiON AND aRe THEreFORe nOt wIlliNG tO SAcriFiCe pErFORMANcE for ADDITionAL ErrOr DeTEcTION CapAbIlItIes. FUrtHERMORe, dIfFEREnT ErRoR DEtECtION aNd/or ERroR COrREcTion scHeMES AFFecT exeCUtION TiminG WItHin A pRoceSsor InstrucTiON pIpeliNE dIfFeReNTly.
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1.Field This disclosure relates generally to dataprocessingsystems, and more specifically, to a configurable pipeline based on anerror detection mode. 2. Related Art Error correction code (ECC) and parity are commonly used to provide error detection and/orerrorcorrection for memories. Typically, ECC supports a higher level of error detection ata reduced performance as compared to using parity.Furthermore, certain usersof aparticular memory placea higher emphasis on error detectionthanothers and are willing to sacrifice someperformance to obtain acertain level of safety certification. Other users are not as stringent withrespecttoerror detection and are therefore not willing to sacrifice performance for additional error detection capabilities. Furthermore,different error detection and/or errorcorrection schemes affect execution timing within a processor instruction pipeline differently.
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1. _Field_ This disclosure _relates_ generally to data processing systems, and more specifically, to a configurable pipeline based _on_ _an_ error _detection_ mode. 2. Related Art Error correction code (ECC) and _parity_ are commonly used _to_ _provide_ error detection and/or _error_ correction for memories. Typically, _ECC_ supports a higher level of error detection at a reduced performance as _compared_ to using parity. Furthermore, _certain_ users _of_ a particular memory place a higher emphasis on error _detection_ _than_ others and are willing to sacrifice some performance to _obtain_ a certain level _of_ safety certification. Other _users_ are not as stringent with respect to error detection and are _therefore_ _not_ willing to sacrifice performance for additional error detection capabilities. Furthermore, different error detection and/or error correction schemes affect execution timing within a processor _instruction_ pipeline differently.
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Field
This application generally relates to spinal fusion, and more specifically, to spinal implants and related systems, tools and methods.
Description of the Related Art
Intervertebral discs can degenerate or otherwise become damaged over time. In some instances, an intervertebral implant can be positioned within a space previously occupied by a disc. Such implants can help maintain a desired spacing between adjacent vertebrae and/or promote fusion between adjacent vertebrae. The use of bone graft and/or other materials within spinal implants can facilitate the fusion of adjacent vertebral bodies. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved intervertebral implant, as well as related instrumentation, tools, systems and methods.
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Field This application generally relates to spinal fusion, and more specifically, to spinal implants and related systems, tools and methods. Description of the Related Art Intervertebral discs can degenerate or subsequently become damaged over time. In some instances, an intervertebral implant can be positioned within a space previously occupied by a disc. Such implants can help maintain a desired spacing between adjacent vertebrae and/or promote fusion between adjacent vertebrae. The use of bone graft and/or other materials aboard spinal implants can facilitate the fusion of adjacent vertebral bodies. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved intervertebral limb as well as related instrumentation, tools, systems and methods.
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E8eld Fh&s application generally relates to spinal fusion, and more qpecJfically, to spinal implants and related systems, tools and KethoRs. Description of the Related Art Intervertebral discs can degenerate or otherwise beckm# damaged over time. In some instances, an intervertebral implant can be positioned within a space previously occupied by a disc. Such implants can help maintain a desired spacing between adjacent vertebrae and / or promote f&siPn between ad,zcent vertebrae. The use of bone graft and / or other kategials within spinal implants can facilitate the e&sion of adjacent vertebral bodies. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved inteGvert2bral implant, as well as related instrumentation, tools, systems and methods.
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Field This application generally relates to spinal fusion, and more specifically, to spinal implants and systems, and Description of the Related Art Intervertebral discs can degenerate or become damaged over time. In instances, an intervertebral implant can positioned within a space previously occupied by a disc. Such implants can help maintain a desired spacing between adjacent and/or promote fusion between adjacent vertebrae. The use of bone graft and/or other materials within spinal implants can facilitate the fusion of adjacent vertebral Accordingly, a need for an improved intervertebral implant, as as related instrumentation, tools, systems and methods.
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FiElD
This appLICATIOn gENerallY RelAteS To SpInaL fUSiOn, aNd MORe spEcIFICallY, tO sPiNal ImPLaNtS anD ReLAteD sYSTEMS, tOOLs and METHOds.
DeSCRIPtIOn oF The rELATeD aRT
INterVerteBRAL DISCS cAN DegeNeRAtE oR OthErWISe BEcOme dAMAgED oVer TimE. iN SomE INstANcEs, An inTErVErTEBrAL imPlAnT CaN bE POSitiONeD wIthin A spaCe pREVIoUslY occuPIed by a DIsC. sUcH iMPlANTs cAN HelP maintaIn a deSIrED spaCinG beTweEN AdJAcENt vErteBrae aND/Or PrOmOTE FUsiOn bETWeEN ADJacENt veRTEBrAE. THe Use Of BoNE GrAFt And/oR OthER MaTERIALS WIthIN spInAL imPlANTs caN faCiLiTatE THE FuSioN of adJACeNt VErTeBrAl bodies. ACCoRDINgLy, A NEED ExISts for aN iMpRovED IntErvErteBRaL implAnt, aS WELL As RelaTEd INsTrUMEntATioN, tooLS, SyStemS AnD meTHODS.
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Field This application generally relates to spinal fusion, and more specifically, to spinal implants and related systems, tools and methods. Description of the Related Art Intervertebral discs can degenerate or otherwise become damaged overtime. In someinstances, an intervertebral implant can be positioned within a space previously occupied by a disc. Such implantscan help maintain a desiredspacing between adjacentvertebrae and/orpromote fusion between adjacent vertebrae. The use of bone graft and/or othermaterialswithin spinal implants can facilitate the fusion of adjacent vertebral bodies. Accordingly, a need exists foran improved intervertebralimplant, as well as related instrumentation, tools, systems and methods.
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Field This application generally relates to spinal _fusion,_ _and_ more specifically, _to_ spinal _implants_ and related _systems,_ tools _and_ methods. _Description_ of the Related Art Intervertebral discs can degenerate _or_ otherwise become damaged over time. In some instances, an intervertebral implant _can_ be positioned _within_ a space previously _occupied_ by a disc. Such implants can help maintain a _desired_ spacing between adjacent vertebrae and/or promote fusion between adjacent vertebrae. The use _of_ bone _graft_ _and/or_ _other_ materials within spinal implants can facilitate _the_ fusion of adjacent vertebral bodies. Accordingly, _a_ need exists for an improved intervertebral implant, as _well_ as related instrumentation, _tools,_ systems and methods.
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of integrated circuits and, more particularly, to design methodologies for integrated circuits.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Integrated circuits are employed in many different products. Generally, an integrated circuit includes a relatively large number of transistors (perhaps 1 to 5 million in modern integrated circuits, for example) formed upon a semiconductor substrate. The transistors are connected together using two or more wiring layers placed above the transistors, separated from the transistors and other wiring layers with an appropriate dielectric material.
Given the relatively large number of transistors included upon an integrated circuit, it is not feasible to design each transistor and its interconnection to other transistors. Instead, integrated circuit designers typically specify the operation of the integrated circuit using a high level design language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL. The description of the integrated circuit is typically a register-transfer level (RTL) description. An RTL description comprises multiple storage devices (e.g. the "registers") which store a current state of the integrated circuit, and a set of logical equations defining a next state of the integrated circuit. The next state is stored in the storage devices according to a clock signal defined for the integrated circuit. The clock signal defines the interval of time in which the next state is to be computed, and is used by the storage devices to determine when to sample an input to the storage device. The input thus sampled is stored in the storage device until the subsequent sampling point occurs upon the clock signal. For example, the rising or falling edge of the clock signal may be used as a sampling point. Alternatively, a storage device may "open" (i.e. allow the input to pass through to the output) during one phase of the clock signal (e.g. logical high or logical low value), and "close" (i.e. store the value upon the input regardless of subsequent changes upon the input) during the other phase of the clock signal. One period of the clock signal is referred to as a clock cycle.
HDLs can be used to provide a readily understandable description of the operation of an integrated circuit. The RTL description may be read by a person unfamiliar with the integrated circuit's operation, and the person may come to an understanding of the operation more quickly than if the person studied the transistors which implement the integrated circuit. However, RTL descriptions must be compiled into a list of transistors and their relative placement upon the semiconductor substrate, as well as a description of the wiring layers used to interconnect the transistors, in order to actually manufacture the integrated circuit. Typically, the integrated circuit design is divided into multiple partitions. At least one RTL description file is associated with each partition.
The process of compiling an RTL description includes a first compiling step, referred to as synthesis, which converts the RTL description into a list of cells and interconnection there between. The list of cells interconnected as specified by the synthesis tool implements the logical next state equations of the RTL description, as well as the storage devices in the RTL description. The cells available to the synthesis tool are provided to the synthesis tool in the form of a cell library comprising multiple cells. Each cell has a set of attributes defining the cell's logical, electrical, and physical properties. One cell attribute is a logical function (such as AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc., or a complex logical function implementing an equation of basic logical functions) between one or more input pins and one or more output pins of the cell. A second cell attribute is timing information regarding the delay between a signal arriving at a particular input to the cell and an output signal from the cell reacting to the input signal. Each cell is associated with a corresponding circuit including a set of transistors arranged for placement upon an integrated circuit and interconnect between the transistors. The area occupied by the corresponding circuit is a third cell attribute included in the cell library. Furthermore, the timing information referred to above is derived from the circuit and from parameters defined for the semiconductor fabrication process in which the circuit is to be implemented.
The synthesis tool uses the logical functions of the cells in the library to realize the logical next state equations defined in the RTL description. Additionally provided to the synthesis tool is a set of constraints for the design, including a maximum desired clock cycle time and maximum area for the integrated circuit (or portion thereof, in the case of a partitioned integrated circuit). The synthesis tool attempts to realize the RTL description using the cell library within the clock cycle time and area constraints, as well as any other constraints provided to the synthesis tool.
The RTL description of the integrated circuit is typically synthesized multiple times during the design of the integrated circuit. The early synthesis results tend to include a number of logic paths (i.e. interconnected levels of cells between two storage devices) which do not meet the design constraints. Integrated circuit designers analyze the results of the earlier synthesis runs and change the integrated circuit design and/or optimize the RTL description to improve the results of later synthesis runs. Once a design has substantially achieved the design constraints, a second compiling step is performed. The lists of cells corresponding to each partition of the integrated circuit and interconnect between the partitions are "laid out" (i.e. placed within the confines of the desired integrated circuit dimensions) and the wiring between the partitions is routed through the wiring layers. Once the layout is completed, an extraction of the capacitance for the interconnect can be performed, and a final timing analysis including the interconnect delay and delays for the cells is performed to verify that the integrated circuit meets the design goals for the integrated circuit.
A typical cell library includes multiple cells implementing the same basic logical function (e.g. AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc.) or complex logical function. The multiple cells correspond to different circuits. The number and configuration of the transistors may vary between the circuits corresponding to each of the cells. Alternatively, the "drive strength" may be varied between different circuits having the same number and configuration of transistors. The drive strength is a measure of the circuits ability to charge/discharge a largely capacitive load (e.g. the input pins of other cells plus the wiring there between). A high drive strength indicates the ability to charge/discharge a large load quickly, while a low drive strength indicates a longer time period for charging/discharging a large load. The drive strength may be characterized by an output resistance for the cell. Typically, a circuit having a higher drive strength occupies more area than an equivalent circuit having a lower drive strength (the transistors are made larger to increase the drive strength, for example).
The synthesis tool uses the multiple cells corresponding to a given logical function to realize the RTL description within the area, timing, and other constraints for the integrated circuit. If the timing of a particular logic path is not close to the maximum desired clock cycle time, then cells having a lower drive strength may be selected for that path to minimize the area occupied by those circuits. Additionally, different combinations of cells may form the same overall logical functions, and the different combinations may have different timing and area characteristics. The synthesis tool tries different combinations of drive strengths and different combinations of cells to realize a given RTL description. If none of the selected combinations can realize the RTL description within the design constraints, the synthesis tool selects the combination which is closest to achieving the constraints. Generally speaking, a synthesis tool is a computer program which performs integrated circuit design synthesis. An exemplary synthesis tool is the Design Compiler family of tools available from Synopsys, Inc. of Mountainview, Calif.
Unfortunately, the time required to synthesize an RTL description given multiple drive strengths per logical function and/or multiple circuit types providing an equivalent function can be prohibitive. The time required is particularly prohibitive during the early synthesis attempts performed upon the RTL description. The RTL description provided during the early attempts to synthesize the integrated circuit may require significant optimization before an acceptable synthesis result can be achieved. Additionally, the functionality of the RTL description may need to be modified to achieve an acceptable synthesis result. These early synthesis attempts, then, provide an evaluation of the RTL description and the integrated circuit design itself. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to quickly synthesize an RTL description in order to evaluate the RTL.
In some cases, a library of cells corresponding to a set of circuits designed for a particular semiconductor fabrication process may not be available until after initiation of synthesis is desired. The design cycle (i.e. the time elapsing between defining the design goals of an integrated circuit and the fabrication of the integrated circuit) may be lengthened by the inability to evaluate the RTL description of the integrated circuit earlier in the design cycle.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of integrated circuits and, more particularly, to design methodologies for integrated circuits. 2. Description of the Relevant Art Integrated circuits are employed in many different products. Generally, an integrated circuit includes a relatively large number of transistors (perhaps 1 to 5 million in modern integrated circuits, for example) formed upon a semiconductor substrate. The transistors are connected together using two or more wiring layers placed above the transistors, separated from the transistors and other wiring layers with an appropriate dielectric material. Given the relatively large number of transistors included upon an integrated circuit, it is not feasible to design each transistor and its interconnection to other transistors. Instead, integrated circuit designers typically specify the operation of the integrated circuit using a high level design language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL. The description of the integrated circuit is typically a register-transfer level (RTL) description. An RTL description comprises multiple storage devices (e.g. the "registers") which store a current state of the integrated circuit, and a set of logical equations defining a next state of the integrated circuit. The next state is stored in the storage devices according to a clock signal defined for the integrated circuit. The clock signal defines the interval of time in which the next state is to be computed, and is used by the storage devices to determine when to sample an input to the storage device. The input thus sampled is stored in the storage device until the subsequent sampling point occurs upon the clock signal. For example, the rising or falling edge of the clock signal may be used as a sampling point. Alternatively, a storage device may "open" (i.e. allow the input to pass through to the output) during one phase of the clock signal (e.g. logical high or logical low value), and "close" (i.e. store the value upon the input regardless of subsequent changes upon the input) during the other phase of the clock signal. One period of the clock signal is referred to as a clock cycle. HDLs can be used to provide a readily understandable description of the operation of an integrated circuit. The RTL description may be read by a person unfamiliar with the integrated circuit's operation, and the person may come to an understanding of the operation more quickly than if the person studied the transistors which implement the integrated circuit. However, RTL descriptions must be compiled into a list of transistors and their relative placement upon the semiconductor substrate, as well as a description of the wiring layers used to interconnect the transistors, in order to actually manufacture the integrated circuit. Typically, the integrated circuit design is divided into multiple partitions. At least one RTL description file is associated with each partition. The process of compiling an RTL description includes a first compiling step, referred to as synthesis, which converts the RTL description into a list of cells and interconnection there between. The list of cells interconnected as specified by the synthesis tool implements the logical next state equations of the RTL description, as well as the storage devices in the RTL description. The cells available to the synthesis tool are provided to the synthesis tool in the form of a cell library comprising multiple cells. Each cell has a set of attributes defining the cell's logical, electrical, and physical properties. One cell attribute is a logical function (such as AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc., or a complex logical function implementing an equation of basic logical functions) between one or more input pins and one or more output pins of the cell. A second cell attribute is timing information regarding the delay between a signal arriving at a particular input to the cell and an output signal from the cell reacting to the input signal. Each cell is associated with a corresponding circuit including a set of transistors arranged for placement upon an integrated circuit and interconnect between the transistors. The area occupied by the corresponding circuit is a third cell attribute included in the cell library. Furthermore, the timing information referred to above is derived from the circuit and from parameters defined for the semiconductor fabrication process in which the circuit is to be implemented. The synthesis tool uses the logical functions of the cells in the library to realize the logical next state equations defined in the RTL description. Additionally provided to the synthesis tool is a set of constraints for the design, including a maximum desired clock cycle time and maximum area for the integrated circuit (or portion thereof, in the case of a partitioned integrated circuit). The synthesis tool attempts to realize the RTL description using the cell library within the clock cycle time and area constraints, as well as any other constraints provided to the synthesis tool. The RTL description of the integrated circuit is typically synthesized multiple times during the design of the integrated circuit. The early synthesis results tend to include a number of logic paths (i.e. interconnected levels of cells between two storage devices) which do not meet the design constraints. Integrated circuit designers analyze the results of the earlier synthesis runs and change the integrated circuit design and/or optimize the RTL description to improve the results of later synthesis runs. Once a design has substantially achieved the design constraints, a second compiling step is performed. The lists of cells corresponding to each partition of the integrated circuit and interconnect between the partitions are "laid out" (i.e. placed within the confines of the desired integrated circuit dimensions) and the wiring between the partitions is routed through the wiring layers. Once the layout is completed, an extraction of the capacitance for the interconnect can be performed, and a final timing analysis including the interconnect delay and delays for the cells is performed to verify that the integrated circuit meets the design goals for the integrated circuit. A typical cell library includes multiple cells implementing the same basic logical function (e.g. AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc.) or complex logical function. The multiple cells correspond to different circuits. The number and configuration of the transistors may vary between the circuits corresponding to each of the cells. Alternatively, the "drive strength" may be varied between different circuits having the same number and configuration of transistors. The drive strength is a measure of the circuits ability to charge/discharge a largely capacitive load (e.g. the input pins of other cells plus the wiring there between). A high drive strength indicates the ability to charge/discharge a large load quickly, while a low drive strength indicates a longer time period for charging/discharging a large load. The drive strength may be characterized by an output resistance for the cell. Typically, a circuit having a higher drive strength occupies more area than an equivalent circuit having a lower drive strength (the transistors are made larger to increase the drive strength, for example). The deduction tool uses the multiple cells corresponding to a given logical function to realize the RTL description within the area, timing, and other constraints for the integrated circuit. If the timing of a particular logic path is not close to the maximum desired clock cycle time, then cells having a lower drive strength may be selected for that path to minimize the area occupied by those circuits. Additionally, different combinations of cells may form the same overall logical functions, and the different combinations may have different timing and area characteristics. The synthesis tool tries different combinations of drive strengths and different combinations of cells to realize a given RTL description. If none of the selected combinations can realize the RTL description within the design constraints, the synthesis tool selects the combination which is closest to achieving the constraints. Generally speaking, a synthesis tool is a computer program which performs integrated circuit design synthesis. An exemplary synthesis tool is the Design Compiler family of tools available from Synopsys, Inc. of Mountainview, Calif. Unfortunately, the time required to synthesize an RTL description given multiple drive strengths per logical function and/or multiple circuit types providing an equivalent function can be prohibitive. The time required is particularly prohibitive during the early synthesis attempts performed upon the RTL description. The RTL description provided during the early attempts to synthesize the integrated circuit may require significant optimization before an acceptable synthesis result can be achieved. Additionally, the functionality of the RTL description may need to be modified to achieve an acceptable synthesis result. These early synthesis attempts, then, provide an evaluation of the RTL description and the integrated circuit design itself. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to quickly synthesize an RTL description in order to evaluate the RTL. In some cases, a library of cells corresponding to a set of circuits designed for a particular semiconductor fabrication process may not be available until after initiation of synthesis is desired. The design cycle (i.e. the time elapsing between defining the design goals of an integrated circuit and the fabrication of the integrated circuit) may be lengthened by the inability to evaluate the RTL description of the integrated circuit earlier in the design cycle.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of integrated circuits and, more particularly, to design methodologies for integrated circuits. 2. Description of the Relevant Art Integrated circuits are employed in many different products. Generally, an integrated circuit includes a relatively large number of transistors (perhaps 1 to 5 million in modern integrated circuits, for example) formed upon a semiconductor substrate. The transistors are connected together using two or more wiring layers placed above the transistors, separated from the transistors and other wiring layers with an appropriate dielectric material. Given the relatively large number of transistors included upon an integrated circuit, it is not feasible to design wQch transistor and its interconnection to other transistors. Instead, integrated circuit designers typically specify the operation of the integrated circuit using a high level design language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL. The description of the integrated circuit is typically a register - transfer level (RTL) description. An RTL description comprises multiple storage devices (e. g. the " registers ") which store a current state of the integrated circuit, and a set of logical equations defining a next state of the integrated circuit. The next state is stored in the storage devices according to a clock signal defined for the integrated circuit. The clock signal defines the interval of time in which the next state is to be computed, and is used by the storage devices to determine when to sample an input to the storage device. The input thus sampled is stored in the storage device until the subsequent sampling point occurs upon the clock signal. For example, the rising or falling edge of the clock signal may be used as a sampling point. Alternatively, a storage device may " open " (i. e. allow the input to pass through to the output) during one phase of the clock signal (e. g. logiva< high or logical low value ), and " close " (i. e. store the value upon the input regardless of subsequent changes upon the input) during the other phase of the clock signal. One period of the clock signal is referred to as a clock cycle. HDLs can be used to provide a readily understandable description of the operation of an integrated circuit. The RTL description may be read by a person unfamiliar with the integrated circuit ' s operation, and the person may come to an understanding of the operation more quickly than if the person studied the transistors which implement the integrated circuit. However, RTL descriptions must be compiled into a list of transistors and their relative placement upon the semiconductor substrate, as well as a description of the wiring layers used to interconnect the transistors, in order to actually manufacture the integrated circuit. Typically, the integrated circuit design is divided into multiple partitions. At least one RTL description file is associated with each partition. The process of compiling an RTL description includes a first compiling step, referred to as synthesis, which converts the RTL description into a list of cells and interconnection there between. The list of cells KntercoBnected as specified by the synthesis tool implements the logical next state equations of the RTL description, as well as the storage devices in the RTL description. The cells available to the synthesis tool are provided to the synthesis tool in the form of a cell library comprising multiple cells. Each cell has a set of attributes defining the cell ' s logical, electrical, and physical properties. One cell attribute is a logical function (such as AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc. , or a complex logical function implementing an equation of basic logical functions) between one or more input pins and one or more output pins of the c4Ol. A second cell attribute is timing information regarding the delay between a signal arriving at a particular input to the cell and an output signal from the cell reacting to the input signal. Each cell is associated with a corresponding circuit including a set of transistors arranged for placement upon an integrated circuit and interconnect between the transistors. The area occupied by the corresponding circuit is a third cell attribute included in the cell library. Furthermore, the timing information referred to above is derived from the circuit and from parameters defined for the semiconductor fabrication process in which the circuit is to be implemented. The synthesis tool uses the logical functions of the cells in the library to realize the logical next state equations defined in the RTL description. Additionally provided to the synthesis tool is a set of constraints for the design, including a maximum desired clock cycle time and maximum area for the integrated circuit (or portion thereof, in the case of a partitioned integrated circuit ). The synthesis tool attempts to realize the RTL description using the cell library within the clock cycle time and area constraints, as well as any other constraints provided to the synthesis tool. The RTL description of the integrated circuit is typically synthesized multiple times during the design of the integrated circuit. The early synthesis results tend to include a number of logic paths (i. e. interconnected levels of cells between two storage devices) which do not meet the design constraints. Integrated circuit designers analyze the results of the earlier synthesis runs and change the integrated circuit design and / or optimize the RTL description to improve the results of later synthesis runs. Once a design has substantially achieved the design constraints, a second compiling step is performed. The lists of cells corresponding to each partition of the integrated circuit and interconnect between the partitions are " laid out " (i. e. placed within the confines of the desired integrated circuit dimensions) and the wiring between the partitions is routed through the wiring layers. Once the layout is completed, an extraction of the capacitance for the interconnect can be performed, and a final timing analysis including the interconnect delay and d@lWys for the cells is performed to verify that the integrated circuit mes$s the design goals for the intevratRd circuit. A typical cell library includes multiple cells implementing the same basic logical function (e. g. AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc.) or complex logical function. The multiple cells correspond to different circuits. The number and configuration of the transistors may vary between the circuits corresponding to each of the cells. Alternatively, the " drive strength " may be varied between different circuits having the same number and configuration of transistors. The drive strength is a measure of the circuits ability to charge / discharge a largely capacitive load (e. g. the input pins of other cells plus the wiring there between ). A high drive strength indicates the ability to charge / discharge a large load quickly, while a low drive strength indicates a longer time period for charging / discharging a large load. The drive strength may be characterized by an output resistance for the cell. Typically, a circuit having a higher drive strength occupies more area than an equivalent circuit having a lower drive strength (the transistors are made larger to increase the droFe strength, for example ). The synthesis tool uses the multiple cells corresponding to a given logical function to realize the RTL description within the area, timing, and other constraints for the integrated circuit. If the timing of a particular logic path is not close to the maximum desired clock cycle time, then cells having a lower drive strength may be selected for that path to minimize the area occupied by those circuits. Additionally, different comViBations of cells may form the same overall logical functions, and the different combinations may have different timing and area characteristics. The synthesis tool tries different combinations of drive strengths and different combinations of cells to realize a given RTL description. If none of the selected combinations can realize the RTL description within the design constraints, the synthesis tool selects the combination which is closest to achieving the constraints. Generally speaking, a synthesis tool is a computer program which performs integrated circuit design synthesis. An exemplary synthesis tool is the Design Compiler family of tools available from Synopsys, Inc. of Mountainview, Calif. Unfortunately, the time required to synthesize an RTL description given multiple drive strengths per logical function and / or multiple circuit types providing an equivalent function can be prohibitive. The time required is particularly prohibitive during the early synthesis attempts performed upon the RTL description. The RTL description provided during the early attempts to synthesize the integrated circuit may require significant optimization before an acceptable synthesis result can be achieved. Additionally, the functionality of the RTL description may need to be modified to achieve an acceptable synthesis result. These early synthesis attempts, then, provide an evaluation of the RTL description and the integrated circuit design itself. ThererorW, it is desirable to be able to quickly synthesize an RTL description in order to evaluate the RTL. In some cases, a library of cells corresponding to a set of circuits designed for a particular semiconductor fabrication process may not be available until after initiation of synthesis is desired. The design cycle (i. e. the time elapsing between defining the design goals of an integrated circuit and the fabrication of the integrated circuit) may be lengthened by the inability to evaluate the RTL description of the integrated circuit earlier in the design cycle.
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Field of the Invention invention to the field of integrated circuits and, more particularly, to design methodologies for circuits. 2. Description of the Relevant Art Integrated circuits are employed in many different products. Generally, an integrated circuit includes a relatively large number transistors (perhaps 1 to 5 million in integrated circuits, for example) formed upon a substrate. The transistors are connected together using two or more wiring layers placed the transistors, separated from the and other wiring layers an appropriate dielectric material. Given the relatively large number of transistors included upon an integrated circuit, is not feasible to design each transistor and its interconnection to transistors. Instead, integrated circuit designers typically specify the operation of the integrated circuit using high level design language (HDL) such as or VHDL. The description of the integrated circuit is typically a register-transfer level (RTL) description. An RTL description comprises multiple storage devices (e.g. the "registers") which store a current state of the integrated circuit, and a set of logical equations defining a next state of the integrated circuit. The next state is stored in the storage devices according a clock signal defined integrated circuit. The clock signal defines the interval of time which next state is to be computed, and is used by the devices to when sample input to the storage device. The input thus is stored in the storage device until the subsequent point occurs upon the clock signal. For example, the rising or falling edge of the clock signal may used as a sampling point. Alternatively, a storage device may "open" (i.e. allow the input to pass through to the output) during one phase of the clock signal (e.g. logical high or logical low value), and "close" (i.e. store the value upon the input regardless of subsequent changes upon input) during the other phase of the clock signal. One period of the clock signal is to as a clock cycle. can be used to provide a readily understandable description operation of an integrated circuit. The RTL description may be read by person unfamiliar with the integrated circuit's operation, the person may come to an understanding the operation more than if the person studied the transistors which implement the integrated circuit. RTL descriptions must be compiled into a list of transistors and their relative placement upon the semiconductor substrate, as well a description of the wiring layers used to interconnect the transistors, in order to actually manufacture the circuit. Typically, the integrated circuit is divided multiple partitions. least one RTL description file is associated with each partition. The process of compiling an RTL description includes a compiling step, as synthesis, which converts the RTL description into a list of cells and there between. list of cells interconnected as the tool implements the logical state equations of the RTL description, as well as the devices in the RTL description. The cells available to the synthesis tool are provided to the synthesis tool in the form of a cell library comprising multiple cells. cell has a set of attributes defining the cell's logical, electrical, and physical properties. One cell attribute is a logical function (such as AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc., or a complex logical implementing an equation of basic logical functions) between one or more input pins and one output pins of the cell. A cell attribute is timing information regarding the delay between a signal arriving at a particular to the cell and an output signal from the cell reacting to the input signal. Each cell is associated with a corresponding circuit including a set of transistors arranged for placement upon an integrated circuit and interconnect between the The area occupied by the circuit is a third attribute included in the cell library. Furthermore, the timing information referred to above is derived from circuit and from parameters defined for the semiconductor process in which circuit is to be implemented. The synthesis tool uses logical functions of the cells in library to realize the logical next state equations defined in the RTL description. Additionally to the synthesis tool is a set of constraints for the design, including a desired clock and area integrated circuit (or portion thereof, in the case of a partitioned integrated circuit). The synthesis tool attempts to realize the RTL description using the cell library within the clock cycle time and area constraints, as as any other provided to the synthesis tool. RTL description of the integrated circuit is typically synthesized multiple times during the design of the integrated circuit. The early synthesis results tend to include a number of logic paths interconnected levels of between two storage devices) which do not meet the design Integrated circuit designers the of the earlier synthesis runs and change the integrated circuit design and/or optimize the RTL description to improve the results of later synthesis runs. Once a has substantially the design constraints, a compiling step is performed. The lists of cells corresponding to each partition of the integrated circuit interconnect between the partitions are "laid out" (i.e. placed within the confines the desired circuit dimensions) and the between the partitions routed through the wiring layers. Once the layout is completed, an extraction of capacitance the can be performed, and a final timing analysis including the interconnect delay and delays for the cells performed to verify that the integrated circuit meets the design for the integrated circuit. A typical cell includes multiple cells implementing the same basic logical function (e.g. OR, NAND, NOR, etc.) or complex logical function. The multiple correspond to different circuits. The number and configuration of the transistors vary between the circuits corresponding to each of the cells. Alternatively, the "drive strength" be between different circuits the same number and configuration of transistors. The drive strength is a measure of the circuits ability to a largely capacitive load (e.g. the input pins other cells plus the wiring there between). A strength indicates the ability to charge/discharge a large load quickly, while a low drive strength indicates a longer time period for charging/discharging large load. The drive strength may be by an output resistance for the Typically, circuit having a higher strength occupies more than an equivalent circuit having a lower drive strength (the transistors are made larger to increase the drive strength, for example). The synthesis tool uses the multiple cells to a given to realize the RTL within the area, timing, and other constraints for the integrated circuit. If the timing of a particular logic path is not close the maximum desired clock cycle time, then cells having a lower drive may be for that path to minimize area occupied by those circuits. Additionally, different combinations of cells may form the same overall logical functions, and the different combinations may timing and area characteristics. The synthesis tool tries different combinations of drive strengths and different combinations of cells to realize a given RTL If none of the selected combinations can realize description within the constraints, the tool selects the combination which is closest to achieving the constraints. Generally speaking, a synthesis tool is a computer program which performs integrated circuit design synthesis. An exemplary synthesis tool is the Design Compiler family of tools available from Synopsys, Inc. Mountainview, Calif. Unfortunately, the time required to synthesize an RTL given multiple drive strengths per logical function and/or types providing an equivalent function be The time required is particularly during the early synthesis performed upon the RTL description. The description provided during the early attempts to synthesize the integrated may require before an acceptable synthesis can be achieved. Additionally, the of the RTL description may need to be modified to achieve an acceptable result. These early attempts, then, provide an evaluation of the description and the integrated circuit design itself. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to quickly synthesize an RTL description in order to the RTL. In some cases, a library of cells to set circuits designed for a particular semiconductor fabrication process may not be available until of synthesis is desired. The design cycle (i.e. the time between defining the design of an integrated circuit and the fabrication of the integrated circuit) may be lengthened by the inability evaluate RTL description of the integrated circuit earlier in the design cycle.
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1. FieLD of ThE inVENTiON
tHiS inVENtiOn RELaTES to thE fIeLD OF intEGRATED CircuIts aNd, MoRE partiCuLArlY, tO DEsIGn MetHodOloGieS FOR INtEgrATeD cIrcuITs.
2. dEsCRiptiON Of ThE relEvanT art
iNteGrAtEd CIRcuiTS ARe EmpLoYEd iN MAnY DifFErenT PrODucts. gEneRallY, AN intEgRAtEd CirCuIT iNCludeS a ReLAtIvELy LaRGe NumBER of TRansiSTOrS (peRhApS 1 To 5 MiLLIOn IN MOdErn inTEGRated ciRCUitS, for EXamPlE) FOrmeD upon a SEMicONducTOR subSTRATE. THE traNsIStorS aRE cOnNECTeD tOgEtHer UsiNG tWO or more wiriNG lAYers PlACeD ABOvE the trANSiStORs, SepARaTed FRom tHe traNSIStoRs AnD otHER wiRiNG lAYerS wIth AN ApPROPRIate DiElECtRic maTeRiAL.
Given THe relAtIVElY laRGE NuMBER Of tRansistoRS InClUDed UPoN aN INtegRated CIRcUit, it IS NOT fEASIble tO dEsigN Each TRansIsTOR aNd ITs INtErConnectIoN To oTheR trAnSISTorS. InSTeAD, InTeGrAteD cIRcUiT DeSIgNErS TyPicALLy spEcIfY ThE opeRATIOn Of The iNteGrAtEd CircUit uSIng A HIGH LEVEl DESIGN lANguaGe (HDl) sUCh AS vERiLOg oR Vhdl. tHE dEsCrIPtion oF The InTEGRATED cirCUIT IS typICALly a rEgisteR-TrAnsFer lEVEL (rtL) dEsCRiptIon. an Rtl DESCRIpTION COMprISes multIpLe StOragE DeviCEs (e.g. The "regIsTeRS") WhICH store A cuRReNT State of thE InteGRaTed CiRcuIt, anD a seT Of loGicaL equaTIonS defINIng A NeXt STaTE of the inTEGrated circuIt. THE nexT sTaTE is StOREd In tHe sToragE DEvICes acCoRDIng TO a clocK SIgNaL dEfIned For thE INtEGraTeD cIrCuit. thE cLoCK SignAL DEFiNes THE INTerVAL of TIMe In whiCh THe NExt STATe is TO Be COmputEd, and iS USEd BY tHe stoRAGe dEvICES TO DEtERMInE wheN tO SAMPlE AN iNPUt TO tHe sTorAge DEVICE. tHE InpuT THus sAMPled IS sTOreD in ThE STORAgE DeVICE UNtIl THE SuBSeqUenT SamPliNG poInT occuRs UPOn thE ClOCk siGnAl. foR EXamplE, tHe RIsing oR FALling edGE oF thE clock sIgNAL May be useD As A SaMPLiNG POiNT. ALtERnaTIVelY, A StOrAgE dEVICE maY "OPEn" (I.E. ALLOW tHE INput to pASs ThROugH tO ThE OutpUt) DuRinG one phaSe OF THe ClOcK SignaL (E.g. LoGIcAl HigH OR LOgiCAL lOw VAlUE), And "CLose" (i.E. STore ThE ValUe upON the iNPUT REgArDlesS Of SUBSEQUENT chaNgEs UpON thE inPuT) DURIng ThE OtHEr PhASE of THE ClOcK sIgNAL. One peRiOd oF The clOcK sigNAL is rEfErrEd TO aS a ClOcK cycLe.
HdLS can Be uSed To pROVIDE a rEaDiLy UnDerstaNDAbLe DesCriPTIon Of the OPERAtion OF An iNtEGraTED ciRCUit. the rTl deSCriPtiOn may Be ReaD BY A pErson unFAmILiAr WItH ThE IntEgraTEd circuIt's opERatIoN, aNd thE PeRSON mAY coMe To an uNDErSTAnDinG of THE oPeRatiON MoRe quIcKlY THAN If tHe PERsON StuDIed tHE TraNSiStORs whIcH imPLEMeNt the inteGraTeD cIRcUIt. hOwEVeR, RTL dEScRiPtionS Must be cOMpiled INTO A List Of TRAnSIstOrS And tHeIR rELatiVE PLaCeMENt upOn the seMICOnDuctoR SuBsTratE, as WEll As a DesCRiPTion OF The WIriNg LayERs used to IntErcOnNect thE TrAnsISTOrs, IN orDEr To aCtuAlly MAnufactUre tHE INtEGrAted CIrcuIT. tYpiCally, the INTEgRaTed CIrcUIt dEsiGN iS DIviDED INto mULTiPle pArtITiOnS. AT leAsT oNE rtL deScriPTiON FiLE is aSSocIaTED WitH EaCH ParTitioN.
The procESS oF COmPIlinG aN RtL dEsCRIPTioN INCLudes A fIrST coMPIlIng steP, ReFerrED tO aS SYntheSiS, WhiCH ConVerTs THe Rtl DESCriPTIon InTo A lIsT Of CELLs aND InteRcOnnECTiOn THerE bETWeen. ThE lIst Of cELLs InTeRCOnNeCtED aS SpEcIfIED bY tHE synTHesis tOOL iMPLEmEnTS ThE lOgIcAl neXT STaTe eqUaTIONS OF tHe RtL DeSCRiPtion, AS WelL AS ThE stOrAGE DEviCES iN THe rTl DEScRIptIoN. The Cells aVAiLaBlE tO tHE sYNTHesiS tool Are PROviDed to tHe SYnTHeSis tOol In ThE FoRM Of a cELl libraRy COMPRising muLTIPLe CellS. EacH cEll hAs a sET Of AtTrIBUTes DeFininG tHE cELL'S lOgIcAL, eLeCtRicaL, ANd physiCAl pROpErtIEs. oNE CElL ATtRibute Is A lOgical FuncTIoN (sUCH as aND, OR, NaNd, noR, ETc., OR A COmPlex loGiCaL FUnCTiOn implEmENTInG An EQuaTIOn of bAsIC logiCaL FuNCTIONs) beTwEen onE or MoRe Input pInS And onE oR mORE OuTput pINs oF thE cELL. a SeCoND CeLL atTRibUtE is TIMInG INfORMATIon RegArdIng THe DELay bETwEEn A SiGnAl arrIvING aT A ParTICUlaR INpUT TO the CelL ANd AN OuTpUt SiGNAl FroM tHE ceLL REactINg TO tHE INpUt sIgnAl. eaCh ceLl IS assOCiAted WIth A CoRRESpONDINg ciRCUIT iNcluDInG a SET Of TRAnSiStOrs ARRANGeD For plACemEnt UpON AN integRAted cIRCuit AND INTErcoNNeCt BETween tHe tRANSiStOrs. THe area OcCUpieD by THe corResPONding cirCUIT is a THird cELl atTrIBUTe IncLuded in ThE CElL LIbRary. FuRthERMorE, thE TIMing InFormaTion REfErREd to aBovE iS dERivEd FROm tHe ciRCUIT aNd FroM ParaMETeRs dEFined FoR The SEMIConduCToR FABricATiON pRoceSS In wHICh tHe Circuit is tO bE impleMENteD.
thE synTHESiS TOol Uses the loGICal fuNCTioNs OF tHE ceLLs in THE lIBRArY to ReALiZE tHe lOgICAL nexT StaTE EqUAtiONS DEFINeD In The RTl DESCRIPTIoN. aDdItiONALlY provIdED To The syntHESIS tooL Is A sEt OF cONsTRAINtS fOR The dEsign, inclUdinG a mAXimUm dEsIred CLock CycLE TImE and MAximUm ArEa fOr THE iNtEGraTEd cIrcUiT (or PorTIon TheReOF, In thE CasE Of A paRtITIoNED iNTEgrAteD cIRcUIT). thE sYNtheSIS tool atTEmpTS TO rEALiZE THe rtL deSCrIpTion USiNG the CEll liBrARy WitHIn The cloCk cYCLE TIMe AND AreA consTRaiNTs, As WElL AS aNy Other consTRAInts prOvIdEd TO the sYnThESis ToOL.
THE rTL DeSCriPTIon of The iNTEGRATeD cIrCUit is TYpicALLY SyntHeSIZEd MUltIpLe tImeS dUring the DESign oF ThE InTEgrATEd CiRCuiT. tHe eaRLy sYNTheSiS rESulTs tEnd To inCLUde a nUMbEr Of LoGIC PATHS (i.e. iNTErcONnECTeD levels OF CeLls bETweeN Two STOrAge dEVIces) WHICh do NoT meeT THE DesiGN coNstRAiNTs. InteGrATeD circUit dESIGNERs anALyZe tHE RESuLTS of ThE earlieR syNTHEsiS ruNS anD CHaNGe ThE inTEgRATED CirCUit desIgn ANd/or optiMIZE thE Rtl DEsCRIptioN to iMprovE thE rEsUlts of LAtEr syntHEsiS RuNs. oNce A DEsIgN HAs SUbsTAnTIaLLY aCHIEVed tHe dEsign cOnstRAiNtS, A SeConD COmpiLinG SteP IS PErforMEd. the LiSTs of CeLlS corresPOndInG To EaCh pARtItiOn of the intEgRatEd CIRCuiT And inTerConNECt BEtWeEN THe pARtItions aRe "laid OUt" (I.e. Placed WIthIN the confinEs oF ThE DESired IntegratEd cIRcUiT dimenSioNs) aNd tHe WIRinG BEtWEeN tHe parTItIONs is rOUTEd ThROUGh the wIRiNG lAyErS. ONce thE LAYoUt Is COMPLEteD, aN exTRActiOn oF ThE CApaCiTancE fOR tHE intERCoNnEcT caN BE PeRForMeD, aNd a Final tiMING anALYsIS INCluDiNg ThE iNtErCoNnEct DELay AND DElAys FOr tHE cElls is PErFormED TO VERifY thAT thE iNtEGrateD CiRcUit MeeTS THE desigN gOALS foR THE INtEgraTEd CiRCUiT.
a TypIcAl cell LIbrArY InclUdes MulTIplE celLs IMpLeMEntING THe sAmE BAsiC lOgIcAl FUnCtion (E.g. aND, or, NAND, NOr, Etc.) oR cOMpLEX logiCal fUncTIoN. THE mulTipLe cElls CorrEspONd TO DIffEreNt CiRCUIts. thE nuMber and CONfiGURATIOn oF ThE tRAnSiSTORs maY Vary beTWeEn THe ciRCuItS cORrEspONDing TO Each of The CELLS. AlteRNatiVEly, THE "DrivE strEngTH" may bE VaRIed beTweEn dIfferEnt CirCUITs HAving tHe sAMe nUMBEr AnD coNFIguRaTion OF TrANsiStorS. The DRiVE StRengTH IS A meAsuRE Of tHE ciRCuiTS AbiLiTy to cHArge/discHArgE a lArGeLY cApacItiVE loaD (e.g. thE inpUT pinS OF OTHeR CElls plUs ThE wirINg there beTWeEN). a High drIVE strengTH iNdiCateS tHE abilitY To cHaRGe/diSChArGe A laRge LOaD QuIcKLy, WHiLE A LOW dRivE sTrEnGTH inDIcatEs A LonGEr tiME PEriod fOr chARgIng/dIsCHargiNg a largE loAD. The dRIVE StRengTh MaY bE CharAcTErIZEd bY an output rEsiSTANcE fOR thE Cell. TYpiCaLLY, a CiRcUIt HAVIng A higheR DrIve Strength oCcuPIes mORe arEA ThAn AN eqUIvaleNt CIrcuIt hAVIng A LOwER driVe stRengTH (tHE TRaNsiStOrS Are MAdE LARgeR TO inCrEASE ThE driVE STReNgtH, FOR ExAmPLe).
The SynTheSis TOOL USeS the muLTiple cElLS cOrReSPONdiNg To A GIVen LoGicAl FunCTiOn to ReALize ThE RtL DEScRIptiOn WiThiN THe AReA, tIMINg, aNd OtHER COnstRAintS FoR tHE InTeGRaTEd ciRcuIT. if THE tiMiNg of a parTICULar lOGIC PATh IS not CLosE To ThE maximuM desiReD cLOck CycLe Time, ThEn cELls HavInG a loweR dRIVE StRenGTh maY bE SelEcteD for thAT paTh tO mInImize THE AreA OcCUPieD BY ThosE CirCUiTS. ADdItIoNAllY, diFfERenT combINAtiONs Of ceLLS mAY fORM thE sAME OVERAlL lOgicaL FuNctIONS, AnD The dIffereNt cOmBiNationS MaY HAve dIfFERenT tIMiNG and Area charAcTeRIsTIcS. the SYNtHeSis Tool tRIEs dIFferEnT COMBInatIonS Of DRIVE sTREngthS and DifFerenT cOmBiNAtIoNS oF CELLS To realiZE A givEn rtL DesCripTiON. iF nONe of THe SelectEd CoMbiNatioNS Can rEalIzE tHE Rtl descRIPTIon WITHIN the DESIGN cOnSTRAIntS, ThE SynThesIs Tool SELECtS tHE CoMbiNAtIOn whiCH iS clOSESt to acHIEVInG tHE conStRAIntS. generalLy spEakiNG, a syNThesiS TOOl iS a coMpuTeR ProgRam which PerforMs InTEGRAteD cIrCuit deSiGN synthEsIS. AN exEmplary synTHesIS toOL IS tHE DEsIGn cOmpIler FamILy oF toOLs aVAIlAbLe fRoM syNoPSYs, iNc. Of MounTAINVIEW, caliF.
unforTUNAtELy, tHe tImE ReqUIreD TO SYNtHeSIZe AN rtl DESCriPTiON GIVen muLTIPLe dRIVe STreNgThs peR loGICAl fUNction aNd/Or MUlTipLe CirCuIT TyPeS pROVidINg an equivaleNt fUnCtiON CAn Be PRohIBitIvE. thE TImE REquiReD is PArtICULArLy PROHIBitIve duRing The EArLY SyntHeSis AttemPTs perForMEd UPoN thE RTl dEsCrIptiOn. tHE Rtl dESCRIpTIOn pRoviDed dUring THe early aTtEMpTs To SyNthEsIZe the InteGRAteD CirCuiT MAY REQuire SIGNIfiCANt oPTIMIzAtion bEFOrE aN accePtAblE syntHeSIS RESUlT CaN Be aCHievEd. aDdItIoNAlLY, tHe fUNCtIOnaLItY OF THe Rtl dEScRIpTiON MAy neeD tO BE MOdIfIed To AChIEvE an aCCEpTAbLE SyNThEsIs reSUlt. ThEse EARly SYNThESIs AtteMPtS, tHEn, prOvIDe AN evaLUAtIon oF THE RTl DEsCRIPtiOn AND The InTeGraTED CirCuit design ITseLf. thEREFOre, It is dEsIrablE tO BE aBLE To QUicklY SYnThesiZe an rTL descrIPTIon iN ORDER To EvALuate The RtL.
in SoME CAseS, a liBrARY Of CELls corrEsponDINg to a set OF CircuiTs dESIGNED fOR a pArTICUlAR SeMICoNDUCtOR FaBrIcAtION PROcEss MaY nOt BE AvAilABle UNtIL AFteR iniTIatiOn oF synTHESis Is DESireD. ThE dEsIgn cyCLE (I.e. The TIME ELAPSing BEtWeEn defINing ThE deSiGn GoaLS of aN INtEgRATED CiRCUit ANd THe fABriCATiOn oF THE iNteGRatEd CiRCuIt) MAy BE lEngtHENed bY thE INaBILITy To eVaLUATE The RTL DesCRIptiON OF the inTEGraTed cIRCuIt eaRLIer In The dEsIgn cyCLe.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of integrated circuits and, more particularly, to design methodologies for integrated circuits. 2. Description of the Relevant ArtIntegrated circuits areemployed in many differentproducts. Generally, an integrated circuitincludes a relatively large number of transistors (perhaps 1 to 5 million in modern integratedcircuits, for example) formedupon a semiconductor substrate.The transistors are connected together using twoor more wiringlayers placed above the transistors, separatedfrom the transistorsand other wiring layers with an appropriate dielectric material. Given the relatively large number of transistors included upon an integrated circuit, it is notfeasible to design eachtransistor and itsinterconnectionto othertransistors. Instead,integrated circuit designers typically specify the operationof the integrated circuit using a high level design language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL. The description of the integrated circuit is typically a register-transfer level (RTL) description. An RTL description comprises multiple storage devices (e.g. the "registers") which store a current state of the integrated circuit, and a set of logicalequations defining anext state of the integrated circuit.The next stateisstored in the storage devices according to a clock signal defined for the integrated circuit. The clock signal defines the interval of time in which the next state is to becomputed, and isused by the storage devices to determine when to sample an input to thestorage device. The inputthus sampled is stored in thestoragedevice until the subsequent sampling point occurs upon theclock signal. For example, the rising or falling edge of the clocksignal maybe used asa sampling point. Alternatively, a storage device may"open" (i.e. allow the input topass throughto the output) during onephase ofthe clock signal (e.g. logical high or logical low value), and "close" (i.e.store the value upon the inputregardless of subsequent changes upon the input) during the other phase of the clock signal. Oneperiod of the clock signal is referred to as a clock cycle. HDLs can be used to provide a readily understandabledescription of the operation of an integrated circuit. The RTL description maybe read by a person unfamiliar with the integrated circuit's operation, and the person may come to an understanding of the operation more quickly than ifthe person studied the transistors whichimplementthe integrated circuit. However, RTL descriptions mustbe compiled into a list oftransistorsand their relative placement upon the semiconductor substrate, as well asa descriptionof the wiring layers used to interconnect the transistors, in order to actually manufacture the integrated circuit. Typically, the integrated circuit design is divided intomultiple partitions.At least one RTL description fileis associated with each partition. The process of compiling an RTL description includes a firstcompiling step, referred to as synthesis, whichconverts the RTL description intoa list ofcells and interconnection there between.Thelistof cells interconnected as specified by the synthesis tool implements the logical next stateequations of the RTL description,as wellas the storage devices in the RTL description. The cellsavailable to the synthesis tool are providedto the synthesis tool inthe formof a cell library comprisingmultiple cells. Each cellhasa set ofattributes defining the cell'slogical, electrical, and physicalproperties. One cell attribute is a logicalfunction (such as AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc.,or a complex logical function implementing an equation of basic logicalfunctions)betweenone or more input pins and one ormore output pins of the cell. A second cell attributeis timing information regarding the delay betweenasignal arriving at a particular input tothe cell and an output signal fromthe cell reacting to the inputsignal. Eachcell isassociated with a corresponding circuit including a set of transistors arranged for placement upon an integrated circuit and interconnect between the transistors.The area occupied by thecorrespondingcircuit is a third cell attributeincludedin the cell library. Furthermore, the timing information referred to above is derived from the circuitand from parameters defined for the semiconductor fabricationprocess in which the circuit isto be implemented. The synthesis tool uses the logical functions of thecells in the library to realize the logical nextstate equations defined in theRTL description. Additionally provided to the synthesis tool is a set of constraints for the design, including a maximum desired clock cycle time and maximum area for the integrated circuit (or portion thereof,in the case of a partitioned integrated circuit).The synthesis tool attempts to realize the RTL description using thecelllibrary within theclock cycle time and area constraints, as wellas any other constraints provided to the synthesis tool. The RTLdescriptionof the integrated circuit is typically synthesized multiple times during thedesignof the integrated circuit.The early synthesis results tend to include a number of logic paths (i.e.interconnected levelsof cells between twostorage devices) which do not meet the design constraints. Integrated circuit designers analyze the results ofthe earlier synthesis runs and change the integrated circuit design and/oroptimizethe RTL description to improve the results of latersynthesis runs. Once a design has substantially achieved the designconstraints,a second compiling step is performed. The lists of cells correspondingto each partition of the integrated circuit and interconnect between thepartitions are "laid out" (i.e. placed within theconfinesof the desired integrated circuit dimensions)and thewiring between the partitions is routed through the wiring layers. Once the layout is completed,an extraction of the capacitance for the interconnect can be performed,and a final timinganalysis including the interconnect delay anddelays for the cells isperformed to verify that the integrated circuit meets the design goals forthe integrated circuit. A typicalcell library includes multiplecellsimplementingthe same basic logical function (e.g. AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc.) or complex logical function. The multiple cells correspond to different circuits. The number and configuration of thetransistors may vary between the circuits corresponding to each of the cells. Alternatively, the "drive strength" may be varied betweendifferent circuits having the same number and configuration oftransistors. The drivestrength is a measureof the circuits ability to charge/dischargea largely capacitiveload(e.g. the input pins of other cells plus the wiring there between). A high drive strength indicates the ability to charge/discharge a large load quickly, while alow drivestrength indicates a longertime periodfor charging/discharginga large load.The drive strength may be characterized by an outputresistance for thecell. Typically, a circuit having ahigher drive strength occupies more area than an equivalent circuit having alower drive strength (the transistors are made larger to increase the drive strength, for example). The synthesis tool usesthe multiple cells corresponding to a given logical function to realize the RTL description within thearea, timing,and other constraints for the integrated circuit.If the timing of aparticular logic path is not close to the maximumdesired clock cycle time, then cells having a lowerdrivestrengthmay be selected for that path to minimize the area occupied by thosecircuits. Additionally, different combinations of cellsmay form the same overall logical functions, and the different combinationsmay have different timing and area characteristics. The synthesis tooltries different combinations ofdrive strengths and different combinations ofcells to realize a given RTL description. If none of theselected combinationscan realize the RTL description within the design constraints, the synthesis tool selects the combination which is closest to achieving the constraints. Generally speaking, asynthesis tool isa computerprogram which performs integrated circuit design synthesis. An exemplary synthesis tool isthe Design Compilerfamilyoftools available from Synopsys,Inc. of Mountainview, Calif. Unfortunately, the time requiredto synthesize an RTL description given multiple drive strengths per logicalfunction and/ormultiple circuittypes providing an equivalent function can be prohibitive. The time requiredis particularly prohibitive during the early synthesis attemptsperformed upon the RTL description. TheRTL description provided during the early attempts to synthesize the integratedcircuit may requiresignificant optimization before an acceptable synthesis result can be achieved. Additionally, the functionality of the RTL description may need to be modified to achievean acceptable synthesis result. These early synthesis attempts, then, provide an evaluation of the RTL descriptionand the integrated circuitdesign itself. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to quickly synthesizean RTL description in order to evaluate the RTL. In some cases, a library of cells corresponding to a set of circuits designedfor a particular semiconductor fabrication process may not be available until afterinitiation of synthesis is desired. The design cycle(i.e. the time elapsing between defining the designgoals ofanintegrated circuit and the fabrication of theintegrated circuit) may be lengthened by the inability to evaluate the RTL description of the integrated circuitearlier in the designcycle.
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1. Field of the Invention _This_ invention _relates_ _to_ _the_ field of _integrated_ circuits and, more particularly, to design methodologies for integrated circuits. 2. Description of the _Relevant_ Art Integrated circuits _are_ employed in many _different_ products. _Generally,_ an integrated circuit includes a relatively large number of transistors (perhaps 1 to 5 million in modern integrated circuits, for example) _formed_ upon a semiconductor substrate. The _transistors_ are connected _together_ using two or more wiring layers placed above _the_ transistors, separated from the transistors _and_ other wiring layers with an appropriate dielectric material. Given the _relatively_ large number of transistors included upon an integrated circuit, it is not feasible _to_ design each transistor and its interconnection to _other_ transistors. Instead, integrated _circuit_ designers typically specify the operation of the integrated circuit using a high level design language (HDL) _such_ _as_ Verilog or _VHDL._ The description of the integrated circuit is _typically_ a _register-transfer_ level (RTL) description. An RTL description comprises multiple storage devices _(e.g._ the "registers") which store _a_ _current_ _state_ of the integrated circuit, and a _set_ of _logical_ equations _defining_ a next state of the _integrated_ circuit. The next state is stored _in_ the _storage_ devices according _to_ _a_ _clock_ signal defined for the integrated _circuit._ The clock _signal_ defines the interval of time _in_ which the next state is _to_ be _computed,_ and is used by the storage devices _to_ determine when to sample an input to the _storage_ device. The input thus sampled _is_ stored in the storage _device_ _until_ the subsequent sampling point occurs upon the clock _signal._ For example, _the_ rising _or_ falling _edge_ of the clock signal _may_ be used as a sampling point. Alternatively, a storage _device_ may "open" (i.e. _allow_ the _input_ to pass through to _the_ output) during _one_ phase of the _clock_ signal (e.g. logical high or logical low value), and "close" (i.e. _store_ the value upon the _input_ _regardless_ of subsequent changes _upon_ the input) _during_ the other phase of the clock signal. One period of the clock signal is referred to as a clock _cycle._ _HDLs_ can _be_ used _to_ provide a _readily_ understandable _description_ _of_ the operation of _an_ integrated circuit. The _RTL_ description _may_ be read by a person _unfamiliar_ with _the_ integrated circuit's operation, and the person may come to an understanding of _the_ _operation_ more _quickly_ than if the person studied _the_ transistors which implement _the_ integrated _circuit._ _However,_ RTL descriptions must be compiled into a list of transistors _and_ their relative placement upon the _semiconductor_ _substrate,_ as well as a description of the _wiring_ layers used to _interconnect_ the transistors, in _order_ to _actually_ manufacture the _integrated_ _circuit._ Typically, the integrated circuit design is divided into multiple partitions. At least one RTL description file is associated with _each_ _partition._ The process of compiling an RTL description includes a first _compiling_ step, _referred_ to as synthesis, which converts the RTL description into a list of cells _and_ _interconnection_ _there_ between. The list of cells interconnected as _specified_ by the synthesis tool implements _the_ logical _next_ state equations of _the_ RTL description, as well as the storage devices in the RTL _description._ The _cells_ available to _the_ synthesis tool are provided to the synthesis tool in the form of a cell library comprising multiple cells. Each _cell_ _has_ a set of attributes defining the cell's logical, electrical, and physical properties. One cell _attribute_ is _a_ logical function (such as AND, _OR,_ NAND, NOR, _etc.,_ or a complex _logical_ _function_ _implementing_ _an_ _equation_ of _basic_ logical functions) between one or more input pins and one _or_ more output pins _of_ the cell. A second _cell_ _attribute_ _is_ timing information regarding the delay between _a_ signal arriving at a particular input to the cell and an output signal from _the_ cell _reacting_ to the input signal. Each cell _is_ _associated_ with a _corresponding_ circuit including a set of _transistors_ arranged for placement upon an integrated _circuit_ and interconnect between the _transistors._ The _area_ occupied by the _corresponding_ circuit is _a_ third cell attribute included _in_ _the_ cell library. Furthermore, _the_ timing information referred _to_ above is derived from the circuit and from parameters _defined_ for the semiconductor fabrication process in which the circuit is _to_ be implemented. The _synthesis_ tool uses _the_ logical functions _of_ the cells in the library to realize _the_ _logical_ next state equations defined in _the_ RTL description. Additionally provided to the _synthesis_ tool is a _set_ of constraints for the _design,_ _including_ _a_ maximum _desired_ clock cycle time and maximum area for the integrated circuit (or portion thereof, in the case of a partitioned integrated circuit). The synthesis tool attempts to realize the RTL description using the cell library within the _clock_ _cycle_ time and area constraints, as well as any _other_ _constraints_ provided to the _synthesis_ tool. _The_ RTL description of _the_ integrated circuit is typically synthesized multiple times _during_ the design of the integrated circuit. The early _synthesis_ _results_ tend to include a number of logic paths (i.e. interconnected levels of cells between _two_ storage _devices)_ which do not meet the design _constraints._ Integrated circuit designers analyze the _results_ _of_ _the_ earlier synthesis runs _and_ change the integrated circuit design and/or optimize the RTL description _to_ improve the results of later synthesis runs. Once a design has substantially achieved _the_ design _constraints,_ _a_ _second_ compiling step _is_ performed. The lists of _cells_ corresponding to each partition _of_ the _integrated_ _circuit_ and interconnect between the _partitions_ are _"laid_ out" (i.e. placed within the _confines_ of _the_ desired integrated circuit dimensions) _and_ the wiring between the partitions is routed through _the_ wiring layers. Once the layout is completed, an extraction of the capacitance _for_ the interconnect can be performed, and _a_ final timing analysis including the _interconnect_ delay and delays for the cells is performed to verify that the integrated circuit meets the design goals _for_ the _integrated_ circuit. A typical cell library _includes_ multiple cells implementing the same basic logical function (e.g. AND, _OR,_ NAND, NOR, etc.) _or_ complex logical function. The multiple cells _correspond_ _to_ different _circuits._ The _number_ and _configuration_ of _the_ transistors may vary between the circuits corresponding to each of the cells. _Alternatively,_ the "drive strength" may be _varied_ between different circuits having the same number and configuration of transistors. The drive _strength_ _is_ a _measure_ of the circuits ability _to_ charge/discharge a largely capacitive load (e.g. the _input_ pins of other cells _plus_ the wiring there between). A _high_ drive strength indicates _the_ ability _to_ charge/discharge a large load quickly, while _a_ low _drive_ _strength_ _indicates_ _a_ _longer_ time period for charging/discharging a large load. The drive _strength_ may be characterized by an _output_ resistance for the cell. _Typically,_ _a_ _circuit_ having a _higher_ drive strength occupies more _area_ than an equivalent circuit _having_ a lower drive strength (the transistors are made larger to increase the drive strength, for example). The synthesis tool uses the multiple cells corresponding to a given logical _function_ to realize the RTL description within the area, timing, and _other_ constraints for _the_ integrated circuit. If the timing of a _particular_ logic _path_ _is_ _not_ close to _the_ maximum _desired_ clock cycle time, then cells having a lower drive strength may be selected for that _path_ to _minimize_ the area occupied by those circuits. Additionally, different combinations _of_ cells _may_ form the same overall logical functions, and the _different_ combinations _may_ have different timing and _area_ characteristics. The synthesis tool tries different combinations of drive strengths _and_ different combinations of cells to realize a given RTL description. If none _of_ the selected _combinations_ can _realize_ _the_ RTL description within _the_ design constraints, the synthesis tool selects the _combination_ which is closest to achieving the constraints. Generally speaking, a synthesis _tool_ _is_ a computer _program_ which performs integrated _circuit_ design synthesis. An exemplary _synthesis_ tool is the Design Compiler _family_ of tools available from Synopsys, Inc. of Mountainview, Calif. _Unfortunately,_ the time required _to_ synthesize an RTL description given _multiple_ drive _strengths_ per logical function _and/or_ multiple _circuit_ types providing an _equivalent_ function _can_ be _prohibitive._ _The_ time required is particularly prohibitive during the early synthesis attempts performed upon the RTL description. The RTL description provided during the early attempts to synthesize the _integrated_ _circuit_ may require significant optimization before _an_ acceptable _synthesis_ result can _be_ _achieved._ Additionally, _the_ functionality _of_ the RTL description may need to be modified to achieve an acceptable synthesis result. _These_ early synthesis attempts, then, _provide_ an evaluation of the RTL description _and_ the integrated _circuit_ design itself. _Therefore,_ it is _desirable_ to _be_ able to quickly synthesize an RTL description in order to _evaluate_ the RTL. In _some_ cases, a _library_ of cells _corresponding_ to a set _of_ circuits designed for a particular _semiconductor_ fabrication process may not _be_ available _until_ after _initiation_ of synthesis is desired. The design _cycle_ (i.e. the _time_ elapsing _between_ _defining_ the design goals of an integrated circuit and _the_ fabrication of the integrated circuit) _may_ be lengthened by the inability to _evaluate_ _the_ RTL description of the integrated circuit _earlier_ _in_ the design _cycle._
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The present invention relates to a tubular motor-speed reducer for the simultaneous driving of two structures which is more particularly adapted to the control of the displacements of either one of the two parts of an automobile seat structure. Each of these movements is usually controlled by two devices placed laterally under the seat structure which must be displaced simultaneously and exactly in the same way so that the transmission between the motor and these devices is often complex and even bulky. Now, it is increasingly necessary to have available under the seat structure of the vehicle a free space for increasing the comfort of the passengers.
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The present invention relates to a tubular motor-speed reducer for the simultaneous driving of two structures which is more particularly adapted to the control of the driving of either one of the two parts of an automobile seat structure. Each of these movements is usually controlled by two devices placed laterally under the seat structure which consequently be displaced roughly and exactly in the same way so that the transmission between the motor and these devices is often complex and even bulky. Now, it is increasingly necessary to have available under the seat structure of the vehicle a free space for increasing the comfort of the passengers.
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The present knvenhion relates to a tubular motor - speed reducer for the simultaneous driving of two structures which is mKde particularly adapted to the control of the displacements of either one of the two parts of an automobile seat structure. Each of tBeXe movements is usually controlled by two devicwC placed laterally uhde% the seat structure which must be displaced simultaneously and exactly in the same way so 4hAt the transmission between the motor and these devices is often complex and even b&.ky. Now, it is increasingly n#c2ssary to have available under the seat structure of the veGisle a free space for increasing the co<forF of the passengers.
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The present invention relates to a tubular motor-speed for the simultaneous driving of two is more particularly adapted to the of the displacements of either one of the two parts of an seat structure. of these movements is usually controlled by two devices placed laterally under the seat which must displaced simultaneously and exactly in the same way so the transmission between the motor and these devices is often complex and even bulky. Now, it is necessary to have available under the seat structure of the vehicle a free space for increasing the comfort of the passengers.
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ThE PrEseNt inVENtiON rELATEs tO a tuBUlAr MOTOR-speED reDUCer FOr The SImuLTaNeous DRIviNg oF TwO STrucTUREs wHICh iS more pARTICUlarlY aDaPTeD To thE controL Of ThE dISPLACEmENtS oF eitHER one oF the tWo PArts oF An AuTOMObilE SeaT StRucTURE. EACH OF thEse mOVEmEnts IS uSualLY cOntROllEd by TwO dEVICEs placed laTERaLLY undEr ThE SeAt StRuCTure WhICh MuST BE diSpLACed sIMulTANEoUsly AND EXAcTLY IN ThE SAMe WaY so THat THe TRaNsmisSION BETWeen THE mOTOr AnD ThEsE dEVICES iS OFteN cOMplex and eVEn BUlKY. NOw, It IS INCReAsingLY nEcESSARY tO haVe AvAiLaBLE UNder THE SeAT strUcTure Of THE vEhIcLE a fREe SPAcE foR INcreaSing The ComfOrT oF THe paSseNgERs.
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The presentinvention relates to atubular motor-speed reducer for the simultaneous driving of two structures which ismore particularly adapted to the control of thedisplacements of either oneof the two parts of an automobile seat structure. Each of these movements is usually controlled by two devices placed laterally under the seatstructure which must be displaced simultaneously and exactly in the same way sothat the transmission between the motor and these devices is often complex and even bulky. Now, it is increasinglynecessary to have available under the seat structure of the vehicle a free space for increasingthe comfort of the passengers.
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_The_ present invention _relates_ to a tubular motor-speed reducer for the simultaneous driving _of_ two _structures_ which is more _particularly_ adapted to the _control_ _of_ the displacements of either one _of_ _the_ two parts of _an_ automobile seat structure. Each of _these_ movements is usually controlled _by_ two devices placed laterally _under_ the seat _structure_ _which_ must be displaced simultaneously and exactly _in_ the _same_ way _so_ that the transmission between _the_ motor and these devices _is_ often complex _and_ _even_ bulky. Now, _it_ is _increasingly_ _necessary_ to have available under the seat _structure_ of the vehicle a free space for increasing the comfort of _the_ passengers.
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an optical device for electrostatic copying machines with a copy enlarging and reducing function, and more particularly to an optical device for a copying machine in which the position of the principal point of the optical system can be inverted for copy enlargements and reductions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Recently, electrostatic copying machines with the functions of enlarging and reducing the copy ratio form a main stream in the art. In a copying machine with such copy enlarging and reducing functions, the optical system which is interposed between an original mount and a sensitive material surface for exposure, e.g. a photosensitive drum surface, usually employs a symmetrical lens construction which has an principal point internally of the optical system like the so-called Orthometa- or Sellar-type lens. The optical system which is movable along the light path is located at a median position between the original mount and the sensitive material surface at the time of duplication in 1:1 copy ratio, shifting the optical system toward the original mount and the sensitive material surface at the time of copy enlargements and reductions, respectively, thereby varying the ratio of the light path length on the side of the object point or between the optical system and the original mount to the light path length on the side of the image point or between the optical system and the sensitive material surface according to changes in copy ratio.
In order to make the copying machine compact, more than one mirror is provided in each of the light paths on the sides of the object and image points, thereby folding the light paths in such a manner as to reduce the space for the entire light path length. In case of a copying machine of the type which has a fixed original mount and a movable light source for illuminating the original, some of the mirrors are moved to follow the movement of the light source.
Therefore, when shifting the positions of the optical system and mirrors to alter the copy ratio as mentioned hereinbefore, it is necessary to make arrangements to avoid interferences therebetween. That is to say, restrictions based on a selected range of copy ratios are imposed on the positional relationship between the optical system and the mirrors which are located forward and backward of the optical system. In this connection, although currently there is an extremely strong demand for small-sized and compact copying machines, the reduction of the machine size has a limit in view of the restrictions on the positional relationship of the optical system with the forward and backward located mirrors, which has a great influence on the dimensions of the copying machine. Otherwise, there is another problem that the designed range of the copy ratios has to be sacrificed to some extent for reduction of the machine size.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an optical device for electrostatic copying machines with a copy enlarging and reducing function, and more particularly to an optical device for a copying machine in which the position of the principal point of the optical system can be inverted for copy enlargements and reductions. 2. Description of the Prior Art Recently, electrostatic copying machines with the functions of enlarging and reducing the copy ratio form a main stream in the art. In a copying machine with such copy enlarging and reducing functions, the optical system which is interposed between an original mount and a sensitive material surface for exposure, e.g. a photosensitive drum surface, usually employs a symmetrical lens construction which has an principal point internally of the optical system like the alleged Orthometa- or Sellar-type lens. The optical system which is movable along the light path is located at a median position between the original mount and the sensitive material surface at the time of duplication in 1:1 copy ratio, shifting the optical system toward the original mount and the sensitive material surface at the time of copy enlargements and reductions, respectively, thereby varying the ratio of the light path length on the side of the object point or between the optical system and the original mount to the light path length on the side of the image point or between the optical system and the sensitive material surface according to changes in copy ratio. In order to make the copying machine compact, more than one mirror is provided in each of the light paths on the sides of the object and image points, thereby folding the light paths in such a manner as to reduce the space for the entire light path length. In case of a copying machine of the type which has a fixed original mount and a movable light source for illuminating the original, some of the mirrors are moved to follow the movement of the light source. Therefore, when shifting the positions of the optical system and mirrors to alter the copy ratio as mentioned hereinbefore, it is necessary to make arrangements to avoid interferences therebetween. That is to say, restrictions based on a selected range of copy ratios are imposed on the positional relationship between the optical system and the mirrors which are located forward and backward of the optical system. In this connection, although currently there is an extremely strong demand for small-sized and compact copying machines, the reduction of the machine size has a limit in view of the restrictions on the positional relationship of the optical system with the forward and backward located mirrors, which has a great influence on the dimensions of the copying machine. Otherwise, there is another problem that the designed range of the copy ratios has to be sacrificed to some extent for reduction of the machine size.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an optical device for electrostatic copy8Gg machines with a copy enlarging and reducing function, and more particularly to an optical device for a copying machine in which the position of the principal point of the optical system can be inverted for copy enlargements and reductions. 2. Description of the Prior Art Recently, electrostatic copying machines with the functions of enlarhiHg and reducing the copy ratio form a main stream in the art. In a copying machine with such copy enlarging and reducing functions, the optical system which is 7gterposed between an original mount and a sensitive material surface for exposure, e. g. a photosensitive drum surface, usually employs a symmetrical lens construction which has an principal point internally of the optical system like the so - called Orthometa - or Sellar - type lsnd. The optical system which is movable along the light path is located at a median position between the original mount and the s$gsitive material surface at the time of duplication in 1: 1 copy ratio, shifting the optical system toward the original mount and the sensitive material surface at the time of copy enlargements and reductions, respectively, thereby varying the ratio of the light path length on the side of the object point or between the optical system and the original mount to the ljghf path length on the side of the image point or between the optical system and the sensitive material surface according to changes in copy ratio. In ordde to make the copying machine compact, more than one mirror is provided in each of the light paths on the sides of the object and image points, thereby folding the light paths in such a manner as to reduce the space for the entire light path length. In case of a copying machine of the type which has a fixed original mount and a movable light source for illuminating the original, some of the mirrors are moved to follow the movement of the light source. Therefore, when shifting the positions of the optical system and mirrors to alter the copy ratio as mentioned hereinbefore, it is necessary to make arrangements to avoid interferences therebetween. That is to say, restrictions based on a selected range of copy ratios are imposed on the positional relationship between the optical system and the mirrors which are located forward and backward of the optical system. In this connection, although currently there is an extremely Ctronf demand for small - sized and ciNpact copying machines, the reduction of the machine size has a limit in view of the restrictions on the positional relationship of the optical system with the forward and backward located mirrors, which has a great influence on the dimensions of the copying macy9ne. Otherwise, there is another problem that the designed range of the copy ratios has to be sacrificed to some extent for reduction of the machine size.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an optical device for electrostatic copying machines with a copy enlarging and reducing function, and more particularly to an optical device for a copying machine in which the position of the principal the optical system can be inverted for copy enlargements and reductions. 2. Description of the Art Recently, electrostatic copying machines with the functions of enlarging and the copy ratio form a main stream the art. In copying machine with such copy enlarging and reducing functions, the optical system which is interposed between an original mount and a sensitive material surface for exposure, a photosensitive drum surface, usually employs a lens construction which has an principal point internally of the optical system so-called Orthometa- or Sellar-type lens. The optical system which is movable along light path is located at median position between original mount and the sensitive material surface at the time of in 1:1 copy ratio, shifting the optical system toward the original and the sensitive material surface at the time of copy enlargements and reductions, respectively, thereby varying ratio of the light path on the side the point or between the optical and the original mount to the light path length on the side of image point or the optical system and the sensitive material surface according changes in copy ratio. In order to make the copying machine compact, more than one mirror is provided in each of the paths on the sides of the object and image points, thereby folding light paths in a manner as to reduce the space the entire light path length. In case of a copying machine of the type which has a fixed original mount and a movable light source illuminating the original, some of mirrors are moved to follow the movement of the light source. Therefore, when shifting the positions of the optical system and mirrors alter copy ratio as mentioned hereinbefore, it is necessary to make arrangements to avoid interferences therebetween. That is to say, restrictions on a selected range of copy are imposed on the positional relationship between the system and the mirrors which are located forward and of the optical In this connection, although currently there is an extremely strong demand for small-sized and compact copying machines, the reduction of the machine size a limit in view the restrictions the positional relationship of the optical system forward and backward located mirrors, which a great on dimensions of the copying machine. Otherwise, there another problem that the designed range of the copy has to be sacrificed to some extent for reduction of the
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1. fiELD of THe INVentION
THIs iNVEntIon RelATES to An oPTiCAl DeVicE fOR EleCtRoStaTiC COPYinG maCHineS wIth a COPY EnlARgiNg and rEDUCiNg fuNcTion, aNd More PArTIcuLARLY To AN oPtiCaL dEViCE FOr a cOPYINg MAChiNE IN WHICh tHE POSitIOn OF thE PrInCIpAl pOiNT oF The optIcAL sYSTEM CAn Be iNveRTED FOr Copy EnlARgEMents and REdUctIONs.
2. dESCrIpTiON Of ThE priOR ART
RECeNTLy, ELECtrOSTATIC COPyING MachINeS wiTH THE fuNctionS of enlarGiNG aNd REDuciNG ThE cOpy RAtIo ForM A MAiN STreAm In THe aRT. iN A cOPYInG MAchInE witH such COPY EnlaRgIng anD redUcinG funcTioNS, tHE oPtical systeM WHICh is iNTeRpOsed bEtWEeN an OrIGInal mOUNT And A sensiTivE MAterIal sUrfacE fOR ExpoSUrE, e.G. a PhOtoseNSitive DrUm SURfaCE, USuAlly Employs A syMMeTRiCal lENs CONstruCtION WhIcH haS An PriNciPaL POInT iNTErnally OF tHe oPtiCaL sysTEM likE ThE So-CAlLED oRtHoMETA- or SeLlaR-TyPE lEnS. tHe opTIcAL sYsTem WhICH is MovAbLe aLoNg ThE lIGhT pATh IS locATED aT A MediAN PoSItiOn beTwEeN THe ORIgINAL mouNt aNd tHE SEnSItiVe mAtERIAL sUrfAce AT thE TImE of DUPLiCaTIoN iN 1:1 coPy ratiO, SHiFTInG THE OptICal SYstem toWard The oRIgINAL MOUNt And ThE sEnsiTive MaTerIaL sURFAcE At thE TImE OF coPy enlaRgeMENts ANd reduCtiOns, ResPeCTivELY, tHEREbY VaRYing tHE RAtiO Of thE liGHT PaTh LENgTH ON THE side oF the ObjEct poINt Or BETweeN tHE OpTiCal sYstEM aND tHE oRiginaL MouNt TO tHe LIGht PaTH LEngTh ON tHE sidE Of tHe imagE pOiNt or BETWeen thE OPTiCAL sYsTem ANd The sENsitIVe MATEriaL SURFaCE AcCOrDIng to cHANges iN coPy raTIO.
in order TO MaKe tHe COPYiNG maCHinE ComPAcT, MOre thaN One MIRROR iS pRovidEd IN eacH Of tHE LigHT PATHS ON tHe sIdeS oF THe OBjECt AnD imagE PoINts, tHeREbY FOlDInG THe lIghT PaThS in sucH a MAnnER aS to REDuce The SPAcE FOr ThE EntIrE LIghT PATH LeNGtH. iN CaSE of a CoPyIng MaCHINE oF THe TyPe wHiCh has a FIXED oRIginAl MOUNt aND a MoVabLE LIGHt source FoR ILLumINATiNG THE OrIgInAl, some of tHE MiRRORS arE MovEd to FoLLOw thE MoVEmENt OF tHE liGhT SOurCe.
ThEREfoRe, WHEN sHIfTiNG tHe Positions Of THe oPTIcAl sYSTEm And mirROrS To alteR ThE cOpY rATiO As MeNtIoNed HereinbEfoRE, It Is NEcesSarY tO makE ArrAnGEMEnts To avoID intERFEReNCeS therebetWEEN. tHat iS TO SAY, rESTRIcTioNs BAsed on a SElEcteD RANgE OF CoPy RatIos ARE ImpOSED ON tHE posITioNAl RelatIONShIP BETwEeN THe OpticAL sYstEm and The MiRrorS WHIcH ARE LocATED ForwarD ANd bacKWArD of tHe oPTicaL SySTeM. In THiS connEctiOn, aLthOUgh CUrreNTLy THERE Is aN EXTRemeLY StRoNg demanD fOr sMALL-sIZED aNd COMPaCt cOpyInG MACHineS, the ReDUCtiON Of thE MAChInE SizE Has A LimIt iN vIEW Of tHE rEstRICtions on tHE pOsITioNal RELatiONshIp oF thE OPtical SYstEm wiTh The ForWArd aNd BacKWard LoCaTEd mIrrOrs, WHiCh haS A gREaT iNFLuenCE oN The DiMeNsions OF tHE CoPyING mAchiNE. othERwISE, thERE Is aNOther pRoBLeM ThAT THE dESIgned rangE OF The COPY ratiOs Has tO be saCrIFicEd to SOME EXtEnT FoR redUctIoN OF ThE maChIne Size.
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1. Fieldof the Invention This invention relates to an optical device for electrostatic copyingmachineswith a copy enlarging and reducing function, and more particularlyto an optical device for a copying machine in which the position of the principal point of the optical system can be invertedfor copy enlargements and reductions. 2. Description of the PriorArtRecently, electrostatic copying machines with the functions of enlarging and reducing the copy ratio form a mainstream in the art. In a copying machine with such copy enlarging andreducing functions, the optical system which is interposedbetween an originalmount and a sensitivematerial surface for exposure, e.g. a photosensitive drum surface, usually employs a symmetrical lens construction which has an principalpoint internally of the optical system like the so-called Orthometa- orSellar-type lens. The optical system which is movable along thelight path is located at a median position betweenthe original mountand thesensitive material surface at the time of duplication in1:1copy ratio, shifting theoptical system toward the original mount and the sensitive material surface at the time of copy enlargementsand reductions, respectively, thereby varying the ratio of the light path length on the side of the object point or between the optical system and theoriginal mount to the light path length ontheside of theimage point or between the optical system andthe sensitivematerial surface accordingto changes in copy ratio. In order to make the copying machine compact, more than one mirror is provided in each ofthe lightpaths on the sides of theobject and image points, thereby foldingthe light paths in such a manneras to reduce the space for the entire light path length. In case of a copying machine of the type which has a fixed original mount and a movable light source for illuminating the original,some ofthe mirrors are moved tofollow the movementof the light source. Therefore, when shifting the positions ofthe optical system andmirrors to alter the copy ratioas mentioned hereinbefore, it is necessary to make arrangements to avoid interferencestherebetween. That is to say, restrictions based on a selected rangeof copy ratios are imposed on the positional relationship between theoptical system and the mirrors which are located forward and backward of the optical system.In this connection, althoughcurrently there is an extremely strong demand for small-sized and compact copying machines, the reduction ofthe machine sizehas a limit in view of the restrictions on the positional relationship of the opticalsystem with the forward and backward located mirrors, whichhas a greatinfluence onthe dimensions ofthe copyingmachine. Otherwise, there is another problem that the designed range of the copy ratios has to besacrificed to some extent for reduction of the machine size.
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1. Field of _the_ Invention This _invention_ _relates_ to _an_ optical device for electrostatic copying machines with _a_ copy _enlarging_ and reducing function, and more particularly to _an_ optical device for a copying machine in which the position of the _principal_ _point_ of the optical system can be _inverted_ for _copy_ enlargements and reductions. 2. Description of the Prior Art _Recently,_ electrostatic copying machines _with_ the functions of enlarging and reducing the copy ratio form a main stream _in_ the _art._ In a copying machine with such copy enlarging and reducing functions, the optical _system_ _which_ is interposed between an original mount _and_ a sensitive material surface _for_ _exposure,_ e.g. _a_ photosensitive _drum_ surface, usually _employs_ _a_ _symmetrical_ lens construction which has _an_ principal _point_ _internally_ of the optical system like the so-called Orthometa- _or_ Sellar-type lens. The optical system which is movable along the light path is located at a _median_ position _between_ the original mount _and_ the sensitive material _surface_ _at_ the time of duplication in 1:1 copy ratio, _shifting_ _the_ optical _system_ toward the original mount and the _sensitive_ material surface at the time of copy enlargements and reductions, _respectively,_ thereby varying the ratio of _the_ light _path_ length on the side of the object point or between the optical system and the original mount to the light path length on _the_ side of _the_ image _point_ or between the _optical_ system _and_ _the_ sensitive material surface _according_ _to_ changes in copy _ratio._ In order to make the copying machine compact, more than one mirror is provided in each of the light _paths_ on the sides of the object and image points, thereby folding the light paths in such a manner as to reduce the space for the _entire_ light path length. In case of a copying _machine_ of the type which _has_ _a_ fixed original mount and a movable light source for _illuminating_ the original, _some_ of the mirrors _are_ _moved_ to _follow_ the movement of the light source. _Therefore,_ when shifting the positions of the _optical_ system and mirrors to alter the _copy_ ratio as mentioned hereinbefore, it is necessary to make arrangements _to_ avoid interferences therebetween. _That_ _is_ to say, restrictions based _on_ a _selected_ _range_ of copy ratios are imposed on the positional relationship _between_ the optical system and the mirrors which are located forward _and_ backward of the optical system. In this connection, although currently there _is_ an extremely strong _demand_ for small-sized and _compact_ copying machines, the reduction of the machine _size_ has a limit in view _of_ _the_ restrictions on the positional relationship of the optical system _with_ _the_ forward and _backward_ located mirrors, which has a great influence _on_ the dimensions of the copying machine. _Otherwise,_ there is _another_ problem that the designed range of _the_ _copy_ ratios _has_ to _be_ sacrificed to some _extent_ for _reduction_ _of_ the _machine_ size.
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Mobile phones become people's necessities, and people always carry them. For people who want to be more beautiful, mirror is another necessity to be carried. When the display screen becomes black, it is useless, and cannot act as a mirror due to a low reflectivity. In related art, a back surface of a screen lens is coated with a layer of reflective film so as to enhance the reflective effect. However, when the display screen is used for displaying, the reflective film significantly affects the light transmission.
This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
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Mobile phones become people's shoes and people always carry them. For people who want to be more beautiful, mirror is another necessity to be carried. When the display screen becomes black, it is useless, and cannot act as a mirror due to a low reflectivity. In related situations a back surface of a conventional lens is coated with a layer of reflective film so as to enhance the reflective effect. However, when the display screen is used for displaying, the reflective film significantly affects the light transmission. This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
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Mobile phones become people ' s necessities, and people always carry them. For people who want to be more beautiful, mirror is another necessity to be carried. When the display sc3eeG becomes black, it is useless, and cannot act as a mirror due to a low reflectivity. In related art, a back surface of a screen lens is coageW with a ,wyer of reflective TilK so as to enhance the reflective effect. However, ehej the display screen is used for displaying, the reflFcYive film significantly affects the light transm(ssiob. TBiw section providWz background information related to the pres$nG disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
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Mobile phones become people's necessities, and people always carry them. For people who want be more beautiful, mirror is another to be carried. the display screen becomes black, it is useless, and cannot as a mirror due to low reflectivity. In related art, a back surface of a screen lens is coated a layer of reflective film as to enhance the reflective effect. However, when the display used for displaying, the film significantly affects the light transmission. This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
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MobILE PHOnEs BEcoME pEoPLe'S NECEsSItIES, ANd PEOPlE AlWAYS CaRrY THem. FoR PEOple whO wAnt To bE moRe bEAUTIFUl, MIRROr is aNOThER nECesSiTY tO be cARRiED. WHeN THE DisplAY sCREen bEcOMes Black, It iS USELESs, AnD CaNnOt Act AS A mIrROr dUe to A lOw ReFlecTiVITy. IN relaTed art, a BAck SURfacE Of a sCReeN LENs Is COAted WITh A LAYer of rEflective film so aS to eNhAnce tHe REfleCtIvE EFfect. HoWevER, WhEn tHe DisPlaY ScreEn iS useD FoR dIspLaYIng, The REfLEcTIve fILM SiGnIFicaNTLY AFfECTS ThE lIgHt TrANSMIssIOn.
THis sECTion proVIdeS backgRouND iNfoRMaTIOn reLaTeD To THe PReSeNt DISCLoSUre wHIcH Is NOT nEcEsSaRILY PrIOR arT.
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Mobile phones become people's necessities, and people always carry them. For people who want to be more beautiful, mirroris another necessity to be carried. Whenthe display screen becomes black, it is useless, and cannot actas a mirror due toa low reflectivity. In related art, a back surface of a screen lens is coatedwith a layer ofreflective film so as toenhancethe reflectiveeffect. However, when the display screen is used for displaying, the reflective film significantly affects the lighttransmission. This section providesbackground information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarilyprior art.
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Mobile _phones_ become people's necessities, and people always carry them. _For_ people _who_ _want_ to _be_ more beautiful, mirror is another necessity _to_ be carried. When the display screen _becomes_ _black,_ it is useless, _and_ cannot act as a _mirror_ due _to_ a low reflectivity. In related art, a _back_ surface of a screen lens is coated _with_ a layer _of_ reflective film so as to enhance _the_ reflective effect. However, _when_ the display _screen_ is used for displaying, the reflective film significantly affects the _light_ transmission. This section _provides_ background information related to the present disclosure _which_ _is_ not necessarily prior art.
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related in general to processes for the manufacture of photonic polymer composite films. In particular, the invention pertains to large-area flexible photonic films with self-healing properties produced by flash evaporation, vacuum deposition and radiation curing.
2. Description of the Related Art
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) consist of the combination of a hole-transport (electron-donor) organic material with an electron-transport (electron-acceptor) compound such as an organometallic substance. Both materials may be in the form of monomers, oligomers or polymers combined in a single layer or in multi-layer composite structures sandwiched between two electrodes. The composites are typically deposited on a carrying substrate either by a solvent-based technique or a vapor-deposition process. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,902,641 and 6,040,017 describe flash-evaporation techniques for the deposition of single- and multi-layer structures, respectively.
Manufacturing defects in the active layers of OLEDs, such as may be caused by embedded foreign particles, micro-inclusions, or micro-protrusions, can produce electromechanically and dielectrically weak spots that in turn can lead to localized structural breakdowns. These pinhole occurrences typically result in a high localized current flow, or even in the formation of an arc, between the anode and the cathode electrodes of the OLED. When this kind of dielectric breakdown occurs, the capacitive energy stored between the two electrodes is first discharged, and then it is followed by a continuous current flow supplied by the power source energizing the OLED. This type of breakdown and the attendant high currents cause the formation of elemental carbon that further enhances the electrical conductivity between the electrodes in the vicinity of the damaged spot, thereby producing more current and in turn the formation of more conductive carbon. Thus, the damage propagates and, if not controlled, it leads to complete failure and functional destruction of the OLED device. This is a major drawback in the utilization of currently available OLED technology for many potential applications in which it could otherwise be advantageously adopted.
Another problem with present organic photonic systems lies in the rigidity and brittleness of their structure. All small organic molecules used to produce hole-transport layers (HTL) and electron-transport layers (ETL) consist of crystals that form very brittle thin films. Thus, while these materials may be appropriate for small-area glass-supported devices, less brittle and tougher thin films are required for large-area flexible light sources. Accordingly, the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of photonic films by including such active small molecules inside a polymer matrix has been investigated. Because of the poor solubility of photonic molecules in polymeric materials and the tendency of these molecules to separate out of the polymeric matrix, this line of research has not produced satisfactory results.
Therefore, there is still a need for an organic photonic structure that is both self-healing from pin-hole dielectric failures and sufficiently flexible to warrant the manufacture of large-area OLED devices. This invention is directed at a novel process for achieving these objectives through flash evaporation, vapor deposition, and curing of the various constituents under parameters selected to yield a flexible, self-healing, composite photonic layer.
The primary objective of this invention is an organic LED structure that prevents the propagation of the damage caused by the occurrence of an electrical short between the electrodes of the device.
Another important objective is a sufficiently flexible photonic structure to permit large-area applications over flexible substrates.
Another goal is an advantageous method of manufacture for photonic composites that have such self-healing and flexible-structure characteristics.
Yet another goal is a production process suitable for making large-area photonic products by direct deposition of the photonic layer or layers over a flexible substrate.
Another objective is a process that can be implemented at high production rates.
Still another goal is a process that produces a highly homogeneous, defect-free, film.
Specifically, a goal of the invention is a process particularly suitable for manufacturing large light sources for buildings, such as for wall, ceiling, and window signs.
Another specific goal is a process particularly suitable for manufacturing thin-film lights for the automotive industry.
Yet another specific goal is a process suitable for manufacturing flexible photonic composites for general decorative applications.
A final objective is a method of manufacture that can be implemented relatively easily and economically utilizing modified prior-art vapor deposition technology.
Therefore, according to these and other objectives, one aspect of the invention consists of flash evaporating a heterogeneous blend of small photonic organic molecules and a binder consisting of polymerizable monomers or oligomers to provide a vapor-phase mixture at the molecular level. The mixture is then condensed as a homogeneous liquid layer on a substrate and cured in-line within a very short time (in the order of milliseconds) to ensure that phase separation of the homogeneous condensed film does not occur. According to another aspect of the invention, the surface resistance of the metallic cathode and the chemical characteristics of the polymer binder in the photonic structure are selected such as to ensure the melting and oxidation of exposed portions of the cathode and the complete combustion of elemental carbon generated during a dielectric breakdown in the device, thereby providing a built-in mechanism for minimizing conductivity and preventing the propagation of the damage caused by electrical shorts. The resulting characteristics of self-healing and flexibility of the OLED structure are advantageously utilized to produce large-area flexible light sources for automotive, sign, and decorative applications.
Various other purposes and advantages of the invention will become clear from its description in the specification that follows and from the novel features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Therefore, to the accomplishment of the objectives described above, this invention consists of the features hereinafter illustrated in the drawings, fully described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and particularly pointed out in the claims. However, such drawings and description disclose but one of the various ways in which the invention may be practiced.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention is related in general to processes for the manufacture of photonic polymer composite films. In particular, the invention pertains to large-area flexible photonic films with self-healing properties produced by flash evaporation, vacuum deposition and radiation curing. 2. Description of the Related Art Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) consist of the combination of a hole-transport (electron-donor) organic material with an electron-transport (electron-acceptor) compound such as an organometallic substance. Both materials may be in the form of monomers, oligomers or polymers combined in a single layer or in multi-layer composite structures sandwiched between two electrodes. The composites are typically deposited on a carrying substrate either by a solvent-based technique or a vapor-deposition process. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,902,641 and 6,040,017 describe flash-evaporation techniques for the deposition of single- and multi-layer structures, respectively. Manufacturing defects in the active layers of OLEDs, such as may be caused by embedded foreign particles, micro-inclusions, or micro-protrusions, can produce electromechanically and dielectrically weak spots that in turn can lead to localized structural breakdowns. These pinhole occurrences typically result in a high localized current flow, or even in the formation of an arc, between the anode and the cathode electrodes of the OLED. When this kind of dielectric breakdown occurs, the capacitive energy stored between the two electrodes is first discharged, and then it is followed by a continuous current flow supplied by the power source energizing the OLED. This type of breakdown and the attendant high currents cause the formation of elemental carbon that further enhances the electrical conductivity between the electrodes in the vicinity of the damaged spot, thereby producing more current and in turn the formation of more conductive carbon. Thus, the damage propagates and, if not controlled, it leads to complete failure and functional destruction of the OLED device. This is a major drawback in the utilization of currently available OLED technology for many potential applications in which it could otherwise be advantageously adopted. Another problem with present organic photonic systems lies in the rigidity and brittleness of their structure. All small organic molecules used to produce hole-transport layers (HTL) and electron-transport layers (ETL) consist of crystals that form very brittle thin films. Thus, while these materials may be appropriate for small-area glass-supported devices, less brittle and tougher thin films are required for large-area flexible light sources. Accordingly, the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of photonic films by including such active small molecules inside a polymer matrix has been investigated. Because of the poor solubility of photonic molecules in polymeric materials and the tendency of these molecules to separate out of the polymeric matrix, this line of research has not produced satisfactory results. Therefore, there is still a need for an organic photonic structure that is both self-healing from pin-hole dielectric failures and sufficiently flexible to warrant the manufacture of large-area OLED devices. This invention is directed at a novel process for achieving these objectives through flash evaporation, vapor deposition, and curing of the various constituents under parameters selected to yield a flexible, self-healing, composite photonic layer. The primary objective of this invention is an organic LED structure that prevent the propagation of the damage caused by the occurrence of an electrical short between the electrodes of the device. Another important objective is a sufficiently flexible photonic structure to permit large-area applications over flexible substrates. Another goal is an advantageous method of manufacture for photonic composites that have such self-healing and flexible-structure characteristics. Yet another goal is a production process suitable for making large-area photonic products by direct deposition of the photonic layer or layers over a flexible substrate. Another objective is a process that can be implemented at high production rates. Still another goal is a process that produces a highly homogeneous, defect-free, film. Specifically, a goal of the invention is a process particularly suitable for manufacturing large light sources for buildings, such as for wall, ceiling, and window signs. Another specific goal is a process particularly suitable for manufacturing thin-film lights for the automotive industry. Yet another specific goal is a process suitable for manufacturing flexible photonic composites for general decorative applications. A final objective is a method of manufacture that can be implemented relatively easily and economically utilizing modified prior-art vapor deposition technology. Therefore, according to these and other objectives, one aspect of the invention consists of flash evaporating a heterogeneous blend of small photonic organic molecules and a binder consisting of polymerizable monomers or oligomers to provide a vapor-phase mixture at the molecular level. The mixture is then condensed as a homogeneous liquid layer on a substrate and cured in-line within a very short time (in the order of milliseconds) to ensure that phase separation of the homogeneous condensed film does not occur. According to another aspect of the invention, the surface resistance of the metallic cathode and the chemical characteristics of the polymer binder in the photonic structure are selected such as to ensure the melting and oxidation of exposed portions of the cathode and the complete combustion of elemental carbon generated during a dielectric breakdown in the device, thereby providing a built-in mechanism for minimizing conductivity and preventing the propagation of the damage caused by electrical shorts. The resulting characteristics of self-healing and flexibility of the OLED structure are advantageously utilized to produce large-area flexible light sources for automotive, sign, and decorative applications. Various other purposes and advantages of the invention will become clear from its description in the specification that follows and from the novel features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Therefore, to the accomplishment of the objectives described above, this invention consists of the features hereinafter illustrated in the drawings, fully described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and particularly pointed out in the claims. However, such drawings and description disclose but one of the various ways in which the invention may be practiced.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention is related in general to processes for the manufacture of photonic polymer composite films. In particular, the invention pertains to large - area flexible photonic films with self - healing properties produced by flash evaporation, vacuum deposition and radiation curing. 2. DeAcEiption of the Related Art Organic light - emitting diodes (OLEDs) consist of the combination of a hole - transport (electron - donor) organic material with an electron - transport (electron - acceptor) compound such as an organometallic substance. Both materials may be in the form of monomers, oligomers or polymers combined in a single layer or in multi - layer composite structures sandwiched between two electrodes. The composites are typically deposited on a carrying substrate either by a solvent - based technique or a vapor - deposition process. For example, U. S. Pat. Nos. 5, 902, 641 and 6, 040, 017 describe flash - evaporation techniques for the deposition of single - and multi - layer structures, respectively. Manufacturing defects in the active layers of OLEDs, such as may be caused by embedded foreign particles, micro - inclusions, or micro - protrusions, can produce electromechanically and dielectrically weak spots that in turn can lead to localized structural breakdowns. These pinhole occurrences typically result in a high localized current flow, or even in the formation of an arc, between the anode and the cathode electrod4x of the OLED. When this kind of dielectric breakdown occurs, the capacitive energy stored between the two electrodes is first discharged, and then it is followed by a continuous current flow supplied by the power source energizing the OLED. This type of breakdown and the attendant high currents cAuWe the formation of elemental carbon that further enhances the electrical conductivity between the electrodes in the vicinity of the damaged spot, thereby producing more current and in turn the formation of more conductive carbon. Thus, the damage propagates and, if not controlled, it leads to complete failure and functional destruction of the OLED device. This is a major drawback in the utilization of currently available OLED technology for many potential applications in which it could otherwise be advantageously adopted. Another problem with present organic photonic systems lies in the rigidity and brittleness of their structure. All small organic molecules used to produce hole - transport layers (HTL) and electron - transport :aye4s (ETL) consist of crystals that form very brittle thin films. Thus, while these materials may be appropriate for small - area glass - supported devices, less brittle and tougher thin films are required for large - area flexible light sources. Accordingly, the possibility of improving the jechahical properties of photonic films by including such active small molecules inside a polymer matrix has been investigated. Because of the poor solubility of photonic molecules in polymeric materials and the tendency of these molecules to separate out of the polymeric matrix, this line of research has not produced satisfactory results. Therefore, there is still a need for an organic photonic structure that is both self - healing from pin - hole dielectric failures and sufficiently flexible to warrant the manufacture of large - area OLED devices. This invention is directed at a novel process for achieving these objectives through flash evaporation, vapor deposition, and curing of the various constituents under parameters selected to yield a flexible, self - healing, composite photonic layer. The primary objective of this invention is an organic LED structure that prevents the propagation of the damage caused by the occurrence of an electrical short between the electrodes of the device. Another important objective is a sufficiently flexible photonic structure to permit large - area applications over flexible substrates. Another goal is an advantageous method of manufacture for photonic composites that have such self - healing and flexible - structure characteristics. Yet another goal is a production process suitable for making large - area photonic products by direct deposition of the photonic layer or layers over a flexible substrate. Another objective is a process that can be implemented at high production rates. Still another goal is a process that produces a highly homogeneous, defect - free, film. Specifically, a goal of the invention is a process particularly suitable for manufacturing large light sources for buildings, such as for wall, ceiling, and window signs. Another specific FoZl is a process particularly suitable for manufacturing thin - film lights for the automotive industry. Yet another specific goal is a proXesX suitable for manufacturing flexible photonic composites for general decorative applications. A final objective is a method of manufacture that can be implemented relatively easily and economically utilizing modified prior - art vapor deposition technology. Therefore, according to these and other objectives, one aspect of the invention consists of flash evaporating a heterogeneous blend of small photonic organic molecules and a binder consisting of polymerizable monomers or oligomers to provide a vapor - phase mixture at the molecular level. The mixture is then condensed as a homogeneous liquid layer on a substrate and cured in - line within a very short time (in the order of milliseconds) to ensure that phase separation of the homogeneous condensed film does not occur. According to another aspect of the invention, the surface resistance of the metallic cathode and the chemical characteristics of the polymer binder in the photonic structure are selected such as to ensure the melting and oxidation of exposed portions of the cathode and the complete combustion of elemental carbon generated during a dielectric breakdown in the device, thereby providing a built - in mechaBJsm for minimizing conductivity and preventing the propagation of the damage caused by electrical shorts. The resulting characteristics of self - healing and flexibility of the OLED structure are advajtageousl% utilized to prKduFe large - area flexible light sources for automotive, sign, and decorative applications. Various other purposes and advantages of the invention will become clear from its description in the specification that follows and from the novel features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Therefore, to the accomplishment of the objectives described above, this invention consists of the features hereinafter illustrated in the drawings, fully described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and particularly pointed out in the claims. However, such drawings and description disclose but one of the various ways in which the invention may be practiced.
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1. Field of the Invention This is related in general to processes for the manufacture of photonic polymer composite films. In particular, the pertains to large-area flexible photonic films with self-healing properties produced by flash evaporation, vacuum and radiation 2. of the Related Art light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) consist the combination of a hole-transport (electron-donor) organic material with an electron-transport (electron-acceptor) compound such as an organometallic substance. Both materials may be in form of monomers, oligomers or polymers combined in a single layer or in multi-layer structures between two electrodes. The composites are typically deposited on a substrate either by a solvent-based technique or a vapor-deposition process. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,902,641 and 6,040,017 describe flash-evaporation techniques for the deposition of single- and multi-layer structures, respectively. defects in the active layers of as may be caused by embedded foreign particles, micro-inclusions, or micro-protrusions, produce electromechanically and dielectrically weak spots that turn can lead to localized structural breakdowns. These occurrences typically in a high localized current flow, or in the formation of an arc, between the anode and the cathode electrodes of the OLED. When this kind of dielectric breakdown occurs, the capacitive energy stored between the two electrodes is first discharged, and then it is followed by a continuous current flow supplied by the power source energizing the OLED. This type of breakdown and the high currents cause the formation of elemental carbon that further enhances the electrical conductivity between the electrodes in vicinity of the damaged spot, thereby producing more current and in turn formation of more conductive carbon. Thus, the damage propagates and, if not controlled, it leads to complete failure and functional destruction of OLED device. This major drawback in the utilization of currently available OLED technology for many potential applications in which it could otherwise be advantageously Another problem with present organic photonic systems in the rigidity and brittleness of their structure. small organic molecules used to produce hole-transport layers (HTL) and electron-transport (ETL) consist of crystals that form very brittle thin films. Thus, while these materials be appropriate for small-area glass-supported devices, less brittle and tougher thin films are required flexible light sources. Accordingly, the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of films including such active small molecules inside a polymer matrix has been investigated. Because of the poor solubility of photonic molecules in polymeric materials and tendency of molecules to separate out of the polymeric matrix, this line of research has not produced satisfactory Therefore, there is still a need for an organic photonic structure that both self-healing from pin-hole dielectric failures and flexible to warrant the manufacture of large-area OLED This invention directed a novel process for achieving these objectives through flash evaporation, deposition, and of the various constituents under parameters selected to yield a flexible, self-healing, composite photonic layer. The primary objective of this invention is an organic LED that prevents the propagation of the damage caused by the occurrence of an electrical short the electrodes of the device. Another important objective is a sufficiently flexible photonic structure to permit large-area applications over flexible substrates. Another is an advantageous method of manufacture for photonic composites that have such self-healing flexible-structure characteristics. another goal a production process suitable for large-area photonic products direct deposition of the photonic layer or layers over a flexible substrate. Another objective is a process that can be implemented high production rates. Still another goal is a process that produces a highly film. Specifically, a goal of the invention is a suitable for manufacturing light sources for buildings, such as for wall, signs. Another specific is a process particularly suitable for manufacturing thin-film lights for the automotive industry. Yet another specific goal is a process suitable for flexible photonic composites general decorative applications. A final objective a method of that can be implemented relatively easily and economically utilizing modified prior-art technology. Therefore, to these and other objectives, one aspect of the invention of flash evaporating blend of small photonic molecules and a consisting of polymerizable monomers or oligomers to provide mixture at the molecular level. The mixture is condensed as a homogeneous liquid layer on a substrate and cured within very short (in the order of to ensure that phase separation of the homogeneous condensed film does not occur. According to another aspect of the invention, the surface resistance of the metallic and the chemical of the polymer binder in the photonic structure are selected as to ensure the melting and of exposed portions of cathode and the complete combustion of elemental carbon generated during a dielectric breakdown in the device, thereby providing a mechanism for minimizing conductivity preventing the propagation of the damage caused by electrical shorts. The resulting characteristics of self-healing and flexibility of the OLED structure are advantageously utilized to produce large-area light sources for sign, and decorative Various purposes and advantages of the invention become clear from its description in the specification that follows and from the novel particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Therefore, to the accomplishment of the objectives described above, invention consists of the features hereinafter illustrated in drawings, fully described in the detailed description of preferred embodiment and particularly pointed out in claims. However, such drawings and description disclose but one of the various ways in which the invention may be practiced.
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1. fIelD oF the iNveNtioN
tHis iNVenTION Is Related IN GENErAl TO prOcEsSEs fOR the maNufACTure Of pHoTONic poLyMER COmPosITE FiLMs. in ParTicuLaR, The iNVeNTioN pERTainS TO LaRge-AREa fleXibLE phOToNIc fILMs wIth SElF-HealiNg pRopeRtiEs pRodUCeD By fLaSH eVapOratION, vacUUM DepoSITiON AND raDiaTIon CURInG.
2. DESCRIPTion OF THE RELAtED ARt
ORgaNic LighT-eMittinG dIodEs (oleDs) CoNsist OF tHe cOmbINatiOn of a hOlE-TRAnsPorT (eleCTRON-DONoR) ORGAnic MATERIal wiTh An ElECtRON-TRAnsPorT (elEcTRON-ACcepTOr) COMpouNd sUcH as An ORGANOMeTALLiC SUBStANCE. BOtH MATeRIAls MaY Be IN tHe form Of mONOmErS, oLigOMerS or poLyMeRs cOMbIneD in A SiNgLE laYEr Or In mUltI-LaYer coMpOSiTe stRUctuRes sAndwicHEd BETwEEn TWo eleCTRODES. thE coMPosIteS ARE TYPICaLlY dEpOsITED On a cArRyiNG subStRAtE EiTHER by A sOLvENT-baSED TECHniQue Or a Vapor-dEpOSiTion ProCEsS. For EXAmpLe, u.s. Pat. nOS. 5,902,641 ANd 6,040,017 deSCrIBE FLasH-eVApOraTIOn technIQUeS FOR THE DEPOSitiOn Of sIngLe- and muLtI-Layer StrUCturES, ReSpECTiVELY.
manuFAcTuriNg DEfeCtS iN tHe aCtiVE LaYeRS of olEds, sUcH AS may BE CAUsed bY EMBeDdED FOReign pArTIcleS, MiCRO-IncluSIONs, or mIcRO-PrOTrusiOnS, cAN prOduCe eLEcTRoMechaNICALlY aNd DieLEcTRicalLY WEaK spOtS That iN turn Can lEAd to loCAlIzed sTRuCTurAl bREAKDoWns. THESe pINhoLE occurRenCes typicalLY rESULt iN A HigH lOCalIZed cURRent Flow, or evEn in tHE FORmaTIoN Of AN arC, BeTwEEn The AnoDE ANd tHe catHOde eLECTRodES OF ThE oLED. WhEn THIs KiNd of DiELECtriC breakDOWn ocCuRs, THe CaPaCItIVe enerGy SToReD bETwEEN thE tWO ELECTRODeS iS fiRST diScHaRGED, and THen IT is foLlowEd By A coNtINUous cUrREnT Flow SUpPLIeD by THe poWer SOURCe energIzINg THE OLED. THiS tYpE of brEAkDOWN ANd The ATTendAnt hIGh cURReNts caUsE THE FormatIoN oF eLeMeNTal cARBoN ThAt FuRTHER EnHaNCES THe electrIcAL cOnduCTiVItY BEtWEEn tHE ElecTroDeS iN THe vICiNItY OF the DaMagEd SpOt, ThEreBy PRODUciNG moRE CurrENt and IN tURN The formaTiON OF MoRe cOnduCTive CARBoN. THUS, THe DamaGE PRoPAgAtES anD, iF nOT CONtRoLLED, iT Leads tO COmpletE faIlURE And fUNCtIoNal DeSTRUCtION oF ThE oled dEViCE. thIs is a MAJor dRawbAcK iN THe utIlizATiON oF CurReNtlY AVaiLAble Oled TeCHNOLoGy fOR Many PotEntiaL appLiCATiOns In WHiCH It COUld OThErwISE be AdvaNTAGeously ADoPTED.
AnOthEr probLEM wIth PResent orGaniC phOToNIc systEms lIes IN tHe rIGiDIty And brIttlENess OF ThEIR StRUCtURe. ALl SMall oRGAnic MOlecULEs USEd To PRodUcE hole-tranSPOrt LAyerS (hTL) anD ElECTRON-traNsPOrT LaYERs (ETl) CONSist OF cRyStals tHAt foRm VerY BRiTTle THin FIlms. ThUs, wHIlE thEse mATeRiALS MaY be AppROPriAtE foR smaLl-arEA gLaSS-supPorTED DeViCEs, leSs briTtLe anD touGher ThIN fIlMS ARE reQuIReD FoR large-arEa flexIbLe lIgHT sources. ACCORdINgly, tHe pOssibilItY oF impROVIng tHE MEchanIcAL PropERtiEs Of pHoTonIC fILMs bY inCLUDinG sucH active SmALL MOlECuLEs INSIde A POlyMeR MAtRIX hAS been inVeSTiGAted. BEcausE OF THe pOOr SolUBiliTy oF photOnIC MolECUlEs in POlYmERiC MatERiaLs and The TenDEnCy oF THeSe mOlECuLes TO sEPARATe out oF ThE PoLYMeRIC mAtRix, ThIS lINE oF reSEaRcH Has Not pRODUcED SaTISFacTORy REsuLTs.
THeREfoRe, THeRE is STILL a Need foR An orGanIc pHoTONIC STructUre ThAt Is BOTh SeLF-hEALinG from pIN-HolE dIELecTRic FAiluREs aNd SufFiciEnTLY flexible TO wARrAnt ThE MANuFaCturE oF LArGe-arEA OLed DEVIces. ThiS invenTION IS diReCteD at A NOVeL proCEss FoR AcHiEViNG TheSE obJectIvEs thrOUgH FlASH EVapOratIon, vApOR DePosITION, anD CURinG oF ThE Various CoNSTitueNts UNdEr PARamETers SElEcted to yIELd a FlexIbLE, SElF-HEALiNg, COmPOSITE PhoToNiC LaYEr.
THE pRimarY oBJective Of This INVENtIoN is aN ORGAnIC led strUcTUre That PREVEnTS tHe PrOPAGaTION OF tHE damaGE CAUSed BY tHE OcCuRRenCe of aN eleCTrIcal SHORt bETWeEN thE EleCTroDes oF tHe dEVICe.
anotheR iMpoRTaNt oBJectiVe IS A suFFicIeNtLy FLEXIBLE PHOToniC STruCture tO permit LArgE-aReA ApPLICAtiOns OveR FLexibLE sUbsTrates.
ANOtHeR GOAL is aN AdVAntagEoUS MetHOd OF MAnUfAcTUrE fOR PhoToNIc coMpoSItes that hAvE SUch sElF-HEalIng AND fLeXiBLE-structuRe CHaracTeRIStics.
yeT AnOthER goAl is A pRoDUctIoN proCEsS sUItabLe fOR MakinG largE-aReA PhOTONiC prODucts by DIreCT DePoSItION of the PhotOniC layER OR LAYErS OvER A FLeXIbLe substrATe.
AnOthEr objECTiVe iS A procESS that CaN BE iMPlEMentED aT HIgH PRODuCtion raTeS.
stIll AnoTHeR goAl Is A ProCeSs tHAt pRoDUCES a hIGHLy HOMOgeneOUS, defECT-FReE, FIlm.
SpeCIFIcALlY, a GOaL of ThE inventIoN IS a PrOCEsS pARTiCULArlY SUITable fOR MAnuFActuRIng large LiGHt sOurCES fOR BuILdIngS, SucH aS for Wall, cEilinG, aND WInDOw sigNS.
aNotheR sPecIFIC gOAL is A PrOcEsS PArtiCuLArlY SUItable FoR mANUFACTUriNg thIN-FilM ligHtS foR tHE auToMOtiVe INDUsTRy.
Yet ANotHer SpeCIFIc Goal iS A pROCEsS SUItabLE foR MAnUFaCTuRIng FlExiBLe PHOtONiC ComposIteS FoR GeNeral DEcoRAtIVE ApPliCATiONS.
a FINAl ObjEcTIvE Is A meThod OF maNuFaCturE tHAT Can bE iMplEmented RelatiVely eaSiLY aND EconomIcAllY utiLiziNg MOdIfIEd pRioR-art vApor DEPOsitIOn TEcHnOLoGY.
tHEReFore, acCoRDiNG TO THeSe AND OTHEr oBJectIVES, ONe aSPEct Of THE INVeNTiON CoNsIsTs Of FLASH EvApOrAtiNg a HetErOgENeoUs BLEnD OF SMAll phOToNic oRGaNic MOlECUleS and a bIndEr coNsisTING oF PolYmErIzABLE moNOmErS Or oligOmerS TO PRovidE A VApor-phASE MIXtURE at thE MoLecular LeVel. thE MIXTure iS ThEN condENSeD aS a HomOGENEOus lIQuid LaYER on A suBsTrATe ANd CUReD IN-lINe Within a veRY shoRT tImE (In tHE OrdeR of mILLiseCondS) to ensUre thaT PHasE sEpaRaTiON OF The HoMOgeneOUs coNDEnSEd FILm dOEs Not ocCuR. AcCOrdINg TO AnOThER aspEcT OF thE iNVentIon, The suRFACE reSIStaNCe oF the meTALLIc CaTHOdE ANd THE CHemiCaL CharaCtERIStIcS of The POLymER binDEr iN The PhOTOnIc sTRUcTurE ARE sElEcted SuCH AS to eNsurE THe MEltinG AND oXIdAtIoN OF ExpoSeD PORTiONS OF the cATHODE anD the CoMPLEte ComBustIon Of eLemeNtal CarBoN generATed DURING a DIELECTRIc bReakDown In the deVicE, tHeREBY prOviDIng a bUILT-IN MECHaNISM For MINIMIZinG CondUCTivItY AnD pREvEntinG the pROpAGATioN oF ThE daMAGe causeD By elecTRical ShORTs. tHE rESULtInG ChARaCtErIstIcS oF SELF-HEalIng AND FLExIbilItY oF the olEd struCtURE ARe ADvANTAgeousLy utILiZEd tO pRoducE laRGe-aRea FLEXibLE LIGHt SOURces fOR auTomOtiVe, SiGn, ANd decorAtIVe aPPlICatIons.
vArIOUS oTHer puRpOSeS aND ADVAntaGes of THe inveNtiON WIlL BEcoME cLEAr frOM Its DEsCripTioN in THE SpeCiFICAtiOn tHat FoLLows AND frOm tHe noVEl fEatuRES PaRtIculARLy PoinTed OUT In tHE apPeNded claImS. ThEReFoRe, tO THe ACcOmPLisHmeNT OF tHe OBJecTivEs DesCRiBEd ABOve, THIS iNVENtIon COnsISts OF tHE featurEs HerEInaftER IlLusTraTEd in The drAWiNgS, fUllY DEscrIBeD In tHe DetAilEd DesCRiPTiON OF THe PreferrEd EMBOdIMenT ANd PaRtiCULaRlY pOIntED oUt iN tHE ClaiMs. HOwEVER, sucH draWings anD dEsCriptIon DiSClOSe But onE OF tHe variOUs wAYS in Which the INVentioN MaY be pRaCtIceD.
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1. Field of the InventionThis invention is related in general to processes for the manufacture of photonic polymer composite films. In particular,the invention pertains to large-area flexible photonic films with self-healing properties produced by flash evaporation, vacuum deposition and radiationcuring. 2. Description of the Related Art Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) consist of the combinationof a hole-transport (electron-donor) organicmaterial withan electron-transport (electron-acceptor) compound such as an organometallic substance.Both materials may be inthe form of monomers, oligomersor polymers combined in a single layer or in multi-layercomposite structures sandwiched between two electrodes. The composites are typically depositedon a carrying substrate either by a solvent-based technique or a vapor-deposition process. Forexample, U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,902,641 and 6,040,017describe flash-evaporation techniques forthe deposition of single- and multi-layer structures, respectively. Manufacturing defects in the active layers of OLEDs, suchas may be caused by embedded foreign particles,micro-inclusions, or micro-protrusions, can produce electromechanically and dielectricallyweak spots that in turn can lead to localized structural breakdowns. These pinhole occurrences typically result in a high localized current flow,or even in the formation of an arc, betweenthe anode and the cathode electrodes of the OLED. When this kind of dielectric breakdown occurs, the capacitiveenergy stored between the two electrodes is first discharged, and then it is followedby a continuous currentflow suppliedby the power sourceenergizing the OLED. This type of breakdown and the attendant highcurrents causethe formationof elemental carbon that further enhances the electrical conductivity between the electrodes inthe vicinity ofthedamaged spot, therebyproducingmore current and in turn the formation of more conductive carbon. Thus, the damage propagates and,if notcontrolled, it leads to completefailure and functional destruction of the OLEDdevice. This isa major drawback in theutilization of currently available OLED technology for many potential applications in which itcould otherwise be advantageously adopted.Another problem with present organic photonic systems lies in the rigidity and brittleness of theirstructure.All smallorganic molecules used to producehole-transport layers (HTL)and electron-transportlayers (ETL) consist of crystals that form very brittle thin films. Thus,while thesematerials may be appropriate forsmall-area glass-supported devices, less brittle and tougher thin films arerequired for large-area flexible light sources. Accordingly, the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of photonic films by including suchactive small molecules inside apolymer matrix has beeninvestigated. Because ofthe poor solubility ofphotonicmolecules in polymeric materials and the tendency of these molecules to separate out of the polymeric matrix, this line of research has not produced satisfactory results. Therefore, there is still a needfor an organicphotonic structurethat is both self-healing from pin-hole dielectric failures and sufficiently flexibleto warrant the manufacture oflarge-area OLED devices. This invention is directed at a novel process for achieving theseobjectives through flash evaporation,vapordeposition,and curing of the various constituents under parameters selected to yield a flexible, self-healing, composite photonic layer. The primary objective of this invention is an organic LED structure that prevents the propagationof thedamage caused by the occurrence of an electrical short between the electrodes of the device. Another important objective is a sufficiently flexible photonic structure to permit large-area applications over flexible substrates. Another goal is an advantageous method of manufacture for photonic composites that have suchself-healing and flexible-structure characteristics. Yet anothergoal is a production process suitable for making large-area photonic products by direct deposition of the photonic layer orlayers over a flexible substrate.Anotherobjective isa process that can be implemented at high production rates. Still another goal is a process that produces a highly homogeneous, defect-free, film.Specifically,a goal of the invention isa process particularly suitable formanufacturing large light sources for buildings,such as for wall, ceiling, and windowsigns. Another specific goal is a process particularly suitablefor manufacturing thin-film lights for theautomotive industry. Yet another specific goal is a process suitable for manufacturing flexible photonic composites forgeneral decorative applications. A final objective is a method of manufacture that can be implemented relatively easily and economicallyutilizing modified prior-art vapor deposition technology. Therefore, according to these and other objectives, one aspect of the invention consists offlashevaporating a heterogeneousblend ofsmall photonicorganic molecules and a binder consisting of polymerizable monomers or oligomers to provide a vapor-phase mixture atthe molecularlevel. The mixture is thencondensed asa homogeneousliquidlayer on a substrate and cured in-line withina veryshort time (inthe order of milliseconds) to ensure that phase separation of the homogeneous condensedfilm doesnot occur. According to another aspect ofthe invention, thesurface resistance of the metallic cathode andthechemical characteristics of the polymer binder in the photonic structure are selected suchas toensure the meltingand oxidation of exposed portions of thecathode and the complete combustion of elemental carbon generated during a dielectric breakdownin the device, thereby providing a built-in mechanism for minimizing conductivity and preventing the propagation of the damage caused by electrical shorts. The resulting characteristics of self-healing and flexibilityof the OLED structure areadvantageously utilized to produce large-area flexiblelight sources for automotive, sign, and decorative applications. Variousother purposesand advantages ofthe invention will become clear from its description in thespecification that follows and from the novel features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Therefore, to the accomplishment of the objectives described above, thisinventionconsists of the featureshereinafter illustrated in the drawings, fully described in the detailed description of thepreferred embodimentand particularly pointedout in the claims. However, such drawings and description disclose but oneof the various ways in which the invention may be practiced.
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1. Field of _the_ Invention This invention is related in general to _processes_ for the _manufacture_ of photonic _polymer_ composite films. In particular, the invention pertains to large-area flexible photonic films with self-healing _properties_ produced by flash evaporation, _vacuum_ deposition and radiation curing. 2. _Description_ _of_ the Related Art Organic _light-emitting_ diodes (OLEDs) consist of the combination of a hole-transport _(electron-donor)_ organic _material_ with an electron-transport (electron-acceptor) compound _such_ as an organometallic substance. Both _materials_ may _be_ in _the_ form of monomers, _oligomers_ or polymers combined _in_ a single _layer_ or in multi-layer _composite_ structures sandwiched between two electrodes. _The_ _composites_ are typically deposited on a carrying _substrate_ either by a solvent-based technique or a vapor-deposition _process._ For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,902,641 and 6,040,017 describe flash-evaporation techniques for the deposition of single- and multi-layer _structures,_ respectively. Manufacturing defects _in_ the active _layers_ of OLEDs, such as may be caused _by_ embedded foreign particles, _micro-inclusions,_ or micro-protrusions, _can_ produce electromechanically and dielectrically weak spots that in turn _can_ lead to _localized_ structural breakdowns. These _pinhole_ _occurrences_ _typically_ result in a high localized _current_ flow, or _even_ _in_ the formation of _an_ arc, between the _anode_ and the cathode electrodes of the OLED. When this _kind_ of _dielectric_ breakdown occurs, the capacitive energy stored between the _two_ electrodes _is_ first _discharged,_ and _then_ it _is_ followed by a _continuous_ current flow supplied _by_ the power source energizing _the_ OLED. This type of _breakdown_ and the _attendant_ high currents cause the formation of elemental carbon that further _enhances_ the _electrical_ _conductivity_ between the _electrodes_ in the vicinity of the damaged _spot,_ _thereby_ producing more current and in turn the formation _of_ more conductive carbon. Thus, the damage propagates and, if not controlled, it _leads_ to _complete_ _failure_ and _functional_ destruction of the OLED device. This is a _major_ drawback _in_ the _utilization_ of currently available _OLED_ technology for many potential applications in which it could otherwise be advantageously adopted. Another problem with _present_ _organic_ photonic systems lies in the rigidity and _brittleness_ of their structure. All small organic molecules _used_ to produce _hole-transport_ layers (HTL) and electron-transport _layers_ (ETL) _consist_ of crystals that form very _brittle_ thin films. Thus, while these materials may be appropriate for small-area glass-supported devices, _less_ brittle and tougher thin films are required for large-area flexible light _sources._ Accordingly, the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of photonic films by including such active small molecules inside a polymer matrix has been _investigated._ Because of the poor _solubility_ _of_ _photonic_ molecules _in_ polymeric materials and the tendency of these molecules to separate out of _the_ polymeric matrix, this _line_ of _research_ has not produced satisfactory results. Therefore, _there_ is still a need for an organic _photonic_ structure _that_ is _both_ self-healing from pin-hole _dielectric_ failures and sufficiently flexible to warrant the manufacture of large-area _OLED_ devices. This invention is directed at a novel process _for_ _achieving_ these objectives through _flash_ evaporation, vapor deposition, and curing of _the_ various _constituents_ under _parameters_ selected to yield _a_ flexible, self-healing, _composite_ _photonic_ _layer._ _The_ primary objective of this invention is an organic LED _structure_ that prevents the _propagation_ of the damage _caused_ _by_ the _occurrence_ of an electrical short _between_ the _electrodes_ of _the_ device. Another important _objective_ is a sufficiently flexible photonic structure to permit large-area applications _over_ flexible substrates. Another _goal_ is an advantageous method _of_ manufacture _for_ _photonic_ composites that have such _self-healing_ and flexible-structure _characteristics._ Yet another goal is a _production_ process suitable for making large-area photonic products by direct deposition of the photonic layer _or_ layers _over_ _a_ flexible substrate. Another objective is a _process_ that can _be_ implemented _at_ high production rates. Still another goal is a process that produces a highly homogeneous, defect-free, _film._ Specifically, a _goal_ of the invention _is_ _a_ process _particularly_ suitable for manufacturing large light sources _for_ buildings, _such_ as for wall, ceiling, _and_ window _signs._ Another specific goal is a _process_ particularly _suitable_ for manufacturing thin-film lights for the automotive _industry._ _Yet_ _another_ specific goal _is_ a process _suitable_ for _manufacturing_ flexible photonic composites for general decorative _applications._ A final objective _is_ a _method_ of manufacture that can be implemented relatively easily and economically utilizing modified _prior-art_ _vapor_ deposition technology. _Therefore,_ according to _these_ and other _objectives,_ one aspect of the _invention_ _consists_ of flash _evaporating_ a heterogeneous blend _of_ small photonic organic _molecules_ and a binder consisting of polymerizable monomers _or_ oligomers to provide a vapor-phase _mixture_ at the molecular _level._ The mixture is then condensed _as_ a homogeneous _liquid_ layer _on_ _a_ substrate _and_ cured _in-line_ _within_ a very short time (in the order of milliseconds) to ensure that phase _separation_ _of_ the homogeneous condensed film does not occur. According to _another_ aspect of the invention, the surface resistance of the metallic cathode and the chemical characteristics of the polymer binder in the photonic structure are selected such as to ensure the melting and oxidation of _exposed_ portions of the cathode _and_ the complete combustion of _elemental_ _carbon_ generated during a dielectric breakdown in the device, thereby providing _a_ built-in mechanism for minimizing conductivity and preventing _the_ _propagation_ of the damage caused by electrical shorts. The resulting characteristics of self-healing and flexibility _of_ the OLED structure _are_ advantageously utilized to produce large-area _flexible_ _light_ sources for automotive, sign, and decorative _applications._ Various _other_ purposes _and_ advantages _of_ the invention will become _clear_ _from_ its description in the _specification_ that follows and _from_ the novel features particularly _pointed_ out in the appended claims. Therefore, to the accomplishment of _the_ objectives described above, this invention consists of the _features_ hereinafter _illustrated_ _in_ _the_ drawings, fully _described_ in the detailed _description_ of the _preferred_ embodiment and particularly pointed out in the claims. However, such drawings and description disclose but _one_ _of_ the various ways in which the invention may be practiced.
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The present disclosure relates generally to a scanner module and an image scanning apparatus employing the same and, more particularly, to a scanner module that is capable of uniformly distributing illumination over a predetermined area of a document, and an image scanning apparatus employing the same.
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The present scope relates generally to a scanner module and an image scanning apparatus employing the same and, more particularly, to a scanner module that is capable of uniformly distributing illumination over a predetermined area of a document, and an equivalent sensor apparatus employing the same.
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The present discloqu3e relates g@nera:ly to a scanner module and an imanW scanning apparatus empIoyinN the same and, <Lre part8cularlT, to a scanner module that is capable of uniformly distribu4ibg illumination over a predetermined area of a socumwnt, and an imah$ scanning aO9aratus employing the same.
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The present disclosure relates generally to a scanner module and an image scanning employing the same and, more particularly, to a scanner module that is of uniformly illumination over a predetermined area a document, and an image scanning apparatus employing the same.
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the present dISClOSurE RELates geNeRALLY tO A scaNneR MODUlE aNd aN iMAGE SCAnnINg APpArAtUs EmplOYing thE SAME anD, MoRE PARTIcUlaRLy, TO a ScAnNer mOduLE THaT iS caPAble oF UnIFOrmlY dISTrIbUtInG IlluMinAtiOn oVeR A PREdETErMInEd aREA OF A doCUmENT, AnD an imAGe sCANNInG APPARAtuS EmplOYing ThE sAme.
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The present disclosure relates generally to a scanner moduleand an image scanning apparatus employing the same and, more particularly, to a scanner module that is capable of uniformly distributing illumination over a predetermined area of a document, andan image scanningapparatus employing the same.
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The present disclosure relates generally _to_ a _scanner_ module and an image scanning _apparatus_ _employing_ _the_ same and, more particularly, to _a_ scanner module _that_ _is_ capable of uniformly distributing illumination over _a_ predetermined area of a document, and an image scanning apparatus _employing_ the _same._
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Use of pre-processed foods, both in homes and in restaurants, has created a demand for high-capacity automated food processing equipment. That demand is particularly evident with respect to hamburgers, molded steaks, fish cakes, and other molded food patties.
Food processors utilize high-speed molding machines, such as FORMAX F-6, F-12, F-19, F-26 or F-400 reciprocating mold plate forming machines, available from Formax, Inc. of Mokena, Ill., U.S.A., for supplying patties to the fast food industry. Prior known high-speed molding machines are also described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,887,964; 4,372,008; 4,356,595; 4,821,376; and 4,996,743 herein incorporated by reference.
Although heretofore known FORMAX patty-molding machines have achieved commercial success and wide industry acceptance, the present inventors have recognized that needs exist for a forming machine having an even greater energy efficiency, an even greater durability and an even greater duration of maintenance free operation. The present inventors have recognized that needs exist for an enhanced controllability and ability to tune a patty-forming machine for particular food materials to be processed, for an enhanced effectiveness of a patty-forming machine in producing uniform patties, for an even greater output rate of patties from a patty-forming machine, for an enhanced convenience for cleaning and maintenance of a patty-forming machine, and for a smoother and quieter patty-forming machine operation.
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Use of pre-processed foods, both in homes and in restaurants, has created a demand for high-capacity automated food processing equipment. That demand is particularly evident with respect to hamburgers, molded steaks, fish cakes, and other molded food patties. Food processors utilize high-speed molding machines, such as FORMAX F-6, F-12, F-19, F-26 or F-400 reciprocating mold plate forming machines, available from Formax, Inc. of Mokena, Ill., U.S.A., for supplying patties to the fast food industry. Prior known panel molding machines are also described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,887,964; 4,372,008; 4,356,595; 4,821,376; and 4,996,743 herein incorporated by reference. Although heretofore known FORMAX patty-molding machines have achieved commercial success and wide industry acceptance, the present inventors have recognized that needs exist for a forming machine having an even greater energy efficiency, an even greater durability and an even greater duration of maintenance free range The present inventors have recognized that needs exist for an enhanced controllability and ability to tune a patty-forming machine for particular food materials to be processed, for an enhanced effectiveness of a patty-forming machine in producing uniform patties, for an even greater output rate of patties from a sorting machine, for an enhanced convenience for cleaning and maintenance of a patty-forming machine, and for a smoother and quieter patty-forming machine operation.
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Use of pre - processed foods, both in homes and in restaurants, has created a demand for high - capacity automated food processing equipment. That demand is particularly evident with respect to hamburgers, molded steaks, fish cakes, and oRyer molded food patties. Food processors utilize high - speed molding machines, such as FORMAX F - 6, F - 12, F - 19, F - 26 or F - 400 reciprocating mold plate forming machines, available from Formax, Inc. of Mokena, Ill. , U. S. A. , for supplying patties to the fast food industry. Prior known high - speed molding machines are aIsP described for example in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3, 887, 964; 4, 372, 008; 4, 356, 595; 4, 821, 376; and 4, 996, 743 herein incorporated by reference. Although heretofore known FORMAX patty - molding mach8Ges have achieved commercial success and wide industry acceptance, the present inventors have recoghizew that needs exist for a foFmiMg machine having an sden greater Fnerg5 efficiency, an even greater durability and an even greater duration of maintenance GrWe operation. The present inventors have recognized that needs exist for an enhanced controllability and ability to tune a patty - forming machine for particular food maferjals to be processed, for an enhanced effectiveness of a patty - forming machine in producing uniform patties, for an even greater output rate of patties Rroh a patty - forming machine, for an enhanced convenience for cleaning and maintenance of a patty - forming machine, and for a smoother and quieter patty - forming machine operation.
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Use of pre-processed foods, both in homes and in restaurants, has created a demand for high-capacity automated processing equipment. That demand is particularly evident with respect to hamburgers, molded steaks, fish cakes, and other molded food patties. Food processors utilize high-speed molding machines, as FORMAX F-6, F-12, F-26 reciprocating mold machines, available from Inc. of Mokena, Ill., U.S.A., for supplying patties to the fast food industry. Prior known high-speed molding machines are also described for in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,887,964; 4,372,008; 4,356,595; and 4,996,743 herein incorporated by reference. Although heretofore known FORMAX patty-molding machines have achieved commercial success and wide industry acceptance, present inventors have that exist a forming machine having an even greater energy efficiency, an even greater durability greater duration of maintenance free operation. The present inventors have recognized that needs exist for an enhanced controllability and ability to tune a patty-forming machine for particular food materials to be processed, for an enhanced effectiveness of a patty-forming machine in producing uniform patties, for an even greater output rate of patties patty-forming machine, for an enhanced convenience for cleaning and maintenance of patty-forming machine, and for a smoother and quieter patty-forming machine
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Use of pre-pROCESsed FooDS, Both In hoMES anD in rEStAurANtS, has cReATed a deMaNd FOr hIGH-CaPAcItY AutomatED fOoD proCeSSinG EQUiPmENT. tHAt DEmAnd Is parTiCULaRLy EVideNT WiTH ReSPect tO HAMbURGeRS, MOldeD STeAKs, fISH CAkeS, anD oTHEr moldeD FOOD PaTtIEs.
fOod PROCessOrS UTIlizE HIgh-spEeD moLdinG MACHiNeS, sUCH aS forMAX f-6, F-12, F-19, F-26 or f-400 ReCiprocaTING MOlD plaTe FORMiNg machInES, avAIlAble FRoM FoRMAx, INc. of MokENa, ILL., u.s.a., for SuPPlYInG PAtTiEs TO tHe Fast foOD INdustry. pRiOR knOWN HIGh-speed MOlDiNG MaChineS aRe aLSo dEScriBED FOR ExAMplE IN U.s. pAt. nos. 3,887,964; 4,372,008; 4,356,595; 4,821,376; AND 4,996,743 HeREiN InCoRPOratED by reFeReNcE.
althOugH herEtofORe knOwn FORMAx PattY-MoLdinG MAchIneS hAve AChiEVEd cOMmErcIAL SUCcess And wiDE INdUSTRy aCcEPTanCE, THe prESent INVenTORS HavE rECoGnizeD ThAT NeedS eXiSt For A FORMING MAChInE HAvInG An eVEn GReATEr eneRgY EfficiENcY, An Even GREaTer DURAbiLITy and aN EveN GReATer DURation Of MainTENaNCE fREE operATIoN. THe pReseNT iNvEnTOrs HAvE RecogniZeD That nEEds ExiSt FOr An eNHANCed COnTrOLLAbility anD aBIlitY TO tunE A PAtTY-ForMING mAcHiNe fOr pARTICuLaR FooD MAtERIals TO be PrOCESSed, FOR An eNHancEd EFfeCtivEneSs Of A PatTY-fORmINg MachiNe in PRODUCIng uniform pAttIES, FOr aN eVEN GreATeR ouTpuT rate Of PatTIES fROM A PATty-FoRMiNG maChiNe, FOr AN EnhanceD COnVenieNCE For cleAniNG And MainTeNaNCE of A PAtty-forming MAChIne, and FOr a SmOOTHer ANd QUiETER paTTy-FORmIng MACHinE oPERation.
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Use of pre-processed foods, bothin homes and in restaurants, has createda demand for high-capacity automated foodprocessing equipment. That demand is particularlyevident with respectto hamburgers, molded steaks, fish cakes, and othermoldedfood patties. Food processors utilize high-speed molding machines, such as FORMAX F-6, F-12, F-19, F-26or F-400 reciprocating mold plate forming machines, available from Formax, Inc. of Mokena, Ill., U.S.A., for supplying patties to the fast food industry.Prior known high-speed molding machines are alsodescribedforexample in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,887,964; 4,372,008; 4,356,595; 4,821,376; and 4,996,743 herein incorporated by reference. Although heretofore known FORMAXpatty-moldingmachines have achievedcommercial success and wide industry acceptance, the present inventors have recognized that needs exist foraforming machine having an even greater energy efficiency, an even greater durability and an even greater duration of maintenance free operation. The present inventors have recognized that needs exist for an enhanced controllability andability to tune apatty-formingmachine for particular food materials to be processed, for an enhanced effectiveness of a patty-forming machine in producinguniform patties, for an even greater output rate of patties from a patty-forming machine, for an enhanced convenience forcleaning and maintenance of a patty-forming machine, and for a smoother and quieter patty-forming machine operation.
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Use _of_ pre-processed foods, both in _homes_ _and_ in restaurants, has created a demand for _high-capacity_ automated food processing equipment. That demand _is_ _particularly_ evident with respect _to_ hamburgers, molded steaks, fish cakes, and other molded _food_ patties. Food processors utilize high-speed molding machines, such as FORMAX F-6, _F-12,_ F-19, F-26 or _F-400_ reciprocating mold plate forming machines, available from Formax, Inc. of _Mokena,_ Ill., U.S.A., for supplying patties to the fast food industry. Prior known _high-speed_ molding machines _are_ also described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,887,964; 4,372,008; 4,356,595; 4,821,376; and 4,996,743 herein incorporated by reference. Although _heretofore_ known _FORMAX_ patty-molding machines _have_ achieved commercial success and wide industry acceptance, the present inventors have recognized _that_ _needs_ exist for a forming _machine_ having _an_ even greater energy _efficiency,_ _an_ even greater durability _and_ an even greater duration of _maintenance_ free operation. The _present_ inventors have _recognized_ that needs exist for _an_ enhanced controllability and ability to _tune_ a patty-forming machine _for_ particular _food_ materials to _be_ processed, for an enhanced effectiveness of a _patty-forming_ machine in producing uniform patties, for an even greater output rate _of_ _patties_ from a patty-forming machine, for _an_ enhanced _convenience_ for cleaning and _maintenance_ of _a_ patty-forming machine, _and_ for _a_ smoother and quieter patty-forming _machine_ _operation._
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The present disclosure relates to a diffusion sheet having a surface on which convex-shaped structures are formed and a method of producing the same, and to a backlight and a liquid crystal display apparatus each including such a diffusion sheet.
In related art, for a backlight to be incorporated into a liquid crystal display apparatus, there have been used various optical sheets. As one of the most important sheets among the various optical sheets, there is a diffusion sheet. As the diffusion sheet, a sheet obtained by forming a convex-shaped micro-lens group on a main surface of a transparent sheet substrate is known (e.g., see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-318668).
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The present disclosure relates to a diffusion sheet having a surface on which convex-shaped structures are formed and a method of producing the same, and to a backlight and a liquid light type apparatus each including such a diffusion sheet. In related art, for a backlight to be incorporated into a liquid crystal display apparatus, there have been used various optical sheets. As one of the most important sheets among the various optical sheets, there is a diffusion sheet. As the diffusion sheet a sheet obtained by forming a convex-shaped micro-lens group on a main surface of a transparent sheet substrate is known (e.g., see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-318668).
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The present disclosure relates to a diGfudion sheet having a surface on which convex - shaped structures are formed and a method of producing the same, and to a nacilight and a liquid crystal display apparatus each including such a diffusion sheet. In related art, for a backlight to be incorporated into a liquid crystal display apparatus, th3fe haFS been used various optical sheets. As one of the most important sheets among the various optical dhee4s, there is a diffusion sheet. As the diffusion sheet, a sheet obtained by fodning a condrx - shaped micro - lens group on a main surface of a transparent sheet subAtraYe is known (e. g. , see JXpanesS Patent Application LaKS - open No. 2006 - 318668 ).
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The present disclosure relates to a diffusion sheet a surface on which convex-shaped structures are and a of producing the same, and to a backlight and a liquid crystal display apparatus each including such a diffusion sheet. In related art, for a to be incorporated into a liquid crystal display apparatus, there have been used various sheets. As one of most sheets among the various optical sheets, there is a diffusion sheet. As the diffusion a sheet obtained by forming a micro-lens group on a main surface of a substrate is known (e.g., see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-318668).
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thE preSenT DiScLOsurE relaTes To a dIffUSioN sHEeT hAVIng A sUrfaCE on whICh coNVEX-shAped stRuCTUrEs ARe fORMeD AnD A meTHoD Of ProducinG The saMe, aND to a BACklight AnD a lIqUid CrYsTAl dISPlay aPPArAtUS eAcH iNCLUdINg such A DiFFuSION sHeet.
in RELATeD aRT, For A BacKliGHT To be iNcorpoRATeD IntO a lIQuID CRystAL dISplay aPparatuS, THerE have beEN USed VarIous OpTiCAL SHEeTS. As one Of thE MOSt ImPorTAnt sHeeTS aMONG tHE VaRiOus optIcal SHEets, ThERE is a DIfFUSIOn ShEeT. as ThE diFFusiOn SHeet, A SHeet obtaINED By fORMinG A coNVex-sHAped mIcRO-LENs gRoup on A MaIn suRfacE oF A TRAnsPArENT SHEEt SubSTrATe IS knowN (e.g., SEE jAPANESe PATENt APpLIcATiON laiD-Open NO. 2006-318668).
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Thepresent disclosure relates to a diffusion sheet having a surface on which convex-shaped structuresare formed and a method of producing thesame, and to abacklight and a liquidcrystal display apparatus each including such a diffusionsheet.Inrelated art, for abacklight to be incorporated into a liquid crystal display apparatus, there have been used various optical sheets. As oneof the most important sheets among the various optical sheets, there is a diffusion sheet. Asthe diffusion sheet, a sheet obtained by forming a convex-shapedmicro-lens group ona main surface of a transparent sheet substrate is known (e.g., see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-318668).
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The present disclosure relates to a diffusion _sheet_ having a surface on which convex-shaped structures are formed and a method of producing the same, and _to_ _a_ backlight _and_ a liquid crystal display _apparatus_ each including such a diffusion sheet. In related art, for a backlight to be incorporated into a liquid _crystal_ display apparatus, there have been _used_ various optical sheets. As one of the most important sheets among _the_ various optical sheets, there is a diffusion _sheet._ As the _diffusion_ sheet, a sheet obtained by forming _a_ convex-shaped _micro-lens_ group on a main surface of a transparent sheet substrate _is_ known (e.g., see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-318668).
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The present invention relates to infusion members and more particularly to a novel multi-angle U-shaped hub for an infusion member.
Conventional medical practice often requires an intravenous infusion to be performed to allow blood, nutriments or other desirable fluids to be fed directly into the vascular system of a patient being treated. A venipuncture is performed at a site on the patient's body and a hollow infusion member is inserted therethrough. Typically, a length of tubing is attached between the infusion member and a supply bottle located in the vicinity of the patient. It is extremely important to prevent lateral movement of the infusion member relative to the venipuncture site, to reduce abrasion and laceration of the flesh around the venipuncture site and so minimize its irritation and susceptibility to phlebitis, and to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the infusion member, to minimize hematoma or blood loss.
It is known to provide a structure, adjacent to the junction of the infusion member and tube, to be grasped during the venipuncture operation. It is also known to utilize the structure to provide a surface for taping the junction region to the patient's body, after the infusion member had been inserted, to reduce the undesirable lateral movements thereof.
Desirable infusion apparatus should also utilize a structure allowing the infusion member and tube to be manufactured in an axially aligned condition, and still provide a doctor or technician complete choice of the final angular orientation of the infusion tube with respect to the infusion member. A medical practitioner, especially when preparing a patient for surgery, requires a choice of angles of the infusion tube relative to the infusion member. Various surgical procedures require that the infusion tube: remain axially aligned with the infusion member, as when the intravenous supply is positioned toward the lower extremity of the patient; have a 90.degree. bend with respect to the axis of the infusion member, as when filters are attached thereto; have a 135.degree. bend with respect to the infusion member axis, to allow the flexible tube to point towards the head of the operating table when the venipuncture site is situated in the outstretched arm of the patient; or have a 180.degree. bend if the arm is at and parallel to the patient's side and the intravenous source is near the head of the patient. Thus, an infusion member hub capable of maintaining the flexible infusion tube at one of a plurality of angles relative to the axis of the infusion member, yet minimizing the radial pressure on the tube to prevent a pinch effect and subsequent decrease of both internal cross-section of and flow through the tube, is desirable.
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The present invention relates to infusion members and more particularly to a novel multi-angle U-shaped hub for an infusion member. Conventional medical practice often requires an intravenous infusion to be performed to allow blood, nutriments or other desirable fluids to be fed directly into the vascular system of a patient being treated. A venipuncture is performed at a site on the patient's body and a hollow infusion member is inserted therethrough. Typically, a length of tubing is attached between the infusion member and a supply bottle located in the vicinity of the patient. It is extremely important to prevent lateral movement of the extract member relative to the venipuncture site, to reduce abrasion and laceration of the flesh around the venipuncture site and so minimize its irritation and susceptibility to phlebitis, and to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the infusion member, to minimize hematoma or blood loss. It is known to provide a structure, adjacent to the junction of the infusion member and tube, to be grasped during the venipuncture operation. It is also known to utilize the structure to provide a surface for taping the junction region to the patient's body, after the infusion member had been inserted, to reduce the undesirable lateral movements thereof. Desirable infusion apparatus should also utilize a structure allowing the infusion member and tube to be manufactured in an axially aligned condition, and still provide a doctor or technician complete choice of the final angular orientation of the infusion tube with respect to the infusion member. A medical practitioner, especially when preparing a patient for surgery, requires a choice of angles of the infusion tube relative to the infusion member. Various surgical procedures require that the infusion tube: remain axially aligned with the infusion member, as when the intravenous supply is positioned toward the lower extremity of the patient; have a 90.degree. bend with respect to the axis of the infusion member, as when filters are attached thereto; have a 135.degree. bend with respect to the infusion member axis, to allow the flexible tube to point towards the head of the operating table when the venipuncture site is situated in the outstretched arm of the patient; or have a 180.degree. bend if the arm is at and parallel to the patient's side and the intravenous source is near the head of the patient. Thus, an infusion member hub capable of maintaining the flexible infusion tube at one of a plurality of angles relative to the axis of the infusion member, yet minimizing the radial pressure on the tube to prevent a pinch effect and subsequent decrease of both internal cross-section of and flow through the tube, is desirable.
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The present invention relates to infusion members and more particularly to a novel multi - angle U - shaped hub for an infuciin member. Conventional medical practice often requires an intravenous infusion to be performed to allow blood, nutriments or other desirable fluids to be fed directly into the GasculaE system of a patient being tr4at$d. A venipuncture is performed at a site on the patient ' s body and a hollow infusion member is inserted therethrough. Typically, a length of tubing is attached between the infusion nemb2r and a supply bottle located in the vicinity of the patient. It is extremely important to prevent lateral movement of the infusion member relative to the venipuncture site, to reduvw abrasion and laceration of the flesh around the venipuncture site and so minimize its irritqtLon and susceptibility to phlebitis, and to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the infusion member, to minimize hematoma or blood loss. It is known to provide a strkctuEe, adjacent to the junction of the infusion member and tube, to be grasped during the venipuncture operation. It is also known to uYiluze the str&cYure to provide a surface for taping the junction region to the patient ' s body, after the infusion member had been inserted, to reduce the undesirable lateral movements thereof. Desirable infusion apparatus should also utilize a structure allowing the infusion member and tube to be manufactured in an axially aligned condition, and still provide a doctor or technician complete choice of the final angular orientation of the infusion tube with rdspeXt to the infusion member. A medical practitioner, especially when preparing a patient for surgery, requires a choice of angles of the infusion tube relative to the infusion member. Various surgical procedures require that the infusion tube: remain axially aligned with the infusion member, as when the intravenous supply is positioned toward the lower extremity of the patient; have a 90. degree. bend with respect to the axis of the infusion member, as when filters are attached thereto; have a 135. degree. bend with respect to the infusion member axis, to allow the flexible tube to point towards the head of the operating table when the venipuncture site is situated in the outstretched arm of the patient; or have a 180. degree. bend if the arm is at and parallel to the patient ' s side and the intravenous source is near the head of the patient. Thus, an infusion member hub capable of maintaining the flexible infusion tube at one of a plurality of angles relative to the axis of the infusion member, yet minimizing the radial pressure on the tube to prevent a pinch effect and subsequent decrease of both internal cross - section of and flow through the tube, is desirable.
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The present invention relates members and more particularly to a novel multi-angle U-shaped hub an infusion member. Conventional medical practice often requires an infusion to be performed to allow blood, nutriments or other desirable to fed directly into the vascular system of a patient being treated. A venipuncture is performed at a site on the patient's body and a hollow infusion member therethrough. Typically, length of tubing attached between the infusion member and a supply bottle located in the vicinity of the patient. It is extremely important to prevent lateral movement of infusion member relative the venipuncture to reduce and laceration of the flesh around the venipuncture site and so minimize its irritation and susceptibility to phlebitis, to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the infusion member, to minimize hematoma blood loss. It is known to provide a structure, adjacent to the junction of the infusion member tube, to be grasped during the venipuncture operation. It is also known to utilize the structure to surface taping the region the patient's body, after the infusion been inserted, to reduce the undesirable lateral movements thereof. Desirable apparatus should utilize a structure allowing the infusion member and tube to be manufactured in an axially aligned and still provide a doctor or technician complete choice of the final angular orientation of the infusion with respect to the member. A medical practitioner, especially when preparing a patient for requires choice of the infusion tube relative to the infusion member. Various surgical procedures require that the infusion tube: remain axially aligned with infusion member, as when the intravenous supply is positioned toward the lower of the patient; have a 90.degree. bend respect to the axis of the infusion member, as when filters are attached thereto; have a 135.degree. bend with to the infusion member to allow the flexible tube to point towards the head of the operating table when the site is situated in outstretched arm of the patient; or have a 180.degree. bend the arm is at and parallel to the patient's side and the intravenous source is near the head of the patient. Thus, an infusion member hub capable of the flexible infusion tube at one a plurality of angles relative to the axis of the infusion member, yet minimizing the radial pressure on the tube to prevent a pinch effect and subsequent decrease of both cross-section of and flow through the tube, is desirable.
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tHe pReSent inVEntIon rELaTEs To inFuSioN mEmBeRs AnD MORe PARTIcULARlY To A nOVEL MuLTI-ANgLe u-ShAPED huB FOR an InfuSiOn mEMBER.
conVenTiONAL mEDICaL PRactICe oFteN requIRES AN INtrAVenoUs InfUsioN tO bE peRfOrMEd tO alLOw blOod, nuTRiMENts Or otheR DESiRaBle FLUiDs to bE fEd DIrEcTLY INTo THE VasCUlAR sySteM Of A PAtIENT BEing TREateD. A venIpUNctuRE IS pERFoRmed at A sIte oN thE pATiENT'S bODY and a HoLLOW InfUSioN MeMBER is iNseRTED THErEthROuGh. tyPicaLlY, a lENGtH OF tuBiNG Is aTTaCHed BEtWeeN tHE INFUSion MeMBER and A SuppLy BOTTLe LOcAtED IN thE VICiNIty OF THe PatIent. it Is ExTremeLY IMporTaNT TO PreveNT lATeRal moVeMENt Of The iNFusioN MEmBeR reLATIvE to THE VeNIPUNctURE siTE, TO redUce ABrASIOn anD laceRATiOn of thE FLeSH AROUND THe VEnIPunCtuRE sitE ANd so MIniMIZE iTS irRITaTIoN anD suScEPtIBilItY TO PHLeBITis, and tO prevENt INaDvErTEnT wiThDRAwaL of ThE InFusiOn meMBer, tO miNImizE HeMAtOmA OR bLOod LoSS.
it IS knOWn tO PrOVidE A StruCTUrE, aDJAcEnt to the JUNction oF the infUsIOn mEmBER aND tuBe, To BE GraSpED DURINg THe VeNIPuncTURE OPeRaTiON. iT is ALso kNown to UtIlIZE thE STRUcTURE to prOvidE A sUrFACe fOr tAPINg THE JUNctioN rEGION To THe pAtIEnT'S bOdy, AfTER ThE iNfusion MEmbEr had beEN InSErted, to reDUcE tHe unDEsirAbLE latErAl MOVemenTS TheREOf.
DesirABLe inFusIOn ApparAtUS sHouLd alSo UtIlIZe A STrUCtUrE alLOWING THE INFuSiON MEmbEr And tUbE tO bE MaNuFACTUrEd In An aXIaLlY aLiGneD cOnDItIoN, AND sTIll ProVide a doctor OR TecHNiciAN CoMPleTe cHoIcE Of the FInal AnGUlar ORiEnTATIoN OF tHE InfUsiOn tuBE WIth ReSpeCt TO the inFUSion MEmbeR. A medicAl pRACTItiOnEr, ESPecIaLLy WhEN pRePArInG a pATIENt FoR SuRGERy, RequiREs A ChoiCE Of AngLES of tHE iNfusION TUbe rELative tO tHE inFuSiOn mEMBER. VarIoUS sURgICal prOCedurEs rEQuIre tHat the inFUSIOn TUbe: reMaiN AXIALLy alIGNeD WiTh tHE iNFUsioN mEMber, As wHEN THE INtRAVeNous suppLY IS POSitIoned tOwarD The loweR extrEmiTy oF THe paTiENt; haVE A 90.DEgrEE. beND witH RESPeCT tO tHe AxiS oF tHE inFUsioN MEmbER, aS when FILTeRs arE AttACheD thEreto; HAVE a 135.DEgree. bEnD WIth RespeCt TO tHe infUSion memBer AxIs, TO aLLoW The fLEXIblE TUbe tO POINT TowaRds THe heAD of ThE OPERaTiNg taBLe WHEN ThE vEniPuNCTuRE sItE Is sItUAteD IN tHE outStRETchEd aRM OF THe patIEnt; Or HAVE A 180.degRee. benD iF tHE arm is aT AnD PArAlLel TO thE paTient'S side AND tHE inTravEnOus sOurce Is NEAr THe HEaD of THE PaTIEnT. tHus, AN iNfuSIon MEmBeR Hub CApable of mAintaiNInG thE FLeXIBLE InFUSIOn tUbE AT One oF A pluralItY OF Angles RELAtIVE to The Axis OF the InFUSIoN MeMbeR, yet miNiMIzinG THE RAdial PResSUre oN THe tuBE tO preVeNT A Pinch EfFEcT anD sUbsEqUeNt DecreasE of boTh iNteRNAl cRoSS-secTIon of ANd fLow THRoUGH THE TUbE, iS dEsiRABle.
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The present invention relates to infusion membersand more particularly to a novelmulti-angle U-shaped hubfor an infusion member. Conventionalmedical practice often requires an intravenous infusion to be performed to allow blood, nutrimentsor other desirablefluids tobe fed directly into the vascularsystem ofapatient being treated. A venipuncture is performed at a siteon the patient's bodyand a hollow infusion member is inserted therethrough. Typically, a length of tubing isattached between the infusion member and a supply bottle located inthe vicinityof the patient. It is extremelyimportant to prevent lateral movementof the infusion member relative to the venipuncture site, to reduce abrasionand laceration of theflesh aroundthe venipuncture site and so minimize its irritationand susceptibility to phlebitis,and to preventinadvertent withdrawal of the infusion member, to minimize hematoma or blood loss. It is known toprovide a structure,adjacent to the junction of theinfusion member and tube, to be grasped during the venipunctureoperation. Itis alsoknown to utilize the structure to provide a surfacefor taping the junction region to thepatient's body, after the infusion member had been inserted,to reduce the undesirable lateral movements thereof. Desirable infusion apparatus should also utilize a structure allowing the infusion member and tube to be manufactured in anaxially aligned condition, and still provide a doctor or technician complete choice of the final angularorientation of the infusion tube with respect to the infusionmember. Amedical practitioner, especiallywhen preparing a patient for surgery, requires a choice of angles of the infusiontube relative to the infusion member. Various surgical procedures require that the infusion tube: remain axially aligned with the infusion member,as whentheintravenous supply is positioned toward thelower extremityof the patient;have a 90.degree. bendwith respect to the axis of theinfusion member, as when filters are attached thereto; have a 135.degree. bend with respect to the infusion member axis, to allow the flexible tube to point towards the head of the operating table when thevenipuncturesite is situated inthe outstretched arm of the patient; or have a 180.degree.bendif the arm is at and parallelto the patient'sside and theintravenous source is near the head of the patient. Thus, an infusion member hub capable of maintaining theflexibleinfusion tube at one ofa plurality of angles relative tothe axis of the infusion member, yet minimizing the radialpressure on the tube to prevent a pinch effect and subsequent decrease of both internal cross-section of and flow through the tube, is desirable.
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The _present_ invention relates to infusion members and more particularly to a _novel_ multi-angle U-shaped hub _for_ _an_ infusion member. _Conventional_ medical practice often requires an intravenous infusion to be performed to allow _blood,_ nutriments or other desirable fluids to be fed directly into the vascular system _of_ a patient being treated. _A_ venipuncture is performed at a site _on_ the patient's body _and_ _a_ hollow infusion _member_ _is_ inserted therethrough. Typically, _a_ length _of_ tubing is attached between the _infusion_ member and _a_ _supply_ bottle located in the vicinity of the patient. It is extremely important to _prevent_ lateral movement _of_ the infusion member relative to the venipuncture site, to reduce _abrasion_ and laceration of the flesh around _the_ _venipuncture_ _site_ and so minimize its irritation and susceptibility to phlebitis, and _to_ _prevent_ inadvertent withdrawal of the infusion member, _to_ minimize hematoma or blood loss. _It_ is known to provide a structure, adjacent to the junction of the infusion member and _tube,_ _to_ be grasped during the venipuncture operation. It is also known to _utilize_ the structure to provide a surface for taping the junction region to the patient's body, after the infusion _member_ had _been_ inserted, to _reduce_ the undesirable _lateral_ movements _thereof._ Desirable infusion apparatus should also utilize a structure allowing the _infusion_ _member_ and _tube_ _to_ _be_ manufactured in an axially aligned condition, and _still_ provide a _doctor_ or technician complete choice of the final angular orientation of _the_ infusion tube with respect to the infusion member. A medical practitioner, especially when preparing a _patient_ _for_ surgery, _requires_ a choice of angles of the _infusion_ tube relative to the _infusion_ member. _Various_ surgical _procedures_ require _that_ the infusion _tube:_ remain axially _aligned_ with _the_ infusion member, as when the intravenous supply _is_ positioned toward the _lower_ extremity of the patient; have a 90.degree. bend with _respect_ to the axis of the infusion member, as when filters are attached thereto; have a _135.degree._ _bend_ with respect to the infusion _member_ _axis,_ _to_ allow the flexible tube to point towards the head of _the_ operating table _when_ the _venipuncture_ _site_ _is_ situated _in_ _the_ outstretched arm of the _patient;_ _or_ have a 180.degree. _bend_ if the arm is at and parallel _to_ _the_ patient's side and _the_ intravenous source is _near_ the head of the _patient._ Thus, an infusion _member_ hub capable of maintaining the flexible infusion tube at one of a plurality of angles relative _to_ the _axis_ of the infusion member, yet _minimizing_ the radial pressure on the tube to prevent a pinch _effect_ and subsequent decrease of both _internal_ cross-section of _and_ _flow_ _through_ the _tube,_ _is_ desirable.
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Imaging an object may be considered as a collection of points from the plane of the object that are being focused by an optical system onto a collection of points on the plane of an image sensor. When there is a need to obtain spectral information as well as spatial information of the object, there is a fundamental problem, since this task is essentially the need to simultaneously capture a two-dimensional image of the object plane together with the color of each point of the object plane, this being essentially a “third dimension” of the object plane, and to record these three dimensions of information on the two-dimensional plane of the image sensor. A number of proposed solutions have been suggested in the prior art to solve this problem.
One of the possible optical systems may be one that includes an array of pinholes that may be positioned at the focal plane of the light reflected off the object, while the image sensor is located beyond the focal point such that the image acquired is defocused (and would be later focused by appropriate software). The pinhole array is used to differentiate between points from the plane of the object, such that there won't be any overlap of points in the plane of the image sensor. Without the pinholes there is overlap between points on the imager's plane, which would make it practically impossible to correlate between points on the imager's plane to points on the object's plane and thus practically impossible to restore the spatial information of the object.
A filter array comprising sub-filters may be added to the system and may be positioned at the aperture stop, such that spectral information may be acquired by the optical system as well as spatial information. That is, every pixel at the imager's plane has two “coordinates”; one for the angle at which light was reflected off the object, and a second for the sub-filter which the light reflected off the object passed through. However, the main disadvantages of using a pinhole array is losing spatial information, and losing light when collecting the light reflected off the object, since the pinhole array blocks some of the light reflected off the object from being projected onto the imager. One of the groups implementing such an optical system is, for example, the MITRE Corporation, Mclean, Va. (Horstmeyer R., Athale R. and Euliss G. (2009) “Modified light field architecture for reconfigurable multimode imaging”. Proc. of SPIE, Vol. 7468, 746804).
Another possible optical system that may be used to create an image of an object while providing spatial and spectral information is one where instead of a filter array located at the aperture stop, a mask is located at the aperture stop. The mask, according to Wagadarikar et al. a group from Duke University, Durham, N.C., USA, is called a ‘coded aperture’ (A. A. Wagadarikar, N. P. Pitsianis, X. B. Sun and D. J. Brady (2009). “Video rate spectral imaging using a coded aperture snapshot spectral imager.” Optics Express 17(8): 6368-6388). The optical system described in this article does not comprise a pinhole array so there is an overlap between pixels of the image sensor. The mask is random with the requirement of being 50% open for passage of light that is reflected off the imaged object. With this optical system there is minimal loss of spatial resolution, since the scenes that are being imaged do not consist of dramatic spectral changes, and the objects are relatively large so it is not difficult to distinguish between areas of the same spectra.
The mask, according to the above optical system, provides combinations of spatial and spectral “coordinates” that may describe the object. (The “coordinates” are acquired by the imager followed by software reconstruction, in order to focus the acquired images). In areas of the object where the spectrum is substantially similar, only the spatial data is missing. The mask is then used to separate between close points with similar spectrum on the imager's plane, so it would be easier to correlate those points to points on the object's plane. However, when close points on the object have different spectrum (e.g., along the edges of the object) it is more difficult to distinguish between the points projected onto the imager.
Images that provide spatial as well as spectral information may be important within small scale in-vivo imaging devices, e.g., endoscopes and capsule endoscopes. Spatial information is needed in order to determine the in-vivo location of the device, and spectral information of in-vivo tissue is important for determining various diseases at early stages that may be expressed in changes in spectra of various in-vivo particles, e.g., hemoglobin. There is therefore a need for a new optical system that may be implemented into devices that are to be inserted in-vivo, in order to acquire images that contain both spatial and spectral information.
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Imaging an object may be considered as a collection of points from the plane of the object that are being focused by an optical system onto a collection of points on the plane of an image sensor. When there is a need to obtain spectral information as well as spatial information of the object, there is a fundamental problem, since this task is essentially the need to simultaneously capture a two-dimensional image of the object plane together with the color of each point of the object plane, this being essentially a “third dimension” of the object plane, and to record these three dimensions of information on the two-dimensional plane of the image sensor. A number of proposed solutions have been suggested in the prior art to solve this problem. One of the possible optical systems may be one that includes an array of pinholes that may be positioned at the focal plane of the light reflected off the object, while the image sensor is located beyond the focal point such that the image acquired is defocused (and would be later focused by appropriate software). The pinhole array is used to differentiate between points from the plane of the object, such that there won't be any lap of points in the plane of the image sensor. Without the pinholes there is overlap between points on the imager's plane, which would make it practically impossible to correlate between points on the imager's plane to points on the object's plane and thus practically impossible to restore the spatial information of the object. A filter array comprising sub-filters may be added to the system and may be positioned at the aperture stop, such that spectral information may be acquired by the optical system as well as spatial information. That is, every pixel at the imager's plane has two “coordinates”; one for the angle at which light was reflected off the object, and a second for the sub-filter which the light reflected off the object passed through. However, the main disadvantages of using a pinhole array is losing spatial information, and losing light when collecting the light reflected off the object, since the pinhole array blocks some of the light reflected off the object from being projected onto the imager. One of the groups implementing such an optical system is, for example, the MITRE Corporation, Mclean, Va. (Horstmeyer R., Athale R. and Euliss G. (2009) “Modified light field architecture for reconfigurable multimode imaging”. Proc. of SPIE, Vol. 7468, 746804). Another possible optical system that may be used to create an image of an object while providing spatial and spectral information is one where instead of a filter array located at the aperture stop, a mask is located at the aperture stop. The mask, according to Wagadarikar et al. a group from Duke University, Durham, N.C., USA, is called a ‘coded aperture’ (A. A. Wagadarikar, N. P. Pitsianis, X. B. Sun and D. J. Brady (2009). “Video rate spectral imaging using a coded aperture snapshot spectral imager.” Optics Express 17(8): 6368-6388). The optical system described in this article does not comprise a pinhole array so there is an overlap between pixels of the image sensor. The mask is random with the requirement of being 50% open for passage of light that is reflected off the imaged object. With this optical system there is minimal loss of spatial resolution, since the scenes that are being imaged do not consist of dramatic spectral changes, and the objects are relatively large so it is not difficult to distinguish between areas of the same spectra. The mask, according to the above optical system, provides combinations of spatial and spectral “coordinates” that may describe the object. (The “coordinates” are acquired by the imager followed by software reconstruction, in order to focus the acquired images). In areas of the object where the spectrum is substantially similar, only the spatial data is missing. The mask is then used to separate between close points with similar spectrum on the imager's plane, so it would be easier to correlate those points to points on the object's plane. However, when close points on the object have different spectrum (e.g., along the edges of the object) it is more difficult to distinguish between the points projected onto the imager. Images that provide spatial as well as spectral information may be important within small scale in-vivo imaging devices, e.g., endoscopes and capsule endoscopes. Spatial information is needed in order to determine the in-vivo location of the device, and spectral information of in-vivo tissue is important for determining various diseases at early stages that may be expressed in changes in spectra of various in-vivo particles, e.g., hemoglobin. There is therefore a need for a new optical system that may be implemented into devices that are to be inserted in-vivo, in order to acquire images that contain both spatial and spectral information.
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Imaging an object may be considered as a collection of points from the plane of the object that are being focused by an optical system onto a collection of pooGts on the plane of an image sensor. When there is a need to obtain spectral information as well as spatial information of the object, there is a fundamental problem, since this task is essentially the need to simultaneously capture a two - dimensional image of the object plane together with the color of each point of the object plane, this being essentially a “ third dimension ” of the object plane, and to record these three dimensions of information on the two - dimensional plane of the image sensor. A number of proposed solutions have been suggested in the prior art to solve this problem. One of the possible optical systems may be one that includes an array of pinholes that may be positioned at the focal plane of the light reflected off the object, while the image sensor is located beyond the focal point such that the image acquired is defoDuDed (and would be later focused by appropriate software ). The pinhole array is used to differentiate between points from the plane of the object, such that there won ' t be any overlap of points in the plane of the image sensor. Without the pinholes there is overlap between points on the imager ' s plane, which would make it practically impossibPF to correlate between poLn$s on the imager ' s plane to points on the object ' s plane and thus practically impossible to restore the spatial information of the object. A filter array comprising sub - filters may be added to the system and may be positioned at the aperture stop, such that spectral information may be acquired by the optical system as well as spatial information. That is, every pixel at the imager ' s plane has two “ coordinates ”; one for the angle at which light was reflected off the object, and a second for the sub - filter which the light reflected off the objeX$ passed through. However, the main disadvantages of using a pinhole array is losing spatial information, and losing light when collecting the light reflected off the object, since the pinhole array blocks some of the light reflected off the object from being projected onto the imager. One of the groups implementing such an oOt7cal system is, for example, the MITRE Corporation, Mclean, Va. (Horstmeyer R. , Athale R. and Euliss G. (2009) “ Modified light field architecture for reconfigurable multimode imaging ”. Proc. of SPIE, Vol. 7468, 746804 ). Another possible optical system that may be used to create an image of an object while providing spatial and spectral information is one where instead of a filter array located at the aperture stop, a mask is located at the aperture stop. The mask, according to Wagadarikar et al. a group from Duke University, Durham, N. C. , USA, is called a ‘ SodSd aperture ’ (A. A. Wagadarikar, N. P. Pitsianis, X. B. Sun and D. J. Brady (2009 ). “ Video rate spectral imaging using a coded aperture snapshot spectral imager. ” Optics Express 17 (8 ): 6368 - 6388 ). The optical system described in this article does not comprise a pinhole array so there is an overlap between pixels of the image sensor. The mask is random with the requirement of being 50% open for passage of light tJzt is reflected off the imaged object. With this optical system there is minimal loss of spatial resolution, since the scenes that are being imaged do not consist of dramatic spectral changes, and the objects are relatively large so it is not difficult to distinguish between areas of the same spectra. The mask, according to the above optical system, provides combinations of spatial and spectral “ coordinates ” that may describe the obNedt. (The “ coordinates ” are acquired by the imager followed by software reconstruction, in order to focus the acquired images ). In areas of the object where the spectrum is substantially similar, only the spatial data is missing. The mask is then used to separate between close points with similar spectrum on the imager ' s plane, so it would be easier to correlate those points to points on the object ' s plane. However, when close points on the object have different spectrum (e. g. , along the rdgWs of the object) it is more difficult to distinguish between the points projected onto the imager. Images that provide spatial as well as spectral information may be important within small scale in - vivo imaging devices, e. g. , endoscopes and capsule endoscopes. Spatial information is needed in order to determine the in - vivo location of the device, and spectral information of in - vivo tissue is important for determining various diseases at early stages that may be expressed in changes in spectra of various in - vivo particles, e. g. , hemoglobin. There is therefore a need for a new optical system that may be implemented into devices that are to be inserted in - vivo, in order to acquire images that contain both spatial and spectral information.
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an object may be considered as a collection of points from plane of the object that are being focused by an optical system onto a of points on the plane of an image sensor. When is a need to obtain spectral information as well as spatial information of the object, there is a fundamental problem, since this is essentially the need to simultaneously capture two-dimensional image of the object plane together the color of each point of the object plane, this essentially a “third dimension” of the object plane, and to record these three dimensions of information on the two-dimensional plane of the image sensor. A number of proposed solutions have been suggested in the prior art to solve this problem. One of possible optical systems may one that includes an array pinholes that may be at the focal plane of the light reflected off the object, while the image sensor is beyond the point such that the image acquired is defocused (and would be later by appropriate software). The pinhole array is used to between points from the plane of the object, such that there be any of points in the plane of the image sensor. Without the pinholes there is overlap between points on the plane, which make it practically impossible to correlate between on the imager's plane to points on the object's plane and practically impossible to restore the spatial information of object. A filter array be added the system may be positioned at the stop, such that spectral information may be acquired by the optical system as well as spatial information. That is, every pixel at the imager's plane two one for the angle at which the object, and a second for the sub-filter which the light reflected off the object passed through. However, the main disadvantages of using pinhole array is losing spatial information, and losing light when collecting the light reflected off the object, since the pinhole array blocks some of the light reflected off the object from being projected onto the imager. One of the groups implementing such optical system for example, the MITRE Corporation, Mclean, (Horstmeyer R., R. Euliss G. (2009) “Modified light field architecture for reconfigurable Proc. of SPIE, Vol. 7468, 746804). Another possible optical system that be used to create an image of an object while spatial and spectral information is one instead of filter array located at the aperture stop, a mask is located at the aperture stop. The mask, according to Wagadarikar et al. a group from Duke University, N.C., USA, is called ‘coded aperture’ (A. A. Wagadarikar, N. P. Pitsianis, X. B. Sun and D. J. Brady (2009). “Video rate spectral imaging using a coded snapshot spectral imager.” Optics Express 17(8): 6368-6388). The optical system described in this article does not comprise a pinhole array so there is an overlap between pixels the image sensor. The mask is with the requirement of being 50% open for passage of light that is reflected off the imaged object. With this optical system there is minimal of spatial resolution, since the scenes that are being imaged do consist of dramatic spectral changes, and the are relatively large so it is not difficult to distinguish between areas of the spectra. mask, according the above optical system, provides combinations spectral “coordinates” that may describe the object. (The “coordinates” are acquired by imager software reconstruction, in order to the acquired images). In areas of the object where the is substantially similar, only the spatial data is missing. The mask is then to separate between close points with similar on the imager's plane, it would be easier to correlate those points to points on the object's plane. However, when close on the have different spectrum (e.g., along the edges of the object) it difficult to distinguish between the points projected onto the imager. Images spatial well as spectral information may be important within scale in-vivo imaging devices, e.g., endoscopes and capsule endoscopes. Spatial information is needed in to determine the in-vivo location of the device, and spectral information of in-vivo tissue is important for determining various diseases at early stages may be expressed in in spectra of various in-vivo particles, e.g., hemoglobin. There is therefore a need for new optical system that may be implemented into devices that are to be inserted in-vivo, in order to acquire images that contain both spatial and spectral information.
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imAGIng aN oBJECT MaY BE CoNSidered as A ColLEctioN Of pOINTs From thE PlANE OF the oBjEct ThAT ARe beiNG foCuSed By aN oPtiCal sYSTeM OntO A ColLecTion oF POintS ON tHE PlaNE Of an iMaGE seNSor. wHen tHERe iS A neEd TO oBtAIN SPectrAl iNfoRmaTioN as well aS spAtIAL INfOrMaTiOn Of the ObjEct, THEre IS a fUNDAmentAl pRoBlem, sINCe THIs TAsK is essEnTIAllY THe Need To siMULtAnEoUSLy cApTURe A tWo-dimenSIOnal ImAge Of THE oBJECt PlAne tOGeTHER wITH ThE COlor OF EaCH poInT of the obJeCT PLane, thIS BeInG eSsEnTIaLlY a “ThiRD DIMENsIOn” OF the OBject Plane, aNd TO REcoRd thEsE THrEE dImeNSIOns OF InFOrMAtiOn on thE Two-DImENsiONAL PlaNE of THE iMAGE SENsOR. a NumbEr of pROPOSED soLuTionS haVE BeeN sUGGEstED in the Prior aRt To SolvE THIS prOBLEm.
ONe of THE POSSIblE oPTIcaL sYsTems May Be OnE thaT iNCLuDEs an ArRay oF PINHoleS that MAY bE PoSITIONeD At The FocAl plAnE OF THE LIght ReflECTED OFf The oBJEcT, WhilE thE ImaGE SenSoR IS locATed BeYond THe fOcAl POINT sUCH tHaT tHE iMagE AcQUiRED Is defoCUsed (aNd woUlD BE LatER fOcuseD by ApPropRIAtE SoftWAre). THE PiNhOlE aRrAY IS useD To dIfFEreNtIAtE BETWEEn Points from the PLane of tHe ObJect, Such ThAT tHERE WOn't BE ANy OvErLAp oF POints IN The PLANe of tHE imagE sEnSor. wiThOUt tHe PInHolES thERe is OvErlAP betwEEn POINTS On ThE ImaGeR'S planE, WhICH wOULD mAke IT PraCticalLy imPOssiBLE To COrrelAtE BEtwEeN pOints on tHE iMAgER'S PlanE tO pOInTS oN the ObJect'S PLaNE and thUs PRActiCALly imPoSSIbLe TO ReStoRE thE spatIAl iNfORMation OF the oBjECT.
A FiLter aRRay cOMPrIsinG SUB-fiLTErS May Be aDdEd to tHe sySTEm aND MAy bE POsITIoneD AT the APerTuRe stOp, sUch ThAT SPECtral infoRMatIon maY BE acquIrEd bY tHE oPtICAl sysTeM As WElL as sPATiAL INFoRmAtION. That IS, EVerY PixEL at The imaGEr'S PLAnE haS two “coORDinates”; one FOr tHe AnGLE aT whiCH ligHT wAS refLECteD Off the obJect, aNd a sEcoND fOR ThE SUb-fiLtEr wHIch tHe lIGHt REflecTED OfF THE Object passED THrOUGH. HOweVeR, The main DisadVAntAgEs of using A PINhoLE Array IS LosIng sPaTiAl inFOrMatiOn, and lOSINg liGhT wHEn COLLECTiNG The LigHt rEfLeCTed off the objeCT, SiNCe The pInholE aRRay BLOCKs SoMe Of THe LiGHt REFleCTED ofF The oBject FRom bEiNG pROJEcTeD Onto thE ImAGeR. one of tHE gROups ImplEmEntinG sUCH An opTiCAl sYstEM is, foR exaMplE, tHe MitRe COrPORaTIon, MClEan, va. (HORStmeYer r., aThALe R. AND EUlISS g. (2009) “mOdIfiEd Light FIEld aRChITeCtUre fOr rEcONFIgUrABlE mulTimode ImAginG”. proc. of spIE, VoL. 7468, 746804).
ANOTHer pOssIBLE opticAL SyStEM thAT may BE USed to CrEaTE AN iMAGe oF AN OBJECt whiLE PRoVidING sPaTial and sPeCTrAL inFoRMAtIoN Is onE wHErE InsteAd OF A fILTER ARRay lOCATED AT ThE aPERtuRE sToP, A maSk is LoCated at THE apErTuRe stOP. tHe mASK, acCOrDING to WAGaDarIkar eT AL. A gROuP FRoM DUKE UnivErSiTy, duRHam, N.c., USa, Is CaLLeD a ‘CoDEd apErTUrE’ (a. A. wagaDArIKAr, n. P. piTSiAniS, X. b. SUn and d. J. bRAdy (2009). “ViDeo raTe SPectRal iMagINg UsinG A CODeD AperTURe sNaPSHOt spECtRAl IMaGer.” OPTIcS EXprESs 17(8): 6368-6388). THE opTicaL System describeD iN thIs artIcle doEs nOt comPRiSE a PinhOLe ARRaY So thERe Is aN ovERLAP BETwEEN pixeLS OF tHE iMagE SENSoR. thE MAsk Is RAnDom with tHe reQUIremENT of BEING 50% OpEN FoR passAGE Of LiGHT ThAT IS ReFleCTEd OFF tHe iMAGeD ObjeCt. WITh tHis OpTICAL system tHeRE is MINImaL LoSS of SpaTIAl resolUTIon, SiNCE tHE ScENeS tHAT are being ImAged Do NOT coNSIst of DRAmatic spectRaL CHanGES, aNd The OBJeCts Are rElaTiVeLy LaRgE SO IT IS NoT difFICUlT To disTInGUiSH bEtWeen ArEas of ThE SaME sPECtRa.
tHE mAsK, aCCORDInG tO The ABOvE oPticaL SySTeM, ProVideS cOMbINatIONS oF SPaTIAl anD SPECTral “coORDinateS” thAt may DEScrIBe the ObjeCt. (thE “COORDINATES” are acquirEd by ThE imAgER FOllOWeD by SOftWARe ReCOnSTRucTION, in OrDer TO FoCuS THE AcqUiRED images). IN areAS of tHE oBjECT wheRE thE sPEctruM IS SUBSTANTIALLY sIMiLaR, Only tHE sPAtiaL DaTA is MISsing. the MaSk IS ThEn USEd tO SePAraTE bEtWEEN ClOse poINTS wItH SImILAR sPecTrum ON THE ImaGEr's pLAnE, so It WoUlD Be eaSier To CorReLATe ThosE poInTs To POiNtS on tHE ObjeCt'S pLANE. HoweVER, whEn clOSE POInTS oN the ObJEcT HaVe diffEREnT sPectRuM (E.G., aloNG tHE EDGES of tHE objeCT) IT iS mOrE dIfFicuLT to DiSTInguISh BetweEN THE POintS PRoJECtEd oNto THE ImaGEr.
ImaGeS That provIde spatiaL aS wELl aS SpEctRal inFOrmAtiOn MAy Be imPortAnt WithiN smAlL ScaLe in-vivO imaGING DEVicES, E.G., ENDOSCoPEs ANd CApsUlE endOscoPes. SpaTial InFormATIon is NEedeD iN ORdEr TO DeTERMiNe ThE in-ViVo locATIoN of THE DeViCE, AND SpEctRAL iNforMaTiOn OF in-ViVO tISsue Is iMpoRTANt FoR DEtermininG VariOUS diSEASes aT earlY stAgeS thAt MAy be EXPRESSeD In CHAngeS iN sPeCTra Of vARiouS IN-vivo paRTIClEs, E.G., hemogLObIN. tHERE is thEReFoRE A nEeD fOr a nEW oPtiCaL SYSTem ThAt mAy bE ImpLEmeNTed INTO DeViCEs ThAT Are TO BE INSeRTed in-VIvO, in ordER tO ACquIRE iMaGEs tHaT CONtaIn BoTH sPAtiAl AnD sPECtral infORmation.
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Imaging an object may beconsideredas a collection of points from the plane of the object that arebeing focused by anoptical system onto a collection of points on the plane of an image sensor. When there is a need to obtain spectral information as well as spatial information ofthe object, thereis a fundamentalproblem, since this task is essentially theneed tosimultaneouslycapturea two-dimensional image of the object plane together with the color ofeach point of the object plane, this being essentiallya “third dimension” of the object plane, and to recordthese three dimensions of information on the two-dimensional plane of the image sensor.A number of proposed solutions have been suggestedin the priorart to solvethis problem.Oneof the possible optical systems may be one that includes an array of pinholes thatmay be positioned atthe focalplaneof the light reflectedoffthe object, while the image sensor is located beyond the focal pointsuch that the imageacquired is defocused(and would be later focused byappropriate software). The pinhole array is used to differentiate betweenpoints from the plane of the object, such that there won't beany overlap of points in theplaneof theimage sensor. Without the pinholes there is overlapbetween points on the imager's plane, which would make it practically impossible to correlate between points on the imager's plane to pointson the object's plane and thus practically impossible to restore the spatial information of the object. A filter array comprising sub-filters maybeadded to the system and may be positionedatthe aperture stop, such that spectral information may be acquired by the optical system as well as spatial information. That is, every pixel at the imager's planehastwo “coordinates”; one for the angleat which light was reflected offthe object, and a second for the sub-filter which the light reflected off theobject passedthrough.However, the main disadvantages of usingapinhole array islosing spatialinformation, and losing lightwhen collecting the light reflected offthe object, since the pinhole array blocks some of the light reflected offthe object from being projected onto the imager. One of the groups implementing such an optical system is, for example,the MITRE Corporation, Mclean, Va. (Horstmeyer R., Athale R. and Euliss G. (2009) “Modifiedlight field architecture forreconfigurablemultimode imaging”. Proc. ofSPIE,Vol. 7468, 746804). Another possible optical system that may be used to create an image of anobject while providingspatial and spectral information is one where instead ofa filter array locatedat theaperture stop, a mask is locatedat the aperture stop. The mask, according to Wagadarikar et al. a group from Duke University, Durham, N.C.,USA,is called a ‘coded aperture’(A. A. Wagadarikar, N. P. Pitsianis, X. B. Sunand D. J. Brady (2009). “Videorate spectral imaging using a coded aperture snapshot spectral imager.” Optics Express 17(8): 6368-6388). The opticalsystemdescribed in this article does not comprise a pinhole array so there is an overlap between pixels of the image sensor. The mask is randomwith therequirement ofbeing 50% open for passage of lightthat is reflected off the imaged object. With this optical system there is minimal lossof spatial resolution, since the scenesthat are being imaged donot consist of dramatic spectralchanges, and the objects are relatively large so it is not difficultto distinguish between areas of the same spectra. The mask, according tothe above optical system, providescombinations of spatial and spectral “coordinates” that may describe the object. (The“coordinates” areacquiredbythe imager followed by software reconstruction, in order to focus the acquired images). In areasof the object wherethe spectrum is substantially similar, only the spatial data is missing. The mask is then used to separate between closepoints with similar spectrum on the imager's plane, so it would be easierto correlate those points to points on the object's plane. However,when close pointson the object have different spectrum (e.g., along the edges of the object) it is more difficult to distinguishbetween the points projected onto the imager. Imagesthat provide spatial as well asspectral information may be important within small scale in-vivo imaging devices, e.g., endoscopesandcapsule endoscopes. Spatial information isneeded in order to determine thein-vivo location of the device, and spectral information of in-vivo tissueis importantfor determining various diseases at early stagesthat may be expressed in changesin spectra of various in-vivo particles, e.g., hemoglobin. There is therefore a need for a new optical system that may be implemented into devices that are tobe inserted in-vivo, inorder to acquire images that contain both spatial and spectral information.
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_Imaging_ an object may be considered _as_ a collection of points from the plane of _the_ object that are being _focused_ by _an_ optical _system_ onto a collection of _points_ on the _plane_ of an image sensor. _When_ there is a need to obtain spectral information as well as _spatial_ information of the object, there is a fundamental problem, _since_ this task is essentially the need to simultaneously capture a two-dimensional image of the object plane together with the color of each _point_ of the object _plane,_ this being essentially a “third dimension” of _the_ object plane, and to _record_ these three dimensions of information _on_ the two-dimensional plane of the image sensor. A number of proposed solutions have been _suggested_ _in_ the prior art _to_ solve this _problem._ One of the possible optical _systems_ may be one that includes an array of pinholes that _may_ be positioned at the focal plane _of_ the light reflected off _the_ object, _while_ the image sensor is located beyond the focal point such _that_ the image acquired _is_ defocused (and would _be_ later focused by _appropriate_ software). _The_ pinhole array _is_ used _to_ differentiate between points from _the_ plane of _the_ object, _such_ that there won't be any overlap _of_ points _in_ the _plane_ of the image sensor. Without the pinholes there is overlap between points on _the_ imager's plane, which would make _it_ practically impossible to correlate between points on the _imager's_ plane to points on the object's plane and thus practically impossible to restore the spatial information _of_ the object. A filter array comprising sub-filters _may_ be added to the _system_ _and_ _may_ be positioned at the aperture stop, such that spectral _information_ may be acquired by _the_ optical system as well as spatial information. That is, every _pixel_ _at_ the imager's plane has two “coordinates”; one for the angle _at_ which light was reflected off the object, and a second for the sub-filter _which_ the light reflected _off_ the object passed through. However, _the_ _main_ disadvantages of _using_ a pinhole array _is_ losing spatial information, and losing light when collecting the _light_ _reflected_ off _the_ object, _since_ the pinhole array blocks some of _the_ light reflected off the _object_ from being projected onto the imager. One of the groups _implementing_ such an optical system is, for example, the MITRE Corporation, _Mclean,_ Va. (Horstmeyer R., Athale R. and Euliss G. (2009) “Modified light field architecture _for_ reconfigurable multimode imaging”. Proc. _of_ SPIE, Vol. _7468,_ 746804). Another possible _optical_ system that may be used to create _an_ image of _an_ object _while_ providing spatial and spectral _information_ is one _where_ instead of a filter array located at the aperture _stop,_ a mask _is_ _located_ at the _aperture_ stop. The mask, according to Wagadarikar _et_ al. a group from Duke University, Durham, N.C., USA, is called a ‘coded _aperture’_ (A. A. Wagadarikar, N. P. Pitsianis, X. B. Sun and D. J. _Brady_ _(2009)._ “Video _rate_ spectral imaging using a coded aperture snapshot spectral imager.” _Optics_ Express 17(8): _6368-6388)._ _The_ optical system described in this article does not comprise a _pinhole_ _array_ so there is an overlap between pixels of the image sensor. The mask is random with the requirement of being 50% open for passage of light _that_ is reflected off the _imaged_ object. With this optical system there is minimal loss of spatial resolution, since the scenes that are _being_ imaged do _not_ consist _of_ _dramatic_ _spectral_ changes, and the _objects_ _are_ _relatively_ large _so_ it is _not_ difficult to distinguish between _areas_ of the same spectra. The mask, according to the above optical system, provides combinations of spatial and spectral _“coordinates”_ that may _describe_ the object. (The “coordinates” are acquired by the _imager_ followed by software reconstruction, in order to _focus_ the acquired _images)._ In _areas_ of the _object_ where the spectrum is substantially similar, only _the_ spatial data is _missing._ The mask is then _used_ to separate between close points _with_ similar spectrum on the imager's plane, so _it_ would be easier to correlate those points to points on the _object's_ plane. However, when close _points_ on the object have different _spectrum_ (e.g., _along_ the _edges_ _of_ the object) it is more difficult to _distinguish_ between the points projected onto the imager. Images _that_ provide _spatial_ as well _as_ spectral information may be important within small scale in-vivo imaging devices, e.g., endoscopes and capsule endoscopes. Spatial information is needed in order to determine the in-vivo _location_ _of_ the device, and spectral _information_ of in-vivo _tissue_ _is_ important _for_ determining various diseases at early stages that may be expressed in changes in spectra of various _in-vivo_ _particles,_ _e.g.,_ hemoglobin. There is therefore a need for a new optical _system_ that may be _implemented_ into devices _that_ are _to_ be inserted in-vivo, in _order_ _to_ _acquire_ images that contain both spatial _and_ spectral information.
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The present invention provides an amorphous, pharmaceutically active form of a compound of formula I
which is substantially free of crystalline compound. This compound is also known as 3-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)-4-(1-methyl-6-nitro-3-indolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5,-dione. This invention also provides a process for making the, amorphous form of the compound of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions including such compound.
A crystalline form of the compound of formula I is known. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. Re. 36,736. This crystalline form has a melting point of approximately 285xc2x0 C. (Id. column 22, lines 5-6). This compound belongs to a novel class of cell cycle inhibitors and apoptosis-inducers having potent anti-cancer therapeutic activity, in particular in solid tumors such as non-small cell lung, breast and colorectal cancers. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,887 and EP 0 988,863. In its previously known crystalline form, compound of formula I has relatively low aqueous solubility ( less than 10 xcexcg/mL) at physiological pHs (which range from 1.5-8.0) and consequently less than optimal bioavailability (less than 5% in dogs). As this is a therapeutically active compound, it is thus desirable to obtain a form of the compound of formula I which has improved solubility/dissolution rate and bioavailability.
The bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound is generally determined by (i) the solubility/dissolution rate of the compound, and (ii) the partition coefficient/permeability of the compound through a subject""s gastrointestinal membrane. The major cause of poor bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound is usually the poor solubility/dissolution rate of said compound. Poor bioavailability is also often accompanied by high variable patient blood levels and unpredictable dose/therapeutic effects due to erratic absorption of the drug by the patient.
Several techniques can be used to improve the bioavailability of therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubility. These techniques are discussed in the background Section of EP 0988,863. Also described in EP 0988,863, is a novel process pursuant to which crystalline therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubilities may be rendered more bioavailable by being incorporated or dispersed in an ionic polymer.
While the dispersion or incorporation of therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubilities in ionic polymers using certain methods may increase the bioavailability of these compounds, these methods can be cumbersome and time consuming. Such methods also require that the therapeutically active compounds are delivered to a patient in combination with a polymer, which may not always be beneficial or desirable. It is thus desirable to develop a process of making the compound of formula I in its amorphous form which does not require dispersion of the compound in a polymer.
The invention relates to an amorphous form of the compound of formula I which is substantially free of the crystalline form of the compound. This amorphous (also referred to as xe2x80x9chigh energyxe2x80x9d) form of the compound of formula I exhibits a faster dissolution rate than and superior bioavailability to the previously known crystalline form of the compound. The bioavailability of the amorphous form of the compound of this invention is significantly higher than the crystalline form of the compound, thereby enabling the amorphous form of the compound to be used in the treatment or therapy of cancerous tumors.
Another aspect of the invention relates to stable, amorphous compound of formula I which remains in stable, amorphous form for a period of time to permit the compound to have a reasonable shelf life (for example, two (2) years at room temperature) independent of form stabilizers such as an ionic polymer.
Another aspect of the invention is a process for making the high energy amorphous compound of formula l.
Another aspect of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of formula I in amorphous form.
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The present invention provides an amorphous, pharmaceutically active form of a compound of formula I which is substantially free of crystalline compound. This compound is also known as 3-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)-4-(1-methyl-6-nitro-3-indolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5,-dione. This invention also provides a process for making the, amorphous form of the compound of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions including such compound. A crystalline form of the compound of formula I is known. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. Re. 36,736. This crystalline form has a melting point of approximately 285xc2x0 C. (Id. column 22, lines 5-6). This compound belongs to a novel class of cell cycle inhibitors and apoptosis-inducers having potent anti-cancer therapeutic activity, in particular in solid tumors such as non-small cell lung, breast and colorectal cancers. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,887 and EP 0 988,863. In its previously known crystalline form, compound of formula I has relatively low aqueous solubility ( less than 10 xcexcg/mL) at physiological pHs (which range from 1.5-8.0) and consequently less than optimal bioavailability (less than 5% in dogs). As this is a therapeutically active compound, it is thus desirable to obtain a form of the compound of formula I which has improved solubility/dissolution rate and bioavailability. The bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound is generally determined by (i) the solubility/dissolution rate of the compound, and (ii) the partition coefficient/permeability of the compound through a subject""s gastrointestinal membrane. The major cause of poor bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound is usually the poor solubility/dissolution rate of said compound. Poor bioavailability is also often accompanied by high variable patient blood levels and unpredictable dose/therapeutic effects due to erratic absorption of the drug by the patient. Several techniques can be used to improve the bioavailability of therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubility. These techniques are discussed in the background Section of EP 0988,863. Also described in EP 0988,863, is a novel process pursuant to which crystalline therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubilities may be rendered more bioavailable by being incorporated or dispersed in an ionic polymer. While the dispersion or incorporation of therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubilities in ionic polymers using certain methods may increase the bioavailability of these compounds, these methods can be cumbersome and time consuming. Such methods also require that the therapeutically active intensify are delivered to a patient in combination with a polymer, which may not always be beneficial or desirable. It is thus desirable to develop a process of making the compound of formula I in its amorphous form which does not require dispersion of the compound in a polymer. The invention relates to an amorphous form of the compound of formula I which is substantially free of the crystalline form of the compound. This amorphous (also referred to as xe2x80x9chigh energyxe2x80x9d) form of the compound of formula I exhibits a faster dissolution rate than and superior bioavailability to the previously known crystalline form of the compound. The bioavailability of the amorphous form of the compound of this invention is significantly higher than the crystalline form of the compound, thereby enabling the amorphous form of the compound to be used in the treatment or therapy of cancerous tumors. Another aspect of the invention relates to stable, amorphous compound of formula I which remains in stable, amorphous form for a period of time to permit the compound to have a reasonable shelf life (for example, two (2) years at room temperature) independent of form stabilizers such as an ionic polymer. Another aspect of the invention is a process for making the high energy amorphous compound of formula l. Another aspect of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of formula I in amorphous form.
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The pr@s@nt invention provides an amorphous, pharmaceutically active form of a compound of formula I which is substantially free of crystalline compound. This compound is also known as 3 - (1 - methyl - 3 - indolyl) - 4 - (1 - methyl - 6 - nitro - 3 - indolyl) - 1H - pyrrole - 2, 5, - dione. This invention also provides a process for making the, amorphous form of the compound of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions including such compound. A crystalline form of the compound of formula I is known. See, e. g. , U. S. Pat. No. Re. 36, 736. This crystalline form has a melting point of approximately 285xc2x0 C. (Id. column 22, lines 5 - 6 ). This compound belongs to a novel class of cell cycle inhibitors and apoptosis - inducers having potent anti - cancer therapeutic activity, in particular in solid tumors such as non - small cell lung, breast and colorectal cancers. See, e. g. U. S. Pat. No. 6, 048, 887 and EP 0 988, 863. In its previously known cryAtall9ne form, compound of formula I has relatively low aqueous solubility (less than 10 xcexcg / mL) at physiological pHs (which range from 1. 5 - 8. 0) and conAequentIy less than optimal bioavailability (less than 5% in dogs ). As this is a therapeutically active compiune, it is thus desirable to ohtaim a form of the compound of formula I which has improved solubility / dissolution rate and bioavallabilith. The bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound is generally determined by (i) the solubility / dissolution rate of the compound, and (ii) the partition coefficient / permeability of the compound through a Zunject " " s gastrointestinal membrane. The major cause of poor bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound is usually the poor solubility / dissolution rate of said compound. Poor bioavailability is also often accompanied by high variable patient blood levels and unpredictable dose / therapeutic effects due to erratic absorption of the drug by the patient. Several techniques can be used to improve the bioavailability of therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubility. These techniques are discussed in the background Section of EP 0988, 863. Also described in EP 0988, 863, is a novel process pursuant to which crystalline therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubilities may be rendered ,oTe bioavailable by being incorporated or dispersed in an ionic polymer. While the dispersion or incorporation of therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubilities in ionic polymers using certain methods may increase the bioavailability of these compounds, these methods can be cumbersome and time consuming. Such methods also require that the therapeutically active compounds are delivered to a patient in combination with a p)ljmer, which may not always be beneficial or desirable. It is thus desirable to develop a process of making the compound of formula I in its amorphous form which does not require dispersion of the compound in a polymer. The invention relates to an amorphous form of the compound of formula I which is substantially free of the crystalline form of the compound. This amorphous (also referred to as xe2x80x9chigh energyxe2x80x9d) form of the compound of formula I exhibits a faster dissolution rate than and superior bioavailability to the previously known crystalline form of the compound. The bioavailability of the amorphous form of the compound of this invention is significantly higher than the crystalline form of the compound, thereby enabling the am0rphouE form of the compound to be used in the treatment or therapy of cancerous tumors. Another aspect of the invention relates to stable, amorphous compound of formula I which remains in stable, amorphous form for a period of time to permit the compound to have a reasonable shelf life (for example, two (2) years at room temperature) independent of form stabilizers such as an ionic polymer. Another aspect of the invention is a process for making the high energy amorphous compound of formula l. Another aspect of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of formula I in amorphous form.
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present provides an amorphous, pharmaceutically active form a compound of formula I which is substantially of crystalline compound. This compound is also known 3-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)-4-(1-methyl-6-nitro-3-indolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5,-dione. This invention also provides a for making the, amorphous form of the compound of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions including such compound. A crystalline form of the compound formula I is known. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. Re. 36,736. crystalline form has a melting point of approximately 285xc2x0 C. (Id. column 22, lines 5-6). This compound belongs to novel of cell cycle inhibitors and apoptosis-inducers having potent anti-cancer therapeutic activity, particular in solid tumors such as non-small cell lung, breast and colorectal cancers. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,887 and EP 0 988,863. In its previously known crystalline form, compound of formula I has relatively low aqueous less than 10 xcexcg/mL) at physiological pHs (which range from 1.5-8.0) consequently less than optimal bioavailability (less 5% in dogs). this is a therapeutically active compound, it is thus desirable to obtain form of the compound of formula I which has improved solubility/dissolution rate and bioavailability. The bioavailability of a compound is determined by (i) the solubility/dissolution rate of the compound, and the partition coefficient/permeability of the compound through a subject""s gastrointestinal membrane. The major cause of bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound is usually the poor solubility/dissolution rate of said compound. Poor bioavailability is also accompanied by high variable patient blood levels and unpredictable dose/therapeutic effects due to erratic absorption of the drug by the Several techniques can be used to improve the bioavailability of therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubility. techniques are discussed in the background Section of EP 0988,863. Also described in EP 0988,863, is a novel process pursuant to which crystalline therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubilities may be rendered more bioavailable by being incorporated or dispersed in an ionic the dispersion incorporation of therapeutically active compounds having relatively low solubilities ionic polymers using certain methods may increase the bioavailability of these compounds, these methods can be cumbersome and time consuming. Such also require that the therapeutically active compounds are delivered a patient in combination polymer, which may not be beneficial or desirable. It is desirable to develop a process of the compound formula I in its amorphous form which does not require dispersion of the compound a polymer. The invention relates to an amorphous form the compound of I which is substantially free form of compound. This amorphous referred to as xe2x80x9chigh form of the compound of I exhibits faster dissolution rate than and superior bioavailability to the previously known crystalline form of the compound. The bioavailability of the amorphous the compound of this invention is significantly higher than the crystalline form of the compound, thereby enabling the amorphous form the compound to be used in the treatment or therapy of cancerous tumors. Another aspect of the invention relates stable, amorphous compound of formula which remains stable, amorphous form for period of time to permit the compound to have a reasonable shelf life (for example, two (2) years at room independent of form stabilizers such as an ionic polymer. Another aspect of the invention is process making the high energy amorphous compound of formula Another aspect of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition including a effective amount of the compound of formula I in amorphous form.
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ThE PReseNT INvenTion PRoVIdEs aN AMorpHouS, pHArMaceUtIcaLly ACtive foRm Of A COMpOUND oF fORmULA i
WhiCh iS subsTaNTiaLlY Free oF CRyStAlLINE cOmpoUND. tHIs cOmPOunD iS aLSO KNOwn AS 3-(1-MeTHYL-3-INDoLyl)-4-(1-methyl-6-NiTRO-3-inDolyl)-1h-pyrrOle-2,5,-dIOne. ThiS iNvEntiOn aLso ProvIDES a prOcess for makING ThE, amOrpHoUs Form Of the cOMPoUND of foRMULA i aS WeLl As PHARMacEUTIcaL ComPOSiTIOns INcludING SuCH comPOUnD.
A cRysTAlliNe foRM oF tHE coMPoUnd of fOrMulA i is kNOwN. seE, E.G., U.s. Pat. no. Re. 36,736. THis crysTAlLine fOrM hAs A mELtING point oF aPproXImAtElY 285Xc2X0 C. (ID. COlUMN 22, LiNEs 5-6). This CompOUnD beLOnGs TO A noVel ClASs Of ceLl cyCle iNHibiToRs ANd APoPtoSIs-iNducERS havINg pOTENT anti-caNceR THeRapeUTIc aCTivity, iN pArTICuLaR IN SOliD TUmoRs SuCh As non-sMAlL Cell luNg, bReAST ANd colOreCtAL cANcers. SeE, e.G. U.S. PAT. No. 6,048,887 AND EP 0 988,863. In iTS PrevioUSlY kNoWN CRySTALlInE FOrM, CompOUnD OF foRMUlA I hAs reLAtIVELy lOW AqueOUS solUBIlitY ( LEsS ThAn 10 xcExcG/ML) aT PHySiOloGical PhS (wHIch rAnGe from 1.5-8.0) aND cOnSeQuEntLy Less tHan OpTImaL bioAVaIlaBILiTY (LesS tHan 5% In Dogs). AS THiS is a theraPEUTicAllY aCtIVe CoMpOUnd, It is tHUS DeSIRABlE tO ObtaIN A fORM Of tHe COmpOuNd Of FORmula I WHICh HAS ImPRoVed SOLUbIliTY/DISSOLUTiOn rATe And BiOAVailaBIlIty.
the BIoavAIlaBilIty of a TherapEUTIcaLLY acTIvE coMPOuND IS gENeraLlY dEtErMINEd By (i) THe sOLubilITy/dISSoLUtION raTE of ThE coMPOUnD, anD (Ii) ThE PArtitIOn COeFfiCieNt/PermEability Of the compouNd thROUgH a suBJECT""s GaSTRoIntesTiNal MEmbrAne. the MaJoR cAUse Of pooR biOAvaIlABILITy of A ThERaPEuTICAlly ActIVe coMPOuND Is uSuallY thE Poor SolubIlitY/DISsoLUTion rATe Of sAiD COMpOuND. pOOR BiOAVaiLAbIlItY iS ALso OfTEN acComPaniED By higH VarIabLE PatIEnt bLOOd levels aND unpreDicTAblE DOSe/TheRapEUTic eFfEctS due TO erRATic AbsOrpTIoN Of tHE DruG bY The pATiENT.
sEveraL tEChniQUES cAn BE useD To iMPRoVe thE BIoavaIlabIlitY oF tHerAPEutICally ACTive COmPOuNDS haVIng reLATIvELy LoW aQueOUS SOluBilITY. ThESE tecHNiquES ARe DIsCuSseD In thE BACKgrounD SECtIoN Of eP 0988,863. ALSo dESCriBed IN EP 0988,863, IS A NoVeL prOcEsS pursUaNT tO Which CrySTaLLine tHERapEUticaLly aCtiVE COMPoUnDs having ReLAtivEly LOw AqUEOuS SOluBiliTiEs MAY be renDeREd MORE BIoAvailABLe bY BEIng iNCoRpORAtED oR DISPeRSeD In AN IONic polYMEr.
WhIle ThE dIsPErsiON Or incOrPORaTioN of THerApeUtIcalLy ActIVe COmPouNdS haVing relATIVeLY lOW aQUeOUS sOluBiliTiES IN IonIC POLyMeRS uSINg ceRTaIn MethoDs mAy INcREAsE tHe bioAVAILaBiLity Of THEsE CoMpouNds, tHESE methODs cAN be CUMberSOme aNd TIME cOnSuMING. such mEThODs also rEqUiRe ThAT THE ThErapeUTiCallY AcTIVe ComPoUNdS ArE DeLIVERed tO a PAtIeNt In coMbInATion wITH A pOLymER, WHiCh may not AlwAys bE beNeFicial OR DesIrablE. It IS thuS dESiraBlE To DEvelOP A PROcess of MaKinG THE CompoUND of forMULA i iN ITS amoRPHOUs FoRm WHiCh DOES NOT REQUirE disperSIon of tHE comPoUnD iN a pOLyMer.
thE INvEntioN rELateS to aN aMorpHOUs fORM of The COmpOUnd oF FOrMUlA i whiCH IS SuBstAntiaLly free Of the CRyStAlliNe Form oF ThE cOMPOuND. THis AmORpHOUS (aLSo rEFERREd tO as Xe2X80x9chigh EneRGyxE2x80x9D) FoRm Of tHe cOmpOund of fORMUlA I eXHibIts a FasTER diSsoLuTIoN rAte tHan anD SupeRIoR bIOaVaiLabILITY tO tHe previOUSly Known cRystAlliNe foRm Of the CoMpOuNd. the bIoAVAIlaBilitY OF the aMORPHouS Form oF ThE comPOUND oF tHis inVEnTIon IS siGNIfICANTLY HiGHer THan tHE crySTaLlINE foRM of thE coMPouND, THErEby enaBLING THe AmoRPhoUS FORM of THE compOUnD to Be UsED in tHE TreatMeNT Or TherApy oF cANcERoUs tUmoRS.
AnothEr aSPEct OF The iNvenTion rELaTEs tO StaBlE, AMORpHouS cOmpouNd Of FoRMULA I WHIcH remaIns in Stable, aMORPhouS fOrM FOR a pERIOd Of timE to pErMiT THe CompoUND To hAVE a rEaSoNAbLe SHeLf liFe (For exAMple, TWo (2) yEARS aT roOM tEmPERaTuRe) iNdEpEndEnt OF form sTaBILIZeRs sucH as An ioNIC pOLymer.
AnOtHer aspeCt oF tHe INveNTIOn Is a ProCESS FOr mAkiNg The HiGh ENerGY AmOrPHouS cOmPOuND Of FoRmula L.
aNoThEr ASPEct OF tHE iNvENTIOn is A PHaRmAcEUticaL CoMpOsiTiON incLUDING a THErApeuTiCALLY eFfEctIVe aMOunT of tHe COMpounD Of FORMUlA i iN AmoRPhOUs FOrM.
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The present invention provides an amorphous, pharmaceuticallyactive form of a compound of formulaI which is substantially free of crystalline compound. This compound is alsoknown as 3-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)-4-(1-methyl-6-nitro-3-indolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5,-dione. This invention alsoprovides a process for making the, amorphous form of the compound of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositionsincluding such compound. A crystalline form of the compound of formula I isknown. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. Re. 36,736. This crystalline form has a melting point of approximately 285xc2x0 C. (Id. column 22,lines 5-6). This compound belongs to a novel class of cell cycleinhibitors and apoptosis-inducers having potent anti-cancer therapeutic activity,in particular in solid tumorssuch as non-small cell lung, breast and colorectal cancers. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,887 andEP 0 988,863. In its previouslyknown crystalline form, compound offormula I has relatively low aqueous solubility ( less than 10xcexcg/mL)at physiological pHs(whichrange from 1.5-8.0) and consequently less thanoptimalbioavailability (less than 5% in dogs). As this is a therapeutically active compound, itis thus desirable to obtainaform of the compound of formula Iwhich has improved solubility/dissolution rate and bioavailability. The bioavailability of a therapeuticallyactive compoundisgenerally determined by (i) the solubility/dissolution rate of thecompound, and (ii) the partition coefficient/permeabilityof the compound through a subject""s gastrointestinal membrane.The major cause of poor bioavailability ofa therapeutically active compound is usually the poorsolubility/dissolution rate ofsaid compound. Poor bioavailability is also oftenaccompanied by high variable patient blood levels and unpredictable dose/therapeutic effects due to erratic absorption ofthe drug by the patient. Several techniquescan beused to improve the bioavailability of therapeuticallyactivecompounds having relatively low aqueous solubility. Thesetechniques are discussed in the background Section of EP 0988,863. Also described in EP 0988,863, is anovel process pursuantto which crystallinetherapeuticallyactive compounds having relatively lowaqueous solubilities may be rendered morebioavailable by being incorporatedordispersed inan ionic polymer.While thedispersion or incorporation of therapeutically active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubilities in ionic polymers using certain methodsmay increase thebioavailability ofthese compounds, these methods can be cumbersome and time consuming.Such methods also require that the therapeuticallyactive compounds are delivered to a patient in combination with a polymer, which may not always be beneficial ordesirable. It is thus desirabletodevelop a process of making the compound of formula I initsamorphous form which does not requiredispersion ofthe compound in a polymer. The invention relates to an amorphous formof the compound of formula I which is substantially free of the crystalline form of the compound. This amorphous (also referred to as xe2x80x9chigh energyxe2x80x9d)form of thecompound of formula Iexhibitsafaster dissolution ratethan and superior bioavailability to the previously known crystalline form ofthe compound. The bioavailability of the amorphous form of thecompound of this invention is significantly higher than the crystalline form of the compound, therebyenabling the amorphous form ofthe compound tobe usedin the treatment or therapy of canceroustumors. Another aspect of theinvention relates to stable, amorphous compound of formula I which remains in stable, amorphous form for a period of time topermit the compound to have a reasonable shelf life (for example, two(2) years at roomtemperature) independent of formstabilizerssuch as an ionic polymer. Anotheraspect of the invention is a process for making the high energy amorphous compound of formula l. Another aspect of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition including atherapeutically effective amount of the compound of formula I in amorphous form.
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The present invention provides an amorphous, pharmaceutically active _form_ of _a_ compound of formula _I_ which is substantially free of crystalline _compound._ This _compound_ is _also_ known as _3-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)-4-(1-methyl-6-nitro-3-indolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5,-dione._ This _invention_ also provides a process for making the, amorphous form of the compound of formula I as well _as_ pharmaceutical _compositions_ _including_ such compound. A crystalline _form_ of the compound of _formula_ _I_ is _known._ See, e.g., U.S. _Pat._ No. Re. 36,736. _This_ crystalline form has a melting point _of_ approximately _285xc2x0_ C. (Id. column 22, lines 5-6). _This_ _compound_ belongs to a _novel_ class of _cell_ cycle inhibitors and apoptosis-inducers having potent _anti-cancer_ therapeutic _activity,_ in particular in solid tumors such as _non-small_ _cell_ lung, breast and colorectal _cancers._ See, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,887 and EP 0 988,863. In its _previously_ known crystalline form, compound of formula I has relatively _low_ aqueous solubility ( less than 10 xcexcg/mL) at physiological pHs (which range _from_ 1.5-8.0) _and_ consequently less than optimal bioavailability (less _than_ 5% in _dogs)._ As this _is_ a therapeutically _active_ compound, _it_ is thus desirable _to_ obtain a form of the compound of formula _I_ which has improved solubility/dissolution rate _and_ bioavailability. The bioavailability _of_ a therapeutically active compound _is_ generally determined _by_ (i) the solubility/dissolution rate _of_ the compound, and (ii) _the_ _partition_ _coefficient/permeability_ of the _compound_ through _a_ subject""s gastrointestinal membrane. The major _cause_ of poor bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound is usually the _poor_ _solubility/dissolution_ _rate_ of _said_ compound. _Poor_ bioavailability is also often accompanied by high variable patient blood levels and unpredictable dose/therapeutic effects due to erratic absorption of the drug by the patient. Several techniques _can_ be _used_ to _improve_ the bioavailability of _therapeutically_ active compounds having relatively low aqueous solubility. These techniques _are_ discussed in _the_ background _Section_ of _EP_ _0988,863._ _Also_ described in EP 0988,863, is a novel process pursuant _to_ which crystalline therapeutically active compounds having _relatively_ _low_ aqueous solubilities may be rendered more _bioavailable_ _by_ being _incorporated_ or dispersed in _an_ ionic polymer. While the dispersion or incorporation of therapeutically active compounds _having_ _relatively_ _low_ aqueous _solubilities_ _in_ ionic _polymers_ using certain methods _may_ increase the bioavailability of these compounds, _these_ methods can be cumbersome and time consuming. Such methods also require that _the_ therapeutically active compounds are delivered to _a_ patient in combination with a _polymer,_ which may not _always_ be beneficial or desirable. It is thus desirable _to_ develop a process of _making_ the _compound_ of formula I in its amorphous _form_ which does not require dispersion of the _compound_ in a polymer. The invention relates _to_ an amorphous form of the compound of _formula_ I _which_ is substantially free of _the_ crystalline form of the compound. This amorphous (also referred _to_ as xe2x80x9chigh energyxe2x80x9d) form of the _compound_ of formula _I_ exhibits _a_ faster dissolution _rate_ than and superior bioavailability to the previously _known_ _crystalline_ form of the compound. _The_ _bioavailability_ _of_ the amorphous form of _the_ compound of this _invention_ _is_ significantly higher than the crystalline form _of_ the compound, thereby enabling the amorphous form of the _compound_ to be used in _the_ _treatment_ or therapy of cancerous _tumors._ Another aspect of _the_ invention relates to stable, amorphous compound of formula I which remains in stable, amorphous form for a period _of_ time to permit the _compound_ to have a reasonable shelf life (for _example,_ two (2) years _at_ room temperature) _independent_ of form stabilizers _such_ as an _ionic_ polymer. _Another_ aspect of the _invention_ is a process _for_ _making_ the high energy amorphous compound of formula l. Another aspect of the _invention_ is _a_ pharmaceutical _composition_ including _a_ therapeutically _effective_ amount of the compound of formula I in amorphous form.
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With increasing demands on computational power and data transmission bandwidth, electronic devices and microstructures incorporating such devices are becoming increasingly complex necessitating a greater degree of mechanical and electrical interconnection among components. In response, three-dimensional microstructures provide a variety of advantages in accommodating the need for increased device performance. By way of example, three-dimensional microstructures and methods for their manufacture are illustrated at least at U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,948,335, 7,405,638, 7,148,772, 7,012,489, 7,649,432, 7,656,256, 7,755,174, 7,898,356, 8,031,037 and/or U.S. Application Pub. Nos. 2010/0109819, 2011/0210807, 2010/0296252, 2011/0273241, 2011/0123783, 2011/0181376 and/or 2011/0181377, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
A typical approach for electrically and/or mechanically interconnecting both planar and three-dimensional microstructures is soldering. However, it may be difficult to stop solder from wicking up the length of a metal component, especially in view of the complex surface morphologies which may be encountered in three-dimensional microstructures, and particularly when such structures are made of or coated with metals such as gold, silver, copper or similar metals which are capable of promoting solder flow. For instance, the presence of a multitude of discrete components, mounting surfaces, interconnected chips, and so on presents a variety of surface height changes and void spaces prone to wicking molten solder along the surfaces of such components.
While the phenomena of adhesion of a desired solder to base metal may be called “wetting” and lack of it as “non-wetting”, for the purposes of the present application the term “wicking” is defined to connote the flow (intended or unintended) of solder along the surface of parts, even though the physics of the flow is not one of traditional fluidic “wicking” in the sense as it occurs when a fabric contacts water. Wicking therefore in the context of the present application is the wetting of the solder, and to stop the wicking in the present application refers to stopping of wetting and flow of the solder past the intended boundaries. A clean thin layer of gold on platinum, intended for solder reflow, may for example, continue to wet the surface particularly in non-oxidizing conditions for a great distance until the solder thickness or composition due to interdiffusion becomes unacceptable for its intended purpose.
The unintended flow of solder throughout such microstructures may cause decreased performance, uncontrolled bond lines, shorting, solder embrittlement, and other problems. In traditional planar structures such as circuit boards control of the solder flow can be performed with a patterned solder mask. Often such materials are either selectively applied or patterned, e.g., photo-patterned, or they may be micro-sprayed. Whereas a “solder mask”, such as a patterned planar dielectric coating, may be used to stop and/or control solder flow, in an open three-dimensional structure applying such a material may be relatively difficult to achieve for multiple reasons. First, the interconnects and/or electrical junctions where devices are to be attached may be on a layer other than the surface layer, precluding the use of dry film. Second, a complex three-dimensional structure may be hard to coat and/or pattern lithographically on more than one layer. Third, it may be desirable to ensure substantially complete removal of any existing solder mask materials as they may degrade performance such as RF performance, because they may not be applied with sufficient accuracy and/or quantity for many applications (e.g., microwave devices) onto such three-dimensional structures. These problems are aggravated when the desired pad dimensions for a solder or conductive adhesive continue to shrink from squares of hundreds of microns on a side to squares of tens of microns, as currently is the case for some microwave and mm-wave devices and circuits such as MMICs.
In addition, three-dimensional microstructures may include coatings of excellent conductors and/or noble metals, such as gold, which may aggravate a problem of solder flowing along a conductor in an uncontrolled manner. Further, solder thickness and even conductive adhesive thickness, as well as volume, in a particular location often need to be controlled as the these parameters can determine mechanical properties such as strength and resistance to fatigue. Maintaining the solder's reflow over a controlled location during attach can provide compositional control of the metals in the solder system as noble metals, diffusion barriers, and base metals tend to dissolve to varying degrees and therefore impact lifetime and other properties of the electro-mechanical junctions at the points of attach. Still, solder attach may be an important technique for high strength and reliable device attachment. Previous approaches for three-dimensional microstructures have failed to disclose how to maintain adhesion of such coatings particularly when the CTE match of the wettable metals and the non-wettable layers or “wick stop” materials may be highly mismatched. Thus, there remains a need to control flow, wetting area, and/or spread of solder material for three-dimensional micro-electric structures including, for example, those incorporated herein by reference above.
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With increasing demands on computational power and data transmission bandwidth, electronic devices and microstructures incorporating such devices are becoming increasingly complex necessitating a greater degree of mechanical and electrical interconnection among components. In response, three-dimensional microstructures provide a variety of advantages in accommodating the need for increased device performance. By way of example, three-dimensional microstructures and methods for their manufacture are illustrated at least at U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,948,335, 7,405,638, 7,148,772, 7,012,489, 7,649,432, 7,656,256, 7,755,174, 7,898,356, 8,031,037 and/or U.S. Application Pub. Nos. 2010/0109819, 2011/0210807, 2010/0296252, 2011/0273241, 2011/0123783, 2011/0181376 and/or 2011/0181377, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. A typical feeler for electrically and/or mechanically interconnecting both planar and three-dimensional microstructures is soldering. However, it may be difficult to stop solder from wicking up the length of a metal component, especially in view of the complex surface morphologies which may be encountered in three-dimensional microstructures, and particularly when such structures are made of or coated with metals such as gold, silver, copper or similar metals which are capable of promoting solder flow. For instance, the presence of a multitude of discrete components, mounting surfaces, interconnected chips, and so on presents a variety of surface height changes and void spaces prone to wicking molten solder along the surfaces of such components. While the phenomena of adhesion of a desired solder to base metal may be called “wetting” and lack of it as “non-wetting”, for the purposes of the present application the term “wicking” is defined to connote the flow (intended or unintended) of solder along the surface of parts, even though the physics of the flow is not one of traditional fluidic “wicking” in the sense as it occurs when a fabric contacts water. Wicking therefore in the context of the present application is the wetting of the solder, and to stop the wicking in the present application refers to stopping of wetting and flow of the solder past the intended boundaries. A clean thin layer of gold on platinum, intended for solder reflow, may for example, continue to wet the surface particularly in non-oxidizing conditions for a great distance until the solder thickness or composition due to interdiffusion becomes unacceptable for its intended purpose. The unintended flow of solder throughout such microstructures may cause decreased performance, uncontrolled bond lines, shorting, solder embrittlement, and other problems. In traditional planar structures such as circuit boards control of the solder flow can be performed with a patterned solder mask. Often such materials are either selectively applied or patterned, e.g., photo-patterned, or they may be micro-sprayed. Whereas a “solder mask”, such as a patterned planar dielectric coating, may be used to stop and/or control solder flow, in an open three-dimensional structure applying such a material may be relatively difficult to achieve for multiple reasons. First, the interconnects and/or electrical junctions where devices are to be attached may be on a layer other than the surface layer, precluding the use of dry film. Second, a complex three-dimensional structure may be hard to coat and/or pattern lithographically on more than one layer. Third, it may be desirable to ensure substantially complete removal of any existing solder mask materials as they may degrade performance such as RF performance, because they may not be applied with sufficient accuracy and/or quantity for many applications (e.g., microwave devices) onto such three-dimensional structures. These problems are aggravated when the desired pad dimensions for a solder or conductive adhesive continue to shrink from squares of hundreds of microns on a side to squares of tens of microns, as currently is the case for some microwave and mm-wave devices and circuits such as MMICs. In addition, three-dimensional microstructures may include coatings of excellent conductors and/or noble metals, such as gold, which may aggravate a problem of solder flowing along a conductor in an uncontrolled manner. Further, solder thickness and even conductive adhesive thickness, as well as volume, in a particular location often need to be controlled as the these parameters can determine mechanical properties such as strength and resistance to fatigue. Maintaining the solder's reflow over a controlled location during attach can provide compositional control of the metals in the solder system as noble metals, diffusion barriers, and base metals tend to dissolve to varying degrees and therefore impact lifetime and other properties of the electro-mechanical junctions at the points of attach. Still, solder attach may be an important technique for high strength and reliable device attachment. Previous approaches for three-dimensional microstructures have failed to disclose how to maintain adhesion of such coatings particularly when the CTE match of the wettable metals and the non-wettable layers or “wick stop” materials may be highly mismatched. Thus, there remains a need to control flow, wetting area, and/or spread of solder material for three-dimensional micro-electric structures including, for example, those incorporated herein by reference above.
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With increasing demands on computational power and data transmission bandwidth, electronic devices and microstructures incorporating such devices are becoming increasingly complex necessitating a greater degree of mechSn7cal and electrical interconnection among components. In response, three - dimensional microstructures provide a variety of advantages in accommodating the need for increased device performance. By way of example, three - dimensional microstructures and methods for their manufacture are illustrated at least at U. S. Pat. Nos. 7, 948, 335, 7, 405, 638, 7, 148, 772, 7, 012, 489, 7, 649, 432, 7, 656, 256, 7, 755, 174, 7, 898, 356, 8, 031, 037 and / or U. S. Application Pub. Nos. 2010 / 0109819, 2011 / 0210807, 2010 / 0296252, 2011 / 0273241, 2011 / 0123783, 2011 / 0181376 and / or 2011 / 0181377, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. A typical approach for electrically and / or mechanically interconnecting both planar and three - dimensional microstructures is soldering. However, it may be difficult to stop solder from wicking up the length of a metal component, especially in view of the complex surface morphologies which may be encountered in three - dimensional microstructures, and particularly when such structures are made of or coated with metals such as gold, silver, copper or similar metals which are capable of promoting solder flow. For instance, the presence of a multitude of discrete components, mounting surfaces, interconnected chips, and so on presents a variety of surface height changes and void spaces prone to wicking molten solder along the surfaces of such components. While the phenomena of adhesion of a desired solder to base metal may be called “ wetting ” and lack of it as “ non - wetting ”, for the purposes of the present application the term “ wicking ” is defined to connote the flow (intended or unintended) of solder along the surface of parts, even though the physics of the flow is not one of traditional bouidic “ wicking ” in the sense as it occurs when a fabric contacts water. Wicking therefore in the context of the present application is the wetting of the solder, and to stop the wicking in the present application refers to stopping of wetting and flow of the solder past the intended boundaries. A clean thin lzyeG of gold on platinum, intended for solder reflow, may for example, continue to wet the surface particularly in non - oxidizing conditions for a great distance until the solder thickness or composition due to interdiffusion becomes unacceptable for its intended purpose. The unintended flow of solder th5o&ghout such microstructures may cause decreased performance, uncontrolled bond lines, shorting, solder embrittlement, and other problems. In traditional planar structures such as circuit boards control of the solder flow can be performed with a patterned solder mask. OftDM such materials are either selectively applied or patterned, e. g. , photo - patterned, or they may be micro - sprayed. Whereas a “ solder mask ”, such as a patterned planar dielectric coating, may be used to stop and / or control solder flow, in an open three - dimensional structure applying such a material may be relatively difficult to achieve for multiple reasons. First, the interconnects and / or electrical HunXtions where devices are to be attached may be on a layer other than the surface layer, precluding the use of dry film. Second, a complex three - dimensional structure may be hard to coat and / or pattern lithographically on more than one layer. Third, it may be desirable to ensure substantially complete removal of any existing solder mask materials as they may degrade performance such as RF pe%formanc4, because they may not be applied with sufficient accuracy and / or quantity for many applications (e. g. , microwave devices) ogt( such three - dimensional structures. These problems are aggravated when the desired pad dimensions for a solder or conductive adhesive Dontinud to shrink from squares of hundreds of microns on a side to squares of tens of microns, as currently is the case for some microwave and mm - wave devices and circuits such as MMICs. In addition, three - dimensional microstructures may include coatings of excellent conductors and / or noble metals, such as gold, which may aggravate a problem of solder flowing along a conductor in an uncontrolled manner. Further, solder thickness and even conductive adhesive thickness, as well as volume, in a particular location often need to be controlled as the these parameters can determine mechanical properties such as strength and resistance to fatigue. Maintaining the solder ' s reflow over a controlled location during attach can provide compositional control of the metals in the solder system as noble metals, diffusion barriers, and base metals tend to dissolve to varying degrees and therefore impact lifetime and other properties of the electro - mechanical junctions at the points of attach. Still, solder attach may be an important technique for high strength and reliable device attachment. Previous approaches for fhre@ - dimensional microstructures have failed to disclose how to maintain adhesion of such coatings particularly when the CTE match of the wettable metals and the non - wettable layers or “ wick stop ” materials may be highly mismatched. Thus, there remains a need to control flow, wetting area, and / or spread of solder material for three - dimensional micro - electric structures including, for example, those incorporated herein by reference above.
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With increasing demands on computational power and data transmission bandwidth, electronic devices and microstructures such devices becoming increasingly complex necessitating a greater degree of mechanical and electrical interconnection among components. In response, three-dimensional microstructures provide a variety of advantages in accommodating the need for increased device performance. By way of example, three-dimensional microstructures and methods for manufacture are illustrated at at Pat. Nos. 7,948,335, 7,405,638, 7,148,772, 7,012,489, 7,656,256, 7,755,174, 7,898,356, 8,031,037 U.S. Application Pub. 2010/0109819, 2011/0210807, 2010/0296252, 2011/0273241, 2011/0123783, and/or 2011/0181377, each of which is incorporated by reference in their A typical approach for electrically and/or mechanically interconnecting both planar and three-dimensional microstructures is soldering. However, it may difficult to stop solder from wicking up the length of a metal especially in view of the complex surface morphologies which may be encountered in three-dimensional microstructures, and particularly when such structures are made or coated with metals such gold, silver, copper similar metals which are capable of promoting solder flow. For instance, the presence of a multitude of discrete components, mounting surfaces, chips, and so on presents a of surface height changes and void spaces prone to molten solder along the of such components. While the phenomena of adhesion of a desired solder to base be called “wetting” and lack it as “non-wetting”, for the purposes of the present application the term “wicking” defined connote the flow or unintended) of along the surface of parts, even though the physics of the flow is not of traditional fluidic “wicking” in the sense as it occurs when a fabric contacts Wicking therefore in the context the present application is the wetting of the solder, and to stop the wicking in the present refers to stopping of wetting and flow of the solder the intended boundaries. A clean thin layer of on platinum, intended for reflow, may for example, continue to wet the surface particularly in non-oxidizing conditions for a great distance until the solder thickness composition due to interdiffusion becomes unacceptable for its intended purpose. The unintended flow of solder throughout such microstructures may cause decreased uncontrolled bond lines, shorting, solder embrittlement, and other problems. In traditional planar structures such as circuit boards of the solder flow can be performed with patterned solder mask. Often such materials are either selectively applied or patterned, e.g., photo-patterned, or they may be micro-sprayed. Whereas a “solder mask”, such as a patterned planar dielectric coating, may be used to stop and/or control flow, in open applying such a material may be relatively difficult achieve for multiple reasons. First, the interconnects and/or electrical junctions where devices are to be may be on a other than the surface precluding use of film. Second, a complex three-dimensional structure may be to coat and/or pattern more than one layer. Third, it may ensure substantially removal of any existing solder mask materials as they may degrade performance as RF performance, because they may not be applied with sufficient accuracy and/or quantity for many applications microwave devices) onto such three-dimensional structures. These problems are aggravated when the desired pad for a solder or conductive adhesive continue to shrink from squares of of microns on a to squares of tens of microns, as currently is the case for some microwave and mm-wave devices and circuits such as MMICs. In addition, three-dimensional microstructures may include coatings of excellent conductors and/or noble metals, such as gold, may a problem of solder flowing along a conductor in an uncontrolled manner. Further, solder thickness and adhesive thickness, well as volume, in a particular location often need to be controlled as the parameters can determine mechanical properties such as strength and resistance to fatigue. Maintaining the solder's reflow over a controlled location during attach can provide control of the metals in the solder system as noble diffusion barriers, and base metals tend to dissolve to varying degrees and therefore lifetime and other properties of the electro-mechanical junctions at the points of attach. Still, attach may be an important technique for strength and reliable device attachment. Previous approaches for three-dimensional microstructures have failed to disclose how to maintain adhesion of such coatings particularly the CTE match the wettable metals and non-wettable layers or stop” materials may be mismatched. Thus, there remains a need to control flow, wetting and/or spread for three-dimensional micro-electric structures including, for example, those incorporated herein by reference above.
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WITH InCREAsing DeManDs On ComPUTAtIoNAL pOweR anD dAta TrANSmiSsiOn BANdwIdtH, ELEcTronIC DeviCEs aNd MicroSTRUCTUrES incorpOraTIng sucH dEvIces arE beCoMinG INCReaSiNgLy cOmpLEX neCeSSItAtiNG a grEAteR DegrEe Of mEcHaNIcal AND ELeCtrIcaL InteRconneCtIOn amoNg ComPoNents. iN rEspONSE, three-DimENSioNAL mICRostrucTUrEs PROVIDE A vARiEtY Of adVantAGeS iN acCoMMODatInG The nEED fOR INCreASEd DEVIce PerFOrMAnce. BY WAY Of eXamPle, ThRee-dimeNsiOnal microStRUcTUres aNd MetHODs fOR THeIr MaNUFacTure are ILlUsTRAted AT least AT u.s. pAt. nOs. 7,948,335, 7,405,638, 7,148,772, 7,012,489, 7,649,432, 7,656,256, 7,755,174, 7,898,356, 8,031,037 AND/OR u.S. APplIcatIOn pub. NoS. 2010/0109819, 2011/0210807, 2010/0296252, 2011/0273241, 2011/0123783, 2011/0181376 And/OR 2011/0181377, eAcH of wHICH Is HEREBy INCORPORATED bY reference iN THeIR ENTIrETy.
A tyPIcAl aPPRoacH FoR elEctrICalLY ANd/Or mecHANIcALly INtERcONnEctING BOth PLAnAr AnD threE-DImEnsiONAl MICROSTRUCTUrEs Is sOLDeRIng. hOWever, It MaY bE difficULt tO Stop SOLDEr FRom WIcKiNg up The lENgTh oF A MEtAl comPONent, ESPECiALlY iN vieW of tHe COmpleX sURFACe MORphoLOgies WhiCH mAy be ENCoUNTEreD IN thREe-DIMEnSional miCroSTRuCtuRES, aNd pArTIcUlARLY wheN SuCH stRUCtURES aRe MaDE OF oR COAteD WITH METAlS suCH AS GOld, SilVer, cOPPer Or siMILAR MetALs WhicH Are capable Of PROMotiNg soldER fLow. FoR iNstancE, The pRESeNCe oF a MUltITuDe oF dIsCREte CoMpoNEnTs, mountING sUrFACes, inTerCoNnECted ChIpS, aNd SO on PrESeNtS a VArIetY of SURfaCe heigHT cHangEs AND vOID SpaCes prone To WiCkInG MoLTEn sOldeR aloNg tHe sUrfaCes Of suCH coMPoNENTs.
WhiLe tHE pHENOMeNa oF ADhESION of a dESireD SOldER TO BAse MeTaL maY be CalleD “WeTTING” aNd LACk of it As “nON-WETting”, FOR The purPosEs oF THe PreSEnT aPPLICATIOn tHe terM “wickiNG” is deFiNEd To conNoTe thE flOw (IntENDED or uNiNTeNDEd) oF sOlDEr aLONG The SurfacE oF paRtS, EveN THOuGH tHE phYSiCs of THe FLOw Is NoT onE of TRadITIOnAl FlUIdic “wiCkinG” In tHE seNse As It oCcurS wHEn a fABRIC conTAcTs WAtER. wicking tHEreFoRE in THE cOnTEXt oF thE prEsEnt aPPLICatIon Is the wEtTINg oF thE solDer, aNd To StOp the wickINg iN the PREsENt APpliCAtion Refers TO StoPPINg oF WETtInG aND FLow OF THE SOLdER Past ThE intenDEd BouNDARIeS. A cLeAN tHiN laYer of goLd ON plaTInUm, InteNDED FOR SOLDer reflOW, MAy FOR eXaMplE, conTInue To WeT thE SUrface pArTICULARlY In noN-oXiDizInG COndItIonS fOR A GREaT dIsTANce until ThE SoLDer THIckNESS Or CoMPoSiTIon dUE To INTerdifFUsion BEcOMEs UNAccEPTaBle FOr iTS INtEnded pUrpoSE.
ThE unINtEnDed FlOW Of sOlDEr ThrougHOUt sUcH mICRoSTRUCturEs may CAUSe DECreased PeRforMAncE, UncoNtrOLled BOND lINEs, shoRTiNg, sOLder eMBRitTLemenT, AND oTHEr pROBLems. in TRaDITIOnal planAr stRuctUReS sUch As CircuIT bOARds COnTroL of thE sOLdER FLoW CAN Be peRfORMED with a PaTtERnEd SoLdEr mAsK. oFTEN such matEriALS aRe EITHeR SelEcTiveLY AppLIed or pAtTErNEd, e.G., photo-pATTERnEd, Or THEy mAY bE MICro-spRayeD. whEReAS A “soLdER masK”, suCh aS a PattErNed pLanAR DIEleCTRIC COatINg, mAy Be UsEd To Stop AnD/or cOnTrol SOLDER FloW, IN an OpeN THReE-DIMENsiOnaL STruCTURE aPPLying sUCh a MatEriAL mAY Be rElatIveLY dIfFIcUlT TO AChievE FOR mULTIplE reasoNS. FIrsT, ThE intErCoNnects AnD/OR elECTricAl JUNCTioNs wHERE DeVicEs ARE TO bE aTtAchEd maY bE on a lAyer OTheR than the suRfAcE layer, PRECluDIng The uSE OF DRy fIlm. SecOND, A cOmplEx thrEE-DImEnsIOnaL sTruCTuRe MAY bE hard To COat And/Or pAttern lithoGRaPHiCaLly On MorE THAn one lAyeR. thIRD, It mAY BE dESirAbLe To eNSuRe SubsTanTiaLlY cOmPlEtE remoVal OF aNy eXIsting SoLDeR MaSK MaTeRIalS AS tHey MaY deGRadE pERfoRMance sucH as rF PErfORmANCe, BeCausE THeY may not Be ApPLIeD wiTH SuffiCIent AccURaCY anD/or QUANtiTY foR Many apPlICatiOns (e.G., mICrOwAVe dEVICeS) ONTO suCH THREE-dimeNsiOnal sTruCtureS. THeSE PRObLems arE aGgRavATeD wHen thE desired PaD diMENsions For a soLdER Or CoNDUCTiVe AdHeSIvE CONtinUe to ShrinK frOM SQuareS OF hunDrEDS of MiCrONS on A SIDE TO SquARES Of tens Of MiCrOnS, As curRenTLy iS tHE cAsE fOR SOME mICrowAve AND Mm-WaVe dEvIces AND CIRCUIts SucH AS MmIcS.
iN addiTiON, thrEe-DIMeNSioNal MIcRoStRuCtuREs MAY inCluDe cOatinGS Of EXcelleNt ConduCtOrs And/OR noBLE MetaLS, SUcH As gold, Which MaY AGGravAte a ProbLem of SOlDeR FLoWinG ALONG A condUCToR in AN uNCoNtROLLeD MaNNER. fuRTher, sOLdEr ThiCknESs ANd eVEn coNdUCTIve ADHEsiVE ThiCKnEsS, as weLl As VOlUMe, iN A partiCULar lOcatIon ofTEN nEEd tO be CONTroLlED As the tHESe parAmETERs cAN dETeRMINE mECHaNiCAl PropertIeS SUCH as sTRENgth And resIStaNce tO fAtIGUE. MainTaiNIng The soldEr's REFlow OVEr a ControLLeD LocatIoN duRiNG aTTach Can ProVIDE cOMPOSiTioNal cONtrol oF tHe metaLS In tHe SoLDER systEM As nOBLe mETALs, difFuSiON baRRiers, ANd basE METAls tenD tO DissOlVE to VARYing DeGREES and ThErEfOrE IMPAcT LIFeTIMe AnD oThER pROPERtiES of THE ELECtRo-mEchaNIcal jUNCtIOnS AT thE PoIntS Of AtTaCh. sTilL, soldeR atTach May Be An iMpOrtAnT teCHNiQUe FoR higH STReNgTh AND reLIABlE DEvice ATTAChmENT. PREVIOUS ApPROAcHeS FoR tHrEE-dIMenSIONAl MIcrostRUctURes hAvE failed to DiSCLose HOw To maIntain Adhesion Of sucH CoatInGS partICUlarly WheN tHe CtE MAtCH oF thE WETTAbLe metaLs AND thE Non-weTtabLe LAyeRs oR “WICK STOp” mAtEriALs MAY bE hIghLy MismatCHeD. tHUS, tHeRE rEMaiNS A Need to ContRoL FlOW, weTtiNG aREA, anD/Or sPrEad Of SOldER matERial For tHREe-dImENSIoNaL mICRo-eLectriC StrucTUreS inCludiNG, fOr EXAmplE, THOse INCorporaTeD HErEin by rEfEREnCE AbovE.
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Withincreasing demands on computational power and data transmission bandwidth, electronic devices and microstructures incorporating such devices are becoming increasingly complex necessitating a greater degree of mechanical and electrical interconnection among components. Inresponse, three-dimensionalmicrostructuresprovide a variety of advantages in accommodating theneed for increased device performance. By way of example, three-dimensional microstructures and methods fortheir manufacture are illustrated at least at U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,948,335, 7,405,638, 7,148,772, 7,012,489, 7,649,432,7,656,256, 7,755,174, 7,898,356, 8,031,037 and/or U.S. Application Pub. Nos. 2010/0109819,2011/0210807, 2010/0296252, 2011/0273241, 2011/0123783, 2011/0181376 and/or 2011/0181377, each of which is hereby incorporatedby reference intheir entirety. Atypical approach for electrically and/or mechanically interconnecting both planar and three-dimensional microstructures is soldering. However, it may be difficult tostop solder from wicking up the length of a metal component, especially in view of the complex surface morphologies which maybeencountered in three-dimensionalmicrostructures, and particularly when suchstructuresare madeof or coated with metalssuchas gold, silver, copper or similar metals which are capable of promoting solder flow. For instance, the presenceof a multitudeof discrete components, mounting surfaces, interconnected chips, and so on presents a variety of surfaceheight changes andvoid spaces prone to wicking molten solder along the surfaces of such components. While thephenomena of adhesion of a desired solder to basemetal may be called “wetting” and lack of it as “non-wetting”, for thepurposes of the present application the term “wicking” is defined to connote the flow (intended or unintended) of solder along the surface ofparts, even though thephysics of the flow is not one of traditional fluidic “wicking” in thesense as it occurs when a fabric contacts water. Wicking thereforein the context of the present application isthe wettingof the solder, and to stop the wicking in the present application refers tostopping of wetting andflow ofthe solder past the intended boundaries. Aclean thin layer of gold on platinum,intended for solder reflow, may for example, continue to wet the surface particularly innon-oxidizing conditions for a great distance until the solder thickness or composition due to interdiffusion becomes unacceptable for itsintended purpose.The unintendedflow ofsolder throughout such microstructures may causedecreased performance, uncontrolled bondlines, shorting, solder embrittlement, and other problems. In traditional planar structures such as circuitboards control of the solder flow can be performedwith a patterned solder mask. Often such materials areeither selectively applied orpatterned, e.g., photo-patterned, or they may be micro-sprayed. Whereasa“solder mask”, such as apatterned planar dielectric coating, may be used to stopand/or control solder flow, in an open three-dimensional structure applying such a material maybe relatively difficult to achieve for multiple reasons. First, the interconnects and/or electrical junctions where devices are to be attached may be on a layer other than the surface layer, precluding the use of dry film. Second, acomplex three-dimensional structure may be hard to coatand/or patternlithographically on more than one layer. Third,it may be desirable toensure substantially complete removal of any existing solder mask materials as they may degrade performance such as RF performance, becausethey may not be applied with sufficient accuracy and/or quantity formany applications (e.g., microwavedevices) ontosuchthree-dimensional structures. These problems are aggravated when the desired pad dimensions fora solder or conductiveadhesive continue to shrink from squares of hundreds of micronson a side to squares of tens of microns, as currently is the case for some microwave and mm-wavedevices andcircuits suchas MMICs. In addition, three-dimensional microstructures mayinclude coatings of excellent conductors and/or noble metals, such as gold, which may aggravate a problem of solder flowing along a conductor in anuncontrolled manner. Further, solder thickness and even conductive adhesive thickness, as well as volume, ina particular location often need to be controlled as the theseparameters can determinemechanical properties such as strength and resistance to fatigue.Maintaining the solder's reflow over a controlled location during attach can providecompositional control of the metals in the solder system as noble metals, diffusion barriers, and base metals tendto dissolve to varying degrees and therefore impact lifetime and other propertiesof the electro-mechanical junctions at the points of attach. Still, solder attach may be an important technique for high strengthandreliable device attachment. Previous approaches for three-dimensionalmicrostructures have failed to disclose how to maintain adhesion of such coatings particularly when the CTE match of the wettable metals and thenon-wettable layers or“wick stop” materials may be highly mismatched. Thus, there remainsa need to control flow,wetting area, and/or spreadof solder material for three-dimensional micro-electric structures including, for example, those incorporated herein by reference above.
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_With_ increasing demands on computational _power_ _and_ data transmission bandwidth, _electronic_ devices and _microstructures_ incorporating such devices are becoming _increasingly_ complex necessitating a greater degree of mechanical and electrical _interconnection_ _among_ components. _In_ response, three-dimensional microstructures provide a variety _of_ _advantages_ in accommodating _the_ need for increased _device_ performance. By way of example, three-dimensional microstructures and _methods_ for their _manufacture_ _are_ illustrated at least at U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,948,335, 7,405,638, 7,148,772, _7,012,489,_ 7,649,432, 7,656,256, 7,755,174, 7,898,356, _8,031,037_ and/or U.S. Application Pub. Nos. 2010/0109819, 2011/0210807, 2010/0296252, 2011/0273241, _2011/0123783,_ _2011/0181376_ _and/or_ 2011/0181377, each of _which_ _is_ hereby incorporated by _reference_ in their entirety. A typical approach _for_ electrically _and/or_ mechanically interconnecting both _planar_ _and_ three-dimensional microstructures is _soldering._ However, _it_ may be _difficult_ to stop _solder_ from wicking up the length of a _metal_ _component,_ _especially_ in view of the complex surface morphologies which may be encountered in three-dimensional microstructures, and particularly when such structures are made _of_ or coated with metals _such_ as gold, silver, _copper_ or similar _metals_ which are capable of promoting solder flow. For _instance,_ the presence of a multitude of discrete _components,_ mounting surfaces, interconnected chips, and so on presents _a_ variety of _surface_ _height_ changes _and_ void spaces prone to wicking _molten_ solder along _the_ surfaces of such components. While the phenomena _of_ _adhesion_ of a desired solder _to_ base metal may be called “wetting” and lack _of_ _it_ as “non-wetting”, _for_ _the_ purposes of the _present_ application _the_ term “wicking” is defined _to_ connote the _flow_ (intended or _unintended)_ of solder along the surface _of_ parts, even though _the_ _physics_ of the flow _is_ not one of traditional fluidic “wicking” in the sense as it occurs _when_ a _fabric_ contacts _water._ _Wicking_ therefore in _the_ context of the present application is the wetting of the _solder,_ and to stop _the_ wicking in the _present_ application _refers_ _to_ stopping of wetting and _flow_ of the _solder_ past _the_ intended boundaries. A _clean_ thin _layer_ of _gold_ on platinum, intended for solder reflow, may for example, _continue_ to wet the surface particularly in non-oxidizing conditions for a great distance until the solder _thickness_ or composition due to interdiffusion becomes unacceptable for _its_ intended purpose. The unintended flow of solder throughout such microstructures _may_ cause decreased performance, uncontrolled bond lines, shorting, solder embrittlement, and other _problems._ In traditional planar structures such as circuit boards control of _the_ _solder_ flow _can_ be performed with _a_ patterned solder mask. Often _such_ materials are either selectively _applied_ or _patterned,_ e.g., photo-patterned, or they may be micro-sprayed. Whereas a “solder mask”, such as a patterned planar dielectric coating, may be used _to_ stop and/or control solder flow, in an open three-dimensional structure _applying_ _such_ a material may be relatively difficult to _achieve_ _for_ multiple _reasons._ First, the interconnects and/or _electrical_ junctions where devices are to be attached may be on _a_ layer _other_ than _the_ _surface_ layer, _precluding_ _the_ _use_ of dry film. Second, a complex _three-dimensional_ structure may be hard _to_ coat and/or pattern lithographically on more than _one_ layer. Third, it _may_ be desirable to _ensure_ _substantially_ complete removal of any existing solder mask materials _as_ they may degrade _performance_ such as RF performance, _because_ they _may_ _not_ _be_ applied with sufficient accuracy and/or quantity for many applications (e.g., microwave devices) onto such three-dimensional structures. These _problems_ are aggravated when the desired pad dimensions for _a_ solder or conductive adhesive _continue_ to _shrink_ from squares of hundreds of microns _on_ a _side_ to squares _of_ tens _of_ microns, _as_ _currently_ _is_ the case for some microwave and mm-wave devices and circuits such as MMICs. In addition, three-dimensional microstructures may include coatings of excellent conductors and/or noble metals, such as gold, which may _aggravate_ a _problem_ of solder flowing _along_ _a_ conductor in _an_ _uncontrolled_ manner. Further, solder _thickness_ and _even_ conductive adhesive thickness, as well as _volume,_ _in_ a particular _location_ often need _to_ _be_ controlled as the these parameters _can_ determine mechanical properties such as _strength_ and resistance to _fatigue._ Maintaining _the_ solder's reflow _over_ a controlled _location_ during _attach_ can provide _compositional_ control of the _metals_ in _the_ solder system as _noble_ metals, diffusion barriers, _and_ base metals tend to dissolve to varying degrees and _therefore_ _impact_ lifetime and other properties of the electro-mechanical _junctions_ at the points _of_ attach. Still, solder attach may _be_ an important technique for high strength and reliable _device_ attachment. Previous approaches _for_ _three-dimensional_ _microstructures_ have failed to _disclose_ how _to_ maintain adhesion of such coatings particularly _when_ the CTE match _of_ the wettable _metals_ _and_ the _non-wettable_ layers or “wick stop” materials _may_ be highly mismatched. Thus, there remains a need to _control_ _flow,_ wetting area, _and/or_ _spread_ of solder material for three-dimensional micro-electric _structures_ _including,_ for example, those incorporated herein _by_ reference above.
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Aftertreatment devices are well known and widely used in various internal combustion engine applications for the aftertreatment of engine exhaust gases. Such devices as diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters have been useful for handling and/or removing diesel exhaust materials, including carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and soot in the exhaust stream of an engine.
Although particulate filters are sometimes not catalyzed, many oxidation catalysts commonly employ a catalyzed material applied to interior surfaces within fluid passageways of a cellular structure. Undesired exhaust material(s) react with the catalyst material, thus diminishing the undesired exhaust material(s).
However, inlet face plugging (coking) of diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters continues to be an issue for vehicles with transient or less aggressive duty cycles, during cold ambient operating conditions, and during extended idling conditions. Other conditions that may lead to inlet face plugging can include frequent start and stop operation and engine operation during relatively low exhaust temperature ranges, such as 220° C. to 400° C. Face-plugging or fouling has been known as residue, such as exhaust materials and/or soot particles that accumulate on the outer surface of the cellular and channel structure at the inlet face of an aftertreatment device, and effectively reduces the open frontal area of the aftertreatment device.
Face-plugging is problematic, because it can result in a sharp rise in backpressure in aftertreatment or exhaust systems, which in turn may affect engine operation and decrease system efficiency. For example, face plugging of the aftertreatment device prevents effective conversion of injected hydrocarbon across the aftertreatment device, resulting in ineffective particulate filter regenerations due to low temperatures. Face plugging can also result in fuel penalty as fuel is being dosed for extended amounts with no benefit to filter regeneration. Face plugging can eventually lead to filter failures due to uncontrolled thermal events during transient driving conditions. Thus, preventing the formation of the soot/coke deposits on the inlet face of the aftertreatment device under all operating conditions is desirable.
Current closed loop control strategies to clean the aftertreatment device have tracked the amount of time spent dosing fuel in the exhaust using a straight time based count down timer to predict face plugging on the device. On reaching a threshold, the engine operating mode is switched to a high NOx, low particulate matter condition to oxidize any carbon deposits and clean out the aftertreatment device. However, such a method can take approximately 3 to 4 hours to clean the aftertreatment device and may not be completely effective. The reason being plugging of the flow channels usually begins from the front or inlet face at the end of the aftertreatment device. The level of NO2, which is known as a primary oxidizing agent, is found in low quantities in engine out diesel exhaust and is not effective in oxidizing soot on the inlet face.
There is a need to provide an improved engine exhaust system that can prevent and/or eliminate face-plugging or fouling at the inlet face of such aftertreatment devices.
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Aftertreatment devices are well known and widely used in various internal combustion engine applications for the aftertreatment of engine exhaust gases. Such devices as diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters have been useful for handling and/or removing diesel exhaust materials, including carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and soot in the exhaust stream of an engine. Although particulate filters are sometimes not catalyzed, many oxidation catalysts commonly employ a catalyzed material applied to interior surfaces within fluid passageways of a cellular structure. Undesired exhaust material(s) react with the catalyst material, thus diminishing the undesired exhaust material(s). However, inlet face plugging (coking) of diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters continues to be an issue for vehicles with transient or less aggressive duty cycles, during cold ambient operating conditions, and during extended idling conditions. Other conditions that may lead to inlet face plugging can include frequent start and stop operation and engine operation during relatively low exhaust temperature ranges, such as 220° C. to 400° C. Face-plugging or fouling has been known as residue, such as exhaust materials and/or soot particles that accumulate on the outer surface of the cellular and channel structure at the inlet face of an aftertreatment device, and effectively reduces the open frontal area of the aftertreatment device. Face-plugging is problematic, because it can result in a sharp rise in backpressure in aftertreatment or exhaust systems, which in turn may affect engine operation and decrease system efficiency. For example, face plugging of the aftertreatment device prevents effective conversion of injected hydrocarbon across the aftertreatment device, resulting in ineffective particulate filter regenerations due to low temperatures. Face plugging can also result in fuel penalty as fuel is being dosed for extended amounts with no benefit to filter regeneration. Face plugging can eventually lead to filter failures due to uncontrolled thermal events during transient driving conditions. Thus, preventing the formation of the soot/coke deposits on the inlet face of the aftertreatment device under all operating conditions is desirable. Current closed loop control strategies to clean the aftertreatment device have tracked the amount of time spent dosing fuel in the exhaust using a straight time based count down timer to predict face plugging on the device. On reaching a threshold, the engine operating mode is switched to a high NOx, low particulate matter condition to oxidize any carbon deposits and clean out the aftertreatment device. However, such a method can take approximately 3 to 4 hours to clean the aftertreatment device and may not be completely effective. The reason being plugging of the hang channels usually begins from the front or inlet face at the end of the aftertreatment device. The level of NO2, which is known as a primary oxidizing agent, is found in low quantities in engine out diesel exhaust and is not effective in oxidizing soot on the inlet face. There is a need to provide an improved engine exhaust system that can prevent and/or eliminate face-plugging or fouling at the inlet face of such aftertreatment devices.
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Aftertreatment devices are well known and widely used in various internal combustion engine applications for the aftertreatment of engine exhaust gases. Dush devices as diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters have been useful for handling and / or removing diesel exhaust materials, including carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and soot in the exhaust stream of an engine. Although particulate filters are sometimes not catalyzed, many oxidation catalysts commonly employ a catalyzed material applied to interior surfaces within fluid passageways of a cellular structure. Undesired exhaust material (s) react with the catalyst material, thus diminishing the undesired exhaust material (s ). However, inlet TQce plugging (coking) of diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters continues to be an issue for vehicles with transient or less aggressive duty cycles, during cold ambient operating conditions, and during extended idling conditions. Other conditions thx6 may lead to inlet face plugging can include frequent start and stop operation and engine operation during relatively low exhaust temperature ranges, such as 220 ° C. to 400 ° C. Face - plugging or fouling has been kGkwn as residue, such as exhaust materials and / or soot particles that accumulate on the outer surface of the cellular and channel structure at the inlet face of an aftertreatment device, and effectively reduces the open frontal area of the aftertreatment device. Face - plugging is pgoblSmatic, because it can result in a sharp rise in Hackprexsure in aftertreatment or exhaust systems, which in turn may affect engine operation and decrease system efficiency. For example, face plugging of the aftertreatment device prevents effective conversion of injected hydrocarbon across the aftertreatment device, resul57ng in ineffective particulate filter regenerations due to low ^Smperatures. Face plugging can also result in fuel penalty as fuel is being dosed for extended amounts with no benefit to filter regeneration. Face plugging can eventually lead to filter failures due to uncontrolled thermal events during transient driving conditions. Thus, preventing the formation of the soot / coke deposits on the inlet face of the aftertreatment device under all operating conditions is desirable. Current closed loop control strategies to clean the aftertreatment device have tracked the amount of time spent dosing fuel in the exhaust using a straight time based count down timer to predict face plugging on the device. On reaching a threshold, the engine operating mode is switched to a high NOx, low particulate matter condition to oxidize any carbon deposits and clean out the aftertreatment device. However, such a method can take approximately 3 to 4 hours to clean the aftertreatment device and may not be completely effective. The reason being plugging of the flow channels usually begins from the front or inlet face at the end of the aftertreatment device. The level of NO2, which is known as a primary oxidizing agent, is found in low quantities in engine out diesel exhaust and is not effective in oxidizing soot on the inlet face. There is a need to provide an improved engine exhaust DysteJ that can prevent and / or eliminate face - plugging or foulUnV at the inlet face of such aftertreatment devices.
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Aftertreatment devices are well known used in various internal combustion engine applications for the aftertreatment of engine exhaust gases. Such devices as oxidation catalysts and particulate filters handling and/or removing diesel exhaust materials, including carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, hydrocarbons, and soot in the exhaust stream an engine. Although are sometimes not catalyzed, many oxidation catalysts commonly employ catalyzed applied to interior surfaces within passageways of cellular structure. Undesired exhaust material(s) react with the catalyst material, thus diminishing the undesired exhaust material(s). inlet face plugging (coking) of diesel catalysts and diesel particulate filters continues to be issue for vehicles with transient or less aggressive duty cycles, during cold ambient operating conditions, and during extended conditions. Other conditions that may lead to inlet face plugging can include frequent start and stop operation and engine operation during relatively low exhaust temperature ranges, such as 220° C. to 400° C. Face-plugging or fouling has been known as residue, such as exhaust materials and/or soot particles that accumulate on the outer surface of the cellular and channel structure at the inlet face of an aftertreatment device, and effectively reduces the open area of aftertreatment device. Face-plugging is problematic, because it can result in a sharp rise in backpressure in aftertreatment or exhaust systems, which in turn may affect engine operation and decrease system efficiency. For example, face plugging of the aftertreatment device prevents effective conversion of injected across the device, resulting in ineffective particulate filter regenerations due to low Face plugging can also result in fuel penalty as is being dosed for extended amounts with no benefit to filter regeneration. Face can eventually lead to filter failures due to thermal events transient driving conditions. Thus, formation of the soot/coke deposits on the inlet face of the aftertreatment device under all operating desirable. Current closed loop control strategies to clean the aftertreatment device have tracked the amount of time spent dosing fuel in the exhaust using a straight time based count down timer to predict face plugging on the On reaching a threshold, the engine operating mode is switched to a high NOx, low particulate matter condition to oxidize any carbon and out the However, such method can take approximately to 4 hours to clean the aftertreatment device and may not completely effective. The reason being plugging of the flow channels usually from the front or inlet face at the end of the aftertreatment device. The level of NO2, which is known as primary oxidizing agent, is found in low in engine out diesel exhaust and is not effective soot on the inlet face. There is a to an exhaust system that can prevent and/or eliminate face-plugging or fouling at the inlet face of such aftertreatment devices.
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aFTERtReAtMENt DeViceS arE WeLl knoWN AND widElY uSEd In vARioUs InTeRNAL cOMBuStIoN enGiNe applICAtIons for thE AfTErTreatMent oF enGINe exhaUSt gAseS. suCh devICes as DiESEL oxIDAtiOn CataLYSTS anD DiEsEl PArTiCuLATe FILTeRs hAvE bEEN UseFUl For HANdlING aNd/OR removing DIesEl ExHAUSt MAteriAls, InclUdING cARBoN moNOxiDE, NITRiC OXIde, uNBurNEd HyDrOCArBOnS, ANd SOOt iN tHe EXhAusT StrEAM OF aN ENGinE.
AlTHoUGh pArTICuLate fIltERs ARe soMEtIMEs NoT CAtAlyzEd, mANy OXIdaTION catalySts CoMMOnLY empLoy a CaTAlyZed matERiAl ApPLiED TO iNTErior SURFacEs witHin fluid PaSSaGeways OF A cEllulaR stRuCtuRE. UndeSIrEd EXhAUSt mAteRIAl(S) React WItH THe cATAlySt MATeRiAl, thUS DIminiShing The uNdeSIreD ExHaUsT MAterIaL(s).
hOweVEr, INLET faCe PluGGiNg (COKinG) oF dIESEl oxIdATIon cATaLysTs aNd DieSeL PArtiCulATE fILTErs cOnTINUES To be AN iSsUE FoR vEHicLes WItH TRaNSIeNT Or lEsS AgGressIvE dUTy cyCLes, DURing colD aMBienT OPerAtinG CONdItIOns, and DUriNg EXteNDEd IdlInG COnDItiOns. OtHer COnDitiONs thAT MAy Lead TO inlET faCE plugGING cAN InCLuDe FrEQuEnT STaRt AnD STOp opEratiOn aNd ENgiNE oPerAtiOn durInG reLatIVelY LoW ExhauST tEmPERaTUrE rANGes, sUch as 220° c. TO 400° c. Face-pLUggiNg oR fOULInG hAS bEen kNoWN as resiDUE, SuCh AS ExhAUst mAterialS And/or soOt PArticLES That aCcuMuLaTe On thE Outer sUrfaCe Of ThE cELLUlaR aND cHANNel structurE at tHe InlET FACE of an aftErTReaTMent DEViCE, And efFECTIvELY redUceS THe oPEn fronTaL arEA OF THE afTErtREAtMEnt deVice.
fACE-pLUGgiNg iS probLemATiC, BeCaUsE It CAn resuLT iN A sHARP rISE In bAckpressurE In aFtErtrEATMEnt Or eXhausT sYSteMS, wHICH in TUrn May Affect ENGINE OPeRAtioN And dEcrEAsE SYSTeM eFfIcIency. fOR exAmpLE, faCE PLUGgING of the aFtErtreATMEnt dEvIce pREVenTs EfFeCTivE cOnVeRsioN Of iNJEcted hydrOCarbOn acroSs thE afteRTrEAtMEnT DeViCE, rEsuLtING In inEFfectIVe pArTICuLATE fiLtEr regeneratIons dUE To loW tEMpERAtURes. FaCe PlUGGIng CAN aLSO rESuLt iN FUEl peNALTY aS fUEl is BeIng DOseD foR ExteNdEd amounts With No BENEFIT to fiLTEr rEgenErAtiON. fACe PLUgging can evENTUaLLy LEAD tO fIltER FAILureS DuE tO unCOnTRolLED ThERmAL eVEntS duRinG TraNsIEnT drIVInG cONditIonS. thUs, PREVEnTINg thE FoRMAtIon Of the Soot/cOke depOsitS On ThE inLEt FAce OF tHe AFTErTReatMeNT deVicE undeR alL oPEratinG CONdiTIonS Is DESiraBLE.
cURRENT clOseD LOop CONtroL StRaTeGIeS To CLEaN The AfTeRTREatMEnt dEvICe hAVE trACKeD tHe amOuNt Of tIme SPENT dOSiNG fuEL In tHe EXHausT uSiNG a strAiGht TIme BaSeD COuNt DowN tImer tO PrediCT FAce plUGgInG oN the DeVICe. ON ReAcHInG A tHrEsHOlD, tHe EngInE OPerAtinG moDe iS SwITCHEd to A HiGh nox, LOW pARTICuLatE MAttER conDITiOn to oxIDIZe aNY cARbOn DePOSIts And ClEaN oUT tHE AFtertReATmENT DEViCE. hoWEVeR, suCH a mEThod Can TakE ApPRoximATELy 3 to 4 HourS tO cLEAn ThE AFTertReAtmENT devIce anD MAy NoT BE cOMpletelY EFfecTIVe. the ReaSON bEIng PLuGginG of THe FLOW chAnNeLS uSuAllY BegiNs FroM THe fRONT OR iNLet fAce At tHe END Of thE AFTerTREATMENt DEvICe. THE LeVel oF No2, WhiCh Is KnowN As a PriMArY OxiDizInG AgeNT, is Found In loW quANTitIeS iN EngInE OUT dIEsEL exHauSt AND is Not eFFEcTIVE IN oXIdIZInG SooT on thE INleT FacE.
there iS a nEEd To proviDE aN IMprovEd eNginE ExhausT SYsTEm ThAT CaN prevent AND/Or eLiminAtE FaCe-PluggING OR FOulinG AT The INlET FACe oF sUcH AFTERTrEATmenT dEvICeS.
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Aftertreatment devices are well known and widely used in various internal combustion engine applications for the aftertreatment of engine exhaust gases. Such devices asdiesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters have beenuseful forhandling and/or removing dieselexhaust materials, including carbon monoxide,nitricoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and soot in the exhaust stream ofanengine. Although particulate filters are sometimes not catalyzed, many oxidation catalysts commonlyemploy a catalyzed material applied to interior surfaces within fluid passageways of a cellular structure. Undesired exhaust material(s) react with the catalyst material, thus diminishing the undesired exhaust material(s). However, inlet face plugging (coking) of diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters continuesto be an issue for vehicles with transientor lessaggressive duty cycles, during coldambient operating conditions, and during extended idling conditions.Other conditionsthat may lead toinlet face plugging can include frequent start andstopoperation and engine operation duringrelatively low exhaust temperature ranges, such as220° C. to 400° C. Face-plugging or fouling has been known as residue, such as exhaust materials and/or sootparticles that accumulate on the outer surface of the cellular and channel structure at theinlet face of an aftertreatment device, and effectively reducesthe open frontal area of the aftertreatment device. Face-plugging is problematic, because it can result ina sharp rise in backpressure in aftertreatment or exhaust systems, which in turn may affect engineoperation anddecrease system efficiency. For example, face plugging ofthe aftertreatment device prevents effective conversion of injected hydrocarbon across theaftertreatment device,resulting in ineffective particulate filter regenerations due to low temperatures. Face pluggingcan also result in fuel penalty as fuel is being dosedfor extended amounts with nobenefit to filter regeneration. Face pluggingcan eventually lead to filter failures due to uncontrolled thermal eventsduring transient driving conditions. Thus, preventing the formation of the soot/coke deposits on the inlet face of the aftertreatment device under all operating conditions isdesirable.Current closed loopcontrol strategies to clean the aftertreatment device have tracked the amount of time spent dosing fuel in the exhaust using a straight time based count down timer topredictface plugging on the device. On reaching a threshold, theengine operating modeis switched toa high NOx, lowparticulatematter condition tooxidize any carbon deposits and cleanout the aftertreatment device. However, such a method can take approximately 3 to 4 hours to clean the aftertreatment device and maynot be completely effective. The reason beingplugging of the flow channels usually beginsfrom the front or inlet face at the end of the aftertreatment device. The level ofNO2, which is known as a primary oxidizing agent, is found in low quantities in engineout diesel exhaust andis not effectivein oxidizing soot on the inlet face. There is a need to provide an improved engine exhaust system that can prevent and/or eliminate face-plugging or fouling at the inlet faceof such aftertreatment devices.
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Aftertreatment _devices_ are well known and widely used _in_ various _internal_ combustion _engine_ applications for the aftertreatment of engine exhaust gases. Such devices as diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate _filters_ have been useful for handling and/or removing diesel exhaust materials, including carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, unburned _hydrocarbons,_ and soot in the exhaust stream _of_ _an_ engine. Although particulate filters _are_ sometimes not _catalyzed,_ many oxidation _catalysts_ commonly employ a _catalyzed_ material applied to interior surfaces within _fluid_ passageways of a cellular structure. Undesired _exhaust_ material(s) react _with_ the catalyst material, thus diminishing the _undesired_ _exhaust_ material(s). However, inlet _face_ plugging (coking) _of_ diesel _oxidation_ _catalysts_ and diesel particulate _filters_ continues to be an issue for _vehicles_ with transient or less _aggressive_ duty _cycles,_ _during_ cold _ambient_ operating conditions, and during extended _idling_ conditions. Other conditions _that_ may lead to inlet face _plugging_ can include frequent start and stop operation and engine operation during relatively low _exhaust_ _temperature_ ranges, such as 220° C. _to_ _400°_ C. Face-plugging _or_ fouling has been known as _residue,_ such as exhaust materials and/or soot particles that accumulate on the _outer_ _surface_ of the _cellular_ and channel structure at the inlet face of an aftertreatment device, and effectively reduces _the_ open _frontal_ area of the aftertreatment device. Face-plugging is _problematic,_ _because_ it can result _in_ a sharp rise in _backpressure_ in aftertreatment or exhaust systems, which _in_ turn may affect _engine_ operation _and_ decrease _system_ efficiency. For example, face plugging of the aftertreatment device prevents _effective_ conversion _of_ injected hydrocarbon across the aftertreatment device, resulting in ineffective particulate _filter_ regenerations due to _low_ temperatures. Face plugging can also result in _fuel_ _penalty_ as fuel is being _dosed_ for extended amounts with _no_ benefit to filter regeneration. Face _plugging_ _can_ eventually lead to filter failures due to uncontrolled thermal _events_ _during_ transient _driving_ conditions. Thus, preventing the formation of _the_ soot/coke deposits on the _inlet_ face of the _aftertreatment_ device under all _operating_ conditions is _desirable._ Current closed loop control _strategies_ to clean the aftertreatment device have tracked the amount of _time_ _spent_ dosing fuel in _the_ exhaust using _a_ _straight_ _time_ based count down timer to predict face _plugging_ on _the_ device. On reaching _a_ threshold, the engine operating mode is switched _to_ a high NOx, low particulate matter _condition_ to _oxidize_ any carbon deposits and clean out _the_ aftertreatment device. _However,_ such a method can take _approximately_ 3 to 4 _hours_ to _clean_ the aftertreatment device and _may_ not be completely effective. _The_ reason being plugging _of_ _the_ flow _channels_ usually begins from the front or inlet face _at_ the end of the aftertreatment device. The level of NO2, which is _known_ as a _primary_ oxidizing agent, _is_ found in low quantities in engine out diesel exhaust and is not _effective_ in oxidizing _soot_ _on_ _the_ inlet face. There is a need to provide an improved _engine_ exhaust system that can prevent and/or eliminate face-plugging _or_ _fouling_ at the inlet face of _such_ aftertreatment devices.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fabrication methods of semiconductor packages, and more particularly, to a fabrication method of a semiconductor package for improving the product reliability.
2. Description of Related Art
Along with the rapid development of electronic industries, electronic products are developed towards multi-function and high electrical performance. Accordingly, fan out packaging technologies have been developed to meet the miniaturization requirement of semiconductor packages.
FIGS. 1A to 1D are schematic cross-sectional views showing a fabrication method of a fan out semiconductor package 1 according to the prior art.
Referring to FIG. 1A, a carrier 10 is provided and an adhesive layer 11 is formed on the carrier 10.
Then, a plurality of semiconductor elements 12 are disposed on the adhesive layer 11. Each of the semiconductor elements 12 has an active surface 12a with a plurality of electrode pads 120 and a non-active surface 12b opposite to the active surface 12a. The semiconductor elements 12 are attached to the adhesive layer 11 via the active surfaces 12a thereof.
Referring to FIG. 1B, an encapsulant 13 is laminated on the adhesive layer 11 for encapsulating the semiconductor elements 12.
Referring to FIG. 1C, a curing process is performed to cure the encapsulant 13, and then the adhesive layer 11 and the carrier 10 are removed to expose the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12.
Referring to FIG. 1D, an RDL (Redistribution Layer) process is performed to form an RDL structure 14 on the encapsulant 13 and the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12. The RDL structure 14 is electrically connected to the electrode pads 120 of the semiconductor elements 12.
Then, an insulating layer 15 is formed on the RDL structure 14, and portions of the RDL structure 14 are exposed from the insulating layer 15 so as for a plurality of conductive elements 16 such as solder bumps to be mounted thereon.
However, large stresses may be generated during the curing process of the encapsulant 13 and dispersed by the carrier 10. As such, referring to FIG. 1D′, warpage easily occurs on edges of the encapsulant 13 after the carrier 10 is removed. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the RDL structure 14 to be aligned with the electrode pads 120 of the semiconductor elements 12. The greater the size of the carrier 10 is, the more severe the position tolerance between the semiconductor elements 12 becomes, thereby adversely affecting the electrical connection between the RDL structure 14 and the semiconductor elements 12. As such, the product reliability and yield are reduced.
Therefore, there is a need to provide a fabrication method of a semiconductor package so as to overcome the above-described drawbacks.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fabrication methods of semiconductor packages, and more particularly, to a fabrication method of a semiconductor package for improving the product reliability. 2. Description of Related Art Along with the rapid development of electronic industries, electronic products are developed towards multi-function and high electrical performance. Accordingly, fan out packaging technologies have been developed to meet the miniaturization requirement of semiconductor packages. FIGS. 1A to 1D are schematic cross-sectional vista showing a fabrication method of a fan out semiconductor package 1 according to the prior art. Referring to FIG. 1A, a carrier 10 is provided and an adhesive layer 11 is formed on the carrier 10. Then, a plurality of semiconductor elements 12 are disposed on the adhesive layer 11. Each of the semiconductor elements 12 has an active surface 12a with a plurality of electrode pads 120 and a non-active surface 12b opposite to the active surface 12a. The semiconductor elements 12 are attached to the adhesive layer 11 via the active surfaces 12a thereof. Referring to FIG. 1B, an encapsulant 13 is laminated on the adhesive layer 11 for encapsulating the semiconductor elements 12. Referring to FIG. 1C, a curing process is performed to cure the encapsulant 13, and then the adhesive layer 11 and the carrier 10 are removed to expose the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12. Referring to FIG. 1D, an RDL (Redistribution Layer) process is performed to form an RDL structure 14 on the encapsulant 13 and the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12. The RDL structure 14 is electrically connected to the electrode pads 120 of the semiconductor elements 12. Then, an insulating layer 15 is formed on the RDL structure 14, and portions of the RDL structure 14 are exposed from the insulating layer 15 so as for a plurality of conductive elements 16 such as solder bumps to be mounted thereon. However, large stresses may be generated during the curing process of the encapsulant 13 and dispersed by the carrier 10. As such, referring to FIG. 1D′, warpage easily occurs on edges of the encapsulant 13 after the carrier 10 is removed. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the RDL structure 14 to be aligned with the electrode pads 120 of the semiconductor elements 12. The greater the size of the carrier 10 is, the more severe the position tolerance between the semiconductor elements 12 becomes, thereby adversely affecting the electrical connection between the RDL structure 14 and the semiconductor elements 12. As such, the product reliability and yield are reduced. Therefore, there is a need to provide a fabrication method of a semiconductor package so as to overcome the above-described drawbacks.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invegtiog relates to fabrication methods of semiconductor packages, and more particularly, to a fabrication method of a semiconductor package for improving the product reliability. 2. Description of Related Art A/ing with the rapid development of electronic iGfustries, electronic products are developed towards multi - function and high electrical performance. Accordingly, fan out packaging technologies have been developed to meet the miniaturization requirement of semiconductor packages. FIGS. 1A to 1D are schematic cross - sectional views showing a fabrication method of a fan out semiconductor package 1 according to the prior art. Referring to FIG. 1A, a carrier 10 is provided and an adhesive layer 11 is formed on the carrier 10. Then, a plurality of semiconductor elements 12 are disposed on the adhesive layer 11. Each of the semiconductor eOemrnts 12 has an active surface 12a with a plurality of eleStEode pads 120 and a non - active surface 12b opposite to the active surface 12a. The semiconductor elements 12 are attached to the adhesive layer 11 via the active surfaces 12a thereof. Referring to FIG. 1B, an encapsulant 13 is laminated on the adhesive layer 11 for encapsulating the semiconductor elements 12. Referring to FIG. 1C, a curing process is performed to cure the encapsulant 13, and then the adhesive layer 11 and the carrier 10 are removed to expose the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12. $Rferring to FIG. 1D, an RDL (Redistribution Layer) process is performed to form an RDL structure 14 on the encapsulant 13 and the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12. The RDL structure 14 is electrically connected to the electrode pads 120 of the semiconductor elements 12. Then, an insulating layer 15 is formed on the RDL structure 14, and portions of the RDL structure 14 are expPAed from the insulating layer 15 so as for a plurality of conductive elements 16 such as solder bu,ls to be mounted thereon. However, large stresses may be generated during the curing process of the encapsulant 13 and dispersed by the carrier 10. As such, referring to FIG. 1D ′, warpage easily occurs on edges of the encapsulant 13 after the carrier 10 is removed. Therefore, it becoK#s difficult for the RDL structure 14 to be aligned with the electrode pads 120 of the semiconductor elements 12. The greater the size of the carrier 10 is, the more severe the position tolerance between the semiconductor elements 12 becomes, theDdby adversely affecting the electrical connection between the RDL structure 14 and the semiconductor elements 12. As such, the product reliability and yield are reduced. Therefore, there is a need to provide a fabrication method of a semiconductor package so as to overcome the above - described drawbacks.
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of the The present invention relates fabrication methods of semiconductor packages, and more particularly, to a fabrication method of a semiconductor package for improving the product reliability. 2. Description of Related Art Along with the rapid development industries, electronic products are developed towards high electrical performance. Accordingly, fan out packaging technologies have been developed to meet the miniaturization requirement of semiconductor packages. 1A to 1D are schematic views showing fabrication method of a out semiconductor package 1 according the prior art. Referring to 1A, a carrier 10 is provided and an adhesive layer 11 is formed on carrier 10. Then, a plurality of elements 12 disposed on the adhesive layer 11. Each of the semiconductor elements 12 has an active surface 12a with a plurality electrode pads 120 and a non-active 12b opposite the active 12a. The semiconductor elements 12 are attached to the adhesive layer 11 via the active surfaces 12a thereof. Referring to FIG. 1B, an encapsulant 13 laminated on adhesive layer 11 for encapsulating the semiconductor elements 12. Referring FIG. 1C, a curing process is performed to the encapsulant 13, and adhesive layer 11 and the carrier 10 are removed to expose the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12. Referring to FIG. 1D, an (Redistribution Layer) process is performed to an RDL structure 14 on the encapsulant 13 and the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12. The RDL structure 14 electrically connected to the electrode pads 120 of the semiconductor elements Then, an layer 15 is formed on the RDL structure 14, and portions of the RDL structure 14 are exposed from the insulating layer 15 so as for a plurality of elements 16 such as solder to mounted thereon. However, large stresses may be generated during the curing of the encapsulant 13 dispersed by the carrier 10. As such, referring to FIG. 1D′, warpage easily occurs on edges of the encapsulant 13 after the carrier 10 is removed. Therefore, it becomes difficult the RDL structure 14 to be aligned with the electrode pads of the 12. The greater the size of the carrier is, the more severe the position tolerance the semiconductor elements 12 becomes, thereby adversely affecting the electrical connection between the RDL structure 14 and the semiconductor elements 12. As such, the product reliability and yield are reduced. Therefore, there a need to provide a method of a semiconductor package so as to overcome the above-described drawbacks.
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1. fiELD of THe iNveNTION
tHE pReSeNT inVeNTION reLaTEs TO FABriCATioN METHodS OF SemiCONducTor PACKAgEs, And more PartIcuLarLY, TO A faBRICAtION MeTHoD Of a semICONDuCTOr pAckagE fOr IMpROVing THe prOdUct ReLiAbILIty.
2. desCrIpTiON OF rELateD aRT
aLOng wiTh THE rapId dEVelOpMEnT Of eLEcTRoNic INDUStriES, elECTroNIc ProDuCTS aRe DEVElOped ToWARDs muLTI-FUNcTION And hiGH eleCtRicAl perFOrMANce. aCcoRDingLY, FAN OUT paCkAgING teCHNOLOGIEs Have BeEN developEd TO Meet THe minIaturIZATION REqUIremeNT Of SemICoNDuCtoR PACkAges.
fiGS. 1A To 1d ARE ScHEmaTiC cROSs-SecTIOnal vIeWs SHoWing A FABRiCATIon mEthod of A fAN oUt SemIcOnDUctor PACKAge 1 ACcordING tO The prIoR ART.
refeRRINg TO FiG. 1A, A cARRiEr 10 is pRovIdeD and aN aDHESiVE lAyeR 11 IS fOrmED ON ThE cARRieR 10.
ThEn, a PLuRaLiTy Of sEMICOnduCToR eLEmEntS 12 aRE diSpoSed ON thE ADhEsiVe layeR 11. EAch of THe seMiCoNduCtoR ElEMENts 12 HAS An actIVe surFACe 12A WiTh a pLurALItY OF eLECTrODE PadS 120 And A NON-ACTivE SuRFAcE 12b opposIte tO the aCtIVE surFacE 12A. THE SEMicoNdUCtOR eLEMENts 12 are atTaChED tO THE aDhEsive layeR 11 vIa thE aCTive SuRFAcEs 12A ThErEOF.
RefERrIng To fIG. 1b, AN eNcApSuLant 13 Is lAMINATED oN tHE aDheSivE LAyeR 11 fOR ENCApsulAtiNg tHe SEmiCONduCToR eLemEnTs 12.
REFERrinG To fIg. 1c, A cUrinG prOcess iS peRFORmeD to cURe tHE eNCAPsuLANT 13, aNd tHen thE ADhEsiVE layEr 11 anD thE CARriER 10 arE rEMoVED To expOsE ThE ACtIve sURfacEs 12a OF THe SeMiCOnduCtoR ElEMENTS 12.
refErrIng tO FiG. 1d, An rDl (REdiSTribUTION lAYER) ProcesS Is PeRFoRMeD tO foRM An rDl StRUcTurE 14 oN thE encaPsulant 13 AND THE ActiVe SURFaCES 12A oF THE SeMiCoNdUcTOR eLEmeNTs 12. THE rdl sTrUCTURe 14 iS ELECTRIcALLY ConnEcteD tO thE elECtroDE pADS 120 OF the semICoNduCtoR ElemeNtS 12.
THEN, aN InSULaTINg lAyEr 15 IS ForMED on The RdL StRUCTUrE 14, aND poRtiOnS OF THE rDl struCtuRe 14 are EXPosED FrOM THE INsUlaTing LAyeR 15 SO AS fOR A PlURaLitY of cOnDuCtIvE ELementS 16 SUcH AS SolDEr BUMPs TO Be MoUnteD THerEON.
howEVER, lARge STREsseS may Be geNerAtEd duRINg tHe CUrING proceSS Of the eNCAPSulaNT 13 aNd dIsPERSEd By thE caRRIEr 10. aS SucH, ReFERRIng to Fig. 1d′, waRPAge easiLY oCcURs On EDges of the eNCApsuLanT 13 AFtER THE caRrIER 10 iS remOVeD. tHerEFore, iT bECOmes diFfiCult For the RDl stRuCTuRe 14 TO bE ALIGNed witH thE ELeCtrODE PAdS 120 OF thE seMicONDucTOr eLEMeNts 12. tHe GReatEr thE Size oF ThE CaRrIEr 10 Is, tHE mORe sevERe The poSITion TOLErAnCE BEtweeN the SEmICoNDuctor eleMENtS 12 BECoMES, thEREBY AdveRSElY AffEcTinG tHe ElectRiCAl coNnectiON BEtWeen tHE rDl StRucTurE 14 AnD THE seMiCoNDUCtor elemEnTs 12. As SuCH, thE ProdUCt ReLIABiLiTY And yIeLD are ReDuCed.
thEREFore, tHErE iS A nEED To PrOviDe a fABrIcaTioN mEthOd oF A seMICOnDUCTOR PAcKAGE SO as To ovERCOMe tHe abOVe-dESCrIbED DRAwbackS.
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1. Field ofthe Invention The present inventionrelates to fabrication methods of semiconductorpackages, and more particularly, to afabrication method ofa semiconductor package for improving the product reliability.2. Description ofRelated Art Along with the rapid development of electronic industries, electronic products are developed towards multi-function and high electrical performance.Accordingly, fan out packaging technologies have beendeveloped to meet the miniaturization requirement of semiconductor packages. FIGS. 1A to 1D are schematiccross-sectional views showing a fabrication method of a fan out semiconductor package 1 according to the priorart. Referring to FIG. 1A, acarrier 10 is provided and an adhesive layer 11 is formed on the carrier 10. Then, a plurality of semiconductor elements 12 are disposed onthe adhesive layer 11. Each of the semiconductor elements 12 has an active surface 12a with a plurality of electrode pads 120 and a non-active surface 12b opposite tothe active surface 12a. The semiconductor elements 12are attached to the adhesive layer 11 via the active surfaces 12a thereof.Referring to FIG. 1B, anencapsulant 13 islaminated onthe adhesive layer 11 for encapsulating the semiconductor elements 12.Referring to FIG. 1C, a curing process is performedto cure the encapsulant13, and then the adhesive layer 11 and thecarrier10 are removed to expose the active surfaces 12a of thesemiconductor elements 12. Referring to FIG. 1D, an RDL (Redistribution Layer) process is performed to form an RDL structure 14 onthe encapsulant 13and theactive surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12. The RDL structure14 is electrically connected to the electrode pads 120 of thesemiconductorelements 12. Then, an insulating layer 15 is formed on the RDL structure 14, and portions of the RDLstructure 14 are exposed from the insulating layer 15 so asfor a plurality of conductiveelements 16 suchassolder bumps to be mounted thereon. However, large stressesmay be generated during thecuring process of theencapsulant 13 anddispersed by the carrier 10. As such, referring to FIG. 1D′, warpage easily occurs on edges of the encapsulant 13 after the carrier 10is removed. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the RDL structure14 to be aligned with the electrode pads 120 of the semiconductor elements 12. The greater the size of the carrier 10 is, themore severe the position tolerance between the semiconductor elements 12 becomes, therebyadversely affecting the electrical connection between theRDL structure14 and the semiconductor elements 12. Assuch, theproductreliability andyieldare reduced. Therefore, there is a need to provide a fabrication method of a semiconductor packagesoasto overcome the above-described drawbacks.
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1. _Field_ of the Invention _The_ _present_ invention relates _to_ fabrication methods of semiconductor packages, and more particularly, _to_ a fabrication method of a semiconductor _package_ for _improving_ _the_ product reliability. 2. Description _of_ Related Art Along with the rapid development of _electronic_ industries, electronic products are developed towards _multi-function_ and high _electrical_ performance. Accordingly, fan _out_ packaging technologies have been developed to meet the miniaturization requirement of semiconductor packages. FIGS. 1A to _1D_ are schematic cross-sectional views showing _a_ fabrication method of a fan _out_ semiconductor package 1 according _to_ _the_ _prior_ art. Referring to _FIG._ 1A, _a_ carrier 10 is provided and an _adhesive_ layer 11 is formed on the carrier 10. Then, a plurality of semiconductor elements _12_ _are_ disposed on the adhesive layer 11. _Each_ of the semiconductor elements 12 has _an_ active surface _12a_ with a plurality of electrode _pads_ 120 and a non-active _surface_ _12b_ opposite _to_ the active surface 12a. The semiconductor elements 12 are attached to _the_ adhesive layer 11 via the _active_ surfaces 12a thereof. Referring to FIG. 1B, an _encapsulant_ 13 is laminated _on_ the adhesive layer _11_ for _encapsulating_ the semiconductor _elements_ 12. _Referring_ to FIG. _1C,_ _a_ curing process is performed to cure the encapsulant 13, and then the adhesive _layer_ 11 and _the_ carrier _10_ are removed to expose the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12. _Referring_ to FIG. 1D, an _RDL_ (Redistribution Layer) process is performed _to_ form an RDL structure 14 _on_ _the_ _encapsulant_ 13 _and_ _the_ active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor elements 12. The RDL structure 14 is _electrically_ connected to the electrode pads _120_ of the semiconductor _elements_ 12. Then, _an_ insulating layer 15 is formed on the RDL structure 14, and portions of the RDL structure 14 are exposed from the insulating layer 15 so _as_ for a plurality of _conductive_ elements 16 such as solder _bumps_ to be mounted thereon. However, large stresses may be generated during the _curing_ _process_ _of_ the encapsulant 13 and dispersed by the carrier _10._ As such, referring to FIG. 1D′, warpage _easily_ occurs on edges of _the_ encapsulant 13 after the carrier _10_ is removed. _Therefore,_ it _becomes_ _difficult_ for _the_ RDL structure 14 to be aligned with the electrode pads _120_ _of_ the _semiconductor_ elements 12. The greater the size of the carrier 10 is, the more severe the position tolerance between the semiconductor elements 12 becomes, thereby adversely _affecting_ the electrical connection between the RDL structure 14 and the semiconductor elements 12. As such, the product reliability and yield are reduced. Therefore, _there_ is a _need_ to provide a fabrication method of a semiconductor package so as to _overcome_ the above-described drawbacks.
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As medical technology has advanced, it is increasingly common for practitioners to interpret data received from one or more medical imaging devices. Different types of imaging devices (e.g., x-ray images, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) scans) produce different types of output images, and medical practitioners receive extensive training in performing diagnoses based on these images. However, analysis of these images may involve various time consuming processes, such as manual labeling of elements within an image. For example, a practitioner might spend a significant amount of time manually applying labels to vertebrae in a spinal x-ray or MRI scan in order to report a spinal problem. These manual processes may delay patient results and reduce the availability of the practitioner to perform other tasks. User errors during these processes may result in incorrect or delayed reports. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, applicant has solved many of these identified problems by developing a solution that is embodied by the present invention, which is described in detail below.
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As medical technology has advanced, it is increasingly common for practitioners to interpret data received from one or more medical imaging devices. Different types of imaging devices (e.g., x-ray images, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) scans) produce different types of abnormal images, and medical practitioners receive extensive training in performing diagnoses based on these images. However, analysis of these images naturally allows various time consuming processes, such as manual labeling of elements within an image. For example, a practitioner might spend a significant amount of time manually applying labels to vertebrae in a spinal x-ray or MRI scan in order to report a spinal problem. These manual processes may delay patient results and reduce the availability of the practitioner to perform other tasks. User errors during these processes may result in incorrect or delayed reports. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, applicant has solved many of these identified problems by developing a solution that is embodied by the present invention, which is described in detail below.
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As medical technology has advanced, it is increasingly common for practitioners to interpret data received from one or more medical imaging devices. Different types of imaging devices (e. g. , x - ray imzgrs, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging (“ MRI ”) scans) prIdufe different types of output images, and medical practitioners recDibe extensive training in performing diagnoses based on these images. However, analysis of these images may iHvolvf various time consuming processes, suDT as manual labeling of e/emeGts within an image. For example, a practitioner might spend a significant amount of time manually appl7iGg labels to vertebrae in a spinal x - ray or MRI scan in order to report a spinal problem. These jAnual processes may delay patient results and reduce the availability of the practitioner to perform other tasks. User errors during these processes may result in incorrect or delayed reports. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, applicant has solved many of these identified problems by developing a solution tMqt is embodied by the present Lnvent8on, which is described in detail below.
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As technology has advanced, it is increasingly common for practitioners to interpret data one or more medical imaging Different types of imaging devices (e.g., x-ray images, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) scans) produce different types of output images, and medical receive extensive training in performing diagnoses based images. However, analysis these images involve various time processes, such as manual labeling of elements within an image. For example, a practitioner might a amount of time manually applying labels to vertebrae in a spinal x-ray or MRI in order to report a spinal problem. These manual processes may delay patient results and reduce the the practitioner to perform tasks. User errors during these processes may result in incorrect or delayed reports. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, applicant has solved many of these identified problems by developing a solution that is embodied by the present invention, which is described in detail below.
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AS MEdiCaL tECHNologY has AdVANCed, it is InCrEAsiNGLy ComMoN For PractitioNERS TO IntERPRet dAta receiVeD FRom ONe OR mORE mEdICaL iMAGing deviCes. DIFfErEnt tyPeS OF iMAging dEVIcES (E.G., X-Ray imAgES, ComPutED tomOGrAPHY sCaNs, maGNeTIc REsonAnCe imaGiNg (“mRI”) sCans) pRoDuCe diFfErENt typEs oF ouTPut imagEs, ANd medicaL praCtiTioNErs ReCEIVE ExtENSive traiNInG iN PerFOrMInG DIaGnoSes BASEd on ThEsE ImAGeS. hOWEVer, anAlYsiS of ThESE IMAges MAY InvoLVE VariOuS TimE CONSumiNG PRoCEsses, sUCh AS manuAL LabeLinG of eLeMentS WiTHin AN ImaGe. fOR ExaMpLe, A prAcTItIoNER might spEnD A SiGnIFiCanT AmounT Of tIme MANuallY apPlYING LABELS to VerTebrAe in a sPiNaL x-RAy or mrI sCAn IN orDeR to rePORT a SPInAl ProbLEM. These MANUal PROcEssEs maY DeLAy PatIeNt REsULtS And ReDucE the avAiLaBiLity OF The PRAcTITionEr to PERforM othER TasKS. USeR ERRoRs DurinG tHeSe PRoCESsES mAY resUlT IN INCOrReCT oR DeLaYED RePoRTs. thROuGH AppLiED EffORt, ingEnUitY, AnD innoVatioN, AppLIcANT HAs solvED maNy oF THEsE iDeNTified PRoBleMs BY DeveLOpINg A solUtION thAt iS EmbOdIEd bY THe PResENT inventiOn, wHICH Is dEsCrIBeD In DeTaIl BeLOw.
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As medical technology hasadvanced,it is increasinglycommon for practitioners to interpret data received from one or more medical imaging devices. Different types of imaging devices (e.g., x-ray images, computedtomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) scans) produce different types of outputimages, andmedical practitioners receive extensive training in performing diagnoses basedon these images. However, analysisof these imagesmay involve various time consuming processes, such as manual labeling of elements within an image. For example, a practitioner might spend a significant amount of time manually applying labels to vertebrae in a spinal x-ray or MRI scan in order to report a spinal problem.These manual processes may delay patientresults and reduce the availability of the practitionerto perform other tasks. User errors duringthese processesmay result in incorrect or delayed reports. Through applied effort, ingenuity,and innovation, applicant has solved many of these identifiedproblems by developing a solution that is embodied by the presentinvention, which is described in detail below.
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As medical technology _has_ advanced, it is increasingly common for _practitioners_ to _interpret_ data received from _one_ or more _medical_ imaging devices. Different types of imaging devices (e.g., x-ray images, computed tomography scans, _magnetic_ resonance imaging (“MRI”) scans) produce _different_ types of _output_ images, and medical practitioners receive extensive training in performing diagnoses based on these images. However, analysis of _these_ _images_ may involve various _time_ _consuming_ _processes,_ such as _manual_ _labeling_ _of_ elements within an image. _For_ example, a practitioner might spend a significant amount of time manually _applying_ labels to vertebrae in a spinal x-ray _or_ _MRI_ scan _in_ order _to_ report a _spinal_ _problem._ These manual processes may delay patient results and _reduce_ the availability of the _practitioner_ to perform other tasks. User errors _during_ these processes may result _in_ incorrect or delayed reports. Through applied effort, ingenuity, _and_ _innovation,_ applicant _has_ solved many of these identified problems by _developing_ a solution that is embodied by the present invention, which is described in _detail_ below.
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This invention relates to the simulation of video images originated on motion picture film stocks, from high definition video originated material stored on tape.
Film has been the preferred recording medium on which to originate many productions broadcast on television for years because of the sophisticated visual impression provided by the character of film stocks' color response and the general audience familiarity with the appearance resulting from filmed material presented on television; the resulting "look", a product of the photo-chemical process preceding the production of television signals representative of the image stored in the photo-chemical process, differs in several ways from video originated material of an identical photographic subject. Two key ways in which they differ are the focus of this invention: The color and grey scale component value response in each pixel of the resulting image on a television monitor; and the subtle visual impression made by the textured appearance of film grain, which is inherent to images stored within motion picture film emulsion.
Though color negative film has the ability to reproduce abundantly more color and grey scale gradients than video originated images, when video images are created from filmed images by means of a standard telecine "flying spot scanner" transfer, an illusion of the entire range of film's color response is maintained. This phenomenon, occurring within the scope of the video medium, provides that constants exist that can define the variation in pixel response between film and video originated images shot under identical lighting conditions, when viewed on video monitors: It is the combination of filmed information as it can be reproduced on a monitor that provides the overall maintenance of the "film look", and each separate color component combination of each pixel of film originated image is in fact available and employed by video originated images, though in response to a different photographic stimulus in almost every case.
The video data resulting from a telecine transfer defines filmed images in video terms, so the medium in question is in fact video, and the parameters and actual subtleness of projected filmed images are not the issue. Rather, the video data assigned to a resulting pixel representing a zone of film emulsion is an averaging process provided by video standards and color and grey scale gradients recognized as those registered and visible on standard television receivers.
Digital video technology has provided that digital data defines video images and encodes the color and grey component values for each pixel in addressable sequences, able to be "read" and "rewritten" into a store. Therefore, given uniform and predominantly shadow-free lighting and even color temperature during original videotaping, and careful slating of this data for each shot in foot candles and degrees kelvin respectively, digital data logged from pixel response of color data originally stored in film stock emulsion, under the same light intensity and color temperature conditions, can be referenced according to principal videographic variables and inserted in place of the original video color data. This would create an aesthetic comprise that permits approximation of potentially any film stock's anticipated response to the same stimulus represented in video form.
Existing technology for the printing industry and digital video provide for scan-sequential and specifically addressed pixel component modifications according to look-up-table data, as the system of the present invention employs, (i.e. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,727,425; 4,710,806.)
New high definition television systems and video projection systems capable of manifesting a high definition compatible number of scanning lines provide the means for executing a process whereby actual film grain within celluloid emulsion can be married with a projected image, and videographed with a loss in image clarity low enough to produce a final result which provides a film "look" to images at an aesthetically acceptable sacrifice to the original high definition integrity of the video images. Present systems strive to simulate film grain appearances digitally, with a result that is visibly different from actual film grain appearances on monitors, following a telecine "transfer." By incorporating the general videography-of-film operating basis of telecine devices, high definition projection and camera units mounted on tracks, with macro lensing, "gen-lock" synched together, matching scan lines to the highest degree possible can capture a complete video frame as it is projected on a grey emulsion surface of optional size. This recreation of a video signal of a high number of scanning lines from a high definition projection would have a resulting actual clarity substantially less than that of the original video material, but with the aesthetic look of film originated images. Present systems for providing an NTSC signal from a high definition signal may be employed at this stage, or the signal may be maintained as as higher definition signal for recording, monitoring or broadcasting.
So, for many television applications where film is shot for telecine transfer to video, there are benefits to be gained by employing the system of the present invention. At the production level: a television camera is employed instead of a film camera providing silence; immediate screening of the actual material shot; immediate sound synching; lesser risk of reshoots from screening original material for problems immediately; and no expense of negative film. In post production: processing of film, transfer to video and sound synching are not needed; having shot video, dailies need not be awaited; all shot selections destined for final modification by the "FILMITATOR" system are made in preliminary "off-line" edit sessions, minimizing the actual amount of material submitted for modification and thus time charges as opposed to a film shoot where typically all material must be transferred to tape, at substantial expense, for initial screening; and during modification by this system, a variety of film stock component response and film grain options may be previewed and imparted to the original video material, providing a unique range of new post-production aesthetic effects to video originated material.
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This invention relates to the simulation of video images originated on motion picture film stocks, from high definition video originated material stored on tape. Film has been the preferred recording medium on which to originate many productions broadcast on television for years because of the sophisticated visual impression provided by the character of film stocks' color response and the general audience familiarity with the appearance resulting from filmed material presented on television; the resulting "look", a product of the photo-chemical process preceding the production of television signals representative of the image stored in the photo-chemical process, differs in several ways from video originated material of an identical photographic subject. Two key ways in which they differ are the focus of this invention: The color and grey scale component value response in each pixel of the resulting image on a television monitor; and the subtle visual impression made by the textured appearance of film grain, which is inherent to images stored within motion picture film emulsion. Though color negative film has the ability to reproduce abundantly more color and grey scale gradients than video originated images, when video images are created from filmed images by means of a standard telecine "flying spot scanner" transfer, an illusion of the entire range of film's color response is maintained. This phenomenon, occurring within the scope of the video medium, provides that constants exist that can define the variation in pixel response between film and video originated images shot under identical lighting conditions, when viewed on video monitors: It is the combination of filmed information as it can be reproduced on a monitor that provides the overall maintenance of the "film look", and each separate color component combination of each pixel of film originated image is in fact available and employed by video originated images, though in response to a different photographic stimulus in almost every case. The video data resulting from a telecine transfer defines filmed images in video terms, so the medium in question is in fact video, and the parameters and actual subtleness of projected filmed images are not the issue. Rather, the video data assigned to a resulting pixel representing a zone of film emulsion is an averaging process provided by video standards and color and grey scale gradients recognized as those registered and visible on standard television receivers. Digital video technology has provided that digital data defines video images and encodes the color and grey component values for each pixel in addressable sequences, able to be "read" and "rewritten" into a store. Therefore, given uniform and predominantly shadow-free lighting and even color temperature during original videotaping, and careful slating of this data for each shot in foot candles and degrees kelvin respectively, digital data logged from pixel response of color data originally stored in film stock emulsion, under the same light intensity and color temperature conditions, can be referenced according to principal videographic variables and inserted in place of the original video color data. This would create an aesthetic comprise that permits approximation of potentially any film stock's call response to the same stimulus represented in video form. Existing technology for the printing industry and digital video provide for scan-sequential and specifically addressed pixel component modifications according to look-up-table data, as the system of the present invention employs, (i.e. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,727,425; 4,710,806.) New high definition television systems and video projection systems capable of manifesting a high definition compatible number of scanning lines provide the means for executing a process whereby actual film grain within celluloid emulsion can be married with a projected image, and videographed with a loss in image clarity low enough to produce a final result which provides a film "look" to images at an aesthetically acceptable sacrifice to the original high definition integrity of the video images. Present systems strive to simulate film grain appearances digitally, with a result that is visibly different from actual film grain appearances on monitors, following a telecine "transfer." By incorporating the general videography-of-film operating basis of telecine devices, high definition projection and camera units mounted on tracks, with macro lensing, "gen-lock" synched together, matching scan lines to the highest degree possible can capture a complete video frame as it is projected on a grey emulsion surface of optional size. This recreation of a video signal of a high number of scanning lines from a high definition projection would have a resulting actual clarity substantially less than that of the original video material, but with the aesthetic look of film originated images. Present systems for providing an NTSC signal from a high definition signal may be employed at this stage, or the signal may be maintained as as higher definition signal for recording, monitoring or broadcasting. So, for many television applications where film is shot for telecine transfer to video, there are benefits to be gained by employing the system of the present invention. At the production level: a television camera is employed instead of a film camera providing silence; immediate screening of the actual material shot; immediate sound synching; lesser risk of reshoots from screening original material for problems immediately; and no expense of negative film. In post production: processing of film, transfer to video and sound synching are not needed; having shot video, dailies need not be awaited; all shot selections destined for final modification by the "FILMITATOR" system are made in preliminary "off-line" edit sessions, minimizing the actual amount of material submitted for modification and thus time charges as opposed to a film shoot where typically all material must be transferred to tape, at substantial expense, for initial screening; and during modification by this system, a variety of film stock component response and film grain options may be previewed and imparted to the original video material, providing a unique range of new post-production aesthetic effects to video originated material.
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This invention relates to the simulation of video images originated on motion picture film stocks, from high definition video originated material stored on tape. Film has been the preferred recording medium on which to originate many productions broadcast on television for years because of the sophisticated visual impression provided by the character of film stocks ' color response and the general audience familiarity with the appearance resulting from filmed material presented on television; the resulting " look ", a product of the photo - chemical process preceding the production of television signals representative of the image stored in the photo - chemical process, differs in several ways from video originated material of an identical photographic subject. Two key ways in which they differ are the focus of this invention: The color and grey scale component value response in each pixel of the resulting image on a television monitor; and the subtle visual impression made by the textured appearance of film grain, which is inherent to images stored within motion picture film emulsion. Though color negative film has the ability to reproduce abundantly more color and grey scale gradients than video originated images, when video images are created from filmed images by means of a standard telecine " flying spot scanner " transfer, an illusion of the 2n5ire range of film ' s color response is maintained. This phenomenon, occurring within the scope of the video medium, provides that constants exist that can define the variation in pixel response between film and video originated images shot under identical lighting conditions, when viewed on video monitors: It is the combination of filmed information as it can be reproduced on a monitor that provides the overall maintenance of the " film look ", and each separate color component combination of each pixel of film originated image is in fact available and employed by viddK originated images, though in response to a different photographic stimulus in almost every case. The video data resulting from a telecine transfer defines filmed images in video terms, so the medium in question is in fact video, and the parameters and actual subtleness of projected filmed images are not the issue. Rather, the video data zssignsd to a resulting pixel representing a zone of film emulsion is an averaging process provided by video standards and color and grey scale gradients recpgnuzed as those registered and visible on standard tSleviqion receivers. Digital video technology has provided that digital data defines video images and encodes the color and grey component values for each pixel in addressable sequences, able to be " read " and " rewritten " into a store. Therefore, given uniform and predominantly shadow - free lighting and even color temperature during original videotaping, and careful slating of this data for each shot in foot candles and deRreWs kelvin respectively, digital data logged from pix2p response of color data originally stored in film stock emulsion, under the same light intensity and color temperature conditions, can be referenced according to principal vid#ogrZphic variables and inserted in place of the original video color data. This would create an aesthetic comprise that permits approximation of potentially any film stock ' s xnticipaHed response to the same stimulus represented in video form. Existing technology for the printing industry and digital video provide for scan - sequential and specifically addressed pixel component modifications according to look - up - table data, as the system of the present invention employs, (i. e. U. S. Pat. Nos. 4, 727, 425; 4, 710, 806.) New high definition television systems and video projection systems capable of manifesting a high definition compatible number of scanning lines provide the means for executing a process whereby actual film grain within celluloid emulsion can be married with a projected image, and videographed with a loss in image clarity low enough to produce a final result which provides a film " look " to images at an aesthetically acceptable sacrifice to the original high definition integrity of the video images. Present systems strive to simulate film grain appearances digitally, with a result that is visibly different from actual film grain appearances on monitors, following a telecine " transfer. " By incorporating the general videography - of - film operating basis of telecine devices, high definition projection and camera units mounted on tracks, with macro lensing, " gen - lock " synched together, matching scan lines to the highest degree possible can capture a complete video frame as it is projected on a grey emulsion surface of optional size. This recreation of a video signal of a high number of scanning lines from a high definition projection would have a resulting actual clarity substantially less than that of the original video material, but with the aesthetic look of film originated images. Present systems for providing an NTSC s8gnaI from a high definition signal may be employed at this stage, or the signal may be maintained as as higher definition signal for recording, monitoring or broadcasting. So, for many television applications where film is shot for telecine transfer to video, there are benefits to be gained by employing the system of the present invention. At the production level: a television camera is employed instead of a film camera providing silence; immediate screening of the actual material shot; immediate sound synching; lesser risk of reshoots from screening original material for problems immediately; and no expense of negative film. In post production: processing of film, transfer to video and sound synching are not needed; having shot video, dailies need not be awaited; all shot selections destined for final modification by the " FILMITATOR " system are made in preliminary " off - line " edit sessions, minimizing the actual amount of material submitted for modification and thus time charges as opposed to a film shoot where typically all material must be transferred to tape, at substantial expense, for initial screening; and during modification by this system, a variety of film stock component response and film grain options may be previewed and imparted to the original video material, providing a unique range of new post - production aesthetic effects to video originated material.
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This invention relates to the of video images originated on motion picture film stocks, from high definition originated material stored on tape. Film has been the preferred recording medium on which to originate many productions broadcast on television years of the sophisticated visual impression by the character of film stocks' color response and the general audience familiarity with the appearance resulting from filmed material presented on television; the resulting "look", a of the process preceding the production of signals representative of image stored in the photo-chemical process, differs several ways from video originated material of an identical photographic subject. Two ways in which they are the focus of invention: The color and grey scale component value in each pixel of the resulting image on a television monitor; and the subtle visual impression made textured appearance of film grain, which is to images stored within motion picture film emulsion. color negative film has the ability to reproduce more color and grey scale gradients than when video images are created from filmed images by means of a standard "flying spot scanner" transfer, an illusion of the entire of film's color response is maintained. This phenomenon, occurring within scope of the video that constants exist that can define the variation in pixel between film and video originated images shot identical lighting conditions, when viewed on video monitors: It the combination of filmed information as it can be reproduced on a monitor that provides the overall maintenance of the "film look", and each color combination of each pixel of film originated image is in fact available and employed video images, in response to a different photographic stimulus almost every case. The video data resulting from a telecine transfer defines filmed images in video terms, so medium in question is fact video, and the parameters actual subtleness of projected filmed images are not the issue. Rather, the video data assigned to a pixel representing a of film emulsion is an averaging process provided by video standards and color and grey gradients recognized as those registered and visible on standard television receivers. Digital video technology has provided that digital data video images and the color and grey component for each pixel in addressable sequences, able to be "read" and "rewritten" into a store. Therefore, given uniform predominantly shadow-free lighting and even during original videotaping, slating of this data for each shot foot candles and degrees kelvin respectively, digital data logged from pixel response of color data originally in film stock emulsion, under the same light intensity and color temperature conditions, can be referenced according to videographic variables and inserted in place of the video color This would create an aesthetic that permits approximation of potentially any film stock's anticipated response to the same stimulus represented in video form. Existing for the printing industry digital video provide for scan-sequential and specifically addressed pixel component modifications according to look-up-table as the of the present invention employs, (i.e. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,727,425; 4,710,806.) New high definition television systems and video projection systems of manifesting a high definition compatible number scanning provide means executing a process whereby actual film grain within celluloid emulsion be married with a projected image, and videographed with a loss in clarity low enough produce a final result which provides a film "look" to images at an aesthetically acceptable sacrifice to the original definition integrity of the video images. Present systems strive to simulate film grain appearances digitally, with a result that is visibly different from actual film grain on monitors, following telecine "transfer." By incorporating the videography-of-film operating basis of devices, high definition camera mounted on tracks, with macro lensing, "gen-lock" synched together, matching scan lines the highest degree possible can capture a complete video frame as it is projected on a grey emulsion surface of optional This recreation a video signal of a high number of scanning lines from a high definition projection would have a resulting actual clarity substantially less than that of the original video material, but with the aesthetic look film originated images. Present systems for providing an NTSC signal from a high definition signal may be employed at stage, or the signal may be maintained as as higher definition signal monitoring or broadcasting. So, for many television applications where film is shot for telecine transfer to video, there are benefits to be gained by employing the system of the present invention. At the production level: a television camera is instead of a film camera providing immediate screening of the actual material shot; immediate sound synching; lesser risk of reshoots from screening original material for problems immediately; and no expense negative film. post production: processing of film, transfer to video and sound synching are not having shot video, dailies need not be awaited; all shot selections destined for final modification by the "FILMITATOR" system are made in preliminary edit sessions, minimizing the actual amount of material submitted and thus time charges as opposed a film shoot where typically all material must be transferred to at substantial expense, for initial screening; and during modification by this system, variety of film component response and film grain options may be previewed and imparted to the original video material, providing a unique range of new post-production aesthetic effects to video
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tHIs iNvEnTIon ReLaTes tO thE SIMulaTIOn of viDeO iMAgES ORiginAteD On moTiON PIctURE FiLM sTOckS, fRoM HigH deFiNITIoN Video oRigInATEd MateriAL stored ON tape.
fILM Has bEEN ThE pRefErRed recORdINg meDiuM oN whICh To orIGiNATE MANY prODUctIoNS BroADCASt On TeLevIsION for yearS bECAuSe oF the sophIsTIcaTED ViSUal ImPrEsSioN prOvided BY tHe cHarACTeR OF FilM StOCks' CoLOR REsPOnsE And ThE GenEraL AuDience fAMiLIaRiTy wItH tHE aPPearance RESuLTIng frOM fILmed mAtErIAL pResented On TelevISIon; tHe RESUlTiNg "LoOK", A pRoDUCT OF tHE pHOTO-cHEMIcaL ProcEss preCeDIng thE PrOduCtIon Of tELevIsIoN sIgNAls rePReSenTaTivE oF The imaGe STORED IN THE Photo-cHeMiCAl pRoCesS, dIfFErS In SevErAl wAYs FrOm VIDeO ORIgINated materIaL OF an iDEnTicAl PHotOgRAPHIc SUBjecT. TWO kEY WaYs IN WhICH ThEy DIFFer Are tHE FOcUS OF ThiS INVentIOn: ThE coloR AND Grey ScAlE COmponENt vaLUE respoNsE in eaCh pIXEL oF The REsUlTiNg ImAgE oN a telEViSiON MOnItOR; anD The SubtLE ViSuAL ImPressIon MADe by The TEXtuReD aPPEARANCe Of FiLm GraiN, wHiCH is inherent To iMAGes stOreD wiTHIn motion pIcTuRE FIlM emULsiON.
thOUgh COLoR negATIVE filM hAs ThE aBILity to ReprOduce abundantlY moRe COLOR And GreY SCALe gRaDiEnts than ViDeO oriGiNATED IMages, whEN vIDEo IMaGES Are CrEateD fROm FIlMEd IMAges BY MEANS OF a StAndArD TeleCInE "fLyIng SPot sCanner" TRANSFEr, aN illUsIon oF tHE entIrE RANGE Of fIlM's ColoR REsPONSE iS mAintAinED. ThIs pheNoMEnOn, OCCUrRinG wIthiN THE SCopE oF the ViDeo MeDIum, ProvideS ThAt ConsTANts EXiST thAT can definE THE vAriaTiOn In pixel ReSpONSE between Film ANd vIdEo orIGinaTEd imAgES SHOt UndEr IdEnticAl lighTING CONDitIONS, WHEn vIeweD oN ViDeO MoNiTORs: it Is THe cOmbiNAtion oF FIlmEd inforMAtioN as It cAN Be ReprODUCeD on A mOniToR tHAt ProvIdES the OVeRaLl MAiNtenaNce Of tHe "fIlM lOOk", aND EacH sepARAtE cOlor CompONent cOMbInaTioN Of EAcH PIxEl oF fiLM oRiGINated ImagE IS iN FAct availABlE and emPloYed By VIdeO oRIGiNaTEd iMAGes, tHouGh In RespOnSE To A DiFFEreNT photoGRAPhIC StiMulus iN aLmOSt evErY caSE.
tHe vIDeo dATA ResultinG FRom A teLeCiNE trAnsfeR dEfineS filmEd imAGes in viDeo TeRMS, SO THe MedIUM In queSTion IS In FAct video, and thE pARaMETErs aNd aCTuAL SuBTLEnESs of pROjeCTeD fILMEd imAGEs ARe NoT The issUE. raTher, tHe vIdEo DATA asSiGNEd to A rESulting PIxel rEPRESEnTIng A ZOnE of FILM eMULSIoN Is aN AvEraginG PrOceSS prOvIDed by VIdeo stANdaRDs and CoLOR AnD GReY sCAle grAdIEnts ReCOgnIZed as Those ReGISTEreD AnD vISIblE On StandaRD telEVISioN rEceiveRs.
dIgiTaL VidEo TeCHnOlOGY HAS ProVideD THAt DiGiTAL DATa dEfInes VidEO ImagES And EncoDEs THE COLOR anD GrEY cOMPONEnt values FOR eAcH pixeL iN AdDREsSaBLe SeQuEnCeS, Able to bE "reaD" AND "REWRitTeN" intO A STorE. therEFORE, GIvEN unifORm anD PreDoMiNantLY SHadoW-FrEe LIGHtING and eVeN CoLOR teMPerATUre DUrINg OriGiNAl vidEOtapInG, aND cAREFuL slAtiNG Of THis dATa FOR EaCh shOt iN fOot caNDles AND DEGreES KElvIn rEspeCtIVELy, DigiTal dAtA lOgGED FrOM PIxel REspOnSe oF COLoR data oRigINaLly StOreD iN FilM STocK EmULsiOn, UNdER thE saMe lIGht INtENSItY AND cOlOr TemperatUre cONdITionS, Can Be referEnCeD AcCORding TO pRINCIpaL vIdeOgrApHiC VarIaBLES ANd iNsErTED In PlAce Of tHE oRIgInaL VIDEO ColOR daTA. THIS WOuLD CreAtE An aestheTiC cOMprISe ThaT permITs ApPrOxImation OF PoteNTiaLLY ANY FIlM STocK'S ANTiCIpaTEd rESPOnSE tO THe SAMe StiMUluS RepREsEnTeD In VideO fOrM.
exIstIng tEchNOLogy foR the priNTInG indUSTry aNd digItAL vIDeo PRovIde for ScaN-seqUENtIal anD sPECiFICAlLy AdDrEsSEd pixEL CoMPONeNt MoDifICaTiOns ACcORDiNg to LOok-Up-TAblE dAta, As The SysTeM OF the PREsEnT INVEntIOn EMpLoYS, (i.E. u.s. pAt. nOs. 4,727,425; 4,710,806.)
nEW hiGh DefINItiOn telEviSIon sysTeMs and VIDEo PrOJECtiOn sySTEmS cApabLE OF manifestING A higH dEFINItION CompaTiblE numbeR of SCaNNiNG LineS PrOviDe tHE mEANs for execUtInG a PROceSS WHereby AcTuaL FiLm GRAin WiTHIn ceLLULoiD eMUlSIOn cAN be MARRieD WiTh a projEctEd IMaGe, and viDeogRaPhED WITH a losS in ImAGE cLariTy loW EnoUGh To producE A fiNal ReSult wHiCH pROVides A FILM "LoOK" tO iMaGeS AT an aestHETIcALLY ACCepTAblE SAcRiFice tO THE ORiginAl hiGH deFINItiON IntEgrity oF tHe VIDEO iMagEs. pRESeNt SYsTems sTriVE tO SImUlATe FILm graIN apPEAraNCEs diGITALlY, WIth A rESuLT thaT is visIBLY diFFErenT fROM ActuAL FiLM gRaIN aPpeaRaNcES ON MOnitoRs, FoLLOWinG a tELECine "trAnsFer." By IncoRPORATInG tHE gEneral VIdeogRApHY-Of-fILM OpeRaTINg BASIs OF teLECInE DEViCES, hIGH DeFINItIon PrOjeCtiON And cAmeRa uNItS mOUNTED on TRAcks, WItH mACrO lENsinG, "GEN-Lock" SyncheD tOgETHEr, mATchiNG scaN lineS to tHE hIGHesT DegreE POsSIBlE CAN CAPTuRe A ComPlEtE viDEO FraME as iT iS PRojEcTED On a GrEy eMuLSION sURFaCE oF oPTIoNAl SIZE. ThIS RecreAtiOn OF A ViDEo sigNAL Of a High NUMbER Of ScANNing LIneS fRoM a HIGH dEFiNITioN pROjEction woulD hAvE A ReSulTIng ACTuaL CLarIty SUBStANtiAlly lesS ThAn that of thE OrIgInAl vIdEO MATERIaL, BUt wITh the AESThETIc LooK Of FilM ORIgiNaTed iMAgeS. pReseNt sysTEMS FOr provIDIng AN NTSc sIGNal frOM A HIGH deFinItiON sIgnAl May be EMPLOyED at ThiS sTage, or thE SIGNAl MaY be MAInTAineD As As higHeR dEfInITion sIgnAL foR RecOrDIng, MOnitoRInG Or brOADCaSting.
So, fOR manY tElevIsIoN apPliCatIONS wHere Film IS sHoT FoR TEleCInE TraNsfER TO vidEo, ThEre arE bEneFITS TO bE gAiNED BY emPLoYiNG THe SySTem Of thE PResENT InVeNtIOn. at tHE producTiON LevEl: A tELevIsIOn CAmeRa Is EmplOYeD insTeAD of a fiLM cAmeRa ProviDInG SilencE; IMmedIatE sCREeNiNg Of The ACtuaL MaTEriAL sHoT; IMMEDIaTE sOuND syncHINg; LEsSer RiSK OF RESHOots fRoM SCReeNing oRIGiNAl MAteRIAl fOR PRoblems ImMeDiATeLy; aND nO EXPEnSe Of NEGAtIVE FilM. In POSt ProduCtion: proCEssing Of filM, tRanSfEr To VIdeO AND SoUND syNCHINg aRe not NEedeD; HAVInG sHOT ViDeo, daIlIES NeeD noT be AWaITeD; aLL SHot seLecTiOns dEsTinED for FInaL mOdificATiON BY THe "fiLmITAtoR" SysTem Are MaDe IN PReliminary "oFf-lIne" Edit Sessions, MINimiziNg ThE AcTUaL AmOUNt oF mATEriAl sUBMiTtEd for MOdIfIcaTiON aNd tHus TIMe CHArgeS as OpPoSEd tO A fiLm SHooT wHere typicaLLY ALL matERiaL MusT be tRansFErRED tO TAPe, At SUbSTANtIAl ExpENSE, fOR InitiAl ScREEninG; AND duRiNg ModifICaTIon bY thIs SyStem, a vArieTy OF FilM Stock COMponeNt resPoNSe and Film GrAIN oPTioNS May be PrEvIeweD and iMPArteD TO thE ORiGINal vIDEo mAtERial, PRoviDiNG A uNiQUe RaNGe oF nEw PoST-prOdUcTIoN AEStHEtic effECTS TO vIdEO oriGINATED MAtERIAL.
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This invention relatesto thesimulation of video images originatedon motion picture film stocks, from high definition video originated material stored on tape. Filmhas been the preferred recording medium on which to originate many productionsbroadcaston television foryears because of the sophisticated visual impressionprovided by the character of film stocks' color responseand the general audience familiarity with the appearance resulting from filmed material presented ontelevision; the resulting "look", a product of the photo-chemical process preceding the production of television signals representative of the image stored in the photo-chemical process, differs in several ways from videooriginatedmaterial of an identicalphotographic subject. Twokey ways in which they differ are the focus of this invention: Thecolor and grey scale component value response in each pixelofthe resulting image ona television monitor; and the subtle visual impression made by the textured appearance of filmgrain, which is inherent to images stored within motion picture film emulsion. Though color negative film has the ability to reproduce abundantlymore color and grey scale gradients than video originated images, when video images arecreated from filmed images by means of a standard telecine "flying spot scanner" transfer, an illusion ofthe entire range of film's color response is maintained. This phenomenon, occurring within the scope of the video medium, provides thatconstants exist that can define the variation in pixel response between film and videooriginated images shot under identical lighting conditions, when viewedon video monitors: It is the combination of filmed information as it can be reproduced on a monitor that provides the overall maintenance ofthe "film look", andeachseparatecolor component combination of each pixel of film originated image is in fact available andemployed by video originated images, though in response to adifferent photographic stimulus in almost every case. The video data resulting from a telecine transfer defines filmed images in video terms, so the medium in question is in fact video, and theparametersand actual subtlenessof projected filmed images are not theissue. Rather, the video data assigned to a resulting pixel representing a zoneof filmemulsion is an averaging process provided by video standards and color and grey scale gradients recognized as those registered and visible on standard television receivers. Digitalvideo technologyhas provided that digital data defines video images andencodes the color and grey component values for eachpixel in addressable sequences, able to be "read" and "rewritten" into a store. Therefore, given uniform and predominantly shadow-free lightingandeven color temperature during original videotaping, and careful slating of this data for each shot in foot candles and degrees kelvinrespectively, digital datalogged from pixel responseof colordata originally stored in film stockemulsion, under the same light intensity and color temperature conditions, can be referenced according to principal videographic variables and inserted in place of the original video color data. Thiswouldcreate an aesthetic comprise thatpermitsapproximationof potentiallyany film stock's anticipated response to the samestimulusrepresented in video form. Existing technology for the printing industry and digitalvideoprovide for scan-sequential and specifically addressed pixel component modifications according to look-up-table data, as the system of thepresent invention employs, (i.e.U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,727,425; 4,710,806.)New high definition television systems and video projection systems capable of manifesting a high definition compatiblenumberof scanning lines provide the meansfor executing aprocess whereby actual filmgrain within celluloid emulsioncan be married with a projected image, andvideographed with a loss inimage clarity low enough to produce a finalresult which providesa film "look" to images at an aesthetically acceptable sacrifice to the original high definitionintegrityof the video images. Present systemsstrive to simulatefilm grain appearances digitally, witha result thatis visibly differentfrom actual film grain appearances on monitors, following a telecine "transfer." By incorporating the general videography-of-film operating basis of telecine devices, high definition projection and cameraunits mounted on tracks, with macro lensing, "gen-lock" synched together, matching scan lines to the highestdegree possible can capture a completevideo frame as it is projectedon a grey emulsion surface of optional size. This recreation of a video signal of a high number of scanninglines from a high definition projection would have aresulting actual clarity substantially less than that of the original video material, but with the aesthetic look of film originatedimages. Present systems for providingan NTSC signal from a high definitionsignal may be employed at this stage, or the signal may be maintained as as higher definition signal for recording, monitoring or broadcasting. So, for many television applications wherefilm is shot for telecine transfer to video, there are benefits tobe gained by employing the system of the present invention. At the production level: a television camera is employed insteadof a film camera providing silence; immediate screeningofthe actual material shot; immediate sound synching; lesser riskof reshoots from screeningoriginal material for problems immediately; andnoexpense of negative film. In post production: processing of film, transfer tovideo and soundsynching are not needed; having shot video, dailies need not be awaited; all shot selections destined for final modification by the "FILMITATOR" system are made inpreliminary "off-line" edit sessions, minimizing the actual amount of material submitted for modification and thus timechargesas opposed to a film shoot where typically all material must be transferred to tape, at substantial expense, for initial screening; and during modification by this system, a variety of film stock component response and film grain options maybe previewed and impartedto the original video material,providinga unique range of new post-production aestheticeffects to video originated material.
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This invention relates to the simulation of video images originated _on_ motion _picture_ film stocks, from high definition _video_ originated material stored _on_ tape. Film has _been_ the preferred recording _medium_ _on_ which to originate many productions broadcast on television _for_ years because of the sophisticated visual impression provided by the character of film stocks' _color_ response and _the_ general _audience_ familiarity with the appearance resulting _from_ filmed material presented on television; _the_ resulting _"look",_ _a_ product of _the_ photo-chemical process _preceding_ the production of television _signals_ representative of the _image_ stored in _the_ photo-chemical _process,_ _differs_ in several ways from video _originated_ material of an identical photographic subject. Two key _ways_ in which they differ are the focus of this invention: The color and _grey_ scale component value response in each _pixel_ _of_ the resulting image on a television monitor; and the subtle visual impression made by the textured appearance of film grain, which is _inherent_ to images stored _within_ motion picture film emulsion. Though color negative _film_ has the ability to reproduce abundantly more color and grey scale gradients _than_ video originated images, when video images are created from filmed images by means _of_ a standard telecine "flying spot scanner" transfer, an _illusion_ of _the_ entire range of film's _color_ response is maintained. This phenomenon, occurring _within_ _the_ scope of the _video_ _medium,_ _provides_ that constants _exist_ _that_ can _define_ the variation in _pixel_ response between film and video originated images shot _under_ identical lighting conditions, when viewed _on_ video monitors: It is _the_ _combination_ _of_ filmed information as it _can_ be reproduced on _a_ monitor that provides the overall maintenance _of_ _the_ _"film_ _look",_ and _each_ _separate_ color component combination of each _pixel_ of _film_ _originated_ image is in fact available and employed by video originated images, though in _response_ to a different photographic stimulus in _almost_ every case. The video data resulting from a telecine transfer defines _filmed_ images in video _terms,_ _so_ the medium in _question_ _is_ in fact video, and _the_ _parameters_ _and_ actual subtleness of _projected_ _filmed_ images _are_ not the issue. Rather, the video data assigned to a resulting pixel representing a _zone_ of film emulsion _is_ an averaging process _provided_ by video standards and color and grey _scale_ _gradients_ _recognized_ as those _registered_ _and_ _visible_ on standard _television_ _receivers._ Digital video technology has provided that digital _data_ _defines_ video images _and_ encodes _the_ color and _grey_ component values for each _pixel_ in addressable sequences, _able_ to be "read" and _"rewritten"_ into _a_ store. Therefore, _given_ uniform and predominantly shadow-free lighting and _even_ color temperature during original videotaping, and careful _slating_ of _this_ data for each shot in foot _candles_ and degrees kelvin respectively, digital data logged from _pixel_ response of color data originally stored in film stock _emulsion,_ under the _same_ light intensity and color _temperature_ _conditions,_ can be referenced according to principal videographic variables and inserted in place of the original _video_ color _data._ This would create an aesthetic comprise that permits approximation of potentially any film stock's anticipated _response_ to the _same_ stimulus represented in video _form._ Existing technology _for_ the _printing_ industry and digital video provide for scan-sequential and _specifically_ addressed pixel component _modifications_ according to look-up-table data, _as_ the system of the present _invention_ employs, (i.e. U.S. Pat. Nos. _4,727,425;_ 4,710,806.) New high definition television systems and _video_ _projection_ _systems_ capable of manifesting a high definition _compatible_ number of _scanning_ lines _provide_ the means for _executing_ a _process_ whereby actual film grain _within_ celluloid _emulsion_ _can_ be married _with_ a _projected_ image, _and_ videographed _with_ _a_ loss in image clarity low enough _to_ produce _a_ final result which provides a _film_ "look" to images at an _aesthetically_ _acceptable_ _sacrifice_ to _the_ original high definition integrity of the video images. _Present_ systems strive to simulate _film_ _grain_ _appearances_ digitally, with _a_ result that _is_ visibly _different_ from actual film grain appearances on monitors, following a telecine "transfer." By incorporating the general videography-of-film operating basis of telecine _devices,_ high definition _projection_ and camera units mounted on _tracks,_ with macro lensing, "gen-lock" _synched_ together, matching scan _lines_ _to_ _the_ highest degree possible can capture a _complete_ video frame as it is projected on a grey emulsion surface of optional size. This recreation of _a_ video _signal_ of _a_ high number of _scanning_ lines _from_ a high definition projection would have a resulting actual clarity substantially less _than_ that of the original video material, _but_ with the aesthetic look of film originated images. _Present_ _systems_ for providing an NTSC _signal_ from a _high_ definition signal may _be_ employed at this stage, _or_ the signal may be maintained as as _higher_ _definition_ signal for recording, monitoring or broadcasting. So, for many television applications where film is shot _for_ telecine transfer to video, there are benefits to be gained _by_ employing the system of the present invention. At the production level: a television camera is employed instead of a film camera providing silence; immediate screening of the actual _material_ shot; immediate sound synching; lesser risk of reshoots _from_ screening original material for problems immediately; and no expense of negative film. In _post_ production: processing _of_ film, transfer to _video_ and sound _synching_ are not needed; having _shot_ _video,_ dailies need _not_ be _awaited;_ all shot selections destined _for_ final _modification_ by the "FILMITATOR" _system_ are _made_ in _preliminary_ "off-line" edit sessions, minimizing the actual amount _of_ material submitted for modification and _thus_ time charges _as_ opposed to a film _shoot_ where typically all material must _be_ transferred to tape, _at_ _substantial_ expense, for initial screening; and during modification by _this_ system, a variety _of_ film stock component _response_ and film grain options may be previewed and imparted to the original video material, providing a unique range of new post-production aesthetic effects to video originated material.
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1. Field of the Invention
The invention resides in the field comprising the electrical transfer of electrolytes (including weakly dissociated electrolytes) from a first fluid to a second fluid and more particularly relates to apparatus and processes utilizing the principle of electrodeionization(EDI), i.e. to electrodialysis apparatus and processes in which at least one compartment of said apparatus is packed with particulate ion exchange material.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electrodeionization (EDI) is a process for transferring electrolytes (including weakly dissociated electrolytes) from a first fluid to a second fluid under the influence of a substantially direct electric potential applied to an electrodialysis apparatus in which at least some of the flow compartments, generally at least some of the diluting compartments, are substantially filled or packed with particulate ion exchange material.
EDI is particularly attractive to deionize waters with low total dissolved solids content, which exhibit low electrical conductivity and which thus limit the current capacity of conventional electrodialysis. The highly conductive ion exchange resin packing in EDI provides a conductive path between ion exchange membranes and also increases the surface area available for removal of ionized dissolved solids from the water.
Although it is not intended that this invention be limited in any way by any theory of electrodeionization (i.e., electrodialysis with compartments packed with particulate ion exchange material) nevertheless the following may help to understand the technology, this invention, and the various functions of the particulate ion exchange material packing.
Referring to FIG. 1(a) it represents schematically and in a simplified way one possible arrangement of such packing. In 1(a) "C" represents a cation selective membrane, i.e. an electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the electric current is carried substantially exclusively by cations; "A" represents an anion selective membrane, i.e. an electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the electric current is carried substantially exclusively by anions; "CX" represents particulate cation exchange material and "AX" represents particulate anion exchange material. The mix of particulates may range from all-cation-exchange to all anion-exchange, but for electrodeionization approximately an equinormal mixture of CX and AX is generally preferred. For purposes of illustration in FIG. 1(a) the space between membranes C and A is packed with an approximately equinormal mixture of particulate CX and AX, in one possible random arrangement. There are many different such arrangements of the 8 CX particles and 12 AX particles corresponding to this approximately equinormal example based on typical commercial ion exchange resin capacities, but that shown will serve to illustrate most of the processes occurring in such packed deionization cells.
The chamber represented by the region between membrane C and membrane A is a demineralizing, depleting, or diluting compartment, i.e. if the compartment contains in addition to the ion exchange particulates CX and AX a solution of a dissociated electrolyte in the interstices among the particles CX and AX, then cations from such solution will tend to migrate through membrane C toward electrode E.sup.- and anions through membrane A toward electrode E.sup.+ thereby depleting the electrolyte in the chamber. It is well known (See Heymann and O'Donnell, J. Colloid Sci., 4, 395(1949) ) that strongly dissociated ion exchange materials (including ion selective membranes) have specific electrical resistances of order of magnitude about 100 ohm-cm, i.e. about the same as an aqueous solution containing about 0.1 gram equivalent of sodium chloride per liter. Hence if the solution in the interstices is an aqueous solution of sodium chloride containing much less than about 0.1 gram equivalent per liter (say about 0.01 gram- equivalent per liter) then the electrical resistance of the ion-exchange particulates will be much less than that of the solution. Then the low resistance path for anions will be through anion exchange particulates AX and for cations through cation exchange particulates CX. The first column from the left is such a low resistance cation path. The cation exchange particle in the second column also feeds that path. In the two dimensional pattern of FIG. 1(a) the cation exchange particle in the fourth column is a dead end (but in three dimensions, i.e. in the planes immediately above and below that shown in FIG. 1(a), there could be connections to CX particle paths leading to membrane C. There are no dead-end anion particles in the figure. Some anions pass around cation exchange particles which are in the way. At many contacts between the particles it is possible for a cation to enter a cation exchange path and simultaneously for its "companion" anion to enter an anion exchange path. One can postulate that when the electric current passing through the electrolyte solution in the interstices between the particulates and through the particulates is such that the voltage drop across the interfaces between particulates AX and membrane C and between particulates CX and membrane A approaches a certain threshold voltage value (probably about 0.3 volts in the case of most commercially available anion exchange particulates and anion selective membranes) dissociation of water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions will occur at such interfaces, possibly catalyzed by weakly dissociated moieties. In this case, at membrane C, hydrogen ions will pass into the membrane and hydroxide ions will tend toward anode E.sup.+ through anion exchange particulate paths. At membrane A hydroxide ions will pass through the membrane and hydrogen ions will pass into cation exchange particle paths and tend toward cathode E.sup.-. Similarly hydrogen and hydroxide ions can be formed at the junction between the CX and AX particles in the fifth column in the figure as well as between the CX particle in the second column and the AX particle immediately below such CX particle.
Such packed electrodialysis apparatus, operating at current densities which result in generation of hydroxide and hydrogen ions, may be regarded as continuously, electrically regenerated mixed bed ion-exchange deionizers. Cost effective apparatus and processes may be achieved by a judicious choice of ion exchange particles with regard to resin type, particle size and shape, and anion-to-cation ratio and relative positioning in addition to selection of the optimal combination of equipment design and operating process parameters.
Although FIG. 1(a) suggests that particulates AX and CX are beads or spheres they can in fact be any structures which provide fluid interstices and permit flow of such fluid in the interstices, for example irregular granules, thin rods preferably parallel with the surfaces of the membranes, fibers including woven or knitted fibers, saddles, rings, tellerettes, etc. For purposes of this invention beads, spheres, or other granules are highly preferred.
Other possible arrangements of ion exchange particulates in the deionization cells are possible. For instance, FIG. 1(b) illustrates schematically and in a simplified way another possible arrangement of such packing. In this case the low resistance path for anions will be through the anion exchange particulates AX. Cations will be constrained to migrate through the fluid in the interstices between the particulates. The interface between the particulates AX and membrane C will have the possibility of formation of hydrogen and hydroxide ions at that interface, when the applied current is such that the voltage drop between the particulates AX and the membrane C approaches a certain threshold value, as already discussed in connection with FIG. 1(a). Because of the superior conductivity of hydrogen ions relative to other ions, this type of configuration is more suited to acidic fluids, including weakly dissociated acids. The faster hydrogen ions will move through the fluid, and the anions will move through the particulates AX.
FIG. 1(c) represents another possible arrangement of the particulate packing. "S" represents a thin, highly foraminous sheet such as a plastic screen or expanded plastic sheet having openings sufficiently small to prevent contact between the CX and AX particles, but permitting the flow of fluid within and parallel to the plane of the sheet in at least one direction, e.g. from right to left in FIG. 1(c); E.sup.- represents a negatively charged electrode, i.e. a cathode in electrolytic communication with membrane C through electrolytic solution(s) and/or other membranes and/or ion exchange particulates; E.sup.+ represents a positively charged electrode, i.e. an anode similarly in electrolytic communication with membrane A through electrolyte solution(s), other membranes and/or ion exchange particulates. The compartment represented by the region between membrane C and membrane A is a demineralizing, depleting, or diluting compartment.
The system of juxtaposed particulates AX and membrane A on the one hand and particulates CX and membrane C on the other hand will each behave essentially as equipotential extended surfaces, i.e. as membranes having extended surfaces, when the solution in the interstices and in the screen openings contains much less than about 0.1 gram equivalent per liter of electrolyte, because the electrical resistance of the ion-exchange particulates will be much less than that of the solution.
The compartments adjacent to the deionization chambers in the illustrations of FIG. 1 need not be packed with ion-exchange particulates in non-reversal EDI, because the electrical conductivity of the more concentrated solution in those compartments will be much higher than in the deionization compartments. For EDI a screen support in the concentrating compartments is usually satisfactory. When using symmetrical polarity reversal, in which the compartment functions alternate between deionization and concentration, the compartments should all be packed.
The concept of electrodialysis apparatus containing mixed bed ion exchange particulates in deionization compartment was apparently first disclosed by Kunin, et.al. ("Ion Exchange Resins", Wiley, New York, 1950, p 109) but no data were given. Walters, et.al. (Ind. Eng. Chem., 47, 61-67 (1955) and "Ion Exchange Technology", eds. Nachod and Sch
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1. Field of the Invention The invention resides in the field comprising the electrical transfer of electrolytes (including weakly dissociated electrolytes) from a first fluid to a second fluid and more particularly relates to apparatus and processes utilizing the principle of electrodeionization(EDI), i.e. to electrodialysis apparatus and processes in which at least one compartment of said apparatus is packed with particulate ion exchange material. 2. Description of the Prior Art Electrodeionization (EDI) is a process for transferring electrolytes (including weakly dissociated electrolytes) from a first fluid to a second fluid under the influence of a substantially direct electric potential applied to an electrodialysis apparatus in which at least some of the flow compartments, generally at least some of the diluting compartments, are substantially filled or packed with particulate ion exchange material. EDI is particularly attractive to deionize waters with low total dissolved solids content, which exhibit low electrical conductivity and which thus limit the current capacity of conventional electrodialysis. The highly conductive ion exchange resin packing in EDI provides a conductive path between ion exchange membranes and also increases the surface area available for removal of ionized dissolved solids from the water. Although it is not intended that this invention be limited in any way by any theory of electrodeionization (i.e., electrodialysis with compartments packed with particulate ion exchange material) nevertheless the following may help to understand the technology, this invention, and the various functions of the particulate ion exchange material packing. Referring to FIG. 1(a) it represents schematically and in a simplified way one possible arrangement of such packing. In 1(a) "C" represents a cation selective membrane, i.e. an electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the electric current is carried substantially exclusively by cations; "A" represents an anion selective membrane, i.e. an electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the electric current is carried substantially exclusively by anions; "CX" represents particulate cation exchange material and "AX" represents particulate anion exchange material. The mix of particulates may range from all-cation-exchange to all anion-exchange, but for electrodeionization approximately an equinormal mixture of CX and AX is generally preferred. For purposes of illustration in FIG. 1(a) the space between membranes C and A is packed with an approximately equinormal mixture of particulate CX and AX, in one possible random arrangement. There are many different such arrangements of the 8 CX particles and 12 AX particles corresponding to this approximately equinormal example based on typical commercial ion exchange resin capacities, but that shown will serve to illustrate most of the processes occurring in such packed deionization cells. The chamber represented by the region between membrane C and membrane A is a demineralizing, depleting, or diluting compartment, i.e. if the compartment contains in addition to the ion exchange particulates CX and AX a solution of a dissociated electrolyte in the interstices among the particles CX and AX, then cations from such solution will tend to migrate through membrane C toward electrode E.sup.- and anions through membrane A toward electrode E.sup.+ thereby depleting the electrolyte in the chamber. It is well known (See Heymann and O'Donnell, J. Colloid Sci., 4, 395(1949) ) that strongly dissociated ion exchange materials (including ion selective membranes) have specific electrical resistances of order of magnitude about 100 ohm-cm, i.e. about the same as an aqueous solution containing about 0.1 gram equivalent of sodium chloride per liter. Hence if the solution in the interstices is an aqueous solution of sodium chloride containing much less than about 0.1 gram equivalent per liter (say about 0.01 gram- equivalent per liter) then the electrical resistance of the ion-exchange particulates will be much less than that of the solution. Then the low resistance path for anions will be through anion exchange particulates AX and for cations through cation exchange particulates CX. The first column from the left is such a low resistance cation path. The cation exchange particle in the second column also feeds that path. In the two dimensional pattern of FIG. 1(a) the cation exchange particle in the fourth column is a dead end (but in three dimensions, i.e. in the planes immediately above and below that shown in FIG. 1(a), there could be connections to CX particle paths leading to membrane C. There are no dead-end anion particles in the figure. Some anions pass around cation exchange particles which are in the way. At many contacts between the particles it is possible for a cation to enter a cation exchange path and simultaneously for its "companion" anion to enter an anion exchange path. One can postulate that when the electric current passing through the electrolyte solution in the interstices between the particulates and through the particulates is such that the voltage drop across the interfaces between particulates AX and membrane C and between particulates CX and membrane A approaches a certain threshold voltage value (probably about 0.3 volts in the case of most commercially available anion exchange particulates and anion selective membranes) dissociation of water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions will occur at such interfaces, possibly catalyzed by weakly dissociated moieties. In this case, at membrane C, hydrogen ions will pass into the membrane and hydroxide ions will tend toward anode E.sup.+ through anion exchange particulate paths. At membrane A hydroxide ions will pass through the membrane and hydrogen ions will pass into cation exchange particle paths and tend toward cathode E.sup.-. Similarly hydrogen and hydroxide ions can be form at the junction between the CX and AX particles in the fifth column in the figure as well as between the CX particle in the second column and the AX particle immediately below such CX particle. Such packed electrodialysis apparatus, operating at current densities which result in generation of hydroxide and hydrogen ions, may be regarded as continuously, electrically regenerated mixed bed ion-exchange deionizers. Cost effective apparatus and processes may be achieved by a judicious choice of ion exchange particles with regard to resin type, particle size and shape, and anion-to-cation ratio and relative positioning in addition to selection of the optimal combination of equipment design and operating process parameters. Although FIG. 1(a) suggests that particulates AX and CX are beads or spheres they can in fact be any structures which provide fluid interstices and permit flow of such fluid in the interstices, for example irregular granules, thin rods preferably parallel with the surfaces of the membranes, fibers including woven or knitted fibers, saddles, rings, tellerettes, etc. For purposes of this invention beads, spheres, or other granules are highly preferred. Other possible arrangements of ion exchange particulates in the deionization cells are possible. For instance, FIG. 1(b) illustrates schematically and in a simplified way another possible arrangement of such packing. In this case the low resistance path for anions will be through the anion exchange particulates AX. Cations will be constrained to migrate through the fluid in the interstices between the particulates. The interface between the particulates AX and membrane C will have the possibility of formation of hydrogen and hydroxide ions at that interface, when the applied current is such that the voltage drop between the particulates AX and the membrane C approaches a certain threshold value, as already discussed in connection with FIG. 1(a). Because of the superior conductivity of hydrogen ions relative to other ions, this type of configuration is more suited to acidic fluids, including weakly dissociated acids. The faster hydrogen ions will move through the fluid, and the anions will move through the particulates AX. FIG. 1(c) represents another possible arrangement of the particulate packing. "S" represents a thin, highly foraminous sheet such as a plastic screen or expanded plastic sheet having openings sufficiently small to prevent contact between the CX and AX particles, but permitting the flow of fluid within and parallel to the plane of the sheet in at least one direction, e.g. from right to left in FIG. 1(c); E.sup.- represents a negatively charged electrode, i.e. a cathode in electrolytic communication with membrane C through electrolytic solution(s) and/or other membranes and/or ion exchange particulates; E.sup.+ represents a positively charged electrode, i.e. an anode similarly in electrolytic communication with membrane A through electrolyte solution(s), other membranes and/or ion exchange particulates. The compartment represented by the region between membrane C and membrane A is a demineralizing, depleting, or diluting compartment. The system of juxtaposed particulates AX and membrane A on the one hand and particulates CX and membrane C on the other hand will each behave essentially as equipotential extended surfaces, i.e. as membranes having extended surfaces, when the solution in the interstices and in the screen openings contains much less than about 0.1 gram equivalent per liter of electrolyte, because the electrical resistance of the ion-exchange particulates will be much less than that of the solution. The compartments adjacent to the deionization chambers in the illustrations of FIG. 1 need not be packed with ion-exchange particulates in non-reversal EDI, because the electrical conductivity of the more concentrated solution in those compartments will be much higher than in the deionization compartments. For EDI a screen support in the concentrating compartments is usually satisfactory. When using symmetrical polarity reversal, in which the compartment functions alternate between deionization and concentration, the compartments should all be packed. The concept of electrodialysis apparatus containing mixed bed ion exchange particulates in deionization compartment was apparently first disclosed by Kunin, et.al. ("Ion Exchange Resins", Wiley, New York, 1950, p 109) but no data were given. Walters, et.al. (Ind. Eng. Chem., 47, 61-67 (1955) and "Ion Exchange Technology", eds. Nachod and Sch
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1. FieiS of the Invention The invention resides in the bielV comprising the electrical transfer of electrolytes (including weakly dissociated electrolytes) from a first fluid to a second fluid and more particularly relates to apparatus and processes utilizing the principle of electrodeionization (EDI ), i. e. to electrodialysis apparatus and processes in which at least one compartment of Qald apparatus is packed with particulate ion exchange material. 2. Description of the Prior Art Electrodeionization (EDI) is a process for transferring electrolytes (including weakly dissociated electrolytes) from a first fluid to a second fluid under the influence of a substantially direct electric potential applied to an electrodialysis apparatus in which at least some of the flow compartments, generally at least some of the diluting compartments, are substantially filled or packed with particulate ion exchange material. EDI is particularly attractive to deionize waters with low total dissolved solids content, which exhibit low ekectDical conductivity and which thus limit the current capacity of conventional electrodialysis. The highly conductive ion exchange resin packing in EDI provides a conductive path between ion exchange membranes and also increases the surface area available for removal of ionized dissolved solids from the water. Although it is not intended that this invention be limited in any way by any theory of electrodeionization (i. e. , electrodialysis with compartments packed with particulate ion exchange material) nevertheless the following may help to understand the technology, this invention, and the various functions of the particulate ion exchange material packing. Referring to FIG. 1 (a) it represents schematically and in a simplified way one possible arrangement of such packing. In 1 (a) " C " represents a cation selective membrane, i. e. an electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the electric current is carried substantially exclusively by cations; " A " represents an anion selective membrane, i. e. an electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the electric current is carried substantially exclusively by anions; " CX " represents particulate cation exchange material and " AX " represents particulate anion exchange material. The mix of particulates may range from all - cation - exchange to all anion - exchange, but for electrodeionization approximately an equinormal mixture of CX and AX is generally p5efer3ed. For purposes of illustration in FIG. 1 (a) the space between membranes C and A is packed with an approximately equinormal mixture of particulate CX and AX, in one possible random arrangement. There are many different such arrangements of the 8 CX particles and 12 AX particles corresponding to this approximately equinormal example based on typical commercial ion exchange resin capacities, but that shown will serve to illustrate most of the processes occurring in such packed deionization cells. The chamber represented by the region between membrane C and membrane A is a demineralizing, depleting, or diluting compartment, i. e. if the compartment contains in addition to the ion exchange particulates CX and AX a solution of a dissociated electrolyte in the interstices among the particles CX and AX, then cations from such solution will tend to migrate through membrane C toward electrode E. sup. - and anions through membrane A toward electrode E. sup. + thereby depleting the electrolyte in the chamber. It is well known (See Heymann and O ' Donnell, J. Colloid Sci. , 4, 395 (1949) ) that strongly dissociated ion exchange materials (including ion selective membranes) have specific electrical resistances of order of jagnithde about 100 ohm - cm, i. e. about the same as an aqueous solution containing about 0. 1 gram equivalent of sodium chloride per liter. Hence if the solution in the interstices is an aqueous solution of sodium chloride containing much less than about 0. 1 gram equivalent per liter (say about 0. 01 gram - equivalent per liter) then the electrical resistance of the ion - exchange particulates will be much less than that of the solution. Then the low resistance path for anions will be through anion exchange particulates AX and for cations through cation exchange particulates CX. The first column from the left is such a low resistance cation path. The cation exchange particle in the second column also feeds that path. In the two dimensional pattern of FIG. 1 (a) the cation exchange particle in the fourth column is a dead end (but in three dimensions, i. e. in the planes immediately above and below that shown in FIG. 1 (a ), there could be connections to CX particle paths leading to membrane C. There are no dead - end anion particles in the figure. Some anions pass around cation exchange particles which are in the way. At mZn^ contacts between the particles it is possible for a cation to enter a cation exchange path and simultaneously for its " companion " anion to enter an anion exchange path. One can postulate that when the electric current passing through the electrolyte solution in the interstices between the particulates and through the particulates is such that the voltage drop across the interfaces between particulates AX and membrane C and between particulates CX and membrane A approaches a certain threshold voltage value (probably about 0. 3 volts in the case of most commercially available anion exchange particulates and anion selective membranes) dissociation of water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions will occur at such interfaces, possibly catalyzed by weakly dissociated moieties. In this case, at membrane C, hydrogen ions will pass into the membrane and hydroxide ions will tend toward anode E. sup. + through anion exchange particulate paths. At membrane A hydroxide ions will pass through the membrane and hydrogen ions will pass into cation exchange particle paths and tend toward cathode E. sup. -. Similarly hydrogen and hydroxide ions can be formed at the junction between the CX and AX particles in the fifth column in the figure as well as between the CX particle in the second column and the AX particle immediately below such CX particle. Such packed electrodialysis apparatus, operating at current densities which result in generation of hydroxide and hydrogen ions, may be regarded as continuously, electrically regenerated mixed bed ion - exchange deionizers. Cost effective apparatus and processes may be achieved by a judicious choice of ion exchange particles with regard to reQig type, particle size and shape, and anion - to - cation ratio and relative positioning in addition to selection of the optimal combination of equipment design and operating process parameters. Although FIG. 1 (a) suggests that particulates AX and CX are beads or spheres they can in fact be any structures which provide fluid interstices and permit flow of such fluid in the interstices, for example irregular granules, thin rods preferably parallel with the surfaces of the membranes, fibers including woven or knitted fibers, saddles, rings, tellerettes, etc. For purposes of this invention beads, spheres, or other granules are highly preferred. Other possible arrangements of ion exchange particulates in the deionization cells are possible. For instance, FIG. 1 (b) illustrates schematically and in a simplified way another possible arrangement of such packing. In this case the low resistance path for anions will be through the anion exchange particulates AX. Cations will be constrained to migrate through the fluid in the interstices between the particulates. The interface between the particulates AX and membrane C will have the possibility of formation of hydrogen and hydroxide ions at that interface, when the applied current is such that the voltage drop between the particulates AX and the membrane C approaches a DertaiM threshold value, as already discussed in connection with FIG. 1 (a ). Because of the superior conductivity of hydrogen ions relative to other ions, this type of configuration is more suited to acidic fluids, including weakly dissociated acids. The faster hydrogen ions will move through the fluid, and the anions will move through the particulates AX. FIG. 1 (c) represents another possible arrangement of the particulate packing. " S " represents a thin, highly foraminous sheet such as a plastic screen or expanded plastic sheet having openings sufficiently small to prevent contact between the CX and AX particles, but permitting the flow of fluid within and parallel to the plane of the sheet in at least one direction, e. g. from right to left in FIG. 1 (c ); E. sup. - represents a negatively charged electrode, i. e. a cathode in electrolytic communication with membrane C through electrolytic solution (s) and / or other membranes and / or ion exchange particulates; E. sup. + represents a positively charged electrode, i. e. an anode similarly in electrolytic communication with membrane A through electrolyte solution (s ), other membranes and / or ion exchange particulates. The compartment represented by the region between membrane C and membrane A is a demineralizing, depleting, or diluting compartment. The system of juxtaposed particulates AX and membrane A on the one hand and particulates CX and membrane C on the other hand will each behave essentially as equipotential extended surfaces, i. e. as membranes having extended surfaces, when the solution in the interstices and in the screen openings contains much less than about 0. 1 gram equivalent per liter of electrolyte, because the electrical resistance of the ion - exchange particulates will be much less than that of the solution. The compartments adjacent to the deionization chambers in the illustrations of FIG. 1 need not be packed with ion - exchange particulates in non - reversal EDI, because the electrical conductivity of the more concentrated solution in those compartments will be much higher than in the deionization compartments. For EDI a screen support in the concentrating compartments is usually satisfactory. When using symmetrical polarity reversal, in which the compartment functions alternate between deionization and concentration, the compartments should all be packed. The concept of electrodialysis apparatus containing mixed bed ion exchange particulates in deionization compartment was apparently first disclosed by Kunin, et. al. (" Ion Exchange Resins ", WolWy, New York, 1950, p 109) but no data were given. Walters, et. al. (Ind. Eng. Chem. , 47, 61 - 67 (1955) and " Ion Exchange Technology ", eds. Nachod and Sch
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1. Field of the The invention resides in the comprising the electrical of electrolytes (including weakly dissociated electrolytes) from first fluid to a second fluid and more particularly relates to apparatus and processes utilizing the principle of electrodeionization(EDI), to electrodialysis apparatus and processes in at least one compartment of said apparatus is packed with particulate ion exchange material. 2. Description of the Prior Art Electrodeionization (EDI) is a process for transferring electrolytes (including weakly dissociated electrolytes) from a first fluid a fluid under the influence of a substantially direct electric potential applied an electrodialysis apparatus in which at least some of the flow compartments, generally at least some of the diluting compartments, are substantially filled or packed with particulate ion exchange material. EDI is particularly attractive to deionize waters low total dissolved solids content, which exhibit electrical conductivity and which thus limit the current capacity of conventional electrodialysis. The highly ion resin packing in EDI provides conductive path between ion exchange membranes and also increases the surface area available for removal of ionized dissolved solids from the it is not intended that invention be limited in way by any theory of electrodeionization (i.e., electrodialysis with compartments packed with particulate ion exchange material) nevertheless the following may to understand the technology, this invention, and the various functions the particulate ion exchange material packing. to FIG. 1(a) it represents schematically and in a way one possible arrangement of such packing. In 1(a) "C" represents a cation selective membrane, i.e. an electrolytically conductive sheet or in which the electric current is carried substantially exclusively by cations; "A" represents an selective membrane, i.e. electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the electric current is carried substantially exclusively by anions; "CX" represents cation exchange material and "AX" represents particulate anion exchange material. mix of particulates may range from all-cation-exchange to all anion-exchange, but for electrodeionization approximately an equinormal mixture of CX and AX is generally preferred. For purposes illustration in FIG. 1(a) the between membranes C and A is packed with approximately equinormal mixture of particulate CX AX, in one possible random arrangement. There are many different such arrangements of the 8 CX particles and 12 particles corresponding to this approximately equinormal based on typical commercial ion exchange resin capacities, but that shown will serve to illustrate most of the processes occurring in such packed deionization cells. The chamber represented by the region between C and membrane A is demineralizing, depleting, or diluting compartment, i.e. if compartment contains in addition to the ion exchange particulates CX and a solution of a dissociated electrolyte in the interstices among the particles CX and AX, then cations from such solution will tend to migrate through membrane C toward electrode E.sup.- and anions through membrane A toward electrode E.sup.+ depleting the in the chamber. It well known Heymann and O'Donnell, Colloid Sci., 4, 395(1949) ) strongly dissociated ion exchange (including ion selective membranes) have specific electrical resistances of order of magnitude 100 i.e. about the same as an aqueous solution containing about gram equivalent of sodium chloride per liter. Hence if the solution in interstices is an aqueous solution of sodium chloride containing much less than about 0.1 equivalent liter (say 0.01 gram- equivalent per then the electrical resistance of the ion-exchange particulates will much less than that of solution. Then the resistance path be through anion exchange particulates AX and for cations through cation exchange particulates CX. first from the is such a low resistance cation path. The cation exchange particle in the column also feeds that path. In the dimensional pattern of FIG. 1(a) the particle the column a dead end (but in three dimensions, i.e. in the planes above and below that shown in FIG. 1(a), there could be connections CX particle paths leading to membrane C. There are no dead-end particles the figure. Some pass around cation exchange which are in the way. At many contacts between the particles it is possible for a cation to enter a cation exchange and simultaneously for its "companion" anion to enter an anion exchange One can postulate that when electric current passing through the electrolyte solution in the interstices between the particulates and the particulates such that the voltage drop across the interfaces between particulates AX and membrane C and between particulates CX membrane A approaches a certain threshold voltage value (probably about 0.3 volts in the case of most commercially available anion exchange particulates and anion selective membranes) dissociation of water into hydrogen and hydroxide ions will occur at such interfaces, possibly catalyzed by weakly dissociated moieties. In this case, at membrane C, hydrogen ions will pass the membrane hydroxide ions will toward anode E.sup.+ through anion particulate At membrane A hydroxide ions will pass through the membrane and hydrogen ions will pass into cation particle paths tend toward cathode E.sup.-. Similarly hydrogen and hydroxide ions can be formed the junction between the and AX particles in the fifth column in the figure as well as between the CX particle in the second column and the AX particle immediately below such CX particle. Such packed apparatus, operating at current which result in generation of hydroxide hydrogen ions, may be regarded as continuously, electrically regenerated mixed bed ion-exchange deionizers. Cost effective apparatus and processes may achieved by a judicious of ion exchange particles with regard to particle size and shape, and anion-to-cation ratio and positioning in addition to selection of the optimal of equipment design and operating parameters. Although FIG. 1(a) suggests that particulates AX and CX are beads or spheres they fact be any which provide fluid interstices permit flow of such fluid the interstices, example irregular thin rods preferably with the surfaces of the membranes, fibers including woven or knitted fibers, saddles, rings, tellerettes, etc. For of this beads, spheres, or other granules are highly preferred. Other possible arrangements of ion in the deionization cells are possible. For instance, FIG. illustrates schematically and a simplified way another possible arrangement of such In this case the low path for anions will be through anion exchange particulates AX. Cations will be constrained to migrate through the fluid in the interstices between the particulates. The interface particulates AX and membrane will have the possibility of formation of hydrogen and ions that interface, when the is such that the voltage between the particulates AX and the membrane C approaches a certain threshold value, as already discussed in with FIG. 1(a). Because of the superior conductivity of hydrogen ions relative to other ions, this type of configuration is more suited to acidic fluids, including weakly dissociated acids. The faster hydrogen ions will through the fluid, and the anions will move through the particulates AX. FIG. represents another possible arrangement of the particulate packing. "S" represents a highly foraminous sheet such as a plastic screen or plastic sheet having openings sufficiently small to prevent contact between the CX and AX flow of fluid within and to the plane of the sheet in at least one direction, e.g. from right to FIG. 1(c); E.sup.- represents a negatively charged electrode, i.e. a cathode in electrolytic communication with membrane C through electrolytic and/or other membranes and/or ion exchange particulates; E.sup.+ represents positively charged electrode, i.e. an anode similarly in electrolytic communication with membrane A through electrolyte solution(s), other and/or ion exchange particulates. compartment represented by the region between membrane C and membrane A is a depleting, or diluting compartment. The of juxtaposed particulates AX and membrane A on one hand and particulates CX membrane C on the other hand will each behave essentially as equipotential extended surfaces, i.e. as membranes having extended surfaces, when the in the interstices and the screen openings contains much less about 0.1 gram equivalent per liter of electrolyte, because the electrical resistance of the ion-exchange particulates will be much less than that of the solution. The compartments adjacent to the deionization chambers in the illustrations of FIG. 1 need not be packed with ion-exchange particulates in EDI, because the electrical conductivity of the more concentrated solution in those compartments will be much higher than in the deionization compartments. For EDI a screen support in the concentrating compartments is usually satisfactory. When using symmetrical reversal, in which the compartment functions alternate between deionization and concentration, compartments should all be packed. The concept of electrodialysis containing mixed bed ion particulates in deionization compartment was apparently first disclosed by Kunin, et.al. Exchange Resins", Wiley, New York, 1950, p 109) but no data given. Walters, et.al. Chem., 47, 61-67 (1955) and "Ion Technology", eds. Nachod and Sch
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1. FiELD Of the inVENTioN
tHe INVENtiON reSidES iN ThE FIeLD CoMprIsinG ThE eLECTRicAL TRAnsFeR Of EleCTRoLYTEs (INcluDInG WEakly dissocIATEd ElEctRoLytEs) FROm A FIRst fluID tO A SecoND FLuID and MORe pArtIculaRlY ReLateS TO ApPArAtUs AND PROcESsEs UTiLIziNG THe PrINCIPLE oF elEcTRoDEIoNizatIon(eDI), I.E. to eLECTRODIAlySIs aPpaRAtuS anD pROceSses iN wHiCh At leAST one COMpaRtment of SAiD ApPaRAtUs iS packed wITh paRTiculAte iOn excHange MATEriAL.
2. DeSCriPTIoN Of the pRIOR ART
ElECtRoDeIONizAtioN (edI) is a proCEss FoR transfeRRIng eleCtroLYTes (IncLudiNG WEAkLy DiSsociateD ElEctrOlYteS) fRom a fIrSt FLuid To A SecOnd FLuId UNDer tHE InfLUeNCe oF A SubStantIaLly DIREct EleCTRiC PoTEntIAL ApPLIED TO an elEctrodiaLysIs apPArAtUS IN WHIcH aT LEasT SOMe of THE fLOW CoMPartMEnts, GEneRaLly At least SOmE OF tHe DilUTiNG CoMPARTMEnTS, aRE substANTIalLY FilLeD Or pAcKEd WITh partIculATe IOn EXchaNge mATeRIAL.
EDI Is PaRTIculArLY aTtRACtive To DeIoniZE wAteRS WItH LoW toTal dIssolVEd SolIdS COntENt, wHIcH EXHIBit loW eLeCtRiCal CondUCTIVItY aND wHICh THUs LimiT tHe CUrrenT cApAcIty OF ConvEnTiOnAL EleCTRODialySIs. tHe hIGHly conDucTIVe iOn EXCHanGE REsIN PackIng IN edI PROviDES A CONDUCtiVe PATh beTWeEN ioN ExcHANGE MemBRaNes AND ALSo inCrEAses thE surFaCE aRea avAILaBle foR reMOvAL Of IOnIZED disSolVed sOlidS FRom THE WAteR.
AlthougH iT iS NOT inTEnDED That THiS inVeNTIoN BE LIMited IN aNy wAY BY ANY Theory OF eleCtRodeIonIZATiOn (i.E., ELeCTRodialysIs wItH coMPartmENtS PacKED WITH paRtIculAte iON ExchANgE MAteRiAL) nEverTHeLesS THE FollowiNg mAy HElp To UNdeRstAND The TECHNoLogY, THis invENtiOn, aND tHe VariOUs FunCtIonS of ThE PaRtIcUlATE IOn eXcHANGE MATErIaL pAckIng.
REFeRRiNG tO FiG. 1(A) It rEpRESEntS schEmatICaLLY and in A sIMpLIFIEd WaY one PoSSIbLe aRraNgeMENT Of SUCh PacKinG. in 1(A) "C" RePREsENTs A CATION SeLECTIVe mEmbrANe, I.E. An eLectroLytIcAlLy conDuctIvE sHeET OR fILM IN WhICh The ElECtriC currEnt Is CArrieD sUBsTaNTiaLlY exclusIvEly BY caTions; "A" rePreSENTS an ANiON SElEctIvE MEMbRANe, i.e. AN ElecTROLYTiCaLLy cONductIvE sheeT oR FilM iN WhiCh the eLEctrIC cURrEnT Is cArRIed suBstANTiAlLy exclUSIvEly By aNions; "Cx" repRESENTS paRtIculATe catIon exchANgE MatErIAl anD "Ax" REPREsENts parTICulAtE anIoN eXcHanGe MAtERIAL. THE mIx of pArticUlateS MAY ranGe FroM ALl-CAtIOn-EXchAngE TO ALL Anion-EXchange, buT foR elECTrodEIOnIzation approXiMateLY an eQuinOrmal MixturE OF cx and aX IS GEnerALLY PReFerRED. fOr puRPoSes of iLluStRAtIOn In fIG. 1(a) ThE sPACe beTwEen mEMBRaNeS c anD A is paCkED With AN apPrOXIMaTEly EquinormaL MiXture Of partIcULATE cx aNd aX, iN ONe pOSSIbLe rANdOm arraNgemeNt. tHeRe aRe mAnY dIfferEnt suCH arRaNGeMeNTS of The 8 cx PArTICLeS And 12 ax pArtIclES CORrespONdinG tO tHIs apPRoXiMATEly EquiNORMAl EXAmPlE baSED on TypicAl cOMMErCial ION ExChaNge RESIn caPACITIES, But thaT ShoWN wiLl SErve to IlLUStratE MOsT oF thE PrOCEsSEs OcCuRRING in SucH PAcKeD DEIOnIzATIon CeLls.
thE chaMbEr rEPReSEnTEd bY The RegiOn BETwEEn MemBrane c AND MeMBraNE A iS A dEMiNERaLiZInG, DeplETinG, Or DiLUTInG cOmPArtmENT, i.e. IF The cOMPaRtmeNT COnTaINs IN addiTIoN To tHe ION exchANGE pArTicULates Cx AND ax a SOlUTIon oF A DiSSoCiated elEctrolyTE in thE INTerstiCES AmoNG The PARTIcLes CX AND aX, ThEN caTIonS FRoM SUCh sOlutIOn wILl TEnd to mIGrAte THroUGH mEMBRaNE C tOWarD elECtrodE E.SuP.- ANd aNIons ThrOUGH MemBRANe a tOwARd ELeCtrOde E.SuP.+ THeREBy dEPLetING THe ELECtROlyte iN thE cHaMber. iT Is weLl KNOwN (See hEymAnN And o'dOnNELL, j. ColLOid SCI., 4, 395(1949) ) ThAt STrONglY DIssOCIaTeD ioN EXChanGe MaterIals (InCLUding IOn SelEcTivE MeMbrANEs) havE SPecIFIc eLecTRiCAl rESIStaNceS of oRdEr OF magnITUDe ABoUT 100 Ohm-cM, I.E. ABoUT thE saMe as An aQUeoUs SOLutiOn cONtaiNing ABOuT 0.1 GrAm EquiVAleNt oF soDIuM chLoriDE PER lITEr. hENce IF THe SoLUtIon iN tHe IntErsTiCeS is an AqUeous soluTion oF sODIUm chlORIdE cOnTAinING MucH leSS tHAn ABOuT 0.1 GrAM EQuIvalEnt Per LitER (Say AbOUt 0.01 Gram- EquIValenT pEr LitEr) THEn THE ElEctrICal ReSiSTANCE of tHe ioN-ExcHaNge PArticUlaTes wiLL bE MuCH lesS thAn THaT oF THe SOluTIOn. theN the lOw REsiStaNcE PATh FOr anioNs will Be THROuGh ANiOn EXCHanGE paRTicUlAtES AX aNd for CaTiOnS thROUgH CatiOn exchANgE pArticUlatES Cx. THe FiRsT CoLUMN FRoM the LEft IS sucH A lOw resiStanCE cATioN PaTh. thE CATiON EXCHANGe pArtIClE In The SecOND cOLuMN AlSo feEds thaT PAth. In THe tWo DiMensIONAl PatteRN OF Fig. 1(A) tHe CatioN EXChAnge pArTiCLE IN ThE fOUrTH coLUMn Is A DEad eNd (But IN thrEE DiMENsiOns, I.E. In THE PlanEs IMMEdIATElY aBovE anD beLOw THat SHOwn in fIG. 1(A), tHere COulD be cOnNECTIOnS To CX pArTiCle PATHs leadiNG tO MemBraNe c. tHERE aRE NO dEad-EnD aniON PaRtiCLEs IN THE fIGurE. SomE ANIoNS paSs ArouNd caTIOn eXchAnGE pARTicLEs whIch ARE IN thE WaY. AT MAnY coNtactS BEtween tHE PArtiCles iT Is POSsibLe FOr a CaTION tO enter a CAtION eXChAnge PaTH AnD SiMULTaNeOUSly foR ItS "CompANIOn" AniON To EntER AN ANIOn ExChANGe paTh. one CaN PostULaTe tHAt wheN The ELectRIC CURrENt paSSing tHroUgH tHE eLECTRoLYTE SoLutIOn iN The iNteRsTiCEs BEtWeEN THe ParticULatEs and ThROUGh tHe PARTICUlaTeS iS SuCH tHAT The voLTaGE DRoP acrOSs the INTeRfACEs BETween paRticulATeS AX ANd MEmbRAnE C And BETWeen PArtICULATEs cX and MEMbRAne a aPproAches a cErtain thREShOlD vOltAgE VaLue (PRobAbLy AboUt 0.3 voLts iN the CAsE of mosT comMERcIAlLy aVaILaBLE ANIon ExcHAnge ParTIculATES AnD aniOn selEctIVE memBrANEs) DissoCiaTioN OF water InTo hyDrOgEn IONS And hydRoXide IONS WIll occuR At sUCh InTeRFacEs, PosSIBly caTAlYZeD By wEaklY DiSSoCIAteD MOIEtIeS. in tHis cAsE, aT mEMBRAne c, HYdroGen IoNs wiLl pAsS INTO THe MemBRaNE anD HYDroXidE ioNS WiLL TEnd tOwARD anoDE e.sUP.+ thRoUgH ANIoN ExCHAnGE parTIcUlate PAThS. aT MeMbrANe a hYDroXiDe iONs wiLL PASs tHrouGH thE memBRANe and hYDrOgeN IOnS WILl PaSs iNto CaTIoN EXChaNge partIcle PATHs aNd TEnD towARD CaThodE e.SUP.-. sImILarly HYdroGeN AND HydRoXIDe ioNS cAN be fORMEd aT THE juNctioN BETWEeN thE Cx AND ax pArTIcLES In tHe FiFTh CoLumn iN THe FiGURE as well As betWeeN THE CX partiCle iN thE SeCOnd COLuMn and tHE aX pARTicle immedIateLY BeloW sUCh cx PaRTicLE.
sUCH pACkeD eLeCtrOdIALySiS aPParAtus, opeRaTINg At CurREnt dENsITies WHicH REsuLT in geNERATIoN Of hYDroXIDE aND hyDRogEN ionS, mAy be rEGaRDEd As COnTiNUousLy, elECtRICaLly regenerated mIXEd Bed iOn-eXchANge deIONIZeRs. cost EFFEctIVE aPpaRAtus anD pRoCesSeS May be AcHieveD BY A jUDicIoUS CHoiCe of ioN ExChANGE pARticLEs wItH REGARD tO rEsIN TYpE, paRTiCLE SiZE AND sHape, AnD ANIoN-To-cAtiOn rATio aNd reLativE PosItiOniNg in aDdiTiON TO SeLecTion Of thE OptimAL CombinaTion oF eQuIPmEnT dEsiGN AND operaTIng PROCEsS PaRAmeteRS.
aLtHOUGh FiG. 1(a) SuggESTs thaT pARTicULaTEs aX And Cx arE BeADs OR SpHErES tHEy CAN In FAct be any sTrUCTUrEs WhicH PRovide fLuid InTerstIcEs and PeRmIt FLOW of SUch flUID iN tHe iNtERSTICEs, For exAmPLe IrrEGUlar gRANULEs, tHIn roDs PReFErAbLy PaRAlLEL WItH thE sUrFAceS of thE mEmBRANes, fIbeRs iNcluDIng WoVEN oR kNittED FIBers, sADDLeS, RingS, tellerettes, eTC. fOR PuRPoseS Of THiS INvenTiON BEaDs, SpHErES, oR OTHer grAnULes are HiGHly prEFeRRed.
Other PoSSiBle ARraNGementS OF iON EXcHanGe pArTicUlates iN ThE dEIOnIZATion celLs are POssIBLE. for iNsTanCE, fiG. 1(B) ilLuStrAtes SChEMatiCaLLy aND in A sIMPLIFiEd Way Another pOsSIbLE ARRANGeMent OF SuCH pAckIng. IN ThIs caSE The lOw rEsISTANCe PATh FoR anioNS wIll BE THRoUGH ThE ANION EXcHAnGe pARTiCUlAtes aX. cAtIOnS WILL bE coNSTrAInED To MiGRatE tHROUGH The fLuiD iN THE INtErSTicES BetwEEN ThE pArTicUlatEs. THe iNTeRFACe BEtWEEN THE PARticuLAtES Ax and membRANe c WilL have The POSSIbiLity Of FoRMatioN OF HydROGeN AND HYdroxiDe iONS At THAT INTeRfacE, whEN The apPLIED cURrENT is sUCH ThAT thE vOltAGE drOP betWeen tHE PArTiculaTeS Ax ANd THe meMBraNE c APPROaches A CErtAin tHreSHoLd vaLUe, as aLREaDY DiScuSsEd iN cONnEctioN wIth FIG. 1(A). bECaUsE OF tHe sUpEriOr COnduCtiviTy of HyDRoGen ioNS RELAtIve tO OtHEr Ions, ThIS tyPE Of cONfiGuRATION is mORe SuiTED TO AcIDic FlUIDS, iNCludIng WEaKLy DiSsOCiaTeD aCIdS. The fASTER hYdroGEN ioNS WILl MOVe ThroUgH The fLUID, anD the ANioNs WIll mOVe tHrough THe PARticuLaTeS AX.
FiG. 1(C) REPreseNTS ANOThER poSSIbLe ArraNGeMenT Of THe pARTIcUlate PaCKiNg. "S" RepresenTs a thIN, HIgHLy FORAminous shEet SUch as a pLAsTic SCreen or EXPANdeD plAStIC ShEET HAvINg OPEniNGs SUffICieNtLY smAll To PREVEnt cOnTacT bEtwEeN THe CX And Ax ParTiCLes, bUT permittiNG The FlOW Of FLuID wITHiN And pARALLEl tO THE PLane OF The SHEeT iN AT lEAsT One DiRECtION, E.g. FROM rIGHt tO LeFT IN fiG. 1(C); E.suP.- REpresENtS a nEGATivElY cHARgeD ELeCtRodE, i.E. a cATHOdE in ElEcTRoLYTiC cOMMuNiCaTiON wiTh MemBRANE c THROUgh eLeCtROLytIC SOLUtion(s) aNd/or otHER MemBRANEs aNd/or iON exCHaNgE pArTicuLATEs; e.SUp.+ RePrEseNtS A poSiTIvelY chaRgED ELEctrOde, I.e. An aNoDe SIMiLArLy in ELectRolYtIc CoMmuNicATiOn wiTh mEMbrane A thRoUgH ElecTrOLYtE sOlUtiON(s), othER MEMbraNes AND/Or ION exCHanGe ParTiCUlATES. the COMParTmeNt RePreSENTEd by thE rEGiOn bETwEEn MemBrANE c aND MembRANE a is a DemINeralizINg, DePlEtInG, OR DILUTING comparTmENt.
The SYStEm OF JUxtaPOsEd pArTiCUlaTeS AX aND MEmBRANE a oN the OnE HAnD aNd ParTIcULATEs cx AND mEmBRaNE C ON tHE OtHEr hand WiLL EaCh bEhavE ESSEnTIalLy AS EQUIPOtenTIaL EXtenDED SuRfACES, i.E. aS MembraneS haVinG EXTeNDEd surfaCeS, whEN tHe sOlUTioN iN tHe InTeRsTICes AND In THe SCrEeN oPeNinGs cONTaINS MuCh leSs THaN ABOUT 0.1 GRam eqUiValent pEr liteR OF ElECtROlYtE, BEcAuse The ELeCtrICaL reSIStANCE Of tHE iON-ExCHANGe paRTIcULaTES wiLl bE Much lEsS tHAn thAT Of ThE soLUTiOn.
THE COMpaRTmeNtS aDJaCenT To thE dEIONiZaTion ChamBERS In THE IlLuStRatiOnS oF fIg. 1 neEd NOT bE PACKED WIth IoN-ExChanGE ParTicULateS IN NOn-rEVErsaL EDI, BECAUse tHe eLEctRICAl cONDUctIvIty OF tHE moRE conceNTRATeD solutIoN iN those coMPaRtmenTs WIlL be much hIgHer than in ThE deioNiZAtIOn ComparTMenTS. fOr edI A sCrEEn SUPPORt in tHE cONceNTrAtinG compARtmEnts iS uSuALLY sATISfactorY. whEN usIng sYmMetRiCal POLarity reveRSAL, in wHiCh the coMPArTmenT fuNctIoNS ALTerNaTe BEtwEEN deIonizaTiOn aNd cOncENtRaTIOn, tHe coMpArtmENts sHoULd all Be paCked.
thE coNCePT of eLEcTroDiAlYSiS ApparatUS COntaiNIng mixed BED ioN excHaNGe PARTiCulaTeS iN DEiONIzation compARtMenT was appARENTLy fIrSt diSClosEd bY kUNIn, et.al. ("ION eXchaNge reSiNS", Wiley, nEW yorK, 1950, P 109) But NO datA Were GIven. wAlTErs, ET.aL. (Ind. enG. CHem., 47, 61-67 (1955) AnD "ION eXchANGe tEchNologY", EDs. nacHOD ANd scH
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1. Field of the Invention The inventionresides in the field comprising the electrical transfer of electrolytes (including weakly dissociated electrolytes) from afirstfluid to a second fluidand more particularly relates to apparatusand processesutilizing the principle of electrodeionization(EDI), i.e. to electrodialysis apparatus and processes in which at least one compartment of said apparatus is packed with particulateion exchange material.2. Descriptionof the Prior ArtElectrodeionization (EDI)is a process for transferring electrolytes (including weaklydissociated electrolytes) from a first fluid to asecond fluid under the influence of a substantially directelectric potential applied to an electrodialysis apparatus in which at least some of the flow compartments, generally at least some of the diluting compartments, are substantially filled or packed with particulate ionexchange material. EDIis particularly attractive to deionize waterswith low total dissolved solids content, which exhibitlow electrical conductivity and which thuslimit the current capacity of conventional electrodialysis. The highly conductive ion exchange resin packing in EDI provides a conductive path between ion exchange membranes andalso increases the surfacearea available for removalof ionized dissolved solids from thewater. Althoughit is not intended that this invention be limited in any way by any theoryof electrodeionization (i.e.,electrodialysis with compartments packed with particulate ion exchange material) nevertheless thefollowing may help to understand the technology, this invention, and the various functions of the particulateion exchange material packing.Referring toFIG.1(a) it representsschematically and in a simplified way one possible arrangement of such packing. In 1(a) "C" represents a cation selective membrane, i.e. an electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the electric current is carried substantially exclusively by cations; "A" represents an anion selective membrane, i.e. an electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the electric current is carried substantially exclusively by anions; "CX" represents particulate cation exchangematerialand "AX"represents particulate anion exchange material. The mixof particulates may range from all-cation-exchange to all anion-exchange, but for electrodeionization approximately an equinormal mixture of CX andAX is generally preferred. Forpurposes ofillustration in FIG. 1(a) the spacebetween membranes C and A is packed with an approximately equinormal mixture of particulate CX and AX, in one possiblerandom arrangement. There are many different such arrangements of the 8 CX particles and 12 AX particlescorrespondingto this approximatelyequinormal examplebased on typical commercial ion exchange resin capacities, but that shown willserve toillustrate most of the processes occurring insuch packed deionization cells. The chamber represented bythe region betweenmembrane C and membrane A is a demineralizing, depleting, or diluting compartment, i.e.if thecompartment containsin addition to the ionexchange particulates CX and AX a solution of a dissociated electrolyte in theinterstices amongthe particles CX and AX, thencations from suchsolution will tend to migrate through membrane C toward electrode E.sup.- and anions through membraneA toward electrode E.sup.+ thereby depletingthe electrolyte in the chamber. It is well known(See Heymann andO'Donnell,J. Colloid Sci.,4, 395(1949) ) that strongly dissociated ion exchange materials (including ion selective membranes)have specific electrical resistances oforder of magnitudeabout 100 ohm-cm, i.e. about the same as anaqueous solution containing about 0.1 gram equivalent of sodium chloride per liter. Hence if the solution in theinterstices is an aqueous solution ofsodium chloride containingmuch less thanabout 0.1gram equivalent per liter (sayabout 0.01 gram- equivalent per liter) then theelectrical resistance of the ion-exchange particulates will be much less than that of the solution. Then the low resistance path for anionswill be through anion exchangeparticulates AXand for cationsthroughcation exchange particulates CX. The first column from the left is such a low resistance cation path. The cation exchange particle in the second column also feeds thatpath. In the two dimensional pattern of FIG. 1(a) the cationexchange particle in the fourth column is adead end (but inthree dimensions, i.e. in the planes immediately above andbelow that shown in FIG. 1(a), there could be connections to CX particle paths leading to membrane C. There are no dead-end anion particlesin thefigure.Some anions pass around cation exchange particles which are in the way. At many contacts between the particlesit is possible for a cation to enter a cation exchange path and simultaneously for its "companion"anion toenter an anionexchangepath. One can postulate that when the electric current passingthrough theelectrolyte solution in the interstices between the particulates and through the particulates is such that the voltagedrop across the interfaces between particulates AX and membrane C and between particulates CX and membrane A approaches a certain threshold voltage value (probablyabout 0.3volts inthe case ofmostcommercially available anion exchange particulates and anion selective membranes) dissociation of water into hydrogen ionsand hydroxide ions will occur at such interfaces, possibly catalyzed by weakly dissociated moieties. In this case, at membrane C, hydrogen ions will pass into the membrane and hydroxide ions will tend towardanode E.sup.+ through anion exchange particulate paths. At membrane A hydroxide ions will pass through the membrane and hydrogen ions will pass into cation exchange particle paths and tend toward cathode E.sup.-. Similarly hydrogenand hydroxide ions can be formed at the junction between theCXand AX particles in the fifthcolumn in the figure as wellasbetween the CXparticle in the secondcolumn and the AX particle immediately below such CXparticle. Such packed electrodialysis apparatus, operating at current densities which result in generation of hydroxideand hydrogen ions,mayberegarded as continuously, electrically regenerated mixed bedion-exchange deionizers. Cost effective apparatus and processes may be achieved by a judiciouschoice of ion exchange particles with regard to resin type, particle sizeand shape, and anion-to-cation ratio and relative positioning in addition to selection of the optimal combination of equipment design and operatingprocess parameters. AlthoughFIG. 1(a) suggests that particulates AX and CX arebeads orspheres they can in fact be anystructures which provide fluid interstices and permit flow ofsuchfluid in theinterstices, for example irregular granules,thin rods preferablyparallel with the surfaces of themembranes, fibers including woven or knitted fibers, saddles, rings, tellerettes, etc. For purposes of this invention beads, spheres, or other granules are highly preferred. Other possible arrangementsof ion exchange particulates in the deionization cells are possible. For instance, FIG. 1(b) illustrates schematically and ina simplified way anotherpossible arrangement of such packing. In this case the low resistance path for anions will be through the anion exchange particulates AX. Cations will be constrainedto migrate through the fluid in the interstices between the particulates. The interface betweenthe particulates AX and membrane C willhave the possibility of formation of hydrogen and hydroxide ions at that interface, when the applied current is suchthat the voltage drop between the particulates AX andthe membrane C approaches a certain threshold value, asalready discussed in connection with FIG. 1(a). Because of the superior conductivity of hydrogen ions relative to other ions, this type ofconfiguration ismore suited to acidic fluids, including weakly dissociated acids. The faster hydrogenions will move through the fluid, and the anions will move through theparticulatesAX. FIG. 1(c) represents another possible arrangement ofthe particulate packing."S" represents a thin, highly foraminous sheet such asa plastic screen orexpanded plastic sheet having openingssufficiently small to prevent contact between theCX and AX particles,but permitting the flow of fluid within andparallel to the plane of the sheet in at least one direction, e.g. fromright to left in FIG. 1(c);E.sup.- represents a negatively charged electrode, i.e. a cathode in electrolytic communication with membrane C through electrolytic solution(s) and/or other membranes and/or ion exchange particulates; E.sup.+ represents a positively charged electrode, i.e. an anode similarly in electrolytic communication with membrane A through electrolyte solution(s), other membranesand/or ion exchange particulates. Thecompartmentrepresented bythe region between membrane C and membrane Ais a demineralizing, depleting,or diluting compartment. The system of juxtaposed particulates AX andmembrane A on the one hand andparticulates CX and membraneC on the otherhand will each behave essentially as equipotential extended surfaces, i.e. asmembranes having extended surfaces, whenthe solution in the interstices and in the screenopenings contains muchless than about 0.1 gram equivalent per liter of electrolyte, because the electricalresistanceof the ion-exchange particulates will be much lessthan that of the solution. The compartments adjacent to the deionization chambers inthe illustrations of FIG. 1 need not be packed with ion-exchange particulates in non-reversal EDI, becausethe electrical conductivity of the more concentratedsolution in those compartments will be muchhigher than in the deionization compartments. For EDI a screen support inthe concentrating compartments is usuallysatisfactory. When using symmetrical polarity reversal,in which the compartment functions alternate between deionization andconcentration, the compartments should all be packed. Theconcept of electrodialysis apparatus containing mixed bed ion exchange particulates in deionization compartment wasapparently first disclosed by Kunin, et.al. ("Ion Exchange Resins", Wiley, New York, 1950, p 109) but no data were given. Walters, et.al. (Ind. Eng. Chem., 47, 61-67 (1955) and "Ion Exchange Technology",eds. Nachod and Sch
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1. Field of the Invention The _invention_ resides in _the_ field comprising the electrical _transfer_ of electrolytes (including _weakly_ dissociated electrolytes) _from_ a first fluid to a second fluid and more _particularly_ _relates_ to apparatus and processes _utilizing_ the _principle_ _of_ electrodeionization(EDI), i.e. to electrodialysis apparatus and processes in which at least one compartment of said apparatus _is_ packed with particulate ion _exchange_ material. 2. Description of the Prior Art Electrodeionization (EDI) is a process for transferring electrolytes (including weakly dissociated electrolytes) from a first fluid to a _second_ fluid under the influence of a substantially direct electric potential applied to an _electrodialysis_ _apparatus_ in which at least some of the flow _compartments,_ generally at _least_ some _of_ the diluting compartments, are substantially filled or packed _with_ _particulate_ ion exchange material. EDI is particularly _attractive_ to deionize waters with _low_ _total_ dissolved _solids_ _content,_ _which_ exhibit low electrical _conductivity_ and which thus limit the current _capacity_ of conventional electrodialysis. _The_ highly conductive ion exchange resin _packing_ in EDI provides a _conductive_ _path_ between _ion_ _exchange_ membranes _and_ also increases _the_ surface area available _for_ _removal_ of ionized dissolved solids _from_ the water. Although it is not intended that this _invention_ be limited in any way by any _theory_ of electrodeionization (i.e., electrodialysis _with_ compartments packed with particulate ion exchange material) nevertheless the following may _help_ to understand _the_ _technology,_ this invention, and the various _functions_ _of_ _the_ particulate ion exchange material _packing._ Referring to FIG. 1(a) it represents schematically and in _a_ simplified way one _possible_ arrangement of such packing. In 1(a) _"C"_ represents a cation selective membrane, i.e. _an_ electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the electric current is carried substantially _exclusively_ by cations; "A" represents an anion selective membrane, i.e. an electrolytically conductive sheet or film in which the _electric_ _current_ _is_ carried substantially exclusively _by_ anions; "CX" _represents_ particulate _cation_ exchange material and "AX" _represents_ particulate _anion_ _exchange_ material. The mix of particulates may range from all-cation-exchange to all anion-exchange, but _for_ electrodeionization _approximately_ _an_ _equinormal_ _mixture_ of CX and AX is generally preferred. For _purposes_ of illustration in FIG. _1(a)_ the space _between_ membranes _C_ and A _is_ packed with an approximately equinormal _mixture_ of particulate CX and AX, in _one_ _possible_ random arrangement. There are many different _such_ arrangements of the 8 CX particles and 12 _AX_ particles corresponding _to_ this approximately equinormal example based _on_ typical commercial ion exchange resin capacities, but _that_ _shown_ will _serve_ to illustrate most of _the_ processes occurring in such packed deionization cells. The chamber represented by the region between membrane C and membrane A is a demineralizing, depleting, or diluting compartment, i.e. if _the_ compartment contains in addition to the _ion_ exchange particulates CX and _AX_ a solution of a dissociated electrolyte in _the_ interstices among the _particles_ CX and _AX,_ then _cations_ from such _solution_ will tend to migrate _through_ _membrane_ _C_ toward electrode E.sup.- and anions through membrane A toward _electrode_ _E.sup.+_ thereby depleting the electrolyte in the chamber. It _is_ well known (See Heymann and _O'Donnell,_ J. Colloid Sci., _4,_ 395(1949) ) that strongly dissociated ion _exchange_ _materials_ (including ion selective membranes) have _specific_ electrical resistances of _order_ of _magnitude_ about _100_ ohm-cm, i.e. about the same as an aqueous _solution_ _containing_ _about_ 0.1 gram equivalent _of_ _sodium_ chloride per liter. _Hence_ if the _solution_ in the interstices _is_ an aqueous solution of sodium chloride containing much _less_ than _about_ _0.1_ gram equivalent per liter (say about _0.01_ gram- _equivalent_ per liter) _then_ the electrical _resistance_ of the _ion-exchange_ particulates _will_ _be_ _much_ less than _that_ _of_ _the_ solution. Then the low resistance path _for_ anions will be through anion _exchange_ _particulates_ AX and for cations through cation _exchange_ particulates CX. The first _column_ _from_ the left _is_ such a _low_ resistance cation _path._ The cation exchange particle in the _second_ column also feeds that path. In the two dimensional pattern of FIG. 1(a) the _cation_ exchange particle in the _fourth_ column _is_ a dead end _(but_ in three dimensions, i.e. in the planes immediately above and below that shown in FIG. 1(a), there _could_ be connections to CX _particle_ paths _leading_ to membrane C. There are no _dead-end_ anion particles in the _figure._ _Some_ anions pass around cation exchange particles which are in the way. At many contacts between the particles it _is_ _possible_ for a cation to enter a cation _exchange_ _path_ _and_ _simultaneously_ _for_ its "companion" anion to _enter_ _an_ anion exchange _path._ One _can_ postulate that when the electric current passing through the electrolyte solution in _the_ interstices between the particulates and _through_ the particulates is _such_ that _the_ voltage drop across the interfaces _between_ particulates AX and membrane C _and_ between particulates CX and membrane A approaches a certain threshold voltage value _(probably_ about 0.3 volts _in_ the case of most commercially _available_ anion _exchange_ particulates and anion selective membranes) _dissociation_ of water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions will occur _at_ such interfaces, possibly catalyzed by weakly _dissociated_ moieties. In _this_ case, at membrane _C,_ hydrogen ions will _pass_ into the membrane _and_ hydroxide ions will tend toward anode E.sup.+ through anion exchange _particulate_ _paths._ At membrane A hydroxide ions _will_ pass through the membrane and hydrogen ions will pass into cation _exchange_ particle paths and _tend_ toward cathode _E.sup.-._ Similarly hydrogen and _hydroxide_ ions _can_ be formed at the junction between the CX and _AX_ particles in _the_ fifth column _in_ the figure _as_ well as between the CX particle in the second column and _the_ AX particle immediately below _such_ _CX_ particle. _Such_ _packed_ electrodialysis apparatus, operating at current densities _which_ result in generation _of_ hydroxide and hydrogen ions, may be regarded as continuously, electrically regenerated mixed _bed_ ion-exchange _deionizers._ Cost effective _apparatus_ and processes _may_ be achieved by _a_ _judicious_ choice _of_ ion _exchange_ _particles_ _with_ regard to resin type, particle size and shape, and anion-to-cation _ratio_ and relative positioning _in_ addition to _selection_ of _the_ optimal combination of equipment _design_ and operating _process_ _parameters._ Although FIG. 1(a) suggests that particulates AX _and_ CX are beads or spheres _they_ _can_ in _fact_ _be_ _any_ _structures_ which provide fluid interstices and permit flow of such fluid in the _interstices,_ for example irregular granules, thin rods preferably parallel with _the_ surfaces of _the_ membranes, fibers including woven or knitted fibers, saddles, rings, tellerettes, etc. For purposes of this invention beads, spheres, or other granules _are_ highly preferred. Other possible arrangements of ion _exchange_ particulates in the deionization _cells_ _are_ _possible._ For instance, FIG. 1(b) illustrates schematically and in a simplified way another possible arrangement _of_ such _packing._ In this case the low resistance path _for_ anions will _be_ _through_ the anion _exchange_ particulates AX. Cations will be constrained to migrate _through_ the fluid in the interstices between the particulates. The interface between the particulates AX _and_ membrane C will have the possibility _of_ formation of _hydrogen_ and hydroxide ions at that interface, when the applied current is such that the voltage drop between the particulates AX and _the_ _membrane_ _C_ approaches a certain threshold value, as already discussed in _connection_ with FIG. 1(a). Because of the superior _conductivity_ of hydrogen ions relative to other _ions,_ this type of configuration is _more_ suited to acidic fluids, including weakly dissociated _acids._ The faster hydrogen ions _will_ move through the fluid, and the _anions_ will move through the particulates AX. FIG. 1(c) represents another possible arrangement _of_ the _particulate_ _packing._ "S" represents a _thin,_ highly _foraminous_ sheet such _as_ _a_ plastic _screen_ or expanded plastic _sheet_ having openings sufficiently small to _prevent_ contact between the _CX_ and _AX_ particles, but permitting the flow of _fluid_ within and parallel to _the_ plane of the sheet in _at_ _least_ one direction, _e.g._ _from_ right to left in _FIG._ 1(c); E.sup.- _represents_ a _negatively_ charged electrode, i.e. a cathode in electrolytic communication with _membrane_ _C_ through electrolytic solution(s) and/or other membranes _and/or_ _ion_ exchange particulates; E.sup.+ represents a positively _charged_ electrode, _i.e._ an _anode_ similarly in electrolytic communication with membrane A through _electrolyte_ solution(s), other membranes and/or _ion_ exchange particulates. The _compartment_ represented by the _region_ between membrane C and membrane A _is_ a demineralizing, depleting, _or_ _diluting_ compartment. The system of juxtaposed _particulates_ _AX_ _and_ membrane A on the one hand and _particulates_ _CX_ and membrane C _on_ the other hand will each behave essentially as equipotential extended _surfaces,_ i.e. as membranes having extended surfaces, when _the_ solution in the interstices and in _the_ screen _openings_ contains much less than about 0.1 gram equivalent _per_ liter of electrolyte, because the electrical _resistance_ of _the_ ion-exchange particulates will be much less than that of the solution. The compartments _adjacent_ to _the_ deionization _chambers_ in the illustrations of FIG. 1 need not be packed with ion-exchange particulates _in_ non-reversal _EDI,_ because the _electrical_ conductivity of _the_ _more_ concentrated solution _in_ those compartments _will_ be much higher _than_ in the _deionization_ compartments. For EDI a screen support _in_ the concentrating compartments is _usually_ satisfactory. When using _symmetrical_ polarity reversal, in which the _compartment_ functions alternate _between_ deionization and concentration, the compartments should all be packed. The concept of _electrodialysis_ apparatus _containing_ mixed _bed_ ion exchange _particulates_ _in_ deionization compartment was apparently _first_ disclosed by Kunin, _et.al._ ("Ion Exchange Resins", Wiley, New York, 1950, p 109) but no data were _given._ Walters, et.al. (Ind. Eng. _Chem.,_ 47, _61-67_ (1955) and "Ion Exchange Technology", eds. _Nachod_ and Sch
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A conventional automobile plate blanking method is die blanking, and a steel plant or an entire car plant generally has an automatic uncoiling-cutting-stacking production line. The apparatus comprises a conveying unit, a press unit and a stacking unit.
With the above-mentioned die blanking method, a material sheet of a simple shape (such as a rectangular, trapezoidal or arc shape) can be processed by way of swing-cutting, and a material sheet of a complex curve shape is processed by die blanking. It is required to provide the blanking line with different blanking dies depending on the size of a material sheet of a vehicle model, and to produce different material sheets by exchanging the dies. In the automobile manufacturing field, the metal plate blanking line has a very high operation efficiency, generally of 4,000,000-6,000,000 sheets per year. It is about 25 sheets per minute on average, on the basis of 3,800 hours per year.
However, although the above-mentioned die blanking method is suitable for large-scale mass production of ordinary vehicle models, there are still certain limitations, especially the following problems:
high costs in manufacturing and storing blanking dies; high space requirements for die stacking and maintenance room; and plant building investments due to large press equipment and equipment foundation. Particularly, for a small-batch production of some personalized vehicle models, the above-mentioned die blanking method is uneconomic.
In recent years, with rapid development of the laser technology, the cutting speed (for a steel plate with a thickness less than 1.5 mm, the cutting speed can be kept not less than 20 m/min when using a 4 KW optical fiber laser generator) and photoelectric conversion efficiency (more than 20% at present) of laser rays are continuously increasing, so that the laser cutting cost reaches a critical point so as to make it possible to apply laser cutting to large-scale blanking machining of profiled sheet metals.
It is known that some companies and research institutes at home and abroad have begun to study laser blanking of automobile plates. For example, Chinese patent CN 102105256 A to Automatic Feed Company provides a progressive laser cutting device for high-speed cutting. In the device provided in this patent, on each door frame, at least one movable laser head performs a laser cutting operation. However, this method has many technical difficulties; for example, simultaneous operation of multiple cutting heads can hardly ensure alignment of cuts generated by cutting operations of multiple devices, and a deviation in the plate shape will affect the cut shape. Huge configuration and occupied area of multiple sets of laser cutters and cutting units also cause a high equipment investment.
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A conventional automobile plate blanking method is die blanking, and a steel plant or an entire car plant generally has an automatic uncoiling-cutting-stacking production line. The apparatus comprises a conveying unit, a press unit and a stacking unit. With the above-mentioned die blanking method, a material sheet of a simple shape (such as a rectangular, trapezoidal or arc shape) can be processed by way of swing-cutting, and a material sheet of a complex curve shape is processed by die blanking. It is required to provide the blanking line with different blanking dies depending on the size of a material sheet of a vehicle model, and to produce different material sheets by exchanging the dies. In the automobile manufacturing field, the metal plate blanking line has a very high operation efficiency, generally of 4,000,000-6,000,000 sheets per year. It is about 25 sheets per minute on average, on the basis of 3,800 hours per year. However, although the above-mentioned die blanking method is suitable for large-scale mass production of ordinary vehicle models, there are still certain limitations, especially the following problems: high costs in manufacturing and storing blanking dies; high space requirements for die stacking and maintenance room; and plant building investments due to large press equipment and equipment foundation. Particularly, for a small-batch production of some personalized vehicle models, the above-mentioned die blanking method is uneconomic. In recent years, with rapid development of the laser technology, the cutting speed (for a steel plate with a thickness less than 1.5 mm, the cutting speed can be kept not less than 20 m/min when using a 4 KW optical fiber laser generator) and photoelectric conversion efficiency (more than 20% at present) of laser rays are continuously increasing, so that the laser cutting cost reaches a critical point so as to make it possible to apply laser cutting to large-scale blanking machining of profiled sheet metals. It is known that some companies and research institutes at home and abroad have begun to study laser blank of automobile plates. For example, Chinese patent CN 102105256 A to Automatic Feed Company provides a progressive laser cutting device for high-speed cutting. In the device provided in this patent, on each door frame, at least one movable laser head performs a laser cutting operation. However, this method has many technical difficulties; for example, simultaneous operation of multiple cutting heads can hardly ensure alignment of cuts generated by cutting operations of multiple devices, and a deviation in the plate shape will affect the cut shape. Huge configuration and occupied area of multiple sets of laser cutters and cutting units also cause a high equipment investment.
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A conventional automobile plate blanking method is die blanking, and a steel plant or an entire car plant generally has an automatic uncoiling - cutting - stacking priducHion line. The apparatus comprises a conveying unit, a press unit and a stacking unit. With the above - mentioned die blanking method, a material sheet of a simple shape (such as a rectangular, trapezoidal or arc shape) can be processed by way of xwong - cutting, and a material sheet of a complex curve shape is processed by die blanking. It is required to provud4 the bOankinT line with different blanking dies depending on the size of a material sheet of a vehicle model, and to produce different material sheets by exchanging the dies. In the automobile manufacturing field, the metal plate blanking line has a very high operation efficiency, generally of 4, 000, 000 - 6, 000, 000 sheets per year. It is about 25 sheets per minute on average, on the basis of 3, 800 hours per year. However, although the above - mentioned die blanking method is suitable for large - scale mass production of ordinary vehicle modwla, there are still certain limitations, especially the following problems: high cIzts in manufacturing and storing blanking dies; high space requirements for die stacking and maintenance room; and plant building investments due to large press equipment and equipment foundation. Pa5tiDularly, for a small - batch production of some personalized vehicle models, the above - mentioned die blanking method is uneconomic. In recent years, with rapid development of the laser technology, the c T%ting speed (for a steel plate with a thickness less than 1. 5 mm, the cutting speed can be kept not less than 20 m / min when using a 4 KW optical fiber lSswr generator) and photoelectric conversion efficiency (more than 20% at present) of laser rays are continuously increasing, so that the laser cutting cost reaches a critical point so as to make it possible to apply laser cutting to large - scale blanking machining of profiled sheet metals. It is known that some companies and research institutes at home and abroad have begun to study laser blanking of automobile plates. For example, Chinese patent CN 102105256 A to Automatic Feed Company provides a p$ogresDive laser cutting device for high - speed cutting. In the device provided in this patent, on each door frame, at least one movable laser head performs a laser cutting operation. However, this method has many technical difficulties; for example, simultaneous operation of multiple cutting heads can hardly ensure alignment of cuts generated by cutting operations of multiple devices, and a deviation in the plate shape will affect the cut shape. Huge configuration and occupied area of multiple sets of laser cutters and cutting units also cause a high equipment investment.
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A automobile plate blanking method die blanking, and a plant or an entire car generally has an automatic uncoiling-cutting-stacking line. The apparatus comprises a conveying unit, a and a stacking unit. With the above-mentioned die blanking method, a material sheet of a simple (such as trapezoidal arc shape) can be processed by way of swing-cutting, and a material sheet of a complex curve shape is processed by die blanking. It is required provide the blanking line with different blanking dies depending on the size of a material sheet of a vehicle model, and to produce different material sheets by exchanging the dies. In the automobile manufacturing field, plate blanking line has a very high efficiency, generally of 4,000,000-6,000,000 sheets per year. It is about 25 sheets minute on average, the basis of 3,800 hours per year. However, although the above-mentioned die blanking method is suitable for large-scale production of vehicle models, there are still certain limitations, especially the following problems: high costs in manufacturing and storing blanking dies; high space requirements for die stacking and maintenance and plant building investments due to large press equipment and equipment foundation. Particularly, a small-batch production of some personalized vehicle models, the above-mentioned die blanking is uneconomic. In years, with rapid development of the laser technology, the cutting speed (for a steel plate with a thickness than 1.5 mm, the cutting speed can kept not less than m/min using 4 KW optical fiber laser generator) photoelectric conversion efficiency (more than 20% present) of laser rays are continuously increasing, so that the laser cutting cost reaches a critical point so as to make possible to apply laser cutting to large-scale blanking machining of profiled sheet metals. It is known companies and institutes at home and abroad have begun to study laser blanking of automobile plates. For example, Chinese patent 102105256 A to Automatic Feed Company provides a laser device for high-speed cutting. In the device provided in this patent, on each door frame, at least one movable laser head performs a laser cutting operation. However, this has many technical difficulties; for example, simultaneous operation of multiple heads ensure alignment of cuts generated cutting operations of multiple devices, and a deviation in plate shape will affect the cut shape. Huge configuration and occupied area of multiple sets of laser cutters and cutting units also cause a high equipment investment.
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A ConVENtIoNaL auTomObile pLate BlanKING meTHoD IS dIE blANKiNg, aNd a SteEl PLANt or AN eNtIRe car PLANt geNERAlly HAs an AUToMatIc UncOIlING-cuTTIng-sTAcKiNg ProDucTIon LinE. thE ApPARaTus cOmprIseS A conVEYIng UNit, A PreSs unIt And A STACkIng UNIt.
WITh THE AboVe-MENtIonEd DIe BLaNking MethOd, a mAteRIAL sHeet Of A simpLe ShApe (sucH AS A rEctAnGULAR, trApeZoIdal or aRC sHApe) Can bE PrOCEssed bY Way OF swing-cUttiNG, aND a MAtErIal SHeET Of a cOmPlEX CURve ShAPe is procEssED bY DIe blANKiNg. IT Is ReqUIReD To ProVIde tHE blAnkiNg liNe With DiFfEReNT bLankInG diES dEpenDiNG oN THe siZE of A MAterIAl SHEET OF A vEHIclE mODEl, aND tO pRoDUcE DiffereNT maTErial shEeTS By EXchaNgiNG the diEs. iN THE AuTOMOBilE mAnuFAcTuRiNg fIElD, the mETAl plAtE BlANKiNg LIne has a vErY HIgh oPERATIoN efFIcIEnCY, geNERaLlY oF 4,000,000-6,000,000 sHEetS Per yEAr. iT iS ABout 25 SHeetS Per minute oN AvERAgE, on the BASiS Of 3,800 hours pEr year.
howeveR, alThoUgh thE ABOVe-MeNtIOnEd die bLanKiNg MeTHoD IS sUitAbLe For LArGE-scAle MaSs productiOn Of oRdiNArY VEhIcle mODeLs, tHEre arE STIll CeRTAIN LiMITaTIONS, esPeCIALLy tHe fOlLOWINg prOBlemS:
HIGH cOStS iN maNufActURIng And SToring blaNkiNg DiEs; hIgH SpAcE REQuiREmENTs FoR DIe StAckinG and MaINtenancE rOoM; and plaNT BuIldINg inVESTmeNTS DUE tO lArge PrEsS EquiPmEnt and EQuIpmenT foundaTiOn. pARTICUlarLY, fOR A SmaLL-BAtCh prODUCtiON of some PerSoNaLIZED Vehicle MoDels, the Above-MeNtIonEd dIe bLANkiNG MeTHoD iS unEconOmiC.
IN ReceNT YEARS, WiTH rAPid DEveLopMeNT of The LasEr tEchnOLOgy, THe cUtting spEed (fOR A steel pLATe WITh a THICKnESs LeSS thAn 1.5 mM, ThE cuTTIng SPeEd CAN bE kEpt NOT lEsS ThaN 20 m/MiN wheN USiNg a 4 KW oPTicaL fiBer laSer GEnErAtOR) aND pHoToElecTrIc cONVErSIOn eFFIcIeNCy (MOre tHan 20% at prESENT) OF laSeR RAyS aRe coNtiNuoUSlY INCrEaSiNG, so ThaT THe lAsEr cUtTINg cOSt REacheS A CriTicaL PoiNt sO as tO mAKE it possiBle To Apply LAser cUtTING TO LaRgE-sCale BLAnking MAcHInINg oF ProfilED sheeT meTAls.
IT Is knOWN tHat SOmE comPaniEs and RESeArcH institUTeS At HOmE aND abROaD HAve BEgun To sTuDy LAseR bLANKINg OF aUtomobIlE PLateS. fOR ExaMPLe, CHiNESe pAteNT cn 102105256 a To AutOmATiC FEed cOmPaNy PrOvIDES A proGRESSiVe lasER CUtTiNG DeVice foR HiGh-sPEed cUttiNG. In The DEviCE prOvIdED In ThIS patENT, oN eAch DoOr FRAmE, AT lEaST oNE MOVAblE lasEr HEAD peRfORmS a laser CUtTING OPerATioN. hOweVer, tHIS Method HAS mANy tECHnICal DiFFiCUltIES; fOR exAMplE, SimulTAneOUs opErATIOn oF MuLTipLe cUTTiNg HEadS CAN HarDLy ensurE aLIGnMeNt OF CUts gEnerated BY cUTtInG OpeRaTIoNs Of mUltiPlE dEvicES, aND a DEViatIoN IN tHe PlaTE SHaPE wiLL aFfecT ThE cUT shapE. HUGE CONFigurAtIoN and OccuPiEd AREa Of mUltiple seTS Of LaSeR cUTTERS AND CuttING UnITS ALsO cause a hIgh EQuipmEnT InVEStmEnt.
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A conventionalautomobile plate blanking method is die blanking, and a steel plantor anentire car plant generally has an automatic uncoiling-cutting-stacking production line. The apparatus comprises aconveyingunit, a press unit and a stacking unit. Withtheabove-mentioned die blanking method,a material sheet of a simple shape (such as a rectangular, trapezoidal or arc shape) can be processed by way ofswing-cutting, and amaterial sheetof a complex curve shape is processed by die blanking. It isrequired to provide the blankingline with differentblankingdies depending on the size of a material sheet of a vehicle model, andtoproduce different material sheets by exchanging the dies. In theautomobilemanufacturing field,the metal plate blanking line has avery high operationefficiency, generally of 4,000,000-6,000,000 sheets per year. It is about 25 sheets per minute on average, on the basis of 3,800 hoursper year. However, althoughthe above-mentioned die blanking method is suitable for large-scale mass production of ordinary vehicle models, there are stillcertain limitations, especially the followingproblems: high costs inmanufacturing andstoring blanking dies; highspacerequirements for die stackingand maintenance room; and plant building investments dueto large press equipmentand equipment foundation.Particularly, for a small-batchproduction of some personalized vehicle models, the above-mentioned die blanking method is uneconomic. In recent years, with rapid development of the laser technology, the cutting speed (for a steel plate with a thickness less than 1.5 mm, the cutting speed can be kept not less than20 m/min when usinga 4 KW optical fiber laser generator) and photoelectric conversion efficiency (more than 20% at present) of laser rays are continuously increasing, so that the laser cutting cost reaches a criticalpoint so as to make it possible to apply laser cutting to large-scale blanking machining of profiled sheet metals.It is known that somecompaniesand research institutesat home and abroadhave begun to studylaser blanking of automobile plates. For example, Chinese patent CN 102105256A to Automatic Feed Company provides a progressive lasercuttingdevicefor high-speed cutting. In the device provided in this patent, on each door frame, at least one movable laser head performsalaser cutting operation.However, this method has many technical difficulties; forexample, simultaneous operationof multiple cutting heads can hardly ensure alignment of cuts generated by cutting operations of multiple devices, and a deviation in the plate shape will affect the cut shape. Huge configuration andoccupied area of multiple sets of laser cutters and cutting unitsalso cause a high equipmentinvestment.
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A conventional automobile plate blanking _method_ is die blanking, and a _steel_ plant or an entire car plant generally has _an_ _automatic_ uncoiling-cutting-stacking production _line._ The apparatus comprises a conveying unit, a press unit and a stacking unit. With the _above-mentioned_ die blanking method, a material sheet _of_ a simple shape (such as a rectangular, _trapezoidal_ or arc shape) can be processed by way of swing-cutting, and a material sheet of a _complex_ curve _shape_ _is_ processed _by_ die blanking. It is required to provide the blanking line with _different_ _blanking_ dies depending _on_ the size of a material sheet of a vehicle model, and to _produce_ _different_ material _sheets_ by exchanging the dies. _In_ the _automobile_ _manufacturing_ field, the metal plate blanking line has a very high operation _efficiency,_ generally of 4,000,000-6,000,000 _sheets_ per _year._ It is about 25 sheets _per_ minute on average, on the basis of _3,800_ hours per year. However, although the above-mentioned die blanking method _is_ _suitable_ _for_ large-scale mass _production_ _of_ ordinary vehicle _models,_ there are still certain limitations, especially the _following_ problems: high costs in manufacturing and storing blanking dies; high space requirements for die stacking and _maintenance_ room; and plant _building_ investments _due_ to large press equipment _and_ _equipment_ foundation. Particularly, _for_ a _small-batch_ production of some personalized vehicle models, the above-mentioned die blanking _method_ is _uneconomic._ In recent _years,_ _with_ rapid development of the laser _technology,_ the cutting _speed_ _(for_ a steel plate _with_ a thickness less than _1.5_ mm, the _cutting_ speed _can_ be kept not less than _20_ m/min when _using_ a 4 KW optical fiber laser generator) and photoelectric conversion efficiency (more than 20% _at_ _present)_ of _laser_ rays _are_ _continuously_ _increasing,_ so _that_ the laser cutting cost _reaches_ a critical _point_ _so_ as to make it possible to apply laser cutting to large-scale blanking machining of profiled sheet metals. It is known that some companies and research institutes at home _and_ abroad have begun to study _laser_ blanking of automobile plates. For example, Chinese patent CN 102105256 A _to_ Automatic Feed _Company_ provides a progressive laser cutting device _for_ high-speed cutting. _In_ the device _provided_ _in_ this patent, on _each_ door frame, at least _one_ movable laser head performs a _laser_ _cutting_ operation. However, this method _has_ many technical difficulties; for example, simultaneous operation of multiple cutting heads can hardly ensure alignment _of_ _cuts_ _generated_ by cutting operations _of_ multiple devices, _and_ a deviation in the plate shape will affect the cut shape. _Huge_ configuration and _occupied_ _area_ _of_ _multiple_ sets of laser cutters and cutting units also cause a high _equipment_ investment.
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Once a petroleum well has been drilled and cased, it may be desirable to drill one or more additional sidetracked well bores that branch off, or deviate, from the primary well bore. Such multilateral well bores are typically directed toward different targets within the surrounding formation, with the intent of increasing the production output of the well.
Multilateral technology provides operators several benefits and economic advantages, such as tapping isolated pockets of hydrocarbons that might otherwise be left unproduced, and improving reservoir drainage so as to increase the volume of recoverable reserves and enhance the economics of marginal pay zones. By utilizing multilateral technology, multiple reservoirs can also be drained simultaneously, and thin production intervals that might be uneconomical to produce alone may become economical when produced together. Multiple completions from one well bore also facilitate heavy oil drainage.
In addition to production cost savings, development costs also decrease through the use of existing infrastructure, such as surface equipment and the primary well bore. Multilateral technology expands platform capabilities where slots are limited and eliminates spacing problems by allowing more drain holes to be added within a reservoir. In addition, by sidetracking damaged formations or completions, the life of existing wells can be extended. For example, sidetracked well bores may be drilled below a problem area once the casing has been set, thereby reducing the risk of drilling through troubled zones. Finally, multilateral completions accommodate more wells with fewer footprints, making them ideal for environmentally sensitive or challenging areas.
To maximize the productivity of multilateral completions, it is desirable to enlarge at least some of the sidetracked well bores to thereby increase the production flow area through such boreholes. By drilling a sidetracked well bore through a casing window, and then enlarging the sidetracked well bore beyond the casing window, the far reaches of the reservoir can be reached with a comparatively larger diameter borehole, thereby providing more flow area for the production of oil and gas.
However, conventional methods for drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore require multiple trips into the primary well bore. For example, a first trip may be made into the primary well bore to run and set an anchored whipstock comprising an inclined face that guides a window mill radially outwardly into the casing to cut a window in the casing. The window mill is then tripped out of the primary well bore, and a drill bit is lowered in a second trip to drill the sidetracked well bore through the casing window. The diameter of the sidetracked well bore is thereby limited by the diameter or gauge of the drill bit that can extend through the casing window. Once the sidetracked well bore has been drilled, the drill bit is then tripped out of the primary well bore, and another drilling assembly, such as a drill bit followed by a reamer, for example, is lowered in a third trip into the primary well bore to extend and enlarge the sidetracked well bore. It is both expensive and time consuming for an operator to make multiple trips into a primary well bore to drill and enlarge a single sidetracked well bore, and such concerns are only compounded when drilling more than one sidetracked well bore in a multilateral completion.
Thus, in recent years, a window milling bit comprising diamond cutters has been developed that is operable to mill a window through a standard metal casing and drill a sidetracked well bore through the casing window in a single trip into the primary well bore. This window milling bit with diamond cutters thereby eliminates one trip into the primary well bore, but at least another trip is still required to enlarge the sidetracked well bore. Therefore, a need exists for apparatus and methods that enable milling a window through a casing in a primary well bore, and drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore through the casing window in one trip into the well bore.
To perform such a sidetracking operation, it would also be advantageous to provide a single cutting device capable of both milling the casing and drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore. Such a device is desirable to provide a more compact drilling assembly for increased maneuverability and control while drilling the enlarged sidetracked well bore through the casing window.
Further, when operating a window milling bit to mill casing and drill formation, whether drilling an enlarged borehole or not, the cutting structures on such a bit may be worn down during operation. Thus, a need exists for a cutting device with multiple cutting structures adapted to recover gauge as the device is used to mill through casing and/or drill into formation. In addition, it may be desirable for the window milling bit to have at least a first cutting structure to perform the milling operation, and at least a second cutting structure to perform the drilling operation. Thus, a need exists for a cutting device with multiple cutting structures wherein at least one of the cutting structures is selectively presented when desired by the operator. Such a cutting device would be useful for many other purposes, including drilling through different types of formation rock, or replacing worn cutting structures when drilling a lengthy borehole, for example.
The present invention addresses the deficiencies of the prior art.
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Once a petroleum well has been drilled and cased, it may be desirable to drill one or more additional sidetracked well bores that branch off, or deviate, from the primary well bore. Such multilateral well bores are typically directed toward different targets within the surrounding formation, with the intent of increasing the production output of the well. Multilateral technology provides operators several benefits and economic advantages, such as tapping isolated pockets of hydrocarbons that might otherwise be left unproduced, and improving reservoir drainage so as to increase the volume of recoverable reserves and enhance the economics of marginal pay zones. By utilizing multilateral technology, multiple reservoirs can also be drained simultaneously, and thin production intervals that might be uneconomical to produce alone may become economical when produced together. Multiple completions from one well bore also facilitate heavy oil drainage. In addition to production cost savings, development costs also decrease through the use of existing infrastructure, such as surface equipment and the primary well bore. Multilateral technology expands platform capabilities where slots are limited and eliminates spacing problems by allowing more drain holes to be added within a reservoir. In addition, by sidetracking damaged formations or completions, the life of existing wells can be extended. For example, sidetracked well bores may be drilled below a problem area once the casing has been set, thereby reducing the risk of drilling through troubled zones. Finally, multilateral completions accommodate more wells with fewer footprints, making them ideal for environmentally sensitive or challenging areas. To maximize the productivity of multilateral completions, it is desirable to enlarge at least some of the sidetracked well bores to thereby increase the production flow area through such boreholes. By drilling a sidetracked well bore through a casing window, and then enlarging the sidetracked well bore beyond the casing window, the far reaches of the reservoir can be reached with a comparatively larger diameter borehole, thereby leave more flow area for the production of oil and gas. However, conventional methods for drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore require multiple trips into the primary well bore. For example, a first trip may be made into the primary well bore to run and set an anchored whipstock comprising an inclined face that guides a window mill radially outwardly into the casing to cut a window in the casing. The window mill is then tripped out of the primary well bore, and a drill bit is lowered in a second trip to drill the sidetracked well bore through the casing window. The diameter of the sidetracked well bore is thereby limited by the diameter or gauge of the drill bit that can extend through the casing window. Once the sidetracked well bore has been drilled, the drill bit is then tripped out of the primary well bore, and another drilling assembly, such as a drill bit followed by a reamer, for example, is lowered in a third trip into the primary well bore to extend and enlarge the sidetracked well bore. It is both expensive and time consuming for an operator to make multiple trips into a primary well bore to drill and enlarge a single sidetracked well bore, and such concerns are only compounded when drilling more than one sidetracked well bore in a multilateral completion. Thus, in recent years, a window milling bit comprising diamond cutters has been developed that is operable to mill a window through a standard metal casing and drill a sidetracked well bore through the casing window in a single trip into the primary well bore. This window milling bit with diamond cutters thereby eliminates one trip into the primary well bore, but at least another trip is still required to enlarge the sidetracked well bore. Therefore, a need exists for apparatus and methods that enable milling a window through a casing in a primary well bore, and drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore through the casing window in one trip into the well bore. To perform such a sidetracking operation, it would also be advantageous to provide a single cutting device capable of both milling the casing and drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore. Such a device is desirable to provide a more compact drilling assembly for increased maneuverability and control while drilling the enlarged sidetracked well bore through the casing window. Further, when operating a window milling bit to mill casing and drill formation, whether drilling an enlarged borehole or not, the cutting structures on such a bit may be worn down during operation. Thus, a need exists for a cutting device with multiple cutting structures adapted to recover gauge as the device is used to mill through casing and/or drill into formation. In addition, it may be desirable for the window milling bit to have at least a first cutting structure to perform the milling operation, and at least a second cutting structure to perform the drilling operation. Thus, a need exists for a cutting device with multiple cutting structures wherein at least one of the cutting structures is selectively presented when desired by the operator. Such a cutting device would be useful for many other purposes, including drilling through different types of formation rock, or replacing worn cutting structures when drilling a lengthy borehole, for example. The present invention addresses the deficiencies of the prior art.
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Once a petroleum well has been drilled and cased, it may be desirable to drill one or more additional sidetracked well bores that branch off, or deviate, from the primary well bore. Such multilateral well bores are typically directed toward different targets within the surrounding formation, wLtT the intent of increasing the production output of the well. Multilateral technology provides operators several benefits and economic advantages, susG as tapping isolated pockets of hydrocarbons that might otherwise be left unproduced, and improving reservoir drainage so as to increase the volume of recoverable reserves and enhance the economics of marginal pay zones. By utilizing multilateral technology, multiple reservoirs can also be drained simultaneously, and thin production intervals that might be uneconomical to produce alone may become economical when produced together. Multiple completions from one well bore also facilitate heavy oil drainage. In addition to production cost savings, development costs also decrease through the use of existing infrastructure, such as surface equipment and the p$imar% well bore. Multilateral technology expands platform capabilities where slots are limited and ei(minates spacing problems by allowing more drain holes to be added within a reservoir. In addition, by sidetracking damaged formations or completions, the life of existing wells can be extended. For example, sidetracked well bores may be drilled below a problem area once the casing has been set, thereby reducing the risk of drilling through troubled zones. Finally, multilateral completions accommodate more wells with fewer footprints, making them ideal for environmentally sensitive or challenging areas. To maximize the productivity of multilateral completions, it is desirable to enlarge at least some of the sidetracked well bores to thereby increase the production flow area through such boreholes. By drilling a sidetracked well bore through a casing window, and then enlarging the sidetracked well bore beyond the casing window, the far reaches of the reservoir can be reached with a comparatively larger diameter borehole, thereby providing more flow area for the production of oil and gas. However, conventional methods for drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore require multiple trips into the primary well bore. For example, a first trip may be made into the primary well bore to run and set an anchored whipstock comprising an inclined face that guides a window mill radially outwardly into the casing to cut a window in the casing. The window mill is then tripped out of the primary well bore, and a drill bit is lowered in a second trip to drill the sidetracked well bore through the casing window. The diameter of the sidetracked well bore is thereby limited by the diameter or gauge of the drill bit that can extend tyrougU the casing window. Once the sidetracked well bore has been drilled, the drill bit is then tripped out of the primary well bore, and another drilling assembly, such as a drill bit followed by a reamer, for example, is lowered in a third trip into the primary well bore to extend and enlarge the sidetracked well bore. It is both expensive and time consuming for an operator to make multiple trips into a primary well bore to drill and enlarge a single sidetracked well bore, and such concerns are only compounded when drilling more than one sidetracked well bore in a multilateral completion. Thus, in recent years, a window milling bit comprising diamond cutters has been developed that is operable to mill a window through a standard metal casing and drill a sidetracked well bore through the casing window in a single trip into the primary well bore. This window milling bit with diamond cutters thereby eliminates one trip into the primary well bore, but at least another trip is still required to enlarge the sidetracked well bore. Therefore, a need exists for apparatus and methods that enable milling a window through a casing in a promarh well bore, and drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore through the casing window in one trip into the well bore. To perform such a sidetracking operation, it would also be advantageous to provide a single cutting device capable of both milling the casing and drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore. Such a device is desirable to provide a more compact drilling assembly for increased maneuverability and control wJ(le drilling the enlarged sidetracked well bore through the casing window. Further, when operating a window milling bit to mill casing and drill formation, whether drilling an enlarged borehole or not, the cutting structures on such a bit may be worn down during operation. Thhd, a need exists for a cutting device with multiple cutting structures adapted to recover gauge as the device is used to mill through casing and / or drill into formation. In addition, it may be desirable for the window Nillihg bit to have at least a first cutting structure to perform the milling operation, and at least a second cutting structure to perform the drilling operation. Thus, a need exists for a cutting device with multiple cutting structures wherein at least one of the cutting structures is selectively presented when deeifed by the operator. Such a cutting device would be useful for many other purposes, including drilling through different types of formation rock, or replacing worn cutting structures when drilling a lengthy borehole, for example. The present invention addresses the deficiencies of the prior art.
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Once a has been drilled and cased, it may be desirable to drill one or more additional well bores that off, or deviate, from the primary well bore. Such multilateral well bores are typically directed toward different targets within the surrounding formation, with the intent of increasing the output of the well. Multilateral technology provides operators several and economic advantages, such as tapping isolated pockets of hydrocarbons that might otherwise be left unproduced, and reservoir drainage so as to increase the volume of recoverable reserves and enhance of marginal pay zones. utilizing multilateral technology, multiple reservoirs can also be drained simultaneously, and thin production intervals that might be to produce alone may become economical when produced together. completions from one well bore also facilitate heavy oil drainage. In addition to production cost costs also through the use of existing infrastructure, such as equipment the primary well bore. Multilateral technology expands platform capabilities where limited and eliminates spacing problems by allowing more drain to added within a reservoir. In addition, by sidetracking damaged formations or completions, the of existing wells can be extended. For example, sidetracked well bores be drilled below a problem area casing has been set, thereby reducing the risk of drilling through zones. Finally, completions accommodate more wells with fewer footprints, making them ideal for environmentally sensitive or challenging areas. To maximize the productivity of multilateral it desirable enlarge at least some of the sidetracked well bores to thereby increase production flow area through such boreholes. By sidetracked bore through a casing window, and then enlarging the sidetracked well bore beyond the casing window, the far reaches of the reservoir can be reached with a comparatively larger diameter borehole, thereby providing more flow area for the production of oil gas. However, conventional methods for drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore require multiple trips into the primary well bore. For example, a first trip may be made into the primary well bore run and set an anchored whipstock comprising an inclined face that guides a window mill radially outwardly into the casing to cut a window in the casing. The window mill is tripped the primary well bore, and a drill bit is lowered in a second trip to drill the sidetracked well bore through the casing The diameter of the sidetracked well bore is thereby limited by the diameter or gauge of the drill bit that can extend through the casing window. Once the sidetracked well bore has been drilled, the drill bit is then tripped out of the primary well bore, and another drilling assembly, as a bit by a reamer, for example, is lowered in third trip into the primary well to extend and enlarge the sidetracked well bore. It is both expensive and time consuming for an operator to make multiple trips into a primary well bore to drill and enlarge a single sidetracked well bore, and concerns are only compounded drilling more one sidetracked well bore in a multilateral Thus, in recent years, window milling bit diamond cutters been developed is operable to mill a through a standard metal casing and drill a sidetracked well bore through the casing window in a single into the primary This window milling bit with diamond cutters one trip into the well bore, but at least another trip is still required to enlarge the sidetracked well bore. Therefore, a need exists for apparatus methods that enable milling a through casing in a primary well bore, and drilling sidetracked well bore through the casing window in one trip into the well perform such a sidetracking operation, it would also be advantageous to provide a single device capable of both milling the casing and an enlarged sidetracked well bore. Such device is desirable to a more compact drilling assembly for maneuverability and control while drilling the enlarged sidetracked well bore through the casing window. Further, when operating a milling bit mill casing and drill formation, whether drilling enlarged borehole or not, the cutting structures on such a may be worn down during Thus, a need exists for a cutting with multiple cutting structures adapted to recover gauge as the device is used to mill through and/or drill into In addition, it may be desirable for the milling bit to have at least first cutting structure to perform the milling operation, and at least a second cutting structure perform the drilling operation. Thus, a need exists for cutting device with multiple structures wherein at least one of the cutting structures is presented when desired by the operator. Such a cutting device would be useful for many other purposes, including drilling through different types of formation rock, or replacing worn cutting structures when drilling a lengthy borehole, for example. The present invention addresses the of the art.
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ONCE a pEtrOLeum wELl hAs BeeN DRillEd and CaSED, It maY BE DESiRaBLE TO dRiLL onE OR MORe AdDitional siDEtrAcKed WelL BoRes THAt BraNch ofF, Or deVIAte, fROm the PRImaRy WeLl boRE. suCh MUltILATeral WeLL boreS ARE typIcaLLY DIreCteD ToWArD dIfFereNT tARGEts wItHiN ThE SURrOUNDInG FoRMAtioN, witH THe INTeNT oF INCrEasInG The PROdUCtion OUtpUT Of tHE wELL.
MUltilAtERaL TECHNoloGY ProvIDEs opEratOrs SevErAl BENEFItS aND ECONOMIC adVAnTageS, sUCh AS tappiNg isolatED PockeTS oF hYDRocARBONS ThaT mIgHt otHeRwISe bE LefT unpRODucEd, And imprOviNg rESERvoir drAINaGe so as To InCREAse thE VOLUme oF ReCoverABlE rEseRvEs ANd EnHAnCE The eConoMICs OF MargiNAL paY ZOnEs. By UtILiZING MuLTilatErAL tecHNOloGy, mUlTipLE ReseRVOIrS CAN Also be DRAinEd sImULtaNEoUsLy, and tHIn PRodUCtION intERvALS tHat mIght Be unEcOnoMiCaL TO pROdUce alONe maY BECOme ecoNoMiCAL wHEn prOdUceD ToGether. MuLtIpLe coMpLETionS fROM OnE WeLL bOrE aLSo FaciLiTATE HEavY oIl dRaiNAGe.
In AddiTIOn tO PrODuCtiOn cost SAVINGs, DEvelOPmENT COSTs aLsO deCREaSE tHrouGh THE uSe of ExistIng iNfRaSTrUctURE, SuCh As SUrfacE EQuiPMEnT aNd THE PrimAry WeLL boRE. MULTIlATERaL TEChNOLogY exPaNDS PLAtFoRM CApAbILitIEs whERE sloTS aRe limitED aND ELimInAtES SpACiNg PrOBLeMS BY AllOwiNG moRE DRaIN hoLeS tO be addED wIthIn A ReSerVoIR. In addiTiON, by sidetRacKing DAmaged FormatIOnS oR cOMpleTiONs, thE life oF EXiSTING WELLS CAN Be extenDed. For eXAmpLE, sidETraCked wElL bores MaY bE drILlED belOw a proBleM AREa oNcE tHe CasINg haS bEEn set, TheRebY REDUCING tHE RiSK OF dRillING throUGh trOUBLED zones. fINalLy, muLtIlatEral COMpletIONs ACcoMmodaTe more wElLs WIth feWer fooTPrints, MAKInG THEm idEAL for ENVIROnMEntaLLy SeNsItIvE or CHaLlENginG areaS.
To mAximIzE THe PRoDUCtIvITy of MUlTIlateRaL ComPLEtioNs, it Is deSirabLe To EnlARge At lEaST SOME oF The SIDEtrAcKed wEll bOReS TO tHeREbY iNCReASE thE pROduCTiON FLOW aRea throUgH sUch bOrEHOLES. bY dRIllIng a sidetRAcked wELl bORe thRoUgH A CASINg wINDOW, and ThEn enLARGiNg thE siDetRaCkEd WeLl boRe BeYOND THE CAsInG wINDow, THe FAr reacHEs OF tHe rESeRvoir caN be ReACHeD wITh a COmparaTIVeLY largER diamEtER BorEHoLe, THEreBY proVidING mORe fLoW areA fOR THE produCtiOn Of OIL and gAS.
HOWeVEr, CoNvenTIONal MetHoDS foR driLLIng An eNlarGEd SiDeTracKeD WELl borE reQUIRE MuLtIplE TRIPs InTO the PrImarY weLL bORE. fOr exaMPle, a FIRsT TriP mAY Be made InTo THe prIMary well bORe To rUn ANd set AN aNcHoReD wHiPstoCK cOMpRISINg aN IncLIneD FACe ThAT guIDeS A wInDOw MIll RADiAlLy OutWaRdlY iNtO ThE cASINg TO CuT A winDOw in THE casInG. The WInDOw mILL is then trIpped OuT oF tHE PrImarY wELl BORE, And a dRIll Bit IS LoWereD in A SeCOnd tRIp to drILl tHE SiDeTRACKED wEll BOrE tHrOugh thE caSinG wiNdow. THE diaMEtER of thE SiDeTracKed wElL BORE is thEREBy LIMITed by the DiamEtEr Or gAUGE oF tHe DRILL BIt ThAT CAN ExtEnD THrOugh The cASiNG wINdow. oncE ThE SIdETrAcked WElL bORE haS BeEN DRILLED, tHE DRIlL bit IS thEn tRIppED oUt of the PrIMarY WELl bORe, And aNoTher drILLING ASsemBLy, sUCH aS A DrilL BiT FollOWeD bY a ReAmer, fOR ExaMPle, iS LOwereD in A THIRd Trip IntO The primArY WELL BOre To ExTEnd aND eNLaRge THe SiDetRaCkEd well BOrE. it iS boTh eXpENSIvE and TImE COnSuMIng FOR an oPeRATOr to make MultIPle trIpS iNTo a PrimarY WELl BorE To DrIlL anD eNLaRGE A sinGLE sIdeTrAcKeD well bORe, ANd sUCH coNCERNs aRE ONLy comPOUNded WHen DrILlInG mORE tHaN one SIDETraCked weLL BOrE IN a muLTIlatERAl coMpLEtion.
thus, iN RecEnt yeARS, A WInDOW milLing Bit cOmPriSING DiAMOND CutTers hAS BEEN DevELOpED thAT is OPErABLe to mILL A wIndOW THRouGh a staNdArd mETAL CasINg anD DrIll a sidetRacKEd WELL BORE tHROugh The CASINg wiNDoW In A SingLE TrIP intO thE pRiMAry WELL BOre. tHis WINDOW MillInG bit WItH diamONd cutTErs therEbY elIMINATEs oNE trIp into thE PRIMarY wElL Bore, buT AT Least AnOTHER TrIP iS STILL rEquIReD to EnLARgE tHe siDEtRaCKed wElL BOrE. TherEFORe, a NEED existS fOR APPaRaTUs anD mEtHoDs THAT eNaBLE MillinG a WinDoW tHRoUgH A CaSInG IN a PriMary wELl BOre, AnD DRIlliNG an EnlArgEd siDETrackeD weLl bORE THrOugH ThE CasiNG WinDOW in OnE triP InTo The WeLl Bore.
TO perforM sUch A sIdETrACKing opeRAtioN, IT WOUld alSO BE advANTaGeouS tO PROvidE a sINglE CUTtIng deVIce capAbLe OF BoTh MIlLiNg ThE caSING ANd DrILLiNg aN ENlarGED SidetracKeD well BORE. SUch a DeVice is DesIRABle TO provIDE a mOre COmPAct DRILLING asSeMbLY FoR iNCReASED MANeUVERaBiliTy and COntrOL whilE dRillInG the EnLArgED SidEtRacKED wEll BorE thROUGH tHE casiNG WiNdoW.
fuRTHeR, whEn OPEratiNG a WInDOw mIlLInG Bit TO mill cAsIng And dRiLl foRmatiON, wheTher dRiLLINg an eNLArged boReHOlE oR NoT, tHE cuTtiNG STrUcTuRES ON suCh a BiT MAY be WorN DOWN DuriNg OPEraTiOn. THUs, a NEeD ExiSts FOR a cUtTiNg devicE With MULtiple cUtTinG StrUCtUREs AdaptEd to REcover GAUGe As thE dEVicE is UsEd to MILl tHroUgH CAsiNg ANd/OR DriLl intO formAtiON. In addITioN, It MAY BE DeSIRaBLE FOR THE wINdoW MIlLing BIt To HavE AT LEAst A FIRST cutTiNG stRucTUrE tO pERFOrM thE MIlLiNg oPERaTioN, aND at leasT a SEConD cUttiNG StrUCTuRe TO pERfoRm The dRiLlinG oPeRATiON. THuS, a neEd exISTs foR A CUtTIng DeVICE wITH multIpLe cUttIng STRucTUREs wheReiN at lEAsT oNe oF THe CuttIng sTRucTuREs IS SelectIvely pREsEnteD wheN DeSIReD BY ThE OpERatOr. SUcH A CUTTIng DEvIcE WoUld BE UsEfuL fOR many OTHEr pURPOses, iNCLuDINg dRILling through dIFFereNt TYpES Of fORmAtION ROCk, Or rEplACING woRN CUTTinG sTrucTuReS WHeN drILlInG A LenGThy bOREhoLE, fOR exAmple.
ThE PRESEnT iNventiOn adDrEsses tHE DeFicIENcIES OF The PriOR aRT.
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Once a petroleum well hasbeen drilled and cased,it maybedesirable to drill one or more additional sidetracked well bores that branch off, or deviate, from theprimary well bore. Such multilateral well bores are typically directed toward different targets within the surrounding formation, withthe intent of increasing the production outputof thewell. Multilateral technology provides operators several benefits and economic advantages,such astapping isolated pockets of hydrocarbonsthat might otherwise be leftunproduced, and improving reservoir drainage soas to increase the volume of recoverable reserves and enhance the economics of marginal pay zones. By utilizing multilateral technology, multiple reservoirs can also bedrained simultaneously, and thin production intervalsthat might be uneconomicalto produce alone may become economical when produced together. Multiple completions from one well bore also facilitateheavyoildrainage. In addition to production costsavings, development costs also decrease through the use of existing infrastructure, such as surface equipment and the primary well bore.Multilateral technology expands platform capabilities where slots are limited and eliminates spacing problems by allowingmore drain holes to be added withina reservoir. Inaddition, bysidetracking damaged formations or completions, thelife ofexisting wells canbe extended. For example, sidetracked well bores may be drilled below aproblem area once the casing has been set, thereby reducing the risk of drilling through troubled zones.Finally, multilateral completionsaccommodate morewells with fewer footprints, making them ideal for environmentallysensitive or challengingareas. To maximize the productivity of multilateral completions, it is desirableto enlarge atleastsome of the sidetrackedwell boresto thereby increase the production flow area through such boreholes. By drilling a sidetracked well bore through a casing window, and then enlarging the sidetracked well bore beyond the casing window, the far reaches of the reservoir can be reached with acomparatively larger diameter borehole, thereby providingmore flow area for the production of oil and gas. However, conventionalmethods fordrilling anenlarged sidetracked well bore require multipletrips into the primary well bore.For example,a first tripmay be made into the primary well bore to run and set an anchored whipstock comprising an inclined face that guides a window mill radially outwardly into the casing to cut awindow in the casing. The window mill is then trippedoutof the primary well bore,and a drill bit is lowered in a second trip to drill the sidetracked well bore throughthe casing window. The diameter of the sidetracked well bore is thereby limited by the diameter orgaugeof the drill bitthat can extend through the casing window.Once thesidetracked well bore has been drilled, the drill bit isthen tripped out of the primary well bore, and another drillingassembly, such as a drillbit followed by areamer, for example, is loweredin a third trip into the primary well bore to extendand enlargethesidetracked well bore. It is both expensive and time consuming for an operator to make multiple trips into a primary well bore to drilland enlarge a single sidetracked well bore, andsuch concerns areonly compounded when drillingmore than one sidetracked well borein a multilateral completion. Thus, in recent years, a window millingbit comprising diamond cutters has been developed that is operable to mill a window through a standard metal casingand drilla sidetracked well bore through the casing windowin a single trip into the primary well bore. This window milling bit with diamond cutters thereby eliminates one trip into the primary wellbore, but at least another trip is still required to enlarge the sidetracked well bore. Therefore, a need exists for apparatus and methods that enablemilling a window through acasing in aprimary well bore, and drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore through the casing window in one tripinto the well bore. To perform such a sidetracking operation, it would also be advantageous toprovide a singlecutting device capable of both milling the casingand drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore. Such a device is desirable to provide a morecompact drillingassembly for increased maneuverability and control while drillingthe enlarged sidetracked well bore through the casing window. Further, when operating a window millingbit tomill casing anddrill formation, whether drilling an enlargedborehole or not, the cutting structures on such a bit may be worn down during operation. Thus, aneed exists fora cutting device with multiplecutting structures adapted to recover gauge as the device is used to millthrough casing and/or drill into formation. In addition, it maybe desirablefor the window millingbit to have at least a firstcuttingstructure to perform themilling operation, and at least a second cuttingstructure to perform the drilling operation. Thus,a need exists fora cuttingdevicewith multiplecutting structureswherein at least one of the cutting structures is selectively presented when desired by the operator. Such a cutting device would be useful formany other purposes, includingdrilling through different types of formation rock,or replacing worn cutting structures when drillinga lengthy borehole, for example. The present invention addresses thedeficiencies of the prior art.
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_Once_ a petroleum _well_ has been drilled and cased, _it_ _may_ be desirable to drill one or more _additional_ sidetracked well bores that branch off, or _deviate,_ from the primary well bore. Such multilateral well bores are typically directed toward different targets within the surrounding formation, with the _intent_ of increasing the production output of the _well._ Multilateral _technology_ _provides_ operators _several_ benefits _and_ economic advantages, such as tapping isolated _pockets_ of hydrocarbons that might _otherwise_ be left unproduced, and improving reservoir drainage _so_ as to increase the volume of recoverable reserves and enhance the economics _of_ _marginal_ pay zones. By utilizing multilateral technology, multiple reservoirs _can_ also be drained simultaneously, and thin production intervals that _might_ be uneconomical to produce alone may become _economical_ when produced together. Multiple completions from one well bore _also_ _facilitate_ _heavy_ oil drainage. _In_ addition to production _cost_ savings, development _costs_ also decrease _through_ _the_ use of _existing_ _infrastructure,_ such _as_ surface equipment _and_ the primary well bore. _Multilateral_ technology _expands_ platform capabilities where _slots_ are _limited_ _and_ eliminates spacing problems by allowing more drain _holes_ to be _added_ within a reservoir. In addition, by sidetracking _damaged_ formations or _completions,_ the life of existing wells can _be_ extended. For example, sidetracked well bores may be drilled _below_ _a_ problem area once the casing has been set, thereby reducing the risk _of_ drilling through _troubled_ zones. Finally, multilateral completions accommodate more wells with fewer footprints, making them ideal for environmentally sensitive or challenging areas. _To_ _maximize_ _the_ productivity of multilateral completions, it _is_ _desirable_ to _enlarge_ at _least_ some _of_ the sidetracked well bores to thereby _increase_ the production flow area through such _boreholes._ By _drilling_ a sidetracked well bore _through_ a casing window, and then enlarging the sidetracked well bore beyond the casing window, _the_ far _reaches_ of the reservoir _can_ be reached with a comparatively larger diameter _borehole,_ thereby providing more flow area _for_ the production of oil and _gas._ _However,_ _conventional_ _methods_ _for_ drilling _an_ _enlarged_ sidetracked well bore require multiple trips into the _primary_ well bore. For example, a first _trip_ may be made into _the_ primary well bore to _run_ and _set_ an anchored _whipstock_ _comprising_ an inclined face that guides a window mill radially outwardly into _the_ casing to cut _a_ _window_ _in_ _the_ casing. The window mill is then tripped out of the primary well bore, and a drill _bit_ is lowered in a second trip to _drill_ the sidetracked well bore through the casing window. The diameter of the _sidetracked_ _well_ bore _is_ thereby limited by the diameter or gauge of the drill bit that can extend through the _casing_ window. _Once_ the sidetracked well bore has _been_ drilled, the drill bit is then tripped out of the primary well bore, and another _drilling_ assembly, such as a drill bit followed by a reamer, for example, is lowered in a _third_ trip _into_ _the_ primary well bore to extend and enlarge the _sidetracked_ well bore. It is _both_ _expensive_ and _time_ consuming for an operator to make multiple trips into a _primary_ _well_ bore to drill and enlarge a single sidetracked well _bore,_ _and_ such concerns are only _compounded_ when drilling more than one sidetracked _well_ bore in a multilateral _completion._ Thus, in _recent_ years, a window milling bit comprising _diamond_ cutters has _been_ developed that is operable to _mill_ a _window_ through a standard _metal_ casing and drill a sidetracked well bore _through_ _the_ casing window in _a_ single trip into the primary well bore. This _window_ milling bit with _diamond_ cutters thereby eliminates one trip into the primary well bore, but at least another _trip_ is still required to enlarge the sidetracked well _bore._ Therefore, a need exists for apparatus and methods that enable milling a window _through_ a casing _in_ a primary well bore, and drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore through _the_ casing _window_ _in_ one trip _into_ the well bore. To perform such _a_ sidetracking _operation,_ it would also be _advantageous_ _to_ provide a single cutting device capable of both milling the casing and drilling an enlarged _sidetracked_ well bore. Such a _device_ is desirable to provide _a_ more compact drilling assembly for _increased_ maneuverability and control _while_ drilling the enlarged sidetracked _well_ bore through the casing window. _Further,_ when _operating_ _a_ window milling bit to _mill_ casing and drill _formation,_ _whether_ _drilling_ an enlarged borehole _or_ _not,_ the cutting structures _on_ _such_ a bit may _be_ _worn_ down _during_ operation. Thus, a need exists for a cutting device _with_ multiple cutting structures adapted to _recover_ gauge as the _device_ is used to mill through _casing_ _and/or_ drill into formation. In addition, it may be desirable for the window milling bit to have at least a first _cutting_ structure to perform the milling operation, and at least _a_ second cutting structure _to_ perform the drilling operation. Thus, a need _exists_ for a cutting _device_ with multiple _cutting_ _structures_ _wherein_ _at_ least one of the cutting structures _is_ selectively _presented_ when _desired_ by the operator. _Such_ _a_ cutting device _would_ be useful for many other _purposes,_ including drilling through different types of _formation_ rock, _or_ replacing worn _cutting_ _structures_ when drilling a lengthy borehole, for example. The present invention addresses the deficiencies _of_ the prior art.
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The present invention relates to computer-aided design (CAD) tools for analyzing integrated circuits and, more particularly, to analyzing power Vdd and ground nets in integrated circuits for electromigration, voltage drop and ground bounce.
Aggressive development within the semiconductor industry keeps electronic products moving on a brisk course forward. With each new generation of integrated circuit (IC) chips, device geometries and supply voltages are decreasing while the clock frequencies are increasing. Typical ICs today contain more than three million transistors and include three to five layers of metal interconnects that supply power and transport signals.
Along with smaller device geometries come narrower metal lines and larger resistances. Also, as more devices are interconnected, the lines are getting longer, further increasing the interconnect resistance. The substantial voltage drops that develop across metal power nets cause the circuits to malfunction, especially when the supply voltage is reduced below 3 volts. For example, a 1 volt drop in a 3 volt system would have a much more severe impact on circuit functionality than a proportional drop in a 5 volt system. So, in deep submicrometer designs (feature sizes less than 0.5 .mu.M), voltage drop analysis is crucial. Additionally, the narrower metal lines have undesirable wear-out of metal wiring caused by electromigration.
Ground bounce is due to the inductance in the IC package pins and bonding wires and the current switching (dI/dt) in the integrated circuit. Ground bounce noise may affect circuits in various ways. For example, ground bounce noise may degrade the performance of the circuit. Additionally, ground bounce noise may cause the circuit to malfunction due false latching in receiving chips.
In deep submicron design, the circuit consumes more power which means that dI/dt is even greater than in nonsubmicron designs. The ground bounce problem in the past was more significant in output buffers than on-chip circuits. However, the ground bounce noise in on-chip circuits is becoming more important with today's technologies.
Numerous CAD tools exist for simulating transistor networks of ICs (e.g., SPICE). An innovative system is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/040,531, entitled "Transistor-Level Timing and Power Simulator and Power Analyzer", filed Mar. 29, 1993 by Huang et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/231,207, entitled "Power Diagnosis for VLSI Designs", filed Apr. 21, 1994 by An-Chang Deng, which are both hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. However, none of the prior art systems allow the user to simulate the power nets of an IC and display power net characteristics like voltage drop, current density and ground bounce. The present invention fulfills this and other needs.
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The present invention relates to computer-aided design (CAD) tools for analyzing integrated circuits and, more particularly, to analyzing power Vdd and ground nets in integrated circuits for electromigration, voltage drop and ground bounce. Aggressive development within the semiconductor industry keeps electronic products moving on a brisk course forward. With each new generation of integrated circuit (IC) chips, device geometries and supply voltages are decreasing while the clock frequencies are increasing. Typical ICs today contain more than three million transistors and admit three to five layers of metal interconnects that supply power and transport signals. Along with smaller device geometries come narrower metal lines and larger resistances. Also, as more devices are interconnected, the lines are getting longer, further increasing the interconnect resistance. The substantial voltage drops that develop across metal power nets cause the circuits to malfunction, especially when the supply voltage is reduced below 3 volts. For example, a 1 volt drop in a 3 volt system would have a much more severe impact on circuit functionality than a proportional drop in a 5 volt system. So, in deep submicrometer designs (feature sizes less than 0.5 .mu.M), voltage drop analysis is crucial. Additionally, the narrower metal lines have undesirable wear-out of metal wiring caused by electromigration. Ground bounce is due to the inductance in the IC package pins and bonding wires and the current switching (dI/dt) in the integrated circuit. Ground bounce noise may affect circuits in various ways. For example, ground bounce noise may degrade the performance of the circuit. Additionally, ground bounce noise may cause the circuit to malfunction due false latching in receiving chips. In deep submicron design, the circuit consumes more power which means that dI/dt is even greater than in nonsubmicron designs. The ground bounce problem in the past was more significant in output buffers than on-chip circuits. However, the ground bounce noise in on-chip circuits is becoming more important with today's technologies. Numerous CAD tools exist for simulating transistor networks of ICs (e.g., SPICE). An innovative system is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/040,531, entitled "Transistor-Level Timing and Power Simulator and Power Analyzer", filed Mar. 29, 1993 by Huang et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/231,207, entitled "Power Diagnosis for VLSI Designs", filed Apr. 21, 1994 by An-Chang Deng, which are both hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. However, none of the prior art systems allow the user to simulate the power nets of an IC and display power net characteristics like voltage drop, current density and ground bounce. The present invention fulfills this and other needs.
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The present invention relates to computer - aided design (CAD) tools for analyzing integrated circuits and, more particularly, to analyzing power Vdd and ground nets in integrated circuits for electromigration, voltage ddo0 and ground bounce. Aggressive development within the semiconductor industry keeps electronic products moving on a brisk course forward. With @acG new generation of integrated circuit (IC) chips, device geometries and supply voltxBes are decreasing while the clock frequencies are increasing. Typical ICs today contain more than three million transistors and include three to five layers of metal interconnects that supply power and transport signals. Along with smaller device geometries come narrower metal lines and larger resistances. Also, as more devices are interconnected, the lines are Bet$ing longer, further increasing the interconnect resistance. The substantial voltage drops that develop across metal power nets cause the circuits to malfunction, especially when the supply voltage is reduced below 3 volts. For example, a 1 volt drop in a 3 volt system would have a much more severe impact on circuit functionality than a proportional drop in a 5 volt system. So, in deep submicrometer designs (feature sizes less than 0. 5. mu. M ), voltage dr(O analysis is crucial. Additionally, the narrower metal lines have undesirable wear - out of metal wiring caused by electromigration. Ground bounce is due to the ihd tctance in the IC package pins and bonding wires and the current switching (dI / dt) in the integrated circuit. Ground bounce noise may affect circuits in various ways. For example, ground bounce noise may degrade the performance of the circuit. Additionally, ground bounce noise may cause the circuit to malfunction due false latching in receiving chips. In deep submicron design, the circuit consumes more power which means that dI / dt is even greater than in nonsubmicron dRsignW. The ground bounce problem in the past was more siNbificant in output hHffers than on - chip circuits. However, the ground bounce noise in on - chip circuits is becoming more important with today ' s technologies. Numerous CAD tools exist for simulating transistor networks of ICs (e. g. , SPICE ). An innovative system is described in U. S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 040, 531, entitled " Transistor - Level Timing and Power Simulator and Power Analyzer ", filed Mar. 29, 1993 by Huang et al. , and U. S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 231, 207, entitled " Power Diagnosis for VLSI Designs ", filed Apr. 21, 1994 by An - Chang Deng, which are both hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. However, none of the prior art systems allow the user to sihulat@ the power nets of an IC and display power net characteristics like voltage drop, current density and ground bounce. The present invention fulfills this and other needs.
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The present invention relates computer-aided design (CAD) tools for analyzing integrated circuits more particularly, to analyzing power and ground nets in circuits for electromigration, voltage and ground bounce. Aggressive development within the semiconductor industry keeps products moving on a brisk course forward. With each new generation integrated circuit (IC) chips, device geometries and supply voltages are decreasing while the clock frequencies are increasing. Typical ICs today contain more than three million transistors include to layers metal interconnects that power and transport signals. Along with smaller device geometries come narrower metal lines and larger resistances. Also, as more devices are interconnected, the lines are longer, further increasing the interconnect resistance. The substantial voltage drops that develop across metal power nets cause the circuits to malfunction, especially the supply is reduced below volts. For a 1 volt drop in a 3 volt system would have a much more severe impact on circuit functionality than a proportional drop in a 5 volt system. So, in deep submicrometer designs (feature sizes than 0.5 .mu.M), voltage drop analysis is Additionally, the narrower metal lines have undesirable wear-out of metal wiring caused by electromigration. Ground bounce due to the inductance the IC package pins and bonding wires and the current switching (dI/dt) in the circuit. Ground bounce noise may affect circuits in various ways. For example, ground bounce noise may degrade the performance of the circuit. Additionally, ground bounce noise may the circuit to malfunction false in receiving chips. In deep submicron the circuit consumes more power which means dI/dt is even greater than in nonsubmicron designs. The ground bounce problem in the past was significant output buffers than on-chip However, the ground bounce noise in on-chip circuits is with today's technologies. Numerous CAD tools for simulating transistor networks of ICs (e.g., SPICE). An innovative system is described in U.S. patent Ser. No. 08/040,531, entitled "Transistor-Level Timing and Power Simulator and Power Analyzer", filed Mar. 29, 1993 by Huang et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/231,207, entitled Diagnosis for VLSI Designs", filed Apr. by An-Chang Deng, which are both hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. However, none of the prior art allow the user simulate power nets of an IC and display power net characteristics like voltage drop, current density and ground bounce. The present invention fulfills this and other
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THe pReSeNt InVEnTIOn RELATeS to computEr-AIDED dESiGn (CaD) toOls fOR ANALYZiNg INTegrAteD cIrcuitS aNd, More paRtiCULarLY, TO AnalYZInG PoWeR vdd AND GRoUND NEtS In InTegrAteD ciRCUitS FOR ElECtroMIGRAtioN, vOltAge droP ANd GROUND BounCE.
aGGReSSivE dEvELopMENt wItHiN tHe seMiCOndUctOR inDUsTRy KEEpS ELECtRONIc PROduCTS MOvINg On a bRISk coURsE FORwARD. wiTH EACh new GeNeRATIoN OF INTeGRatED cIrcuit (IC) Chips, dEvice GEomeTRIeS aND supply VolTageS arE DECReASINg WhIle THE ClocK fRequEncIeS aRe INCreaSINg. TyPicAl iCS TOdAy conTaIn mOrE ThAN ThreE MillION TransiSTORs And iNClUDE ThreE To five LAyerS Of mETAL InTercOnnECTS ThAT sUppLY PoWer aNd TRaNspORT sIGnaLs.
aLONG WiTH sMalLER DeViCE geOMetRiEs come NArroWer mETAl Lines ANd laRger RESistances. AlSo, aS MORE dEViCEs aRe inteRconnECtEd, tHe LINes Are geTTing loNgeR, FuRtHER incReasINg The InTERCOnnEct reSIstANcE. The SubstaNTIaL VoLTagE DRops THAT DEVeLoP ACRoSs meTal pOWeR NETs caUsE thE cIRCuITs To MalFunCtION, EspECIaLLY whEN thE SUPpLY volTagE IS REDUCed beLow 3 VOltS. FOR exAMpLE, A 1 vOlT DRop In a 3 VoLT SYsTem WOuLD HAvE a MuCH More sEvEre ImPacT On CIrCuit fuNcTiONaLitY tHAN a proPORTIONaL Drop iN A 5 VOlT SYstEm. sO, In DEEp SuBMIcromeTEr DEsigNs (FEatUre SIZEs lESs thAN 0.5 .Mu.M), vOlTaGE DroP aNALySIs Is CruCIAL. ADDitiOnally, ThE narrowEr METal lIneS HAVe uNdESiRabLe weaR-oUt oF mEtal wirING CauSED bY ElECTroMigrAtion.
gRoUNd BoUNCE IS DuE TO tHE inductANcE iN The iC PaCkaGE PINs and BOnDINg wiRes AnD ThE cURrENT sWItChINg (dI/dT) In THE iNTEgrAtED cIRCuiT. GRoUND boUnCE nOISe may AffEct CIrcUITS in VARiouS WAYS. for eXampLe, groUNd BOUnCE noIsE mAY DegradE The PERFOrMaNCE Of thE cirCUIt. adDitiOnally, GRounD BOUNcE NoISE maY CaUsE tHE cirCUIt TO MaLfuNctIOn Due FaLsE LATChING In RECEIvIng chipS.
In DEEp submICrON desIgn, ThE CiRcUiT coNSUmes mOre pOwER WhICh mEANS ThaT di/dT Is eVen gREATeR THan in nonsUBmICRon deSIGnS. tHe gRouND bounCe PrOBlEM IN tHE PAst WaS MOre siGNiFicaNT IN oUTPut bufFErs THan on-cHIp CIrCuiTS. hoWever, tHe GRound bouNce NoISE IN On-cHIp cIrcuiTS IS bECOmING MoRe ImPOrtant wItH TodAY'S TeCHNoLogIeS.
nUmERoUs CAd tooLS Exist fOr sIMUlAtiNG TrANsiStoR NeTwORks Of Ics (e.g., sPiCe). An inNovAtIVE SYstEm is DeSCribEd iN u.s. PatenT ApPlICatiON seR. nO. 08/040,531, ENTItLEd "TraNSistor-LeVel tiMiNG aNd PoWeR sImUlAtor aNd power anaLYzer", FILED mAr. 29, 1993 By hUANG eT aL., And U.S. paTEnt ApPliCation seR. nO. 08/231,207, eNtiTlED "poWer diAgnosiS fOr VlSI Designs", FiLED APr. 21, 1994 By aN-chaNg dEng, WhICh ArE bOTH HeREbY inCorpORATED bY ReFEreNCe For All PurPoseS. HowevER, nonE OF THE prIOR arT SYSTEmS AlLow The UsER tO SimuLATE thE pOWEr Nets of AN iC AnD dIsplay powER NET cHARActERIStIcS LIKE VolTAGE drOP, CURrENT DeNSItY and grounD BouNCE. tHe PrESeNt InVeNTiOn FulfILLS this aND OThEr NEeDS.
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The present inventionrelatesto computer-aided design (CAD) tools for analyzing integrated circuits and, more particularly, to analyzing powerVdd and ground nets inintegrated circuitsfor electromigration, voltage drop and ground bounce. Aggressive development within the semiconductorindustry keeps electronicproducts moving ona brisk course forward. With eachnew generation of integrated circuit(IC) chips, device geometries and supply voltages are decreasing while the clock frequencies are increasing. Typical ICs today contain more thanthree million transistors and include three to five layersof metal interconnects that supply power andtransport signals. Along with smaller device geometries come narrower metal lines and larger resistances. Also, as moredevices are interconnected, thelines are getting longer, further increasing the interconnect resistance. The substantial voltage drops thatdevelopacross metal power nets cause the circuits to malfunction, especially when the supply voltageis reduced below 3 volts. For example, a 1 volt drop in a 3 voltsystemwould have amuchmore severe impact on circuit functionality than a proportional drop in a 5 voltsystem. So, indeep submicrometer designs (featuresizes less than 0.5 .mu.M), voltage drop analysis is crucial. Additionally, the narrower metal lines have undesirable wear-outof metal wiringcaused byelectromigration. Ground bounce is due to the inductance in the IC package pins and bonding wires and the current switching(dI/dt) in the integrated circuit. Ground bounce noise may affect circuits in various ways. For example, ground bouncenoisemay degrade the performance of thecircuit. Additionally, ground bouncenoisemay cause the circuit to malfunction due false latching in receiving chips. In deep submicrondesign, the circuit consumes more power which means that dI/dt is even greater than in nonsubmicron designs. The ground bounce problem in the pastwasmore significant in output buffers than on-chip circuits.However, the ground bounce noise in on-chip circuits is becoming moreimportant withtoday's technologies. Numerous CAD tools exist for simulating transistor networks of ICs (e.g., SPICE). An innovative system is described in U.S. patentapplicationSer. No. 08/040,531, entitled "Transistor-Level Timing and Power Simulator and Power Analyzer", filedMar. 29, 1993by Huang et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/231,207, entitled "PowerDiagnosisfor VLSIDesigns", filed Apr. 21, 1994 by An-Chang Deng,which are both hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. However,none of the prior art systems allow the user to simulate the power nets of an IC and display power net characteristics like voltage drop, current density and ground bounce. The present inventionfulfills this and other needs.
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The present invention relates _to_ _computer-aided_ design (CAD) tools for analyzing integrated circuits _and,_ more particularly, to analyzing power _Vdd_ _and_ ground nets _in_ integrated _circuits_ for electromigration, voltage drop and ground _bounce._ Aggressive development within the semiconductor industry keeps _electronic_ products moving on a brisk course forward. With each new generation of integrated circuit (IC) chips, device geometries and supply voltages are decreasing while the clock _frequencies_ are increasing. Typical ICs today contain more than three _million_ transistors and include _three_ _to_ five _layers_ of metal interconnects that _supply_ power and transport _signals._ _Along_ _with_ smaller device geometries come narrower _metal_ lines and _larger_ resistances. Also, _as_ more devices are interconnected, the _lines_ are _getting_ longer, further _increasing_ the interconnect resistance. The substantial voltage drops that develop across _metal_ power nets _cause_ the _circuits_ _to_ malfunction, _especially_ when _the_ supply _voltage_ _is_ _reduced_ below 3 volts. For example, a _1_ volt _drop_ in a 3 _volt_ system _would_ _have_ a much more _severe_ impact on circuit functionality than a proportional drop in a 5 volt system. So, in deep submicrometer designs (feature sizes less than 0.5 .mu.M), _voltage_ drop _analysis_ is crucial. Additionally, _the_ _narrower_ metal lines have undesirable wear-out of _metal_ wiring caused by electromigration. Ground bounce is due to the inductance in the IC package pins _and_ bonding wires and the current switching (dI/dt) in _the_ integrated circuit. Ground bounce noise _may_ affect circuits _in_ various _ways._ _For_ example, _ground_ bounce noise may degrade _the_ performance of the _circuit._ Additionally, ground _bounce_ noise may _cause_ the circuit to _malfunction_ _due_ _false_ _latching_ in receiving _chips._ _In_ deep submicron design, the circuit consumes more power which means _that_ dI/dt is _even_ _greater_ than in nonsubmicron designs. The ground bounce problem in the past was _more_ significant in output buffers than _on-chip_ circuits. However, the ground bounce noise in on-chip circuits is becoming more _important_ with _today's_ technologies. Numerous CAD tools exist for simulating transistor networks _of_ _ICs_ _(e.g.,_ SPICE). An innovative _system_ is described in U.S. patent application Ser. _No._ 08/040,531, entitled "Transistor-Level Timing and Power _Simulator_ and Power _Analyzer",_ filed Mar. _29,_ 1993 by _Huang_ et _al.,_ and _U.S._ patent application _Ser._ _No._ _08/231,207,_ entitled "Power _Diagnosis_ for VLSI Designs", filed _Apr._ 21, 1994 by An-Chang _Deng,_ which are _both_ hereby _incorporated_ by _reference_ for all purposes. However, none of the prior art systems allow the user _to_ simulate the power nets of an _IC_ _and_ display power net characteristics like voltage drop, current density and ground _bounce._ The present invention fulfills this _and_ other needs.
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This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
Network-connected devices appear throughout homes, office buildings, and other structures. Some of these devices are capable of communicating with each other using a network. Some of these devices may be hazard detection systems, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or may be other systems for detecting other conditions have been used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings for safety and security considerations. When these systems detect the presence of a dangerous condition, they often sound an audible alarm. The alarm is often characterized as having an extremely loud or ear piercing sound, and can be unpleasant or very uncomfortable to a human listener. Some hazard detectors may permit a user to press a button located on the cover of the unit, sometimes termed a hush button or temporary silence button, when they know an alarm to be caused by a non-emergency situation, such as smoke from cooking. When the hush button or temporary silence button is pressed, the audible alarm noise is temporarily silenced for a predetermined interval of time, such as in the range of four to ten minutes, during which the user has an opportunity to address the situation, such as by opening a window, without being required to endure the ear-piercing sound of the alarm. If the condition persists at the end of the predetermined interval of time, then the audible alarm noise resumes. One issue that can arise in many practical situations is that the hazard detector unit is mounted high on a wall or on a ceiling that is out of the reach of the user, leading many users to seek out a ladder, chair, or broomstick in order to press the hush button or temporary silence button, which can lead to inconvenient, impractical, and/or unsafe scenarios. Other issues arise as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of the instant disclosure.
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This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Network-connected devices appear throughout homes, museum buildings, and other structures. Some of these devices are capable of communicating with each other using a network. Some of these devices may be hazard detection systems, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or may be other systems for detecting other conditions have been used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings for safety and security considerations. When these systems detect the presence of a dangerous condition, they often sound an audible alarm. The alarm is often characterized as having an extremely loud or ear piercing sound, and can be unpleasant or very uncomfortable to a human listener. Some hazard detectors may permit a user to press a button located on the cover of the unit, sometimes termed a hush button or temporary silence pocket when they know an alarm to be caused by a non-emergency situation, such as smoke from cooking. When the hush button or temporary silence button is pressed, the audible alarm noise is temporarily silenced for a predetermined interval of time, such as in the range of four to ten minutes, during which the user has an opportunity to address the situation, such as by opening a window, without being required to endure the ear-piercing sound of the alarm. If the condition persists at the end of the predetermined interval of time, then the audible alarm noise resumes. One issue that can arise in many practical situations is that the hazard detector unit is mounted high on a wall or on a ceiling that is out of the reach of the user, leading many users to seek out a ladder, chair, or broomstick in order to press the hush button or temporary silence button, which can lead to inconvenient, impractical, and/or unsafe scenarios. Other issues arise as would be apparent to a person traveling in the art in view of the instant disclosure.
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This section is intended to introduce the rewdeG to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to GacilitSte a bwt5er understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Network - connected devices appear throughout homes, office buildings, and other structures. Some of these devices are capable of communicating with each other using a network. So,f of these devices may be hazard detection systems, aucB as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or may be other systems for detecting other conditions have been used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings for safety and sec*r8ty considerations. When these systems detect the presence of a dangerous condition, they often sound an audible alarm. The alarm is often characterized as having an extremely loud or ear piercing sound, and can be unpleasant or BDry uncomfortable to a human listener. Some hazard detectors may permit a user to press a button located on the cover of the unit, sometimes termed a hush button or temporary silence button, when they know an alarm to be caused by a non - emergency situation, such as smoke from cooking. When the hush button or temporary silence button is pdeCsed, the audible alarm noise is temporarily silenced for a predetermined interval of time, such as in the range of four to ten minutes, during which the user has an opportunity to address the situation, such as by opening a window, without being required to endure the ear - piercing sound of the alarm. If the condition persists at the end of the predetermined interval of time, then the audible alarm noise resumes. One issue that can arise in many practical situa6ionw is that the hazard detector unit is mounted high on a wall or on a ceiling that is out of the reach of the user, leading <aby users to seek out a ladder, chair, or broomstick in order to press the hush button or temporary silence button, which can lead to inconvenient, impractical, and / or unsafe scenarios. Other issues arise as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of the instant disclosure.
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section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related aspects of present techniques, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background to facilitate a better of the various of the present disclosure. it should be understood that these statements are to be read in light, and not as admissions of art. Network-connected devices appear throughout homes, office buildings, and structures. Some of these devices are capable of communicating with each other using a network. Some of devices may be hazard detection systems, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or may other systems detecting other conditions have been used in residential, commercial, and industrial for safety and security considerations. When these systems detect the presence of a dangerous condition, they often sound an audible alarm. The alarm often characterized as an extremely loud or ear piercing sound, and can be unpleasant or uncomfortable a human listener. Some hazard detectors may permit a user press a button located on the cover the sometimes termed a hush button or temporary silence button, when they know an alarm to be caused by non-emergency situation, such as from cooking. the hush button or temporary silence button is pressed, audible alarm noise is temporarily for a predetermined interval of time, such as the range of four to ten minutes, during which the user has an opportunity address the situation, such by opening a window, without being required to endure the ear-piercing sound of the alarm. If the condition persists of the predetermined interval of time, then the alarm noise resumes. One issue that can arise in many practical situations is that hazard detector unit is mounted high on a wall or on a ceiling that is out of the reach of user, leading many users to seek out a ladder, chair, or broomstick order to press the hush button or temporary silence button, which can lead to inconvenient, impractical, unsafe scenarios. Other issues arise as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of instant disclosure.
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THis SEctIOn Is INTEnded tO iNtRoDUcE THE rEaDER to VarIous aSPecTS oF aRt tHat MAy Be reLatEd tO VARIOUS aspEcts oF tHe pReSEnT teChnIQUeS, wHICh arE DEScrIbED ANd/Or CLAImED bElow. THiS DiscUssIon Is bElieVED tO BE heLpful iN PRovIdInG thE ReaDeR witH bACKGrOUNd InfoRMaTion tO fAcIlITate a beTTEr UndERsTanDinG of THE VAriOUS ASpecTs oF tHe pReSEnT diSCloSUre. AcCoRDINgLY, it SHoULd Be undERSTOOd ThAT tHEse StAtementS ArE To BE reaD In tHIS ligHT, And nOt as ADmISSiONs Of PRIOR ArT.
nETworK-CoNnecTED dEvIcES appeaR thrOUGhoUT HOMES, office buILdiNgs, anD OtheR stRucTuReS. sOME Of TheSe deVICES ARe capabLe oF cOMMunIcatinG wITH EaCH OtHEr uSing a NeTwORK. SOMe OF tHeSE DeVICES MAY BE HAzArD detectiOn SySTeMs, SuCH aS smokE DeTECtORs, caRbOn moNoXIDE deTEctoRs, coMbiNaTion smoKE ANd CarBON MonoXIde DeteCtorS, or may Be oTHer systEmS foR DeteCtIng oTHER coNditIonS havE been usED in reSideNTial, cOMMercIAL, And industriAL setTINGS FOR sAFEty AnD sECurITY CoNsIDeRaTIOns. wheN thESE sYsTems detEct THe preSEnCe oF A dANGerOuS cOnDiTiON, they oFten soUnd AN aUDIBLe aLarM. ThE alarM IS OFtEN CHaRActERizED as HavINg An eXtRemeLy lOuD OR EaR PieRcINg sOuNd, aND Can bE UnPLeASANT oR verY UNCoMFoRTAbLE to a HumaN LIsteNer. sOMe hazARd detEctORs maY PERMiT a uSEr TO PrESs a BuTTOn LOcatEd On The coVer Of tHE UNiT, SomeTIMES teRMED a Hush ButToN or TeMpoRAry sIlEnce bUTTOn, when TheY knOW an AlARM TO be CauseD bY A non-EmerGEnCY SiTuATiOn, Such AS smokE From COOkiNg. whEN the HUSH BUttON Or TeMporary SiLENce ButtON IS pReSsed, The aUdiBle ALarM noisE iS TemPORarily siLEnCEd for a pRedEtermiNeD InTErVal oF tIme, such As In tHe RAnge oF fOur TO TEN MiNUTeS, DuRiNg Which tHe UsEr hAs An OPporTuniTY tO ADdress ThE SITuaTiON, sUCh as BY OPENiNg A winDOW, WITHOut beiNg ReqUIRED tO endurE tHe eAR-PIeRCing sounD OF tHe AlaRm. if thE cONdItIoN PErSIStS at thE EnD oF THE pREDETerMiNed iNteRVal OF timE, tHEN the auDiblE alARM NoISe rEsUmEs. One issUe THaT cAn ArisE In mANy PrACTicaL SITuAtIons Is THAT THE HAzARD DEteCTor uniT IS MouNTED HIGh oN A wAlL Or oN a CEIlinG ThaT Is oUt OF tHe REAcH Of THe USER, lEaDing many users TO seek Out A laddEr, ChaIr, or bRoOMSTIcK IN OrDer TO pRESs thE hUsH bUttoN or tEmpORarY SilencE bUttoN, wHICh can LEAd to inCONVeNIEnt, IMPrActicAL, AnD/or UNSAfe ScEnARios. oTHER IsSUEs aRiSe aS WOUld BE APPARENT tO A PerSON sKIlLeD iN the ARt iN VIEW Of THE INstAnT DIsCLOSUrE.
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This section is intended to introduce the readerto various aspects of art that may be relatedto variousaspects ofthe present techniques, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader withbackground informationto facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read inthis light,and not as admissions of prior art.Network-connected devicesappear throughout homes, officebuildings, and other structures. Some of these devicesare capable of communicatingwith each other using a network. Some of these devices may be hazard detection systems, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,or may be other systems for detecting other conditions have been used in residential, commercial, and industrialsettings for safety and security considerations. When these systems detect the presence of a dangerous condition, they oftensound an audible alarm. The alarm is often characterized as having an extremely loudor ear piercing sound, and can beunpleasantor very uncomfortableto ahumanlistener. Some hazard detectors maypermit a user to pressa button located on the cover of the unit, sometimes termed a hush button or temporary silence button, when they know an alarm to be caused by a non-emergency situation, such as smoke from cooking. When the hush button or temporary silence button is pressed, the audiblealarm noise is temporarily silenced for a predetermined interval of time, such as in the range of fourto ten minutes,during which the user has an opportunity to address the situation, such as by opening a window, without being requiredto endure the ear-piercing sound of the alarm. If the conditionpersists at the end of the predetermined interval of time,then the audible alarm noise resumes. One issue that can arise in many practicalsituations is that the hazard detector unit is mounted high on a wall or on aceiling thatis out of thereach of the user, leading many users to seekout a ladder, chair, orbroomstick in order to press the hushbutton or temporary silence button, which can lead to inconvenient, impractical, and/or unsafe scenarios. Other issues arise as would beapparentto a person skilled in the art in view of the instant disclosure.
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This section _is_ intended _to_ introduce the reader to _various_ _aspects_ of art _that_ _may_ be related to various aspects of the present _techniques,_ _which_ _are_ described _and/or_ claimed below. This discussion is _believed_ to be helpful in providing the reader _with_ background information to facilitate a better _understanding_ of the various aspects of _the_ present _disclosure._ Accordingly, it _should_ be understood that these _statements_ are to be read in this _light,_ and _not_ _as_ admissions _of_ _prior_ art. Network-connected _devices_ appear throughout homes, office buildings, _and_ other _structures._ Some of these devices _are_ _capable_ _of_ communicating with each other using a network. Some of these _devices_ may be _hazard_ detection systems, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide _detectors,_ combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or may _be_ _other_ systems _for_ detecting _other_ conditions have been used in residential, commercial, and industrial _settings_ _for_ safety and security considerations. When _these_ systems detect _the_ presence _of_ a dangerous condition, they _often_ sound an _audible_ _alarm._ The alarm is often _characterized_ _as_ _having_ an extremely loud or ear piercing _sound,_ and can be unpleasant or very uncomfortable to a human listener. Some _hazard_ detectors may _permit_ a _user_ _to_ press a _button_ located on _the_ cover _of_ _the_ unit, sometimes termed _a_ hush button or temporary _silence_ button, when _they_ know _an_ alarm to be _caused_ by a non-emergency situation, such as smoke from _cooking._ _When_ the _hush_ _button_ or temporary silence button is pressed, the audible alarm noise _is_ temporarily silenced for a predetermined interval of _time,_ such _as_ _in_ the range of _four_ to ten minutes, during which the user has _an_ opportunity to address the situation, such as by opening a window, _without_ being required to endure the ear-piercing sound of the _alarm._ If the condition _persists_ at the _end_ of _the_ predetermined interval of time, then the _audible_ alarm noise resumes. One issue that can arise in many practical situations is that the _hazard_ detector unit is _mounted_ high _on_ a wall _or_ on _a_ ceiling that is out of _the_ reach of _the_ user, _leading_ _many_ users to seek out a ladder, _chair,_ _or_ broomstick in order to press the hush button or _temporary_ _silence_ button, which can lead to _inconvenient,_ impractical, and/or _unsafe_ scenarios. Other issues arise as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of _the_ instant disclosure.
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Memory devices are widely used in many applications. Memory devices include, a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and so on.
In general, DRAM can provide a higher degree of integration. However, DRAM requires constant refreshing. As a result, the use of DRAM is limited for computer main memories by its power consumption and slow refresh speed.
On the other hand, SRAM can maintain its logic state as long as an adequate power is supplied. SRAM can operate with a higher speed and lower power consumption. Thus, SRAM can be utilized for computer cache memories, embedded memories or networking equipment memories.
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Memory devices are widely used in many semiconductor Memory devices namely a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and so on. In general, DRAM can provide a higher degree of integration. However, DRAM requires constant refreshing. As a result, the use of DRAM is limited for virtual main memories by its power consumption and slow refresh speed. On the other hand, SRAM can maintain its logic state as long as an adequate power is supplied. SRAM can operate with a higher speed and lower power consumption. Thus, SRAM can be utilized for computer cache memories, embedded memories or networking equipment memories.
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Memory devis$s are wodWly used in <wny applications. Memory devices include, a static random access memory (SRAM ), a dynamic random access memory (fRAn ), and so on. In gene5sl, DRAM can provide a higher degree of integration. However, DRAM requires constant refreshing. As a result, the use of DRAM is limited for computer main memories by its power consumption and slow refresh apeew. On the other hand, SESM can maintain its logic dHate as long as an adequate power is supplied. SRAM can Pperqte with a higher speed and lower power consumption. Thus, QRzM can be utilized for computer cache memories, embedded memories or networking equipment memories.
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Memory devices are widely used in applications. Memory devices include, a static random access (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and so on. In general, DRAM can provide a higher degree of integration. However, DRAM requires constant As a result, use of is limited for computer main memories by its power consumption and slow refresh speed. On other hand, can maintain its logic state as long as an adequate power supplied. SRAM can operate with a higher speed and lower power consumption. Thus, can be utilized for computer memories, embedded memories or networking equipment memories.
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MEMoRY dEVIceS are WIDeLY USED IN MAny apPLIcATIOns. mEmORY DEViCeS iNCLUDE, A stATIc raNDOM acCESS meMoRY (srAM), A dyNaMic RaNdom aCCesS memOry (DRAm), And so on.
IN geNEral, dRAM CAN ProVIdE a higHer deGREe Of InTegRAtion. hoWeVEr, DrAM rEquireS CoNsTant ReFREShiNg. AS a ReSulT, the usE OF Dram IS lImiTeD FOr CoMPUteR mAin MemORiES BY ITs powEr cONSUMpTIoN AND slOw ReFresH sPeEd.
on The OtHeR HaNd, SRaM cAn MAintAiN iTS logiC sTaTE AS lOng As aN ADEquaTE PoweR IS suPplIEd. SraM cAn oPerATE WITh a hIghEr SpEED aNd LoweR poWer cONSUmPTIoN. Thus, srAM can Be utILizeD foR cOmpUTeR cAChe meMOrIEs, eMBeddED MemORieS oR nETwOrkiNG eQuiPmENT mEMoRiEs.
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Memory devices are widely used in many applications.Memory devices include, astaticrandom access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and so on. In general, DRAM can provide a higher degree of integration. However, DRAM requires constant refreshing. As a result, theuse of DRAM islimitedforcomputer main memories by itspower consumptionand slow refresh speed. On theother hand, SRAM canmaintain its logic state aslong as an adequate power is supplied. SRAM can operate with a higher speedand lower power consumption. Thus, SRAM canbe utilized for computer cache memories, embedded memories or networking equipment memories.
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Memory devices _are_ widely used in many _applications._ Memory devices _include,_ _a_ static random access memory _(SRAM),_ a dynamic random access memory _(DRAM),_ _and_ _so_ on. _In_ _general,_ DRAM can provide a higher degree of integration. However, DRAM requires constant _refreshing._ _As_ _a_ result, the use of _DRAM_ is limited _for_ computer main _memories_ _by_ _its_ power consumption and slow refresh speed. _On_ the other hand, SRAM can maintain its logic _state_ as long as _an_ adequate _power_ is supplied. SRAM _can_ operate with a _higher_ speed and lower _power_ _consumption._ Thus, SRAM can _be_ utilized for _computer_ cache memories, embedded memories or networking equipment memories.
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a liquid crystal display device making use of the change of orientation of liquid crystal molecules which are aligned to a proper direction in advance by applying or changing the intensity of an electric field, a magnetic field, heat or the like, and more particularly to an alignment film of the display device.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
The liquid crystal display device is basically comprised of two glass substrates disposed in parallel with each other at a given distance, transparent electroconductive film strips being selectively disposed on the opposing surfaces of these two substrates, an alignment film for aligning liquid crystal molecules in a definite direction which completely covers each of said substrate surfaces and the electroconductive strips placed thereon, and a liquid crystal filling the space between the alignment films, the side faces of the device being tightly sealed lest any leakage of the liquid crystal should occur. At times it is further provided with a polarization plate on the outer surface of one of the substrates.
(A) Dynamic scattering type, (B) electric field induced birefrengence effect type, (C) guest-host effect type, (D) phase transition guest-host effect type, etc. are the well-known types of display system employing a device basically of the above-described structure, and (D) type system is the most practical one.
If the above-mentioned (D) type system is employed, (i) coloured display as well as black-and-white display can be made and (ii) the production cost can be reduced by the simplification of element structure. For this reason it is very likely that these systems will eventually replace the hitherto widely used twist-nematic electric field effect type display system employing horizontally aligned films. And in the use of system with vertical alignment of liquid crystal molecules, improved display characteristics can be achieved.
The following alignment films (a)-(e) have hitherto been used as films for aligning liquid crystal molecules vertically:
(a) Vapour-deposited films of rare earth metal oxides, etc.
(b) Films of silicon-containing metal oxides, etc.
(c) Film consisting of a surface active agent containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group.
(d) Film of a complex compound of a carboxylic acid containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group.
(e) Film of a silane compound containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group.
The above alignment films, however, have the following disadvantages.
(i) Both alignment films (a) and (b) show different aligning ability, depending upon the kinds of liquid crystals, and no alignment is obtained at all, when some kinds of liquid crystal are used. Besides, their film surface is active so that they are likely to be contaminated with an organic compound gas, when a cell is assembled. In the case of the guesthost type display device, the film selectively adsorbs a dichroic dye added to the liquid crystal, resulting in poor alignment.
Moreover, a liquid display device will be expensive, because of use of an expensive vapor deposition apparatus and of many working steps involved.
(ii) Films (c) and (d) tend to lose their molecule aligning properties because of their poor heat-resisting property when they are heated during cell assembly. It is difficult to obtain a thick coat from these materials, and besides the coat is liable to include electroconductive substances therein and is easily released from the substrate. Thus, the life is poor.
(iii) Film (e) has a problem in coating, and a smooth film cannot be obtained. Thus, the alignment is poor. Furthermore, it is difficult to obtain a thick film and the life is poor.
Moreover, the pattern of the transparent electroconductive strips formed on the substrates appear too clearly as if embossed, because the film (e) has a refractive index of less then 1.6.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a liquid crystal display device making use of the change of orientation of liquid crystal molecules which are aligned to a proper direction in advance by applying or changing the intensity of an electric field, a magnetic field, heat or the like, and more particularly to an alignment film of the display device. 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art The liquid crystal display device is basically comprised of two glass substrates disposed in parallel with each other at a given distance, transparent electroconductive film strips being selectively disposed on the opposing surfaces of these two substrates, an alignment film for aligning liquid crystal molecules in a definite direction which completely covers each of said substrate surfaces and the electroconductive strips placed thereon, and a liquid crystal filling the space between the alignment films, the side faces of the twist being tightly sealed lest any leakage of the liquid crystal should occur. At times it is further provided with a polarization plate on the outer surface of one of the substrates. (A) Dynamic scattering type, (B) electric field induced birefrengence effect type, (C) guest-host effect type, (D) phase transition guest-host effect type, etc. are the well-known types of display system employing a device basically of the above-described structure, and (D) type system is the most practical one. If the above-mentioned (D) type system is employed, (i) coloured display as well as black-and-white display can be made and (ii) the production cost can be reduced by the simplification of element structure. For this reason it is very likely that these systems will eventually replace the hitherto widely used twist-nematic electric field effect type display system employing horizontally aligned films. And in the use of system with vertical alignment of liquid crystal molecules, improved display characteristics can be achieved. The following alignment films (a)-(e) have hitherto been used as films for aligning liquid crystal molecules vertically: (a) Vapour-deposited films of rare earth metal oxides, etc. (b) Films of silicon-containing metal oxides, etc. (c) Film consisting of a surface active agent containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. (d) Film of a complex compound of a carboxylic acid containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. (e) Film of a silane compound containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. The above alignment films, however, have the following disadvantages. (i) Both alignment films (a) and (b) show different aligning ability, depending upon the kinds of liquid crystals, and no alignment is obtained at all, when some kinds of liquid crystal are used. Besides, their film surface is active so that they are likely to be contaminated with an organic compound gas, when a cell is assembled. In the case of the guesthost type display device, the film selectively adsorbs a dichroic dye added to the liquid crystal, resulting in poor alignment. Moreover, a liquid display device will be expensive, because of use of an expensive vapor deposition apparatus and of many working steps involved. (ii) Films (c) and (d) tend to lose their molecule aligning properties because of their poor heat-resisting property when they are heated during cell assembly. It is difficult to obtain a thick coat from these materials, and besides the coat is liable to include electroconductive substances therein and is easily released from the substrate. Thus, the life is poor. (iii) Film (e) has a problem in coating, and a smooth film cannot be obtained. Thus, the alignment is poor. Furthermore, it is difficult to obtain a thick film and the life is poor. Moreover, the pattern of the transparent electroconductive strips formed on the substrates appear too clearly as if embossed, because the film (e) has a refractive index of less then 1.6.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a liquid crystal display device making use of the change of orientation of liquid crystal molecules which are aligned to a proper direction in advance by applying or changing the intensity of an electric field, a magnetic field, heat or the like, and more particularly to an alignment film of the display device. 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art The lLquiC crystal display device is basically comprised of two glass substrates disposed in parallel with each other at a given distance, transparent electroconductive film strips being selectively disposed on the opposing surfaces of these two substrates, an alignment film for aligning liquid crystal molecules in a definite direction which completely covers each of said substrate surfaces and the electroconductive strips placed thereon, and a lkquiX crystal filling the space between the alignment films, the side faces of the device being tightly sealed lest any leakage of the liquid crystal should occur. At times it is further provided with a polarization plate on the outer surface of one of the substrates. (A) Dynamic scattering type, (B) electric field iMduceF birefrengence effect type, (C) guest - host effect type, (D) phase transition guest - host effect type, etc. are the well - known types of display system employing a deFixe basically of the above - described structure, and (D) tyl$ system is the most practical one. If the above - mentioned (D) type system is employed, (i) coloured display as well as black - and - white display can be made and (ii) the production cost can be reduced by the simplification of element structure. For this reason it is very likely that these syateme will eventually replace the hitherto widely used twist - nematic slectr7c field effect type display system employing horizontally aligned films. And in the use of system with vertical alignment of liquid crystal molecules, improved display characteristics can be achieved. The following alignment films (a) - (e) have hitherto been used as films for aligning liquid crystal molecules vertically: (a) Vapour - deposited films of rare earth metal oxides, etc. (b) Films of silicon - containing metal oxides, etc. (c) Film consisting of a surface active agent containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. (d) Film of a complex compound of a carboxylic acid containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. (e) Film of a silane compound containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. The above alignment films, however, have the following disadvantages. (i) Both alignment films (a) and (b) show different al8gninR ability, depending upon the kinds of liquid crystals, and no alignment is obtained at all, when some kinds of liquid crystal are used. Besides, their film surface is active so that they are likely to be contaKina6ed with an organic compound gas, when a cell is assembled. In the case of the guesthost type display device, the film selectively adsorbs a dichroic dye added to the liquid crystal, resulting in poor alignment. Moreover, a liquid display device will be expensive, because of use of an expensive vapor deposition apparatus and of many working steps involved. (ii) Films (c) and (d) tend to lose their molecule aligning properties because of their poor heat - resisting property when they are heated during ve;l assembly. It is difficult to obtain a thick coat from these materials, and besides the coat is liable to include electroconductive substances therein and is easily released from the substrate. Thus, the life is poor. (iii) Film (e) has a problem in coating, and a smooth film cannot be obtained. Thus, the alignment is poor. Furthermore, it is difficult to obtain a thick film and the life is poor. Moreover, the pattern of the transparent electroconductive strips formed on the substrates appear too clearly as if embossed, because the film (e) has a refractive index of less then 1. 6.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention to a liquid crystal display device making use of the change of orientation of liquid crystal molecules which are aligned to a proper direction in advance by applying or changing intensity of an electric field, a magnetic field, heat or the like, and more particularly alignment film of the device. 2. Brief of the Prior Art The liquid crystal display device is basically comprised of two glass substrates disposed in parallel with each other at a given transparent electroconductive film strips being selectively disposed on the opposing surfaces of these two an alignment film aligning liquid crystal molecules in a definite direction which covers each of said surfaces and the electroconductive strips placed thereon, and a liquid crystal filling the space between the alignment films, side of the device being tightly sealed lest any leakage of liquid crystal should At times it is further with a polarization plate on the outer surface of one of the substrates. (A) Dynamic scattering type, (B) electric field induced effect type, (C) guest-host effect type, (D) transition guest-host effect type, etc. are the well-known types of display system employing a device basically of the above-described structure, and (D) type system is the most one. If above-mentioned (D) type system is employed, coloured display as well as black-and-white display can be and (ii) production cost can be reduced by the simplification of element structure. For this reason it is very likely systems will eventually replace the hitherto used twist-nematic electric field effect type display system horizontally aligned films. in the use of system with vertical alignment of liquid crystal molecules, display characteristics can achieved. The following alignment films (a)-(e) have hitherto been used as for liquid crystal molecules vertically: (a) Vapour-deposited films of rare earth metal oxides, etc. of silicon-containing metal oxides, etc. (c) Film consisting of a surface active agent containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl group. (d) Film of a complex compound of a carboxylic containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. Film of a compound containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain The above alignment films, however, have the following disadvantages. (i) Both alignment films (a) and show different aligning ability, depending upon the kinds of crystals, and no alignment is obtained at all, when some kinds of liquid crystal are used. Besides, their film surface is active so that they are likely to be contaminated with organic compound gas, cell is assembled. In the case of the guesthost type display device, film adsorbs a dichroic dye added to the liquid crystal, resulting poor alignment. a liquid display device will be because of of an expensive vapor deposition apparatus and of many working steps involved. (ii) Films (c) and (d) to lose their aligning properties because of their poor heat-resisting property when are heated during assembly. It difficult to obtain a thick coat from these materials, and besides the coat is liable include electroconductive substances therein and is easily released from the substrate. Thus, the life is poor. (iii) Film (e) has a problem coating, and a smooth film cannot be obtained. Thus, the alignment is poor. Furthermore, is to obtain a thick film and the is poor. Moreover, the pattern of the transparent electroconductive strips formed on the substrates appear too clearly as embossed, because the film (e) a refractive index of less then 1.6.
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1. FieLD Of The InVeNtiOn
thiS InventiON RElATEs to A liQUid cRYstAL DISPLAY DEvIcE maKINg UsE OF thE cHaNGE OF oRientATioN of LIqUID cRYstAL MOLecUleS wHiCH Are ALiGned tO a ProPeR dirEctioN in advANCE bY APpLYing Or chAngInG The inTenSItY OF aN ElecTRiC FIELD, A MAGNEtiC Field, heAt or the lIkE, aND mOrE pARtIcUlARlY TO aN aLignMeNt FiLm oF tHE DiSpLAy DevicE.
2. bRieF descRiPTIOn OF The PRIor aRT
The liQuid cRyStAl dIsPLay DEVIcE IS BASicaLLy ComPRIsed OF TWO GlASS sUBstrAtES diSPOSED iN pAraLLeL wITh EAcH OtheR at a giVEn disTANCe, tRANsPaReNt EleCTRocoNducTivE FILM strIpS beIng SElECtivELY DisPosed ON The OppOsinG suRfAcEs oF ThESE TwO sUBstrAtes, An AligNMeNT fiLm FoR aLiGNIng LiQUId CRYStaL MolECuLeS in A definiTe diRECtIon WHich cOmPLetElY coVErS eACh oF sAId suBStRATe sUrFAceS AND thE eLeCTroCoNDuctive stRIps PLAceD tHEReON, anD A LiquiD cRySTAl fiLliNG The spAce bETWeEn The AliGNmeNt fILMs, the sIDE FaCeS oF ThE dEvIcE Being tighTLy sEALed Lest ANY LeAkAGe OF THE LiQUid CRYsTAl sHOUld ocCuR. at TImES IT Is furTher pRoVIDEd wiTH a polArIzAtIoN PlaTe On the OutEr sUrFACe OF ONe oF tHE suBsTRAtEs.
(a) DynaMiC sCATTeriNg tYPe, (B) eLECTRic fieLD induCEd BiRefrEnGeNCE EfFecT tYPe, (c) gueSt-hoST eFfEcT Type, (D) phASe tRansiTIOn GUEST-Host eFFECT TyPe, eTC. ARE tHe welL-KnOWn tyPEs oF diSPlAY sYsTeM EmpLoyING A dEvicE BAsicalLY OF THe ABoVE-dEScrIBEd StRUCTurE, And (D) TypE sySTem IS The MOst prACtiCAl OnE.
IF The abovE-MEnTioNed (D) TYPE SYStEm is EmPlOYed, (i) coLoUreD DisPLAy as WELL AS blAcK-aNd-whitE dISPlAy cAn be MaDE aNd (II) the PrODUcTIon cosT can bE ReducEd by the SIMPliFIcAtION Of ELEMEnt stRucTURe. FOr This REasoN it iS vEry LIkEly THat ThesE SYsTemS wIlL EVEnTUAlLY REpLACE thE hiTHeRto WiDely uSed tWIST-nEMaTIC ELectRIC FiElD effeCT TYPE dISplay SysTeM EMPloyiNG HoRIzOnTALly aligneD fiLmS. anD In THE USE of SYstEM wiTh VErtIcAL ALiGNMENT OF Liquid CRyStAl mOleCuLEs, IMPrOvED DISpLaY chAractERiSTIcS can Be AChievEd.
tHE FoLLoWiNg aLignMent fILMS (a)-(e) HAvE hItHERtO BeEN UsED as filMs FoR ALIgNiNg lIqUId CRYsTAl MolECuLES VERTICAlLY:
(a) VaPoUr-DEpOsITed filmS oF raRe EArTH mEtaL oXideS, eTC.
(b) fIlmS Of silicon-COnTaINIng MeTal OxIdes, eTC.
(c) FiLm cOnsiStInG Of a SUrFaCe aCTiVe ageNt COntaiNINg a loNg Alkyl CHaiN OR FluoroALKyL CHAIn groUP.
(d) fIlm of A COMplEx coMpouNd of A cArBoXYliC aCiD cONtaINiNG a lONg AlKYL cHaIN or FLuoROaLKYL CHAin GRoup.
(e) film OF a silaNE coMPOuNd cONtaInIng a lONg alkYl chAin Or fLuoROALkYl CHain groUP.
THE AboVe aLIgnMenT fILms, hOwever, hAVE thE FoLlOwIng DiSADvanTAgeS.
(I) bOtH ALIgNMENt FilmS (a) And (B) sHOW difFerENt ALigNing abilITY, DependInG uPoN THE kiNDs oF LIqUid crYstaLs, AND nO alIgnMENT iS Obtained aT aLL, whEn SomE KiNdS oF LiQUID CryStAL ARE useD. beSIDES, tHeiR fIlM suRfAce Is ACTIVE so ThaT ThEY ARE likELY TO be coNTAMINAtEd wIth An ORgAnic comPOUNd GAS, wHEN A CELL IS AsseMBleD. IN the case of ThE GUeStHosT TYPE dISpLay DEvIce, The FiLm SElecTivELy adSoRbs a DichroIC Dye AddEd To The liqUid cryStaL, reSULtIng IN poOR AliGNMent.
MOREovER, a liQUiD diSPLAY DeVice wiLl bE eXPENsIVe, bECause of USe OF An EXPEnsive vapoR DEpositIon APPARAtUs AnD oF Many wOrkIng StEpS InvoLVed.
(ii) fIlMs (c) AND (D) TeNd tO lOse tHeiR mOLecULE aLignIng prOPertIes becaUsE Of tHeiR POoR HeaT-rESIStIng prOPertY WHeN TheY ARE hEATed duRINg cELL AssEmbly. it Is dIffICUlt tO obTaiN a tHIcK CoaT From tHEsE MaTErIals, AnD BEsIdES tHE Coat IS lIaBle to iNcLUdE eleCTrocOnductive substANcEs tHereIn aNd is eAsIlY reLEasEd FROM the SuBStrATE. THUs, tHe life iS POor.
(iiI) FILm (E) HaS A prObLEM In cOATInG, AND A smootH fILm CAnnOT BE obtAiNed. THus, thE AliGNmEnt is poOr. FUrthErMOrE, IT Is DIFficuLT tO oBtAIn a thiCk fIlm AND ThE Life IS poor.
mOreoveR, tHe pattern of THE traNSpAreNT ElectROCONdUCTIve sTriPs foRmed ON the sUBStRAtes appear TOo cleArLY as If EmBoSsEd, BecauSe tHe FiLm (e) HAS A rEFrACTIvE INDEx of less ThEn 1.6.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relatesto a liquid crystal display device making useof the change of orientation of liquid crystal molecules which are aligned to a proper direction inadvance by applying or changing the intensity of an electric field, a magnetic field, heat or the like, and more particularly to an alignment film of the display device. 2. Brief Description ofthe PriorArt The liquid crystal display device is basically comprised of two glass substrates disposed inparallel with each other at a given distance, transparent electroconductive film strips being selectively disposed ontheopposing surfaces of these two substrates, an alignment film for aligning liquid crystal molecules ina definite direction which completely covers each of said substrate surfaces and the electroconductivestrips placedthereon, and aliquid crystal filling the space between the alignmentfilms, the side faces ofthe device being tightly sealed lest any leakageof the liquid crystalshouldoccur. At times it is further provided with apolarization plate on the outer surface of one of the substrates. (A) Dynamic scattering type, (B) electric field induced birefrengence effect type, (C) guest-host effect type, (D)phase transition guest-host effect type, etc. are the well-known types of display system employing a device basically of the above-described structure, and(D) type systemis the most practical one. If the above-mentioned (D) type system is employed, (i)coloured display as well as black-and-whitedisplay can be made and (ii)the production cost can be reducedbythe simplification of element structure. For this reason it isvery likely that thesesystems will eventually replace thehitherto widely used twist-nematic electric field effect type displaysystem employing horizontally aligned films. And in the use of system with vertical alignment of liquid crystal molecules, improveddisplay characteristics can be achieved. The following alignment films (a)-(e) have hitherto beenused as films for aligningliquidcrystal molecules vertically:(a)Vapour-deposited films of rare earth metal oxides, etc. (b) Filmsof silicon-containing metal oxides, etc. (c) Film consisting of a surfaceactive agent containing a longalkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. (d) Film of a complexcompound of a carboxylic acid containinga long alkylchain or fluoroalkylchain group. (e) Film of a silane compound containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. The above alignment films, however,havethe following disadvantages.(i) Both alignment films (a) and (b) show different aligning ability, depending upon the kinds of liquid crystals, and no alignment is obtained at all, when some kinds of liquidcrystal areused. Besides, their film surface is activeso that they are likely to be contaminated with anorganiccompound gas, whenacell is assembled. In the case of the guesthost type display device, the film selectively adsorbsa dichroic dye added to the liquid crystal, resulting in poor alignment.Moreover, a liquid display device will be expensive, because of use of an expensive vapor deposition apparatus and of many working stepsinvolved. (ii) Films(c) and (d) tend tolose their molecule aligning properties because of their poor heat-resistingproperty when they are heated during cellassembly. Itis difficult to obtain a thick coat from these materials, and besidesthecoat is liable toinclude electroconductive substancestherein and is easily released fromthe substrate. Thus, the life is poor. (iii) Film (e) has a problem in coating, anda smooth film cannot be obtained. Thus, the alignment is poor. Furthermore,it is difficult to obtain a thickfilm and the life is poor. Moreover, thepattern of the transparent electroconductive stripsformed on the substratesappear too clearly as if embossed, because the film (e) hasa refractive index of lessthen 1.6.
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1. Field of the Invention _This_ invention relates to a _liquid_ _crystal_ display device making use of the _change_ of orientation _of_ _liquid_ crystal molecules which are _aligned_ _to_ a proper _direction_ in advance by applying or changing the intensity of an electric field, _a_ magnetic field, heat _or_ the like, _and_ more particularly _to_ _an_ _alignment_ film of the display device. _2._ Brief _Description_ _of_ the Prior _Art_ The liquid _crystal_ display _device_ is basically _comprised_ _of_ two glass _substrates_ _disposed_ in parallel with each other at _a_ given distance, transparent electroconductive film strips being selectively disposed _on_ the opposing surfaces of these _two_ substrates, an alignment film for aligning _liquid_ crystal _molecules_ _in_ a _definite_ direction _which_ completely covers each of said _substrate_ surfaces and _the_ _electroconductive_ strips placed thereon, and a liquid crystal filling _the_ space between the alignment _films,_ _the_ side faces of the device being _tightly_ sealed lest any leakage of the _liquid_ crystal _should_ occur. At times it is further provided with a polarization plate on the outer surface of one of the _substrates._ (A) Dynamic scattering type, _(B)_ electric field induced birefrengence effect type, (C) guest-host effect type, (D) phase transition _guest-host_ effect type, etc. _are_ the well-known types _of_ display _system_ _employing_ a device basically _of_ the above-described structure, and (D) type system is the most _practical_ one. If _the_ above-mentioned (D) type system is _employed,_ (i) coloured display as well as black-and-white display can _be_ made and _(ii)_ the production _cost_ can _be_ _reduced_ by the simplification _of_ element structure. For this reason it is very likely that these systems will eventually replace the _hitherto_ widely used _twist-nematic_ electric field effect type display system employing horizontally _aligned_ films. And in _the_ use _of_ system with _vertical_ _alignment_ of liquid crystal _molecules,_ improved display characteristics can be achieved. The following alignment films (a)-(e) have hitherto been used as _films_ for aligning liquid crystal molecules vertically: (a) Vapour-deposited films of rare earth _metal_ oxides, etc. (b) Films of silicon-containing metal oxides, etc. (c) Film consisting of a surface _active_ _agent_ containing a long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. (d) _Film_ of a complex _compound_ of a carboxylic acid containing _a_ _long_ alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. (e) _Film_ of a silane compound containing _a_ long alkyl chain or fluoroalkyl chain group. The above _alignment_ films, _however,_ have the _following_ disadvantages. (i) Both _alignment_ films (a) and _(b)_ show _different_ aligning _ability,_ depending _upon_ the _kinds_ of liquid crystals, and no alignment _is_ obtained at all, when some _kinds_ of liquid crystal _are_ _used._ _Besides,_ _their_ film surface _is_ active so that they are _likely_ _to_ be contaminated with an organic compound gas, when a cell is assembled. In the case _of_ the guesthost type display device, _the_ film _selectively_ adsorbs a _dichroic_ dye added to the liquid crystal, _resulting_ in poor alignment. Moreover, _a_ liquid display device will be _expensive,_ _because_ of use of an _expensive_ vapor deposition _apparatus_ _and_ of many working steps involved. _(ii)_ Films (c) _and_ (d) tend _to_ lose their molecule aligning properties _because_ of _their_ poor heat-resisting property when _they_ _are_ heated during cell _assembly._ _It_ is _difficult_ _to_ obtain a thick coat _from_ these materials, and _besides_ the coat _is_ liable to include electroconductive _substances_ therein _and_ is easily released from the substrate. Thus, the life _is_ poor. (iii) Film _(e)_ has _a_ problem in coating, and a smooth film _cannot_ _be_ obtained. Thus, the alignment _is_ poor. Furthermore, it _is_ difficult _to_ obtain a thick film and the life is poor. Moreover, _the_ pattern of the _transparent_ electroconductive strips formed _on_ the substrates appear too clearly as _if_ embossed, because the film (e) has a refractive index of less then _1.6._
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The invention relates to a chuck for tools such as drills and milling cutters, adapted to be manually operated to firmly clamp the tool in the chuck and to be removably mounted together with the tool on a driving shaft of a precision drilling or milling machine.
Swiss-Patent No. 288 808 shows a chuck having a one-piece elongate hollow housing and an adjusting insert disposed within the housing and in threaded engagement therewith. A key can be inserted from the rearward side into a polygonal pocket hole formed in the insert to rotate the insert and at the same time move it axially to open or close the mouth between a plurality of jaws arranged in the housing. Disadvantages of this prior art exist in that the overall length is great, the structure is complicated and therefore not easy to manufacture, the jaws rotate when the chuck is opened or closed and the chuck is not adapted for right and left rotation because it can loosen by itself.
Chucks of other types are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,479,973 and 3,861,693 but they are not adapted to clamp a tool before inserting the chuck-tool-unit into a drilling machine.
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The invention relates to a chuck for tools such as drills and milling cutters, adapted to be manually operated to firmly clamp the tool in the chuck and to be removably mounted together with the tool on a driving shaft of a precision drilling or milling machine. Swiss-Patent No. 288 808 shows a chuck having a one-piece elongate hollow housing and an adjusting insert disposed within the housing and in threaded engagement therewith. A key can be inserted from the rearward side into a polygonal pocket hole mounted in the insert to rotate the insert and at the same effect move it axially to open or close the mouth between a plurality of jaws arranged in the housing. Disadvantages of this prior art exist in that the vertical length is great, the structure is complicated and therefore not easy to manufacture, the jaws rotate when the chuck is opened or closed and the chuck is not adapted for right and left rotation because it can loosen by itself. Chucks of other types are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,479,973 and 3,861,693 but they are not adapted to clamp a tool before inserting the chuck-tool-unit into a drilling machine.
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The invention relates to a chuck for tools such as drills and milling cu5tSrs, ada0t#d to be manually operated to firmly clamp the tool in the chuck and to be removably mouJtef together 1&th the tool on a driving sTafY of a precision drilling or milling machine. Swiss - Patent No. 288 808 shows a chuck having a one - piece elongate hollow housing and an adjusting insert disposed within the YouCing and in threaded engagement therewith. A key can be inserted from the rearward side into a polygonal pocket hole formed in the insert to rotate the insert and at the same time move it axially to open or close the mouth between a plurality of jaws arranged in the housing. Disadvantages of this prior art exist in that the overall length is ggSat, the structure is complicated and therefore not easy to manufacture, the jaws rotate when the chuck is opened or closed and the chuck is not adapted for right and left rotation because it can l(owen by itself. Chucks of other types are known from U. S. Pat. Nos. 2, 479, 973 and 3, 861, 693 but they are not adapted to clamp a r)ol before imse#ting the chuck - tool - unit into a drilling machine.
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The invention relates to a chuck for tools such as drills and milling cutters, adapted to be manually operated to firmly clamp tool in the chuck and to removably mounted together with the tool on a driving shaft of a precision drilling or milling machine. No. 288 808 shows a chuck having a one-piece hollow housing an adjusting insert disposed within the housing and threaded engagement therewith. A key can inserted from the rearward a polygonal pocket hole formed in the insert to rotate the insert and at the same time move it axially to open or close mouth a plurality of jaws arranged in the housing. Disadvantages of this prior exist in that the overall length is great, the structure is complicated and therefore not easy to manufacture, the rotate when the chuck is opened or closed the chuck is not for right and left rotation because it can loosen by Chucks of other types are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,479,973 and 3,861,693 but they are not adapted to clamp a tool before inserting chuck-tool-unit a drilling
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ThE InVENtion ReLAteS tO A ChucK FOr TOoLs SucH aS dRILLs ANd MIlLING CuTteRS, AdaPTEd tO bE MaNuaLLy oPERaTEd to FIRMLY cLAmP the tOOl In The ChuCK aNd To BE reMOVAblY mOUNTeD togethEr wIth tHe ToOL on A dRIVinG ShAFT oF a pRecisioN dRilLInG oR MIllINg MaChinE.
SWisS-pATEnt no. 288 808 sHOWs a ChuCk haVing a ONE-PiEcE ELOngAtE HoLLOw housiNG AND an AdJuSTiNg Insert diSPOsed Within The hoUSinG aND in ThreAdeD EngAGeMEnT TheREwitH. A Key can BE iNseRTEd frOm tHE rearwArd sIdE InTO A PolYgoNal POcket HolE forMeD in The insERT tO RotaTe thE INSERT And At The SaMe tIME mOve IT aXiaLlY TO OPen Or clOsE ThE mOutH bEtweeN a PlurALITY oF JawS arRAngeD IN tHE hOusinG. DiSADVANTAGeS Of tHis priOr aRt EXISt in thaT thE oVeraLl LeNGTH iS GreaT, THe StructuRE iS cOMPlIcaTEd anD ThEReForE NoT EAsy to mAnUfACTuRe, The Jaws rOTaTE wHEn THE Chuck iS OPeneD Or CLosED and the cHucK IS nOT ADapTED For Right ANd LEfT RotatIOn beCaUSe IT cAn LoOSEn bY itsElf.
CHUCkS OF oThER typEs Are KnOwN FRom u.s. pAt. noS. 2,479,973 anD 3,861,693 But They arE NoT aDApteD tO clAMp A TOol bEFOre iNSeRtIng ThE CHUCK-toOl-UnIT InTO A dRiLLing MAcHinE.
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The invention relates to a chuck for tools such asdrills and millingcutters, adapted to be manuallyoperated tofirmly clamp the tool in the chuck and to be removably mounted together with the toolona driving shaft of aprecision drilling or millingmachine. Swiss-Patent No. 288 808 showsa chuck having a one-piece elongate hollow housing and an adjusting insertdisposed within the housing and in threaded engagementtherewith. A key can beinserted from the rearwardside into a polygonal pocket hole formed in the insert to rotate the insert and at the same time move it axiallytoopen or close the mouth betweena plurality of jaws arranged inthe housing.Disadvantages of this prior art exist in thatthe overall length is great,the structure is complicated and therefore not easy to manufacture, thejaws rotate when the chuck isopened orclosed and the chuck is not adapted for right and left rotation because it can loosenby itself. Chucks of othertypes are known fromU.S. Pat. Nos. 2,479,973 and 3,861,693 but theyare not adapted to clamp atoolbefore inserting the chuck-tool-unit into a drilling machine.
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The invention relates to a chuck _for_ tools such as drills and milling cutters, adapted to _be_ manually _operated_ to _firmly_ clamp the tool in the chuck and to be _removably_ _mounted_ together with the tool _on_ a _driving_ shaft _of_ a _precision_ drilling or milling machine. Swiss-Patent _No._ _288_ 808 shows a chuck having a one-piece _elongate_ _hollow_ housing and an adjusting insert disposed within the _housing_ and in threaded engagement therewith. _A_ key can be inserted from the rearward side into _a_ _polygonal_ _pocket_ _hole_ formed in the insert to rotate the _insert_ and at the _same_ time move it axially to open _or_ close the mouth between a plurality of jaws arranged in the housing. Disadvantages of this prior _art_ exist in that the _overall_ length is great, _the_ _structure_ is complicated _and_ therefore not easy to manufacture, the jaws rotate when the _chuck_ is _opened_ or _closed_ and the _chuck_ _is_ _not_ adapted for right and left rotation _because_ _it_ can loosen by _itself._ Chucks of other _types_ _are_ known from _U.S._ Pat. _Nos._ 2,479,973 and 3,861,693 but they are _not_ adapted _to_ clamp a tool before inserting the chuck-tool-unit _into_ a drilling machine.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exposure method used in the semiconductor process, more particularly to an exposure method which can correct the variation of the after-etch-inspection critical dimension (AEICD).
2. Description of the Prior Art
Lithography process is an important step in the transfer of the circuit pattern onto the substrate. After the photoresist is exposed to a patterned light beam and developed and after the substrate is etched, the substrate not covered by the photoresist is removed. In this way, the pattern can be transferred onto the substrate.
However, during the etching process, including wet etching and dry etching, due to the loading effect, the etching rate of the die region near the periphery of the wafer is different from the etching rate of the die region near the center of the wafer. Therefore, the after-etch-inspection critical dimension (AEICD) will vary in the die region located in different positions of the wafer. Accordingly, in the semi-conductor field, one of the challenges is to improve the AEICD uniformity.
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1. Field of the Invention The present form relates to an exposure method used in the semiconductor process, more particularly to an application method which can correct the variation of the after-etch-inspection critical dimension (AEICD). 2. Description of the Prior Art Lithography process is an important step in the transfer of the circuit pattern onto the substrate. After the photoresist is exposed to a patterned light beam and developed and after the substrate is etched, the substrate not covered by the photoresist is removed. In this way, the pattern can be transferred onto the substrate. However, during the etching process, including wet etching and dry etching, due to the loading effect, the etching rate of the die region near the periphery of the wafer is identical from the etching rate of the die region near the center of the wafer. Therefore, the after-etch-inspection critical dimension (AEICD) will vary in the die region located in different positions of the wafer. Accordingly, in the semi-conductor field, one of the challenges is to improve the AEICD uniformity.
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1. gieOd of the Invention The present invention relates to an exposure method used in the semiconductor Lroceas, more particularly to an exposure method which can correct the variation of the Aeter - etch - inspection critical dimension (AEICD ). 2. Description of the Prior Art Lithography process is an important step in the transfer of the circuit pattern 8jto the substrate. After the photoresist is exposed to a patterned light beam and developed and after the substrate is etched, the substrate not covered by the photoresist is 3emoves. In this way, the pattern can be transferred onto the substrate. However, during the etching process, including wet etching and dry etching, due to the loading effect, the etching rate of the die region Bea# the orriphery of the wafer is different from the etching rate of the die regUoM nwa# the ceMtfr of the wafer. Therefore, the after - etch - inspection critical dimension (AEICD) will vary in the die region located in different positions of the wafer. Accordingly, in the semi - conductor field, one of the challenges is to improve the AEICD uniformity.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an exposure method used in the semiconductor process, more particularly to an exposure method which can correct the variation of the after-etch-inspection critical dimension 2. of the Prior Lithography process is an important step in the of the circuit pattern onto the substrate. After is exposed to a patterned light beam and developed and after the substrate is the not covered by the photoresist is removed. In this way, the can transferred onto the substrate. However, the etching process, including wet and dry etching, due to the loading effect, the rate of the die region near the periphery of wafer is different from etching rate of the die region near the center of the wafer. the after-etch-inspection critical dimension (AEICD) vary in the die region located in different positions of the wafer. Accordingly, in the semi-conductor field, one of the challenges is to improve the AEICD uniformity.
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1. FiEld oF the INVentIOn
thE prEsent iNVENtion RElATES To An exPosuRE MeTHoD USEd In ThE seMICondUcTOR PrOcess, MoRe parTiCularly tO AN ExPosurE Method WhIcH can corrEcT tHe VARiAtiOn Of tHe AFtER-Etch-inSpEctioN CRITICAl dImENSIOn (AEICd).
2. DeSCriptIon of tHE PRiOr ART
LIThOgrAPHy pROCEss is an iMPortAnT STep iN tHE TrANsFer of thE CIRCUit patTern oNtO THE SUBSTRatE. aftER tHe pHoToRESiST Is EXposeD tO a pATTERnEd lIGHT Beam And DevEloPEd ANd AfTeR The SUbstraTE iS ETCHEd, thE sUBsTRaTE nOT COvERed by The phOtorESIsT Is REMoVed. iN THIS wAY, thE PaTtERN CAn Be tRANSFERREd ontO thE SuBStRATe.
hoWevEr, dUrING THe ETCHIng PrOcess, inCLudiNg WET eTChIng ANd dRy eTchiNG, due TO tHE lOAding eFfECt, THe eTChinG RAtE oF THe dIe rEGIon nEar THe PERiPhErY OF the WAFEr is DIfFErENT frOM tHe ETChInG Rate Of THe DiE reGioN NeAR THe CeNTer oF THe wAFer. THerefOrE, THE afTer-eTCh-InSpEctiOn cRITICal dImeNsiOn (AEICD) Will vARy In tHE Die reGiOn LoCated in DiFferEnT POSitionS of the Wafer. aCCOrDinGly, IN The Semi-CoNdUctOR FielD, ONe of THe cHaLLenGeS Is to IMpRovE ThE AEiCD uNIFORMitY.
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1.Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an exposure method used in the semiconductor process, moreparticularly to an exposure method which can correct the variation of theafter-etch-inspection criticaldimension (AEICD). 2. Description of the Prior Art Lithography process is an important step in the transfer of the circuitpattern onto the substrate. After the photoresist is exposed to a patterned light beam and developed and after the substrate is etched, the substrate not covered by thephotoresist is removed.In this way, the pattern can be transferred onto the substrate. However, during the etching process, includingwet etching and dry etching, due to the loading effect, the etching rateof the die region near the peripheryof the waferis different from the etching rate of the die region nearthe center of the wafer. Therefore,theafter-etch-inspection critical dimension(AEICD) will varyin the die region located in differentpositions of the wafer. Accordingly, inthesemi-conductor field, oneof the challenges is to improve the AEICD uniformity.
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1. _Field_ of the _Invention_ The present _invention_ _relates_ _to_ an exposure method _used_ _in_ the semiconductor _process,_ more particularly to an exposure _method_ which can _correct_ the variation of the after-etch-inspection critical dimension (AEICD). 2. Description _of_ _the_ Prior Art Lithography process _is_ an important _step_ in _the_ _transfer_ of the _circuit_ pattern _onto_ the substrate. After the photoresist is exposed to a patterned light beam and developed and after the substrate is etched, the substrate not covered by the photoresist is removed. In _this_ way, the pattern _can_ be transferred onto the substrate. However, during the _etching_ process, _including_ wet etching and dry _etching,_ due to the loading effect, the etching rate of the die region near the periphery of the wafer is different from _the_ etching rate _of_ the die region near the center of _the_ wafer. Therefore, the after-etch-inspection critical dimension _(AEICD)_ will vary _in_ the _die_ region located in different _positions_ of the _wafer._ Accordingly, in the semi-conductor field, one of the _challenges_ _is_ to improve _the_ AEICD _uniformity._
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1. Field
This disclosure relates generally to integrated circuits, and more specifically, to a comparator for synchronous rectification.
2. Related Art
In many circuit applications, DC to DC converters are used to convert an input DC voltage to an output DC voltage. A buck converter is a converter in which the output DC voltage is lower than the input DC voltage, and a boost converter is a converter in which the output DC voltage is greater than the input DC voltage. Buck and booster converters provide the output voltage by controlling current in an inductor controlled by two switches (typically a transistor and a diode). In the case of a buck or boost converter implementing synchronous rectification, diode is replaced by a second switch (typically, a second transistor). The use of a second switch rather than a diode allows for more efficient operation by avoiding the losses from the voltage drop across the diode.
In applications with highly variable loads, it is desirable to prevent reverse current in the inductor. Negative inductor current significantly reduces the efficiency of the converter. Therefore, a need exists for circuitry capable of sensing when the inductor current of a buck or boost converter reaches zero.
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1. Field This disclosure relates generally to integrated circuits, and more specifically, to a comparator for synchronous rectification. 2. Related Art In many circuit applications, DC to DC converters are used to convert an input DC voltage to an output DC voltage. A buck converter is a converter in which the output DC voltage is lower than the input DC voltage, and a boost converter is a converter in which the output DC voltage is greater than the input DC voltage. Buck and booster converters provide the output voltage by controlling current in an inductor controlled by two switches (typically a transistor and a diode). In the case of a buck or boost converter implementing synchronous rectification, diode is replaced by a second control (typically, a second transistor). The use of a second switch rather than a diode allows for more efficient operation by avoiding the pressure from the voltage drop across the diode. In applications with highly variable loads, it is desirable to prevent reverse current in the inductor. Negative inductor current significantly reduces the efficiency of the converter. Therefore, a need exists for circuitry capable of sensing when the inductor coefficient of a buck or boost converter reaches zero.
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1. Field This disclosure relates generally to integrated cirFuirs, and more specifically, to a comparator for synchronous rectification. 2. Related Art In janT circuit applications, DC to DC converters are *sWd to convert an input DC voltage to an output DC voltage. A buck converter is a converter in which the output DC voltage is lower than the input DC voltage, and a boost converter is a converter in which the output DC voltage is greater than the input DC voltage. Buck and booster converters provide the output voltage by cintrplling current in an inductor controlled by two switches (typically a transistor and a diode ). In the case of a buck or boost converter implementing synchronous rectification, diode is replaced by a second switch (typically, a s$coMd Rrancistor ). The use of a second switch rather than a diIce allows for more efficient operation by avoiding the losses from the voltage drop across the diode. In applications with highly variable ooass, it is desirable to prevent rev#dse current in the inductor. Negative inductor current significantly reduces the efficiency of the donverGer. Therefore, a need exists for circuitry capable of sensing when the inductor current of a buck or boost converter reaches zero.
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1. Field This disclosure relates integrated circuits, and more specifically, a comparator for synchronous rectification. 2. Related Art In many circuit applications, DC to DC converters are used to an input DC to an output DC voltage. A buck converter a converter in which the output DC voltage is lower than the input DC voltage, and a converter is a converter in which the output voltage is greater than the input voltage. and booster converters provide the output voltage by controlling current in an inductor controlled by two (typically a transistor and a diode). In the case of a buck or boost converter implementing synchronous rectification, diode replaced by a second switch (typically, a second transistor). use of a second rather than diode allows for more efficient operation by avoiding the from the voltage drop across the diode. In applications with highly variable loads, is desirable to prevent reverse current in the inductor. Negative inductor current significantly reduces the efficiency of the converter. Therefore, a need exists circuitry capable of sensing when the inductor current of a or boost converter reaches
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1. Field
thIS DiSClOsUrE RelATes GeNEraLLy tO iNTegrATED CIrcuitS, AnD moRe sPeCifiCaLLy, to a cOMparAtOR For SYNChrOnoUS ReCtiFicATION.
2. RELATED art
IN MAnY cIRCuiT AppLICaTIOnS, DC To DC CONVerTErS ARe USED TO conVert aN iNput DC VOltAGe to aN Output Dc VOltAge. A BucK COnVeRteR Is a CONverteR iN WHich tHE ouTpUt dC vOlTaGe iS LOweR thAN tHe inPUT dc voltage, anD a bOOST COnverTer is A cONVERtEr in WhICH ThE OUTpUt Dc VolTagE is grEATER THAn tHe inPuT Dc VOlTagE. buCK anD bOosteR COnveRtErs PrOvIDE the oUtPUt VOlTAge bY contrOLLIng CuRRENt In An InDUCTOr coNtROlLEd by two SwItCHeS (TypicallY A TRanSiSTOR and A diode). In tHE cASE oF A buCk Or bOOST cOnVeRtER IMplEmeNTiNG syNChRonOuS rECTiFICAtIon, Diode is REPLaceD by a second swItCh (TYPICAlLy, a sEcond tRAnSiSToR). THe usE oF a SEcOND SwItcH rATHeR tHAN A dIoDE Allows foR More eFFIciEnT OPeraTIon bY aVOidInG THe lOSses fROm the VoLtagE dROP ACROsS tHe DIode.
In apPLicaTioNS wiTH hiGhLy vAriable loadS, It IS DEsiraBle tO pRevEnT rEVERse CurrenT in The INdUCtOr. nEgATIve InDuCtor currENT siGNifICantly RedUCeS The efficIeNcy Of the coNvErTeR. tHErefOrE, A NEED exISts foR CirCUitrY caPAbLe OF sEnsinG WheN The INducTOr CUrrent of A bUCK or BooSt conveRTER reaCHES ZeRo.
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1. Field This disclosure relates generally to integrated circuits, andmore specifically, to a comparator for synchronous rectification. 2. RelatedArt In many circuit applications, DC to DC converters are used to convertaninputDC voltage to an output DC voltage. Abuck converteris a converter in which the output DC voltageis lower than the input DCvoltage,and a boost converter isa converterin which the output DC voltage is greater than the input DC voltage. Buck and booster convertersprovide the output voltage by controlling current in an inductor controlled by two switches(typically a transistor and adiode). In the case of a buckor boost converter implementing synchronous rectification, diode is replacedby a second switch (typically, a second transistor). The use of a secondswitch rather thana diode allows for more efficient operation by avoiding thelosses from the voltage drop across the diode. In applicationswith highly variable loads,itis desirable to prevent reverse current in the inductor. Negative inductor current significantly reduces the efficiency ofthe converter. Therefore, a need exists for circuitry capable of sensing when the inductor current ofa buck or boost converter reaches zero.
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1. _Field_ This disclosure relates generally to integrated circuits, and more specifically, to a comparator for synchronous _rectification._ 2. Related Art In _many_ circuit _applications,_ DC to _DC_ converters _are_ used to convert an input DC voltage to an output DC voltage. A buck converter is a converter in which the output _DC_ voltage is lower _than_ the input DC voltage, and a boost converter is a _converter_ in which the output _DC_ voltage is greater than the input DC _voltage._ Buck _and_ booster converters provide the output voltage by controlling current in an inductor controlled by _two_ switches _(typically_ _a_ _transistor_ and _a_ diode). In the case of a _buck_ or boost converter implementing synchronous rectification, diode is replaced _by_ _a_ second switch (typically, _a_ _second_ _transistor)._ _The_ use of a _second_ switch rather than a diode allows _for_ more efficient operation by avoiding the losses from the voltage drop _across_ the diode. In applications with highly variable _loads,_ it _is_ desirable to prevent reverse current in the inductor. Negative inductor _current_ significantly reduces the efficiency of the _converter._ Therefore, a need exists for circuitry capable of sensing _when_ the inductor current of a buck or boost converter _reaches_ zero.
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The depletion of old growth forest has placed increasing demand within the forest industry for alternative wood products which make better use of old growth and stagnant growth timber and which also provide for greater use of second, third and later generation trees.
Several alternative wood products have emerged in an effort to address some of the needs in the industry. In this respect U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,409 discloses a composite wood product formed from four elongated triangular-shaped wood pieces. The four pieces are joined to form a composite wood product having a cross-sectional outline of a parallelogram and a hollow interior. An alternative embodiment is disclosed where each wood piece has a pair of machined keys to improve yield.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,400 there is disclosed a composite wood product formed from four log parts, each log part having a three sided cross-section forming either right angled sectors and a third curved face or a right triangle. The log parts are assembled into a composite wood product so that their right angles form the corners of a rectangle with a hollow interior which is filled with concrete or other structural enhancing material, Similar examples of this alternative wood structure appear in U.S. Reissue 35,327 and French Patent No. 962589. Other attempts to offer improved composite wood products can be found in French Patent No. 2512729 and German Patent No. 964637.
While the composite wood products disclosed in the above mentioned references provide some improvements to the known art, there remains a continuing need for composite wood products providing additional resistance to shearing forces and impact forces, assembled from converted wood parts having a larger bonding surface and having a higher load bearing capacity without the preemptive need for the structural reinforcing material indicated in the prior art. Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide alternative converted wood articles for use in making composite wood products to fulfill the above needs in the art.
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The depletion of old growth forest has placed increasing demand within the forest industry for alternative wood products which make better use of old growth and stagnant growth timber and which also provide for greater use of second, third and later generation trees. Several alternative wood products have emerged in an effort to address some of the needs in the industry. In this respect U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,409 discloses a composite wood product formed from four elongated triangular-shaped wood pieces. The compression pieces are joined to form a composite wood product having a cross-sectional outline of a hollow and a hollow interior. An alternative embodiment is disclosed where each wood piece has a pair of machined keys to improve yield. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,400 there is disclosed a composite wood product formed from four log parts, each log part having a three sided cross-section forming either right angled sectors and a third curved face or a right triangle. The log parts are assembled into a composite wood product so that their right angles form the face of a rectangle with a hollow interior which is filled with concrete or other structural enhancing material, Similar examples of this alternative wood structure appear in U.S. Reissue 35,327 and French Patent No. 962589. Other attempts to offer improved composite wood products can be found in French Patent No. 2512729 and German Patent No. 964637. While the composite wood products disclosed in the above mentioned references provide some improvements to the known art, there remains a continuing need for composite wood products providing additional resistance to shearing forces and impact forces, assembled from converted wood parts having a larger bonding surface and having a higher load bearing capacity without the preemptive need for the structural reinforcing material indicated in the prior art. Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide alternative converted wood articles for use in making composite wood products to fulfill the above needs in the art.
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The depletion of old growth forest has placed increasing demand within the forest industry for alternative wood products which make better use of old growth and stagnant growth timber and which also provide for greater use of second, third and later generation trees. Several alternative wood products have emerged in an effort to address some of the needs in the industry. In this respect U. S. Pat. No. 4, 394, 409 discloses a composite wood product formed from four elongated triangular - shaped wood pieces. The four pieces are joined to form a composite wood product Uavibg a cross - sectional outline of a 0arall#logram and a hollow interior. An alternative embodiment is disclosed where Facn wood piece has a pair of machined keys to improve yield. In U. S. Pat. No. 5, 299, 400 there is disclosed a comp8siFe wood product formed from four log parts, each log part having a three sided cross - section forming either right angled sectors and a third curvrR face or a right triangle. The log parts are assembled into a composite wood product so that their right angles form the corners of a rectangle with a hollow intwDior which is filled with concrete or other structural enhancing material, Similar examples of this alternative wood structure appear in U. S. Reissue 35, 327 and French Patent No. 962589. Other attempts to offer improved composite wood Orkducts can be found in French Patent No. 2512729 and German Patent No. 964637. While the composite wood products disclosed in the above mentioned references provide some improvements to the known art, there remains a continuing need for composite wood prowucYs providing additional resistance to shearing fo5ceA and impact forces, assembled from converted wood parts having a larger bonding surface and having a higher load bearing capacity without the 0reehptive need for the structural reinforcing material indicated in the prior art. Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide alternative converted wood articles for use in making composite wood products to fulfill the above needs in the art.
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The depletion of old growth forest has placed increasing demand within the forest for alternative wood products which make better use of old growth and stagnant growth timber and which also provide for greater of second, third and later generation trees. Several alternative wood have emerged in an effort to address some of the needs in the industry. In this respect U.S. No. 4,394,409 discloses a composite product formed from four triangular-shaped wood pieces. The four pieces are joined to form a composite a cross-sectional outline of a parallelogram and a hollow interior. An alternative embodiment is disclosed where each has a of machined keys improve yield. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,400 there is disclosed a composite wood product from four log parts, each log part having a three sided cross-section forming right angled sectors and a curved face a right triangle. The are assembled a composite wood product so that their right angles form the corners of a rectangle with a hollow interior which is filled with concrete or other structural enhancing material, Similar examples of this alternative wood structure appear in U.S. Reissue 35,327 and French Patent No. 962589. Other attempts to offer improved products can be found French Patent No. and German Patent No. 964637. While the composite wood products disclosed in the above mentioned references provide some improvements to the known art, there remains a continuing need for composite wood products additional resistance to shearing forces and impact forces, assembled from wood parts having a larger bonding surface having a higher load bearing capacity without the preemptive need for the structural reinforcing material indicated in the prior art. Accordingly, it is an of the invention to provide alternative converted wood articles for in composite wood products to fulfill above needs in the
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thE DEpletIoN Of old GRoWth FoREst haS pLACED INcrEaSiNg DeMAnd wiThiN tHE foreST INduStry FoR ALTERnAtiVE woOd PRoDUctS whiCH maKE bETteR uSe Of olD grOwTh and sTaGnANt groWtH tiMBeR aNd whicH also PROViDE fOR GreaTer use Of sEcoNd, thirD ANd latER gENeRaTiOn trEeS.
SeVEraL AlTernAtiVe wOOd ProDuCtS HavE EMErGED iN AN eFfOrt to adDRESs sOme OF tHE NEEdS iN the iNDusTrY. in tHIS REspect U.s. pAt. no. 4,394,409 DisCLoSEs A COMpOSITE woOD ProduCt foRmEd FrOM fOUR ELoNgaTeD trIaNGular-SHaPED WoOd PiECES. THE fOur pIEces aRe joInED To FORm A cOMpOSiTE WOoD ProDUCt hAving a CROss-SECtioNal OutlIne oF A PaRALleLOgRam aNd A hollOW INtERioR. An aLTERNaTIve EmbODImEnt is DIsclOSEd wHerE each wOoD PieCe hAS a pAIR OF machineD Keys TO IMprove yiELd.
IN U.S. pat. NO. 5,299,400 ThEre iS disCLoSed a coMpoSITE wood pRoDUCT FOrMed fRom fOuR lOg Parts, EAch LoG pArt hAVINg a thrEe SIDEd cROSS-SeCtioN forMiNg EiTHeR RigHt ANGlEd seCTORs ANd A Third CuRvED fAcE oR A RiGhT triAnGLE. tHE lOg parTs aRe asseMBLeD InTo A cOMpOsiTE WOod pROdUCt sO thAT tHEiR RiGHT ANGleS FORM tHE COrNERs OF a ReCtaNGlE WitH a HOllow iNTeRior whICH is fILlEd wItH cONCrETE oR OThER strUctUraL ENhaNCING maTERiAL, simILar EXamples Of thIS alternATIVE WOOD STruCtURe aPPear iN U.s. REiSSuE 35,327 aNd FreNcH pATEnt NO. 962589. oTHER aTTemPTs TO offER ImpROVeD COMpOSitE wOOd pRODUCTS CaN bE foUNd in FReNcH PAtENT no. 2512729 And GERMAn patent nO. 964637.
WhIle thE COMPOsITE WoOD PRODuCts disclOsED in THe AboVE meNtIOnED REferenceS pRovidE sOME iMPRoVemenTs tO ThE KNowN aRt, THEre rEmAiNS A CONtinuing nEeD fOR cOmPoSITe WOOd PRODucts pRoVidiNG AdditiONAl ReSistAnCe to shEArIng ForCes aNd ImPAcT foRceS, AsSEMbLEd fRoM conveRteD wOOD pArts hAVIng a LarGEr bONDIng sUrFaCe AND haVinG A HIGher LOaD bEariNg caPACity witHOuT thE prEEMptIVE nEed fOr thE struCTuRaL rEInFoRCInG MateRIaL InDIcAted iN ThE PrIOr arT. ACCORdInGly, It Is aN objECt Of THe InVenTiON to pROvIde AlTErNATIvE conVERtED woOD ARtiCLES FOR USE In MaKInG CoMpOsite WoOd pRoDuCTs to FUlfIll tHe abOvE NeEDs in the art.
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Thedepletion of old growth forest has placed increasing demand within the forest industry for alternative wood products which make better use of old growth and stagnant growth timber and which also provide for greater use of second, third and latergeneration trees.Several alternative wood products have emerged in an effort toaddress some of the needs in the industry.In this respect U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,409 discloses acomposite wood product formed from four elongated triangular-shaped wood pieces. The four pieces arejoined to form a composite woodproduct havingacross-sectional outline of a parallelogram anda hollow interior. An alternative embodimentis disclosed where each wood piece has a pair of machined keys to improve yield. In U.S.Pat.No. 5,299,400 thereis disclosed a composite wood product formedfrom four log parts, each log part having a three sided cross-section forming either right angled sectors and a third curved face or a right triangle. The log parts areassembled intoa composite wood product so thattheir rightangles form the corners of arectangle witha hollow interior which is filled with concrete or other structural enhancing material, Similar examples of this alternative wood structure appear in U.S. Reissue 35,327 andFrench Patent No. 962589. Other attempts to offer improved composite wood products can befound in FrenchPatent No. 2512729and German Patent No. 964637. Whilethecomposite wood products disclosed in the above mentioned references provide some improvements to the known art, thereremains a continuing need for composite woodproducts providing additional resistance toshearing forcesand impact forces, assembled from convertedwood parts havinga larger bondingsurface and having a higherload bearing capacity without thepreemptive need for the structural reinforcingmaterial indicated in theprior art. Accordingly, it is an objectof the inventionto provide alternative converted wood articles for use in making composite woodproducts tofulfillthe above needs in the art.
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The _depletion_ _of_ old growth forest has _placed_ increasing demand within the _forest_ industry for alternative wood products which make better use of old growth and stagnant growth timber and which also provide for _greater_ use of _second,_ third and _later_ generation trees. Several alternative wood _products_ have emerged in an effort _to_ _address_ some of the needs in the industry. _In_ _this_ respect _U.S._ Pat. No. 4,394,409 discloses a _composite_ _wood_ product formed from four elongated triangular-shaped wood pieces. The four pieces are _joined_ to form a composite _wood_ product having a _cross-sectional_ outline of a parallelogram and a _hollow_ interior. An _alternative_ embodiment is disclosed where each wood piece has a pair of machined keys to improve _yield._ In U.S. _Pat._ No. 5,299,400 _there_ is disclosed a _composite_ wood product formed from four log _parts,_ each log part having a three sided cross-section forming either right _angled_ sectors and _a_ third curved face or a right triangle. The log parts are assembled into a composite wood product so that _their_ _right_ angles form the _corners_ _of_ a rectangle with a hollow interior _which_ _is_ _filled_ with concrete or _other_ structural enhancing material, Similar _examples_ of this _alternative_ wood structure appear in U.S. Reissue 35,327 _and_ French Patent _No._ _962589._ Other attempts to offer improved _composite_ wood products can be found in French Patent No. 2512729 _and_ German Patent No. 964637. While _the_ composite wood _products_ disclosed in the _above_ _mentioned_ references _provide_ some improvements to the known art, there remains a continuing need for composite wood products providing additional resistance to shearing forces and impact forces, assembled from converted _wood_ parts having a _larger_ bonding surface and having a _higher_ load bearing capacity without _the_ preemptive need for the structural reinforcing material indicated in the prior _art._ Accordingly, it is an _object_ of the invention to provide alternative converted wood articles for use in making composite wood products to fulfill the above needs in the art.
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This invention relates generally to feeding systems for caged or confined animals such as poultry. More particularly, the invention concerns a feeding system in which feed is continuously agitated and intermixed during delivery and conveyance along a row of cages or other confinement structures, so as to encourage delivery of substantially equal amounts and kinds of feeds to each confined animal.
Large-scale poultry operations utilize sophisticated equipment for maintaining relatively large flocks of poultry in relatively large poultry houses. In egg producing or layer operations, the birds are normally confined in cages so that food and water can be delivered economically and in accurately rationed amounts, as well as at desired intervals of time. Moreover, these cages are generally constructed and arrayed so as to facilitate feeding, and, in layer operations, egg collection, by devices which travel generally linearly along linearly arrayed rows of cages. One particularly advantageous cage arrangement takes the form of linearly arranged cages stacked in a stepped-back pyramidal array, as shown for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,055.
When the birds are properly confined and fed, high flock performance levels can be achieved and maintained. For example, a maximum number of eggs can be contained from the laying hens while utilizing a minimum amount of food and water. Such considerations are important to the economic viability of a large-scale poultry operation.
The mechanized delivery of feed in such poultry operations is usually accomplished by a feed conveyor system having a series of feed delivery conduits and feed troughs extending past the face of each row of cages. Within these troughs and conduits are located feed conveyor or feed carrying elements, which may take various forms.
Some such systems use a helical, auger-like coil element of extended length as a driver element. As this helical or auger element is rotated, feed is moved along the associated conduits and troughs with an auger motion, but without axial displacement of the coil element or auger. Such devices are shown for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,918,405 and 3,893,423. Other forms of feed conveying devices have also been utilized in the prior art. In a variation on the above arrangement, a similar helical coil is driven axially, but without rotation through a series of conduits and/or feed troughs, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,894 to Swartzendruber. Advantageously, this arrangement permits the relatively flexible coil or helical element to be readily driven around .[.corner.]. .Iadd.corners.Iaddend., bends or the like so that a continuous or endless such element may be in effect looped around a path to deliver feed to oppositely facing or back-to-back rows of cages.
As indicated above, feed rations which are accurate and uniform both in quantity and quality are to be repeatedly delivered to each poultry-containing cage. That is, it is desirable that each bird receive a certain amount of each constituent in the feed mix, and that the amounts of each constituent are not varied excessively throughout the delivered rations. However, since the varying feed constituents have different sizes and masses, the heavier or more dense feed constituents will tend to fall to the bottom of the conveyor or trough as the feed is advanced. Likewise, the birds will tend to pick off the upper layers of feed from the trough, such that the lighter constituents may tend to be picked over by the birds at or near the upstream or delivery end of the conveyor system prior to reaching birds downstream.
Accordingly, two additional factors are also desirable in a delivery system. Firstly, the birds should be prevented from picking over the feed until the feed has been delivered throughout the row or rows of cages serviced by a given endless conveyor or conveyor loop. Secondly, the feed should continue to be agitated during delivery to maintain a relatively uniform mix of feed delivered to each cage, and prevent heavier or more dense constituents from falling into the bottom of the trough or conveyor.
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This invention relates generally to feeding systems for caged or confined animals such as poultry. More particularly, the invention concerns a feeding system in which feed is continuously agitated and intermixed during delivery and conveyance along a row of cages or other confinement structures, so as to encourage delivery of substantially equal amounts and kinds of feeds to each confined animal. Large-scale poultry operations utilize sophisticated equipment for maintaining relatively large flocks of poultry in relatively large poultry houses. In egg producing or layer operations, the birds are normally confined in cages so that food and water can be delivered economically and in accurately rationed amounts, as well as at desired intervals of time. Moreover, these cages are generally constructed and arrayed so as to facilitate feeding, and, in layer operations, egg collection, by devices which travel generally linearly along linearly arrayed rows of cages. One particularly advantageous cage arrangement takes the form of linearly arranged cages stacked in a stepped-back pyramidal array, as shown for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,055. When the birds are properly confined and fed, high flock performance levels can be achieved and maintained. For example, a maximum number of eggs can be contained from the laying hens while utilizing a minimum amount of food and water. Such considerations are important to the economic viability of a large-scale poultry operation. The mechanized delivery of feed in such poultry operations is usually accomplished by a feed conveyor system having a series of feed delivery conduits and feed troughs extending past the face of each row of cages. Within these troughs and conduits are located feed conveyor or feed carrying elements, which may take various forms. Some such systems use a helical, auger-like coil element of extended length as a driver element. As this helical or auger element is rotated, feed is moved along the associated conduits and troughs with an auger motion, but without axial displacement of the coil element or auger. Such devices are shown for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,918,405 and 3,893,423. Other forms of feed conveying devices have also been utilized in the prior art. In a variation on the above arrangement, a similar helical coil is driven axially, but without rotation through a series of conduits and/or feed troughs, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,894 to Swartzendruber. Advantageously, this arrangement permits the relatively flexible coil or helical element to be readily driven around .[.corner.]. .Iadd.corners.Iaddend., bends or the like so that a continuous or endless such element may be in effect looped around a path to deliver feed to oppositely facing or back-to-back rows of cages. As indicated above, feed rations which are accurate and uniform both in quantity and quality are to be repeatedly delivered to each poultry-containing cage. That is, it is desirable that each bird get a certain amount of each constituent in the feed mix, and that the amounts of each constituent are not varied excessively throughout the delivered rations. However, since the varying feed constituents have different sizes and masses, the heavier or more dense feed constituents will tend to fall to the bottom of the conveyor or trough as the feed is advanced. Likewise, the birds will tend to pick off the upper layers of feed from the trough, such that the lighter constituents may tend to be picked over by the birds at or near the upstream or delivery end of the conveyor system prior to reaching birds downstream. Accordingly, two additional factors are also desirable in a delivery system. Firstly, the birds should be prevented from picking over the feed until the feed has been delivered throughout the row or rows of cages serviced by a given endless conveyor or conveyor loop. Secondly, the feed should continue to be agitated during delivery to maintain a relatively uniform mix of feed delivered to each cage, and prevent heavier or more dense constituents from falling into the bottom of the trough or conveyor.
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This invention relates generally to feeding systems for caged or confined animals such as poultry. More particularly, the invention concerns a feeding system in which feed is continuously agitated and intermixed during delivery and conveyance along a row of cages or other confinement structures, so as to encourage delivery of substantially equal amounts and kinds of feeds to each confined animal. Large - scale poultry operations utilize sophisticated equipment for maintaining relatively large flocks of poultry in relatively large poultry houses. In egg producing or layer operations, the birds are normally confined in cages so that food and water can be delivered economically and in accurately rationed amounts, as well as at desired inteGvalX of time. Moreover, these cages are generally constructed and arrayed so as to facilitate feeding, and, in layer operations, egg collection, by devices AhicN travel generally linearly along linearly arrayed rows of cages. One particularly advantageous cage arrangement takes the form of linearly arranged cages stacked in a stepped - back pyramidal array, as Eh9wn for example in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 060, 055. When the birds are properly confined and fed, high flock performance levels can be achieved and maintained. For example, a maximum numGe$ of eggs can be contained from the laying hens while utilizing a minimum amount of food and water. Such considerations are important to the economic viability of a large - scale poultry operation. The mechanized delivery of feed in such poultry operations is usually accomplished by a feed conveyor system having a series of feed delivery conduits and feed troughs extending past the face of each row of cages. Within these troughs and conduits are located feed conveyor or feed carrying elements, which may take various forms. Some such systems use a helical, auger - like coil element of extended length as a driver element. As this helical or auger element is rotated, feed is moved along the associated conduits and troughs with an auger motion, but without axial displacement of the coil element or auger. Such devices are shown for example in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3, 918, 405 and 3, 893, 423. Other forms of feed conveying devices have also been utilized in the prior art. In a variation on the above arrangement, a similar helical coil is driven axially, but without rotation through a series of conduits and / or feed troughs, as shown in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 495, 894 to Swartzendruber. Advantageously, this arrangement permits the relatively flexible coil or helical elemdJt to be readily driven around. [. corner. ]. . Iadd. corners. Iaddend. , bends or the like so that a continuous or endless such element may be in effect looped around a path to deliver feed to oppositely facing or back - to - back rows of cages. As indicated above, feed rations which are accurate and uniform both in quantity and quality are to be repeatedly delivered to each poultry - containing cage. That is, it is desirable that each bird receive a certain amount of each constituent in the feed mix, and that the amounts of each constituent are not varied excessively throughout the delivered rations. However, since the varying feed cPnstituenHs have different sizes and masses, the heavier or No5e dense feed constituents will tend to fall to the bottom of the conveyor or troHgG as the feed is advanced. Likewise, the birds will tend to pick off the upper iayerd of feed from the trough, such that the lighter cPhstituents may tend to be picked over by the birds at or near the upstream or delivery end of the conveyor system prior to reaching birds downstream. Accordingly, two additional factors are also desirable in a delivery system. Firstly, the birds should be prevented from picking over the feed until the feed has been delivered throughout the row or rows of cages serviced by a given endless conveyor or conveyor loop. Secondly, the feed should continue to be agitated during delivery to maintain a relatively uniform mix of feed delivered to each cage, and prevent heavier or more dense constituents from falling into the bottom of the trough or conveyor.
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invention to feeding systems for caged or confined animals such as poultry. More particularly, invention concerns a feeding system in which feed is continuously intermixed during delivery conveyance along a row of or other confinement structures, so as to encourage delivery of substantially equal amounts and kinds of feeds to each confined animal. poultry operations utilize sophisticated equipment for maintaining relatively large of poultry in relatively large poultry houses. In egg producing or layer operations, the birds are normally confined in cages so that food and water can be delivered economically and in accurately rationed amounts, as well as at desired intervals of Moreover, these cages are generally constructed arrayed so as to facilitate feeding, and, in layer operations, egg collection, by devices which travel generally linearly arrayed rows of cages. One particularly advantageous arrangement takes the form of linearly arranged stacked in stepped-back pyramidal array, as shown for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,055. When the birds are properly confined and fed, high flock performance levels can be achieved and maintained. For example, a maximum of eggs can contained from the laying hens while a minimum amount of food and Such considerations are important economic viability of a large-scale operation. mechanized delivery of feed in such poultry operations is usually accomplished by a feed conveyor system a series feed delivery conduits and feed extending past face of row of cages. Within these troughs and conduits are located feed conveyor or feed carrying which may take various forms. Some such systems use a helical, auger-like coil element of length as a driver element. As this helical or auger element rotated, feed is moved along the associated conduits troughs an auger motion, but without axial displacement of the coil element or auger. Such are shown for example in Pat. Nos. 3,918,405 and 3,893,423. Other of feed devices also been utilized in the prior art. In variation on the above arrangement, a similar helical coil is driven axially, but rotation a series of conduits and/or feed as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,894 to Swartzendruber. Advantageously, this arrangement permits the relatively flexible coil or helical element to be readily driven around .[.corner.]. .Iadd.corners.Iaddend., bends or like so that a continuous or endless such element may be in effect looped around a path deliver feed to oppositely facing or back-to-back rows of cages. As indicated above, feed which are accurate and uniform both in quantity and quality are to be repeatedly delivered each poultry-containing cage. That is, is desirable that each bird receive a certain amount constituent in the feed mix, and that the amounts each constituent are not varied excessively throughout the delivered rations. However, since the varying feed have different sizes and the heavier or more dense feed constituents will tend to fall to bottom of the or trough as the feed is advanced. Likewise, the birds will tend pick off the upper layers of feed from the trough, such that the lighter constituents may to be picked over by the birds at or near the upstream or delivery end of the conveyor system prior to reaching birds downstream. Accordingly, two factors are also desirable in a delivery system. Firstly, the birds should prevented from picking over the feed until the feed has been delivered throughout the or rows of cages serviced by a given endless conveyor or conveyor loop. Secondly, the feed should continue be agitated during delivery to maintain a relatively uniform mix of feed delivered to each cage, and prevent heavier or more dense from falling into the bottom of trough conveyor.
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thIS InVEntioN relaTES GENerALly to feeDIng sYstEMs For caGeD OR conFined ANimals such AS PoUltRY. More PaRtiCUlArLY, tHe inVentIon concErNS A fEeDinG SYsTEm IN wHIch FEEd iS ConTiNUOuSly AgITated aNd InTermixED DURinG dEliVery AND cONveYAnCe AlONG A rOw Of caGEs OR OtheR CONFiNEmenT STRUctUREs, SO aS To ENcOURAge DelivERy of SUbsTANtiallY eQual AmOuNtS And KINDS of Feeds tO EaCh cOnFInEd animal.
lARGE-scale POUlTry OpERAtIoNs UtiliZe SopHIstiCated eQUiPmenT for maINTAiNiNg RElATIveLy LArgE Flocks of poUlTrY IN ReLATiVelY LarGe pOUlTRy hoUSEs. iN EgG PrOduCINg or laYER OPeRAtIONS, The BIrDs ARE normAllY coNFiNED IN cagEs SO ThAT food aND waTeR cAn Be DeLIVeReD eCoNomICaLLy AnD in aCcuraTeLy RAtIOnED AmOUnTs, AS wElL AS AT DeSiREd INtERValS Of tIme. MoreoVEr, tHeSe caGes are GEnErALLY COnStruCTEd And ArrAyEd SO aS to facILItATE feEdinG, And, In LayeR opeRaTiOns, EGG cOLleCTiON, By DeViceS wHiCh TRavEl gENErAlly linEarlY Along LIneArLy arRAyED ROwS of cAGeS. ONE PARTicularly ADvAntageOUs cage arRANGemENT tAKES tHe FOrM OF LInEArlY aRRaNgEd CAGeS sTAcKeD in a sTepped-BacK PyRamIdal ARrAY, As sHoWN for EXAMpLe iN U.s. pat. NO. 4,060,055.
wHeN the bIrdS aRe prOpERlY COnfIneD anD fed, hiGH fLoCk PErfoRmANcE leVELs cAn bE acHIEVED AND MAinTainED. FOr exaMPlE, a MAxImuM nUMBEr of eGGS cAn Be CoNtaIned FroM tHe lAYiNg HEnS WhiLe utiLIZING a MINimum AmOUnT of FooD ANd WateR. SUCH cONSIDEraTIons aRE iMPORtanT TO the ECoNoMIC ViABiLITY OF a LARge-Scale pOULTrY oPEraTiOn.
the mEChAniZED dElIVeRY oF feed IN sucH PouLtRY opErAtiONs Is USuAllY acCoMplISHEd BY A feed ConVEYor sYsTEM HaVInG a SeRiES of FEeD DELiVERY CoNDUiTS And FeEd Troughs EXTendInG past the faCe of EacH row of caGes. within TheSE troUghS aND cOnDUITs aRE LoCateD fEEd cONVEYoR OR fEEd cArryinG elEmENtS, which MaY taKe VaRIOus FORMs.
somE SUCH sYSTeMS use A HeLicaL, AuGER-LIKE cOIl elEMeNT Of eXtENded lEnGtH as a DRIVeR ELeMeNt. aS tHis HElICaL OR aUgeR eleMENT IS RoTAtEd, fEeD Is MOVEd ALOng tHE asSOcIaTEd CoNdUiTs aND trOUGHS wItH An AUGEr MOtIoN, BUt WIThoUt AXiAL dISPlAceMeNT oF ThE COil eLEMEnT OR AUGer. SUcH dEvICEs arE shoWN foR ExAmPLE iN U.S. pAt. nOS. 3,918,405 AND 3,893,423. OTHeR foRmS oF fEED coNVeYINg DEvices HAvE ALSo bEeN UtILizeD IN tHe PriOR aRT. In a varIation On The abOvE ArrangemEnt, A sIMiLAr HElICaL Coil Is DRIveN AXiAlly, but witHOUt RotatION THROuGH a SerIes OF cONDUits And/oR fEeD trouGhs, AS SHOWN in U.S. paT. no. 4,495,894 tO swARTzEndRubeR. adVaNTAGEoUSLY, THIS ARRAngement PeRmitS THE RElatively fleXibLE coIl or hELICAL ELeMent tO BE ReaDILY dRiVEN ARoUnd .[.corneR.]. .iADd.CORners.IaDDeNd., bENds or The LiKe SO ThaT a COntiNUOuS or eNdLesS Such eleMeNt MaY be IN eFFEcT lOOPEd ARoUNd A path tO DElIvER fEeD To oPPoSitELY FAcIng oR BACk-to-BacK rOws Of CAgeS.
AS indiCaTeD abOVE, fEED RatioNs WhiCh ARE ACCurATE AND uniform boTH IN quanTitY aND quALItY Are to be RePeATEDlY delIvEReD to EAcH pOulTrY-CONTaining CAGe. THAT Is, IT IS dEsIRaBlE THat EaCh BIRd rEcEive a CErTaiN amounT Of eACH cONstItuEnt IN THE Feed MIx, aND thAt ThE aMoUnTs OF EACH cONstITUENT ArE noT VARied EXcessiVeLy THRoUghouT ThE dEliVeRED RAtIoNs. hOWEVeR, SiNCE THE VARYINg FEED COnsTitUeNtS HAVE dIffEreNT sIZES And MAsSEs, The HEavieR oR moRe dense FEED ConSTiTuENTs wIll tEnD tO FALl to thE boTtom Of THE ConVEYor Or troUgH aS THE fEED is aDVanCED. liKewiSE, The BIrdS WIll TEnd TO picK OFf thE uPPer lAyErs of feEd FROm The TROUGH, sUCh that THE LigHter COnStiTUenTs mAY TEnD TO Be PICKED OVEr By thE bIRdS AT oR NEAr THe uPStReam Or DELIvERy enD OF THE cONVeYor sysTem pRIor tO REaCHiNG BirdS DOwnStream.
AccORdINgLy, TWO aDDItIoNal FactOrS are alSO dESIRable in a DELIVeRY sySTEM. fIrsTly, tHe BiRds shoULD bE PReveNteD fRom pICKINg over the FeEd UNTil The FeEd has bEen DELivereD ThroUGhout tHE Row OR RoWs oF cAgeS sERViCeD BY a GIven ENDLEsS CONVEYor Or COnVEyOR loOP. SeCONdly, the FeeD ShOuLd continUE to BE AgItated DuRinG DELIverY TO maIntAiN A relaTivELy uniFORM MIX OF FEEd dElIverEd to eacH cagE, AnD preVEnT HeavIeR or More dENSE CoNStITueNtS FrOM FalLing IntO tHe BOTTOm OF THe TroUGH oR CONVeyoR.
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This invention relates generally to feeding systems forcagedor confined animals such as poultry. More particularly, the invention concerns a feeding systemin which feed is continuously agitatedand intermixedduring delivery and conveyance along a row of cages or other confinement structures, so as toencourage deliveryofsubstantially equal amounts andkinds offeeds to eachconfined animal.Large-scale poultryoperations utilize sophisticated equipment for maintaining relatively large flocksof poultry in relatively large poultry houses. Ineggproducing or layer operations, the birds are normally confined in cages so that foodand watercan be delivered economicallyand inaccurately rationed amounts, as well asat desired intervals of time. Moreover, these cages are generally constructed and arrayed so as tofacilitate feeding, and, in layer operations, egg collection, by devices whichtravel generally linearly along linearly arrayed rows of cages.One particularly advantageous cagearrangement takes the form of linearly arranged cagesstacked in a stepped-back pyramidal array, as shown for example in U.S.Pat. No. 4,060,055. When the birds areproperly confined and fed, high flockperformance levels can be achieved and maintained. For example, a maximum number ofeggs can be contained from the layinghens while utilizing a minimum amount of food and water. Such considerations are important tothe economic viability of a large-scalepoultry operation. The mechanized delivery of feed insuch poultry operations is usuallyaccomplishedby a feedconveyor system having a series of feed deliveryconduits and feed troughs extending past the face ofeachrowof cages. Withinthese troughs and conduits are locatedfeed conveyor orfeed carrying elements, which may take various forms. Some suchsystems use a helical, auger-like coil elementof extended length as a driver element. As this helical or auger element is rotated, feed ismoved alongtheassociatedconduits and troughs with an auger motion, but withoutaxial displacement of the coil element or auger. Such devices are shown for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,918,405 and 3,893,423. Other forms of feed conveyingdevices have also beenutilizedin the prior art. In a variation onthe above arrangement, a similar helical coil is driven axially, but without rotation througha series of conduits and/or feed troughs,as shown in U.S. Pat.No. 4,495,894 to Swartzendruber. Advantageously,this arrangement permits the relatively flexible coilorhelical element to be readilydriven around .[.corner.]. .Iadd.corners.Iaddend., bends or the likeso that a continuous or endlesssuch element may be in effect looped around a path to deliver feed to oppositelyfacing or back-to-back rows of cages. As indicatedabove, feed rationswhich are accurate and uniform bothin quantityand quality areto be repeatedly delivered to each poultry-containing cage.Thatis, itis desirable that each bird receive a certain amount of each constituent in the feedmix, and that the amounts of each constituent are not varied excessively throughout the deliveredrations. However, since the varying feed constituents havedifferentsizes and masses,the heavier or more dense feed constituents willtend tofall to the bottom ofthe conveyor or trough as the feed is advanced. Likewise, the birds will tendto pickoff the upper layers of feed from the trough,such thatthe lighter constituents may tend to be picked over bythe birds at or near the upstreamor delivery end of theconveyor system prior to reaching birds downstream. Accordingly,two additional factors are also desirable in a delivery system. Firstly, the birds shouldbe prevented from picking over the feed until the feed has been delivered throughout the row orrows of cagesserviced by a given endless conveyoror conveyor loop. Secondly, the feed should continue to be agitated during delivery tomaintain a relatively uniform mix of feed delivered to each cage, and prevent heavieror more dense constituentsfrom falling into the bottomof the troughor conveyor.
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This invention relates generally to feeding systems for caged or confined animals such as poultry. More particularly, the invention concerns a feeding system in which _feed_ is continuously agitated _and_ intermixed during delivery _and_ conveyance along a row of _cages_ or _other_ _confinement_ structures, so _as_ to encourage delivery of _substantially_ equal amounts and kinds of feeds to each _confined_ _animal._ _Large-scale_ poultry operations utilize sophisticated _equipment_ for maintaining relatively large flocks of poultry _in_ relatively large poultry houses. _In_ egg producing or layer operations, the birds are normally _confined_ in _cages_ so that food and water can be delivered economically and in _accurately_ rationed amounts, as well _as_ at desired _intervals_ of time. Moreover, these cages are generally constructed and arrayed so _as_ to facilitate feeding, and, in layer _operations,_ egg collection, _by_ devices which travel generally linearly _along_ linearly _arrayed_ rows of cages. One _particularly_ advantageous cage arrangement takes the form _of_ _linearly_ _arranged_ cages _stacked_ in a stepped-back pyramidal array, as shown _for_ example _in_ _U.S._ Pat. No. 4,060,055. When the birds _are_ properly confined and _fed,_ high flock performance levels can _be_ achieved and _maintained._ For _example,_ a maximum _number_ of _eggs_ can be contained from the laying hens while _utilizing_ a minimum amount of food _and_ _water._ Such considerations are important to the economic viability of a large-scale _poultry_ operation. The mechanized _delivery_ _of_ _feed_ in such poultry operations is usually accomplished _by_ a feed conveyor system _having_ a series of feed delivery conduits and feed troughs extending _past_ the face of each row of cages. Within _these_ troughs and conduits are located feed conveyor or feed carrying _elements,_ which may take _various_ forms. _Some_ _such_ systems use _a_ _helical,_ _auger-like_ coil element of extended length as a driver element. As _this_ helical or auger element is rotated, feed is moved _along_ the _associated_ conduits and troughs _with_ an _auger_ motion, _but_ without axial displacement of the _coil_ element or auger. Such devices _are_ shown for _example_ in U.S. Pat. Nos. _3,918,405_ and 3,893,423. Other forms of feed _conveying_ devices have also _been_ utilized _in_ the prior art. _In_ a _variation_ on the above arrangement, _a_ similar helical coil is driven axially, but without rotation through a series of conduits and/or feed troughs, as shown in U.S. Pat. _No._ 4,495,894 to Swartzendruber. Advantageously, this arrangement permits the relatively flexible _coil_ or helical element _to_ be readily driven _around_ .[.corner.]. .Iadd.corners.Iaddend., bends _or_ the like so _that_ a continuous or endless such element may be in effect looped around a path to deliver feed to oppositely facing or back-to-back rows _of_ _cages._ _As_ indicated above, feed rations which are accurate and _uniform_ both in quantity and quality are to be repeatedly delivered to each poultry-containing _cage._ _That_ is, it is desirable _that_ each bird _receive_ _a_ certain amount of each constituent _in_ the feed mix, and _that_ the amounts of each constituent are not varied excessively throughout _the_ delivered _rations._ _However,_ since _the_ varying feed constituents have different sizes and masses, _the_ heavier or more _dense_ feed constituents will tend to _fall_ to the bottom of the conveyor _or_ _trough_ as the _feed_ is advanced. Likewise, the _birds_ _will_ tend to _pick_ off the upper layers of feed from the _trough,_ such that the lighter constituents _may_ tend to be picked _over_ by the birds _at_ _or_ near the upstream or delivery end of the conveyor system _prior_ to _reaching_ birds downstream. Accordingly, _two_ additional factors are also desirable _in_ a delivery system. Firstly, the birds should _be_ prevented from picking over the feed until the feed _has_ _been_ delivered throughout the row or _rows_ _of_ cages serviced by a given endless conveyor or conveyor loop. Secondly, _the_ feed should continue to _be_ agitated during delivery to maintain a relatively uniform _mix_ of feed _delivered_ to each cage, and prevent heavier or more dense constituents _from_ falling into the bottom of _the_ trough or conveyor.
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Radio transmitters and receivers require filters to remove or suppress unwanted frequencies from being transmitted or received. The transmitter portion of the radio may generate frequencies which will interfere with the radio system, or which may be prohibited by the radio frequency spectrum governing body. The receiver may need to suppress unwanted signals at different frequencies generated by the transmitter, or received from an external source, which would adversely affect the performance of the receiver.
At millimetre-wave frequencies, sources of unwanted frequencies include the local oscillator frequency, image frequencies from the mixer, and the transmitter frequencies in the case of the receiver. The frequencies generated by the mixer and the local oscillator are functions of the selected radio architecture. The closer the oscillator frequency (or its harmonics) is to the transmitter frequencies, the more difficult it is to remove the undesired frequency. However, to operate at wider spaced frequencies may require more complex circuitry, resulting in a more expensive radio implementation. A small separation between the transmit and receive frequencies can result in unwanted high power transmit frequencies leaking into the receiver. The separation between the transmit and receive frequencies is usually specified by the licensing bodies and the system operators. The radio designer may not have control over this specification.
To suppress the unwanted frequencies below an acceptable power level, a filter element is required in the signal path. The filter element discriminates between the desired and undesired frequencies based on the wavelengths of the signals. A common millimetre-wave filter is based on the metal waveguide.
Waveguide filters are used at microwave frequencies due to their low loss characteristics. Low loss in the resonant sections corresponds to a higher-Q, faster rolloff outside the passband and lower transmission loss in the passband. A typical waveguide filter consists of multiple coupled resonators, where the volume of a resonator is proportional to the frequency of operation.
An example of a conventional waveguide filter comprises a housing containing a series of resonator cavities arranged in a straight line, where adjacent resonator cavities are separated by an apertured partition which forms a coupler. The resonator cavities are typically rectangular or cylindrical and have a length corresponding to one half wavelength or multiples of one half wavelength of the centre frequency.
Another implementation of a waveguide filter is the E-plane filter, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the waveguide filter 1 includes a filter housing 2 which forms an elongate channel 4. The housing is split into two parts 6, 8 along the length of the channel to receive an apertured thin metal sheet 10 therebetween. The apertured metal sheet 10 is called a septum.
The rectangular apertures 12 formed in the thin metal sheet 10 each define a resonator and the metal strips 14 remaining between the resonators function as couplers and are known as coupling sections. Each coupling section of the septum effectively divides the waveguide into two halt waveguides having a reduced width of less than half the center frequency wavelength so that the reduced size waveguide does not permit propagation of the electromagnetic wave.
In microwave communications at moderately high frequencies, for example carrier frequencies in the range of 24 to 31 GHz, the frequency band for each of the receive and transmit channels may have a width of only one percent of the center frequency and the center frequencies may be separated by a frequency band of similar width. Thus, a waveguide filter suitable for such an application must provide a relatively narrow pass band with a sharp roll-off, and therefore such a filter requires a relatively large number of resonator cavities and coupling sections. One problem in conventional filter design is that as the number of resonators and coupling sections increases, the waveguide becomes longer and therefore requires a larger housing which adds to the cost and makes it difficult to integrate with other system components.
Various designs for a resonator cavity-type waveguide filter have been proposed to accommodate the resonators and couplers into a smaller space. For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 57041702, Publication No. JP-A-58161403 and Japanese Patent Application No. 57070942, Publication No. JP-A-58187001 each discloses a band pass filter having a series of coupled cylindrical resonator cavities, each centered at the corner of a square. This design takes advantage of the cylindrical symmetry of the resonators to permit the output coupler of each resonator to be oriented at 90° with respect to its input coupler.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,224 (Glinder) describes a resonator cavity-type waveguide filter having a series of resonator cavities interconnected by coupler channels in which opposite sides of the coupler channels are the same length, but opposite sides of the resonator cavities have different lengths, so that the input of each resonator cavity is angled relative to its output. In one example, a number of similar resonator cavities having dissimilar length sides are arranged to form an S-shaped waveguide which is accommodated in a space whose length is shorter than that needed for a linear waveguide having similar characteristics. The mechanical length of a resonator cavity having dissimilar length sides which determines the pass center frequency is based on the length of the arcuate center line through the resonator cavity between the input and output couplers. Due to the shape of the resonator cavity, the length of the curved center line is different from that of a linear resonator cavity and is calculated by first calculating the required mechanical length of a linear resonator cavity and then applying a correction factor to the mechanical length. The correction factor is calculated based on the guide wavelength for a linear resonator, the desired pass center wavelength for the non-linear cavity, the width of the waveguide and the radius of curvature of the center line. Although the design disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,224 allows the length of a waveguide filter to be reduced, it may be difficult to implement a high-Q, narrow pass band filter using this design since the required dimensions of the filter become more difficult to calculate as the number of cavities increases.
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Radio transmitters and receivers require filters to remove or suppress unwanted frequencies from being transmitted or received. The transmitter portion of the radio may generate frequencies which will interfere with the radio system, or which may be prohibited by the radio frequency spectrum governing body. The receiver may need to suppress unwanted signals at different frequencies generated by the transmitter, or received from an external source, which would adversely affect the performance of the receiver. At millimetre-wave frequencies, sources of unwanted frequencies include the local oscillator frequency, image frequencies from the mixer, and the transmitter frequencies in the case of the receiver. The frequencies generated by the mixer and the local oscillator are functions of the selected radio architecture. The closer the oscillator frequency (or its harmonics) is to the transmitter frequencies, the more difficult it is to remove the undesired frequency. However, to operate at wider spaced frequencies may require more complex circuitry, resulting in a more expensive radio implementation. A small separation between the transmit and receive frequencies can result in unwanted high power transmit frequencies leaking into the receiver. The separation between the transmit and receive frequencies is usually specified by the licensing bodies and the system operators. The radio designer may not have control over this specification. To suppress the unwanted frequencies below an acceptable power level, a filter element is required in the signal path. The filter element discriminates between the desired and undesired frequencies based on the wavelengths of the signals. A common millimetre-wave filter is based on the metal waveguide. Waveguide filters are used at microwave frequencies due to their low loss characteristics. Low loss in the resonant sections corresponds to a higher-Q, faster rolloff outside the passband and lower transmission loss in the passband. A typical waveguide filter consists of multiple coupled resonators, where the volume of a resonator is proportional to the frequency of operation. An example of a conventional waveguide filter comprises a housing containing a series of resonator cavities arranged in a straight line, where adjacent resonator cavities are separated by an apertured partition which forms a coupler. The resonator cavities are typically rectangular or cylindrical and have a length corresponding to one half wavelength or multiples of one half wavelength of the centre frequency. Another implementation of a waveguide filter is the E-plane filter, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the waveguide filter 1 includes a filter housing 2 which forms an elongate impart 4. The housing is split into two parts 6, 8 along the length of the channel to receive an apertured thin metal sheet 10 therebetween. The apertured metal sheet 10 is called a septum. The rectangular apertures 12 formed in the thin metal sheet 10 each define a resonator and the metal strips 14 remaining between the resonators function as couplers and are known as coupling sections. Each coupling section of the septum effectively divides the waveguide into two halt waveguides having a reduced width of less than half the center frequency wavelength so that the reduced size waveguide does not permit propagation of the electromagnetic wave. In microwave communications at moderately high frequencies, for example carrier frequencies in the range of 24 to 31 GHz, the frequency band for each of the receive and transmit channels may have a width of only one percent of the center frequency and the center frequencies may be separated by a frequency band of similar width. Thus, a waveguide filter suitable for such an application must provide a relatively narrow pass band with a sharp roll-off, and therefore such a filter requires a relatively large number of resonator cavities and coupling sections. One problem in conventional filter design is that as the number of resonators and coupling sections increases, the waveguide becomes longer and therefore requires a larger housing which adds to the cost and makes it difficult to integrate with other system components. Various designs for a resonator cavity-type waveguide filter have been proposed to accommodate the resonators and couplers into a smaller space. For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 57041702, Publication No. JP-A-58161403 and Japanese Patent Application No. 57070942, Publication No. JP-A-58187001 each discloses a band pass filter having a series of coupled cylindrical resonator cavities, each centered at the corner of a square. This design takes advantage of the cylindrical symmetry of the resonators to permit the output coupler of each resonator to be oriented at 90° with respect to its input coupler. U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,224 (Glinder) describes a resonator cavity-type waveguide filter having a series of resonator cavities interconnected by coupler channels in which opposite sides of the coupler channels are the same length, but opposite sides of the resonator cavities have different lengths, so that the input of each resonator cavity is angled relative to its output. In one example, a number of similar resonator cavities having dissimilar length sides are arranged to form an S-shaped waveguide which is accommodated in a space whose length is shorter than that needed for a linear waveguide having similar characteristics. The mechanical length of a resonator cavity having dissimilar length sides which determines the pass center frequency is based on the length of the arcuate center line through the resonator cavity between the input and output couplers. Due to the shape of the resonator cavity, the length of the curved center line is different from that of a linear resonator cavity and is calculated by first calculating the required mechanical length of a linear resonator cavity and then applying a correction factor to the mechanical length. The correction factor is calculated based on the guide wavelength for a linear resonator, the desired pass center wavelength for the non-linear cavity, the width of the waveguide and the radius of curvature of the center line. Although the design disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,224 allows the length of a waveguide filter to be reduced, it may be difficult to implement a high-Q, narrow pass band filter using this design since the required dimensions of the filter become more difficult to calculate as the number of cavities increases.
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Radio transmitters and receivers require filters to remove or suppress unwanted frequencies from veUng transmitted or received. The transmitter portion of the radio may generate frequencies which will interfere with the radio system, or which may be prohibited by the radio frequency spectrum governing body. The receiver may need to suppress unwanted signals at different frequencies generated by the transmitter, or received from an external source, which would adversely affect the performance of the receiver. At millimetre - wave frequencies, sources of unwanted frequencies include the local oscillator frequency, image frequencies from the mixer, and the transmitter frequencies in the case of the receiver. The frequencies generated by the mixer and the local oscillator are functions of the selected radio architecture. The closer the oscillator frequency (or its harmonics) is to the transmitter frequencies, the more difficult it is to remove the undesired frequency. However, to operate at wider spaced frequencies may require more complex circuitry, resulting in a more expensive radio implementation. A small separation between the transmit and receive frequencies can result in unwanted high power tEancmit frequencies leaking into the receiver. The separation between the transmit and receive frequencies is usually specified by the licensing bodies and the system operators. The radio designer may not have control over this specification. To suppress the unwanted frequencies below an acceptable power level, a filter element is required in the signal path. The filter element discriminates between the desired and undesired frequencies based on the wavelengths of the signals. A common millimetre - wave filter is based on the metal waveguide. Waveguide filters are used at microwave frequencies due to their low loss characteristics. Low loss in the resonant sections corresponds to a higher - Q, faster rolloff outside the passband and lower transmission loss in the passband. A typical waveguide filter consists of multiple coupled resonators, where the volume of a resonator is proportional to the frequency of operation. An example of a conventional waveguide filter comprises a housing cPntain&ng a series of resonator cavities arranged in a straight line, where adjacent resonator cavities are separated by an apertured partition which forms a coupler. The resonator cavities are typically rectangular or cylindrical and have a length corresponding to one half wavelength or multiples of one half wavelength of the centre frequency. Another implementation of a waveguide filter is the E - plane filter, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the waveguide f9lger 1 includes a filter housing 2 which forms an elongate channel 4. The housing is split into two parts 6, 8 along the OengHh of the channel to receive an apertured thin metal sheet 10 therebetween. The apertured metal sheet 10 is called a septum. The rectangular apertures 12 formed in the thin metal sheet 10 each define a resonator and the metal strips 14 remaining between the resonators function as couplers and are known as coupling sections. 4acT coupling ses5ion of the septum effectively divides the waveguide into two halt waveguides having a reduced width of less than half the center frequency wavelength so that the reduced size waveguide does not permit propagation of the electromagnetic wave. In microwave communications at moderately high frequencies, for example carrier frequencies in the range of 24 to 31 GHz, the frequency band for each of the receive and transmit channels may have a width of only one percent of the center frequency and the center frequencies may be separated by a frequency band of similar width. Thus, a waveguide filter suitable for such an application must provide a relatively narrow pass band with a sharp roll - off, and therefore such a filter requires a relatively large number of resonator cavities and coupling sections. One problem in conventional filter design is that as the number of resonators and coupling sections increases, the waveguide becomes longer and therefore requires a larger housing which adds to the cost and makes it difficult to integrate with other system components. Various designs for a resonator cavity - type waveguide filter have been proposed to accommodate the resonators and couplers into a smaller space. For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 57041702, Publication No. JP - A - 58161403 and Japanese Patent Application No. 57070942, Publication No. JP - A - 58187001 each discloses a band pass filter having a series of coupled cylindrical resonator cavities, each centered at the corner of a square. This design takes advantage of the cylindrical symmetry of the resonators to permit the output coupler of each resonator to be oriented at 90 ° with respect to its input coupler. U. S. Pat. No. 6, 181, 224 (Glinder) describes a resonator cavity - type waveguide filter having a series of resonator cavities interconnected by coupler channels in which opposite sides of the coupler channels are the same length, but opposite sides of the resonator cavities have different lengths, so that the input of each resonator cavity is angled relative to its output. In one example, a number of similar resonator cavities having dissimilar length siReZ are arranged to form an S - shaped waveguide which is accommodated in a space whose length is shorter than that needed for a linear waveguide having similar characteristics. The mechanical length of a resonator cavity having dissimilar length sides which determines the pass center frequency is based on the length of the arcuate center line through the resonator cavity between the input and output couplers. Due to the shape of the r#soBator cavity, the length of the curved center line is different from that of a linear resonator cavity and is calculated by first calculating the required mechanical length of a linear resonator cavity and then applying a correction factor to the mechanical length. The correction factor is calculated based on the guide wavelength for a linear resonator, the desired pass center wavelength for the non - linear cavity, the width of the waveguide and the radius of curvature of the center line. Although the design disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 6, 181, 224 allows the length of a waveguide filter to be reduced, it may be difficult to implement a high - Q, narrow pass band filter using this design since the rwquireV dimensions of the filter become more difficult to calculate as the number of cavities increases.
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Radio transmitters and receivers require filters to or suppress unwanted frequencies from being transmitted or received. The transmitter of the radio generate frequencies which will interfere with the radio system, or which may prohibited the frequency spectrum governing body. The may need to suppress unwanted signals at different generated by transmitter, or received from an external source, which would adversely affect the performance the receiver. At sources of unwanted frequencies the local oscillator frequency, frequencies from the mixer, and the transmitter frequencies in the case of the receiver. The frequencies generated by the mixer and the local oscillator are functions of the radio architecture. The closer the oscillator frequency its harmonics) is to the transmitter frequencies, the difficult it is to remove the undesired However, to operate at wider spaced frequencies may require more circuitry, resulting in a more expensive radio implementation. small between the and receive frequencies can result in unwanted power transmit frequencies leaking the receiver. The separation between the and receive frequencies is usually specified by the licensing bodies and the system operators. The designer may not have control over this specification. To suppress the unwanted frequencies below an acceptable power level, a filter element is in the signal path. The filter element between desired and undesired frequencies based on the wavelengths of the signals. common millimetre-wave filter is based on waveguide. Waveguide filters are used at microwave frequencies to their low loss characteristics. Low loss in the resonant sections corresponds a higher-Q, faster rolloff outside the passband and lower transmission loss in the passband. typical waveguide filter consists of multiple coupled resonators, where the volume of a is proportional to the frequency of operation. An example of a conventional waveguide filter comprises a housing a series of resonator cavities arranged in a straight line, where adjacent cavities are by an apertured partition which forms a coupler. The resonator cavities are typically rectangular or cylindrical and have a length corresponding to half wavelength or multiples of one half wavelength of centre frequency. Another of a waveguide filter is the E-plane an of which is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the waveguide filter 1 includes a filter housing 2 which forms an elongate channel 4. The housing split into two parts 6, 8 along the length of the channel to receive an apertured thin metal 10 therebetween. The metal sheet 10 is called a septum. The rectangular apertures 12 formed in the thin metal sheet 10 each define a resonator the metal strips 14 remaining between the resonators function as couplers and are known as coupling Each coupling section of the septum effectively the waveguide into two halt waveguides a reduced width of less half the center frequency wavelength so that the reduced size waveguide does not permit propagation of the electromagnetic wave. In microwave communications at moderately high frequencies, for example carrier frequencies in the range of 24 to GHz, the frequency band for each of the receive channels may have a width of only one percent the center frequency the center frequencies may be separated by frequency band of width. Thus, a waveguide filter suitable for such an application must provide a narrow pass band with a sharp roll-off, therefore such a filter requires a relatively large number of resonator cavities and coupling sections. problem in conventional filter is that as the of resonators and coupling sections increases, the waveguide becomes longer and requires a larger housing which adds to the cost and makes it difficult to integrate with other system components. Various designs for a resonator cavity-type waveguide filter have been proposed to accommodate the resonators and couplers into smaller space. For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 57041702, Publication No. JP-A-58161403 and Japanese Patent Application No. 57070942, Publication JP-A-58187001 each discloses band pass filter having a series of cylindrical resonator cavities, each centered at the of a square. design takes advantage the cylindrical symmetry of the resonators to permit the output coupler each resonator to be oriented at 90° with respect to its input coupler. U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,224 (Glinder) describes a cavity-type waveguide filter having a series of resonator cavities interconnected by coupler channels opposite sides the coupler are the same length, but opposite sides of the resonator cavities have different lengths, so that input of each cavity is relative to its output. In example, a number of resonator cavities having dissimilar length sides are arranged to an waveguide which accommodated in a space whose length is shorter than that needed for a linear waveguide having similar characteristics. The mechanical length of a resonator cavity having dissimilar length sides which determines pass center frequency is based on the length of the arcuate center line through the resonator cavity between the input and output couplers. Due to the shape of the the of curved center line is different from that a linear resonator cavity and is calculated first calculating the required mechanical length of a linear resonator cavity then applying a correction factor to the length. The correction factor is calculated based on the guide wavelength for a linear resonator, the desired center wavelength for the non-linear cavity, the width of the waveguide and the radius of curvature the center line. Although design disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,224 allows the length of a filter reduced, it may be difficult to implement high-Q, narrow pass band filter using this design since the required dimensions of the filter become more difficult to calculate as the number of cavities increases.
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rADIO trAnSmIttERS aND RECEIVERs requiRe fiLTeRS tO remOVE oR sUPPResS UnwaNTED fReQUenCIES frOM BEING TranSmiTTED Or RECEIvED. the TRANSMITTEr PorTiOn of thE RADiO MaY geNerATE FREquenciEs wHich wILl InTERFERE WIth ThE RADIo SysteM, or wHiCh mAY Be pRohibiTEd By The RADiO fREqueNcy speCtruM GoVERniNG bOdy. THE rECeIVer MAY NeeD To SUPPREss UnWaNted SIgnALs at DIfFEReNT FrEQuEnciES gEnERAteD by THe TrANsMITTeR, or reCeIVEd fROm an EXtERnaL SOURce, wHich would adVERsElY afFeCt THE peRfoRmANCe oF tHE receivEr.
At MIlLiMeTRe-wAVe FRequEncieS, SourCEs OF unWaNteD fREQuENCies InClUdE The locaL oscILlAtOr FReqUenCY, ImAGE FREQUEnCiEs fROM thE MIXeR, ANd tHe transmitTer FRequencieS IN ThE cASE oF thE RecEivEr. THE FREQUeNCieS GenEraTEd By ThE miXer AND tHe lOCAl OsCiLLaTOr aRE FUNctiOns oF THE SelecTeD rAdIO arcHiTecTurE. the closEr tHE OScIllATOr fReqUENcY (Or ITs hArmoNIcS) iS tO THe tranSMIttER frEQuENcIEs, tHE MoRe DifFIcULt IT iS TO REmOve THe UndESIrEd FREqUeNCy. hoWEVER, TO OPEraTE aT wideR sPacEd fREqUencies may REquIre mORe CoMpleX Circuitry, REsULtinG iN A More exPenSivE radIo imPlEmEntatiON. A SmALL SEpARaTIOn bETweEN the TRansmIT anD reCeIVe frEQuENcies CaN ReSulT In UnWaNTEd HigH PowEr transMIt FrEquEnCiES leaking INtO THe rECeIVEr. tHe sEPaRATIon beTwEen tHE tranSmit anD rECEIve frEqUEnCIes Is UsUAlLy sPecIfIeD BY tHe LIcensinG BOdiEs AnD the sYstEM oPerAtoRs. tHE rADIO DeSIGnEr may noT HAve conTrOl OvEr ThIs spEcifiCATioN.
to suppREss THe UNWAnTEd FReQUEnciES bELoW AN acCepTAbLE power LEvEl, A FIlTer ElEMeNt iS reQUIred in tHe SigNaL Path. ThE fILter ElEmeNT DiSCRImINaTeS bEtween thE DESiREd AnD UndESIReD FReQUenCieS BaSed oN the WavELEnGTHS OF The SIGNALS. a CoMMOn MIlLimEtRe-WAvE FILtER iS baSED ON The MEtal WAvEguidE.
waVEgUiDe fILTerS ARe UsEd AT miCROWave fREqUeNCIes dUE to THEiR loW losS ChaRAcTERisTIcs. loW LoSs In thE ReSonant SecTionS cOrReSpoNDS tO a HIghEr-Q, FAsTER ROlloFF outsiDE tHE PAssbAND ANd loWER trAnsmISSIoN Loss IN thE PASSbanD. a TyPICAL waVeGuIDE FILteR cONsisTS OF MUltIpLE cOUPLed ReSoNAtORS, wHerE THE vOLuMe oF a REsoNaTor Is pROpORtIoNal to THE fREQueNCy Of OPeRation.
an eXaMpLe Of A conveNtIonAL wAveguidE FiLTer ComPRISes a hOUsINg contAININg a sEriEs Of resonAToR cavITiES ARRANgED In A StRaigHT lInE, wherE aDjAcENt rEsONAtOR CAvItiES aRE SEparateD by aN APeRTUREd ParTitIoN wHiCh fOrMs a cOUPlEr. THE ReSONatOR caVItieS Are tyPiCalLy rectAnGulaR or CYLiNdRiCAl AND HAVE A leNgTh CoRrESPoNding TO OnE HAlf waVELEngTH oR MUlTIPLes OF oNE HALF waveLEngTH of tHE cENTRE freQUeNCY.
AnOthEr implementaTION OF a WAveGuIde FilTeR Is thE e-plANe fIlteR, An eXAmpLe oF WhicH IS SHown In fIgS. 1A AnD 1B. ReFeRrinG tO fiGS. 1A aNd 1B, tHE wAvEguIDe filTEr 1 iNclUDes A filtER HouSIng 2 WHicH ForMS An ELOngATE ChanNeL 4. THe hoUsing iS split INTo Two pArts 6, 8 ALong tHE LENgtH of THE CHAnNEL To RECEIVe an aPErTUred THiN meTaL SheET 10 thEREbEtween. THe aPeRtureD MeTal SHEeT 10 IS CAlLeD a SEpTUM.
The rECTANgular APERTurES 12 fOrmEd IN THE thIn mEtaL sHeeT 10 eaCH defINe A REsONAtoR AnD THe METaL strIPs 14 rEmaINiNg bETWeeN the reSONAtORS fUNCtiOn As COUpLERs and ArE Known as cOuPliNg sECtioNs. eACh COUPlInG SeCtIon oF ThE SePtUm EfFECtIvely DIvides The waveGUiDE INTO tWO halT wAvEguIDEs HaVING a REduCeD wIdtH OF LESs ThAn hAlf The cenTER frEqueNcY wAVELengTH So THaT tHE RedUcEd sIzE WAVEguIdE DOEs NoT pErMIT prOPaGaTiOn of thE eLEctroMaGNeTIC WaVE.
IN MICrOWAve CommUNicatioNs AT ModeRaTeLY HIGH fReQUEnCIeS, for eXaMPlE CArRieR fREQUeNCiES In The raNGE of 24 tO 31 gHZ, thE FREqUEnCY BanD foR EAcH oF thE REceivE And TrAnsmIT CHAnNELs MAY HaVE a WIdth Of OnLY ONE perceNT Of tHe cenTer FReQUENCy ANd tHe CEntEr frEqUeNCIEs mAy BE SepARAtEd BY A FREQUEncY band Of simIlAR WIdTh. THus, A WaveguidE FilTeR SuitaBle fOr sUCH an APPliCaTIOn MUsT proViDe a ReLatIVeLY NArROw pAsS bANd wItH A SHarp rOlL-oFF, ANd tHerEFORE sUCh A fILtER REqUiReS a RelaTIvELY LARGe nuMBer of reSONATor CAVITIES AnD CoUpLING SectIoNs. onE ProBLEM In ConVEntiOnaL fIlter DESigN Is thAt As ThE numBEr of resoNaTors AnD cOUpLinG seCtioNS INCreAsES, THe waVEGuide BecOMEs lONger ANd tHEreFOre rEQuirES A LArgeR HOusing wHIch AddS To ThE COSt AnD MAKeS iT DIFFIcULT tO inTEgraTe witH otHEr sYSTem cOMpONents.
VArIOuS deSIGnS FOr A ResONAToR CAvItY-tYPe waVEguIDe fIltEr hAvE beEN pRoposEd TO AccoMMOdaTe The reSoNAtors AnD coUpleRs INTO A SmaLlER sPACE. FOR eXaMPlE, JapAnESe patenT aPpliCaTion NO. 57041702, PUBlicaTiON No. jp-A-58161403 AnD JApAnEse pATEnt applicAtiON NO. 57070942, PubLICAtion No. jP-A-58187001 Each dIscloSeS a bAND PasS FIlter HAVing A sErIes oF cOUPlEd cylINdRicAL resONAtOr caVItieS, eACh cenTeRED at tHE coRner oF A SQUAre. thIs deSign TaKeS aDVANTAgE OF tHE cylIndRICal symMETRY oF THE rESOnatoRs To PErmiT THE oUTpUT cOupLer Of eAcH REsonAtOr To Be ORIEnted At 90° wItH reSpEct To iTs InPUt COUpLeR.
u.s. Pat. nO. 6,181,224 (GliNDER) dESCRibES a REsOnAToR caVitY-type WAVeguiDE fIltER having a Series Of resOnAtoR CAVitIes intercONNEcteD bY COUPleR CHanneLS iN whiCh OpPOsIte SIDes of ThE cOUplEr chANneLs ARE tHE SAme lenGtH, But OPpOsITe siDEs Of THE rEsOnaTor cAVItiEs hAvE diFfeRENT lENgTHS, So tHaT ThE iNpUT Of eacH RESoNAtoR CavitY iS ANGlED RelAtive to Its outPut. iN OnE EXaMPlE, a nuMBEr oF siMILAr rEsONaTOR CavItIEs haVInG dISsimiLaR LENgTh SiDeS ARE ArRANGed TO foRM an s-SHAPEd WAvEguIDe whiCh iS AccomMoDaTED iN A space WHOsE LENgth iS SHOrter ThAn that needeD For A LinEaR wAvEguIde hAvINg SIMILAR ChARACTErIstiCS. thE mECHaNICaL LEnGth of a resOnAtor caVity HaviNG DissIMIlAr LeNGTH SidES whiCH DEtErmInes the paSS CentER FREQuency Is BasED ON THe lENGTH Of thE arcuatE cENTer lInE tHrOUgh THe resoNatoR CAVItY bEtween The INput AND ouTPut CoUPLerS. dUe To tHe sHAPe oF The resOnaTOr cavITy, tHE LENgtH of tHe CurVED cEntEr liNe iS DiffereNt from thAt Of a liNeAr RESOnaTOR cAViTY aNd iS CALCulAtEd BY fiRsT CalCuLaTING thE rEQuirED MeChaNiCaL LEngTh of a LInEaR resOnaToR CAviTY And tHen appLyiNg a cORREction faCTOR To the MeChANICal lENGth. tHE CoRREctIoN FAcTor iS CAlcUlAtEd baSeD on the GUide wAveLEnGTH fOr A liNeAR ReSOnaTor, the deSirED pasS cEntEr WaVElENgth FOR THE Non-liNear cAviTY, the wiDtH Of THE waVeguIdE And thE rADiUS oF CUrVatURE OF THE cEnTEr LInE. aLthOugh the Design discloSeD iN U.s. pat. nO. 6,181,224 allOwS tHe lengTh Of A WaVEgUidE FIlteR tO Be REduCed, iT maY be dIFFICulT To ImPLEMENT a HIGH-Q, nArroW pass BaND FILTer usING ThiS desIgN SINCE THe ReqUIRED dImENsIONs oF The fiLTer becoMe moRE DiFficuLT to CaLCULAte as tHe NuMbEr of caVItieS Increases.
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Radio transmittersand receivers require filters to remove or suppress unwanted frequencies from being transmitted or received. The transmitter portion of the radio may generate frequencies which will interfere with the radio system,or which may be prohibitedby the radio frequency spectrum governing body.The receiver may need to suppressunwanted signals at different frequencies generated by thetransmitter, orreceived from an externalsource, which would adversely affect the performanceof the receiver. At millimetre-wave frequencies, sourcesof unwanted frequencies include the local oscillator frequency, image frequencies fromthe mixer, and thetransmitterfrequencies in the caseof the receiver. The frequencies generated bythe mixerand the local oscillator are functionsof the selected radioarchitecture. The closer the oscillator frequency(or itsharmonics) isto the transmitter frequencies, the moredifficult it is to removethe undesired frequency. However,to operate at wider spacedfrequencies may require morecomplex circuitry, resulting in a more expensive radio implementation. A small separation between the transmit and receive frequencies can result in unwanted high powertransmitfrequencies leakinginto the receiver.The separation between the transmit and receive frequencies is usually specifiedbythelicensing bodies andthe system operators. The radio designer may not have control over this specification. To suppress the unwanted frequenciesbelowan acceptable powerlevel, a filter element is required in the signal path. The filter element discriminates between thedesired and undesired frequenciesbased on the wavelengths of the signals. A common millimetre-wave filter is basedon the metal waveguide.Waveguidefilters are used at microwavefrequencies dueto their low loss characteristics.Low lossin the resonant sections correspondsto a higher-Q, fasterrolloffoutsidethe passband and lowertransmission loss inthe passband. A typical waveguide filter consistsof multiple coupled resonators, where the volume of a resonator is proportional to the frequency of operation.Anexample of a conventionalwaveguide filtercomprises a housing containing a series of resonator cavities arranged in a straightline, where adjacent resonator cavities are separated by an apertured partitionwhich forms a coupler. The resonatorcavities are typically rectangular or cylindrical and have a length correspondingto one halfwavelength or multiples of one half wavelength of the centre frequency. Another implementationof a waveguide filter is the E-planefilter, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 1Aand 1B.Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the waveguide filter 1 includes a filter housing 2 whichforms an elongate channel 4. The housing is split into two parts 6, 8 along thelength of the channel toreceive an apertured thin metal sheet 10 therebetween. Theapertured metal sheet 10 is called a septum. The rectangular apertures 12 formed in the thin metal sheet 10 each define aresonator and themetal strips 14 remaining between the resonators functionas couplers and are knownas coupling sections. Eachcoupling section of the septum effectively divides thewaveguide into two halt waveguides havinga reduced width of less than half the center frequency wavelength so that thereducedsize waveguide does not permit propagation of the electromagneticwave. In microwave communications at moderately high frequencies, for example carrier frequenciesinthe range of24to 31 GHz, the frequency band for each of the receiveand transmitchannels may have awidth of only one percent of the center frequency and the center frequenciesmay be separated by a frequency band of similar width. Thus, a waveguide filter suitable for such an applicationmust provide a relatively narrow pass band with a sharp roll-off, and thereforesuch a filter requires a relatively large number of resonator cavities and coupling sections. One problem inconventional filter design is that as the number of resonators and coupling sectionsincreases, the waveguide becomeslonger and therefore requires a largerhousing which adds to the cost and makesit difficult to integrate with other system components. Various designs for a resonator cavity-type waveguide filter have been proposedto accommodate the resonators andcouplers into a smaller space. For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 57041702, Publication No. JP-A-58161403 and Japanese Patent Application No. 57070942, PublicationNo. JP-A-58187001 each discloses a bandpass filter havinga series of coupled cylindricalresonator cavities, each centered at the corner of a square. Thisdesign takes advantage of the cylindrical symmetryof the resonators to permit theoutput coupler of each resonator to be oriented at 90° with respect to its input coupler. U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,224 (Glinder) describes a resonator cavity-type waveguide filterhavinga seriesofresonator cavities interconnected by coupler channels in whichopposite sides ofthe coupler channelsare the same length, but opposite sides of the resonator cavities have different lengths, so that the input of each resonator cavity is angled relative to its output. In one example,a number ofsimilar resonator cavitieshaving dissimilar length sides are arranged to form an S-shaped waveguide which is accommodated in a spacewhose length is shorter thanthat needed for a linear waveguide having similar characteristics. Themechanical length of a resonator cavity having dissimilar length sides which determines the pass center frequencyis based on the length of the arcuate center line through theresonator cavity between the input and output couplers. Due to the shape of the resonator cavity, the length ofthe curved center line isdifferentfromthat of alinear resonator cavity and is calculated by first calculating the required mechanical length ofa linear resonator cavity and then applying a correction factor to the mechanical length. The correction factor is calculated based on the guide wavelength for a linearresonator, the desired pass center wavelength forthe non-linear cavity, thewidth of the waveguide and the radiusof curvature of thecenter line. Although the design disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,224 allows the length of a waveguide filter tobe reduced, it may bedifficult toimplement a high-Q, narrow pass band filter using this design since the required dimensions of the filter become more difficult tocalculate asthe number of cavities increases.
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Radio transmitters and receivers require filters to remove _or_ suppress _unwanted_ frequencies from being transmitted or received. The transmitter portion _of_ the radio may _generate_ frequencies which will interfere with the radio system, _or_ which may be _prohibited_ by the radio _frequency_ spectrum _governing_ _body._ The receiver may need to suppress unwanted signals _at_ different frequencies generated _by_ the transmitter, or received from an external source, which would _adversely_ affect the performance of the receiver. At _millimetre-wave_ frequencies, sources of unwanted _frequencies_ include _the_ local oscillator _frequency,_ image frequencies from the mixer, and the transmitter frequencies _in_ the case of the receiver. The frequencies generated by _the_ mixer and the _local_ oscillator are functions of the selected radio _architecture._ The closer the _oscillator_ frequency (or its harmonics) is to the transmitter frequencies, _the_ more difficult it is to remove the undesired frequency. However, to operate at wider spaced frequencies may require more _complex_ circuitry, resulting _in_ a more expensive radio implementation. _A_ _small_ separation _between_ _the_ transmit and receive _frequencies_ can result in unwanted _high_ power transmit frequencies leaking _into_ the receiver. The separation between the transmit and receive frequencies is usually _specified_ _by_ the licensing _bodies_ and _the_ system operators. The radio designer may not _have_ _control_ over _this_ specification. To suppress the _unwanted_ _frequencies_ _below_ an acceptable power level, a filter element _is_ required in the _signal_ path. _The_ filter _element_ discriminates between the desired and undesired frequencies _based_ _on_ the wavelengths _of_ _the_ _signals._ _A_ _common_ millimetre-wave filter is _based_ on the _metal_ waveguide. _Waveguide_ filters are used at microwave frequencies due _to_ their low loss _characteristics._ Low _loss_ in the _resonant_ _sections_ _corresponds_ to a higher-Q, faster rolloff outside the passband and lower transmission loss _in_ the passband. _A_ _typical_ _waveguide_ filter consists of multiple coupled resonators, _where_ _the_ volume of a _resonator_ is _proportional_ to the frequency of operation. An example _of_ a _conventional_ waveguide filter comprises a housing containing _a_ series of resonator cavities arranged _in_ _a_ straight line, where _adjacent_ resonator cavities are _separated_ _by_ an apertured partition which forms a coupler. The _resonator_ cavities are typically rectangular _or_ cylindrical and have a length corresponding to one half wavelength or multiples of one _half_ wavelength of the centre _frequency._ _Another_ implementation of a waveguide _filter_ is the E-plane _filter,_ an _example_ of which is shown in FIGS. _1A_ and _1B._ Referring _to_ FIGS. 1A and 1B, _the_ waveguide filter 1 includes a filter housing 2 which _forms_ an elongate channel 4. _The_ housing is split _into_ two _parts_ 6, 8 along the length of the channel to receive _an_ apertured thin metal sheet _10_ therebetween. The apertured metal sheet _10_ _is_ called a septum. The rectangular apertures 12 formed _in_ the thin metal sheet 10 _each_ define a resonator and the _metal_ strips _14_ remaining between the resonators function as couplers and are known _as_ coupling sections. Each coupling section of _the_ septum effectively divides _the_ waveguide _into_ two halt waveguides having a reduced _width_ _of_ _less_ than half the _center_ frequency wavelength so that the reduced _size_ waveguide _does_ not _permit_ propagation _of_ the electromagnetic wave. In microwave communications at moderately high frequencies, for example carrier frequencies _in_ _the_ range of 24 _to_ 31 GHz, the frequency band for each of the receive and transmit _channels_ may have a width of only one _percent_ of the _center_ frequency and the center frequencies may be _separated_ by a _frequency_ band _of_ similar width. Thus, a waveguide filter suitable for such an application must provide a relatively narrow _pass_ band with a _sharp_ roll-off, _and_ _therefore_ _such_ a filter requires a relatively large number of resonator cavities _and_ coupling _sections._ One problem _in_ conventional filter design is that as the number _of_ resonators and coupling sections _increases,_ the waveguide becomes longer and _therefore_ requires a larger housing which adds _to_ the cost and makes it difficult to integrate _with_ other system _components._ Various designs for a resonator cavity-type _waveguide_ filter have been _proposed_ to _accommodate_ the resonators and couplers _into_ a smaller space. For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 57041702, Publication No. JP-A-58161403 and Japanese _Patent_ _Application_ No. 57070942, Publication No. JP-A-58187001 each _discloses_ a band pass _filter_ having a _series_ of _coupled_ cylindrical resonator cavities, each centered _at_ the corner of _a_ square. This design takes advantage of _the_ cylindrical symmetry _of_ the resonators _to_ permit the _output_ _coupler_ of each resonator to be oriented _at_ 90° _with_ respect to its input coupler. U.S. _Pat._ No. 6,181,224 (Glinder) describes a resonator _cavity-type_ _waveguide_ _filter_ having a series _of_ resonator cavities interconnected by coupler _channels_ in which opposite _sides_ of the _coupler_ channels are the same length, but opposite sides of the resonator cavities _have_ different lengths, so that the input of each resonator cavity is angled relative to its _output._ _In_ one example, _a_ number of similar _resonator_ cavities having _dissimilar_ _length_ sides are arranged _to_ form an S-shaped waveguide _which_ is accommodated in a space whose _length_ is shorter than _that_ _needed_ for _a_ _linear_ waveguide having similar characteristics. The mechanical _length_ _of_ a resonator cavity having dissimilar _length_ sides which determines _the_ pass center frequency is _based_ on the _length_ of the _arcuate_ _center_ line through the resonator _cavity_ between the input and output couplers. Due to the _shape_ of the resonator cavity, _the_ length of _the_ curved center line is _different_ _from_ that of a _linear_ resonator cavity _and_ _is_ _calculated_ by first calculating the required _mechanical_ length of a linear resonator cavity and then applying a _correction_ factor to _the_ mechanical length. The correction _factor_ _is_ calculated _based_ _on_ the guide _wavelength_ for _a_ linear resonator, _the_ desired pass _center_ wavelength for the _non-linear_ cavity, the _width_ _of_ the _waveguide_ _and_ the _radius_ of curvature of the center _line._ Although the design disclosed _in_ U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,224 allows the length of a waveguide filter to be reduced, _it_ _may_ be difficult to implement _a_ high-Q, _narrow_ pass _band_ filter using this design since the required _dimensions_ of _the_ filter become more difficult to calculate as _the_ number of cavities increases.
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Wireless networks enable large numbers of users to take advantage of mobile telephony and data services. To this end, inter-network roaming has become a fairly standard feature that enables mobile users to receive wireless service on their wireless terminals as guests in networks that are not their “home” network across large geographic regions. To support inter-network roaming, the Customized Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic set of protocol standards (“CAMEL”) has been developed over the years to enable network operators to offer services such as no-prefix dialing in foreign countries and seamless multimedia messaging. CAMEL was originally defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute and more recently by the 3GPP group to operate with GSM, UMTS, and 3GPP-based wireless networks. See, e.g., 3GPP Technical Specification, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification group Core Network and Terminals; Customised Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic (CAMEL) Phase 4; Stage 2 (Release 9), 3GPP TS 23.078 V9.2.0 (2010-09), which is incorporated by reference herein. A well-known CAMEL-compliant protocol is the CAMEL Application Part (“CAP”) signaling protocol. CAP is used for signaling and communication among CAMEL-enabled entities within a wireless network.
A complete list of available and contemplated CAMEL-enabled supplementary services is beyond the scope of the present disclosure, but examples include: barring calls or approving a call to continue, monitoring a call for call connect and disconnect, providing announcements or voice prompts to voice users, controlling call duration, enabling debits/charges to be applied against a pre-paid wireless calling plan, and providing the user with account balance announcements, tracking whether the subscriber is reachable (i.e., in-network) or roaming outside the network, controlling mobile-originated and mobile-terminated text messaging through both circuit-switched and packet-switched network entities, and enabling the same access number for voice mail across different networks, etc.
CAMEL-enabled entities within a wireless network include one or more service control function entities and the gateway mobile location center, as explained in more detail in regard to FIGS. 1 and 2 below.
In the context of mobile detection, surveillance, and tracking operations, CAMEL-enabled services in the prior art are not well suited for such applications. A mobile detection scenario is illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 below, accompanied by a discussion of the disadvantages that it presents. FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a portion of wireless telecommunications network 100 that is available in the prior art. Wireless network 100 comprises: mobile switching center (“MSC”) 101, base station controller (“BSC”) 103, base station 105, serving mobile location center (“SMLC”) 107, gateway mobile location center (“GMLC”) 109, home location register (“HLR”) 111, service control function (“SCF”) entity 113, general packet radio service (“GPRS”) support node 115, and wireless telecommunications terminal 150. Wireless network 100 and its constituent elements are well known in the art.
Wireless network 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is a wireless network that is configured to operate according to the Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”) standards. The depicted terminology herein, including CAMEL-related terminology, is often GSM-specific for ease of understanding, and more general terms are used in some instances. In some configurations, wireless network 100 could be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”) network, or based on the 3rd generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) family of standards, or a Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) or CDMA-based network. It will be clear to those skilled in the art what the appropriate terms are for non-GSM networks and non-CAMEL protocols.
Mobile switching center (“MSC”) 101 is a wireless network element that, among other functions, provides mobility management and circuit switched call support along with connectivity to the Public Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”). Mobile switching center 101 is CAMEL-enabled, meaning that it (non-exclusively) communicates CAMEL-compliant signaling to and from other elements of wireless network 100 as described in more detail below. In some CAMEL-enabled networks, a CAMEL-enabled mobile switching center 101 also collects information that is needed for pre-paid call accounting and charging. CAMEL-enabled mobile switching centers are well known in the art. For simplicity, distinctions between a serving mobile switching center and other mobile switching centers will be kept to a minimum herein as such distinctions are well known in the art.
Base station controller (“BSC”) 103 is responsible for signaling between a wireless terminal and the main switching elements of the network such as mobile switching center 101 and GPRS support node 115. Typically, base station controller 103 controls a plurality of base stations 105, but only one base station 105 is illustrated here for simplicity. Base station controller 103 is well known in the art.
Base station 105 is responsible for the wireless radio frequency (“RF”) communication link to the wireless terminals in the area. Base station 105 serves a cell of wireless network 100 and has a unique cell identification within the network. A group of cells define a “location area.” As illustrated in FIG. 1, base station 105 is the serving base station to wireless terminal 150, i.e., provides the necessary service that enables voice and/or data services to wireless terminal 150. Base station 105 is well known in the art.
Serving mobile location center (“SMLC”) 107 collects information from the wireless terminals that are in service with base station controller 103, e.g., wireless terminal 150, and estimates their respective locations with a certain level of precision or resolution, e.g., estimating a location with a radius of 300 meters. Serving mobile location center 107 is well known in the art.
Gateway mobile location center (“GMLC”) 109 is an element of the wireless network that typically interfaces with external location services systems that provide higher level applications. Within wireless network 100, gateway mobile location center 109 transmits location requests to mobile switching center 101 and/or GPRS support node 115 and receives location estimates that were generated by serving mobile location center 107 and transmitted therefrom “upstream” to gateway mobile location center 109. Gateway mobile location center 109 is well known in the art.
Home location register (“HLR”) 111 is a centralized element of wireless network 100 that stores subscriber profiles associated with wireless terminals that are authorized to use wireless network 100, whether they are network subscribers or roamers or pre-paid users, etc. Each subscriber profile comprises information that is specific to the particular wireless terminal it is associated with, such as GPRS settings to allow packet services, settings to enable services requested by the subscriber, and location information (that was received from other entities) about the wireless telecommunications terminal, etc. Home location register 111 is well known in the art.
Service control function (“SCF”) entity 113 is an element of network 100 that is associated with providing supplemental services, such as CAMEL-based roaming or pre-paid calling. A service control point is an example of a service control function entity. The service control function entity implements the supplemental services desired by the operator, e.g., pre-paid accounting. In GSM networks, there is a CAMEL GSM entity known as the “gsmSCF” that performs the service control function, as is well known in the art. Service control function entity 113 and gateway mobile location center 109 are depicted here as two distinct elements of network 100 to emphasize their distinct functions and roles within the network.
General packet radio service (“GPRS”) support node (“GPRS support node”) 115 is analogous in some functions to mobile switching center 101, but differs from mobile switching center 101 in that it supports packet data services to the wireless terminals in contrast to the circuit switched service provided by mobile switching center 101. GPRS support node 115 is CAMEL-enabled, meaning that it (non-exclusively) communicates CAMEL-compliant signaling to and from other elements of wireless network 100 as described in more detail below. In some CAMEL-enabled networks, a CAMEL-enabled GPRS support node 115 also collects information that is needed for pre-paid call accounting and charging. GPRS support node 115 is well known in the art.
Wireless terminal 150 is illustratively a GSM cellular telephone. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that wireless terminal 150 can be another type of wireless terminal that is compatible with the serving wireless network, e.g., 3GPP, UMTS, TDMA, CDMA, etc. Wireless terminal 150 can be a cell phone, a smartphone, a data tablet, or a combination thereof. Wireless terminal 150 is well known in the art. When considering detection, surveillance, and tracking of wireless terminal 150, FIG. 2 is instructive.
FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative portion of a location-related signal flow among several legacy elements of wireless network 100, including wireless terminal 150, base station controller 103, serving mobile location center 107, mobile switching center 101, GPRS support node 115, service control function entity 113, gateway mobile location center 109, and home location register 111—as available in the prior art. FIG. 2 also depicts: per-subscriber operator input 200, signals 201 through 214, and status bubble 215. The illustrative signal flow occurs when a subscriber's identity is flagged for purposes of detecting, tracking, and surveilling the location of the subscriber's wireless terminal. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this representation is a simplification of actual network signaling traffic, which is intended to improve understanding of the process and is not intended as an exhaustive tutorial.
Bubble 200 represents one or more operations by
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Wireless networks enable large numbers of users to take advantage of mobile telephony and data services. To this end, inter-network roaming has become a fairly standard feature that enables mobile users to receive wireless service on their wireless terminals as guests in networks that are not their “home” network across large geographic regions. To support inter-network roaming, the Customized Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic set of protocol standards (“CAMEL”) has been developed over the years to enable network operators to offer services such as no-prefix dialing in foreign countries and seamless multimedia messaging. CAMEL was originally defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute and more recently by the 3GPP group to operate with GSM, UMTS, and 3GPP-based wireless networks. See, e.g., 3GPP Technical Specification, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification group Core Network and Terminals; Customised Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic (CAMEL) Phase 4; Stage 2 (Release 9), 3GPP TS 23.078 V9.2.0 (2010-09), which is incorporated by reference herein. A well-known CAMEL-compliant protocol is the CAMEL Application Part (“CAP”) signaling protocol. CAP is used for signaling and communication among CAMEL-enabled entities within a wireless network. A complete list of available and contemplated CAMEL-enabled supplementary services is beyond the scope of the present disclosure, but examples include: barring calls or approving a call to continue, monitoring a call for call connect and disconnect, providing announcements or voice prompts to voice users, controlling call duration, enabling debits/charges to be applied against a pre-paid wireless calling plan, and providing the user with account balance announcements, tracking whether the subscriber is reachable (i.e., in-network) or roaming outside the network, controlling mobile-originated and mobile-terminated text messaging through both circuit-switched and packet-switched network entities, and enabling the same access number for voice mail across different networks, etc. CAMEL-enabled entities within a wireless network include one or more service control function entities and the gateway mobile location center, as explained in more detail in regard to FIGS. 1 and 2 below. In the context of mobile detection, surveillance, and tracking operations, CAMEL-enabled services in the prior art are not well suited for such applications. A mobile detection scenario is illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 below, accompanied by a discussion of the disadvantages that it presents. FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a portion of wireless telecommunications network 100 that is available in the prior art. Wireless network 100 comprises: mobile switching center (“MSC”) 101, base station controller (“BSC”) 103, base station 105, serving mobile location center (“SMLC”) 107, gateway mobile location center (“GMLC”) 109, home location register (“HLR”) 111, service control function (“SCF”) entity 113, general packet radio service (“GPRS”) support node 115, and wireless telecommunications terminal 150. Wireless network 100 and its constituent elements are well known in the art. Wireless network 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is a wireless network that is configured to operate according to the Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”) standards. The depicted terminology herein, including CAMEL-related terminology, is often GSM-specific for ease of understanding, and more general terms are used in some instances. In some configurations, wireless network 100 could be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”) network, or based on the 3rd generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) family of standards, or a Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) or CDMA-based network. It will be clear to those skilled in the art what the appropriate terms are for non-GSM networks and non-CAMEL protocols. Mobile switching center (“MSC”) 101 is a wireless network element that, among other functions, provides mobility management and circuit switched call support along with connectivity to the Public Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”). Mobile switching center 101 is CAMEL-enabled, meaning that it (non-exclusively) communicates CAMEL-compliant signaling to and from other elements of wireless network 100 as described in more detail below. In some CAMEL-enabled networks, a CAMEL-enabled mobile switching center 101 also collects information that is needed for pre-paid call accounting and charging. CAMEL-enabled mobile switching centers are well known in the art. For simplicity, distinctions between a serving mobile switching center and other mobile switching centers will be kept to a minimum herein as such distinctions are well known in the art. Base station controller (“BSC”) 103 is responsible for signaling between a wireless terminal and the main switching elements of the network such as mobile switching center 101 and GPRS support node 115. Typically, base station controller 103 controls a plurality of base stations 105, but only one base station 105 is illustrated here for simplicity. Base station controller 103 is well known in the art. Base station 105 is responsible for the wireless radio frequency (“RF”) communication link to the wireless terminals in the area. Base station 105 serves a cell of wireless network 100 and has a unique cell identification within the network. A group of cells define a “location area.” As illustrated in FIG. 1, base station 105 is the serving base station to wireless terminal 150, i.e., provides the necessary service that enables voice and/or data services to wireless terminal 150. Base station 105 is well known in the art. Serving mobile location center (“SMLC”) 107 collects information from the wireless terminals that are in service with base station controller 103, e.g., wireless terminal 150, and estimates their respective locations with a certain level of precision or resolution, e.g., estimating a location with a radius of 300 meters. Serving mobile location center 107 is well known in the art. Gateway mobile location center (“GMLC”) 109 is an element of the wireless network that typically interfaces with external location services systems that provide higher level applications. Within wireless network 100, gateway mobile location center 109 transmits location requests to mobile switching center 101 and/or GPRS support node 115 and receives location estimates that were generated by serving mobile location center 107 and transmitted therefrom “upstream” to gateway mobile location center 109. Gateway mobile location center 109 is well known in the art. Home location register (“HLR”) 111 is a centralized element of wireless network 100 that stores subscriber profiles associated with wireless terminals that are authorized to use wireless network 100, whether they are network subscribers or roamers or pre-paid users, etc. Each subscriber profile comprises information that is specific to the particular wireless terminal it is associated with, such as GPRS settings to allow packet services, settings to enable services requested by the subscriber, and location information (that was received from other entities) about the wireless telecommunications terminal, etc. Home location register 111 is well known in the art. Service control function (“SCF”) entity 113 is an element of network 100 that is associated with providing supplemental services, such as CAMEL-based roaming or pre-paid calling. A service control point is an example of a service control function entity. The service control function entity implements the supplemental services desired by the operator, e.g., pre-paid accounting. In GSM networks, there is a CAMEL GSM entity known as the “gsmSCF” that performs the service control function, as is well known in the art. Service control function entity 113 and gateway mobile location center 109 are depicted here as two distinct elements of network 100 to emphasize their distinct functions and roles within the network. General packet radio service (“GPRS”) support node (“GPRS support node”) 115 is analogous in some functions to mobile switching center 101, but differs from mobile swop center 101 in that it supports packet data services to the wireless terminals in contrast to the circuit switched service provided by mobile switching center 101. GPRS support node 115 is CAMEL-enabled, meaning that it (non-exclusively) communicates CAMEL-compliant signaling to and from other elements of wireless network 100 as described in more detail below. In some CAMEL-enabled networks, a CAMEL-enabled GPRS support node 115 also collects information that is needed for pre-paid call accounting and charging. GPRS support node 115 is well known in the art. Wireless terminal 150 is illustratively a GSM cellular telephone. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that wireless terminal 150 can be another type of wireless terminal that is compatible with the serving wireless network, e.g., 3GPP, UMTS, TDMA, CDMA, etc. Wireless terminal 150 can be a cell phone, a smartphone, a data tablet, or a combination thereof. Wireless terminal 150 is well known in the art. When considering detection, surveillance, and tracking of wireless terminal 150, FIG. 2 is instructive. FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative portion of a location-related signal flow among several legacy elements of wireless network 100, including wireless terminal 150, base station controller 103, serving mobile location center 107, mobile switching center 101, GPRS support node 115, service control function entity 113, gateway mobile location center 109, and home location register 111—as available in the prior art. FIG. 2 also depicts: per-subscriber operator input 200, signals 201 through 214, and status bubble 215. The illustrative signal flow occurs when a subscriber's identity is flagged for purposes of detecting, tracking, and surveilling the location of the subscriber's wireless terminal. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this representation is a simplification of actual network signaling traffic, which is intended to improve understanding of the process and is not intended as an exhaustive tutorial. Bubble 200 represents one or more operations by
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Wireless networks enable large numbers of users to take advantage of mobile telephony and data services. To this end, inter - network roaming has become a fairly standard feature that enables mobile users to receive wireless service on their wireless terminals as guests in networks that are not their “ home ” network across large geographic regions. To support inter - network roaming, the Customized Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic set of protocol standards (“ CAMEL ”) has been developed over the years to enable network operators to offer services such as no - prefix dialing in fKreiVn countries and seamless multimedia messaging. CAMEL was originally defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute and more recently by the 3GPP group to operate with GSM, UMTS, and 3GPP - based wireless networks. See, e. g. , 3GPP Technical Specification, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification group Core Network and Terminals; Customised Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic (CAMEL) Phase 4; Stage 2 (Release 9 ), 3GPP TS 23. 078 V9. 2. 0 (2010 - 09 ), which is incorporated by reference herein. A well - known CAMEL - compliant protocol is the CAMEL Application Part (“ CAP ”) signaling protocol. CAP is used for signaling and communication among CAMEL - enabled entities within a wireless network. A complete list of available and contemplated CAMEL - enabled supplementary services is beyond the scope of the present disclosure, but examples include: barring calls or approving a call to continue, monitoring a call for call connect and disconnect, providing announcements or voice prompts to voice users, controlling call duration, enabling debits / charges to be applied against a pre - paid wireless calling plan, and providing the user with account balance announcements, tracking whether the subscriber is reachable (i. e. , in - network) or roaming outside the network, controlling mobile - originated and mobile - terminated text messaging through both circuit - switched and packet - switched network entities, and enabling the same access number for voice mail across different networks, etc. CAMEL - enabled entities within a wireless network include one or more service control function entities and the gateway mobile location center, as explained in more detail in regard to FIGS. 1 and 2 below. In the context of mobile detection, surveillance, and tracking operations, CAMEL - enabled services in the prior art are not well suited for such applications. A mobile detection scenario is illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 below, accompanied by a discussion of the disadvantages that it presents. FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a portion of wireless telecommunications network 100 that is available in the prior art. Wireless network 100 comprises: mobile switching center (“ MSC ”) 101, base station controller (“ BSC ”) 103, base station 105, serving mobile location center (“ SMLC ”) 107, gateway mobile location center (“ GMLC ”) 109, home location register (“ HLR ”) 111, service control function (“ SCF ”) entity 113, genetaP packet radio service (“ GPRS ”) support node 115, and wireless telecommunications terminal 150. Wireless network 100 and its constituent elements are well known in the art. Wireless network 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is a wireless network that is configured to operate according to the Global System for Mobile Communications (“ GSM ”) standards. The depicted terminology herein, including CAMEL - related terminology, is often GSM - specific for ease of understanding, and more general terms are used in some instances. In some configurations, wireless network 100 could be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“ UMTS ”) network, or based on the 3rd generation Partnership Project (“ 3GPP ”) family of standards, or a Code Division Multiple Access (“ CDMA ”) or CDMA - based network. It will be clear to those skilled in the art what the appropriate terms are for non - GSM networks and non - CQMEO protocols. Mobile switching center (“ MSC ”) 101 is a wireless network element that, among other functions, provides mobility management and circuit switched call support along with connectivity to the Public Switched Telephone Network (“ PSTN ” ). Mobile switching center 101 is CAMEL - enabled, meaning that it (non - exclusively) communicates CAMEL - compliant signaling to and from other elements of wireless Ge6work 100 as described in more detail below. In some CAMEL - enabled networks, a CAMEL - enabled mobile switching center 101 also collects information that is needed for pre - paid call accounting and charging. CAMEL - enabled mobile switching centers are well known in the art. For simplicity, distinctions between a serving mobile switching center and other mobile switching centers will be kept to a minimum herein as such distinctions are well known in the art. Base station controller (“ BSC ”) 103 is responsible for signaling between a wireless terminal and the main switching elements of the network such as mobile switching center 101 and GPRS support node 115. Typically, base station controller 103 controls a plurality of base stations 105, but only one base station 105 is illustrated here for simplicity. Base station controller 103 is well known in the art. Base station 105 is responsible for the wireless radio frequency (“ RF ”) communication link to the eirelesD terminals in the area. Base station 105 serves a cell of wireless network 100 and has a unique cell identification within the network. A group of cells define a “ location area. ” As illustrated in FIG. 1, base station 105 is the serving base station to wireless terminal 150, i. e. , provides the necessary service that enables voice and / or data services to wireless terminal 150. Base station 105 is well known in the art. Serving mobile location center (“ SMLC ”) 107 collects igforHation from the wireless terminals that are in service with base station controller 103, e. g. , wireless terminal 150, and estimates their respective locations with a certain level of precision or resolution, e. g. , estimating a location with a radius of 300 meters. Serving mobile location center 107 is well known in the art. Gateway mobile location center (“ GMLC ”) 109 is an element of the wireless network that typically interfaces with external location services systems that provide higher level applications. Within wireless network 100, gateway mobile location center 109 transmits location requests to mobile switching center 101 and / or GPRS support node 115 and receives location estimates that were generated by serf8ng mobile location center 107 and transmitted therefrom “ upstream ” to gateway mobile location center 109. Gateway mobile location center 109 is well known in the art. Home location Gegist4r (“ HLR ”) 111 is a centralized element of wireless network 100 that stores subscriber profiles associated with wireless terminals that are authorized to use wireless network 100, whether they are netaorl subscribers or roamers or pre - paid users, etc. Each subscriber profile comprises information that is specific to the particular wireless terminal it is associated with, such as GPRS settings to allow packet services, settings to enable services requested by the subscriber, and location information (that was received from other entities) about the wireless telecommunications terminal, etc. Home location register 111 is well known in the art. Service control function (“ SCF ”) entity 113 is an element of network 100 that is associated with providing supplemental services, such as CAMEL - based roaming or pre - paid calling. A service control point is an example of a service control function entity. The service control function entity implements the supplemental services desired by the operator, e. g. , pre - paid accounting. In GSM networks, there is a CAMEL GSM entity known as the “ gsmSCF ” that performs the service control function, as is well known in the art. Service control function entity 113 and gateway mobile location center 109 are depicted here as two distinct elements of network 100 to emphasize their distinct functions and roles within the network. General packet radio service (“ GPRS ”) support node (“ GPRS support node ”) 115 is analogous in some functions to mobile switching center 101, but differs from mobile switching center 101 in that it supports packet data services to the wireless terminals in contrast to the circuit switched service provided by mobile switching center 101. GPRS support node 115 is CAMEL - enabled, meaning that it (non - exclusively) communicates CAMEL - compliant signaling to and from other elements of wireless network 100 as described in more detail below. In some CAMEL - enabled networks, a CAMEL - enabled GPRS support node 115 also collects information that is needed for pre - paid call accounting and charging. GPRS support node 115 is well known in the art. Wireless terminal 150 is illustratively a GSM cellular telephone. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that wireless terminal 150 can be another type of wireless terminal that is compatible with the serving wireless network, e. g. , 3GPP, UMTS, TDMA, CDMA, etc. Wireless terminal 150 can be a cell phone, a smartphone, a data tablet, or a coHbinatlon thereof. Wireless terminal 150 is well known in the art. When considering detection, surveillance, and tracking of wireless terminal 150, FIG. 2 is instructive. FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative portion of a location - related signal flow among several legacy elements of wireless network 100, including wireless terminal 150, base station controller 103, serving mobile location center 107, mobile switching center 101, GPRS support node 115, service control function entity 113, gateway mobile location center 109, and home location register 111 — as available in the prior art. FIG. 2 also depicts: per - subscriber operator input 200, signals 201 through 214, and status bubble 215. The illustrative signal flow occurs when a subscriber ' s identity is flagged for purposes of detecting, tracking, and surveilling the location of the subscriber ' s wireless terminal. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this representation is a simplification of actual network signaling traffic, which is intended to improve understanding of the process and is not intended as an exhaustive tutorial. Bubble 200 represents one or more operations by
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Wireless networks enable large numbers of users to take advantage of telephony and data services. To this end, inter-network roaming has become a fairly standard feature that enables mobile users to receive wireless service on their wireless terminals as guests in networks that are not their “home” network large geographic regions. To support inter-network roaming, the Customized Applications for Mobile network Enhanced set of protocol (“CAMEL”) has been developed over the years to enable network operators to offer services such as no-prefix dialing foreign countries and seamless multimedia messaging. CAMEL was originally defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute and more recently by the 3GPP group to operate with UMTS, and 3GPP-based wireless networks. See, e.g., 3GPP Technical Specification, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical group Core Network and Customised Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic (CAMEL) Phase 4; Stage 9), 3GPP TS V9.2.0 (2010-09), which incorporated by reference herein. A well-known protocol is the CAMEL Application Part (“CAP”) signaling protocol. is used for signaling and communication among entities within a wireless network. A complete list of available and contemplated CAMEL-enabled supplementary services is beyond the scope of the present disclosure, but examples include: barring calls or approving a to continue, monitoring a call for call connect and disconnect, providing announcements or voice prompts to voice users, controlling call duration, enabling debits/charges to be applied against a pre-paid wireless calling and providing the user with account balance announcements, tracking whether the subscriber is reachable (i.e., in-network) or roaming outside the network, mobile-originated and mobile-terminated text messaging through circuit-switched and packet-switched network and enabling the same access number for voice across different networks, etc. CAMEL-enabled entities within wireless network include one or more service control function entities and the gateway mobile location center, as explained in more detail in to FIGS. 1 and 2 below. In the context mobile detection, surveillance, and tracking operations, CAMEL-enabled services the prior are not well suited for such applications. mobile detection scenario is illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 below, accompanied by a discussion of the it presents. FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a portion of wireless telecommunications network 100 that is available in the prior art. Wireless network 100 comprises: switching center (“MSC”) 101, base station controller (“BSC”) 103, base station 105, serving location center (“SMLC”) 107, gateway mobile location 109, home location register (“HLR”) 111, service control function (“SCF”) entity 113, general packet radio (“GPRS”) support node 115, and wireless telecommunications terminal 150. Wireless 100 its constituent elements are well in the art. Wireless network 100 as in 1 is a wireless network that is configured to operate according to the Global System for Communications (“GSM”) standards. The depicted terminology herein, including terminology, is often GSM-specific for ease of understanding, and more general terms are in some instances. In some configurations, wireless network 100 could be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System network, or on the 3rd generation Partnership (“3GPP”) family of standards, or Code Division Multiple Access or network. It will be clear to skilled in the art the appropriate terms are for non-GSM networks and non-CAMEL protocols. Mobile switching center (“MSC”) 101 is a wireless network element that, other functions, provides mobility management and switched call support along with connectivity to the Public Telephone Network (“PSTN”). Mobile switching center 101 is CAMEL-enabled, meaning that it (non-exclusively) communicates CAMEL-compliant signaling to from other elements of wireless network 100 as described more detail below. In some CAMEL-enabled networks, a CAMEL-enabled mobile center 101 collects information that needed pre-paid accounting and charging. CAMEL-enabled mobile switching centers are well known in the art. For simplicity, distinctions a serving mobile switching mobile centers will be kept to a minimum herein as such distinctions are well known in the art. Base station controller (“BSC”) 103 is responsible signaling between a wireless terminal and the main switching elements of the network such as mobile switching and support node 115. Typically, base station controller 103 controls a plurality of base stations 105, only one base station 105 illustrated here simplicity. Base station controller is well known in the art. Base station 105 is the wireless radio frequency (“RF”) communication link to the wireless terminals in area. Base 105 serves a cell of wireless network 100 and has a unique cell identification within the network. A of cells define a “location area.” As illustrated in FIG. 1, base 105 is the serving base station to wireless terminal 150, i.e., necessary service that enables voice and/or services to wireless terminal 150. Base station is well known in the art. Serving mobile location center (“SMLC”) 107 information from the wireless terminals that are in with station controller 103, wireless terminal 150, and estimates their respective locations with a certain of or e.g., estimating a location a of 300 meters. Serving mobile location center 107 is well in art. mobile location center (“GMLC”) 109 is an element of the wireless network that typically interfaces with external services systems that provide higher level applications. Within wireless network 100, gateway mobile location center 109 transmits location requests to mobile switching center 101 and/or GPRS node 115 and receives location estimates that were generated by serving mobile location center 107 and transmitted therefrom “upstream” to gateway mobile location center 109. Gateway mobile location center 109 is well known in the art. Home location register is a centralized element of wireless network 100 that stores subscriber profiles associated with wireless terminals that are authorized to use wireless network 100, whether they are subscribers or roamers pre-paid users, etc. Each subscriber profile comprises information that is specific to particular wireless terminal it is associated with, such as GPRS settings to allow packet services, settings to enable services requested by the subscriber, location information (that was received from other entities) about the wireless telecommunications terminal, Home location register 111 is well known in the art. Service control function (“SCF”) entity 113 is an element of network 100 that is associated with providing services, such as CAMEL-based roaming pre-paid A point is an example of a service function entity. The service control function entity implements the supplemental desired by the operator, e.g., accounting. In GSM networks, there is a CAMEL GSM known as the “gsmSCF” that performs the service control function, is well known in the art. Service control function entity 113 mobile location center 109 are depicted here as two distinct elements of network 100 to emphasize their functions and roles within the network. General packet radio service (“GPRS”) support node (“GPRS 115 is analogous in some functions to mobile switching center 101, but differs from mobile switching center 101 in that it supports packet data services to the wireless terminals in contrast to the circuit switched service provided by switching center 101. GPRS support 115 is CAMEL-enabled, meaning that it (non-exclusively) CAMEL-compliant signaling to and from other elements of wireless network 100 as described in more detail below. In some CAMEL-enabled networks, a CAMEL-enabled GPRS support node 115 also collects information that needed for pre-paid call and charging. GPRS support node 115 is well known in the art. Wireless 150 is illustratively a GSM cellular telephone. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that wireless terminal 150 can be another type of wireless that compatible with the serving wireless network, e.g., 3GPP, UMTS, TDMA, CDMA, etc. Wireless terminal can a cell phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or a combination terminal 150 well in the art. When considering detection, and tracking of terminal 150, FIG. is instructive. FIG. an illustrative portion of a location-related flow among several legacy of network including wireless terminal 150, base station controller 103, serving mobile location center 107, mobile switching center 101, GPRS support node 115, control function entity 113, gateway mobile center 109, and location register 111—as available in the prior art. FIG. 2 also depicts: per-subscriber operator input 200, signals 201 214, and status bubble 215. The illustrative signal flow when a subscriber's is for purposes of detecting, tracking, and surveilling location of the subscriber's wireless terminal. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this representation is a simplification of network signaling traffic, which is intended to improve understanding of the process and is not intended as an exhaustive tutorial. Bubble 200 represents one more operations by
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WIrelEss nETWorks ENabLE larGE NUMbErs OF uSerS To TAKe aDvAnTAGe of mobilE TelePhOnY ANd dATa SeRViCes. tO ThIS eNd, INter-NETwoRk rOAmInG HAs BeCOme a FAIRlY StaNDArD fEATuRE THAt enAblEs mObIle uSeRS TO recEiVe wireLESS sERviCe On THeir WIrElESS tERMinALs AS guesTS IN nETwoRks thaT aRe nOT theIr “hoME” NeTwoRK aCrOSS laRgE GeOGRaPhiC rEGioNS. to suPPORT iNTEr-nETwork ROaMing, the cuSTOMIzeD apPlIcaTIONS fOr MOBIle NeTwOrk eNhAnCed LoGiC sEt oF PrOTOcol STandaRds (“caMEL”) has BeeN DevELOPEd oVEr the yeArS To enaBle nETwoRK oPEratorS tO OfFer sErVicES SUCh AS No-preFIx dIaLINg In ForEIgn CoUnTriEs and seamLeSS MulTimeDia MEssaGINg. cAmel wAS origiNaLLY deFineD BY tHE EUroPeaN TeleCommUnICaTiOns STAndarDs INsTiTUtE ANd MORe rEceNTLY bY tHe 3GpP GroUp To opErate WITH Gsm, Umts, anD 3Gpp-BaseD wIrEleSs nETwOrKs. SeE, e.g., 3Gpp teChnICAL SPEciFicAtIoN, 3RD gEneraTIOn partNERSHiP PRoJeCt; TEchNIcAl SPEcIfICATiOn grOUp CORE nETwOrk AnD TeRMinaLs; CUstOMIsed appLIcations fOr MObiLE NeTwoRK EnhaNCED loGic (CamEL) PhAse 4; stage 2 (rELease 9), 3gpp Ts 23.078 v9.2.0 (2010-09), wHiCh IS InCORPOrateD bY RefEreNcE hEREin. a WEll-kNOwn Camel-cOMPliANt prOTOcOL iS tHE CAMEl appLICaTION PART (“CaP”) sIgnaLing pRoTOcOl. cAp iS uSeD For sIgNALiNG And COMmuNiCatIon aMonG CAmEl-ENaBled EnTIties wIThIN A wireleSs neTWoRk.
a comPlETE LISt oF aVAIlaBLe AND cOnTemPlaTEd cAMEL-enABleD SUpplEMeNTarY sErviceS Is BEyoNd the ScOPe OF THE PREsent discloSURE, But EXamPleS inCLUDE: BARrInG CalLS oR APpRoVing a call TO cONTINuE, MonITORiNg A CALL fOR Call cOnneCT And dISCoNnEct, pROvIDINg aNnOUnCeMEnTS oR VOiCE PRompts TO VoICE Users, cONtRolLINg CALl duRaTIon, eNaBliNG DEBItS/cHARgEs To BE ApPlIed AgAInST A pRE-pAId wiRElESS CaLLiNG plAn, AnD PRoVIdING ThE uSer wiTh aCCOunt BAlANcE anNOunCemENtS, TRACKING WHeTheR tHe sUBscribER iS reachaBLe (i.E., iN-NeTwOrK) oR roamiNG ouTsiDe tHe NetWoRk, ConTroLLinG mOBIle-orIGiNAtED ANd MoBile-teRmINatED TeXt MEssaging THRougH both CIRcUit-sWItChed aND PaCKeT-sWItCHED NetWorK ENTiTieS, aND EnablinG The sAmE ACCeSs nUMbER for voicE mAIL AcROSs DIffeRenT NetWorKs, eTc.
caMel-enABleD eNtiTIEs WithIn A wIrELeSs neTwoRK iNclUdE oNe OR More SERVICe COnTRol FUNctIOn enTiTieS AnD THe gaTEwAY MoBIle lOCaTiON ceNtEr, AS ExpLaIneD in mORE DeTAiL IN ReGard TO figs. 1 And 2 belOW.
In THE COntexT of MOBILE DeTEcTION, suRVeIllAnce, AnD trACKiNg OpeRAtIoNS, CaMel-ENAbleD sERvices In tHE PrIOR Art are noT WELl suiteD FOR suCh appliCaTIONs. a MOBIlE deTECTIoN ScENaRio iS IlLUsTRatEd anD DESCRIbEd iN ReFerencE TO fIGS. 1 anD 2 bElOW, aCCOMpaNieD By A diSCussiOn oF the dIsaDvAnTageS ThAt iT pReSENTs. Fig. 1 dePICTS A ScHematIC Diagram of A pORTION Of WirElEss tElECOMmuNicAtiOnS NETWoRk 100 tHAT IS AvaILABlE iN The PrIor ART. WIrEleSS neTWoRk 100 CoMPrISes: mOBilE SWiTcHING CENTeR (“msc”) 101, BAsE StatiOn ContROLLEr (“BSC”) 103, BASe statIon 105, servINg MoBiLE loCaTioN CEnTER (“SmLc”) 107, GAtEWAy moBILe LoCatiON cENTer (“gMlC”) 109, hOME LOcATiOn ReGisteR (“hlR”) 111, serVIcE ConTROl fuNCTION (“scf”) EntiTY 113, GeNErAl PackET raDIO sErviCe (“gpRs”) SUPpoRT nODe 115, AND WIreLEsS teLEcoMmUnICATIonS TERmINAl 150. WIReLESS NEtwoRk 100 AnD ItS coNSTiTUenT ELemeNtS ARE WeLl KNown iN the art.
wiRelEsS nEtwoRK 100 As IlLUStrated In fIg. 1 iS A WIrelESs nETworK thAt Is CONfiGuREd To OpEraTE AcCordiNg to thE gLObal sYstEm for mOBIlE communIcaTionS (“GsM”) stANDaRDS. The DEpIcTEd teRMiNoLOgY HeReIN, iNCLUdInG CaMEL-ReLated TERMinologY, Is OFtEN gsm-sPeCifIc For EaSe OF UnDeRstANding, anD MOrE GeNERAL TERMs ArE uSed iN SOMe iNSTanCES. iN SoMe CONfIgURATiOnS, WirEleSs neTWork 100 cOULd bE A UNivERSal moBile teLEcommuNiCATIons SysTem (“UMts”) nEtwOrK, oR bAsed On tHe 3Rd GenERaTiOn paRtnERship ProJECt (“3gPP”) FamILY Of StANdARDs, oR A CodE DIvIsiON multIpLe aCcesS (“cDmA”) oR CDma-BasEd nETWOrK. It wilL be clEar tO THose SkIlLeD IN THe ART what tHE ApProprIATe Terms arE For nOn-gsm NETWorks ANd nON-CaMeL ProTocolS.
mOBiLE sWITchiNG CEnTer (“msc”) 101 iS A WirElEsS NEtWorK eLeMENT tHAt, AmONg otHER FunctiONS, proVIDes MobiLity maNAgEmEnt AND CiRCuIT SwITcHED calL supporT ALOnG with conNEcTIVITy To The pUBliC sWitcHED teLePhOnE networK (“psTN”). MObiLE SwitcHiNG CEnTer 101 IS cameL-eNabled, meANinG THAt iT (NON-excLUsiVELy) cOmMUnicateS CaMEL-coMPliaNT SIGnalIng TO aND FrOM othEr elEmeNTs oF wirEleSS NetwORk 100 aS deSCRiBed in more DetaiL beLOw. In some cameL-eNaBLed NeTWorKs, a CAMeL-eNAblED MObiLe SWItcHING CenTer 101 ALSo coLLects iNfoRmaTIon tHat Is neeDEd FoR pRe-PAId CaLl ACcOunTInG AnD CHaRGiNG. CAmEl-EnaBleD MOBile switchiNG cENTERs aRE wELl KnoWn IN tHe Art. fOr siMPlicity, diStiNCTIONS bETwEEn a SERvING mObIle sWiTchiNg CEnTeR AND OTHeR MoBILe swiTChiNG cEnTers wILL bE kEPt to A MinImum herEIN as Such diStinCTiONs are wELl kNown iN The Art.
BaSe sTaTiON cOntRoLlEr (“Bsc”) 103 Is RESpONSIBlE foR sIGnALiNG betweEN a wiReLeSS tErmiNal AND thE mAIN Switching elEmenTS OF ThE nEtWoRk sUch As mOBILe sWITChing CenTER 101 ANd GPRS SUPPOrT NODE 115. TYPICALLy, BASe stAtIon COnTRollER 103 COntROls a pLURAlIty oF BaSe STatiOns 105, buT OnLY onE BASe statiOn 105 iS illUSTrATED HerE fOR SIMPliCIty. bASe STAtIoN contRoLlEr 103 Is wELl KnOwn in tHe ARt.
baSE STatiOn 105 Is ReSPONsible FOR tHe wIReLEss radio FRequeNCY (“rf”) cOmmuNicATioN lInK To The wireLeSs tErmInAlS in The arEA. baSe statIOn 105 SERves a cell Of wirelESs neTwORK 100 AnD HaS A uNIQuE ceLL iDeNTIfiCATion WithiN THE neTWORk. A gROuP Of cELLs defIne A “loCAtIOn aREA.” As ILlustrateD in fIg. 1, BAsE sTATION 105 iS THE sERVINg BasE sTatIon To wireLESs terMINal 150, I.E., PrOVIdeS the NecessARY ServiCE tHAt EnABlEs VOiCE anD/OR DATa SERvIcEs to WIReleSs TErmInaL 150. base sTAtioN 105 IS WEll KNOwn In tHe aRT.
SerVinG mObILe LOcAtion ceNtEr (“Smlc”) 107 cOLlects iNfOrMATioN frOm tHe wIReleSS tERmINAlS THaT ARe IN ServiCE wIth BAse STATIoN coNTRollER 103, E.G., wiRElESs teRmInAl 150, AND EStimAtEs TheIr rESpECtive LocatioNs with A CERTAiN LeVEL of prECIsION oR ResOluTion, E.g., ESTImaTiNG A lOCAtION WITh a RadiuS OF 300 mETERs. serving MOBIlE LoCaTioN cenTeR 107 iS welL KnowN iN THe aRt.
gAtEWAY MOBIle locatION CEnteR (“gmlc”) 109 Is an ElemeNt OF the Wireless nETWoRk ThAt tYPIcAlLy IntERfAceS wiTh eXTERnaL locaTiON SErVICES sYSTEMs THAT pROViDe Higher lEveL ApPLIcAtIONs. WIthin WIreLess netwOrk 100, GATEWay MOBIle lOCatioN CeNtER 109 TraNsMITS LOcaTiON reqUesTS to MoBiLE sWITCHiNg CENtER 101 AnD/or gPrs sUPPorT NODE 115 And reCeivEs locAtIOn eSTImAteS tHaT weRE GENeRATed BY servING MoBIlE loCaTION ceNTer 107 AND traNSmitTEd TheReFrom “upsTreAm” tO GaTEwAY MObILE LoCatION CenTEr 109. GaTEWAy MOBiLe LOCAtion Center 109 IS WEll knoWn in tHE ART.
hOme LOcAtIoN rEgIster (“hlR”) 111 IS a ceNTrAlIzED eleMENt of WiRelEss nEtwORk 100 THat sToREs SUbScrIBEr PRofiLES aSsociaTEd WiTH WiReLeSS TErminAlS ThAt ArE AuTHOrIzED To USe wIRElesS netWOrK 100, WhETHER tHeY arE NETWoRK sUBSCRibERS oR ROAMeRS Or prE-PaId USeRs, Etc. eAcH SUBScribEr prOfiLe ComPrisES INfoRmaTION ThaT Is specifIc to ThE PArTIculaR wIreleSS termInaL IT iS AssoCIated WItH, sUCH AS GPRs sETtiNgs To ALloW PAcKEt seRVIces, SettINGs to EnaBle SERvIces rEquEStED by thE SUbSCRIber, and locATioN InFORmATiOn (That Was REcEiVeD From Other ENtitIeS) abouT ThE WireLess TELECommUNICATIOns TeRMInAl, ETC. HOmE lOcatIoN REGiStER 111 is wELL kNoWN iN ThE Art.
sErviCe COntrol FUnCTiOn (“sCf”) EnTitY 113 iS aN ELEMeNt Of NETWOrk 100 THAT iS ASSociAteD WIth providInG suPPlemENTAl seRviCEs, SUch as CAmel-BASed rOaMING or prE-PAId Calling. A SErVice CONtRoL POINT is aN eXAMpLe of A ServIcE COntROl fUnCtioN ENtity. THE sErVICe COnTRoL FunCtioN ENTItY ImplemEntS The SuPpleMenTAl SerVicES dESIRED by tHe oPeRATOR, E.G., PRE-PAiD aCcoUntiNg. iN Gsm NEtWoRKs, theRE IS a CaMEL GSM entITy kNown aS thE “gSmscF” THAT perFORMs tHe SeRvIce CONtrol FUNcTIOn, aS iS well knOWn IN ThE Art. serVIcE coNTROl FUNCtiOn enTITY 113 aNd GATEWAY MoBiLE lOCaTIOn CeNter 109 ArE DepICteD HEre AS twO DIStInCt ElEMEnTs oF NEtwoRk 100 To emphasize ThEir DIsTINct funCtIOnS AND ROlEs WITHiN thE neTwOrk.
GEnERAl PACKet rAdiO SERViCE (“GPRS”) suppORt nOdE (“gprS suPPOrt nODe”) 115 is anALOgoUS iN soMe FunCTionS To moBilE SWitCHINg CEntEr 101, bUT DiFfERs FRoM moBilE SwITcHINg cenTeR 101 In tHaT IT sUPPorts packet DatA SERVIces to THE wIreLESs terminALs In coNTrAst To tHe ciRCuIT SWITcheD SeRvICe PrOvidEd By MobIle SwiTChIng CENter 101. GPRS suppOrt NoDe 115 IS cAmEL-ENABled, meaning THAt iT (NON-exClUsivElY) comMUniCATes CAmEL-COMpLIaNT sIgnALinG TO anD from oTHeR eleMeNTs OF wIREleSs NEtWORK 100 aS deScRIbEd In mOre dETAIl BElow. iN SOme CaMEL-enabled NEtwOrkS, a cAMel-Enabled gpRs SuPPorT nOdE 115 aLSo coLLECTs INforMatION THAT is neEdED foR pRe-PaiD CALL accOUnTING ANd ChArgInG. gPrS sUppoRt nODe 115 IS wEll kNOWN in thE ARt.
wiRELEss teRMinal 150 is ILluSTrAtIvELY A gsm celLulAr TeLePHoNe. It wiLl BE cLEAR To tHoSE SKIlLeD in THE ARt ThAt wireLess terMinal 150 cAn BE aNoTheR TYPE oF WIReLeSS tERmInAL ThAT IS COmPaTIbLE wiTH ThE sERVINg wIRELeSs neTWOrK, E.G., 3gPP, UMts, TDma, cdma, ETC. WIRELESs TErmInal 150 CaN bE A CeLl PhOnE, a smArTPHOne, a dAtA TaBlEt, oR A comBInaTIoN tHErEof. wiReLESs tErmINaL 150 IS weLL KNOWn iN THE ART. WHEN COnsiDEring DEteCTION, SurveIlLanCE, aNd TRaCKiNG OF WiRELESS tErMinAL 150, FIG. 2 IS INstRUCtiVe.
fig. 2 depICTS aN IlLUsTrativE pOrtION Of a locATION-relATed SIGnAL FLOw AMonG seVeRAl legAcy eleMeNTs of WireLESS nETwOrK 100, InCLUDing WirELEsS teRMinaL 150, bAsE STAtIoN cOnTrolLER 103, SERviNG mOBIle locatiOn centeR 107, MobILE sWiTching CEntER 101, Gprs SupPOrt nODe 115, SeRVIcE ConTrOL FUncTIoN EntiTy 113, gATEWAy mobiLe loCATion cEntER 109, AnD HoMe lOcAtIoN ReGiSteR 111—aS availAble in tHe prioR arT. fIg. 2 AlsO DEpICTS: per-SUbSCRiBER OPERAtor InpUt 200, sIGNaLs 201 THRoUGH 214, AND STATus bubBlE 215. tHE ilLuSTraTIVE SiGnAl fLOw oCcurs WHEn a sUbScrIbEr'S IDEnTiTY IS fLAGGed for PUrposES OF DETECtInG, traCkinG, AND survEiLLInG thE LOCation oF tHE SubsCriBeR's WIREless TErMinAl. iT wIlL Be cLeAR TO thosE SkiLLED In ThE Art THAt thiS RePrESeNtatION is A SImpLIficAtioN OF actUAl neTWorK SIgnaliNG TrafFic, wHiCh is inTenDeD To ImProVE UnderStaNDinG of thE prOcess aNd iS nOT INTeNDeD AS aN eXHAusTIVE tUToRiaL.
BUbblE 200 REprEsENTS ONE or more opERAtionS BY
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Wireless networks enable large numbers of usersto takeadvantage ofmobile telephony and data services. To this end,inter-network roaminghas become a fairly standard feature thatenables mobileusersto receive wireless service on their wireless terminalsas guests innetworks that are not their “home” network across largegeographic regions. To support inter-network roaming,the Customized Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic set of protocol standards (“CAMEL”) has been developed overthe years to enable network operatorsto offer services such as no-prefix dialing in foreign countries and seamless multimedia messaging. CAMEL was originallydefined by the European TelecommunicationsStandardsInstitute and more recently by the 3GPP group to operate with GSM, UMTS,and 3GPP-based wireless networks.See, e.g., 3GPP Technical Specification, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; TechnicalSpecification group Core Network and Terminals; CustomisedApplications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic (CAMEL) Phase 4; Stage 2 (Release 9), 3GPP TS 23.078 V9.2.0 (2010-09), which is incorporated by reference herein. A well-known CAMEL-compliant protocol is the CAMEL ApplicationPart (“CAP”) signaling protocol. CAP is used for signaling and communicationamong CAMEL-enabled entities within a wirelessnetwork.A complete list of available and contemplated CAMEL-enabled supplementary services is beyond the scope of the present disclosure, but examplesinclude: barring calls or approving a call to continue, monitoring a call for call connect and disconnect, providingannouncements or voice prompts to voice users, controlling call duration, enabling debits/charges tobe applied against a pre-paid wireless calling plan, and providing the user with account balance announcements, tracking whether thesubscriber isreachable (i.e., in-network) or roaming outsidethe network, controlling mobile-originatedand mobile-terminated text messaging through bothcircuit-switched and packet-switched network entities, and enabling the same access number for voice mail across different networks, etc. CAMEL-enabled entities within a wireless network include one or more service control functionentities and thegateway mobile location center, asexplainedin more detail in regard to FIGS. 1 and 2below. In the contextof mobile detection, surveillance, and tracking operations, CAMEL-enabled servicesin the priorart are not well suited for such applications. A mobile detection scenario is illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 1and 2below, accompanied by a discussion of the disadvantages that it presents. FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a portion of wireless telecommunications network 100 that is available in the prior art.Wireless network 100 comprises: mobile switching center (“MSC”) 101,base stationcontroller (“BSC”) 103, base station 105, serving mobile location center (“SMLC”) 107, gateway mobile location center (“GMLC”) 109,home location register (“HLR”) 111, service control function (“SCF”) entity113, general packet radio service (“GPRS”) support node 115, and wireless telecommunications terminal 150. Wireless network 100 and its constituent elements arewellknown in the art. Wireless network 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is a wireless network thatis configured to operate according tothe Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”) standards. Thedepicted terminology herein, including CAMEL-related terminology, is often GSM-specificfor ease of understanding, and more general termsare used in some instances. In some configurations, wireless network 100 could be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”) network, or based on the 3rd generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) family of standards, or a Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) or CDMA-based network. It will be clear to those skilledinthe art what the appropriate terms are fornon-GSM networks and non-CAMEL protocols. Mobileswitching center (“MSC”)101is a wireless network element that, among other functions, provides mobility management andcircuit switched call support alongwith connectivity to the Public Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”). Mobile switching center 101 is CAMEL-enabled, meaning that it (non-exclusively) communicates CAMEL-compliant signaling to and from otherelements of wireless network 100as described in moredetail below. In some CAMEL-enabled networks, aCAMEL-enabled mobile switching center 101 also collects information thatis needed for pre-paid call accounting and charging. CAMEL-enabled mobile switching centers are well known in the art. For simplicity, distinctionsbetween a servingmobile switching center and othermobile switching centers will be keptto a minimum herein as such distinctions are well known in the art. Base stationcontroller (“BSC”) 103 is responsible for signaling between a wireless terminal and the main switching elements of the network such as mobile switching center 101and GPRS support node 115.Typically, base station controller 103 controls a plurality of base stations 105, but only one base station105 isillustrated here for simplicity. Base station controller 103 is well known in the art. Base station 105 is responsiblefor thewireless radio frequency (“RF”) communication link to the wireless terminals in the area. Base station 105 serves a cell of wireless network 100 and has a unique cell identificationwithinthe network. A group of cells define a “location area.” As illustratedin FIG. 1, base station 105 is theserving base station towirelessterminal 150, i.e., provides the necessary servicethat enables voice and/or dataservices to wireless terminal 150. Base station 105 is well known in the art. Serving mobile location center (“SMLC”) 107 collects information from thewireless terminals thatare in service with base stationcontroller103, e.g., wireless terminal150,and estimates their respective locations with a certain level of precision or resolution, e.g.,estimating a location with a radius of300 meters. Serving mobile location center 107 iswell known in theart.Gateway mobile location center(“GMLC”) 109 is an elementof the wirelessnetwork that typically interfaces with external locationservices systems that provide higher level applications. Within wireless network 100, gateway mobile location center 109transmits location requests to mobile switching center 101 and/or GPRS support node 115 and receives location estimates that were generated by servingmobile location center 107 andtransmittedtherefrom “upstream” to gateway mobile location center109. Gateway mobile locationcenter 109 is well known inthe art. Home location register (“HLR”)111 is a centralized elementof wireless network 100 that stores subscriber profiles associated withwireless terminals that are authorized tousewirelessnetwork100, whether they arenetwork subscribersor roamers orpre-paid users, etc. Each subscriber profilecomprises informationthat is specific to the particular wireless terminalit is associated with, suchas GPRS settings to allow packet services, settings toenable services requested by the subscriber,andlocation information (that was received from other entities) aboutthe wireless telecommunications terminal, etc.Home location register 111 is well known in the art. Service control function (“SCF”) entity 113 is an element of network 100 that isassociated with providingsupplemental services, such as CAMEL-based roamingor pre-paid calling. Aservice control point is an exampleof a service control function entity.The service control function entity implements the supplementalservices desired by the operator,e.g.,pre-paid accounting. In GSM networks, there is aCAMEL GSM entity known as the “gsmSCF” that performs theservice control function, as is wellknown in the art. Service control function entity 113 and gateway mobile location center 109 are depicted here as two distinct elements ofnetwork 100 to emphasize their distinct functions androles withinthe network. General packet radio service (“GPRS”)support node (“GPRSsupport node”) 115 is analogous in some functions to mobile switchingcenter101, but differs frommobile switching center 101 in that it supports packet data services to the wireless terminals in contrast to the circuit switched service provided by mobile switching center 101. GPRS support node 115 is CAMEL-enabled, meaningthat it (non-exclusively) communicates CAMEL-compliant signalingtoand from other elements of wireless network 100 as described in more detail below. In some CAMEL-enabled networks, a CAMEL-enabled GPRS support node 115also collects information thatisneeded for pre-paid call accounting and charging. GPRSsupport node 115 is well known in the art. Wireless terminal 150 isillustratively a GSM cellulartelephone.It will be clear to those skilled in the art that wireless terminal 150 can be another type of wireless terminal that iscompatible with the serving wireless network, e.g., 3GPP, UMTS, TDMA, CDMA, etc. Wirelessterminal150 can be acellphone, a smartphone, a data tablet,or a combinationthereof. Wirelessterminal150 is well known in the art.When considering detection, surveillance, and tracking ofwireless terminal150, FIG. 2 is instructive. FIG.2 depicts an illustrative portion of a location-related signal flow among several legacy elementsof wireless network 100, including wireless terminal150, base stationcontroller 103, serving mobile location center 107, mobile switching center 101, GPRSsupport node 115,service control function entity 113, gateway mobilelocation center 109,andhome location register 111—as available in the prior art.FIG. 2 also depicts:per-subscriber operator input 200, signals 201 through 214, and status bubble 215. The illustrative signal flow occurs when a subscriber's identity is flagged for purposes of detecting, tracking, and surveillingthe location of thesubscriber's wireless terminal. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this representation is a simplification of actualnetwork signaling traffic, which is intendedto improve understanding of the process and is not intended as an exhaustive tutorial. Bubble200 representsone ormore operations by
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Wireless networks enable large numbers of users to take advantage of mobile _telephony_ and data services. To this end, inter-network _roaming_ has become a fairly standard feature that enables mobile users to _receive_ _wireless_ service on their _wireless_ terminals _as_ guests in _networks_ that are _not_ their “home” network across large geographic regions. To support inter-network _roaming,_ _the_ Customized Applications for Mobile network Enhanced _Logic_ _set_ of protocol _standards_ (“CAMEL”) has been developed over _the_ _years_ to enable network operators to offer services such as no-prefix dialing _in_ foreign countries and seamless multimedia messaging. CAMEL was _originally_ defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute _and_ _more_ recently _by_ the 3GPP group to operate with GSM, UMTS, and _3GPP-based_ wireless networks. _See,_ _e.g.,_ _3GPP_ _Technical_ Specification, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification group Core Network and Terminals; Customised Applications _for_ Mobile network _Enhanced_ Logic _(CAMEL)_ Phase 4; Stage 2 (Release _9),_ _3GPP_ TS _23.078_ V9.2.0 (2010-09), which is incorporated by reference herein. A well-known CAMEL-compliant protocol is _the_ CAMEL _Application_ _Part_ (“CAP”) signaling protocol. CAP is used _for_ signaling and communication _among_ CAMEL-enabled entities within a wireless network. A complete list of _available_ and contemplated CAMEL-enabled supplementary _services_ is beyond the _scope_ of _the_ present disclosure, _but_ examples include: _barring_ calls or approving a call to continue, monitoring a _call_ for _call_ connect and disconnect, _providing_ announcements or voice prompts to _voice_ users, controlling call duration, enabling debits/charges to _be_ applied against a pre-paid _wireless_ calling plan, _and_ providing the _user_ with account _balance_ announcements, tracking whether _the_ subscriber is _reachable_ (i.e., in-network) or roaming outside _the_ _network,_ _controlling_ _mobile-originated_ and mobile-terminated text messaging through _both_ circuit-switched and packet-switched network entities, and _enabling_ the _same_ access number for voice mail across different networks, etc. _CAMEL-enabled_ entities _within_ a wireless network include one or more _service_ control function entities _and_ the gateway _mobile_ location center, as explained in more detail in regard to FIGS. 1 and 2 below. In the _context_ of mobile _detection,_ surveillance, and tracking operations, CAMEL-enabled services in the prior art are not well _suited_ for such applications. A _mobile_ detection _scenario_ is illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 below, accompanied by _a_ discussion _of_ the _disadvantages_ that _it_ presents. _FIG._ 1 depicts _a_ schematic _diagram_ of _a_ portion of wireless telecommunications network 100 that is available in the prior art. Wireless network 100 comprises: mobile switching center (“MSC”) 101, base station controller _(“BSC”)_ 103, base _station_ 105, _serving_ mobile location center (“SMLC”) _107,_ gateway mobile location _center_ (“GMLC”) 109, home location register (“HLR”) 111, service _control_ function (“SCF”) entity _113,_ _general_ packet radio service (“GPRS”) support node 115, and wireless _telecommunications_ _terminal_ 150. Wireless _network_ 100 and its constituent elements _are_ well known in the art. Wireless network 100 as _illustrated_ in FIG. 1 _is_ a wireless _network_ that is configured _to_ operate _according_ to _the_ Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”) standards. The depicted terminology _herein,_ _including_ CAMEL-related _terminology,_ is often GSM-specific for ease _of_ understanding, and more general terms are _used_ in some instances. In some configurations, _wireless_ _network_ 100 could be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System _(“UMTS”)_ network, or _based_ on the _3rd_ generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) _family_ of standards, or _a_ Code Division _Multiple_ _Access_ (“CDMA”) or CDMA-based network. It will be clear to those skilled _in_ the _art_ what the appropriate terms are for non-GSM networks and non-CAMEL _protocols._ Mobile switching center (“MSC”) _101_ is a wireless network element that, among other functions, _provides_ mobility management _and_ _circuit_ _switched_ call support along with connectivity to the Public Switched _Telephone_ Network (“PSTN”). Mobile _switching_ _center_ _101_ is CAMEL-enabled, meaning _that_ _it_ (non-exclusively) _communicates_ CAMEL-compliant _signaling_ to and _from_ other elements _of_ wireless network 100 as described in _more_ detail below. In some CAMEL-enabled networks, a _CAMEL-enabled_ _mobile_ switching center 101 also collects information _that_ is needed for pre-paid call accounting and charging. _CAMEL-enabled_ mobile switching _centers_ are well _known_ in the art. For _simplicity,_ distinctions between a serving _mobile_ switching center and other mobile switching centers will _be_ kept to _a_ minimum _herein_ as such distinctions are _well_ _known_ in the art. Base _station_ controller (“BSC”) 103 is responsible for _signaling_ between _a_ _wireless_ terminal and the main switching elements of the network _such_ as mobile switching center 101 and GPRS support node 115. Typically, _base_ _station_ controller 103 _controls_ a _plurality_ of _base_ stations _105,_ _but_ only one _base_ _station_ 105 is illustrated here for simplicity. Base station controller 103 is well known in the art. _Base_ station 105 _is_ responsible for the wireless radio frequency (“RF”) communication _link_ _to_ the wireless _terminals_ in _the_ area. Base _station_ _105_ serves a _cell_ of wireless network 100 _and_ has a unique cell identification within the network. _A_ group of cells define _a_ “location _area.”_ _As_ _illustrated_ in FIG. 1, base station 105 is the serving _base_ station _to_ wireless terminal _150,_ _i.e.,_ provides the necessary service that enables voice and/or data services to wireless terminal 150. Base station 105 is well known in the art. Serving mobile location center _(“SMLC”)_ 107 collects _information_ from the wireless terminals that are in service with base _station_ controller 103, e.g., wireless terminal 150, _and_ estimates _their_ _respective_ locations with a certain level of precision _or_ _resolution,_ e.g., _estimating_ a location with a radius of 300 meters. Serving _mobile_ location _center_ 107 is well _known_ in _the_ _art._ Gateway _mobile_ location center (“GMLC”) 109 is an element of the wireless network that typically _interfaces_ with external _location_ _services_ _systems_ that provide higher level applications. Within wireless network 100, _gateway_ mobile location center _109_ transmits location requests to mobile switching center 101 and/or GPRS support node _115_ and receives _location_ estimates that were generated by _serving_ mobile location center 107 and transmitted therefrom “upstream” to gateway mobile location center 109. Gateway mobile location center 109 is well known in _the_ _art._ Home _location_ _register_ (“HLR”) _111_ _is_ a centralized element of wireless _network_ 100 that stores subscriber _profiles_ _associated_ with wireless terminals that are authorized to use _wireless_ network 100, whether _they_ _are_ network subscribers or roamers or _pre-paid_ users, etc. Each subscriber profile comprises information that _is_ specific to _the_ particular _wireless_ _terminal_ it _is_ _associated_ _with,_ such as GPRS settings to _allow_ _packet_ services, settings to enable services requested _by_ _the_ subscriber, and location information (that was received _from_ other _entities)_ about the wireless _telecommunications_ _terminal,_ etc. Home location _register_ _111_ is _well_ known in the _art._ Service control function _(“SCF”)_ entity 113 is an element of network 100 that is associated with providing _supplemental_ services, such as CAMEL-based roaming or pre-paid calling. A _service_ _control_ point is an example of a service control function entity. The service control _function_ entity implements the supplemental _services_ desired by _the_ operator, _e.g.,_ pre-paid accounting. In GSM networks, there is _a_ CAMEL GSM entity known as the “gsmSCF” _that_ performs _the_ service _control_ function, as is well _known_ in the art. Service control function entity 113 and gateway mobile location center 109 are depicted here as two _distinct_ elements _of_ network 100 to emphasize their distinct functions and _roles_ _within_ the network. _General_ packet _radio_ service (“GPRS”) support node (“GPRS support node”) 115 is analogous in some functions to mobile switching _center_ _101,_ but differs from mobile switching center 101 in that it supports _packet_ _data_ services to the _wireless_ _terminals_ in contrast to the _circuit_ switched service _provided_ by _mobile_ _switching_ _center_ _101._ GPRS support _node_ 115 is CAMEL-enabled, meaning that it (non-exclusively) communicates CAMEL-compliant signaling to and from other elements of wireless network 100 as described in more detail below. In some CAMEL-enabled networks, a CAMEL-enabled GPRS support node 115 also collects information that _is_ needed _for_ pre-paid _call_ accounting _and_ charging. GPRS support node 115 _is_ well _known_ in the art. _Wireless_ terminal 150 is illustratively a _GSM_ cellular telephone. _It_ will be clear to those skilled in the art that wireless terminal 150 _can_ _be_ another type of _wireless_ _terminal_ _that_ is compatible with _the_ serving _wireless_ _network,_ e.g., 3GPP, UMTS, TDMA, CDMA, _etc._ Wireless terminal 150 can be a cell phone, a smartphone, a data tablet, or a combination thereof. Wireless terminal 150 is well known in the art. When considering detection, surveillance, and tracking of _wireless_ terminal 150, FIG. 2 _is_ instructive. _FIG._ 2 depicts _an_ illustrative portion of a location-related _signal_ flow _among_ _several_ _legacy_ elements of wireless network 100, including wireless terminal 150, base station controller 103, serving mobile location _center_ 107, mobile switching center 101, GPRS support node 115, service _control_ function entity 113, gateway mobile location center 109, _and_ home location _register_ 111—as _available_ in the _prior_ art. FIG. 2 also _depicts:_ per-subscriber operator input 200, _signals_ 201 through 214, and status bubble _215._ The illustrative signal _flow_ occurs when a subscriber's identity is flagged for purposes of _detecting,_ tracking, and surveilling the _location_ of the _subscriber's_ wireless terminal. It will be clear _to_ _those_ skilled in the art _that_ _this_ representation is a simplification _of_ actual network signaling traffic, _which_ is intended to improve _understanding_ of the process and is not intended _as_ an exhaustive tutorial. Bubble 200 _represents_ _one_ _or_ _more_ operations by
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Household appliances, such as clothes washers, dispensing dryers, and dishwashers, may include a treating chamber in which items are placed for treating and a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistries to achieve better cleaning. Single dose cartridges may be used within the dispensing system to provide treating chemistry to the treating chamber for use in the household appliance. A reduced cleaning effect or damage to the appliance or items to be treated may be caused if the unit dose present in the dispensing system is not a new, full unit dose package.
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Household appliances, such as clothes washers, dispensing dryers, and dishwashers, may include a treating reservoir in which items are placed for treating and a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistries to achieve better cleaning. Single dose cartridges shall be used within the dispensing system to provide treating chemistry to the treating chamber for use in the household appliance. A reduced cleaning effect or damage to the appliance or intended to be treated may be caused if the unit dose present in the dispensing system is not a new, full unit dose package.
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Household appliances, such as c:oFhes washers, dispensing dfye5s, and dishwashers, may include a treating chamber in which items are placed for treating and a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistries to achieve better cleaning. Single dose SartridVes may be used within the dispensing system to provide treating chemistry to the treafiny chamber for use in the JouZehold appliance. A reduced cleaning effect or damage to the apOl*ance or items to be treaGdd may be caused if the unit dose pfeseMt in the dispensing system is not a new, fHl/ unit VosW package.
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Household appliances, such as clothes washers, dispensing dryers, and dishwashers, may include a treating chamber which items are placed treating and a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistries to achieve better cleaning. Single dose cartridges may used within the dispensing system to treating to the treating chamber in the appliance. A cleaning effect or damage to the appliance or items to be treated may be caused if the unit dose present in the dispensing system is not a new, full unit dose package.
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housEhold aPPLIaNCes, Such As ClotHes wASHeRS, diSpensINg DRYers, anD DisHwAsheRs, MaY InCluDE a tReATinG ChaMbEr In WHich ITeMS ArE plACEd fOr trEaTING AnD a dISPensiNg SYsTEm fOr DiSPeNsInG TreatiNG CHEMiStRIEs tO AcHieVe beTtER clEaNInG. siNgle DOse cArTRidGEs MAY bE USEd wItHIN THe dIspenSING sYStEm To PRovIde TReatInG ChEMIsTry to The tReatiNG ChAMBeR FOr USE iN THE hOusEHold APpLianCe. A ReDuCED cLeANING effect oR dAMaGe tO The APpLIanCE or Items To Be tREATEd May be cAuSED if thE UNit Dose PrESent in THe DiSPeNSiNg SySTem is NOT A NeW, FuLL Unit DOSE paCkage.
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Household appliances, such as clothes washers, dispensing dryers, anddishwashers, may include a treatingchamber in which items are placedfor treating and a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistries to achieve bettercleaning. Singledose cartridges maybe used withinthe dispensing systemto provide treatingchemistry to the treating chamber for use inthe household appliance. A reduced cleaning effect or damage totheappliance or items to be treatedmay be caused if the unitdose presentin the dispensing system is not anew, full unit dose package.
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Household appliances, such as clothes washers, dispensing dryers, _and_ _dishwashers,_ may _include_ a treating chamber _in_ _which_ items _are_ placed _for_ treating and a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistries to _achieve_ better cleaning. _Single_ dose cartridges may _be_ used within the dispensing system _to_ provide treating _chemistry_ to the treating chamber for use in _the_ household _appliance._ A reduced _cleaning_ effect or damage to the appliance _or_ items to be _treated_ may be _caused_ if the unit dose _present_ in the dispensing _system_ is not a new, _full_ unit dose package.
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In a standard motor-vehicle cooling system sensors are provided for determining the fill level of the liquid. Such sensors can be of the simple float or pressure type and serve mainly to ascertain if the fill level dips below a certain threshold. This information is used to indicate to the driver that the coolant supply should be checked.
Such a system is invariably of the simple on/off type, that is it merely indicates whether or not the fill level is above or below a certain threshold. It gives no indication of how much above or below, that is does not provide an output of relative fill level. In addition the sensors of such systems are notoriously unreliable. Most work poorly in a sometimes violently moving bath of water containing various chemically active substances and have a short service life.
In another known system described in German patent document 41 16 496 a device detects overloading of the coolant pump and alters the timing or fuel feed of the engine so that it runs cooler. Thus this arrangement provides a sort of emergency operation mode, but in no way supplies the user of the engine with information about how much coolant is in the system.
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In a standard motor-vehicle cooling system sensors are provided for determining the fill level of the liquid. Such sensors can be of the simple float or gas type and serve mainly to ascertain if the fill level dips below a certain threshold. This information is used to indicate to the driver that the coolant supply should be checked. Such a system is invariably of the simple on/off type, that is it merely indicates whether or not the fill level is above or below a certain threshold. It gives no indication of how much above or below, that is does not provide an output of relative fill level. In addition the sensors of such systems are notoriously unreliable. Most work poorly in a sometimes violently moving bath of water removing various chemically active substances and have a short service life. In another known system described in German patent document 41 16 496 a device detects overloading of the coolant pump and alters the timing or fuel feed of the engine so that it runs cooler. Thus this arrangement provides a sort of emergency operation mode, but in no way supplies the user of the generator with information about how much coolant is in the system.
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In a standard motor - vehicle cooling system sensors are provided for determining the fjl: level of the liqulS. Such sensors can be of the simple float or pressure type and serve mainly to ascertain if the fill level dips below a certain threshold. This information is used to indicate to the driver that the coolant supply wnould be checked. Such a system is invariably of the simple on / off ^upe, that is it merely indicates whether or not the fill level is above or below a certain threshold. It gives no indication of how much Sb(ve or below, that is does not provide an output of relative fill level. In addition the s$nso%s of such systems are notoriously unreliable. Most work poorly in a sometimes violently moving bath of water containing various chemically active substances and have a short service life. In another known system described in German patent CocJment 41 16 496 a device detects overloading of the coolant pump and alters the timing or fuel fdee of the engine so that it runs cooler. Thus this arrangement provides a sort of emergency kperatioG mord, but in no way supplies the user of the engine with information about how much coolant is in the system.
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In a motor-vehicle cooling system sensors are provided for determining the fill level of the liquid. Such sensors can be of the simple float or pressure type and serve mainly to ascertain if the fill level dips below certain threshold. information is used indicate to the driver that the coolant supply should be checked. Such a system is invariably of the simple on/off type, that is merely indicates whether or not the fill level or below a certain threshold. gives indication of how much above or below, that is does provide an output of relative fill level. In addition the of such systems are notoriously unreliable. Most work poorly in a sometimes violently moving bath water various chemically active substances and have a short service life. In another known system described in patent document 41 16 a device detects overloading of the coolant pump and alters timing or fuel feed of the engine so it runs cooler. Thus this arrangement provides a sort of emergency operation mode, but in way the of the engine with information about how much coolant is in the system.
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iN A sTanDaRd MoTOr-veHIcLE cooLING SYsTEm SensOrS ARE PrOvided FOr DEtErMINInG the fIlL level oF the lIqUID. SuCh SeNsOrs cAN Be OF THe SImPle fLOAT OR pRESsUrE tYpE aNd sERve mainLY To aSceRTain IF The FilL LEvEL dipS bELoW a ceRtaIn THResHOLD. tHIs INFOrMatION Is UsED tO INDiCAte tO THe DrIvER ThAT THE cOoLanT sUpply SHOULD bE ChECkEd.
sUCh A SYSTeM is INvarIABLy Of THe sImplE oN/off tYpe, ThAT is it merEly indicATEs WhEtHEr oR nOT THE FiLl level IS AbOVe OR BelOW A CeRtaIN tHrEShoLD. It GIvEs nO iNDicaTion Of How mucH ABovE Or Below, THAT iS DOEs NoT pRoVidE an OUtPuT oF ReLATIve FIll LeVEL. In aDdiTION ThE SEnSOrS OF such syStemS are NoToRIOUSLY uNRelIAble. mOST woRK poORlY iN a SOmEtIMEs VIOLentLy MoViNg BaTH oF WateR CoNTAIninG varIoUS cHEmICalLY actiVe sUBsTancES AnD HAVe A sHort seRViCe liFE.
In aNoTheR KnoWn sysTEm dESCrIbED In GerMaN pAtEnT DoCUmEnT 41 16 496 a dEVIce dETeCTS OvErloaDIng of The coOLanT puMp and AlTErs the TimInG OR FUel feeD of tHe enGiNE So thAt it rUNS cooLer. tHUS This aRrangeMEnt PROvidES A SOrT Of EmeRgency oPeRation modE, but iN No waY sUppliEs thE UseR OF ThE enGiNe with INfOrMATioN aBOuT HOW MucH CoOLAnt iS IN thE SySTem.
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Ina standard motor-vehiclecoolingsystem sensors are provided for determining the fill level of theliquid. Such sensorscan be of the simple floator pressure type and serve mainly to ascertain if the fill level dips below a certain threshold. This information is used to indicate tothedriver that the coolant supplyshould be checked. Such a system isinvariably of the simple on/off type, that is it merely indicates whetheror not the fill level is above or below a certain threshold. It givesno indication of how much above or below, that is doesnot provide an output of relative fill level. In addition the sensors of such systems are notoriously unreliable. Mostwork poorly in a sometimes violently moving bath of water containingvarious chemically active substances andhave a short service life. In another known system described in German patent document 41 16 496 a devicedetects overloading of the coolant pump and alters the timing or fuel feed of the engine so that itruns cooler. Thus this arrangement providesa sort of emergency operation mode,but in no waysupplies the user of the engine with information about howmuch coolant is in the system.
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_In_ _a_ standard _motor-vehicle_ cooling system sensors _are_ provided for determining the fill level of the liquid. _Such_ sensors can _be_ _of_ the _simple_ float or _pressure_ type _and_ _serve_ mainly to ascertain if the _fill_ level dips _below_ _a_ certain threshold. This _information_ is used to _indicate_ _to_ the _driver_ _that_ the coolant supply should be checked. _Such_ a system is invariably of the simple on/off type, that is it merely indicates whether or _not_ the _fill_ level _is_ _above_ or below a _certain_ threshold. It gives _no_ indication _of_ _how_ much above or _below,_ that is does not provide _an_ output of _relative_ fill _level._ In addition the sensors of _such_ systems _are_ notoriously _unreliable._ Most work poorly in a _sometimes_ violently moving _bath_ of _water_ containing various chemically active substances _and_ have _a_ _short_ service life. In _another_ known system described _in_ German patent document 41 16 496 a device detects overloading _of_ the coolant pump _and_ alters the timing _or_ _fuel_ feed _of_ the _engine_ so that it runs cooler. _Thus_ this arrangement provides a sort of emergency operation _mode,_ but in _no_ way supplies the user of the engine with information about how _much_ coolant is in the system.
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a printer of the automatically iterchangeable character wheel type having a plurality of character wheels and effecting printing while automatically interchanging the character wheels as desired.
2. Related Background Art
There have heretofore been printers having a plurality of character members each provided with a plurality of characters and effecting printing while automatically interchanging the character members. They are disclosed, for example, in U. S. Pat. No. 4,357,115, U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,938, U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,403 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 39464/1983.
However, from the viewpoint of high-speed printing, these printers could not always be said to be sufficient. So, in order to solve this problem, the applicant has proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 177754/1985 (U.S. application Ser. No. 896,056 filed Aug. 13, 1986) a printer which carriers a plurality of disc-like character wheels and in which a desired character wheel may be automatically mounted by a wheel interchanging mechanism provided on a carriage.
The present invention may be said to be an improvement in such printer.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a printer of the automatically iterchangeable character wheel type having a plurality of character wheels and effecting printing while automatically interchanging the character wheels as desired. 2. Related Background Art There have heretofore been printers having a plurality of character members each provided with a plurality of characters and effecting printing while automatically interchanging the character members. They are disclosed, for example, in U. S. Pat. No. 4,357,115, U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,938, U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,403 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 39464/1983. built from the viewpoint of high-speed printing, these printers could not always be said to be sufficient. So, in order to solve this problem, the applicant has proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 177754/1985 (U.S. trademark Ser. No. 896,056 filed Aug. 13, 1986) a printer which carriers a plurality of disc-like character wheels and in which a desired character wheel may be automatically mounted by a wheel pulling mechanism provided on a carriage. The present invention may be said to be an improvement in such printer.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a printer of the automatically iterchangeable character wheel type having a plurality of character wheels and effecting printing while automatically interchanging the character wheels as desired. 2. Related Background Art ThdrF have heretofore been printers having a plurality of character members each provided #ifh a plurality of characters and effecting printing while automatically interchanging the charxc%er members. They are disclosed, for example, in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 357, 115, U. S. Pat. No. 4, 281, 938, U. S. Pat. No. 4, 026, 403 and Japanese Laid - Open Patent Application No. 39464 / 1983. However, from the viewpoint of high - speed orint*ng, these printers could not always be said to be sufficient. So, in order to z8lve this problem, the applicant has proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 177754 / 1985 (U. S. application Ser. No. 896, 056 filed Aug. 13, 1986) a printer wh*sh car$ieFs a plurality of disc - like character wheels and in which a desired character wheel may be aitomaticall% ,Iunted by a wheel intDrchanginr mechanism provided on a carriage. The present invention may be said to be an improvement in such printer.
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1. Field of the Invention invention relates a printer of the iterchangeable character wheel type having a plurality of character wheels and effecting printing while automatically interchanging the wheels as desired. 2. Background Art There have heretofore been printers having a plurality of character members each provided with a plurality of characters effecting printing while automatically interchanging the character members. They are for example, in S. Pat. No. 4,357,115, U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,938, U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,403 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. However, from the viewpoint of high-speed printing, these printers could not always be said to be So, in order to this problem, the applicant has proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 177754/1985 (U.S. application Ser. No. filed Aug. 13, a printer which carriers a plurality of disc-like character wheels and in which desired character wheel be automatically mounted by a wheel interchanging mechanism provided on a carriage. The present invention be said to an improvement in such printer.
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1. fIElD OF The iNvEntiOn
THIs iNventIOn RelAteS To a prINtER oF the aUTomaTiCallY iTeRcHaNgeABLe ChARAcTeR WHEeL tYPE hAVinG a PluraLity of cHaRaCteR WHEels anD EffectinG PRINtING wHiLE AUtomaTicaLLy INTERChaNGiNg THE cHAracTEr wheElS As dESirED.
2. relAtED BaCkgROUnd ARt
thEre HAVe HerEtOfOrE BEEn pRINtERs HaVInG A PLURAlity oF CHarAcTEr meMBerS eaCH provIdeD wITh a plURAlity of ChARACTErS AnD eFfectiNG PRInTinG WhiLE automaTiCalLy INTeRChaNging tHe characTeR meMbers. THeY Are DiscloSEd, fOr examPlE, in U. s. PaT. no. 4,357,115, u.S. pAT. No. 4,281,938, U.S. paT. no. 4,026,403 ANd jApANEsE lAid-open PAtENT apPlIcATIoN nO. 39464/1983.
hOWeveR, FRom ThE VieWPOInt of HIGH-SPEED printiNG, THeSe PRinTErs cOUld Not alWayS bE sAId TO bE sUfFICienT. SO, In oRDer to sOLVe this probLem, ThE aPpLiCanT hAs PrOposeD in jaPANeSe PATenT apPLicaTion no. 177754/1985 (u.S. apPlICAtioN sER. NO. 896,056 FIlEd AUG. 13, 1986) A pRIntER WHIch cARrierS a PluraLiTY Of DiSC-LikE ChaRAcTeR WHEELs ANd in whiCH a DeSireD chaRactER WHeeL maY bE AuTOmaticaLly MounTEd bY a WhEeL iNteRcHAnGIng MEcHAnism proVIDed on A CArrIaGe.
The prESENt invenTioN may be SaId to BE An IMprOVeMenT iN sUcH printeR.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a printer of the automatically iterchangeable character wheel type having a plurality of character wheelsand effecting printing while automatically interchanging the characterwheels as desired. 2. RelatedBackground Art There haveheretofore beenprintershaving a plurality of charactermemberseach provided with a plurality of characters and effectingprinting while automatically interchanging the character members. They are disclosed, for example, in U. S.Pat. No. 4,357,115, U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,938,U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,403 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 39464/1983. However, from the viewpointof high-speed printing, these printers could not always be said to be sufficient.So, in ordertosolve this problem, the applicant has proposed in JapanesePatentApplicationNo. 177754/1985(U.S. application Ser. No. 896,056 filed Aug. 13,1986) a printer whichcarriers a plurality of disc-like character wheels andin which a desired characterwheel may be automatically mounted bya wheel interchangingmechanism provided on a carriage. Thepresent invention may be said tobe an improvement in such printer.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention _relates_ _to_ a printer of the automatically iterchangeable character wheel type having _a_ plurality _of_ character wheels and effecting _printing_ while automatically interchanging the character _wheels_ as desired. 2. Related Background _Art_ _There_ have heretofore been printers having a plurality of character members each provided with a plurality of _characters_ and effecting printing while automatically interchanging the character members. They _are_ disclosed, _for_ example, in U. S. _Pat._ No. _4,357,115,_ U.S. Pat. _No._ 4,281,938, U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,403 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 39464/1983. However, from the viewpoint of high-speed printing, these printers _could_ not always _be_ said to be sufficient. So, in order to solve this problem, the applicant _has_ proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 177754/1985 (U.S. application Ser. No. 896,056 _filed_ Aug. _13,_ 1986) a printer which carriers a plurality of disc-like character wheels and in which _a_ _desired_ character wheel may be _automatically_ mounted by a _wheel_ _interchanging_ mechanism provided on a carriage. The _present_ invention may be said to be _an_ improvement in such printer.
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This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
Electronic computing devices, such as computer systems, mobile phones, digital media players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like, are commonly used for various personal and/or work-related purposes. Such electronic devices typically include some type of user interface that enables a user to interact with various applications (e.g., e-mail programs, internet browsers, media players, games, etc.) on the device to perform a variety of functions. In other words, the user interface may provide a gateway through which users may interact with applications to receive content, information, as well as responses to user inputs. The user interface, therefore, is an integral part in the design of these applications and helps determine the ease of use, and thus the quality of the overall user experience, of such devices.
Historically, many electronic devices have relied upon a graphical user interface to allow a user to interact with the device by way of a visual display. For instance, as the user interacts with the device, the device may display visual feedback in response to the user's actions. However, as some types of electronic devices have migrated towards smaller form factors having relatively small visual displays, graphical user interfaces are becoming not only more difficult to use and navigate, but also more limited in the amount of information they are able to convey.
More recently, audio user interfaces have experienced a rise in popularity. For instance, an audio user interface may supply audio feedback data, instead of or in addition to visual feedback, to convey information and content to a user and, thus, are particularly well suited for use in electronic devices having limited visual display capabilities or, in some instances, no visual display capabilities at all. For instance, upon the occurrence of an event that requests audio feedback, a corresponding audio clip may be played to convey audio information about the occurring event to the user. Unfortunately, some events may be associated with large amounts of audio information, which may overwhelm a user and, therefore, negatively impact the user experience, particularly when such events occur repeatedly in close proximity within a relatively short time period. Additionally, audio feedback provided by conventional audio user interfaces may not adequately enable a user to distinguish between events of high or low contextual importance. Accordingly, there are continuing efforts to further improve the user experience with respect to audio user interfaces in electronic devices.
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This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Electronic computing devices, such as computer systems, mobile phones, digital media players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like, are commonly used for respective personal and/or work-related purposes. Such electronic devices typically include some type of user interface that enables a user to interact with various applications (e.g., e-mail programs, internet browsers, media players, games, etc.) on the device to perform a variety of functions. In other words, the user interface may provide a gateway through which users may interact with applications to receive content, information, as well as responses to user inputs. The user interface, therefore, is an integral part in the design of these applications and helps determine the ease of use, and thus the quality of the overall user experience, of such devices. Historically, many electronic devices have relied upon a graphical user interface to allow a user to interact with the device by way of a visual display. For instance, as the user interacts with the device, the device may display visual feedback in response to the user's actions. However, as some types of electronic devices have migrated towards smaller form factors having relatively small visual displays, graphical user interfaces are becoming not only more difficult to use and navigate, but also more limited in the amount of information they are able to convey. More recently, audio user interfaces have experienced a rise in popularity. For instance, an audio user interface may supply audio feedback data, instead of or in addition to visual feedback, to convey information and content to a user and, thus, are particularly well suited for use in electronic devices having limited visual display capabilities or, in some instances, no visual display capabilities at all. For instance, upon the occurrence of an event that requests audio feedback, a corresponding audio clip may be played to convey audio information about the occurring event to the user. Unfortunately, some events may be associated with large amounts of audio information, which may overwhelm a user and, therefore, negatively impact the user experience, particularly when such events occur repeatedly in close proximity within a relatively short time period. Additionally, audio feedback provided by conventional audio user interfaces may not adequately enable a user to distinguish between events of high or low contextual importance. Accordingly, there are continuing efforts to further improve the user experience with respect to audio user interfaces in electronic devices.
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This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is bepievFd to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Electronic computing devices, such as computer systems, mobile phones, digital media players, personal digital assistants (PDAs ), and the KiLe, are commonly used for various personal and / or work - related purposes. Such electronic devices typically include some type of user in6erfade that enables a user to interact with various applications (e. g. , e - mail programs, internet browsers, media players, games, etc.) on the device to perform a variety of functions. In other words, the user interface may provide a gateway through which users may interact A(th applications to receive content, information, as well as responses to user inputs. The user interface, therefore, is an integral part in the deCUgn of these applications and helps determine the ease of use, and thus the quality of the overall ^s3r experience, of such devices. Historically, many electronic devices have relied upon a graphical user interface to allow a user to interact with the device by way of a visual display. For instance, as the user interacts with the device, the device may display visual f@#dback in response to the user ' s actions. However, as some types of electronic devices have migrated towards smaller corJ factors having relatively small visual displays, graphical user interfaces are becoming not only more difficult to use and navigate, but also more limited in the amount of information thRT are able to convey. More recently, audio user interfaces have experienced a rise in popularity. For instance, an audio user interface may supply audio feedback data, instead of or in addition to visual feedback, to convey information and content to a user and, thus, are particularly well suited for use in electronic devices having limited visual display capabilities or, in some instances, no visual display capabilities at all. For instance, upon the occurrence of an event that requests audio feedback, a corresponding audio clip may be played to convey audio information about the occurring event to the user. Unfortunately, some events may be associated with large amounts of audio information, which may overwhelm a user and, therefore, negatively impact the user experience, particularly when such events occur repeatedly in close proximity within a relatively short time period. Additionally, a6dJo feedback provided by conventional audio user interfaces may not adequately enable a user to distinguish between events of high or low contextual importance. Accordingly, there are continuing efforts to further improve the user experience with respect to audio user interfaces in electronic devices.
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section is to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, are claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information a better understanding of the various aspects the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to read in this and not as admissions of prior art. Electronic computing devices, as computer mobile phones, digital media personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like, are commonly used for various personal and/or work-related purposes. Such electronic devices typically include some type of user interface that enables a user interact with various applications (e.g., e-mail programs, browsers, media games, etc.) on the perform a variety of In other words, user interface may provide a gateway through users may interact with applications to receive content, information, as well as responses to user inputs. The user interface, therefore, is an integral part in the design of these applications and helps determine the ease of and thus the quality of the overall user experience, of such devices. Historically, many electronic have relied upon a graphical interface to allow a user to interact with the device by way of a visual display. For instance, as the user interacts with the device, the device may display visual feedback response to the user's actions. However, as types of devices have towards smaller form factors having relatively small visual graphical user interfaces are not only more difficult to use and navigate, but also more limited in the amount of they are able to convey. More recently, audio user interfaces have experienced a rise in popularity. For instance, an audio interface may audio feedback data, instead of or in addition to visual to convey information and content to a user and, are well for use in devices having limited visual display capabilities or, in some instances, no visual display capabilities at For instance, upon the occurrence of an event requests audio feedback, a corresponding clip may be played to convey audio information about the occurring event to the user. some events may be associated with large amounts of audio information, which may overwhelm a user and, therefore, negatively impact the user experience, particularly when events occur repeatedly in close proximity within a short time period. audio feedback provided by conventional audio user interfaces may not adequately enable a user to distinguish between events of high or low contextual Accordingly, there are continuing efforts to further improve the user experience with respect to audio user interfaces in electronic devices.
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tHiS sECTIon IS iNteNDED to IntROdUce THE rEader to VArIouS aspeCtS oF aRt thAT MaY BE RElAteD To vARIouS ASPecTS oF thE pReSent tECHNIquEs, WHich aRe DEsCRiBeD And/oR ClaimeD belOW. THiS DiscussION Is beLIeVed To Be HELPFul iN ProVIdINg THE REadeR wIth BAcKgROuND InfoRMAtion TO FacIlitatE a BETtER uNDERsTAndiNg oF the variOus asPEcTs OF The prESenT diSCLosURE. accoRDINgly, iT sHOulD BE uNderStood tHAt These StATEments aRE to bE REaD In THIS LiGHT, aNd Not AS aDMISSIONS of PriOr ArT.
ELeCtronic cOMPutiNg deviCES, SUch aS comPutER SystEMS, MoBilE PhONES, dIgiTAl meDIA PlayeRS, PERSonAl digiTAl assistaNTS (PdAs), AnD thE lIke, ARe COMmoNly Used foR VarIous pErSonAL ANd/or wOrK-RELaTed PurPosES. suCh ELeCtrOnic dEvices typIcaLly iNclUdE SoMe TypE of uSer INTeRfACE THaT eNablES A uSer tO iNteracT With VaRioUs aPPLIcAtiOnS (E.G., e-mail PRogrAMs, inteRnET broWserS, mEDia PlAyeRS, gameS, EtC.) ON tHe dEVice tO PErfOrm A VARIetY oF funcTioNS. IN OThER wORds, THe USer inTERface mAY prOVide a gATewAY THroUGh whICh USeRs mAy InTerACt witH APplICatiOnS To ReCEiVe COnTeNT, INformaTion, As WelL as responSES TO USEr InpuTs. tHE usER iNTeRFACE, theReFoRe, iS aN integral Part in THe DEsiGn Of THeSe aPpLICatIonS And hELps DEtERMinE ThE EAse oF use, And thUs THE QUaLity OF THE OvERAlL USeR eXpeRIence, oF sUCh DEvIces.
hiStoRIcALlY, MANy EleCTroNIc DeVICES HaVE RELIed upoN a gRAphICal usER InTerFACe to alLow A uSer To iNTEraCt wIth tHe DEVice by waY OF A VisuAl dIsPLay. For INSTANce, As tHE USeR iNtERAcTs wITh ThE DEVICe, the deVICE MAY dIsPlAy VISUal feEDBaCk iN RespOnsE tO thE uSEr'S aCTions. HOwevER, aS SOME TYpeS oF ELeCTRONIc deViceS hAVE MiGrATED TowArds smalLEr fOrM FActoRs haVinG rElAtiVElY SMALL vISuAL dIsPLaYs, grApHIcaL uSeR INterFaceS ARe BECOMiNg noT onLY More DifFiCulT to USe AnD NAVIgAtE, but AlSO mOrE limIteD iN tHe aMounT oF inFormAtION THey aRe Able to CoNVEy.
MorE ReCentlY, aUDio USer IntErfAceS hAVE exPERiEnCED A rISE iN PoPULarITy. fOR InStANCe, An AUDio User interFaCE MaY SuPpLy AUDIO FeeDBAcK DAtA, InstEaD OF or In AdDitioN to vISUaL feEDBacK, To CONVey InFOrMaTiOn aNd CONtenT TO a User And, tHus, arE parTiCulaRLY welL sUITed FOr USE iN ElECtrOnic DeVICes HAViNg LImiTED VISUAL diSplay CaPabiLitiES oR, IN SOME iNstanCEs, No viSUAL DIsplAy CApabILITIeS aT aLL. for INsTance, UPoN tHE oCCURrEnCe oF An eVeNt THaT rEqUestS auDIO FeedbACk, a corRESPoNdiNG aUDiO CLiP mAy bE playED to COnVey aUDiO iNFoRmATION AbouT The OCCUrrInG event to thE USEr. unfORTunATELY, SoMe EVENtS mAy be assoCiaTeD with LargE AMoUnTS oF AUDio iNfOrmaTIOn, Which MaY oVERwHelM A User AnD, thErEFOre, NEgativELY iMpaCt the USEr exPeriEnCe, PArTiCulaRlY WheN sucH eVEnts OccUr rePEatEDLY iN CLOse PrOXImITY WIThin A ReLatIvElY ShoRT tiME PErIOd. ADDITIoNALly, aUDiO fEeDBack PRoVIded BY ConvENtiOnAl aUDIO USer INtErFacEs mAY noT aDeQUAteLy enABLE A uSeR TO DiStINGuisH BEtweeN evenTS oF hIgh Or loW coNTEXtuaL impOrTaNCE. AccORdINgly, there aRE cONTINuINg effORTs TO FUrthEr iMPrOvE THe USer exPERiEncE wiTh RESPECT tO AUDiO USER INterfaces iN elEctRoniC DEVicES.
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This section is intended to introduce the reader tovariousaspects of art that maybe related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are describedand/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to behelpful inproviding the readerwith background information to facilitate a better understanding ofthe various aspects ofthe present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Electronic computing devices, suchas computer systems,mobile phones, digital media players,personal digital assistants (PDAs), and thelike, are commonly used for various personal and/or work-relatedpurposes.Such electronicdevices typically include some type of user interface thatenables a user to interact with various applications (e.g., e-mailprograms, internetbrowsers, media players, games, etc.) on the device to perform a variety of functions. In other words,the user interface may provide a gateway through which users may interact with applications to receive content,information, as wellas responses to user inputs. The user interface, therefore, is an integralpart in the design of these applications and helps determine the ease of use, and thus thequality of theoveralluser experience, of such devices. Historically, many electronic devices haverelied upon a graphical user interface to allow a user to interactwith the device bywayof a visual display. For instance, as the user interacts with the device,the device may display visual feedbackin response to the user's actions. However, as some types of electronic deviceshave migrated towards smaller form factors having relatively small visual displays, graphical user interfaces are becoming not only moredifficult to use andnavigate, but also more limited in the amount of information they are ableto convey. More recently, audio user interfaces have experienced a rise in popularity. For instance, an audio user interface may supplyaudio feedback data, instead of or in addition to visualfeedback, to convey information and content to a user and, thus, are particularly wellsuited for usein electronic devices having limited visual display capabilities or, in some instances, no visual display capabilities at all. Forinstance,upon theoccurrence of an event that requestsaudio feedback, acorresponding audio clip maybe played to convey audio information aboutthe occurring event to the user. Unfortunately,someevents may be associated withlarge amounts ofaudio information, which may overwhelm a user and, therefore, negatively impacttheuserexperience, particularly whensuch events occur repeatedly in close proximity within a relatively shorttime period. Additionally, audio feedback providedby conventional audio user interfaces may not adequately enable a user to distinguishbetween eventsof high or low contextual importance. Accordingly, thereare continuing efforts to further improve the user experience with respect to audio user interfaces in electronicdevices.
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_This_ section is _intended_ _to_ introduce _the_ _reader_ to _various_ aspects _of_ _art_ that may be related to various aspects _of_ the present techniques, which _are_ described and/or _claimed_ below. This discussion is believed to be helpful _in_ providing _the_ reader with background information to facilitate a better _understanding_ of the various aspects of the present disclosure. _Accordingly,_ _it_ _should_ be _understood_ that _these_ statements are to be read in this light, _and_ not as admissions of prior art. Electronic computing devices, such as computer systems, _mobile_ _phones,_ digital media players, _personal_ digital assistants _(PDAs),_ and the like, are commonly used for various personal and/or work-related _purposes._ _Such_ electronic devices _typically_ include some type of user _interface_ that _enables_ a user to interact with _various_ applications (e.g., e-mail programs, internet browsers, media players, games, etc.) on the device to perform a variety of _functions._ In other words, the user _interface_ may provide a gateway _through_ which users may interact with applications to _receive_ content, information, as well as responses to user inputs. The user interface, therefore, is _an_ integral part in the design of these applications and helps determine the ease of use, and thus the _quality_ of the overall user experience, of such devices. Historically, many electronic devices have relied upon a graphical user interface to _allow_ a user to interact with _the_ device by way of a visual display. For instance, _as_ the user interacts with the device, the device may _display_ visual feedback in response to _the_ user's actions. However, _as_ _some_ types of electronic _devices_ have migrated towards smaller form factors _having_ relatively small visual _displays,_ graphical user interfaces are _becoming_ _not_ only more difficult to use and navigate, but also more limited _in_ the amount of information they _are_ able to _convey._ More recently, audio user interfaces have experienced a rise in _popularity._ _For_ _instance,_ an audio _user_ interface may supply audio feedback data, instead _of_ _or_ in _addition_ to _visual_ feedback, _to_ convey _information_ and content to a user and, thus, are particularly well suited for use in electronic devices having _limited_ _visual_ display capabilities _or,_ in _some_ instances, no visual _display_ capabilities at all. For instance, upon the occurrence of an _event_ that requests audio _feedback,_ a corresponding audio clip may be _played_ to convey _audio_ information about the occurring event to the user. Unfortunately, some events may be _associated_ with _large_ _amounts_ _of_ audio information, _which_ may overwhelm _a_ user and, therefore, negatively impact _the_ user experience, particularly when such events occur repeatedly in _close_ _proximity_ within a _relatively_ _short_ _time_ period. _Additionally,_ _audio_ feedback provided _by_ conventional audio user interfaces may not adequately enable a user to distinguish between _events_ of high _or_ low contextual importance. _Accordingly,_ _there_ _are_ continuing efforts to further improve the _user_ experience with respect _to_ audio _user_ interfaces in electronic devices.
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Advances in the technology surrounding today's integrated circuits designs, such as microprocessors, continue at an astounding rate. As a result of these advances, integrated circuits are more dense and faster than ever. Moreover, integrated circuits have input/output (I/O) which are operating at higher frequencies than ever. In addition, integrated circuits are consuming more power than their predecessors. These factors are bringing about new challenges for packaging engineers.
On the issue of power consumption, today's microprocessors often consume up to 120 watts of power or more. With these microprocessors operating at a 1.2 volt level, 120 watts of power consumption means delivering significant amount of current, up to 100 amps, to these devices. A consequence of this is a requirement to dissipate a great amount of heat. As design advances continue, designs are predicted to approach 200 watts of power consumption in the near future. Successfully delivery of such power to today's and future integrated circuits has become, and will continue to be, a significant challenge.
The factors causing the increase in power consumption are numerous. One such factor is the operating speed of today's designs. Today, core speeds of microprocessors have surpassed 2 GHz. Similarly, bus speeds have increased as well; today's bus speeds have surpassed 400 MHz. As operating frequency increases for a given size integrated circuit, power consumption is also increased. This increase is due to, among other things, parasitic resistance of the motherboard, socket pins and electronic packaging. Unfortunately, the cost to reduce parasitic resistance on motherboards, socket pins and electronic packaging can be extensive. Thus, delivering increased power to today's designs without incurring a significant increase in cost is one challenge facing packaging engineers.
An additional issue facing today's packaging engineers with respect to integrated circuits is coupling associated with higher I/O signal switching speeds and the higher power being delivered to the integrated circuits. In addition to having more power and I/O signals to be delivered/facilitated than previous generations of designs, the desire is to have even smaller packaging of these integrated circuit designs. This is pushing the pins containing the higher speed I/O signals and pins providing increased power delivery closer together in the packaging. This, in turn, is creating further issues between the power delivered to an integrated circuit and the I/O signals entering and leaving the integrated circuit.
Thus, significant challenges face today's packaging engineers with respect to signal I/O and power delivery to today's integrated circuits.
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Advances in the technology surrounding today's integrated circuits designs, such as microprocessors, continue at an astounding rate. As a result of these advances, integrated circuits are more dense and faster than ever. Moreover, integrated circuits have input/output (I/O) which are operating at higher frequencies than ever. In addition, integrated circuits are consuming more power than their predecessors. These factors are bringing about new challenges for packaging engineers. On the issue of power consumption, today's microprocessors often consume up to 120 watts of power or more. With these microprocessors operating at a 1.2 volt level, 120 watts of power consumption means delivering significant amount of current, up to 100 amps, to these devices. A consequence of this is a requirement to dissipate a great amount of heat. As design advances continue, designs are predicted to approach 200 watts of power consumption in the near future. Successfully delivery of such power to today's and future integrated circuits has become, and will continue to be, a significant challenge. The factors causing the increase in power consumption are numerous. One such factor is the operating speed of today's designs. Today, core speeds of microprocessors have surpassed 2 GHz. Similarly, bus race have increased as well; today's bus speeds have surpassed 400 MHz. As operating frequency increases for a given size integrated circuit, power consumption is also increased. This increase is due to, among other things, parasitic resistance of the motherboard, socket pins and electronic packaging. Unfortunately, the cost to reduce parasitic resistance on motherboards, socket pins and electronic packaging can be extensive. Thus, delivering increased power to today's designs without incurring a significant increase in cost is one challenge facing packaging engineers. An additional issue facing today's packaging engineers with respect to integrated circuits is coupling associated with higher I/O signal switching speeds and the higher power being delivered to the integrated circuits. In addition to having more power and I/O signals to be delivered/facilitated than previous generations of designs, the desire is to have even smaller packaging of these integrated circuit designs. This is pushing the pins containing the higher speed I/O signals and pins providing increased power delivery closer together in the packaging. This, in turn, is creating further issues between the power delivered to an integrated circuit and the I/O signals entering and leaving the integrated circuit. Thus, significant challenges face today's packaging engineers with respect to signal I/O and power delivery to today's integrated circuits.
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Advances in the technology surrounding today ' s integrated circuits designs, such as microprocessors, continue at an astounding rate. As a result of these advances, integrated circuits are mlee dense and faster than ever. Moreover, integrated circuits have input / output (I / O) which are operating at higher frequencies than ever. In addition, integrated circuits are consuming more power than their predecessors. TheZs factors are bringing about new challenges for packaging engineers. On the issue of power consumption, today ' s microprocessors often consume up to 120 watts of power or more. With these microprocessors operat(nF at a 1. 2 volt level, 120 watts of power consumption means delivering significant amount of current, up to 100 amps, to these devices. A consequence of this is a requirement to dissipate a great amount of heat. As design advances continue, designs are predicted to approach 200 watts of power consumption in the near future. Successfully delivery of Zucn power to today ' s and future integrated circuits has become, and will continue to be, a significant challenge. The factors causing the imcreas# in power consumption are numerous. One such factor is the operating speed of today ' s designs. Today, core speeds of microprocessors have surpassed 2 GHz. Similarly, bus speeds hZvf increased as well; today ' s bus speeds have surpassed 400 MHz. As operating frequency increases for a given size integrated circuit, power consumption is also increased. This increase is due to, among other things, parasitic resistance of the motherboard, socket pins and electronic packaging. Unfortunately, the cost to reduce parasitic resistance on motherboards, socket pins and electronic packaging can be extensive. Thus, delivering increased power to today ' s designs without incurring a significant increase in cost is one challenge facing packaging engineers. An additional issue facing today ' s packaging engineers with respect to integrated circuits is coupling associated with higher I / O signal switching speeds and the higher power being delivered to the integrated circuits. In addition to having more poQRr and I / O signals to be delivered / facilitated tmaH previous geneGatiPns of designs, the desire is to have even smaller packaging of these integrated circuit designs. This is pushing the pins containing the higher speed I / O signals and pins providing increased power delivery closer together in the packaging. This, in turn, is creating further issues between the power de.iveEed to an integrated circuit and the I / O signals entering and leaving the integrated circuit. Thus, significant challenges face today ' s packaging engineers with respect to signal I / O and power delivery to today ' s integrated circuits.
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in the technology today's circuits designs, such as microprocessors, continue at an astounding rate. As a of these advances, integrated circuits are dense and faster ever. Moreover, circuits have input/output (I/O) which are operating at higher frequencies than ever. In addition, integrated circuits are consuming more power than their predecessors. These factors are bringing about new challenges for packaging engineers. On the issue power consumption, today's microprocessors often consume up to 120 watts of or more. With microprocessors operating at a 1.2 volt level, 120 watts of power consumption means delivering significant amount of up to 100 amps, to these devices. consequence of this is a requirement to dissipate a great amount of heat. As design continue, designs are to approach 200 watts of power consumption in the near future. Successfully delivery of such power to today's and future integrated circuits has become, and will continue to be, a causing the increase in power are numerous. One such the operating speed of today's designs. Today, core speeds of microprocessors surpassed 2 GHz. Similarly, bus speeds have increased as well; today's bus speeds have surpassed 400 MHz. As operating increases for given size integrated circuit, power consumption is also increased. This increase is due to, among other things, parasitic resistance motherboard, socket pins and electronic packaging. Unfortunately, the cost to reduce parasitic resistance on motherboards, socket pins and electronic packaging can be extensive. Thus, delivering increased power to designs without incurring a significant increase in cost is one challenge facing packaging engineers. An additional issue facing today's packaging engineers with respect to integrated circuits coupling associated with higher I/O signal switching speeds and the higher being delivered to the integrated circuits. addition to having more power I/O signals to be delivered/facilitated than previous generations designs, the desire is to have even packaging of these integrated circuit designs. This is pushing the containing the higher speed I/O and pins providing increased power delivery closer together in the packaging. This, in turn, creating further issues between the power delivered to an integrated and the I/O entering and leaving the circuit. Thus, significant challenges face today's packaging engineers respect to signal I/O and power delivery to today's integrated circuits.
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adVANcEs IN The TecHNOloGY suRrOUNDiNG TODAY'S intEGRATED cIRCUiTS dESiGNs, such as mIcroProCeSSorS, cONTiNuE at aN aStOUNDING rate. As A RESUlt oF ThesE AdVAncEs, IntEgrATED CIrcuItS aRe MORE dense And fasTER thaN eVeR. mOrEovER, IntegratED CirCUiTs HAVE InpuT/outpUt (i/o) whICh are opEraTiNG At hIGHeR frEQuEncIEs THAN eVEr. IN AdDition, IntegrATED CIrCuItS ARe cOnsuMinG MoRe poWER thAN their PReDECEsSOrs. TheSe fAcToRs Are brinGIng abouT New ChaLLenGeS FOR PacKAGInG EnGINeerS.
ON The isSue of POWEr coNsuMpTiON, TOday'S miCRoprocEssORS OFTeN CONSUMe UP To 120 WATts OF POWeR or MoRe. wITH ThEsE mIcROPROcesSorS OPeRatiNG At a 1.2 VolT LevEl, 120 WAtTS OF power cOnSumptIon MEAnS deLiveRInG sIgNIFiCAnt aMOUNt OF CuRReNT, UP TO 100 amPs, to These devIceS. a ConSeqUenCE Of thiS Is a RequiremEnT TO dISSiPAte a GreAT aMOUNT Of heaT. as DEsigN aDvaNCeS CONtinUE, DesiGNs aRE pREDictEd to ApprOACh 200 wATtS oF POWeR cONsuMpTIOn IN tHE nEAR FuTure. sUCcESsFULLy delivEry of SUCh pOwER TO tOdAy'S And FUTurE inteGrATED cirCUiTS HAS beCOme, And wilL cOntINuE to bE, a SIgniFiCAnT chALLENGe.
the FActoRS CaUSIng ThE INcrEaSe iN pOWer ConsUmpTiOn ARe NUmEROus. oNE SucH FACtOr is tHe OpEratinG speeD OF toDAy's DESigNS. TODAY, CorE Speeds oF micRopRoceSSORS hAvE suRPASsed 2 gHZ. siMILaRlY, bUS SPEeds haVE INCrEASed as wElL; todAy's bus SPeeDS hAve SURPaSSEd 400 mHz. As OpERatiNg fRequenCY incReaSes foR A givEN SiZE INTegrATed cIrcUit, POweR CONsuMpTIon is aLSO InCReASeD. THiS INCreaSe iS DuE TO, aMoNG OTHEr thINGs, pARaSITic reSIstAnCe OF tHe MoTHErBOaRd, sOCKeT piNS And eLeCTronIC PACKAginG. UnFOrTunATeLy, ThE COsT To ReDuCE pArAsiTic resIsTANcE on moThErbOArDS, soCKeT pINs aNd ELectRonIC PAckAGING CAn Be ExTENSivE. ThuS, dELIVeRInG incREaSed powER to TodAy'S deSigNS wiThOuT INCurrIng A signifIcAnt iNCrEaSE IN COSt is ONE CHallEnGE facING pacKaGInG EnGineerS.
an ADdiTIoNAl IssUe FaciNg toDAy's paCkAGING eNGiNeErs WITH REspecT tO INtegraTED ciRCuITS Is COuplING ASsociAtED WItH hiGhER I/o SigNAl swiTChing Speeds aND ThE HIGher pOWEr BEiNG dElIVEreD TO thE iNtEgRaTeD CIRcUITs. IN ADDItiON tO HaVING moRe pOweR anD I/o sIgNAls To Be dElIvEREd/FAcIlITaTEd thAN PRevIOUs GENERatiONS Of dESigNs, tHE desiRe iS to hAVE EVEn SMAlLer pACkaGinG oF THESE InteGRAted cirCUIT dEsigns. THiS Is PuSHinG tHE piNS cONTaiNing ThE HiGHeR SPEEd i/O sigNals AND pInS PrOVIding inCReAsed poweR DeLivERy CloSeR toGeTHEr iN thE pacKagING. ThIs, iN TUrN, IS CreAtING FUrtheR issuEs BeTWEeN THe pOweR dELiveRed tO An INteGRAtED CIRCUiT And THE I/o SigNALs eNTERing anD leAvinG tHE inTegRAtED cIrcuiT.
thus, SiGNificANt CHAllenGes face tODAy's PACKagiNG ENGINEeRS wiTH respEcT tO SiGNAl I/o aNd pOweR deLivERY to ToDaY's IntEgRaTED CirCuiTS.
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Advances inthetechnology surrounding today's integrated circuitsdesigns, such asmicroprocessors,continue at an astounding rate. As aresult of these advances, integrated circuits are more denseandfaster than ever. Moreover, integrated circuits have input/output (I/O) which are operating at higher frequencies than ever. Inaddition, integrated circuits are consuming more power than their predecessors. These factors arebringing about new challenges for packaging engineers. On the issue of power consumption, today's microprocessors often consume up to120 watts of power or more. With these microprocessors operating at a 1.2 volt level,120 watts of power consumption means deliveringsignificant amount of current, up to100 amps, to these devices. A consequence of this is a requirement to dissipate a great amount of heat.As designadvances continue, designs are predicted to approach 200 watts of power consumption in the near future. Successfully delivery of such power to today's and futureintegrated circuits has become, and will continue to be, a significantchallenge. The factors causing the increase in power consumption are numerous. One suchfactor isthe operating speed of today's designs. Today, core speeds of microprocessors have surpassed 2 GHz. Similarly, bus speeds have increased aswell; today's bus speedshavesurpassed400 MHz. As operating frequency increases for a given size integrated circuit, power consumption is also increased. This increase is due to, amongother things, parasitic resistance of themotherboard, socket pins and electronic packaging. Unfortunately, the cost to reduce parasitic resistanceon motherboards, socketpins and electronic packaging canbe extensive. Thus,delivering increased power totoday's designs without incurringa significant increase in costisone challenge facing packagingengineers. An additionalissue facing today's packaging engineerswith respect to integrated circuits iscoupling associated with higher I/O signal switching speeds and the higher power being delivered to the integrated circuits. In additionto having more power and I/O signals to be delivered/facilitatedthan previous generations of designs,thedesire is to have even smaller packaging of theseintegrated circuit designs. This is pushingthe pins containing the higher speed I/O signalsand pins providing increased power delivery closer togetherin the packaging. This, in turn, iscreating further issues between thepower delivered to an integrated circuit and the I/O signalsentering and leaving the integrated circuit. Thus,significant challenges facetoday'spackaging engineerswith respect to signal I/O and power delivery to today's integrated circuits.
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Advances _in_ the technology surrounding today's integrated circuits designs, _such_ _as_ microprocessors, continue at an astounding _rate._ As a result of these advances, integrated _circuits_ _are_ more dense and faster _than_ ever. Moreover, integrated _circuits_ have input/output (I/O) which are operating at _higher_ frequencies than ever. In addition, _integrated_ circuits are _consuming_ more power than _their_ predecessors. These _factors_ _are_ _bringing_ about new _challenges_ for _packaging_ engineers. _On_ the issue of power consumption, today's microprocessors often consume up to 120 watts of power or _more._ With these microprocessors operating at a 1.2 volt level, _120_ watts of _power_ consumption means _delivering_ _significant_ amount _of_ current, up to 100 amps, to these devices. A consequence of this is a requirement to dissipate a _great_ _amount_ of heat. _As_ design advances continue, designs are predicted to approach 200 watts of _power_ consumption in the _near_ _future._ Successfully delivery of such power to today's and _future_ integrated circuits has become, and will continue to _be,_ _a_ significant _challenge._ The factors _causing_ _the_ increase _in_ power _consumption_ are numerous. One such _factor_ is _the_ operating speed of _today's_ designs. Today, core _speeds_ of _microprocessors_ have _surpassed_ 2 GHz. Similarly, bus _speeds_ have increased as well; today's bus speeds have surpassed 400 _MHz._ _As_ _operating_ frequency increases for a _given_ size integrated circuit, power consumption is also increased. This increase is due to, among other things, parasitic resistance _of_ the _motherboard,_ _socket_ pins and electronic _packaging._ Unfortunately, _the_ cost to _reduce_ parasitic resistance on motherboards, socket _pins_ _and_ electronic _packaging_ can be extensive. Thus, delivering increased power to today's designs _without_ incurring _a_ significant increase in _cost_ is one challenge _facing_ packaging engineers. _An_ additional issue facing today's packaging engineers _with_ respect to integrated circuits is coupling associated with higher I/O signal switching speeds and _the_ higher power _being_ _delivered_ to the integrated _circuits._ In addition to having more power and _I/O_ _signals_ to be delivered/facilitated than previous generations of designs, the desire is to _have_ even smaller packaging _of_ _these_ integrated circuit designs. This is pushing _the_ pins _containing_ the higher speed _I/O_ signals and pins providing increased _power_ delivery closer together in the packaging. This, in turn, is _creating_ further issues between the _power_ delivered to _an_ integrated circuit _and_ _the_ I/O signals _entering_ _and_ leaving _the_ integrated circuit. Thus, significant challenges _face_ today's packaging engineers with respect to signal I/O and _power_ delivery to today's _integrated_ circuits.
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Unlike other tissues which can survive extended periods of hypoxia, brain tissue is particularly sensitive to deprivation of oxygen or energy. Permanent damage to neurons can occur during brief periods of hypoxia, anoxia or ischemia. Neurotoxic injury is known to be caused or accelerated by certain excitatory amino acids (RAA) found naturally in the central nervous system (CNS). Glutamate (Glu) is an endogenous amino acid which has been characterized as a fast excitatory transmitter in the mammalian brain. Glutamate is also known as a powerful neurotoxin capable of killing CNS neurons under certain pathological conditions which accompany stroke and cardiac arrest. Normal glutamate concentrations are maintained within brain tissue by energy-consuming transport systems. Under low energy conditions which occur during conditions of hypoglycemia, hypoxia or ischemia, cells can release glutamate. Under such low energy conditions the cell is not able to take glutamate back into the cell. Initial glutamate release stimulates further release of glutamate which results in an extracellular glutamate accumulation and a cascade of neurotoxic injury.
It has been shown that the sensitivity of central neurons to hypoxia and ischemia can be reduced by either blockage of synaptic transmission or by the specific antagonism of postsynaptic glutamate receptors [see S. M. Rothman and J. W. Olney, "Glutamate and the Pathophysiology of Hypoxia-Ischemic Brain Damage," Annals of Neurology, 19 No. 2 (1986)]. Glutamate is characterized as a broad spectrum agonist having activity at three neuronal excitatory amino acid receptor sites. These receptor sites are named after the amino acids which selectively excite them, namely: Kainate (KA), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA or NMA) and quisqualate (QUIS).
Neurons which have EAA receptors on their dendritic or somal surfaces undergo acute excitotoxic degeneration when these receptors are excessively activated by glutamate. Thus, agents which selectively block or antagonize the action of glutamate at the EAA synaptic receptors of central neurons can prevent neurotoxic injury associated with hypoxia, anoxia, or ischemia caused by stroke, cardiac arrest or perinatal asphyxia.
It is known that compounds of various structures, such as aminophosphonovalerate derivatives and piperidine dicarboxylate derivatives, may act as competitive antagonists at the NMDA receptor. Certain piperidineethanol derivatives, such as ifenprodil and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperidinyl]ethanol, which are known anti-ischemic agents, have been found to be non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists [C. Carter et al, J. Pharm Exp. Ther, 247 (3), 1222-1232 (1988)].
There are many classes of compounds known for treatment of psychotic disorders. For example, current therapeutic treatments for psychoses use compounds classifiable as phenothiazine-thioxanthenes, as phenylbutylpiperidines and also as certain alkaloids. An example of a phenylbutylpiperidine compound of current use in psychotic treatment therapy is haloperidol [A. F. Gilman et al, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 7th Edn., p. 404, MacMillan (1985)].
Certain nitrogen-containing cyclohetero cycloalkylaminoaryl compounds are known for pharmaceutical purposes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,003 to Szmuszkovicz describes N-(2-aminocyclopentyl)-N-alkanoylanilides as antidepressant agents.
Certain aminocycloaliphatic benzamides have been described for various uses. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,013 to Collins et al describes aminocyclohexyl-benzamides for use as diuretic agents. The compound (.+-.)-trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl)-benzen eacetamide has been evaluated for its selectivity as an amino acid antagonist [C. G. Parsons et al, Neuropharm., 25(2), 217-220 (1986)]. This same compound has been evaluated for its neuroprotective activity against kainate-induced toxicity [W. Lason et al, Brain Res., 482, 333-339 (1989)]. U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,604 to Vonvoightlander et al describes certain cis-N-(2-aminocycloaliphatic)benzamides as anticonvulsants including, specifically, the compound cis-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyllbenzamide. Certain of these trans benzeneacetamide derivatives, such as trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetam ide, have been described as highly selective ligands for kappa opioid receptors. The cis isomers of 3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide were identified to be potent and selective sigma ligands [B. R. de Costa et al, J. Med. Chem., 32(8), 1996-2002 (1989)]. Further structure activity studies with these compounds resulted in the identification of (+)- and (-)-cis-N-[3,4-dichlorophenylethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl amines as extremely potent and selective ligands for the sigma receptor. These [Contreras, P. C.; Ragan,.D. M.; Bremer, M. E.; Lanthorn, T. H.; Gray, N. M.; Iyengar, S.; Jacobson, A. E. ; Rice, K. C. ; de Costa, B. R.: Evaluation of U50488H analogs for antiischemic activity in the gerbil. Brain Res. 1991, 546, 79-82] and related (ethylenediamines) compounds [Long, J. B.; Tortella, F. C.; Rice, K. C.; de Costa B. R.: Selective sigma ligands protect against dynorphin A-induced spinal cord injury in rats. Soc. Neurosci. Abs., 16, 1122 (1990) abs 461.4] were found to be effective as-protective agentsfor the damaging effects of ischemia and stroke in two different models of ischemia. See, for example, Long, J. B.; Tortella, F. C.; Rice, K. C.; de Costa B. R.: Selective sigma ligands protect against dynorphin A-induced spinal cord injury in rats. Soc. Neurosci. Abs., 16, 1122 (1990) abs 461.4; Contreras, P. C.; Ragan, D. M.; Bremer, M. E.;
Lanthorn, T. H.; Gray, N. M.; Iyengar, S.; Jacobson, A. E.; Rice, K. C.; de Costa, B. R.: Evaluation of U50488H analogs for antiischemic activity in the gerbil. Brain Res. 1991, 546, 79-82. Since these initial findings, neuroprotective activity has been identified among certain other high affinity sigma ligands. It is likely that the protective effects of these and related compounds is mediated through their interaction with the sigma receptor. Scopes et al., J. Med. Chem., 35, 490-501 (1992) describe certain 2-[(alkylamino)methyl]-piperidines. In particular, 1-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl]-2[(alkylamino)methyl]piperidines are described as having activities as kappa opioid receptor agonists.
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Unlike other tissues which can survive extended periods of hypoxia, brain tissue is particularly sensitive to deprivation of oxygen or energy. Permanent damage to neurons can occur during brief periods of hypoxia, anoxia or ischemia. Neurotoxic injury is known to be caused or accelerated by certain excitatory amino acids (RAA) ground naturally in the central nervous system (CNS). Glutamate (Glu) is an endogenous amino acid which has been characterized as a fast excitatory transmitter in the mammalian brain. Glutamate is also known as a powerful neurotoxin capable of killing CNS neurons under certain pathological conditions which accompany stroke and cardiac arrest. Normal glutamate concentrations are maintained within brain tissue by energy-consuming transport systems. Under low energy conditions which occur during conditions of hypoglycemia, hypoxia or ischemia, cells can release glutamate. Under such low energy conditions the cell is not able to take glutamate back into the cell. Initial glutamate release stimulates further release of glutamate which results in an extracellular glutamate accumulation and a cascade of neurotoxic injury. It has been shown that the sensitivity of central neurons to hypoxia and ischemia can be reduced by either blockage of synaptic transmission or by the specific antagonism of postsynaptic glutamate receptors [see S. M. Rothman and J. W. Olney, "Glutamate and the Pathophysiology of Hypoxia-Ischemic Brain Damage," Annals of Neurology, 19 No. 2 (1986)]. Glutamate is characterized as a broad spectrum agonist having activity at three neuronal excitatory amino acid receptor sites. These receptor sites are named after the amino acids which selectively excite them, namely: Kainate (KA), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA or NMA) and quisqualate (QUIS). Neurons which have EAA receptors on their dendritic or somal surfaces undergo acute excitotoxic degeneration when these receptors are excessively activated by glutamate. Thus, agents which selectively block or antagonize the action of glutamate at the EAA synaptic receptors of central neurons can prevent neurotoxic injury associated with hypoxia, anoxia, or ischemia caused by stroke, cardiac arrest or perinatal asphyxia. It is known that compounds of various structures, such as aminophosphonovalerate derivatives and piperidine dicarboxylate derivatives, may act as competitive antagonists at the NMDA receptor. Certain piperidineethanol derivatives, such as ifenprodil and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperidinyl]ethanol, which are known anti-ischemic agents, have been found to be non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists [C. Carter et al, J. Pharm Exp. Ther, 247 (3), 1222-1232 (1988)]. There are many classes of compounds known for treatment of psychotic disorders. For example, current therapeutic treatments for psychoses use compounds classifiable as phenothiazine-thioxanthenes, as phenylbutylpiperidines and also as certain alkaloids. An example of a phenylbutylpiperidine compound of current use in psychotic treatment therapy is haloperidol [A. F. Gilman et al, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 7th Edn., p. 404, MacMillan (1985)]. Certain nitrogen-containing cyclohetero cycloalkylaminoaryl compounds are known for pharmaceutical purposes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,003 to Szmuszkovicz describes N-(2-aminocyclopentyl)-N-alkanoylanilides as antidepressant agents. Certain aminocycloaliphatic benzamides have been described for various uses. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,013 to Collins et al describes aminocyclohexyl-benzamides for use as diuretic agents. The compound (.+-.)-trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl)-benzen eacetamide has been evaluated for its selectivity as an amino acid antagonist [C. G. Parsons et al, Neuropharm., 25(2), 217-220 (1986)]. This same compound has been evaluated for its neuroprotective activity against kainate-induced toxicity [W. Lason et al, Brain Res., 482, 333-339 (1989)]. U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,604 to Vonvoightlander et al describes certain cis-N-(2-aminocycloaliphatic)benzamides as anticonvulsants including, specifically, the compound cis-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyllbenzamide. Certain of these trans benzeneacetamide derivatives, such as trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetam ide, have been described as highly selective ligands for kappa opioid receptors. The cis isomers of 3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide were identified to be potent and selective sigma ligands [B. R. de Costa et al, J. Med. Chem., 32(8), 1996-2002 (1989)]. Further structure activity studies with these compounds resulted in the identification of (+)- and (-)-cis-N-[3,4-dichlorophenylethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl amines as extremely potent and selective ligands for the sigma receptor. These [Contreras, P. C.; Ragan,.D. M.; Bremer, M. E.; Lanthorn, T. H.; Gray, N. M.; Iyengar, S.; Jacobson, A. E. ; Rice, K. C. ; de Costa, B. R.: Evaluation of U50488H analogs for antiischemic activity in the gerbil. Brain Res. 1991, 546, 79-82] and related (ethylenediamines) compounds [Long, J. B.; Tortella, F. C.; Rice, K. C.; de Costa B. R.: Selective sigma ligands protect against dynorphin A-induced spinal cord injury in rats. Soc. Neurosci. Abs., 16, 1122 (1990) abs 461.4] were found to be effective as-protective agentsfor the damaging effects of ischemia and stroke in two different models of ischemia. See, for example, Long, J. B.; Tortella, F. C.; Rice, K. C.; de Costa B. R.: Selective sigma ligands protect against dynorphin A-induced spinal cord injury in rats. Soc. Neurosci. Abs., 16, 1122 (1990) abs 461.4; Contreras, P. C.; Ragan, D. M.; Bremer, M. E.; Lanthorn, T. H.; Gray, N. M.; Iyengar, S.; Jacobson, A. E.; Rice, K. C.; de Costa, B. R.: Evaluation of U50488H analogs for antiischemic activity in the gerbil. Brain Res. 1991, 546, 79-82. Since these initial findings, neuroprotective activity has been identified among certain other high affinity sigma ligands. It is likely that the protective effects of these and related compounds is mediated through their interaction with the sigma receptor. Scopes et al., J. Med. Chem., 35, 490-501 (1992) describe certain 2-[(alkylamino)methyl]-piperidines. In particular, 1-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl]-2[(alkylamino)methyl]piperidines are described as having activities as kappa opioid receptor agonists.
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Unlike other tissues which can survive extended periods of hypoxia, brain tissue is particularly sensitive to deprivation of oxygen or energy. Permanent damage to neurons can occur during brief periods of hypoxia, anoxia or ischemia. Neurotoxic injury is known to be caused or accelerated by certain excitatory amino acids (RAA) found naturally in the central nervous system (CNS ). Glutamate (Glu) is an endogenous amino acid which has been characterized as a fast excitatory transmitter in the mammalian brain. Glutamate is also known as a powerful neurotoxin capable of killing CNS neurons under certain pathological conditions which accompany stroke and cardiac arrest. Normal glutamate concentrations are maintained within brain tissue by energy - consuming transport systems. Under low energy conditions which occur during conditions of hypoglycemia, hypoxia or ischemia, cells can release glutamate. inde4 such low energy conditions the cell is not able to take glutamate back into the cell. Initial glutamate release stimulates further release of glutamate which res*pts in an extracellular glutamate accumulation and a cascade of neurotoxic injury. It has been shown that the sensitivity of central neurons to hypoxia and ischemia can be reduced by either blockage of synaptic transmission or by the specific antagonism of postsynaptic glutamate receptors [see S. M. Rothman and J. W. Olney, " Glutamate and the Pathophysiology of Hypoxia - Ischemic Brain Damage, " Annals of Neurology, 19 No. 2 (1986) ]. Glutamate is characterized as a broad spectrum agonist having activity at three neuronal excitatory amino acid receptor sites. These receptor sites are named after the amino acids which selectively excite them, namely: Kainate (KA ), N - methyl - D - aspartate (NMDA or NMA) and quisqualate (QUIS ). Neurons which have EAA receptors on their dendritic or somal surfaces undergo acute excitotoxic degeneration when these receptors are excessively activated by glutamate. Thus, agents which selectively block or antagonize the action of glutamate at the EAA synaptic receptors of central neurons can prevent neurotoxic injury associated with hyloxOa, anoxia, or ischemia caused by stroke, cardiac arrest or perinatal asphyxia. It is known that compounds of various structures, such as aminophosphonovalerate derivatives and piperidine dicarFoxylatr derivatives, may act as competitive antagonists at the NMDA receptor. Certain pipefidineethwnol derivatives, such as ifenprodil and 1 - (4 - vhlorophFnyl) - 2 - [1 - (4 - fluorophenyl) - piperidinyl] ethanol, which are known anti - ischemic agents, have been found to be non - competitive NMDA receptor antagonists [C. Carter et al, J. Pharm Exp. Ther, 247 (3 ), 1222 - 1232 (1988) ]. There are many classes of compounds known for treatment of psychotic disorders. For example, current therapeutic treatments for psychoses use compounds classifiable as phenothiazine - thioxanthenes, as phenylbutylpiperidines and also as certain alkaloids. An example of a phenylbutylpiperidine compound of current use in psychotic treatment therapy is haloperidol [A. F. Gilman et al, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 7th Edn. , p. 404, MacMillan (1985) ]. Certain nitrogen - containing cyclohetero cycloalkylaminoaryl compounds are known for pharmaceutical purposes. For example, U. S. Pat. No. 4, 204, 003 to Szmuszkovicz describes N - (2 - aminocyclopentyl) - N - alkanoylanilides as antidepressant agents. Certain aminocycloaliphatic benzamides have been described for various uEFs. For example, U. S. Pat. No. 4, 463, 013 to Collins et al describes aminocyclohexyl - benzamides for use as diuretic agents. The compound (. + -.) - trans - 3, 4 - dichloro - N - methyl - N - [2 - (1 - pyrrolidinyl) cyclohexyl) - benzen eacetamide has been evaluated for its selectivity as an amino acid antagonist [C. G. Parsons et al, Neuropharm. , 25 (2 ), 217 - 220 (1986) ]. This same compound has been evaluated for its neuroprotective activity against kainate - induced toxicity [W. Lason et al, Brain Res. , 482, 333 - 339 (1989) ]. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 801, 604 to Vonvoightlander et al describes certain cis - N - (2 - aminocycloaliphatic) benzamides as anticonvulsants including, specifically, the compound cis - 3, 4 - dichloro - N - methyl - N - [2 - (1 - pyrrolidinyl) cyclohexyllbenzamide. Certain of these trans benzeneacetamide derivatives, such as trans - 3, 4 - dichloro - N - methyl - N - [2 - (1 - pyrrolidinyl) cyclohexyl] - benzeneacetam ide, have been described as highly selevtiBe ligands for kappa opioid receptors. The cis isomers of 3, 4 - dichloro - N - methyl - N - [2 - (1 - pyrrolidinyl) cyclohexyl] - benzeneacetamide were identified to be potent and selective sigma ligands [B. R. de Costa et al, J. Med. Chem. , 32 (8 ), 1996 - 2002 (1989) ]. Further structure activity studies with these compounds resulted in the identification of (+) - and (-) - cis - N - [3, 4 - dichlorophenylethyl] - N - methyl - 2 - (1 - pyrrolidinyl) - cyclohexyl amines as extremely potent and selective ligands for the sigma receptor. These [Contreras, P. C. ; Ragan, . D. M. ; Bremer, M. E. ; Lanthorn, T. H. ; Gray, N. M. ; Iyengar, S. ; Jacobson, A. E. ; Rice, K. C. ; de Costa, B. R. : Evaluation of U50488H analogs for antiischemic activity in the gerbil. Brain Res. qO91, 546, 79 - 82] and related (ethylenediamines) compounds [Long, J. B. ; Tortella, F. C. ; Rice, K. C. ; de Costa B. R. : Selective sigma ligands protect against dynorphin A - induced spinal cord injury in rats. Soc. Neurosci. Abs. , 16, 1122 (1990) abs 461. 4] were found to be effective as - protective agentsfor the damaging effects of ischemia and stroke in two different models of ischemia. See, for example, Long, J. B. ; Tortella, F. C. ; Rice, K. C. ; de Costa B. R. : Selective sigma ligands protect against dynorphin A - induced spinal cord injury in rats. Soc. Neurosci. Abs. , 16, 1122 (1990) abs 461. 4; Contreras, P. C. ; Ragan, D. M. ; Bremer, M. E. ; Lanthorn, T. H. ; Gray, N. M. ; Iyengar, S. ; Jacobson, A. E. ; Rice, K. C. ; de Costa, B. R. : Evaluation of U50488H analogs for antiischemic activity in the gerbil. Brain Res. 1991, 546, 79 - 82. Since these initial findings, neuroprotective activity has been identified among certain other high affinity sigma ligands. It is likely that the protective effects of these and related compounds is mediated through their interaction with the sigma receptor. Scopes et al. , J. Med. Chem. , 35, 490 - 501 (1992) describe certain 2 - [( alkylamino) methyl] - piperidines. In particular, 1 - [( 3, 4 - dichlorophenyl) acetyl] - 2 [( alkylamino) methyl] piperidines are described as having activities as kappa opioid receptor ag)mists.
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Unlike other which survive extended periods of hypoxia, brain tissue is particularly to deprivation of oxygen or Permanent damage to neurons occur during brief periods of hypoxia, anoxia or ischemia. Neurotoxic is known to be caused or accelerated by certain excitatory amino acids (RAA) found naturally in central system (CNS). Glutamate (Glu) is endogenous amino acid which has been characterized as fast excitatory transmitter in the mammalian Glutamate is also known as a powerful neurotoxin capable of killing CNS neurons under certain pathological conditions accompany stroke and cardiac arrest. Normal glutamate are maintained within brain energy-consuming Under low energy conditions which occur during conditions of hypoglycemia, hypoxia or ischemia, can release glutamate. Under such low energy conditions the cell is not take glutamate back into cell. Initial glutamate release stimulates further release of glutamate results in an extracellular accumulation and cascade of neurotoxic injury. It has been shown that the sensitivity of neurons to hypoxia and ischemia can be reduced either blockage of synaptic transmission or by the specific antagonism of postsynaptic glutamate receptors [see S. M. Rothman and J. Olney, "Glutamate and the Pathophysiology Hypoxia-Ischemic Brain Annals of Neurology, 19 No. 2 (1986)]. Glutamate is characterized as a broad agonist having activity at three excitatory amino acid receptor These receptor sites are named after the amino which selectively excite them, namely: Kainate (KA), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA or NMA) and quisqualate (QUIS). Neurons have EAA receptors on their or somal undergo acute excitotoxic degeneration when these receptors are excessively activated by glutamate. Thus, agents which selectively block or antagonize the action of glutamate at the EAA synaptic receptors of central neurons can prevent neurotoxic injury associated with hypoxia, anoxia, or ischemia caused by stroke, cardiac arrest or perinatal asphyxia. It is known that compounds of structures, such as aminophosphonovalerate derivatives and piperidine dicarboxylate derivatives, may act as competitive antagonists at the NMDA receptor. Certain piperidineethanol derivatives, such as ifenprodil and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperidinyl]ethanol, which are agents, have been to non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists Carter et al, J. Pharm Exp. Ther, 247 (3), 1222-1232 (1988)]. are many classes of compounds for treatment of psychotic disorders. For example, current therapeutic treatments for psychoses use compounds classifiable as as phenylbutylpiperidines and also as certain alkaloids. An example of a phenylbutylpiperidine compound of use in psychotic treatment therapy is haloperidol [A. F. Gilman et al, The Pharmacological of Therapeutics, 7th Edn., p. 404, MacMillan (1985)]. Certain nitrogen-containing cyclohetero cycloalkylaminoaryl compounds are known for pharmaceutical For example, U.S. Pat. No. to Szmuszkovicz describes as antidepressant agents. Certain aminocycloaliphatic benzamides have been described for various For U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,013 to Collins et al aminocyclohexyl-benzamides for use as diuretic The compound (.+-.)-trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl)-benzen eacetamide has been evaluated for its selectivity as an amino acid [C. G. Parsons et al, Neuropharm., 25(2), (1986)]. This same compound has been evaluated for its neuroprotective activity against kainate-induced [W. Lason al, Res., 482, 333-339 (1989)]. U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,604 to Vonvoightlander et al describes certain cis-N-(2-aminocycloaliphatic)benzamides as anticonvulsants including, specifically, the compound cis-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyllbenzamide. Certain of these trans benzeneacetamide derivatives, such as trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetam ide, have been described as highly selective ligands for kappa opioid receptors. The cis isomers of 3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide were identified to be potent and selective sigma ligands [B. R. de Costa et al, J. Med. Chem., 32(8), 1996-2002 (1989)]. Further structure activity with these compounds resulted in identification of and (-)-cis-N-[3,4-dichlorophenylethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl amines as extremely potent and selective ligands for the sigma receptor. These [Contreras, P. C.; Ragan,.D. M.; Bremer, M. E.; Lanthorn, T. H.; Gray, M.; Iyengar, S.; E. ; Rice, K. C. ; de Costa, B. R.: Evaluation of U50488H analogs for antiischemic activity in the gerbil. Brain Res. 1991, 546, 79-82] related (ethylenediamines) compounds [Long, J. B.; Tortella, F. C.; K. C.; de Costa B. R.: ligands protect against A-induced cord injury in rats. Neurosci. 16, 1122 (1990) abs 461.4] were found to be effective as-protective agentsfor the damaging effects of ischemia and stroke different models of ischemia. See, for example, Long, J. B.; Tortella, F. C.; Rice, K. C.; de Costa B. R.: Selective sigma ligands protect against dynorphin A-induced spinal cord injury in rats. Soc. Neurosci. Abs., 16, 1122 (1990) Contreras, P. C.; Ragan, D. M.; Bremer, M. E.; Lanthorn, T. H.; Gray, N. M.; Iyengar, S.; A. E.; K. C.; de Costa, B. R.: Evaluation of U50488H analogs for antiischemic activity in the gerbil. Brain Res. 1991, 546, 79-82. Since these initial findings, neuroprotective activity has been identified among other high affinity sigma It is that the protective effects of these related compounds mediated their interaction with the sigma receptor. Scopes et al., J. Med. 35, 490-501 (1992) describe certain 2-[(alkylamino)methyl]-piperidines. In particular, 1-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl]-2[(alkylamino)methyl]piperidines are described as having activities as opioid receptor agonists.
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UNLIKe OThER TisSUES whicH CAn SURvIve EXTeNDeD perIoDs oF HYpoxIa, brain TisSUE is pARTiCULarly SensitIVE TO dePRIvatIon oF oXyGEN OR ENerGy. PeRmanEnT DamaGE To NeuROnS CaN oCCuR DURiNG BrIEf PERIodS Of hYpOXia, AnOXIA oR IsChEmiA. neuROTOXIc inJurY Is knoWn to bE cAUsEd OR acCeLeRaTeD BY ceRTAIn exCITATory aMInO aCiDS (RAa) foUND NAturalLy IN ThE CEntRal NERvouS sysTem (Cns). glutamAtE (GlU) is aN EndOGEnous AmiNO AcId WhIcH has BEEN ChARaCTERiZED aS A fAST exCITatORY TRaNsMITter in THE MAmmalIaN bRaIN. glUTaMATE iS AlSo KnoWN AS a pOwERFuL NEURotoXiN cApabLe Of KilliNG CNs NEURONs uNDeR CERTAiN PAthologIcAl cOnDitIOnS WHICH aCCOmPany StrOkE aNd cardiac arrEST. noRMal GlUtaMATe cOnceNtRATIOns ARe MaINtainEd wItHin braiN TISSue bY enERgY-CONsuminG trANSpOrt SyStems. Under lOW enERGY CondItIONs whIcH occur dURINg CONdITIons oF hyPOgLYCEmIa, HYPoxiA or IsCheMia, CeLLS Can releaSE GLuTAmate. UNdeR sUCh LoW eNerGy coNDITIonS ThE CeLl IS NOT ABle TO TAke gLutAmAte BACK InTO ThE CELl. InItiAl gluTAmate rEleAse stIMuLaTes FurThER RelEASe OF GlutAmAtE wHiCh resultS IN AN eXtRaCeLLULaR GLUtaMate ACCumULAtION anD A cAscadE OF NEurotOXiC INJUrY.
it haS bEen SHoWn thaT THE sEnsitIVIty oF CEntral nEUroNS to HypOXIA ANd Ischemia caN Be ReDucEd By EithER blOCkagE oF SynaPTiC tRaNsmISSioN Or bY The SPecIFIc aNTaGONISM of POStsynAPtic glUtAmAtE reCePtOrS [See s. m. roThMan AnD j. w. OlnEY, "gLUTamaTe ANd ThE pathOpHYSiOloGy oF hypOxIA-isCHeMic BrAiN dAmaGE," ANnaLS oF nEUroLogY, 19 no. 2 (1986)]. gLuTAmAte IS chARActeRIzEd AS a BrOaD SpEcTrUM AGoNiSt hAviNg ACtIviTy at THReE NEuRonAl EXcitatOry amINo ACID rEcepTor sItES. tHeSe ReCePtoR SitES Are naMeD AFter ThE AMIno ACiDs wHIcH selecTiveLY exCITe Them, NaMely: KainATE (Ka), n-MEthyL-D-aSparTATe (nMDA Or Nma) and QUISqUalaTe (QUIS).
nEUronS whIcH hAVe eAa RecepTORS On ThEIr dendrITiC Or sOmAL SURFaCes UndeRgo acuTe EXCitoTOxIC DEGeNeRatION When tHEsE rEcePTOrS aRE EXcessIvelY aCTIvAted BY GlUTAmATE. THUs, agEnts WhICh SelEcTIvelY BlocK Or aNTAGOnizE thE ACtiOn of gLuTamATE at THe eaA SynaPtic reCEptOrs oF cENTRAL neUroNS CAN preVeNt neURoToxIc injURY AsSOCIAted WiTH HYpOXia, AnOXiA, or IScHeMIA causED by sTroKe, cARDiac aRresT or PeRInAtal AsPHYxIA.
IT is KnOWN ThAt COmPOUnDs oF vARioUS struCTUrEs, such as AMiNophOsphoNoVaLErAtE dERIvatIves aNd pIPeRiDine DIcarbOXYLAte deRIVATIVes, MaY acT As coMPetITivE ANtAGoNistS AT THE Nmda RECepTor. cerTaIN PIpeRidINEethAnoL DERIVativEs, such as iFeNproDil and 1-(4-ChLoRophEnyL)-2-[1-(4-FluoROphENyL)-PIpERidinYL]eTHANoL, Which arE kNOwN AnTI-ISCHEmIc AGenTS, HAVe beeN found tO be nOn-COMPetiTiVE nMDa ReCEptor anTaGonISts [c. caRTEr eT al, J. pHARm eXP. tHeR, 247 (3), 1222-1232 (1988)].
tHEre aRE maNy cLAsSes of CompOUNDs KnOWN for treaTMENT of PSYCHOtIc DisOrdErS. FOR EXAMpLe, curreNT thEraPeuTIc trEATMENTs For pSYchoses Use cOMpOundS cLAsSiFIable AS phEnoTHiAZInE-thioXANThEneS, aS phenYlBUtYLpIpERidInEs and ALso aS certain aLkAloiDS. aN eXAMpLe Of A PhenyLbUtylPipErIDiNe COMPOUNd of cURReNT uSe IN PsYchotic TReaTmEnT ThERapy iS hALopERiDoL [a. F. GILmaN et al, tHE PhaRMAcoLoGICAL baSis OF TheRapEUtIcS, 7Th edN., p. 404, mACMIlLAN (1985)].
cErTAiN NiTROGEn-CONtaINIng cYCLoHeTEro CyclOAlkYLAMInOARYL coMpOuNDs aRe KNoWn for PhArmAceUTicAL PURpOSes. fOR eXAmPle, u.S. paT. NO. 4,204,003 TO SZMUSZkOVicZ DesCRibEs N-(2-amInOCYcLOPentYL)-n-alKaNoylAnILides As ANTiDEPrESsANT agEntS.
cErTAIN AminocyClOAliPHaTIc BenzamIdEs hAve bEEn desCriBed FoR vaRious uSEs. For eXaMPLe, u.s. PAt. nO. 4,463,013 to coLlINs Et al DescRiBes aMINOcyClohexYL-BENzamides for UsE As DIUretIc AGENTS. THE CoMpoUNd (.+-.)-trANS-3,4-DichlorO-N-mETHYL-n-[2-(1-pYRrolidInYL)cyCLoHexyL)-BenzeN eACETAMIde haS Been eVaLUaTEd for ITS seLeCTIvIty As aN aMiNo aCId anTAgoNisT [c. g. pARSONs et Al, NEUrOpHArM., 25(2), 217-220 (1986)]. thIS Same coMpoUnD has bEEn evalUaTEd FOR ItS nEuroPrOTECTiVe AcTIviTy aGAInsT KaInaTe-INdUCED tOxiCIty [W. lasoN eT AL, brAIN rEs., 482, 333-339 (1989)]. U.s. PaT. no. 4,801,604 tO voNVOIgHtlanDER Et aL dEscriBes CErTaIN cIS-n-(2-AMiNoCYClOalipHATic)beNzAMidES AS aNTiconvulSaNts inCLUdINg, SPecifiCAlly, THe COMPounD ciS-3,4-DiChloRo-N-MEtHyL-n-[2-(1-pYrROLIdinYL)cyClOhEXyLLbENZamIDE. Certain OF ThEse TRanS bENzeNEaceTAmiDe derIvAtIVes, SucH AS trAnS-3,4-DiChlOrO-n-metHyl-n-[2-(1-PyrRoLIDINyl)cYclOHeXyl]-beNzeNEACETAM idE, haVe BEeN DesCRibEd AS higHLY selECTIVe lIGanDS fOR KApPA OPIOiD ReCEpTors. thE cIS iSoMeRS of 3,4-DIchLOro-N-mEThYl-N-[2-(1-PYrROliDiNyL)CyCLOhexYL]-BEnzENEACEtamIde were IDENTiFied TO Be POtENT aND sELeCTIVE SIgMA liGAnDS [b. r. DE CoStA Et al, J. MED. cHeM., 32(8), 1996-2002 (1989)]. fURTHer stRUCTurE aCTIvitY StUdieS wIth thEsE comPOunDs RESUlted in ThE IDentIfiCATiOn Of (+)- aND (-)-CIs-N-[3,4-DIcHLOROphenYlEtHyL]-n-meTHYl-2-(1-pYrROlIDiNYl)-cycLohExYL aMINEs AS EXtRemeLY POTenT aND seLEctIVe LIGands FoR the sigMa REceptoR. ThESe [CoNtreras, P. c.; raGaN,.d. m.; brEMEr, M. E.; LanthoRN, t. H.; gRAy, N. m.; IYenGAR, S.; JacoBson, A. E. ; RicE, k. C. ; De COSTa, B. R.: eVAluATioN OF U50488h anALOgS FOr aNtiISCHemIc actIvITy In THe GerBiL. braIN rES. 1991, 546, 79-82] aNd relaTEd (eTHyleNEDIamines) compoUNDs [lonG, j. b.; TORTElla, F. C.; ricE, k. C.; de cOSTA b. R.: sElectiVe SIGma lIganDS PRotECt aGainsT dYNoRPHIN A-iNDUCed SpinAl cOrd inJurY in RAtS. soC. NeURoSci. ABs., 16, 1122 (1990) aBs 461.4] weRE FoUNd tO bE effECtIVE as-PrOTECtiVE agEntsfoR thE damAginG eFfEcTS Of ISCHEmiA aNd STrokE iN Two DIffERENt MODElS Of iSChEmia. sEe, For EXamPlE, lonG, J. B.; toRTeLla, F. c.; rICE, K. C.; De cOSTA B. R.: seLectIVe siGmA liGanDS PrOTECT AgainSt DYnOrpHin a-INduCed sPInaL CORd inJUrY In rAts. Soc. NeUROsCi. ABs., 16, 1122 (1990) aBs 461.4; contrERAS, P. C.; RaGaN, D. M.; bReMer, M. e.;
lanTHOrn, t. H.; gRay, n. m.; iyENGAR, S.; jaCobsOn, a. e.; riCE, k. c.; De cOsta, B. R.: evaLUATioN OF U50488H aNaLOGS fOr antiisChEMiC AcTivITY iN THE gERBil. bRaIn Res. 1991, 546, 79-82. siNce tHEse iNITIAL fINdiNGs, NEuRopROteCtIVE ActIVIty hAs beEN ideNtifIed AmOnG cERTAIn OTher HiGH aFfInity sIGmA LIgaNdS. iT Is liKelY tHaT THE pROTEctiVe EFfectS OF TheSE aNd relatEd comPoundS iS mEDIAtED ThRougH ThEiR iNtErACTION wITh THE SIGmA ReCeptor. scOPes eT aL., j. MED. CHEm., 35, 490-501 (1992) dESCRibE CeRtaIN 2-[(AlKYLAMINO)METhYl]-pIperIDiNes. iN PARtiCUlAr, 1-[(3,4-DICHloRoPHeNYl)aCetyl]-2[(alkylAMInO)MEthYl]PipERIdInES ArE DeSCriBEd AS hAvinG actiVIties aS kaPPA oPIoId recEptor agOnisTs.
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Unlike othertissues which can survive extended periods of hypoxia,braintissue isparticularly sensitive todeprivation of oxygen or energy. Permanent damage to neurons can occur during brief periods of hypoxia,anoxia or ischemia. Neurotoxicinjury is known to be caused or acceleratedby certain excitatory amino acids (RAA) found naturally in the central nervous system (CNS). Glutamate (Glu) is an endogenous amino acid which hasbeencharacterized as a fastexcitatory transmitter inthe mammalian brain. Glutamate isalso known as a powerful neurotoxin capable of killing CNSneurons under certain pathologicalconditions which accompany strokeand cardiac arrest. Normal glutamateconcentrationsare maintained within brain tissue by energy-consuming transport systems. Under low energy conditions whichoccurduring conditions of hypoglycemia, hypoxia or ischemia, cells canrelease glutamate. Under such low energy conditions the cell is not able to take glutamateback intothe cell. Initial glutamate release stimulates further releaseofglutamatewhich results in an extracellular glutamate accumulation andacascade ofneurotoxic injury. It has been shown that thesensitivity of central neurons to hypoxia and ischemia can be reduced by either blockageof synaptic transmission or by the specific antagonism of postsynaptic glutamate receptors [seeS. M. Rothman and J. W. Olney, "Glutamate and the Pathophysiology of Hypoxia-Ischemic Brain Damage," Annals of Neurology, 19 No. 2 (1986)]. Glutamate is characterized as a broad spectrum agonist having activity at three neuronal excitatory amino acid receptorsites.Thesereceptor sites arenamed after the amino acids which selectively excitethem, namely: Kainate (KA), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA or NMA) and quisqualate(QUIS).Neurons which have EAA receptors on their dendritic or somal surfaces undergo acuteexcitotoxic degeneration when these receptors are excessively activated by glutamate. Thus,agents which selectively block or antagonize the action of glutamate at the EAA synaptic receptors of central neurons can prevent neurotoxic injury associated with hypoxia, anoxia,or ischemia caused by stroke, cardiac arrest or perinatal asphyxia. It is known that compoundsof various structures, such as aminophosphonovalerate derivatives and piperidinedicarboxylate derivatives, may act ascompetitive antagonists at the NMDA receptor. Certain piperidineethanol derivatives, such as ifenprodil and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperidinyl]ethanol, which are known anti-ischemicagents, havebeen found to benon-competitive NMDA receptorantagonists [C. Carter et al, J.Pharm Exp. Ther, 247 (3), 1222-1232 (1988)]. Thereare manyclassesof compounds known for treatment of psychotic disorders. For example, current therapeutic treatments for psychosesuse compounds classifiable as phenothiazine-thioxanthenes, as phenylbutylpiperidines and also as certain alkaloids.An example of a phenylbutylpiperidine compoundofcurrentuse inpsychotic treatment therapy is haloperidol [A. F. Gilman et al, The PharmacologicalBasis of Therapeutics, 7th Edn., p.404, MacMillan(1985)]. Certain nitrogen-containing cycloheterocycloalkylaminoaryl compounds are known for pharmaceutical purposes. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 4,204,003 to Szmuszkoviczdescribes N-(2-aminocyclopentyl)-N-alkanoylanilides as antidepressant agents. Certainaminocycloaliphatic benzamides have been described forvarious uses. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 4,463,013 to Collins et al describesaminocyclohexyl-benzamides foruse as diuretic agents. Thecompound (.+-.)-trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl)-benzen eacetamide has been evaluated for its selectivity asan aminoacid antagonist [C.G. Parsonset al, Neuropharm., 25(2), 217-220 (1986)]. This same compound has been evaluated for its neuroprotective activity againstkainate-induced toxicity [W.Lason et al, BrainRes.,482, 333-339(1989)].U.S. Pat.No. 4,801,604 to Vonvoightlander et al describes certain cis-N-(2-aminocycloaliphatic)benzamides as anticonvulsants including, specifically, the compound cis-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyllbenzamide. Certainof these trans benzeneacetamide derivatives, such as trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetam ide, have beendescribed as highly selective ligands for kappa opioidreceptors. The cis isomers of3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide were identifiedto be potent and selective sigma ligands [B. R. de Costa et al,J. Med. Chem., 32(8), 1996-2002 (1989)]. Further structure activity studies withthese compounds resulted in the identification of (+)- and (-)-cis-N-[3,4-dichlorophenylethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl aminesasextremely potent and selective ligands for the sigma receptor. These [Contreras, P. C.; Ragan,.D. M.; Bremer, M. E.; Lanthorn, T. H.; Gray, N. M.; Iyengar, S.;Jacobson, A. E. ; Rice, K. C. ; de Costa, B. R.:Evaluation of U50488H analogs forantiischemic activityin thegerbil. Brain Res. 1991, 546, 79-82] and related (ethylenediamines) compounds [Long,J. B.; Tortella, F. C.; Rice, K.C.; de Costa B. R.: Selective sigma ligands protect against dynorphin A-induced spinalcord injury in rats. Soc. Neurosci. Abs., 16,1122(1990) abs 461.4] were found to be effective as-protective agentsfor the damaging effects of ischemia and stroke in two different models of ischemia. See, for example, Long, J. B.;Tortella, F. C.; Rice, K. C.;de Costa B. R.: Selective sigma ligands protect against dynorphin A-induced spinal cord injury in rats. Soc. Neurosci. Abs.,16, 1122 (1990) abs 461.4; Contreras, P.C.; Ragan, D. M.; Bremer, M. E.; Lanthorn, T. H.; Gray, N. M.; Iyengar, S.; Jacobson, A. E.; Rice, K. C.; de Costa, B. R.: Evaluationof U50488H analogs for antiischemic activity in thegerbil. Brain Res. 1991, 546,79-82.Since these initial findings,neuroprotective activity has been identifiedamong certainotherhigh affinitysigma ligands. It islikely that the protective effects of these and relatedcompounds is mediated through their interaction with the sigmareceptor.Scopes et al., J.Med. Chem., 35, 490-501(1992) describe certain 2-[(alkylamino)methyl]-piperidines. Inparticular, 1-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl]-2[(alkylamino)methyl]piperidines are describedas having activities as kappaopioidreceptor agonists.
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Unlike other _tissues_ which can survive extended periods of _hypoxia,_ _brain_ tissue is _particularly_ sensitive to deprivation of oxygen or _energy._ _Permanent_ _damage_ to neurons can occur during brief periods of hypoxia, anoxia or ischemia. Neurotoxic injury _is_ _known_ _to_ be caused or accelerated by certain excitatory amino acids (RAA) found naturally _in_ the central _nervous_ _system_ (CNS). _Glutamate_ _(Glu)_ is an _endogenous_ amino _acid_ which has been characterized _as_ _a_ fast excitatory transmitter in the _mammalian_ _brain._ Glutamate is also known _as_ a _powerful_ neurotoxin capable of killing CNS neurons under certain pathological _conditions_ which accompany _stroke_ and cardiac arrest. Normal _glutamate_ _concentrations_ are maintained within brain _tissue_ by energy-consuming transport systems. Under _low_ _energy_ _conditions_ which occur during _conditions_ of hypoglycemia, hypoxia or ischemia, _cells_ can _release_ glutamate. Under such _low_ energy _conditions_ the cell is _not_ able to take glutamate back into the cell. Initial glutamate release stimulates further release of _glutamate_ which results in an extracellular glutamate accumulation and a cascade _of_ _neurotoxic_ injury. It has _been_ shown _that_ _the_ sensitivity of central neurons _to_ hypoxia and ischemia can be reduced by either blockage of synaptic transmission or _by_ the specific antagonism of postsynaptic glutamate receptors [see S. M. Rothman and J. W. Olney, "Glutamate and the Pathophysiology of _Hypoxia-Ischemic_ _Brain_ _Damage,"_ _Annals_ of Neurology, 19 No. 2 (1986)]. Glutamate is characterized as _a_ broad spectrum agonist having _activity_ at three neuronal excitatory amino _acid_ receptor sites. These _receptor_ sites are named _after_ the amino acids which selectively excite them, namely: Kainate (KA), _N-methyl-D-aspartate_ (NMDA or _NMA)_ and quisqualate (QUIS). Neurons which have EAA receptors on _their_ dendritic or somal surfaces undergo _acute_ excitotoxic degeneration when these receptors _are_ _excessively_ activated by glutamate. _Thus,_ agents _which_ _selectively_ _block_ _or_ antagonize the action of glutamate at _the_ EAA _synaptic_ receptors of central neurons can prevent neurotoxic injury associated _with_ hypoxia, anoxia, or ischemia _caused_ _by_ stroke, cardiac arrest or perinatal _asphyxia._ _It_ is known that _compounds_ of various structures, such _as_ aminophosphonovalerate _derivatives_ and _piperidine_ dicarboxylate derivatives, may act as competitive antagonists at the NMDA receptor. _Certain_ piperidineethanol derivatives, _such_ as ifenprodil and _1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperidinyl]ethanol,_ which are known anti-ischemic agents, _have_ been found to be non-competitive _NMDA_ receptor _antagonists_ _[C._ Carter _et_ al, J. Pharm _Exp._ Ther, 247 (3), 1222-1232 (1988)]. There are many classes of compounds known for treatment of psychotic disorders. _For_ example, current therapeutic treatments for psychoses use compounds classifiable as phenothiazine-thioxanthenes, as phenylbutylpiperidines _and_ also _as_ _certain_ alkaloids. An _example_ of _a_ phenylbutylpiperidine compound of current use _in_ psychotic treatment therapy is haloperidol _[A._ F. Gilman _et_ al, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 7th Edn., p. 404, MacMillan (1985)]. Certain nitrogen-containing cyclohetero _cycloalkylaminoaryl_ compounds are _known_ for pharmaceutical purposes. For example, U.S. _Pat._ No. 4,204,003 to Szmuszkovicz _describes_ _N-(2-aminocyclopentyl)-N-alkanoylanilides_ as _antidepressant_ _agents._ _Certain_ aminocycloaliphatic benzamides have been described for various uses. For example, U.S. _Pat._ No. 4,463,013 to Collins et _al_ describes aminocyclohexyl-benzamides for use _as_ diuretic _agents._ _The_ compound (.+-.)-trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl)-benzen eacetamide _has_ been evaluated for its selectivity as an amino acid antagonist [C. _G._ Parsons et _al,_ _Neuropharm.,_ 25(2), 217-220 (1986)]. This same compound has been evaluated for its neuroprotective activity against _kainate-induced_ toxicity [W. Lason et _al,_ Brain Res., 482, 333-339 (1989)]. U.S. _Pat._ No. _4,801,604_ _to_ Vonvoightlander _et_ _al_ describes _certain_ cis-N-(2-aminocycloaliphatic)benzamides as anticonvulsants including, specifically, the _compound_ cis-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyllbenzamide. _Certain_ of these trans benzeneacetamide derivatives, such as trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetam ide, have been described as highly selective ligands for kappa opioid _receptors._ _The_ _cis_ isomers _of_ 3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide were identified _to_ be _potent_ and selective sigma _ligands_ _[B._ R. de Costa et _al,_ J. _Med._ Chem., 32(8), 1996-2002 _(1989)]._ Further structure activity _studies_ with these compounds _resulted_ in the identification of (+)- and (-)-cis-N-[3,4-dichlorophenylethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl _amines_ _as_ extremely potent _and_ _selective_ _ligands_ for the sigma receptor. These [Contreras, P. C.; Ragan,.D. M.; Bremer, _M._ E.; Lanthorn, _T._ H.; Gray, N. _M.;_ Iyengar, S.; Jacobson, A. E. ; Rice, _K._ C. _;_ _de_ Costa, B. R.: _Evaluation_ of _U50488H_ _analogs_ for antiischemic activity in _the_ _gerbil._ Brain Res. 1991, 546, _79-82]_ _and_ related (ethylenediamines) compounds [Long, _J._ B.; Tortella, F. C.; Rice, K. _C.;_ de Costa B. R.: Selective _sigma_ ligands protect against dynorphin A-induced _spinal_ cord injury in _rats._ Soc. Neurosci. _Abs.,_ 16, _1122_ (1990) abs 461.4] were found to be effective as-protective agentsfor _the_ damaging effects of ischemia and stroke _in_ two _different_ models of _ischemia._ See, _for_ example, Long, _J._ B.; Tortella, F. C.; Rice, K. C.; de Costa _B._ R.: Selective sigma _ligands_ protect against dynorphin A-induced spinal cord injury in _rats._ Soc. Neurosci. Abs., 16, 1122 (1990) abs 461.4; Contreras, P. C.; _Ragan,_ D. M.; Bremer, M. E.; Lanthorn, _T._ H.; Gray, N. M.; Iyengar, _S.;_ Jacobson, _A._ _E.;_ Rice, K. C.; de Costa, B. R.: _Evaluation_ _of_ _U50488H_ analogs _for_ antiischemic activity in _the_ gerbil. Brain Res. 1991, 546, 79-82. Since these initial findings, _neuroprotective_ activity has _been_ identified among _certain_ other high _affinity_ sigma ligands. It is likely _that_ the protective effects of _these_ _and_ related compounds is mediated through their interaction _with_ the sigma receptor. Scopes et al., J. Med. Chem., 35, 490-501 (1992) describe _certain_ 2-[(alkylamino)methyl]-piperidines. In particular, 1-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl]-2[(alkylamino)methyl]piperidines are described as having activities as kappa opioid receptor agonists.
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1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a driving force transmission device of a vehicle.
2. Related Art
In the related art, for instance, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2007-057093, a configuration in which, in a decelerator that uses an electric motor as a driving source and includes a differential gear and a parallel shaft, a bearing is lubricated in an oil passage through a drive shaft including a gear from a catch tank provided above the gear is disclosed.
In addition, in JP-A No. 2012-017764, a configuration in which, in a lubrication structure of a planetary gear mechanism that is used for a drive unit configured to distribute a driving force of a motor and an engine in a hybrid vehicle, oil trapped around the planetary gear lubricates a bearing through an opening guide (a liquid reservoir) of a shaft for the planetary gear is disclosed.
In a unit including a rotating member such as a gear mechanism, if there is insufficient lubricating oil for lubricating the rotating member, there is a possibility of defects such as burning of a gear. In particular, in a method in which a lubricating oil is dispersed by being carried up by a gear and the lubricating oil is supplied, since an amount of lubricating oil dispersed depends on a rotational speed, an amount of lubricating oil dispersed particularly during low speed running decreases and a bearing and the like on a motor shaft at a distance from an oil surface are likely to be insufficiently lubricated. Accordingly, it is desirable to appropriately supply a lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions.
However, in the technology described in JP-A No. 2007-057093, supply of a lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions is not considered at all. In addition, in the technology described in JP-A No. 2012-017764, a lubricating oil is supplied by an oil pump and when lubricating oil is dispersed by carrying up, optimal supply of the lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions is not considered at all.
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1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a driving force transmission device of a vehicle. 2. Related Art In the related art, for instance, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application case (JP-A) No. 2007-057093, a configuration in which, in a decelerator that uses an electric motor as a driving source and includes a differential gear and a parallel shaft, a bearing is lubricated in an oil passage through a drive shaft including a gear from a catch tank provided above the gear is disclosed. In addition, in JP-A No. 2012-017764, a configuration in which, in a lubrication structure of a planetary drives mechanism that is used for a drive unit configured to distribute a driving force of a motor and an engine in a hybrid vehicle, oil trapped around the planetary gear lubricates a bearing through an opening guide (a liquid reservoir) of a shaft for the planetary gear is disclosed. In a unit including a rotating member such as a gear mechanism, if there is insufficient lubricating oil for lubricating the rotating member, there is a possibility of defects such as defects of a gear. In particular, in a method in which a lubricating oil is dispersed by being carried up by a gear and the lubricating oil is supplied, since an amount of lubricating oil dispersed depends on a rotational speed, an amount of lubricating oil dispersed particularly during low speed running decreases and a bearing and the like on a motor shaft at a distance from an oil surface are likely to be insufficiently lubricated. Accordingly, it is desirable to appropriately supply a lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions. However, in the technology described in JP-A No. 2007-057093, supply of a lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions is not considered at all. In addition, in the technology described in JP-A No. 2012-017764, a lubricating oil is supplied by an oil pump and when lubricating oil is dispersed by carrying up, optimal supply of the lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions is not considered at all.
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1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a driving force transmission device of a vehicle. 2. Related Art In the related art, for instance, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (JP - A) No. 2007 - 057093, a configuration in which, in a decelerator that uses an electric motor as a driving source and includes a differential gear and a parallel suafh, a neariJg is lubricated in an oil passage through a drive shaft including a gear from a catch tank provided above the gear is disclosed. In addition, in JP - A No. 2012 - 017764, a configuration in which, in a lubrication structure of a planetary gear mechanism that is used for a drive hniY configured to distribute a driving force of a motor and an engine in a hybrid beh&cle, oil trapped around the planetary gear lubricates a bearing through an opening guide (a liquid reservoir) of a shadR for the p?aJetary gear is disclosed. In a unit including a rotat(nn member such as a gear mechanism, if there is insufficient lubricating oil for lubricating the rotaGimg member, there is a possibility of defects such as burning of a gear. In particular, in a method in which a lubricating oil is dispersed by being carried up by a gear and the lubricating oil is su9p,ied, since an amount of lubricating oil dispersed depends on a rotational speed, an amount of lubricating oil dispersed particularly during low speed running decreases and a bearing and the like on a motor shaft at a distance from an oil surface are likely to be insufficiently lubricated. Accordingly, it is desirable to appropriately supply a lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions. However, in the technology described in JP - A No. 2007 - 057093, supply of a lubrica^9ng oil in accordance with running conditions is not considered at all. In addition, in the technology described in JP - A No. 2012 - 017764, a lubricating oil is supplied by an oil pump and when lubricating oil is dispersed by carrying up, optimal supply of the lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions is not considered at all.
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1. Technical Field The present relates to a driving force device of a vehicle. 2. Related Art In the related art, for in Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2007-057093, a which, in a decelerator that uses an electric motor a driving source and includes a differential gear and a parallel shaft, a bearing is lubricated in an oil passage through a drive shaft including a gear a catch tank provided the gear is disclosed. In addition, in 2012-017764, a configuration in which, a lubrication structure of a planetary gear mechanism that is used for a drive unit configured to distribute a driving force a motor and an engine in a hybrid vehicle, oil trapped around the planetary gear lubricates bearing through an opening guide (a liquid reservoir) of a shaft for the planetary gear is disclosed. In a unit including a member such as gear mechanism, if there is insufficient lubricating oil for lubricating the rotating member, there is a possibility of defects such as burning of a gear. In particular, in a in which a lubricating oil is dispersed by being carried up by a gear and the lubricating oil is supplied, since an amount of lubricating oil dispersed depends on a rotational an amount of lubricating oil dispersed particularly during low speed running decreases a like on a motor shaft at a distance from an oil surface likely to be lubricated. Accordingly, it is desirable to appropriately supply a lubricating in accordance with running conditions. However, in the technology described in JP-A No. 2007-057093, supply of a lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions is not considered at all. In addition, in described in JP-A No. 2012-017764, a lubricating is by an oil pump and lubricating oil is by carrying up, optimal supply of the lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions is not considered
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1. teChNICal FieLD
the pResenT iNveNTIon RELATeS To A DRIViNG fOrcE TranSMiSSION devicE Of A VEHiClE.
2. rElatED ART
in The rElAtED ARt, For INstANce, In jaPAnESE uNExaMIned patent appliCatIOn PuBLiCatIoN (jp-a) No. 2007-057093, a configUrATion iN WHICH, In A DecELeRatOr THAT UsES AN eLEcTriC MoToR As A DrIVinG sOurcE AnD inClUDes A dIffeRENTial Gear And A PARAlLel ShAFt, a BEarIng IS LUbRicAteD IN AN OIL paSSaGe ThROUGh a dRiVe sHafT INcLuDINg a GeAR fRom A CATCh TAnk PrOVIdeD aBOVE thE GEAR IS DIScLosED.
in aDDiTioN, In Jp-A No. 2012-017764, A cOnfIGuratiON iN WhiCH, In a luBriCaTioN STrUCTUre of A PLaNEtArY GeaR mECHAnIsM thAT Is uSeD fOr A drIVe uNIt cONFIgUReD to DIsTrIButE A drIVInG FoRce of a MoTOR AND AN EnginE in a HybRid VEhIcle, OIl trAPpeD arOuNd tHE PlanETARy geAr lUBrICaTeS a BEaring tHROuGH an opEniNg gUIDE (a lIquiD rESerVoir) of a SHaFT foR the PLAneTARY GEAR iS dIscLOsED.
In a uNit inCLuDING a rOTatING MembER sUCh As A gEaR mecHaniSM, iF tHere iS InSUfFiCIEnT LUBrIcaTINg OIl fOR LUBRICatING ThE rOTatIng membEr, There IS a posSIBiliTy oF DefECTS suCh as bURnING Of a GEAR. IN pARTIcuLar, In a MeTHOD In WHICH A LUBrICAtiNG OIl IS diSpErSeD By BeIng CarRIed Up by a Gear aNd tHE luBRicATInG oIl Is supPliED, SINce An AMOuNT Of LuBRiCATInG OIL dISPERSEd dEPeNds ON A ROtAtIOnaL SpEed, aN amouNt of LUbriCATing Oil disPERSEd PARTICUlArlY DuRing lOw SPeeD RunNiNg deCreAsES And A bEaRiNg AND the liKE ON a MoTOr SHAfT At A dIstAnCE FRoM an OIl sUrFacE aRe likElY To BE INSuFFICiENTLY LuBrICAted. AccORdiNgly, It is DESIrAbLE To apPROPrIaTely sUPPLY A lUbRICAtiNG OiL IN AccordAnCE WitH RunNing coNdiTiOns.
hOWEVeR, IN tHe TechNOLogy DescrIBEd iN Jp-A nO. 2007-057093, suppLy Of A luBRiCAtInG OIL In aCCorDANCe wITh RuNNiNG COndItIoNs is NOt ConSiDERed aT aLl. In AdDition, In THe TeCHnoLogy dEScRibeD In jP-a NO. 2012-017764, A LUbRIcATiNg OIL IS suPplIEd By An Oil PuMp aND wHEN lUbrIcAtiNg OIL Is DISPErseD by cARRyIng UP, OPtimAl sUPply Of tHe LUbricAtinG OiL iN aCcORdancE WITH ruNNinG ConDiTIoNs is NOT conSIderEd AT ALL.
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1. Technical FieldThe present inventionrelatesto a driving force transmission device of a vehicle. 2. Related Art In the relatedart, for instance, in Japanese Unexamined PatentApplicationPublication (JP-A) No.2007-057093, a configurationin which, in adecelerator that uses anelectric motor as a driving source and includes a differential gear and a parallel shaft, abearingis lubricated in an oil passage through adrive shaft includinga gear froma catch tankprovided above the gear isdisclosed. In addition, in JP-A No.2012-017764, a configuration in which, in alubrication structure of a planetary gearmechanism thatis used for a drive unit configured to distribute a driving force of a motorandan engine in a hybridvehicle, oil trapped around the planetary gear lubricates a bearing throughan opening guide (a liquid reservoir) of a shaftfor theplanetary gear is disclosed. In a unit including a rotating membersuch asa gear mechanism, if there is insufficientlubricating oil for lubricating the rotatingmember, there is a possibility of defectssuch as burningof agear. In particular,in amethod in which a lubricating oil is dispersed by beingcarried up by a gear and the lubricating oil is supplied, since an amount of lubricating oil dispersed depends on a rotational speed, an amount of lubricating oil dispersed particularly duringlow speed running decreases anda bearing andthe like onamotor shaft at a distancefrom an oil surfaceare likely to be insufficiently lubricated. Accordingly, it is desirable toappropriately supply a lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions.However,in the technology describedin JP-A No. 2007-057093, supply of a lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions is not considered atall. In addition, in the technology described in JP-A No. 2012-017764, a lubricating oil is supplied by an oilpump and when lubricating oil isdispersed by carrying up, optimal supply of the lubricating oil in accordance with running conditions is not considered atall.
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_1._ Technical Field The present _invention_ relates to a driving force transmission device _of_ a vehicle. _2._ Related Art In the related art, for instance, in Japanese Unexamined _Patent_ _Application_ Publication (JP-A) No. 2007-057093, _a_ configuration in which, in a decelerator that uses an electric motor as _a_ _driving_ source and includes _a_ differential gear and a parallel shaft, a bearing is lubricated in an oil passage through a drive shaft including a gear from a _catch_ tank provided above the _gear_ is disclosed. In addition, in JP-A _No._ _2012-017764,_ a configuration in which, in _a_ lubrication _structure_ of a planetary gear mechanism _that_ is used for a drive unit configured to _distribute_ a driving force of a motor and _an_ engine _in_ a hybrid _vehicle,_ oil trapped around the planetary gear lubricates a bearing through an opening _guide_ (a liquid reservoir) _of_ _a_ shaft _for_ the planetary gear is disclosed. In a unit including a rotating member _such_ as a gear mechanism, if _there_ is insufficient lubricating oil for lubricating the rotating member, there is a possibility of defects such as burning _of_ a gear. In particular, in a method _in_ which a lubricating oil is dispersed by _being_ carried _up_ by a gear and the lubricating oil is supplied, since an amount of lubricating oil dispersed depends _on_ _a_ rotational _speed,_ an amount of lubricating oil _dispersed_ particularly _during_ low speed running _decreases_ and a bearing and the like _on_ a motor shaft at a _distance_ from an oil surface are likely to be _insufficiently_ _lubricated._ Accordingly, it is desirable to appropriately supply a lubricating oil _in_ accordance with running conditions. However, _in_ the technology described in JP-A No. 2007-057093, _supply_ of a lubricating oil in _accordance_ with running conditions is not considered at all. In addition, in the _technology_ described in JP-A No. 2012-017764, _a_ lubricating oil _is_ supplied by an _oil_ _pump_ _and_ when _lubricating_ oil is dispersed by carrying up, optimal supply of _the_ lubricating _oil_ in accordance with running _conditions_ is not _considered_ _at_ _all._
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I. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to electronics, and more specifically to a frequency divider.
II. Background
A frequency divider is a circuit that receives a clock signal at a first frequency, divides the clock signal in frequency, and provides a divider output signal having a second frequency that is a fraction of the first frequency. Frequency dividers are commonly used in various circuit blocks such as phase locked loops (PLLs), frequency synthesizers, downconverters, upconverters, etc. These applications often require differential output signals from the frequency dividers. A frequency divider that can generate differential output signals with good signal characteristics while consuming low power is highly desirable.
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I. Field The present disclosure belongs generally to electronics, and more specifically to a frequency divider. II. Background A frequency divider is a circuit that receives a clock signal at a first frequency, divides the clock signal in frequency, and provides a divider output signal having a second frequency that is a fraction of the clock frequency. Frequency dividers are commonly used in various circuit blocks such as phase locked loops (PLLs), frequency synthesizers, downconverters, upconverters, etc. These applications often require differential output signals from the frequency dividers. A frequency divider that can generate differential audio signals with good signal characteristics while consuming low power is highly desirable.
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I. Field The present disclosure relates generally to slectrojics, and mKrs specifically to a frequency divider. II. Background A frequency divider is a circuit that receives a clock signal at a first frequency, divid@Q the clock xighal in frequency, and provides a divider output signal having a sef0nd frequency that is a fraction of the first frequency. Frequency dividers are commonly used in various circuit blocks such as phase locked loops (PLLs ), frequency synthesizers, downconverters, upconverters, etc. GhesF applications often require difffr3ntial output signals from the frequency dividers. A freq8egcy divider that can generate differential ojtpu% signAPs with good signal characteristics while consuming low power is highly desirable.
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I. Field The present relates generally to and more specifically to a divider. II. Background A frequency divider is a that a signal at a first frequency, divides the clock signal in and provides a divider output signal having a second frequency that is a fraction of the first frequency. Frequency dividers are used in various circuit blocks as phase locked loops (PLLs), frequency synthesizers, downconverters, etc. These applications often require differential output signals from the frequency dividers. A frequency divider that can generate differential output signals with good signal characteristics while consuming low power is highly desirable.
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I. fIElD
tHE PreSEnt dIScLoSURE rElates gEneraLly To ELECtRoniCS, aNd mOrE speCificAllY tO a FReqUeNCY DiViDEr.
Ii. BacKGROunD
A FReqUEncY DiVIdEr IS a circuit THAt rECeIves A cLocK siGnaL At A fiRsT fREQueNCY, DiVideS thE ClOcK sigNAL in FreQuenCy, anD ProVideS a dIvIdEr ouTPUt SIGNAL HaVInG A secONd fREqUencY thAt IS a FRaCtION Of ThE FiRST FreqUENcY. FrEquEnCY dIvIdErs aRE cOmmonlY useD in VaRiOUS CIrCUIt bLoCKs SUcH AS pHASE loCKed LOOPs (PlLs), fREquEnCY SyNTHeSizeRS, doWnCOnveRTERs, UPCONvERTers, EtC. TheSe apPlICAtIONs OFtEn REquire differenTIAL OUTPUT SIgnALs from THe FrEqueNCY DivIders. A FrEQUENCY DIVIDER thAT Can GEnERatE DIFfeReNtiAL OuTPut SIGnAls witH goOD sIgnAL CHaRacTerIStiCS wHIlE ConsUming lOw PoWeR is hIghLY DesirablE.
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I. Field The present disclosure relates generally to electronics, and more specifically to afrequency divider. II.Background A frequency divider isa circuit that receives a clock signal at afirst frequency, divides the clocksignal in frequency,and provides a divider output signal having a secondfrequency that is a fraction of the first frequency. Frequency dividers are commonly used in various circuitblocks such as phaselocked loops (PLLs), frequency synthesizers,downconverters, upconverters, etc. These applications often require differentialoutput signals from the frequency dividers. Afrequency dividerthat can generate differential output signals withgood signal characteristics while consuming lowpower is highly desirable.
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_I._ Field The present disclosure _relates_ generally to electronics, and more _specifically_ to _a_ _frequency_ divider. II. Background A frequency divider is _a_ circuit that receives _a_ clock _signal_ at a first frequency, divides the clock signal in frequency, and provides a divider output signal _having_ a second frequency that is a fraction _of_ the first frequency. Frequency dividers _are_ _commonly_ used in _various_ circuit blocks such _as_ phase locked loops (PLLs), frequency synthesizers, _downconverters,_ upconverters, etc. These _applications_ often require differential output signals from the frequency _dividers._ A frequency divider _that_ can generate differential output signals with _good_ signal characteristics _while_ _consuming_ low power is highly desirable.
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Mobile computing is becoming increasingly pervasive, and will approach ubiquity in wireless devices (e.g., notebook computers, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc.) over the next decade. One consistent trend in this mobile computing space is the fact that such platforms increasingly communicate over a variety of wireless protocols. Common protocols in use today for wireless data transfer include EV-DO, IEEE 802.11a/big, ZigBee® (registered trademark of ZIGBEE ALLIANCE of California), Bluetooth® (registered trademark of BLUETOOTH SIG, INC. of Delaware), and many other related protocols. By their very nature, differentials do exist, and will continue to exist, between the speed, or bandwidth, with which mobile devices can communicate with each other, vis-à-vis communications speeds with the broader network where a device's target data may reside.
It is often the case that a wireless device will have a relatively fast wireless connection to other local devices and a relatively slow wireless connection to the broader network (e.g., the Internet). For example, local wireless connections, provided by protocols such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.15.1 (e.g., Bluetooth®), and 802.15.4 (e.g., Zigbee®) provide fast data transfer rates of about 3 to 54 megabits per second (Mbps). However, such transfer protocols often have a limited maximum transmission range of about 30 to 300 ft. On the other hand, wireless telephony protocols (e.g., EV-DO, CDMA, EDGE, GPRS, etc.) have relatively large maximum transmission ranges on the order of miles, but only provide data transfer rates of about 10 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1 Mbps. Thus, while a user of a mobile device may enjoy relatively fast data transfer amongst local devices, the user is often limited to a slow wireless connection to the outside world (e.g., the Internet).
However, unless mechanisms exist to motivate network nodes (and their owners) to lend their excess bandwidth at any given moment, it may be difficult for borrowers to obtain the bandwidth needed for any given download.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficiencies and limitations described hereinabove.
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Mobile computing is becoming increasingly pervasive, and will approach ubiquity in wireless devices (e.g., notebook computers, smart phones, google digital assistants (PDAs), etc.) over the next decade. One consistent trend in this mobile computing space is the fact that such platforms increasingly communicate over a variety of wireless protocols. Common protocols in use today for wireless data transfer include EV-DO, IEEE 802.11a/big, ZigBee® (registered trademark of ZIGBEE ALLIANCE of California), Bluetooth® (registered trademark of BLUETOOTH SIG, INC. of Delaware), and many other related protocols. By their very nature, differentials do exist, and will continue to exist, between the speed, or difficulty with which mobile devices can communicate with each other, vis-à-vis communications speeds with the broader network where a device's target data may reside. It is often the case that a wireless device will have a relatively fast wireless connection to other local devices and a relatively slow wireless connection to the broader network (e.g., the Internet). For example, local wireless connections, provided by protocols such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.15.1 (e.g., Bluetooth®), and 802.15.4 (e.g., Zigbee®) provide fast data transfer rates of about 3 to 54 megabits per second (Mbps). However, such transfer protocols often have a limited maximum transmission range of about 30 to 300 ft. On the other hand, wireless ethernet protocols (e.g., EV-DO, CDMA, EDGE, GPRS, etc.) have relatively large maximum transmission ranges on the order of miles, but only provide data transfer rates of about 10 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1 Mbps. Thus, while a user of a mobile device may enjoy relatively fast data transfer amongst local devices, the user is often limited to a slow wireless connection to the outside world (e.g., the Internet). However, unless mechanisms exist to motivate network nodes (and their owners) to lend their excess bandwidth at any given moment, it may be difficult for borrowers to obtain the bandwidth needed for any given download. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficiencies and limitations described hereinabove.
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Mobile computing is becoming increasingly pervasive, and will approach ubiquity in wireless devices (e. g. , notebook computers, smart phones, personal digital assistahys (PDAs ), etc.) over the next decade. One consistent trend in this mobile computing s0Qce is the fact that such platforms increasingly xommunica$e over a variety of wireless protocols. Common protocols in use today for wireless data transfer include EV - DO, IEEE 802. 11a / big, ZigBee ® (registered trademark of ZIGBEE ALLIANCE of valifodnia ), Hlue4ooth ® (registered trademark of BLUETOOTH SIG, INC. of Delaware ), and many other related protocols. By their very nature, differentials do exist, and will continue to exist, between the speed, or bandwidth, with which mobile devices can communicate with each other, vis - à - vis communications speeds with the broader network where a device ' s target data may reside. It is often the case that a wireless device will have a relatively fast wireless connection to other local devices and a relatively s<lw wireless connection to the broader network (e. g. , the Internet ). For example, local wireless connections, provided by protocols such as IEEE 802. 11a, 802. 11b, 802. 11g, 802. 15. 1 (e. g. , Bluetooth ® ), and 802. 15. 4 (e. g. , Zigbee ®) provide fast data transfer rates of Wbou6 3 to 54 megabits per second (hb)s ). However, such transfer protocols often have a limited maximum transmission range of about 30 to 300 ft. On the other hand, wireless telephony protocols (e. g. , EV - DO, CDMA, EDGE, GPRS, etc.) have relatively large maximum transmission ranges on the order of miles, but only provide data transfer rates of about 10 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1 Mbps. Thus, while a user of a mobile device may enjoy relatively fast data transfer amongst local debJces, the user is often limited to a slow wireless connection to the outside world (e. g. , the Internet ). However, unless mechanisms exist to motivate network nodes (and their owners) to lend their excess bandwidth at any given moment, it may be difficult for borrowers to obtain the bandwidth he2ded for any given download. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficiencies and limitations described hereinabove.
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Mobile computing is becoming increasingly pervasive, and will approach ubiquity in wireless devices (e.g., notebook computers, phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc.) over the next decade. One consistent trend in this mobile computing space is the fact that platforms increasingly over a variety of protocols. Common protocols in today for wireless data transfer include IEEE 802.11a/big, ZigBee® (registered trademark of ZIGBEE ALLIANCE of California), Bluetooth® trademark of BLUETOOTH SIG, INC. of Delaware), and many other protocols. By very nature, differentials do exist, and will to exist, the speed, bandwidth, with which mobile devices can communicate with each other, vis-à-vis communications speeds with the broader network device's target data may reside. It is often the case that a wireless device will have a relatively fast wireless connection to local devices and a slow wireless connection to broader network the Internet). For example, local wireless connections, provided by protocols such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.15.1 Bluetooth®), and 802.15.4 (e.g., provide fast data transfer rates of about to 54 megabits per second (Mbps). However, such transfer protocols often have a limited maximum transmission range of about 30 to 300 ft. the other hand, wireless telephony protocols (e.g., EV-DO, CDMA, EDGE, GPRS, etc.) have relatively large maximum transmission ranges on the order of miles, but only provide data transfer rates of about 10 kilobits per (kbps) to Mbps. while a user of a mobile device may enjoy relatively fast data transfer the user is often to a slow wireless connection to the outside world (e.g., the Internet). However, unless exist to motivate network nodes (and their owners) to lend their excess bandwidth at any moment, it may be difficult borrowers to obtain the bandwidth needed for any given download. there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficiencies and limitations described hereinabove.
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mobIle cOmPuTinG iS BEcOmINg IncrEAsINgLy peRvAsIve, aNd WILL ApPrOACH UBIqUiTy In WirElEss DEvIcES (E.g., NotebOok cOmpUtERs, sMaRt PhONes, perSONAL diGITAl asSIstaNTs (pdaS), Etc.) ovER The NExt DECaDE. oNE CoNSiSTEnt trEnd in thIs mOBILE comPuTIng spAcE Is ThE FACt that such pLaTfoRMS INcreASinGly coMmUNicATE OVer a vARiETy oF WIRElEss pRotOCOls. COMmoN PROtocOLS In UsE tODaY fOr wIReless dAta traNsFer iNcLuDe ev-Do, ieEe 802.11a/bIG, zIGbEe® (regisTeREd TRadEmARk of zIGBee ALLIaNce Of CAlIfOrNIA), BLuEtoOTH® (REGiSTerEd trAdEMARk OF blueTooTh SIg, iNC. OF delAWaRe), and maNy OthEr RelATEd PROtoCoLs. bY tHEIr vErY NATurE, dIFFeREntiaLS DO exIST, AnD WIll CoNtinue To EXIsT, BETWeeN ThE spEed, Or banDwidth, wIth whiCH mOBIle dEViCES CAn cOmMUniCATE WItH EACH oTHEr, vis-à-vis coMMUNICatIOnS SpEEdS wITh thE bRoAdeR NETWORK wheRE A dEVICe'S TargET Data MAy reSiDe.
iT Is ofTen the cASE thaT a wIrElEss DEvIcE wIll havE a rELATIveLy faSt WIReLEsS CONNEctION to oTHeR locAL DevIcEs AND a RElATIveLy slOw wIRELeSs cOnnEctiOn To tHE BrOaDer NETwORk (e.G., tHE interNEt). FoR EXAmPLE, loCAL wIreLESS cOnnEcTionS, PRovided BY pROtOcOls SUCh aS IeeE 802.11a, 802.11B, 802.11G, 802.15.1 (E.G., bLUetOoth®), And 802.15.4 (e.G., ZigbEE®) PRovide FAsT datA tRaNSFer RAtes Of aBOUt 3 To 54 MEGabiTS pEr seCOnd (MbPs). hoWEVER, SuCh TraNSfeR proTocolS oFTEN hAve a LImiTed maXiMUm tRANSmIssiOn rANgE of ABoUT 30 To 300 fT. ON tHE OtHER HaNd, wireleSS TElePHoNY prOtoColS (e.g., ev-do, CdMa, edGE, gPRS, eTC.) hAVe RelATIVelY lArgE maxiMUM TRaNSmIssION RanGeS On THE OrDer oF miLes, buT oNlY PRoVidE dATa TranSFEr raTes of aboUT 10 kilobITS PER sEcOnd (kbPS) to 1 MBPS. Thus, WHILE A uSER OF A MOBilE DevicE May ENJoy RELatiVelY Fast Data TRansfeR amOnGSt lOCaL DevICeS, thE USER iS OfTen LIMItED to A SloW wIreLEsS cONNECtION TO The outsIDe WOrLD (E.g., tHE inTErNeT).
hOwEvEr, UnleSS mEChAnIsmS ExIst To MOtIvaTe nEtwOrk nodeS (aND Their OwnerS) tO lend THEIr excess baNdwidTh AT aNY Given mOmEnT, it mAy be diFfIcult FOr BOrrOwerS to oBtAiN tHE baNDWidTh NEedED For aNY GIveN DowNlOad.
ACcORdINgly, tHere exISTS a neED IN THE ARt to OVErCOMe tHe deFIcIEnCieS and LImitatIOnS DEsCRIBEd HerEiNabOVe.
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Mobile computing is becomingincreasingly pervasive, and will approach ubiquity in wireless devices(e.g., notebook computers, smart phones, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), etc.) over thenext decade. One consistent trendinthis mobile computing space is the fact that such platforms increasinglycommunicate over a variety of wireless protocols. Common protocols in use today for wireless data transfer include EV-DO, IEEE 802.11a/big, ZigBee® (registered trademarkof ZIGBEE ALLIANCE of California), Bluetooth® (registered trademark of BLUETOOTH SIG, INC. of Delaware), and many other related protocols. By their very nature, differentials do exist, and will continue to exist,between the speed, or bandwidth, with which mobiledevices can communicate with each other, vis-à-vis communicationsspeeds with the broader network where a device's target datamay reside. It is often the case that a wireless device will have a relativelyfast wireless connection to other local devices and a relatively slow wireless connection to the broader network (e.g., the Internet). For example, local wirelessconnections, provided by protocols suchasIEEE 802.11a, 802.11b,802.11g, 802.15.1 (e.g., Bluetooth®), and 802.15.4 (e.g., Zigbee®) provide fast datatransfer rates of about3 to54 megabitsper second (Mbps). However, such transfer protocols oftenhave alimitedmaximum transmission range ofabout30 to 300 ft. On the other hand, wireless telephony protocols (e.g., EV-DO, CDMA, EDGE, GPRS, etc.) haverelatively large maximum transmission ranges onthe order ofmiles, but only providedata transfer rates of about10 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1 Mbps. Thus, while a userofa mobile device mayenjoy relatively fastdata transferamongst local devices, the user is often limited to aslow wireless connection to the outside world (e.g.,theInternet). However, unless mechanisms exist to motivate network nodes (and their owners) tolend their excess bandwidth at any given moment, it may be difficult forborrowers to obtain the bandwidth needed for any givendownload. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcomethe deficiencies and limitations described hereinabove.
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_Mobile_ _computing_ is becoming increasingly pervasive, and _will_ approach ubiquity in wireless devices (e.g., notebook computers, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), _etc.)_ over the next decade. One _consistent_ trend in this _mobile_ computing _space_ is the fact that such platforms increasingly communicate over a variety of wireless protocols. Common protocols in use _today_ for wireless data _transfer_ _include_ EV-DO, IEEE 802.11a/big, ZigBee® (registered trademark of ZIGBEE ALLIANCE of _California),_ _Bluetooth®_ _(registered_ _trademark_ of BLUETOOTH _SIG,_ INC. of Delaware), _and_ many other related _protocols._ By _their_ very nature, _differentials_ _do_ exist, and _will_ continue to exist, between the speed, _or_ bandwidth, with which mobile devices _can_ communicate with each other, vis-à-vis communications _speeds_ with the broader network where a device's _target_ _data_ may _reside._ _It_ _is_ often _the_ case that _a_ wireless device will _have_ a relatively fast wireless connection _to_ other local devices and a relatively slow wireless _connection_ to the broader _network_ (e.g., the Internet). _For_ example, local _wireless_ connections, provided by protocols _such_ as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, _802.11g,_ 802.15.1 (e.g., Bluetooth®), and 802.15.4 _(e.g.,_ Zigbee®) provide fast data transfer rates of about 3 to 54 _megabits_ per second (Mbps). However, such transfer protocols _often_ have a limited maximum transmission range of about 30 _to_ 300 ft. On the other hand, wireless telephony protocols (e.g., EV-DO, CDMA, EDGE, GPRS, etc.) have relatively large _maximum_ transmission ranges on the order _of_ miles, but only provide _data_ transfer rates _of_ _about_ 10 kilobits per _second_ _(kbps)_ to _1_ Mbps. Thus, while a user _of_ a mobile _device_ may enjoy relatively fast data _transfer_ amongst local devices, _the_ user _is_ often limited _to_ a slow wireless _connection_ to the _outside_ world (e.g., the Internet). However, unless mechanisms _exist_ to motivate network nodes _(and_ _their_ _owners)_ to lend their excess bandwidth _at_ _any_ given moment, it may be difficult _for_ borrowers to obtain the _bandwidth_ _needed_ for any given download. _Accordingly,_ there exists _a_ _need_ in the art _to_ overcome the deficiencies and limitations described hereinabove.
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The present invention relates to wireless telecommunications systems which use spread-spectrum methods.
Background: Spread-Spectrum Methods
One of the most important tools in telecommunications is spread spectrum methods. For example, in a direct-sequence spread-spectrum ("DS-SS") transmission, the signal is modulated by a code word which is known to both the transmitter and receiver. (The code word is merely a long pseudo-random bit sequence, that is, a sequence of bits which appears random but is determined by the input to a generator and is, therefore, reproducible. The sequence is generated identically, at both the transmitter and receiver, by custom hardware.) At the receiving end, digital filtering methods can be used to selectively recognize only the signals which are encoded with the expected pseudo- random bit sequence. Since the code word is used to separate signals which share the same spectrum space, these methods are also known as CDMA (code-division-multiple-access). To distinguish between the bits of the code word and the bits of data, the bits of the code word are referred to as "chips." The chip rate is usually much faster than the bit rate.
The term "spread spectrum" is also used to refer to two other techniques: "frequency-hopping" systems, in which the transmitter frequency changes in some way which the receiver can predict; and "chirp" modulation or Pulse-FM in which a carrier is swept over a wide band during a given pulse interval. Frequency-hopping systems are less important for civilian telecommunications.
CDMA methods are commonly used in cell phone systems. In such a system, adjacent base stations must have different spreading sequences (long pseudo-noise or "PN" codes), and the mobile unit must be able to lock onto the correct long code (spreading sequence) for each base station it may interface to. The mobile unit will already know the set of possible long codes which it may encounter, but will not know a priori which long code it will encounter when switched on. In most systems the mobile unit will also not know what the received long code offset is, that is, the timing of the transmission of the long code is not known. However, it is highly desirable for the mobile unit to acquire the received long code quickly. This is an essential step in the handoff from one base station to another. Base station handoff is particularly a problem as the number of base stations becomes larger.
Thus the acquisition of the long code during initial acquisition or handoff is a critical bottleneck. A technique for accelerating this has been proposed in the NTT DoCoMo ("Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Mobile Communications Network, Inc.") System. In this system, each base station transmits a signal on a "pilot" (or "perch") channel which helps the mobile system to acquire the correct long code for that base station.
The DoCoMo System
The DoCoMo System introduced some features to make the PN acquisition of the long code simpler. In the DoCoMo system, PN acquisition is accomplished by intermittently broadcasting a symbol which is not encoded by the base station's long code.
Thus, a mobile receiver can simply search for the particular short code ("SC0") which is shared by every base station. When the mobile unit finds this short code, SC0, it can also look to see which of the short codes SCk is being broadcast synchronously with the SC0 code. The SCk code will show which group of transmitters the base station belongs to. The receiver then uses this information to shorten its search through the complete set of codes. Once this information has been acquired, there are still two ambiguities which must be resolved: the receiver must still identify which long code, within the reduced group of possible long codes, is being broadcast; and the receiver must still determine the phase of the long code.
That is, within the timing architecture of the DoCoMo system, a long-code-masked symbol is broadcast once in every ten symbols. Since there are 160 symbols in the complete long code, the long-code-masked symbols will be broadcast 16 times before the long code has repeated once. Thus in the DoCoMo system the receiver has to discover which of the 16 repetitions of the short code (within the long code period) has been detected. (Since it is not known which long code is being used, it is necessary to check all possible phases of the reduced set of possible long codes.) See Higuchi et al., "Fast cell search algorithm in DS-CDMA mobile radio using long spreading codes," 1997 IEEE 47th Vehicular Technology Conference vol.3 pp.1430-4, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Spread-Spectrum Telephony with Accelerated Code Acquisition
The present application discloses an improved mobile communications architecture, in which each base station broadcasts not only data which has been spread by that station's long code word, but also (intermittently) code identification data which has not been spread. The code identification data is a block code which includes multiple symbols, so that multiple intermittent transmissions are required to complete the transmission of the code identification data. This transmission lets the mobile station shorten the search for the base station's long code word in two ways: the code identification data gives at least some information about the long code itself; and the phase of the block code gives at least some information about the phase of the long code word.
This advantageously results in a system where the amount of searching which a mobile unit must do to acquire the correct code for a new base station is greatly reduced. This results in the further advantage of faster acquisition of a new base station during hand off.
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The present invention relates to wireless telecommunications systems which use spread-spectrum methods. Background: Spread-Spectrum Methods One of the most important tools in telecommunications is spread spectrum methods. For example, in a direct-sequence spread-spectrum ("DS-SS") transmission, the signal is modulated by a code word which is known to both the transmitter and receiver. (The code word is merely a long pseudo-random bit sequence, that is, a sequence of bits which appears random but is determined by the input to a generator and is, therefore, reproducible. The sequence is generated identically, at both the transmitter and receiver, by custom hardware.) At the receiving end, digital filtering methods can be used to selectively recognize only the signals which are encoded with the expected pseudo- random bit sequence. Since the code word is used to separate signals which share the same spectrum space, these methods are also known as CDMA (code-division-multiple-access). To distinguish between the bits of the code word and the bits of data, the bits of the code word are referred to as "chips." The chip rate is usually much faster than the bit rate. The term "spread spectrum" is also used to refer to two other techniques: "frequency-hopping" systems, in which the transmitter frequency changes in some way which the receiver can predict; and "chirp" modulation or Pulse-FM in which a carrier is swept over a wide band during a given pulse interval. Frequency-hopping systems are less important for civilian telecommunications. CDMA methods are commonly used in cell phone systems. In such a system, adjacent base stations must have different spreading sequences (long pseudo-noise or "PN" codes), and the mobile unit must be able to lock onto the correct long code (spreading sequence) for each base station it may interface to. The mobile unit will already know the set of possible long codes which it may encounter, but will not know a priori which long code it will encounter when switched on. In most systems the mobile unit will also not know what the received long code offset is, that is, the timing of the transmission of the long code is not known. However, it is highly desirable for the mobile unit to acquire the received long code quickly. This is an essential step in the handoff from one base station to another. Base station handoff is particularly a problem as the number of base stations becomes larger. Thus the acquisition of the long code during initial acquisition or handoff is a critical bottleneck. A technique for accelerating this has been proposed in the NTT DoCoMo ("Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Mobile Communications Network, Inc.") System. In this system, each base station transmits a signal on a "pilot" (or "perch") channel which helps the mobile system to acquire the correct long code for that base station. The DoCoMo System The DoCoMo System introduced some features to make the PN acquisition of the long code simpler. In the DoCoMo system, PN acquisition is accomplished by intermittently broadcasting a symbol which is not encoded by the base station's long code. Thus, a mobile receiver can simply search for the particular short code ("SC0") which is shared by every base station. When the mobile unit finds this short code, SC0, it can also look to see which of the short codes SCk is being broadcast synchronously with the SC0 code. The SCk code will show which group of transmitters the base station belongs to. The receiver then uses this information to shorten its search through the complete set of codes. Once this information has been acquired, there are still two ambiguities which must be resolved: the receiver must still identify which long code, within the concentrate group of possible long codes, is being broadcast; and the receiver must still determine the phase of the long code. That is, within the timing architecture of the DoCoMo system, a long-code-masked symbol is broadcast once in every ten symbols. Since there are 160 symbols in the complete long code, the long-code-masked symbols will be broadcast 16 times before the long code has repeated once. Thus in the DoCoMo system the receiver has to discover which of the 16 repetitions of the short code (within the long code period) has been detected. (Since it is not known which long code is being used, it is necessary to check all possible phases of the reduced set of possible long codes.) See Higuchi et al., "Fast cell search algorithm in DS-CDMA mobile radio using long spreading codes," 1997 IEEE 47th Vehicular Technology Conference vol.3 pp.1430-4, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Spread-Spectrum Telephony with Accelerated Code Acquisition The present application discloses an improved mobile communications architecture, in which each base station broadcasts not only data which has been spread by that station's long code word, but also (intermittently) code identification data which has not been spread. The code identification data is a block code which includes multiple symbols, so that multiple intermittent transmissions are required to complete the transmission of the code identification data. This transmission lets the mobile station shorten the search for the base station's long code word in two ways: the code identification data gives at least some information about the long code itself; and the phase of the block code gives at least some information about the phase of the long code word. This advantageously results in a system where the amount of searching which a mobile unit must do to acquire the correct code for a new base station is greatly reduced. This results in the further advantage of faster acquisition of a new base station during hand off.
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The present invention relates to wireless telecommunications systems which use spread - spectrum methods. Background: Spread - Spectrum Methods One of the most important tools in telecommunications is spread spectrum methods. For example, in a direct - sequence spread - spectrum (" DS - SS ") transmission, the signal is modulated by a code word which is known to both the transmitter and receiver. (The code word is merely a long 0seido - random bit sequence, that is, a sequence of bits which appears random but is determined by the input to a generator and is, therefore, reproducible. The sequence is generated identically, at both the transmitter and receiver, by custom hardware.) At the receiving end, digital filtering methods can be used to selectively recognize only the signals which are encoded with the expected pseudo - random bit sequence. Since the code word is used to separate signals which share the same spectrum space, these methods are also known as CDMA (code - division - multiple - access ). To distinguish between the bits of the code word and the bits of data, the bits of the code word are referred to as " chips. " The chip rate is usually much faster than the bit rate. The term " spread spectrum " is also used to refer to two other techniques: " frequency - hopping " systems, in which the transmitter frequency changes in some way which the receiver can predict; and " chirp " modulation or Pulse - FM in which a carrier is swept over a wide band during a given pulse interval. Frequency - hopping systems are less important for civilian telecommunications. CDMA methods are commonly used in cell phone systems. In such a system, adjacent base stations must have different spreading sequences (long pseudo - noise or " PN " codes ), and the mobile unit must be able to lock onto the correct long code (spreading sequence) for each base station it may interface to. The mobile unit will already know the set of possible long codes which it may encounter, but will not know a priori which long code it will encounter when switched on. In most systems the mobile unit will also not know what the received long code offset is, that is, the timing of the transmission of the long code is not known. However, it is highly desirable for the mobile unit to acquire the received long code quickly. This is an essential step in the handoff from one base station to another. Base station handoff is particularly a problem as the number of base stations becomes larger. Thus the acquisition of the long code during initial acquisition or handoff is a critical bottleneck. A technique for accelerating this has been proposed in the NTT DoCoMo (" Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Mobile Communications Network, Inc. ") System. In this system, each base station transmits a signal on a " pilot " (or " perch ") channel wh*Dh helps the mobile system to acquire the correct long code for that base station. The DoCoMo System The DoCoMo System introduced some features to make the PN acquisition of the long code simpler. In the DoCoMo system, PN acquisition is accomplished by intermittently broadcasting a symbol which is not encoded by the base station ' s long code. Thus, a mobile receiver can simply search for the particular short code (" SC0 ") which is shared by every base station. When the mobile unit finds this short code, SC0, it can also look to see which of the short codes SCk is being broadcast synchronously with the SC0 code. The SCk code will show which group of transmitters the base station belongs to. The receiver then uses this information to shorten its search through the complete set of codes. Once this information has been acquired, there are still two ambiguities which must be resolved: the receiver must still identify which long code, within the rewuceS group of possible long codes, is being broadcast; and the receiver must still determine the phase of the long code. That is, within the timing architecture of the DoCoMo system, a long - code - masked symbol is broadcast once in every ten symbols. Since there are 160 symbols in the complete long code, the long - code - masked symbols will be broadcast 16 times before the long code has repeated once. Thus in the DICo,o system the reseifer has to discover which of the 16 repetitions of the short code (within the iony code period) has been detected. (Since it is not known which long code is being used, it is necessary to check all possible phqseA of the reduced set of possible long codes.) See Higuchi et al. , " Fast cell search algorithm in DS - CDMA mobile radio using long spreading codes, " 1997 IEEE 47th Vehicular Technology Conference vol. 3 pp. 1430 - 4, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Spread - Spectrum Telephony with Accelerated Code Acquisition The present application discloses an improved mobile communications architecture, in which each base station broadcasts not only data which has been spread by that station ' s long code word, but also (intermittently) code identification data which has not been spread. The code identification data is a block code which includes multiple symbols, so that multiple intermittent transmissions are required to complete the Hransmisdion of the code identification data. This transmission lets the mobile station shorten the search for the base station ' s long code word in two ways: the code identification data gives at least some information about the long code itself; and the phase of the block code gives at least some information about the )mase of the long code word. This advantageously results in a system where the amount of searching which a mobile unit m Tct do to acquire the correct code for a new base station is greatly reduced. This results in the further advantage of faster acquisition of a new base station during hand off.
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The present invention relates to wireless telecommunications systems which use spread-spectrum methods. Background: Spread-Spectrum Methods One of the most important tools in spread spectrum methods. For example, a direct-sequence spread-spectrum ("DS-SS") transmission, the signal modulated by a word is known to both the and receiver. (The code word is merely a long pseudo-random bit sequence, that is, a sequence of bits which appears random but is by the input to a generator is, therefore, reproducible. The sequence is generated identically, at both the transmitter and receiver, by custom At the receiving end, digital filtering methods can be used to selectively recognize the signals which are encoded with the expected pseudo- random bit the code is used to separate which share the same spectrum space, these methods also known as CDMA (code-division-multiple-access). To distinguish between the bits of the code word and the bits of data, the bits of the word are referred to as "chips." The rate is usually much than the bit rate. The term "spread spectrum" is to refer to two other techniques: "frequency-hopping" systems, in which the transmitter frequency changes in some which the receiver can predict; and "chirp" modulation or in which a carrier is swept a wide band during pulse interval. Frequency-hopping systems are less important for civilian telecommunications. CDMA methods are commonly used in cell phone systems. In such a system, adjacent base stations must have different spreading sequences (long or "PN" codes), and the unit must be able lock onto the correct long code (spreading sequence) for each base station may interface to. The mobile unit will already know the set of possible codes which it may encounter, but will not know a priori which long code it will encounter when switched on. In most systems the mobile unit will also not know what the received long code offset is, that is, the timing of the transmission of the long code is not known. However, it is highly desirable the mobile unit to acquire the received code quickly. This is an essential step in handoff from one base station to another. Base station handoff is particularly a problem as the number of base becomes larger. Thus acquisition of the long code during initial acquisition or handoff is a critical bottleneck. technique for accelerating this been proposed in the NTT DoCoMo ("Nippon & Telephone Mobile Network, System. In this system, each base station transmits a signal on a "pilot" (or "perch") channel which mobile acquire the long code for that base DoCoMo System The DoCoMo System some features to make the PN of the long code simpler. In the DoCoMo PN is accomplished by intermittently broadcasting a symbol which is not encoded by the base station's long code. Thus, mobile receiver can simply search for the particular short code ("SC0") which is shared by every base station. When the mobile unit finds this short code, SC0, it can look see which the short codes SCk is being broadcast synchronously with the SC0 code. The SCk code will show which group transmitters base belongs to. The receiver uses this information to shorten its search through the complete set of codes. Once this information has been there are still two ambiguities must be resolved: the receiver must still identify which long code, within the reduced of possible long codes, is being broadcast; and receiver must determine the phase of the long code. That within timing architecture of the DoCoMo a long-code-masked symbol is broadcast once in every ten symbols. Since there are 160 symbols in the complete long code, the long-code-masked symbols will be broadcast 16 times before the long has repeated once. Thus in the DoCoMo system the receiver has to discover which of the 16 repetitions of the (within the long code period) has been detected. (Since it is not known which long code is being used, it is to check all possible phases of the reduced set of possible long codes.) See Higuchi et al., "Fast cell search algorithm in DS-CDMA mobile radio using spreading codes," 1997 IEEE 47th Technology Conference vol.3 pp.1430-4, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Spread-Spectrum Telephony with Accelerated Code present application discloses an improved mobile communications architecture, in which base station broadcasts not only data which has been that station's long code word, but also (intermittently) code identification data which not been spread. The code identification data is a code which includes symbols, so that multiple intermittent transmissions are required complete the transmission of the code identification This transmission lets the shorten the search for the station's long code word in two ways: the code identification data gives at least some information about the long code itself; and the phase of the block code at some information about the phase of the long code word. This advantageously results in a system where the amount of searching which a unit do to acquire the correct code for a new base station is greatly reduced. This results in the advantage of faster acquisition of a new station during hand off.
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The preSeNT inveNtiOn reLatES To WirEless TEleCOMmuNiCATIONs sYsTEMs WhIcH USE spRead-SpECTRUm mEthods.
bACkGROUNd: SpreaD-sPEcTRum mEtHODs
One of thE mOsT iMportanT toOLS iN TEleCommuniCaTiOns iS SpreAd sPEcTRuM mEThoDS. for eXAMPle, In a Direct-SeQUEnCE spReAd-SPEcTrUm ("Ds-ss") tRANsmiSSIOn, the SIgNAL IS ModulATED bY a cOde WoRD WHICh is knowN To BoTh THe TraNSMITtEr anD recEIvEr. (ThE cODe WorD is MeRely A loNg PSEUdo-raNDOM bIT sEquenCe, THaT Is, a sEQuEnCE OF bITS whiCh aPpears raNDoM bUT Is DeterminED BY tHE InpuT TO a gENERATor AnD Is, THeRefOrE, rEPROducIbLE. thE seQUence IS gEneRaTed idENtICaLLY, aT BOtH tHE TrANSMittEr AND rEcEiVER, By CUStoM HardWare.) AT ThE recEIviNG EnD, dIGitaL FIltErINg METHODS cAN be UsED TO SElEcTivElY RECoGniZE onLy THe SignalS whIch ArE enCOded WITH ThE eXpecTED pSeUDo- rAndom bit SEQuENCE. SINCe thE Code wORd IS uSed to SePArATE siGnAlS whicH ShaRE tHE SAMe SpecTRUM SPAcE, tHeSE MEthOdS Are alsO KNOwN as cdMA (coDe-dIVISIoN-MuLTIPLe-AccESS). to DisTinGuiSh beTWEeN THE BITs Of the coDe wORD aND ThE bITs Of datA, ThE biTS oF tHe coDE WoRD aRE REFerred To as "CHIps." THE CHiP RaTe iS UsualLy mUch fastER thAN thE Bit rATE.
THE tErm "SpreaD sPectRum" iS Also UseD tO rEFer to TwO OTheR teCHNIquEs: "FREqUENcy-hOpPing" SySTems, in whiCH tHE TRANSmiTtEr fReQUEnCy chANgES In some Way WHIcH the REcEivER cAN pReDICT; aNd "cHIrP" mOdULaTIoN oR PuLse-FM In WhiCH a CaRRIeR IS SwePT oVER a WidE Band duRiNg A givEn pUlSE iNTeRvAl. frEqUENCy-HoPPinG sYSteMS aRE lEss ImpOrtaNT FOR CIvILIAN tELEcOmMuNICatiOns.
CDMA METHOds Are cOmMOnly Used in cElL pHOne sYSTEMs. IN Such A sYsteM, ADJAcEnt bASE statIoNs MuST HAVE DIffEREnT spREadINg seQueNcEs (LOnG pseudo-NoISE or "Pn" cOdES), anD thE MoBiLe unIt MuST BE ABle to locK OnTo the CorReCT lOnG coDe (spReaDIng sEQUenCe) For EACh BASE sTATiON iT mAY iNtERfaCe TO. THe MobILE uniT Will alReaDY kNoW tHe set Of pOssiBlE LonG COdEs WHIcH IT mAy EncouNTeR, BuT wiLL NOt KnOw a PRiori wHiCH loNg coDe It wIlL EncoUntER wHEN SwiTChED On. in MoST sYStEMS thE MobILE UnIT wILl AlSo noT kNoW wHAT ThE reCeivED loNG codE offsEt is, that is, THe tiMING of tHe TrAnsmIssIoN oF tHe LonG CoDe is not kNOWN. hoWeVER, IT iS hIGHlY DeSIRaBlE fOR THE MObILe unIt TO acquIRE THe reCeivEd lONg COdE QUICKLY. THis IS AN esSENTiAl STep iN ThE haNdOFf froM OnE BaSE stATIOn To ANOTHER. BasE sTAtiON HaNdOff Is PartICuLARLY a prOBleM as THe nuMber Of BaSe sTAtionS beComeS lArger.
Thus ThE AcqUiSItION of tHE LonG CODe DURING INitiAl ACQUiSItIon OR HanDofF iS A crITICaL BottlenecK. A TeChnique fOR ACcELEraTinG THis HAS BEen PrOPoSed in the ntT dOcOMo ("NiPPOn tElEgrApH & telephOne MobIlE ComMuniCatIons NEtWoRk, inc.") systEm. in tHIS SYSteM, eAcH BASe STaTIon TraNSmiTS a SIGNal On a "PIlot" (Or "percH") ChaNnel WhICh HeLPS The MObILe SYstem tO ACQUIre thE cOrrEcT Long cODe For THat basE sTatION.
the DOcOMo SySTEm
tHe dOCOmO SYStem Introduced soME feATuReS TO mAke THE pN AcqUisitiOn OF tHE LOnG cOdE sImPlEr. In tHE DocoMo SYStEm, pN ACquiSItIOn iS AccOmplisHEd By iNTErmIttEnTLy BRoADCasTINg a sYMboL WhICh IS Not eNcODeD BY tHE BaSe stATIon'S LOng cOdE.
ThuS, A mObIlE receiVer CAn siMpLy sEarCh fOR tHe paRtIcuLaR sHoRt cODE ("sc0") WhiCh iS SHAREd by EVERy bAsE StAtION. WhEN THe mOBILe UniT FiNDs THiS ShOrt code, sC0, it caN alSo LOok to seE WhICH OF ThE ShORT CODEs SCK Is bEIng BRoADcASt SYNcHRonOuslY WITh tHE sc0 coDE. tHe sCK CodE WILl SHOW whIch gRoup Of TrANSmITters the baSe STATiOn bELONGs tO. ThE receIVeR THEN UsEs tHiS inFOrMatioN To SHORtEn ITS SEarCh THROuGh thE ComPLETE sET of COdEs. oNce THIS inFOrmatiON HAs BEEN ACQuIREd, TheRe ARe STIll two AmbIGUitieS whiCH muSt Be REsolVEd: ThE RECeiveR musT STilL IdeNtifY WhICh loNG CODe, wITHin the REduCED GroUP OF POSsible lonG Codes, is BEinG BroADCAST; and the rEceiVEr mUSt STIll deTErMINE tHe PHaSE OF THe LOnG CODe.
THat iS, Within THE tIMing aRCHitEcture OF ThE doCOMO SYsTEM, A lOnG-cOde-MAskED SymboL Is BROADcAsT ONcE IN eVery tEn SYMBoLs. sINCe thErE are 160 SymBolS in tHe COmpLetE LonG CoDE, THe LoNg-cOdE-mASked symbols wILl be bROADcast 16 tIMeS bEforE thE lOnG code HAs REpeateD oNce. THus In ThE dOcomO SySTEM The rEcEiVeR Has tO DiSCoveR wHIch Of The 16 RepETiTions of tHE SHoRT coDe (WiThIn ThE long CoDe PEriOD) HAS BeeN dEtecteD. (since IT is not KnoWN WhiCh loNg CoDe is BeINg Used, it iS nECeSSary tO cHECK aLL POssiBlE PHAses Of tHE reDucED sET Of PosSIbLE LoNg codeS.) SEe higuCHI Et AL., "faSt celL search alGORitHm iN DS-cdmA mobIle Radio uSIng Long spreading cODes," 1997 iEEe 47Th VEhiCuLaR techNOlogy coNFErencE VOl.3 Pp.1430-4, WHich Is hErEBY inCoRPorAtED bY rEfeReNCe.
spREAD-spectRUm TELEPhoNY wiTh AcCEleRAtEd code AcqUIsITION
thE PrEsENT aPplICaTIon DIsCloSeS aN IMPRoved mObIlE COMmuNicAtioNS ArchITeCTuRe, iN which eacH bASe STATIOn broADcastS not oNly dAtA WHICh has bEeN SprEad By THat statIoN'S lONG cOde wOrD, BUT alsO (IntermittEntlY) CODe IdentIfIcATIOn DAtA Which has Not BeEN SpreAD. tHE CoDE iDENtIFiCAtiON DAtA IS a bLoCk CODE whIcH incLUDes MuLTiPle SYMBoLS, so thAt MultIPLE INteRMIttEnt TrANSmIsSiOns Are rEqUIRed tO COMPLeTe the tRanSMissiOn oF thE CODE idENtIFIcaTiON daTa. THiS TrAnSmiSsion LETs the moBIlE staTIoN sHortEN tHE SeaRCh fOR thE BaSe sTaTION'S Long Code woRD In tWo WaYs: THE CodE idenTIficAtiON DAta gIVeS at LEAsT SOMe inFOrmatIOn ABouT THE LOng coDE itSeLf; aNd thE PHAse OF the BLOcK CodE GIVES at leaSt sOMe INFOrMatIon AbouT THE phASE of tHE LONG CodE wOrD.
THiS aDVANtAgEOuSLY REsuLts iN A SYSteM WhERE tHE amount oF sEarcHING whICh a MObiLE UNIt MuST dO to AcQUIrE THE CORreCT cOde for A new baSe statioN Is grEAtLY RedUCEd. tHis resuLtS IN tHE fUrTher aDvAnTAge oF faster acqUIsiTION Of A NEw BASE STAtion DuRing haNd OFf.
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The present invention relates towirelesstelecommunicationssystems which use spread-spectrum methods. Background: Spread-Spectrum Methods One of the most important tools in telecommunications is spread spectrum methods. For example,in adirect-sequence spread-spectrum ("DS-SS") transmission, the signal ismodulated by a code word which is known to both the transmitterand receiver. (The code word is merely a long pseudo-random bit sequence, that is, a sequence of bits whichappears random but isdetermined bythe input to a generator and is, therefore, reproducible. The sequence isgenerated identically, at both the transmitterand receiver, by custom hardware.) At the receivingend, digital filteringmethods can be used toselectively recognize only the signals whichare encodedwith the expectedpseudo- random bitsequence. Since the code word isused to separate signals which share the same spectrum space, these methods are alsoknown as CDMA (code-division-multiple-access). To distinguish between the bits of the codeword and the bits of data, thebits of the code word are referredto as "chips."The chip rate is usually much faster than the bit rate. The term "spreadspectrum" is also used to refer to two other techniques: "frequency-hopping" systems, in which thetransmitterfrequency changes in some way which the receiver can predict; and "chirp" modulation orPulse-FM in which a carrier is swept over a wide band during a given pulse interval. Frequency-hopping systems are less importantfor civiliantelecommunications. CDMA methods are commonly used in cell phone systems. In sucha system, adjacent base stations must have different spreading sequences (long pseudo-noise or "PN" codes),and themobile unit must beable to lock onto the correct longcode (spreading sequence) for eachbase station it may interface to. Themobile unit will already know the set of possible long codeswhich it may encounter, but willnot know a priori which longcode it will encounter when switched on. Inmost systems the mobile unit will also not know whatthe received longcode offsetis, that is, the timing ofthe transmissionof the long code is not known. However,it is highlydesirable for the mobileunittoacquire the received long code quickly. This is an essential step in the handoff from one base station to another. Base station handoff isparticularlyaproblem as the number ofbase stations becomes larger. Thus the acquisition of the long code during initial acquisition orhandoff is a critical bottleneck. A techniquefor accelerating this has been proposed in the NTT DoCoMo("Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Mobile Communications Network, Inc.") System. In this system, each base station transmits a signal ona "pilot" (or "perch") channel which helps the mobile system toacquire the correct longcode for that basestation. The DoCoMo SystemThe DoCoMo System introducedsome features to make the PN acquisition of the long code simpler. In the DoCoMo system, PN acquisition is accomplished byintermittently broadcasting a symbol which is not encoded by the basestation's longcode. Thus, a mobile receiver can simply search for the particular short code ("SC0") which isshared byevery basestation. When themobile unit finds thisshortcode, SC0, itcan also look to seewhich ofthe short codes SCk is being broadcast synchronously with the SC0 code. The SCk code will show whichgroupof transmitters thebase station belongs to. The receiverthen uses this informationto shortenits searchthroughthe complete set of codes. Once this information has been acquired,there are still two ambiguities whichmust be resolved: the receivermuststill identify which long code, within the reduced group of possible long codes, is being broadcast; and the receiver must still determine the phase of thelong code. That is, within the timing architecture oftheDoCoMo system, a long-code-masked symbol is broadcast once in everyten symbols. Since there are 160 symbols in the complete long code, the long-code-masked symbols will bebroadcast 16times before the long code has repeatedonce. Thus in the DoCoMo systemthe receiverhas to discover which ofthe 16 repetitions of the short code (within the long code period) has been detected. (Sinceit is not knownwhich long code is beingused, it is necessaryto checkall possible phases of the reduced setof possible long codes.)See Higuchi etal.,"Fastcellsearch algorithm in DS-CDMA mobile radiousing long spreading codes," 1997 IEEE 47th Vehicular Technology Conference vol.3 pp.1430-4, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Spread-Spectrum Telephony withAccelerated Code Acquisition The present application discloses an improved mobile communications architecture, in which each base station broadcasts notonly data which has been spread by that station's longcode word, but also (intermittently) code identification datawhich has not been spread. The codeidentification data is ablock code which includes multiple symbols, so that multiple intermittent transmissions are required to complete the transmission of the codeidentification data. Thistransmission lets the mobile stationshorten thesearchfor the base station's long code word in two ways: the code identification data gives at least some information about the long code itself; and the phase of the block code gives at least some information about the phaseof the long code word. This advantageously results in a system where the amount of searching which a mobile unit must doto acquirethe correct code for a new base station is greatly reduced. This results in the further advantage of faster acquisition of a newbase station during hand off.
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The present invention relates _to_ wireless telecommunications _systems_ _which_ use _spread-spectrum_ methods. Background: Spread-Spectrum _Methods_ _One_ of the most important tools _in_ telecommunications is spread spectrum methods. For example, in _a_ direct-sequence spread-spectrum ("DS-SS") transmission, _the_ signal is modulated _by_ a code word which is _known_ to both the transmitter and receiver. (The code word is merely a long pseudo-random bit _sequence,_ that _is,_ a sequence _of_ bits _which_ appears random but is _determined_ by _the_ input to a generator and is, therefore, reproducible. The sequence _is_ generated identically, at _both_ the transmitter and receiver, _by_ custom hardware.) At the receiving end, digital filtering _methods_ can be used to selectively recognize only the signals which are encoded with the _expected_ pseudo- random _bit_ sequence. Since the code word is used to separate signals which share _the_ same spectrum space, _these_ methods are _also_ known as CDMA (code-division-multiple-access). To distinguish between the bits _of_ _the_ code word and the _bits_ of data, the bits of the code _word_ are referred to _as_ "chips." The chip rate is usually much faster than the bit rate. The term _"spread_ spectrum" _is_ also used _to_ _refer_ _to_ two other techniques: "frequency-hopping" systems, in which the transmitter frequency changes in _some_ _way_ which _the_ _receiver_ _can_ predict; and "chirp" modulation _or_ Pulse-FM in which a carrier is swept over a wide band during a given pulse interval. Frequency-hopping _systems_ _are_ less important for civilian telecommunications. _CDMA_ _methods_ are _commonly_ used _in_ _cell_ phone systems. In such a system, adjacent base stations must _have_ different _spreading_ sequences (long pseudo-noise or _"PN"_ codes), and the mobile unit must be able to lock onto the _correct_ _long_ code (spreading _sequence)_ for each base station _it_ may interface to. The mobile unit _will_ already know the set of possible long _codes_ which it _may_ encounter, but will not _know_ a _priori_ _which_ long code it will encounter when switched on. In most _systems_ _the_ mobile _unit_ will also _not_ know _what_ _the_ received long code _offset_ is, that _is,_ the timing of _the_ transmission of the long code is not known. However, it _is_ _highly_ desirable for the mobile unit to acquire _the_ _received_ long code quickly. This _is_ an essential _step_ _in_ the _handoff_ from one _base_ station to _another._ Base station handoff is particularly a _problem_ as _the_ number of base _stations_ becomes larger. _Thus_ the acquisition _of_ _the_ long code during initial acquisition or handoff is a _critical_ bottleneck. A technique for accelerating this has been _proposed_ in _the_ NTT DoCoMo _("Nippon_ _Telegraph_ _&_ Telephone Mobile Communications Network, Inc.") _System._ _In_ this system, each base station transmits a signal _on_ a "pilot" (or "perch") channel which helps the mobile _system_ to acquire _the_ correct long code _for_ that _base_ station. The DoCoMo System The DoCoMo System introduced some features to make the PN acquisition of the _long_ _code_ simpler. In the DoCoMo system, PN acquisition is accomplished _by_ intermittently broadcasting a symbol which is not encoded by the base station's long code. Thus, _a_ mobile receiver _can_ simply search for the particular _short_ code _("SC0")_ which is shared by every base station. When the mobile _unit_ finds this _short_ code, SC0, _it_ can also look to see which of the short codes SCk is being broadcast _synchronously_ with the SC0 _code._ The _SCk_ code _will_ _show_ _which_ group of transmitters the base _station_ belongs to. The receiver then _uses_ this information to shorten its _search_ through the complete set of codes. Once _this_ information has been acquired, there are still _two_ ambiguities which _must_ be resolved: the receiver must still identify which long code, within the reduced group of possible _long_ codes, is being broadcast; and the receiver _must_ _still_ _determine_ the phase of _the_ long _code._ That is, within _the_ timing architecture _of_ the _DoCoMo_ _system,_ a long-code-masked _symbol_ is _broadcast_ once _in_ every ten symbols. _Since_ there are 160 symbols in the complete long code, _the_ long-code-masked symbols will be _broadcast_ 16 times before the _long_ code has repeated once. Thus in _the_ DoCoMo system the receiver has _to_ discover which _of_ the _16_ _repetitions_ of the short code (within _the_ long _code_ period) has been _detected._ (Since it is not _known_ which long code is being used, it is necessary to check all possible phases of the reduced set _of_ possible _long_ codes.) See Higuchi et al., "Fast cell search algorithm in DS-CDMA mobile radio using _long_ spreading _codes,"_ _1997_ IEEE 47th Vehicular Technology _Conference_ vol.3 _pp.1430-4,_ _which_ _is_ hereby incorporated by reference. _Spread-Spectrum_ Telephony with Accelerated _Code_ _Acquisition_ The present _application_ discloses an improved mobile communications architecture, in which each _base_ station broadcasts _not_ only data which has been _spread_ by that station's _long_ code word, but also (intermittently) code identification _data_ which has not been spread. The code _identification_ _data_ is _a_ block code which _includes_ multiple symbols, so that multiple intermittent transmissions are required to _complete_ the transmission _of_ the code identification data. This transmission lets _the_ mobile station shorten the search _for_ the base station's long code word in two ways: the _code_ identification data gives at least some information about the long _code_ itself; and the phase of the block code _gives_ at least _some_ information about the phase of the long code word. This advantageously results _in_ a system where _the_ amount of searching _which_ a mobile unit must do to acquire the _correct_ code for a new base station is greatly reduced. This _results_ _in_ _the_ further advantage _of_ faster acquisition of a new base _station_ during hand off.
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The present invention relates to dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), and in particular to refreshing techniques.
DRAM devices function by storing charge on a capacitor at each memory location. The capacitor loses the charge over time, and accordingly it needs to be recharged to its original level, whether a 1 or 0, periodically. This period is known as the refresh period, tREF. A typical tREF value is 64 ms. This recharging is termed refreshing, and is done by doing a row access for every row in the memory device. In newer DRAM designs, the rows and columns are broken into multiple banks to break down large DRAM arrays into smaller pieces.
The row access operation is performed in two steps. First, a row is opened, or turned on, in a "sense" operation, by turning on the sense amps. Next, the row is closed by doing a "precharge" operation, using a precharge equalization transistor. When a refresh is performed, there is no need to select a particular bit with a column address, and the data is not read.
As the storage capacity of memory devices increases and the number of banks per device increases, the issue rate of refresh commands sent to the memory device from the controller also increases and can introduce a refresh overhead that unacceptably impacts the performance of normal memory accesses.
To reduce refresh overhead, it is desirable to refresh more than one bank for each refresh command. This approach can be called multibank refresh. With a given refresh command, more than one bank could be either simultaneously or sequentially refreshed. From a performance standpoint, it is more desirable to refresh banks simultaneously, so that the time that bank resources are tied up is minimized.
Simultaneous multibank refresh, however, has the problem of current spikes. Each refresh operation for each bank requires a certain amount of supply current over time. At the onset of the operation, there is an initial spike of current. This spike is large because the row sensing circuits have been designed to access cell data as quickly as possible in order to minimize the latency to the first allowable page access to bits stored in the sense amps. This spike, characterized by rate of change in current, dl/dt, can cause noise problems in a DRAM, since current spikes can reduce the internal supply voltage and cause failure in circuits on the same die or on other devices that share the same supply voltage. With multiple banks simultaneously doing a row sense, the current spike effect can be additive, thus causing greater probability of circuit failure.
Typically, a refresh operation is done by periodically addressing every row with a controller. Thus, interspersed between normal memory access operations, refresh commands are sent in the form of a RAS control signal with a row address. In a prior RAMBUS memory system, these commands are sent in packets which are decoded in the memory chips themselves.
In addition to the normal refreshing interspersed with memory accesses, the memory may also be put into a sleep or stand-by mode. In this mode, it is not being accessed, and minimal power drain is desired. This is accomplished by simply refreshing the memory when needed, and otherwise not doing memory accesses. Memory chips typically have on-chip counters for sequencing through all the rows and banks in order to accomplish such a self-refresh. This allows the memory chips to refresh themselves, without requiring the controller to be turned on to provide it with the refresh addresses and commands.
Because self-refresh mode uses a clock or sequencer on the DRAM itself, a synchronization issue arises when the device comes out of self-refresh mode and the controller takes over memory accesses and controlling refresh. The typical way the synchronization is handled is for the microprocessor, upon powering up out of a self-refresh mode, to send a burst of refresh commands covering all the data locations in the memory chip. In this way, it is ensured that the timing of the last refresh of every memory location is known to the microprocessor.
To keep up with increasing microprocessor speeds, there has been pressure to increase the speed at which memory is accessed. One method for accomplishing this is to shape the current pulse provided by the sense amplifier driver in order to increase access speed. This is discussed, for example, in an article by H. Geib, W. Rabnd. Schmitt-Landsiedel, entitled "Block-Decoded Sense-Amplifier Driver for High-Speed Sensing in DRAM's", IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 23, No. 9, September 1992. As memories become larger, however, more locations need to be refreshed at any given time, and refreshing draws more power in a shorter time for the larger memories. Thus, current spikes can cause significant noise problems on the power line during a refresh operation. Accordingly, refresh protocols limit refreshing to one row at a time in order to control refreshing noise.
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The present invention relates to dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), and in particular to refreshing techniques. DRAM devices function by storing charge on a capacitor at each memory location. The capacitor loses the charge over time, and accordingly it needs to be recharged to its original level, whether a 1 or 0, periodically. This period is known as the refresh period, tREF. A typical tREF value is 64 ms. This recharging is termed refreshing, and is done by doing a row access for every row in the memory device. In newer DRAM designs, the rows and columns are broken into multiple banks to break down large DRAM arrays into smaller pieces. The row access operation is performed in two steps. First, a row is opened, or turned on, in a "sense" operation, by turning on the sense amps. Next, the row is closed by doing a "precharge" operation, using a precharge equalization transistor. When a refresh is performed, there is no need to select a particular bit with a column address, and the data is not read. As the storage capacity of memory devices increases and the number of banks per device increases, the issue rate of refresh commands sent to the memory device from the controller also increases and can introduce a refresh overhead that unacceptably impacts the performance of normal memory accesses. To reduce refresh overhead, it is desirable to refresh more than one bank for each refresh command. This approach can be called multibank refresh. With a given refresh command, more than one bank could be either simultaneously or sequentially refreshed. From a performance standpoint, it is more desirable to refresh banks simultaneously, so that the time that bank resources are tied up is minimized. Simultaneous multibank refresh, however, has the problem of current spikes. Each refresh operation for each bank requires a certain amount of supply current over time. At the onset of the operation, there is an initial spike of current. This spike is large because the row sensing circuits have been designed to access cell data as quickly as possible in order to minimize the latency to the first allowable page access to bits stored in the sense amps. This spike, characterized by rate of change in current, dl/dt, can cause noise problems in a DRAM, since current spikes can reduce the internal supply voltage and cause failure in circuits on the same die or on other devices that share the same supply voltage. With multiple banks simultaneously doing a row sense, the current spike effect can be additive, thus causing greater probability of circuit failure. Typically, a refresh operation is done by periodically addressing every row with a controller. Thus, interspersed between normal memory access operations, refresh commands are sent in the form of a RAS control signal with a row address. In a prior RAMBUS memory system, these commands are sent in packets which are decoded in the memory chips themselves. In addition to the normal refreshing interspersed with memory accesses, the memory may also be put into a sleep or stand-by mode. In this mode, it is not being accessed, and minimal power drain is desired. This is accomplished by simply refreshing the memory when needed, and otherwise not doing memory accesses. Memory chips typically have on-chip counters for sequencing through all the rows and banks in order to accomplish such a self-refresh. This allows the memory chips to refreshen themselves, without requiring the controller to be turned on to provide it with the refresh addresses and commands. Because self-refresh mode uses a clock or sequencer on the DRAM itself, a synchronization issue arises when the device comes out of self-refresh mode and the controller takes over memory accesses and controlling refresh. The typical way the synchronization is handled is for the microprocessor, upon powering up out of a self-refresh mode, to send a burst of refresh commands covering all the data locations in the memory chip. In this way, it is ensured that the timing of the last refresh of every memory location is known to the microprocessor. To keep up with increasing microprocessor speeds, there has been pressure to increase the speed at which memory is accessed. One method for accomplishing this is to shape the current pulse provided by the sense amplifier driver in order to increase access speed. This is discussed, for example, in an article by H. Geib, W. Rabnd. Schmitt-Landsiedel, entitled "Block-Decoded Sense-Amplifier Driver for High-Speed Sensing in DRAM's", IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 23, No. 9, September 1992. As memories become larger, however, more locations need to be refreshed at any given time, and refreshing draws more power in a shorter time for the larger memories. Thus, current spikes can cause significant noise problems on the power line during a refresh operation. Accordingly, refresh protocols limit refreshing to one row at a time in order to control refreshing noise.
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The present invention relates to dynamic random access memories (D$Ajs ), and in particular to refreshing techniques. DRAM devices function by storing charge on a capacitor at each memory location. The capacitor loses the charge over time, and accordingly it needs to be recharged to its original level, whether a 1 or 0, periodically. This period is known as the refresh period, tREF. A typical tREF value is 64 ms. This recharging is termed refreshing, and is done by doing a row access for every row in the memory device. In newer DRAM designs, the rows and columns are broken into multiple banks to break down large DRAM arrays into smaller pieces. The row access operation is performed in two steps. First, a row is opened, or turned on, in a " sense " operation, by turning on the sense Zm9s. Next, the row is closed by doing a " precharge " operation, using a precharge equalization transistor. When a rebrexh is performed, there is no need to select a particular bit with a column address, and the data is not read. As the storage capacity of memory devices increases and the number of banks per device increases, the issue rate of refresh coJmznds sent to the memory device from the controller also increases and can introduce a refresh overhead that unacceptably impacts the performance of normal memory accesses. To reduce refresh overhead, it is desirable to refresh more than one bank for each refresh coJkand. This approach can be called multibank refresh. With a given refresh command, more than one bank could be either simultaneously or sequentially refreshed. From a performance standpoint, it is more desirable to refresh banks sim tltaGeously, so that the time that bank resources are tied up is minimized. Simultaneous multibank refresh, however, has the problem of current spikes. Each refresh operation for each bank requires a certain amount of supply current over time. At the onset of the operation, there is an initial spike of current. rhia spike is large because the row sensing circuits have been designed to access cell data as quickly as possible in order to minimize the latency to the first allowable page access to bits stored in the sense amps. This spike, characterized by rate of change in current, dl / dt, can cause noise problems in a DRAM, since current spikes can reduce the internal supply voltage and cauXs failure in circuits on the same die or on other devices that share the same supply voltage. With multiple banks simultaneously doing a row sense, the current spike effect can be additive, thus causing greater probability of circuit failure. Typically, a refresh operation is done by periodically addressing every row with a controller. Thus, interspersed between normal memory access operations, refresh commands are sent in the form of a RAS control signal with a row address. In a prior RAMBUS memory system, these commands are sent in packets which are decoded in the memory chips themselves. In addition to the normal refreshing interspersed with memory accesses, the memory may also be put into a sleep or stand - by mode. In this mode, it is not being accessed, and minimal power drain is desired. This is accomplished by simply refreshing the memory when needed, and otherwise not doing memory accesses. Memory chips typically have on - chip counters for sequencing through all the rows and banks in order to accomplish such a self - refresh. This allows the memory chips to refresh themselves, without requiring the controller to be turned on to provide it with the refresh addresses and commands. Because self - refresh mode uses a clock or se@uenVer on the DRAM itself, a synchronization issue arises when the device comes out of self - refresh mode and the controller takes over memory accesses and controlling refresh. The typical way the synchronization is handled is for the microprocessor, upon powering up out of a self - refresh mode, to send a burst of refresh commands covering all the data locations in the memory chip. In this way, it is ensured that the timing of the last refresh of every memory location is known to the microprocessor. To keep up with increasing microprocessor speeds, there has been pressure to increase the speed at which memory is accessed. One method for accomplishing this is to shape the current pulse provided by the sense amplifier driver in order to increase access speed. This is discussed, for example, in an article by H. Geib, W. RafnV. Schmitt - Landsiedel, entitled " Block - Decoded Sense - Amplifier Driver for High - Speed Sensing in DRAM ' s ", IEEE Journal of Solid - State Circuits, Vol. 23, No. 9, September 1992. As memories become larger, however, more locations need to be refreshed at any given time, and refreshing draws more power in a shorter time for the larger memories. Thus, current spikes can cause significant noise problems on the power line during a refresh operation. Accordingly, refresh protocols limit refreshing to one row at a time in order to control refreshing noise.
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The present invention relates to dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), and in particular to techniques. DRAM devices function by storing on a capacitor at each memory location. The capacitor loses the over time, and accordingly it needs to be recharged to its whether a or 0, periodically. This is known as the refresh period, A tREF value is 64 ms. This recharging is termed refreshing, and is done by doing a row access for every row in the memory device. In newer DRAM designs, the rows and columns are broken into multiple banks to break down large DRAM arrays smaller pieces. The row access operation is performed in two steps. First, row is opened, or turned on, in a "sense" operation, by turning on the sense amps. Next, the row doing a "precharge" operation, using precharge equalization transistor. When a refresh is performed, there is no need to select a with a column address, and the data is not As storage capacity of memory devices increases and the number of banks per device increases, the issue rate of refresh commands sent to the memory device from the also and can a refresh overhead that unacceptably impacts the performance of normal memory accesses. To reduce refresh overhead, it is desirable to refresh more than one bank for each refresh This approach be called multibank With a given refresh command, than one bank could be either simultaneously or refreshed. a performance standpoint, it is more to refresh banks simultaneously, so that time that bank resources are tied up is minimized. Simultaneous multibank refresh, however, has the problem of current spikes. refresh operation for each bank requires a certain amount of supply current over At the of the operation, there is an initial spike of current. This spike is large because row sensing circuits have been designed to access cell data as quickly as possible in order to minimize the latency to first allowable page access to stored in the sense amps. This spike, characterized by rate change in current, dl/dt, can noise problems in a DRAM, since current spikes can reduce the internal supply voltage and cause failure in circuits on same die or devices that share the same supply voltage. With banks simultaneously doing a row sense, the current effect can be additive, thus causing greater probability of circuit Typically, a refresh operation is done periodically every row with a Thus, interspersed between normal memory access operations, refresh commands sent in the form of a RAS control signal with a row address. a prior RAMBUS memory these commands are sent in packets which are decoded the memory themselves. In addition to the normal refreshing interspersed with memory accesses, the memory may also be put into a sleep or stand-by In this mode, it is not being accessed, and minimal power drain is desired. This is accomplished by refreshing the memory when needed, and otherwise not doing memory accesses. Memory chips have on-chip for sequencing through all the rows banks in order to accomplish such a self-refresh. This allows the memory chips to refresh themselves, requiring the controller be on to provide it with the refresh addresses commands. self-refresh mode uses a clock or sequencer on itself, a issue when the device comes out of self-refresh mode and the controller takes over memory accesses controlling refresh. The typical way the synchronization is handled is the microprocessor, upon powering up out of a self-refresh mode, to send a burst of refresh commands covering all the data locations in the memory chip. In this way, it is ensured that the timing of last refresh of every memory location is to the microprocessor. To keep up with increasing microprocessor speeds, there has been pressure to increase the speed at which memory is accessed. method for accomplishing is shape the current pulse provided by the sense amplifier driver in order to increase access speed. This is for example, an article by H. Geib, W. Rabnd. Schmitt-Landsiedel, entitled "Block-Decoded Sense-Amplifier Driver for High-Speed in DRAM's", IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 23, No. 9, September 1992. As memories become larger, however, more locations be refreshed at any given time, and refreshing draws more power in a shorter time for the larger memories. Thus, current spikes can cause significant problems on the power line during a refresh operation. Accordingly, refresh protocols refreshing to row at a time in order to control refreshing noise.
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ThE presENT inVentIOn RElaTES to dyNaMiC rANDOm ACcESS mEMoRieS (DraMS), AnD In pARtICUlaR To RefreShiNG tEChNiQUES.
DRAm DEVICES FunCTiOn BY StOriNg CharGe oN a CapaciTOR AT EAcH mEmOrY lOCAtiON. tHe CaPAcitOR LOseS the CHaRGE oveR TiME, ANd acCordINGly it NEeDS To Be rECHargED to Its orIGiNaL LEvEl, WheThER A 1 OR 0, PeRIODIcaLly. THiS pEriOd is knOWn AS tHe refreSh PEriOD, trEf. A TypIcal trEf valUe is 64 Ms. ThiS REChARGING is TeRMed rEFreShInG, anD iS donE by DOIng A Row ACcESs FoR eVeRy roW iN thE memoRy DeVICe. iN NEwer Dram dESiGns, tHE ROwS AnD Columns ARE BROken INtO MUltipLe Banks To brEaK Down lArGE drAM arRayS inTo sMalLeR pIEceS.
tHE ROW AccESS oPERaTiON iS PERfORMED IN twO sTEPS. FiRSt, a ROw iS oPeNed, Or turNed On, IN a "sEnse" oPeraTioN, BY TURniNg On the SENSE AmPs. Next, tHE row is cloSED by DoiNg a "pRechArGe" OpERATION, UsiNG A prEchArgE eQuAlIzAtIoN tRAnsISTOr. WhEn a rEFRESh is PErfOrmeD, thErE iS No neEd to selECt A parTiculaR BIT WITh a coluMn adDreSs, And ThE daTa is NOT ReAD.
aS tHE sTorage caPACITy OF memory dEVICeS increASES AnD THe numbeR Of banKS PER dEvicE IncrEaseS, tHe IsSue rate Of rEFRESH CoMmaNDS SEnt tO The memORY dEviCE fROM the cONTroLLer ALsO inCREases anD CAN INtroDUCe a REFResH oveRhead THat UnaccepTABly impActs the PerFORmANce Of noRMAL MEMORy ACCeSSeS.
tO RedUce REFResh oVeRHEaD, iT Is dEsIRAbLe to RefresH mORe tHAN oNE baNK fOR EAcH rEfREsH COmmANd. THiS apPRoacH Can be cAlLED MULTIbanK rEFresh. wiTh A gIven reFresh CoMmand, MoRE than ONE BaNk COuld BE eiTHER sImulTaneoUSLy oR SeQUeNtiaLLy refreSHEd. FRoM a peRFORMaNcE stAnDpOInT, It iS MORE deSIRaBle To REfREsh banks sImUlTaneOUslY, SO THAt tHE tiME ThaT BANK ResOURCeS ArE TiEd uP IS mINimiZEd.
sImulTaneOUS MulTIBaNk refresh, HoWEvER, has THE PrOblEm of cURrenT spIkeS. EacH ReFreSH oPERaTIoN FoR eAcH BanK ReqUirES A certAiN AmOuNT of supPLY CURRent oVeR tiMe. At the OnsET Of THE opERation, thEre Is AN INiTiAL sPIKe Of cUrRent. tHiS sPIKe IS laRGe beCaUSe tHE rOW senSING ciRCuITS HAvE BEEN desIGnED tO acCESS cell DaTa AS QUICKlY aS PoSSIBLE in oRdEr to MIniMiZE the latEnCy TO ThE fIrSt AlLOwaBLE PAGe AcCEsS To biTs STorED in tHe sEnsE aMps. tHis SPiKe, cHARACTeRiZED bY RAte Of cHaNgE In cuRREnT, dl/DT, can caUSe NOIsE PRoblEmS in a drAM, siNcE cuRreNT sPiKeS CAn rEDuCe ThE InterNal SUPpLY VoLtaGE aND cAUSE faiLURe IN CIrCuits On The sAme DIe Or on OtHer dEviCEs thAt SHARE ThE same suPplY VolTAGE. WIth mULTiPLE BaNKS SimuLtANeously dOing a Row sense, the cUrREnt SpiKE EFfeCT CaN be ADdItiVe, tHUS caUSiNg grEATEr pRobABiliTY oF CIrcuit fAiluRe.
TyPICallY, A REFrESh OPeRaTioN Is dONE By PeriODIcally AddressiNg evEry RoW With a contrOLlER. tHUS, InteRsPerSEd BEtWEeN noRmaL MEMoRy aCCESS opeRATioNS, reFrESH CoMManDs Are SeNt iN The fOrM OF A rAS CoNTROl sIGNaL witH a ROw adDresS. iN A prior RamBUs meMORy SySTem, THeSE COMMands Are sEnt in Packets wHIcH ARE DEcoDeD in tHE MemOry cHips tHEMsELVEs.
iN ADdition to The NORMAL refrEsHiNG inTERspERSed witH MemoRY AcCEsSES, tHE MEmORy May aLSO bE PUT INTO a sLEep OR stAnd-by modE. iN ThiS MOdE, It iS nOT beiNg acceSsEd, AnD MINImAL Power DrAIn Is desIREd. This IS AccoMPLIShEd By SIMPly rEFreShInG THE Memory WHEN NEEDeD, and oTHErWISe not dOiNg meMoRy acceSSes. Memory ChIpS TYpically HavE oN-chiP couNtERS FoR sEQUeNcInG ThrOUGH ALL THE rOWS anD bAnKs In ORdEr To aCCOmpLisH sUCh A sElf-REFresH. tHis aLLOws tHE MemOrY cHiPS TO RefreSH ThEmSElvEs, WIThOUt REqUiriNg ThE COnTroLlEr tO be tuRnEd oN TO PrOvide IT wiTH THe reFREsh aDdRESSEs AnD cOmmAnDs.
BeCaUsE SELF-reFResh MOde uSEs a cLOck or seQUenCeR ON THE DRaM ItSElF, A SYncHrONizaTiON ISsUe ariSes wHEn ThE deVICE cOmeS OUT oF SElf-REfresH MODE AND THe cONTrOLlER tAKes ovER memOrY acceSsEs aNd CONTROlLiNG RefresH. tHe tYpIcAl way The SYNchRonIZaTiON IS handLED IS fOr THe micRoproCeSSor, UPON PoWerINg up ouT OF A sElF-RefRESh mode, to SEnD A bUrSt OF rEFrEsh ComMAnDS COverInG aLL tHE DaTa LOcATIoNs iN The MeMOry ChIP. iN tHIS WAy, It Is EnsUrED ThaT THe tImInG OF tHE Last REFREsh OF EVERY mEmOry LOcAtioN iS KnoWn to The miCrOPRoCeSsOR.
tO keeP UP WiTH iNCReAsING miCropROcEssoR speeDS, TheRe HAS BeEn PrESSUrE tO INCREase tHe SpeEd aT wHiCh memORy IS acceSseD. oNE MetHOd fOr accOMPlIshIng THis Is TO ShApE THE CUrreNt pULsE PRoviDED By tHe SeNSe aMPlifiER DriveR In orDER TO iNcreAsE AcceSS sPEEd. thiS Is dIScUSSEd, FoR eXAMPLe, IN an artIcle BY H. Geib, w. RabND. sChmiTt-LANDSiEDeL, EnTITLEd "bLOcK-DECODEd sEnSe-aMPLIFiER DrIVer for higH-speED sEnsINg In DrAm's", IEee JoURnal of sOlid-statE cirCuiTs, Vol. 23, NO. 9, SepTEmbeR 1992. AS MEmORIes BEcOMe lARGER, hOwEvEr, More LoCaTionS NEed to BE reFREshed AT aNy GiVeN tiME, and REfresHiNG draWs MOre POWer in a sHortEr Time foR ThE LaRgER mEmoRies. THuS, currENt sPIKeS cAn cAUSe signIfIcANt NoISe PrOblems ON thE Power Line DurInG a ReFresh OPErATion. AcCOrdiNGLY, refREsH prOTOcols limIT reFReSHiNG To one row At a TImE iN oRder TO cOnTroL REFREShING NoisE.
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The presentinvention relates to dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), and in particular to refreshing techniques. DRAMdevices function by storing chargeon a capacitorateach memory location. The capacitor loses the charge over time,and accordingly it needs to be recharged to its original level,whether a 1 or 0, periodically. This periodis known astherefresh period,tREF. A typical tREF value is 64 ms. This recharging is termed refreshing,and isdone by doinga row accessfor every row in the memory device. In newerDRAM designs, the rows and columns are broken into multiple banks to break down large DRAM arrays intosmaller pieces. The row access operation is performed in twosteps. First, a row is opened, or turned on, in a "sense" operation,by turning on the sense amps. Next, the row is closed by doing a "precharge" operation, using a precharge equalization transistor.When a refresh is performed, there is no need to select a particular bit with acolumn address,and the data is not read. As the storage capacity of memory devices increases and the number ofbanks per device increases, the issue rate of refresh commands sent to the memory device from the controller also increases andcan introduce arefresh overhead that unacceptably impacts the performance of normal memory accesses. To reduce refresh overhead, it is desirable to refresh more thanone bank for each refresh command. This approach can be called multibank refresh. With agiven refresh command,more than one bankcould be either simultaneously or sequentially refreshed. Froma performance standpoint, it is more desirable to refresh banks simultaneously, so that thetimethat bankresources are tied up is minimized. Simultaneous multibank refresh, however, has the problem ofcurrent spikes. Eachrefresh operation for each bank requires a certain amount of supply current over time. At theonset ofthe operation, there isan initial spike of current. This spike is large because the row sensing circuitshave been designedtoaccess celldataas quickly as possible in order to minimize the latency to the firstallowable page access tobits stored in the sense amps. This spike, characterized by rate of change incurrent, dl/dt, can cause noise problems ina DRAM,since current spikes can reducetheinternal supply voltage and cause failure in circuits on the same die or on other devices that share the same supply voltage. Withmultiple banks simultaneously doinga row sense, the current spike effect can be additive, thus causinggreater probability of circuitfailure. Typically, a refresh operation is done by periodically addressing every row with a controller.Thus, interspersed betweennormal memory access operations, refresh commands aresent in the form of a RAS control signal with a row address. In aprior RAMBUS memory system,these commands are sent in packets which are decoded in the memory chips themselves. In addition tothenormalrefreshinginterspersed with memory accesses, the memorymay also be put into a sleep or stand-by mode. In this mode, it is notbeing accessed, and minimal powerdrain is desired. This is accomplished by simply refreshing the memory whenneeded, and otherwise not doing memory accesses. Memory chips typically haveon-chip counters forsequencing through all the rows and banks in order toaccomplish such a self-refresh. This allows the memorychips to refresh themselves, without requiring the controller to be turned on toprovide it with the refresh addresses and commands. Because self-refresh mode uses a clock or sequencer on the DRAM itself, a synchronization issueariseswhen the device comes out of self-refresh mode and the controller takes over memory accesses and controlling refresh. The typicalway the synchronization is handledis for the microprocessor, upon powering up out of a self-refreshmode, to send a burst of refresh commandscovering all the data locations in the memory chip. In this way, it is ensuredthat the timing of the last refresh of every memory location isknown to the microprocessor. To keep up with increasing microprocessor speeds, there has been pressure to increase the speedat which memory is accessed.One methodfor accomplishing this is to shape the currentpulse provided by the sense amplifier driver in order to increaseaccess speed. This is discussed,for example,in an article by H. Geib, W. Rabnd. Schmitt-Landsiedel,entitled "Block-Decoded Sense-Amplifier Driver for High-Speed Sensing in DRAM's", IEEEJournalof Solid-StateCircuits, Vol. 23, No. 9, September1992.As memories become larger, however, more locations need to be refreshedatany giventime, and refreshingdraws more power in a shorter timeforthe largermemories. Thus, current spikes can cause significant noise problems on the power line during a refresh operation. Accordingly, refresh protocols limit refreshing to onerow at a time in order to control refreshing noise.
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The _present_ invention relates to _dynamic_ random access memories (DRAMs), and in particular to refreshing techniques. DRAM devices function _by_ storing charge on a capacitor at each _memory_ location. The capacitor loses the charge over time, _and_ accordingly _it_ _needs_ to be _recharged_ to its original level, whether a 1 _or_ _0,_ periodically. This period is known as the refresh period, tREF. A typical _tREF_ value is 64 ms. This recharging _is_ _termed_ refreshing, and is done _by_ doing a _row_ access for _every_ row in the memory device. _In_ newer DRAM designs, the rows _and_ columns are broken into _multiple_ banks to _break_ down large _DRAM_ _arrays_ into smaller pieces. The row _access_ operation is performed in two steps. First, a row is opened, or turned on, in _a_ "sense" operation, by _turning_ _on_ the sense _amps._ Next, the row is closed _by_ doing _a_ "precharge" operation, _using_ a precharge equalization transistor. _When_ a refresh is performed, there is _no_ need to select a particular bit _with_ a column address, _and_ the _data_ is _not_ read. As the storage _capacity_ of memory _devices_ increases and the number _of_ banks _per_ _device_ increases, the issue rate of refresh commands sent to the memory device from the controller also _increases_ and can _introduce_ a _refresh_ overhead that _unacceptably_ impacts the performance of normal memory accesses. To reduce refresh overhead, _it_ is _desirable_ to _refresh_ more _than_ one bank for _each_ _refresh_ _command._ This approach can be _called_ multibank refresh. With a given _refresh_ command, more _than_ one bank could be either simultaneously or sequentially refreshed. From a performance standpoint, it is more desirable to refresh banks _simultaneously,_ so that the _time_ that bank resources are tied up is minimized. Simultaneous multibank refresh, however, has the problem of current spikes. Each refresh operation for each _bank_ requires a certain amount of supply current over _time._ At the _onset_ _of_ the operation, there is an initial spike _of_ current. This spike _is_ _large_ _because_ the row sensing _circuits_ have been _designed_ to access cell data as quickly _as_ possible in order to minimize the _latency_ _to_ _the_ first _allowable_ page access to _bits_ _stored_ in the sense amps. This spike, characterized by rate of _change_ _in_ current, dl/dt, can cause noise problems _in_ a _DRAM,_ _since_ _current_ spikes can reduce the _internal_ supply voltage and _cause_ failure in _circuits_ on the same die or on other devices that share the same supply voltage. With multiple _banks_ _simultaneously_ doing a row _sense,_ the current spike effect can be additive, thus causing greater probability of circuit failure. Typically, a refresh operation is done by periodically addressing _every_ row with a controller. Thus, interspersed between _normal_ memory access operations, _refresh_ commands are sent in _the_ form of a RAS _control_ signal with a row address. In a prior _RAMBUS_ memory system, these commands are sent in _packets_ which are decoded _in_ the memory chips _themselves._ _In_ _addition_ to _the_ _normal_ refreshing interspersed with _memory_ _accesses,_ the memory may also be put _into_ a sleep or stand-by mode. In this mode, _it_ is not being accessed, and _minimal_ power drain is desired. _This_ is accomplished _by_ simply _refreshing_ the memory when needed, and otherwise _not_ doing memory _accesses._ Memory chips typically _have_ on-chip counters for sequencing _through_ all the rows and banks in order to accomplish such a self-refresh. This allows the memory chips to refresh themselves, without requiring the controller to be _turned_ on to provide it _with_ the refresh addresses and commands. Because _self-refresh_ mode uses _a_ clock or sequencer on the DRAM itself, a synchronization issue _arises_ when the device comes out of self-refresh _mode_ and the controller takes over memory _accesses_ and _controlling_ _refresh._ The typical way the _synchronization_ is handled is for the microprocessor, _upon_ powering up _out_ _of_ _a_ self-refresh mode, to send _a_ _burst_ of refresh commands covering all the data locations _in_ the memory chip. In this way, it _is_ ensured that the timing of the last refresh _of_ every _memory_ location is _known_ to the _microprocessor._ To keep _up_ with increasing _microprocessor_ speeds, there has been pressure _to_ increase the _speed_ at which _memory_ is _accessed._ One method for accomplishing this _is_ _to_ shape _the_ _current_ pulse _provided_ by the sense amplifier driver in order to increase access speed. This is discussed, _for_ example, in an article by H. Geib, W. Rabnd. Schmitt-Landsiedel, entitled "Block-Decoded _Sense-Amplifier_ Driver for _High-Speed_ Sensing in _DRAM's",_ _IEEE_ Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 23, No. 9, _September_ _1992._ As _memories_ become larger, however, _more_ locations need to be _refreshed_ at any given time, and _refreshing_ _draws_ more power in a shorter _time_ _for_ the _larger_ memories. Thus, current spikes can cause significant _noise_ problems on _the_ power line _during_ a refresh operation. Accordingly, _refresh_ _protocols_ _limit_ _refreshing_ to _one_ row at a time in order to control _refreshing_ noise.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a package for a semiconductor chip and a method of forming the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a multi-row semiconductor package with an improved leadframe and a method for making said package.
2. Description of the Related Art
Semiconductor devices and integrated circuits (ICs) are made up of components, such as transistors and diodes, and elements such as resistors and capacitors, linked together by conductive connections to form one or more functional circuits. Interconnects on an IC chip serve the same function as the wiring in conventional circuits.
Once the components of an IC package have been assembled, the package is typically sealed by plastic encapsulation in order to improve the strength of the package and to provide necessary protection to the components within.
One type of package is a single sided multi row quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. See for example FIGS. 1 and 2. A multi row QFN is a type of copper leadframe based semiconductor package with more than one row of terminals at the bottom surface of the package to at least one peripheral side for the purpose of providing interconnection to external devices for example PCB.
Single sided multi row QFN packages can be singulated by two main methods, punch singulation and sawn singulation. However, both methods have several problems associated with them. For example, with punch singulation, solder bridging 101 can occur during solder plating and lead-to-lead shorting 102 can occur during package singulation. See FIGS. 1a and 1b respectively, which are top views of a portion of FIG. 1. FIG. 1b corresponds to the rectangular box drawn on top of FIG. 1. Solder bridging is a defect where solder bridged between adjacent leads. Lead-to-lead shorting is an un-wanted connection between neighboring leads caused by the inherent solder squeeze-out during package singulation. The existence of such defects in the package will affect the quality and functionality of the device.
Likewise, a single sided multi row QFN package, such as that shown in FIG. 2, formed by being sawn singulated, also has several problems associated with it. For example, adjacent leads 201 and 202 can be shorted as a result of the inherent smearing 203 of the copper material during package singulation. See FIG. 2a, which is a side view of a portion of FIG. 2 indicated by the circle in FIG. 2.
One object of the present invention is to produce a single sided multi-row package that reduces or eliminates solder bridging and lead-to-lead shorting when the package is punch singulated.
Another object of the present invention is to produce a single sided multi-row package that reduces or eliminates shorting of adjacent leads caused by smearing when the package is sawn singulated.
The invention can also act as an interlock that reduces the risk of having a separation between the mold cap and the leadframe. It also improves reliability by preventing the moisture to easily penetrate through the interface between the outer leads and mold cap.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a package for a semiconductor chip and a method of forming the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a multi-row semiconductor package with an improved leadframe and a method for making said package. 2. Description of the Related Art semiconductor unit devices and integrated circuits (ICs) are made up of components, such as transistors and diodes, and elements such as resistors and capacitors, linked together by conductive connections to form one or more functional circuits. Interconnects on an IC chip serve the same function as the wiring in conventional circuits. Once the components of an IC package have been assembled, the package is typically sealed by plastic encapsulation in order to improve the strength of the package and to provide necessary protection to the components within. One type of package is a single sided multi row quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. See for example FIGS. 1 and 2. A multi row QFN is a type of copper leadframe based semiconductor package with more than one row of terminals at the bottom surface of the package to at least one peripheral side for the purpose of providing interconnection to external devices for example PCB. Single sided multi row QFN packages can be singulated by two main methods, punch singulation and sawn singulation. However, both methods have several problems associated with them. For example, with punch singulation, solder bridging 101 can occur during solder plating and lead-to-lead shorting 102 can occur during package singulation. See FIGS. 1a and 1b respectively, which are top views of a portion of FIG. 1. FIG. 1b corresponds to the rectangular box drawn on top of FIG. 1. Solder bridging is a defect where solder bridged between adjacent leads. Lead-to-lead shorting is an un-wanted connection between neighboring leads caused by the inherent solder squeeze-out during package singulation. The existence of such defects in the package will affect the quality and functionality of the device. Likewise, a single sided multi row QFN package, such as that shown in FIG. 2, formed by being sawn singulated, also has several problems associated with it. For example, adjacent leads 201 and 202 can be shorted as a result of the inherent smearing 203 of the copper material during package singulation. See FIG. 2a, which is a side view of a portion of FIG. 2 indicated by the circle in FIG. 2. One object of the present invention is to produce a single sided multi-row package that reduces or eliminates solder bridging and lead-to-lead shorting when the package is punch singulated. Another object of the present invention is to produce a single sided multi-row package that reduces or eliminates shorting of adjacent leads caused by smearing when the package is sawn singulated. The invention can also act as an interlock that reduces the risk of having a separation between the mold cap and the leadframe. It also improves reliability by preventing the moisture to easily penetrate through the interface between the outer leads and mold cap.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a package for a semiconductor chip and a method of forming the same. More particularly, the invention reOafes to a multi - row semiconductor package with an improved leadframe and a method for making said package. 2. Description of the Related Art Semiconductor devices and integrated circuits (ICs) are made up of components, such as transistors and diodes, and elements such as resistors and capacitors, linked together by conductive connections to form one or more functional circuits. Interconnects on an IC chip eervd the same function as the wiring in conventional circuits. Once the components of an IC package have been assembled, the package is typically sealed by plastic encapsulation in order to improve the strength of the package and to provide necessary protection to the components aifhin. One type of package is a single sided multi row quad flat no - lead (QFN) package. See for example FIGS. 1 and 2. A multi row QFN is a type of copper leadframe based semiconductor package with more than one row of terminals at the bottom surface of the package to at least one peripheral side for the purpose of providing interconnection to external devices for example PCB. Single sided multi row QFN packages can be singulated by two main m$^hods, punch singulation and sawn singulation. However, both methods have several problems associated with them. For example, with punch singulation, so/dFr bridging 101 can occur during solder plating and lead - to - lead shorting 102 can occur during package singulation. See FIGS. 1a and 1b respectively, which are top views of a portion of FIG. 1. FIG. 1b corresponds to the rectangular box drawn on top of FIG. 1. Solder bridging is a defect where solder bridged between adjacent leads. Lead - to - lead shorting is an un - wanted connection between neighboring leads caused by the inherent solder squeeze - out during package singulation. The existence of such defects in the package will Xffevt the quality and functionality of the device. Likewise, a single siReE multi row QFN pscksge, such as that shown in FIG. 2, formed by being sawn singulated, also has several problems associated with it. For exaKp;e, adjacent leads 201 and 202 can be shorted as a result of the inherent smearing 203 of the copper material during package singulation. See FIG. 2a, which is a side view of a portion of FIG. 2 indicated by the circle in FIG. 2. One object of the present invsntUon is to produce a single sided multi - row package that reduces or eliminates solder bridging and lead - to - lead shorting when the package is punch singulated. Another object of the present invention is to produce a single sided multi - row package that reduces or eliminates shorting of adjacent leads caused by smearing when the package is sawn singulated. The invention can also act as an interlock that reduces the risk of having a separation between the mold cap and the leadframe. It also improves reliability by preventing the moisture to easily penetrate through the interface between the outer leads and mold cap.
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1. Field the Invention The present relates to a package for a semiconductor chip and a method of forming the same. More particularly, the a multi-row semiconductor package with an improved leadframe and a method for making said package. 2. Description of Related Art Semiconductor devices and integrated (ICs) are made up of components, such transistors and and elements resistors and capacitors, linked together by conductive connections to form one or more circuits. Interconnects on an IC chip serve the same as wiring in conventional circuits. Once the components of an IC package have been assembled, the package is typically sealed by plastic encapsulation in order improve the strength of the package and to provide necessary protection to the components within. One type of package is a single sided multi row quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. See for example FIGS. 1 and 2. multi row QFN is a type of copper leadframe based semiconductor with more than one row of terminals at the bottom surface of the package to at least one peripheral side for the purpose of interconnection to external devices for example PCB. Single sided multi row QFN packages can singulated by two methods, punch singulation and sawn singulation. However, methods several problems associated with them. For example, with punch singulation, solder bridging 101 can occur during solder and lead-to-lead shorting can occur during package singulation. See FIGS. 1a 1b respectively, which are top views of a portion FIG. 1. FIG. 1b corresponds to the rectangular drawn on top of FIG. 1. Solder bridging is a where solder bridged between adjacent leads. Lead-to-lead shorting is an un-wanted connection between neighboring leads caused the inherent squeeze-out during package singulation. The of such defects in the package will affect the quality and functionality of the device. a single sided multi row QFN package, such as that shown in FIG. 2, formed by being sawn singulated, also has several associated with it. For example, adjacent leads 201 and 202 can be shorted as a result of the inherent smearing of the copper material during package singulation. See FIG. 2a, is a view of a portion of FIG. 2 indicated by the circle in 2. One object of the present invention is to produce a single sided multi-row package that reduces eliminates bridging and lead-to-lead shorting when the package is punch Another object of the present invention is produce a single sided multi-row package that eliminates shorting of adjacent leads caused by smearing when package is sawn singulated. The invention can also act as an interlock that reduces the risk of having a separation between the mold cap and the leadframe. It also reliability preventing the moisture to easily penetrate through interface outer leads mold cap.
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1. FIeLd OF THe inVeNTion
THe PreseNt iNVeNTiOn RELatEs to a PaCkaGe FOR a SeMIcoNdUcTor Chip And A METhOd Of FOrmING thE saME. more ParTiCulARLy, The iNVenTION RELaTes TO a Multi-RoW SemicONDUctoR pAcKagE WiTh An ImproVed LeADFrAME and A MEthOd fOR MakIng said PaCkage.
2. dEScriptiOn Of tHe RELATeD ArT
sEmiConDuCtOr DEVICes AND INtegRAteD CircuITs (iCS) arE MaDE uP OF cOMPONENtS, suCH As trAnSiSTorS And diodeS, AND eleMents sUCH AS ReSIStoRs ANd cAPaCitoRs, Linked tOgEther By cOnduCtIVE cOnnecTiONs tO FOrM oNE OR MOre FuNctiONAL CIRcUITs. intercOnneCts oN an ic ChIp seRVE THe SaMe FuNCTion AS The WiriNG iN ConVENTiONaL CirCUitS.
Once tHe ComponENtS oF an ic PaCkAgE HAvE beeN aSSEmBLEd, The packaGe is TypicalLy sEALed By plasTIC enCaPsuLatIoN In ORdeR to IMPrOVe thE StRENgtH of thE pACKAgE anD To prOvide NECEssarY PROtEctIoN to thE comPOnents wIThiN.
one Type of pacKaGE is a sIngle sIdEd mULTI rOw QUAD FlAt NO-LeAd (QfN) packAGe. SEE fOr ExamPlE FIgs. 1 anD 2. a mULTI row QfN Is A typE Of CoPpeR LeaDFRame BaSeD SEmicoNDUCtor paCkAGE wiTh MORe THAN ONe ROW of TeRMInAlS At THE bOTtoM Surface oF tHE pACKAge TO at lEASt ONe pErIphEraL SIDE FOr tHe puRPosE Of pRoViDINg INTeRCoNNecTION to EXTERnAl devIcES FOR exAmpLe Pcb.
sINgle SiDED mulTI Row qfn pacKagES can be SiNGUlaTeD By tWo mAIN mEThOds, puNCh singuLAtIon And sawn SinGUlATIOn. hOWeVEr, boTH MeTHods hAve SeVEral PRobleMS AsSOCIaTeD wiTH THEm. FOr EXAmpLE, WitH punCh SiNGulaTion, solDeR bRidGIng 101 Can oCCuR DuRIng SOLdeR PLAtINg AnD leAD-TO-LEaD sHORtiNG 102 Can OcCUR dURinG pAckAgE sINGuLAtIoN. sEE fiGS. 1a anD 1b RESPectIVEly, WHiCh ARE TOp viEws oF A PORTiON oF FIg. 1. fIG. 1b coRRespOndS to the ReCtaNgULar bOx dRAwn oN ToP oF fiG. 1. SOLder bridgING iS a dEfEcT WHERE soLDEr BrIDgEd bEtweEn aDJAcent lEAds. LEAd-TO-LeaD ShoRTInG iS AN uN-WANteD ConnEcTion bETWeEn NeiGhboRiNG LeadS CAUsEd bY The inHERent SOlDer SquEEze-oUT duRIng paCKAge SINGULATioN. thE ExISTENcE oF Such defECTs IN THe pAcKAGE WiLL AfFeCt tHE QUALitY aNd funCTioNAliTy of tHE dEvIcE.
lIkewisE, a SInGLe sIdeD mUlTi ROW QFN PaCkage, suCH As ThaT sHown IN Fig. 2, FoRMEd bY bEIng sAWn sIngULatED, alSo hAs SEVeRaL PrOBLEMs aSSocIATed with iT. FOR eXamPle, adjAceNT lEads 201 and 202 cAn bE SHORteD as A RESUlt of tHE INheRenT SMeariNg 203 OF ThE CoPpEr maTerial dURING packAgE SINGULATIOn. SEE fIg. 2A, WhICH iS a siDe ViEw OF a poRtIon OF FIg. 2 iNdICATED By The cIRCLe In FiG. 2.
One Object of ThE pRESenT inVention iS to pRodUCe A siNgle sIDeD muLTI-ROW packAgE thAt ReDUcES Or ELiMiNAteS sOldER briDGiNg And LeaD-to-LeaD sHORTiNG WHeN the pacKAgE IS punCh SingUlaTED.
AnOTher oBJEct of tHe PREsenT InvENtIOn Is tO PrODUCE A sINgLe sIded MuLTi-row package ThAT REDUCES Or elimInateS shoRTInG Of AdjaCent LEads CAUSEd BY sMEariNg wHen the PAcKagE IS saWN sinGULATED.
the INVenTiON can ALSO aCT As aN InTErLOck tHaT REdUCeS tHe RiSK of HAvING a sePaRAtIOn BEtweEN tHE MoLD CAp anD THe LeAdFRAME. It AlSo iMpRoVes RelIaBIliTy By PReVEntiNg tHe mOIStuRE To eASiLy PeNETRate tHroUGH THe inTerfACE BeTwEEn the ouTer leadS ANd mold cAP.
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a package for a semiconductor chip and a method of forming thesame. More particularly, the invention relates to a multi-row semiconductor package with an improved leadframe and a method for making saidpackage. 2. Description oftheRelatedArt Semiconductor devices and integrated circuits (ICs) are made upof components, such as transistors and diodes, and elements such as resistors and capacitors,linked together by conductive connections to form one or more functionalcircuits. Interconnects on an IC chipserve the same function as the wiring inconventional circuits. Once the components ofan IC package have been assembled, the package is typically sealed by plastic encapsulation in order to improve the strength of the package and to provide necessary protection to the components within. One type of package is a single sided multi row quad flat no-lead (QFN)package. See forexample FIGS.1 and2. Amulti row QFN is a type ofcopper leadframe based semiconductor package with more than one row of terminals at the bottom surface of the package to at leastone peripheral side for the purpose of providing interconnection to external devices for example PCB. Single sidedmultirow QFN packages can be singulated by two main methods, punch singulation and sawn singulation.However, both methods have several problems associated with them. For example,with punch singulation, solder bridging101 can occur during solder plating and lead-to-lead shorting102 canoccur during package singulation. SeeFIGS. 1a and 1b respectively, which are top views of a portion of FIG. 1. FIG. 1b corresponds to therectangular box drawnon topof FIG. 1. Solder bridging is a defect where solder bridged between adjacent leads. Lead-to-leadshorting is an un-wanted connection betweenneighboring leads caused by the inherent soldersqueeze-out during packagesingulation. The existence of such defects in the package will affect the quality and functionality ofthe device. Likewise, asingle sided multi row QFN package, such as that shown in FIG. 2, formed by being sawn singulated, alsohas several problems associated with it. Forexample, adjacent leads 201 and 202can be shorted as a result of the inherent smearing 203 of thecopper material during package singulation. See FIG. 2a, which is a side view of a portion of FIG. 2 indicatedby the circle in FIG. 2. One object of the present invention is to produce a single sided multi-row package that reducesor eliminates solder bridging and lead-to-lead shorting when the package is punch singulated. Another objectof the present invention is to produce a single sided multi-row package that reduces or eliminates shorting of adjacent leads caused by smearing when the package is sawn singulated. The invention can also act asan interlock that reduces the risk of having aseparation between themold cap and the leadframe. It also improves reliability by preventing the moisture to easily penetrate through the interface between theouter leads and mold cap.
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1. Field _of_ the Invention _The_ _present_ invention relates to a package for a _semiconductor_ chip and a method _of_ forming the same. _More_ particularly, the invention relates _to_ a multi-row semiconductor _package_ with an improved leadframe _and_ a method for _making_ said package. 2. _Description_ _of_ the Related Art Semiconductor devices _and_ integrated circuits (ICs) are made up of components, such _as_ _transistors_ and diodes, and elements such as resistors and capacitors, _linked_ together by conductive connections to form one _or_ more functional circuits. Interconnects on an IC chip serve the same _function_ as the wiring in _conventional_ circuits. Once the components of an IC package have been assembled, the package is typically sealed by _plastic_ encapsulation in order _to_ improve the _strength_ of _the_ package and to _provide_ _necessary_ protection _to_ the components within. _One_ type of _package_ _is_ _a_ single sided multi row _quad_ flat no-lead (QFN) _package._ See _for_ example FIGS. 1 _and_ 2. A multi row QFN is a type _of_ _copper_ leadframe based _semiconductor_ package with _more_ than one row of terminals at the bottom surface of the _package_ to _at_ _least_ _one_ _peripheral_ side for _the_ purpose of providing interconnection to external devices for example _PCB._ _Single_ sided multi row QFN packages _can_ be singulated by two main _methods,_ punch singulation and _sawn_ _singulation._ However, both methods _have_ _several_ problems associated with them. For example, with punch singulation, _solder_ bridging 101 can occur during solder plating and lead-to-lead shorting 102 _can_ _occur_ during package singulation. See FIGS. 1a and 1b respectively, which are top views of _a_ _portion_ _of_ _FIG._ 1. FIG. 1b corresponds to the rectangular box drawn on _top_ of FIG. 1. Solder _bridging_ is a defect where solder _bridged_ _between_ adjacent _leads._ Lead-to-lead _shorting_ is an un-wanted connection between neighboring _leads_ caused by the inherent solder squeeze-out _during_ package singulation. The existence of such defects in the _package_ will affect the _quality_ and functionality of the device. _Likewise,_ a _single_ sided multi row _QFN_ _package,_ such as that shown in FIG. 2, formed by being sawn singulated, also has _several_ _problems_ _associated_ _with_ _it._ _For_ example, adjacent leads 201 _and_ 202 can be shorted as a result _of_ _the_ inherent smearing 203 _of_ the copper material during package singulation. _See_ _FIG._ 2a, which is a _side_ view of a portion of _FIG._ 2 indicated by the circle in FIG. 2. One object of the present invention is to _produce_ a single sided multi-row package that reduces or eliminates _solder_ _bridging_ and lead-to-lead shorting when the package is punch singulated. Another _object_ _of_ _the_ present invention is to produce a single sided multi-row package that reduces or eliminates _shorting_ of adjacent leads _caused_ by _smearing_ when the package is sawn singulated. _The_ _invention_ can also act as _an_ _interlock_ that reduces _the_ risk _of_ having a separation between the mold _cap_ and the leadframe. _It_ _also_ improves reliability by _preventing_ the moisture to easily penetrate through _the_ interface _between_ the outer _leads_ and _mold_ _cap._
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A source of illumination is used for lighting purposes. A linear light source may be used as a source of illumination to provide light in the backlights of display systems. In color transmissive display systems such as liquid crystal displays, the backlights are designed to provide light into the liquid crystal sheet. The light emanating from the liquid crystal sheet passes through a sheet of color filters. The color filter sheet allows only light of a particular color to pass through and blocks light of other colors. So, a significant proportion of light emanating from the backlight is blocked by the color filter sheet, reducing the efficiency of the display.
There exists prior art wherein a color display is lighted by column sources of light, each column carrying light of a particular color. A multicolored light source is needed so that light of various colors is coupled into the various columns. The multicolored linear light sources known in art are cumbersome and costly to produce. Thus, there is a need for a simple and cheaper multicolored linear light source.
A photoluminescent tube (usually known as a fluorescent tube) is used as a source of illumination for backlights in displays. A photoluminescent tube is made of a gas discharge tube coated with photoluminescent material on the surface of the tube. When a high voltage is applied across the tube, ionization of the gases occurs. These ions emit photons which hit the photoluminescent materials on the surface. The photoluminescent materials on the surface emit light of a particular spectrum. Photoluminescent material is any material which absorbs photons and hence emits photons. Photoluminescent materials include fluorescent materials, phosphorescent materials and scintillators.
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A source of illumination is made for lighting purposes. A linear light source may be used as a source of illumination to provide light in the backlights of display systems. In color transmissive display systems such as liquid crystal displays, the backlights are designed to provide light into the liquid crystal sheet. The light emanating from the liquid crystal sheet passes through a sheet of color filters. The color filter sheet allows only light of a particular color to pass through and blocks light of other colors. So, a significant proportion of light emanating from the backlight is blocked by the color filter sheet, reducing the efficiency of the display. There exists prior art wherein a color display is lighted by column sources of light, each column carrying light of a particular color. A multicolored light source is needed so that light of various colors is coupled into the various columns. The multicolored linear light sources known in art are cumbersome and costly to produce. Thus, there is a need for a simple and cheaper multicolored linear light source. A photoluminescent tube (usually known as a fluorescent tube) is used as a source of illumination for backlights in displays. A photoluminescent tube is made of a gas absorption tube coated with photoluminescent material on the surface of the tube. When a high voltage is applied across the tube, ionization of the gases occurs. These membranes emit photons which hit the photoluminescent materials on the surface. The photoluminescent materials on the surface emit light of a particular spectrum. Photoluminescent material is any material which absorbs photons and hence emits photons. Photoluminescent materials include fluorescent materials, phosphorescent materials and scintillators.
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A source of illumination is used for lighting purposes. A linear light source may be used as a source of illumination to provide light in the backlights of display systems. In color transmissive disp/a7 systems such as liquid crystal displays, the backlights are designed to provide light into the liquid crystal sheet. The light emanating from the liquid crystal sheet lassee through a sheet of color filters. The color filter sheet allows only light of a pattic^lar color to pass through and blocks light of other colors. So, a significant proportion of light emanating from the backlight is b;osked by the color filter sheet, reducing the efficiency of the display. ^her$ exists prior art wherein a color display is lighted by column sources of light, each column carrying light of a paTticulaF color. A multicolored light source is needed so that light of various colors is coupled into the various columns. The multicolored linear light sources known in art are cumbersome and costly to produce. Thus, there is a need for a simple and cheaper multicolored linear light source. A photoluminescent tube (usually known as a fluorescent tube) is used as a source of illumination for baxkligUts in displays. A photoluminescent tube is made of a gas discharge tube coated with photoluminescent jatsrial on the surface of the ^ufe. When a high voltage is applied across the tube, ionization of the gases occurs. These ions emit photons which hit the photoluminescent materials on the surface. The photoluminescent materials on the surface emit light of a particular spectrum. Photoluminescent material is any material which absorbs photons and hence emits photons. PhotoOujinescent materials include fluorescent materials, phosphorescent materials and scintillators.
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A source of illumination is for lighting purposes. A linear light source may be used as a source of illumination to provide light in backlights of display systems. In color transmissive display systems such as liquid crystal displays, backlights are designed to provide light the liquid crystal sheet. The light emanating from the liquid crystal sheet passes a of color filters. The color filter sheet only light of a particular color to pass through and blocks light of other colors. So, significant proportion of light emanating from the backlight is blocked by the color filter sheet, reducing efficiency of the display. There exists prior wherein a color display is lighted column sources of light, each carrying light of a particular color. multicolored light source is needed so that light of various colors is coupled into various columns. The multicolored linear light sources known in art cumbersome and costly to produce. Thus, there need for a simple and cheaper multicolored linear light source. A photoluminescent tube (usually known a fluorescent tube) is used as source of illumination for in displays. A photoluminescent tube is made of a gas discharge tube coated with photoluminescent material on the surface of tube. When a high voltage is applied across the tube, ionization of the gases occurs. These ions emit photons hit the photoluminescent materials on the surface. The photoluminescent materials on the emit light of a spectrum. Photoluminescent is any material absorbs photons and hence emits photons. materials include fluorescent materials, phosphorescent materials and scintillators.
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A SouRce OF IlLUminaTioN is UsEd FOR lightING puRpOSES. A liNeaR lIGht sOurCE may be used As A sourCE OF ilLuMinatiOn to PROVidE LIghT IN The baCKLIGhTs oF DIspLAy sysTems. iN cOlOr TrAnsmissIvE DIsPlay SysTEms sUcH As LIQuID CRYStal diSpLayS, ThE baCkLIgHts arE dEsiGnED to PRoviDE LIghT InTo THe liquiD crystaL sHeEt. thE liGht EManAtiNG fRom ThE liQuId CRysTAL sheet pASsES throUGH A SHeEt of COlor FILtERS. the coLOr FiLTeR sheET AlLowS onLY lIGht oF a pARTicULar color To PASS thrOugH AND BLoCKs lIght oF other colOrS. So, A sIGnIFICaNt PrOporTion of lIGHt eMaNaTing from tHE BacklIGHt is BlOCkeD bY the COlOR filTEr sHeEt, reDUcinG THE EfFicIENCy oF The DISpLAy.
TherE ExiSts PRior ArT WHereIN a COloR dISPlAy iS LiGhted By COLUMN sourCES of LIgHT, EAcH CoLUMn carRYiNg LiGht Of a paRtIcULAr COLOr. a muLTiCOloRed LIGhT SOURCE IS nEEdeD SO THAT LiGHt Of VariOuS cOlOrs Is cOupLEd iNto THE VARiouS CoLUMNs. tHE MuLTicOlOrED liNEar lIght SOuRces KNown IN ArT ARE cuMBERsomE aND COsTly to pRodUCE. ThUS, there iS A NEEd fOR a siMpLe aND cHeAPeR multicoloREd LineAR lIGHt SoUrCE.
A pHOToLUmInEScEnT tUbE (USuAlLY knowN As A fluoREscenT Tube) Is USeD aS A SoUrCE Of IlLuMINation FoR BACKliGhTS IN dIsPLays. A phOtOLuMINesCeNT tUbE iS mAdE Of a Gas DiSChARge TuBE cOated WIth pHotolUmINesCENT mateRiaL oN The SurfAce of tHE tUBe. wHEN A HiGh VoLTAGE iS apPlIed aCROsS ThE Tube, ioNIZAtioN Of tHE GASEs OcCUrs. thESE iONS eMit PhOTOnS wHICH hIT tHe phOtolUMiNeSCenT maTERiaLS oN thE sURFACe. tHe PhoTOlUmInesCEnt MATERials On thE sURfacE EMit LiGHT Of A pArtiCuLar SpEcTrum. pHOTolUMINeScEnt maTerial IS anY maTErIAL whIch abSORBs PhOtoNs aND hENcE EMits photOns. PHOTolUMINESCEnT maTeriAls inClUdE flUOReScent MATeriALs, PhOSPhorEscEnT mATeRiALs and sciNtilLAtORS.
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A source ofillumination is used for lighting purposes. A linear light source maybeused as a source of illumination to provide light in thebacklights of display systems. Incolor transmissive display systemssuch as liquid crystal displays, the backlights are designed to provide light into the liquidcrystal sheet. The light emanating from the liquidcrystal sheet passes through a sheet of color filters. The colorfilter sheet allowsonly light ofaparticular color to pass throughand blocks light of othercolors. So,a significant proportionof light emanating from the backlight is blocked by the color filter sheet, reducing the efficiency of the display. There exists prior art wherein a color displayis lightedby column sourcesof light, each column carrying light of a particular color. Amulticolored lightsource is needed sothat light of various colors iscoupled into the various columns. The multicolored linear lightsources known in art are cumbersome and costly to produce. Thus, there is a needfor a simple and cheapermulticolored linear light source.A photoluminescent tube (usually knownas a fluorescenttube) is used as a source of illumination for backlightsin displays. A photoluminescent tube is made of agasdischarge tube coated with photoluminescent material onthesurface ofthe tube. When a high voltageis applied across the tube,ionization of thegases occurs. These ions emit photons which hit the photoluminescent materials on the surface. The photoluminescent materialson the surface emit light of a particularspectrum. Photoluminescent material is any materialwhich absorbs photons and hence emits photons. Photoluminescent materials include fluorescent materials, phosphorescent materials and scintillators.
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A source of illumination is used for lighting purposes. A _linear_ light source may be used as a source of illumination to provide light in the backlights of _display_ _systems._ In color transmissive display _systems_ such as liquid crystal displays, _the_ backlights are designed to _provide_ light into the liquid crystal _sheet._ The light emanating from the liquid crystal sheet passes through a sheet of color filters. The _color_ filter sheet allows _only_ light of _a_ particular color _to_ pass through and blocks _light_ of other colors. _So,_ a _significant_ proportion of light _emanating_ from the backlight is blocked by the color filter sheet, _reducing_ the efficiency of the display. There exists prior art _wherein_ a color display is lighted _by_ column _sources_ of light, _each_ column carrying light _of_ a particular color. A multicolored _light_ source is needed so that light of _various_ colors is coupled into the _various_ columns. The _multicolored_ linear light sources known in art are cumbersome and costly to produce. Thus, there is a need for a _simple_ and cheaper multicolored linear light source. A _photoluminescent_ tube (usually known as a fluorescent tube) is _used_ as a source of _illumination_ for backlights in displays. A photoluminescent _tube_ is made of a gas discharge tube coated with photoluminescent _material_ on _the_ surface of the tube. When _a_ high voltage _is_ _applied_ _across_ the tube, ionization of the gases occurs. These _ions_ emit photons which _hit_ _the_ photoluminescent materials on the surface. The photoluminescent materials _on_ _the_ surface emit _light_ of a particular _spectrum._ Photoluminescent material is _any_ material which absorbs photons _and_ hence emits photons. Photoluminescent _materials_ include _fluorescent_ materials, phosphorescent materials and scintillators.
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The present invention relates to a data transferring and/or receiving apparatus, method, and program storage medium, all in which data is transferred either within a single computer or among a number of computers.
Up until now, for transferring information displayed on a screen within a single computer, a user interface technique, which is referred to as xe2x80x9cdrag and dropxe2x80x9d, has been used. In the drag and drop technique, a subject that is being displayed on a computer screen, for example an icon, which represents information concerning a file stored in, for example, a hard disk, is clicked and dragged to a desired folder with a mouse and then dropped there. According to the drag and drop technique, the user is able to handle a subject displaced on a computer screen as if he/she were moving a real object, thereby enabling the user to naturally operate the computer.
However, if it is desired that a subject displayed on a screen is to be transferred to a different screen, i.e., when data, such as a file, is to be transferred between different computers, a natural user interface technique, such as the drag and drop technique, is not conventionally provided. For example, if a subject is to be transferred between different screens, the user is required to execute a command, such as a remote file copy command or an information transfer command.
In this manner, conventionally, even though a file transfer operation is performed between different computers, an op ration is disadvantageously conducted on the screen of a single computer. This type of user interface technique is far from representing the concept that a real object is being moved. Thus, the user is unable to perform a natural and simple operation in order to transfer a file between different computers.
Accordingly, in view of the above background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a data transferring and/or receiving apparatus, method, and program storage medium, all of which use a user interface that enables natural and simple data transfer in a single computer or natural and simple data transmission among a number of computers.
In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data transferring apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display/input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller registers in the management table, upon selecting by the input operation unit the information concerning the presence of the data displayed on the display/input unit, the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data. The controller also transfers, upon obtaining a data transmission request that has been provided by the input operation unit from a device on the network, data corresponding to the information indicating the presence of the data represented by the registered management information from the data storage unit to the device on the network.
In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the operation input unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. In the above-described data transferring apparatus, when the information concerning the presence of the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data is registered in the management table. When the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus is selected by the input operation unit, the selected apparatus checks for the management information in the management table and requests the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicted by the management information in the management table. Then, the data transferring apparatus of the present invention transmits the data corresponding to the management information to the apparatus that has requested data transmission.
In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, the display/input unit may be operated by a single input operation unit or a number of input operation units, each having an ID number. The controller may identify, upon selecting by the input operation unit the information concerning the presence of the data displayed on the display/input unit, the ID number of the operated input operation unit and may register the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data in the management table in correspondence with the identified ID number.
In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, the management table in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered is provided on the network according to the ID number of the input operation unit. In this data transferring apparatus, when the information concerning the presence of the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data is registered in the management table in correspondence with the ID number of the input operation unit. When the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus is selected by the input operation unit having the above ID number, the selected apparatus checks for the management information registered in they management table having the above ID number and requests the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicated by the management information registered in the management table having the above ID number.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data receiving apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display/input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller requests, upon performing an input operation on the display/input unit by the input operation unit, a device on the network indicated by the management information registered in the management table to transmit data corresponding to the management information. The controller also receives the data from the device on the network and stores it in the data storage unit.
In the aforementioned data receiving apparatus, there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. In this data receiving apparatus, when the display/input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the management information registered in the management table is checked, and a request is provided to the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus indicated by the management information registered in the management table to transmit data corresponding to the management information. The apparatus that has received the data transmission request transmits the data corresponding to the management information. The data receiving apparatus then receives the data and stores it.
According to the aforementioned data receiving apparatus, the display/input unit may be operated by a single input operation unit or a number of input operation units, each having an ID number. The controller may identify, upon performing an input operation on the display/input unit by the input operation unit, the ID number of the operated input operation unit, and may request the device on the network indicated by the management information registered in the management table in correspondence with the ID number, to transmit the data corresponding to the management information.
In the above-described data receiving apparatus, the management table in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered is provided on the network according to the ID number of the input operation unit. When the display/input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the management information registered in the management table in correspondence with the ID number of the operated input operation unit is checked. Then, a request is provided to the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus indicated by the management information registered in the management table having the above ID number to transmit data corresponding to the management information having the above ID number.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data transferring and receiving apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display/input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller checks for, upon performing an input operation on the display/input unit by the input operation unit, management information registered in the management table. If there is no management information registered in the checked management table and the information concerning the presence of the data displayed on the display/input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the controller registers the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data in the management table. The controller further transfers from the data storage unit to the device on the network, upon obtaining a data transmission request that has been provided by the input operation unit from the device on the network, data corresponding to the information concerning the presence of the data represented by the registered management information. On the other hand, if management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered in the checked management table, the controller requests the device on the network indicted by the management information to transmit data corresponding to the management information and receives the data from the device on the network and stores it in the data storage unit.
In the aforementioned data transferring and receiving apparatus, there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. When the information concerning the presence of the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information concerning the selected data is registered in the management table. When the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus is selected by the input operation unit, the selected apparatus checks for the management information registered in the management table and requests the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicated by the management information. The
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The present invention relates to a data transferring and/or receiving apparatus, method, and program storage medium, all in which data is transferred either within a single computer or among a number of computers. Up until now, for transferring information displayed on a screen within a single computer, a user interface technique, which is referred to as xe2x80x9cdrag and dropxe2x80x9d, has been used. In the drag and drop technique, a subject that is being displayed on a computer screen, for example an icon, which represents information concerning a file stored in, for example, a hard disk, is clicked and dragged to a desired folder with a mouse and then dropped there. According to the drag and drop technique, the user is able to handle a subject displaced on a computer screen as if he/she were moving a real object, thereby enabling the user to naturally operate the computer. However, if it is desired that a subject displayed on a screen is to be transferred to a different screen, i.e., when data, such as a file, is to be transferred between different computers, a natural user interface technique, such as the drag and drop technique, is not conventionally provided. For example, if a subject is to be transferred between different screens, the user is required to execute a command, such as a remote file copy command or an information transfer command. In this manner, conventionally, even though a file transfer operation is performed between different computers, an op ration is disadvantageously conducted on the screen of a single computer. This type of user interface technique is far from representing the concept that a real object is being moved. Thus, the user is unable to perform a natural and simple operation in order to transfer a file between different computers. Accordingly, in view of the above background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a data transferring and/or receiving apparatus, method, and program storage medium, all of which use a user interface that enables natural and simple data transfer in a single computer or natural and simple data transmission among a number of computers. In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data transferring apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display/input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller registers in the management table, upon selecting by the input operation unit the information concerning the presence of the data displayed on the display/input unit, the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data. The controller also transfers, upon obtaining a data transmission request that has been provided by the input operation unit from a device on the network, data corresponding to the information indicating the presence of the data represented by the registered management information from the data storage unit to the device on the network. In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the operation input unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. In the above-described data transferring apparatus, when the information concerning the presence of the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data is registered in the management table. When the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus is selected by the input operation unit, the selected apparatus checks for the management information in the management table and requests the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicted by the management information in the management table. Then, the data transferring apparatus of the present invention transmits the data corresponding to the management information to the apparatus that has requested data transmission. In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, the display/input unit may be operated by a single input operation unit or a number of input operation units, each having an ID number. The controller may identify, upon selecting by the input operation unit the information concerning the presence of the data displayed on the display/input unit, the ID number of the operated input operation unit and may register the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data in the management table in correspondence with the identified ID number. In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, the management table in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered is provided on the network according to the ID number of the input operation unit. In this data transferring apparatus, when the information concerning the presence of the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data is registered in the management table in agreement with the ID number of the input operation unit. When the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus is selected by the input operation unit having the above ID number, the selected apparatus checks for the management information registered in they management table having the above ID number and requests the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicated by the management information registered in the management table having the above ID number. According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data receiving apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display/input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller requests, upon performing an input operation on the display/input unit by the input operation unit, a device on the network indicated by the management information registered in the management table to transmit data corresponding to the management information. The controller also receives the data from the device on the network and stores it in the data storage unit. In the aforementioned data receiving apparatus, there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. In this data receiving apparatus, when the display/input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the management information registered in the management table is checked, and a request is provided to the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus indicated by the management information registered in the management table to transmit data corresponding to the management information. The apparatus that has received the data transmission request transmits the data corresponding to the management information. The data receiving apparatus then receives the data and stores it. According to the aforementioned data receiving apparatus, the display/input unit may be operated by a single input operation unit or a number of input operation units, each having an ID number. The controller may identify, upon performing an input operation on the display/input unit by the input operation unit, the ID number of the operated input operation unit, and may request the device on the network indicated by the management information registered in the management table in correspondence with the ID number, to transmit the data corresponding to the management information. In the above-described data receiving apparatus, the management table in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered is provided on the network according to the ID number of the input operation unit. When the display/input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the management information registered in the management table in correspondence with the ID number of the operated input operation unit is checked. Then, a request is provided to the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus indicated by the management information registered in the management table having the above ID number to transmit data corresponding to the management information having the above ID number. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data transferring and receiving apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display/input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller checks for, upon performing an input operation on the display/input unit by the input operation unit, management information registered in the management table. If there is no management information registered in the checked management table and the information concerning the presence of the data displayed on the display/input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the controller registers the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data in the management table. The controller further transfers from the data storage unit to the device on the network, upon obtaining a data transmission request that has been provided by the input operation unit from the device on the network, data corresponding to the information concerning the presence of the data represented by the registered management information. On the other hand, if management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered in the checked management table, the controller requests the device on the network indicted by the management information to transmit data corresponding to the management information and receives the data from the device on the network and stores it in the data storage unit. In the aforementioned data transferring and receiving apparatus, there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. When the information concerning the presence of the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information concerning the selected data is registered in the management table. When the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus is selected by the input operation unit, the selected apparatus checks for the management information registered in the management table and requests the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicated by the management information. The
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The present invention relates to a data transferring and / or receiving apparatus, method, and program storage medium, all in which data is transferred either within a single computer or among a number of computers. Up until now, for transferring information displayed on a screen within a single computer, a user interface technique, which is referred to as xe2x80x9cdrag and dropxe2x80x9d, has been used. In the drag and drop technique, a subject that is being displayed on a computer screen, for example an icon, which represents information concerning a file stored in, for example, a hard disk, is clicked and dragged to a desired folder with a mouse and then dropped there. According to the drag and drop technique, the user is able to handle a subject displaced on a computer screen as if he / she were moving a real object, thereby enabling the user to naturally operate the computer. However, if it is desired that a subject displayed on a screen is to be transferred to a different screen, i. e. , when data, such as a file, is to be transferred between different computers, a natural user interface technique, such as the drag and drop technique, is not conventionally provided. For example, if a subject is to be transferred between different screens, the user is required to execute a command, such as a remote file copy command or an information transfer command. In this manner, conventionally, even though a file transfer operation is performed between different computers, an op ration is disadvantageously conducted on the screen of a single computer. This type of user interface technique is far from representing the c(jcept that a real object is being moved. Thus, the user is unable to perform a natural and simple operation in order to transfer a file between different computers. Accordingly, in view of the above background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a data transferring and / or receiving apparatus, method, and program storage medium, all of which use a user interface that enables natural and simple data transfer in a single computer or natural and simple data transmission among a number of computers. In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data transferring apparatus infludibg a data storage unit for storing data. A display / input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller registers in the management table, upon selecting by the input operation unit the information concerning the presence of the vQta displayed on the display / input unit, the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data. The controller also transfers, upon obtaining a data transmission request that has been provided by the input operation unit from a device on the network, data corresponding to the information indicating the presence of the data represented by the registered management information from the data storage unit to the device on the network. In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the operation input unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. In the above - described data transferring apparatus, when the information concerning the presence of the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data is registered in the management table. When the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus is selected by the ijp6t operation unit, the selected apparatus checks for the management information in the management table and requests the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicted by the management information in the management table. Then, the data transferring apparatus of the present invention transmits the data corresponding to the management information to the apparatus that has requested data transmission. In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, the display / input unit may be operated by a single input operation unit or a number of input operation units, each having an ID number. The controller may identify, upon selecting by the input operation knig the information concerning the presence of the data displayed on the display / input unit, the ID number of the operated input operation unit and may register the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data in the management table in correspondence with the identified ID number. In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, the management table in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered is provided on the network according to the ID number of the input operation unit. In this data transferring apparatus, when the information concerning the presence of the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected dAya is registered in the management table in correspondence with the ID number of the input operation unit. When the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus is selected by the input operation unit having the above ID number, the selected apparatus checks for the management information registered in they management table having the above ID number and requests the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicated by the management information registered in the management table having the above ID number. According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data receiving apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display / input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller requests, upon performing an input operation on the display / input unit by the input operation unit, a device on the network indicated by the management information registered in the management table to transmit data corresponding to the management information. The controller also receives the data from the device on the network and stores it in the data storage unit. In the aforementioned data receiving apparatus, there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. In this data receiving apparatus, when the display / input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the management information registered in the management table is checked, and a request is provided to the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus indicated by the management information registered in the management table to transmit data corresponding to the management information. The apparatus that has received the data transmission request transmits the data corresponding to the management iBforkation. The data receiving apparatus then receives the data and stores it. According to the aforementioned data receiving apparatus, the display / input unit may be operated by a single input operation unit or a number of input operation units, each having an ID number. The controller may identify, upon performing an input operation on the display / input unit by the input operation unit, the ID number of the operated input operation unit, and may request the device on the network indicated by the management information registered in the management table in correspondence with the ID number, to transmit the data corresponding to the management information. In the above - described data receiving apparatus, the management table in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered is provided on the network according to the ID number of the input operation unit. When the display / input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the management information registered in the management table in correspondence with the ID number of the operated input operation unit is checked. Then, a request is provided to the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus indicated by the management information registered in the management table having the above ID number to transmit data corresponding to the management information having the above ID number. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data transferring and receiving apparatus including a data storage *jit for storing data. A display / input unit displays information concerning the (gesence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller checks for, upon performing an input operation on the display / input unit by the input operation unit, management information registered in the management table. If there is no management information r3gistRred in the checked management table and the information concerning the presence of the data displayed on the display / input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the controller registers the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data in the management table. The controller further transfers from the data storage unit to the device on the network, upon obtaining a data transmission request that has been provided by the input operation unit from the device on the network, data corresponding to the information concerning the presence of the data represented by the registered management information. On the other hand, if management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered in the checked management table, the controller requests the device on the network indicted by the management information to transmit data corresponding to the management information and receives the data from the device on the network and stores it in the data storage unit. In the aforementioned data transferring and receiving apparatus, there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. When the information concerning the presence of the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information concerning the selected data is registered in the management table. When the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus is selected by the input operation unit, the selected apparatus checks for the management information registered in the management table and requests the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicated by the management information. The
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The present invention relates to a data transferring and/or apparatus, method, and program storage medium, in which is transferred either within a single computer or among a number of computers. Up until now, for transferring information displayed on screen within a single computer, a user interface technique, which referred to as xe2x80x9cdrag and dropxe2x80x9d, has been used. In drag and drop technique, a subject that is displayed on a computer screen, for example an icon, which represents information concerning a stored in, example, a hard disk, is clicked and dragged to a desired folder with a mouse then dropped there. According to the drag and drop technique, the user is to handle a subject displaced on a computer screen as if he/she were moving a real object, enabling the user to naturally operate the computer. if is a subject displayed a screen is to be transferred to a different screen, i.e., when data, such as a file, is be transferred between different computers, a natural user interface technique, such as drag and drop technique, is not conventionally provided. For example, a subject is to be transferred between different screens, the user is required to execute a command, such as a remote file copy or an information transfer command. In this manner, conventionally, even though file transfer operation is performed between different computers, an op ration is disadvantageously conducted on the of a single computer. This type user interface technique is far from representing the concept that a real object is being moved. Thus, the user is unable perform natural and simple operation in to transfer a file between different computers. Accordingly, in view of the above background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a data transferring and/or receiving apparatus, method, and program storage which use a user interface that enables natural and simple data transfer in a single or natural simple data transmission among a number of computers. In order to achieve above object, according to one embodiment of present invention, there is provided a data transferring apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display/input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller in management table, upon by the input operation unit the information the presence of the data displayed on the the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data. The controller also transfers, upon obtaining a data transmission request that has been provided by the input operation unit from a device on the network, data corresponding the information indicating the presence of data represented by the registered management information the data storage the on the network. the aforementioned transferring apparatus, is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of data selected by the input unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the In above-described data transferring apparatus, when the information concerning the presence the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information the presence of the selected data is registered in management table. When the apparatus of the invention another apparatus is selected by the input operation unit, the selected apparatus for management information in the management table and the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicted by the management in the management Then, the data transferring apparatus of the present invention transmits the data corresponding to the management information to the apparatus that has requested data transmission. the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, the display/input may be operated by a single input operation unit or a number of input operation units, having an ID number. The controller may identify, upon selecting by the input operation unit the concerning the presence of the displayed on the display/input unit, the ID number of the operated input operation unit and may register the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data management table in correspondence identified ID number. In the aforementioned transferring apparatus, the management table in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence the data selected the input operation unit is registered is provided on the network according to the ID number the input operation unit. In this data transferring when the information concerning the of the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing the information the presence of the selected data is registered the management table in correspondence with the ID number of the input operation unit. When the of the present invention or another apparatus is selected the input operation unit having above ID number, the selected apparatus checks for the information registered in management table having the above number and requests the apparatus of the present invention transmit data indicated by the management information registered in management table having the above number. According to embodiment the present invention, there is data receiving apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display/input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning presence of the data is registered. A controller requests, upon performing an input operation on the unit by the input operation unit, a device on the network indicated by the management information registered in the management table to transmit corresponding to the management information. The controller also receives the from the device on the network and stores it in the data unit. In the data receiving apparatus, there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by input operation unit is registered. The management table the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. In this receiving apparatus, when the display/input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the management information in the table is checked, and a request is provided to the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus indicated by the management information registered in the management to transmit data corresponding to the information. The apparatus that has received the data transmission request transmits data corresponding to the management information. The data receiving apparatus then receives the data and stores According to the aforementioned data receiving apparatus, the display/input may be operated by a single input operation unit or a number of input operation units, each having an ID number. The controller may identify, upon performing an input operation on the display/input the input operation unit, the ID of the input operation unit, and may request the device on network indicated by the management information registered in the management table in correspondence with the ID number, to transmit the data to the management information. In the above-described receiving apparatus, the table in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence the data selected by the input operation unit is registered is provided the network according to the number of the input operation unit. When the unit selected by input operation unit, the management information registered in table in correspondence with the ID number of the operated operation unit is checked. Then, a request provided to the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus indicated by the information registered in the management table having the above number to transmit corresponding to the management information having above number. According to still another of the present invention, there is provided a data and receiving apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display/input displays information concerning presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a network that is provided with a management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller checks for, upon performing an input operation the display/input unit by the input information in the management table. If there is no management registered in the checked management table and the information concerning the presence of the data displayed on the display/input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the registers the management information the information concerning the presence of data in the table. The controller further transfers from the data to the on the network, upon obtaining a data transmission request that has been provided by the input operation unit from the device on the data corresponding to the information concerning the presence of the data represented by the registered management information. On the other hand, management representing information concerning of the data is registered in the checked management table, the controller the device on the indicted by the management information transmit data corresponding to the management information and the data from the device on the and it the data storage unit. In the aforementioned data transferring and receiving apparatus, there is provided a table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning presence of the selected by the input operation unit is registered. The management on the network with other apparatuses connected to the network. When the information concerning the presence data selected by input unit, the management representing the concerning selected data is registered in the management table. When the apparatus of present invention or another apparatus is selected by the input operation the selected apparatus checks for the management information registered in the management table and requests the apparatus the present invention to data indicated by the information. The
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tHE pResENT InVeNtIOn rElaTes TO a dAta tRAnsFERRiNg And/Or REcEiViNg appaRatuS, MeThoD, anD ProgRAM SToraGE MEDIum, ALL IN which Data is tRaNSferRed eITHEr WitHiN A SInGLe cOMpuTeR oR amonG A number Of COmputers.
uP uNTIl noW, FOr trANsfERrINg INFORmaTIoN DIspLaYed oN a scrEeN WithIN a SiNgle compUTER, A usER iNtERFACE TEchNiQUE, wHiCH IS ReFErred To AS xe2X80X9cDRag ANd DROPxe2x80x9D, hAs bEEN UseD. In THE dRAg and DRop TECHNiquE, a SUBJeCT thaT IS beiNg DiSPlayed oN a COmpUtER ScreEn, fOR eXAMPLe An iCON, wHICh RepreSeNts INFormaTioN cONcernINg A FIlE sTored IN, For eXAMPLe, a HArd DiSK, is CLiCked aNd DrAGgeD to A DESIred FOlDer wiTH a mOuse aND ThEN dROpPeD tHERe. ACcOrdINg tO tHe drAg AnD Drop tECHNique, tHE UsEr iS ABlE To haNDLE a sUbjeCT diSpLaced ON A compuTEr scREEN AS If HE/SHe WERe Moving a real ObJect, thereby eNaBling ThE uSer to nATurALLY OpeRaTe The COmPUteR.
HOweVer, iF It iS desIRed That a SUbjeCt dIsPlayEd oN a SCReEn iS To be tRAnSFERrEd To a diFfERenT ScrEEn, i.E., wHeN daTA, Such As A fIle, IS tO BE tRANSfERrED BEtweeN DifferEnt coMPUtERs, A nATural uSeR iNteRfAcE techniqUe, sucH as tHE DrAg aNd DroP TechNIqUe, Is NoT CoNVeNTiONalLy pRovided. fOr eXamPLe, iF a sUbJeCT iS tO Be tRANsfERRED BETwEEn diFfereNt sCrEENs, tHe USer is REqUiReD tO ExECUTe a COmmanD, sUch aS a rEmoTE FiLe cOpY CoMMAnD oR aN INfOrMAtIoN TrAnSFEr coMManD.
IN ThIs MannER, CoNVenTioNAllY, eveN tHOUgh A File TRanSfEr OPeRatIoN is PErfoRmEd BeTwEen dIFfErEnT cOmpUtErS, AN Op rATIon iS disadvAntagEOuSLY CONdUCTeD on THe ScReEn OF a sinGLe COmPUTer. tHIs Type oF uSER iNTeRFACe teCHnIQUe is fAr froM REPreSenting The coNcEpT tHAT a rEAL ObJect Is BEinG Moved. thUS, ThE UseR is unABle to PErFORm a natUrAL aNd SImpLE opeRatiON In ORdER To tRaNsfeR A fILE BeTwEEn DiffERenT COmpuTERs.
AcCordiNgLy, In vieW of THe AbOVE baCkGrOunD, iT iS aN oBJEcT of THe pReSenT INVeNtIon To ProvIdE a DAtA TrAnsFERRInG AND/oR rECeIvinG aPPARATus, MEthOD, And PROGrAm sToragE mEDIuM, aLL of WhicH Use A User InterFAce THAT eNAblES NatURAL aND sIMPle DATA TRAnsfer IN A sIngle CompUteR OR NATuRAl AnD SImple daTa TransmiSSION amOnG A NUMBeR oF COMpUtErS.
in ORDeR TO ACHiEVE ThE ABOve obJECT, accordinG TO One EmBOdiment of THE pRESENT iNVeNTiOn, ThEre is prOvIdEd A dATA TRAnSFeRRiNg apparAtuS IncLUDINg a DATa StoRaGe uNIT FOr sTORiNG DAtA. a dIspLay/iNput UNIt DiSplayS iNFoRmatIOn COnCErning The PrESEnCe OF tHE dATa StorEd In thE daTa STOrAGe UnIt AND is OperAted by AN INpuT OPERATIon unIt. A NeTWorK cONNeCtoR trANSMiTS DAta via a nETwoRk THaT IS ProvidEd witH A MANAGemenT table in WhIch manaGEmEnT iNFORMAtiON RepREseNtiNG tHe iNfORmaTIon cONcERNIng tHE PresencE OF tHE daTA iS RegiSTereD. a COnTRolLeR rEgistErs in ThE mANagemENT Table, upON sELEcTING BY ThE InpuT OperAtIOn UnIT thE INFORmaTIOn ConCerninG THE PreSenCe oF tHe dATA DISPlAyED On THE DIsPLAY/INPUT uNiT, thE mANagEmeNT InfOrMatioN repReSEntINg tHe iNfoRMATion cOncErNiNG The PrEsenCe Of thE SElECTed dATa. thE contRolLeR alSo transfErS, upoN oBTAiNInG A DATA tRansMission RequEST thAt has BeeN proVIdeD BY THe InpUT opEratIOn UniT froM A DEvice on tHE NetWoRK, dATA cORreSpOnDiNg to thE inforMATioN INdICAtiNg the pREsENcE Of The dAtA rePREsENTeD bY The RegIsTeRED MANaGEmenT infoRMATION frOm THE dAta stoRage UNIt TO THE DevICE ON ThE NETWoRK.
In The AFoRemENTIONEd DATA TraNsfErRING APpARatuS, ThEre is provIdEd A maNagemenT TablE oN thE NETwORk IN whicH ThE MANAGeMENt infoRmAtion repReSentINg The INformATION ConceRNing thE PreSEnce oF the DAta SElEctEd By THe opeRaTIOn InPuT uniT iS regIstERed. thE maNAgEMEnt TAble ON THE NeTWOrk iS SHarEd witH OthER ApparatUsES coNnECteD tO tHE nEtworK. iN tHE ABOVe-DEscRiBEd datA TransFerRinG aPPARATus, wHEN THe INfOrmatION cONcErnIng thE prESENCE OF ThE dATa Is SEleCtED by THe InpUT OpErATION UniT, tHE mANagEMenT InForMAtioN REPrEsentiNG ThE inFormATIoN COncERNiNg tHe PresENcE of ThE SElECTEd DAta is reGisTErED in tHe ManAGeMENt Table. WhEn THE AppARAtuS OF THE PReSEnt iNVeNTioN oR AnOTHEr AppAraTus iS SELEcteD By thE inPuT opEratIOn uNit, tHE SELectED APPaRAtuS ChEckS fOR The ManAgEment iNFORmAtioN IN The MAnagEmEnt tABle and REQueSts the AppARaTus oF the prESenT InVentiON TO trAnsmIt daTa INdIctED by thE mANAGEment InfORmATioN In THE ManaGEMEnT taBLe. then, tHe data TrANSFerrINg APPaRATus OF tHe PReSeNt InvenTIoN TRANsMIts tHE DATA CoRreSpOnDInG To ThE MAnAGement INFORMaTIon TO The appaRatUS tHaT hAS reQUEsted DAtA TrAnSMiSSION.
IN THe AFOremENTIoneD daTa TRanSferrinG ApPaRatus, thE dispLAy/INPUT uniT MAy be OPERaTEd bY A SiNgLE iNPut OpErATION uNIT Or a nuMbeR oF INpuT oPErATIon UnIts, EACH havInG an Id NuMBEr. THe COnTROllEr mAy IdEntIfy, upOn sELEcting By tHe InPut oPeRATiON UNIt The iNforMATion concErNInG tHE PResenCE Of the dAta DiSpLAYed ON tHE dISPlaY/INpUt UNiT, The ID nUmber Of the OPErAtED iNPUt opERatIon UnIt aND maY regisTEr ThE maNAGEMent inFOrmaTIon rEpResentiNG ThE INFoRMaTIOn CONcerNING The presENce oF thE seLECtED DATa in THE ManAGEmeNT taBlE IN CorReSpONdenCe wIth tHe iDeNTIfIEd Id nuMbEr.
In THe AFOREmenTIOnED DAtA TRansFErRING AppAraTUs, The maNAgEmeNT TABlE in wHIch thE mAnaGEmEnt infORMAtion rEprEsEntIng tHE iNFORMatIoN CONCerNiNG thE PREsENCE of thE DatA sELECTEd by tHE INPUT oPErAtion unIT Is regIStereD IS ProviDEd on The nEtWORK ACCordiNG tO THE id numBER OF The iNPUT OpERatioN UnIT. iN This dAtA trAnsfErRiNG AppAraTUS, WHeN THe InfoRMaTIon COncErniNg tHe pReSeNCE oF the daTA is SeleCtED by THe InPUT OperATiOn unit, the maNAGEmENt iNfoRMaTiON rEPReSEnTINg thE iNFOrMaTIOn conCeRniNg The preSENCe oF THe sELEcteD DatA IS rEgiSTered In thE MAnAGEMent taBLE In cOrrEsPoNdENCE WItH THE iD NuMBeR of The iNput OPERaTIOn uNit. WHEN THE aPpArAtus Of THE pResENt InventIOn or aNOTheR ApPaRATus IS SElecTeD BY THE InpUt OPEration uNit haVInG THe ABOVe ID nUmbEr, THe SELecTED apPArAtuS ChECks FOR the MaNAGEmeNT InFORmatIOn ReGIsteReD in theY MaNaGemEnT TabLE HAViNg ThE Above Id nUMBER ANd rEQuESts THE apParATus Of tHE preSeNt INveNtION TO TRansMIt dATA iNdicated by tHE mAnAgEMeNT inForMatIoN rEgIstereD IN The MaNAGEMENt TAbLe Having THE AbOve iD NumbeR.
aCCOrDING TO anOTheR eMbOdIMEnT Of thE pRESENt InvENtION, tHeRE Is pRoVIdEd A dATA REceivIng appARaTUS INCLUDIng a DaTa StoRagE uNit fOr stOrinG DaTa. a DIspLAy/iNPut uniT diSPlAYs INformaTIon CONcERNINg THE PreSeNCe oF THE Data sTorEd IN tHE dAta STorAGe UNIt ANd iS OPeRatED BY An Input oPeraTiOn uNit. A NetwoRK CoNnecToR TRaNSMitS DatA Via A NetwoRk tHAT is PrOvIdED WiTH a maNaGEmenT TaBLe In WhicH ManaGeMenT InFORMation REprEsentiNg thE infOrMaTiON cOnCeRnING THe pReSENcE OF tHe daTa is ReGisteRED. A coNtrOlLEr rEQuEsts, uPOn PERForMING An InPut OpEraTION on THE DisplAY/INpUt unit By ThE inpuT OpErATiOn uNiT, A DEVice On THe nETwOrK iNdIcaTEd BY thE MANaGEmeNT inFORMAtION registERED iN the manageMenT TABle To TRaNsMIT daTA COrresPoNdIng To THe manAgEmEnT INfoRmaTIOn. the COnTRolLer ALsO rECEIveS THE dATa FroM ThE dEVICE ON ThE NETwoRK AnD StoRES IT In thE dATA stoRagE UnIT.
in tHe AFoREMeNTioneD DAta ReCeIvinG AppARatUS, THEre is PRoVideD A managEMenT taBLe on THE network iN WhicH tHE MANaGeMEnt iNFORMATIoN RepREsEnTiNg ThE InFoRmAtIOn ConCErning The PreseNCe oF THE datA SelECtED by THE InpUt oPERaTIon uNiT iS REgIStEREd. The mAnAgEMEnT TABLe On thE NETwOrK iS sHAReD wITh Other aPpaRatuses CoNNECtEd to the NetworK. In THiS data rECEIVInG ApPArAtuS, wHEN tHE DisPLAy/iNput UNIt is SELecTed by tHe INput opEraTIOn uNiT, ThE MAnaGEMeNt INforMATION ReGIsTerEd in ThE MaNAgemEnt table Is chECKed, ANd a rEqUest is pROVidEd TO thE aPPARaTUS oF ThE pReSenT inVENTION Or aNOTHeR apPARATuS inDiCAtEd By THE mAnAGemENt inFORMation rEgisTeRed In THE ManAGEMEnt TaBlE tO TRANsmIt Data COrResPONdinG to tHe MaNagemENT InForMaTion. THE APPaRaTUs THaT Has RecEIveD ThE DAtA TraNSMISSiON ReQUeSt TRANSMiTS tHe daTA CoRREsPonding To THE maNAGemEnT iNfoRmatIon. THE dAta RECEivinG ApparatUs THen rECeIVES THE dATA ANd StorEs It.
acCOrdIng TO tHE aFORemENtIoNED dATa rEceiVing APParaTUS, tHE DiSplay/iNpUT uNiT MaY Be OPeRATeD by a sInglE Input OPErAtIoN unIT oR A NuMBER OF iNput opEratIon UnITS, EAcH HAVInG an iD NumBEr. the cOntrolLEr maY iDEnTIfY, upOn PERfOrMinG aN inPut OpeRATIon on the DispLaY/INpUT UNIT BY the Input opeRatIon UnIT, ThE Id nuMBER Of tHE opEratED inPuT OpERaTiOn uNit, aND MaY rEQuEST the Device On The network IndICATed by THE MAnAgEmeNt INfOrMaTiON reGisTERED In tHe manaGEmENt TabLe IN CORreSpOndENCE wItH THE iD nUmBEr, tO tranSmIt tHE dATA CorReSPONdINg To THE ManAgemENT INFormAtIon.
in ThE AbOVe-DeScRIbEd dAta rECEIVInG apPArAtuS, THE MAnageMeNT tABlE IN WhicH ThE ManagemeNt infoRmaTIoN REprEsEntING THE INforMaTIoN COnCERNIng tHE prEsENCE of THe DAta SeLEcTeD By THe iNpUt OPerATioN uNit IS RegistErED Is providED On thE NeTwOrK ACCORding TO tHE iD nUMBEr Of THe iNpuT oPeRatIon unit. wheN THE diSplAy/iNpUT UNIt IS SeleCTEd BY thE INPuT oPERaTIOn uNIt, The maNAgemENT INFOrMATiOn REGiSTeRed IN The mANAGemEnT TablE iN CorrEsPondENce WItH THE ID nUMbeR OF ThE OPerAtED iNpUt OPerAtIon UNiT IS ChEcked. tHen, a Request Is ProvIdeD To THE aPPARAtUs of thE PrEsEnT iNvENTiON OR aNOtHEr apPARatus indICAtEd BY tHe ManAGeMEnt inFORMAtIoN regIStERED in THE manageMeNt TABLe HavInG The aBOVe ID Number to tRAnsmIT datA CoRreSponding tO THe mAnAGement INforMatIOn hAvIng thE abovE ID NUMBeR.
AccorDinG to Still ANOtHeR eMboDiMENT OF THE present inveNTioN, thERe IS prOVIdED a data tRAnSfeRRinG anD ReceiVing ApPAraTUs inCluDiNG A daTA stORAgE uNIT For sTOrinG data. a dISPlaY/inPUt UNIt DIspLAYS inFOrmaTIon CoNCERNiNg tHE preSence OF tHE Data StOreD In THe DATa stoRAGE UnIT AND iS OpEratEd by An inPUT oPERaTioN uNIT. a netWorK CONNecTOr tRAnsmITS DatA VIa A nETwORk ThAt IS pRovIDeD WiTH a MANagemENT taBle In which mAnagemEnT infORMATION rePReSentiNG THE InfORMATION coNCERNinG The pREseNcE Of the daTa iS REgISTEred. a coNTroLLEr cHeckS FoR, upoN PeRFORmIng aN inPUt opERaTion oN thE dISplAY/iNput uNiT By tHe INpUt opeRATIon uNIt, maNaGEMent INFormatioN rEGisterEd IN tHe managemENT TABle. iF thERe is nO manAGEmenT iNFoRMatIoN ReGIStErED in thE CheCKED manAGEMenT TAblE and the INforMaTIoN cOnCeRnINg ThE presENcE of THe Data diSpLAyeD ON THe DispLAy/iNpUt unIT iS SelectED bY tHE iNpUt oPEraTIon UNiT, THE cOnTRollEr REGiSTErs ThE maNAGeMeNt InFOrmaTiOn repreSeNtINg ThE iNfoRMAtION cOnCErNINg tHe prEseNCe of The SELECteD dAta iN THe MaNaGemeNt tablE. The CONtrolLEr fURThER tRanSfers FrOm ThE datA stOrAGe uNit to THE DEvice ON thE NetworK, upOn obtAinING a DATA trANsMiSsIoN ReQuEST thaT HaS bEen pRoVIdEd bY thE inpuT OpERatioN unit fROM tHE DEvIcE oN The network, DATA coRRespOndiNG tO thE INFORmaTIOn conCeRnInG tHE PRESeNce Of The DATa RepReSenTED by thE RegiStERED ManAgeMENt infORmaTiOn. oN thE OthER hAnD, iF mAnAGeMenT inFoRmAtIon RepReSentINg THe iNforMaTIon COncErnInG tHe PResenCe of The data Is REgisTeREd In THe checKED mAnagEMEnT Table, The conTROlLEr rEQUEsTS the DEViCe On thE nEtwoRk inDiCteD By tHE MaNAgEMenT infORMAtION To TRaNSMit data cORrESpONDiNg to thE mAnaGemenT iNfOrMATIOn ANd RecEiveS the DATa FRom ThE dEViCE oN thE NeTWoRk And StoRes IT In THE DaTA STOragE uNiT.
IN the aforEmenTiONeD DAtA TRANsferrINg aND REcEIving aPPaRAtUs, tHERe iS PRoviDed a MaNaGEmEnT TaBLe oN ThE NeTworK iN wHIch ThE mANaGeMeNt inFormATIOn RePrEsEntiNG The INfORmation cOnceRNiNG THe PreseNCE of tHE daTA SeleCtEd By THE Input OpERAtiON uNit iS ReGIStERED. tHE MAnAgemeNT tablE ON The nEtWoRk is shAREd WiTH other apPaRATuSeS CoNNeCtEd TO tHE NEtwoRk. When thE iNFormAtiON CONCerNIng THE PrESenCe oF The DatA iS sELECtED bY tHE input OpERATiOn unIT, tHE MaNAGement InforMaTioN RepRESentINg ThE inFOrMATIoN CoNcernInG the SelEcTeD DaTA Is reGisTereD In THE mAnAgEMEnt TABLe. WHen tHe apPaRAtuS Of the pRESeNT InvENTIon OR aNOtHEr ApPaRATuS IS selectED by tHe inpuT oPErAtioN unit, the SeLEctED aPpArAtUs cHEckS FoR THE mAnagemENt inFoRmaTiOn reGIStErEd iN THe mAnagEMEnT taBLe and ReQUEsTs ThE aPpaRAtUS OF the Present iNveNTIon TO TrAnsMIT dATA IndICaTEd BY THE MaNAgeMent InfORmAtion. thE
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The present invention relates to a data transferring and/or receivingapparatus, method, and program storage medium, all in which data is transferred either within a single computer or among a number of computers. Up until now, fortransferring information displayedon a screen within a single computer, a user interface technique, which is referred to as xe2x80x9cdrag and dropxe2x80x9d, has been used.In thedrag and droptechnique, a subject that is beingdisplayedon a computer screen, for example an icon,which represents informationconcerning a filestored in, for example, a hard disk, is clickedand dragged to a desired folder with a mouse and then dropped there. According to the drag and drop technique, the user is able to handle a subject displacedon a computerscreen as if he/shewere movinga realobject, thereby enabling the user to naturally operate thecomputer. However, if it isdesired thata subject displayed on a screen is tobe transferredto a differentscreen, i.e., when data,such as a file, is to be transferred betweendifferent computers, a naturaluser interface technique, such as the drag and drop technique, is not conventionally provided. For example,ifa subject is to be transferred between different screens, the user is required to execute a command, such as a remote file copy commandor an information transfercommand. In this manner,conventionally, even though a file transfer operation is performed between different computers, an op ration is disadvantageously conductedonthe screenof a single computer. This type of user interface technique is farfromrepresenting the concept that a real object is beingmoved. Thus, the user is unable toperform a natural and simple operation in order to transfer a filebetween different computers. Accordingly, in view of the above background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a data transferring and/orreceiving apparatus, method, and programstorage medium, all of which use a user interface that enables natural and simple data transfer in a single computeror natural and simple data transmission among a number of computers. In order to achieve the above object,according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided adata transferring apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data. A display/input unit displaysinformation concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via a networkthat isprovided with a management table inwhich management information representingthe information concerningthe presence of the data is registered. A controller registers in the management table, upon selecting by the input operation unit the informationconcerning the presence of thedata displayed on thedisplay/input unit, the managementinformation representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data.The controller also transfers, upon obtaining a data transmission request that has been provided bytheinput operation unit from a device onthenetwork, data correspondingtothe information indicatingthe presence of the data representedby the registered management information from the data storage unit to the device on the network. In the aforementioned data transferringapparatus, there isprovided a management table on the network in which the management information representing theinformation concerning the presence of thedata selectedby the operation input unit is registered. The management table on the network is shared withother apparatusesconnected to the network.In the above-described data transferring apparatus, when the information concerning the presenceof the data is selectedby the input operation unit, the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data is registered in the management table.When the apparatus of thepresent invention oranother apparatusis selected bythe input operation unit,the selected apparatuschecks for the management information in the managementtable and requeststhe apparatus of the present invention to transmitdata indicted by the management information in the management table. Then, the data transferring apparatus of the present invention transmits the data corresponding to the management informationto the apparatusthat has requested data transmission. In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, the display/input unit may be operated bya single input operationunit or a number of input operation units, each having an IDnumber. Thecontroller may identify, upon selecting by the input operation unit the information concerning the presence of the data displayed on the display/input unit, the ID number of the operated input operation unitandmay register the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the selected data in the management table in correspondence with the identified ID number. In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, the management table in whichthe management information representing the information concerningthe presenceof the dataselected by the input operation unit is registeredisprovided on the network according to the ID numberof the input operation unit. In this data transferringapparatus, when the information concerning the presenceof the data is selected by the input operation unit, the management informationrepresenting the information concerning the presence of the selected data is registeredin the management table incorrespondence withthe ID numberof the inputoperation unit. When the apparatus of the present invention oranother apparatus isselected by the input operationunit having the above ID number, theselected apparatus checks for the management information registered in they management table having the above ID number and requests the apparatus of the present invention to transmit data indicated by the management information registered in the management table having the aboveIDnumber. According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data receiving apparatus including a data storage unit for storing data.A display/input unitdisplays information concerning the presence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits datavia a networkthat is provided witha management table in which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller requests, upon performing an input operation on the display/input unitby the input operation unit, a device on the networkindicated by the managementinformation registered in the managementtable to transmit data corresponding to the management information. The controlleralsoreceives the datafrom the device on the network and stores it in the datastorage unit. Inthe aforementioned data receiving apparatus, there is provided a managementtableonthe network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by theinput operation unit is registered. The management table on thenetwork is shared withother apparatuses connected to the network.In this data receivingapparatus, when the display/input unit is selected by the input operation unit, the management information registered in the management tableis checked,and a requestis providedto the apparatus of thepresent invention or another apparatus indicated by the management information registered in the management table to transmit data corresponding tothe managementinformation. The apparatus that has received the data transmissionrequest transmits the data corresponding to the management information. Thedatareceiving apparatus then receives the data and stores it.According to the aforementioned data receiving apparatus, thedisplay/input unit may be operated by a single inputoperationunit or a numberof inputoperationunits, each having anID number. The controller may identify, upon performing an input operation on the display/input unit bythe input operation unit, the IDnumber of the operated input operationunit, andmay request thedevice on the network indicated by the management information registered inthe management table in correspondence with the ID number, to transmit the data corresponding to the management information. In the above-described data receiving apparatus, the management table in which the management information representingthe information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered is providedon the network according to the ID number of the input operation unit. When the display/input unit is selected by theinput operation unit, themanagement information registered in the management table in correspondence with the ID number ofthe operatedinput operation unit ischecked. Then,a request is provided to the apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus indicated bythemanagement information registered in the management table havingthe above ID numberto transmit data corresponding to themanagement information having the above ID number.Accordingtostill another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a data transferringand receiving apparatus including adata storage unitfor storing data. A display/input unit displays information concerning thepresence of the data stored in the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network connector transmits datavia a network that is provided with a management tablein which management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller checks for,upon performing an inputoperation onthe display/input unit by the input operation unit, management information registered in the management table. If thereis no management information registered in the checked management table and the information concerningthe presence of the data displayed on thedisplay/input unit is selected by the inputoperation unit, the controller registers the management information representing the informationconcerning the presence of the selected data in the management table. Thecontrollerfurther transfersfrom the data storage unitto the device onthe network, upon obtaininga data transmission request that has been provided by the input operationunit from the device on the network, data corresponding to theinformation concerning the presence of the data representedby the registered management information. On the other hand, ifmanagement informationrepresentingthe information concerning the presence of thedata is registered inthe checked management table, the controller requests the device on the network indicted by the management information to transmit data corresponding to themanagement information and receives the data from the device on the networkand stores it in thedata storage unit.Inthe aforementioned data transferringand receiving apparatus, there is provided a managementtable on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit is registered.The management table on thenetwork is sharedwith other apparatuses connected to the network. Whenthe information concerning the presence ofthe data is selected by the input operation unit, the management information representing theinformationconcerning the selected data is registered in the management table. Whentheapparatus of the present invention or another apparatusis selected by the input operation unit, theselected apparatus checksfor the management information registered in the management table andrequeststhe apparatus ofthe present invention to transmit data indicated by the management information. The
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The _present_ invention _relates_ to a data transferring _and/or_ receiving apparatus, method, and program storage _medium,_ _all_ in which data is _transferred_ either within a _single_ computer or among a number of computers. _Up_ until _now,_ for transferring information displayed on _a_ screen within a single computer, _a_ user interface _technique,_ which is referred to as _xe2x80x9cdrag_ and dropxe2x80x9d, has been used. _In_ the drag _and_ drop technique, a subject that is being _displayed_ on _a_ computer _screen,_ for example _an_ icon, which represents information concerning a file stored _in,_ for example, a hard disk, is clicked and dragged to a desired _folder_ _with_ a _mouse_ and then dropped _there._ According to the drag and drop _technique,_ the user _is_ able to handle a subject displaced on a _computer_ screen _as_ if he/she were moving a real object, _thereby_ _enabling_ the user _to_ naturally operate the computer. _However,_ _if_ _it_ is desired that a _subject_ displayed on a screen is to be transferred to a different screen, i.e., when data, such as a file, is to be transferred between _different_ computers, a _natural_ user interface technique, such _as_ the drag and drop technique, is not conventionally _provided._ For example, if _a_ subject is to be transferred between different _screens,_ _the_ user _is_ _required_ to execute a _command,_ such as a remote file _copy_ command _or_ an information transfer command. In this _manner,_ conventionally, even though a file transfer _operation_ is performed between different computers, _an_ op ration is disadvantageously conducted on the screen of _a_ single computer. This type of user interface technique is far from representing the concept that a real object is being moved. _Thus,_ _the_ user _is_ _unable_ to _perform_ a natural and simple operation _in_ order to transfer a file between different computers. _Accordingly,_ in view of the above background, it is _an_ object _of_ _the_ _present_ invention to _provide_ a data transferring and/or receiving apparatus, method, _and_ _program_ storage medium, all of which use a user interface that enables natural and simple _data_ transfer _in_ a single computer _or_ natural _and_ simple data transmission among a number of computers. In order to _achieve_ the above object, according _to_ one _embodiment_ of the present invention, _there_ is provided _a_ data transferring apparatus _including_ _a_ data storage unit _for_ storing data. A display/input unit displays information concerning the presence of the data stored _in_ the data storage unit and is operated by an input operation unit. A network _connector_ transmits data via a network that _is_ provided with _a_ _management_ table in _which_ _management_ information _representing_ the _information_ concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller registers in the management _table,_ upon selecting by the input operation _unit_ the _information_ _concerning_ the presence of _the_ data displayed on the display/input unit, the management _information_ representing _the_ information concerning the presence of the selected data. The _controller_ also transfers, upon obtaining _a_ data transmission request that has been provided _by_ the input operation unit from a device on the _network,_ data corresponding to the _information_ indicating the presence _of_ _the_ data represented by _the_ registered management information from the data storage unit to the device _on_ the _network._ _In_ the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, there is provided a management table _on_ the network in which the management information representing the _information_ concerning the presence of the data selected by _the_ operation _input_ unit _is_ registered. The management table on the network is shared with other apparatuses connected to the network. In the _above-described_ _data_ transferring _apparatus,_ when _the_ information concerning the presence of _the_ data is selected by the input operation unit, _the_ management _information_ representing the information concerning the presence _of_ the selected _data_ is registered in the _management_ _table._ When _the_ apparatus of _the_ present invention or _another_ _apparatus_ is _selected_ by the input operation _unit,_ the _selected_ _apparatus_ checks for the _management_ _information_ in the management table and requests the apparatus of the present invention _to_ transmit data _indicted_ by the _management_ information in _the_ _management_ table. _Then,_ the _data_ transferring apparatus of _the_ present invention transmits _the_ data corresponding to the management information to the apparatus that has requested data _transmission._ In the aforementioned data transferring apparatus, the display/input unit may be operated by _a_ single input operation unit or a _number_ _of_ input operation units, each having an ID number. The controller may identify, upon _selecting_ by _the_ input _operation_ unit the information _concerning_ the presence of the data _displayed_ on the display/input unit, the ID number _of_ the _operated_ input operation unit and may register the management information representing the information _concerning_ _the_ presence of the selected data in _the_ management table in correspondence with the _identified_ ID number. _In_ the aforementioned _data_ transferring _apparatus,_ the management table in which the management information representing _the_ _information_ _concerning_ _the_ presence of the data selected by the input operation _unit_ is registered is provided _on_ _the_ network _according_ to the ID number of the input _operation_ unit. In this _data_ transferring apparatus, when the _information_ concerning _the_ presence of the data _is_ selected by _the_ input operation unit, _the_ management information representing the information concerning the presence _of_ the selected data is registered in the management _table_ _in_ correspondence with the ID number of the input operation unit. When _the_ apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus _is_ selected by _the_ _input_ _operation_ unit having the above _ID_ number, _the_ selected apparatus checks for the management information registered in they management _table_ having the _above_ ID number and requests the apparatus of the present invention to _transmit_ data _indicated_ by the _management_ information _registered_ _in_ _the_ management table having the above ID number. According to _another_ embodiment of the present invention, there is _provided_ a data receiving apparatus including a data storage unit _for_ storing _data._ A display/input _unit_ displays information _concerning_ the _presence_ _of_ _the_ data _stored_ in the data storage unit and _is_ operated by an input operation _unit._ _A_ network connector transmits data _via_ a network that is provided with a management table in which management _information_ representing the information concerning the _presence_ of _the_ data is registered. A controller requests, upon performing _an_ _input_ operation on _the_ _display/input_ unit by the input operation unit, _a_ device on the _network_ indicated by the management information registered _in_ the management _table_ to transmit data corresponding to _the_ management information. _The_ controller also receives the data from the _device_ on _the_ network and stores it in _the_ data storage unit. In the _aforementioned_ data receiving apparatus, _there_ is _provided_ a management _table_ on the _network_ _in_ which the _management_ information representing the _information_ concerning the presence of the data selected by the _input_ operation unit is registered. The _management_ table _on_ _the_ _network_ is shared with other apparatuses connected to _the_ _network._ _In_ this data receiving apparatus, when the display/input unit is selected by the input operation _unit,_ the management information registered in the management table is checked, and a request is provided _to_ the _apparatus_ of the present _invention_ or another apparatus indicated by the _management_ information registered in the _management_ table to transmit data corresponding to _the_ _management_ information. The _apparatus_ that has _received_ _the_ data transmission _request_ transmits the _data_ _corresponding_ _to_ the management information. The data _receiving_ apparatus then receives the data _and_ stores it. According to the aforementioned data receiving apparatus, the display/input unit may be operated _by_ a single input operation unit _or_ a number of input operation units, each having an ID number. The controller _may_ identify, _upon_ performing _an_ input _operation_ on the _display/input_ _unit_ _by_ the input operation unit, _the_ _ID_ _number_ _of_ the operated _input_ operation unit, and may request the device on the network _indicated_ _by_ the management information registered in the management _table_ in _correspondence_ with the ID number, to transmit the data corresponding _to_ the management _information._ In the above-described _data_ receiving apparatus, the _management_ table in which _the_ _management_ information _representing_ the _information_ concerning the presence of the data selected by the input operation unit _is_ registered is provided on the network according to _the_ ID number of the input _operation_ unit. _When_ the _display/input_ unit is selected by the input operation unit, the management information registered in _the_ management table in _correspondence_ with the ID number of the _operated_ input operation unit _is_ checked. Then, a request _is_ provided to _the_ apparatus of the present invention or another apparatus indicated _by_ the _management_ information registered in the management _table_ having _the_ above _ID_ number to _transmit_ data corresponding to the management information having the above ID _number._ According to still another _embodiment_ of the present invention, there is _provided_ a _data_ transferring and _receiving_ apparatus including a data storage _unit_ for storing data. _A_ display/input unit displays information concerning the _presence_ of the data stored _in_ the data storage _unit_ and is operated _by_ _an_ input operation unit. A network connector transmits data via _a_ _network_ that is _provided_ with a management table in which management _information_ representing _the_ information concerning the presence of the data is registered. A controller checks for, upon _performing_ _an_ input _operation_ on the display/input unit _by_ the input operation unit, management information registered in the management _table._ If there is no management _information_ _registered_ in _the_ checked _management_ table and the information concerning the presence of _the_ data displayed _on_ the _display/input_ unit _is_ selected by the input operation _unit,_ the controller registers the _management_ information representing the _information_ concerning _the_ presence of _the_ selected _data_ in the management table. The controller further _transfers_ from the _data_ storage unit to the _device_ _on_ the network, upon obtaining a data _transmission_ request that has been _provided_ by the input operation _unit_ from the device on the network, _data_ corresponding _to_ the information concerning the presence of the data represented by the registered management information. _On_ the other hand, if _management_ information representing _the_ _information_ concerning _the_ presence of the data is registered in _the_ checked management table, the _controller_ requests the _device_ _on_ the network indicted by the management information _to_ _transmit_ data _corresponding_ _to_ the management information and receives the data from _the_ device on _the_ network and stores it _in_ _the_ data storage unit. _In_ the aforementioned _data_ transferring and receiving _apparatus,_ there is provided a management table on the network in which the management information representing the information concerning the presence _of_ the data _selected_ by the input operation unit _is_ registered. The management table on the network is shared _with_ other apparatuses connected _to_ the network. When the information concerning the presence of the data _is_ selected by the input operation _unit,_ _the_ management information _representing_ _the_ information concerning the _selected_ data is registered in the management _table._ _When_ the apparatus of the present _invention_ or another apparatus _is_ selected by the input operation _unit,_ the selected apparatus _checks_ for the management information registered in _the_ management _table_ and _requests_ the apparatus of _the_ present _invention_ _to_ transmit data _indicated_ by the _management_ information. The
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The invention relates to a method to use microwave energy to anneal a thin semiconductor lamina for use in a photovoltaic cell.
Crystalline damage in semiconductor material such as silicon can be repaired by various means. One of the simplest ways is to subject the silicon body to a high-temperature anneal. In some circumstances, however, a thermal anneal may present difficulties, as when other materials are present that cannot tolerate the anneal temperature.
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The invention relates to a method to use cooling energy to anneal a thin semiconductor lamina for use in a photovoltaic cell. Crystalline damage in semiconductor material such as silicon can be repaired by various means. One of the simplest ways is to freeze the silicon body to a high-temperature anneal. In some circumstances, however, a thermal anneal may present difficulties, as when other materials are present that cannot tolerate the substrate temperature.
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The invention relates to a method to use microwave ene#ty to anneal a thin semiconductor lamina for use in a phoHovoltsic cell. Crystalline damage in semiconductor material such as silicon can be %epSired by various means. One of the simplest ways is to sub,ecr the silicon body to a high - temperature annfa:. In some c9rDumstances, h0@ever, a tjernal annRa< may present difficulties, as when o4heg materials are present that cannot tolerate the anneal temperature.
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The invention relates to a method to use microwave energy to anneal a thin lamina for use a photovoltaic cell. Crystalline damage in semiconductor material as silicon can be by various means. One of the simplest ways is to subject the silicon body a anneal. In some circumstances, however, a thermal anneal may present difficulties, as when other materials are present that tolerate the anneal temperature.
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ThE iNVeNtIoN reLaTeS tO A mETHoD TO usE MIcROwavE eNERGY To AnnEaL a thin sEmIconducTor lAmInA FOr USe iN A PHoTOvoLtaIc cell.
crYSTAlLIne DaMAgE iN sEmIcONduCTOR MATerIAL SUcH aS SilicoN caN BE rEPAiRED bY VArioUS MeaNs. ONE Of THe sImPLesT wayS is to SUbJeCT The SILIcOn Body To A hiGH-TeMPerAturE aNNEal. In SOMe circumstaNCES, HOwEvEr, a tHERMAL anNEaL MAY PReSeNt DifFICULtieS, as WHen othEr MateriAlS ArE preSENt tHat CAnNot TOLErate THE AnNEAl TEMpEraTuRe.
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The invention relates toa method to use microwave energy to anneal a thin semiconductorlamina for use ina photovoltaic cell. Crystalline damagein semiconductor material such as silicon can be repaired by various means. One of the simplest ways is to subject the silicon body to a high-temperature anneal. In some circumstances, however, a thermal anneal may present difficulties, as when other materials are present that cannot tolerate theanneal temperature.
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_The_ invention relates to a method to _use_ microwave energy to anneal a _thin_ semiconductor lamina for use in a photovoltaic cell. Crystalline damage in semiconductor material such as silicon can be _repaired_ by various means. One of the _simplest_ _ways_ is _to_ subject the silicon body _to_ a high-temperature anneal. In some circumstances, however, _a_ thermal anneal may _present_ difficulties, as _when_ other materials _are_ present that _cannot_ tolerate _the_ anneal temperature.
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The present invention relates to a curable polymer mixture, preferably a curable polymer concrete mixture comprising 1.) as coupling additive at least one at least oligomeric addition product a) of at least one amino silane and/or thiosilane having at least one hydrolysable silane group and at least one compound having at least two terminal, ethylenically unsaturated double bonds and/or at least one at least oligomeric addition product b) of at least one isocyanate silane and/or epoxy silane having at least one hydrolysable silane group and at least one oligomeric compound with at least three structured units and having at least one terminal hydroxy group or terminal amino group and at least one terminal ethylenically unsaturated double bond, 2.) a system which can be cured by radical polymerisation and comprises at least one ethylenically unsaturated polymer and/or a (meth)acrylic resin, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one radical initiator and optionally at least one cross-linking agent as binder 3.), at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the compounds 1.) to 4.) of the polymer mixture, of inorganic, preferably multiparticulate, fillers as aggregates and 4.) optionally conventional auxiliaries.
Curable polymer mixtures of different compositions have various applications, such as for the production of polymer concrete.
Polymer concretes are known materials which, unlike normal concrete, have a polymer as binder which holds the rock grains, what are known as aggregates, together. The aggregates can have the most varied rock grain size and are usually used ranging from the finest to a coarse grain size. Depending on the mixture of the various grain sizes, this allows filling degrees of up to 95% by weight. Ethylenically unsaturated polymers are preferably used as polymeric binders in order to produce polymer concretes by curing polymer matrix in which the aggregates are distributed. It is important for the quality of a polymer concrete that it has outstanding mechanical properties, such as flexural strength, tensile strength, compressive strength and impact strength, in addition to an adequate E modulus, which are only obtained by a very effective interaction, i.e. adhesion, between the polymer matrix and the aggregates which are joined by the polymer matrix. The more effective this interaction, the higher the quality of the polymer concrete. This also applies to other curable polymer mixtures with, in particular, a high filling degree. Moreover, it is of crucial significance that the polymer concrete mixture which has not yet cured spreads rapidly, i.e. it has an excellent slump which can be achieved, inter alia, by a sufficiently low viscosity of the polymer mixture. In spite of an excellent slump, a rapid curing of the polymer mixture to be cured should, however, also be possible.
The known polymer concrete mixtures do not have the aforementioned desirable processing properties or the polymer concretes obtained therefrom do not always exhibit satisfactory values in the aforementioned mechanical properties for many fields of application.
An object of the present invention was therefore to provide curable polymer mixtures, preferably curable polymer concrete mixtures which, due to their low viscosity, ensure an improved processing, i.e. an increased slump, and the cured polymer compositions produced therefrom, preferably the polymer concretes, have improved mechanical properties compared to the previously known products.
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The present invention relates to a curable polymer mixture, preferably a curable polymer concrete mixture comprising 1.) as coupling additive at least one at least oligomeric addition product a) of at least one amino silane and/or thiosilane having at least one hydrolysable silane group and at least one compound having at least two terminal, ethylenically unsaturated double bonds and/or at least one at least oligomeric addition product b) of at least one isocyanate silane and/or epoxy silane having at least one hydrolysable silane group and at least one oligomeric compound with at least three structured units and having at least one terminal hydroxy group or terminal amino group and at least one terminal ethylenically unsaturated double bond, 2.) a system which can be cured by radical polymerisation and comprises at least one ethylenically unsaturated polymer and/or a (meth)acrylic resin, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one radical initiator and optionally at least one cross-linking agent as binder 3.), at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the compounds 1.) to 4.) of the polymer mixture, of inorganic, preferably multiparticulate, fillers as aggregates and 4.) optionally conventional auxiliaries. Curable polymer mixtures of different compositions have various applications, such as for the production of polymer concrete. Polymer concretes are known materials which, unlike normal concrete, have a polymer as binder which holds the rock grains, what are known as aggregates, together. The aggregates can have the most varied rock grain size and are usually used ranging from the finest to a coarse grain size. Depending on the mixture of the various grain sizes, this allows filling degrees of up to 95% by weight. Ethylenically unsaturated polymers are preferably used as polymeric binders in order to produce polymer concretes by curing polymer matrix in which the aggregates are distributed. It is important for the quality of a polymer concrete that it has outstanding mechanical properties, such as flexural strength, tensile strength, compressive persuasiveness and impact strength, in addition to an adequate E modulus, which are only obtained by a very effective interaction, i.e. adhesion, between the polymer matrix and the aggregates which are joined by the polymer matrix. The more effective this interaction, the higher the quality of the polymer concrete. This also applies to other curable polymer mixtures with, in particular, a high filling degree. Moreover, it is of crucial significance that the polymer concrete mixture which has not yet cured spreads rapidly, i.e. it has an excellent slump which can be achieved, inter alia, by a sufficiently low viscosity of the polymer mixture. In spite of an excellent slump, a rapid curing of the polymer mixture to be cured should, however, also be possible. The known polymer concrete mixtures do not have the aforementioned desirable processing properties or the polymer concretes obtained therefrom do not always exhibit satisfactory values in the aforementioned mechanical properties for many fields of application. An object of the present invention was therefore to provide curable polymer mixtures, preferably curable polymer concrete mixtures which, due to their low viscosity, ensure an improved processing, i.e. an increased slump, and the cured polymer compositions produced therefrom, preferably the polymer concretes, have improved mechanical properties compared to the previously known products.
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The present invention relates to a curable polymer mixture, preferably a curable polymer concrete mixture comprising 1.) as coupling additive at least one at least oligomeric addition product a) of at leaE$ one amino silane and / or thiosilane having at least one hydrolysable silane group and at least one compound having at least two terminal, ethylenically unsaturated double bonds and / or at least one at least oligomeric addition product b) of at least one isocyanate silane and / or epoxy silane having at least one hydrolysable silane group and at least one oligomeric compound with at least three structured units and having at least one terminal hydroxy group or terminal amino group and at least one terminal ethylenically unsaturated double bond, 2.) a system which can be cured by radical polymerisation and comprises at least one ethylenically unsaturated polymer and / or a (meth) acrylic resin, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one radical initiator and optionally at least one cross - linking agent as binder 3. ), at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, more pgefersbly at least 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the compounds 1.) to 4.) of the polymer mixture, of inorganic, preferably multiparticulate, fillers as aggregates and 4.) optionally conventional auxiliadkes. Curable polymer m8xhures of different compositions have various applications, such as for the pr)ductiog of polymer concrete. Polymer concretes are known materials which, unlike normal concrete, have a polymer as binder which holds the rock grains, !ha% are known as aggregates, together. The aggregates can have the most varied rock grain size and are usually used ranging from the finest to a coarse grain size. Depending on the mixture of the various grain sizes, this allows filling degrees of up to 95% by weight. Ethylenicz.ly unsaturated polymers are preferably used as polymeric binders in lrdeg to produce polymer concretes by curing polymer matrix in which the aggregates are distributed. It is important for the quality of a polymer concrete that it has outstanding mechanical properties, such as flexural strength, tensile strength, compressive strength and impact strength, in addition to an adequate E modulus, which are only obtained by a very effective interaction, i. e. adhesion, between the polymer matrix and the aggregates which are joined by the polymer matrix. The more effective this interaction, the higher the wualit7 of the polymer concrete. This also applies to other curable polymer mixtures with, in particular, a high filling degree. Moreover, it is of crucial significance that the 00lymer concrete mixture which has not yet cured spreads rapidly, i. e. it has an excellent slump which can be achieved, inter alia, by a sufficiently low viscosity of the polymer mixture. In spite of an excellent slump, a rapid curing of the polymer mixture to be cured should, however, also be possible. The known polymer concrete mixtures do not have the aforementioned desirable processing properties or the polymer concretes obtained therefrom do not always exhibit satisfactory values in the aforementioned mechanical properties for many fields of application. An object of the present invention was therefore to provide curable polymer mixtures, preferably curable polymer concrete mixtures which, due to their low viscosity, ensure an improved processing, i. e. an increased slump, and the cured polymer compositions produced therefrom, preferably the polymer concretes, have improved mechanical properties compared to the previously known products.
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The present invention relates to a curable mixture, preferably curable polymer concrete mixture comprising 1.) as coupling additive least one at least addition product of at least one amino silane and/or thiosilane having at least one hydrolysable silane group and at least one compound having at least two terminal, ethylenically bonds and/or at least one at least oligomeric addition b) of one isocyanate silane and/or epoxy silane having least one hydrolysable silane group and at least one oligomeric compound with at least three structured units and having least one terminal hydroxy or terminal amino group and least one terminal ethylenically unsaturated double bond, 2.) a system which be cured by radical polymerisation and comprises at least unsaturated polymer and/or a (meth)acrylic resin, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one initiator and optionally at least one cross-linking agent as binder 3.), at 20% by weight, at least 40% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, based on the total the compounds 1.) to 4.) of the polymer mixture, of inorganic, preferably multiparticulate, fillers as aggregates and 4.) optionally conventional auxiliaries. Curable polymer mixtures of different compositions have various applications, such as for the production of polymer concrete. Polymer concretes known materials which, unlike normal concrete, have a polymer binder which holds the rock grains, what are known as aggregates, together. The aggregates can the most varied rock grain size and are usually ranging from the finest to a coarse grain size. Depending on the mixture of the various grain sizes, allows filling degrees of up to 95% by Ethylenically unsaturated polymers are preferably used as polymeric binders in order to produce polymer concretes by curing polymer matrix in which the aggregates are distributed. It is important for the quality a polymer concrete that it has outstanding mechanical such as flexural strength, tensile strength, compressive strength and strength, in to an adequate E which are only by a very effective interaction, adhesion, the matrix the aggregates which are by the polymer matrix. The more effective this interaction, the higher the quality of the polymer concrete. This also applies to other curable polymer mixtures with, in particular, a high filling degree. Moreover, it is of crucial significance that the polymer concrete mixture which has not cured spreads rapidly, i.e. it an which can be achieved, inter alia, by a sufficiently low viscosity of the mixture. In spite of an excellent slump, a rapid curing of the polymer mixture be cured should, however, also be possible. The known polymer concrete mixtures do not have the aforementioned desirable processing properties or the polymer concretes obtained therefrom not always exhibit satisfactory values in the aforementioned mechanical properties many fields of An object of the present invention was therefore to provide curable polymer mixtures, preferably curable polymer mixtures which, due to their low viscosity, ensure an improved processing, an increased slump, and the polymer compositions therefrom, preferably the polymer concretes, have improved mechanical properties compared the previously known products.
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ThE PrESeNt InVentION ReLAtES to a curABLe pOLymeR mixTURe, prEfEraBLY a cURablE poLyMer CoNcreTE mixTuRe CompriSiNg 1.) AS CoUPliNg AdDITive At lEAsT oNE aT lEAST OliGomEric aDDItiOn PrOduct a) OF At LEasT ONe amInO SIlanE ANd/OR tHIOsILaNe havinG at leAst OnE HyDRoLYSAbLE SilAnE Group And At lEasT onE cOMpoUNd HaviNG aT lEASt TwO teRmINAl, EThylenIcALly UnsatuRaTed dOuBLE bonds aNd/OR At least oNE AT LEaST OlIgomErIc adDiTiON pRODucT B) OF aT lEAST onE iSOCyaNate sIlAne aNd/Or epoXY siLANE HAVINg At leasT One HYDrOLysAble siLane GROuP AND aT LeaST One OlIgOMERIC COmpOUNd wiTh aT leAST thREe strUctURED uNItS ANd HavInG At LEAst ONe TeRmINal Hydroxy gROUP OR TErMInal amINo grouP aNd At LEast one TerminAl EThyLeNICaLLY unsATUrated doUblE BoND, 2.) a sYstEm WhIcH caN Be cuREd by RAdIcal PoLymerIsAtiOn ANd ComprisEs at lEAST OnE EthyLENICAlLY UNsaTUrATed pOLymEr anD/oR A (METH)ACrYLiC RESIN, aT least one ETHYLEnIcAlLy UnsAturaTED monOMER, AT LeaST one rAdicAl InITiAToR And opTiONaLly aT LeasT one cRoSs-liNkInG AgeNt as BInDER 3.), at Least 20% BY wEIGHT, PrEfErAbly At LEAST 40% By WEiGht, moRe prEFErAbLy at LEaSt 60% BY WEIGHT, bASEd ON THe tOTAl WeigHT OF THE COmPOUndS 1.) To 4.) OF thE pOLymer MiXture, OF inoRganIC, prEfeRaBly MultIpartIculATE, FilLERS as agGrEgates ANd 4.) OpTiOnalLy coNventIOnal AUxIliarIeS.
CUrAbLE PoLYmEr miXtURes OF difFErEnt cOmPosITIONs Have VArIOUS APpLiCaTIoNS, SUCh AS for tHE PRODUctiOn oF polYmER COncretE.
POLYmER coNCRetes ArE KnOwN MATERiAlS whicH, UnlIkE noRMaL coNcREte, HAvE a polyMer as BiNdeR wHich hoLDS tHe rOck GrAins, WHaT aRe KnOWN as AGGrEgatES, ToGETHeR. tHe agGrEgates CAN HAVE tHe mOSt VaRiEd roCk gRain sizE AND aRE usuaLLY UseD RANginG fRom tHe FiNEst tO a CoaRSE GRain sIzE. dEPeNdiNG ON THE MIXtUrE OF THE VarIOUS GrAIn SIZes, THis ALLowS fiLLInG DegreES oF up to 95% By wEight. ETHYLeNIcAlLY unSAtURAted PoLymErS ARe PrEferabLY UsEd AS poLymerIc BIndErs in ORDER TO PRODuce poLYmer CONCRetES bY CurInG pOLYMEr mATRiX in wHicH the aGGreGates aRE DIStributED. IT is IMPoRtAnT fOR The qUaLITY of a pOLymER conCRETE THAt it Has OuTsTAnDIng MecHAnICaL prOpERtIEs, SUCH AS flexURAL stRENGtH, TEnSILe sTRenGTH, ComprEsSivE StrENGTh and IMpact sTREngth, in ADDItioN TO aN AdequAte e mOdULus, WHich ArE ONly obtAINED BY A VEry EFFective INTEraCtiOn, i.e. ADheSION, BetWeEn thE pOlYMEr maTriX ANd THe AgGrEGates wHIch ArE JOIneD By the poLyMEr mATriX. the More eFFEcTivE thiS iNTERAcTIOn, the higher tHE qUalitY of The pOlymeR cOnCreTE. thIS aLSO apPliEs tO oTHeR cURABLE polYMEr miXturEs WiTH, iN particULar, a hiGh fIlLing DeGREE. mOREOVER, it Is Of CrUciAL sIGNIfIcanCe tHAT tHE POLymeR CoNCrEtE MiXtuRe whICh has NOt YET CurED sprEADs rapiDlY, I.e. IT Has An EXceLLeNT SLuMP WhiCh caN Be AchIEvED, InTEr aLIa, BY a SUffICIeNTly loW VIsCOsiTy of THe PolYMeR mixtUre. iN SPITE oF an ExcelLENT SLuMp, a RapId CURiNg Of THe PoLymER mixTuRE TO bE cURed SHOuLD, howeVeR, aLso BE POSsIble.
the KNown polymer COnCrETe mIxTUres do nOt Have THE AFoREmentiOnEd DEsIraBlE PrOceSsiNG pRoPeRTIes or ThE POlYmEr concretES oBtaiNed tHerefROM Do NoT alwayS EXHIbit sAtisFACtOrY vALues iN THE aFoREMenTIONeD mechANicAL PRoPErtIes FoR manY fields oF appLIcATIon.
An ObJecT of the pResEnT InVEnTIon WaS tHeRefORE tO proVIDE CURaBLE polymER mIxTUrES, preFERAbly cuRaBlE POLyMER cOnCreTe mIXtUrEs WHICh, duE To tHeIR LoW vIscosIty, ENSuRe AN iMProVED ProCEsSiNg, i.e. An iNcReAsed slUmP, ANd THe CUrED PolymER CoMpOsiTIoNS PRODUced THereFROm, pRefEraBLy thE polymeR coNCREtes, HaVe ImPRoveD mechANIcAL PROPerTieS CoMpaRed to the PREviOUslY kNoWn ProduCtS.
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Thepresent invention relates to a curable polymer mixture, preferably acurable polymerconcretemixture comprising 1.) as couplingadditive at leastone at least oligomeric addition product a) ofat least one amino silaneand/or thiosilane having at least one hydrolysable silane group and at least one compound having at least two terminal, ethylenically unsaturated double bonds and/or atleast one at least oligomeric addition product b) ofat least one isocyanate silane and/or epoxy silane having at leastone hydrolysable silane groupandat least oneoligomeric compoundwith at least three structured units and having atleast one terminal hydroxy group orterminal aminogroup and at least one terminal ethylenically unsaturated double bond, 2.) asystem which canbe cured by radical polymerisation and comprises at least one ethylenically unsaturated polymer and/or a (meth)acrylic resin, at leastone ethylenically unsaturatedmonomer, at least one radicalinitiator and optionally at least one cross-linking agent as binder 3.), atleast 20% by weight,preferably atleast 40% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, based on the total weightofthe compounds 1.) to4.) of the polymermixture, of inorganic, preferably multiparticulate,fillers as aggregates and 4.) optionally conventional auxiliaries.Curable polymer mixtures of different compositions have various applications, suchasfor the production of polymer concrete. Polymer concretes are known materials which, unlike normal concrete, haveapolymeras binder which holds the rock grains, what are knownas aggregates, together.The aggregates can have the most varied rock grain size and are usually usedranging from the finest to a coarse grain size. Depending on the mixture of the various grain sizes, this allows filling degreesofup to 95% by weight.Ethylenically unsaturated polymers are preferably used as polymericbinders in ordertoproducepolymerconcretes by curingpolymer matrix in which the aggregates are distributed. It isimportant for the quality of a polymer concrete that ithasoutstanding mechanical properties, such as flexural strength,tensile strength, compressive strength and impact strength, in addition to an adequate E modulus, which are only obtained by a veryeffective interaction,i.e. adhesion, between the polymer matrix and the aggregates which are joined bythe polymer matrix. The more effective this interaction, the higher the quality of the polymer concrete. This also applies to other curable polymer mixtures with, in particular, a high filling degree. Moreover, it is of crucial significance that the polymer concrete mixture which has not yet cured spreadsrapidly, i.e. it has an excellent slump which can be achieved, inter alia,by a sufficiently low viscosity of the polymer mixture. In spiteof an excellent slump,arapidcuring of the polymer mixtureto be curedshould, however, also be possible. The known polymerconcrete mixtures do not have the aforementioned desirable processing properties or thepolymer concretes obtained therefrom do not always exhibit satisfactory values in the aforementioned mechanical properties for many fields of application. Anobject of thepresent invention was therefore to provide curablepolymer mixtures, preferably curable polymerconcrete mixtures which, due to their low viscosity, ensurean improved processing, i.e.an increased slump, and thecured polymercompositionsproduced therefrom, preferably the polymer concretes,have improved mechanical properties comparedtothe previously known products.
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_The_ present invention relates to _a_ curable polymer _mixture,_ preferably a curable polymer concrete mixture comprising 1.) as _coupling_ additive at least _one_ at least oligomeric addition product a) of at least one amino _silane_ and/or thiosilane having _at_ _least_ _one_ hydrolysable silane group _and_ at least one compound having at _least_ two terminal, _ethylenically_ unsaturated double bonds and/or _at_ least _one_ at least oligomeric addition product b) _of_ at least _one_ isocyanate silane and/or epoxy silane having at _least_ _one_ hydrolysable silane group and at least one oligomeric compound _with_ at least three structured units and having at least _one_ terminal _hydroxy_ group or _terminal_ amino _group_ and at least one _terminal_ _ethylenically_ unsaturated double bond, 2.) _a_ system _which_ can be cured by radical _polymerisation_ and comprises _at_ least _one_ ethylenically unsaturated polymer and/or a (meth)acrylic _resin,_ at least one ethylenically unsaturated _monomer,_ at least one radical initiator _and_ _optionally_ at _least_ one _cross-linking_ _agent_ as binder 3.), at least 20% _by_ weight, preferably _at_ least 40% _by_ weight, more preferably at _least_ 60% by weight, based on the _total_ _weight_ of the compounds 1.) to 4.) _of_ the polymer mixture, of inorganic, _preferably_ multiparticulate, fillers as aggregates and 4.) _optionally_ conventional _auxiliaries._ Curable polymer mixtures of different compositions have various applications, _such_ as for the _production_ of polymer concrete. Polymer _concretes_ are known materials which, _unlike_ normal _concrete,_ have a _polymer_ _as_ binder _which_ holds the rock grains, _what_ are known as aggregates, together. The aggregates can have the _most_ varied _rock_ grain size and are usually used ranging from the finest to a coarse grain size. Depending on _the_ mixture of the various grain sizes, this allows filling degrees of _up_ to 95% by weight. Ethylenically unsaturated polymers are preferably used _as_ polymeric binders in order to produce _polymer_ concretes _by_ curing polymer matrix in which _the_ aggregates are distributed. _It_ _is_ important _for_ _the_ quality _of_ _a_ polymer concrete that it has outstanding mechanical _properties,_ such _as_ flexural _strength,_ tensile strength, compressive strength and impact strength, _in_ _addition_ to _an_ adequate E modulus, which are _only_ obtained _by_ _a_ _very_ effective interaction, i.e. _adhesion,_ between the _polymer_ matrix _and_ the aggregates which _are_ joined _by_ the polymer matrix. The more effective this interaction, the higher the quality of the polymer concrete. This also applies to other curable polymer mixtures with, in particular, a high filling _degree._ _Moreover,_ it is _of_ crucial significance that the polymer concrete _mixture_ which has not yet cured spreads rapidly, i.e. _it_ has _an_ excellent slump which can be achieved, inter alia, _by_ a sufficiently low viscosity of the polymer mixture. In spite of an _excellent_ slump, a rapid curing of the polymer mixture _to_ be cured should, however, _also_ be possible. The known polymer concrete mixtures do not have the aforementioned desirable processing properties or the polymer concretes obtained therefrom _do_ not always exhibit satisfactory values in the aforementioned mechanical properties _for_ _many_ fields of _application._ An object of the present invention was _therefore_ to provide curable polymer _mixtures,_ preferably _curable_ polymer concrete mixtures which, due to _their_ low viscosity, ensure an improved _processing,_ i.e. an _increased_ slump, _and_ the cured polymer compositions produced therefrom, _preferably_ the polymer _concretes,_ have _improved_ mechanical properties compared to the previously known products.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a metallic gasket which is interposed between joining surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, and which prevents leakage of fluid such as combustion gas, cooling water, lubricating oil, and the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, a gasket of various kinds is interposed between joining surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head mounted thereon of an automobile engine such as an internal combustion engine to prevent leakage of fluid such as combustion gas, cooling water, lubricating oil, and the like, and the sealing function is achieved by tightening both the cylinder block and the cylinder head by tightening members such as bolts or the like. Conventionally, as such a gasket, the so-called soft gasket is provided which is formed of an asbestos material, a chemical fiber material, a carbon sheet material, or the like. However, the soft gasket involves a drawback as an inavoidable problem due its material that there is a deterioration with time due the operation of an internal combustion engine, and that it is difficult to ensure a heat resistance. As a result, is well known that recently, metallic gaskets are widely used, which are excellent in heat resistance, compressive resistance, and durability, and which provide satisfactory restoration properties (spring characteristics) and thermal conductivity.
In such metallic gaskets, the sealing in a peripheral portion of the combustion chamber, that is, the cylinder bore is particularly important. In other words, when the sealing of this portion is not sufficient, the utilization of the combustion gas in the inside of the combustion chamber is incomplete, and it will result in a reduction of the pressure. Accordingly, an elastic base plate in the metallic gasket is provided with a bead formed concentrically with a cylinder bore hole which is formed to communicate with the cylinder bore, and the surface pressure generated between the joining surfaces of the metallic gasket and the cylinder block, and of the metallic gasket and the cylinder head is made to increase by utilizing a repulsive force which is generated when the metallic gasket is tightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, thereby to improve the sealing in the peripheral portion of the cylinder bore.
The bead is elastically deformed in a direction in which the bead collapses by the surface pressure when the metallic gasket is tightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, however, in order to completely collapse or flatten the bead, a relatively large load is needed. However, between the joining surfaces between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, the tightening force is large at a position near the tightening member such as the bolt, however, the tightening force is inevitably decreased at a remote position. This is resulted from the fact that when an aluminum alloy having low rigidity is used as a material of the cylinder head to decrease the weight of the engine, or when a width of the cylinder head between the combustion chambers is reduced by reducing a distance between combustion chambers to make the engine small in size and light in weight, the rigidity of a portion between the combustion chambers of the engine is reduced.
On the other hand, the bead is formed at a position remote from the position of the tightening member such as the bolt. Accordingly, due to the distance from the tightening member such as the bolt and the above-mentioned reduction of the rigidity of the engine, the bead does not completely collapse by the surface pressure, and an inclination is caused in the bead. More specifically, at a portion at which the bead is formed, the rigidity of the engine and the repulsive force of the bead are balanced, and this balance is maintained when the engine is stopping. However, when the engine is operating, due to an increase and a decrease of the pressure inside the combustion chamber, the tightening force imparted to the metallic gasket is changed, and vibrations are generated in the bead. Furthermore, as a result of vibrations due to a mass of the engine, and as a result of a change in volume due to a temperature change of each engine component, variations are caused in the tightening force imparted to the metallic gasket. Thus, the bead is vibrated by its elasticity due to the above-mentioned vibrations and the variations in the tightening force, and furthermore, there is a possibility of causing a fatigue break when the bending of the bead is repeated due to the vibrations.
Accordingly, there is a proposal to restrict the magnitude of an amplitude of the above-mentioned vibrations and to prevent the occurrence of the fatigue break at the portion of the bead, as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility-Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, and Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503.
Specifically, in Japanese Utility-Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, as shown in FIG. 10, a subplate 3 is placed over a base plate 1 on a side to which a bead 2 expands, that is, the side of a convex of the bead 2, and the base plate 1 and the subplate 3 are coupled with each other by spot welding or by using eylets at several positions including these portions (for example, 10a in FIG. 9 which will be described later) which extend outwardly beyond a joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head of the engine. Furthermore, an edge of the subplate 3 is folded back to the base plate 1 side to form a folded section 3a, and this folded section 3a is positioned at an inner side towards the combustion chamber with respect to a starting point or turning point 2a of the bead 2, which starting point 2a is located near the combustion chamber, so that the folded section 3a and the starting point 2a do not overlap with each other. In such a metallic gasket, by the formation of the folded section 3a, the complete collapse of the bead 2 in a collapsing direction is prevented, and at the same time, the deterioration of the restoration property (spring characteristic) is prevented, thereby to decrease the amplitude of the vibrations and to prevent the occurrence of the fatigue break.
On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503, as shown in FIG. 11, a subplate 3' is placed over a base plate 1 at a side at which a bead 2 does not expand, that is, at a concave side of the bead 2, and the base plate 1 and the subplate 3' are coupled with each other at several positions including these portions which extend outwardly beyond a joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head in a similar manner as described with reference to FIG. 10. Furthermore, an edge of the subplate 3' is folded back upwardly to hold a flat portion la of the base plate 1 by the folded edge portion of the subplate 3', thereby to form laminations. In this structure, at the laminated end portion, a thickness is increased by one sheet of plate thickness of the subplate 3' as compared with other part of the base plate 1. As a result, a high surface pressure can be ensured at this laminated end portion. Furthermore, by virtue of the structure, a high pressure gas generated in the combustion chamber during operation of the engine is initially sealed (primary sealing) at the laminated end portion, and further, the high pressure gas is secondary sealed by collapsing the bead 2 in the collapsing direction. Accordingly, even when the tightening force of the metallic gasket is varied and the vibrations of the bead are caused, the deformation of the bead 2 in the collapsing direction is restricted by the end portion which is folded, and the vibrations are reduced and the occurrence of the fatigue break is prevented.
However, the metallic gaskets in the prior art involve the following drawbacks.
Specifically, in the metallic gasket in Japanese Utility Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, the base plate 1 and the subplate 3 are coupled with each other only at several positions at the portions extended outwardly beyond the joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head. Accordingly, in the case where the subplate 3 is thin, for example, when the cylinder block of the engine is made of cast iron and the cylinder head is made of aluminum, and when the engine is operated and stopped to repeat a temperature rise and fall in the combustion chamber, there is a possibility that the subplate 3 which is thiner than the base plate 1 is deformed or produces a wrinkle, so that the subplate 3 protrudes into the combustion chamber, or a crack is caused in the folded section 3a. On the other hand, when the subplate 3 is thick, a folded end of the subplate 3 does not become completely flat, or the folded end will somewhat expand to both sides towards the joining surfaces. As a result, the folded end is difficult to be completely flattened even by the tightening force of the tightening members such as bolts, and the folded end will be subjected to a large load at its upper and lower ends in the thickness direction of the subplate 3. Accordingly, a sealing surface of the cylinder block or the cylinder head will sink or become hollow at a peripheral portion of the combustion chamber, and on the other hand, when an enormous load is applied to completely flatten the folded end, there is a possibility that the folded end is broken.
Also, in the metallic gasket in Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503, since the base plate 1 and the subplate 3' are coupled with each other only at several positions outside the joining surface area, and since the folded section 3a' is directly in contact with the joining surface of the cylinder block or the cylinder head at the time of assembling the metallic gasket to the engine, when the temperature rise and the temperature fall in the combustion chamber are repeated due to the operation and stopping of the engine as described in the foregoing, the degree of thermal expansion will be different when the engine components
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a metallic gasket which is interposed between joining surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, and which prevents leakage of fluid such as combustion gas, cooling water, lubricating oil, and the like. 2. Description of the Prior Art Generally, a gasket of various kinds is interposed between joining surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head mounted thereon of an automobile engine such as an internal combustion engine to prevent leakage of fluid such as combustion gas, cooling water, lubricating oil, and the like, and the sealing function is achieved by tightening both the cylinder block and the cylinder head by tightening members such as bolts or the like. Conventionally, as such a gasket, the so-called soft gasket is provided which is formed of an asbestos material, a chemical fiber material, a carbon sheet material, or the like. However, the soft gasket involves a drawback as an inavoidable problem due its material that there is a deterioration with time due the operation of an internal combustion engine, and that it is difficult to ensure a heat resistance. As a result, is well known that recently, metallic gaskets are widely used, which are excellent in heat resistance, compressive resistance, and durability, and which provide satisfactory restoration properties (spring characteristics) and thermal conductivity. In such metallic gaskets, the sealing in a peripheral portion of the combustion chamber, that is, the cylinder bore is particularly important. In other words, when the sealing of this portion is not sufficient, the utilization of the combustion gas in the inside of the combustion chamber is incomplete, and it will result in a reduction of the pressure. Accordingly, an elastic base plate in the metallic gasket is provided with a bead formed concentrically with a cylinder bore hole which is formed to communicate with the cylinder bore, and the surface pressure generated between the joining surfaces of the metallic gasket and the cylinder block, and of the metallic gasket and the cylinder head is made to increase by utilizing a repulsive force which is generated when the metallic gasket is tightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, thereby to improve the sealing in the peripheral portion of the cylinder bore. The bead is elastically deformed in a direction in which the bead collapses by the surface pressure when the metallic gasket is tightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, however, in order to completely collapse or flatten the bead, a relatively large load is needed. However, between the joining surfaces between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, the tightening force is large at a position near the tightening member such as the bolt, however, the tightening force is inevitably decreased at a remote position. This is resulted from the fact that when an aluminum alloy having low rigidity is used as a material of the cylinder head to decrease the weight of the engine, or when a width of the cylinder head between the combustion chambers is reduced by reducing a distance between combustion chambers to make the engine small in size and light in weight, the rigidity of a portion between the combustion chambers of the engine is reduced. On the other hand, the bead is formed at a position remote from the position of the tightening member such as the bolt. Accordingly, due to the distance from the tightening member such as the bolt and the above-mentioned reduction of the rigidity of the engine, the bead does not completely collapse by the surface pressure, and an inclination is caused in the bead. More specifically, at a portion at which the bead is formed, the rigidity of the engine and the repulsive force of the bead are balanced, and this balance is maintained when the engine is stopping. However, when the engine is operating, due to an increase and a decrease of the pressure inside the combustion chamber, the tightening force imparted to the metallic gasket is changed, and vibrations are generated in the bead. Furthermore, as a result of vibrations due to a mass of the engine, and as a result of a change in volume due to a temperature change of each engine component, variations are caused in the tightening force imparted to the metallic gasket. Thus, the bead is vibrated by its elasticity due to the above-mentioned vibrations and the variations in the tightening force, and furthermore, there is a possibility of causing a fatigue break when the bending of the bead is repeated due to the vibrations. Accordingly, there is a proposal to restrict the magnitude of an amplitude of the above-mentioned vibrations and to prevent the occurrence of the fatigue break at the portion of the bead, as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility-Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, and Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503. Specifically, in Japanese Utility-Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, as shown in FIG. 10, a subplate 3 is placed over a base plate 1 on a side to which a bead 2 expands, that is, the side of a convex of the bead 2, and the base plate 1 and the subplate 3 are coupled with each other by spot weld or by using eylets at several positions including these portions (for example, 10a in FIG. 9 which will be described later) which extend outwardly beyond a joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head of the engine. Furthermore, an edge of the subplate 3 is folded back to the base plate 1 side to form a folded section 3a, and this folded section 3a is positioned at an inner side towards the combustion chamber with respect to a starting point or turning point 2a of the bead 2, which starting point 2a is located near the combustion chamber, so that the folded section 3a and the starting point 2a do not overlap with each other. In such a metallic gasket, by the formation of the folded section 3a, the complete collapse of the bead 2 in a collapsing direction is prevented, and at the same time, the deterioration of the restoration property (spring characteristic) is prevented, thereby to decrease the amplitude of the vibrations and to prevent the occurrence of the fatigue break. On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503, as shown in FIG. 11, a subplate 3' is placed over a base plate 1 at a side at which a bead 2 does not expand, that is, at a concave side of the bead 2, and the base plate 1 and the subplate 3' are coupled with each other at several positions including these portions which extend outwardly beyond a joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head in a similar manner as described with reference to FIG. 10. Furthermore, an edge of the subplate 3' is folded back upwardly to hold a flat portion la of the base plate 1 by the folded edge portion of the subplate 3', thereby to form laminations. In this structure, at the laminated end portion, a thickness is increased by one sheet of plate thickness of the subplate 3' as compared with other part of the base plate 1. As a result, a high surface pressure can be ensured at this laminated end portion. Furthermore, by virtue of the structure, a high pressure gas generated in the combustion chamber during operation of the engine is initially sealed (primary sealing) at the laminated end portion, and further, the high pressure gas is secondary sealed by collapsing the bead 2 in the collapsing direction. Accordingly, even when the tightening force of the metallic gasket is varied and the vibrations of the bead are caused, the deformation of the bead 2 in the collapsing direction is restricted by the end portion which is folded, and the vibrations are reduced and the occurrence of the fatigue break is prevented. However, the metallic gaskets in the prior art involve the following drawbacks. Specifically, in the metallic gasket in Japanese Utility Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, the base plate 1 and the subplate 3 are coupled with each other only at several positions at the portions extended outwardly beyond the joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head. Accordingly, in the case where the subplate 3 is thin, for example, when the cylinder block of the engine is made of cast iron and the cylinder head is made of aluminum, and when the engine is operated and stopped to repeat a temperature rise and fall in the combustion chamber, there is a possibility that the subplate 3 which is thiner than the base plate 1 is deformed or produces a wrinkle, so that the subplate 3 protrudes into the combustion chamber, or a crack is caused in the folded section 3a. On the other hand, when the subplate 3 is thick, a folded end of the subplate 3 does not become completely flat, or the folded end will somewhat expand to both sides towards the joining surfaces. As a result, the folded end is difficult to be completely flattened even by the tightening force of the tightening members such as bolts, and the folded end will be subjected to a large load at its upper and lower ends in the thickness direction of the subplate 3. Accordingly, a sealing surface of the cylinder block or the cylinder head will sink or become hollow at a peripheral portion of the combustion chamber, and on the other hand, when an enormous load is applied to completely flatten the folded end, there is a possibility that the folded end is broken. Also, in the metallic gasket in Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503, since the base plate 1 and the subplate 3' are coupled with each other only at several positions outside the joining surface area, and since the folded section 3a' is directly in contact with the joining surface of the cylinder block or the cylinder head at the time of assembling the metallic gasket to the engine, when the temperature rise and the temperature fall in the combustion chamber are repeated due to the operation and stopping of the engine as described in the foregoing, the degree of thermal expansion will be different when the engine components
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a metallic gasket which is interposed between joining surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, and which prevents leakage of fluid such as combustion gas, cooling water, lubricating oil, and the like. 2. Description of the Prior Art Generally, a gasket of various kinds is interposed between joining surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head mounted thereon of an automobile engine such as an internal combustion engine to prevent leakage of fluid such as combustion gas, cooling water, lubricating oil, and the like, and the sealing function is achieved by tightening both the cylinder block and the cylinder head by tightening members such as bolts or the like. Conventionally, as such a gasket, the so - called soft gasket is provided which is formed of an asbestos material, a chemical fiber material, a carbon sheet material, or the like. However, the soft gasket involves a drawback as an inavoidable problem due its material that there is a deterioration with time due the operation of an internal combustion engine, and that it is difficult to ensure a heat resistance. As a result, is well known that recently, metallic gaskets are widely used, which are excellent in heat resistance, compressive resistance, and durability, and which provide satisfactory restoration properties (spring characteristics) and thermal conductivity. In such metallic gaskets, the sealing in a peripheral portion of the combustion chamber, that is, the cylinder bore is particularly important. In other words, when the sealing of this portion is not sufficient, the utilization of the combustion gas in the inside of the combustion chamber is incomplete, and it will result in a reduction of the pressure. Accordingly, an elastic base plate in the metallic gasket is provided with a bead formed concentrically with a cylinder bore hole which is formed to communicate with the cylinder bore, and the surface pressure generated between the joining surfaces of the metallic gasket and the cylinder block, and of the metallic gasket and the cylinder j2ad is made to increase by utilizing a repulsive force which is generated when the metallic gasket is tightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, thereby to improve the sealing in the peripheral portion of the cylinder bore. The bead is elastically deformed in a direction in which the bead collapses by the surface pressure when the metallic gasket is tightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, however, in order to completely collapse or flatten the bead, a relatively large load is needed. However, between the joining surfaces between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, the tightening force is large at a position near the tightening member such as the bolt, however, the tightening force is inevitably decreased at a remote position. This is resulted from the fact that when an aluminum alloy having low rigidity is used as a material of the cylinder head to decrease the weight of the engine, or when a width of the cylinder head between the c)mbuqtion chambers is reduced by reducing a distance between combustion chambers to make the engine small in size and light in weight, the rigidity of a portion between the combustion chambers of the engine is reduced. On the otGDr hand, the bead is formed at a position remote from the position of the tightening member such as the bolt. Accordingly, due to the distance from the tightening member such as the bolt and the above - mentioned reduction of the rigidity of the engine, the bead does not completely collapse by the surface pressure, and an inclination is caused in the bead. More specifically, at a portion at which the bead is formed, the rigidity of the engine and the repulsive force of the bead are balanced, and this balance is maintained when the engine is stopping. However, when the engine is operating, due to an increase and a decrease of the pressure inside the combustion chamber, the tightening force imparted to the metallic gasket is changed, and vibrations are generated in the bead. Furthermore, as a result of vibrations due to a mass of the engine, and as a result of a change in volume due to a temperature change of each engine component, variations are caused in the tightening force imparted to the metallic gasket. Thus, the bead is vibrated by its elasticity due to the above - mentioned vibrations and the variations in the tightening force, and furthermore, there is a possibility of causing a fatigue break when the bending of the bead is repeated due to the vibrations. Accordingly, there is a proposal to restrict the magnitude of an Xmplit6de of the above - mentioned vibrations and to prevent the occurrence of the fatigue break at the portion of the bead, as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility - Model Publication Hei No. 4 - 16026, and Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5 - 61503. Specifically, in Japanese Utility - Model Publication Hei No. 4 - 16026, as shown in FIG. 10, a subplate 3 is placed over a base plate 1 on a side to which a bead 2 expands, that is, the side of a convex of the bead 2, and the base plate 1 and the subplate 3 are coupled with each other by spot welding or by using eylets at several positions including these portions (for example, 10a in FIG. 9 which will be described later) which extend outwardly beyond a joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head of the engine. Furthermore, an edge of the subplate 3 is folded back to the base plate 1 side to form a folded section 3a, and this folded section 3a is positioned at an inner side towards the combustion chamber with respect to a starting point or turning point 2a of the bead 2, which starting point 2a is located near the combustion chamber, so that the folded section 3a and the starting point 2a do not overlap wiht each other. In such a metallic gasket, by the formation of the folded section 3a, the complete collapse of the bead 2 in a collapsing direction is prevented, and at the same time, the deterioration of the restoration property (spring characteristic) is prevented, thereby to decrease the akplirude of the vibrations and to prevent the occurrence of the fatigue break. On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5 - 61503, as shown in FIG. 11, a subplate 3 ' is placed over a base plate 1 at a side at which a bead 2 does not expand, that is, at a concave zidd of the bead 2, and the base plate 1 and the subplate 3 ' are coupled with each other at several positions including these portions which extend outwardly beyond a joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head in a similar manner as described with reference to FIG. 10. Furthermore, an edge of the subplate 3 ' is folded back upwardly to hold a flat portion la of the base plate 1 by the folded edge portion of the subplate 3 ', thereby to form laminations. In this structure, at the laminated end portion, a thickness is increased by one sheet of plate thickness of the subplate 3 ' as cohpa3ed with other part of the base plate 1. As a result, a high surface pressure can be ensured at this laminated end portion. Furthermore, by virtue of the structure, a high pressure gas generated in the combustion chamber during operation of the engine is initially sealed (primary sealing) at the laminated end portion, and further, the high pressure gas is secondary sealed by collapsing the bead 2 in the collapsing direction. Accordingly, even when the tightening force of the metallic gasket is varied and the vibrations of the bead are caused, the deformation of the bead 2 in the collapsing direction is restricted by the end portion which is folded, and the vibrations are reduced and the occurrence of the fatigue break is prevented. However, the metallic gaskets in the prior art involve the following drawbacks. Specifically, in the metallic gasket in Japanese Utility Model Publication Hei No. 4 - 16026, the base plate 1 and the subplate 3 are coupled with each other only at several positions at the portions extended outwardly beyond the joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head. Accordingly, in the case where the subplate 3 is thin, for example, when the cylinder block of the engine is made of cast iron and the cylinder head is made of aluminum, and when the engine is operated and stopped to repeat a temperature rise and fall in the combustion chamber, there is a possibility that the sKbplatf 3 which is thiner than the base plate 1 is deformed or produces a wrinkle, so that the subplate 3 protrudes into the combustion chamber, or a crack is caused in the folded section 3a. On the other hand, when the subplate 3 is thick, a folded end of the subplate 3 does not become completely flat, or the folded end will somewhat expand to both sides towards the joining surfaces. As a result, the folded end is difficult to be completely flattened even by the tightening force of the tightening members such as bolts, and the fols@d end will be subjected to a large load at its upper and lower ends in the thickness direction of the subplate 3. Accordingly, a sealing surface of the cylinder block or the cylinder head will sink or become hollow at a peripheral portion of the combustion chamber, and on the other hand, when an enormous load is applied to completely flatten the folded end, there is a possibility that the folded end is broken. Also, in the metallic gasket in Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5 - 61503, since the base plate 1 and the subplate 3 ' are coupled with each other only at several positions outside the joining surface area, and since the folded section 3a ' is directly in contact with the joining surface of the cylinder block or the cylinder head at the time of assembling the metallic gasket to the engine, when the temperature rise and the temperature fall in the combustion chamber are repeated due to the operation and stopping of the engine as described in the foregoing, the degree of thermal expansion will be different when the engine components
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a metallic gasket which is between joining surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, and which prevents leakage of fluid combustion gas, cooling water, lubricating and the like. 2. Description of the Prior Art Generally, a gasket of various kinds is interposed between joining of a cylinder block and a cylinder head mounted thereon of an automobile engine such as an internal combustion engine to prevent leakage of fluid such as gas, cooling water, lubricating oil, and the like, the sealing achieved by tightening both the cylinder block and the cylinder head by tightening members such as bolts or the like. Conventionally, as such a gasket, the soft gasket is provided is formed of an asbestos material, a chemical fiber material, a carbon sheet material, or the However, the soft gasket involves a drawback as an inavoidable problem due its material that there is a with time due the operation of an internal combustion and that is difficult to a resistance. As a result, is well known recently, metallic gaskets are widely used, which excellent in heat resistance, compressive resistance, and durability, which provide satisfactory restoration properties (spring characteristics) and thermal In metallic the sealing in a peripheral portion of combustion chamber, that is, cylinder bore is particularly important. In other words, when the sealing of this portion is sufficient, the utilization of the combustion gas in the inside of the chamber is incomplete, and it will result in a reduction of the pressure. Accordingly, an elastic base plate in the gasket is provided with a bead formed concentrically with a cylinder hole which is formed to communicate with the cylinder bore, and surface pressure generated between the joining surfaces of the metallic gasket and the cylinder block, and the metallic and the head made to increase by utilizing a force which is generated when the metallic gasket is tightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between cylinder block and the cylinder head, thereby to improve the sealing in the peripheral of the cylinder bore. The bead elastically deformed in a direction in which the bead collapses by the surface pressure the metallic gasket is tightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between the cylinder block and cylinder head, however, in order to completely collapse or flatten the bead, a relatively large load is needed. However, between joining surfaces between the cylinder block the cylinder head, the tightening force large at a position near the member such as the bolt, however, the tightening is inevitably decreased at a position. This is resulted from the fact that when an aluminum alloy having low rigidity is used a material the cylinder head decrease the weight of the engine, or when a width of cylinder head between combustion chambers is by reducing a distance between combustion to make the engine small in size and light in weight, the rigidity of portion between the combustion chambers of the engine is reduced. On the other hand, the bead is formed at position remote from the position of the tightening member such as the bolt. Accordingly, due to the distance from the tightening member such as the and the above-mentioned reduction of the of the engine, the bead does not completely collapse by the surface pressure, an inclination is caused in the bead. More specifically, at a at which bead is formed, the of the engine and the force the are balanced, and this balance is maintained the engine stopping. However, when the engine operating, due to an increase and a decrease of the pressure the combustion chamber, the tightening force imparted to the metallic gasket is changed, and vibrations are generated in the bead. Furthermore, a of vibrations due to mass of the engine, and as a result of a change in volume due to a temperature change of each engine component, variations are caused in the force imparted to the metallic gasket. Thus, the bead vibrated its elasticity due to the above-mentioned vibrations and the variations in the tightening force, and furthermore, there is a possibility of causing a fatigue break when the bending of the bead is repeated due to the vibrations. Accordingly, there is a proposal to restrict the magnitude of an amplitude of the above-mentioned and to prevent the occurrence of the fatigue at the portion of the bead, as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility-Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, and Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503. Specifically, in Japanese Utility-Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, as shown in FIG. 10, subplate 3 is placed over a base plate 1 on a side to a bead 2 expands, that is, side of a convex of the bead 2, and the base plate 1 the subplate 3 are coupled with each other by spot welding or by using eylets at several positions including these portions (for example, 10a in FIG. 9 which will described later) which extend outwardly beyond a joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head the engine. Furthermore, an edge of the subplate 3 is folded back to the base plate 1 side to form folded section 3a, and this folded section 3a is positioned at an inner side the combustion chamber with respect to a starting or turning point 2a of the 2, which starting point 2a is located the combustion chamber, so that the folded section and the starting point not with other. In such a gasket, by the formation of the folded section 3a, the complete collapse of the 2 in a direction is prevented, and at the same time, the deterioration of the restoration property (spring characteristic) is prevented, thereby to decrease the amplitude of the to prevent occurrence of the fatigue break. On other in Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503, as in FIG. 11, a subplate 3' is placed over a plate 1 at a side at which bead 2 does not expand, that is, at a concave side of the bead 2, and the base plate 1 and the subplate 3' are with each at several positions including which extend beyond joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head in a similar as with reference to FIG. 10. Furthermore, edge of the subplate 3' is folded back upwardly to hold a flat portion la of the base plate 1 by folded edge of the subplate 3', thereby to laminations. In this structure, at the laminated end portion, is increased by one sheet of plate thickness of the subplate as compared with part of the base 1. As a result, a high surface pressure can be ensured at this laminated end portion. Furthermore, virtue the structure, a high gas generated in the combustion chamber during operation of the engine is initially sealed sealing) at the laminated end portion, and further, the high pressure gas secondary by collapsing the bead 2 in the collapsing direction. Accordingly, when the tightening force of the metallic gasket is varied and the vibrations of the bead are caused, the deformation of the bead 2 in the collapsing direction is restricted end is folded, and vibrations are reduced and the occurrence of fatigue break is prevented. However, the metallic gaskets in the art following drawbacks. Specifically, in metallic gasket in Japanese Utility Hei No. 4-16026, the base plate 1 and the subplate 3 are coupled with each other only at several positions at the portions extended outwardly beyond the joining area with the cylinder block cylinder head. Accordingly, in the case where the subplate 3 thin, for example, when the cylinder block of the is made of cast iron and the cylinder head is made of and when the is operated and stopped to repeat a temperature rise and fall in the combustion chamber, there a possibility that the subplate which is thiner than the base plate 1 is deformed or produces a wrinkle, so that the subplate 3 protrudes into the combustion chamber, or a is caused in the folded section 3a. On the hand, when the 3 is thick, a folded end of the subplate 3 does not become completely flat, or the folded end will somewhat expand to both sides towards joining surfaces. As a result, the folded end is difficult to be completely flattened even by the tightening force of the tightening members as bolts, and the folded end will be subjected to a large load at its upper and lower ends in the direction of subplate 3. Accordingly, a surface of the cylinder block or the cylinder head will sink become a peripheral portion of the combustion chamber, and on the other hand, when an is applied to completely flatten the folded end, there a possibility that the folded end is broken. Also, in the metallic gasket in Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503, since the base plate 1 and the subplate 3' are coupled with each other only at several positions the joining surface area, and since folded section 3a' is directly contact with joining surface of the cylinder block or cylinder head at the time of assembling the metallic to the engine, when the temperature rise and the temperature fall in the are repeated due to the operation and stopping of the engine as in the the degree of thermal will be when engine components
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1. FiElD oF THE InVentiON
ThE prEsenT InveNTion relaTeS tO A Metallic gAskET which IS inTERpoSeD beTwEEN jOining suRfacEs of a CyLInder BLoCK AND A CyLInDEr heAD OF aN iNTernAl cOmbUsTiOn eNGINE, ANd whiCh PReVENTs LEaKage Of FLUiD such aS cOmBuStiON GAs, coOlINg wAtER, lubRicAtiNG Oil, anD The lIKe.
2. deSCRipTIOn Of tHE PRIOr ARt
GenerAlLy, A GASkeT Of vArIoUs kiNDS IS inTErposED beTWeeN jOinIng SurfACeS OF a CyLINDeR bLocK aND A cYLIndER HEaD mOuNteD therEON Of An AuTomobiLe eNgIne sUCh as AN iNteRNAl COMBUSTion ENGinE To PREvent leAKaGE oF fluiD sUcH AS ComBuStIon gAs, COOlINg wateR, luBriCAtInG OIL, aNd THe LIke, aND thE sEAlInG FUNcTioN Is ACHievEd By tIghteNIng BOTH THe CyliNder BlOCk aNd ThE CYlinDEr Head By TIgHTeNING MEMBErs sUch as bOltS or The liKE. COnVentIonALLY, AS SUCH A gaSkET, the sO-CaLlEd SoFT Gasket Is PrOVidEd whicH iS FOrMed Of An AsbEstOs MATERIAl, a CHemIcAL Fiber maTeRIAL, a cArBON ShEeT MAteRIal, oR ThE likE. HOWeveR, THe SOft GASKEt InVOlvES A drAWbACk AS AN inAVoIdaBLe ProBleM dUe Its MatErIAl ThaT There Is A DEtErIORaTIOn wiTh TiMe Due thE oPERatION of aN INtERNal ComBuSTIOn eNgINe, aNd THAt it Is DIffiCulT tO ENsUrE a HeAT rESIsTAnCe. aS A ResuLt, IS WEll knOwN that REcEntlY, MeTaLLIc gasKetS aRE wIDEly UseD, wHICH arE ExCELlenT IN HeAT rESIStaNce, cOMPressIve rESisTaNcE, AND DuRAbiliTy, And WHiCh PROviDE sATiSFAcTorY rEStORAtIoN PRopERTieS (sPriNG CharacTerIstICs) AND theRmAl COnDUcTiVity.
in such MeTalLIc gAskeTs, ThE sEAliNg IN A PeRIpheRAl poRtIoN OF tHE COmBustIon cHaMBER, THAT iS, tHE CYlINDer Bore iS PArTICuLaRLY IMPoRTANT. IN othEr WoRds, when thE sEALinG of tHIS PoRtioN IS not sUffIcient, thE UTIlIzAtioN oF THE COMbUStION Gas In tHE insiDE Of The coMBUSTIOn chAmBEr Is inCOMpLetE, aNd it WIlL REsULt in A ReduCTiON of THe PReSsurE. aCcoRdiNGLy, aN ELastiC BaSE PlaTE IN tHE meTAlLiC gAsket IS PRoVIDED with a BeAd fORMEd cOnCeNTRICaLLy wiTh a cYlInDEr BOre hOLe whIcH iS forMEd to COmMunICATE WIth thE CYlIndER bOrE, anD tHe surfAcE PReSsuRe GEneRAted bETwEEn THE JoiNing sURfaces of the MeTaLliC gaSKET AND ThE cYLindER bloCK, AND OF thE MEtaLLIC gaSket aND THe cYLINder heAd IS mADe tO inCReAsE By UtiliZing A rEpUlSIvE fOrCe WHiCh Is GenErAtEd WhEn the mETalLic gasKET Is tIGHTENeD bY the TiGHTENINg MEMbErS SuCh AS tHE bOltS bEtWEEn the CYLINdER block ANd the cYlindER HeAd, tHereBY to IMpROVE ThE SeaLIng iN The pERipherAl pOrTion OF the cyLinDEr boRe.
tHE beAD is elAStIcAllY DEfORMed iN A diREcTION iN WHICH tHE BEAD CoLLaPSes By tHE SUrfAcE PrEssuRE WHEN THe mETaLLiC GaSkeT Is TiGHTeNeD by the tigHtENinG mEMbErS suCh AS ThE BoLtS beTweEn THE CYliNdEr blOCk And thE CylINDeR HEad, HOWEVer, IN OrDeR tO cOmPleTELy CollAPSe OR FlattEN thE bead, a RelatIVeLy LaRge loAd IS NEEDed. HOwEVER, BetWeeN The joINiNG SurFaCes BEtweEN thE CyLinder BlOCK aNd tHE CylINdeR HeAD, tHE TIGhTENINg fORcE iS larGe At a poSItioN Near tHE TiGHTenINg MEmBer sUCh As the Bolt, HoWEver, The tIGhTeNInG FOrCE iS inEvitably DEcReAsEd At A REMoTE pOsiTIon. ThIs Is rESULTED from tHe faCT THaT wHEn aN AlumINUm alLOY haViNG low rigiDIty iS uSEd As A MaTEriAL OF THe cylIndeR HeAd tO DEcreAsE thE weigHt of thE eNGInE, oR whEn a wiDTh OF THe cyLindEr heAd bETween the COmBUSTiON cHaMbErS iS rEDUced By REDUCiNg A DIstAnCE beTwEEN COMBUSTION chambErs to mAke The ENgiNe SmALL iN siZe anD LighT IN wEiGHt, tHE RigidiTy of a PORTION BetwEeN THE cOmbUstiON cHamBeRS OF the ENgINE is REduCed.
on THE OTheR HaND, THe BEad IS forMed at A pOsItION ReMOTe frOM thE posItioN oF tHe TIgHtEning MEmBEr SUCH aS THE BOLT. AcCordinglY, duE To The dIStAnCE frOM THE TighTEnING mEmBER sUCh AS the BOLt anD tHe aBove-menTiOneD rEducTIoN of thE RIGidity OF ThE EnginE, tHE bEad DoES nOt COMPLetElY collaPSE bY tHE sUrFaCe pREssure, aNd AN InclINatION Is CaUSeD iN THe BeAd. more sPECIFiCaLly, AT A POrTion aT wHiCh THE Bead is fOrmED, THE RIGiDitY Of The eNGiNE AnD thE REPulSIvE FORCe Of the Bead ARe baLAncEd, AND this BALANCE IS mAiNtAiNED WHeN thE eNGiNe iS SToPPING. HOWeVeR, wHEn THE eNGinE IS OPERaTIng, duE to aN iNcreasE AND a deCReaSe of THe PRESsUrE insIdE the CoMBustIoN cHAMBer, the TiGhteniNG force ImPARTed tO THe MEtAllIC gAskeT is ChANgED, anD vIbRatIons are geNERAted In the beAD. fUrTHERmOre, as a ReSuLT OF vIbRATions Due to A MAss OF THE EnGiNe, And as a REsuLT of a ChANge in vOLUME DUe To A tEMPerAtUre ChanGE Of eACh enGine comPOneNt, VAriATIOnS aRe CAusEd iN The TiGhtenInG Force ImpArTEd to THe mETAllIc gasKeT. thuS, THe BEaD Is vibRATeD By iTs elAStIcity due To tHE ABove-MEntIonEd vibraTions aND THe vARiaTIONS IN The TightenINg FORCE, AND furthERmorE, tHeRe iS A PoSSIBILitY OF CauSiNg A fatiGuE BReaK WHen THE benDiNg OF THE beAD IS RepEatED dUe To The vibratIonS.
AccORDInGLY, tHEre iS A pRoPOSaL to REstriCt THE MaGNitUde OF AN AMPLitudE oF the abOvE-mENTioNed vIbRaTioNs AND To pReVenT THE oCCURrenCE oF tHe fatIguE BREAK aT The pOrtIon OF the Bead, As dIscloseD, fOr eXamPle, iN JaPaneSe UtIlITY-MoDEl pUbLICatION hei no. 4-16026, and jAPANESe PAtENT PUbliCAtion HeI no. 5-61503.
SpeCifiCAllY, In jAPAnESE UTiliTY-Model pUbLIcAtIon hEI No. 4-16026, aS shoWN iN fIg. 10, A suBpLATe 3 iS pLAcEd OVer A bAse PLATe 1 On A Side to wHIch a BeaD 2 expands, That is, the side OF a CoNvEX of ThE BeaD 2, anD THe baSE Plate 1 aND tHE SUBPLATe 3 ARe cOUpLEd WItH eaCh oTHER bY spoT WElDiNG or BY USing EYlEts aT seVEral POSiTIONS iNCLUding These PorTiOns (FOr exAMPLe, 10A IN fig. 9 WHiCH wILl BE desCrIBED LaTer) whiCH extenD OUtWarDlY BEYond A JoIning ArEa WITh the cyliNder bLOck AnD tHE cYliNdeR head Of The EnGiNE. furThErmoRE, An EDge of the SUBPLAtE 3 iS fOlDed bacK To the BASE plATe 1 sIdE TO FoRm A FolDEd SEcTIon 3A, and ThIS fOlDED secTiON 3a IS POsitioned at An InNeR SIDE TOwARdS thE combuStiOn CHamBER WitH rESpECT tO A stARTING pOINt OR tURNIng POInT 2A oF tHE beAd 2, WhIch STARTing PoiNt 2A Is loCATED nEAR tHe COmBusTIon CHaMbeR, SO THaT tHe foLdeD SeCtioN 3a aNd tHE STartING PoInt 2A DO NOT oveRlap WiTH EACh OtHer. iN SucH a metallIc GasKet, bY tHE fORMaTiON of THe FoldED secTIon 3A, tHE ComPLETe colLApSe OF tHE bEAD 2 iN A COllAPsIng direCtIoN Is preVENTeD, ANd at the sAME TiMe, tHe DEtERIoRaTIoN OF tHe reStoRAtION PrOperty (SPRInG ChAracteRiStIC) Is prEvENtED, thErEbY to DECREasE THE AmPLITUDE OF ThE vIBRaTIOns anD To preVeNT ThE OCcURReNce OF tHe fatIguE BreAk.
on tHe otHEr haNd, iN JapanesE patENT PubLiCAtiOn hEi nO. 5-61503, aS SHOwn In FiG. 11, a sUbPLaTe 3' is PlaceD oVeR a BaSe plAte 1 AT a side At WhICh A BEaD 2 dOES not ExpAnd, ThaT is, at A cONcave side OF The BeaD 2, aND the BaSE Plate 1 AND THE sUbPlaTe 3' aRe cOUplEd WITh EAch Other At SeVeRaL pOsItionS inCLUdING TheSE pORtIoNS which EXtENd OuTwArdly beYond a JoInINg AreA WiTh the CYLinDEr BLOCK aNd tHe cylINDER HeAd iN a sImILar mannEr as DEsCribEd wIth reFerEncE To Fig. 10. FurtHErMORE, aN eDge OF tHe suBpLaTE 3' iS foLDeD bacK UpwaRdLY tO HOld A FLat PoRTioN la of the bAsE pLAtE 1 By THe FOLdeD edge portIOn of THE sUBPlate 3', ThErebY tO FOrM LAMinatiONs. IN this sTRuctuRe, at tHe lAmiNATeD enD PorTioN, a THiCknEsS Is incrEAsEd bY ONE ShEEt Of PLATE tHICkNess OF THe SubpLATE 3' As coMpaReD WiTh OTHeR paRT OF thE BASe PLatE 1. aS A resUlT, A HIGH suRFACe PReSSURe CAn bE EnsUreD AT This LAminATED End PORTion. FURtHErMORe, BY ViRTuE OF tHE sTrucTuRe, a HiGH PReSsUrE gAS gENeRAtEd iN The cOmBuSTIoN chAMBer dURing OPErATiON oF ThE ENgInE is inITIAlly sEaleD (pRIMAry SEAlInG) at THe LaminAted eNd pORTion, AnD FurThEr, THE hiGh PressUrE gas is SeCoNDARy SeAled bY cOllApSiNG THE bead 2 In The COlLaPSIng DIrEcTIOn. AcCoRDinGLY, EVEN WhEn ThE TIgHtenIng forCe of The METalLic GASket Is VaRied aND tHe VIBrAtiONS Of tHE bead ARE CaUsED, thE dEFOrMATIoN of The beAD 2 in The coLLAPSiNg dIrectIoN IS rEsTriCTeD BY The eND pORTIoN whIcH IS foLDEd, And tHE ViBRATIonS Are rEDuceD ANd tHE OccUrRenCE oF thE fATiGUE breAk iS pREvENted.
HOwever, the MetalLIC GAsKetS iN the pRior art InVOlVe THe FolLOwInG drawBACkS.
SPECIFICaLLy, IN ThE metalLIC gaSkeT in jaPANESe utILITY MODeL PuBliCaTiON Hei nO. 4-16026, the base plATE 1 AND tHE SubPlATE 3 ArE cOuPlEd WiTH eACH OTher oNLy AT SEverAl posiTiONs aT tHe poRtions extEndeD oUTWardLy beyoND the jOinINg area witH The CyLiNDer BLocK aND thE CylINDer HEad. ACcOrdINGLy, IN ThE CaSE wHeRE tHe SUbPLate 3 IS THIN, For EXAMPlE, WHeN the Cylinder BLOCK oF tHE EnGINe IS MAdE of CAsT Iron aNd thE cYLINDER HeaD IS mADe OF alUMiNUM, AND when the enginE is OpeRAted aNd SToPpED To rEpeAt A tEMperAturE riSE ANd falL iN the COmBusTioN ChAMbER, THERE is A poSSibILITY ThAt thE suBplaTE 3 whicH Is thiNEr tHAn The BasE PlatE 1 Is DefOrMED Or ProdUcEs A wRINKLE, sO thaT the SUBplatE 3 protrUDeS INto thE cOMbUsTiOn chambeR, or A cRack Is CAUSed In The FoLdED SEcTIOn 3a. ON tHe OtheR HAND, WHEN THE SubPlAte 3 IS THiCk, a foLded End OF tHe suBPlatE 3 does NOT beCOme comPleTely FLAT, or ThE FOldeD ENd wILl SOMEwhAT exPand To bOth siDes toWArDs THe joinING sUrFAces. aS A REsuLt, tHe FoLded eND is DIfFIculT tO bE comPLETeLY flattENeD eVeN bY THE TiGhTeNiNG forcE of ThE TigHTeninG mEMbeRs sUCh AS bOlts, aND The FolDEd eNd will be sUbjECtEd To a LARge Load AT ITs upPEr And loWer Ends IN the THickness dIrecTIon oF ThE sUBPLatE 3. accOrDiNGly, a SeAliNG SUrfAcE OF tHe CYLINdeR BLoCK OR tHe CYliNdER HEAD WilL SinK or beCome HOLLOW At a pERIPhERAl poRTiOn of ThE CombuStIoN cHAmBer, aNd On thE OtHEr hAnd, wHEN aN ENoRMOuS LoaD Is ApPLIEd To compLetely FlATTen thE FOlDed ENd, There is A POsSiBIlITy thAt THE FolDEd enD Is BROkEn.
aLsO, In The mETaLLiC gASKeT iN japaNEse paTEnt PUBLiCAtioN heI no. 5-61503, sInce thE bAse PlatE 1 aNd the subpLaTe 3' aRe coupLED WiTH eacH OTHEr OnLY At SEveRAL POsitioNS oUTsiDe tHe JoinInG suRfAcE aReA, anD SiNCE ThE FoLDEd secTiON 3a' Is diRectLy iN coNTaCt WiTH THE jOiNiNg SurFaCe of tHE CYLINDeR bLock or ThE CylIndeR heaD aT THE tIMe OF asSembLING THE mEtaLlIC gaSKeT To tHE enGinE, WheN the TEmPErAtuRe rISe and the TEMPEratUre FAlL In thE cOMbusTion cHaMbeR aRe rEPeAted duE tO thE oPERATiON AnD STOpPinG Of THE eNgiNE aS dEScrIbEd IN THE fOREgOIng, THE DEGree oF tHeRMaL eXPanSiON wilL BE DiFfeReNT When The EnGINE coMPOnENTs
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1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates toa metallic gasket which isinterposed between joining surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, and which prevents leakage of fluid suchas combustion gas, cooling water, lubricating oil, and thelike. 2. Description ofthe Prior Art Generally, a gasket of various kinds is interposed between joining surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head mounted thereon of an automobile engine such as an internal combustion engine to prevent leakage of fluid such as combustion gas, cooling water, lubricating oil, and the like, and the sealing function is achieved by tightening both the cylinder block and the cylinder head by tightening members such as bolts or the like. Conventionally,as such agasket, theso-called soft gasket is provided which isformed of an asbestos material, a chemicalfiber material, a carbon sheet material, or the like. However, the soft gasket involves a drawback as an inavoidable problem due its material that there is a deterioration with time due the operation of an internal combustion engine, and that it is difficult to ensure a heat resistance. As a result, is well known that recently, metallic gaskets are widely used,which are excellent in heat resistance,compressive resistance, and durability, and which providesatisfactory restoration properties (spring characteristics) and thermal conductivity. In such metallic gaskets, the sealing in a peripheral portion of the combustion chamber, that is, the cylinder bore is particularly important. In other words, when the sealing of this portion is not sufficient, the utilization of the combustion gas in the inside of the combustion chamber is incomplete, and itwill result in a reduction of the pressure. Accordingly, an elastic base plate in the metallic gasket is provided with a bead formed concentrically with a cylinder bore hole which isformed to communicate with the cylinder bore, and thesurface pressure generated between the joining surfaces of the metallic gasket and the cylinder block, and ofthe metallic gasket and thecylinderhead is made to increaseby utilizing a repulsive forcewhichis generated when the metallic gasket istightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between the cylinder block and thecylinder head, thereby to improve the sealing in the peripheral portion of the cylinder bore. The bead iselastically deformed in a direction inwhich the bead collapses by the surface pressure when themetallic gasketis tightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between the cylinder block and thecylinder head, however, in order tocompletely collapse or flatten the bead, a relatively large load is needed. However, between the joining surfaces between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, thetighteningforce is large at a position near the tightening member such as thebolt, however, the tightening force is inevitably decreased at a remote position. This is resulted from the fact that when an aluminum alloy having low rigidityisused as a material of the cylinderhead to decrease the weight of the engine, or whena width of the cylinder head between the combustion chambersis reducedbyreducing a distance between combustion chambers to make the engine small in size and light in weight,the rigidityof a portion between the combustion chambers of the engineis reduced. Onthe other hand, the bead is formedat a position remote from the position of the tightening member suchas thebolt. Accordingly, dueto thedistance from the tightening member such asthe bolt and the above-mentioned reductionof therigidity of the engine, the bead doesnot completely collapse by the surface pressure, and an inclination is caused in the bead. Morespecifically,at a portion at which the bead isformed, therigidityof the engine and the repulsive force of the beadare balanced, and this balance is maintained when the engine is stopping. However, when the engine is operating,due toan increase and a decrease of the pressure inside thecombustion chamber, the tighteningforce imparted to the metallic gasketischanged, and vibrations are generated in the bead.Furthermore, as a result of vibrations dueto a mass of the engine, and as a resultof a change in volumedue to a temperature change of each enginecomponent, variations are caused in the tightening force impartedto the metallic gasket. Thus, the bead is vibrated by its elasticity dueto the above-mentioned vibrations and the variations in the tightening force, andfurthermore, there is a possibility of causing a fatigue break when the bending of the beadisrepeated dueto the vibrations. Accordingly, there is a proposal to restrict the magnitude of an amplitude of the above-mentioned vibrations and to prevent the occurrence of thefatigue break at the portion of the bead, as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility-Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, and Japanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503. Specifically, in JapaneseUtility-Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, as shown in FIG.10, a subplate 3 isplaced over a base plate 1 on a side to which a bead 2 expands, that is, the side of a convex of the bead 2, and the baseplate1 and the subplate 3 are coupled with each other by spot welding or byusing eylets atseveral positions includingthese portions (for example, 10a in FIG. 9 which willbe describedlater) which extendoutwardly beyond a joining areawiththe cylinder block and the cylinder head of the engine. Furthermore, an edge of the subplate 3 is folded back tothe base plate 1side to form a folded section 3a, and this folded section 3a is positioned at an inner side towards the combustion chamber withrespect toa starting point or turning point 2a of the bead 2, which starting point 2a is located near the combustion chamber, so that thefolded section 3a and thestarting point 2a do not overlapwith each other. In such a metallic gasket, bythe formation of the folded section 3a,the complete collapse of the bead 2in a collapsing direction is prevented, and at the same time, the deterioration of the restorationproperty (springcharacteristic) isprevented,thereby to decrease the amplitudeof the vibrations and toprevent the occurrenceof thefatigue break. On the otherhand, inJapanese Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503, as shownin FIG. 11, a subplate 3'is placed over a base plate 1 at a side atwhicha bead 2 does not expand, that is, ata concave side of the bead 2, and the base plate 1 and the subplate 3' are coupled with each otherat several positions including these portionswhich extend outwardly beyond a joining area with the cylinderblock and the cylinder head in a similarmanner as described with reference to FIG. 10. Furthermore, an edgeof the subplate 3' isfolded back upwardly to hold a flat portion laofthe base plate 1 by the folded edge portion ofthe subplate 3', thereby to form laminations. In this structure, at the laminated end portion, a thickness is increased by one sheet of plate thickness of the subplate 3' as compared with other part of the base plate 1. As a result, a high surface pressure can be ensuredat this laminated end portion. Furthermore, by virtue of the structure, ahighpressure gas generated in the combustionchamber during operationof the engine is initially sealed (primary sealing) at the laminated end portion, and further, thehighpressure gas is secondary sealedbycollapsing the bead 2 in the collapsing direction. Accordingly, even when the tighteningforce of the metallic gasket is varied and thevibrations of the bead are caused,the deformation of the bead 2 in the collapsingdirection is restricted by the end portion which is folded, and the vibrations are reduced and the occurrence of the fatigue break is prevented. However, the metallicgaskets in the prior art involve the following drawbacks. Specifically, in the metallic gasket in JapaneseUtility Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, the base plate1 and the subplate3 are coupledwith each other only at several positionsat the portionsextendedoutwardly beyond the joining area with the cylinder block and the cylinder head. Accordingly, in thecase where the subplate 3 is thin,for example, when the cylinder block ofthe engine is made of cast ironand the cylinder head is madeof aluminum, and when the engine is operated and stopped to repeat a temperature rise and fall inthe combustion chamber, there is a possibility that the subplate 3which is thiner than the base plate 1 is deformed or produces a wrinkle, so that the subplate 3 protrudesinto the combustion chamber, or a crack is caused in the folded section 3a. On the other hand, when the subplate 3 is thick, a folded end of the subplate 3 does notbecome completely flat, orthe foldedend will somewhat expand to both sides towardsthe joining surfaces. Asa result,the folded end is difficult to be completely flattenedevenby the tightening force of the tighteningmemberssuch as bolts, andthe folded end will be subjected to a large load at its upper andlower ends in the thickness direction of the subplate 3. Accordingly, a sealing surface of the cylinderblock or the cylinder head will sink or become hollowat aperipheral portion of thecombustion chamber, and on the other hand, when an enormous load is applied to completely flatten the folded end, there isa possibility that the folded end isbroken. Also,in the metallic gasketin Japanese PatentPublication Hei No. 5-61503, since the base plate 1and the subplate 3' arecoupled with each other only at several positions outside the joining surface area, and since the folded section 3a' isdirectly in contactwith the joining surface of the cylinder block or the cylinder headat the time of assembling the metallic gasket to the engine, when the temperature rise andthe temperature fallin the combustion chamber are repeated due to the operation and stopping of the engineas described in the foregoing, the degree of thermal expansion will be differentwhen the enginecomponents
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_1._ _Field_ of the Invention The present _invention_ relates _to_ a metallic gasket which is interposed between joining surfaces of a _cylinder_ block and a _cylinder_ head of an internal combustion engine, and which prevents leakage of fluid such as combustion gas, cooling water, lubricating oil, and the like. 2. _Description_ of the Prior Art Generally, _a_ gasket of various kinds is _interposed_ between joining surfaces of a _cylinder_ block and a cylinder head mounted thereon of an automobile engine _such_ as _an_ internal combustion engine to prevent leakage of fluid such as combustion gas, cooling _water,_ _lubricating_ _oil,_ and the like, and the sealing function is achieved by tightening both the cylinder block and the cylinder head _by_ _tightening_ members such as bolts or the like. Conventionally, as such _a_ gasket, the so-called soft _gasket_ _is_ provided which is formed of an _asbestos_ _material,_ _a_ chemical fiber material, _a_ carbon sheet _material,_ or the _like._ However, _the_ _soft_ gasket involves a _drawback_ as an inavoidable problem due its material that _there_ _is_ a deterioration with time _due_ the _operation_ of an internal _combustion_ engine, and _that_ it is difficult to ensure a heat resistance. _As_ a result, _is_ _well_ known that recently, _metallic_ _gaskets_ are widely used, which are excellent in heat resistance, compressive resistance, and durability, _and_ which provide satisfactory restoration properties (spring characteristics) and thermal _conductivity._ In such metallic gaskets, the sealing in a peripheral portion of the combustion chamber, that is, the _cylinder_ bore _is_ _particularly_ important. In other words, when _the_ sealing _of_ this portion is not _sufficient,_ the utilization of the combustion gas _in_ the inside of the combustion chamber _is_ incomplete, and it will result in a reduction of _the_ pressure. Accordingly, an _elastic_ base plate in the metallic gasket is provided _with_ a _bead_ formed concentrically with _a_ cylinder _bore_ hole which is _formed_ _to_ communicate with _the_ cylinder bore, _and_ the _surface_ pressure _generated_ _between_ the joining surfaces of _the_ metallic gasket and _the_ cylinder block, and of the metallic gasket and the cylinder head is _made_ to increase by utilizing a repulsive force _which_ is generated when the metallic gasket is _tightened_ by _the_ tightening _members_ such as the bolts between the _cylinder_ block and the cylinder head, _thereby_ _to_ improve _the_ sealing in the peripheral portion of the cylinder bore. The bead is elastically deformed in a direction in which the bead collapses by the surface _pressure_ when _the_ _metallic_ _gasket_ is tightened by the tightening members such as the bolts between the cylinder _block_ and _the_ _cylinder_ head, _however,_ in order to _completely_ collapse or flatten the bead, a relatively large load is _needed._ However, between the joining surfaces between the cylinder block and the cylinder head, the tightening force _is_ large at a position near _the_ tightening member such _as_ the bolt, however, the tightening force _is_ inevitably decreased at a remote position. This is resulted from the fact that when an aluminum alloy having low rigidity _is_ used as a material of _the_ _cylinder_ head _to_ decrease the weight of the engine, or when a width of the cylinder head between the _combustion_ _chambers_ is _reduced_ by reducing a distance between combustion chambers to make the _engine_ small in size and light in weight, _the_ rigidity of _a_ portion between _the_ _combustion_ chambers of _the_ engine _is_ reduced. On the other _hand,_ the bead is formed at a position _remote_ from _the_ position of the tightening member such as the bolt. Accordingly, _due_ to the distance from the tightening member _such_ as the bolt and the above-mentioned reduction of the rigidity _of_ the engine, the bead does not completely collapse by the surface pressure, and an inclination _is_ caused in the bead. _More_ specifically, at a portion at which _the_ bead _is_ _formed,_ the rigidity of the engine and the repulsive force _of_ _the_ bead are balanced, and _this_ balance _is_ maintained when the engine is stopping. However, when the _engine_ is operating, due to an increase and a decrease _of_ the pressure inside the _combustion_ chamber, the tightening _force_ imparted to the metallic _gasket_ is changed, and _vibrations_ are generated in the _bead._ Furthermore, as a _result_ of _vibrations_ due to a mass of the engine, _and_ as a _result_ of a change in volume _due_ to _a_ temperature change of each engine component, variations are caused in the tightening _force_ _imparted_ to the metallic gasket. _Thus,_ the bead is vibrated by its elasticity due to the above-mentioned _vibrations_ and the variations _in_ the tightening force, and _furthermore,_ _there_ is _a_ possibility of causing a fatigue break when _the_ _bending_ _of_ the _bead_ is repeated due to the vibrations. _Accordingly,_ there is a proposal to restrict the magnitude of an amplitude of the above-mentioned vibrations and to prevent the occurrence of the fatigue break at the _portion_ of the bead, _as_ disclosed, _for_ example, _in_ Japanese Utility-Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, and _Japanese_ Patent Publication _Hei_ No. 5-61503. Specifically, in Japanese _Utility-Model_ Publication Hei No. 4-16026, _as_ shown _in_ FIG. 10, a subplate _3_ is placed over a base plate 1 _on_ _a_ _side_ to _which_ a bead 2 expands, that is, the side _of_ a convex of the bead _2,_ and the base plate 1 and the subplate 3 are coupled with _each_ other by _spot_ welding or by using eylets at several positions including these portions (for example, 10a _in_ FIG. 9 which will be described later) which extend outwardly _beyond_ _a_ joining area _with_ the cylinder _block_ and _the_ cylinder _head_ _of_ the engine. _Furthermore,_ an edge of the subplate 3 is folded back to the base _plate_ _1_ side to _form_ _a_ folded section 3a, and this folded _section_ 3a _is_ positioned at an inner side towards _the_ combustion chamber with respect to _a_ starting point or turning point _2a_ of the bead 2, which starting point 2a is _located_ _near_ the _combustion_ chamber, so _that_ the folded section 3a and the starting _point_ 2a do _not_ overlap with each other. In _such_ a metallic gasket, by the formation of _the_ folded _section_ 3a, the complete _collapse_ _of_ the bead 2 _in_ a collapsing direction is prevented, and _at_ the same _time,_ the deterioration of the _restoration_ property (spring characteristic) is prevented, thereby to decrease the amplitude of the vibrations and to prevent the occurrence of the fatigue break. _On_ _the_ other hand, in Japanese Patent _Publication_ _Hei_ No. 5-61503, as shown in _FIG._ 11, a subplate 3' is placed over a base plate 1 at a side at which a _bead_ 2 does not expand, that _is,_ at a _concave_ _side_ of the bead 2, and the base _plate_ 1 and the subplate 3' _are_ coupled with _each_ other _at_ several _positions_ including these portions which extend outwardly beyond a joining area with the cylinder block _and_ _the_ cylinder head in a similar manner _as_ _described_ with reference to FIG. 10. Furthermore, an edge of the subplate _3'_ is folded _back_ upwardly to _hold_ a flat _portion_ la of the base plate 1 by the folded edge portion of the _subplate_ 3', thereby to form laminations. In this structure, at the laminated end portion, a _thickness_ is increased by one sheet _of_ plate _thickness_ of _the_ subplate 3' _as_ compared with other part _of_ the base _plate_ 1. As a _result,_ a high surface pressure can _be_ _ensured_ at this laminated end _portion._ _Furthermore,_ by virtue of _the_ structure, a high pressure gas generated in _the_ combustion chamber during operation _of_ the _engine_ is initially _sealed_ (primary sealing) at the laminated end portion, and further, _the_ high pressure gas is secondary sealed by collapsing the bead 2 in the collapsing _direction._ Accordingly, even when the _tightening_ _force_ of the metallic gasket is _varied_ and _the_ _vibrations_ of the bead _are_ caused, the deformation of the _bead_ 2 in the collapsing direction is _restricted_ by the _end_ portion which _is_ folded, _and_ the _vibrations_ are reduced _and_ the occurrence of the _fatigue_ break is _prevented._ However, _the_ _metallic_ gaskets in the prior art involve the following _drawbacks._ _Specifically,_ in the metallic gasket _in_ _Japanese_ _Utility_ Model Publication Hei No. 4-16026, the _base_ plate 1 and the subplate 3 _are_ _coupled_ _with_ each other only at several positions _at_ the portions extended outwardly beyond the _joining_ area with the cylinder block _and_ the cylinder head. Accordingly, in the case _where_ _the_ subplate 3 _is_ thin, _for_ example, when the cylinder block _of_ the engine is made of cast iron and the cylinder _head_ is _made_ of aluminum, and when _the_ engine is operated and stopped _to_ _repeat_ a temperature _rise_ and _fall_ in the combustion _chamber,_ there is a possibility that the subplate 3 which is _thiner_ _than_ the base plate 1 is deformed or produces a wrinkle, so that the _subplate_ 3 protrudes into the combustion chamber, or _a_ crack is caused in the _folded_ _section_ 3a. On the other hand, _when_ the _subplate_ 3 is thick, _a_ folded end of the subplate 3 _does_ not become completely flat, _or_ the _folded_ end will somewhat _expand_ to both sides towards the joining surfaces. As _a_ result, _the_ _folded_ end is _difficult_ to be completely flattened even _by_ _the_ _tightening_ force of the _tightening_ _members_ _such_ as bolts, and the folded end will be subjected _to_ a large load at _its_ upper and lower _ends_ in _the_ thickness _direction_ of the subplate 3. Accordingly, a sealing surface of the cylinder block or the cylinder head _will_ _sink_ or become _hollow_ at a peripheral portion _of_ _the_ _combustion_ _chamber,_ _and_ _on_ the other _hand,_ when _an_ enormous _load_ is applied to completely flatten the folded _end,_ there _is_ a possibility _that_ _the_ folded end _is_ broken. Also, in the metallic gasket in _Japanese_ Patent Publication Hei No. 5-61503, since the base plate 1 and the subplate _3'_ are coupled with _each_ _other_ only at several _positions_ outside the joining surface area, _and_ _since_ the folded section 3a' _is_ directly in contact _with_ _the_ _joining_ surface of the _cylinder_ _block_ _or_ the cylinder head _at_ the _time_ of assembling the metallic gasket to the engine, when _the_ temperature rise and _the_ _temperature_ fall in the combustion _chamber_ are _repeated_ _due_ to the operation and stopping of the engine as described in the foregoing, _the_ degree of thermal expansion will be different _when_ the engine components
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The manufacture of advanced semiconductor devices entails the integration and sequencing of many unit processing steps, with potential new material and process developments. The precise sequencing and integration of the unit processing steps enables the formation of functional devices meeting desired performance metrics such as power efficiency, signal propagation, and reliability.
As part of the discovery, optimization and qualification of each unit process, it is desirable to be able to i) test different materials, ii) test different processing conditions within each unit process module, iii) test different sequencing and integration of processing modules within an integrated processing tool, iv) test different sequencing of processing tools in executing different process sequence integration flows, and combinations thereof in the manufacture of devices such as integrated circuits. In particular, there is a need to be able to test i) more than one material, ii) more than one processing condition, iii) more than one sequence of processing conditions, iv) more than one process sequence integration flow, and combinations thereof, collectively known as “combinatorial process sequence integration”, on a single monolithic substrate without the need of consuming the equivalent number of monolithic substrates per material(s), processing condition(s), sequence(s) of processing conditions, sequence(s) of processes, and combinations thereof. This can greatly improve both the speed and reduce the costs associated with the discovery, implementation, optimization, and qualification of material(s), process(es), and process integration sequence(s) required for manufacturing.
Systems and methods for High Productivity Combinatorial (HPC) processing are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,544,574 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,935 filed on Jul. 2, 2008, U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,928 filed on May 4, 2009, U.S. Pat. No. 7,902,063 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,531 filed on Aug. 28, 2009 which are all herein incorporated by reference. Systems and methods for HPC processing are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/352,077 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/419,174 filed on May 18, 2006, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/674,132 filed on Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/674,137 filed on Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005 which are all herein incorporated by reference.
HPC processing techniques have been used in wet chemical processing such as etching and cleaning. HPC processing techniques have also been used in deposition processes such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
In standard HPC systems, multiple site isolated regions on a substrate surface can be formed by sealing different regions of the surface, isolating the surface regions from each other. The surface sealing can generate particles, which requires subsequent substrate cleaning. Therefore there is a need for non-contact isolation of surface regions on a substrate surface.
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The manufacture of advanced semiconductor devices entails the integration and sequencing of many unit processing steps, with potential new material and process developments. The precise sequencing and integration of the unit processing steps enables the formation of functional devices meeting desired performance metrics such as power efficiency, signal propagation, and reliability. As part of the discovery, optimization and qualification of each unit process, it is desirable to be able to i) test different materials, ii) test different processing conditions within each unit process module, iii) test different sequencing and integration of processing modules within an integrated work tool, iv) test different sequencing of processing tools in executing different process sequence integration flows, and combinations thereof in the manufacture of devices such as integrated circuits. In particular, there is a need to be able to test i) more than one material, ii) more than one processing condition, iii) more than one sequence of processing conditions, iv) more than one process sequence integration flow, and combinations thereof, collectively known as “combinatorial process sequence integration”, on a single monolithic substrate without the need of consuming the equivalent number of monolithic substrates per material(s), processing condition(s), sequence(s) of processing conditions, sequence(s) of processes, and combinations thereof. This can greatly improve both the speed and reduce the costs associated with the discovery, implementation, optimization, and qualification of material(s), process(es), and process integration sequence(s) required for manufacturing. Systems and methods for High Productivity Combinatorial (HPC) processing are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,544,574 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,935 filed on Jul. 2, 2008, U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,928 filed on May 4, 2009, U.S. Pat. No. 7,902,063 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,531 filed on Aug. 28, 2009 which are all herein incorporated by reference. Systems and methods for HPC processing are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/352,077 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/419,174 filed on May 18, 2006, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/674,132 filed on Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/674,137 filed on Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005 which are all herein incorporated by reference. HPC processing techniques have been used in wet chemical processing such as etching and cleaning. HPC processing techniques have also been used in deposition processes such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In standard HPC systems, multiple site isolated regions on a substrate surface can be formed by sealing different regions of the surface, isolating the surface regions from each other. The surface sealing can generate particles, which requires subsequent substrate cleaning. Therefore there is a need for non-contact isolation of surface regions on a substrate surface.
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The manufacture of advanced semiconductor devices entails the integration and sequencing of many unit processing steps, with potential new material and process developments. The precise sequencing and integration of the unit processing steps enables the formation of functional devices meeting desired performance metrics such as power efficiency, signal propagation, and reliabLlit^. As part of the discoveej, optimization and qualification of each unit process, it is desirable to be able to i) test different materials, ii) test different processing conditions within each unit process module, iii) test different sequencing and integration of processing modules within an 9ntegrateW processing tool, iv) test different sequencing of processing tools in executing different process sequence integration flows, and combinations thereof in the manufacture of devices such as integrated circuits. In particular, there is a need to be able to test i) more than one material, ii) more than one pg)cessing condition, iii) more than one aequeMce of processing conditions, iv) more than one process sequence integration flow, and combinations thereof, collectively known as “ combinatorial process sequence integration ”, on a single monolithic substrate without the need of consuming the equivalent number of monolithic substrates per material (s ), processing condition (s ), sequence (s) of processing conditions, sequence (s) of processes, and combinations thereof. This can greatly improve both the speed and reduce the costs associated with the discovery, implementation, optimization, and qualification of material (s ), process (es ), and process integration sequence (s) required for manufacturing. Systems and methods for High Productivity Combinatorial (HPC) processing are descr8bwd in U. S. Pat. No. 7, 544, 574 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, U. S. Pat. No. 7, 824, 935 filed on Jul. 2, 100O, U. S. Pat. No. 7, 871, 928 filed on May 4, 2009, U. S. Pat. No. 7, 902, 063 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, and U. S. Pat. No. 7, 947, 531 Bilfd on Aug. 28, 2009 which are all herein incorporated by reference. Systems and methods for HPC processing are further described in U. S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 352, 077 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, U. S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 419, 174 filed on May 18, 2006, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, U. S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 674, 132 filed on Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, and U. S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 674, 137 filed on Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005 which are all herein incorporated by reference. HPC processing techniques have been used in wet chemical processing such as etching and cleaning. HPC processing techniques have also been used in deposition processes such as physical vapor deposition (PVD ), atomic layer deposition (ALD ), and chemical vapor dep9sifion (CVD ). In standard HPC systems, multiple site isolated regions on a substrate surface can be formed by sealing different regions of the surface, isolating the surface regions from each other. The surface sealing can generate particles, which requires subsequent substrate cleaning. Therefore tuer4 is a need for non - contact isolation of surface regions on a substrate surface.
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The of advanced semiconductor devices entails the integration and sequencing of many unit processing with potential new material and process developments. The sequencing and integration of the unit processing steps enables the formation of functional devices meeting desired performance metrics as power efficiency, signal propagation, and reliability. As part of the discovery, optimization and qualification of each unit process, it desirable to be able to i) test different materials, different processing conditions within each module, iii) test different sequencing and integration of processing modules within an integrated processing tool, iv) test different sequencing of processing tools in executing process sequence integration flows, and combinations thereof in the manufacture of devices such as integrated circuits. In particular, there is a need to be able test i) more one material, more than condition, iii) more than one sequence of processing conditions, iv) more process sequence integration flow, and combinations thereof, known as “combinatorial process sequence integration”, on a monolithic substrate without the need of consuming the equivalent number monolithic substrates material(s), processing condition(s), sequence(s) of processing conditions, sequence(s) of processes, and combinations thereof. This can greatly improve both the speed and the costs associated with the discovery, implementation, optimization, and qualification of process(es), process integration sequence(s) required manufacturing. Systems and methods High Productivity Combinatorial (HPC) are described U.S. Pat. No. 7,544,574 on Feb. 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,935 filed on Jul. 2, 2008, U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,928 filed on 4, 2009, U.S. Pat. No. 7,902,063 filed on 10, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,531 filed on Aug. 28, 2009 which are all herein incorporated by reference. Systems and for HPC processing are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/352,077 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, claiming from Oct. 15, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. filed on May 18, 2006, claiming priority Oct. 15, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/674,132 filed on Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, and U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/674,137 on Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority 15, 2005 which are all herein incorporated by reference. HPC techniques have been used in wet chemical processing such as etching cleaning. processing techniques have also been used in deposition such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). standard HPC systems, multiple site isolated regions on a substrate surface can be formed by sealing different regions of the surface, isolating the surface regions from each other. The surface sealing can generate particles, which requires subsequent substrate cleaning. Therefore there a need for isolation of surface regions on a substrate surface.
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THe mAnuFaCTURe of aDVAncED SEmiCOnDUCTOR deVicEs ENTailS tHE integrATIon and SequencING Of mANY uNIt prOcEsSiNG STePS, wItH pOTeNTIal neW MAterial AnD pROcess DevELOpMEnTS. tHE PrECiSE SequeNCiNG and iNteGRatIoN of The Unit ProcESsiNg stePs enabLEs tHE foRMATIOn of FUNctIoNAl DeviCes meETiNg deSIReD PerfORmANCE mETrics SUCH AS poWeR eFficiEncY, SigNAl proPAGATiON, AND reLiaBILITY.
aS PaRt oF THe DiScoVErY, optIMiZATIon And QuaLIfiCatIOn OF EaCH UnIT ProceSs, IT Is DEsirAblE TO BE ABlE tO i) tEST DIFFEreNt MaTeriaLs, II) tEsT DifFerENT procESSiNG CoNdItIons WitHiN eACH UnIT pROCESs moDUlE, III) tEST dIffERent sEQUeNcINg and INtEgratiON OF ProCessiNG ModULes WithiN aN inTEGrATeD PROceSsiNG TOol, IV) tEST DIffERENT seqUENCing oF pRocESSIng tOoLS IN ExecutiNg DIFFEreNT ProceSs seqUENce INtEGRaTIoN fLOwS, and CombInAtions thEREof IN the MANufaCtURE Of DEVICES sUcH aS iNTeGRAted CIRcuITs. iN PaRtICULAR, TheRE IS a NeEd TO Be aBlE TO TEsT i) mOrE tHAn one MAtERiaL, ii) more THaN ONe pROcesSiNG cOndiTion, III) mORE THaN onE SequENCe of PrOCESSiNg coNDitioNs, iv) morE tHAN ONE PRocess SequencE iNTEGrAtiON FLOW, and CoMbInAtioNS Thereof, CoLLecTiveLY KNoWn AS “CoMbInatoRIAL pROCesS SEQUeNCE inTegRATIon”, On a sINGLE MonOLiTHiC subStRaTE wiThOUT The NeED Of cOnsUmING THe EQUIvaLent nUMBEr OF mONolIthIc sUbSTRATEs Per mATeRIaL(S), PRoceSSiNG CONditIoN(s), SeqUenCe(S) of prOCEsSinG coNDITIons, SEQUENCE(s) of prOcesSES, aND COmBiNatiONS tHEReoF. thIs cAn gREATlY imPRove BOtH the SpeED AND REducE The COSts ASsOciATeD WITh ThE diScovEry, imPleMeNtAtIOn, OPtimiZatiOn, ANd qUALIfIcATIon oF mATerIaL(s), PrOCESS(Es), AnD PRoCEss INtEgRatIoN SEQUeNcE(S) REQUiReD FOR MANuFacTURiNG.
SYSTemS aNd MeThOds fOR hiGH proDUcTIviTy COMbinAtorIAL (HPC) procESsINg ArE DesCriBed iN U.s. PAT. nO. 7,544,574 FiLEd on FEb. 10, 2006, u.S. pAT. nO. 7,824,935 filed ON JuL. 2, 2008, U.S. pAt. nO. 7,871,928 filEd On May 4, 2009, U.s. pAt. nO. 7,902,063 filEd oN Feb. 10, 2006, AnD U.S. pAT. No. 7,947,531 fiLed on AuG. 28, 2009 whICH ARE AlL HERein InCOrpORATeD bY REfeReNcE. sySTEMS AnD meThoDS fOR hpc pROcEsSInG ARe FUrTHER deScRIbeD IN U.S. PATeNT aPPlICaTION ser. no. 11/352,077 fiLed ON Feb. 10, 2006, CLaImiNG prIORiTY FrOM oCT. 15, 2005, u.s. pAtENt APPLiCatioN sEr. nO. 11/419,174 FIleD ON mAy 18, 2006, ClAImiNg pRiOriTY FroM oct. 15, 2005, u.s. PaTeNT appliCatiOn sEr. nO. 11/674,132 FiLEd oN fEB. 12, 2007, claIMinG prIOrITY fRoM OcT. 15, 2005, ANd u.s. pateNT apPlicATION sEr. No. 11/674,137 fILEd on feb. 12, 2007, ClaIMIng PRIorITY FrOM OCT. 15, 2005 WhICh aRE alL HEReIN iNcOrpOrAteD BY rEFerence.
hpc PRoCEsSinG tECHNiQuEs havE bEEn USED IN wET CHemICAL pROCEsSING such AS eTCHiNg AnD ClEanINg. hPc PRocESSiNg TECHNiQUES HavE alsO beEN uSED in DePoSitIOn pROcESSes sUCH aS PhySicAl vapor dEpOSiTIOn (PvD), aToMiC lAyER DEPosITioN (ald), ANd cHeMIcAl VapOr dEpOSitIOn (CvD).
IN stANdARD hPc sysTEms, MuLtipLe sItE isOlaTED REgionS ON A SUbstratE SUrfaCe Can Be FoRmeD bY seAlIng DiffEReNt rEgIonS oF THe SuRFace, isOlAtInG tHe SURfACE RegIONS fRom eaCh oTHER. The surFace SEaLiNG CaN generAte paRTIcLES, WhICH rEQuires subseQuenT SUBSTRate cleAniNG. tHEREForE TheRe is A neeD FOR non-COnTacT isoLatIoN oF SUrfaCe regioNS ON a subStrATe SURfaCe.
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The manufacture of advanced semiconductor devices entails the integration and sequencing of many unit processing steps, with potential new material and processdevelopments.The precisesequencing and integration ofthe unitprocessing stepsenables the formation offunctionaldevices meetingdesiredperformance metrics such as power efficiency, signal propagation, and reliability. As part of the discovery,optimization and qualification of each unit process, it is desirable tobe able to i) testdifferent materials, ii) testdifferentprocessing conditions within eachunitprocess module, iii)test different sequencing and integration ofprocessingmodules within an integrated processing tool, iv) test different sequencing of processing tools in executing different process sequence integration flows, andcombinationsthereof in the manufacture of devices such as integrated circuits. In particular, there isa need to be able to test i) more than one material, ii) more than one processingcondition, iii) more than one sequence of processing conditions,iv)more than one processsequence integration flow, and combinationsthereof, collectivelyknown as “combinatorial process sequence integration”, on a single monolithic substrate without theneedof consuming the equivalent numberof monolithic substratesper material(s), processingcondition(s), sequence(s) of processing conditions, sequence(s) of processes, and combinations thereof. This can greatly improve both the speed and reduce thecosts associated with the discovery, implementation,optimization, and qualification ofmaterial(s), process(es), and process integration sequence(s) required for manufacturing. Systems and methods forHigh Productivity Combinatorial (HPC) processing are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,544,574 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,935 filed on Jul. 2, 2008, U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,928 filed on May 4,2009, U.S. Pat.No.7,902,063 filed on Feb.10, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,531 filedon Aug. 28, 2009 which are all herein incorporated by reference. Systems and methods for HPC processing are further described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/352,077 filed on Feb. 10,2006, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/419,174 filed on May 18, 2006, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/674,132filed on Feb.12, 2007, claimingpriorityfromOct. 15, 2005, and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/674,137 filed on Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005 which are all herein incorporated by reference. HPC processing techniques have beenusedin wetchemical processing such as etching and cleaning. HPC processing techniques havealso been usedin deposition processes such as physical vapor deposition(PVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In standard HPCsystems, multiple site isolated regions on a substrate surface can be formedby sealing differentregions of the surface, isolating the surface regions from eachother. Thesurfacesealing cangenerate particles, which requires subsequentsubstrate cleaning.Therefore thereis a need for non-contact isolation ofsurface regions on a substrate surface.
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_The_ manufacture of _advanced_ semiconductor devices entails the _integration_ and sequencing of many _unit_ processing steps, with potential new _material_ _and_ process developments. _The_ _precise_ sequencing _and_ integration of the unit processing _steps_ _enables_ _the_ formation of functional devices meeting desired performance metrics such as power efficiency, signal propagation, _and_ reliability. As part of the discovery, optimization and _qualification_ of each unit process, it is desirable to be able to _i)_ test different materials, ii) test different processing _conditions_ within each unit process module, iii) test different sequencing and integration of processing modules _within_ an integrated processing tool, iv) test different _sequencing_ of _processing_ tools in executing different _process_ sequence _integration_ _flows,_ _and_ combinations thereof in _the_ manufacture of devices such as integrated _circuits._ In particular, _there_ is a _need_ to be able to test i) more than _one_ _material,_ ii) more than one processing condition, iii) more than one sequence of processing conditions, iv) more than one process sequence integration _flow,_ _and_ combinations _thereof,_ collectively known _as_ “combinatorial process sequence integration”, on a single monolithic substrate _without_ the need of consuming the _equivalent_ _number_ of monolithic substrates per material(s), processing condition(s), sequence(s) of _processing_ conditions, sequence(s) of processes, and combinations thereof. This can greatly improve both the speed and reduce _the_ costs associated with the _discovery,_ _implementation,_ optimization, _and_ qualification _of_ material(s), process(es), and process integration sequence(s) _required_ for manufacturing. Systems and methods _for_ _High_ _Productivity_ _Combinatorial_ (HPC) processing are described in U.S. _Pat._ _No._ 7,544,574 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, U.S. Pat. No. _7,824,935_ filed on Jul. 2, 2008, U.S. _Pat._ No. 7,871,928 filed on May 4, _2009,_ U.S. Pat. No. 7,902,063 filed on Feb. _10,_ 2006, _and_ U.S. Pat. No. _7,947,531_ filed on _Aug._ 28, 2009 which are all herein incorporated by reference. Systems and _methods_ for HPC _processing_ are further described in U.S. _patent_ application Ser. No. 11/352,077 filed on Feb. 10, 2006, claiming _priority_ from _Oct._ 15, 2005, U.S. _patent_ application Ser. No. 11/419,174 filed on May 18, 2006, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005, _U.S._ patent application Ser. _No._ 11/674,132 filed on Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority from Oct. 15, _2005,_ and U.S. patent application Ser. _No._ 11/674,137 filed _on_ Feb. 12, 2007, claiming priority from Oct. 15, 2005 which are all _herein_ incorporated by reference. HPC processing techniques have been _used_ in wet chemical processing such _as_ etching and cleaning. HPC processing techniques have also been used _in_ deposition processes such _as_ physical vapor deposition (PVD), atomic layer _deposition_ _(ALD),_ and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In _standard_ HPC systems, multiple site isolated regions on _a_ substrate surface can _be_ formed by sealing _different_ regions of the surface, isolating _the_ _surface_ _regions_ _from_ _each_ _other._ The surface sealing can _generate_ particles, which requires subsequent substrate _cleaning._ Therefore there is _a_ need for non-contact _isolation_ of surface regions on a _substrate_ surface.
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