text stringlengths 61 16.9k | synonym_substitution stringlengths 60 11.6k | butter_fingers stringlengths 61 11.6k | random_deletion stringlengths 53 10.4k | change_char_case stringlengths 61 16.9k | whitespace_perturbation stringlengths 63 12.3k | underscore_trick stringlengths 63 12.3k |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of semiconductor fabrication and, more particularly, to the field of fabricating p-channel and n-channel transistors with different characteristics on a common substrate.
2. Description of Related Art
In complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication, p-channel and n-channel transistors are fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate. To achieve transistors of both polarities (conductivity types), it is necessary that at least some process is steps differentiate between p-type and n-type transistors. Separate implant steps, for example, are needed to define n-well and p-well structures and to dope the source/drain regions of n-channel and p-channel transistors. Whenever possible, however, it is generally desirable to use a single process step to define transistor features regardless of the transistor type. Single process steps imply a single mask step, which is always desirable to reduce load on the photolithography processing. Moreover, a single step generally minimizes undesirable variations between the p-channel and n-channel transistors. Imagine, for example, that a particular design has been optimized under the assumption that the thickness of the gate oxide (or other dielectric) is the same on n-channel and p-channel transistors. The best way to ensure that the assumption is correct is to form the relevant feature for p-channel and n-channel transistors simultaneously.
In some cases, however, it may be desirable to process n-channel and p-channel transistors separately to account for differences in the characteristics of the respective transistor types. As an example, there is an asymmetry in the sub-micron behavior of p-channel and n-channel transistors. For sub-micron p-channel transistors, the high diffusivity of its boron carriers causes sub-threshold leakage current to be of paramount concern. For n-channel transistors, the drive current or saturated drain current (IDS), which is an important performance parameter, is strongly influenced by the effective length of the source/drain extension region due to the parasitic resistance that it creates. Whereas it would be desirable to have shorter extensions to increase the n-channel drive current, it would be desirable to have longer extensions to reduce the p-channel sub-threshold leakage current. It would therefore be desirable to implement a process that simultaneously addressed these concerns without substantially increasing the cost or complexity of the process. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the field of semiconductor fabrication and, more particularly, to the field of fabricating p-channel and n-channel transistors with different characteristics on a common substrate. 2. Description of Related Art In complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication, p-channel and n-channel transistors are fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate. To achieve transistors of both polarities (conductivity types), it is necessary that at least some process is steps differentiate between p-type and n-type transistors. Separate implant steps, for example, are needed to define n-well and p-well structures and to dope the source/drain regions of n-channel and p-channel transistors. Whenever possible, however, it is generally desirable to use a single process step to define transistor boast regardless of the transistor type. Single process steps imply a single mask step, which is always desirable to reduce load on the photolithography processing. Moreover, a single step generally minimizes undesirable variations between the p-channel and n-channel transistors. Imagine, for example, that a particular design has been optimized under the assumption that the thickness of the gate oxide (or other dielectric) is the same on n-channel and p-channel transistors. The best way to ensure that the assumption is correct is to form the relevant feature for p-channel and n-channel transistors simultaneously. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to process n-channel and p-channel transistors separately to account for differences in the characteristics of the respective transistor types. As an example, there is an asymmetry in the sub-micron behavior of p-channel and n-channel transistors. For sub-micron p-channel transistors, the high diffusivity of its boron carriers causes sub-threshold leakage current to be of paramount concern. For n-channel transistors, the drive current or saturated drain current (IDS), which is an important performance parameter, is strongly influenced by the effective length of the source/drain extension region due to the parasitic resistance that it creates. Whereas it would be desirable to have shorter extensions to increase the n-channel drive current, it would be desirable to have longer extensions to reduce the p-channel sub-threshold leakage current. It would therefore be desirable to implement a process that simultaneously addressed these concerns without substantially increasing the cost or complexity of the process. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the field of semiconductor fabrication and, more particularly, to the field of fabricating p - channel and n - channel transistors with different characteristics on a common subZtratd. 2. Description of Related Art In complementary metal oSice semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication, p - channel and n - channel transistors are fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate. To achieve transistors of both polarities (conductivity types ), it is necessary that at least some or9cess is steps differentiate between p - type and n - type transistors. Separate implant steps, for example, are needed to define n - well and p - well structures and to dope the source / drain regions of n - channel and p - channel transistors. Whenever possible, however, it is generally desirable to use a single process step to deRije transistor features regardless of the transistor type. Single process steps imply a single mask step, which is always desirable to reduce load on the photolithography processing. Moreover, a single step generally minimizes undesirable variations between the p - channel and n - channel transistors. Imagine, for example, that a particular design has FeeG optimized under the assumption that the thickness of the gate oZiEe (or other dielectric) is the same on n - channel and p - channel transistors. The best way to ensure that the assumption is correct is to form the relevant feature for p - channel and n - channel transistors simultaneously. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to process n - channel and p - channel transistors selarate<y to account for differences in the characreris6ics of the respective transistor types. As an example, there is an asyKJetry in the sub - micron behavior of p - channel and n - channel transistors. For sub - micron p - channel transistors, the high diffusivity of its boron carriers causes sub - threshold leakage current to be of paramount concern. For n - chajne< transistors, the drive current or saturated drain current (IDS ), which is an important performance parameter, is strongly influenced by the effective length of the source / drain extension region due to the parasitic resistance that it creates. Whereas it would be desirable to have shorter extensions to increase the n - channel drive current, it would be desirable to have longer extensions to reduce the p - channel sub - threshold leakage current. It would therefore be desirable to implement a process that simultaneously addressed these concerns without substantially increasing the cost or complexity of the process. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally the field of fabrication and, more particularly, to the field of fabricating p-channel and n-channel transistors with different characteristics on a common 2. Description of Art In complementary metal semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication, p-channel and n-channel transistors are fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate. To achieve of both polarities (conductivity types), it is necessary that at least some is steps differentiate between p-type and n-type transistors. Separate implant steps, for example, are needed to n-well and p-well structures and to dope the source/drain regions of n-channel and p-channel transistors. Whenever possible, however, it is generally desirable to use single process step to define features regardless of the transistor type. Single process steps imply a single step, which is always desirable to reduce load on the processing. a step generally minimizes undesirable variations between the p-channel and n-channel transistors. Imagine, example, a particular design has optimized under the assumption that the thickness of the gate oxide (or other is the same on n-channel and p-channel transistors. The best way ensure that the assumption is correct is to the feature for p-channel and transistors simultaneously. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to n-channel and p-channel transistors separately to account for differences the of the respective transistor types. As an example, there is an asymmetry in the sub-micron of p-channel and n-channel transistors. For sub-micron p-channel transistors, the high diffusivity its boron carriers causes sub-threshold leakage current to be of paramount For n-channel the drive current or saturated current (IDS), which is an important performance parameter, is strongly influenced by the effective length of the source/drain extension region due to the parasitic resistance that it creates. Whereas it would be desirable to have shorter to n-channel drive current, it be desirable to have longer extensions to reduce the p-channel sub-threshold leakage current. It would be desirable to implement a process that simultaneously addressed these concerns without substantially increasing the or complexity of the process. | 1. FiEld OF THe invENTIon
the PRESeNt InvENTiON reLATES GeNERAlLy TO thE FiELd OF SeMICondUCTOR FabRICaTioN And, MOrE particUlarly, TO The FIELd OF FABricatINg P-CHAnNEL And n-CHANneL tRaNsiStors WitH diFFERent CHaraCterIstics oN A cOmMon SUBsTRaTE.
2. DeScripTiON OF RElAted ArT
IN coMplEMEnTaRy MEtAl OXide SeMICondUcTor (cmoS) FabRIcatIoN, P-ChAnnEL AnD n-cHANNeL TRANSistORS ARE FaBricaTEd oN ThE SAME sEMIcoNdUCTor suBsTrate. To AChieVe TRansiSTOrS of BoTH pOLarITiES (cONDuCTIViTy tYpeS), iT is nEcesSARy tHat at lEAsT SomE proCeSS is stepS diffErEnTiAte beTween P-Type And N-TyPE TraNSiSTORS. sEpaRaTE ImPLANT STePs, foR exAMplE, ArE NEEdED TO dEFiNe n-welL anD p-welL STrUctuRes aNd To DoPe the sOuRce/dRaiN reGiOns of N-cHaNnEl AND P-ChaNNeL TranSIStORS. wHeneveR pOsSiBle, HOwEVeR, IT is generAlLY DeSirABlE TO uSE A sIngle PRocEsS step To DeFiNE trAnsiStOR fEATuReS rEgArdlEss Of The trAnsiStor Type. sInGlE pROcEss STePS ImPlY A siNGlE MASk step, wHicH iS AlWAyS desIRablE tO rEdUce LOAD ON tHE PHOToLItHoGraphY procESsIng. MOREOvER, a single STeP geNeRaLly mINimIzEs unDeSIRABLe VARIAtIONS beTWEen tHE p-ChanNEl anD N-CHANneL tRaNsistORS. iMaGiNE, For exaMPle, that a paRTiCuLAr deSigN Has beeN oPTiMIZeD UnDEr tHe assuMpTiON THAT thE ThiCKneSs of THe GatE oXide (oR OthER DIelecTric) iS ThE SaMe ON N-cHAnNeL and P-chaNNel tRansISTors. THE BEsT WAY To eNsURe That tHE AsSUmptioN iS cOrrECt is tO fORM tHE RELevANt fEatURe foR P-CHANNel ANd n-ChanneL TrAnSiSTorS SiMUlTaNeOuSLY.
in SoME cASEs, hoWeVEr, it may be DesirABlE to PROCESS n-ChanNEL and P-chaNNEl TRaNsisTOrS SEparATeLy TO AccOunt fOR DiffErENCeS In the CHAractERISTicS OF thE reSpEcTIvE TRansIsTOr TYPES. AS an EXAMPle, THerE is aN AsymMEtrY IN THE SUb-MicRoN bEhAvIor of p-chanNEL And N-ChANNeL TRansIstOrS. fOR sUb-miCrON P-cHanNEL TRANsiStors, ThE hIGh DIfFuSIviTY Of ITS bORon cArRIERs cAuseS SUb-threShoLd LEaKAge cUrRENt To bE OF paRaMounT coNcERn. For N-ChANneL trAnsIsTors, THe DriVe curreNT OR SaTurAted DraIN CUrrEnt (IdS), which is an ImPoRTant PeRFORManCe PaRametEr, iS stROnglY iNFlueNcEd BY ThE EFfecTIvE leNgTh of the SOURCE/draiN extENSIon RegIon dUe to thE paRAsitiC rESISTANCE That it CReAtes. WhEREAs iT wOULD BE desIrable TO hAvE sHOrter exTenSIoNS TO inCReASe tHe n-CHanNel DriVE CurRenT, it WOuLD BE dESIRAbLe tO HAVE lONgEr extEnSiOnS TO REDucE ThE p-cHANNel sub-thREshold lEakage cUrRent. it woULd ThErefoRe BE dESirAblE To ImpLeMEnT a PRoCess tHaT SIMulTanEOuSLY aDDRESSEd these ConCeRNS withOUt substANtiaLLy InCReASing thE CoSt oR cOMpLExiTY Of THe proCEsS. | 1. Field of theInvention The present invention relates generally to the field of semiconductor fabricationand, moreparticularly, to the field of fabricatingp-channel and n-channeltransistors with different characteristics on acommon substrate. 2. Description of Related Art In complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication, p-channel and n-channeltransistors are fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate. To achievetransistors of both polarities (conductivity types), itis necessarythatat least some process is stepsdifferentiate betweenp-typeand n-type transistors. Separate implant steps, for example, areneeded to define n-well and p-wellstructuresand to dope the source/drain regions of n-channel and p-channel transistors. Whenever possible, however, itis generallydesirable to use a single process step to define transistor features regardlessof the transistortype.Single process stepsimply a single mask step, which isalways desirable toreduceload on thephotolithography processing. Moreover, a single step generally minimizesundesirable variations between the p-channel and n-channel transistors. Imagine, for example,thata particular design hasbeen optimized under the assumption that thethickness of the gate oxide (or other dielectric) is the same on n-channeland p-channel transistors. The best wayto ensure that the assumption is correct is to form the relevant featurefor p-channel and n-channel transistors simultaneously.Insomecases, however,it may be desirable to process n-channel andp-channel transistorsseparately to accountfor differences in the characteristics of therespective transistor types. As an example, there is an asymmetry in the sub-micron behaviorof p-channel andn-channel transistors. For sub-micron p-channel transistors, the high diffusivity of its boron carriers causes sub-threshold leakage currenttobe of paramountconcern. For n-channel transistors, thedrive current or saturated drain current (IDS), which is an important performance parameter, is strongly influenced by the effective length of thesource/drain extension region due to the parasitic resistance that it creates. Whereas it would be desirable to have shorter extensions to increasethe n-channel drive current, it would be desirable to have longer extensions to reduce the p-channel sub-threshold leakage current. It would therefore be desirable to implement a process that simultaneously addressed these concerns without substantially increasing the cost orcomplexity of the process. | 1. Field of _the_ Invention _The_ present invention relates generally to _the_ field of semiconductor fabrication and, more _particularly,_ to the _field_ of fabricating p-channel and n-channel transistors _with_ _different_ characteristics on a common substrate. 2. Description of Related Art In _complementary_ metal oxide _semiconductor_ _(CMOS)_ fabrication, p-channel and n-channel _transistors_ are _fabricated_ on _the_ same semiconductor substrate. To achieve transistors of _both_ polarities (conductivity types), it is necessary that at least some process is steps _differentiate_ _between_ p-type _and_ _n-type_ transistors. Separate _implant_ steps, _for_ _example,_ are _needed_ to _define_ _n-well_ and p-well _structures_ and to _dope_ the source/drain regions of n-channel and p-channel transistors. Whenever possible, however, it _is_ _generally_ _desirable_ to use a _single_ _process_ step to define transistor features regardless _of_ the transistor type. Single process steps imply _a_ single mask step, which is always desirable to reduce load on the photolithography _processing._ Moreover, a single step generally minimizes undesirable variations between the _p-channel_ and n-channel transistors. Imagine, for example, that _a_ _particular_ design has been optimized _under_ the assumption that the thickness of the gate _oxide_ (or _other_ _dielectric)_ is _the_ same on _n-channel_ and p-channel transistors. The best _way_ to ensure that the assumption is correct is to form _the_ relevant feature for p-channel and _n-channel_ transistors simultaneously. _In_ _some_ cases, however, _it_ may _be_ desirable _to_ process n-channel and p-channel transistors separately to account for _differences_ in _the_ characteristics of the _respective_ transistor types. As an example, there is an asymmetry _in_ the _sub-micron_ behavior of _p-channel_ _and_ _n-channel_ _transistors._ For sub-micron p-channel _transistors,_ the high diffusivity of its boron carriers _causes_ sub-threshold leakage current to be _of_ paramount concern. For n-channel transistors, the drive current or saturated drain current (IDS), which is an important performance parameter, is strongly influenced _by_ the _effective_ length of the source/drain extension _region_ due to the _parasitic_ resistance that it creates. Whereas it _would_ be desirable to have shorter extensions to increase the n-channel drive current, it would _be_ desirable to have _longer_ extensions to reduce the _p-channel_ sub-threshold leakage current. It would therefore be desirable to implement a process that simultaneously addressed these concerns _without_ substantially increasing _the_ cost or complexity of the process. |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved dispensing apparatus. More particularly, a dispenser that incorporates a timing means in conjunction with audio and visual output to assist the user in proper washing techniques for compliance with recommended guidelines and to monitor the number of usages.
2. Background Art
Each year, millions of reported illnesses and serious infections are attributable to improper hand washing. The unreported cases are estimated to be much higher. Food borne illness kills over 10,000 people each year, and 70% of the outbreaks originate in food service sector. The passage of viral and bacterial contaminants result from physical contact with an infected source and are carried from one site to another with each successive physical contact.
The problem is most evident in hospital and related medical establishments, as well as those businesses associated with preparing and distributing food and food products. A person that handles a single contaminated source will spread the contaminant to every person, article and surface touched by that person. The subsequent contaminated sources represent additional contamination sites that spread the contaminant. The liability of contamination or illness caused by inadequate washing techniques is very high. And, a single food borne illness can tarnish a long-standing reputation and wreak financial havoc.
Proper washing of hands has been demonstrated to kill the contaminants and prevent the spread of disease and contaminants. According to the Centers for Disease Control, proper hand washing is the single most important process in preventing the spread of the pathogens. Microbial contamination refers to microscopic organisms, especially any of the bacteria that cause disease, e.g.: germs. A germ is the rudimentary form in which a new organism is developed, and encompasses any microscopic organism and any one of the bacteria that can cause disease. A bacterium is typically a one-celled microorganism, wherein some cause diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or anthrax while other bacteria are necessary for fermentation and nitrogen fixation.
Some industries are much more sensitive to proper washing techniques. Restaurants are particularly prone to the dissemination of food-borne contaminants and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific guidelines articulated in the Food Code. The Food Code has several sections that address the washing of hands for food service and related personnel. According to the Food Code regulations, a person must wash after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, using a disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating or drinking, handling soiled utensils, and when switching from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods, and any other activity that potentially contaminates the hands.
In addition, the Food Code describes a proper hand washing technique as lasting at least 20 seconds, washing up to the forearms, and a special emphasis on between the fingers and underneath fingernails. In addition to timing the washing, it is important to consider the different steps in the washing procedure. A proper washing cycle commences with combining water and soap and scrubbing the hands vigorously. There are various soaps or cleansing liquids that can be used, preferably having anti-bacterial or anti-microbial properties. Nails should be cleaned and scrubbed. After scrubbing, the hands should be thoroughly rinsed with water. The areas between the finger and underneath the fingernails should be specifically cleaned and checked.
The regulations also require a supervisor ensure compliance with the regulations and promote the effective washing protocols. Employers may be fined or lose licenses if employees do not observe these regulations, and such employees are likely to lose their employment.
Although there may not be specific codes governing all industries and circumstance, it is common sense that adherence to the regulations will instill a safer environment for all. And, in a litigious environment, adhering to a strict standard is also a cost-effective and practical measure. There are varying international standards for the washing of hands, but in general, the U.S. standard provides a reasonable approach to follow.
Unfortunately, the proper washing guidelines are not regularly and rigorously followed. Many food service personnel do not appreciate the significance of proper washing. The restaurants rarely provide adequate training to the personnel, and seldom encompass sufficient supervision during the work shifts. In addition, the employees at restaurants and dining establishments tend to be lower paid and may not care or understand the posted written guidelines, especially if the guidelines are in an unfamiliar language. Presently there is no adequate means of providing proper guidance and instruction during washing, no system designed to walk a user through the washing steps, and no simple means of monitoring or tracking employee washing.
Contributing to the problem of inadequate washing is the lack of formal education by those in the food services segment, the low pay scale, and the periods of rushed food preparation. These factors all contribute to a potential for poor washing conditions. Due to the many illnesses caused by food preparation, the FDA continues to apply more formal regulations and guidelines for employers regarding proper washing skills. Employers are demanding a better system of aiding and monitoring employee washing habits.
The soap and liquid compounds for hand washing come from a number of different dispensers available in the marketplace. Liquid and semi-liquid dispensers are used in numerous applications and are used to dispense metered portions of cremes, lotions, gels, soaps, anti-bacterial cleansing liquids, anti-microbial cleansing liquids, and similar materials. A typical dispenser allows the user to obtain a specific amount of liquid matter with minimal ease. Manual and semi-automatic dispensing systems are common in the industry, and automated dispensers are beginning to enter the marketplace.
The manual dispensers utilize levers and other mechanical assemblies wherein the user must provide some physical contact with the unit in order to dispense the liquid. The physical contact in manipulating the lever does provide a contact with a surface that is typically wet and dirty, and may harbor contaminants. Automated dispensers are becoming more popular, and operate with a variety of electrical and electromechanical components to automatically dispense the liquid after triggering some sensory input. The automatic or xe2x80x98touchlessxe2x80x99 dispensers do not require any physical contact with the dispenser.
Unfortunately, the touchless dispensers are fairly expensive and require fairly complex electrical and electrical components in order to function. Besides electronic equipment, there are mechanical components such as plungers and gear trains that work in conjunction with the electronics. The mechanical gears draw substantial energy during the xe2x80x98pinch and squeezexe2x80x99 operation to deliver liquid cleanser, requiring frequent battery replacement. In addition, if the batteries are drained, the electrical elements are not functioning properly, or the mechanical functions are broken, the entire unit is disabled and will not dispense any liquid cleansers. The low reliability and the catastrophic failure mode are a major concern in the touchless dispenser market.
Within the field of liquid dispensers, there are many types of dispensers. The most common and cost effective is the bag-in-box system, where the liquid comes in a no-leak pouch with pump tip and is disposable. This system is a closed system, and all the air is removed from the pouch during manufacturing. The bag collapses upon itself once the liquid is evacuated, minimizing waste disposal. The closed system has many advantages, including being a more sanitary system. The standard size pouch is 800 ml, but other sizes are in use, including 500 ml to 900 ml. It is a necessary requirement that the cost to produce a disposable pouch be kept to a minimum, while still delivering consistent results. The dispensers are installed in many public facilities, and are subject to extreme wear and tear. Due to the excessive use, the devices must be robust and relatively maintenance free.
Other dispensers use cartridges or refillable containers. The cartridges must be pierced, are generally not refillable, and produce greater waste. Both cartridges and refillable containers introduce air into the system, aiding the production of bacteria and mold. The cost and administrative complexity in using these other forms of dispensing liquids, as well as the decreased sanitary conditions limit their market appeal. Also, these semi-automatic and automatic systems can be designed to complete the cycle, metering exactly the correct amount of liquid, independently of successive and rapid pushes of the actuating member that frequently occur.
The liquid soap industry has numerous brands and categories of cleansing liquids. The viscosity and particulate content are also subject to extreme variations. There is an array of particulate matter that can be added to cleansing liquids to form a grit soap compound that is more effective in cleaning. The most common grit material is plastic microspheres, although other materials such as clay, walnut shells and corn cobs have also been used. Besides the variations of compounds used to form grit soap, the size of the grit also varies.
There has also been a consumer demand for anti-microbial cleansing liquids and anti-bacterial cleansing liquids, and the industry has reacted by adding creating new compounds with these properties. These anti-microbial and anti-bacterial cleansing liquids are available with or without grit and have certain characteristics and viscosity differences as compared to standard liquid soap. Besides liquid soap, other compounds dispensed include body and hair shampoo, hand creme solutions, lotions, cleansing liquids, and shaving creme.
In a typical bag-in-box operation, a user depresses a lever or controller. This applies pressure to the dispenser tube that creates a vacuum in the collapsible pouch that exerts fluid pressure against the ball in the ball check valve. If the pressure is sufficient, the ball is displaced, and the liquid flows around the ball and into the ball check valve chamber. The liquid flows into the space between the spring and the interior wall of the ball check valve chamber. Once the chamber is sufficiently full, the liquid is forced through the compressed spring and out through the lower fitment hole and through the nozzle.
The transition from a user applying purely mechanical forces to meter out some liquid to a semi-automated or automated dispensing unit is | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved dispensing apparatus. More particularly, a dispenser that incorporates a timing means in conjunction with audio and visual output to assist the user in proper washing techniques for compliance with recommended guidelines and to monitor the number of usages. 2. Background Art Each year, millions of reported illnesses and serious infections are attributable to improper hand washing. The unreported cases are estimated to be much higher. Food borne illness kills over 10,000 people each year, and 70% of the outbreaks originate in food service sector. The passage of viral and bacterial contaminants result from physical contact with an infected source and are carried from one site to another with each successive physical contact. The problem is most evident in hospital and related medical establishments, as well as those businesses associated with preparing and distributing food and food products. A person that handles a single contaminated source will spread the contaminant to every person, article and surface touched by that person. The subsequent contaminated sources represent additional contamination sites that spread the contaminant. The liability of contamination or illness caused by inadequate washing techniques is very high. And, a single food borne illness can tarnish a long-standing reputation and wreak financial havoc. Proper washing of hands has been demonstrated to kill the contaminants and prevent the spread of disease and contaminants. According to the Centers for Disease Control, proper hand washing is the single most important process in preventing the spread of the pathogens. Microbial contamination refers to microscopic organisms, especially any of the bacteria that cause disease, e.g.: germs. A germ is the rudimentary form in which a new organism is developed, and encompasses any microscopic organism and any one of the bacteria that can cause disease. A bacterium is typically a one-celled microorganism, wherein some cause diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or anthrax while other bacteria are necessary for fermentation and nitrogen fixation. Some industries are much more sensitive to proper washing techniques. Restaurants are particularly prone to the dissemination of food-borne contaminants and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific guidelines articulated in the Food Code. The Food Code has several sections that address the washing of hands for food service and related personnel. According to the Food Code regulations, a person must wash after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, using a disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating or drinking, handling soiled utensils, and when switching from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods, and any other activity that potentially contaminates the hands. In addition, the Food Code describes a proper hand washing technique as lasting at least 20 seconds, washing up to the forearms, and a special emphasis on between the fingers and underneath fingernails. In addition to timing the washing, it is important to consider the different steps in the washing procedure. A proper washing cycle commences with combining water and soap and scrubbing the hands vigorously. There are various soaps or cleansing liquids that can be used, preferably having anti-bacterial or anti-microbial properties. Nails should be cleaned and scrubbed. After scrubbing, the hands should be thoroughly rinsed with water. The areas between the finger and underneath the fingernails should be specifically cleaned and checked. The regulations also require a supervisor ensure compliance with the regulations and promote the effective washing protocols. Employers may be fined or lose licenses if employees do not observe these regulations, and such employees are likely to lose their employment. Although there may not be specific codes governing all industries and circumstance, it is common sense that adherence to the regulations will instill a safer environment for all. And, in a litigious environment, adhering to a strict standard is also a cost-effective and practical measure. There are varying international standards for the washing of hands, but in general, the U.S. standard provides a reasonable approach to follow. Unfortunately, the proper washing guidelines are not regularly and rigorously followed. Many food service personnel do not appreciate the significance of proper washing. The restaurants rarely provide adequate training to the personnel, and seldom encompass sufficient supervision during the work shifts. In addition, the employees at restaurants and dining establishments tend to be lower paid and may not care or understand the posted written guidelines, especially if the guidelines are in an unfamiliar language. Presently there is no adequate means of providing proper guidance and instruction during washing, no system designed to walk a user through the washing steps, and no simple means of monitoring or tracking employee washing. Contributing to the problem of inadequate washing is the lack of formal education by those in the food services segment, the low pay scale, and the periods of rushed food preparation. These factors all contribute to a potential for poor washing conditions. Due to the many illnesses caused by food preparation, the FDA continues to apply more formal regulations and guidelines for employers regarding proper washing skills. Employers are demanding a better system of aiding and monitoring employee washing habits. The soap and liquid compounds for hand washing come from a number of different dispensers available in the marketplace. Liquid and semi-liquid dispensers are used in numerous applications and are used to dispense metered portions of cremes, lotions, gels, soaps, anti-bacterial cleansing liquids, anti-microbial cleansing liquids, and similar materials. A typical dispenser allows the user to obtain a specific amount of liquid matter with minimal ease. Manual and semi-automatic dispensing systems are common in the industry, and automated dispensers are beginning to enter the marketplace. The manual dispensers utilize levers and other mechanical assemblies wherein the user must provide some physical contact with the unit in order to dispense the liquid. The physical contact in manipulating the lever does provide a contact with a surface that is typically wet and dirty, and may harbor contaminants. Automated dispensers are becoming more popular, and operate with a variety of electrical and electromechanical components to automatically dispense the liquid after triggering some sensory input. The automatic or xe2x80x98touchlessxe2x80x99 dispensers do not require any physical contact with the dispenser. Unfortunately, the touchless dispensers are fairly expensive and require fairly complex electrical and electrical components in order to function. Besides electronic equipment, there are mechanical components such as plungers and gear trains that work in conjunction with the electronics. The mechanical gears draw substantial energy during the xe2x80x98pinch and squeezexe2x80x99 operation to deliver liquid cleanser, requiring frequent battery replacement. In addition, if the batteries are drained, the electrical elements are not functioning properly, or the mechanical functions are broken, the entire unit is disabled and will not dispense any liquid cleansers. The low reliability and the catastrophic failure mode are a major concern in the touchless dispenser market. Within the field of liquid dispensers, there are many types of dispensers. The most common and cost effective is the bag-in-box system, where the liquid comes in a no-leak pouch with pump tip and is disposable. This system is a closed system, and all the air is removed from the pouch during manufacturing. The bag collapses upon itself once the liquid is evacuated, minimizing waste disposal. The closed system has many advantages, including being a more sanitary system. The standard size pouch is 800 ml, but other sizes are in use, including 500 ml to 900 ml. It is a necessary requirement that the cost to produce a disposable pouch be kept to a minimum, while still delivering consistent results. The dispensers are installed in many public facilities, and are subject to extreme wear and tear. Due to the excessive use, the devices must be robust and relatively maintenance free. Other dispensers use cartridges or refillable containers. The cartridges must be pierced, are generally not refillable, and produce greater waste. Both cartridges and refillable container introduce air into the system, aiding the production of bacteria and mold. The cost and administrative complexity in using these other forms of dispensing liquids, as well as the decreased sanitary conditions limit their market appeal. Also, these semi-automatic and automatic systems can be designed to complete the cycle, metering exactly the correct amount of liquid, independently of successive and rapid pushes of the actuating member that frequently occur. The liquid soap industry has numerous brands and categories of cleansing liquids. The viscosity and particulate content are also subject to extreme variations. There is an array of particulate matter that can be added to cleansing liquids to form a grit soap compound that is more effective in cleaning. The most common grit material is plastic microspheres, although other materials such as clay, walnut shells and corn cobs have also been used. Besides the variations of compounds used to form grit soap, the size of the grit also varies. There has also been a consumer demand for anti-microbial cleansing liquids and anti-bacterial cleansing liquids, and the industry has reacted by adding creating new compounds with these properties. These anti-microbial and anti-bacterial cleansing liquids are available with or without grit and have certain characteristics and viscosity differences as compared to standard liquid soap. Besides liquid soap, other compounds dispensed include body and hair shampoo, hand creme solutions, lotions, cleansing liquids, and shaving creme. In a typical bag-in-box operation, a user depresses a lever or controller. This applies pressure to the dispenser tube that creates a vacuum in the collapsible pouch that exerts fluid pressure against the ball in the ball check valve. If the pressure is sufficient, the ball is displaced, and the liquid flows around the ball and into the ball check valve chamber. The liquid flows into the space between the spring and the interior wall of the ball check valve chamber. Once the chamber is sufficiently full, the liquid is forced through the compressed spring and out through the lower fitment hole and through the nozzle. The transition from a user applying purely mechanical forces to meter out some liquid to a semi-automated or automated dispensing unit is | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved dispensing apparatus. More particularly, a dispenser that incorporates a timing means in conjunction with audio and visual output to assist the user in proper washing techniques for compliance with recommended guidelines and to monitor the number of usages. 2. Background Art Each year, millions of reported illnesses and serious infections are attributable to improper hand washing. The unreported cases are estimated to be much higher. Food borne illness kills over 10, 000 people each year, and 70% of the outbreaks originate in food service sector. The passage of viral and bacterial contaminants result from physical contact with an infected source and are carried from one site to another with each successive physical contact. The problem is most evident in hospital and related medical establishments, as well as those businesses associated with preparing and distributing food and food products. A person that handles a single contaminated source will spread the contaminant to every person, article and surface touched by that person. The subsequent contaminated sources represent additional contamination sites that spread the contaminant. The liability of contamination or illness caused by inadequate washing techniques is very high. And, a single food borne illness can tarnish a long - standing reputation and wreak financial havoc. Proper washing of hands has been demonstrated to kill the contaminants and prevent the spread of disease and contaminants. According to the Centers for Disease Control, proper hand washing is the single most important process in preventing the spread of the pathogens. Microbial contamination refers to microscopic organisms, especially any of the bacteria that cause disease, e. g. : germs. A germ is the rudimentary form in which a new organism is developed, and encompasses any microscopic organism and any one of the bacteria that can cause disease. A bacterium is typically a one - celled microorganism, wherein some cause diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or anthrax while other bacteria are necessary for fermentation and nitrogen fixation. Some industries are much more sensitive to proper washing techniques. Restaurants are particularly prone to the dissemination of food - borne contaminants and the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific guidelines articulated in the Food Code. The Food Code has several sections that address the washing of hands for food service and related personnel. According to the Food Code regulations, a person must wash after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, using a disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating or drinking, handling soiled utensils, and when switching from raw foods to ready - to - eat foods, and any other activity that potentially contaminates the hands. In addition, the Food Code describes a proper hand washing technique as lasting at least 20 seconds, washing up to the forearms, and a special emphasis on between the fingers and underneath fingernails. In addition to timing the washing, it is important to consider the different steps in the washing procedure. A proper washing cycle commences with combining water and soap and scrubbing the hands vigorously. There are various soaps or cleansing liquids that can be used, preferably having anti - bacterial or anti - microbial properties. Nails should be cleaned and scrubbed. After scrubbing, the hands should be thoroughly rinsed with water. The areas between the finger and underneath the fingernails should be specifically cleXnSd and checked. The regulations also require a supervisor ensure compliance with the regulations and promote the effective washing protocols. Employers may be fined or lose licenses if employees do not observe these regulations, and such employees are likely to lose their employment. Although there may not be specific codes governing all industries and circumstance, it is common sense that adherence to the regulations will instill a safer environment for all. And, in a litigious environment, adhering to a strict standard is also a cost - effective and practical measure. There are varying international standards for the washing of hands, but in general, the U. S. standard provides a reasonable approach to follow. Unfortunately, the proper washing guidelines are not regularly and rigorously followed. Many food service personnel do not appreciate the significance of proper washing. The restaurants rarely provide adequate training to the personnel, and seldom ehcomOass sufficient supervision during the work shifts. In addition, the employees at restaurants and dining establishments tend to be lower paid and may not care or understand the posted written guidelines, especially if the guidelines are in an unfamiliar language. Presently there is no adequate means of providing proper guidance and instruction during washing, no system designed to walk a user through the washing st2)s, and no simple means of monitoring or tracking employee washing. Contributing to the problem of inadequate washing is the lack of formal education by those in the food services segment, the low pay scale, and the periods of rushed food preparation. These factors all contribute to a potential for poor washing conditions. Due to the many illnesses caused by food preparation, the FDA continues to apply more formal regulations and guidelines for employers regarding proper washing skills. Employers are demanding a better system of aiding and monitoring employee washing habits. The soap and liquid compounds for hand washing come from a number of different dispensers available in the marketplace. Liquid and semi - liquid dispensers are used in numerous applications and are used to dispense metered portions of cremes, lotions, gels, soaps, anti - bacterial cleansing liquids, anti - microbial cleansing liquids, and similar materials. A typical dispenser allows the user to obtain a specific amount of liquid matter with minimal ease. Manual and semi - automatic dispensing systems are common in the industry, and automated dispensers are beginning to enter the marketplace. The manual dispensers ut9lLze levers and other mechanical assemblies wherein the user must provide some physical contact with the unit in order to dispense the liquid. The physical contact in manipulating the lever does provide a contact with a surface that is typically wet and dirty, and may harbor contaminants. Automated dispensers are becIning more popular, and operate with a variety of electrical and electromechanical components to automatically dispense the liquid after triggering some sensory input. The automatic or xe2x80x98touchlessxe2x80x99 dispensers do not require any physical contact with the dispenser. Unfortunately, the touchless dispensers are fairly expensive and require fairly complex electrical and electrical components in order to function. Besides electronic equipment, 4mere are mechanical components such as plungers and gear trains that work in conjunction with the electronics. The mechanical gears draw substantial energy during the xe2x80x98pinch and squeezexe2x80x99 operation to deliver liquid cleanser, requiring frequent battery replacement. In addition, if the batteries are drained, the electrical elements are not functioning properly, or the mechanical functions are broken, the entire unit is disabled and will not dispense any liquid cleansers. The low reliability and the catastrophic failure mode are a HQjor concern in the touchless dispenser market. Within the field of liquid dispensers, there are many types of dispensers. The most common and cost effective is the bag - in - box system, where the liquid comes in a no - leak pouch with pump tip and is disposable. This system is a closed system, and all the air is removed from the pouch during manufacturing. The bag collapses upon itself once the liquid is evacuated, minimizing waste disposal. The closed system has many advantages, including being a more sanitary system. The standard size pouch is 800 ml, but other sizes are in use, including 500 ml to 900 ml. It is a necessary requirement that the cost to produce a disposable pouch be kept to a minimum, while still delivering consistent results. The dispensers are installed in many public facilities, and are subject to extreme wear and tear. Due to the excessive use, the devices must be robust and relatively maintenance free. Other dispensers use cartridges or refillable containers. The cartridges must be pierced, are generally not refillable, and produce greater waste. Both cartridges and refillable containers introduce air into the system, aiding the production of bacteria and mold. The cost and administrative complexity in using these other forms of dispensing liquids, as well as the decreased sanitary conditions limit their market appeal. Also, these semi - automatic and automatic systems can be designed to complete the cycle, metering exactly the correct amount of liquid, independently of successive and rapid pushes of the actuating member that frequently occur. The liquid soap industry has numerous brands and categories of cleansing liquids. The viscosity and particulate content are also subject to extreme variations. There is an array of particulate matter that can be added to cleansing liquids to Eo$m a grit soap compound that is more effective in cleaning. The most common grit material is plastic microspheres, although other materials such as clay, walnut shells and corn cobs have also been used. Besides the variations of compounds used to Corh grit soap, the size of the grit also varies. There has also been a consumer demand for anti - microbial cleansing liquids and anti - bacterial cleansing liquids, and the industry has reacted by adding creating new compounds with these properties. These anti - microbial and anti - bacterial cleansing liquids are available with or without grit and have certain characteristics and viscosity differences as compared to standard liquid soap. Besides liquid soap, other compounds dispensed include body and hair shampoo, hand creme solutions, lotions, cleansing liquids, and shaving creme. In a typical bag - in - box operation, a user depresses a lever or controller. This applies pressure to the dispenser tube that creates a vacuum in the collapsible pouch that exerts fluid pressure against the ball in the ball check valve. If the pressure is sufficient, the ball is displaced, and the liquid flows around the ball and into the ball check valve Shakber. The liquid flows into the space between the spring and the interior wall of the ball check valve chamber. Once the chamber is sufficiently full, the liquid is forced through the compressed spring and out through the lower fitment hole and through the nozzle. The transition from a user applying purely mechanical forces to meter out some liquid to a semi - automated or automated dispensing unit is | 1. Field of the The present invention relates to an improved dispensing apparatus. More particularly, a dispenser that incorporates a timing means in conjunction with audio and visual output to assist the proper washing techniques for with guidelines and to monitor the number usages. 2. Background Art Each year, millions of reported illnesses and serious infections are attributable to improper hand washing. The unreported cases are estimated to be much higher. Food borne illness kills over 10,000 people each year, and 70% of the outbreaks originate food service sector. The passage of viral and bacterial contaminants result from physical contact with an infected source and are carried from one to another with each successive physical contact. The problem is most in hospital and related medical establishments, as as those businesses associated with preparing and distributing and food products. A that handles a single contaminated source spread the contaminant to every person, and surface by that person. The subsequent contaminated represent additional contamination sites that spread the contaminant. The liability of contamination or illness caused by washing techniques is very high. And, a single borne illness can tarnish a long-standing reputation wreak financial havoc. Proper washing of hands been demonstrated to kill the contaminants and prevent the spread of disease and contaminants. According to the Centers for Disease proper hand washing is the single important process in preventing the of the pathogens. Microbial contamination refers to microscopic organisms, especially any of the bacteria that cause disease, e.g.: germs. A germ is the rudimentary form a new organism is developed, and any organism and any one the bacteria that can cause A bacterium is typically a one-celled microorganism, wherein cause diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, anthrax while other bacteria are necessary for fermentation nitrogen fixation. Some industries are much more sensitive to proper washing techniques. Restaurants particularly prone to the of food-borne contaminants and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific guidelines articulated in the Food Code. The Food Code has several sections that address the washing hands for service and related personnel. According to the Food regulations, person must after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, using a disposable tissue, using tobacco, or drinking, handling soiled utensils, when switching from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods, and any activity that potentially contaminates the hands. In addition, the Food Code describes a proper hand washing technique as at least 20 seconds, washing up to the forearms, and a special emphasis on between the fingers underneath fingernails. addition to timing washing, it is to the in the washing procedure. proper washing cycle commences with combining water and soap and scrubbing the hands vigorously. There are various soaps or cleansing liquids that can be used, preferably having anti-bacterial or anti-microbial properties. should be cleaned scrubbed. After scrubbing, hands should be thoroughly rinsed with water. The areas between the finger and underneath the fingernails should be specifically cleaned and checked. The regulations also require a supervisor ensure compliance with the regulations promote the effective washing Employers may or lose licenses employees do not these regulations, and such employees are likely to lose their employment. Although there may not be specific codes governing all industries and circumstance, is common sense that the regulations will instill all. And, in a environment, adhering to a strict standard is also a cost-effective and practical measure. There are varying international standards for washing of hands, in general, the U.S. standard provides a reasonable approach to follow. Unfortunately, the proper washing guidelines not regularly rigorously followed. Many food service personnel do not appreciate the significance of proper washing. The restaurants rarely provide adequate training to the personnel, and seldom encompass sufficient during the work shifts. addition, employees restaurants and establishments tend to be lower paid and may not care or the posted written guidelines, if the guidelines are in an Presently there is no adequate means of providing proper guidance and instruction during washing, no system to walk a user through the steps, and no simple means of monitoring or tracking washing. Contributing to the problem of washing is the lack of formal education by those in the services segment, low pay scale, and the periods of rushed food preparation. These factors all contribute to a poor washing conditions. Due to the many illnesses by food preparation, the FDA continues to more formal regulations and guidelines for employers regarding proper washing skills. Employers are demanding a better system of aiding monitoring employee washing habits. The soap and liquid compounds for hand washing come from a of dispensers available the marketplace. Liquid and semi-liquid dispensers are used in numerous applications and are used dispense metered portions of lotions, gels, soaps, anti-bacterial cleansing liquids, anti-microbial cleansing liquids, and similar materials. A typical dispenser allows the user to obtain specific amount of liquid matter with minimal ease. and semi-automatic dispensing systems in the industry, and automated dispensers are beginning to the marketplace. The manual dispensers utilize levers and other mechanical assemblies wherein the user must provide some physical contact with the unit in to dispense the liquid. The contact in manipulating the lever does provide a contact with a surface that is typically wet and dirty, and may contaminants. Automated are becoming more popular, and operate with a variety electrical and electromechanical to automatically dispense the liquid after triggering some sensory input. The automatic or xe2x80x98touchlessxe2x80x99 dispensers do not require any contact with the Unfortunately, the touchless dispensers are fairly expensive and require fairly complex electrical and electrical components in order function. Besides electronic equipment, there are mechanical components such as plungers gear trains work in conjunction with the electronics. The mechanical gears substantial energy during the xe2x80x98pinch squeezexe2x80x99 operation to deliver liquid cleanser, requiring frequent battery replacement. In addition, the batteries are drained, the electrical elements are not functioning properly, or mechanical functions are broken, the entire unit is disabled will not dispense any liquid cleansers. The low reliability and the catastrophic failure mode are a major concern the touchless dispenser market. the field of liquid dispensers, there are many types of dispensers. The most common and cost effective is the bag-in-box system, where the liquid comes in a no-leak pouch pump tip and is disposable. This system is a closed system, and all the air is removed from the pouch during manufacturing. The bag collapses upon itself once the liquid is evacuated, minimizing waste disposal. The closed system has many advantages, including being a more sanitary system. The standard size pouch 800 ml, but other sizes are in use, including 500 ml to 900 ml. It is a the cost to a disposable pouch be kept to a minimum, while still delivering consistent results. The dispensers are installed in many public facilities, and are subject to extreme wear tear. Due to the excessive use, the devices must be robust and relatively Other dispensers use cartridges refillable containers. The cartridges must pierced, are generally not refillable, and produce greater waste. Both cartridges and refillable containers introduce air into the system, aiding the of bacteria and mold. The cost and administrative complexity in using these other forms of dispensing liquids, as well as the decreased sanitary conditions limit their market appeal. Also, these semi-automatic and automatic systems can be designed to complete the cycle, metering exactly the correct amount of liquid, independently of successive and rapid pushes of the actuating member that frequently occur. liquid soap industry has numerous brands and categories of cleansing liquids. viscosity and particulate content are also subject to extreme variations. There particulate matter that can added to cleansing to a grit soap compound that is more effective in cleaning. The most common grit material is plastic microspheres, although other materials such as walnut shells and corn have also been used. Besides the variations of compounds used to form grit soap, the size of the grit also varies. There has also been a consumer demand for anti-microbial cleansing and anti-bacterial cleansing liquids, and the industry reacted by adding creating compounds with these properties. These anti-microbial and anti-bacterial cleansing are available with or grit and have certain and viscosity differences as compared to standard liquid soap. Besides soap, other compounds dispensed include body and hair hand creme solutions, lotions, cleansing liquids, and shaving creme. In a typical bag-in-box operation, a user depresses or controller. applies to the dispenser tube that creates a vacuum in the collapsible pouch that exerts fluid pressure against the in the ball check valve. If the pressure is sufficient, the ball is displaced, and the flows around the ball and into the ball check chamber. The liquid flows the space between the spring and the interior wall ball check valve chamber. Once the chamber sufficiently full, the liquid is forced through the compressed spring and out through the lower fitment hole and the nozzle. The transition from a user applying purely mechanical forces to meter out some liquid to a semi-automated or automated dispensing is | 1. fiEld oF thE iNventIoN
ThE PresEnT inVEnTIOn reLATeS TO aN impRovED dISpeNSING ApPARaTus. MOre PartIcULarlY, A DISpEnSer tHAT INCORPORates a timing MeAnS In CoNjunctiOn wiTh audiO aNd VISUAL OuTpUt To AsSiST The uSER iN pRoPEr waSHIng TEChNIQUES For coMPLIANcE wIth REcoMMenDED guIDeLineS aND To MoniToR the nUMBeR of usaGEs.
2. BacKgrOuNd art
eACH yEar, MiLLIonS of rePoRTED iLlNessEs ANd SEriOUS infECtioNs aRE ATTrIBUtABle tO IMpRopeR hAND wAShing. ThE unRePORTED cASES aRE esTIMaTed TO bE mUCH HIghEr. Food boRnE IlLNESs kILlS OveR 10,000 PEOplE eACh year, ANd 70% of tHE outbreAKs ORiGINatE in foOd SeRviCe SeCtor. the paSsAGe oF ViRaL And bacteRIAl conTamInAnTS resuLT fRom phySicAL ContAct WiTH An iNFEcTed sOurCe AND Are cArRIeD fRoM oNE sitE to anoThER witH eACH sUCCeSSIvE PhysICaL COntAcT.
thE ProBleM IS mOSt eVIDenT in HOSPItaL And RElateD MEDiCal eStaBliShmEntS, AS WELL AS Those buSINesSeS aSsOciATeD WIth pRepArInG AnD DistrIbutiNg FooD AND FOOd PRodUCTS. a perSOn THaT HANDleS a SinGLe CONtAmiNAted sOUrcE Will sprEAD thE conTAMinant tO evEry peRSOn, ARTiclE AND SuRfaCe TouCHED bY THAt persOn. ThE SUbsEQuENT CONtamiNatED sOurCeS rEpreSEnt aDditIoNAL ConTAminatIoN sITES tHaT spReaD The coNTAmINaNT. The lIabilitY oF cONtaMInatiON or iLlNEss causEd by InaDEQuAte WaShiNg teChNIqUES iS VEry HigH. And, A SiNGLe food boRne ilLnEsS cAn TaRnIsH A Long-StANdIng REputAtION And wrEAK FINAnCiAL HAvoC.
PRoPEr WaSHiNG of hANDs haS BeeN DEMonStraTeD to kILl tHE cOntAmINaNts AND PrEveNt THE SpRead of DiseaSe anD CONTAminaNtS. ACCorDIng To tHE CeNTeRS FoR diSease CoNtRoL, PROpeR HaNd WasHING IS tHE siNglE moSt ImpOrTanT prOcEss IN prevENTinG tHE spREaD of ThE PATHOGENS. MICROBiAL CoNtaMiNatiOn rEFerS TO MicrOScOpIC oRGaNIsMS, ESpeciAlly aNY Of thE baCTeriA tHAT CaUSe DISEAsE, E.g.: GeRMs. A GerM Is thE ruDImeNtarY FoRM in whicH a NEW ORGANiSm IS dEvEloPeD, ANd eNcomPassES aNY MIcrOScopIC oRgaNIsM anD any oNE of tHE baCtEria thAt Can cAusE DIsease. a bacTeRiUM IS tYpICALLy A oNE-cEllED miCrOORgaNISM, WhEREIn SOME causE DIseAseS SUcH AS pNeUMONIa, tuBeRcULoSis, or anThrAx whiLE OtHEr BacteRIa Are NEcesSary FOr fErmENtatIoN AnD NItrogEn FIXAtioN.
somE InDUstriEs ARE MuCh MOre SeNSItiVe To PropER wAShing teChnIqueS. reStAuRAnTs ArE parTIcULaRlY PROne tO The DIsseminAtIOn OF FooD-BorNE CoNTaminanTS AnD THe U.s. FOOD And DRUG ADMiNiSTRaTiOn (fDA) Has spEcifIC GuidELInEs ARTicULated in ThE fOOD COdE. The FOoD CoDE Has sEvERAL SECtiONs ThAT addrEsS THe wASHing of HaNds FoR foOd seRvIce aND reLaTeD PERsonnEl. acCORdiNg To The fooD codE REgUlAtiOnS, A perSON mUst WasH after USIng THE baTHRoOm, SNEEzINg, couGhINg, UsiNG A DISPoSABLe tISsue, UsING TobACco, eaTING oR drInKing, HanDlING sOiLED uTEnSIls, and whEn SWITchInG FROm raW FooDS tO reAdy-tO-Eat fooDS, aND aNY OtHeR ACTivITy ThAt PoTENTiallY COnTamiNAtES THe HaNdS.
iN AddITion, tHE FooD CODe DesCRIBEs a PROpEr hand WASHIng tEcHNIque as laStINg at leaST 20 seCOndS, WasHINg up To THe FOREARMS, aNd a sPecIal emphAsis oN bETween The fIngERS anD uNDeRnEAtH FInGeRnaILs. In aDdiTion To TIMinG thE WAshINg, IT iS impoRTanT To CONsiDer THE dIFfeRent stEPs iN THe WaSHiNg PrOcEDUre. A proPEr WAsHIng cYClE CoMMEncEs WITH CoMBIning wATEr ANd soAp AND SCrubbING tHe hanDS VIGOROUSly. THere arE VARIOUS SOaPs OR clEaNsing lIQUidS THat cAn bE USed, PREfEraBly hAVinG aNTI-BactERIaL or anti-mICroBial PrOPertIEs. naIls shOuLd Be clEAned ANd scRUBbed. AFTeR sCruBbiNg, tHe haNDS SHoUld BE ThORoUgHLY RINsed wITh WatER. the AReas beTWEen the FInger aNd UNDERnEath tHE FInGeRnAiLS should Be spEcificAlLY clEanEd aNd CHECked.
tHe reguLAtioNS aLSo rEQuIRE a SupervisOr eNsUre COmpLIAncE With tHe REGulATiOns and prOmOTe the EffECTIVE WAsHIng ProtOCOls. EmploYERS mAy be FiNEd oR LOSE LICEnSes IF emPLoyEes do NoT oBServe THese REGuLAtionS, AND SuCh emPloyEEs Are liKEly TO loSe tHEIR emPLOymENt.
AlTHOUGH thERE MaY noT bE speCIFiC coDeS goveRNiNg All InduSTrIes aND CIrcUMstaNCe, iT iS COMMon sEnse tHat aDheReNce To tHE rEgulAtioNs wiLL iNsTiLL A safeR eNvIrOnMENT fOR all. anD, In A LiTIgIOUs ENviRoNmeNT, adHerIng to a sTrICt sTanDarD Is alSo A cOSt-EFfeCtIVe anD pRaCtICal MEASuRE. thERe ARe varyIng intERnAtIOnal StANDArds foR ThE WAShiNg Of hAndS, bUt In GeNeRAl, ThE U.s. StANDArd provIdes A reAsoNabLe apProaCh to fOlloW.
uNfOrTUnAteLY, the prOper WAShing GUIDELiNEs Are NOT rEGUlarlY AnD rIGOrouSlY FoLLOWed. maNy fOOd servicE PErsONnEL Do nOT apPRECIate thE SIGNIfICaNCe of PrOpEr waShinG. ThE REstAuRants rAREly prOVide aDEQUatE TrAiNiNG TO The perSONNel, ANd SeLDOM EncoMpASs suFFICIENt sUPeRVISion dUrING THe Work shifTS. in adDItIOn, ThE EMplOYEeS aT REsTauRaNts AND DiNInG EsTablIShMeNTs TEnd tO BE loWER pAId aND MAY NOT carE OR UnDERStaND the postEd WRITtEN GuiDelINES, esPecIAllY if THe gUIDelInES are in an uNFaMiLiAR LangUagE. PREsEnTLy there is No ADeQuate mEans of PROvIDInG propeR GuidANCe AND iNSTructIoN durING WaSHiNg, No SYsteM DESiGneD TO WalK a useR ThrOUgH tHE wAsHINg STePs, ANd nO SiMPLe MEAnS Of MonItoRING or TRackiNg EMplOyEE WaShinG.
conTribuTiNg to ThE PRObLEm oF inaDeQUaTE wasHINg is thE lAck Of fORmaL EDUCATION By THosE IN THE FOod SeRVICes SEgmEnT, THE loW paY sCale, aNd ThE perIOds of RusHEd foOd pREpaRATION. THEse factORS alL coNtrIbUTe tO A pOTenTiAl fOr POor WasHING COnDITiONS. DUe tO ThE manY ILlNesSes caUsED by FOOD prePArAtIon, tHe FDa CoNTiNues To Apply moRE FORMaL rEguLATIONS aNd GUiDelinEs FOR EmpLOYERS regARding pRoPer WAsHInG skillS. EmpLOYeRs ARE dEMANDinG a betTEr SYSTEm Of aIdinG ANd mONiTorinG eMPloyEE WashINg haBITs.
tHE SoaP AND LiQuiD CoMPouNDS for HAnD WasHINg comE fROM A nuMBEr OF DiFfeRENt DiSPenSeRS aVAILAblE in The MArketPlAcE. liQUiD AnD SeMi-LiQuID DisPEnsErs aRE Used in nUMErous apPLIcaTIoNS AND aRE uSED tO DIspENsE Metered poRtIoNs oF cREmEs, lOTionS, gEls, SOAPS, aNtI-BACtErIal cLEANSinG liQUids, aNtI-MiCRobiAL CleAnsINg liqUIds, AnD SImIlAR MATERiaLs. A tYPicAL dispEnSer alLOws thE uSER to oBtAin A speCIfic AmOUnt OF lIquId MATtEr with MINImal Ease. MANUaL aND sEmI-autoMAtIC dIsPENsIng sYstEmS are cOmmon IN ThE iNdUsTRY, And aUtOMatEd diSpENsErs ARE BEGiNNing tO enter thE MaRkEtplAce.
THE MANuAl dISpenserS uTILIze lEvErs AND oThEr mECHanicAL ASsEMbLiES wheReiN the UsER MUST pRovide SomE PhySiCAl cONtaCT WITh THE uNIt iN ORDeR To dISpenSE tHe LIQuID. thE PHYsiCal contact iN ManiPuLAtINg thE LEvEr doeS PrOVIDe A coNtacT wiTH A SuRFace ThAT is TyPIcALlY wEt AND Dirty, aND may HArBOR CoNTamiNaNTS. aUTOmaTEd dISpENseRs are beCoMiNg mOrE populaR, aND OperaTE WitH A vaRIety Of ELEctRiCAl AnD elECtRomEChanicAL cOMPoNENTs to aUtoMAticAllY DispENSE thE LiqUID aftER TRiGGEriNg Some sENsORY iNput. the AUTOMATIc oR xE2X80X98toUchLessXe2X80x99 diSPEnsERs DO noT REQUIRe aNY PHYsICAL coNtact WiTH The dISpenSER.
UNFOrTUnAtELY, ThE TOUcHLESs dISPenSers ArE fAIrLY ExPEnsIvE and REqUIre FAIrlY CoMPlEx eLecTrical AnD eLEcTriCAL coMpoNenTS iN OrDEr tO FUnCTIon. bESiDes ELeCTronic EqUiPMENt, THErE aRe mECHaNIcAl COmpoNeNTS SUch as pLUngERS AND GeaR TRaiNS ThAt WORk in COnjUNctiON WITh THE eLEctRoNIcs. THE MeChAnICAl GEARS DRAW SubsTAnTIAl EneRGY during THE Xe2x80X98PincH aNd SQUeezeXE2X80x99 OpERaTion tO dELIVER liqUID CLeansER, REQUIRInG frEqueNt baTtERy rEPLACemENT. iN adDitiOn, if tHe BatTEries aRe DraINed, THe ELECtRicAL ElemenTS are nOT FuNCtiOnINg pROPerLY, Or THe meCHanICaL fUNCtIONs aRE BrOkeN, ThE enTirE UnIt iS dISABLEd aND will Not DISpeNSe any LIQUID clEanSERS. THE lOw rEliAbiliTY ANd The CaTAStROPhIc FAILURE ModE arE a MAJor coNcERn In the TOUchLeSs DIspensER mArkET.
WiTHiN tHe fIELd of liQuiD dISPenSers, tHeRe are MaNy Types oF DIspEnseRS. THe MOST cOmmON and CoSt EffECtIvE is thE BAg-IN-BoX sYSTEM, WHeRE tHe LIQuId COMes In A NO-leak PouCh wiTH pumP tiP aNd is dISpoSaBLe. thiS SySTEm is A CLoseD SYsTEM, aNd AlL tHE aiR is rEMOved fRoM The POUcH dUrInG MANUFAcTurinG. THe bAg CoLlapSes UPOn itSELf onCE tHe lIQuiD Is evAcuaTeD, mINimiZINg WaSTE DiSPOsaL. The cLoSEd SYStEM haS MANy adVaNtAgEs, INClUDiNG BEINg A mOre SAnItaRy System. the StaNDard sIzE pOUCH iS 800 ml, buT oTHER sIzEs ARe in Use, inClUding 500 ML TO 900 mL. iT IS a NeCESSarY ReqUIReMent ThAT The cOSt to prOdUCE a DISpoSabLE PouCh bE kEPT TO a MInimuM, WhILE STIlL DeliveRing CoNSiSTEnT REsUltS. tHE DIspEnserS are instaLleD in many pUBLIC faCiLITIeS, and ARE subjEct to eXTrEME wear anD tear. duE To The eXCESSive USe, tHe dEvicES muSt bE RobUst anD rELAtIvElY MAINtENANce frEE.
OTheR DISpeNSERs USE CartRIdGES Or rEFiLlABle CoNTainERs. The caRtriDGes MUst be piERced, ARE gEneRAllY NOT refiLLable, ANd PrOducE gREATer WasTe. both caRtridGes ANd refiLlABlE conTainers iNtrodUCe AiR INto tHE sYSTEm, AiDINg THE PRodUCTIoN oF BACteRia ANd MOLD. THe CoSt AND adMInISTrATiVe CompLExItY in USinG THEsE OTHEr fOrMs Of DIsPensInG LIQUIds, As wELL as THe DeCrEaSed sAnItARY CoNDITiOnS lImit tHeIr MarKet AppEaL. ALso, THeSe sEmI-auTOmatiC ANd AuTOMAtiC SysTEMs cAN Be deSIGnED To coMPLETe ThE CyClE, MEteRINg exaCtLY The CORRECT AmounT Of LIquiD, InDepeNdENtly Of SUcCessiVe aND Rapid pusHes of tHe actUatiNG MEmBer thAt FrEqueNtLy oCcur.
thE liQuid sOaP inDUStry haS nUmERoUS BRandS ANd catEgOrieS of CLeaNsING lIQUIDS. the VIscOSITY and paRTIcULate contENT ARe alsO SUBJEcT To ExTReme variATIONS. tHere is an ArRay of pARTiCulate matter ThaT cAN be AddeD tO cLEanSInG LiquiDs tO Form A GRiT soap cOmPOuND ThAT IS moRe EfFEcTiVE iN clEAnINg. The MoSt commOn GrIt MaTeriAL iS PLAstIC MICROspHEReS, ALTHough OtHer materIalS SUCh AS CLay, WAlnuT Shells And cORn CObs have alSo BEen UseD. besiDEs THe vARiatIOnS oF COmpoUnds uSeD TO FoRM grit SOaP, The SiZe Of tHe grit ALso VARIEs.
tHErE hAs aLso BeEN a COnsumEr DEMaNd FoR ANTi-micRobIAl cleansing LIQuIdS AND ANTi-BACTEriaL CLeANsiNG liquiDS, ANd THE iNDUSTRY hAs REaCTed bY aDdIng CreaTIng nEW cOMPoUNdS WItH THeSe PrOpeRtieS. THESE AnTi-miCrobial aND anti-BacTeRial CleANSing lIQuIDS ArE avAIlabLE wItH oR wiThOUT griT and HAvE CeRtaIn CHaRaCTeriStiCs anD ViSCOSITY dIFfERENceS As cOMpareD TO StandArD liQuiD sOaP. beSIDES lIQUiD SoAP, OtHEr CoMPounds DISPensED include bOdY ANd HaIR ShaMpoo, Hand CremE SOLUtioNs, LOtionS, cLeaNSINg LiQUIds, and sHAVInG creMe.
In A TYpIcaL bAG-iN-Box oPeRAtiON, a usEr deprEssES A LEvEr or controLler. tHis APpLIES PrEsSURe To the disPenSer TUBe tHAT CreaTES a vacuUM iN ThE cOlLapsIBLE pouch THat exeRtS FLUiD PResSURE agaInsT THe baLL in the baLl CheCK vALVe. iF THE PRessuRE Is sufFICIent, thE bALL Is DIspLacED, ANd the lIqUId FlOWS aROUND the bALl aNd INTo THe bALL ChECk valVe cHAMbER. ThE lIQUid fLOWs into tHe spaCE bEtweEN thE spRing aNd ThE IntERiOR waLl oF The bAll CHECk vALvE cHAMBer. ONce tHE CHAmBEr Is SUFficIEnTly FuLL, thE lIQUid Is foRCed tHRoUGh tHE compresseD sprINg aND out ThroUGh ThE LOWEr fitMEnT hole aNd thRouGh thE NoZZlE.
tHE transITiOn fROM a User aPplYINg PUreLy MEcHanicaL FoRcEs TO MetER OUt sOmE LiQuId TO a sEMi-AuTOmAteD OR auTOMATED dispensIng UnIT iS | 1.Field ofthe Invention The present invention relates to an improved dispensing apparatus. More particularly, a dispenser that incorporates a timing means in conjunction with audio andvisual output to assist the user in proper washing techniques for compliance with recommended guidelines and to monitor the numberof usages.2. Background Art Each year, millions of reported illnesses andserious infections are attributable to improper hand washing. The unreported cases are estimated to be much higher. Food borne illness kills over 10,000 people each year, and 70%of the outbreaks originate infood service sector. Thepassage of viralandbacterial contaminants result from physical contact with an infected source and arecarried from one site to another witheach successive physical contact. The problemis most evident in hospital and related medical establishments, as well as those businesses associated with preparing and distributing food andfood products. A person that handles asingle contaminated source will spread the contaminantto everyperson, articleand surface touched bythat person. The subsequent contaminated sources represent additionalcontaminationsites thatspread the contaminant. The liability of contamination or illness caused byinadequate washing techniques isvery high.And, a single foodborne illnesscan tarnisha long-standing reputation and wreak financial havoc.Proper washing of handshasbeen demonstrated to kill the contaminants and prevent the spread ofdiseaseand contaminants. According to the Centers for Disease Control, properhand washingis thesingle most important process in preventing the spread of the pathogens. Microbial contamination refers to microscopic organisms,especially any of the bacteria that cause disease, e.g.:germs. Agerm is the rudimentary form in which a new organism isdeveloped, and encompasses anymicroscopic organism and any one of the bacteria that can cause disease. A bacterium istypically a one-celled microorganism, wherein some cause diseasessuch as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or anthrax while other bacteria are necessary for fermentation and nitrogenfixation. Some industries aremuch more sensitive to properwashing techniques. Restaurants are particularly prone tothe dissemination of food-borne contaminants and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific guidelines articulatedin the Food Code. The Food Code has several sections that address the washing of hands for food serviceand related personnel. Accordingto the Food Code regulations, a person mustwash after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, using a disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating ordrinking, handling soiled utensils, and when switching from raw foodsto ready-to-eat foods, and any other activity that potentially contaminates the hands.In addition, the Food Code describes a proper handwashing technique aslasting at least 20seconds, washingup to the forearms, and a specialemphasis onbetween the fingers and underneath fingernails. In addition to timingthe washing, it is importantto consider the different steps in the washingprocedure.A proper washing cycle commences withcombiningwater and soap and scrubbing the hands vigorously.There are various soaps or cleansing liquids that can be used, preferably having anti-bacterialor anti-microbialproperties. Nails should be cleanedand scrubbed. Afterscrubbing, the hands should be thoroughly rinsed with water. The areasbetween the finger and underneath the fingernails should be specifically cleaned and checked. The regulations also require a supervisorensure compliance withthe regulationsand promote theeffective washing protocols. Employers may be finedor lose licenses if employees do not observe these regulations, and such employees are likely to lose their employment. Although there may notbe specific codes governing allindustries andcircumstance, it is common sense that adherence tothe regulations will instill a safer environment for all. And, in a litigious environment, adhering to a strict standard isalso a cost-effective and practicalmeasure.There are varying international standards for the washing of hands, but ingeneral, theU.S.standard provides a reasonable approach tofollow. Unfortunately, the proper washing guidelines are not regularlyand rigorously followed.Many food service personnel do notappreciate thesignificanceof proper washing. The restaurants rarely provide adequate training to the personnel,and seldom encompasssufficient supervision during the work shifts. In addition, the employees at restaurants and dining establishmentstend to be lower paid and may not care or understandthe posted written guidelines, especiallyif the guidelines are inanunfamiliar language. Presently there is no adequate means of providing properguidanceand instructionduring washing, no systemdesigned to walk a user through the washing steps, and no simple means of monitoring or tracking employee washing.Contributing to the problem of inadequate washing is the lack offormal education by those inthe food services segment, the lowpay scale, and the periodsof rushed food preparation. These factors all contribute to a potential for poor washing conditions. Due to the many illnesses caused by food preparation, the FDA continues toapply more formal regulations andguidelines for employersregarding proper washing skills. Employers are demanding abetter system of aiding and monitoring employee washing habits. The soapand liquid compounds for hand washingcome from a numberof differentdispensers available in the marketplace. Liquid and semi-liquid dispensers are usedin numerous applications and are used to dispense metered portions of cremes, lotions, gels, soaps, anti-bacterial cleansing liquids, anti-microbial cleansingliquids, and similar materials. A typicaldispenserallows the user to obtain a specific amount of liquid matter with minimalease.Manual and semi-automatic dispensing systems are common in the industry,and automated dispensers are beginning to enter the marketplace. The manual dispensers utilize levers and other mechanical assemblieswhereinthe user mustprovide some physical contactwith the unit in order todispense the liquid.The physical contactin manipulating the lever does provide a contact with a surface thatistypically wet anddirty, and may harbor contaminants. Automated dispensers are becoming more popular, and operate with a variety of electrical and electromechanical componentsto automatically dispense the liquid after triggering some sensory input. The automatic or xe2x80x98touchlessxe2x80x99 dispensers donot require any physical contact with the dispenser. Unfortunately, the touchless dispensers are fairly expensive and require fairly complexelectrical and electrical components in order to function. Besides electronic equipment, there are mechanical components such as plungers and gear trainsthat work in conjunction with the electronics. Themechanical gears draw substantial energyduring the xe2x80x98pinch and squeezexe2x80x99 operation to deliver liquid cleanser, requiring frequent batteryreplacement. In addition, if the batteries are drained, the electrical elements are not functioning properly, or the mechanical functions are broken, theentire unit is disabled and willnot dispense any liquidcleansers. Thelow reliability and the catastrophic failure modeare a major concern in thetouchless dispenser market. Within the field of liquiddispensers, thereare many types of dispensers. The most common and cost effective is thebag-in-box system, where the liquid comes in a no-leak pouch with pump tip andis disposable. Thissystem is a closedsystem, and all the air is removed from the pouch during manufacturing. The bag collapses upon itselfonce the liquid is evacuated, minimizing waste disposal. The closedsystem has manyadvantages,including being a more sanitary system.The standard size pouchis 800 ml, but other sizes are inuse, including 500mlto900ml. It is a necessary requirement that the cost to produce adisposablepouch be keptto a minimum, while still delivering consistent results. The dispensers are installed inmany public facilities, and are subject to extreme wear and tear.Due to theexcessive use, the devices must be robust and relatively maintenance free. Other dispensers use cartridges or refillable containers.The cartridges must be pierced, are generally not refillable, and produce greater waste. Both cartridges and refillable containers introduce air into the system,aiding the production of bacteria and mold. The cost and administrativecomplexityin usingthese other forms of dispensing liquids, as well as the decreased sanitary conditions limit their market appeal. Also, these semi-automaticand automatic systems can be designed to complete the cycle, metering exactly the correct amount of liquid, independently of successiveand rapid pushes of the actuating member that frequently occur. The liquid soap industry has numerous brands and categoriesofcleansing liquids.Theviscosity and particulate content are alsosubject to extreme variations. There is an array of particulate matter that can be addedto cleansing liquidstoform agrit soapcompound thatis more effective in cleaning. The most commongrit material is plastic microspheres, although other materials such as clay,walnut shells and corn cobs have alsobeen used. Besides the variations of compounds used to formgrit soap, the size of thegritalso varies. There has alsobeen a consumer demand for anti-microbial cleansing liquids and anti-bacterial cleansing liquids, and theindustry has reacted by adding creating new compoundswith these properties. These anti-microbial and anti-bacterial cleansing liquids areavailable with or without grit and havecertain characteristics and viscosity differences as compared to standard liquid soap. Besides liquidsoap, other compounds dispensed include body and hair shampoo, hand cremesolutions, lotions, cleansing liquids, andshaving creme. In a typical bag-in-box operation,auser depresses a lever orcontroller. This applies pressure to the dispenser tube that creates a vacuum in the collapsible pouch thatexerts fluid pressure against the ball in the ball check valve. If the pressureis sufficient,the ball is displaced, and the liquid flows around the ball and into the ball check valve chamber. The liquid flows intothespace between the spring andtheinterior wall of the ball check valve chamber. Once the chamber is sufficiently full,the liquid is forced through the compressed spring and out through the lower fitmenthole and through the nozzle. Thetransition from auser applying purely mechanical forces to meter out some liquid to a semi-automatedor automated dispensing unit is | 1. _Field_ of the Invention _The_ present invention relates to an improved dispensing apparatus. _More_ particularly, _a_ dispenser that incorporates a _timing_ means _in_ conjunction _with_ audio _and_ visual output to _assist_ _the_ user in proper _washing_ _techniques_ for compliance with _recommended_ guidelines and to monitor the number of usages. 2. Background Art Each year, _millions_ of reported illnesses _and_ serious infections are attributable to improper hand washing. _The_ unreported cases are estimated to be much _higher._ Food borne illness _kills_ over 10,000 people _each_ year, and 70% of the outbreaks originate in food service sector. The passage of viral and _bacterial_ contaminants _result_ from physical _contact_ with an infected source _and_ are _carried_ _from_ one _site_ to another _with_ each _successive_ physical contact. The _problem_ _is_ most evident in _hospital_ and related _medical_ _establishments,_ as well as those businesses associated with preparing and distributing food and _food_ _products._ _A_ person that handles a single _contaminated_ source will spread the _contaminant_ to every person, _article_ and surface touched by that person. The subsequent contaminated sources represent additional contamination sites _that_ _spread_ the contaminant. _The_ liability _of_ _contamination_ _or_ illness caused by inadequate washing techniques is _very_ high. And, _a_ single food borne _illness_ can tarnish a _long-standing_ reputation and wreak _financial_ _havoc._ Proper washing _of_ _hands_ has been demonstrated to _kill_ the _contaminants_ and _prevent_ the spread _of_ disease and contaminants. _According_ _to_ _the_ Centers for Disease Control, proper hand _washing_ _is_ the single most important process _in_ preventing the spread of _the_ pathogens. Microbial contamination refers to _microscopic_ _organisms,_ especially _any_ of the _bacteria_ _that_ cause _disease,_ e.g.: _germs._ A germ is _the_ _rudimentary_ form in which a new _organism_ _is_ developed, and encompasses any _microscopic_ organism and any one of the bacteria that can cause disease. _A_ bacterium is typically a one-celled _microorganism,_ wherein some cause _diseases_ such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or anthrax while other bacteria are necessary for fermentation _and_ nitrogen fixation. Some industries are much more _sensitive_ to proper washing techniques. Restaurants _are_ _particularly_ _prone_ _to_ the dissemination of food-borne contaminants and _the_ U.S. Food _and_ Drug Administration _(FDA)_ has specific guidelines articulated _in_ the Food Code. The Food Code has several sections _that_ _address_ the washing of hands _for_ food service _and_ related personnel. According _to_ the _Food_ Code _regulations,_ a _person_ must _wash_ _after_ using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, using a disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating _or_ drinking, handling soiled utensils, and _when_ switching from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods, and any _other_ _activity_ that _potentially_ contaminates the hands. In addition, the Food Code describes a _proper_ hand washing technique as _lasting_ at least _20_ seconds, washing up to the _forearms,_ and a special emphasis _on_ between the fingers _and_ underneath fingernails. In addition to timing the washing, it is important to consider _the_ _different_ steps in the washing procedure. A proper _washing_ _cycle_ _commences_ with combining _water_ _and_ soap and _scrubbing_ the hands vigorously. There _are_ various soaps or cleansing _liquids_ that can be used, preferably having anti-bacterial _or_ anti-microbial _properties._ _Nails_ should _be_ _cleaned_ and _scrubbed._ _After_ scrubbing, _the_ _hands_ should be thoroughly rinsed with water. The areas between the finger and underneath the _fingernails_ _should_ _be_ _specifically_ cleaned and checked. _The_ regulations _also_ require a supervisor ensure compliance with the regulations and promote the effective washing protocols. Employers may be fined or lose licenses if employees do not observe _these_ regulations, and such employees are likely to lose their employment. Although there may not be specific codes governing all industries _and_ _circumstance,_ it is common sense that adherence to the regulations will instill a safer environment for _all._ And, in a litigious environment, _adhering_ to a _strict_ standard is _also_ a cost-effective and practical measure. There are varying _international_ standards for the washing of _hands,_ but in general, the U.S. standard provides a _reasonable_ approach to follow. Unfortunately, the _proper_ washing guidelines _are_ not regularly and rigorously followed. Many food service personnel do not appreciate the significance of _proper_ _washing._ The restaurants _rarely_ provide adequate training to the personnel, and seldom encompass sufficient _supervision_ during the work shifts. In addition, _the_ employees at _restaurants_ and dining establishments tend to be lower paid and may not care or understand _the_ posted written guidelines, especially _if_ the guidelines are _in_ an unfamiliar language. _Presently_ there is no adequate means _of_ providing proper guidance _and_ instruction during washing, no _system_ designed _to_ walk a user through the _washing_ steps, and no simple means _of_ _monitoring_ or tracking employee _washing._ Contributing to _the_ _problem_ of inadequate washing is the lack of formal education by those in the food _services_ segment, _the_ low pay scale, _and_ the periods of rushed food preparation. These factors _all_ _contribute_ to a _potential_ for poor _washing_ conditions. Due to the _many_ illnesses caused by food preparation, _the_ FDA continues to apply more formal _regulations_ _and_ guidelines for employers regarding proper _washing_ skills. Employers are demanding a _better_ system of _aiding_ and monitoring employee washing _habits._ The soap and liquid _compounds_ for _hand_ washing come _from_ a _number_ of different dispensers available in _the_ marketplace. Liquid and semi-liquid dispensers are used in numerous applications and are used to dispense metered portions of cremes, lotions, _gels,_ _soaps,_ _anti-bacterial_ _cleansing_ liquids, _anti-microbial_ cleansing liquids, and similar materials. _A_ typical dispenser allows the user to obtain a specific amount of liquid matter with _minimal_ ease. Manual and _semi-automatic_ dispensing systems are common in _the_ industry, and _automated_ dispensers are beginning _to_ _enter_ the marketplace. _The_ manual dispensers utilize levers and other mechanical _assemblies_ wherein _the_ user must provide _some_ physical contact with the unit in order _to_ dispense the liquid. The physical contact in manipulating _the_ lever does provide a _contact_ with a _surface_ that is typically _wet_ and dirty, and may harbor contaminants. Automated dispensers are becoming more popular, and operate with a variety of electrical and electromechanical _components_ _to_ _automatically_ dispense the liquid after triggering some sensory input. The automatic or xe2x80x98touchlessxe2x80x99 dispensers _do_ not require any physical contact with the dispenser. Unfortunately, _the_ touchless dispensers are fairly expensive and _require_ fairly complex electrical and electrical components in order to function. Besides electronic equipment, there are mechanical components such as _plungers_ and gear trains that _work_ in conjunction with _the_ electronics. The mechanical _gears_ draw substantial _energy_ _during_ _the_ xe2x80x98pinch _and_ squeezexe2x80x99 operation _to_ deliver liquid cleanser, requiring frequent battery replacement. In addition, if the batteries _are_ drained, the electrical _elements_ are not functioning properly, or the mechanical _functions_ are broken, the entire unit _is_ _disabled_ _and_ _will_ not _dispense_ any liquid cleansers. The low reliability and the _catastrophic_ _failure_ mode _are_ a major concern in the touchless dispenser market. Within the field of liquid dispensers, _there_ are many types of dispensers. _The_ most common and cost effective is _the_ bag-in-box system, where the liquid comes _in_ a no-leak pouch with pump tip and _is_ disposable. This system is a closed system, and _all_ the _air_ is removed from the pouch during manufacturing. The bag _collapses_ upon _itself_ _once_ the liquid is evacuated, minimizing waste disposal. The closed system has many advantages, _including_ being _a_ more sanitary system. The standard size pouch _is_ 800 ml, but other sizes _are_ in use, including 500 _ml_ to 900 ml. It is a necessary requirement that _the_ cost to produce a disposable pouch be kept to a minimum, while still _delivering_ _consistent_ _results._ _The_ dispensers _are_ installed in many public facilities, and _are_ _subject_ to extreme wear and tear. Due _to_ the excessive use, the _devices_ _must_ _be_ robust and relatively maintenance free. Other dispensers _use_ cartridges or refillable _containers._ The cartridges must be _pierced,_ are generally not refillable, and produce greater waste. Both cartridges _and_ refillable containers introduce _air_ into the system, aiding the production of bacteria and mold. _The_ _cost_ and _administrative_ complexity in using these _other_ forms of dispensing liquids, as well _as_ the decreased sanitary conditions limit their market appeal. Also, _these_ _semi-automatic_ and automatic systems can be designed to complete _the_ cycle, metering exactly the _correct_ _amount_ of liquid, independently of successive and _rapid_ pushes of the _actuating_ member _that_ frequently occur. The liquid soap industry has numerous brands and categories of cleansing liquids. The viscosity and particulate content are also subject to extreme variations. There is _an_ array _of_ particulate matter _that_ can be added _to_ cleansing liquids to form a grit soap compound _that_ is more effective in _cleaning._ The _most_ common grit material is plastic microspheres, _although_ other materials such _as_ clay, walnut shells _and_ corn _cobs_ have also been used. _Besides_ the variations of compounds used _to_ form grit soap, _the_ size of the grit also varies. There _has_ also _been_ a consumer demand _for_ anti-microbial cleansing liquids and _anti-bacterial_ cleansing liquids, _and_ the _industry_ has reacted by adding creating new _compounds_ with these properties. These anti-microbial and anti-bacterial _cleansing_ liquids are available with or _without_ grit and have certain characteristics and viscosity _differences_ as compared to standard liquid soap. Besides liquid soap, other compounds dispensed include body and hair shampoo, hand creme _solutions,_ lotions, cleansing liquids, and shaving creme. In _a_ typical _bag-in-box_ operation, _a_ user depresses _a_ lever or _controller._ This _applies_ pressure to the dispenser tube that creates _a_ _vacuum_ in the collapsible _pouch_ that exerts _fluid_ pressure against the ball in _the_ ball _check_ valve. If the pressure is sufficient, the ball is _displaced,_ and the liquid flows around the ball and into the ball _check_ valve chamber. The liquid _flows_ _into_ _the_ space between the spring and the interior _wall_ of _the_ ball check valve chamber. Once the chamber is sufficiently full, _the_ liquid is forced through the compressed spring _and_ out through the lower fitment _hole_ and _through_ the nozzle. The transition from _a_ user applying purely mechanical forces to meter out _some_ liquid to a semi-automated or automated dispensing _unit_ is |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to medical instruments and, more particularly, to an endoscope having flexible tubes within a passive deflection section.
2. Prior Art
Endoscopes with passive and active deflection sections are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,551 shows an endoscope with an elongated flexible plastic tube comprising a continuous sequence of connected vertebra-like elements. U.S. Pat. No. 3,162,214 discloses a thin walled tube of elastic material internally supported throughout its length by a series of tubular rigid rings. In one prior art embodiment, control wires from a deflection control to a distal tip of the active deflection are provided with a wire sheath along the passive deflection section. The wire sheath comprises a coiled wire to form a flexible tube around each control wire. A problem exists with these coil wire sheaths in that the coil shape can expand during compression. This can result in a loss of deflection at the active deflection section of the endoscope. In another prior art embodiment, stainless steel tubes are used as the sheaths for the control wires. However, these are only used in applications which have a large bend radius. These tubes can kink very easily, have no resilience, and can fatigue and permanently deform thereby shortening the working life of the endoscope. | 1. bailiwick of the Invention The present invention relates to medical instruments and, more particularly, to an endoscope having flexible tubes within a passive deflection section. 2. Prior Art Endoscopes with passive and active deflection sections are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,551 shows an endoscope with an elongated flexible plastic tube comprising a continuous sequence of connected vertebra-like elements. U.S. Pat. No. 3,162,214 discloses a thin walled tube of elastic material internally supported throughout its length by a series of tubular rigid rings. In one prior art embodiment, control wires from a deflection control to a distal tip of the active deflection are provided with a wire sheath along the passive deflection section. The wire sheath comprises a coiled wire to form a flexible tube around each control wire. A problem exists with these coil wire sheaths in that the coil shape can expand during compression. This can result in a loss of deflection at the active deflection section of the endoscope. In another prior art embodiment, stainless steel tubes are used as the sheaths for the control wires. However, these are only used in applications which have a large bend radius. These tubes can kink very easily, have no resilience, and can fatigue and permanently deform thereby shortening the working life of the endoscope. | 1. Field of the InventiIh The present invention relates to medJVal instrunSnts and, more particularly, to an endoscope having flexObIe tubes within a passive deflection section. 2. Prior Art Endoscopes with passive and active deflection sections are known in the art. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 580, 551 shows an endoscope with an elongated flexible plastic tube comprising a continuous sequence of connected vertebra - like elements. U. S. Pat. No. 3, 162, 214 discloses a thin walled tube of elastic material internally supported throughout its length by a series of tubular rigid rings. In one prior art embodiment, control wires from a deflection control to a distal tip of the active deflection are provided with a wire sheath along the passive deflection section. The wire sheath comprises a coiled wire to form a flexible tube around each control wire. A problem exisFE with these coil wire sheaths in that the coil shape can ezpans during compression. This can result in a loss of deflection at the active deflection section of the endoscope. In another prior art embodiment, stainless steel tubes are used as the sheaths for the control @irDs. However, tbeDe are only used in applications which have a large bend radius. These tubes can kink very easily, have no resilieHFe, and can fatigue and permanently def)rk thereby shortening the working life of the endoscope. | 1. Field of the Invention present relates to medical instruments and, more particularly, to an endoscope having flexible tubes within a passive deflection section. 2. Prior Art Endoscopes with passive and deflection sections known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,551 shows an endoscope an elongated flexible plastic tube comprising a continuous sequence of connected vertebra-like elements. U.S. Pat. No. 3,162,214 discloses a thin walled of material internally supported throughout its length by a of tubular rigid In one prior embodiment, wires from a deflection control to a distal tip of the active deflection provided with a wire sheath along the passive deflection section. The wire sheath comprises a coiled wire to form a flexible tube around each control wire. A problem exists with these coil wire sheaths in that coil shape can expand during compression. This in a loss of deflection at the active deflection section of endoscope. In another art embodiment, stainless steel are used as the sheaths for the control wires. However, these are only used in applications which have a large bend radius. These tubes can kink have no resilience, and can and permanently deform thereby shortening the working life of the endoscope. | 1. FIEld Of thE INVenTiON
the preSeNT InveNtiON ReLates To mEDical InsTrumenTs and, mOrE PARTICULArly, tO AN ENdosCOpE haVING fLEXiBlE TuBeS WIthIn A pAssIve dEfLeCtIOn sECTIon.
2. prioR art
ENDosCOPEs With pAssIve And actIVe DefleCtIoN sECTIoNS Are kNowN IN tHE art. u.S. PAt. no. 4,580,551 SHOws An EnDOSCoPE wiTh an ElongaTed FlexibLe pLaStiC TuBE ComPRIsINg a cONTINuouS seQUencE OF cONneCtED VERtEBRA-likE eLEmEntS. u.s. pAT. no. 3,162,214 dIsclOseS a THiN wallED tUBE OF ELasTIc MATErial inTERnALlY sUpporTEd THrouGHOUT iTS LeNgTH BY a SERIEs oF TUBuLar RIgiD RiNgS. in ONE pRior Art EmBoDImEnt, cOnTroL wirES fRom a deFLectIon CONtroL tO A disTaL tIp oF The ActiVe DeflecTIon ARE PROVIDeD wIth A WiRE ShEaTh ALOnG thE passivE deFlection secTiON. ThE wiRE ShEath compriSes A coILed wIre to Form A fLeXible tUBe aROUnd eAch ContROL wirE. A Problem ExIsts witH thesE cOIl WiRE SHEATHS IN tHAT THe cOIl Shape can EXpAnd During comprESsion. ThIs CaN ResuLT in A LOsS oF dEfLeCtiON AT ThE AcTIVe DEFLeCtIoN SEcTION Of THE eNdosCopE. iN AnotHeR PRIor Art EMbOdimENT, stAInlESs STEEl tuBES aRe uSed As tHE sheaths FOr THE ConTrOL wIRes. HoWeVer, thEsE Are onlY uSed IN appLIcATiONS Which HAVe a lArge bend RadiUS. THESe tuBeS cAN KiNK VerY EASily, Have no resilIenCE, aND can fATiGUe ANd pERManeNTly DEfORM therEBy sHoRTENING THE woRKing lIfE of THE eNdOScopE. | 1. Field of the Invention Thepresent invention relatestomedicalinstruments and, more particularly, to an endoscope having flexible tubes within a passive deflection section. 2. Prior Art Endoscopes withpassive and active deflection sections are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,551 shows an endoscope with an elongated flexible plastic tube comprising a continuous sequence of connected vertebra-like elements. U.S. Pat. No.3,162,214discloses a thin walled tube of elastic material internally supported throughoutitslength by a series of tubular rigid rings. In one prior art embodiment, control wires from a deflection control toa distal tip of the active deflection areprovidedwith a wire sheath along the passive deflection section.The wire sheath comprises a coiled wireto form a flexible tube around each control wire. A problem exists with these coil wire sheaths in that the coil shape can expand during compression. This can result inaloss ofdeflection at theactive deflection section of the endoscope.In another prior art embodiment,stainless steel tubes areused as the sheaths for the control wires. However, these are only used in applications which have alarge bend radius. These tubes can kinkveryeasily, have noresilience,and can fatigue and permanently deform therebyshortening theworking life of the endoscope. | 1. Field of _the_ Invention The _present_ invention relates to _medical_ _instruments_ and, more particularly, to an endoscope having flexible tubes within a passive _deflection_ _section._ 2. Prior Art Endoscopes _with_ passive and active deflection sections are known in the art. U.S. _Pat._ No. 4,580,551 shows an endoscope with an elongated flexible plastic tube comprising a _continuous_ _sequence_ of connected vertebra-like _elements._ _U.S._ Pat. No. _3,162,214_ discloses a thin walled tube of elastic material _internally_ _supported_ throughout its _length_ by a _series_ of _tubular_ rigid rings. In one prior art embodiment, control wires from a _deflection_ control to a distal _tip_ of the active _deflection_ are provided with a wire sheath along _the_ passive deflection section. The wire sheath comprises a coiled wire to _form_ _a_ flexible _tube_ around each control wire. A problem exists with these coil wire sheaths _in_ that the coil shape can _expand_ during compression. This can result in a loss of deflection _at_ the _active_ _deflection_ section of _the_ endoscope. _In_ another prior _art_ embodiment, stainless steel tubes are used as the _sheaths_ for the control _wires._ However, these are only used in applications _which_ have a large bend radius. These tubes can kink very easily, have no resilience, and can _fatigue_ and permanently deform thereby shortening the working _life_ of the endoscope. |
Bridge rectifiers for automotive-type alternators are well known in the art. An example of a bridge rectifier is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,000. Generally, a bridge rectifier comprises two metallic heat sinks that are electrically insulated from a each other. Each heat sink carries a plurality of semiconductor diodes such that the heat sinks form respective positive and negative direct voltage output terminals. The diodes are grouped in pairs and are connected to respective output phase windings of the alternator. | Bridge rectifiers for automotive-type alternators are well known in the art. An example of a bridge rectifier is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,000. Generally, a bridge rectifier comprises two metallic heat sinkhole that are electrically insulated from a each other. Each heat sink carries a plurality of semiconductor diodes such that the heat sinks form respective positive and negative direct voltage output terminals. The diodes are grouped in pairs and are connected to respective output phase windings of the alternator. | Bridge rectifiers for automotive - type alternators are well known in the art. An example of a bridge ref4ifier is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 606, 000. Generally, a bridge rectifier comprjsee two mDgallic heat sinks that are eKectricSlly insulated Drim a each otu$r. Wacm heat a7nk carries a plurality of semiconductor diodes such that the tsat sinks fo3h respective positive and negative direct voltage output terminals. The diodes are grouped in pairs and are connected to respective output phase windings of the alternator. | Bridge for automotive-type alternators are well known in art. An example of a bridge rectifier is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,000. Generally, a bridge rectifier comprises two heat sinks that are electrically insulated from a each other. Each heat sink a plurality of semiconductor diodes such that the heat sinks form negative direct voltage output terminals. The diodes are in pairs and are connected to respective output phase windings of the alternator. | BrIDGe RectifiERS for aUTOMoTIve-tYPE ALtErnaTOrs ARe WeLL kNOwn In tHE ArT. AN eXampLE OF A bridGE RECtifieR iS DiSCLOseD iN U.S. PAt. No. 4,606,000. gEnErAlLY, a BriDGe recTIFieR CoMprIseS tWo mETAlLic hEaT sINKs THAT aRE eleCtRIcalLy InSUlAteD fROm A EacH OtheR. EaCH Heat SINk carrIES a pLUraLiTy oF SEMicONDUcTor DioDeS sUCh tHAt ThE HEaT sinKS ForM rESPecTIvE pOSItiVe AND neGatIVE diRecT VOlTAGe OutpuT terMinALs. The DIoDEs arE GRoUped IN PaiRS AnD aRe cOnNecTeD tO RESpEcTiVe OutPut pHASe WIndingS Of tHe ALTErNAtOr. | Bridge rectifiers for automotive-type alternatorsarewell known in the art.An example of a bridge rectifier is disclosedin U.S.Pat. No. 4,606,000. Generally,a bridge rectifier comprises two metallic heat sinks that are electrically insulated from a each other. Each heatsink carries aplurality of semiconductor diodes suchthat the heat sinks formrespectivepositive and negative directvoltage output terminals. The diodes are grouped in pairs andareconnected to respectiveoutput phase windingsof the alternator. | Bridge rectifiers for _automotive-type_ alternators are well known in the art. An example of a bridge rectifier is _disclosed_ in U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,000. Generally, _a_ _bridge_ rectifier comprises two metallic _heat_ sinks _that_ _are_ electrically insulated from _a_ each other. Each heat sink carries a _plurality_ of semiconductor diodes such that the heat sinks form respective positive _and_ negative direct voltage output terminals. The diodes _are_ grouped _in_ pairs and are connected to _respective_ output phase _windings_ of the _alternator._ |
Plates having compartments are used for holding food Often, a main compartment is designed to hold a main dish whereas the other compartment, or wells, are used to hold sides, condiments, or both. Prior art disposable plates have had various designs or patterns printed thereon, but do not integrate the various compartments into the printed design or pattern.
Additionally, prior art designs or patterns printed on disposable plates focused on a small number of designs. The number of designs per collection in the prior art has been less than the total number of plates packaged together for retail sale. Thus, each retail package of plates includes only a complete collection of designs. The prior art does not address the situation where the number of designs per collection exceeds the total number of plates in a retail package and how to widely disseminate all of the designs in the collection in the market place. | Plates having compartments are used for holding food Often, a main compartment is designed to hold a main dish whereas the other compartment, or wells, are used to hold sides, condiments, or both. Prior art disposable plates have had various purpose or patterns printed thereon, but do not integrate the various compartments into the printed design or pattern. Additionally, prior art designs or patterns printed on disposable plates focused on a small number of designs. The number of designs per collection in the prior art has been less than the total number of plates packaged together for retail sale. Thus, each retail package of plates includes only a complete collection of designs. The prior art does not address the situation where the number of designs per collection exceeds the total number of plates in a retail package and how to widely disseminate all of the designs in the collection in the market place. | Plates having compartments are used for holding food KfRen, a main compartment is decignDd to hold a main dJDh whereas the other compartment, or wells, are used to hold sides, condiments, or both. Prior art disposable plates have had varKouX designs or patterns printed thereon, but do not integrate the various x)mpartments into the )rin^ed xesinn or pattern. Additionally, prior art designs or pZttdrns printed on disposable plates focused on a small number of designs. The number of designs per collection in the prior art has been less than the total number of plates packaged together for retail sale. Thus, each retail package of plates includes only a complete collection of designs. The prior art does not address the situation where the number of designs per collection exfReds the total number of plates in a retail package and how to widely disseminate all of the designs in the coll4ct(on in the market place. | having compartments are used for holding food Often, a main compartment designed to hold a dish whereas the other compartment, or wells, are used to hold sides, condiments, or both. Prior art disposable plates have had various or patterns printed thereon, but not the various compartments into the printed or pattern. Additionally, prior art designs or patterns printed on disposable plates focused on a small number of designs. The number of designs per collection the prior art has been less the number of plates together for retail sale. Thus, each retail package of plates includes only a complete collection of designs. The prior art does not address the number of per collection exceeds the total number of plates in a retail package and how to widely disseminate all of the designs in the collection in the market place. | PlaTes HAVinG coMPaRtmENtS Are uSEd fOR hOlDiNg foOd ofTeN, A MaIn COmPARtmEnt IS desiGNed To Hold A maIn diSh wheReaS THe oTHer cOMPaRTment, or WELlS, arE UseD To HOLD siDeS, COndIMEnTs, oR BotH. pRIoR ART diSPoSAblE plATEs HaVe HAd VARIOUS DeSIGns Or PATtErnS prInted ThereoN, bUt do NOT inTegrATe ThE vARiOUS CoMPARTmenTs iNTO thE PRinTED DESIGn or patTERN.
ADditioNALLy, pRIOR aRT dESIgns oR PATteRNs printEd oN DisPoSABle plaTES FocUseD On a SmalL NuMBEr OF DesIGNS. the NumbEr Of deSigNS pER COlLecTIOn in ThE prioR ART HAS BEEN less tHAN The TOTAl numBER OF PLAtES PaCkAGEd tOGETheR fOr REtail SAlE. thus, EACh retAIL PACkagE OF plATeS InCLuDes oNLY A CoMPLetE COLlectiOn OF DeSIgNS. THE prior Art doeS Not AdDRESS ThE SiTUation WhEre tHe nUmbEr Of desiGNS PEr cOllECtion ExCEEDs tHE toTaL nUMBer of PLATeS iN a ReTAIl pACkAGE And hOw To widelY DisseMiNATe ALL OF tHe DesIGns In the COLlEctION IN ThE marKET plACE. | Plateshaving compartments areused for holding food Often, a main compartmentis designed to hold a main dish whereas the other compartment, or wells,are used tohold sides, condiments, or both. Prior art disposable plates have had various designs orpatterns printed thereon, but do not integrate the various compartments into the printed design or pattern.Additionally, prior art designs or patterns printedon disposable plates focused on asmall number of designs. The number of designs per collection in theprior art has been less than the total number of plates packagedtogetherfor retailsale. Thus,each retail packageof plates includes only a completecollection of designs. The prior art does notaddress the situation where the numberof designs per collection exceeds the totalnumber of plates ina retail package andhow to widely disseminate all ofthe designsin the collection in the market place. | Plates having compartments _are_ used for _holding_ food Often, a _main_ compartment is designed to hold a main dish whereas the other compartment, or wells, are _used_ _to_ hold _sides,_ condiments, or both. Prior art disposable plates have _had_ various designs or patterns printed thereon, but _do_ not integrate the various _compartments_ _into_ _the_ printed design or pattern. Additionally, prior art designs _or_ patterns printed on disposable plates focused on a small number _of_ _designs._ The number _of_ designs per collection in the prior _art_ has been less than _the_ total _number_ of plates packaged together for retail sale. Thus, each retail package _of_ plates includes only a complete collection _of_ designs. The prior _art_ does not address the situation where _the_ _number_ of designs per collection exceeds the total number _of_ plates in a retail _package_ and how to _widely_ disseminate all of the designs in _the_ collection in the market _place._ |
This invention relates to a surgical closure that can be repeatedly opened and closed, especially for the abdominal wall. More particularly the invention relates to a surgical closure having fabric of plate-like securing elements that can be tightly but detachably connected to the body tissue and has a closure which can be repeatedly opened and closed.
Such a surgical closure is known, for example, from German Patent 34 44 782. This surgical closure is used especially as a temporary closure for the abdominal cavity, preferably for postoperative treatment of peritonitis.
Peritonitis, as a secondary form that develops as a result of a perforation of a hollow organ or as a postoperative complication, still has, even today, a high lethality. With increasing incidence, it represents a central surgical problem.
The abdominal cavity is subject to a physiological, regulated fluid stream that drains mainly by small openings in the peritoneal diaphragm underside. In this way, bacteria are fed by the lymph tracts to the systemic defense mechanism. The absorption capacity of the intraperitoneal fluid is increased by the mobility of the diaphragm and intraperitoneal pressure. During peritonitis, this drainage is blocked by the pathophysiological development of fibrin and bacteria and circulation is hindered by fibrin-induced adhesions. The defense system is disrupted and a rise in bacterial counts, or their toxins and fibrin, results. If the progression of peritonitis is not stopped promptly, a pathophysiological cascade gets started whose dynamics constantly grow and, after a certain point, can no longer be stopped.
To cleanse the abdominal cavity, washing with physiological saline solution is already done during the operation until the wash fluid stays clear. With this mechanical cleansing, bacterial counts, fibrin, dead tissue, toxins and also residual blood (even hemoglobin promotes the start of an infection) are to be removed as completely as possible, to provide, along with surgical removal of septic focus, an optimal condition for healing.
In the postoperative phase, in which the fate of the patient is mainly determined, it is decisive to recognize a worsening of the condition as early as possible, and optionally, to remove the cause (e.g., correction of an inadequate suture after oversewing a gastric ulcer) and, by effective lavage, if possible from the first postoperative day forward, to make sure conditions are clean (blood that reappears, fibrin and bacteria are to be rinsed away).
In postoperative lavage, the strategy of the open abdomen with periodic washing and the wash treatment with a closed abdomen are known.
This so-called open abdomen is made possible by the sliding splint closure and by the snap closure as a temporary closure for the abdominal cavity, with the advantages that repeated intra-abdominal accessibility is guaranteed and the technician, during each washing, can be convinced of the success of the removal of septic focus, and thus, can control the course of peritonitis. In doing so, postoperative, intra-abdominal adhesions can be detached and coatings of fibrin can be removed. The typical drainage complications are eliminated. (Plugging of drainage for the abdominal wall, blockage or obstruction of drainages, infection sources.) A relaparotomy is no longer necessary.
Here, the drawback is that right after the operation, washing cannot be performed and no continuous washing is possible. But then, periodic washing is relatively frequent and also a burden for the patient, when the patient is in critical condition. Periodic washing must be prepared carefully; it is performed in the operating room (the abdomen is open during washing) and under general anesthesia. The advantages of the principle of peritoneal dialysis must be done without, since previous temporary abdominal cavity closures do not close the abdomen tightly. The wash effect remains limited, since a desired intra-abdominal pressure is not maintained, and the wash fluid flows, preferably, only in preformed wash channels. Further, after the temporary closure of the abdominal wall, part of the wash fluid oozes into the bed which, in addition to being another source of infection, means ineffective washing, additional burden for the patient, and considerable additional expense for the nursing staff. Patients with an open abdomen belong, at that time, to the most care-intensive patients. If a so-called snap closure or sliding splint closure, as a temporary abdominal cavity closure, is infolded, another drawback comes to bear. Once cut and infolded, adaptation to the tension conditions of the abdominal wall is no longer possible. But, because of edematous swelling of inner organs during the course of peritonitis, the tension of the abdominal wall can increase considerably, with the danger that the sutures tear out. On the other hand, the edges of the incision must be brought together again gradually to the final suture of the abdominal wall later, during the healing phase in which the swelling of the inner organs decreases. Further, the typical complications of snap closures must be taken into account (constriction, tenaculum). There is no particular edge structure to infold into the fascia, so that only the individual sutures provide support. They are often not secure and tear out easily.
Continuous peritoneal lavage with a closed abdomen offers the advantage that an effective washing treatment can be started immediately after the operation, and thus, the purpose of the usual Redon suction drainage can be replaced considerably more effectively. The latter has a weak suction capacity, suctioning only right at the spot where it lays. Further, it easily becomes clogged and misleads to the assumption that the incision area has already been suctioned empty. With the sealed system, an intraperitoneal pressure can be built up and dosed. In doing so, the wash fluid (possibly with antibiotic added) also reaches the critical "atmospheric corners" of the abdomen. But not only are wash channels created, as when seepage through without pressure occurs. Fewer fibrin-induced adhesions are formed, since the abdomen contents "swim" and fibrin (among other things) is effectively washed out (thus, simultaneous ileus prophylaxis).
Peritoneal dialysis is possible. With it, an increase in the retention values (creatine, urea, potassium) with a threat of renal failure can conceivably be halted simply by using a commercially available dialysis fluid as the wash fluid. The patient can easily be dialyzed, without having to be put into the expensive program of hemodialysis. The associated drawbacks are also eliminated, as they can sometimes occur during the handling of blood volume. Washing can be taken over by a machine according to a desired program; thus, clear relief for the nursing personnel is possible. A chamber count of the leukocytes in the wash fluid makes it possible to monitor simply the response of the peritonitis. A judgment of the efflux can conceivably be performed simply by inspection (cloudiness, fibrin or blood admixtures). Wash fluid sensors to determine the resistance of bacteria can be removed by the catheter at any time, just as other substances can be administered (e.g., electrolytes, protein, heparin). The drawback here is that the abdomen is no longer accessible and thus no direct visual monitoring exists any more, which is important, when the efflux changes pathologically or the clinical condition of the patient worsens. Packing and infection source of the drainage passage points, as well as clogging or obstruction of the drainages represent typical complications. If the abdomen must be accessed again, a relaparotomy must be performed.
Despite promising starts, the strategy of the closed abdomen has not been able to be used in practice, since the drawbacks predominate. | This invention relates to a surgical closure that can be repeatedly opened and closed, especially for the abdominal wall. More particularly the invention relates to a surgical closure having fabric of plate-like securing elements that can be tightly but detachably connected to the body tissue and has a closure which can be repeatedly opened and closed. Such a surgical closure is known, for example, from German Patent 34 44 782. This surgical closure is used especially as a temporary closure for the abdominal cavity, preferably for postoperative treatment of peritonitis. Peritonitis, as a secondary form that develops as a result of a perforation of a hollow organ or as a postoperative complication, still has, even today, a high lethality. With increasing incidence, it represents a central surgical problem. The abdominal cavity is subject to a physiological, regulated fluid stream that drains mainly by small openings in the peritoneal diaphragm underside. In this way, bacteria are fed by the lymph tracts to the systemic defense mechanism. The absorption capacity of the intraperitoneal fluid is increased by the mobility of the diaphragm and intraperitoneal pressure. During peritonitis, this drainage is blocked by the pathophysiological development of fibrin and bacteria and circulation is hindered by fibrin-induced adhesions. The defense system is disrupted and a rise in bacterial counts, or their toxins and fibrin, results. If the progression of peritonitis is not stopped promptly, a pathophysiological cascade gets started whose dynamics constantly grow and, after a certain point, can no longer be stopped. To cleanse the abdominal cavity, washing with physiological saline solution is already done during the operation until the wash fluid stays clear. With this mechanical cleansing, bacterial counts, fibrin, dead tissue, toxins and also residual blood (even hemoglobin promotes the start of an infection) are to be removed as completely as possible, to provide, along with surgical removal of septic focus, an optimal condition for healing. In the postoperative phase, in which the fate of the patient is mainly determined, it is decisive to recognize a worsening of the condition as early as possible, and optionally, to remove the cause (e.g., correction of an inadequate suture after oversewing a gastric ulcer) and, by effective lavage, if possible from the first postoperative day forward, to make sure conditions are clean (blood that reappears, fibrin and bacteria are to be rinsed away). In postoperative lavage, the strategy of the open abdomen with periodic washing and the wash treatment with a closed abdomen are known. This so-called open abdomen is made possible by the sliding splint closure and by the snap closure as a temporary closure for the abdominal cavity, with the advantages that repeated intra-abdominal accessibility is guaranteed and the technician, during each washing, can be convinced of the success of the removal of septic focus, and thus, can control the course of peritonitis. In doing so, postoperative, intra-abdominal adhesions can be detached and coatings of fibrin can be removed. The typical drainage complications are eliminated. (Plugging of drainage for the abdominal wall, blockage or obstruction of drainages, infection sources.) A relaparotomy is no longer necessary. Here, the drawback is that right after the operation, washing cannot be performed and no continuous washing is possible. But then, periodic washing is relatively frequent and also a burden for the patient, when the patient is in critical condition. Periodic washing must be prepared carefully; it is performed in the operating room (the abdomen is open during washing) and under general anesthesia. The advantages of the principle of peritoneal dialysis must be done without, since previous temporary abdominal cavity closures do not close the abdomen tightly. The wash effect remains limited, since a desired intra-abdominal pressure is not maintained, and the wash fluid flows, preferably, only in preformed wash channels. Further, after the temporary closure of the abdominal wall, part of the wash fluid oozes into the bed which, in addition to being another source of infection, means ineffective washing, additional burden for the patient, and considerable additional expense for the nursing staff. Patients with an open abdomen belong, at that time, to the most care-intensive patients. If a so-called snap closure or sliding splint closure, as a temporary abdominal cavity closure, is infolded, another drawback comes to bear. Once cut and infolded, adaptation to the tension conditions of the abdominal wall is no longer possible. But, because of edematous swelling of inner organs during the course of peritonitis, the tension of the abdominal wall can increase considerably, with the danger that the sutures tear out. On the other hand, the edges of the incision must be brought together again gradually to the final suture of the abdominal wall later, during the healing phase in which the swelling of the inner organs decreases. Further, the typical complications of snap closures mustiness be taken into account (constriction, tenaculum). There is no particular edge structure to infold into the fascia, so that only the individual sutures provide support. They are often not secure and tear out easily. Continuous peritoneal lavage with a closed abdomen offers the advantage that an effective washing treatment can be started immediately after the operation, and thus, the purpose of the usual Redon suction drainage can be replaced considerably more effectively. The latter has a weak suction capacity, suctioning only right at the spot where it lays. Further, it easily becomes clogged and misleads to the assumption that the incision area has already been suctioned empty. With the sealed system, an intraperitoneal pressure can be built up and dosed. In doing so, the wash fluid (possibly with antibiotic added) also reaches the critical "atmospheric corners" of the abdomen. But not only are wash channels created, as when seepage through without pressure occurs. Fewer fibrin-induced adhesions are formed, since the abdomen contents "swim" and fibrin (among other things) is effectively washed out (thus, simultaneous ileus prophylaxis). Peritoneal dialysis is possible. With it, an increase in the retention values (creatine, urea, potassium) with a threat of renal failure can conceivably be halted simply by using a commercially available dialysis fluid as the wash fluid. The patient can easily be dialyzed, without having to be put into the expensive program of hemodialysis. The associated drawbacks are also eliminated, as they can sometimes occur during the handling of blood volume. Washing can be taken over by a machine according to a desired program; thus, clear relief for the nursing personnel is possible. A chamber count of the leukocytes in the wash fluid makes it possible to monitor simply the response of the peritonitis. A judgment of the efflux can conceivably be performed simply by inspection (cloudiness, fibrin or blood admixtures). Wash fluid sensors to determine the resistance of bacteria can be removed by the catheter at any time, just as other substances can be administered (e.g., electrolytes, protein, heparin). The drawback here is that the abdomen is no longer accessible and thus no direct visual monitoring exists any more, which is important, when the efflux changes pathologically or the clinical condition of the patient worsens. Packing and infection source of the drainage passage points, as well as clogging or obstruction of the drainages represent typical complications. If the abdomen must be accessed again, a relaparotomy must be performed. Despite promising starts, the strategy of the closed abdomen has not been able to be used in practice, since the drawbacks predominate. | This invention relates to a surgical closure that can be repeatedly opened and closed, especially for the abdominal wall. More particularly the invention relates to a surgical closure having fabric of plate - like securing elements that can be tightly but detachably connected to the body tissue and has a closure which can be repeatedly opened and vloseE. Such a surgical closure is known, for example, from German Patent 34 44 782. This surgical closure is used especially as a temporary closure for the abdominal cavity, preferably for postoperative treatment of peritonitis. Peritonitis, as a secondary form that develops as a result of a perforation of a hollow organ or as a postoperative complication, still has, even today, a high lethality. With increasing incidence, it represents a central surgical problem. The abdominal cavity is subject to a physiological, regulated fluid stream that drains mainly by small openings in the peritoneal diaphragm underside. In this way, bacteria are fed by the lymph tracts to the systemic defense HeFhanism. The absorption capacity of the intraperitoneal fluid is increased by the mobility of the diaphragm and intraperitoneal pressure. During peritonitis, this drainage is blocked by the pathophysiological development of fibrin and bacteria and circulation is hindered by fibrin - induced adhesions. The defense system is disrupted and a rise in bacterial counts, or their toxins and fibrin, results. If the progression of peritonitis is not stopped promptly, a pathophysiological cascade gets started whose dynamics constantly grow and, after a certain point, can no longer be stopped. To cleanse the abdominal cavity, washing with physiological saline solution is already done during the operation until the wash fluid stays clear. With this mechanical cleansing, bacterial counts, fibrin, dead tissue, toxins and also residual blood (even hemoglobin promotes the start of an infection) are to be removed as completely as possible, to provide, along with surgical Demova: of septic focus, an optimal condition for healing. In the postoperative phase, in which the fate of the patient is mainly determined, it is decisive to recognize a worsening of the condition as early as possible, and optionally, to remove the cause (e. g. , correction of an inadequate suture after oversewing a gastric ulcer) and, by effective lavage, if possible from the first postoperative day forward, to make sure conditions are clean (blood that reappears, fibrin and bacteria are to be rinsed away ). In postoperative lavage, the strategy of the open abdomen with periodic washing and the wash treatment Dlth a closed abdomen are known. This so - called open abdomen is made possible by the sliding splint closure and by the snap closure as a temporary closure for the abdominal cavity, with the advantages that repeated intra - abdominal accessibility is guaranteed and the technician, during each washing, can be convinced of the success of the removal of septic focus, and thus, can control the course of peritonitis. In doing so, postoperative, intra - abdominal adhesions can be detached and coatings of fibrin can be removed. The typical drainage complications are eliminated. (Plugging of drainage for the abdominal wall, blockage or obstruction of drainages, infection sources.) A relaparotomy is no longer necessary. Here, the drawback is that right af^eg the operation, washing cannot be performed and no continuous washing is possible. But then, periodic washing is relatively frequent and also a burden for the patient, when the patient is in critical condition. Periodic washing must be prepared carefully; it is performed in the operating room (the abdomen is open during washing) and under general anesthesia. The advantages of the principle of peritoneal dialysis must be done without, since previous temporary abdominal cavity closures do not close the abdomen tightly. The wash effect remains limited, since a desired intra - abdominal pressure is not maintained, and the wash fluid flows, preferably, only in preformed wash channels. Further, after the temporary closure of the abdominal wall, part of the wash fluid ooAeQ into the bed which, in addition to being another source of infection, means ineffective washing, additional burden for the patient, and considerable additional expense for the nursing staff. Patients with an open abdomen belong, at that time, to the most care - intensive patients. If a so - called snap closure or sliding splint closure, as a temporary abdominal cavity closure, is infolded, another drawback comes to bear. Once cut and infolded, adaptation to the tension conditions of the abdominal wall is no longer possible. But, because of edematous swelling of inner organs during the course of peritonitis, the tension of the abdominal wall can increase considerably, with the danger that the sutures tear out. On the other hand, the edges of the incision must be brought together again gradually to the final suture of the abdominal wall later, during the healing phase in which the swelling of the inner organs decreases. Further, the typical complications of snap closures must be taken into account (constriction, tenaculum ). There is no particular edge structure to infold into the fascia, so that only the individual sutures provide support. They are often not secure and tear out easily. Continuous peritoneal lavage with a closed abdomen offers the advantage tNa% an effective washing treatment can be started immediately after the operation, and thus, the purpose of the usual Redon suction drainage can be replaced considerably more effectively. The latter has a weak suction capacity, suctioning only right at the spot where it lays. Further, it easily becomes clogged and misleads to the assumption that the incision area has already been suctioned empty. With the sealed system, an intraperitoneal pressure can be built up and dosed. In doing so, the wash fluid (possibly with antibiotic added) also reaches the critical " atmospheric corners " of the abdomen. But not only are wash channels created, as when seepage through without pressure occurs. Fewer fibrin - induced adhesions are formed, since the abdomen contents " swim " and fibrin (among other things) is effectively washed out (thus, simultaneous ileus prophylaxis ). Peritoneal dialysis is possible. With it, an increase in the retention values (creatine, urea, potassium) with a threat of renso failure can conceivably be halted simply by using a commercially available dialysis fluid as the wash fluid. The patient can easily be dialyzed, without having to be put into the expensive program of hemodialysis. The associated drawbacks are also eliminated, as they can sometimes occur during the handling of blood volume. Washing can be taken over by a machine according to a desired program; thus, clear relief for the nuGCing personnel is possible. A chamber count of the leukocytes in the wash fluid makes it possible to monitor simply the response of the peritonitis. A judgment of the efflux can conceivably be performed simply by inspection (cloudiness, fibrin or blood admixtures ). Wash fluid sensors to determine the resistance of bacteria can be removed by the catheter at any time, just as other substances can be administered (e. g. , electrolytes, protein, heparin ). The drawback here is that the abdomen is no longer accessible and thus no direct visual monitoring exists any more, which is important, when the efflux changes pathologically or the clinical condition of the patient worsens. Packing and infection source of the drainZgf passage points, as well as clogging or obstruction of the drainages represent typical complications. If the abdomen must be accessed again, a relaparotomy must be performed. Despite promising starts, the strategy of the closed abdomen has not been able to be used in practice, since the drawbacks predominate. | relates to a surgical that can be repeatedly opened and closed, especially for the abdominal wall. More particularly the invention relates to a surgical having fabric plate-like securing elements that can be tightly but detachably connected to the body tissue and has which can be repeatedly opened and closed. Such surgical closure is for example, from German Patent 34 44 782. This surgical closure is used especially as a temporary closure for the abdominal cavity, preferably for postoperative treatment of peritonitis. Peritonitis, as a secondary form that develops as a result of a perforation of a hollow organ as a postoperative complication, still has, even today, a high lethality. With increasing incidence, it represents a central surgical problem. abdominal cavity is subject to a physiological, regulated fluid stream that drains mainly openings in the peritoneal underside. In this way, bacteria are fed by the lymph tracts to the systemic defense mechanism. The absorption capacity of the intraperitoneal fluid is increased by mobility of the intraperitoneal pressure. peritonitis, this drainage is blocked by the pathophysiological development fibrin and bacteria and circulation is hindered by fibrin-induced adhesions. The defense is disrupted and a rise in bacterial or their toxins and results. If of peritonitis is not stopped promptly, a pathophysiological cascade gets started whose dynamics constantly grow and, after certain point, can no longer be stopped. To cleanse the abdominal cavity, washing physiological saline solution already done during the operation until the wash fluid clear. With this mechanical cleansing, bacterial counts, fibrin, dead tissue, and blood (even hemoglobin promotes start of an infection) are to be removed as completely as possible, to provide, along with surgical removal of septic focus, an optimal condition for healing. In the postoperative phase, in which the fate of the patient is mainly determined, it is decisive to recognize a of the condition as early as possible, and optionally, to remove the (e.g., correction of an inadequate after oversewing a gastric ulcer) and, by effective lavage, if from the first postoperative forward, to make sure conditions are clean (blood reappears, fibrin and bacteria are to be rinsed away). postoperative lavage, the strategy of the open abdomen with periodic washing and the wash treatment with closed abdomen are so-called open abdomen is made by the sliding splint closure and by the snap closure as a temporary for the abdominal cavity, with the advantages that repeated intra-abdominal accessibility is guaranteed and technician, during each be convinced of the success of the removal of septic focus, thus, control the course of peritonitis. In doing so, postoperative, intra-abdominal adhesions can detached and coatings of fibrin can be removed. The typical drainage complications are eliminated. (Plugging of for the wall, blockage obstruction of drainages, infection A relaparotomy is no longer necessary. Here, the drawback that right after the washing cannot be performed and no continuous is possible. then, periodic washing is relatively frequent and also a burden the patient, when the patient critical condition. Periodic washing must prepared carefully; it is performed in the operating room is open during washing) and under general anesthesia. The advantages of the principle of peritoneal dialysis must be without, since previous temporary abdominal cavity closures not the abdomen tightly. wash effect remains limited, since a desired intra-abdominal pressure not and the wash fluid flows, preferably, only in preformed wash channels. Further, after the temporary closure abdominal wall, part of the wash oozes into the bed which, in addition being another source of means ineffective washing, additional burden for the patient, considerable additional expense the staff. Patients with an open abdomen belong, at time, to most care-intensive patients. If a so-called snap closure or sliding splint closure, as a temporary abdominal cavity closure, is infolded, another drawback comes to bear. Once cut and adaptation to the tension conditions of the wall is no longer But, because of edematous swelling of inner organs during the course peritonitis, the tension of the abdominal wall can considerably, with the danger that the sutures tear out. On the other hand, the edges of the incision must be brought together again gradually to the final suture of the abdominal wall during the healing phase in swelling of the inner organs decreases. the typical complications of snap closures must be taken into (constriction, tenaculum). There is no particular edge structure to infold into the fascia, so that only the individual provide support. They are often secure and tear out easily. Continuous peritoneal lavage with a closed abdomen offers the advantage that an effective washing treatment can be started immediately after the and thus, the purpose of the usual Redon suction drainage can be replaced considerably more effectively. The latter has a weak suction capacity, suctioning only right at the spot where it Further, it becomes and misleads to the assumption that the area has already been suctioned empty. With the sealed system, an intraperitoneal pressure can be built up and dosed. In doing so, the wash fluid (possibly with antibiotic added) also reaches the critical "atmospheric corners" the abdomen. But not only are wash channels created, as when seepage through pressure occurs. Fewer fibrin-induced adhesions are formed, since abdomen contents "swim" and fibrin (among other things) is effectively washed out (thus, simultaneous ileus prophylaxis). Peritoneal dialysis is possible. it, an increase in the retention values (creatine, urea, potassium) a threat of renal failure can conceivably be halted simply using a commercially available fluid as the wash fluid. The patient can easily be dialyzed, without having be put into the expensive program of hemodialysis. The associated drawbacks are also eliminated, as they can sometimes occur during the handling of blood Washing can be taken over by a machine according to a desired program; thus, for the nursing personnel is possible. A chamber count of the leukocytes in the wash fluid it possible to monitor simply the response the peritonitis. A of the efflux can conceivably be performed simply by inspection (cloudiness, fibrin or blood admixtures). Wash fluid sensors to determine the resistance of bacteria can be removed the catheter at any time, just as other substances can be administered (e.g., electrolytes, heparin). drawback here is that the abdomen is no longer accessible and thus no direct visual monitoring exists any more, which important, when the efflux changes pathologically or the clinical condition of the patient worsens. Packing and infection source the drainage passage points, as well as clogging obstruction of the drainages represent typical If the abdomen must be accessed a relaparotomy must be performed. Despite promising starts, the strategy the closed has not been able to be used in practice, since the predominate. | tHiS INVENTion RelaTEs TO a suRGICaL cLOsuRe THaT CaN BE REpeAtEDLy OPeneD AND CLoSEd, EspeCiALlY fOr the ABDOMinAl Wall. mORe PARticULaRlY tHe iNvENtion reLaTES TO a surgIcAl CLosURe haviNg fAbriC Of PLAtE-LIkE SECURiNG eleMeNtS ThAt can bE TiGHtLy bUT detacHAbLy COnneCTEd TO THE BoDY Tissue aNd Has A CloSUre whicH CaN be REPEaTEdLy OPened anD CLOsED.
such a surGiCal clOsurE is kNOwN, for eXamPle, FrOm gErMAN PatEnt 34 44 782. tHIs SurgICAl cLOsUre is USED EspEcIalLy As A TEMpORaRY closUrE fOr THe abdoMINAl CAvity, PrefErabLy fOR PoStOpeRATIve TrEaTMEnt oF PeriTOnItIs.
PERITONITis, as a SECoNdaRy fOrM ThAT dEvELOps As a REsult oF A pERForATIon Of A HOLLow OrGAN or As A posTopeRatIVe CoMPlIcatIon, sTILL hAs, eVen TODAy, a HigH letHALity. wITH INcREAsInG inciDencE, iT rEPreSEnTs A ceNTRaL SURGIcal pRObleM.
thE ABdomInaL cAVity IS sUBJeCT To A phySiolOgiCAL, ReGuLatED FLuiD sTrEAM that dRaIns maInly BY SMAlL opENIngS in tHE perItOnEaL diapHRAGM UNDErSIDe. iN thiS wAy, bacTErIA arE FED BY THE lYmpH TrACTS TO the sySTeMiC dEfenSE MeCHAniSM. ThE abSorpTion cApaCITY oF tHe iNtraPeRITonEAL flUiD is iNCreaseD By THE mOBIlITy OF the dIApHRaGM AnD inTRaPEritONeAL pResSurE. DUrIng pEriTonItis, thIs dRainAGE is BLoCKeD BY ThE PaThOPhYSioLogIcal DevElOPMENt of FibRiN aNd bActErIA aND circUlaTIOn is hInderED bY FIbRIn-iNduced adhEsiOns. thE deFeNSE sYStem IS DISruPtEd aND a rIsE In BActeRIal cOuNTS, OR TheIr tOXiNs aNd fiBRin, ResUlTs. if THe PROgREssion OF PeritonitiS Is nOT STOPped ProMPTLy, a PAtHophySIOlogIcAL CaSCADe GETS STArTeD wHosE DYNAmICS CoNStANTly GRoW anD, AFtEr A CERTain pOInT, caN no LONger be sTopPed.
tO cleAnse tHE ABdOMinaL cavItY, washINg witH PhysioLOGicAl SAlINE solUtIon IS AlreadY DoNe DURInG The oPErAtIOn UntIl thE wash FLUid StayS ClEaR. WItH thIs mechANICAL cleanSiNG, bactERiaL cOunTS, fiBrIn, dEAd tISSUE, toXInS ANd AlsO REsIduaL blOoD (EVEn HemOgloBIN pROmotes thE sTaRT OF An iNfecTION) ARe tO be rEmovEd AS cOmpleTelY as poSsiBle, To ProViDE, aLOng WITH surGiCAl REmoVal OF SepTIC fOCuS, AN OPtIMAL CONDitION FoR hEAlInG.
in ThE posToPErATIve phaSE, iN whiCh tHe FAte of The PAtIENt Is MAINLY DETerMIneD, iT Is DECIsIVe TO REcoGnize a WOrsEnIng of the CONdiTIon As EARlY as poSsIBLE, AND oPtioNAlLY, TO RemOve ThE caUSe (e.G., cORreCTIOn OF aN INadeQuAte SUture AFTER OveRSeWING A GAstric UlceR) AnD, By EfFectIve LAVaGe, If PossIBLE FRoM ThE FiRsT pOStOPeraTIve day fOrWaRD, tO mAKe sURE CoNDItiONS Are cleaN (blOoD thAT ReApPeARs, FIBRIN anD bAcTERiA aRE To be RiNSed away).
in pOStOpeRaTIve LAVAge, THe sTrATeGY oF The OpEn aBDOmEn wItH pErIODIC wAShING And the WAsH TReATmENT wITh A clOseD ABDomEn arE KnoWn.
thIS So-CaLlEd OpEN AbDOMEN is Made POSSibLE bY The sLiDIng SpliNT CLOSUre ANd BY tHE SnAp CLOsuRE As a tempOrARy cloSuRe FOR THe AbDoMiNal cavitY, wiTh THe advAntaGES ThAt rEpEATEd INTra-aBdOmInAl acceSsIBiLItY iS gUaraNTeeD anD THE TEChniCiAn, dURinG Each wAsHing, can BE ConVInceD Of thE SuCcesS OF the rEmOvAL of sEPTIC fOCUs, And Thus, caN coNTroL tHE COuRse OF pEritoNItis. In DoIng So, PoStOPerAtIve, intRA-abDOmInaL ADhesioNs CAn be DetAcHED anD CoaTINGs Of FIbriN cAn be remoVed. the TyPicAL dRAiNagE cOmpLiCAtiONs Are ELiMinatED. (PlUggiNg Of draInAge FoR tHe abDOmINal wAll, BlOCkaGe or oBStRUcTION of DrAiNages, INFECtion SOUrCes.) a relapaRotOmY iS nO LOnger neCessaRY.
HErE, THE DRawBAcK Is tHaT RiGhT aFtEr THE opeRAtiOn, wAshINg CaNnOT BE PERFOrmED anD NO ConTinuOus wAshinG IS poSSibLE. BUT tHEn, peRIodiC wasHIng iS RelAtively FrEQuent And ALSO a burDEN FOR tHE PATiEnt, when The pATiEnt IS in cRitIcal ConDiTion. pErIoDic waSHING muSt BE PRePARed carefULLY; it is perFoRMEd IN THe opERatINg rOOm (The ABDOmEn Is oPEN DUrIng WAShIng) aNd UNdeR GeNeRal anESTHesIA. THe advantAGEs OF thE PRInCiPLE OF pErItoNeaL DialYsIs mUst Be Done wiThout, sIncE PReViOus tEmPORARy aBDoMInAl CAVitY ClOsUREs Do noT cLose tHE AbDomEn tigHTly. ThE WAsh EffeCT rEmaiNs liMited, SINce A DeSired Intra-aBDOmiNAL pRESsuRE is NoT maINTAiNeD, aND tHE waSh FLUiD fLOwS, PreFERaBly, onlY In prEfOrMEd wash CHanNELs. FuRTheR, AFTEr THE tEMporaRy cLosUre Of the AbDOMInAL WAlL, part OF thE Wash Fluid OOZeS Into ThE BeD WHiCH, in addiTiON To BeinG aNoThER Source oF infecTiOn, mEaNS INeFFECtive wAsHiNG, AddItIOnAL bUrdeN fOr The PATIeNt, and COnSiDerAble adDiTIOnaL expenSE For THe NUrSinG sTaFf. PaTIenTs WitH AN open ABdOMEn BElONg, At ThaT TIMe, to THe MoST cArE-INtENsivE patIenTs. IF A so-calLeD sNaP CLosURe or sLIdING SPLInT cloSURe, AS a temPORaRy abdOmiNAl CavITY ClOsURE, IS iNFOLDed, anOTHeR dRAWBAcK CoMEs To bEaR. OncE CUT and INFoLded, aDapTATIon To THe tEnSiON cOnditIONS of tHE AbDomiNal WaLl IS nO lONger PosSiBLe. But, beCAUSe oF eDEmatouS SwelliNG of INNEr ORGaNS DUrinG tHE coUrsE of PerItonitIs, thE tEnsIon OF tHE ABdomINaL wALL Can iNcrEaSe ConSIDerABLY, WItH tHe dANGEr That THe suTuReS tEar oUt. oN the oThEr hANd, THe EDges Of the iNCIsiON MuSt be bRoUght tOgEtHer AgaIn gRadUAlLY TO tHe FiNAl SutURE OF THe AbdomINaL WaLL laTER, dURInG The HealinG PhaSe iN WhiCh ThE swELLinG oF THe iNNER ORgAns DEcReaSES. fURThEr, tHe tyPiCal ComplicAtiONS of Snap CLOSUREs mUst bE TaKeN InTO AccOunt (coNstrICtIOn, TeNAculUM). TheRe is nO partiCulAr EdgE sTRUCTure tO INFOld intO tHE fASCia, sO That ONlY ThE indiViduAl SUTuReS PROVIDe sUPporT. THey are oFteN Not sECUre AND tEaR oUT EAsily.
CONTINuoUS perItoNEAl laVaGE WItH A CLoSED abDOmEn oFFers THE advaNtAgE tHAt An EfFeCTIVE wAShiNG TrEAtMEnt cAn bE STArTed immeDiAtElY After the oPErAtIon, aND thus, ThE PUrpOSe of THe usUAL rEDOn SucTIon dRaINaGe Can be RePLACeD coNSiderablY MOre EffECTIVElY. The lATter HaS A WEAk SUcTiON cAPACiTY, sUCTiOnInG oNLy rIGht aT tHE SpoT Where It lAys. furTHER, iT eAsIly BECOmes cLOGGeD And MiSLeaDs to tHE asSuMPtion tHAT thE iNcisIoN ARea has AlreaDY beeN sUctiONeD EMpTY. WiTH tHE SEALed SYStEM, aN INTRAPerItONEAL preSsURe CAn be built uP AND dosEd. in dOiNG SO, tHe waSh FLUId (pOSsiBly WITH antIbIOtIc addED) ALso ReaChEs ThE CriTICAl "atMOSpHerIC CORNeRS" oF ThE aBDOmeN. But nOT oNlY ARe WASH ChAnnElS crEAtED, as WHeN sEePaGE THroUGh WiThouT PResSurE oCCurs. FEWER FiBrin-indUcEd aDHesiONs are fORmeD, sINce THe abdOMEn cONtENTs "swIM" ANd fiBRin (aMOng OThER Things) IS efFEctIVeLY wASHEd ouT (thuS, SiMultAneoUs iLEuS pROpHYlAXiS).
pErIToNEAL DialYsis is poSsIBlE. WITH It, An iNcrEasE In thE RETENTioN vALUES (CREaTine, UreA, PotASsiuM) With A tHREAT Of rEnaL fAiLurE can cOnCEivaBly bE HalteD sImpLy bY usInG A COmMerCiaLly AVaiLAbLe dIALySiS fluid AS ThE wash FlUId. tHe PAtieNt cAN eAsilY be dIAlyzeD, WItHOuT HAVINg tO bE pUt INto thE EXpeNSiVe prOgRam of HEmOdIAlySIs. tHe ASsoCIATeD drAwBACks are alsO ElIMinaTed, AS THeY Can someTIMEs OCCuR DURING ThE hAnDliNg OF BloOd VolUME. wAshInG cAN BE tAkEN oVeR by a MaCHine ACcoRDing To A DESiRed PRoGRAm; ThUs, cleAr rElIeF fOr ThE NUrsINg persONnel IS poSsIBlE. A ChAmBeR cOuNt OF the leukocyteS In THE waSH fLUid MakeS iT PoSSIBlE tO mONitor siMPlY thE RespONSe OF tHe PERiTonitiS. A JUDgmENT oF ThE efflUX CAn ConCEivAbLY be PErFormEd sImpLy bY inSPECTIOn (CLoudinESs, fibrIn oR BLoOD AdmixtuREs). wASH FlUiD SeNsoRs to DEteRMINe The rESisTANCe OF BAcTERiA Can be reMoveD By THE CATheTEr aT anY TIME, jUsT aS othER SuBSTANCES can Be AdMInISTERed (E.g., EleCtROlYtes, pROteiN, hEParIn). The draWbaCK Here IS thaT THe abDOmEN Is nO lONGEr ACCesSIBlE And THUs NO diRECT viSual MONItorInG exISTs anY MoRE, whICh iS ImPoRTanT, WHeN thE EFfLux ChaNGEs PaThOLOgicALly or the ClInIcaL ConditION oF THE PaTiEnt wORseNS. PACKinG AnD iNFEctIon SouRce oF the drainagE PASSagE PoInTS, as wElL As CLoGGing OR oBStRUctioN oF THe dRaINagES represeNT TYpicAl cOMpLIcatIoNS. IF ThE ABdoMeN MUst Be aCcesseD again, A RelAPARotOmy musT Be peRfORMEd.
DEspItE pRoMIsiNg STArtS, THE StrATegY of THE ClOseD aBDOmEn HAS Not Been aBlE tO be USed IN PRacTICE, sInCe ThE DrawbACKs PRedoMINATe. | This invention relates to a surgical closurethat can be repeatedly opened and closed, especially for the abdominal wall. More particularly theinvention relates toa surgical closure having fabric of plate-like securing elements that can be tightly butdetachably connectedto thebody tissue andhas a closure which can be repeatedly opened and closed. Such a surgical closure is known,for example,from GermanPatent 34 44 782. This surgical closure is used especially as atemporary closure for the abdominal cavity, preferably for postoperative treatment of peritonitis. Peritonitis, asa secondary form that develops as aresult of a perforation of a hollow organ or as a postoperative complication, still has, eventoday, a high lethality. With increasing incidence, it represents acentralsurgicalproblem. The abdominal cavity is subject to a physiological,regulated fluid stream that drains mainly by smallopenings in the peritoneal diaphragm underside. In this way, bacteria are fed by thelymph tractsto the systemic defense mechanism. The absorption capacity of the intraperitoneal fluid is increased by the mobility of the diaphragm and intraperitoneal pressure. During peritonitis, this drainage is blocked bythe pathophysiological development of fibrin and bacteria and circulation is hindered by fibrin-inducedadhesions. The defensesystem is disruptedand a risein bacterial counts, or their toxins and fibrin, results.Ifthe progression of peritonitisis not stopped promptly, a pathophysiological cascade gets started whose dynamics constantly growand, after a certain point,cannolonger be stopped. To cleanse the abdominal cavity, washing with physiological saline solution isalreadydone duringthe operation untilthe wash fluid stays clear. With this mechanical cleansing, bacterial counts, fibrin, dead tissue, toxins and also residual blood (evenhemoglobin promotes the start of an infection) are to beremoved as completely as possible, to provide, along with surgical removalof septic focus, an optimal conditionfor healing. In thepostoperative phase, in whichthe fate of the patient is mainly determined, it is decisive to recognize a worsening of thecondition asearly as possible, and optionally, to remove the cause (e.g., correction of an inadequate suture after oversewing a gastric ulcer) and, by effective lavage, if possible from the first postoperative day forward, to make sureconditions are clean (blood that reappears, fibrinand bacteria are to be rinsed away). In postoperativelavage, thestrategy of the open abdomen with periodic washingand the washtreatmentwith a closed abdomen are known. This so-called open abdomen is madepossible by the sliding splint closure andby the snap closure as a temporary closure fortheabdominal cavity, with theadvantages that repeated intra-abdominal accessibility is guaranteed andthe technician, during eachwashing, can be convinced of the success of the removal ofseptic focus, and thus, can control the course of peritonitis. In doing so, postoperative,intra-abdominal adhesions can be detached and coatings of fibrin can be removed. Thetypical drainage complications are eliminated. (Plugging of drainage for the abdominal wall, blockageor obstruction of drainages, infection sources.) A relaparotomy is no longer necessary. Here, the drawback is that right after the operation, washing cannot be performed and no continuous washing is possible. Butthen, periodic washing is relatively frequent and also a burden for the patient, when the patient is incriticalcondition. Periodic washingmust be preparedcarefully; it isperformed in the operating room (the abdomen is open during washing) and under general anesthesia. The advantages of the principle of peritoneal dialysis must be done without, since previous temporary abdominal cavity closures do not close the abdomen tightly. The washeffect remains limited, since a desired intra-abdominalpressure is not maintained, and the wash fluidflows, preferably, only in preformed wash channels. Further, after the temporary closure of the abdominalwall, part of thewash fluid oozes into the bed which, in addition tobeing another source of infection, means ineffective washing, additional burden forthe patient,and considerable additional expense for the nursing staff. Patients with an open abdomen belong, atthat time, to the mostcare-intensive patients. If a so-called snap closure or sliding splintclosure, as atemporary abdominal cavity closure, is infolded,another drawbackcomes to bear. Once cut andinfolded, adaptation to the tension conditionsof the abdominal wall isno longer possible.But,because of edematousswelling of inner organs during the course of peritonitis,the tension of the abdominal wall can increase considerably, with the danger that the sutures tear out.On the other hand,the edges of the incision must be broughttogetheragain gradually to the final suture of the abdominal wall later, during the healing phase in which the swellingof theinner organs decreases. Further, the typicalcomplicationsof snap closuresmust be taken into account (constriction, tenaculum). Thereis no particularedge structure to infold into the fascia,sothat only the individual suturesprovide support.They are often not secureand tear outeasily. Continuousperitoneal lavage with a closed abdomen offers the advantage thatan effective washing treatment can be started immediately after the operation, and thus, the purpose of theusual Redon suction drainage can be replaced considerably more effectively.The latter has a weak suction capacity, suctioning only right at the spot whereit lays. Further, it easily becomes clogged and misleads to the assumption that the incision area has alreadybeen suctioned empty.With the sealed system, an intraperitoneal pressure can be builtup and dosed. Indoing so, the washfluid (possibly withantibiotic added) also reaches the critical "atmosphericcorners" of the abdomen. But not only are wash channelscreated, as when seepage through without pressure occurs. Fewer fibrin-induced adhesions are formed,since the abdomen contents"swim" andfibrin(among other things) is effectively washed out (thus, simultaneousileusprophylaxis). Peritonealdialysis is possible. With it, an increasein the retention values (creatine,urea, potassium) with a threat of renal failure can conceivably be halted simply by using a commercially available dialysis fluid as the wash fluid. The patientcan easily be dialyzed, without having to be put into the expensive program of hemodialysis. The associated drawbacksare also eliminated, as they can sometimes occur during the handling of blood volume. Washing can be takenover by a machine according to a desired program; thus,clear relief for the nursing personnel is possible. A chamber count of the leukocytesin the washfluid makes it possible to monitor simply the response of the peritonitis. Ajudgmentof the effluxcanconceivably be performed simply byinspection (cloudiness, fibrin or blood admixtures). Washfluid sensors to determine the resistance of bacteria can beremoved by the catheter at anytime, just as other substances canbe administered (e.g.,electrolytes, protein, heparin). The drawback here is that the abdomen is no longer accessible and thus no direct visual monitoringexists any more, which is important,when theefflux changes pathologically or theclinical condition of the patientworsens. Packing and infection source of the drainage passage points, aswell asclogging or obstruction of the drainagesrepresent typical complications. If the abdomen must be accessed again, a relaparotomymust be performed. Despite promising starts, the strategy of the closed abdomenhas not been abletobe used in practice, since the drawbackspredominate. | _This_ invention relates to a surgical closure that can be repeatedly opened _and_ _closed,_ especially for the abdominal wall. _More_ particularly the invention relates to _a_ surgical _closure_ having _fabric_ of _plate-like_ securing elements that can _be_ tightly but detachably connected to the body tissue and _has_ a closure which can be repeatedly opened and closed. _Such_ a surgical _closure_ is _known,_ _for_ example, from German Patent 34 44 782. _This_ surgical closure _is_ used especially as a _temporary_ closure for the abdominal _cavity,_ preferably for postoperative _treatment_ of peritonitis. Peritonitis, as a secondary form _that_ _develops_ as _a_ result of _a_ _perforation_ of a hollow organ _or_ as a postoperative complication, still has, even today, a high lethality. _With_ _increasing_ incidence, it represents a central surgical _problem._ The abdominal cavity is _subject_ to _a_ physiological, regulated fluid stream that drains mainly by small openings in _the_ peritoneal diaphragm underside. In _this_ way, bacteria are _fed_ by the lymph tracts to the _systemic_ defense mechanism. The absorption capacity of _the_ intraperitoneal _fluid_ is increased _by_ _the_ mobility of the diaphragm and _intraperitoneal_ pressure. During peritonitis, this drainage is blocked by the pathophysiological development of fibrin and bacteria and circulation is hindered by fibrin-induced adhesions. The defense system is disrupted and a rise in bacterial counts, or _their_ toxins _and_ _fibrin,_ results. If the progression _of_ peritonitis is not stopped promptly, a pathophysiological cascade gets started whose dynamics constantly grow and, _after_ a certain point, can no longer be stopped. _To_ cleanse the abdominal cavity, washing _with_ physiological _saline_ solution is already done during the _operation_ until the wash fluid _stays_ clear. _With_ this mechanical _cleansing,_ bacterial counts, fibrin, dead tissue, _toxins_ and also residual blood (even hemoglobin promotes the start of an infection) are to be removed _as_ completely _as_ possible, to provide, along with _surgical_ removal _of_ septic _focus,_ _an_ optimal _condition_ for healing. In the postoperative _phase,_ in which the _fate_ of _the_ patient _is_ mainly determined, it is decisive _to_ recognize a worsening of the condition _as_ early as possible, and optionally, to remove the _cause_ (e.g., correction of an inadequate suture after oversewing a gastric ulcer) and, by effective _lavage,_ if possible from the first postoperative day forward, _to_ make _sure_ conditions are clean (blood that reappears, fibrin and bacteria are to be rinsed away). _In_ postoperative _lavage,_ the strategy of the open abdomen with _periodic_ washing and the wash treatment with a closed abdomen are known. This so-called open _abdomen_ is made possible _by_ the sliding _splint_ closure and by the _snap_ _closure_ _as_ _a_ temporary _closure_ for the abdominal _cavity,_ with the advantages that _repeated_ intra-abdominal accessibility is guaranteed and the technician, during each washing, can be convinced of the _success_ _of_ the _removal_ of septic focus, and thus, can control the course _of_ peritonitis. In doing so, _postoperative,_ intra-abdominal adhesions can be detached and coatings _of_ fibrin _can_ _be_ removed. The typical drainage complications are eliminated. (Plugging _of_ _drainage_ for _the_ _abdominal_ _wall,_ blockage or obstruction of drainages, _infection_ _sources.)_ A relaparotomy _is_ no longer _necessary._ Here, _the_ drawback _is_ that right after the operation, washing cannot be performed and no _continuous_ washing is possible. But then, periodic washing is relatively frequent and also a burden for the patient, when the patient _is_ in critical condition. Periodic _washing_ must _be_ prepared carefully; _it_ is performed in the operating room _(the_ abdomen is _open_ during washing) and under general anesthesia. The _advantages_ of the principle of peritoneal dialysis must _be_ done without, since _previous_ _temporary_ abdominal cavity closures _do_ not close _the_ abdomen tightly. The wash effect remains limited, _since_ a desired intra-abdominal pressure is not maintained, and the wash fluid flows, preferably, _only_ in preformed wash channels. Further, _after_ the temporary closure of the _abdominal_ wall, part of the wash fluid oozes into the bed _which,_ in addition _to_ _being_ another source _of_ infection, means _ineffective_ washing, additional _burden_ for the patient, and _considerable_ additional expense for the nursing staff. Patients with an open abdomen _belong,_ at that time, to the _most_ care-intensive _patients._ _If_ a _so-called_ snap closure or _sliding_ splint closure, as a temporary abdominal cavity closure, is infolded, another drawback comes to bear. Once cut and infolded, _adaptation_ to the tension _conditions_ of the abdominal _wall_ _is_ no longer _possible._ But, _because_ of edematous swelling of _inner_ organs during _the_ course of peritonitis, the tension _of_ _the_ abdominal wall can increase considerably, with _the_ danger that _the_ sutures _tear_ _out._ On the _other_ hand, _the_ edges of the incision must be brought together again gradually to _the_ final suture of _the_ abdominal _wall_ later, _during_ _the_ healing phase _in_ which the swelling of _the_ _inner_ organs decreases. _Further,_ _the_ typical complications _of_ snap closures must be taken into account (constriction, tenaculum). _There_ is no particular edge structure to _infold_ into the fascia, _so_ that only the individual sutures _provide_ support. They are often _not_ secure and tear out _easily._ Continuous peritoneal lavage with a closed _abdomen_ offers the advantage that an effective _washing_ _treatment_ can be started _immediately_ after _the_ operation, _and_ thus, the purpose _of_ the _usual_ _Redon_ suction drainage can be replaced _considerably_ _more_ effectively. The latter _has_ a _weak_ suction _capacity,_ suctioning only _right_ at _the_ spot where it lays. _Further,_ it easily becomes clogged _and_ misleads to _the_ _assumption_ that the incision area has _already_ been suctioned _empty._ With _the_ sealed _system,_ an intraperitoneal _pressure_ can be built _up_ and _dosed._ In doing _so,_ the _wash_ _fluid_ (possibly with _antibiotic_ added) _also_ _reaches_ the critical "atmospheric _corners"_ of the abdomen. But not only are _wash_ channels created, as when seepage through _without_ pressure _occurs._ Fewer _fibrin-induced_ adhesions are formed, since the abdomen contents "swim" and fibrin _(among_ other things) is _effectively_ washed out (thus, simultaneous ileus _prophylaxis)._ _Peritoneal_ dialysis _is_ possible. With it, an increase in the retention values (creatine, _urea,_ potassium) with a threat of renal failure _can_ conceivably be halted simply _by_ _using_ a commercially available _dialysis_ _fluid_ as the wash fluid. The patient can easily be dialyzed, _without_ having to _be_ _put_ _into_ the expensive program of hemodialysis. The associated drawbacks _are_ also eliminated, as they can sometimes occur during the handling of blood _volume._ Washing _can_ _be_ taken over by a machine according to a _desired_ program; thus, clear relief _for_ the nursing personnel is possible. A chamber count of the leukocytes in the wash fluid makes it _possible_ _to_ monitor simply the response of the peritonitis. A judgment of the efflux can conceivably _be_ _performed_ simply by inspection (cloudiness, fibrin or _blood_ admixtures). _Wash_ fluid sensors to determine the resistance of _bacteria_ can be _removed_ by the catheter at any time, just as other substances _can_ be administered (e.g., electrolytes, protein, heparin). The _drawback_ here is that the _abdomen_ _is_ no longer _accessible_ and thus no direct visual monitoring exists any _more,_ which is important, _when_ the _efflux_ changes pathologically or the clinical condition of the patient worsens. Packing and infection source of the drainage passage points, as _well_ as clogging or obstruction of the drainages _represent_ typical _complications._ If the abdomen _must_ _be_ accessed again, _a_ relaparotomy _must_ _be_ performed. Despite _promising_ starts, the strategy of the closed abdomen has not been able to be used in practice, since the drawbacks predominate. |
Handling huge volumes of data on a daily basis is a task that most organizations have to deal with. Such organizations have been storing huge volumes of data for decades, but now with the availability of new techniques for analyzing those huge data sets, organizations seek to improve their operational efficiency. Data sets today aren't merely larger than the older data sets, but also significantly more complex, for example, unstructured and semi-structured data generated by sensors, web logs, social media, mobile communication, and customer service records.
There are many software frameworks to store and analyze large volumes of data in a massively parallel scale. Apache Hadoop is an example and often cited in many journals, publications, blogs, and other technical articles for massively parallel processing system. It is now known to be the de-facto technology platform for supporting storage of massive amounts of heterogeneous data and processing them.
The Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) for data storage and its specialized distributed programming model ‘MapReduce’ for data processing, across relatively inexpensive commodity hardware, may be leveraged for mixing and matching data from many disparate sources and reveal meaningful insights.
However, Hadoop as a technology has several limitations. First, organizations are interested in ‘interactive analytics’, a solution requiring faster time-to-insight when compared to the time it takes for a MapReduce job to execute and provide the required results. Second, the ability to enable analysts and data scientists to directly interact with any data stored in Hadoop, using their existing business intelligence (BI) tools and skills through a well-accepted SQL interface. Apache Hive, however, facilitates querying the data using an SQL-like language called HiveQL, but it is much slower than what the industry demands in terms of interactive querying.
There are several massively parallel query processing (MPQP) tools available in the market that enable organizations to perform interactive SQL-like querying on massive data-sets on the Hadoop platform, called SQL-on-Hadoop tools. However, each of these tools is optimized to perform efficiently for a certain class of queries only, operating on a certain known data type and format on a well-defined hardware and software configuration. The data model and the storage model have to be optimized significantly in order to obtain faster query response times.
To add to the problem, the technological landscape of massively parallel query processing frameworks is large and it becomes increasingly difficult for organizations to evaluate each of these tools for the different kinds of queries they have for processing, operating on varying data-sets, (for example, queries from marketing, analysts, engineers, and senior management). | Handling huge volumes of data on a daily basis is a task that most organizations have to deal with. Such organizations have been storing huge volumes of data for decades, but now with the availability of new techniques for analyzing those huge data sets, organizations seek to improve their operational efficiency. Data lot today aren't merely larger than the older data sets, but also significantly more complex, for example, unstructured and semi-structured data generated by sensors, web logs, social media, mobile communication, and customer service records. There are many software frameworks to store and analyze large volumes of data in a massively parallel scale. Apache Hadoop is an example and often cited in many journals, publications, blogs, and other technical articles for massively parallel processing system. It is now known to be the de-facto technology platform for supporting storage of massive amounts of heterogeneous data and processing them. The Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) for data storage and its specialized distributed programming model ‘MapReduce’ for data processing, across relatively inexpensive commodity hardware, may be leveraged for mixing and matching data from many disparate sources and reveal meaningful insights. However, Hadoop as a technology has several limitations. First, organizations are interested in ‘interactive analytics’, a solution requiring faster time-to-insight when compared to the time it takes for a MapReduce job to execute and provide the required results. Second, the ability to enable analysts and data scientists to directly interact with any data stored in Hadoop, using their existing business intelligence (BI) tools and skills through a well-accepted SQL interface. Apache Hive, however, facilitates querying the data using an SQL-like language called HiveQL, but it is much slower than what the industry demands in terms of interactive querying. There are several massively parallel query processing (MPQP) tools available in the market that enable organizations to perform interactive SQL-like querying on massive data-sets on the Hadoop platform, called SQL-on-Hadoop tools. However, each of these tools is optimized to perform efficiently for a certain class of queries only, operating on a certain known data type and format on a well-defined hardware and software configuration. The data model and the storage model have to be optimized significantly in order to obtain faster query response times. To add to the problem, the technological landscape of massively parallel query processing frameworks is large and it becomes increasingly difficult for organizations to evaluate each of these tools for the different kinds of queries they have for processing, operating on varying data-sets, (for example, queries from marketing, analysts, engineers, and senior management). | Handling huge volumes of dztS on a daily basis is a task that most organizations have to deal with. Such organizations have been storing huge volumes of data for decades, but now with the availability of new techniques for analyzing those huge data sets, organizations seek to improve their operational efficiency. Data sets today aren ' t merely larger than the older data sets, but Qlwo significantly m*Ge complex, for example, unstructured and semi - structured data generated by sensors, web logs, social media, mobile communication, and customer service records. There are many software frameworks to store and analyze large volumes of data in a massively parallel scale. Apache Hadoop is an example and oB6en cited in many journals, pkblicationX, blogs, and other technical articles for massively parallel processing system. It is now known to be the de - facto technology platform for supporting storage of massive amounts of h3terogeneoua data and processing them. The Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) for data s^orxge and its specialized distributed programming model ‘ MapReduce ’ for data processing, across relatively inexpensive commodity hardware, may be leveraged for mixing and matching data from many disparate sources and reveal meaningful insights. However, Hadoop as a technology has several limitations. First, organizations are interested in ‘ interactive analytics ’, a wol8tion requiring faster time - to - insight when compared to the time it takes for a MapReduce job to execute and provide the required results. Second, the ability to enable analysts and data scientists to directly interact with any data stored in Hadoop, using their existing business intelligence (BI) tools and skills through a well - accepted SQL interface. Apache Hive, however, facilitates querying the data using an SQL - like language called HiveQL, but it is much slower than what the industry demands in terms of interactive querying. There are several massively parallel query processing (MPQP) tools available in the market that enable organizations to perform interactive SQL - like querying on massive data - sets on the Hadoop platform, called SQL - on - Hadoop tools. However, each of these tools is optimized to perform efficiently for a certain class of queries only, operating on a certain known data type and format on a well - defined hardware and software configuration. The data model and the storage model have to be optimized significantly in order to obtain faster query response tumeX. To add to the problem, the technological landscape of massively parallel query processing frameworks is large and it becomes increasingly difficult for organizations to evaluate each of these tools for the different kinds of queries Yheh have for processing, operating on varying data - sets, (for example, queries from marketing, analysts, engineers, and senior management ). | Handling huge volumes data on a basis is a task that most organizations have to deal with. Such organizations have been storing huge volumes of data for decades, but with the availability of new techniques for analyzing those data sets, organizations seek to improve their operational efficiency. Data sets today aren't larger than the older data sets, but also significantly more complex, for unstructured and data generated by sensors, web logs, social mobile communication, and customer service records. There are many software frameworks store and large volumes of data in a massively scale. Apache Hadoop is an example and often cited in many journals, publications, blogs, other technical articles massively processing system. It is known to be the de-facto technology platform for supporting of massive amounts heterogeneous data and processing them. The Distributed File System for data storage and specialized distributed programming model ‘MapReduce’ for data processing, across relatively inexpensive commodity may be leveraged for mixing and matching data from disparate sources and meaningful insights. However, Hadoop as a technology has several limitations. First, organizations are interested in ‘interactive analytics’, solution requiring faster time-to-insight when compared to the time it takes a MapReduce job to execute and provide the required results. Second, the ability to enable analysts and scientists to directly interact with any data stored in Hadoop, using their existing intelligence (BI) tools and skills through a well-accepted SQL interface. Apache Hive, however, facilitates the data using an SQL-like language called HiveQL, but it is much slower the industry demands in terms of interactive querying. There are several massively parallel query processing (MPQP) available in the market enable organizations to interactive SQL-like querying on massive data-sets on the Hadoop platform, called SQL-on-Hadoop tools. However, of these tools is optimized to perform efficiently for a certain class of only, operating a certain known data and format on a well-defined hardware and software configuration. The data model and the have to be optimized significantly order to obtain faster query response times. To add to the problem, the technological landscape of massively parallel query processing frameworks is large and it becomes increasingly difficult for to evaluate each of these tools for the different kinds of they have for processing, operating on varying data-sets, (for example, queries from marketing, analysts, engineers, and senior management). | HanDLInG HuGE VoLuMeS oF dATa oN a DaILY BaSIS Is A tasK thAT mOSt orGaNizAtioNs hAVe tO dEaL wiTH. sUch orgANIzAtioNS haVe been sTOrIng hugE vOlUmEs oF Data For dEcAdEs, but noW wITh THe AvaiLaBiliTY Of nEw teChNiques fOR ANALyzInG tHoSe hUgE daTa setS, oRgANiZAtIOns SeeK To IMprOve THeIr OperaTioNAl effICIEncY. data SEts tODAy arEn't mERELY LaRgEr than tHe OLdeR DaTA SETs, bUt AlSO SignifICantlY mOre cOmpleX, For exAMPLe, UnSTRUcTurEd aND SEMI-StruCtureD dAta GEnerateD BY sENsOrS, WeB logs, SOcial medIA, MObIle CoMmuNIcAtiON, aNd cUstOmER seRvICE RecOrds.
tHere are MAnY SoftWAre FrAMeWORkS TO sTore aNd anALYZE large VoLUmEs OF dAtA iN A MAsSiveLY PArALLEL ScalE. ApAcHe HaDOOp Is aN eXAMPLe ANd OFTEn Cited in mANy joUrnALs, PUblIcATions, BLogs, aNd otHEr techniCAl arTIclES FoR MASsiVelY PArALlel PRocesSINg SYsTeM. It Is Now knOWn TO Be thE dE-factO TeChNoLOGy pLaTForM For SUpPorTing StOrAgE of massive aMOUNtS OF heTEROgenEous dAtA And prOceSSIng tHEM.
THE hADOOP DiStriBUTEd FiLe SysTEm (hDfs) fOR daTa STOrAGe ANd ITS SpecIaLized DIsTRibUTeD proGRAMMINg modEl ‘maPreduce’ fOR dAta pROcESsING, ACRoSS RElaTiveLy inexPENSive cOMMODitY hArDWare, MAy BE LEveRagEd for miXiNG anD mAtcHIng data frOM mANY DIsPARatE SouRcES anD reVEAl MEaNINGFUL InSIghts.
HowevEr, HaDOop AS a tECHnOLOgy has SeVERAl liMItAtiONS. firSt, ORGANizAtIons aRe inTErEstEd iN ‘InTEraCTIvE analYTIcS’, A solUTion rEQUIrIng FASTEr tiMe-TO-INsiGHT when coMparED TO THe TiME it TakES For A mApredUCe jOB tO eXeCutE AND pROViDE tHE rEqUiRed resuLts. sEcOnd, the aBiliTy To EnAbLE ANalySTS AnD DaTA scienTIsts tO direCTly iNtErAct WITH any Data sTorED in hADooP, UsInG THeIr eXiStiNG BuSinESs iNTeLLigeNce (Bi) tOOLs AnD sKIlls tHrOUgh a wELl-accEPtED SQl iNtERFacE. APAcHe hIve, hOWeVEr, fAcilItAtes quERyiNG THE datA UsiNG AN sQl-lIKE LAnguAge cAllEd HiVEqL, BuT iT IS muCh SloWER Than whaT thE INdUstrY DeMAnDS IN terMS OF INTERacTIve querYinG.
THERe ARe SEvEral maSSIVelY pAralLel queRy pROCessinG (MpQp) ToOlS aVaIlabLe IN The MarKet that EnAblE oRgANizaTiONs TO PERFORm iNTERACTIve Sql-like qUeRYInG ON mAsSIve daTa-SETS On tHe hadoop PlatfORM, caLled sqL-ON-hAdOoP tOOls. hOWeveR, EacH of These toOLs Is oPTIMizeD To PERFOrM EFFiCiENtLY FOR A cerTAiN claSs Of QuerIes ONly, oPERATiNg oN a CERtain KNowN DaTA TypE AnD FORmaT On a weLL-DEFIneD HARDwARe aNd sOftwAre ConFIGURaTIon. THe DatA moDEL anD ThE sTorAGE MOdel HAVe To be oPTimiZED siGnifIcANTly In OrDER To Obtain fasTeR QUErY REsPoNSE tIMES.
To Add TO tHe PrObLeM, THE TecHNOLOGIcAL laNdscApE OF massivElY ParALLel QuERY pRoCeSSINg FrAMEwoRkS Is LaRGE ANd it bEcomEs iNCReASInGly DiFFicUlt FoR oRGAniZAtIONS to EvAlUATe eAcH Of THESe TOOLs For the diffERenT kinDS of QuerIeS thEY Have foR pRocEssing, OpeRATing on VArYINg DaTa-sets, (FOR exampLE, QUERieS fROm maRkEtinG, aNAlYSts, eNGineErs, AnD seNiOR ManAgEmeNT). | Handling huge volumes ofdata on a daily basis isa task that most organizations have todeal with. Suchorganizations have been storing huge volumes of data for decades, but now withthe availability of new techniques for analyzing thosehuge datasets,organizations seek toimprove their operational efficiency. Data sets today aren't merely larger than the older data sets, but also significantly more complex,for example, unstructured and semi-structured data generated by sensors,web logs,social media, mobile communication,and customer service records. There aremany software frameworks to store and analyze large volumes ofdata in a massively parallel scale. Apache Hadoop is an example and often cited in many journals,publications, blogs, and othertechnical articles for massively parallel processing system. It is nowknown to be the de-facto technology platformfor supporting storage of massive amounts of heterogeneous data andprocessing them. The Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) for data storage andits specializeddistributed programming model ‘MapReduce’ for data processing, across relatively inexpensive commodity hardware,may beleveragedfor mixing and matching data from many disparate sources and reveal meaningful insights. However, Hadoopas a technology has several limitations. First, organizationsare interested in‘interactive analytics’, a solution requiring faster time-to-insight when compared to the time it takes for a MapReduce job to execute and provide the required results.Second, the ability to enable analysts and data scientists to directly interact with any data stored in Hadoop, using their existing business intelligence (BI) toolsand skills through a well-accepted SQL interface. Apache Hive, however, facilitates querying the data using an SQL-likelanguage called HiveQL, but it is much slower than what the industrydemands in terms ofinteractive querying. Thereare several massively parallel query processing (MPQP) tools available in the market that enable organizations toperform interactive SQL-like querying on massive data-sets on the Hadoop platform, called SQL-on-Hadoop tools. However, each of these tools is optimized to perform efficiently for a certain class of queries only, operating on a certain known data type and format on a well-defined hardwareand software configuration. The data model and the storage model have to be optimized significantly in orderto obtain faster query response times. To add to the problem, the technological landscape of massively parallel query processing frameworksis large and it becomesincreasingly difficult fororganizations to evaluateeach of these tools for thedifferent kinds of queries they havefor processing, operating onvarying data-sets, (for example, queries from marketing,analysts, engineers, and senior management). | Handling huge volumes _of_ data on a daily basis is a task that most organizations have to _deal_ with. _Such_ organizations have been _storing_ huge volumes of data for decades, but now with the availability _of_ new techniques _for_ analyzing those huge data sets, organizations seek to improve their operational _efficiency._ Data sets today aren't _merely_ larger than the older data sets, but also significantly _more_ complex, for example, unstructured and semi-structured data generated by _sensors,_ web logs, social media, _mobile_ communication, and customer service records. There are many software frameworks to _store_ and analyze large volumes _of_ data in a _massively_ _parallel_ scale. Apache _Hadoop_ is an example and often _cited_ in many journals, _publications,_ blogs, and other technical articles for _massively_ _parallel_ _processing_ system. It _is_ now known to be the de-facto technology platform _for_ supporting storage of massive amounts _of_ heterogeneous data and _processing_ _them._ _The_ Hadoop _Distributed_ _File_ System (HDFS) for _data_ storage and its specialized _distributed_ programming _model_ ‘MapReduce’ for _data_ processing, across _relatively_ inexpensive commodity hardware, may be leveraged for mixing and matching data from many _disparate_ _sources_ and reveal _meaningful_ insights. However, Hadoop as a technology has several _limitations._ First, organizations are interested in ‘interactive analytics’, a solution requiring faster time-to-insight when _compared_ _to_ the time it _takes_ for a MapReduce _job_ to execute and _provide_ the _required_ results. Second, the ability to _enable_ analysts _and_ data _scientists_ _to_ _directly_ interact with any data stored in Hadoop, _using_ their existing business intelligence _(BI)_ tools and skills through a well-accepted SQL interface. Apache _Hive,_ however, facilitates querying the _data_ using an _SQL-like_ language called HiveQL, but it is much slower than what the industry _demands_ in terms of _interactive_ querying. There are several _massively_ _parallel_ query processing _(MPQP)_ _tools_ available in the market that _enable_ organizations to perform _interactive_ SQL-like _querying_ on massive _data-sets_ on the Hadoop platform, called SQL-on-Hadoop tools. However, each of these tools is optimized to _perform_ efficiently for a certain _class_ of queries only, _operating_ _on_ a _certain_ _known_ data type and _format_ _on_ a _well-defined_ hardware and _software_ _configuration._ The _data_ model and the storage model have to be optimized significantly in order to obtain faster query response times. To _add_ to the problem, the _technological_ landscape of massively parallel query _processing_ frameworks is _large_ and _it_ becomes _increasingly_ difficult for organizations to evaluate _each_ of these tools for _the_ different kinds of queries they have for _processing,_ operating on varying _data-sets,_ (for _example,_ queries _from_ marketing, analysts, _engineers,_ and senior management). |
Media streams, such as video and audio streams, may be sent over a network to multiple receiving clients. In a unicast-based system, individual copies of the stream are sent separately over the network to each client. By contrast, in a multicast-based system, a single copy of the stream may be sent to a multicast address, and the multicast-enabled network enables replication of the stream to clients within the multicast group. In some cases, a client may record or store the stream for later playback. In some scenarios, media streams may be sent using transmission control protocol (TCP) for reliability, at a cost of higher latency. In other scenarios, media streams may be sent using user datagram protocol (UDP) with lower latency, at a cost of potentially increased errors or dropouts. | Media streams, such as video and audio streams, may be sent over a network to multiple receiving clients. In a unicast-based system, individual copies of the stream are sent separately over the network to each client. By contrast, in a multicast-based system, a single copy of the stream may be sent to a multicast address, and the multicast-enabled network enables replication of the pullulate to clients within the multicast group. In some cases, a client may record or store the stream for later playback. In some scenarios, media streams may be sent using transmission control protocol (TCP) for reliability, at a cost of higher latency. In other scenarios, media streams may be sent using user datagram protocol (UDP) with lower latency, at a cost of potentially increased errors or dropouts. | MwdUa streams, such as video and audio streams, may be sent over a network to multiple receiving clients. In a unicast - based syEfem, individual copies of the stream are sent separately over the network to each client. By contrast, in a multicast - based system, a single copy of the stream may be sent to a multicast address, and the multicast - enabled network enables replication of the stream to c>ienRs within the multicast group. In some cases, a client may record or store the stream for later playback. In some scenarios, media streams may be sent using transmission control protocl> (TCP) for reliability, at a Xkst of higher latency. In other scenarios, media streams may be sent using user dWtagrqm protocol (UDP) with lower lat$nch, at a cost of lotegtially increasFw errors or drkpPuts. | Media streams, such as video and audio streams, may be sent over a network multiple receiving clients. In a unicast-based system, individual copies of the stream are sent separately over the network to each client. By contrast, in a system, a copy of the stream may sent to a multicast address, and the multicast-enabled network enables replication of the stream to clients within the multicast group. In some cases, a client may record or store the for later playback. In some scenarios, media may be sent using transmission control protocol for reliability, a cost of higher In other scenarios, media streams may be sent user datagram protocol (UDP) lower latency, a cost of potentially increased errors dropouts. | MediA sTReAmS, SUCh as VIdeO ANd auDIo stReamS, MAY bE SENT oVER a NETwOrk tO MuLtIPlE reCeIvINg ClIenTs. in A uNIcaSt-BasEd SySTem, InDIVidUaL cOPIES OF THe STReam aRE sEnt sePAratelY OvER the NetWork to EACh ClIeNT. By cONTRAST, in a muLTICaST-baSEd sYSteM, A SInGLe coPy Of THe sTReaM mAY be sEnT TO a MultICast ADdRESs, AND tHE MUltICasT-enabLED NetwoRK ENabLES RePLiCAtiON Of The stREam To CliEnTS wiTHin THE mUlTiCASt GROuP. In soME CasES, a Client mAY RECOrD Or StoRe ThE STreAM foR lATEr PLayBacK. iN SoME SCenARIos, meDIA STreamS may bE SenT UsIng TraNsmiSsiOn CONTrol ProtOCol (tcp) FOR RELIABilItY, at a cOSt oF HigheR lAtEncy. in oTHeR sceNAriOS, meDIa sTREaMS MAy bE SeNT UsInG UsEr DAtAgRAm PROTOcOL (UDp) WItH lOWeR latENCY, aT A cosT OF poTENtIaLlY INCreAseD ERrOrs or dRoPoUTs. | Media streams, such as video and audio streams, maybe sent over a network to multiple receiving clients. Ina unicast-based system, individual copiesof the stream are sent separately over the network to each client. By contrast, in amulticast-based system, a single copy of the stream may be sent to a multicastaddress, and the multicast-enabled network enables replication of the stream to clients within the multicast group. In somecases, a client may record orstore the stream forlater playback. In some scenarios, media streams may besent using transmission control protocol (TCP) for reliability, at a cost of higher latency.Inother scenarios,media streams may be sent using user datagram protocol (UDP) with lower latency, at a cost of potentially increased errors ordropouts. | Media streams, such as video and audio streams, may _be_ sent over a network to _multiple_ receiving _clients._ In a unicast-based system, individual copies of the stream are sent separately over the network to _each_ client. By contrast, in a multicast-based _system,_ a single copy of the stream may be sent to _a_ multicast address, _and_ _the_ multicast-enabled network _enables_ replication of the _stream_ to clients within the multicast group. In some cases, a client may record or store the stream for _later_ _playback._ In some scenarios, _media_ streams may be sent _using_ _transmission_ control _protocol_ (TCP) for reliability, at _a_ cost of higher latency. _In_ other _scenarios,_ media streams may _be_ sent using user _datagram_ protocol (UDP) with lower latency, at a cost _of_ potentially increased errors or _dropouts._ |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a self-contained device for generating heat through combustion of a non-pressured, high flash point fuel (>100.degree. F.) utilized primarily for heating food and the like. More particularly, this invention pertains to a closed cartridge containing a reservoir of a novel high percentage glycol or glycol derivative fuel and a non-consumable wick immersed in the fuel reservoir to provide controllable means for combusting said glycol or glycol derivative. These devices are commonly found in applications utilizing chafing dishes where food is to be maintained at an elevated termperature for extended periods of time.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Restaurants and others involved in the food preparation industry typically have a requirement for maintaining various foodstuffs at an elevated temperature for extended periods of time to maintain said food's edibility as well as to preserve the food from infection by exogenous microorganisms.
Prior art means for maintaining foods at elevated temperatures include cartridges and canisters containing alcohol fuels such as methyl and ethyl alcohol;. Said alcohol fuels have relativley low flash points, typically in the range 54.degree. F. to 56.degree. F., which permit these fuels to be ignited directly by flame provided by a match or a candle. These types of prior art devices have several inherent drawbacks which create substantial problems for their users.
Most significant among the disadvantages to prior art devices are those encountered in the field of product safety. Utilization of methyl and ethyl alcohols creates a substantial hazard due to fire. This fact arises from the high volatility and low falsh point of these one and two carbon alcohols.
A second significant safety concern is that of noxious vapors. Those prior art devices utilizing methyl alcohol as their fuel present a substantial hazard with respect to methanol vapors. Said vapors are toxic and additionally can contaminate any food stored or located in the vicinity of these devices.
The third safety consideration is that of shipping. Prior art devices containing methanol and ethanol as their fuels have various restrictions placed upon them by those authorities regulating common carriers and other shippers. Thus, prior art devices are more expensive and inconvenient to transport due to the inherent hazards presented by their fuels.
Additionally, prior art devices present a disadvantage in that the range of heat developed by such devices is not easily adjustable. Most prior art devices is not easily adjustable. Most prior art devices utilize various mechanical means to adjust the oxygen flow available for combustion of the methanol and ethanol. This arrangement for control of heat is inadequate in many cases where a very low flame is required because the amount of oxygen required for low flame cannot be adequately regulated using prior art mechanical means thus causing the flame to be often spontaneously extinguished.
Therefore, it is desireable to provide a burner device for controllably heating and warming food and the like utilizing a new and unique, clean burning, high percentage glycol or glycol derivative fuel having a low vapor pressure and high flash point relative to commonly used fuels such as methanol and ethanol. Moreover, it is desirable that such a burner utilize a fuel which is nontoxic and produces a low level of nontoxic vapors. It is also desirable that such an improved heating device should have a continually adjustable flame by controlling the amount of fuel available for combustion.
While the prior art recognizes that glycol or glycol derivatives can be used as fuel additives; these additives are in minimal amounts (i.e. concentrations measured in parts per million) and are included to enhance the characteristics of the primary fuel component. In addition, glycol or glycol derivatives in substantial concentrations have never before been used, or suggested for use, as the primary fuel component.
Finally, it is desirable to provide a burner that is safe to ship and use and has minimal regulatory restrictions on shipment and storage relative to prior art devices. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a self-contained device for generating heat through combustion of a non-pressured, high flash point fuel (>100.degree. F.) utilized primarily for heating food and the like. More particularly, this invention pertains to a closed cartridge containing a reservoir of a novel high percentage glycol or glycol derivative fuel and a non-consumable wick immersed in the fuel reservoir to provide controllable means for combusting said glycol or glycol derivative. These devices are commonly found in applications utilizing chafing dishes where food is to be maintained at an elevated termperature for extended periods of time. 2. Description of the Prior Art Restaurants and others involved in the food preparation industry typically have a requirement for maintaining various foodstuffs at an elevated temperature for extended periods of time to maintain said food's edibility as well as to preserve the food from infection by exogenous microorganisms. Prior art means for maintaining foods at elevated temperatures include cartridges and canisters containing alcohol fuels such as methyl and ethyl alcohol;. Said alcohol fuels have relativley low flash points, typically in the range 54.degree. F. to 56.degree. F., which permit these fuels to be ignited directly by flame provided by a match or a candle. These types of prior art devices have several inherent drawbacks which create substantial problems for their users. Most significant among the disadvantages to prior art devices are those encountered in the field of product safety. Utilization of methyl and ethyl alcohols creates a substantial hazard due to fire. This fact arises from the high volatility and low falsh point of these one and two carbon alcohols. A second significant safety concern is that of noxious vapors. Those prior art devices utilizing methyl alcohol as their fuel present a substantial hazard with respect to methanol vapors. Said vapors are toxic and additionally can contaminate any food stored or located in the vicinity of these devices. The third safety consideration is that of shipping. Prior art devices containing methanol and ethanol as their fuels have various restrictions placed upon them by those authorities regulating common carriers and other shippers. Thus, prior art devices are more expensive and inconvenient to transport due to the inherent hazards presented by their fuels. Additionally, prior art devices present a disadvantage in that the range of passion developed by such devices is not easily adjustable. Most prior art devices is not easily adjustable. Most prior art devices utilize various mechanical means to adjust the oxygen flow available for combustion of the methanol and ethanol. This arrangement for control of heat is inadequate in many cases where a very low flame is required because the amount of oxygen required for low flame cannot be adequately regulated using prior art mechanical means thus causing the flame to be often spontaneously extinguished. Therefore, it is desireable to provide a burner device for controllably heating and warming food and the like utilizing a new and unique, clean burning, high percentage glycol or glycol derivative fuel having a low vapor pressure and high flash point relative to commonly used fuels such as methanol and ethanol. Moreover, it is desirable that such a burner utilize a fuel which is nontoxic and produces a low level of nontoxic vapors. It is also desirable that such an improved heating device should have a continually adjustable flame by controlling the amount of fuel available for combustion. While the prior art recognizes that glycol or glycol derivatives can be used as fuel additives; these additives are in minimal amounts (i.e. concentrations measured in parts per million) and are included to enhance the characteristics of the primary fuel component. In addition, glycol or glycol derivatives in substantial concentrations have never before been used, or suggested for use, as the primary fuel component. Finally, it is desirable to provide a burner that is safe to ship and use and has minimal regulatory restrictions on shipment and storage relative to prior art devices. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a self - contained device for generating heat through combustion of a non - pressured, high flash point fuel (& gt; 100. degree. F.) utilized primarily for heating food and the like. More particularly, this invention pertains to a closed cartridge containing a reservoir of a novel high percentage glycol or glycol derivative fuel and a non - consumable wick immersed in the fuel reservoir to provide controllable means for combusting said glycol or glycol derivative. These devices are commonly found in applications utilizing chafing dishes where food is to be maintained at an elevated termperature for extended periods of time. 2. Description of the Prior Art Restaurants and others involved in the food preparation industry typically hqGe a requirement for maintaining various foodstuffs at an elevated temperature for extended periods of time to maintain said food ' s edibility as well as to preserve the food from infection by exogenous microorfanKsms. Prior art means for maintaining foods at elevated temperatures include cartridges and canisters containing alcohol fuels such as methyl and ethyl alcohol; . Said alcohol fuels have relativley low flash points, typically in the range 54. degree. F. to 56. degree. F. , which pWrmUt these fuels to be ignited directly by flame provided by a match or a candle. These types of prior art devices have several inherent drawbacks which create substantial problems for their users. Most significant among the disadvantages to prior art devices are those encountered in the field of product safety. Utilization of methyl and ethyl alcohols creates a substantial hazard due to fire. This fact arises from the high volatility and low falsh point of these one and two carbon alcohols. A second significant safety concern is that of noxious vapors. Rnose prior art devices utilizing methyl alcohol as their fuel present a substantial hazard with respect to me%han8l vapors. Said vapors are toxic and additionally can contaminate any food stored or located in the vicinity of these devices. The third safety consideration is that of shipping. Prior art devices containing methanol and ethanol as their fuels have various restrictions placed upon them by those authorities regulating common carriers and other shippers. Thus, prior art devices are more expensive and inconvenient to transport due to the inherent hazards presented by their fuels. Additionally, prior art devices present a disadvantage in that the range of heat developed by such devices is not easily adjustable. Most prior art devices is not eqs7ly adjustable. Most prior art devices utilize various mechanical means to adjust the oxygen flow available for combustion of the methanol and ethanol. This arrangdmdnt for control of heat is inadequate in many cases where a very low flame is required because the QHount of oxygen required for low flame cannot be adequately regulated using prior art mechanical means thus causing the flame to be often spontaneously extinguished. Therefore, it is desireable to provide a burner device for controllably heating and warming food and the like utilizing a new and unique, clean burning, high percentage glycol or glycol derivative fuel having a low vapor pressure and high flash point relative to commonly used fuels such as methanol and ethanol. Moreover, it is desirable that such a burner utilize a fuel which is nontoxic and produces a low level of nontoxic vapors. It is also desirable that such an improved heating device should have a continually adjustable flame by controlling the amount of fuel available for combustion. While the prior art recognizes that glycol or glycol dedivativfs can be used as fuel additives; these additives are in minimal amounts (i. e. concentrations measured in parts per million) and are included to enhance the characteristics of the primary fuel component. In addition, glycol or glycol derivatives in substantial concentrations have never before been used, or suggested for use, as the primary fuel component. Finally, it is desirable to provide a burner that is safe to ship and use and has minimal regulatory restrictions on shipment and storage relative to prior art dfviceX. | 1. of the Invention This invention relates generally to a self-contained device for generating heat through combustion of a non-pressured, high point fuel (>100.degree. utilized primarily for heating food and the More particularly, this invention pertains to a closed cartridge containing a of a novel high percentage or glycol derivative fuel and a wick immersed in the reservoir to provide controllable means for combusting said glycol or glycol derivative. These devices are commonly in applications utilizing chafing dishes where food is be maintained at an elevated termperature for extended periods of time. 2. Description of the Prior Art Restaurants and others involved in the food preparation industry typically have requirement for maintaining various foodstuffs at an elevated temperature for extended periods of time to maintain food's edibility as well preserve the food from infection by exogenous microorganisms. Prior art means for maintaining foods at elevated temperatures include cartridges canisters containing alcohol fuels such as and ethyl alcohol;. Said alcohol fuels have relativley low flash points, typically in the range 54.degree. F. to 56.degree. F., which permit these fuels to be ignited directly by flame provided by a match or a candle. These types of prior art devices have several inherent drawbacks which substantial problems for their users. Most significant among the disadvantages to prior art devices are those encountered in the field of product safety. Utilization of methyl and ethyl alcohols creates a substantial hazard due to fire. This fact arises from high volatility and low falsh point of these one and two carbon A second significant safety concern is that of noxious vapors. Those prior art utilizing methyl alcohol their fuel present a substantial hazard to methanol vapors. Said vapors are and additionally can contaminate any food stored located in the of these devices. The safety consideration is that of shipping. Prior art devices containing methanol and ethanol as their fuels have various upon them by those authorities regulating common carriers other shippers. Thus, prior art are more expensive inconvenient transport due to the inherent hazards presented by their fuels. Additionally, devices present a disadvantage in that the range of heat developed by devices is not easily Most prior art devices is not easily adjustable. prior utilize various mechanical means to the oxygen available combustion of the and ethanol. This arrangement for control of heat is inadequate in many where a very low flame required because the amount of oxygen required low flame cannot be adequately regulated using prior art mechanical means thus the flame to be often spontaneously extinguished. Therefore, it is desireable to provide a burner device for controllably heating and food and the like utilizing a new and clean burning, high percentage glycol or derivative fuel having a low vapor pressure and high flash point to used fuels such as methanol and ethanol. Moreover, it is desirable that such burner fuel which is nontoxic and a low level of nontoxic vapors. It is also desirable that such an improved heating device should have continually by controlling the amount of fuel available While the prior art that glycol or glycol derivatives can be used as fuel additives; these additives are in minimal amounts (i.e. concentrations measured in parts per and are included to enhance the characteristics of the primary fuel component. In addition, glycol or glycol derivatives in substantial concentrations have never before been used, or suggested for use, as the primary fuel Finally, it is desirable to provide a burner that is safe to ship and use and has minimal regulatory restrictions on shipment and storage relative to art devices. | 1. fiELD of The iNVEntiON
THiS inVenTIOn ReLatES GeNERALly to A SELF-coNTAiNeD deViCe FOr gEneRaTING hEat tHrOUgH COMBUSTiON of A nOn-pResSurEd, HiGH FlasH POInT fUEL (>100.dEGRee. F.) utiLiZED pRImAriLY fOr hEatINg FooD anD The LIke. MOrE pArTicUlaRlY, tHiS INVEnTion PErTAiNs to a cloSed CARtRIdGe ConTAIniNg a ResERvOIr oF a noVEL HIGh perCENtage GLyCol oR Glycol DEriVAtive fUel anD A nON-cOnSuMABlE WiCK iMmeRsED In THE FUEl ReSerVOir TO proVidE coNTroLLabLE meaNs For combuSTing SAid gLyCOL Or GLYcOL deRivATive. tHese DevICES aRE cOmMONly foUnD IN ApPlICaTIOnS uTIlIzINg ChaFiNG dIsHes WHErE Food iS tO Be MaiNTAINEd At an elEVaTEd TERmpERatuRE foR extendED peRIODs oF TiMe.
2. deScrIptION of thE pRiOR ArT
rEstAURANTs ANd OtheRS involvEd iN the foOd prEpaRatIoN indusTRy tYPIcAllY haVE a reQuiREMeNT For MaINtaINiNG VaRiOuS FoODstuFfS At An ELEVaTEd TEMperATuRe foR ExTenDED pERioDS of tiME to MAiNTaiN SAid food'S eDIbIliTY AS WElL aS to PREsErVE THE Food FROm iNFeCtION BY EXoGENOUs MIcRoorgANisMs.
pRiOr ART mEanS for maINTaiNing FoODS at ElEvaTEd TEmpERATuReS iNCluDE CaRtridGeS aNd cAnIStERs CoNtaINing alcoHOl FuElS Such as mEThyl aND ethYL ALCoHol;. saId alCOhOl FuELs HAVe rELatIvleY LOw FLaSh pOintS, TYpICalLy iN tHe Range 54.DEgReE. f. to 56.DeGreE. F., whiCH PERmIt These fuELS tO BE IGNiTed DiReCTly bY flAMe pROVIDed bY a maTch oR A candlE. thEse TypES oF prior ArT DevicEs HaVe SEVeral INHeRent DrAWbAcKS WhIch CreAtE SUBstANTIAL PRobLeMS fOR tHeir usErs.
MOsT sIgniFiCaNT amoNg tHe dIsAdvanTaGES to prior ArT dEvIcES ARE ThOse EnCoUNteRED IN thE fIELD OF PrOducT saFety. UtIliZatIon OF MeThYl ANd EtHYl ALcohOlS creatES a substANTIaL hAZard Due tO fiRe. THIs fAcT ARIseS FROm the hIGH VolaTILitY aND loW FalsH POInT oF ThESE one aNd TWo CaRbON aLCOhoLS.
a sECoND siGNIfICAnT SAfety ConCERn is that OF noXioUS VAPoRs. thOse pRIoR aRT deVICeS uTilizInG MeTHyL alcoHOL aS THeiR fuEl pReSeNt A sUbSTantiAL hazard WItH rESPeCt to mETHaNOl VaPORS. sAid vaPors aRe tOxIc aNd addITionaLlY CAN CONtaMInaTE anY foOD StorEd Or loCaTed In THe VICIniTY oF tHeSe dEVicES.
the thIRD SAFETY CoNSidErAtiOn iS THAt Of sHIPpiNG. PRIoR ARt DevicES CoNtaINing METhanOl ANd eTHANOL aS their fuELs HavE VAriouS REstrIctIons placED uPon theM By thosE aUTHORItIES rEGUlaTINg COmmoN cARRiErs And OtheR ShiPPErS. ThuS, pRiOr Art DeviCeS aRE MORe ExpenSIve AND IncoNVEniENT tO TRansPoRT Due to THE inHERent hAZARds pRESenTEd by THeIR FUels.
ADDITiOnaLLy, pRIoR art devIcES PREsEnt a DIsadvaNtAge in thAt ThE Range of hEAt DEVELoPed By SUcH DEViCes Is noT EASILy adJusTAble. mOsT PRioR arT DEViCES iS noT eaSily ADjusTAble. moSt priOR Art DEvicES UtiLiZE VaRIOUs mEChanICaL meaNs TO aDjuSt THe oxYGen FloW AvAilAbLE For COmBUsTiOn Of thE metHanOL AND ethANoL. THiS ArRANgemENT foR contrOL OF HEaT is InadEqUaTE In manY cAsEs wHErE a verY low flAmE is rEQUiRED bECaUsE THe amOunt of OXYgen rEQUIRED FoR LOw FLamE CAnNOt bE AdEqUaTELy ReGUlATeD USINg prIor ART MEChaNIcAl MEaNS ThuS CAUsing THe FLAMe To be OFTen sPontANEoUSlY ExTinguIshed.
THEReFOrE, IT is DEsIREabLe To prOVidE A BurNeR DEvicE fOR ControLLAbLy HEAtiNG ANd WaRmInG FooD anD THe lIkE utiliziNG a NEw and UniquE, cLEan BUrniNG, HIgh PERcEntagE gLycol or GlYCOl DerIvATive fuel HaViNG A LOW vAPor PReSSURE AND higH FLAsH pOiNT rELATIvE TO COmMonly USED FUEls suCh AS meTHaNOL aNd EthanOl. morEovER, iT IS dESIrABle THaT suCH a bUrnEr UtiLize A fuEl WhIcH is nOnToxIC AND pROduceS A lOW leVEL oF NOntoxIc VapORS. It Is ALSO DEsIraBlE thaT suCh AN ImprOVeD heaTIng devICE shOUld havE a COnTinuALLY ADJUSTablE fLAmE By conTroLLIng ThE AmOUnt oF fuEl AVAilabLE FoR cOmBusTIon.
WhiLE the prIor ART rEcOGNIzEs tHat glycoL or gLYCol dErIVaTIves caN BE USed aS fuel aDdiTivES; thEsE addITIvES ArE IN minimaL amoUNts (i.E. COncEntratiONs MEAsuREd IN pARts PEr MIlLion) and Are iNCLUdEd tO EnhANcE tHe chAractERIsticS Of thE prIMary FUel cOmpOnent. IN ADdITIoN, gLYcol or glycOl derIvAtivEs In suBsTantIal ConCeNTRaTiONs HAve nEveR beForE bEEN useD, oR SUGgESTED FoR USE, AS THE pRIMARy FUeL cOmPonenT.
FINally, It Is desIrABlE TO pROVIde A bUrNer tHat is SAFE TO ShiP and use aND HAS mInImAl REGuLATOry RESTRIctionS ON shipMENt ANd StorAGE rElative To prIOR arT devIceS. | 1. Field oftheInventionThis inventionrelates generallyto a self-containeddevice forgenerating heat through combustion of a non-pressured, high flash point fuel (>100.degree. F.)utilized primarily for heating foodand the like. More particularly, this invention pertains to a closed cartridge containinga reservoirof a novel high percentageglycol or glycol derivative fuel and a non-consumable wick immersed in the fuelreservoir toprovide controllable means for combusting said glycolor glycolderivative. These devices are commonly found in applications utilizing chafing dishes where food is to be maintained at an elevatedtermperature for extended periods of time. 2.Description ofthe Prior Art Restaurants and others involvedinthe food preparationindustry typically have a requirement for maintaining various foodstuffsat an elevated temperature for extendedperiods of time to maintainsaid food's edibilityaswell as to preserve the food from infection by exogenous microorganisms. Prior art means for maintaining foods at elevated temperatures include cartridges andcanisters containing alcohol fuels suchas methyl and ethyl alcohol;. Said alcohol fuels have relativley low flash points, typically in the range54.degree. F. to 56.degree. F.,which permit these fuels to be ignited directly by flame provided by a match oracandle. These types of prior art devices have several inherent drawbacks which createsubstantial problems for their users. Most significant among thedisadvantages to prior art devices are those encountered in the fieldof product safety. Utilizationof methyl and ethyl alcohols creates a substantial hazard due to fire. This factarises from the high volatility and low falsh point of these one and two carbon alcohols. A second significant safety concern is thatof noxiousvapors. Those prior art devices utilizing methylalcohol as theirfuel present a substantial hazard with respect to methanol vapors.Saidvapors are toxic and additionally cancontaminate any foodstored orlocated inthe vicinity of these devices. The third safety consideration is that of shipping. Prior art devices containing methanol and ethanol as their fuels have various restrictions placed upon them by those authorities regulating common carriers and other shippers. Thus, prior art devices are more expensive and inconvenient to transportdue to the inherent hazards presented by their fuels. Additionally, prior art devices present a disadvantage inthat the range of heat developed by such devices is not easily adjustable. Most prior art devices is not easily adjustable. Mostpriorartdevices utilize various mechanical meansto adjust the oxygen flow available for combustion of the methanol and ethanol. This arrangement for control of heatis inadequate in many caseswhere a very low flame isrequired because the amount of oxygen required for lowflame cannot be adequately regulated usingprior art mechanical means thus causingthe flame to be often spontaneouslyextinguished. Therefore, it is desireable to provide a burner devicefor controllably heating andwarming food and the likeutilizing a new and unique, clean burning,high percentage glycol or glycol derivative fuel having a low vapor pressure and high flash point relative to commonlyused fuels such as methanol and ethanol. Moreover, it is desirable that sucha burner utilize a fuel which is nontoxic andproduces a low level ofnontoxicvapors. It is alsodesirable that such an improved heating device should have a continually adjustable flame by controllingtheamount of fuel available for combustion. While thepriorart recognizes that glycol or glycol derivatives can be usedas fuel additives; these additives areinminimal amounts (i.e. concentrationsmeasured in partsper million) andare included to enhance the characteristicsof the primary fuelcomponent. In addition, glycol orglycol derivatives in substantial concentrations have never before been used, orsuggested foruse, as the primary fuel component. Finally, it is desirabletoprovide a burner that is safe to ship and use and has minimal regulatory restrictions on shipment and storage relative to prior art devices. | _1._ Field of _the_ Invention This invention _relates_ _generally_ to a self-contained device for generating _heat_ _through_ combustion of _a_ non-pressured, high flash point fuel _(>100.degree._ F.) utilized primarily for heating food and the like. More particularly, this invention pertains to a closed cartridge containing a reservoir of a novel _high_ percentage glycol or glycol derivative fuel and _a_ non-consumable wick immersed in the fuel reservoir to provide controllable means for combusting said glycol or glycol _derivative._ These _devices_ _are_ _commonly_ found in applications utilizing chafing dishes _where_ _food_ is _to_ be maintained at an elevated termperature for _extended_ periods of time. 2. Description of the Prior Art Restaurants and others involved _in_ the _food_ preparation industry typically have a _requirement_ for maintaining various foodstuffs at an _elevated_ temperature _for_ extended periods of time to maintain said food's edibility as well as to _preserve_ _the_ food from infection by exogenous microorganisms. Prior art means _for_ maintaining foods at elevated temperatures include cartridges and canisters containing alcohol fuels _such_ as methyl and ethyl alcohol;. Said alcohol _fuels_ have _relativley_ low flash _points,_ typically in the range 54.degree. F. _to_ _56.degree._ F., which _permit_ these fuels to be ignited directly _by_ flame provided by a match or _a_ candle. These types of prior art devices have several inherent _drawbacks_ _which_ _create_ substantial problems for their users. Most significant among _the_ disadvantages to prior art _devices_ are those encountered in the field _of_ product _safety._ Utilization of methyl _and_ ethyl alcohols creates a substantial hazard _due_ to fire. This _fact_ arises from the high volatility and low falsh point of these one and two carbon alcohols. A second significant safety concern is that of noxious vapors. Those prior _art_ devices _utilizing_ methyl alcohol as _their_ fuel present a substantial hazard with respect to methanol vapors. Said _vapors_ are toxic and additionally can _contaminate_ any food stored or _located_ in the vicinity of these devices. _The_ third safety consideration is that of _shipping._ Prior art _devices_ containing _methanol_ and ethanol _as_ their _fuels_ have various restrictions placed upon them by those authorities regulating common carriers and other shippers. Thus, prior _art_ devices are more expensive and inconvenient to transport due to the inherent hazards presented by _their_ fuels. _Additionally,_ prior art devices present _a_ disadvantage _in_ that the _range_ of heat developed by such devices _is_ not easily adjustable. Most prior art devices is not _easily_ adjustable. _Most_ _prior_ _art_ devices utilize various mechanical means _to_ _adjust_ _the_ oxygen flow _available_ for combustion of the methanol and ethanol. This arrangement for _control_ of heat _is_ inadequate in many cases where a very low flame is required because the _amount_ _of_ oxygen required for _low_ flame cannot be _adequately_ regulated _using_ _prior_ _art_ mechanical means thus causing the _flame_ _to_ _be_ often spontaneously extinguished. Therefore, _it_ is desireable to provide _a_ burner device _for_ controllably heating and warming _food_ and the like _utilizing_ a new and unique, clean burning, high percentage glycol or glycol derivative fuel having a low vapor pressure and _high_ _flash_ point _relative_ _to_ commonly used _fuels_ such as methanol and _ethanol._ _Moreover,_ _it_ is _desirable_ that such _a_ burner utilize a fuel which is nontoxic and produces a _low_ level of nontoxic vapors. It is also _desirable_ that such an improved heating device should have a _continually_ adjustable flame by controlling the amount of fuel available for combustion. While the prior art recognizes that glycol or glycol derivatives can be _used_ as _fuel_ additives; these additives are _in_ minimal amounts (i.e. concentrations measured in _parts_ _per_ million) and are included _to_ enhance the characteristics of the primary fuel _component._ _In_ addition, glycol or glycol derivatives in _substantial_ concentrations _have_ never before been used, or suggested for use, as the _primary_ fuel _component._ Finally, it is desirable to provide a burner that is safe to ship _and_ use _and_ has minimal regulatory restrictions on shipment and storage relative _to_ prior art devices. |
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which saves a print job transmitted from an information processing apparatus for each user, and a controlling method for the image processing apparatus.
Description of the Related Art
An MFP (multi function peripheral) which is equipped with an image reading device, a printing device and a communicating device and has image processing applications of copying, printing, scanned-image transmitting and the like has been known. Moreover, since security consciousness has increased recently, a great number of MFPs have user authentication functions respectively. In the MFP like this, inputs of a user name and a password are accepted as authentication information via a touch panel, and/or authentication information is read and obtained from a card by using a card authentication function. However, to input the user name, the password and the like from the touch panel on the MFP or to install the card authentication function is troublesome for a user who wishes to use the MFP immediately and promptly in the aspects of costs and operability. Moreover, in the situation that the authentication function has not been installed because sever security is not so required, there are users who cannot use a personalization function of the MFP because there is no authentication function and thus cannot have usability.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-254618 discloses, as the means for saving user's trouble and enabling a user to easily use the personalization function, the MFP which displays the icon image associated with the user on the screen, and by which the user only has to select the displayed own icon image for using the personalization function.
In the MFP disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-254618, the user is automatically registered by using, as the user ID for identifying the user, the job owner name and the computer name added in the print data for which the printing has been instructed from a PC (personal computer). However, since the users work in various office environments, there is a case where, in a small-scale office environment, the domain is not used in the user authentication for the PC but the local authentication is used. On the contrary, it is supposed that, in a large-scale office environment, the domain is used in the user authentication for the PC. Further, there is an environment that one user owns a plurality of PCs in the same office and logs in to each PC via the user authentication using the domain. | Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which saves a print job transmitted from an information processing apparatus for each user, and a controlling method for the image processing apparatus. Description of the Related Art An MFP (multi function peripheral) which is equipped with an image reading device, a printing device and a communicating device and has image processing applications of copying, printing, scanned-image transmitting and the like has been known. Moreover, since security consciousness has increased recently, a great number of MFPs have user authentication functions respectively. In the MFP like this, inputs of a user identify and a password are accepted as authentication information via a touch panel, and/or authentication information is read and obtained from a card by using a card authentication function. However, to input the user name, the password and the like from the touch panel on the MFP or to install the card authentication function is troublesome for a user who wishes to use the MFP immediately and promptly in the aspects of costs and operability. Moreover, in the situation that the authentication function has not been installed because sever security is not so required, there are users who cannot use a personalization function of the MFP because there is no authentication function and thus cannot have usability. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-254618 discloses, as the means for saving user's trouble and enabling a user to easily use the personalization function, the MFP which displays the icon image associated with the user on the screen, and by which the user only has to select the displayed own icon image for using the personalization function. In the MFP disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-254618, the user is automatically registered by using, as the user ID for identifying the user, the job owner name and the computer name added in the print data for which the printing has been instructed from a PC (personal computer). However, since the users work in various office environments, there is a case where, in a small-scale office environment, the domain is not used in the user authentication for the PC but the local authentication is used. On the contrary, it is supposed that, in a large-scale office environment, the domain is used in the user authentication for the PC. Further, there is an environment that one user owns a plurality of PCs in the same office and logs in to each PC via the user authentication using the domain. | Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which saves a print job transmitted from an information processing apparatus for each user, and a controlling method for the image processing apparatus. Description of the Related Art An MFP (multi function peripheral) which is equipped with an image reading device, a printing device and a communicating device and has image processing applications of copying, printing, scanned - image transmitting and the like has been known. Moreover, since security consciousness has increased recently, a great number of MFPs jaGe user authentication functions respectively. In the MFP like this, inputs of a user name and a password are accepted as authentication information via a touch panel, and / or authentication information is read and obtained from a card by using a cwrr authentication funxtJon. HoQevef, to input the user name, the password and the like from the touch panel on the MFP or to install the card authentication function is troub/esom2 for a user who wishes to use the MFP immediately and promptly in the aspects of costs and operability. Moreover, in the situation that the authentication function has not been installed because sever security is not so required, there are users who cannot use a personalization function of the MFP because there is no authentication function and thus cannot have usability. Japanese Patent ApOliSation Laid - Open No. 2012 - 254618 discloses, as the means for saving 6srr ' s trouble and enabling a user to easily use the personalization function, the MFP which displays the ic9b image associated with the user on the screen, and by which the user only has to select the displayed own icon image for using the personalization function. In the MFP disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open No. 2012 - 25%^18, the user is automatically registered by using, as the user ID for identifying the user, the job owner name and the computer name added in the print data for which the printing has been instructed from a PC (personal computer ). However, since the users work in various office environments, there is a case where, in a small - scale office environment, the domain is not used in the user authentication for the PC but the local authentication is used. On the contrary, it is supposed that, in a large - scale office environment, the domW*n is used in the user authentication for the PC. Further, there is an environment that one user owns a plurality of PCs in the same office and logs in to each PC via the user authentication using the domain. | Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which saves print transmitted from an information processing apparatus for each user, and a controlling method for the image processing apparatus. Description of the Related Art An MFP (multi function peripheral) which equipped with an reading a printing device and a communicating device image processing applications of copying, printing, scanned-image transmitting and like has been known. Moreover, since security consciousness has increased recently, a number of MFPs user authentication functions respectively. In the MFP like this, inputs of a user name and a password accepted authentication information a touch panel, and/or authentication information is read and obtained from a card by using a card authentication function. However, to input the user name, the password and like from the touch panel on the MFP to install the card authentication is a user who wishes to use the immediately and promptly in the of costs and operability. Moreover, in the situation that authentication function has been installed because sever security is not so required, there are who cannot a personalization function of the MFP because there is no authentication function thus cannot have Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-254618 as the means for saving user's trouble and enabling a user to easily use the personalization function, the MFP which displays the icon image associated with the user on the screen, and by which the user only to select the displayed own image for using the personalization function. In the MFP disclosed in Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-254618, the user is automatically registered by using, as the user ID identifying the user, the job owner name and the computer name added in the print data for printing been instructed from a (personal computer). However, since the users work in various environments, there is a case where, in a small-scale office environment, the domain is not used in the user authentication for the but the local authentication is used. On the contrary, it is supposed that, a office environment, the domain is used in the user authentication for the PC. Further, there is an environment that one user owns a plurality of PCs in the same office logs in to each PC via the user authentication using the domain. | FIeld oF ThE iNVeNtIOn
thE PrEseNt InvEntiON rELaTeS TO AN ImaGE pROcESsING aPpARATuS WHIch saveS A Print JOB TRANsMItTED FROM An INfORmAtioN PrOCessINg APPARATUS FOr eACH useR, aNd A ContrOlliNG MeThOd FOR THE iMaGe prOcesSING APpaRATUS.
deScRIpTION Of tHe reLaTED aRt
An MFp (MUltI FUNCTIOn pERIPHeRal) whiCH iS eQUIppeD WIth AN ImagE rEADINg dEVIcE, a pRinting dEvIcE And a COMmunICaTING DEviCe And hAs Image PROcesSINg apPLICatIons Of cOPYIng, PRinTInG, scAnneD-imaGe trANSmittiNG aNd the LIKE HAs bEen KNowN. mOREOVer, sinCe SeCuriTY cONsCioUSNesS hAS INcreAsED recEntly, a greAT NUmbER oF mfPs haVe uSer AUTheNtiCAtioN fuNctIOns ReSpectIVELy. IN thE MFp lIke ThiS, inputs of a UsER NAME aND a paSSWORD arE accepTED aS aUThENticATioN InfORmATIOn VIA a tOucH PANeL, aNd/oR aUthentiCATiOn INfORMATION is rEAd And OBtAineD FroM a Card BY UsINg a cArD aUthEnTICatioN fuNCTION. hOWevEr, TO iNPUt thE USEr NaMe, thE PAsSWOrD AnD ThE LiKE FrOM tHE tOUch PanEl on the Mfp Or To iNstAll thE CarD aUthEnTICATioN FuNctIon Is tROublEsOMe fOr A uSEr WhO wiSheS tO USE thE Mfp ImMedIATely And prOMPTLy IN tHE aSpECTS of CoStS And OPERABILity. MOrEOVeR, IN tHe sItuATion tHAt the AuTHEnticatiOn fUnCTIoN HAS NOT BeEn InSTalleD bEcAuSE sevER sECUrITy IS Not so REqUiREd, THere arE uSERs wHo CANNot usE a peRSonalization FuncTION Of THE mfP bEcAuSe theRe iS nO AUtHenTiCaTion FuncTION anD tHus cAnNOt HaVe USAbIliTy.
JAPANEse paTeNT aPPLiCatIon LAID-oPEn No. 2012-254618 dISCLosES, as thE meANs FOR SAVING uSER'S tROuBle and eNABlING A user TO EAsily USE ThE PerSONaLIzAtION FuncTiOn, THE MFp WhICH DisPlAYs tHE iCon imagE asSOcIaTEd with The uSEr On tHe sCreEn, ANd by wHicH The USeR ONLY haS TO Select tHE DISPlaYeD OWN ICon IMagE fOr using tHe PeRSonaLIZaTIoN FuNCtiOn.
IN The mFP disclosed iN JapaNesE paTEnT apPlICation lAID-opEn nO. 2012-254618, the useR iS AUtOmaTIcAllY rEGISTEred by UsIng, aS thE USer Id fOr IdentifyinG thE uSer, tHe JoB oWNeR nAme aNd the ComPuTEr nAMe AdDeD in ThE PriNT datA foR WHiCH the priNtinG HAs beeN InSTRUCTEd froM a pc (PErSOnal cOmPUtER). hoWEvEr, SInCe the USErS Work In VarIOUS ofFICe ENViRONmENTS, TheRE iS a cAse WheRe, in A smAlL-sCaLE OfFiCE eNviRoNMEnt, ThE dOMAiN IS noT UseD iN The uSeR autHENTiCatIoN foR THE pC bUt The LOcal AutHentiCatIon is uSEd. oN The cOnTrarY, It iS SuPpOsEd ThaT, iN A LARgE-SCALE OFFiCe EnvIROnMent, tHE dOmAin iS USEd In ThE usER AutheNtiCATIon foR tHe pC. FurtHer, There is an envIrONMENt THAT ONE UsER owNs a pluRality OF PCs In The sAMe OffiCE aNd LoGs IN to eACh pC vIA tHE uSEr aUtheNTication USinG ThE dOMain. | Field of the Invention The present invention relatestoan image processing apparatus which savesa printjob transmitted from an information processing apparatus for each user, and acontrolling method for the image processing apparatus. Description of theRelated Art An MFP (multi function peripheral) whichis equipped with an image reading device, a printing device and acommunicating device and has image processingapplications of copying, printing, scanned-image transmitting and the like has been known. Moreover, since security consciousness has increased recently, a greatnumberof MFPs have user authentication functions respectively. In the MFP like this, inputs of a user name and a password are accepted as authentication information via a touch panel, and/or authentication informationis read and obtained from a card by using a card authentication function. However, to input the user name, the password and the likefrom the touch panel on the MFP or toinstall the card authentication functionis troublesomefor a user who wishes to use the MFP immediately and promptly in the aspects of costs and operability. Moreover,in the situation that theauthentication function has not beeninstalled because seversecurity is not so required, there are users whocannot use apersonalizationfunction of the MFP because there is noauthenticationfunction and thus cannot have usability. Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-OpenNo. 2012-254618 discloses, as the means for saving user'strouble andenabling a user to easily usethepersonalization function, the MFP which displays the icon image associated with the useron thescreen, and by which the useronly has to select the displayed ownicon image for using the personalization function. In theMFP disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-OpenNo. 2012-254618, the user isautomatically registered by using, as theuser ID for identifying the user, the job ownername and the computer name added in the print data for which the printing has been instructed from a PC(personal computer). However, sincethe users work in various office environments, thereis a case where, in a small-scale office environment, the domain is not used in the user authenticationfor the PC but the local authentication isused. On the contrary, it is supposed that, in alarge-scale office environment, the domain is used in the user authentication for the PC. Further, there is an environment that one user owns a plurality of PCs in the same office and logs in to each PC via the user authentication using thedomain. | _Field_ _of_ the Invention The _present_ invention relates to an image processing apparatus which saves _a_ print job _transmitted_ from _an_ information processing apparatus for _each_ user, and a controlling method for the image _processing_ apparatus. Description of the Related Art An MFP (multi function _peripheral)_ which is equipped with _an_ image _reading_ device, _a_ printing device and a communicating device and has image processing _applications_ of copying, printing, scanned-image _transmitting_ and _the_ like _has_ _been_ known. Moreover, since _security_ consciousness has increased recently, a _great_ _number_ of MFPs have user authentication functions respectively. In the MFP like this, inputs of a user name and a password _are_ _accepted_ as authentication information via a _touch_ panel, _and/or_ authentication _information_ is read and obtained from a card _by_ _using_ a card authentication function. However, to input the user name, the password and the _like_ from the _touch_ panel on the MFP or to install the card authentication function is troublesome for a user who wishes to use the MFP immediately _and_ promptly in the aspects of costs and operability. Moreover, in the situation that the authentication function has not been installed because _sever_ security is not so required, there _are_ users who cannot use a personalization function _of_ the MFP because there is no authentication function and thus cannot have usability. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-254618 discloses, as the means for saving user's _trouble_ and enabling a user to easily use _the_ _personalization_ function, the MFP which displays the icon _image_ _associated_ with _the_ user _on_ the screen, and by _which_ the user only has to _select_ _the_ displayed own icon image for using the personalization function. In the MFP disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-254618, the user is automatically registered _by_ using, _as_ the _user_ ID _for_ identifying the user, the job owner name _and_ the computer _name_ added in the print data for which the printing has been instructed from _a_ PC _(personal_ _computer)._ _However,_ _since_ the _users_ work _in_ various office environments, there is a case where, in _a_ small-scale office environment, the domain is not used in _the_ user authentication for the PC _but_ _the_ local authentication is used. On _the_ contrary, it is _supposed_ that, in _a_ large-scale office _environment,_ the domain is used _in_ the user authentication for the _PC._ Further, there is an environment that one user owns _a_ plurality of PCs in the same office and logs in to each _PC_ via the _user_ authentication using _the_ _domain._ |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having a function for correcting an in-focus position detected by a phase difference AF (autofocus) method or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, in a single lens reflex camera which is arranged to attain an in-focused state by the phase difference AF, there is a case where in association with long-time use of the camera, a position which is recognized as an in-focus position is changed due to long-time use of each of a lens and a camera body and an in-focus precision deteriorates to a level lower than an initial precision. In the case of the lens, a case where while the lens is driven to a correct in-focus position, a lens stop position may be shifted from the correct position due to a mechanical deterioration caused by long-time use of a camera is considered. In the case of the camera body, there is considered a case where a mirror which is used in a phase difference detection method is driven many times so that an angle of the mirror is gradually changed and this causes change of an angle at which incident object light is guided to an AF sensor so that a position shifted from the correct in-focus position is recognized as an in-focus position. In the foregoing case, a unit for shifting the in-focus position to an original state without allowing the user to bring the camera to a service center has been installed in a recent image pickup apparatus.
In the detection of the in-focus position by the phase difference AF, there is a case where the correct in-focus position cannot be detected by an influence by colors, types, and the like of a light source and a photographing object. If such a problem occurs, such a technique that the detected in-focus position is corrected by the phase difference AF in accordance with an environment where the camera is used is considered. At this time, in a construction in which there are a plurality of focus adjustment areas (AF frames) for the phase difference AF, there is a case where the correction is necessary every AF frame or the like. However, if the number of portions to be corrected increases, there raises an actual problem such that it is difficult for a user to spend time to make individual correction each time the correction is necessary. Therefore, the user wants to correct in accordance with the AF frame which the user wants to use by himself. The Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-292684 discloses a function (AF calibration) which can automatically correct the in-focus position of the phase difference AF by using a contrast detection method. A correction value can be held every focal length.
However, in the technique disclosed in the above patent literature, in the case where there are a plurality of AF frames for the phase difference AF, there is not a control technique about how to select the AF frame which is used for correction of the in-focus position by the phase difference AF when a limitation processing of a selection of the AF frames is executed at the time of photographing. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having a function for correcting an in-focus position detected by a phase difference AF (autofocus) method or the like. 2. Description of the Related Art In the related art, in a single lens reflex camera which is arranged to attain an in-focused state by the phase difference AF, there is a case where in association with long-time use of the camera, a position which is recognized as an in-focus position is changed due to long-time use of each of a lens and a camera body and an in-focus precision deteriorates to a level lower than an initial precision. In the case of the lens, a case where while the lens is driven to a correct in-focus position, a lens stop position may be shifted from the correct position due to a mechanical deterioration caused by long-time use of a camera is considered. In the case of the camera body, there is considered a case where a mirror which is used in a phase difference detection method is driven many times so that an angle of the mirror is gradually changed and this causes change of an angle at which incident object light is guided to an AF sensor so that a position shifted from the correct in-focus position is recognized as an in-focus position. In the foregoing case, a unit for shifting the in-focus position to an original state without allowing the user to bring the camera to a service center has been establish in a recent image pickup apparatus. In the detection of the in-focus position by the phase difference AF, there is a case where the correct in-focus position cannot be detected by an influence by colors, types, and the like of a light source and a photographing object. If such a problem occurs, such a technique that the detected in-focus position is corrected by the phase difference AF in accordance with an environment where the camera is used is considered. At this time, in a construction in which there are a plurality of focus adjustment areas (AF frames) for the phase difference AF, there is a case where the correction is necessary every AF frame or the like. However, if the number of portions to be corrected increases, there raises an actual problem such that it is difficult for a user to spend time to make individual correction each time the correction is necessary. Therefore, the user wants to correct in accordance with the AF frame which the user wants to use by himself. The Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-292684 discloses a function (AF calibration) which can automatically correct the in-focus position of the phase difference AF by using a contrast detection method. A correction value can be held every focal length. However, in the technique disclosed in the above patent literature, in the case where there are a plurality of AF frames for the phase difference AF, there is not a control technique about how to select the AF frame which is used for correction of the in-focus position by the phase difference AF when a limitation processing of a selection of the AF frames is executed at the time of photographing. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having a function for correcting an in - focus position detected by a phase difference AF (autofocus) method or the like. 2. Description of the Related Art In the related art, in a single lens reflex camera which is arranged to attain an in - focused state by the phase difference AF, there is a case where in association with long - time use of the camera, a position which is recognized as an in - focus position is changed due to long - time use of each of a lens and a camera body and an in - focus precision deteriorates to a level lower than an initial precision. In the case of the lens, a cxEe whRrf while the lens is driven to a forrecR in - focus position, a lens stop position may be shifted from the correct position due to a mechanical deterioration caused by long - time use of a camera is considered. In the case of the camera body, there is considered a case where a mirror which is *sWd in a phase difference detection method is driven many times so that an angle of the mirror is gradually changed and this causes change of an angle at which incident object light is guided to an AF sensor so that a position EMifted from the correct in - focus position is recognized as an in - focus position. In the foregoing case, a unit for shifting the in - focus position to an original state without allowing the user to bring the camera to a service center has been installed in a recent imSgr pickup apparatus. In the detection of the in - focus position by the phase difference AF, there is a case where the cLrreft in - focus position cannot be detected by an influence by colors, types, and the like of a light source and a photographing object. If such a problem occurs, such a technique that the detected in - focus position is corrected by the phase difference AF in accordance with an environment where the camera is used is considered. At this time, in a construction in which there are a plurality of focus adjustment areas (AF frames) for the phase difference AF, there is a case where the correction is necessary every AF frame or the like. However, if the number of portions to be corrected increases, there raises an actual problem such that it is difficult for a user to spend time to make individual correction each time the correction is necessary. Therefore, the user wants to correct in accordance with the AF frame which the user wants to use by himself. The Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open No. 2000 - 292684 discloses a function (AF calibration) which can automatically correct the in - f8cuA position of the phase difference AF by using a contrast detection method. A correction value can be held every focal length. However, in the technique disclosed in the above patent liteGat Tre, in the case where there are a plurality of AF frames for the phase difference AF, there is not a control technique QbPut how to select the AF frame which is used for correction of the in - focus position by the phase difference AF when a limitation processing of a selection of the AF frames is executed at the time of photographing. | 1. Field of the The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having a function for correcting in-focus detected a phase difference AF (autofocus) method or the like. 2. Description of the Related Art In the art, in a single lens reflex camera is arranged to attain an in-focused state by phase difference AF, there is a case where in association long-time use the camera, a position which is recognized as an in-focus position is changed due to long-time use each of a lens and a camera body and an in-focus precision deteriorates to a lower an initial In the case of lens, a case where while the lens is driven to a correct in-focus position, lens stop position may be shifted from the correct position due to mechanical deterioration by long-time use a camera is considered. In the the camera body, there is a case where a mirror which is used in a phase difference method is driven many times so an angle the mirror is changed and this causes change of an angle which incident object light is guided to an AF sensor that a position shifted from the correct in-focus position is recognized as an in-focus position. the a unit for shifting the in-focus position to an original state without allowing the user to bring the camera to a service center has been installed in a recent image pickup In the detection of in-focus position by the phase difference there is a case where the correct in-focus position cannot be detected by an influence by types, and the like of a light source and a photographing object. If such problem occurs, such a technique that the detected in-focus position is corrected by the phase AF in accordance with an environment where the camera is used is considered. At this time, in a construction in which are a plurality of focus adjustment areas (AF frames) for the phase difference AF, there a the correction is necessary every AF frame or the like. However, if number of portions to corrected increases, there raises an actual problem such that it is difficult for a user to time make individual correction each time the correction is necessary. Therefore, the wants to correct in accordance with the AF frame which the user wants to by himself. The Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-292684 discloses a function (AF calibration) which can automatically correct the in-focus position of the phase difference AF by using a contrast detection method. correction value can be held every focal length. However, in the disclosed in the above patent literature, in the case there are a of for phase difference AF, there is not a control technique about how to the AF frame which is used for correction of the in-focus position by the phase difference AF when a limitation processing of a selection of the AF frames is executed at the time of photographing. | 1. FielD of THe iNVeNTIon
THE presEnt inVENTiOn ReLATeS To An image piCKUP ApPARatUs HAvIng A FuNcTIon FOr corrEctiNG AN iN-foCUS POsItiOn DetEcTeD BY A pHASe DIFfEReNcE aF (AUToFOcUS) mEThOd oR ThE LIKe.
2. DeSCriptIOn OF the Related ARt
iN thE rELATED arT, iN A SiNgLE LEnS REfLeX CamERa WHIcH IS aRraNGEd tO aTtaIN An iN-FOCuSED STaTe bY THE pHASe DIFfEReNce af, thErE is A case WHerE in AsSOciATION With LONG-TIMe USE of THE CAMera, A positIOn WHIch iS RECognIzed aS aN in-FOCUS pOsiTION is chaNged Due to lONG-TiME USe Of each of a LeNS anD a cAMErA BoDY And An iN-focUS pRecISIOn dEterIOrates TO a levEL lOwER thAN An iniTiaL PRECiSIoN. in thE CASE oF thE lEns, A caSE WheRe WHIlE tHe leNS IS DRiVEn TO a CORRECt in-focUS POSiTIoN, a lEns sTOP posITioN mAY bE ShiFtED FRoM thE correCt posiTION DUe to A mechAnIcAl dETeRiOratIOn CaUSeD bY LONG-Time uSE of A CAmerA Is CONSidEREd. IN the cAse OF tHe CaMERA BoDy, ThERe iS CONSidERed A cASe WHERE a miRROr WHicH Is used In A PhASe dIffeRENce DeteCTioN MEtHoD is dRIVeN MaNy tiMeS So tHAT an AnGLe OF The MirRoR Is gradUALLy CHangeD aND tHIS cAuses cHANgE oF AN ANGLe aT WhICh inCIDENt obJecT LiGHt iS GUIDED To An aF sEnsor So ThaT a pOsITiON sHiFteD frOM THe corrEcT In-FOCus POsITIoN iS REcOGNIZEd As An iN-fOCUS poSItIOn. IN THe fOREgOing cASe, A unIT FOr shiftING the iN-FoCUs posiTioN To an OrIgInaL sTAtE wiThOUt alLoWING The User TO bRING THe caMEra To a sErvIce CEnTer Has Been InStaLlEd In a ReceNt Image pICKup appARATUs.
In ThE DETEctION Of tHe IN-focUs PoSITIOn BY THe phaSE diFFerence aF, THERE IS a CASE WHeRE the CorReCT in-FoCus PoSitIOn CANnOt be deTectED by AN infLueNce By cOlORS, TyPeS, AND THe LIke Of a lIGHt sOUrce anD A pHOToGraphINg obJEcT. iF sUCH A pROBlEm OccUrS, suCh a teChnIQue That THe dETEcteD IN-FoCus POsiTIoN IS CORrECted By ThE phasE DIfFeRenCe AF in accoRDAncE wItH an EnvIronMENt wHeRe tHE CAmerA is USED IS cOnSIdeRED. at This timE, IN A CoNstRucTION in WHiCH tHErE Are A pLUraLitY Of FOCus ADJuSTMENT ArEAs (af FrAmEs) FOR THe PhasE DIFfeRENCe aF, ThErE is A casE WHere THE COrreCTION Is nEcESsAry EvERy Af FrAme oR the LiKe. HOWever, If tHe nuMbER OF pORTiONS TO be CORrecTED INCReAseS, thErE RAiSES An actuAL PROBlEm sUCH THat IT IS diffIculT FoR A USer TO sPEnD time To mAkE IndivIDUal cOrrECtIoN EACh TiME THe CoRRecTiOn is NECESSaRy. TheREforE, THe USer wAnTS to cORReCt iN acCoRDaNcE WitH tHe aF fRAmE WHicH THe uSer WAnts tO use bY HiMsELf. the JaPANEse pAtENT APplICaTION laiD-OPen No. 2000-292684 dIScLOSEs a funCTIon (aF CaLIBRAtION) WHiCh can aUtOmaticALly COrrect tHE IN-fOcus posiTiOn OF The PHASE DiffERence AF by UsInG a coNTrAsT DEtectIon MeTHod. A cORreCtiOn vAluE Can bE HeLD eVEry FOCal LeNgTh.
HoWEVER, in the TEchnIqUE DIscLOSeD iN ThE abOvE PAtenT LitERatuRe, iN THE cASe WhERe THerE ArE a PLuraLITY Of AF fRAMes fOr tHE phASE dIFFeReNce aF, tHERE IS nOT A COnTRoL TeChNiqUE AbOUt HOw TO SelECT tHE aF Frame whICH Is usEd foR CORRecTiON of thE iN-fOCUS PoSitIoN bY the PhAse dIffErenCe aF WhEn A LimITaTion pROcesSiNg Of a seLECTioN of ThE AF FrAMes iS exECUtED AT tHE Time oF pHotoGrAPhiNG. | 1. Field ofthe Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having a function for correcting anin-focus position detected by a phase differenceAF (autofocus) method orthe like. 2. Description of the Related Art In the related art, inasingle lens reflex camera which is arranged to attain an in-focused state by the phase difference AF, there is a case where in association with long-time use of the camera, a position which is recognized as anin-focus position is changed due to long-timeuse of each ofa lens and acamera body and an in-focus precision deteriorates to alevellower than an initial precision. In the case of the lens, a case where while the lens is driven to a correct in-focus position, a lens stop position may be shifted from the correct position due to a mechanical deterioration caused bylong-time use of a camera is considered. In the case of the camera body, there isconsidered acase where amirror which is used in a phase difference detection method is driven manytimes so thatan angle of the mirroris gradually changed and this causes change of an angle at which incident object light isguided to an AF sensor so that a position shifted from the correct in-focus position is recognizedas an in-focus position. In the foregoing case, a unit for shifting the in-focus position toan original statewithout allowing theuser to bring the camerato a service center has been installed in a recent imagepickup apparatus. In the detection of thein-focus position by the phase difference AF, there is a case where the correct in-focus position cannot be detected by an influence by colors, types, and the likeof a light source and a photographing object. If such a problem occurs,such a techniquethat the detected in-focusposition is corrected by the phase difference AF in accordance with an environment wherethe camerais used is considered. At this time,in a construction inwhichthere are a pluralityof focus adjustment areas (AF frames) for the phase difference AF, there is a case where the correction is necessary every AFframeor the like. However, if the number of portions to be corrected increases, there raises an actual problem such that it is difficult for a user to spendtime to make individual correction each time the correction is necessary. Therefore, theuserwants to correct in accordance with the AFframe whichthe user wants to useby himself. The Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 2000-292684 discloses a function (AF calibration) which can automatically correctthe in-focusposition ofthe phasedifference AF by usinga contrast detection method. A correction value canbe held every focallength. However, in thetechnique disclosed intheabove patent literature, in the casewherethere are a plurality ofAF frames for the phase differenceAF, there is not a control technique about how to select theAFframe which is used for correction ofthe in-focus position by thephase difference AF when a limitation processing ofa selection of the AF frames is executed atthe time of photographing. | 1. Field _of_ the Invention The present invention _relates_ _to_ an _image_ pickup apparatus _having_ a _function_ for correcting an in-focus _position_ detected by _a_ phase difference AF (autofocus) _method_ or the _like._ 2. Description of the Related Art In _the_ related _art,_ in a single lens reflex camera which is arranged to attain an in-focused state _by_ the phase difference AF, there is _a_ case where in association with long-time _use_ of _the_ camera, a _position_ _which_ _is_ recognized as _an_ in-focus position is changed due to _long-time_ _use_ of each of a _lens_ _and_ a camera _body_ and an in-focus _precision_ deteriorates to _a_ level lower _than_ an _initial_ precision. In _the_ case of the lens, a case where _while_ the lens _is_ driven to a correct in-focus _position,_ a lens stop position _may_ be shifted from the _correct_ position due _to_ a mechanical deterioration caused by long-time use of a camera is considered. In the case of the camera body, there is considered a case _where_ a mirror _which_ is used in a phase difference detection method is driven many times so that an angle _of_ the mirror is gradually changed and this causes change of _an_ _angle_ at which incident object light _is_ guided _to_ an _AF_ sensor so that _a_ position shifted from the _correct_ in-focus position is recognized as _an_ in-focus position. In the foregoing case, _a_ unit for shifting the in-focus position to an original state without _allowing_ the user to _bring_ the camera to a _service_ center has _been_ _installed_ in a recent _image_ pickup _apparatus._ In the detection of the _in-focus_ position _by_ _the_ phase difference AF, there _is_ a case where _the_ correct in-focus position cannot be _detected_ by an influence by colors, types, and the like of a light source and a photographing object. If _such_ a problem occurs, such _a_ technique that the detected in-focus position _is_ _corrected_ by the phase difference AF _in_ accordance with an environment where the camera is used is considered. At this time, _in_ a construction in _which_ there are a plurality of focus adjustment areas (AF _frames)_ _for_ the _phase_ difference AF, there is a _case_ where the correction is necessary _every_ _AF_ _frame_ or the like. However, if the _number_ of portions to be corrected increases, there raises an actual problem such that _it_ is difficult for a _user_ to spend time _to_ make individual correction each time _the_ correction _is_ necessary. Therefore, the user wants to _correct_ in accordance with the AF frame which the user wants to use by _himself._ The Japanese Patent _Application_ Laid-Open No. _2000-292684_ _discloses_ a function (AF calibration) which can _automatically_ correct the _in-focus_ position of the _phase_ difference AF by using _a_ contrast _detection_ method. A correction value can be held every focal length. However, in the technique _disclosed_ in the above patent literature, in the case _where_ there are a _plurality_ of AF frames _for_ the _phase_ _difference_ AF, there is _not_ a control technique about _how_ to select _the_ AF frame which is _used_ for correction of the in-focus _position_ _by_ _the_ phase difference AF when a limitation processing _of_ a _selection_ _of_ the AF frames is _executed_ _at_ the time of photographing. |
Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) optical devices may include an active surface layer that includes waveguides, optical modulators, detectors, CMOS circuitry, metal leads for interfacing with external semiconductor chips, and the like. Although crystalline silicon is excellent at forming waveguides with submicron dimensions, silicon is a poor material for both generating and absorbing light at wavelengths used for digital communication. While III-V semiconductors are better suitable for forming optical sources, these materials have a lattice constant that is much different than crystalline silicon which means these semiconductors cannot be directly grown on silicon using typical CMOS fabrication techniques without defects.
To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation. | Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) optical devices may include an active surface layer that includes waveguides, optical modulators, detectors, CMOS circuitry, metal leads for interfacing with external semiconductor chips, and the like. Although crystalline silicon is excellent at forming waveguides with submicron dimensions, silicon is a poor material for both generating and absorbing light at wavelengths used for digital communication. While III-V semiconductors are better suitable for forming optical sources, these materials have a lattice constant that is much different than crystalline silicon which means these semiconductors cannot be directly grown on silicon using typical CMOS fabrication techniques without defects. To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in i embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation. | Silicon - on - Insulator (SOI) optical devices may include an avtiBe surface Kaher that includes waveguides, optical modulators, detectors, CMOS circuitry, metal leads for interfacing with external semiconductor fhkps, and the like. Although crystalline silicon is excellent at forming waveguides with submicron dimensjonw, silicon is a poor material for both generating and absorbing light at wavelengths used for digital communication. WJipe III - V semiconductors are better suitable for forming optical sources, %heXe materials have a lattice constant that is much different than crystalline silicon which means these semiconductors cannot be directly grown on silicon using typical CMOS fabrication techniques #itho^t defects. To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, wNDre poAs&ble, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without soecifix recitation. | Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) optical devices may include an active surface layer that includes waveguides, optical modulators, detectors, CMOS circuitry, for interfacing with external semiconductor chips, and like. crystalline silicon is at forming waveguides with submicron dimensions, silicon is poor material for both generating and absorbing light wavelengths for digital communication. While semiconductors are better suitable for forming optical sources, these materials have a lattice constant that is much different than silicon which means these semiconductors cannot be directly on silicon using typical CMOS fabrication techniques without defects. To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other without specific recitation. | sIliCon-on-INsUlatoR (SoI) Optical devICES MAY INclude aN ACtivE sUrfaCe LayEr ThAt inCLudES wAveGuiDeS, oPTIcAl modUlaToRS, detectorS, cMOs cIrcuITry, MetAL lEAdS fOr INterfACINg wITh ExternaL SEmIconDUcToR ChiPs, AnD thE LIKe. altHoUGH CrySTAlLiNe sIlIcoN iS excELlENT at FORMInG WaveGuiDeS wiTH SuBmicron DIMenSIonS, siLicON IS A POoR maTERIal FOR both GeneRaTInG And AbSOrBiNG LIgHT At wavELENgTHs UsED FOR dIgItAL commUNICatION. whilE IiI-V SEmIcONDuCtORS aRE beTter sUITabLe For foRMiNG oPtIcAl sOuRcES, tHESe MATeriaLS Have a lATtICE CONSTaNT tHAT iS mUcH DIffeRenT ThAn CRYStalLinE SiLicON whiCH meANS tHese SEmIcONDuCtORS caNnot BE diReCtlY GrowN on SiliCOn usInG tYpical CMoS fABRicatiON techNiQuES wITHout DEfECts.
TO faCiLItAtE UnDeRsTaNDINg, iDenTIcAl REFErEnCe nuMerAls HAvE Been USeD, wHEre POSSibLe, To deSIgnaTe IdEnTicAl eLEMenTS tHAT ARE cOmmOn To THE FIgUReS. It IS conteMPlatEd THAt ElEmeNts disclosED In one EMBODiMENt May BE beNefIcIAllY UtILIzED ON OtheR EmbODiMENtS wIthoUt SPECIFiC rECitatIon. | Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) optical devices may include an active surface layer that includes waveguides, optical modulators, detectors, CMOS circuitry, metalleads for interfacingwith external semiconductor chips, and the like. Although crystalline silicon is excellent at forming waveguides with submicrondimensions, silicon is apoor material for both generatingandabsorbing lightat wavelengths used fordigital communication. While III-V semiconductors are better suitable for forming optical sources, these materials have a lattice constant that is much different than crystalline siliconwhich means these semiconductors cannot be directly grown on silicon using typical CMOS fabrication techniques without defects. Tofacilitateunderstanding, identical referencenumerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed inone embodiment may be beneficiallyutilized on other embodiments without specificrecitation. | Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) optical devices _may_ include _an_ active surface layer that includes _waveguides,_ _optical_ modulators, detectors, CMOS circuitry, metal leads for interfacing with _external_ semiconductor chips, _and_ the like. _Although_ crystalline _silicon_ _is_ excellent at forming waveguides with submicron dimensions, _silicon_ is _a_ _poor_ material for both _generating_ and absorbing light _at_ wavelengths used for digital communication. While _III-V_ _semiconductors_ are better suitable for forming optical sources, _these_ _materials_ _have_ a lattice _constant_ that is much different than crystalline silicon which means _these_ semiconductors cannot be directly _grown_ on silicon _using_ typical CMOS fabrication techniques _without_ defects. _To_ facilitate understanding, identical _reference_ _numerals_ have _been_ used, _where_ possible, to _designate_ _identical_ elements that _are_ _common_ to _the_ figures. _It_ is contemplated that _elements_ disclosed _in_ one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without _specific_ _recitation._ |
Tube and shell heat exchangers have long been known as useful tools for heating fluids and using thermal energy. Such tube and shell heat exchangers have been developed to a significant degree of sophistication. These heat exchangers comprise a shell surrounding a tube bundle usually attached to a tube sheet. Fluid flowing through the shell is subjected to indirect heat exchange with another fluid flowing through the tubes.
Effective utilization of tube and shell heat exchangers as well as the avoiding of mechanical problems and the reduction of thermal stress in such apparatus is continuing goal in the industry. | Tube and shell heat exchangers have long been known as useful tools for heating fluids and using thermic energy. Such tube and shell heat exchangers have been developed to a significant degree of sophistication. These heat exchangers comprise a shell surrounding a tube bundle usually attached to a tube sheet. Fluid flowing through the shell is subjected to indirect heat exchange with another fluid flowing through the tubes. Effective utilization of tube and shell heat exchangers as well as the avoiding of mechanical problems and the reduction of thermal stress in such apparatus is continuing goal in the industry. | Tube and shell heat exchangers have long been known as useful fooos for heating fluids and using thermal energy. Such tube and shell heat exchangers have been developed to a significant degree of sophistication. These heat exchangers comprise a shr,l surrounding a thVe bundle us&a<ly attached to a tube sheet. Fluid flowing through the shell is subj3cteC to indirect heat exchange with ahotMer fluid flowing through the H*bes. Effective utiOizatiin of tube and shell heat exchangers as Efll as the avoiding of mechanical problems and the reduction of thermal stress in such apparatus is continuing goal in the inWustr6. | and shell heat exchangers long been known as useful tools for heating fluids and using thermal energy. Such tube and shell heat exchangers have been to a significant degree of sophistication. These heat exchangers comprise a shell surrounding a tube bundle usually attached to a tube sheet. Fluid flowing through the shell is subjected to indirect heat exchange with fluid flowing through the Effective utilization of tube and heat exchangers as well as the of mechanical problems and the reduction of thermal stress in such apparatus is continuing the industry. | tube AnD ShEll heAT ExcHANgErs HavE LonG bEEn KNowN AS useFuL TooLS FOR heATiNG FLUids aNd usinG TheRmaL EnERGy. SUCH TUbE AnD sHElL HEaT eXChAngErS hAve BEEN deVeloPed to a sIgniFicanT degrEe Of SoPhisticAtiOn. THese heat ExCHANGErs ComPRiSE A SHELl SuRroUNdiNg a TubE buNdlE uSuALly ATTacHEd To a TUbe sheet. fLuiD flowInG tHRoUgh tHe SHeLl Is sUbJeCTEd tO InDiReCT HEaT ExCHAnGe with AnoTHer fLuid fLOwInG tHrough thE TUBes.
eFfEcTIvE utILizaTION oF tubE AND sHelL heat ExcHanGers As WeLL AS ThE AvoiDIng oF mEChANicaL pROblemS AND tHE ReDuCTiON OF THErMAl STreSS IN sUCH aPpArAtus Is CoNTinUinG gOaL in thE INdUsTRy. | Tube and shell heat exchangers have longbeen known as useful tools for heating fluids and using thermal energy. Such tube and shell heat exchangershave been developed to a significant degreeof sophistication. These heat exchangerscomprise a shell surroundinga tube bundle usuallyattached to a tube sheet. Fluidflowing through the shell is subjected to indirect heatexchange with another fluid flowing throughthe tubes. Effective utilization of tube andshell heat exchangers as wellas the avoidingof mechanical problems andthe reductionof thermalstress in such apparatus is continuing goal inthe industry. | Tube and shell heat exchangers _have_ _long_ _been_ known as useful tools for heating fluids and using thermal _energy._ _Such_ tube _and_ _shell_ _heat_ exchangers have been developed to a _significant_ _degree_ of _sophistication._ These _heat_ exchangers comprise a shell surrounding a tube bundle _usually_ attached to a tube sheet. Fluid _flowing_ through the _shell_ is subjected to indirect heat exchange with another fluid flowing through the tubes. Effective utilization of tube and shell heat exchangers as _well_ as the _avoiding_ of mechanical problems _and_ the reduction _of_ thermal stress in _such_ apparatus is continuing goal _in_ the industry. |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to the field of electronic data storage, analysis, and recovery. Specifically, the invention relates to a system used for arranging and organizing data backup, computing system operation data, storing system data, monitoring and analyzing collected historical system data, predicting a future system occurrence, taking the appropriate steps to notify a specified party of a future occurrence, and taking the appropriate steps to correct or prevent a future occurrence.
2. Description of Related Art
Data backup is often recognized as a necessity for nearly all computer-based systems. Businesses and other enterprises that rely heavily on computer systems are often paralyzed in the event of a system failure or a data loss. These failures can lead to lost profits and high repair and recovery costs. Furthermore, many computer systems handle sensitive and valuable data, which holds significant value.
Because of the importance and value of continuous system operation and reliable data storage, a number of methods have been devised for data backup. Many of these methods employ large data storage media (such as tapes, high-capacity hard drives, etc.) that are used to periodically transcribe a system's body of data.
These backup systems, while effective in copying large amounts of data, have a number of shortcomings. Firstly, many systems do not employ a media management system, which tracks the appropriate media for a given backup. Secondly, present day backup systems do not continuously monitor a system's performance. And lastly, these systems are not able to predict when a system may become unstable, so that system failures can be predicted and prevented.
Additionally, the software industry is currently developing within a paradigm of scarcity. There is not enough storage capacity for current needs, so as little as possible is stored. According to Moore's Law: “. . . computing power per unit cost will continue to grow exponentially.” “In this form, “Moore's law” has a factual basis and has proven useful for planning purposes. The most rigorous interpretation of Moore's law is that the total number of transistors on the cheapest CPU will grow exponentially at a constant rate and that this constant rate produces a doubling every 12 (or 18, or 24) months. This variant oversimplifies a complex history.” (Quoted from Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's law
Assuming that doubling happens every 18 months, the industry, in all of its sub parts, will move from lack of capacity, to more than twice its current requirements. This shift to a “paradigm of plenty” needs to be recognized and understood in order to effectively capitalize on this increase in capacity. Excess capacity will exist in the form of both computing power and data storage. Two logical questions present themselves. What can be stored that we are not storing, and how can that data be used?
We can only store what we have, but increased storage capacity will allow us to include a certain subset of data that is currently being thrown away because it cannot be effectively or economically stored and retrieved. For some industries, this has changed, and for others it will change in the future. A file stored on any digital system (DVD, CD, Hard Drive, Tape Drive, SAN, WAN, etc.) contains a tremendous amount of associated data (termed ‘meta-data’). In the example of a Hard Drive, such examples include file size, file creation date, last access date, last modification date, file permissions, and much more. A web server captures the number of times data was accessed, pages viewed, number of errors, and what IP address accessed the site. In most current systems, each of these pieces of information are recorded for a short time and then deleted. If not deleted, they are normally retained for liability purposes. In such a system, retained data is not stored in an effective manner. Using the proposed platform as described herein, the data can now be reconfigured to perform predictive analysis. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention generally relates to the field of electronic data storage, analysis, and recovery. Specifically, the invention relates to a system used for arranging and organizing data backup, computing system operation data, storing system data, monitoring and analyzing collected historical system data, predicting a future system occurrence, taking the appropriate steps to notify a specified party of a future occurrence, and taking the appropriate steps to correct or prevent a future occurrence. 2. Description of Related Art Data backup is often recognized as a necessity for nearly all computer-based systems. Businesses and other endeavor that rely heavily on computer systems are often paralyzed in the event of a system failure or a data loss. These failures can lead to lost profits and high repair and recovery costs. Furthermore, many computer systems handle sensitive and valuable data, which holds significant value. Because of the importance and value of continuous system operation and reliable data storage, a number of methods have been devised for data backup. Many of these methods employ large data storage media (such as tapes, high-capacity hard drives, etc.) that are used to periodically transcribe a system's body of data. These backup systems, while effective in copying large amounts of data, have a number of shortcomings. Firstly, many systems do not employ a media management system, which tracks the appropriate media for a given backup. Secondly, present day backup systems do not continuously monitor a system's performance. And lastly, these systems are not able to predict when a system may become unstable, so that system failures can be predicted and prevented. Additionally, the software industry is currently developing within a paradigm of scarcity. There is not enough storage capacity for current needs, so as little as possible is stored. According to Moore's Law: “. . . computing power per unit cost will continue to grow exponentially.” “In this form, “Moore's law” has a factual basis and has proven useful for planning purposes. The most rigorous interpretation of Moore's law is that the total number of transistors on the cheapest CPU will grow exponentially at a constant rate and that this constant rate produces a doubling every 12 (or 18, or 24) months. This variant oversimplifies a complex history.” (Quoted from Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's law Assuming that doubling happens every 18 months, the industry, in all of its sub parts, will move from lack of capacity, to more than twice its current requirements. This shift to a “paradigm of plenty” needs to be recognized and understood in order to effectively capitalize on this increase in capacity. Excess capacity will exist in the form of both computing power and data storage. Two logical questions present themselves. What can be stored that we are not storing, and how can that data be used? We can only store what we have, but increased storage capacity will allow us to include a certain subset of data that is currently being thrown away because it cannot be effectively or economically stored and retrieved. For some industries, this has changed, and for others it will change in the future. A file stored on any digital system (DVD, CD, Hard Drive, Tape Drive, SAN, WAN, etc.) contains a tremendous amount of associated data (termed ‘meta-data’). In the example of a Hard Drive, such examples include file size, file creation date, last access date, last modification date, file permissions, and much more. A web server captures the number of times data was accessed, pages viewed, number of errors, and what IP address accessed the site. In most current systems, each of these pieces of information are recorded for a short time and then deleted. If not deleted, they are normally retained for liability purposes. In such a system, retained data is not stored in an effective manner. Using the proposed platform as described herein, the data can now be reconfigured to perform predictive analysis. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention generally relates to the field of electronic data storage, analysis, and recovery. Specifically, the invention relates to a system used for arranging and organizing data bwclup, computing system operation data, storing system data, monitoring and analyzing collected historical system data, predicting a future system occurrence, taking the appropriate steps to notify a specified party of a future occurrence, and taking the appropriate steps to correct or prevent a future occurrence. 2. Description of Related Art Data backup is often recognized as a necessity for nearly all computer - based systems. Businesses and other enterprises that rely heavily on computer systems are Kf5en paralyzed in the event of a system failure or a data loss. These failures can lead to lost profits and high repair and recovery costs. Furthermore, many computer systems handle sensitive and valuable data, which holds significant value. Because of the importance and value of continuous system operation and reliable data storage, a number of methods have been devised for data backup. Many of these methods employ large data storage media (such as tapes, high - capacity hard drives, etc.) that are used to periodically transcribe a system ' s body of data. These backup systems, while effective in copying large amounts of data, have a number of shortcomings. Firstly, many systems do not employ a media management system, which tracks the appropriate media for a given backup. Secondly, present day backup systems do not continuously monitor a system ' s performance. And lastly, these systems are not able to predict when a system may become unstable, so that system failures can be preXocted and prevented. Additionally, the software industry is currently devel9pJng within a paradigm of scarcity. There is not enough storage capacity for current needs, so as little as possible is stored. According to Moore ' s Law: “. .. computing power per unit cost will continue to grow exponentially. ” “ In this form, “ Moore ' s law ” has a factual basis and has proven useful for planning purposes. The most rigorous interpretation of Moore ' s law is that the total number of transistors on the cheapest CPU will grow exponentially at a constant rate and that this constant rate produces a doubling every 12 (or 18, or 24) months. This variant oversimplifies a complex history. ” (Quoted from Wikipedia) http: / / en. wikipedia. org / wiki / Moore ' s law Assuming that doubling happens every 18 months, the industry, in all of its sub parts, will move from lack of capacity, to more than twice its current requirements. This shift to a “ paradigm of plenty ” needs to be recognized and understood in order to effectively capitalize on this increase in capacity. Excess capacity A*ll exist in the form of both computing power and data storage. Two logical questions present themselves. What can be stored that we are not storing, and how can that data be used? We can only store what we have, but increased storage capacity will allow us to imcluxe a certain subset of data that is currently being thrown away because it cannot be effectively or economically stored and reGrievef. For some industries, this has changed, and for others it will change in the future. A file stored on any digital system (DVD, CD, Hard Drive, Tape Drive, SAN, WAN, etc.) contains a tremendous amount of associated data (termed ‘ meta - data ’ ). In the example of a tarv Drive, such examples include file size, file creation date, last access date, last modification date, file permissions, and much more. A web server captures the number of times data was accessed, pqHes viewed, number of errors, and what IP address accessed the site. In most current systems, each of these pieces of information are recorded for a QYort time and then deleted. If not deleted, they are normally retained for liability purposes. In such a system, retained data is not stored in an effective manner. Using the proposed platform as described herein, the data can now be reconfigured to perform predictive analysis. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention generally the field of electronic data storage, analysis, recovery. Specifically, the invention relates to a used for arranging and organizing data backup, computing system operation data, storing system data, monitoring and analyzing collected historical data, a system occurrence, taking appropriate steps to a specified party of a occurrence, and taking the steps correct or prevent a future occurrence. 2. Description of Related Art Data backup is often recognized as a necessity for nearly all computer-based systems. Businesses and other enterprises that rely on computer systems are often paralyzed in the event of a system failure or a data loss. These failures can lead to lost profits and high repair and recovery costs. many computer systems handle sensitive and valuable data, holds significant value. Because of the importance and value of continuous system operation and reliable data storage, a number of methods have been devised for data backup. Many of these methods employ large data storage media (such as tapes, high-capacity hard drives, etc.) are used to periodically transcribe system's body of data. These backup systems, effective in copying large amounts of data, have a number of shortcomings. Firstly, systems do employ a media management system, which tracks the appropriate media for a given backup. Secondly, present day backup systems do not continuously monitor a system's performance. And lastly, these systems are not able to predict a system may become unstable, so that system can be and prevented. Additionally, the software industry is currently developing within a paradigm There is not enough storage capacity for current needs, so as little as possible is stored. to Moore's Law: “. . . computing power per unit cost will continue to grow “In this form, “Moore's law” has a factual and has proven useful for purposes. The most rigorous interpretation of Moore's law is that the total of transistors on the cheapest CPU will grow exponentially at constant rate and that this constant rate produces a doubling every (or 18, or months. This variant oversimplifies a complex (Quoted from Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's law Assuming that doubling happens every 18 the industry, in all of its sub parts, will move from lack capacity, to than twice its current requirements. This shift to a “paradigm of plenty” to be and understood order to effectively on this increase in capacity. Excess will exist in the form both computing and data storage. Two logical questions present themselves. What can be stored that we are not storing, and how can data be used? We can only store we have, increased storage allow us to include certain subset of data that is currently being thrown away because it cannot be effectively or economically stored retrieved. For some industries, this has and for others it will change in the future. A file stored any system (DVD, CD, Hard Drive, Tape Drive, SAN, WAN, etc.) contains a tremendous amount of associated data (termed ‘meta-data’). In the of a Drive, such examples include file size, file creation date, last access date, last modification date, file permissions, and much A web server captures the number of times data was accessed, pages viewed, number of what IP address accessed the site. In most current systems, each of these pieces information recorded for a short time and then deleted. If not deleted, they are normally retained for liability purposes. In such a system, retained data is not stored in an effective manner. proposed platform as described data can now be reconfigured to perform predictive analysis. | 1. fIElD Of THe iNvENtIon
ThIs INVEnTION GEnerALlY rElaTes To The FIeld oF eleCtRoNIc DatA StOrAge, ANAlysIS, aNd reCOVEry. SpEcIFiCaLly, The iNveNtIOn RElatES To a sysTEm uSEd fOR ARranging And ORgAnizING DATA bAcKup, coMputing systeM opErATioN DAtA, StORiNG SYstEM DAtA, moNitorInG And AnALyzInG COllEcTeD HiSToRICAL SYsTEM DatA, PrEdiCtING A FUTURE SYsTem OccuRrEncE, TAkiNg thE APProprIatE STEPs tO NOtIfY a SpeciFIEd PARTY Of a fUTuRE oCcUrrENCe, and Taking The ApprOpriaTe StEpS TO coRreCt Or pRevent a future oCcUrreNCe.
2. DesCrIPTION oF rELaTEd aRT
dATA bAcKUp IS OFten reCOGNIZEd AS A NECESsity for NeaRly alL COMPuTeR-BaSeD SysTeMs. bUSINESses anD othER ENtERPRISEs ThAT rely HEaVIly on COMputEr sySteMs ARe oftEn paralYZeD In the eveNT Of A sYStem faIluRE Or a DaTA LosS. TheSE FailUrES cAn LeAd To Lost PRofITS aNd HIgh rEPaIR AnD ReCOVEry coStS. fUrthErmORE, mAnY cOMPUTer SYStEMs haNDlE SENSITiVe aND vaLuaBLe daTA, wHICh HOLdS siGNiFIcAnT vALue.
becaUsE OF ThE IMporTance aND VAluE of COnTiNuous SYsTEm oPeRatIOn AnD RELiAbLE daTa storage, A NumBER Of MeThODs hAve bEEN dEVISEd For datA BAcKuP. mANY oF TheSe mEthoDS eMploY laRGe Data stORagE mEdIA (SUcH aS tapEs, hIgH-CApaCiTY HaRd drives, ETC.) ThaT arE used tO PeRIoDIcALLy trANsCriBe A SysTeM'S BOdY Of daTA.
tHESE bacKUp SyStEms, whIle EfFeCTIvE in COPyING lARGE amoUntS of dATa, HAve A NuMBeR Of ShoRTcomINgS. FIRsTLY, MaNY systemS do Not eMplOy A meDIa mANaGeMenT SYSTEM, whiCh trAcks THE AppROPRiAtE MeDIa for A Given BACkuP. sEcoNdLy, prESEnt dAy baCkUP SysTEms do NoT conTiNuoUslY MoNitoR A system's pERFormAnce. And lAStly, theSe SySTEMS are noT Able tO prEDict whEn A sysTEm MAY bEcoME UnStABLe, sO tHaT SYSTEM faILUREs cAn Be PreDIcTed And preVENted.
adDITiONaLLy, tHE SoFtwARe iNduStRy IS cuRReNtLy DEvelOpinG wIthIn a paRAdIGM Of SCaRCity. THeRE is nOt enoUGh stORAGE cAPaCiTY foR CUrrEnT NeEds, So as littLe AS POssiblE IS sTOrED. ACcORDiNg to mOoRE's lAw: “. . . COMPuting pOWeR peR UNiT coSt WilL CoNtInue To GrOW expONEnTIally.” “in thiS forM, “MOOrE's LAw” Has a fAcTUAl BaSiS aNd haS pROven USefUL For PLANNING PURPOses. THe MOSt riGoRoUS IntErprEtaTIoN of moore'S LAw Is That thE tOTaL NumbER of TRANsiSTorS on tHE cheAPeST CPu WILl GROw EXPonEnTiAlly aT a ConsTANT ratE And thAt this coNStANT RAtE PROdUcES a douBlinG EVERy 12 (Or 18, oR 24) moNthS. thIs VARIant overSimPLifies A CoMplex HiStory.” (QUoTeD FROm WiKiPeDia) hTTP://En.wIkIPeDia.org/wIkI/MOoRE's LaW
asSumING that DOubLinG hApPeNS eVErY 18 mOnTHS, THE INDusTRY, IN aLl oF Its SUb paRtS, wiLl MOvE fRom lACk oF CaPaciTy, To MoRe thAn twicE ITS CuRRent rEQUiremEnTs. thIS shIFT To A “paRAdIgM OF pLEnty” NEEdS tO be rECOGNizED anD unDersTOoD IN oRDeR to efFeCTIVeLy cAPiTaLIzE oN THis InCreASE In capaCity. exCeSS capaCiTY will EXIst In The FORm Of BoTh cOmPuTING PoWEr aNd daTA StORaGE. two lOGICAl QUestIonS preSEnT THeMsELVES. whaT cAN BE StORED tHat we aRE noT StoriNG, and HoW CAN tHaT Data bE used?
wE cAn oNly stOre wHaT We HAve, BUT increased StORaGE CaPacIty wilL AlLoW US TO inCLUDe a CERtAIn Subset of daTa THaT IS cUrreNTLY BeiNg tHrOWN AWAy BEcAuse It Cannot BE eFFeCTIvElY OR eConomiCAlLy sTOrED ANd RetRIevED. fOR somE iNdusTriEs, this HAS chANgED, aND fOR otHerS IT wilL cHaNge in ThE futURE. A FILe stOred oN aNY dIgital syStem (DVd, cD, HarD dRIvE, tape driVE, SaN, Wan, EtC.) CoNTAiNS A tReMEnDOUs aMOUnT Of assOcIATed daTA (TerMed ‘metA-data’). in tHE eXAmPLe oF A hArD drivE, SUcH eXampLEs iNclUdE fiLe sIzE, File CReAtION date, laST accESS dATE, LAST ModiFICatION daTE, FILE pErMiSsIoNs, aND mUch mOre. a WEB SerVeR CaptureS The NumBeR oF tIMes dATA WAs AccESSED, paGES VIEwED, nuMber OF ErRoRs, anD WhaT ip aDdrESS aCceSseD tHE SiTe. in MOsT CurReNt SYSTemS, eACH of theSe PIECes oF inFoRmaTION aRE RECOrdEd foR A short TImE aNd ThEN DELetED. iF NOT dELEteD, thEY Are NoRMAllY REtAiNed for LIaBilIty puRPOSeS. iN sUcH A sysTem, RetainEd DaTA IS not stORED iN aN EFFEcTIVE MAnNeR. usIng tHE pRopOsEd plAtfORM as descRIbEd HERein, the daTA CAn NoW be REcOnfIGureD tO PeRforM PREDiCTIve ANalYsIs. | 1. Field of the InventionThisinventiongenerally relates to the field of electronic data storage, analysis, and recovery. Specifically, the invention relates to a system used for arranging and organizing databackup, computing system operation data, storing system data, monitoring and analyzing collected historical system data, predictinga futuresystem occurrence,taking the appropriate steps to notify a specified party of afutureoccurrence, and taking the appropriate steps to corrector prevent a futureoccurrence. 2. Description of Related Art Data backup is often recognized asa necessity for nearly all computer-basedsystems. Businesses and other enterprises that rely heavily on computersystems are often paralyzed in the event of a system failure ora data loss. These failures can lead to lost profitsand high repair and recoverycosts. Furthermore, many computer systems handle sensitiveand valuabledata, which holds significant value. Because of the importance and value of continuous system operation and reliable datastorage, a number of methods have been devisedfor data backup. Many of thesemethods employ large data storage media (such as tapes, high-capacity hard drives, etc.) that are used to periodically transcribe a system's body of data. These backup systems, while effective in copying large amountsofdata, have a number of shortcomings. Firstly,many systems do not employ a media management system, which tracks the appropriate media for a given backup.Secondly, present day backup systemsdo not continuously monitor a system's performance.And lastly, these systems are not able to predict when a system may becomeunstable, so that system failurescan be predicted and prevented.Additionally, the software industryis currently developing within a paradigm of scarcity. There is not enough storage capacity forcurrent needs, so as little aspossible is stored. According to Moore'sLaw: “. . . computing power per unit cost will continue to grow exponentially.” “In this form, “Moore's law” has a factualbasis andhas proven useful for planning purposes. The most rigorous interpretation of Moore's law is that the total number of transistors on thecheapest CPU willgrowexponentiallyat a constant rate and that this constant rate produces a doublingevery12 (or18, or 24) months. This variant oversimplifies a complex history.” (Quoted from Wikipedia)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's lawAssuming that doubling happens every 18 months, the industry, in all of its subparts, will movefrom lack of capacity, to more than twice its currentrequirements. This shift to a “paradigm of plenty” needs to be recognized and understood in order to effectively capitalize on this increase in capacity. Excess capacity will exist in the form of both computing power and data storage. Two logical questions present themselves. What can be stored that we are not storing,and how can that data be used? We can only store what we have, but increased storage capacitywillallowus toinclude acertain subset ofdata that is currently being thrown away because itcannot be effectively or economically stored and retrieved. For some industries, this has changed, and for others it will change in the future. A file stored on anydigital system (DVD, CD, Hard Drive, Tape Drive, SAN, WAN, etc.)contains a tremendous amount of associated data(termed ‘meta-data’). In theexampleof a Hard Drive, such examples include file size, file creation date, last access date, last modification date, file permissions,and muchmore. A web server captures the number of times data was accessed, pages viewed, number of errors, andwhat IP addressaccessed the site. In most current systems,each of these pieces of information are recorded for a shorttimeand then deleted. If not deleted, theyare normallyretained forliability purposes. In such a system, retained dataisnot stored in an effective manner.Using the proposed platform asdescribed herein, thedata can now be reconfigured to perform predictive analysis. | _1._ Field of the Invention This invention generally _relates_ _to_ the field of electronic data storage, analysis, and _recovery._ Specifically, _the_ _invention_ _relates_ to a system used for arranging and organizing data backup, computing system operation data, storing system data, monitoring _and_ analyzing collected historical system data, predicting a future system _occurrence,_ taking _the_ _appropriate_ steps to notify a specified party of a future occurrence, and _taking_ the appropriate steps _to_ _correct_ or prevent _a_ future occurrence. 2. Description of Related Art Data backup is often recognized as a necessity for nearly _all_ computer-based systems. Businesses and other enterprises that rely heavily on computer _systems_ are often paralyzed in the event of a system failure _or_ _a_ data loss. These failures can lead to lost profits and high repair and recovery _costs._ Furthermore, many computer systems handle sensitive and _valuable_ data, which holds significant value. Because of the importance and value of continuous system operation and reliable data storage, a number of methods have been devised for data backup. Many of these methods employ large data _storage_ media _(such_ _as_ _tapes,_ _high-capacity_ hard drives, etc.) _that_ are used to periodically _transcribe_ a system's body of data. _These_ backup systems, while effective in copying large amounts of data, have a number of _shortcomings._ _Firstly,_ many systems do _not_ employ a media management system, _which_ tracks the _appropriate_ media for a given backup. _Secondly,_ present day backup systems do not continuously monitor a system's performance. And lastly, these _systems_ are not _able_ to predict when _a_ system _may_ become unstable, so that _system_ failures _can_ be predicted _and_ prevented. _Additionally,_ _the_ software industry is currently developing within a paradigm of scarcity. There is not enough storage capacity _for_ current needs, _so_ as little _as_ possible is stored. According _to_ Moore's Law: “. . _._ computing power per unit cost _will_ continue to grow _exponentially.”_ “In _this_ form, “Moore's law” has a factual _basis_ and has proven useful for _planning_ purposes. _The_ most rigorous _interpretation_ of Moore's law is that the total number of _transistors_ _on_ the _cheapest_ CPU will _grow_ _exponentially_ at a _constant_ _rate_ and _that_ _this_ constant rate produces a doubling every 12 _(or_ 18, or 24) months. This variant oversimplifies a complex history.” (Quoted from Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's law Assuming that _doubling_ happens every 18 months, the industry, in all of its sub parts, will move _from_ lack of capacity, to more than twice its current requirements. This shift to a “paradigm _of_ plenty” needs to be recognized and _understood_ in order to effectively capitalize on this increase in capacity. _Excess_ _capacity_ will _exist_ in _the_ _form_ of both _computing_ _power_ _and_ _data_ storage. Two _logical_ questions present themselves. What can be stored that we are not storing, and how can _that_ data be used? We can _only_ store what we have, but increased _storage_ capacity _will_ allow us to include a certain _subset_ _of_ data that is currently being thrown away because it cannot be effectively or _economically_ stored and retrieved. For some industries, this has changed, and _for_ others it will change in the future. A _file_ stored on _any_ digital system (DVD, CD, Hard Drive, Tape _Drive,_ _SAN,_ WAN, etc.) contains _a_ tremendous _amount_ _of_ associated _data_ _(termed_ ‘meta-data’). In the example of a Hard Drive, _such_ examples include file size, _file_ creation date, last access date, last modification date, _file_ permissions, and much more. _A_ web server captures _the_ number of _times_ data was accessed, pages viewed, number of errors, _and_ what IP address accessed the site. _In_ _most_ current systems, each of these pieces of information are recorded _for_ a _short_ _time_ and then _deleted._ If _not_ deleted, they are normally _retained_ for liability purposes. _In_ such a system, _retained_ _data_ is not stored in an effective manner. Using the proposed _platform_ as described _herein,_ the data can now be reconfigured to perform predictive analysis. |
Bromine is used in a wide range of industries. For example, bromine is used in the manufacture of flameproofing agents, 1,2-dibromoethane (CH2BrCH2Br) (which is used as a petrol additive to prevent lead being deposited in cylinders), compounds used in photography (e.g. silver bromide, AgBr, which is the light sensitive material in film), dyestuffs and drugs; in the analytical laboratory in testing for unsaturation in organic compounds, where bromine adds across the multiple bonds of unsaturated compounds, as a disinfectant; and in making fumigants, water purification compounds, dyes, medicinals; and sanitizers. Bromine can be produced by oxidation of bromides using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. For example, the following reaction is suitable: H2O2+2HBrBr2+2H2O (Reaction (1)). Bromine can also be produced by oxidation of bromides using chlorine as the oxidant. For example, the following reaction is suitable: 2NaBr+Cl2Br2+2NaCl (Reaction (2)).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,295 describes use of a strong acid, such as sulfuric or phosphoric acid, to improve effectiveness when hydrogen bromide is oxidized to bromine using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. However, process economics are affected by the addition of an acid; and in some cases an add source is not readily available. Each of Reactions (1) and (2) could benefit from the addition of catalysts to increase the percent conversion of bromide to bromine. Ammonium molybdate ((NH4+)2MoO4−) is a known oxidation catalyst to allow iodometric titration of H2O2. However, NH4+ is not a cation of choice for use as an additive in a commercial bromine tower.
Thus in spite of currently available technologies, a need remains for commercially feasible methods that provide increased percent conversion when oxidizing bromides to produce bromine, and catalysts for use therein. | Bromine is used in a wide range of industries. For example, bromine is used in the manufacture of flameproofing agents, 1,2-dibromoethane (CH2BrCH2Br) (which is used as a petrol additive to prevent lead being deposited in cylinders), compounds used in photography (e.g. silver bromide, AgBr, which is the light sensitive material in film), dyestuffs and drugs; in the analytical laboratory in testing for unsaturation in organic compounds, where bromine adds across the multiple bonds of unsaturated compounds, as a disinfectant; and in making fumigants, water purification compounds, dyes, medicinals; and sanitizers. Bromine can be produced by oxidation of bromides using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. For example, the following reaction is suitable: H2O2+2HBrBr2+2H2O (Reaction (1)). Bromine can also be produced by oxidation of bromides using chlorine as the oxidant. For example, the following reaction is suitable: 2NaBr+Cl2Br2+2NaCl (Reaction (2)). U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,295 describes use of a strong acid, such as sulfuric or phosphoric acid, to improve effectiveness when hydrogen bromide is oxidized to bromine using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. However, process economics are affected by the addition of an acid; and in some cases an add source is not readily available. Each of Reactions (1) and (2) could benefit from the addition of catalysts to increase the percent conversion of bromide to bromine. Ammonium molybdate ((NH4+)2MoO4−) is a known oxidation accelerator to allow iodometric titration of H2O2. However, NH4+ is not a cation of choice for use as an additive in a commercial bromine tower. Thus in spite of currently available technologies, a need remains for commercially feasible methods that provide increased percent conversion when oxidizing bromides to produce bromine, and catalysts for use therein. | Bromine is used in a wide range of industries. For exaH0le, bromine is used in the manufacture of flameproofing agents, 1, 2 - dibromoethane (CH2BrCH2Br) (which is used as a petrol additive to prevej$ lead being dfppsited in cyliMdeDs ), compounds used in photography (e. g. silver bromide, AgBr, which is the light sensitive material in film ), dyestuffs and drugs; in the analytical laboratory in testing for unsaturation in organic comL0unds, where bromine adds across the multiple bonds of unsaturated compounds, as a disinfectant; and in making fumigants, water purification compounds, dyes, medicinals; and sanitizers. Bromine can be produced by oxidation of bromides *sijg hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. For example, the following reaction is suitable: H2O2 + 2HBrBr2 + 2H2O (Reaction (1) ). Bromine can also be produced by oxidation of bromides using chlorine as the oxidant. For example, the following Gwaction is suitable: 2NaBr + Cl2Br2 + 2NaCl (Reaction (2) ). U. S. Pat. No. 5, 266, 295 describes use of a strong acid, such as sulfuric or phosphoric acid, to improve effectiveness when hydrogen bromide is oxidized to bromine using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. However, process economics are affected by the addit9oM of an acid; and in some cases an add source is not readily aGaJlable. Each of Reactions (1) and (2) could benefit from the addition of catalysts to increase the 0erceMt conversion of bromide to bromine. Ammonium molybdate (( NH4 +) 2MoO4 −) is a known oxidation catalyst to allow iodometric titration of H2O2. However, NH4 + is not a cation of choice for use as an additive in a commercial bromine tower. Thus in spite of currently available technologies, a need remains for commercially feasible methods that provide increased percent conversion when oxidizing bromides to produce bromine, and catalysts for use therein. | Bromine is used in a wide range industries. For example, bromine is used in the manufacture of flameproofing agents, 1,2-dibromoethane (CH2BrCH2Br) (which is used as a petrol to prevent lead being deposited in compounds used in photography (e.g. silver bromide, AgBr, which is the light sensitive material in film), dyestuffs and drugs; in the analytical laboratory in testing for unsaturation in organic compounds, where bromine adds across the multiple bonds of compounds, as a disinfectant; and in making fumigants, water purification compounds, dyes, medicinals; Bromine can be produced by oxidation of bromides using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. For example, following reaction is suitable: H2O2+2HBrBr2+2H2O (Reaction (1)). can also be produced by oxidation bromides using chlorine the oxidant. For example, following reaction is suitable: 2NaBr+Cl2Br2+2NaCl (Reaction (2)). U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,295 describes use of strong acid, such as sulfuric or phosphoric acid, to improve effectiveness hydrogen bromide is oxidized to bromine using hydrogen as the oxidant. However, process economics are affected by addition an acid; and in some cases an add source is not readily available. Each of Reactions (1) and could benefit from the addition of catalysts increase the percent of bromide to bromine. Ammonium molybdate ((NH4+)2MoO4−) is a oxidation catalyst to allow iodometric of H2O2. However, NH4+ is not a cation choice for use as an additive in a commercial bromine tower. Thus spite of currently available technologies, a need remains for commercially feasible that provide percent conversion when oxidizing to bromine, and catalysts for use therein. | BrOmiNE IS usED iN A WIdE raNge oF inDuSTRiES. for EXaMPLE, brOMine iS uSeD iN THE MAnUFaCTurE of FLAmeProOfiNg Agents, 1,2-DIBRoMoeTHANE (CH2BRCh2Br) (WhICh is UsED as a pEtrOl ADDItIve tO PrEVenT LEAD bEiNG DepOSiTeD in CyLiNDerS), compoUNds uSEd IN pHoTogrAphy (E.G. silvEr BrOmIde, agbr, WhICH iS The LiGht SeNsiTIve matERiAl in Film), dYEstUFFs aNd DruGs; iN the ANAlYTIcal lAbORATory In TeStiNG foR uNsAtuRaTion IN OrGAnIc coMPOuNDs, WhERE bRoMINE adDS AcrosS tHE multiPlE BONds of uNsaTURaTed cOmPOUNDs, AS a dISInfECTAnt; AND In MAkInG fUMiGAnts, wAtER PURIficatIoN coMPouNDS, dYES, MediciNals; anD sANItiZeRs. BroMINe can be pRoDuCed by oXIdaTioN oF BRoMiDeS uSing HydROgeN PeROXide as The OXiDaNT. fOr eXAmPLe, tHE FOLLoWiNG reacTiON IS SuItABlE: H2O2+2HbrBR2+2H2o (ReACtIoN (1)). BROmIne cAN alsO bE PRODuced by oXIDaTiON Of bRoMIdEs uSiNG ChloRinE as THe oXIdANt. FOr EXAMple, ThE FoLLoWIng REAcTiON iS SuItAblE: 2nAbR+Cl2Br2+2nacL (reaCTIon (2)).
U.s. Pat. No. 5,266,295 deSCrIbeS uSe OF a stroNg acID, such As sULfURic or PHOSPHoRiC AciD, TO iMpROve eFFeCTIVENeSs wheN hyDrOGeN BroMIDe iS OxIdIzeD tO BrOmiNE USiNG HyDROGeN pERoXIdE aS THE oxIdaNT. hOweVer, pROCEsS EconOmIcs aRe aFFected by The aDDItion of an AciD; ANd IN SOmE casES An Add SoUrCE is NOt ReaDILy AVaIlABLE. EAcH of reAcTions (1) And (2) coulD BeNefiT fRom ThE ADdiTiON Of cATaLySts To iNcREASe THE perCent COnvErsiOn Of brOmidE TO BrOmiNe. amMOnIuM molYBDATe ((NH4+)2moo4−) is A kNOwn OxIdaTioN catAlYsT To ALloW iOdOmETRic TiTratIon Of h2o2. HowevER, nH4+ iS NOT A caTioN of ChoIcE fOR uSE as aN addiTIVe in A cOmmERCiAL bRoMinE TOwEr.
tHUs in SPitE OF cuRRenTLy AvaIlAbLe tEcHNOLOGIES, A neEd remaInS FOR coMMerciAlLy FEASibLe mEthods ThaT PrOvIdE IncREASed PeRcenT cOnVeRsiOn wHeN oXidIZINg BroMIdEs TO PrOdUcE bRoMiNE, AnD CaTaLySTs fOr use TheReIn. | Bromine is used in a wide range of industries. For example, bromine is usedin the manufactureof flameproofing agents, 1,2-dibromoethane (CH2BrCH2Br) (which is used as a petrol additive to prevent leadbeing deposited incylinders), compounds used in photography (e.g. silver bromide, AgBr, which is the light sensitive material in film), dyestuffs and drugs; in the analytical laboratory in testing for unsaturationin organic compounds, where bromine adds across the multiple bonds of unsaturated compounds, as adisinfectant; and in making fumigants,water purification compounds,dyes, medicinals; and sanitizers. Bromine can be produced by oxidation of bromides using hydrogenperoxide asthe oxidant. For example, thefollowing reaction is suitable: H2O2+2HBrBr2+2H2O(Reaction(1)). Bromine can also be produced by oxidation of bromides using chlorine as the oxidant. For example, thefollowing reaction is suitable: 2NaBr+Cl2Br2+2NaCl (Reaction (2)).U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,295 describes use of a strong acid, such as sulfuric orphosphoric acid, to improve effectiveness when hydrogen bromide is oxidized to bromine usinghydrogen peroxideas the oxidant. However, process economics are affected by theaddition of an acid; andinsome cases an add sourceis not readily available. Each of Reactions (1)and (2) could benefit from the addition of catalysts to increase the percent conversion of bromide tobromine. Ammonium molybdate ((NH4+)2MoO4−) is a known oxidation catalyst toallow iodometric titration ofH2O2. However, NH4+ is not a cation of choice for use as an additive in a commercial bromine tower. Thus in spite of currently available technologies, a need remains for commercially feasible methods that provide increased percent conversion when oxidizing bromides to produce bromine, andcatalystsfor use therein. | Bromine is used in a wide range of industries. For example, bromine _is_ used in the manufacture of flameproofing agents, 1,2-dibromoethane (CH2BrCH2Br) (which is used _as_ a _petrol_ additive to prevent lead _being_ deposited in cylinders), compounds used in photography _(e.g._ silver _bromide,_ _AgBr,_ which is the light sensitive material in film), dyestuffs and drugs; in the _analytical_ laboratory in testing for unsaturation in organic compounds, where bromine adds across the multiple bonds of _unsaturated_ compounds, _as_ _a_ disinfectant; and in making fumigants, water purification compounds, dyes, medicinals; _and_ sanitizers. Bromine _can_ be produced by oxidation of _bromides_ using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. For example, the following reaction _is_ suitable: _H2O2+2HBrBr2+2H2O_ _(Reaction_ (1)). Bromine can also be produced _by_ oxidation of bromides using chlorine as the _oxidant._ For example, the following _reaction_ is suitable: 2NaBr+Cl2Br2+2NaCl _(Reaction_ (2)). U.S. Pat. No. _5,266,295_ describes use of a strong _acid,_ such _as_ sulfuric or phosphoric acid, to improve effectiveness when hydrogen bromide _is_ _oxidized_ _to_ bromine using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. However, process economics are affected by _the_ addition of _an_ acid; _and_ in some cases _an_ add source is not readily available. Each of Reactions (1) and (2) could benefit from the addition of catalysts to increase the percent conversion _of_ bromide to bromine. Ammonium _molybdate_ ((NH4+)2MoO4−) _is_ a known _oxidation_ catalyst _to_ _allow_ iodometric titration of H2O2. _However,_ _NH4+_ is not a cation _of_ _choice_ for use as an additive _in_ a _commercial_ _bromine_ tower. Thus in spite of currently _available_ technologies, _a_ need remains for _commercially_ feasible methods _that_ provide _increased_ percent conversion when oxidizing bromides to _produce_ bromine, and catalysts for use therein. |
This invention relates to an improved cassette magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus.
The prior art discloses magnetic tape cassette recorder/players of a type adapted for selecting a single recording from among many recorded on a single magnetic tape. In the conventional apparatus, a movable plate, which carries a magnetic head, is moved backward against the strong elastic force of a spring by an electromagnetically operated plunger. However, operation of the plunger requires a relatively large amount of electricity and creates mechanical noise. Further, the conventional plunger mechanism is complicated in construction and costly. | This invention relates to an improved cassette magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus. The prior art discloses magnetic tapeline cassette recorder/players of a type adapted for selecting a single recording from among many recorded on a single magnetic tape. In the conventional apparatus, a movable plate, which carries a magnetic head, is moved backward against the strong elastic force of a spring by an electromagnetically operated plunger. However, operation of the plunger requires a relatively large amount of electricity and creates mechanical noise. Further, the conventional plunger mechanism is complicated in construction and costly. | This inveGtkon relates to an improved cassette magnetic hWpe recording / reproducing apparatus. The prior art discloses magnetic tZOe cassette recorder / players of a type adapted for selecting a single recording from aHoHg many rwXorded on a single magnetic tape. In the conventLonQl apparatus, a movable plate, which carries a magnetic head, is m(veF back!atd against the strong elastic force of a spring by an electromagnetically operated plunger. However, operation of the plunger requires a re<atifely large amount of electricity and creates mechanical noise. Further, the conven$iona: plunger mechanism is complicated in construction and costly. | This invention relates an improved cassette tape recording/reproducing apparatus. The prior art discloses magnetic tape cassette recorder/players of a type adapted for selecting a single recording from many recorded a single magnetic tape. In the conventional apparatus, a movable plate, which carries a magnetic head, is moved backward against the strong elastic force a spring by an electromagnetically operated plunger. operation the requires relatively large amount of electricity and creates mechanical noise. Further, the conventional plunger mechanism is complicated in construction and costly. | THIs iNvENTION rElates TO aN IMprOved cASSEttE MagNEtic TAPE reCorDIng/RePRoducIng APpAraTuS.
thE PRioR ArT DIscLOsEs mAgNetIC tApe CASSette recorDEr/PLAyeRS oF A TYPe AdapteD fOR sELecTing a sIngle RecOrDIng FroM aMONg manY reCordED ON A SinGLE mAgneTIC taPE. in ThE coNVeNTiOnal aPpARAtUS, a movABLE pLatE, WHIcH caRRIeS a MAGNeTIC hEAD, iS mOved BAcKward AGaInST tHe StronG ELAStiC FORce of A spRINg BY aN ElEcTrOMaGNEticAllY OPeratEd pLUngEr. HoWEvER, opeRatioN OF The plUnger REqUirEs a ReLatiVeLY LargE AmOuNt of eLEctricitY ANd CREATes meChANiCAl noiSe. furtHEr, THE coNVentioNal PLUngeR MeCHaNIsM Is coMpLiCatEd iN cONStrUCtION and CoStLY. | This invention relates to animproved cassette magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus. The prior artdiscloses magnetic tapecassette recorder/players ofa type adapted for selecting a single recording from among many recorded on a single magnetic tape. In theconventionalapparatus, a movable plate, which carries a magnetic head, is moved backward against the strong elastic force of a spring by an electromagnetically operated plunger. However, operationofthe plunger requires a relatively large amount of electricity and createsmechanical noise. Further,the conventional plunger mechanism is complicated in construction and costly. | _This_ _invention_ relates to an improved cassette magnetic _tape_ recording/reproducing _apparatus._ The prior art discloses _magnetic_ tape cassette recorder/players of a type adapted for selecting a single recording from _among_ _many_ recorded on _a_ _single_ magnetic _tape._ _In_ _the_ conventional apparatus, a movable _plate,_ which carries a magnetic head, _is_ moved _backward_ against the strong elastic force of a _spring_ by _an_ electromagnetically operated _plunger._ _However,_ _operation_ of the _plunger_ requires a relatively large amount of electricity and creates _mechanical_ noise. Further, _the_ _conventional_ plunger mechanism is complicated in construction and costly. |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device and a process of interaction with a user. It applies, in particular, to interactive terminals capable of processing several types of procedures based on one or more documents provided by the user. On the one hand, this terminal is intended to save time for the user, and on the other hand, to enable him or her to quickly and automatically check that he or she has all the information and documents required to carry out a procedure. This terminal is also intended to save time for the organization in charge of implementing the procedure, for example by pre-processing the information and documents required for the correct execution of these procedures, estimating the risks of falsification of the user's identity or the false information or documents he or she provides, and/or collecting other information available in a database to complement or verify the information and documents provided by the user.
The objective is thus to speed up and improve relations between organizations that interact with a large number of users—for example customers, service users, visitors or members of the public—and those users.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are already in existence terminals equipped with a video camera, scanner and printer for document exchange and remote communication. While they enable dialogue between the user and a remote interlocutor known as the “hotliner” and discussion of the content of documents, they do not perform any automatic processing, and therefore do not increase the productivity of the organization.
Other interactive terminals are effectively computers that provide help, in several languages, for preparing administrative formalities. They do not enable documents to be processed. The user must then meet an employee in person to give him or her the documents needed for the procedure concerned. The increase in productivity is therefore further decreased.
There are already in existence systems for processing checks equipped with a means of optical character recognition, biometric identification and a risk analysis machine that identifies the user and authorizes, in function of the level of confidence regarding this identification, the payment of a check.
There are also already in existence systems used by immigration services that check the fingerprints of a traveler from a passport before authorizing access to the territory concerned.
The two systems described above therefore only process low-level information, and only provide binary results; that is to say authorization or refusal and, possibly, the amount of a payment.
Aside from confirmations, no information is requested from the user who passively waits for the result of the processing operations. These systems can only process a single type of documents, and therefore do not make it possible to prepare for interaction with an administrative employee.
Yet fiscal, administrative, social, and/or insurance organizations work with a large number of procedures, each of which involves a large number of forms, and written proof on paper or in electronic format.
Therefore, the need exists for interactive, multi-procedure terminals, i.e. capable of processing multiple procedures based on different types of documents. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device and a process of interaction with a user. It applies, in particular, to interactive terminals capable of processing several types of procedures based on one or more document provided by the user. On the one hand, this terminal is intended to save time for the user, and on the other hand, to enable him or her to quickly and automatically check that he or she has all the information and documents required to carry out a procedure. This terminal is also intended to save time for the organization in charge of implementing the procedure, for example by pre-processing the information and documents required for the correct execution of these procedures, estimating the risks of falsification of the user's identity or the false information or documents he or she provides, and/or collecting other information available in a database to complement or verify the information and documents provided by the user. The objective is thus to speed up and improve relations between organizations that interact with a large number of users—for example customers, service users, visitors or members of the public—and those users. 2. Description of the Related Art There are already in existence terminals equipped with a video camera, scanner and printer for document exchange and remote communication. While they enable dialogue between the user and a remote interlocutor known as the “hotliner” and discussion of the content of documents, they do not perform any automatic processing, and therefore do not increase the productivity of the organization. Other interactive terminals are effectively computers that provide help, in several languages, for preparing administrative formalities. They do not enable documents to be processed. The user must then meet an employee in person to give him or her the documents needed for the procedure concerned. The increase in productivity is therefore further decreased. There are already in existence systems for processing checks equipped with a means of optical character recognition, biometric identification and a risk analysis machine that identifies the user and authorizes, in function of the level of confidence regarding this identification, the payment of a check. There are also already in existence systems used by immigration services that check the fingerprints of a traveler from a passport before authorizing access to the territory concerned. The two systems described above therefore only process low-level information, and only provide binary results; that is to say authorization or refusal and, possibly, the amount of a payment. Aside from confirmations, no information is requested from the user who passively waits for the result of the processing operations. These systems can only process a single type of documents, and therefore do not make it possible to prepare for interaction with an administrative employee. Yet fiscal, administrative, social, and/or insurance organizations work with a large number of procedures, each of which involves a large number of forms, and written proof on paper or in electronic format. Therefore, the need exists for interactive, multi-procedure terminals, i.e. capable of processing multiple procedures based on different types of documents. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device and a process of interaction with a user. It applies, in particular, to interactive terminals capable of processing several types of procevur3s based on one or more documents provkdfd by the user. On the one hand, this terminal is intended to save time for the user, and on the other hand, to enable him or her to q Tixkly and automatically check that he or she has all the information and documents required to carry out a procedure. This terminal is also intended to save time for the organization in charge of implementing the procedure, for example by pre - processing the information and documents required for the correct execution of these procedures, estimating the risks of falsification of the user ' s identity or the false information or documents he or she provides, and / or collecting other information available in a database to complement or verify the information and documents provided by the user. The objective is thus to speed up and improve relatiogc between organizations that interact with a large number of users — for example customers, service users, visitors or members of the public — and those users. 2. Description of the Related Art There are already in existence terminals equipped with a video sameTa, scanner and printer for document exchange and remote communication. While they enable dialogue between the user and a remote interlocutor known as the “ hotliner ” and discussion of the content of documents, they do not perform any automatic (roceswing, and tGereDore do not increase the productivity of the organization. Other interactive terminals are effectively computers that provide help, in several languages, for preparing administrative formalities. They do not enable documents to be processed. The user must then meet an employee in person to give him or her the documents needed for the procedure concerned. The increase in productivity is therefore further decreased. There are already in existence systems for processing checks equipped with a means of optical character recognition, biometric identification and a risk analysis machine that identifies the user and authorizes, in function of the level of confidence regarding this identification, the payment of a check. There are also already in existence systems used by immigration services that check the fingerprints of a traveler from a passport before authorizing access to the territory concerned. The two systems described above therefore only process low - level information, and only provide binary results; that is to say authorization or refusal and, possibly, the amount of a payment. Aside from confirmations, no information is requested from the user who passively waits for the result of the processing operations. These systems can only process a single type of documents, and therefore do not make it possible to prepare for interaction wifg an administrative employee. Yet fiscal, administrative, social, and / or ins&$ance organizations work with a large number of procedures, each of which involves a large number of forms, and written proof on paper or in electronic format. Therefore, the need esis$s for interactive, multi - procedure terminals, i. e. capable of processing multiple procedures based on different types of documents. | 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to a device and a process of interaction with a user. It applies, in particular, to capable processing several types of procedures on one or more documents by the user. On the one this terminal is intended to save time for the user, and on the other hand, to him or her to and automatically check that he or she has all the information documents required to carry out a procedure. This terminal is also to save time the organization in charge of implementing the procedure, for example by pre-processing the information and documents required the correct execution of these the risks of the user's the information or documents he or she provides, and/or other information available in a database complement or the information and documents provided by the user. The objective is thus to up and improve relations between organizations that interact with a large number of users—for example customers, service users, visitors or members of the public—and those users. Description of the Related Art There are already in existence terminals equipped with a video camera, scanner and printer for document exchange and remote communication. While they enable dialogue between the user and remote interlocutor known as the “hotliner” and discussion of content of documents, they do not perform any automatic processing, and therefore not increase the productivity of the organization. Other interactive terminals are effectively computers that provide help, in several languages, for preparing administrative formalities. They do not enable documents to be processed. The user must then meet an employee in person to give him or her documents needed for the procedure concerned. The increase productivity therefore further decreased. There are already existence systems for processing checks with a means of optical character biometric identification and a risk analysis machine identifies the user and authorizes, in function of the level of confidence regarding identification, payment of a check. There are also already in existence used by immigration services that check the fingerprints of a traveler from a before authorizing access to the concerned. The two systems described above therefore only process low-level and only provide binary results; is to say and, possibly, the amount of a Aside from confirmations, no information requested from the user who passively waits for the result of the processing operations. These systems can only process a single type of documents, and therefore do not make it possible to prepare for interaction with an administrative employee. Yet fiscal, administrative, social, insurance organizations work with a large number of procedures, each of which involves a large of forms, and written proof on paper or in electronic format. Therefore, the need exists for interactive, multi-procedure terminals, i.e. capable of processing multiple based on types of documents. | 1. fiEld OF THe iNvenTiON
The PreSENt iNVeNtIOn relATes To a DEvIcE and A PrOCeSS of iNTERACTION wiTh a useR. it ApPLieS, IN pArTIcuLAR, To INTeraCTivE TErmInALS CapaBlE of PROcessing seVEraL tYpes Of PRocEDUrES BASED on ONe or MOre DOCumeNTS pRovidEd BY THE usEr. On tHe ONe hAnd, ThIs termiNal is inTeNdED TO SaVe tIME fOr THe uSEr, aNd ON ThE OtHeR hAnd, to eNABle HIm oR Her to QUIckLY anD AuTomATIcAlLY checK tHAT He Or SHE Has all THE INFORmAtIOn anD DoCUMENTs reqUiRED to carRy oUT A pRoCeDure. thIs tERminAL iS aLso InTEndEd tO SAVE tIme for the orGaNIzation in CharGE OF iMPleMENTinG The PROCEDurE, for EXAmple BY prE-PrOcESSinG ThE iNfORMATiON anD dOcUMENtS rEqUIReD For The corRect EXecUTION oF thesE PROCEdures, EStimaTING tHe rIsKs OF falSIfICAtioN Of ThE User'S idEnTitY OR ThE FalSe inFoRmAtION OR documENts He oR She pROvIdeS, aND/Or CollECTiNg othEr iNfoRMAtION aVaILAbLE In a databASe TO coMPleMEnT OR vERify tHe infORmAtION aND DOCuMeNTs PROvidED bY tHE USER.
THe oBJectIvE Is tHuS To speed UP AND iMProVe RelATiOnS beTwEEN OrgAnizAtIOns THAt InteRacT WiTh A larGE NUMbEr of UseRs—FoR eXAMple cuSTOmers, SErViCE USerS, vIsitors OR MEmBERs Of THe pUBlIC—AND ThOse UsERs.
2. dEsCRiPtiON OF THe rELatED ARt
TheRE aRe ALREaDY IN ExisteNCe TERmInAlS EquipPEd wiTh A vIdEO CaMEra, ScAnNer And priNtER FoR docuMENT EXCHANge anD REMOtE ComMUnicaTion. whiLE tHey ENABLe dIAlOGue BeTWeEn thE uSer aND a reMoTe IntErLOcuToR kNoWn as ThE “hotliNER” anD discUsSIoN oF the CONTeNt oF DOcUMENTs, tHey DO NoT PerfORm aNy AutomaTic pROCeSsiNG, and thErEFOre do not iNCReasE tHe PRoDUCtiViTY Of THE OrgANiZaTioN.
OTher IntEraCTIve tErmiNALS ARE EFFEcTIvEly cOMPuTERS That PRoVidE hELP, In seVeRAl LANGuAgES, fOR PRepariNg adMiNIstRatIVE FOrMalITIeS. tHEY DO nOt enablE DoCUMENTs tO BE pRoCeSsed. The USer muST theN MEEt aN eMPloYee In pErSoN tO giVe Him OR hEr the doCuMentS nEedEd For thE ProCEDURE CONCERned. the InCRease in PRoducTiVitY is THErEfOrE FUrthEr DECReAseD.
thEre aRe ALreAdY iN exisTeNCe syStEMs fOr pROCessIng CheCKS EqUiPPEd wiTh a meaNs of oPTICal CHaRaCtER ReCOgnItIOn, BIOMEtrIc IdentiFiCaTIon ANd a riSK AnALysiS MaChine tHat IdeNTIFIES tHE USer ANd auThorizEs, In functIoN Of the LeVeL oF ConfIDENce rEgArDING tHis IDeNtiFicatIon, THe PAymENT OF a CheCK.
tHERe are Also aLReAdY iN eXiSTencE sySTemS uSEd By ImmigratIon SERVICEs THAT CHEck thE fingERPrinTs oF a trAveleR from A PAsSPoRT BeFOre autHORIZINg acCESs to The tErritORy cOnCerned.
THE Two systEMs DescRibed AbovE theReFoRE only pROcEss LOw-lEVEl InFormaTiON, ANd onLY prOvIde BINarY reSuLtS; THAt IS To sAY auThORizaTiON OR rEfUsAL AND, POSSIbLy, tHe amOUNt oF A PAYmeNT.
AsiDe From cONFiRmatiONS, nO iNformatIOn is rEqueSTeD fRom ThE UsEr Who PASsIvely wAITS for THE rESult Of the PROcessInG opErAtiONS. ThESe SystemS CAn OnlY PROcESS A SinGLe type OF DocUmEnts, AnD theREFore do Not maKe it pOsSiBLE to PreParE FoR INTeracTIOn wITH an aDminIsTRative EmPlOYEE.
YET fIScAL, AdMinIstrAtIVE, sOcIAl, and/Or inSuRANce oRGaniZaTIONS work wItH A lARGe NuMBER of PRoCEdUREs, EaCH OF WhIcH INvoLVES a lArGe nUmbEr Of fOrms, aND WRittEn pRoOf ON PAPer or in ELEcTroNIc fORMat.
tHERefore, the neeD ExistS for inTeRacTiVe, MuLTi-PrOCeDuRE TErmiNalS, I.e. CAPABle OF PrOCeSsinG mulTIple pROCEDUReS BAsED On DIFFErenT tYpes oF DocuMEntS. | 1.Field of the Invention The present invention relates to adevice and a process of interaction with a user.It applies, in particular, to interactive terminals capable of processing several types of procedures based on one or more documents provided by the user.On the one hand, this terminal is intended to save timefor the user, and on the other hand,to enable him or her toquicklyand automaticallycheck that he orshe has all the information and documents required tocarry out aprocedure. This terminal is also intended to save time fortheorganization in chargeof implementing the procedure, forexample by pre-processing theinformation and documents required for the correct execution of these procedures, estimating the risks of falsification of the user's identity or the false information or documents heor she provides, and/or collecting other informationavailable in a database to complement orverifythe information and documents provided bythe user. The objective isthus to speed up and improverelations between organizations thatinteract with a large number of users—forexamplecustomers, service users, visitors or members of the public—and thoseusers. 2.Description of the Related ArtThere arealreadyin existence terminals equipped with a video camera, scanner andprinter fordocument exchange and remote communication. While they enable dialogue between the user and a remote interlocutor known as the “hotliner” and discussion of thecontent ofdocuments, they do notperformany automatic processing, and thereforedo not increase the productivity ofthe organization. Other interactive terminals are effectively computers that providehelp, in several languages, for preparing administrativeformalities. Theydo not enable documents to be processed. The user must then meet an employee in person togive him or her the documents needed for the procedureconcerned. The increase in productivity is therefore further decreased. There are already in existence systems forprocessing checks equipped with a means of optical character recognition, biometric identification and a risk analysis machine that identifiesthe user andauthorizes, in function of the level of confidence regarding this identification, the payment of a check. There are also already in existence systems used by immigration services that checkthe fingerprints of a traveler from a passport before authorizing access to the territory concerned.The two systems described above therefore only process low-level information, and only provide binary results; that is to say authorizationorrefusal and, possibly, the amountof a payment. Aside from confirmations, no information is requested from the user who passivelywaits for the result of the processing operations.These systems can only processa single typeof documents, and therefore do notmake it possible toprepare for interaction with an administrative employee.Yet fiscal, administrative, social, and/or insurance organizations work withalargenumber of procedures, each of which involves a large number of forms, and written proof on paper or in electronic format.Therefore, the need exists for interactive,multi-procedure terminals, i.e. capable of processingmultiple procedures based on different types of documents. | 1. Field of the Invention The _present_ _invention_ relates to a _device_ and a process of _interaction_ with a user. It applies, in _particular,_ _to_ interactive _terminals_ capable of processing several types of procedures based _on_ one or more _documents_ provided _by_ the user. On the one hand, _this_ terminal is intended to save time _for_ the user, and on _the_ other hand, _to_ enable him or her _to_ quickly and automatically check that _he_ or she has all _the_ _information_ and documents required to _carry_ _out_ a procedure. This terminal is also intended to save time for the organization in charge of implementing the procedure, for _example_ by _pre-processing_ the _information_ _and_ documents required for the correct execution of these _procedures,_ estimating _the_ risks of falsification of the user's identity _or_ the false _information_ _or_ documents he or _she_ provides, _and/or_ collecting _other_ information available in a _database_ to _complement_ or verify _the_ information and documents provided by the user. The objective _is_ thus to speed up _and_ improve relations between organizations that interact with a large _number_ _of_ users—for _example_ _customers,_ service users, visitors _or_ members of the _public—and_ those users. 2. Description of the Related Art There are already in existence terminals _equipped_ _with_ a video camera, scanner and _printer_ for document exchange and remote _communication._ While _they_ enable dialogue between the user and a remote _interlocutor_ _known_ as the “hotliner” and discussion of the content of documents, they do not perform any automatic _processing,_ and therefore do not increase the productivity of the _organization._ Other interactive terminals _are_ effectively computers that provide _help,_ in _several_ _languages,_ for preparing _administrative_ _formalities._ They do not enable _documents_ _to_ _be_ processed. The _user_ must then meet an employee _in_ person to give _him_ or her the documents needed _for_ the procedure concerned. The _increase_ in productivity is therefore further decreased. There _are_ already in _existence_ systems for _processing_ checks _equipped_ with a means _of_ optical _character_ recognition, _biometric_ identification and a risk analysis machine that identifies _the_ user and authorizes, _in_ function of the level of confidence regarding _this_ _identification,_ the _payment_ of _a_ check. There are also already in existence systems used _by_ immigration services that check the fingerprints of a traveler from a passport before authorizing access to the territory concerned. The two systems described above therefore _only_ process _low-level_ information, _and_ only provide binary results; that is to say _authorization_ or refusal and, possibly, the amount _of_ a _payment._ Aside from confirmations, no information _is_ requested from the user who passively waits _for_ the result _of_ the processing operations. These _systems_ can only process a _single_ type _of_ documents, and therefore do not _make_ it possible to prepare for _interaction_ with _an_ administrative employee. Yet fiscal, _administrative,_ social, and/or insurance _organizations_ _work_ with a large number of procedures, _each_ of which _involves_ a large number of forms, and written _proof_ on paper or _in_ _electronic_ _format._ Therefore, the need exists for interactive, multi-procedure terminals, i.e. capable _of_ processing multiple procedures based on different types of documents. |
Power consumption of mobile battery operated devices such as mobile communication terminals is expected to increase as the demand for enhanced functionality increases.
For example, there is a demand for communication terminals that are capable of communicating in a plurality of different communication systems, including second generation systems such as GSM/GPRS and third generation systems such as WCDMA/EGPRS/HSDPA as well as WLAN systems of the 802.11 family. Moreover, increased power consumption is due also to other hardware parts of a typical communication terminal, especially the applications processor and the main display. In addition, advanced features exploiting the hardware functionality contribute to this increase, e.g. 3D games, video players, etc.
Such terminals will consume much more energy in comparison with earlier terminals, these earlier terminals having only limited functionality and, e.g., being capable of communicating in only a single communication system.
With the current progress in battery capacity unable to keep pace with the increasing demands posed by such feature-rich mobile devices, new ways to control and sensibly reduce the power consumption of terminals are needed. Hardware solutions typically involve implementation of circuitry having inherently low power consumption. Such hardware solutions may involve the use of specific materials as well as reducing the number of components to a minimum. Needless to say, hardware solutions are not very flexible and they provide a very limited amount of functionality.
Software solutions, on the other hand, typically offer an advantage over purely hardware-based solutions in that software can keep track of the context of the monitored device and thus make it possible for a software developer to make more sensible decisions as to when and where to optimize power. However, it is only through complex setup of expensive external digital measuring equipment and configuration of dedicated and specialized software that this is feasible in the prior art. That is, visibility of the energy and power consumption of an application in the prior art is possible only through the use of external equipment. A developer need to perform more or less complex configuration procedures to set up the equipment in order to find out where to optimize the operation of a device.
A drawback related to prior art methods and devices is hence that an application developer, when developing a software application for execution in a mobile communication device, has a very limited capability of optimizing the software application in terms of its effect on the power consumption by the device. In fact, an application developer typically has no way of finding out how battery lifetime is effected by a software application being developed. | Power consumption of mobile bombardment operated devices such as mobile communication terminals is expected to increase as the demand for enhanced functionality increases. For example, there is a demand for communication terminals that are capable of communicating in a plurality of different communication systems, including second generation systems such as GSM/GPRS and third generation systems such as WCDMA/EGPRS/HSDPA as well as WLAN systems of the 802.11 family. Moreover, increased power consumption is due also to other hardware parts of a typical communication terminal, especially the applications processor and the main display. In addition, advanced features exploiting the hardware functionality contribute to this increase, e.g. 3D games, video players, etc. Such terminals will consume much more energy in comparison with earlier terminals, these earlier terminals having only limited functionality and, e.g., being capable of communicating in only a single communication system. With the current progress in battery capacity unable to keep pace with the increasing demands posed by such feature-rich mobile devices, new ways to control and sensibly reduce the power consumption of terminals are needed. Hardware solutions typically involve implementation of circuitry having inherently low power consumption. Such hardware solutions may involve the use of specific materials as well as reducing the number of components to a minimum. Needless to say, hardware solutions are not very flexible and they provide a very limited amount of functionality. Software solutions, on the other hand, typically offer an advantage over purely hardware-based solutions in that software can keep track of the context of the monitored device and thus make it possible for a software developer to make more sensible decisions as to when and where to optimize power. However, it is only through complex setup of expensive external digital measuring equipment and configuration of dedicated and specialized software that this is feasible in the prior art. That is, visibility of the energy and power consumption of an application in the prior art is possible only through the use of external equipment. A developer need to perform more or less complex configuration procedures to set up the equipment in order to find out where to optimize the operation of a device. A drawback related to prior art methods and devices is hence that an application developer, when developing a software application for execution in a mobile communication device, has a very limited capability of optimizing the software application in terms of its effect on the power consumption by the device. In fact, an application developer typically has no way of finding out how battery lifetime is effected by a software application being developed. | Power consumption of mobile battery operated devices such as mobile communication terminals is expected to increase as the demand for enhanced functionality increases. For example, there is a demand for communication terminals that are capable of communicating in a plurality of different communication systems, including second generation systems such as GSM / GPRS and third generation systems such as WCDMA / EGPRS / HSDPA as well as WLAN systems of the 802. 11 family. Moreover, increased power consumptUoj is due also to other hardware parts of a typical communication terminal, especially the applications processor and the main display. In addition, advanced features exploiting the hardware functionality contribute to this increase, e. g. 3D games, video players, etc. Such terminals will consume much more energy in comparison with earlier terminals, these earlier terminals having only limited functionality and, e. g. , being capable of communicating in only a single communication system. With the current progress in battery capacity unable to keep pace with the increasing demands posWV by such feature - rich mobile devices, new ways to control and sensibly reduce the power consumption of terminals are needed. Hardware solutions typically involve implementation of circuitry having inherently low power consumption. Such hardware solutions may involve the use of specific materials as well as reducing the number of components to a minimum. Needless to say, hardware solutions are not very flexible and they provide a very limited amount of functionality. Software solutions, on the other haMw, typically offer an advantage over purely hardware - based solutions in thwr sofgwar4 can keep track of the context of the monitored device and thus make it possible for a software developer to make more sensible decisions as to when and where to optinizf power. However, it is only through complex setup of expensive external digital measuring equipment and configuration of dedicated and specialized software that this is feasible in the prior art. That is, visibility of the energy and power consumption of an application in the prior art is possible only throutM the use of external equipment. A developer need to perform more or lwCs complex configuration procedures to set up the equipment in order to find out where to optimize the operation of a device. A drawback related to prior art methods and devices is hence that an application developer, when developing a software apllixation for execution in a mobile communication device, has a very limited capability of optimizing the software application in terms of its effect on the power consumption by the device. In fact, an application developer typicalK^ has no way of finding out how battery lifetime is effected by a software application being developed. | Power of battery operated devices as mobile communication terminals is expected to increase as the demand for enhanced functionality increases. For example, there is a demand communication terminals that are capable of communicating in a plurality of different communication systems, including second generation as and third generation systems such as WCDMA/EGPRS/HSDPA as well as WLAN systems of the 802.11 family. Moreover, consumption is due also to other hardware parts of a typical communication terminal, especially the applications processor and main In addition, advanced features exploiting the hardware functionality contribute to this increase, e.g. 3D games, players, etc. Such will consume much more energy in comparison with earlier terminals, these terminals having only limited functionality and, being communicating in only a single communication system. With the current progress in battery capacity unable to keep pace with the increasing demands posed by such mobile devices, new ways to control and sensibly reduce the power terminals are needed. solutions typically involve implementation of circuitry having inherently low power consumption. Such solutions may involve the of specific materials as reducing the number of components to a minimum. Needless to say, hardware solutions are not very flexible and they provide a very limited amount of functionality. Software solutions, on the hand, typically offer an advantage over purely hardware-based solutions in that software can keep track the context of the monitored device and thus make it for a software developer make more sensible decisions as to when and where to optimize power. However, it is only through complex setup of expensive external digital measuring equipment configuration of dedicated and specialized software that this is feasible in prior art. That is, visibility of the energy and consumption of an in the art is possible only through the use of external equipment. A developer need to perform more or less complex configuration procedures set up the equipment in order find out where to optimize the operation of a device. A drawback related to prior art and is hence that an application when developing a software application for execution in a mobile communication device, a very limited capability of optimizing the software application terms of its effect on the power consumption by the device. In fact, an application developer typically has no way of finding out how battery lifetime is effected by software application being developed. | pOweR coNSUMPtion OF MOBIlE BATtErY OPeRAtEd dEviceS such As MOBILE ComMunIcaTION termINALs IS exPEcTED tO IncReasE as thE DEmANd FoR ENhANcED fUNcTioNAliTy InCReAseS.
fOr eXAMPlE, THerE Is A dEmAnd FOr COmmuNiCAtIoN tERMinALS THAT ARe CaPAblE of cOMmuNIcatInG IN A PluRaLITy OF difFereNT communIcaTion systems, inCLudIng seCoNd gENeRAtiOn sYStemS sUch aS gSm/GpRS And THIrD geNeraTiOn SYstEMs sucH as wCdma/EGPRS/hSdPA As WELl aS wLan Systems Of The 802.11 FAMILy. mOREOvEr, incReASed POwEr ConsUmPTioN Is dUE ALSo tO OthER HaRDWARE PaRts oF A tyPiCAl COMmuNiCATION teRmInAL, eSPeCIalLY THE APPliCAtions ProCessoR and ThE Main disPlAy. IN aDdiTION, ADVaNCed FEaTURES ExPloItiNG THe harDWaRE FUNcTionAliTY conTribuTe tO tHIs IncrEAse, E.g. 3D GAmes, videO pLAyers, Etc.
SuCH TerMinAlS wilL coNSUmE MUCh mORe eNErgy In CoMpArison wItH EARlIER tERMINALs, tHESE EArLIer TerminaLS hAviNg OnLy liMIteD fuNctIOnalIty AND, e.G., BEInG CApabLE oF cOmMUNICaTiNg in ONLY a SinGLe coMMUnIcatIon SySTeM.
wiTH the currenT ProGRESs In baTteRY CAPAciTY UNable To keeP PaCe WiTh tHE inCReASinG dEMANds PoSED bY SUCh feAture-rICh MObiLE devICes, New WaYS to cONtrOL And sEnsiBlY ReDUcE tHE PoWER coNSuMpTioN Of tErMiNALs Are neEdED. HardwARE sOLUtioNS TypICaLLy iNvOlvE ImPlEMENTATIOn oF cIRcuitRY HAVing INHerEnTly LOw PowER consUmPtION. sUch hARdwARe soLUtIONS MaY inVOLvE tHE UsE oF spEcIFIC MAtERIalS aS wELL aS redUciNG The nUMbER OF comPONEnTs to A MINimuM. NEedlEss tO sAy, HARDwArE SOlutionS arE Not VERY fleXIBlE AnD tHey pROvIDE a veRY limIted aMoUnt OF FunctIonaliTY.
softWARE SOLutIoNs, ON the OThEr hAND, TypICAlLY ofFeR aN ADVAnTaGE oVER PURelY harDWArE-BASeD SOLUTIOnS iN tHAT sOfTWarE CAN KEeP traCK OF The cOnTexT Of thE MoNiTored device ANd THuS mAKE It pOSsIBle for A soFTwARE dEVELopeR To MAkE More sEnSIBle dEcisionS aS TO wheN anD wHEre to OpTIMiZe pOwEr. HowEveR, IT IS Only throUGh cOmpLex SEtUP of expeNsiVe ExTERNAl digitaL mEasURIng eQUipMENT and CONfIgURatiON of DEDicaTED And SpecIalIZeD soFtWAre thAt THis is feAsIBlE IN tHE pRiOR art. THAT iS, visIbilITY Of THE eNeRgY ANd Power CONSUmPTIOn of AN ApPlicaTIoN IN THE pRior Art Is pOssiblE oNly THrOUGh thE use of eXtErnAl EquiPmEnt. a dEVELOpeR NeEd tO perFoRM MoRE OR less coMpleX ConfIGuRatIoN proceDUrES tO seT uP THE equipMeNT IN oRDeR to fInd OUt WHerE to OptiMIze the OPeRAtIOn of a dEvice.
A dRAWbaCK RelatEd TO PrioR art meTHodS anD DEviCES is HENCe ThaT An aPplIcATiON dEvELoPer, whEN dEvElopiNg A SOFTwAre applICATion FoR EXEcUTION iN A MObILe COMMUNICatIOn DeVICe, Has a vErY lImITEd CaPABilitY of oPtIMizInG THe sOftWarE aPplicAtiON In TeRms Of ItS effEcT On thE POweR COnSUmPtioN BY tHe dEvicE. IN fACT, aN aPPliCaTiOn deveLOper tYpiCalLy HAS NO WAY OF FiNdiNg ouT hoW bATtery LifetiME IS EFfectEd BY a soFTWARE ApplICAtIOn bEING deVeLOped. | Powerconsumption of mobile battery operated devices such as mobilecommunication terminals isexpected to increase as the demandfor enhancedfunctionality increases. For example,there is a demand for communication terminals that are capable of communicating in a plurality of different communication systems,including second generation systemssuchas GSM/GPRS and third generation systems such asWCDMA/EGPRS/HSDPA as well as WLAN systems of the 802.11 family. Moreover, increased power consumption is duealso to other hardware partsof a typical communication terminal, especially the applications processor and the main display. In addition, advanced features exploiting the hardware functionality contribute to this increase,e.g. 3D games, videoplayers, etc. Such terminalswill consume much more energy in comparison with earlier terminals, these earlier terminals havingonly limited functionalityand, e.g., being capable of communicating in only a single communication system. With the current progress in battery capacity unable to keep pace with the increasing demands posed by such feature-rich mobile devices, new waysto control andsensibly reduce the powerconsumption of terminalsareneeded. Hardware solutions typically involve implementation ofcircuitry having inherently low power consumption. Such hardware solutions may involvethe use of specific materials as well as reducing the numberof components to a minimum. Needlessto say, hardware solutions arenot very flexible andthey provide a very limited amount of functionality. Software solutions, on the other hand,typicallyofferan advantage overpurely hardware-based solutions in that software can keep track of the contextof the monitored device and thus makeit possible for asoftware developer to make more sensible decisions as to when and where to optimize power. However, it is only through complex setup of expensive externaldigital measuring equipmentand configuration of dedicated and specialized software that this isfeasible in the prior art. That is, visibility of the energy and power consumption of an application in the prior art is possible only through the use of external equipment. A developer need to perform moreor less complex configurationprocedures to set up the equipment in order to find out where to optimize the operation ofa device. A drawback relatedto prior art methods and devices is hence that an application developer, when developing a software application for execution in a mobile communication device, has a very limitedcapability of optimizing the software application in terms of its effect on the power consumption by thedevice. In fact, anapplication developer typically has no way of finding out how battery lifetime is effected by a software applicationbeingdeveloped. | _Power_ consumption of mobile battery _operated_ devices _such_ as mobile communication terminals is expected to increase as the demand for _enhanced_ functionality increases. _For_ _example,_ there is a demand for communication terminals that are capable of communicating in a plurality _of_ different _communication_ systems, including second generation systems such as _GSM/GPRS_ and _third_ generation systems such as WCDMA/EGPRS/HSDPA _as_ well _as_ WLAN systems _of_ the _802.11_ family. Moreover, increased _power_ consumption _is_ due also to _other_ hardware parts _of_ a typical communication terminal, especially the applications processor and the main display. In addition, advanced features exploiting _the_ hardware _functionality_ contribute to this increase, e.g. 3D games, video players, etc. Such terminals will consume _much_ _more_ energy _in_ comparison with _earlier_ terminals, these earlier terminals _having_ only limited functionality and, e.g., being capable of communicating in _only_ a single communication _system._ With the _current_ progress in battery capacity _unable_ _to_ keep pace with the increasing demands posed by such feature-rich _mobile_ devices, _new_ ways to control and sensibly _reduce_ the power consumption of _terminals_ _are_ needed. Hardware solutions typically involve implementation of circuitry having _inherently_ low power consumption. Such _hardware_ solutions may _involve_ the use of specific materials as well as reducing the number of components to a minimum. Needless to say, hardware solutions are not very flexible and they provide _a_ _very_ limited _amount_ of functionality. Software solutions, on the _other_ _hand,_ _typically_ offer an advantage over purely hardware-based _solutions_ in that software can keep track of _the_ context of the _monitored_ device and thus _make_ it possible for a software developer to make more sensible decisions as to when and where to _optimize_ power. However, it _is_ only through complex setup of _expensive_ _external_ _digital_ measuring _equipment_ and _configuration_ _of_ _dedicated_ _and_ specialized software that _this_ is feasible in the prior _art._ That is, visibility of _the_ energy and power consumption of an _application_ in the prior art _is_ possible only through _the_ use of external equipment. A developer need to _perform_ more or less complex configuration _procedures_ to set up _the_ _equipment_ in order to _find_ out where to _optimize_ the operation of a device. A drawback _related_ to prior art methods _and_ _devices_ is hence that _an_ _application_ developer, when _developing_ a _software_ application _for_ execution in a _mobile_ communication device, has a _very_ limited capability _of_ optimizing the _software_ application in _terms_ of its _effect_ _on_ the _power_ consumption by _the_ device. _In_ _fact,_ an application developer typically has no way _of_ finding out how battery _lifetime_ is effected by a software application being _developed._ |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a biological information detection device that detects a biological signal by installing an electrode on the biological surface of the human body.
2. Background Art
Among these kinds of biological information detection devices, there is, for example, a heartbeat measurement device that detects an electro-cardiac signal generated in association with a heartbeat, and measures a heart rate from the biological surface. As such a heartbeat measurement device, there is, for example, a device which includes a main body portion having a detection circuit board and the like built-in, and a strap for mounting the main body portion to the human body, the strap being provided with a pair of electrodes. The main body portion and the strap are provided with an electrical connection portion for electrically connecting a detection circuit board of the main body portion to an electrode of the strap.
Based on such a configuration, an electro-cardiac signal generated in association with a heartbeat is detected by bringing a pair of electrodes into contact with the chest (biological surface) of the human body, and the main body portion derives a heart rate on the basis of the detected electro-cardiac signal.
Further, among the heartbeat measurement devices, there is, for example, a device in which the main body portion is detachably provided to the strap from the viewpoint of maintenance such as cleaning of the strap. When the main body portion is mounted to the strap, the electrical connection portion provided to the strap and the electrical connection portion provided to the main body portion are mechanically connected to each other, and the detection circuit board and the electrode are electrically connected to each other (see, for example, Specification of U.S. Pat. No. 7,526,840 and U.S. Design Registration No. 603,521). | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a biological information detection device that detects a biological signal by installing an electrode on the biological surface of the human body. 2. scope Art Among these kinds of biological information detection devices, there is, for example, a heartbeat measurement device that detects an electro-cardiac signal generated in association with a heartbeat, and measures a heart rate from the biological surface. As such a heartbeat measurement device, there is, for example, a device which includes a main body portion having a detection circuit board and the like built-in, and a strap for mounting the main body portion to the human body, the strap being provided with a pair of electrodes. The main body portion and the strap are provided with an electrical connection portion for electrically connecting a detection circuit board of the main body portion to an electrode of the strap. Based on such a configuration, an electro-cardiac signal generated in association with a heartbeat is detected by bringing a pair of electrodes into contact with the chest (biological surface) of the human body, and the main body portion derives a heart rate on the basis of the detected electro-cardiac signal. Further, among the heartbeat measurement devices, there is, for example, a device in which the main body portion is detachably provided to the strap from the viewpoint of maintenance such as cleaning of the strap. When the main body portion is mounted to the strap, the electrical connection portion provided to the strap and the electrical connection portion provided to the main body portion are mechanically connected to each other, and the detection circuit board and the electrode are electrically connected to each other (see, for example, Specification of U.S. Pat. No. 7,526,840 and U.S. Design Registration No. 603,521). | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a biological information detection device that defeVts a biological signal by installing an electrode on the biological surface of the human body. 2. Background Art Among these kinds of biological information detection devices, there is, for example, a heartbeat measurement device that detects an electro - cardiac signal generated in association with a heartbeat, and measures a heart rate from the biological surface. As such a heartbeat measurement device, there is, for example, a device which includes a main body porhoon having a detection circuit board and the like built - in, and a sFrWp for mounting the main body portion to the human body, the strap being prov9deR with a oajr of electrodes. The main body portion and the strap are provided with an electrical connection portion for electrically connecting a detection circuit board of the main body portion to an electrode of the strap. Based on such a configuration, an electro - cardiac signal generated in association with a heartbeat is detected by bringing a pair of electrodes into contact with the chest (biological surface) of the human body, and the main body portion deriv2A a heart rate on the basis of the detected electro - cardiac signal. Further, among the heartbeat measurement devices, there is, for example, a device in which the main body portion is detachably provided to the strap from the viewpoint of maintenance such as cleaning of the strap. When the Haib body portion is <oun5ed to the strap, the electrical connection portion provided to the strap and the electrical connection portion provided to the main body lortKon are mechanically connected to each 0fher, and the detection circuit board and the electrode are electrically connected to each other (see, for example, Specification of U. S. Pat. No. 7, 526, 840 and U. S. Design Registration No. 603, 521 ). | 1. Field of the Invention present invention relates to a biological information device that detects a biological signal by installing an electrode on the surface of the human body. 2. Background Art Among these kinds of information detection devices, there is, for a heartbeat measurement device that detects an signal generated in a heartbeat, and measures a heart rate from the biological surface. As such a heartbeat measurement device, there is, for example, a device which includes a main body portion having a detection circuit board and the like built-in, and a strap for the main body portion to the human body, the strap being provided with a of electrodes. The main body portion and the strap are provided with an electrical connection portion for electrically connecting detection circuit board of the main body to an electrode of strap. Based on such a configuration, an signal generated in association with a heartbeat is detected by bringing a pair of into contact with chest (biological surface) of the body, and the main body derives heart rate basis of the detected electro-cardiac signal. Further, among the heartbeat measurement devices, there is, for example, a device in which the main body portion is detachably provided to the strap from viewpoint of maintenance such as of strap. When the main body portion is mounted to the strap, the electrical connection portion provided to the strap and electrical connection the main body portion are mechanically connected to each other, and the detection circuit board and the electrode are electrically connected to each other (see, for Specification of U.S. Pat. No. 7,526,840 U.S. Design Registration No. 603,521). | 1. FieLd of ThE InvEnTiON
ThE PResENT iNvEntiOn reLateS tO A bIoLogIcAl InFoRMaTiON DeteCTIoN DEvICe ThAt dEtEcTS a BIOLOgICaL sIgNAL By iNsTaLLING AN eleCtRODe On tHE BIologIcAL SurFaCe oF the HuMAn BOdy.
2. bACKGROUnd aRT
aMONG ThESE kiNDs oF BIoLOgicaL InFoRmATIOn dEteCtion dEvICES, theRE iS, FOr eXaMPLe, a hEarTbeat MEAsUREMENt DeViCE ThaT deTeCts An ElEctRO-CaRdIAC SigNal gEnERATED iN AssOCiAtion wITH a HEaRTbeAt, and MeasUrES a HEaRt raTE frOm THE BioloGICal sURFacE. as sucH a HeArTBeAT MEaSuREmEnt DEvIce, ThERe is, for exAmPle, A DeVicE WHiCH iNClUdES a MAiN BodY PortiON haviNg a dETeCTiOn cIRcUIt BOarD ANd tHe likE BUILT-iN, AND A sTRAp fOR MOUNTinG thE MaIn bOdY pOrtIOn to THe HUman boDy, ThE STrap BEING PrOvIDED with A pair Of ELECTRoDEs. the mAIN bOdY POrtioN ANd ThE StraP are prOviDed WItH an ELECTriCaL cONneCtiOn portION FOr eleCTRICALLy cONnecTing A DETEcTIon cIrCuIt bOARd OF the Main boDY POrTiON tO An elEcTrODE oF ThE sTrap.
baSEd ON sUCH a COnFiGUrAtiON, an ELectro-CARdIac SIGnAl GeNERAtED in aSSociation wiTh A HearTBeat is dETecTed bY bRinGiNg A PAir OF eleCtroDEs into COntaCT witH The CHEST (BIOLoGiCal SUrfAce) Of ThE HumAN BoDy, aND thE MaiN bOdy PORTiOn DeriVes A hearT rAte ON THe BAsis Of the dETECtED eLEctRo-cARDiAC siGNAl.
fuRtHEr, AmoNg THe heaRtBEat mEASUrEmenT DEviCEs, thErE is, fOR examPle, a DeViCe In WHIch THe mAiN bodY pORTIon Is DEtAChaBly provided tO tHe sTRAp fROM THE VIewpoINt oF maintEnanCe SUch aS cLeanInG Of THe STrap. whEn thE maIN boDY POrTion is mOUnted tO The stRAp, The EleCtrICal coNNECTiON pOrtIOn prOViDed to the STRAp AnD THe ELeCtriCaL cOnNECTION pOrTION PROViDEd To the maIN BOdy PORtION arE MEcHANically cONNEctEd tO eaCH oThER, and tHE dEtECtioN cIRcuIT boArd AnD the eleCtRoDE aRE ELECTRICAlLy CoNnecteD to eACH OthEr (sEE, foR eXAmPLE, spECiFIcATiON of u.S. Pat. No. 7,526,840 AnD u.S. dESiGn REGisTrAtion No. 603,521). | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relatestoa biologicalinformation detectiondevice that detectsa biologicalsignal by installing an electrode onthe biological surface of the human body. 2. Background Art Among these kinds ofbiological information detection devices,thereis, for example,a heartbeat measurementdevice that detects an electro-cardiac signal generated in association with a heartbeat, and measures a heart rate fromthebiological surface. As such a heartbeat measurement device,there is, for example, a devicewhich includes a main body portion having a detection circuitboard and the like built-in,and a strap for mounting the main body portionto the human body, the strap being provided with a pair of electrodes. The main bodyportion and the strapare provided with an electrical connectionportion for electrically connecting a detection circuit board ofthe main bodyportion to anelectrode of the strap. Based onsuch aconfiguration,anelectro-cardiac signal generated in association with a heartbeat isdetected bybringing apair of electrodes into contact with the chest (biological surface) of the human body, and the main body portion derives a heart rate onthe basis of the detected electro-cardiac signal.Further, among the heartbeat measurement devices, thereis, for example,a device in which the main body portionis detachably provided to thestrapfromthe viewpoint of maintenance such as cleaning of the strap. When the main body portionis mountedto thestrap, the electrical connection portion provided to the strap and the electrical connection portion provided to themain bodyportionare mechanically connected toeach other, and the detection circuit board and the electrode are electrically connected to each other (see,for example, Specification of U.S. Pat. No. 7,526,840 and U.S. DesignRegistration No. 603,521). | _1._ Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a _biological_ _information_ detection device that detects a _biological_ signal by installing _an_ electrode on the biological surface _of_ the _human_ body. 2. Background _Art_ _Among_ these kinds of _biological_ _information_ _detection_ devices, _there_ is, for example, a heartbeat measurement device that _detects_ an electro-cardiac _signal_ generated in association with a heartbeat, _and_ measures _a_ heart rate _from_ _the_ biological surface. As such a heartbeat measurement device, there _is,_ for example, a device _which_ includes a main body portion having a detection circuit board and the like built-in, and _a_ strap for mounting _the_ main body portion _to_ the human body, the strap being provided with a pair of electrodes. The main body portion and _the_ strap are provided _with_ _an_ _electrical_ connection portion for electrically connecting a detection circuit board of the main body portion to an electrode of _the_ strap. _Based_ on such a configuration, an electro-cardiac _signal_ generated _in_ association with a heartbeat is detected _by_ bringing a pair _of_ electrodes _into_ contact with the _chest_ (biological surface) of the human _body,_ _and_ the _main_ body portion derives a heart _rate_ on the _basis_ _of_ the detected _electro-cardiac_ signal. Further, among the heartbeat _measurement_ devices, there _is,_ for _example,_ a _device_ in which the main body _portion_ is _detachably_ provided to the _strap_ from the viewpoint of maintenance such as cleaning _of_ the strap. When the main body _portion_ is _mounted_ to the strap, _the_ electrical connection portion provided to the _strap_ and _the_ electrical _connection_ portion provided to _the_ _main_ body portion _are_ mechanically _connected_ to _each_ other, and the detection _circuit_ board and _the_ _electrode_ are electrically _connected_ to _each_ other (see, for example, _Specification_ _of_ U.S. Pat. No. 7,526,840 and U.S. Design _Registration_ No. 603,521). |
In order to grow plants in greenhouses, a proper combination of light and heat is required. At times, the requisite light and heat are provided naturally from the sun. However, in most northern climates, it is often too cold during the winter to grow plants without some source of heat. Typically, heat is provided using forced air heaters. This does not prove to be entirely satisfactory, however, because much of the hot air is lost through the roof and walls of the greenhouse. As a result, during the winter days, the temperature in the greenhouse can be as low as 50.degree. F. even with the hot air heaters at full blast.
One solution to this problem has been to use insulating materials on the roof and walls of the greenhouse. Systems of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,064,648 to Cary, 4,313,650 to Ward et al. and 4,375,232 to Heescher et al.
Cary discloses use of a flexible sheet of insulating material, wound in a roll, that can be installed near the roof of the greenhouse. The material can then be deployed at night to cover the roof and prevent heat loss. During the daytime, the insulation is retracted into the roll so that light may enter the greenhouse.
A similar system is disclosed in the Heescher patent. There, an insulative foil, made of two layers of plastic separated by air pockets, is selectively deployed over the roof and walls of the greenhouse to prevent heat loss. The foil is folded when stored and opens to form an insulative barrier. Both the Heescher and Cary references suggest that the foil might be coated with aluminum to increase the insulation effect.
In Ward et al., reflective and insulative slats are arranged venitian blind style below the greenhouse roof. This construction permits selective capture or reflection of heat or light.
Aluminized insulating materials, such as those disclosed in the Heescher et al. and Cary references, are also useful in summer months to prevent overheating from direct sunlight. By deploying the insulating material over the southern exposure of the greenhouse (in the Northern hemisphere), direct sunlight will be reflected out of the greenhouse. Diffuse light still enters the greenhouse through the northern exposure providing light for the plants.
While hot air systems, used in conjunction with insulating materials, can be effective to promoting plant growth during cold winter months, such systems are still relatively energy inefficient. One primary drawback to the use of forced air is that the hot air naturally rises to the roof. Thus, the plants do not receive the full benefit of the forced air output. Although the insulating layers prevent much of the heat from escaping, the air near the roof will be warmer than the air near the floor, an indication that the system is not energy efficient.
Greenhouses also require large amounts of water. The water is often taken straight from the outside and sprayed on the plants. This water is very cold, especially in winter and, when sprayed on the plants, it cools the plants, soil and surrounding air. Thus, the environment must be reheated to maintain proper growing conditions. In order to maintain a steady temperature in the greenhouse, the water is sometimes heated before spraying. This is typically accomplished using a large capacity water heater. Thus, separate air and water heating systems must be purchased and installed. The water heating systems in the prior art are not able to take advantage of the excess heat produced by the air heating systems and so efficiency is not maximized.
Further problems arise due to the build-up of snow and ice on the roof above the insulating material. The prior art has attempted to solve this problem using additional devices which either scrape off the snow or heat the roof. None of the additional devices make use of the excess heat in the heating system, however, so, again, maximum efficiency is not achieved. | In order to grow plants in greenhouses, a proper combination of light and heat is required. At times, the requisite light and heat are provided naturally from the sun. However, in most northern climates, it is often too cold during the winter to grow plants without some source of heat. Typically, heat is provided using forced air heaters. This does not prove to be entirely satisfactory, however, because much of the hot air is lost through the roof and walls of the greenhouse. As a result, during the winter days, the temperature in the greenhouse can be as low as 50.degree. F. even with the hot air heaters at full blast. One solution to this problem has been to use insulating materials on the roof and walls of the greenhouse. Systems of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,064,648 to Cary, 4,313,650 to Ward et al. and 4,375,232 to Heescher et al. Cary discloses use of a flexible sheet of insulating material, wound in a roll, that can be installed near the roof of the greenhouse. The material can then be deployed at night to cover the roof and prevent heat loss. During the daytime, the insulation is retracted into the roll so that light may enter the greenhouse. A similar system is disclosed in the Heescher patent. There, an insulative foil, made of two layers of plastic separated by air pockets, is selectively deployed over the roof and walls of the greenhouse to prevent heat loss. The foil is folded when stored and opens to form an insulative barrier. Both the Heescher and Cary references suggest that the foil might be coated with aluminum to increase the insulation effect. In Ward et al., reflective and insulative slats are arranged venitian blind style below the greenhouse roof. This construction permits selective capture or reflection of heat or light. Aluminized insulating materials, such as those disclosed in the Heescher et al. and Cary references, are also useful in summer months to prevent overheating from direct sunlight. By deploying the insulating material over the southern exposure of the greenhouse (in the Northern hemisphere), direct sunlight will be reflected out of the greenhouse. Diffuse light still enters the greenhouse through the northern exposure providing light for the plants. While hot air systems, used in conjunction with insulating materials, can be effective to promoting plant growth during cold winter months, such systems are still relatively energy inefficient. One primary drawback to the use of forced air is that the hot air naturally rises to the roof. Thus, the plants do not receive the full benefit of the forced air output. Although the insulating layers prevent much of the heat from escaping, the air near the roof will be warmer than the air near the floor, an indication that the system is not energy efficient. Greenhouses also require large amounts of water. The water is often taken straight from the outside and sprayed on the plants. This water is very cold, especially in winter and, when sprayed on the plants, it cools the plants, soil and surrounding air. Thus, the environment must be reheated to maintain proper growing conditions. In order to maintain a steady temperature in the greenhouse, the water is sometimes heated before spraying. This is typically accomplished using a large capacity water heater. Thus, separate air and water heating systems must be purchased and installed. The water heating systems in the prior art are not able to take advantage of the excess heat produced by the air heating systems and so efficiency is not maximized. Further problem arise due to the build-up of snow and ice on the roof above the insulating material. The prior art has attempted to solve this problem using additional devices which either scrape off the snow or heat the roof. None of the additional devices make use of the excess heat in the heating system, however, so, again, maximum efficiency is not achieved. | In order to grow plants in greenhouses, a proper combination of light and heat is required. At times, the requisite light and heat are provided naturally from the sun. However, in most northern climates, it is often too cold during the winter to grow plants without some source of heat. Typically, heat is provided using forced air heaters. This does not prove to be entirely satisfactory, however, because much of the hot air is lost through the roof and walls of the greenhouse. As a result, during the winter days, the temperature in the greenhouse can be as low as 50. degree. F. even with the hot air heaters at full blast. One solution to this problem has been to use insulating materials on the roof and walls of the greenhouse. Systems of this type are disclosed in U. S. Pat. Nos. 4, 064, 648 to Cary, 4, 313, 650 to Ward et al. and 4, 375, 232 to Heescher et al. Cary discloses use of a flexible sheet of insulating material, wound in a roll, that can be installed near the roof of the greenhouse. The material can then be deployed at night to cover the roof and prevent heat loss. During the daytime, the insulation is retracted into the roll so that light may enter the greenhouse. A similar system is disclosed in the UeesDher patfnr. There, an insulative foil, made of two layers of plastic separated by air pockets, is selectively deployed over the roof and walls of the greenhouse to prevent heat loss. The foil is folded when stored and opens to form an insulative barrier. Both the Heescher and Cary references suggest that the f*i/ might be coated with aluminum to increase the insulation effect. In Ward et al. , reflective and insulative slats are arranged venitian blind style below the greenhouse roof. This construction permits selective capture or reflection of heat or light. Aluminized insulating materials, such as those disclosed in the Heesxyer et al. and CSrh references, are also useful in summer months to prevent overheating from direct sunlight. By deploying the insulating material over the southern exposure of the greenhouse (in the Northern hemisphere ), direct sunlight will be reflected out of the greenhouse. Diffuse light still enters the greenhouse through the northern exposure providing light for the plants. While hot air systems, used in conjunction with insulating materials, can be effective to promoting plant growth during cold winter months, such systems are still relatively energy inefficient. One primary drawback to the use of forced air is that the hot air naturally rises to the roof. Thus, the plants do not receive the full benefit of the forced air output. Although the insulating layers prevent much of the heat from escaping, the air near the rKod will be warmer than the air near the floor, an indication that the system is not energy efficient. Greenhouses also require large amounts of water. The !ateG is (Vten taken straight from the outside and sprayed on the plants. This water is very cold, especially in winter and, when sprayed on the plants, it cools the plants, soil and surrounding air. Thus, the environment must be reheated to mAin5ain proper growing conditions. In order to maintain a steady temperature in the greenhouse, the water is sometimes heated before spraying. This is typically accomplished using a large capwcUty water heater. Thus, separate air and water heating systems must be purchased and installed. The water heating systems in the prior art are not able to take advantage of the excess heat produced by the air heating systems and so efficiency is not maximized. Further problems arise due to the build - up of snow and ice on the roof above the insulating material. The prior art has attempted to solve this problem using additional devices which either scrape off the snow or heat the roof. None of the additional devices make use of the excess heat in the heating system, however, so, again, maximum efficiency is not achieved. | In order to plants in greenhouses, a proper of light heat is required. At times, the requisite light and heat are provided naturally from the sun. However, in most climates, it is often too during the winter to grow without some source of heat. Typically, heat is provided forced air heaters. This does prove to be entirely satisfactory, however, much of the hot air is lost through the roof and walls of the greenhouse. As a result, during the winter days, the temperature in the greenhouse can be as low as 50.degree. F. the hot heaters full One solution to problem has to use insulating materials on the roof and of the greenhouse. Systems of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,064,648 to Cary, 4,313,650 to Ward et al. and 4,375,232 to et al. Cary discloses use of a flexible sheet of insulating material, wound in a roll, that can be installed near the roof of the greenhouse. The material can then deployed at night to cover the and prevent heat loss. During the daytime, the insulation is into the roll so that light enter the greenhouse. A similar system is disclosed in the Heescher patent. There, insulative foil, made of two layers of plastic separated by air pockets, is selectively deployed over and walls of the greenhouse to prevent heat loss. The foil folded when stored and opens to form an insulative barrier. Both the and references suggest that the foil might be coated with aluminum to increase the effect. In Ward et reflective and insulative slats are arranged venitian blind style below the greenhouse roof. This selective capture reflection of heat or light. Aluminized insulating materials, such as those disclosed in the et al. and Cary references, are also useful in summer months to prevent overheating from direct sunlight. By deploying the material the southern exposure of the greenhouse (in the Northern hemisphere), direct sunlight will be reflected out of the greenhouse. Diffuse light still enters the greenhouse through the northern exposure providing light for plants. While hot air systems, used in conjunction with insulating materials, can be effective to promoting plant growth during cold winter months, such systems are still relatively energy inefficient. One primary drawback to the use of forced air is that the hot naturally rises to the roof. Thus, the plants do not receive the full benefit the forced air output. Although the insulating layers prevent of the heat from escaping, the air the roof will be warmer than air the floor, an indication that the system is not energy efficient. Greenhouses also require large amounts of water. The water is often taken straight from the outside and the plants. This water is very cold, especially in winter and, when sprayed on the plants, cools plants, soil and surrounding air. Thus, the environment must reheated to maintain proper growing conditions. In order to maintain in the greenhouse, the water is heated before spraying. This typically accomplished using a capacity water heater. Thus, separate air and water heating systems must be purchased and water heating systems prior art are not able to take advantage of the excess heat by the heating systems and so efficiency is not maximized. Further problems due to the build-up of snow and ice on the roof above the insulating material. The art has attempted to solve problem using additional devices which either scrape off the or heat the None of the additional devices make use of the excess heat in the heating system, however, so, again, maximum efficiency is not achieved. | IN OrDER tO gRoW plAntS in gREenhouSeS, A proper coMBINAtIoN Of light and hEAT Is reQuiRED. at TImeS, The REQUIsite liGht aNd heat are ProVIDed NATuRaLly fRoM ThE Sun. HOWEVer, in MoST norThErn cLiMATes, IT is oFTen Too COLd During thE winTeR to gRoW PlaNTS wITHoUt sOME Source of heAt. typicallY, hEAT is PRoVidEd USiNg FoRcED aiR hEateRS. This DOeS not ProVe To BE entireLY sAtISfactOry, hOWEver, becAuSE MuCH of The HOT aIr iS loSt throUgH thE ROOf AND walLS Of thE GreEnhoUsE. As A reSUlt, duRING thE winTEr DAyS, the teMpeRatUrE In tHe greENHOusE CaN be AS lOW AS 50.Degree. f. Even WitH ThE HOt aiR HeATERs at FUlL blAST.
onE SOlUTion tO THis PrOBlEm HAS BEEn To USe iNsUlAtING MATeriaLS oN tHe rooF anD WALlS Of tHE grEenhoUsE. sySTeMS of ThIS tyPE arE DiscloseD in u.S. paT. NOS. 4,064,648 TO CArY, 4,313,650 to WArd et AL. anD 4,375,232 to HEEsCheR Et Al.
CAry dIScLOsES uSE oF a fLExIblE shEEt of InsulatiNG maTerIal, WoUNd In A rolL, tHAT CAn Be InsTaLled nEAr thE RoOF OF the GreENhoUSe. THe MAteRial CaN THeN be deplOyed at NighT tO covEr The RoOf ANd PrEveNt heAT losS. DURIng tHE DAytIme, THE iNsUlaTion is RETraCTED INtO THe RoLL sO ThaT LIght may enteR tHe GREENHousE.
a siMiLaR sYSTeM IS DIsClOSED iN tHe HEeSChER patENT. THeRe, an INSULativE foIl, MaDe of TWo LayeRS oF pLaStic SEpARaTED bY Air PockeTs, Is SElecTIveLy DEployED Over thE rOOf ANd wAlLS Of tHE GrEeNHouSE To preVent HeAt LOsS. THe foIL IS fOlDEd wHEn StOrED aNd OPEns tO FoRm AN INSULaTIVe BArRieR. bOTh the HEeSChER and caRy rEFeRENcEs SuGgeSt thaT ThE FOIL MIGhT be COAtED wiTh alUMINum tO inCREAse tHE iNSulATIOn EffECT.
IN Ward eT Al., reflECtIVE AND inSuLativE sLaTS ArE ARRANGED VeniTIAN BlInd sTYle belOw thE GReEnhOuSe roOf. thiS COnstRUctIoN PerMIts SELeCTive CaptURe OR REfLEction OF HEaT Or LIgHT.
AluMInIzed insuLATiNG maTerialS, SuCH As ThOSE disCLOSed in tHE hEEsCher et AL. ANd carY REFeREnCeS, ARe aLSO USEfuL In suMmEr monTHS to prEVENt OvERhEaTINg froM dIRecT SUnlIGht. bY depLOyiNg The iNsULaTInG MaTeRIAl oVER ThE soUtHErN ExPOSUrE of thE GREEnHousE (iN ThE nOrthERN hEmisphERe), dIRECT SUnlIgHt wiLl BE rEfLEcted oUT of The GreeNHoUSe. diFfusE LighT STILl ENTErS ThE GreenHOuSE ThROugH ThE nORtHern expOSUrE proVidINg LigHT FOr tHe PlANTs.
whILe hoT aiR SysTEMs, useD In cONJuNctIoN WitH INsulaTINg mATEriAls, CaN bE effECtivE To PrOMotiNG pLANt groWth DuRING cOLd WINTEr MOntHS, sucH SYStEMs arE StIlL RELaTIVElY EnerGY IneFFicIeNt. oNe prIMARY DraWBAck tO tHE USE OF ForcED aiR Is tHAT THe HOT aIr naTURALLY RiSes To ThE rOof. thUS, The pLANTS DO NoT rEcEIVe The FuLl beNEfit of ThE ForcEd air OUTPUt. aLthOUGh the iNSULATiNg lAYerS pRevEnt MUCH oF ThE hEaT FrOm ESCAPiNG, tHe aIR NeAr thE ROOf WIlL bE warmER THan ThE air NeAR tHE FLooR, An InDiCATion ThAt The sYsTem is NOT ENErGy EffiCienT.
greEnHoUSes AlsO REqUiRe largE AMouNTS of WATeR. The WAtEr IS OfTeN TAKen STrAIght FROM tHE oUtsIde aND SPRaYED on the plaNtS. THis WaTeR iS veRY COlD, espECiAlly in WinTer aND, WHen sPrAYed oN tHe PLAnTs, IT CoOlS THE pLAnTS, SOiL anD SuRrOUNDiNg Air. thUs, The eNVirONMENT Must Be rEHeATEd tO MAintAIN PROpEr GrowInG cOndITiONS. IN OrdeR To MAINTAiN A sTEADy TEmpEratURe In The GreENhOuSE, tHe waTer is sOmeTimEs hEaTEd BEfoRe SPraYIng. tHis IS tYPIcALlY accOMplIshED usINg a LARgE cAPacItY WAteR hEaTeR. tHus, SePARate AiR aNd WatEr heatING sYSTeMs mUsT be PuRCHaSEd AnD inSTALlED. tHE wateR hEaTiNg syStEMs IN THe PRIor aRt are nOt AbLe tO TAkE adVantAGE of tHe ExCEss heaT PRoduCED By THE air HEatING SysTEMS aND so eFFiCIEncY is Not MaXimiZEd.
fURThER PrOblEmS aRisE dUE TO The buiLd-Up Of sNow aNd iCe ON THe RooF AbOve THe INSULating mATerIal. tHE priOR ARt haS attempted tO sOlve ThIs pROblEM usiNg adDitiOnAL deViCEs WhicH eITher scrAPE Off The snOw or Heat tHe rOOF. NOne OF the aDditiOnAL DeViCEs MaKe use oF tHe eXcEss HEAt In the HeAtINg SyStEM, HOwever, so, Again, MAXImum eFFICIENcY IS not ACHievEd. | In order to grow plants in greenhouses, a proper combination of light and heat is required. At times, the requisite light and heat are provided naturally from the sun. However, in most northernclimates, it is often too cold during the winter togrow plants withoutsomesource of heat. Typically, heat is provided using forcedair heaters.This does not prove tobe entirely satisfactory, however, because much of the hot air is lostthrough the roof and walls of thegreenhouse. As a result, during the winter days, the temperature in thegreenhouse canbe as low as 50.degree. F.even with the hot air heaters at full blast. One solution to this problem has been to useinsulating materials on theroof and walls of the greenhouse. Systems of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,064,648to Cary, 4,313,650 to Ward etal. and 4,375,232 to Heescher et al. Cary discloses use of a flexible sheet of insulatingmaterial, wound in a roll, that can be installed near the roof of the greenhouse. The material canthen be deployed at nightto cover the roof and preventheat loss. During the daytime, the insulationis retracted into the roll so that light may enter thegreenhouse. A similar system is disclosed in the Heescher patent. There, an insulative foil, made of twolayers of plastic separated by air pockets,is selectivelydeployed over the roof andwalls of the greenhouseto prevent heat loss. Thefoil isfolded when stored and opens to form an insulative barrier. Boththe Heescher and Cary references suggest that the foil might be coated with aluminum to increase the insulation effect. In Ward et al., reflective and insulative slats are arranged venitianblind stylebelow the greenhouse roof. This construction permits selective capture or reflection of heat or light. Aluminized insulating materials, such as thosedisclosed in the Heescher et al. and Cary references, are alsouseful in summer months to prevent overheating from direct sunlight. By deploying the insulating material overthe southern exposureofthe greenhouse(in the Northern hemisphere), direct sunlight will be reflected outof the greenhouse. Diffuse light still enters the greenhouse through the northern exposure providing light for theplants. While hot airsystems, used in conjunction with insulating materials, can be effective to promoting plant growth during cold winter months, such systems are still relatively energy inefficient. One primary drawback to the use of forcedair isthat the hot air naturally rises to the roof.Thus, the plants do notreceive the fullbenefit of the forced air output.Although the insulatinglayers prevent much of the heat from escaping, the air near the roof will be warmer than the air near the floor, an indication that the system isnot energyefficient. Greenhousesalsorequire large amounts of water.The water is often taken straight fromthe outside and sprayed on theplants. This water is very cold, especially in winter and, when sprayed on the plants, it cools the plants, soil and surroundingair. Thus, theenvironment must be reheated to maintainproper growing conditions. In order to maintain a steady temperaturein thegreenhouse,the water issometimes heated before spraying. Thisis typically accomplished using a large capacity waterheater. Thus, separate air and waterheating systems must be purchased andinstalled. The water heatingsystemsin thepriorart are notable to take advantage of the excess heat produced by the air heating systems andso efficiency is not maximized. Further problems arise due to the build-up of snow and ice onthe roof above the insulating material. The prior art has attempted to solvethis problem using additional deviceswhich eitherscrape off thesnow or heatthe roof. None of the additional devices makeuseof the excess heat in the heating system, however, so, again,maximum efficiency is not achieved. | In order _to_ grow _plants_ in _greenhouses,_ a proper combination of _light_ and heat is _required._ At times, the requisite light _and_ heat are provided naturally from the _sun._ However, _in_ most _northern_ climates, _it_ is often too cold during the winter to grow _plants_ without _some_ source of _heat._ Typically, heat _is_ provided using forced air _heaters._ This does not prove to be entirely satisfactory, however, _because_ much of _the_ hot air is _lost_ through the roof _and_ walls of the _greenhouse._ As a result, during _the_ winter days, the temperature in the _greenhouse_ can be as _low_ as _50.degree._ F. even with _the_ _hot_ air heaters at full blast. _One_ solution to _this_ problem has been to use _insulating_ materials on the _roof_ and walls of the _greenhouse._ Systems _of_ this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. _4,064,648_ _to_ _Cary,_ 4,313,650 to Ward _et_ al. and 4,375,232 to Heescher _et_ al. _Cary_ discloses use of _a_ flexible _sheet_ _of_ insulating material, wound in _a_ roll, that can be installed near _the_ roof of _the_ greenhouse. The material can then be deployed _at_ _night_ _to_ cover _the_ roof and prevent heat _loss._ During the daytime, the _insulation_ _is_ retracted _into_ the roll _so_ that _light_ _may_ enter the greenhouse. A similar _system_ is disclosed _in_ the Heescher _patent._ There, _an_ insulative foil, _made_ _of_ _two_ layers _of_ plastic separated by air pockets, is selectively deployed over _the_ roof and walls of the greenhouse _to_ prevent heat loss. The _foil_ is folded when _stored_ and opens to form _an_ insulative _barrier._ Both _the_ Heescher and Cary _references_ suggest that the _foil_ might be coated with aluminum to increase the insulation effect. In Ward _et_ al., reflective and insulative slats are arranged venitian _blind_ style _below_ the greenhouse _roof._ This _construction_ _permits_ selective capture or _reflection_ of heat _or_ light. Aluminized _insulating_ materials, such _as_ _those_ disclosed _in_ the Heescher et al. and _Cary_ references, are also useful in summer months to prevent _overheating_ from _direct_ _sunlight._ By deploying the insulating material over the _southern_ exposure _of_ the greenhouse (in the Northern hemisphere), direct _sunlight_ will be reflected out of the greenhouse. Diffuse light _still_ enters _the_ greenhouse through the northern exposure _providing_ _light_ for the _plants._ While hot _air_ systems, used in conjunction with insulating materials, can be effective to _promoting_ plant growth _during_ cold winter months, such systems are still _relatively_ energy inefficient. One primary _drawback_ _to_ _the_ use of _forced_ air _is_ that the hot air _naturally_ rises _to_ the roof. Thus, the plants _do_ not receive the full benefit of the forced air output. _Although_ the insulating layers prevent much of the heat from escaping, _the_ air near the roof will be _warmer_ _than_ the _air_ near the floor, an indication that the _system_ is _not_ energy efficient. Greenhouses also require large amounts of _water._ The water is often taken straight from _the_ _outside_ and sprayed on the plants. This _water_ is very cold, _especially_ in _winter_ and, when _sprayed_ on the plants, it _cools_ the plants, _soil_ _and_ surrounding air. Thus, the _environment_ must be _reheated_ to maintain _proper_ growing conditions. _In_ _order_ to maintain a steady temperature in the greenhouse, the water is sometimes _heated_ _before_ spraying. This is typically accomplished using a large capacity water heater. Thus, _separate_ air and water heating systems _must_ _be_ purchased and installed. _The_ water heating systems _in_ the prior art are not able to _take_ advantage of the excess heat produced by the air heating systems and so efficiency _is_ not _maximized._ Further problems arise due to _the_ build-up of snow and ice on the roof above the insulating material. _The_ prior art has attempted to solve this _problem_ using additional _devices_ which either scrape off the snow _or_ heat the roof. None of _the_ additional devices make use of _the_ excess heat in _the_ heating _system,_ however, _so,_ again, maximum efficiency is not achieved. |
A Linux server clustering system (Linux Virtual Server, LVS for short) is a virtual server clustering system, and is a way for achieving load balancing, in the Linux kernel, based on the Internet Protocol (IP for short) layer and the content-based request distribution.
A Tencent Gateway (TGW for short) project is developed from an LVS project. By using an IP tunneling (IP TUN for short) manner, a TGW can access a service on a Linux server efficiently and transparently. However, since a windows system does not support the IP TUN technology, it is hard to make the TGW access a windows service by using the IP TUN manner. | A Linux server bundle system (Linux Virtual Server, LVS for short) is a virtual server clustering system, and is a way for achieving load balancing, in the Linux kernel, based on the Internet Protocol (IP for short) layer and the content-based request distribution. A Tencent Gateway (TGW for short) project is developed from an LVS project. By using an IP tunneling (IP TUN for short) manner, a TGW can access a service on a Linux server efficiently and transparently. However, since a windows system does not support the IP TUN technology, it is hard to make the TGW access a windows service by using the IP TUN manner. | A Linux server c/usterinb system (Linux Virtual Server, LVS for Dhott) is a virtual server clustering system, and is a way for achieving load balancing, in the Linux kernel, vasfd on the Internet Protocol (IP for short) layer and the content - based request diCrribution. A TencFGt Gateway (TGW for short) project is developed from an LVS project. By using an IP tunneling (IP TUN for short) manner, a TGW can acfesx a service on a Linux seeveF efficiently and tGansparDntly. However, since a windows s%st4m does not support the IP TUN technology, it is hard to make the TGW wccfss a windows service by using the IP TUN manner. | A Linux clustering (Linux Virtual Server, LVS for short) is a virtual clustering system, and is a way for achieving load balancing, the Linux based on the Internet Protocol (IP for short) layer and the content-based request distribution. A Tencent Gateway (TGW for short) is developed from an LVS project. By using an IP tunneling (IP for short) manner, a TGW can access a service on a Linux server efficiently and transparently. However, since a windows system does not support the IP technology, is to make the TGW access a windows service by using the IP TUN manner. | A LInuX SErvER CLUsTErInG SYstEM (LINuX ViRTUaL SeRVeR, Lvs fOR ShOrt) Is a ViRtuAl serVEr CLuSTErinG SYStEM, AnD IS A WAY fOr aChIevInG loAd balANCiNg, IN tHe lInux KERNEL, baSEd On the IntErNET PROTOCOl (Ip fOr sHorT) lAyer AND THE coNtEnt-bASed rEqUEst disTributioN.
A tencent gATEWAy (tGw FOr SHOrt) PrOject IS DeVEloPed FRoM aN LVs PRoject. bY usINg AN IP tunNEliNG (Ip tuN for sHort) manNER, A TGW CaN acCeSS A SeRVIce oN A LInUX serVer EfFICIENTLY aNd tRaNsPAREntLY. HowEvEr, SinCE a WinDoWs sYsteM dOEs nOt SUPport tHE IP TUn TechNOLogY, iT is Hard to maKe THE tgw AcCESs a WinDows SErviCe By uSINg ThE Ip Tun MANNer. | A Linuxserver clustering system (Linux VirtualServer, LVS for short) is a virtualserverclustering system,andis a way forachieving load balancing, in the Linux kernel, based on the InternetProtocol (IP for short)layer and the content-based request distribution. A Tencent Gateway (TGW forshort) project is developed froman LVS project. By using an IPtunneling (IP TUN for short) manner, a TGW can access a service ona Linux server efficiently and transparently. However, since a windows system does not support the IP TUN technology, it is hard to make the TGW access a windows service by using the IPTUN manner. | A Linux server clustering system (Linux _Virtual_ Server, LVS for short) is _a_ _virtual_ _server_ clustering system, and is a way _for_ achieving _load_ balancing, _in_ the Linux kernel, based on the _Internet_ Protocol (IP for short) _layer_ and the content-based request distribution. A Tencent _Gateway_ (TGW for short) project _is_ developed _from_ an _LVS_ _project._ By using an _IP_ tunneling (IP TUN _for_ short) manner, _a_ _TGW_ can _access_ a service _on_ a Linux server efficiently and transparently. However, since a windows system does not support the IP _TUN_ technology, it is hard to make _the_ TGW _access_ a windows service by using the IP TUN _manner._ |
As well-known, along with the trend toward the increase in the number and the size of a data center including a plurality of devices such as servers, storages and the like, a power consumed by the data center increases abruptly. In order to solve the problem of large power consumption, technical approach has made such as development of a server having high power conversion efficiency and low power consumption For example, servers in an idle state consume about 60% of the electricity energy. In a data center, servers run at efficiency of about 5% to 20% to cut server response time. To do so, about 10% of the servers in average place in a standby mode.
A method for managing loads such as servers in a cluster system evenly allocates the loads to the servers considering performance. Although this leads to improve the performance, the power consumption increases. Thus, the load allocation method is not suitable for reducing power consumption.
There is a technique to switch on/off a server on a single threshold basis by the amount of a load. However, this technique is disadvantageous in that a long period of switching on time of the server deteriorates performance of the cluster system and in that frequent on/off operations of the server results in large power consumption. Hence, such conventional technique cannot be used as a desirable load allocation method in view of performance and power consumption. | As well-known, along with the trend toward the increase in the number and the size of a data center including a plurality of devices such as servers, storages and the like, a power consumed by the data center increases abruptly. In order to solve the problem of large power consumption, technical approach has made such as development of a server having high power conversion efficiency and low power consumption For example, servers in an idle state consume about 60% of the electricity energy. In a data center, servers run at efficiency of about 5% to 20% to cut server response time. To do so, about 10% of the servers in average place in a standby mode. A method for managing loads such as servers in a cluster system evenly apportion the loads to the servers considering performance. Although this leads to improve the performance, the power consumption increases. Thus, the load allocation method is not suitable for reducing power consumption. There is a technique to switch on/off a server on a single threshold basis by the amount of a load. However, this technique is disadvantageous in that a long period of switching on time of the server deteriorates performance of the cluster system and in that frequent on/off operations of the server results in large power consumption. Hence, such conventional technique cannot be used as a desirable load allocation method in view of performance and power consumption. | As well - known, along with the trend toward the increase in the number and the six4 of a data center including a plurality of devices such as servers, storages and the lUIe, a power consumed by the data center increases abruptly. In order to solve the problem of large power consumption, technical approach has made such as development of a server having high power conversion efficiency and low power comsumpti*n For example, servers in an idle state consume about 60% of the electricity 3Mergy. In a data center, servers run at effiViench of ZbKut 5% to 20% to cut server response time. To do so, about 10% of the servers in average place in a standby mode. A method for managing loads such as servers in a cluster system evenly allocates the loads to the servers considering performance. Although this leads to improve the performance, the power conEumptoon increases. Thus, the load allocation method is not suitable for reducing power consumption. There is a technique to sQitcN on / off a server on a single threshold basis by the amount of a load. However, this technique is disadvantaYeo ts in that a long period of switching on time of the server deteriorates performance of the cluster syst2< and in that frequent on / off operations of the server results in large power consumption. Hence, such conventional technique cannot be used as a desirable load allocation method in view of performance and power consumption. | As well-known, along with the toward the increase the number the size of a data center including a plurality of devices as servers, storages and the like, a power consumed by the data center increases abruptly. In order to solve the problem of large power consumption, technical approach made such as development of a server power conversion efficiency and low power For servers in an idle state consume about 60% of the electricity energy. In a data center, servers run at efficiency of about 5% to 20% to cut server time. To do so, 10% of the servers in place in a standby mode. A method for managing loads as servers in cluster system evenly allocates the loads to the servers considering performance. Although this leads to improve the performance, the power consumption increases. the load allocation method is not suitable for reducing power consumption. is a technique to switch on/off a server a single threshold basis by the amount a load. However, this technique is disadvantageous in that a long period switching on time of the server deteriorates of the cluster system and in that frequent operations of the server results in large power Hence, such conventional technique cannot be used as a desirable allocation method in view of performance and power consumption. | as WeLL-KNoWn, aLOnG wItH thE TreND TOwArD THE inCREase in ThE nUMbeR And tHE size OF A DATa CENtEr incLuDInG a PluRaLitY of dEvICES such aS SeRvErs, StOrages ANd thE LikE, A powER cONsumed BY The DATA CeNTER InCreASES aBrUpTLY. IN order To sOlvE The pRobLem of LaRGE pOwEr coNsuMPTioN, TechnICaL APproACh HAS MAde SUch AS DeVElOpment of a SErveR hAvING high PoWer CONveRsIon EFfICIEncY aNd lOW poweR CONSuMPTion for ExAmplE, serVerS In aN IdLe StatE consuMe aboUt 60% OF THE eLecTRicity enerGY. iN A DAta cenTEr, seRvErs run At effiCIency OF AbOUT 5% To 20% TO cuT ServER ReSpoNsE TimE. TO dO so, About 10% of ThE SErvErs in AVERAge plACe iN A sTAndby modE.
a MEthOD foR MaNAGiNG loads sUcH as seRvErS IN A ClusTER sYSTem EVEnLy alLOcAtEs ThE loAds to ThE servERS CONsidERInG PErfOrmaNCe. ALTHough THIs LeaDs To IMprOVe the PerFORMaNCe, tHe pOWer coNSuMPtIOn iNCrEasES. thuS, thE loAd ALlocaTiON mEThod iS NoT suITAbLE For REDucing Power ConsumptioN.
THEre is a TEcHNiQUe tO SwITCH ON/OFf a SERvER on A sIngLe ThREShOLd baSis By tHE AMoUNt OF A loaD. HOwevER, thIs TEchniQue IS DisADVanTagEous In that a lONg pERIoD OF SwitchiNg On TimE of tHE sERver DetERIOrAteS pErFORmancE Of tHe ClUsTER SYSTEM AND IN THAt FrEquENt oN/ofF OPeRATIoNS Of tHE servEr Results In large POweR conSumPtioN. HencE, sUch cONVEnTIonAL tECHNIQUE CAnnot bE uSEd as A desiRAbLE LOaD ALLoCAtiOn meThOd iN VIEW Of pErFoRMaNCE aNd POweR consumPtion. | As well-known, along withthe trend toward the increase in the number and the sizeof a data center including a plurality of devices such as servers, storages and thelike, a power consumed by the data center increases abruptly.In order to solve the problem of large power consumption,technical approach has made such as development of a server having highpower conversion efficiency and low powerconsumption For example, servers in an idle state consume about 60% of the electricity energy. Ina data center, servers run at efficiency of about 5% to 20% tocut server response time. Todo so, about 10% of theservers in averageplace in a standby mode. A method for managing loads such as servers inacluster systemevenlyallocates the loads to theservers considering performance. Although this leads to improve the performance, the power consumption increases. Thus, the load allocation method is not suitable for reducing powerconsumption. There is a technique to switch on/off aserveron a singlethreshold basis by the amount of a load. However, this technique is disadvantageousin that a long period ofswitching ontime of the server deteriorates performance of the cluster system and in that frequent on/off operations of the serverresults in large power consumption. Hence,such conventional technique cannot be used as a desirable load allocation methodin view ofperformance and power consumption. | As well-known, along with _the_ trend toward the increase in the number and the size _of_ a data center _including_ a plurality of devices such as servers, storages and the like, a power consumed by the data center increases _abruptly._ In order to solve the problem of large power consumption, _technical_ approach has made _such_ as development of a _server_ having high _power_ conversion _efficiency_ _and_ _low_ power consumption For example, servers _in_ an _idle_ state consume _about_ _60%_ of the electricity _energy._ In a data center, _servers_ run at efficiency _of_ about _5%_ to 20% to cut server response time. To _do_ so, _about_ 10% of the servers in average place _in_ a standby mode. A method for managing _loads_ such as servers in a cluster system evenly allocates the loads to the _servers_ considering performance. Although this leads to improve the performance, the power consumption increases. Thus, the load _allocation_ method is _not_ suitable for reducing _power_ _consumption._ There is a technique to switch on/off a server on a single threshold basis by the _amount_ of a _load._ However, _this_ technique is disadvantageous in that a long period of switching on time of the server deteriorates performance of the cluster system and in that frequent on/off operations of the server results in large power _consumption._ Hence, such conventional technique cannot be used _as_ a desirable _load_ allocation method in view of performance and power _consumption._ |
Heretofore, a linear actuator, for example, which is made up of a fluid pressure cylinder or the like, has been used as a means for transporting workpieces under the supply of a pressure fluid. As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3795968, the present applicants have proposed a linear actuator, which is capable of transporting a workpiece that is mounted on a slide table by causing the slide table to move reciprocally in a straight line along a cylinder main body. However, with the aforementioned linear actuator, in recent years, there has been a demand to reduce manufacturing costs and to enhance ease of assembly by simplifying the structure of the linear actuator. | Heretofore, a linear actuator, for example, which is made up of a mobile pressure cylinder or the like, has been used as a means for transporting workpieces under the supply of a pressure fluid. As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3795968, the present applicants have proposed a linear actuator, which is capable of transporting a workpiece that is mounted on a slide table by causing the slide table to move reciprocally in a straight line along a cylinder main body. However, with the aforementioned linear actuator, in recent years, there has been a demand to reduce manufacturing costs and to enhance ease of assembly by simplifying the structure of the linear actuator. | Heretofore, a linear actuator, for example, which is made up of a fluid pressure cylinder or the like, has been TseV as a means for transporting workpieces uBdeF the xkpply of a Oressurd fluid. As dicclosFd in Japanese Patent No. 3795968, the present applicants have proposed a linear actuator, which is capable of transporting a workpiece that is mounted on a slide table by causing the slide table to move reciprocally in a straight line along a cylinder main body. However, sitN the aforementioned lineQD actuator, in recent years, there has been a demand to reduce manufadguring costs and to enhance ease of assembly by ZimplifyKng the structure of the liBead actuator. | Heretofore, a linear actuator, for example, which is made up a fluid pressure cylinder the like, has been used as a means for transporting workpieces under the supply of pressure fluid. As disclosed in Patent No. 3795968, the present applicants have proposed linear actuator, which is capable of transporting a workpiece that is mounted on a slide table by slide table to move reciprocally in a line along a cylinder main body. However, the aforementioned linear actuator, in recent years, there been a demand to reduce manufacturing costs and to enhance of assembly by simplifying the structure of the linear actuator. | hEReTofOrE, a LIneaR ACTUATor, fOr exAMPle, whiCh is madE up OF a fLUID pressUrE cylinder or THe LIKE, HAS been uSEd aS A MeaNS fOr tRaNSPortiNg wORKpiEceS under ThE SUppLY oF A pRessuRE FLuID. As DiscloSEd IN jAPAnEse paTENT NO. 3795968, The pResENt aPpLIcANTs hAvE pRopOSeD a LinEAR ACtUAtor, whicH iS CapABlE OF TRaNsPoRtINg A wORkpiece THat Is mounTEd ON A SLIdE TaBle by cauSIng THe slIDe table to MOVE reCiPRocALLy in A STrAIghT Line alOng A cYLInDER maIN BODY. howEVeR, wITH ThE AFOREMEntIOneD lINEAR ACtuAtoR, iN rECeNt yeArS, THEre has BEen a dEMand to rEdUcE MAnUfACturINg COstS aNd TO enhANCe ease OF assemblY bY sIMpLIfYiNG tHe sTrUcTure OF The lineAr acTuaTOr. | Heretofore, a linear actuator, for example, which is made up of a fluidpressure cylinder or the like, has been used as a means for transporting workpieces under the supply of a pressure fluid. As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3795968, the present applicants have proposed a linear actuator, which is capable of transportinga workpiece that ismounted on a slide table by causing the slide table to move reciprocally inastraightline along a cylinder mainbody. However, withthe aforementioned linear actuator,in recent years, there hasbeena demand to reduce manufacturingcosts and to enhance easeof assembly by simplifying the structure of the linear actuator. | _Heretofore,_ a linear actuator, for example, which is _made_ up of a fluid pressure cylinder or the like, has been used as a means for transporting workpieces _under_ the _supply_ of a _pressure_ fluid. As disclosed in _Japanese_ Patent No. 3795968, _the_ _present_ applicants have proposed a linear actuator, which is capable of transporting a workpiece that is _mounted_ on a slide table by _causing_ the slide table to move reciprocally in a straight line along a cylinder main body. However, with the aforementioned linear actuator, _in_ recent years, _there_ has _been_ _a_ _demand_ to reduce manufacturing costs and to enhance ease of assembly by simplifying the structure of the _linear_ actuator. |
a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a thin film transistor, a liquid crystal display substrate, a MIS type field effect transistor (MISFET), and their manufacture methods, and more particularly to a transistor having a lightly doped drain structure, a liquid display substrate having such transistors, and their manufacture methods.
b) Description of the Related Art
Thin film transistors (TFT) are used as switching elements of pixels of an active matrix type liquid crystal display device. A small off-current of TFT is necessary for holding electric charges accumulated by a pixel electrode. The off-current can be reduced by adopting a lightly doped drain (LDD) structure.
If both the source and drain regions of TFT have the LDD structure, an on-current reduces. In order to reduce the off-current and retain a sufficient on-current, it can be considered preferable if the LDD structure is formed only on the drain side.
For example, in order to form the LDD structure in only the drain region, first impurity ions are implanted into the drain and source regions at a low concentration. Thereafter, the area in the drain region at the low concentration is covered with a resist mask and impurity ions are implanted at a relatively high concentration. The source region is not covered with the resist mask. If the gate length is short, a high precision of position alignment is required when a resist mask is formed to cover the low concentration region on the drain side and expose the source region.
A TFT using a polysilicon thin film has a carrier mobility higher than a TFT using amorphous silicon. Therefore, by using polysilicon TFT, an image display area and its driver circuit can be formed on the same substrate. A larger on-current is required for TFT in the peripheral circuit than a switching TFT of each pixel. In this context, it may occur that the LDD structure is adopted for TFT in the pixel area and not for TFT in the peripheral circuit.
If the LDD structure is adopted for the source and drain regions of TFT in the pixel area and not adopted for TFT in the peripheral circuit, the number of photolithography processes increases more than if the LDD structure is adopted for all TFTs. An increase in the number of photography processes results in a higher manufacture cost and a lower manufacture yield. | a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thin film transistor, a liquid crystal display substrate, a MIS type field effect transistor (MISFET), and their manufacture methods, and more particularly to a transistor having a lightly doped drain structure, a liquid display substrate having such transistors, and their manufacture methods. b) Description of the Related Art Thin film transistors (TFT) are used as switching elements of pixels of an active matrix type liquid crystal display device. A small off-current of TFT is necessary for holding electric charges accumulated by a pixel electrode. The off-current can be reduced by adopting a lightly doped drain (LDD) structure. If both the source and drain regions of TFT have the LDD structure, an on-current reduces. In order to reduce the off-current and retain a sufficient on-current, it can be considered preferable if the LDD structure is formed only on the drain side. For example, in order to form the LDD structure in only the drain region, first impurity ions are implanted into the drain and source regions at a low concentration. Thereafter, the area in the drain region at the low concentration is covered with a resist mask and impurity ions are implanted at a relatively high concentration. The source region is not covered with the resist mask. If the gate length is short, a high precision of place alignment is required when a resist mask is formed to cover the low concentration region on the drain side and expose the source region. A TFT using a polysilicon thin film has a carrier mobility higher than a TFT using amorphous silicon. Therefore, by using polysilicon TFT, an image display area and its driver circuit can be formed on the same substrate. A larger on-current is required for TFT in the peripheral circuit than a switching TFT of each pixel. In this context, it may occur that the LDD structure is adopted for TFT in the pixel area and not for TFT in the peripheral circuit. If the LDD structure is adopted for the source and drain regions of TFT in the pixel area and not adopted for TFT in the peripheral circuit, the number of photolithography processes increases more than if the LDD structure is adopted for all TFTs. An increase in the number of photography processes results in a higher manufacture cost and a lower manufacture yield. | a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thin film transistor, a liquid crystal display substrate, a MIS type field effect transistor (MISFET ), and their manufacture methods, and ,orD particularly to a transistor haDinT a lightly doped drain structure, a liquid display substrate having such transistors, and their manufacture methods. b) Description of the Related Art Thin film transistors (TFT) are used as switching elements of pixels of an active matrix type liquid crystal display device. A small off - current of TFT is necessary for holding electric charges accumulated by a pixel electrode. The off - current can be reduced by adopting a lightly doped drain (LDD) structure. If both the source and drain regions of TFT have the LDD structure, an on - current reduces. In order to reduce the off - current and retain a sufficient on - current, it can be considered preferable if the LDD structure is formed only on the drain side. For example, in order to form the LDD s6ruSture in onOT the drain region, first impurity iknw are implanted into the drain and source regions at a low concentration. Tbereafher, the area in the drain rerUon at the low concentration is covered with a resist mask and impurity ions are implanted at a relatively high concentration. The source region is not covered with the resist mask. If the gate length is short, a high precision of position alignment is required when a resist mask is formed to cover the low concentration $eNion on the drain side and expose the source region. A TFT using a polysilicon thin film has a carrier mobility higher than a TFT using amorphous silicon. Therefore, by using polysilicon TFT, an image display area and its driver circuit can be formed on the same substrate. A larger on - current is required for TFT in the peripheral circuit 5uan a switching TFT of each pixel. In this context, it may occur that the LDD structure is adopted for TFT in the pixel area and not for TFT in the peripheral circuit. If the LDD XtructuEe is adopted for the source and drain regions of TFT in the pixel area and not adopted for TFT in the peripheral circuit, the number of photolithography processes increases more than if the LDD structure is adopted for all TFTs. An increase in the number of photography processes results in a higher manufacture cost and a lower manufacture yield. | a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thin film transistor, liquid crystal display substrate, a MIS type field transistor (MISFET), and their manufacture and more particularly to a transistor having lightly drain structure, a liquid display substrate having such transistors, and their manufacture methods. b) Description of the Art Thin film transistors (TFT) are used as switching elements of pixels of an active matrix liquid display device. A small off-current of TFT is necessary for holding electric charges accumulated by a pixel The off-current can be reduced by a lightly doped drain structure. If both source and drain regions of TFT the LDD structure, an on-current reduces. In order to reduce the off-current and retain a sufficient on-current, it can considered preferable if the LDD structure is formed only on the drain side. For in order to form the LDD structure in only the drain region, first ions are implanted into the drain and source regions at a low Thereafter, the area in the drain region at the low concentration is covered with a resist mask and impurity ions are implanted a relatively high concentration. The source region is not covered with the resist mask. If the gate length is short, a precision of position is required when a resist mask is formed to cover the low concentration region on the drain and expose the source region. A TFT using a polysilicon thin film has a carrier mobility higher than a TFT using amorphous silicon. Therefore, by using polysilicon an image display area and driver circuit can be formed on the same substrate. larger on-current is required for TFT in the peripheral circuit than a TFT each In this context, it may occur that the LDD structure is adopted TFT in the pixel area and not for TFT in the If the LDD structure is adopted for the and drain regions of the pixel area and not adopted for TFT in the circuit, number of processes increases more than the LDD structure is for all TFTs. An in the number of photography processes results in a higher manufacture cost and a lower manufacture yield. | A) fielD OF thE iNVenTiON
the PResEnt INVEnTion reLates tO A tHin FIlM TRansIstoR, a LiquId crYStaL diSplaY sUbStRaTe, a Mis TYpe FielD eFFEcT trANsIsTOR (MIsFEt), anD TheIR ManuFaCtURE methoDs, aND mORe pARTicUlaRly tO A TrANSIstOr haVINg a LiGhtly DoPed DRaIN STrUCtUrE, a Liquid diSpLAY SuBStRatE HaVIng such tRanSIStoRs, And thEIr MANUFactuRe mEtHoDs.
B) DesCrIPTIon of THE ReLATED ARt
thiN FILm tRansisToRs (tFt) Are usEd aS sWItCHINg EleMeNTS of PIxELs OF An acTive MaTRIx tyPe LIQUiD cRyStal DisPLAY DeVIcE. a sMAll OFF-cuRrEnT OF tFT is NeCESSArY For HOldIng eLECTrIc chArgeS aCCumulATEd By A pixeL elEcTRODE. tHe off-cuRreNt cAn bE REduCEd BY ADoptINg a lIGhtlY DopED dRAIn (LDD) sTRUCTuRe.
iF boTH THe soURCe anD DraIN regiONS oF TfT HAVe thE Ldd STRUCtUrE, aN On-CurreNt rEDuceS. IN Order tO RedUce ThE OFF-CURRent anD rEtAIn A suFficIEnT On-cUrrent, IT CAN be cONSIDeREd prEFeraBLe if The lDD stRUCturE iS foRMeD only On the dRaiN SIde.
For exampLE, iN ORdeR To ForM thE ldD StRUcTUrE IN ONLy tHe draIn REgIon, first ImpUritY IonS aRE IMPLanTED InTo THe drAIN aND souRcE REGIons AT A loW ConcEnTRATiOn. therEaFTer, The ArEa iN The dRAin REGiOn AT tHE loW CONcenTration IS COveReD wITH A rEsIST MaSk aND iMpurIty iOns aRE iMPLanTEd at A ReLatIveLY hiGH COncEnTraTIon. tHE SoUrce rEgIOn is not cOvereD WITh The resiSt MASk. If the GatE LEnGth iS sHorT, a HigH PrECision of posiTioN AliGNment Is rEquiRed wHeN a ReSiSt mASk IS foRMed To cover THe lOW coNcentratIOn reGIOn on THe DRAIn side And eXPoSE THE SOuRCe REGiON.
A tfT uSInG A pOLYSiliCon tHIN FiLm hAS A caRrIEr mobilITy HIgHER tHan a TfT usINg aMorPhOUS sIlIcoN. tHerefOrE, bY UsIng pOlySilIcoN tft, An imAGE DiSpLay ArEa And itS drIVer cIRCUit Can be FoRMed ON thE samE SUBsTrate. A LArGer on-CurreNT Is ReqUireD FOr TFt in THE peRipHErAl cIrCuIT THaN A SwiTChINg Tft oF EaCh pIXEl. In This conTExT, IT MAY occUr tHAt tHe LDd stRuCture IS AdOptED FoR tfT in tHe piXEL ArEA aNd Not FOr TFt in tHE pErIPheRAl cIRcuit.
if tHE LDD sTRUCTUre IS adoptED for THe SouRCe aNd dRaIN RegioNs OF TFT In thE piXel arEA and NOT ADOpTED fOR TFT IN THe PEriPHerAL CIRcUiT, thE NuMBeR Of phOtOLithogRapHY PrOCeSSeS INcreaseS moRE tHAN iF the ldD stRuCTuRE IS AdoPTed For aLL TFTs. An IncREAsE In tHE numBEr OF PHoTOGRAPHY prOcesseS ResULTS In A higher ManufAcTUre COSt anD a loWer mAnufActURE YiELd. | a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thin film transistor, a liquid crystal displaysubstrate, aMIS type field effect transistor (MISFET), and their manufacture methods, and more particularly to atransistorhaving a lightlydoped drain structure, a liquid display substrate having suchtransistors, and their manufacture methods.b) Description of the Related Art Thin film transistors (TFT)are used as switching elementsof pixels of an active matrix type liquid crystal displaydevice. Asmall off-current of TFT is necessary for holdingelectric charges accumulated by a pixel electrode.The off-current can be reduced by adopting alightly dopeddrain(LDD) structure. If both the source and drainregions ofTFT have the LDDstructure, an on-current reduces. In order to reduce the off-currentand retain asufficient on-current, it can be considered preferable if the LDD structure is formed only on the drain side. For example, inordertoform the LDD structure in only the drain region, first impurity ions are implanted into the drain and source regions at a low concentration. Thereafter, the area in the drain region at the low concentrationis coveredwith aresist mask and impurity ions are implanted ata relativelyhigh concentration.The source region is not covered with the resistmask.If thegate lengthis short, a high precision ofposition alignment is required when a resist mask is formedto cover the low concentrationregion on the drain side and exposethesource region. A TFT using a polysilicon thinfilmhas acarrier mobility higher than a TFT using amorphoussilicon. Therefore,by using polysilicon TFT, animage display areaand its driver circuit can be formed on the same substrate. Alarger on-current is required for TFT in the peripheral circuit thana switching TFT of eachpixel. In this context,it may occurthat the LDD structure is adopted for TFT in the pixel area and not for TFT in the peripheral circuit. If the LDD structure is adopted for the source and drain regionsof TFT in the pixelarea and not adopted for TFT intheperipheral circuit, the number of photolithography processes increases more than if theLDD structure is adopted for all TFTs. An increase inthe number of photography processesresults in ahigher manufacture cost and a lower manufactureyield. | a) Field of the _Invention_ The present _invention_ relates to a thin film transistor, a liquid crystal display substrate, a MIS _type_ _field_ effect transistor (MISFET), and their manufacture methods, and more particularly _to_ a _transistor_ having _a_ _lightly_ doped drain structure, a liquid display substrate having such transistors, _and_ their manufacture methods. b) Description of the Related Art Thin film transistors _(TFT)_ are used as switching elements of _pixels_ of an active matrix type liquid crystal display device. A small _off-current_ of TFT _is_ necessary for _holding_ electric charges _accumulated_ _by_ a _pixel_ electrode. The _off-current_ can be reduced by adopting a lightly _doped_ drain (LDD) structure. _If_ both the source and drain _regions_ of TFT have the LDD structure, an _on-current_ reduces. In order to reduce the off-current and retain a sufficient on-current, _it_ can be considered _preferable_ if the LDD structure _is_ formed _only_ on the drain side. _For_ example, in order to form the _LDD_ structure in only the drain region, first impurity ions are implanted into the _drain_ _and_ source regions at a _low_ concentration. Thereafter, the area in the drain region at the low concentration is covered with a resist mask and impurity ions are implanted at _a_ relatively _high_ concentration. _The_ source region is not covered with _the_ _resist_ mask. If the gate length is short, a high precision of position alignment is required when a resist mask _is_ formed to _cover_ the low concentration region _on_ _the_ _drain_ side and expose the source region. A TFT using a polysilicon thin film _has_ a carrier mobility higher than a TFT using amorphous silicon. Therefore, by using polysilicon TFT, an image display area and its driver _circuit_ can be formed on the _same_ substrate. A _larger_ on-current is required for TFT _in_ the peripheral circuit than a switching TFT of each _pixel._ In _this_ context, it may occur that the LDD structure is adopted for _TFT_ in the _pixel_ area and not for TFT in the peripheral circuit. _If_ the LDD structure _is_ _adopted_ _for_ the source and drain regions of TFT in the pixel area and not adopted for TFT in the peripheral circuit, the number of photolithography processes increases more than if the LDD _structure_ is adopted for _all_ TFTs. _An_ _increase_ _in_ the number _of_ photography _processes_ results _in_ a higher manufacture cost and a _lower_ manufacture _yield._ |
As is known in the art, medical image analysis plays an increasingly prominent role in Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) and therapy planning. As a preliminary stage of the analysis, segmentation of structures from medical images and reconstruction of these structures are difficult due to the large volume of the data involved and the complexity of the anatomic shapes of interest.
Three-dimensional (3D) visualization and labeling of rib structures, for example, in a CAD system provide important information for radiologists since they need to report any pathology pertaining to bones in a chest CT scan. The ribs have valuable properties common to bone tissues, i.e., they are rigid and stable in shape, and map to prominent intensities in CT data. Further, rib structures are highly ordered and symmetrical. Because of these features, rib feature group can be used for reliable registration and reference. To make full use of the structural advantages of the ribs, they should be extracted and labeled individually. There are 12 pairs of rib structures in a human body with 8-11 pairs visible in a chest CT volume dataset. They are connected at one end with the spine, and the upper pairs are also connected to the sternum.
Since 1970s, there have been many methods to detect and label ribs automatically in 2D chest radiographs, see an article by M. Park, J. S. Jin, and L. S. Wilson, entitled “Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration chest radiographs”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5030 (2003), pp. 1021-1031; an article by F. Vogelsang, F. Weiler, J. Dahmen, M. Kilbinger, B. Wein and R. Gunther, entitled “Detection and compensation of rib structures in chest radiographs for diagnose assistance”, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 3338, p. 774-785, 1998; and an article by De. Souza P, entitled “Automatic rib detection in chest radiographs”, Computer Vision Graphics and Image Processing. Vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 129-61, August 1983.
D. Kim, H. Kim and H. S. Kang, in a paper entitled “An object-tracking segmentation method: Vertebra and Rib segmentation in CT images”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 4684 (2002), pp. 1662-1671 proposed an object-tracking segmentation method to segment vertebra and ribs from 3D, CT images. But their goal was to remove vertebra and ribs for better visualization of some interested organs. Therefore, the focus of their method is to detect and prevent a leakage from propagation. The vertebra and ribs are removed as a whole.
M. Park, J. S. Jin, and L. S. Wilson, in a paper entitled “Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration chest radiographs”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5030 (2003), pp. 1021-1031. The paper describes an attempt to make rib edges clear by producing an expiration lung field using a hemi-elliptical cavity. Based on the expiration lung field, the paper describes extracting the rib edges using canny edge detector and a connectivity method, referred to as “4 way with 10-neighbors connectivity”, to detect clavicle and rib edge candidates. Once the edge candidates are formed, the process selects the “best candidates” using knowledge-based constraints such as a gradient, length and location. The edges are paired and labeled as superior rib edge and inferior rib edge. Then the system uses the clavicle, which is obtained in a same method for the rib edge detection, as a landmark to label all detected ribs. This method is, however, for a two-dimensional (2D) chest x-ray system as distinguished from a 3D CT scanning system.
Efforts have also been spent on eliminating the ribs and other connected bone structures from the data by region-based approaches, see for example, a paper by G. Bohm, C. J. Knoll, M. L. Alcaniz-Raya, and S. E. Albalat, entitled “Three-dimensional segmentation of bone structures in CT images”, Proceedings of Medical Imaging on Image Processing, pp 277-286, 1999. Although the intensity of rib bone is much higher than the surrounding tissues, the region growing method discussed therein may not provide satisfying results in many cases because: 1) It is very difficult to determine the intensity threshold for the region growing method due to the fact that rib bones in different CT data have different intensity ranges and an adaptive threshold method does not work because of the complexity of the local surrounding structures. 2) The lowest bone intensity and the highest tissue intensity levels are quite close. With noise and partial volume effect, there is no clear-cut intensity threshold between bone and other tissues. 3) The region growing method cannot control its growing path and therefore results in leakage. 4) The intensity range of trabecular bones (interior layer of a rib) is much lower than that of cortical bones (exterior layer) which results in hollowness inside each rib. Also, the intensity of this dark region is non-uniform. Aside from the fact that all ribs and vertebras are connected as one piece, the bones are over-segmented, with many holes in each rib. The surfaces are also far from smooth. These are due to the non-uniform internal intensities of the bone. In short, the above work is only remotely associated with this application. The goal of this application is to individually and precisely segment the rib structures, not roughly removing all the bones as one piece. | As is known in the art, medical image analysis plays an increasingly prominent role in Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) and therapy planning. As a preliminary stage of the analysis, segmentation of structures from medical images and reconstruction of these structures are difficult due to the large volume of the data involved and the complexity of the anatomic shapes of interest. Three-dimensional (3D) visualization and labeling of rib structures, for example, in a CAD system provide important information for radiologists since they need to report any pathology pertaining to bones in a chest CT scan. The ribs have valuable properties common to bone tissues, i.e., they are rigid and stable in shape, and map to prominent intensities in CT data. Further, rib structures are highly ordered and symmetrical. Because of these features, rib feature group can be used for reliable registration and reference. To make full use of the structural advantages of the ribs, they should be extracted and labeled individually. There are 12 pairs of rib structures in a human body with 8-11 pairs visible in a chest CT volume dataset. They are connected at one end with the spine, and the upper pairs are also connected to the sternum. Since 1970s, there have been many methods to detect and label ribs automatically in 2D chest radiographs, see an clause by M. Park, J. S. Jin, and L. S. Wilson, entitled “Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration chest radiographs”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5030 (2003), pp. 1021-1031; an article by F. Vogelsang, F. Weiler, J. Dahmen, M. Kilbinger, B. Wein and R. Gunther, entitled “Detection and compensation of rib structures in chest radiographs for diagnose assistance”, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 3338, p. 774-785, 1998; and an article by De. Souza P, entitled “Automatic rib detection in chest radiographs”, Computer Vision Graphics and Image Processing. Vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 129-61, August 1983. D. Kim, H. Kim and H. S. Kang, in a paper entitled “An object-tracking segmentation method: Vertebra and Rib segmentation in CT images”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 4684 (2002), pp. 1662-1671 proposed an object-tracking segmentation method to segment vertebra and ribs from 3D, CT images. But their goal was to remove vertebra and ribs for better visualization of some interested organs. Therefore, the focus of their method is to detect and prevent a leakage from propagation. The vertebra and ribs are removed as a whole. M. Park, J. S. Jin, and L. S. Wilson, in a paper entitled “Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration chest radiographs”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5030 (2003), pp. 1021-1031. The paper describes an attempt to make rib edges clear by producing an expiration lung field using a hemi-elliptical cavity. Based on the expiration lung field, the paper describes extracting the rib edges using canny edge detector and a connectivity method, referred to as “4 way with 10-neighbors connectivity”, to detect clavicle and rib edge candidates. Once the edge candidates are formed, the process selects the “best candidates” using knowledge-based constraints such as a gradient, length and location. The edges are paired and labeled as superior rib edge and inferior rib edge. Then the system uses the clavicle, which is obtained in a same method for the rib edge detection, as a landmark to label all detected ribs. This method is, however, for a two-dimensional (2D) chest x-ray system as distinguished from a 3D CT scanning system. Efforts have also been spent on eliminating the ribs and other connected bone structures from the data by region-based approaches, see for example, a paper by G. Bohm, C. J. Knoll, M. L. Alcaniz-Raya, and S. E. Albalat, entitled “Three-dimensional segmentation of bone structures in CT images”, Proceedings of Medical Imaging on Image Processing, pp 277-286, 1999. Although the intensity of rib bone is much higher than the surrounding tissues, the region growing method discussed therein may not provide satisfying results in many cases because: 1) It is very difficult to determine the intensity threshold for the region growing method due to the fact that rib bones in different CT data have different intensity ranges and an adaptive threshold method does not work because of the complexity of the local surrounding structures. 2) The lowest bone intensity and the highest tissue intensity levels are quite close. With noise and partial volume effect, there is no clear-cut intensity threshold between bone and other tissues. 3) The region growing method cannot control its growing path and therefore results in leakage. 4) The intensity range of trabecular bones (interior layer of a rib) is much lower than that of cortical bones (exterior layer) which results in hollowness inside each rib. Also, the intensity of this dark region is non-uniform. Aside from the fact that all ribs and vertebras are connected as one piece, the bones are over-segmented, with many holes in each rib. The surfaces are also far from smooth. These are due to the non-uniform internal intensities of the bone. In short, the above work is only remotely associated with this application. The goal of this application is to individually and precisely segment the rib structures, not roughly removing all the bones as one piece. | As is known in the art, medical image analysis plays an increasingly prominent role in Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) and therapy planning. As a preliminary stage of the analysis, segmentation of structures from medical images and reconstruction of these structures are difficult due to the large volume of the data involved and the complexity of the anatomic shapes of interest. Three - dimensional (3D) visualization and labeling of rib structures, for example, in a CAD system provide important information for radiologists since they need to report any pathology pertaining to bones in a chest CT scan. The ribs have valuable properties common to bone tissues, i. e. , they are rigid and stable in shape, and map to p3oJinent int4nsiFies in CT data. Further, rib structures are highly ordered and symmetrical. Because of these features, rib feature group can be used for reliable registration and reference. To make full use of the structural advantages of the ribs, they should be extracted and labeled individually. There are 12 pairs of rib structures in a human body with 8 - 11 pairs visible in a chest CT volume dataset. They are connected at one end with the spine, and the upper pairs are also connected to the sternum. Since 1970s, there have been many methods to detect and label ribs automatically in 2D chest radiographs, see an article by M. Park, J. S. Jin, and L. S. Wilson, entitled “ Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration VhFst radiographs ”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5030 (2003 ), pp. 1021 - 1031; an article by F. Vogelsang, F. Weiler, J. Dahmen, M. Kilbinger, B. Wein and R. Gunther, entitled “ Detection and compensation of rib structures in chest radiographs for diagnose assistance ”, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 334o, p. 774 - 785, 1998; and an article by De. Souza P, entitled “ Automatic rib detection in chest radiographs ”, Computer Vision Graphics and Image Processing. Vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 129 - 61, August 1983. D. Kim, H. Kim and H. S. Kang, in a paper entitled “ An object - tracking segmentation method: Vertebra and Rib segmentation in CT images ”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 4684 (2002 ), pp. 1662 - 1671 proposed an object - tracking segmentation method to segment vertebra and ribs from 3D, CT images. But their goal was to remove vertebra and ribs for better visualization of some interested organs. Therefore, the focus of their method is to detect and prevent a leakage from propagation. The vertebra and ribs are removed as a whole. M. Park, J. S. Jin, and L. S. Wilson, in a paper entitled “ Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration chest radiographs ”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5030 (Q00e ), pp. 1021 - 1031. The paper describes an attempt to NakR rib edges clear by producing an expiration lung field using a hemi - elliptical cavity. Based on the expiration lung field, the paper describes extracting the rib edges using canny edge detector and a connectivity method, referred to as “ 4 way with 10 - neighbors connectivity ”, to detect clavicle and rib edge candidates. Once the edge candidates are formed, the process selects the “ best candidates ” using knowledge - based constraints such as a gradient, length and location. The edges are paired and labeled as superior rib edge and inferior rib edge. Then the system uses the clavicle, which is obtained in a same method for the rib edge detection, as a landmark to label all detected ribs. This method is, however, for a two - dimensional (2D) chest x - ray system as distinguished from a 3D CT scanning system. Efforts have also been spent on eliminating the ribs and other connected bone structures Trkm the data by region - based approaches, see for example, a paper by G. Bohm, C. J. Kbo<l, M. L. Alcaniz - Raya, and S. E. Albalat, entitled “ Three - dimensional segmentation of bone structures in CT images ”, Proceedings of Medical Imaging on Image Processing, pp 277 - 286, 1999. Although the intensity of rib bone is much higher than the xurr8unding tissues, the region growing m2thoW discussed therein may not provide satisfying results in many cases because: 1) It is very difficult to determine the intensity threshold for the region growing method due to the fact that rib bones in different CT data have different intensity ranges and an adaptive threshold method does not work because of the complexity of the local surrounding structures. 2) The lowest bone intensity and the highest tissue intensity levels are quite close. With noise and partial volume effect, there is no clear - cut intensity threshold between bone and other tissues. 3) The region growing method cannot control its growing path and therefore results in leakage. 4) The intensity range of trabecular bones (interior layer of a rib) is much lower than that of cortical bones (exterior layer) which results in hollowness inside each rib. Also, the intensity of this dark region is non - uniform. Aside from the fact that all ribs and vertebras are connected as one piece, the bones are over - segmented, with many holes in each rib. The surfaces are also far from smooth. These are due to the non - uniform internal intensities of the bone. In short, the above work is only remotely associated with this application. The goal of this application is to individually and precisely segment the rib structures, not roughly removing all the bones as one piece. | As is known in the art, medical image plays an increasingly prominent in Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) and therapy planning. a preliminary stage of the analysis, segmentation of from medical images and reconstruction of these structures difficult due the large volume of the data involved and the complexity of the anatomic of interest. Three-dimensional (3D) visualization and labeling of rib for in a CAD system provide information for radiologists they need to report any pertaining to bones in a chest CT ribs have valuable properties common to tissues, i.e., they are rigid and stable in shape, and map to prominent intensities in CT data. Further, rib structures are highly ordered and symmetrical. Because of these features, rib feature group can be used for reliable registration and reference. To make full use of the structural advantages of ribs, they should be extracted and individually. 12 pairs of rib structures a human body with 8-11 pairs visible a chest CT volume dataset. They are connected at end with the and the upper pairs are also connected to sternum. Since 1970s, there have been many methods to and ribs automatically in 2D chest radiographs, see an article by M. Park, J. Jin, and L. S. Wilson, “Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration chest radiographs”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5030 (2003), pp. 1021-1031; an article by F. Vogelsang, F. Weiler, J. Dahmen, Kilbinger, B. R. Gunther, entitled “Detection and compensation structures in chest radiographs for diagnose assistance”, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 3338, 774-785, 1998; and an article by De. Souza P, entitled “Automatic rib detection in chest radiographs”, Computer Vision Graphics and Image Processing. 23, no. 2, pp. 129-61, August 1983. D. Kim, H. and H. S. Kang, in a paper entitled “An object-tracking segmentation method: Vertebra and Rib segmentation in CT images”, Proceedings of SPIE 4684 (2002), pp. 1662-1671 proposed an object-tracking segmentation method to segment vertebra and ribs from 3D, CT images. But their goal was to remove vertebra and ribs for better visualization of some interested organs. Therefore, of their method is to detect and prevent a leakage from propagation. The vertebra and ribs are removed as a whole. M. Park, J. S. Jin, and L. S. Wilson, in a paper entitled “Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration chest radiographs”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. (2003), pp. 1021-1031. The paper describes an attempt to make rib edges clear by producing an expiration field using a hemi-elliptical cavity. Based on expiration lung field, the describes the rib edges using canny edge detector and a method, referred to as “4 way with 10-neighbors connectivity”, to detect clavicle and rib edge candidates. Once the edge are formed, the process selects the “best candidates” using constraints such as a gradient, length and location. The are and labeled as superior rib edge and rib edge. Then the system uses clavicle, is obtained a same method for the rib edge detection, as a landmark to label all detected This method is, however, two-dimensional (2D) chest x-ray system as distinguished from a 3D CT scanning system. have also been spent on eliminating the ribs and other connected bone structures from the data by region-based approaches, for example, a paper by G. Bohm, C. J. M. L. Alcaniz-Raya, and Albalat, “Three-dimensional segmentation of bone structures in CT images”, Proceedings of Medical Imaging on Image Processing, pp 1999. Although the intensity of rib is much higher than the surrounding tissues, the region growing method discussed therein may not provide satisfying results in cases because: 1) It is very difficult determine the intensity threshold for the region growing method due to fact that rib bones different CT data different intensity ranges and adaptive threshold method does not work because of the complexity of local surrounding structures. 2) The lowest bone intensity and highest tissue intensity levels are quite close. With noise and partial volume effect, there is no clear-cut intensity threshold bone and tissues. 3) The region growing method cannot control growing path and therefore results in leakage. 4) The intensity range of trabecular bones (interior layer of rib) is much lower than that of cortical bones (exterior layer) which results in hollowness inside each rib. Also, the of this dark region is non-uniform. Aside from the fact all ribs and vertebras are connected as one piece, the bones are over-segmented, with many holes in each rib. The surfaces are also from smooth. are due to the non-uniform internal of In short, the above work is only remotely associated with this application. The goal of this application is to individually and segment the structures, not roughly removing all the bones as one piece. | as iS kNOWN In THe Art, MEdicAL iMaGe anALYsIS PLAYs An iNcREaSInGly PROMInENT rolE in ComPUTER aIdEd dIAGNOsIs (cad) And ThErAPy PlaNNing. AS A pREliMInAry StAGe oF The anAlYSIs, sEgMENtaTiOn oF StrUCturEs FrOm MeDIcAL imAGES aNd RECoNsTRUctIon oF thesE STRucTureS Are DifficulT DUE TO thE large VOLUMe OF The DAta iNvoLved ANd The cOMPlExItY oF THe ANATomIc ShApEs Of INteRest.
tHrEe-dIMENsiOnAL (3d) ViSuALIZaTiOn AND LABElinG OF rib STrUctureS, foR ExAMPLe, in A CAd sYstEM PrOviDe imPORTAnT InformAtiON FOR RaDioLOGISTs sINce THEY NeED To repoRt aNy patholOGY PERTaIniNg tO BOneS IN A cHeSt cT scaN. thE ribS HaVe ValuABlE pROpErTIes COmmOn TO BOnE TissUes, I.E., tHEY aRE rigID aNd sTAble in ShaPe, And MaP to PromIneNT InTENSITIEs iN Ct daTa. FurtHeR, RiB STRUCTurEs aRe HIghLy ORderEd AND sYmMEtriCaL. beCaUse Of ThEse fEatURes, RIb FeaTUrE gRoup CAn Be useD FOR reLIaBLe reGIsTRaTION AND REFERenCe. tO MaKe FULl uSE OF thE STRUCtuRal AdvaNtaGes oF tHE rIBs, They shOULd BE EXtRacTed AND labELEd inDIVIdUaLly. THerE ArE 12 paiRs Of rIb sTruCTuRes In a huMAN bODy With 8-11 pairs viSiBle IN a ChesT CT VOLuMe DATaSET. They are coNneCted At ONE eND WITH thE SpIne, aND tHe UppEr PAIRs ARE AlSO CoNnEcted tO tHE sTERNUM.
sInce 1970s, therE HAvE been MAny MeThODs To dETEcT ANd LABEL RIbS AutomaTIcAlLy IN 2D cHESt RAdioGRAPHs, see aN aRticLE bY m. pArK, J. S. JiN, ANd l. S. wIlsOn, ENTiTleD “dEteCtION anD LaBELing rIbs On eXpiRATION CHest RADiOgRApHs”, ProcEeDINGs Of Spie vOl. 5030 (2003), pp. 1021-1031; aN ArTiCle bY f. vogElSaNG, F. WeIleR, j. dAHmEn, m. kiLBinGer, b. wEiN And R. GuntHER, enTitlEd “deTEcTiON And cOmPENSaTIon Of RIb STrUCtureS IN cHESt rAdIogrAPhS foR dIAgNOSE AsSiStaNCE”, procEedINgS oF spie, vol. 3338, P. 774-785, 1998; and AN ARTIcLe by DE. sOuZA p, ENtItleD “AutoMatic rIb DEteCTIoN iN cheSt RAdIogrAPHS”, comPuTER vIsiOn grapHics AND imaGE PrOCeSsing. vOL. 23, No. 2, pP. 129-61, aUGUst 1983.
D. kim, h. kIM anD h. S. kAng, In a PapeR EnTItled “An obJeCT-TrACKinG SEGmeNTatIOn MEtHoD: VERteBRA AND RiB seGMEnTATioN in cT iMagEs”, PROceEDINgs oF spIE VOL. 4684 (2002), pP. 1662-1671 PRoPosEd AN ObJEct-TrACkIng SeGmENtATION MEthOD to sEgmenT vERTeBrA and ribS froM 3D, CT imaGes. BUT tHeiR gOaL was TO remOve VeRTEBrA aND riBS fOR BetTer VisuAlizATION Of SOMe inTereSteD oRgAnS. ThereFore, THe fOCuS Of Their mEtHoD IS to detEcT aNd PREveNT a LeakAge fROM PropAGaTioN. tHe vERtEbra AnD riBs ARe ReMOved AS A whoLE.
m. pARk, J. s. JiN, AND L. s. WIlsOn, in A PAPER eNTitLeD “DeTeCtion anD LaBElIng RIbS On expiratIOn chest radioGRaPhS”, PrOCeEDinGs Of spie VOl. 5030 (2003), Pp. 1021-1031. THe paPER dEscribes an AttEmpT tO MaKE rIb EDgES ClEar by pRoDUcInG AN ExPiRaTiON LUNg fIElD Using a hEMi-ElLIptiCaL cAvItY. BaSeD oN tHe EXPIRAtioN LuNg FIeLd, the PApEr DescriBES eXtrACtING ThE RIb EDgES USiNg CannY EdgE DEteCTOr AnD a COnNEcTIvitY mEThod, refErreD tO AS “4 WAy WitH 10-NEIGhBoRS ConnectiVITy”, TO DETEct cLaviclE AND Rib edgE CaNdiDaTES. ONCE THE eDge canDiDAteS ARE FORmed, THe proCesS SelEcts THe “bEST CaNDIDATES” Using KNOwLEdge-baSeD cOnstRaiNTs sUcH As a GradieNt, lEnGth aND LoCatION. The edgES ArE paiReD aND lABELed aS SuPerioR rib eDgE aND inFeriOR rib EdGe. THEn tHe SysTem uSEs THe CLAvicLe, wHich is obTAiNEd IN A sAMe meTHOD For THe rIb EdgE DeTecTiON, AS a lAndmArK tO lAbEl AlL DETECTED rIbS. tHis meThoD iS, HOwevER, foR a TWo-DIMEnsIONal (2D) CHEst x-Ray SysTem AS DistInguIShEd From a 3d ct ScANNinG sYSTEM.
EFfoRts HavE AlSo bEeN spENt ON eLImINATiNG The ribs And otHeR coNnEcTEd BOnE STRuctUres froM thE DAta By REGIoN-bAseD AppRoaChES, sEE FOR exAMPle, a PaPer By g. BOHm, c. j. KNolL, m. l. aLcanIz-RaYa, And S. e. alBaLAt, entItLEd “THREE-dImensIOnal segmEnTAtioN of bONe STruCtuRes IN cT imAGES”, pROceEdiNGs oF MeDiCAL imAginG oN ImAGe PrOcessing, Pp 277-286, 1999. ALtHOugH The inTeNsity oF Rib BonE Is MucH hIGhER tHAn The SURrOunDinG tissUes, tHe RegioN gROWINg METhOd DISCUsSED TheREIn mAy Not provIDe satIsFyINg reSUlts In MaNy casES bECAuse: 1) it iS veRy dIfFiCuLT tO DETErMINE the InteNsity thResHOlD fOR The rEGIon GroWIng MeTHOd dUe To tHE FAct THat rib BOneS IN dIFFerEnT ct DATA hAVE dIffERenT IntEnsity RANgEs and an ADAPTIvE ThREShOLD METhOd doeS NOT worK BeCAuse OF THe complEXItY oF tHe LOcaL suRrOUNdInG strUctuReS. 2) The LOwEST BoNE inTENsItY aND tHE higHEsT tiSSuE INTEnSItY leVELs are Quite ClOSE. wITH noISE and PARtial VolUme EfFect, THeRE IS No CLeAR-Cut intEnsitY tHREShOlD bETwEEn bONe AnD otHer TISSuEs. 3) the ReGIon GrowInG MeThoD cAnNoT cONTROl ITS grOWInG path ANd thEREforE ReSUlTs IN leakAge. 4) tHE INTeNsiTY RAngE Of TrABEculAR BONes (iNTeRioR LAyeR Of a RIb) iS Much loWER ThAn THAT Of COrticAL BOnEs (EXterIoR layeR) whicH RESUlts In hOlLoWnesS INsiDe eACH rib. AlSo, tHe iNTeNsiTY OF tHis dark rEGiOn is NON-UnIfOrm. aSidE FrOM THe FacT THAt alL RiBs And verteBRAS Are ConNeCteD AS oNE PiEcE, tHE bONEs aRE Over-SEgMEnteD, WiTh ManY HolEs in eaCH Rib. tHe sURFAces aRe ALsO far fRoM smOoth. tHesE ArE duE To THE NoN-UnIFORm iNTErnal INTENsitIES oF tHE BoNe. In sHorT, tHE ABOVE WORk IS onlY reMoteLy aSsocIateD wITH THIS aPplICAtiOn. THE GoAL Of tHIS APpliCAtiOn is TO iNdiVIDuALLy AND pRecisely SEGment THE Rib STrUCtures, nOt rOuGHLY reMoVIng AlL tHE BonES AS One piECe. | Asis known in the art, medical image analysis plays an increasingly prominent rolein Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) and therapy planning. As a preliminary stageofthe analysis,segmentation of structures from medical images and reconstruction of these structures aredifficult dueto thelarge volume of the data involved and the complexity of the anatomic shapes of interest. Three-dimensional (3D) visualization and labeling of rib structures, for example, ina CAD system provide important information for radiologists since they need to report any pathology pertainingto bones in a chest CT scan. The ribs havevaluableproperties common to bone tissues, i.e.,they are rigid andstable in shape, and mapto prominent intensities in CT data. Further, rib structures arehighlyordered and symmetrical. Because of these features, rib feature group can be usedforreliable registration and reference.To makefull use ofthestructural advantages of theribs, they should be extracted and labeled individually. There are 12pairs of rib structures in a human body with 8-11pairsvisible in a chestCT volume dataset. They are connected at one endwith the spine, and the upper pairsare also connected to the sternum. Since 1970s, there have been many methods to detect and labelribsautomatically in 2D chestradiographs, seean article by M. Park, J. S. Jin, and L. S.Wilson,entitled “Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration chest radiographs”, Proceedings of SPIEVol. 5030 (2003), pp. 1021-1031; an article by F. Vogelsang, F. Weiler, J. Dahmen, M.Kilbinger,B. Wein and R. Gunther, entitled “Detection and compensation of rib structures in chestradiographs for diagnose assistance”, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 3338, p. 774-785, 1998; and an article by De. Souza P, entitled “Automatic ribdetection in chest radiographs”,Computer Vision Graphics and Image Processing. Vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 129-61, August 1983. D. Kim, H. Kim and H. S. Kang, in a paperentitled “An object-tracking segmentation method: VertebraandRibsegmentation in CTimages”, Proceedingsof SPIE Vol. 4684 (2002), pp. 1662-1671 proposed an object-tracking segmentation method tosegment vertebra and ribs from3D, CT images.But their goal was to remove vertebra and ribs for better visualization of some interested organs.Therefore, the focusof their methodis to detect and prevent a leakagefrom propagation. The vertebra and ribs are removed as a whole. M. Park,J. S. Jin, and L. S. Wilson, in apaperentitled “Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration chest radiographs”, Proceedingsof SPIE Vol. 5030 (2003), pp. 1021-1031. The paper describes an attempt to make rib edges clearby producing an expiration lung field using a hemi-elliptical cavity. Based on the expiration lung field, the paper describes extracting the rib edges using canny edge detector and a connectivity method,referred to as “4 way with10-neighbors connectivity”, to detect clavicle and rib edge candidates. Once the edge candidates are formed, theprocess selects the “best candidates” using knowledge-basedconstraints such asa gradient, length and location. The edges are paired andlabeledas superior rib edge andinferior rib edge. Thenthe systemusestheclavicle, which is obtained in a same methodfor the rib edge detection, as a landmark to label all detected ribs. This method is,however, for a two-dimensional (2D) chest x-ray system as distinguished from a 3D CT scanning system. Efforts have also been spent on eliminating the ribs and otherconnected bone structures from the data by region-basedapproaches, see for example,apaper byG. Bohm, C. J. Knoll, M. L. Alcaniz-Raya, and S. E. Albalat, entitled “Three-dimensional segmentation ofbone structuresinCTimages”, Proceedings ofMedical Imaging on Image Processing, pp277-286, 1999. Although the intensity of rib bone is much higher thanthe surroundingtissues, the region growing method discussed therein may not provide satisfying results in many casesbecause: 1) It is very difficult to determine the intensity threshold for the region growing method due to the fact that rib bones in different CTdata have differentintensity ranges and an adaptive threshold method does notwork because of the complexity of the local surrounding structures. 2) The lowest bone intensity and the highest tissue intensity levels are quite close. With noise and partialvolume effect, there is no clear-cut intensity threshold between bone and other tissues. 3) The region growing method cannot controlits growing path and thereforeresults in leakage. 4) The intensity range of trabecular bones(interior layer of a rib) is much lower than that of cortical bones (exterior layer) whichresults in hollowness inside each rib. Also, the intensity of this dark region is non-uniform. Aside from the fact that all ribs and vertebras are connected as one piece, the bones are over-segmented, with many holes in each rib.The surfaces are also far from smooth. These are due to the non-uniform internal intensities ofthe bone. In short, theabove work is only remotely associated with this application.The goal of thisapplication is to individually and precisely segment the rib structures, not roughly removingall thebones as one piece. | As is _known_ _in_ the art, medical image analysis plays an _increasingly_ prominent role in Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) _and_ therapy _planning._ As _a_ preliminary stage of the analysis, _segmentation_ of structures from medical images and reconstruction _of_ these structures _are_ difficult due to the large volume _of_ the data involved and the complexity of the anatomic _shapes_ _of_ interest. Three-dimensional (3D) _visualization_ and labeling of rib structures, for example, in _a_ CAD system provide important _information_ for radiologists since they need to report any pathology pertaining _to_ bones _in_ a _chest_ CT scan. The _ribs_ _have_ valuable properties common to bone tissues, i.e., _they_ are rigid _and_ stable in shape, _and_ map _to_ prominent intensities in CT data. _Further,_ _rib_ structures are _highly_ ordered and symmetrical. Because of these features, rib _feature_ group can be used for reliable registration _and_ reference. To make full use _of_ the structural advantages _of_ the ribs, they should be extracted and labeled individually. There are _12_ pairs of _rib_ _structures_ in a human body with 8-11 pairs visible in _a_ chest CT volume dataset. They _are_ _connected_ at one end with the spine, and the upper pairs are also connected to the _sternum._ Since 1970s, _there_ have been _many_ methods to detect _and_ _label_ ribs automatically in 2D _chest_ radiographs, see an article by M. _Park,_ J. _S._ Jin, and L. S. Wilson, entitled “Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration chest radiographs”, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. _5030_ (2003), pp. 1021-1031; an article by _F._ Vogelsang, F. Weiler, _J._ Dahmen, M. Kilbinger, B. Wein and R. Gunther, entitled “Detection and _compensation_ of rib structures in _chest_ radiographs for diagnose assistance”, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 3338, _p._ 774-785, 1998; _and_ an article by De. Souza P, _entitled_ “Automatic rib detection in chest _radiographs”,_ _Computer_ _Vision_ _Graphics_ _and_ Image Processing. Vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 129-61, August _1983._ D. Kim, H. Kim and H. _S._ Kang, _in_ a paper entitled “An object-tracking segmentation method: Vertebra and Rib segmentation in _CT_ images”, Proceedings of SPIE _Vol._ 4684 (2002), pp. 1662-1671 proposed an object-tracking segmentation method to segment _vertebra_ and _ribs_ _from_ 3D, _CT_ images. But their _goal_ was to remove vertebra _and_ ribs _for_ better visualization of _some_ interested organs. Therefore, the _focus_ of their method _is_ to detect and _prevent_ a leakage _from_ propagation. The vertebra and ribs are removed _as_ a _whole._ M. _Park,_ J. S. _Jin,_ _and_ L. S. Wilson, in a paper entitled “Detection and Labeling ribs on expiration _chest_ radiographs”, Proceedings of SPIE _Vol._ 5030 _(2003),_ pp. 1021-1031. The paper describes _an_ attempt _to_ make rib edges clear by producing an _expiration_ lung field using _a_ hemi-elliptical _cavity._ Based on _the_ expiration _lung_ field, the paper describes extracting _the_ rib edges using canny edge detector and a connectivity method, referred to as _“4_ way with _10-neighbors_ connectivity”, _to_ detect clavicle and rib edge candidates. Once _the_ edge _candidates_ are formed, the process selects the “best candidates” using knowledge-based constraints _such_ as a gradient, length and location. The edges are paired and labeled _as_ superior rib edge and inferior _rib_ _edge._ Then the system uses _the_ clavicle, which is obtained in a same method for _the_ rib edge detection, as a landmark to _label_ _all_ detected ribs. _This_ method is, _however,_ for a _two-dimensional_ (2D) chest x-ray system as _distinguished_ from a 3D _CT_ _scanning_ system. Efforts have also been spent on eliminating the ribs and other connected bone structures from the data _by_ region-based approaches, _see_ for example, a _paper_ _by_ G. _Bohm,_ C. J. Knoll, M. L. Alcaniz-Raya, and S. E. _Albalat,_ entitled “Three-dimensional segmentation _of_ bone _structures_ _in_ _CT_ images”, _Proceedings_ of Medical Imaging on Image Processing, _pp_ 277-286, _1999._ Although the _intensity_ of _rib_ bone _is_ much higher than the surrounding tissues, the region growing _method_ discussed therein may _not_ provide satisfying results _in_ many cases because: 1) It is _very_ difficult to determine _the_ intensity threshold for the region growing method due to _the_ fact that _rib_ bones in different _CT_ data have different intensity ranges _and_ _an_ adaptive threshold method does not work because of the complexity _of_ the local surrounding structures. 2) The lowest _bone_ intensity and _the_ highest tissue intensity levels are quite _close._ With noise and partial volume effect, _there_ is no _clear-cut_ intensity threshold between bone and other _tissues._ 3) The region _growing_ method _cannot_ _control_ its growing path _and_ therefore results in leakage. 4) The intensity range of trabecular bones (interior layer _of_ a rib) is much lower than that _of_ cortical bones _(exterior_ layer) which results in hollowness inside each rib. Also, the intensity _of_ this dark region is non-uniform. _Aside_ from the fact _that_ all ribs and _vertebras_ are connected _as_ one piece, the bones are over-segmented, _with_ _many_ _holes_ _in_ _each_ rib. _The_ _surfaces_ are also _far_ from _smooth._ These are _due_ to _the_ non-uniform internal intensities _of_ the bone. In short, the above work _is_ only remotely associated with _this_ application. The _goal_ of this application is to individually and precisely segment the rib structures, not roughly removing all the bones as one piece. |
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) configuration containing at least two memory cell arrays. In each of the memory cell arrays, memory cells are provided at the crossovers between word lines and bit lines, at least one line type containing the word lines and bit lines is provided with line driver circuits.
As is known, the memory effect of MRAMs is based on a variable resistance of the individual memory cells of the memory. A MRAM memory cell is situated at the crossover point of two lines, namely in particular between a word line and a bit line. The memory cell itself contains two magnetic layers isolated from one another by a thin dielectric layer.
The value of the electrical resistance of such an MRAM memory cell depends, then, on the polarization of the magnetic layers. If both layers are polarized in the same direction, a low value resistance is present in the memory cell, whereas a high value resistance of the electrical resistance is obtained in the event of mutually opposite polarization of the two magnetic layers. In other words, depending on the polarization of the magnetic layers, a high (↑) or low (↓) resistance results for the memory cell containing the two magnetic layers and the intervening dielectric layer.
Of the magnetic layers, one layer is composed of a soft-magnetic material, whereas the other layer is produced from a hard-magnetic material. The soft-magnetic material is chosen such that its polarization can be reversed by a writing current on the word line and the bit line while such polarization reversal by the writing currents is not intended to be possible in the case of the hard-magnetic material.
In order, then, that the magnetic layer made of soft-magnetic material can be polarized in two opposite directions, it is necessary that at least one of two programming currents through the bit line or through the word line can flow in both directions through the respective line. For only then can it be ensured at the crossover point between the word line and the bit line that, given correspondingly directed programming currents at the crossover point, the magnetic field for polarization reversal in the magnetic layer made of the soft-magnetic material is strong enough for the polarization reversal.
The currents which flow through the memory cell are tunneling currents through the thin dielectric layer, so that a xe2x80x9cmagnetic tunnel junctionxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9ctunnel junctionxe2x80x9d is present, which is why the MRAM memory cell is also referred to as a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell.
In the MRAM configuration, high parasitic currents occur on a selected word line or bit line, the currents ultimately being brought about by the numerous crossover points between a selected word line, for example, and the bit lines that cross it. On account of these high parasitic currents, therefore, a large MRAM configuration can only be constructed from a plurality of smaller memory cell arrays. Therefore, however, that, for each memory cell array containing, for example, m word lines and n bit lines, a total of 2m+n or 2n+m line driver circuits are required. For the MPAM configuration in its entirety, containing 1 memory cell arrays for example, 1(2m+n) or 1(2n+m) line driver circuits are then required. For the line driver circuits, however, a large area is required on a chip containing the MRAM configuration, which is extremely undesirable.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a MRAM configuration which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art devices of this general type, in which the area requirement for the line driver circuits is reduced by effective assignment of the latter, thereby obtaining a space-saving architecture.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) configuration. The MRAM configuration contains at least two memory cell arrays. Each of the memory cell arrays has word lines, bit lines crossing the word lines, and memory cells disposed at crossover points between the word lines and the bit lines. Connecting nodes are provided, and one of the connecting nodes is disposed between and connecting each of the memory cell arrays to each other. Line driver circuits are connected to at least one of the word lines and the bit lines. The line driver circuits are respectively connected to the connecting nodes between the memory cell arrays. Switching transistors are provided. One of the switching transistors is disposed between one of the memory cell arrays and one of the connecting nodes so that the line driver circuits are respectively assigned to different ones of the memory cell arrays.
In the case of the MRAM configuration of the type mentioned in the introduction, the object is achieved according to the invention by virtue of the fact that the line driver circuits are respectively connected to connecting nodes between two memory cell arrays and a respective switching transistor is present between the connecting node and the two memory cell arrays.
In principle, the configuration of the MRAM configuration effects a departure from an obvious solution to the above problems which is based on respectively placing a current source or current sink at each end of a memory cell array. Rather, in the MRAM configuration according to the invention, the line driver circuits are disposed in such a way that they can be assigned to different memory cell arrays, which results in that the line driver circuits required in total are approximately halved compared with the prior art. Equally, it is possible to reduce the outlay for the current sources in the line driver circuits since a current source is allocated to two memory cell arrays in the present invention.
A development of the invention provides for the connecting node between two memory cell arrays to be connected to ground potential via an element having an adjustable voltage drop. As a result, a writing current, having traversed a memory cell array, readily passes to the ground potential via the output side connecting node of the memory cell array and the element having an adjustable voltage drop. By way of example, the adjustable voltage drop can be produced by a variable resistor, a variable transistor diode or an adjustable voltage source. The resulting adjustable voltage ensures that parasitic currents through the memory cells connected to the selective word or bit line can be minimized.
A respective series circuit containing a current source and a writing driver transistor is advantageously used for the line driver circuits. In this manner, the current source is assigned to two of the memory arrays. By way of example, an n-channel MOS field-effect transistor may be chosen for the writing driver transistor, and, moreover, this also applies to the switching transistor and the transistor diode.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a MRAM configuration, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. | Field of the Invention The invention relates to a magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) configuration containing at least two memory cell arrays. In each of the memory cell arrays, memory cells are provided at the crossovers between word lines and bit lines, at least one line type containing the word lines and bit lines is provided with line driver circuits. As is known, the memory effect of MRAMs is based on a variable resistance of the individual memory cells of the memory. A MRAM memory cell is situated at the crossover point of two lines, namely in particular between a word line and a bit line. The memory cell itself contains two magnetic layers isolated from one another by a thin dielectric layer. The value of the electrical resistance of such an MRAM memory cell depends, then, on the polarization of the magnetic layers. If both layers are polarized in the same direction, a low value resistance is present in the memory cell, whereas a high value resistance of the electrical resistance is obtained in the event of mutually opposite polarization of the two magnetic layers. In other words, depending on the polarization of the magnetic layers, a high (↑) or low (↓) resistance results for the memory cell containing the two magnetic layers and the intervening dielectric layer. Of the magnetic layers, one layer is composed of a soft-magnetic material, whereas the other layer is produced from a hard-magnetic material. The soft-magnetic material is chosen such that its polarization can be reversed by a writing current on the word line and the bit line while such polarization reversal by the writing currents is not intended to be possible in the case of the hard-magnetic material. In order, then, that the magnetic layer made of soft-magnetic material can be polarized in two opposite directions, it is necessary that at least one of two programming currents through the bit line or through the word line can flow in both directions through the respective line. For only then can it be ensured at the crossover point between the word line and the bit line that, given correspondingly directed programming currents at the crossover point, the magnetic field for polarization reversal in the magnetic layer made of the soft-magnetic material is strong enough for the polarization reversal. The currents which flow through the memory cell are tunneling currents through the thin dielectric layer, so that a xe2x80x9cmagnetic tunnel junctionxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9ctunnel junctionxe2x80x9d is present, which is why the MRAM memory cell is also referred to as a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell. In the MRAM configuration, high parasitic currents occur on a selected word line or bit line, the currents ultimately being brought about by the numerous crossover points between a selected word line, for example, and the bit lines that cross it. On account of these high parasitic currents, therefore, a large MRAM configuration can only be constructed from a plurality of smaller memory cell arrays. Therefore, however, that, for each memory cell array containing, for example, m word lines and n bit lines, a total of 2m+n or 2n+m line driver circuits are required. For the MPAM configuration in its entirety, containing 1 memory cell arrays for example, 1(2m+n) or 1(2n+m) line driver circuits are then required. For the line driver circuits, however, a large area is required on a chip containing the MRAM configuration, which is extremely undesirable. It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a MRAM configuration which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art devices of this general type, in which the area requirement for the line driver circuits is reduced by effective assignment of the latter, thereby obtaining a space-saving architecture. With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) configuration. The MRAM configuration contains at least two memory cell arrays. Each of the memory cell arrays has word lines, bit lines crossing the word lines, and memory cells disposed at crossover points between the word lines and the bit lines. Connecting nodes are provided, and one of the connecting nodes is disposed between and connecting each of the memory cell arrays to each other. Line driver circuits are connected to at least one of the word lines and the bit lines. The line driver circuits are respectively connected to the connecting nodes between the memory cell arrays. Switching transistors are provided. One of the switching transistors is disposed between one of the memory cell arrays and one of the connecting nodes so that the line driver circuits are respectively assigned to different ones of the memory cell arrays. In the case of the MRAM configuration of the type mentioned in the introduction, the object is achieved according to the invention by virtue of the fact that the line driver circuits are respectively connected to connecting nodes between two memory cell arrays and a respective switching transistor is present between the connecting node and the two memory cell arrays. In principle, the configuration of the MRAM configuration effects a departure from an obvious solution to the above problems which is based on respectively placing a current source or current sink at each end of a memory cell array. Rather, in the MRAM configuration according to the invention, the line driver circuits are disposed in such a way that they can be assigned to different memory cell arrays, which results in that the line driver circuits required in total are approximately halved compared with the prior art. Equally, it is possible to reduce the outlay for the current sources in the line driver circuits since a current source is allocated to two memory cell arrays in the present invention. A development of the invention provides for the connecting node between two memory cell arrays to be connected to ground potential via an element having an adjustable voltage drop. As a result, a writing current, having traversed a memory cell array, readily passes to the ground potential via the output side connecting node of the memory cell array and the element having an adjustable voltage drop. By way of example, the adjustable voltage drop can be produced by a variable resistor, a variable transistor diode or an adjustable voltage source. The resulting adjustable voltage ensures that parasitic currents through the memory cells connected to the selective word or bit line can be minimized. A respective series circuit containing a current source and a writing driver transistor is advantageously used for the line driver circuits. In this manner, the current source is assigned to two of the memory arrays. By way of example, an n-channel MOS field-effect transistor may be chosen for the writing driver transistor, and, moreover, this also applies to the switching transistor and the transistor diode. Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a MRAM configuration, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalent of the claims. The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. | Field of the Invention The invention relates to a magneto - resistive random access memory (MRAM) configuration containing at least two memory cell arrays. In each of the memory cell arrays, memory cells are provided at the crossovers between word lines and bit lines, at least one line type containing the word lines and bit lines is provided with line driver circuits. As is known, the memory effect of MRAMs is based on a variable resistance of the individual memory cells of the memory. A MRAM memory cell is situated at the crossover point of two lines, namely in particular between a word line and a bit line. The memory cell itself contains two magnetic layers isolated from one another by a thin dielectric layer. The value of the electrical resistance of such an MRAM memory cell depends, then, on the polarization of the magnetic layers. If both layers are polarized in the same direction, a low value resistance is present in the memory cell, whereas a high value resistance of the electrical resistance is obtained in the event of mutually opposite polarization of the two magnetic layers. In other words, depending on the polarization of the magnetic layers, a high (↑) or low (↓) resistance results for the memory cell containing the two magnetic layers and the intervening dielectric layer. Of the magnetic layers, one layer is composed of a soft - magnetic material, whereas the other layer is produced from a hard - magnetic material. The soft - magnetic material is chosen such that its polarization can be reversed by a writing current on the word line and the bit line while such polarization reversal by the writing currents is not intended to be possible in the case of the hard - magnetic material. In order, then, that the magnetic layer made of Qoff - magnetic material can be polarized in two opposite directions, it is necessary that at least one of two programming currents through the bit line or through the word lJge can flow in both directions through the respective line. For only then can it be ensured at the crossover point between the !Ird line and the bit line that, given correspondingly directed programming currents at the crossover point, the magnetic field for polarization reversal in the magnetic layer made of the soft - magnetic material is strong enough for the polarization reversal. The currents which flow through the memory cell are tunneling currents through the thin dielectric layer, so that a xe2x80x9cmagnetic tunnel junctionxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9ctunnel junctionxe2x80x9d is present, which is why the MRAM memory cell is also referred to as a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell. In the MRAM configuration, high parasitic currents occur on a selected word line or bit line, the currents ultimately being brought about by the numerous crossover points between a selected word line, for example, and the bit lines that cross it. On account of these high pArWsitic currents, therefore, a large MRAM configuration can only be constructed from a plurality of smaller memory cell arrays. Therefore, however, that, for each memory cell array containing, for example, m word lines and n bit lines, a total of 2m + n or 2n + m line driver circuits are required. For the MPAM configuration in its entirety, containing 1 memory cell arrays for example, 1 (2m + n) or 1 (2n + m) line driver circuits are then required. For the line driver circuits, however, a large area is required on a chip contalnLng the MRAM configuration, which is extremely undesirable. It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a MRAM configuration which overcomes the above - mentioned disadvantages of the prior art devices of this general type, in which the area requirement for the line driver circuits is reduced by effective assignment of the latter, thereby obtaining a space - saving architecture. With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a magneto - resistive random access memory (MRAM) configuration. The MRAM configuration contains at least two memory cell arrays. Each of the memory cell arrays has word lines, bit lines crossing the word lines, and memory cells disposed at crossover points between the word lines and the bit lines. Connecting nodes are provided, and one of the connecting nodes is disposed between and connecting each of the memory cell arrays to each other. Line driver circuits are connected to at least one of the word lines and the bit lines. The line driver circuits are respectively connected to the connecting nodes between the memory cell arrays. Switching transistors are provided. One of the switching tdansiCtors is disposed between one of the memory cell a4Tays and one of the connecting nodes so that the line dgiv2r circuits are respectively assigned to different ones of the memory cell arrays. In the case of the MRAM configuration of the type mentioned in the introduction, the object is achieved according to the invention by virtue of the fact that the line driver circuits are respectively connected to connecting bodeA between two memory cell arrays and a respective switching transistor is present between the connecting node and the two memory cell arrays. In principle, the configuration of the MRAM configuration effects a departure from an obvious solution to the above problems which is based on respectively placing a current source or current sink at each end of a memory cell array. Rather, in the MRAM configuration according to the invention, the line driver circuits are disposed in such a way that they can be assigned to different memory cell arrays, which results in that the line driver circuits required in total are approximately halved compared with the prior art. Equally, it is possible to reduce the outlay for the current sources in the line driver circuits since a current source is allocated to two memory cell arrays in the present invention. A development of the invention provides for the connecting node between two memory cell arrays to be connected to ground potential via an element having an adjustable voltage drop. As a result, a writing current, having traversed a memory cell array, readily passes to the ground potential via the output side connecting node of the memory cell array and the element having an adjustable voltage drop. By way of example, the adjustable voltage drop can be produced by a variable resistor, a variable transistor diode or an adjustable voltage source. The resulting adjustable voltage ensures that parasitic currents through the memory cells connected to the selective word or bit line can be minimized. A respective series circuit containing a current source and a writing driver transistor is advantageously used for the line driver circuits. In this manner, the current source is assigned to two of the memory arrays. By way of example, an n - channel MOS field - effect transistor may be chosen for the writing driver transistor, and, moreover, this also applies to the switching transistor and the transistor diode. Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a MRAM configuration, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof 2i?l be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. | Field of the Invention The invention relates to magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) containing at least two memory cell arrays. In each of memory cell arrays, memory cells are provided at the crossovers between word lines and bit lines, at least one type containing the word lines and bit lines is provided driver circuits. As is known, memory effect of MRAMs is based on a variable resistance of the individual memory cells of the memory. A memory is situated at the crossover point of two namely in particular between a word line and a bit line. The memory cell itself contains two magnetic layers isolated from one another a thin dielectric layer. The value of electrical resistance of such an MRAM memory cell depends, then, on the polarization of the magnetic layers. If are polarized in the same direction, a low value resistance is present in the memory cell, whereas a high value resistance of the resistance obtained the event of mutually opposite polarization the two magnetic layers. In other words, depending on the polarization of the magnetic layers, a high (↑) or low (↓) resistance results for the memory cell containing the two magnetic layers and the intervening dielectric layer. Of the layers, one layer is composed of a soft-magnetic material, whereas the other layer is produced a material. The soft-magnetic material is chosen such its polarization can be reversed by a writing current on the word line and the bit line while such polarization reversal by the writing currents is not intended to be possible in of hard-magnetic material. In then, that the magnetic layer made of soft-magnetic material can be polarized in two opposite directions, it is necessary that least one of two programming currents through the bit line or through the line can flow in both directions through the respective line. For only then it be ensured the crossover point between the word and the bit line that, given directed programming at the crossover point, the magnetic field for polarization reversal in magnetic layer made of the soft-magnetic material is strong enough for the polarization reversal. The currents which flow through the memory cell are tunneling currents through the thin layer, that a xe2x80x9cmagnetic tunnel junctionxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9ctunnel junctionxe2x80x9d is present, is why the MRAM cell is also referred as a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell. In the MRAM configuration, high parasitic currents occur on a selected word line or bit line, the currents ultimately being brought about by the crossover points between a selected word line, for example, and the bit lines that cross it. account of these high currents, a large MRAM configuration can only be constructed from a smaller cell arrays. however, that, each memory cell array containing, for word lines and n bit lines, a total of or 2n+m line driver circuits required. For MPAM configuration in its entirety, containing 1 memory arrays for 1(2m+n) or 1(2n+m) line driver circuits are then required. For the line driver circuits, however, a large is required on a chip containing the MRAM configuration, which extremely undesirable. It is accordingly an object of the to a MRAM configuration which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages the prior art devices of this general type, in which the area requirement for the line driver circuits is by effective assignment of the latter, thereby obtaining a space-saving architecture. the foregoing and objects in view there is provided, in with the a magneto-resistive random memory (MRAM) configuration. The MRAM configuration contains at least two memory cell arrays. Each of the memory cell arrays has word lines, bit crossing the word lines, and memory cells disposed at crossover points between the word lines and the bit lines. Connecting nodes are and one of the connecting nodes is disposed between and connecting each of cell arrays to each Line driver circuits connected to at least one of the word and the bit lines. The driver circuits are respectively connected to the connecting nodes between the memory cell arrays. Switching transistors are provided. One of the switching transistors is disposed between one the memory cell arrays and one of the connecting nodes that the line driver circuits are respectively assigned to different ones of the memory cell arrays. In the the MRAM configuration of the type mentioned the introduction, object is according the invention by virtue of the fact that the line driver circuits are respectively connected to connecting nodes between two memory cell arrays a respective switching transistor is present between the connecting node and the two memory cell arrays. In principle, the configuration of the MRAM configuration effects a departure from an obvious solution to the above problems is based on respectively placing a current source or current sink at end of a memory cell array. Rather, in the MRAM configuration according to the invention, line driver are disposed in such a way that they can be assigned to different memory cell arrays, which results in that the line driver circuits required in total are approximately compared with the prior art. Equally, it is possible to reduce the outlay for the current sources in the line driver circuits since a current source is allocated to two memory cell arrays in the present invention. A development the provides for connecting node between two memory cell arrays to be connected to via element having an adjustable drop. As a result, a writing current, traversed a memory cell readily passes to the ground potential via the output side connecting of the memory cell array and element having an adjustable voltage drop. By way of example, adjustable voltage drop can be produced by a variable resistor, a transistor diode or an adjustable voltage source. The resulting adjustable ensures that parasitic currents through the memory cells connected the selective word or line can be minimized. A respective series circuit containing a current source and a writing driver transistor advantageously used for the line driver circuits. In this manner, the current source is assigned to two of the By way of example, an MOS field-effect transistor may chosen for the driver transistor, moreover, this also to the switching transistor and the transistor Other which are considered characteristic for invention set forth in the appended the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a MRAM configuration, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range equivalents of the claims. The construction and method of operation of invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from following of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. | fIeLd Of THe inventiON
THe INVEnTiON RELATes to A MAGNETo-ResiSTIvE RanDom access MeMOry (MRam) cONfiGurAtIon ContaInING at lEAST tWO meMOrY CeLL ARRayS. in eACH oF THe MeMory CeLL ArraYs, mEmoRy CellS ArE ProvidED at tHE crOSsOvErs BetWeEn woRd LineS aNd bit lINeS, aT least ONE LINE Type cOntAiNiNG The woRD LINeS ANd bit lINES is proViDed witH Line dRIVer cIrcuItS.
as is kNoWN, the Memory EFFECt Of MrAmS iS BASed On a variablE ReSiStaNCe of tHe IndivIDUaL MEmOry celLs Of THE mEmorY. a MrAm MEMoRY Cell is sitUatEd AT The CROssoVEr POiNt Of tWO lIneS, nAmEly In PARtIcular BetWeEn a wOrd LINE ANd A Bit lINe. The MeMorY cEll iTseLf cOntAIns TwO mAGnetIc LaYErS IsOlaTEd fRom one AnoTHer by a thin dIELecTRiC LaYER.
the valuE Of ThE ELeCTrical rESISTANCE oF sUCH AN mRaM MEMoRY cell dEpENds, theN, On tHE poLarizaTIOn OF The MAGNeTiC LAyeRS. if bOth laYErS are PoLarIZed in tHE sAme dIrEctIOn, A LOw vaLuE REsistAncE is preSenT iN tHE memoRy CeLL, WHereAs A hIgH vAlue REsIstAnCe oF the eLectriCAl rEsiStANCE Is oBtAinEd in thE EvenT OF mUtuAlly OppOsIte polariZaTiON oF tHE Two magNEtiC laYerS. In OthEr worDS, dEPeNding ON ThE POlaRIZaTiON OF tHE mAgneTic LAyErs, A HiGH (↑) oR LoW (↓) RESiSTancE REsUlTs For tHE meMOry cELL cONtaininG thE TWo MagNeTIc LAYErS AnD the InTerVening dieLectrIc LAYEr.
OF THe MaGNETIC laYerS, oNe laYer is cOmPOSEd of A sOft-magNEtIc MATERIAL, WHErEAS thE oTHER layEr Is PRoDUcEd From A harD-MAgNETIc maTeRiAL. ThE soFT-MagnETIC materiAl iS cHosEN SuCH THAT iTS PolArIzatiOn CaN be revErsEd bY a WRiTInG cUrRent ON tHe Word LiNe And the BIT liNe while suCH POlARIzAtION REVeRsaL BY THe WritInG CUrREntS is Not iNtEndED TO bE PoSsiBle iN ThE CASE of THE HaRD-magNetic matERiAl.
iN ORdEr, thEn, THAt thE magnEtIc layer MAdE of sOfT-magnETIC MAtERIAL cAn Be poLARIzeD In two OPpOsITE DirECtiOnS, iT IS NECeSsaRY ThAt AT leAst one oF tWo pRogRAmmINg cURrents thRough ThE bit LIne OR tHroUGH THE WORD lINe CaN fLOW In bOth dIrECTIonS THrOUgH tHE ReSpectIVE LINE. FOr ONlY THen CaN It be ENSUreD aT the CROSsOver pOint bETWEEn thE wORd lINe And thE biT LInE ThaT, GiveN cORreSPondinglY dIrECTeD PRoGraMMing CuRRENtS at THE CrosSover pOInT, tHe MAgnETIc fIEld FoR PoLARization rEveRSaL In tHE MAGnetic LAYer MAdE of ThE soft-MAGnETic MateriAL iS StROnG EnOUGH fOR thE polARiZATIon RevErsaL.
The cUrrenTs whiCH FlOw tHrOugh THE mEMOrY cELL ArE TUnNELING CurRentS ThRoUGH THE Thin dieLeCTrIc lAYEr, so THaT A xe2X80X9cmaGNetIc tunnel jUNCtioNXe2x80X9D OR xE2X80X9CTuNnEl JunctIOnXE2x80x9d is PrESeNT, WhIch is why tHE MrAm MeMory cell Is Also ReFERReD to as A mAgneTic TunnEl juNcTIon (Mtj) meMORy cell.
IN tHE mRAm CONfIguraTiON, HIgh pARasItiC cUrRENts ocCUr on A sELected WOrD lInE OR BiT LinE, The CUrRents ulTImaTELy BeiNG brOUGHT abOuT BY THe NumEROUS CROsSOvEr poIntS betWeEN a seLeCted wOrd lInE, fOr exAmplE, aNd tHE bIT LINES ThaT CrOSS It. oN acCouNT Of THeSe hIGH PAraSITIc cuRrEntS, thEreFoRE, A LARGe MRAm CONfiGurAtioN can only bE COnstRUCTed FrOm a plUraLity of smALLER MEMOrY CEll ArrayS. tHERefORe, hOweVer, THAT, For eACH MeMorY cell aRRAY CoNtainiNG, for eXaMpLe, m wORD liNEs anD n BIt lINes, a TotAL oF 2M+N or 2N+M Line DRIVer CIRcUItS aRE rEQUirEd. FOr The mPaM cOnfIGURatiOn in iTS enTIrety, ContAINInG 1 mEMOry cEll arRAys fOR eXampLe, 1(2M+n) oR 1(2N+m) LinE DRIVER CirCUIts aRE tHEn ReQUiReD. fOr The liNE DrivER cIRCuITS, HOweVeR, a laRge area iS rEQuiRed ON A chIp COnTAinING tHE MrAM CoNFIGUrATIon, WHICh is eXTrEmely UNdESIRaBlE.
It IS AcCOrDIngly aN oBJecT OF THe INVEntIoN TO ProViDe a MrAm CoNfigUraTiON wHich ovErCOmEs the ABoVe-meNTIonED diSAdvanTageS Of The PRIOR arT DeVIcEs oF ThiS GEnerAL tyPE, iN wHIch The aRea reQuiREmEnT fOR tHE liNE DrIVER circuiTs IS reduCEd bY effEcTiVe AssIgnMEnT OF thE LaTTER, ThEReBY oBtaINInG A sPAce-savinG ARCHITEctURe.
wiTH thE fOreGoiNG aND OthEr objeCTs In vieW THeRe IS PrOvIDED, iN aCcorDANCe WItH thE iNvENtioN, A MAGneTo-ResistIVe rANDoM ACcEss meMORy (MrAM) ConFIGURATIoN. ThE MrAm CONfIGURAtioN coNTAins At leASt Two mEmOry ceLl arrays. EAcH of thE mEMOry CELl arrAyS hAS WOrD liNEs, BiT Lines crOSsIng the wOrD linES, ANd mEmOrY CElLs DIsPOsEd aT crOsSover pOiNtS BEtWEen THe Word LINes aNd The bit LIneS. COnnEcTInG NODES ARE prOVIdeD, aND one Of ThE cONnECTiNg NodES IS DiSPoSed BetWeen AND cONnECTinG eacH oF tHE mEMORY CEll arrayS To eaCH otHEr. Line DRiveR cIrCuits arE CONNeCted to AT LEaSt One of the woRD lIneS And thE BIt LINeS. The lIne DRIver CIrcuits are reSpECTiVELy coNNeCTeD tO thE ConnEcTiNG nOdEs bETWeen tHe mEmOrY celL ARRaYs. sWITCHiNG TrAnsiSTORS aRE pRoVIdED. ONe Of The SwITCHiNG TRanSiSTOrS IS DISpOseD BETweEN OnE Of THe MEmory celL ARrAyS ANd oNe oF The COnnectiNG noDEs SO that THE lInE driver CIrcuItS aRE rEsPECtiveLy aSsiGnEd To diffErEnt ONeS of tHe memoRy CeLl arrAys.
iN THe CASE oF tHe mRAM ConfiGUrAtiON of THe tyPE mentiONed In thE iNTroDuCtIon, The OBjEct IS AChIEVED AccordinG to thE INVeNtion by VIrtUE OF thE FAct tHAT the liNE DrIVeR CIRcuIts ARe resPeCtiVely coNNECteD tO ConnECTIng nODes BETwEeN TwO meMory celL ARrAYS and a REsPEcTiVe SwItChINg tRAnSistOr Is presENT BEtwEEN ThE CoNnectinG NoDe AnD THe TWO Memory CeLL ARRAYs.
IN prInCIple, The conFIgURATIoN oF thE MRaM COnFIgURaTION EfFECtS a dePArtURe FROM an OBviOUS SOlUtIon to ThE abOVe pRoblems whICH Is Based On REsPECTIVeLy PLaCInG A curRENT soURCe oR CUrrENT SINK AT eacH eNd OF A meMORY cELL aRRay. RAtHer, IN THE mram COnfigURATiON aCcording TO tHe InvENTION, thE lINe Driver cirCUITS ArE DIsPOsEd iN SucH A WAY thaT ThEy CAN Be assIGneD To DifFEREnt MeMORy celL ARrAyS, WHich ReSUlTs In ThAt tHE lINE dRivER circuiTs reqUiRED in toTAL ArE ApproXimATeLY halvED COmPaRed WIth The prIoR aRT. EqUaLLY, it iS PosSiBLE To REDuCE THe OUtLaY FOR the CuRRENT soURCes IN The LiNE DRIVer cirCUItS SINce a cUrRENt SOUrCE Is aLlOcAtEd TO tWO MEMory cell ARRAYs IN ThE PresEnT InVeNTIon.
A DeVeLOpmeNT Of tHe inVEntion prOVIdes fOr tHE CoNNEctING nOdE BETween TWo MEmoRY cell arrAYS to Be CONNeCTEd tO gRoUnD poTenTiaL VIa An ELemeNT HAvINg AN AdJusTaBLE voltaGe dROP. AS a rESuLT, A wRiTinG cURrEnt, hAvINg tRaVErSED a mEMORy CEll arRAy, REadIly pASSEs to the GROund pOtENTiaL vIa thE ouTpUT SiDe conNEctinG NOdE of ThE mEMORy CeLl aRRAY anD the ELemENT having AN AdjusTabLE VoLtaGE drOp. bY wAY oF exAmPle, the adjUsTable vOlTAGE DROp CaN be PrOdUceD by A VAriaBlE ReSIStor, a vArIablE trAnsIStoR DIoDE or AN aDjuStaBLe vOlTage SourCe. tHE rEsUlTiNG AdjUStAblE VoLTAGE EnSuREs ThAT PArAsiTiC currENTS THrOuGH tHe MEmorY CeLls CONnEcTED to THE seLECTive WORD oR bit LInE CAN Be mInimizeD.
A reSPeCtIvE seriEs cIrCuIt COnTainIng A CurrEnT sOuRcE anD A wriTIng dRIvEr TRANsISTor iS AdVANtageoUSlY UseD FOR thE lINE DRiVEr cIrcUITS. In ThIS ManNer, ThE CurrENt SoURcE iS ASSiGNeD TO tWO OF ThE Memory ArRAyS. By waY Of EXAMPLE, AN N-ChannEL mos fIELD-EffEcT TRANSISTor may bE CHoSEn FOr The WriTiNg DrIVeR TRANsIsTOr, AnD, MOrEOVEr, thIS ALsO APPLieS To The sWitChING tRaNsistor AnD THe TRAnSiStOR diOdE.
oTheR FeatUres WhICh Are ConSiDereD as CHARACTeriSTIC FOR THE inVEnTIoN aRe set fOrTH iN THE APpendEd CLAImS.
althOUgH THe iNVeNTIon is IlLUsTRaTEd aNd DeScRIbed HERein aS EMbodIED in a mram CONfIGUrATION, iT is NEVeRTHeless NOT INtenDed to bE liMitED tO tHe dEtAIls ShoWN, SiNcE VARIOUS MoDIFiCATiONS ANd STrUCTuRAL chanGeS May Be maDE THEREin wItHoUt dEpARtINg FROm tHe SPirit of tHE INveNTIon anD WiTHin The scoPe ANd rAnge Of EQuiVAlEnts oF THe ClAIms.
tHe ConstrUctioN anD mEthoD oF oPERAtiON oF The iNveNtioN, HOWEveR, tOGetheR wITH ADDitioNAl objEcTS and ADvANTAGEs thEreOF WilL Be bEsT UNderStood FrOM THe FOLLOWING dEscRIpTIOn OF SpEcIFic EMbodImEnTs When ReaD IN CONNECtIon WitH THe AccoMpanying DraWiNgs. | Field of theInvention The invention relates to a magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) configuration containing at least two memory cell arrays. In each of the memory cellarrays, memory cells areprovided at the crossoversbetween word lines andbit lines,at least one line type containing the word lines and bitlines is provided with line driver circuits. Asisknown, the memory effect ofMRAMs is basedonavariable resistance of the individual memory cells of the memory. A MRAM memorycell is situated at thecrossoverpoint of two lines, namely in particular between a word line and a bit line. The memory cell itself contains two magnetic layers isolated from one another by a thin dielectric layer. The value of the electricalresistance of such an MRAM memory cell depends, then, on the polarization of the magnetic layers. If both layers are polarized inthe same direction, a lowvalue resistance is present in the memory cell, whereas a highvalueresistanceof the electrical resistance is obtained in the eventof mutually opposite polarization of the two magnetic layers.In other words, depending on the polarization of the magnetic layers, a high (↑) or low (↓) resistance results for the memory cell containing the two magnetic layers and the intervening dielectric layer.Ofthe magnetic layers, onelayer is composed of a soft-magnetic material, whereas the other layer isproduced from a hard-magnetic material. The soft-magnetic material is chosen such thatits polarization can be reversed by a writing current on the word line and thebit line while such polarization reversal by the writing currents isnot intended to be possible in the case of the hard-magnetic material. In order, then, thatthe magneticlayer madeof soft-magnetic material can be polarized in two opposite directions, it isnecessary that at least one of two programming currents through the bit lineorthrough the wordline canflow in both directions through the respectiveline. For only then canit be ensured at thecrossoverpointbetween the word line and the bit linethat, given correspondingly directed programming currents atthe crossover point,the magnetic fieldfor polarization reversalin the magnetic layer madeof the soft-magnetic material is strong enough forthe polarization reversal. Thecurrents which flow through the memory cellare tunneling currents through the thindielectric layer, so that a xe2x80x9cmagnetic tunnel junctionxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9ctunneljunctionxe2x80x9d is present, which is why the MRAM memorycell is also referred toasa magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell. Inthe MRAM configuration, high parasitic currents occur on a selectedword line orbit line, the currents ultimately being brought about by the numerous crossover pointsbetween a selected word line, for example, and the bit lines that cross it. Onaccount of these high parasitic currents, therefore, a large MRAM configuration can only be constructed from a plurality of smallermemory cellarrays. Therefore, however, that, for each memory cell array containing, for example, m word lines and n bit lines, a total of 2m+n or 2n+m line driver circuits are required. For the MPAM configuration in its entirety, containing1 memory cell arrays for example, 1(2m+n) or 1(2n+m) line driver circuits arethen required. For the line driver circuits, however, a large areaisrequired on a chip containingthe MRAM configuration, which is extremely undesirable. It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a MRAM configuration which overcomes the above-mentioneddisadvantages of the prior art devices of this general type, in whichthe area requirement for theline driver circuits is reduced by effective assignment of the latter, thereby obtaining aspace-savingarchitecture. With theforegoing and other objects inview there isprovided, inaccordance with the invention, a magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) configuration. The MRAM configuration contains at least two memory cell arrays. Each of the memorycell arrayshas word lines, bit lines crossingthe word lines, and memory cells disposed at crossover points between the word lines andthe bit lines. Connecting nodes are provided, and one of the connecting nodes is disposed between andconnecting each of the memory cell arrays to each other.Line driver circuits are connectedto at least one of the word lines and the bit lines.The line driver circuitsare respectively connected to the connecting nodes between thememory cell arrays.Switchingtransistors are provided. One of theswitching transistors is disposed between one of thememory cell arraysand one of the connecting nodes so that the line driver circuits arerespectively assigned to different ones of thememory cell arrays. In the case of the MRAM configuration of the type mentioned inthe introduction, the object is achieved according to the invention by virtue of the factthat the line driver circuits are respectively connected toconnecting nodes between two memory cell arrays and a respective switching transistoris present between the connecting node and the twomemory cell arrays. In principle, the configuration of the MRAM configuration effects adeparture from anobvious solution to the above problems which is basedon respectively placing acurrent source or current sink at each end of a memory cell array.Rather, in the MRAM configurationaccording to the invention, the line driver circuits are disposed in such a way that they can be assigned todifferent memory cell arrays, which results in that the line driver circuits requiredin totalare approximately halvedcompared with the priorart. Equally, it is possible to reduce the outlay for the current sources inthe line drivercircuits sincea current source is allocated to two memory cell arrays in the present invention. A development of the invention provides forthe connectingnode between two memory cell arrays to beconnectedto groundpotential via an element having an adjustable voltage drop. As a result, a writingcurrent, havingtraversed a memory cell array, readily passesto the ground potential via the output side connectingnode of thememory cell array and the elementhaving an adjustable voltage drop. By way of example, the adjustable voltage drop can be produced by avariableresistor, a variabletransistor diode or an adjustable voltagesource. The resulting adjustable voltage ensuresthat parasitic currents through the memorycells connected to the selective word or bit line can be minimized. A respective series circuit containing acurrent source and a writing driver transistor is advantageously used for the line drivercircuits. In this manner, the current source is assigned to two of the memory arrays. By way of example, an n-channel MOS field-effect transistor maybe chosen for the writing driver transistor, and, moreover, this also appliesto the switching transistor and the transistor diode. Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appendedclaims. Although the inventionis illustrated and described herein as embodied in a MRAM configuration, it isnevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may bemade therein without departing from the spirit of the inventionand within the scope andrange of equivalents oftheclaims. The constructionand methodof operation ofthe invention, however, togetherwithadditional objects and advantages thereofwill be best understoodfrom the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. | Field of the Invention The invention relates _to_ a magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) configuration containing at least two memory cell arrays. In each of _the_ memory cell arrays, memory cells are provided at _the_ crossovers between _word_ lines and bit lines, at _least_ one line type containing the word _lines_ and bit lines is provided with line driver circuits. As is known, the memory effect of MRAMs is based on _a_ variable resistance of the individual memory cells of _the_ memory. A MRAM _memory_ cell _is_ situated at the crossover point of two lines, namely in _particular_ between a word line and a bit line. The memory cell itself contains two magnetic layers isolated _from_ one another _by_ a thin dielectric _layer._ The value _of_ the electrical resistance of such an MRAM memory cell depends, then, on _the_ polarization of the magnetic layers. If both layers _are_ _polarized_ in the same _direction,_ a low value resistance is present _in_ _the_ _memory_ cell, whereas a _high_ value resistance of the electrical resistance is _obtained_ in the event of mutually _opposite_ polarization _of_ the _two_ _magnetic_ layers. In other words, depending on the polarization of _the_ magnetic layers, a high _(↑)_ _or_ low (↓) resistance _results_ _for_ the memory cell _containing_ the two magnetic layers _and_ the _intervening_ _dielectric_ layer. _Of_ the magnetic layers, one layer is composed of _a_ _soft-magnetic_ _material,_ whereas the _other_ layer is produced from _a_ hard-magnetic material. _The_ soft-magnetic material is chosen such that its polarization can be reversed by a writing current on _the_ _word_ line and the bit line while such polarization reversal by _the_ _writing_ currents is _not_ intended _to_ be possible _in_ the case _of_ the hard-magnetic material. In order, _then,_ that _the_ magnetic layer made of soft-magnetic _material_ can be polarized in two opposite directions, _it_ is necessary that at least one of two programming _currents_ _through_ the _bit_ line or through the word line _can_ _flow_ _in_ both directions through the respective line. For only then can it be _ensured_ at _the_ crossover point between the word line and the _bit_ line _that,_ given correspondingly _directed_ programming currents at _the_ _crossover_ point, the magnetic field for polarization reversal in the _magnetic_ layer made of the soft-magnetic material is strong _enough_ for the polarization reversal. The currents which flow through the _memory_ cell are tunneling currents through the thin dielectric _layer,_ so that a xe2x80x9cmagnetic tunnel junctionxe2x80x9d or _xe2x80x9ctunnel_ junctionxe2x80x9d is present, which is why the MRAM memory cell is also referred to as a magnetic tunnel _junction_ _(MTJ)_ memory cell. In the MRAM configuration, _high_ parasitic _currents_ occur on a selected word line or bit line, the currents _ultimately_ _being_ brought about by the numerous _crossover_ points between a selected word line, for example, _and_ the bit _lines_ that _cross_ it. On account of these high parasitic currents, therefore, a large MRAM configuration can only _be_ constructed from a plurality of smaller _memory_ _cell_ arrays. _Therefore,_ however, that, for each memory cell array containing, for example, m word lines and _n_ bit lines, a total of _2m+n_ or 2n+m line driver circuits _are_ required. For the _MPAM_ configuration in its entirety, containing 1 memory cell arrays for _example,_ _1(2m+n)_ or _1(2n+m)_ line driver circuits _are_ then required. For the line driver circuits, _however,_ a large area is required _on_ a _chip_ containing _the_ MRAM configuration, _which_ is _extremely_ _undesirable._ It is accordingly an object _of_ the invention to _provide_ _a_ _MRAM_ configuration which _overcomes_ the above-mentioned disadvantages of the _prior_ art devices of this general type, in which the area requirement for _the_ line driver circuits _is_ reduced by _effective_ assignment of the latter, thereby obtaining a space-saving architecture. With the foregoing and other objects in view there is _provided,_ in accordance _with_ the invention, a magneto-resistive _random_ access _memory_ (MRAM) configuration. The _MRAM_ configuration _contains_ at least two memory cell arrays. Each of the memory cell _arrays_ has _word_ lines, bit lines crossing _the_ word lines, and memory cells disposed _at_ crossover points between _the_ word lines and the bit lines. Connecting _nodes_ are provided, _and_ one of the connecting nodes _is_ _disposed_ _between_ _and_ connecting _each_ of the memory cell arrays to each other. Line _driver_ circuits are connected to at least one of the _word_ lines and the bit lines. The _line_ driver circuits are _respectively_ _connected_ _to_ the connecting _nodes_ between the memory _cell_ arrays. Switching transistors are provided. _One_ of the _switching_ transistors _is_ _disposed_ _between_ one _of_ _the_ memory cell arrays _and_ one of the connecting nodes _so_ _that_ the line driver circuits are respectively assigned to different _ones_ of the memory cell arrays. In the case of the MRAM configuration of the type mentioned _in_ the introduction, _the_ _object_ is achieved according to the invention _by_ virtue of the _fact_ that the line driver _circuits_ _are_ respectively connected to _connecting_ nodes between two _memory_ cell arrays and a respective switching transistor is _present_ between _the_ connecting node and the two _memory_ cell arrays. In principle, _the_ configuration of _the_ MRAM configuration _effects_ a departure from an obvious solution to the _above_ problems which is _based_ on respectively placing a current source _or_ current _sink_ at _each_ end of a memory cell array. Rather, in the MRAM configuration according _to_ the invention, the line driver circuits are disposed in such a way that they _can_ _be_ assigned to different memory cell arrays, which results in that the line driver circuits required _in_ total are approximately halved compared _with_ the prior art. Equally, _it_ _is_ possible to reduce the outlay for the current sources in the _line_ driver circuits since _a_ current _source_ is allocated to two memory cell arrays in the present _invention._ A development _of_ the invention provides for the connecting node between two memory cell _arrays_ _to_ be connected to ground potential via an _element_ having an adjustable voltage drop. As a result, _a_ _writing_ current, having traversed _a_ memory cell _array,_ readily passes _to_ the ground _potential_ via _the_ output side connecting node _of_ the memory cell _array_ _and_ the element having an adjustable voltage drop. By way of _example,_ _the_ adjustable voltage drop can be _produced_ by a _variable_ resistor, a _variable_ transistor diode or _an_ adjustable voltage source. The resulting adjustable _voltage_ ensures _that_ parasitic _currents_ through the memory cells connected _to_ the selective word or bit line _can_ _be_ minimized. A respective series _circuit_ _containing_ a current source _and_ a writing driver transistor is advantageously _used_ _for_ _the_ line _driver_ _circuits._ In this manner, the current _source_ is assigned to two of the memory arrays. By way of example, an n-channel MOS field-effect transistor may be chosen for the writing driver transistor, and, moreover, this also applies to the _switching_ transistor and the transistor diode. Other _features_ which are _considered_ as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended _claims._ Although the _invention_ is illustrated and described herein as embodied in _a_ MRAM configuration, it _is_ nevertheless not intended _to_ _be_ limited _to_ the _details_ shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made _therein_ without departing from the spirit _of_ the invention _and_ within the scope and range of _equivalents_ of the _claims._ _The_ construction and method of _operation_ of the _invention,_ however, _together_ with additional objects _and_ advantages thereof will _be_ _best_ understood from the following _description_ of specific embodiments when read _in_ connection _with_ the accompanying drawings. |
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for selective catalytic reduction of exhaust gases and a process for its preparation. More specifically, such a catalyst composition may be used in catalyst application for the removal of NOx, especially in exhaust gas after treatment of diesel- and lean burn engines of automotive. In addition the catalyst composition may also be used in stationary applications (e.g. removal of NO in power plant stations).
2. Related Technology
The most widely employed technology for removal of NOx out of exhaust gases is S(elective) C(atalytic) R(eduction), e.g. O. Kröcher, Chapter 9 in <<Past and Present in DeNOx Catalysis>>, edited by P. Granger et al., published by Elsevier 2007. Accordingly, NOx is removed by Ammonia into Nitrogen and water according to the reaction:4NO+4NH3+O2=4N2+6H2O
For the stationary application mainly V2O5 doped TiO2/WO3 compositions are used commercially since 1970 to remove nitrogen oxide emissions of fossil fuel power plants.
Already 15 years ago, the idea was discussed to apply SCR also on mobile diesel engines, which is now an emerging technology for the NOx reduction from heavy duty diesel vehicles, passenger cars and off road machines.
A typical SCR system consists of a reduction catalyst, urea injection and dosing components, pipes and a storage tank. A huge number of modern catalysts are extruded substrates or coated substrates with Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) as the catalytically active component.
Catalytic coatings of zeolite based SCR are currently being developed because of the limited temperature stability of the vanadium catalysts and the fact that Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) has been classified as a health risk in some countries. Increased temperature stability is especially important in SCR catalysts installed downstream a particulate filter since relatively high temperatures are generated during filter regeneration (M. Rice, R. Mueller at al., Development of an Integrated NOx and PM Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRi for Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008)
There are further reports on the commercially applied well known V2O5/WO3—TiO2 material for exhaust gas aftertreatment of automotives by O. Kröcher in Chapter 9, p. 267f in <<Past and Present in DeNOx Catalysis>>, edited by P. Granger et al.
According to the presentation given by Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) Titania-tungsten oxide based catalysts containing V2O5 as active component are applied for making automotive catalysts in a huge number (approx. 4 Mio. Catalysts/year).
The preparation of V2O5 containing materials based on TiO2/WO3 which additionally may contain oxides out of transition metals, Rare Earths and other elements and the application in SCR is widely disclosed in numerous publications, patent applications and patents. For example GB 1 495 396 describes a catalyst composition containing as active ingredients oxides from titanium, at least one of molybdenum, tungsten, iron, vanadium, nickel, cobalt, copper, chromium and uranium, and as optional component(s) tin and/or at least one of silver, beryllium, magnesium, zinc, boron, aluminium, yttrium, rare earth metal, silicon, niobium, antimony, bismuth, manganese, thorium and zirconium, which oxides are present as an intimate mixture.
EP 787 521 describes the preparation of several V-containing catalysts based on TiO2/WO3 containing additional dopants such as Y2O3, B2O3, PbO, SnO2 the vanadium being present as Vanadiumpentaoxide V2O5.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,768 reports on V2O5 containing materials based on TiO2 as a support material and additional oxides out of transition metals as dopants. Additional SCR-Materials which contains V2O5 supported on TiO2 are also described in GB 1 430 730.
V2O5 containing materials which contain TiO2, SiO2, S and Oxides of Ce, Sn, Mo and W are reported in UK Appl. GB 2 149 680.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,947 describes V-containing denitration catalysts in which the vanadium is present in form of an oxide or a sulfate.
EP 1 145 762 A1 describes a process for the preparation of a vanadia SCR-catalyst supported on titania.
The main disadvantage of the V-based catalyst type is the limited stability at temperatures above 600° C.
A report on the stability of a SCR system based on TiO2/WO3/V2O5 is given by Jan M T et al. in Chemical Engineering & Technology, Vol. 30, No 10, 1440-1444, 2007. Accordingly a deactivation of the catalyst occurs since V2O5 melts at approx. 650° C.
A TiO2/WO3/V2O5 suitable SCR catalyst for NOx removal of Diesel-powered vehicles is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,849 B1, column 2. Although such a catalyst has shown good performance it was found that sustained high temperature operation can cause catalyst deactivation. Heavy duty diesel engines, which are almost exclusively charged, can produce exhaust gases at greater than 500° C. Under conditions of high load and/or high speed, and such temperatures deactivation of the catalyst may occur.
In the presentation of Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) there were reported maximum operation temperatures for a TiO2/WO3/V2O5 catalyst of 550° C. and 580° C. for short term basis.
In view of the application under EURO 6 an improvement in thermal stability of a V2O5 containing TiO2/WO3 based catalyst was reported in the presentation of Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008). Accordingly a catalyst containing V2O5 as active component and a support material consisting of TiO2/WO3 and additionally containing Si may be operated at max. temp. of 600° C. and 650° on a short term basis.
Vanadium based systems with improved thermal stability are also reported by James. W. Girard et al., “Technical Advantages of Vanadium SCR Systems for Diesel NOx Control in Emerging Markets”, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008. After ageing at 600° C./50 hrs the catalyst is still active. However, because of high exhaust gas temperatures possible during active Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration, vanadium SCR catalysts are usually not considered for these applications.
With increasingly stringent automobile exhaust emission regulations for Diesel vehicles (US 2010 and EURO 6 regulations) aftertreatment systems containing a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as well as a SCR catalyst will be required in future. Such systems will demand a higher temperature stability of the SCR catalyst and V2O5 based systems are not considered to be viable for such an application as additionally to the problem of heat stability V2O5 may be exhausted also to the environment (J. Munch et al “Extruded Zeolite based Honeycomb Catalyst for NOx Removal from Diesel Exhaust, SAE Paper 2008-01-1024). Since the activity of SCR catalysts in the temperature range of 180-350° C. is important in the diesel application there have been established systems to improve catalytic activity in the low temperature range.
For example with the aid of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) attached in front of the SCR system (NO being present as a majority (=more than 90%) in the raw emission of the diesel engine) is oxidized to form NO2. The NO2 can be used to burn up particulates and to improve the low temperature activity (in the range 180-350° C.), see M. Rice, R. Mueller at al., Development of an Integrated NOx and PM Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRi for Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008.
In the same publication there are summarized the design parameters of two engine/aftertreatment scenarios for US 2010/Euro 6. One concept will lead to high particulate matters/low NOx with active regeneration of the PM-filter. The SCR catalyst proposed for the described scenario is a zeolite. Zeolites must be used since higher heat resistance of the SCR system is required due to the active regeneration of the PM filter.
The second concept comprises an engine concept which will lead to low concentrations of PM and low NOx concentrations. The SCR catalyst may consist of a vanadium based material or a zeolite. Both concepts will use a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) prior to the SCR treatment. The problem of low temperature activity of SCR catalysts is also addressed in US 2008/0234126 A1. It is described a method for the preparation of a vanadium/titania based catalyst with enhanced | 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for selective catalytic reduction of exhaust gases and a process for its preparation. More specifically, such a catalyst composition may be used in catalyst application for the removal of NOx, especially in exhaust gas after treatment of diesel- and lean burn engines of automotive. In addition the catalyst composition may also be used in stationary applications (e.g. removal of NO in power plant stations). 2. Related Technology The most widely employed technology for removal of NOx out of exhaust gases is S(elective) C(atalytic) R(eduction), e.g. O. Kröcher, Chapter 9 in <<Past and Present in DeNOx Catalysis>>, edited by P. Granger et al., published by Elsevier 2007. Accordingly, NOx is removed by Ammonia into Nitrogen and water according to the reaction:4NO+4NH3+O2=4N2+6H2O For the stationary application mainly V2O5 doped TiO2/WO3 compositions are used commercially since 1970 to remove nitrogen oxide emissions of fossil fuel power plants. Already 15 years ago, the idea was discussed to apply SCR also on mobile diesel engines, which is now an emerging technology for the NOx reduction from heavy duty diesel vehicles, passenger cars and off road machines. A typical SCR system consists of a reduction catalyst, urea injection and dosing components, pipes and a storage tank. A huge number of modern catalysts are extruded substrates or coated substrates with Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) as the catalytically active component. Catalytic coatings of zeolite based SCR are currently being developed because of the limited temperature stability of the vanadium catalysts and the fact that Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) has been classified as a health risk in some countries. Increased temperature stability is especially important in SCR catalysts installed downstream a particulate filter since relatively high-pitched temperatures are generated during filter regeneration (M. Rice, R. Mueller at al., Development of an Integrated NOx and PM Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRi for Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008) There are further reports on the commercially applied well known V2O5/WO3—TiO2 material for exhaust gas aftertreatment of automotives by O. Kröcher in Chapter 9, p. 267f in <<Past and Present in DeNOx Catalysis>>, edited by P. Granger et al. According to the presentation given by Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) Titania-tungsten oxide based catalysts containing V2O5 as active component are applied for making automotive catalysts in a huge number (approx. 4 Mio. Catalysts/year). The preparation of V2O5 containing materials based on TiO2/WO3 which additionally may contain oxides out of transition metals, Rare Earths and other elements and the application in SCR is widely disclosed in numerous publications, patent applications and patents. For example GB 1 495 396 describes a catalyst composition containing as active ingredients oxides from titanium, at least one of molybdenum, tungsten, iron, vanadium, nickel, cobalt, copper, chromium and uranium, and as optional component(s) tin and/or at least one of silver, beryllium, magnesium, zinc, boron, aluminium, yttrium, rare earth metal, silicon, niobium, antimony, bismuth, manganese, thorium and zirconium, which oxides are present as an intimate mixture. EP 787 521 describes the preparation of several V-containing catalysts based on TiO2/WO3 containing additional dopants such as Y2O3, B2O3, PbO, SnO2 the vanadium being present as Vanadiumpentaoxide V2O5. U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,768 reports on V2O5 containing materials based on TiO2 as a support material and additional oxides out of transition metals as dopants. Additional SCR-Materials which contains V2O5 supported on TiO2 are also described in GB 1 430 730. V2O5 containing materials which contain TiO2, SiO2, S and Oxides of Ce, Sn, Mo and W are reported in UK Appl. GB 2 149 680. U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,947 describes V-containing denitration catalysts in which the vanadium is present in form of an oxide or a sulfate. EP 1 145 762 A1 describes a process for the preparation of a vanadia SCR-catalyst supported on titania. The main disadvantage of the V-based catalyst type is the limited stability at temperatures above 600° C. A report on the stability of a SCR system based on TiO2/WO3/V2O5 is given by Jan M T et al. in Chemical Engineering & Technology, Vol. 30, No 10, 1440-1444, 2007. Accordingly a deactivation of the catalyst occurs since V2O5 melts at approx. 650° C. A TiO2/WO3/V2O5 suitable SCR catalyst for NOx removal of Diesel-powered vehicles is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,849 B1, column 2. Although such a catalyst has shown good performance it was found that sustained high temperature operation can cause catalyst deactivation. Heavy duty diesel engines, which are almost exclusively charged, can produce exhaust gases at greater than 500° C. Under conditions of high load and/or high speed, and such temperatures deactivation of the catalyst may occur. In the presentation of Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) there were reported maximum operation temperatures for a TiO2/WO3/V2O5 catalyst of 550° C. and 580° C. for short term basis. In view of the application under EURO 6 an improvement in thermal stability of a V2O5 containing TiO2/WO3 based catalyst was reported in the presentation of Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008). Accordingly a catalyst containing V2O5 as active component and a support material consisting of TiO2/WO3 and additionally containing Si may be operated at max. temp. of 600° C. and 650° on a short term basis. Vanadium based systems with improved thermal stability are also reported by James. W. Girard et al., “Technical Advantages of Vanadium SCR Systems for Diesel NOx Control in Emerging Markets”, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008. After ageing at 600° C./50 hrs the catalyst is still active. However, because of high exhaust gas temperatures possible during active Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration, vanadium SCR catalysts are usually not considered for these applications. With increasingly stringent automobile exhaust emission regulations for Diesel vehicles (US 2010 and EURO 6 regulations) aftertreatment systems containing a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as well as a SCR catalyst will be required in future. Such systems will demand a higher temperature stability of the SCR catalyst and V2O5 based systems are not considered to be viable for such an application as additionally to the problem of heat stability V2O5 may be exhausted also to the environment (J. Munch et al “Extruded Zeolite based Honeycomb Catalyst for NOx Removal from Diesel Exhaust, SAE Paper 2008-01-1024). Since the activity of SCR catalysts in the temperature range of 180-350° C. is important in the diesel application there have been established systems to improve catalytic activity in the low temperature range. For example with the aid of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) attached in front of the SCR system (NO being present as a majority (=more than 90%) in the raw emission of the diesel engine) is oxidized to form NO2. The NO2 can be used to burn up particulates and to improve the low temperature activity (in the range 180-350° C.), see M. Rice, R. Mueller at al., Development of an Integrated NOx and PM Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRi for Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008. In the same publication there are summarized the design parameters of two engine/aftertreatment scenarios for US 2010/Euro 6. One concept will lead to high particulate matters/low NOx with active regeneration of the PM-filter. The SCR catalyst proposed for the described scenario is a zeolite. Zeolites must be used since higher heat resistance of the SCR system is required due to the active regeneration of the PM filter. The second concept comprises an engine concept which will lead to low concentrations of PM and low NOx concentrations. The SCR catalyst may consist of a vanadium based material or a zeolite. Both concepts will use a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) prior to the SCR treatment. The problem of low temperature activity of SCR catalysts is also addressed in US 2008/0234126 A1. It is described a method for the preparation of a vanadium/titania based catalyst with enhanced | 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for selective catalytic reduction of exhaust gases and a process for its preparation. More specifically, such a catQlUst composition may be used in catalyst application for the removal of NOx, especially in exhaust gas after treatment of diesel - and lean burn engines of automotive. In addition the catalyst composition may also be used in stationary applications (e. g. removal of NO in power plant stations ). 2. Related Technology The most widely employed technology for removal of NOx out of exhaust gases is S (elective) C (atalytic) R (eduction ), e. g. O. Kröcher, Chspfer 9 in << Past and Present in DeNOx Catalysis> >, edited by P. Granger et al. , published by Elsevier 2007. Accordingly, NOx is removed by Ammonia into Nitrogen and water according to the reaction: 4NO + 4NH3 + O2 = 4N2 + 6H2O For the stationary application mainly V2O5 doped TiO2 / WO3 compositions are used commercially since 1970 to remove nitrogen oxide emissions of fossil fuel power plants. Already 15 years ago, the idea was discussed to apply SCR also on mobile diesel engines, which is now an emerging technology for the NOx reduction from heavy duty diesel vehicles, passenger cars and off road machines. A typical SCR system consists of a reduction catalyst, urea injection and dosing components, pipes and a storage tank. A huge number of modern catalysts are extruded substrates or coated substrates with Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) as the catalytically active component. Catalytic coatings of zeolite based SCR are currently being developed because of the limited temperature stability of the vanadium catalysts and the fact that Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) has been classified as a health risk in some countries. Increased temperature stability is especially important in SCR catalysts installed downstream a particulate filter since relatively high temperatures are generated during filter regeneration (M. Rice, R. Mueller at al. , Development of an Integrated NOx and PM Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRi for Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008 - 01 - 132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14 - 17, 2008) There are further reports on the commercially applied well known V2O5 / WO3 — TiO2 material for exhaust gas aftertreatment of automotives by O. Kröcher in Chapter 9, p. 267f in << Past and Present in DeNOx Catalysis> >, edited by P. Granger et al. According to the presentation given by Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) Titania - tungsten oxide based catalysts containing V2O5 as active component are applied for making automotive catalysts in a huge number (approx. 4 Mio. Catalysts / year ). The preparation of V2O5 containing materials based on TiO2 / WO3 which additionally may contain oxides out of transition metals, Rare Earths and other elements and the application in SCR is widely disclosed in numerous publications, patent applications and patents. For example GB 1 495 396 describes a catalyst composition containing as active ingredients oxides from titanium, at least one of molybdenum, tungsten, iron, vanadium, nickel, cobalt, copper, chromium and uranium, and as optional component (s) tin and / or at least one of silver, beryllium, magnesium, zinc, boron, aluminium, yttrium, rare earth metal, silicon, niobium, antimony, bismuth, manganese, thorium and zirconium, which oxides are present as an intimate Jixtu#e. EP 787 521 describes the preparation of several V - containing catalysts based on TiO2 / WO3 containing additional dopants such as Y2O3, B2O3, PbO, SnO2 the vanadium being present as Vanadiumpentaoxide V2O5. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 221, 768 reports on V2O5 containing materials based on TiO2 as a CuOport material and additional oxid#E out of transition metals as dopants. Additional SCR - Materials which contains V2O5 supported on TiO2 are also described in GB 1 430 730. V2O5 containing materials which contain TiO2, SiO2, S and Oxides of Ce, Sn, Mo and W are reported in UK Appl. GB 2 149 680. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 466, 947 describes V - containing denitration catalysts in which the vanadium is present in form of an oxide or a sulfate. EP 1 145 762 A1 describes a process for the preparation of a vanadia SCR - catalyst supported on titania. The main disadvantage of the V - based catalyst $Hpe is the limited stability at temperatures above 600 ° C. A report on the stability of a SCR sys$eJ based on TiO2 / WO3 / V2O5 is given by Jan M T et al. in Chemical Engineering & Technology, Vol. 30, No 10, 1440 - 1444, 2007. Accordingly a deactivation of the catalyst occurs since V2O5 melts at approx. 650 ° C. A TiO2 / WO3 / V2O5 suitable SCR catalyst for NOx removal of Diesel - powered vehicles is described in U. S. Pat. No. 6, 805, 849 B1, column 2. Although such a catalyst has shown good performance it was found that sustained high temperature operation can cause catalyst deactivation. Heavy duty diesel engines, which are almost exclusively charged, can produce exhaust gases at greater than 500 ° C. Under conditions of high load and / or high speed, and such temperatures deactivation of the catalyst may occur. In the presentation of Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) there were reported maximum operation temperatures for a TiO2 / WO3 / V2O5 catalyst of 550 ° C. and 580 ° C. for short term basis. In view of the application under EURO 6 an improvement in thermal stability of a V2O5 containing TiO2 / WO3 based catalyst was reported in the presentation of Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008 ). Accordingly a catalyst containing V2O5 as active component and a support material consisting of TiO2 / WO3 and additionally containing Si may be operated at max. temp. of 600 ° C. and 650 ° on a short term basis. Vanadium based systems with improved thermal stability are also reported by James. W. Girard et al. , “ Tecjgical Advantages of Vanadium SCR Systems for Diesel NOx Control in Emerging Markets ”, SAE technical paper 2008 - 01 - 132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14 - 17, 2008. After ageing at 600 ° C. / 50 hrs the catalyst is still active. However, because of high exhaust gas temperatures poasinle during active Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration, vanadium SCR catalysts are usually not considered for these applications. With increasingly stringent automobile exhaust emission regulations for Diesel vehicles (US 2010 and EURO 6 regulations) aftertreatment systems containing a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as well as a SCR catalyst will be required in future. Such systems will demand a higher temperature stability of the SCR catalyst and V2O5 based systems are not considered to be viable for such an application as additionally to the problem of heat stability V2O5 may be exhausted also to the environment (J. Munch et al “ Extruded Zeolite based Honeycomb Catalyst for NOx Removal from Diesel Exhaust, SAE Paper 2008 - 01 - 1024 ). Since the activity of SCR catalysts in the temperature range of 180 - 350 ° C. is important in the diesel application there have been established systems to improve catalytic activity in the low temperature range. For example with the aid of a diesel oxidation catZlJst (DOC) attached in front of the SCR system (NO being present as a majority (= more than 90%) in the raw emission of the diesel engine) is oxidized to form NO2. The NO2 can be used to burn up particulates and to improve the low temperature activity (in the range 180 - 350 ° C. ), see M. Rice, R. Mueller at al. , Development of an Integrated NOx and PM Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRi for Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008 - 01 - 132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14 - 17, 2008. In the same publication there are summarized the design parameters of two engine / aftertreatment scenarios for US 2010 / Euro 6. One concept will lead to high particulate matters / low NOx with active regeneration of the PM - filter. The SCR catalyst proposed for the described scenario is a zeolite. Zeolites must be used since higher heat resistance of the SCR system is required due to the active regeneration of the PM filter. The second concept comprises an engine concept which will lead to low concentrations of PM and low NOx concentrations. The SCR catalyst may consist of a vanadium based material or a zeolite. Both concepts will use a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) prior to the SCR treatment. The problem of low temperature activity of SCR catalysts is also addressed in US 2008 / 0234126 A1. It is described a method for the preparation of a vanadium / titania based catalyst with enhanced | Field Invention The present relates to a catalyst composition for selective reduction of exhaust gases and a process for its preparation. More specifically, a catalyst composition may be used in catalyst for removal NOx, especially exhaust gas after treatment of diesel- lean burn engines of automotive. addition the catalyst composition may also be used in stationary applications (e.g. removal of NO in power plant stations). 2. The most widely technology for removal of NOx out of exhaust gases is S(elective) C(atalytic) R(eduction), e.g. O. Kröcher, Chapter 9 in <<Past and Present in DeNOx Catalysis>>, edited by P. Granger et al., published by Elsevier 2007. Accordingly, NOx is removed by Ammonia into Nitrogen water according to reaction:4NO+4NH3+O2=4N2+6H2O For the stationary mainly V2O5 doped TiO2/WO3 compositions are used commercially since to remove nitrogen emissions of fuel power plants. Already 15 years ago, the idea discussed to apply SCR also on mobile diesel engines, which now an emerging technology for the NOx reduction from heavy duty diesel cars and off road machines. A typical SCR system consists of a reduction catalyst, urea injection and dosing components, pipes and a storage tank. A huge number of modern catalysts are extruded substrates or coated substrates with Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) as the catalytically active component. Catalytic coatings of zeolite based SCR are currently being developed because of temperature stability of the vanadium catalysts and the fact that Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) has been as a health risk in some countries. stability is especially important in SCR catalysts installed downstream a particulate filter since high temperatures are generated during filter regeneration (M. Rice, R. Mueller at al., Development of an Integrated NOx and Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRi for Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008) There are further reports on the commercially applied well known V2O5/WO3—TiO2 material for gas aftertreatment of automotives O. Kröcher in 9, p. in <<Past and Present in DeNOx Catalysis>>, edited by Granger et al. to the presentation given by Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, at the 3rd CTI Forum Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) Titania-tungsten oxide based containing as active component applied for making automotive catalysts in a huge number (approx. 4 Mio. Catalysts/year). preparation of V2O5 containing materials based on TiO2/WO3 which additionally may contain oxides out of transition metals, Earths and other elements and the application in SCR is widely in numerous publications, patent applications and For example GB 1 495 396 describes a catalyst composition containing as active ingredients oxides from titanium, at least one of molybdenum, iron, vanadium, nickel, cobalt, copper, chromium and uranium, and as optional component(s) tin and/or at least one of silver, beryllium, magnesium, zinc, aluminium, rare metal, silicon, antimony, bismuth, manganese, and zirconium, are present as an intimate mixture. EP 787 521 describes the preparation of several V-containing catalysts based TiO2/WO3 containing additional dopants such as Y2O3, B2O3, SnO2 the vanadium being present as Vanadiumpentaoxide V2O5. U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,768 reports on V2O5 containing materials based on as a support material and additional oxides out of transition metals as dopants. Additional which contains V2O5 supported on TiO2 are also described in GB 1 430 730. V2O5 containing materials which contain TiO2, and Oxides of Sn, Mo and W are reported in UK Appl. GB 2 149 680. U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,947 describes V-containing denitration catalysts in which the vanadium is present form of an oxide or a sulfate. EP 1 145 762 A1 describes a process for the preparation of a vanadia SCR-catalyst supported on titania. main disadvantage of the V-based catalyst type is the limited stability at temperatures above 600° C. A report on the stability of a SCR system based on TiO2/WO3/V2O5 is given by Jan M et al. in Chemical Engineering & Technology, Vol. 30, No 10, 1440-1444, 2007. Accordingly a deactivation of the catalyst occurs since V2O5 at approx. 650° C. SCR catalyst for NOx removal Diesel-powered vehicles described in Pat. No. 6,805,849 B1, 2. such a catalyst has shown good performance it was found that sustained high temperature operation can cause deactivation. Heavy duty are almost exclusively charged, can produce exhaust gases at greater than 500° C. Under conditions of high and/or high speed, and such temperatures deactivation of the catalyst occur. the presentation of Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) there were reported operation temperatures a TiO2/WO3/V2O5 catalyst of 550° C. and C. for short term basis. In view of the application under EURO 6 improvement in thermal stability of a V2O5 containing based catalyst was reported in presentation of Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008). Accordingly a catalyst containing V2O5 as active component and a support material consisting of TiO2/WO3 and additionally containing Si may be operated at max. of 600° C. on a term based systems with improved thermal stability are also reported by W. Girard et al., “Technical Advantages of Vanadium SCR Systems for Diesel NOx Control Emerging Markets”, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008. After ageing at 600° C./50 hrs the catalyst still active. However, because of high exhaust gas temperatures possible during active Particulate Filter (DPF) vanadium catalysts are usually considered for these applications. With increasingly stringent automobile exhaust emission regulations for Diesel vehicles (US and EURO 6 regulations) aftertreatment systems containing a Diesel Particulate (DPF) as well as a SCR catalyst will be required future. Such systems will a higher temperature stability of the SCR catalyst and V2O5 based are considered to be for such an application as additionally to the heat stability V2O5 may be exhausted also to the environment et al “Extruded Zeolite based Honeycomb Catalyst for NOx Removal from Diesel Exhaust, SAE Paper 2008-01-1024). Since the activity of SCR catalysts in the temperature range C. is important in the application there have been established systems to improve catalytic activity in the low temperature range. For example with the aid of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) attached in front of SCR system (NO being present as a majority (=more 90%) in the raw emission of the diesel engine) is form NO2. The NO2 can be used to burn up particulates and to improve the temperature activity (in the range 180-350° C.), see M. Rice, R. Mueller at al., Development of an Integrated NOx and PM Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRi for Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008. In same publication there are summarized the design of two engine/aftertreatment scenarios for US 2010/Euro 6. One concept will lead high particulate matters/low NOx with active regeneration of the PM-filter. The SCR catalyst proposed for the described scenario is zeolite. Zeolites must be used since higher heat resistance of the SCR system is required due to the regeneration of the The second comprises an engine concept which will lead to low concentrations of and low concentrations. The SCR may consist of a based material or a zeolite. Both will use a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) prior to the SCR treatment. The problem of low temperature activity of SCR catalysts is also addressed in US A1. It is described a method the preparation of a vanadium/titania based with enhanced | 1. Field OF INVENtION
tHe prEseNt InVentiON RElaTES TO A catalYST cOmpOsITION fOR SELECtiVe CATAlYtic reDuCtIOn of exHAUSt GasEs and A prOceSS fOR ITS PRepARAtIoN. mORe sPECIfiCally, SuCH a CAtAlySt comPoSitIon maY bE uSed In cataLYsT appLicATION fOR THE REMoval Of nOX, esPeCiALLy In ExHaUst gAs AfTeR trEaTmEnT of dieSeL- AnD LEaN burN engINes of auTomoTivE. IN AddItION The cataLYST comPosiTIoN maY Also bE uSED In sTaTiONaRY aPplICAtiONs (e.G. rEMOval OF No iN poWeR PlaNt STaTIoNs).
2. ReLAtEd tecHNoLoGy
THE mOSt WIDeLy EMPLoYed TECHNOLogy For RemoVal Of NOX OUT of ExhausT gASEs IS s(ELeCtIVe) C(AtALyTIC) R(eduCtION), e.g. O. kRöCHeR, cHapTeR 9 iN <<paSt aND PresEnT IN deNox cataLYsIS>>, EDItEd By P. GRaNger et AL., PUbliSheD By ELSEvieR 2007. AcCordingly, nOX is rEmOVed BY aMmOnia into NITRoGEn ANd WatER aCCORDiNg TO tHE rEACtIon:4NO+4nH3+o2=4N2+6H2O
FOr thE StatIoNAry aPpliCAtION mAinLy v2o5 DOPED tio2/WO3 CoMPoSitioNS aRe USed cOmmERCialLy sincE 1970 to ReMoVE nITrOGEN OxiDE EMissIOns of fOsSiL Fuel poWeR PLAnTS.
aLREADY 15 YEars ago, ThE IdEA was DIscusSED TO APply ScR ALso oN Mobile dIeSEl EngiNES, WhicH iS nOW an eMerGIng technoLOgY foR tHE NOx rEdUctIOn FRoM heavY duTY DIESel veHIcleS, paSSENGER CaRs And OFF ROad mAcHInEs.
A tYPicaL scr SySTeM coNSists of A rEducTION cataLYSt, Urea iNJeCTiOn And DoSiNG coMPonentS, Pipes AND a sTORaGe TANK. A HUGe nuMber oF modern cATalYStS ArE ExtrUdED SubStRAtES OR CoAtED sUbSTRATEs WitH VANaDium PEntAOxide (V2o5) AS thE CaTalyTIcALly AcTiVE cOmPoneNt.
cATaLYtic cOatiNGS of zeOlIte basED ScR ARe CUrRENtLY BEIng DeveLOpeD BecAUse of tHE limIted temperaturE STAbILity OF tHe VANaDiuM CAtALyStS AnD ThE FaCT tHAT vaNadiuM PENtAOxIDe (v2o5) hAS BEEn ClaSsIfIEd aS A HEalth rISK IN SoME cOUNTrieS. INcREAsed TeMpeRatuRE StABiLitY Is eSpECIaLlY ImpoRtAnt iN sCr CAtaLYsts iNstALLed dOwnstReAm A pARTiculATe FIltER SINce ReLaTiVelY HiGH teMperAturEs aRE GENERAtEd durinG FiLter regeNeRAtion (M. RIce, r. muEller aT AL., DEvELopMeNT of AN inTEGRaTed nOX aNd PM rEdUCtIOn aFTErtreAtment SystEM: sCri FOr aDVanCEd DIeSEl ENgIneS, SAe TeChnICAl papEr 2008-01-132, Sae WorLD CONGREsS DETRoIT, MiCH. APr. 14-17, 2008)
THERE Are FUrthER REpoRtS On The COMmeRCiallY AppLieD wELL KnowN v2o5/wo3—tIO2 mAteRIal for exhausT gaS afTeRtreAtMeNt of AUtOMoTIVes By o. KrÖCher In chaPtEr 9, p. 267f In <<PaSt aNd pResEnT IN dEnoX catAlYsiS>>, eDIteD by P. GRAnGeR ET al.
aCCORDinG tO thE pResENtATION GIVeN bY DiRK vATArECk (CATaLYstS AUtOmOtIVE APPlICatIonS, aRgILLoN) AT tHe 3rd CtI FOrUM sCR sysTems (BonN 9 aPr. 2008) TitaniA-tuNgSTEn oxIde basED caTaLySTS cONtaiNiNG v2O5 AS ActIVE COMPONeNt ArE applIed fOr MakinG auToMotIVE CATALySTS In A HugE nUMBEr (ApPRox. 4 MiO. CATalySTs/Year).
thE pREParatION of v2o5 contAininG MaterIals bASEd On Tio2/wO3 Which addITIoNAlly MAy CONtaIN OXIDES Out of TRAnSitION meTaLS, raRe EaRtHS AND oTHER elEments anD tHE apPlicaTion iN sCr Is WiDELy diSCloSEd in NUMErOUs PUblicATIoNs, PaTENT APplicaTionS anD paTENtS. fOR exaMpLe gB 1 495 396 DEScRiBes a cATAlysT COmPOsitIoN contAiniNG AS AcTivE INgredieNts OXIDeS fROm TiTAnium, aT LeaST One Of MOlybdEnuM, TUnGsten, iROn, VAnadIUm, NIckEl, CObALT, COppER, ChROmium AND URANIUM, AnD as OptIOnAl cOmPoNeNt(s) tiN and/or aT LeaSt oNE of SilVEr, BeRYLLIuM, mAgnESium, zINC, borOn, alumiNIUm, YTtRiUm, RaRE eArth MEtAL, SILiCOn, nIobiuM, AntiMONy, BIsMUTH, mAnGaNeSe, thoRium aND zIRcONIuM, WhIch OxiDES ArE PreSeNt As an iNTImaTe mIxtURe.
ep 787 521 descRIBes the prePArATiON OF SEVeRaL V-cONtaInINg CaTalYStS basED oN TIO2/wo3 cOnTaINIng AddiTIOnAl doPaNts sUCH As Y2o3, b2O3, pBO, SNo2 the VanadiUm bEiNg pRESEnT aS vaNAdIuMpENTAOXIDE V2O5.
U.s. Pat. No. 4,221,768 rePortS ON v2O5 cOnTaInInG mAtErialS BaSED ON TIo2 as A suPpoRt materIal And adDITIonaL oxiDes ouT of TransItiON METALS aS dOPAnts. adDitIONal SCr-MaTEriAlS WhIch coNTAiNS v2o5 SUPpoRTEd ON tIo2 Are aLSO desCRibeD in gB 1 430 730.
V2O5 cONtaInIng MAtErIAlS WhIcH CONTAIn tiO2, sIo2, s And OXIdeS oF CE, Sn, Mo and w aRE rEpORTeD In uK aPpl. Gb 2 149 680.
U.s. pat. nO. 4,466,947 dEscriBES v-CONTaiNiNG DeNiTraTIOn caTAlyStS in WhICh The vanaDiUM IS presENT In ForM OF aN oxIde OR A SuLfaTe.
eP 1 145 762 a1 DeScribEs A pRoCesS For tHe pReparAtIOn Of A VaNaDiA SCR-CatAlYst sUppORted ON TiTaniA.
ThE MaIN DISAdVaNTAGe Of thE v-bASEd caTaLYsT type is The LimIted StAbilIty aT teMpeRaTurEs AbovE 600° c.
A REpORT ON ThE STABIliTY OF A scR sYStEm basEd ON tio2/WO3/V2o5 Is giVEN by JAn m t eT aL. In ChEMical eNgiNEERing & teCHNOLOGY, VOl. 30, NO 10, 1440-1444, 2007. acCORDInGlY a dEaCtIvATioN Of THe cAtalYsT oCCurs sINCE V2O5 meltS AT APProX. 650° C.
a TiO2/Wo3/V2o5 SUITaBlE SCr CATALYST FoR nox RemoVAl Of dIESEL-PoWered veHICles is DESCRibEd iN U.S. PAT. no. 6,805,849 b1, COlUMn 2. aLtHOUgH Such a CaTALYSt hAs sHoWN gOoD perfoRManCE IT WAs FoUND tHaT sustAined HIgH tEmperaTuRE opeRAtIoN CAn cAuSe cAtALyST dEaCTiVAtIOn. hEaVy dUty DIESel Engines, whicH aRE AlMOst EXclUsIVelY cHarGEd, caN PRODuCe ExhAuST GaseS At GrEAtER Than 500° c. UnDeR CondItioNS Of HIgh loaD anD/Or hiGH SpEEd, and SUCH TemPeRatuRES dEactivATIoN OF thE CatALYst maY OcCUr.
iN The pRESEnTAtiON Of diRk vATaRECK (CaTaLysTs AUTOmotivE aPPLIcationS, ArGiLLoN) At thE 3Rd cTI FOrUM scR SYstEms (boNN 9 apr. 2008) ThERE weRE rePOrtEd mAximUm oPeRAtiOn tEmperatures For A TIO2/Wo3/v2O5 CATalyst OF 550° c. and 580° C. fOR sHoRt Term BasIS.
In View oF thE apPlICatIoN Under eURo 6 An IMpRoVEMENt in theRMAL stABILiTy OF A v2o5 cONtAining tiO2/wo3 Based CAtALySt was reportEd iN THe PReSeNtaTION OF DIrK VAtAreCk (CAtalYSts AUtomOtIve applicatioNs, ArgilLOn) At tHe 3rd cTi fORUm scr syStEMs (bonn 9 ApR. 2008). aCCordingLY A CatalySt CONTaINing V2o5 As AcTIvE comPONeNT ANd A sUPPoRt MateriaL cONsISTING of TiO2/wO3 aNd adDITIoNaLlY contAiNinG SI mAy be opERAteD at mAX. TeMp. of 600° C. aNd 650° ON A SHort TErM basIs.
vAnAdiuM bASEd SYSTeMs wiTH imprOVeD THermAl stAbiLiTy aRe also rEPoRtED bY jAMeS. W. girArd ET al., “tecHNiCaL AdVaNTAGEs Of VaNaDIUM ScR sYstemS FoR DiEsEL Nox CONTrOL iN EMErgINg MARKets”, sae tecHNICAL PAPER 2008-01-132, sae WoRlD ConGrEsS DeTRoit, miCH. aPr. 14-17, 2008. aftEr aGeINg At 600° C./50 HRS The caTAlyst is STill aCTIve. hOWEVeR, BeCauSE OF hIgh eXHAusT gAs TemPeRATuReS pOssiblE DuriNG acTiVe diESEL paRTICulatE FiltEr (Dpf) rEGEneRaTIOn, VANAdiUM scR CaTaLystS aRe USuaLLy nOT cONsIdeReD fOR tHese ApPlicaTIONS.
wITh InCreaSinGlY sTriNgeNT AUtomoBiLE ExHaust emIssION rEgULatIonS fOr DIeseL VehiclES (us 2010 and eURo 6 regulAtIONS) AFtERtreAtment SYstEMS coNTAining a dieSEl particuLaTe fILteR (DpF) aS wElL AS a scR CatALYSt Will bE reQuirED In future. SuCH SysTeMs wIll DEmaND a HIgHer tempEratURe STabILitY of ThE SCR CataLYSt AND V2o5 BAsEd SyStEms arE Not ConsiDEReD to be VIaBle FoR SUCh aN apPLICation aS addiTionALlY TO tHE PrOblem oF heAT STABiLiTy v2O5 MaY be ExHaUsteD aLSO To The eNViroNmenT (j. MUNch ET al “ExtRuDeD zEOlITE BASeD honeyCOmB CaTalYst fOr NOX RemOVAl fRom DieSEl exHAUst, SAE PApEr 2008-01-1024). sINCe THE aCTIvITy oF ScR CaTALYStS In THe tempEraTuRE ranGe of 180-350° c. is iMportANt iN THe dIESel ApPlicatiOn thEre have Been eStaBlIshED sysTeMS To IMPROVE cATAlyTic aCTIvITY in tHe LOW TeMPeraTURe RANge.
FoR eXAmple with THe aID OF A DIesel oXIdatiON CAtaLYst (DOC) AttacHEd in FroNT OF the Scr sysTEM (NO bEiNG prEseNT aS A majoRITy (=mORE Than 90%) in the raw emiSSIon oF The dIesel EnGine) IS oXIdIzED TO FoRm No2. the nO2 caN bE uSeD To bUrn uP PARtiCulATEs aNd tO ImPrOvE THe loW TeMPeRATURe ACtiViTy (iN tHe ranGe 180-350° c.), SeE m. RICe, R. mueLlEr at aL., deveLOPMEnt Of aN iNtEGrated NOX AnD pM ReduCTion aFtERtrEatmeNT SYsteM: SCri For AdVanCeD diESel Engines, Sae TEchNiCaL paPEr 2008-01-132, sAE WoRLD coNgresS detRoIt, Mich. APr. 14-17, 2008.
in THe SAmE PUblICatiON therE ArE summARiZEd the DEsIGn parAmeTERs Of tWO ENGINE/AfTeRTReAtmenT sCEnARIos fOr Us 2010/EuRO 6. oNe CoNcePt WiLL Lead To HIGH pARtIculaTE mAtTErS/LoW Nox wItH actIve reGenERATION of THe pM-FiltEr. tHE scR CAtaLYSt pRoposeD FoR thE DescRiBeD SCEnario is A ZeoLIte. zeoLItes muST bE Used sinCE hIGHeR HEAT RESIstAncE Of tHe SCr SYstem IS REQUiRED dUE to THE aCTIvE reGEnEration OF The Pm FiLter.
THE SECoNd coNcept CompRises an ENgiNe cONCePT WhICH will lEAD TO LoW cONCenTRAtions Of pm AND loW noX CONceNtrAtiOns. thE SCR CaTaLySt mAY CONSIST Of a vanADIUm bAsEd MatErIaL OR a zeOLIte. BoTh cOnCePTS wILl USE a diesEl oXIdATiOn CATALYst (DoC) prior To tHe SCR treATmEnt. THe ProbLeM oF low tEmPErAture AcTiVITy of scR cATALYSTs IS alSo adDRESSED iN uS 2008/0234126 A1. it Is dESCriBeD a MEtHod fOr tHE pREpArAtIoN OF a vaNAdIum/tITANiA BASEd CaTalYST WITH EnHaNCeD | 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to a catalyst composition forselective catalytic reduction ofexhaust gasesand aprocess forits preparation. More specifically, such a catalyst composition may be used in catalyst application fortheremoval of NOx, especially inexhaustgas after treatment of diesel-and lean burn engines of automotive. In addition the catalyst composition may also be used in stationary applications (e.g. removal of NOin power plantstations). 2. RelatedTechnology The mostwidely employed technology for removalof NOx outof exhaust gases is S(elective)C(atalytic) R(eduction), e.g.O. Kröcher, Chapter 9 in <<Past andPresent in DeNOx Catalysis>>, edited by P. Granger et al., published by Elsevier 2007. Accordingly, NOx is removedby Ammonia into Nitrogen and water according to the reaction:4NO+4NH3+O2=4N2+6H2O For the stationary application mainly V2O5 doped TiO2/WO3 compositions are used commercially since 1970 toremove nitrogen oxide emissions of fossil fuel power plants. Already 15years ago, the idea was discussed to apply SCR also on mobile dieselengines, which is now an emerging technology for the NOx reduction from heavy duty diesel vehicles,passenger cars and off road machines. A typical SCR system consists of a reduction catalyst, urea injectionanddosing components, pipes andastorage tank. A huge number of modern catalysts are extruded substrates or coated substrateswithVanadium Pentaoxide(V2O5) as thecatalytically active component. Catalytic coatings of zeolite based SCR are currently beingdeveloped because ofthe limited temperature stability of the vanadium catalysts and the fact that Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) has been classified as ahealth risk insome countries. Increased temperature stability is especially important inSCR catalysts installed downstreama particulatefilter since relatively high temperatures are generated during filter regeneration (M. Rice, R.Mueller at al.,Development of an IntegratedNOx and PM Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRifor Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World CongressDetroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008)There are further reports on the commercially applied well known V2O5/WO3—TiO2 material for exhaust gas aftertreatment of automotives by O. Kröcherin Chapter 9, p. 267f in <<Past and Present in DeNOx Catalysis>>, edited by P. Granger et al. According to the presentation given by Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr.2008) Titania-tungsten oxide basedcatalysts containingV2O5 as active component are applied for makingautomotive catalystsin a huge number(approx. 4 Mio. Catalysts/year). The preparation of V2O5 containing materials based on TiO2/WO3 which additionally may contain oxides out of transition metals, Rare Earths and other elements and the application in SCR is widely disclosed in numerous publications, patentapplications and patents. Forexample GB 1 495396describes a catalyst composition containing as active ingredients oxides from titanium, at least one of molybdenum, tungsten, iron, vanadium, nickel, cobalt, copper, chromium and uranium, and as optional component(s) tin and/or at least one ofsilver,beryllium, magnesium, zinc, boron,aluminium, yttrium, rare earth metal, silicon, niobium, antimony, bismuth, manganese, thorium and zirconium, which oxides are present as an intimatemixture. EP 787 521 describes the preparation of several V-containing catalysts based on TiO2/WO3 containing additional dopants suchas Y2O3, B2O3, PbO, SnO2 the vanadium being presentasVanadiumpentaoxide V2O5.U.S.Pat.No. 4,221,768 reports onV2O5 containing materials based onTiO2 as a support material and additional oxides outof transition metals as dopants. Additional SCR-Materials which contains V2O5 supported on TiO2are also described in GB 1 430 730. V2O5 containing materials which contain TiO2,SiO2, Sand Oxides ofCe,Sn, Mo and W are reported in UK Appl. GB 2 149680. U.S. Pat. No.4,466,947 describes V-containingdenitration catalysts in which the vanadiumis present in form of an oxide or a sulfate. EP 1 145 762 A1 describes a process for the preparation of a vanadia SCR-catalyst supported on titania. The main disadvantage of the V-based catalyst typeis the limited stability at temperatures above 600°C. A report on thestability of a SCR systembased onTiO2/WO3/V2O5 is given by Jan M T et al. in Chemical Engineering & Technology, Vol. 30,No 10, 1440-1444, 2007. Accordingly a deactivation of the catalyst occurs since V2O5 melts at approx. 650° C. A TiO2/WO3/V2O5 suitable SCR catalyst for NOx removal of Diesel-powered vehicles is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,849 B1, column2. Although such a catalyst has shown good performance it was found that sustainedhigh temperatureoperation can cause catalyst deactivation. Heavy dutydiesel engines, which are almost exclusively charged, can produce exhaust gases atgreater than 500° C. Under conditions of high loadand/or high speed, and such temperaturesdeactivation of the catalyst may occur. In the presentation of Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) there were reportedmaximumoperation temperatures for aTiO2/WO3/V2O5 catalyst of 550° C. and 580° C. for shortterm basis. In view of the application under EURO 6 an improvement in thermal stability of a V2O5containing TiO2/WO3 based catalyst was reportedin the presentationof Dirk Vatareck (CatalystsAutomotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008).Accordingly a catalyst containing V2O5as active component and a support material consisting ofTiO2/WO3 and additionally containing Si may be operated at max. temp. of 600° C.and 650° on a short term basis. Vanadium based systems withimproved thermal stability are also reported by James. W. Girard et al., “Technical Advantages of VanadiumSCR Systems for Diesel NOx Control in Emerging Markets”, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132,SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008. Afterageing at 600°C./50 hrs thecatalyst is still active. However, because of high exhaust gas temperatures possible duringactive Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration,vanadium SCR catalysts are usually notconsidered for these applications. With increasingly stringent automobile exhaust emission regulationsfor Diesel vehicles (US 2010 and EURO 6 regulations) aftertreatment systems containing aDiesel ParticulateFilter (DPF) as well asaSCR catalyst will be required in future. Suchsystems willdemand a higher temperature stability oftheSCR catalyst and V2O5 based systemsarenot considered to be viablefor such an application as additionally tothe problem of heat stability V2O5 may be exhausted also tothe environment (J. Munchet al “Extruded Zeolite based Honeycomb Catalyst for NOx Removalfrom Diesel Exhaust,SAE Paper 2008-01-1024). Since the activity of SCR catalysts in the temperature range of 180-350° C.is important in the diesel application there have been established systems to improve catalytic activity in the low temperature range. For example with the aid of adiesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) attached in front of the SCR system (NO being presentas amajority (=more than 90%) intheraw emission of the diesel engine) is oxidized to form NO2. The NO2 canbe used to burn up particulates and to improvethe low temperatureactivity (in the range 180-350° C.), see M. Rice, R.Mueller at al., Development of an IntegratedNOx and PM Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRi for Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World Congress Detroit, Mich.Apr.14-17, 2008. In thesame publication thereare summarized the design parameters of two engine/aftertreatment scenarios for US 2010/Euro 6. Oneconcept willlead to high particulate matters/low NOx with active regeneration of the PM-filter. The SCR catalyst proposed for thedescribed scenario isa zeolite. Zeolites must beused since higherheat resistance of theSCR system is required dueto the active regeneration of thePM filter. The secondconcept comprisesan engine concept which will lead to low concentrations of PMand low NOx concentrations. The SCRcatalyst may consist of a vanadium based material or a zeolite. Both conceptswill use a diesel oxidationcatalyst(DOC) prior to theSCR treatment. Theproblem of lowtemperature activity of SCR catalysts isalso addressed in US 2008/0234126 A1.It is describeda method for thepreparation of a vanadium/titania based catalyst with enhanced | 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for selective catalytic reduction of exhaust _gases_ _and_ _a_ process for its preparation. More specifically, such _a_ catalyst composition may be used _in_ _catalyst_ application _for_ the _removal_ _of_ _NOx,_ _especially_ in exhaust _gas_ after treatment of diesel- and lean _burn_ engines of automotive. In addition the catalyst composition may also be _used_ in stationary applications _(e.g._ _removal_ of _NO_ in power plant _stations)._ 2. Related Technology _The_ _most_ widely employed technology for removal _of_ _NOx_ _out_ of _exhaust_ _gases_ is S(elective) C(atalytic) R(eduction), e.g. O. Kröcher, Chapter 9 in <<Past _and_ Present in DeNOx Catalysis>>, edited _by_ P. Granger et al., published _by_ Elsevier _2007._ Accordingly, _NOx_ is removed by _Ammonia_ into _Nitrogen_ _and_ water according to the reaction:4NO+4NH3+O2=4N2+6H2O _For_ the stationary _application_ mainly V2O5 doped TiO2/WO3 compositions are used commercially since 1970 to remove nitrogen oxide _emissions_ of fossil fuel _power_ plants. Already 15 years ago, _the_ idea was _discussed_ to apply SCR also on mobile diesel engines, which is now an _emerging_ technology for _the_ NOx reduction from heavy duty diesel vehicles, passenger cars and off road machines. A typical SCR system consists of a reduction catalyst, urea injection and dosing components, pipes and a storage tank. _A_ huge _number_ of _modern_ catalysts are extruded substrates _or_ coated _substrates_ with Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) as the _catalytically_ active component. Catalytic coatings of zeolite based _SCR_ are currently being developed because of the limited temperature stability of the _vanadium_ catalysts and the fact that Vanadium Pentaoxide (V2O5) _has_ been classified as a health risk in some countries. Increased temperature stability is especially important in _SCR_ catalysts _installed_ downstream a particulate _filter_ since relatively high temperatures are generated during filter regeneration (M. Rice, R. Mueller at al., Development of an Integrated _NOx_ _and_ PM Reduction Aftertreatment System: SCRi for Advanced Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, _SAE_ World _Congress_ Detroit, Mich. Apr. 14-17, 2008) There are further _reports_ on the commercially applied well known _V2O5/WO3—TiO2_ material for exhaust _gas_ aftertreatment of automotives by _O._ Kröcher in Chapter 9, _p._ 267f in <<Past _and_ Present in DeNOx Catalysis>>, edited by P. _Granger_ et _al._ _According_ to the presentation _given_ by _Dirk_ Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, _Argillon)_ at the 3rd _CTI_ Forum SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) Titania-tungsten oxide _based_ catalysts containing _V2O5_ _as_ active _component_ are _applied_ for making automotive _catalysts_ in a huge number (approx. 4 Mio. Catalysts/year). The preparation of V2O5 containing materials _based_ _on_ _TiO2/WO3_ which additionally may contain _oxides_ out of transition metals, _Rare_ Earths and _other_ elements and _the_ _application_ in SCR _is_ widely disclosed in numerous publications, patent _applications_ and patents. For example GB 1 495 396 describes a catalyst composition containing as active ingredients oxides from titanium, at least one _of_ molybdenum, _tungsten,_ iron, vanadium, nickel, cobalt, _copper,_ _chromium_ and uranium, _and_ as optional _component(s)_ _tin_ and/or at least _one_ of silver, beryllium, magnesium, zinc, _boron,_ aluminium, _yttrium,_ _rare_ earth metal, silicon, _niobium,_ antimony, bismuth, manganese, _thorium_ and zirconium, which oxides are present as _an_ intimate mixture. _EP_ 787 521 describes the preparation of _several_ _V-containing_ catalysts based on _TiO2/WO3_ _containing_ additional dopants such as Y2O3, _B2O3,_ PbO, _SnO2_ the vanadium _being_ _present_ _as_ Vanadiumpentaoxide _V2O5._ U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,768 reports on V2O5 _containing_ _materials_ based on TiO2 as _a_ support _material_ and additional oxides out of transition metals as _dopants._ Additional SCR-Materials which contains V2O5 _supported_ on TiO2 are _also_ described in GB 1 430 730. V2O5 containing materials which contain _TiO2,_ SiO2, _S_ and _Oxides_ _of_ _Ce,_ Sn, _Mo_ and W _are_ reported in UK Appl. GB _2_ _149_ 680. U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,947 describes V-containing denitration _catalysts_ _in_ which _the_ vanadium is present in form _of_ an oxide or a sulfate. EP 1 _145_ _762_ A1 describes _a_ process _for_ _the_ preparation of a _vanadia_ _SCR-catalyst_ supported on titania. The main disadvantage of _the_ V-based catalyst type is _the_ limited _stability_ _at_ temperatures _above_ 600° C. A report on the stability of _a_ SCR system based on TiO2/WO3/V2O5 _is_ given by Jan _M_ T et al. in _Chemical_ Engineering _&_ Technology, _Vol._ _30,_ No 10, 1440-1444, 2007. Accordingly a deactivation of _the_ catalyst occurs _since_ V2O5 melts at approx. 650° C. _A_ TiO2/WO3/V2O5 suitable _SCR_ catalyst _for_ NOx removal of Diesel-powered _vehicles_ is _described_ in U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,849 B1, column 2. Although such a catalyst has shown good _performance_ _it_ _was_ found that _sustained_ high temperature operation can cause catalyst deactivation. Heavy _duty_ diesel _engines,_ _which_ are almost _exclusively_ _charged,_ _can_ _produce_ exhaust gases at greater than 500° C. Under conditions of high _load_ and/or high speed, _and_ such temperatures deactivation _of_ the _catalyst_ may occur. In the presentation _of_ Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI Forum SCR _Systems_ (Bonn 9 Apr. 2008) there were _reported_ maximum _operation_ temperatures for _a_ TiO2/WO3/V2O5 catalyst of 550° C. and 580° C. _for_ short _term_ basis. _In_ view _of_ the application under EURO 6 an improvement in _thermal_ stability of a V2O5 containing _TiO2/WO3_ based _catalyst_ was reported in the presentation of Dirk Vatareck (Catalysts Automotive Applications, Argillon) at the 3rd CTI _Forum_ SCR Systems (Bonn 9 Apr. _2008)._ Accordingly _a_ catalyst containing _V2O5_ as active _component_ and a support material consisting _of_ TiO2/WO3 and additionally _containing_ Si _may_ be operated at max. temp. of 600° C. and 650° _on_ a short term basis. _Vanadium_ based systems with _improved_ thermal stability are also reported by _James._ _W._ _Girard_ et al., “Technical Advantages of Vanadium SCR Systems for Diesel _NOx_ Control in Emerging Markets”, SAE technical paper _2008-01-132,_ SAE World Congress Detroit, _Mich._ Apr. 14-17, 2008. After ageing at 600° C./50 hrs the catalyst is _still_ active. However, _because_ of _high_ _exhaust_ gas temperatures possible _during_ active Diesel _Particulate_ Filter (DPF) regeneration, vanadium SCR catalysts are usually _not_ considered for these applications. With increasingly stringent automobile exhaust emission regulations for Diesel vehicles (US 2010 and _EURO_ 6 regulations) aftertreatment systems _containing_ a Diesel _Particulate_ Filter (DPF) as _well_ as a _SCR_ catalyst will _be_ required in future. Such systems will demand a _higher_ _temperature_ stability _of_ the _SCR_ catalyst and _V2O5_ _based_ _systems_ are not _considered_ to be viable for such an application _as_ additionally _to_ the problem of heat stability V2O5 _may_ be exhausted also to the environment (J. Munch et al “Extruded Zeolite _based_ Honeycomb _Catalyst_ for _NOx_ _Removal_ _from_ Diesel _Exhaust,_ _SAE_ Paper 2008-01-1024). Since the activity of SCR _catalysts_ _in_ _the_ _temperature_ range of 180-350° C. is _important_ in the diesel application there have been established _systems_ to improve _catalytic_ activity _in_ the low _temperature_ range. _For_ example with the aid of _a_ diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) attached in front of the SCR system (NO being present as a majority (=more than 90%) in _the_ raw emission of the _diesel_ engine) is oxidized to form NO2. The NO2 can _be_ _used_ to burn up particulates and _to_ improve the low temperature activity _(in_ _the_ _range_ 180-350° C.), see _M._ Rice, R. _Mueller_ at al., Development _of_ an Integrated NOx and PM Reduction Aftertreatment _System:_ SCRi for _Advanced_ Diesel Engines, SAE technical paper 2008-01-132, SAE World _Congress_ Detroit, Mich. _Apr._ 14-17, 2008. In the same publication _there_ are summarized _the_ design parameters of two engine/aftertreatment scenarios for US 2010/Euro 6. One _concept_ _will_ lead to _high_ particulate matters/low _NOx_ with active regeneration of _the_ _PM-filter._ The SCR _catalyst_ proposed for the described scenario is a zeolite. _Zeolites_ must _be_ _used_ since higher heat resistance of the SCR system _is_ required _due_ to _the_ active regeneration of the PM filter. The _second_ concept comprises an engine _concept_ which will lead to _low_ concentrations of PM and low NOx _concentrations._ The SCR catalyst may _consist_ of a _vanadium_ based material or _a_ zeolite. Both concepts will use a diesel oxidation _catalyst_ (DOC) prior to the SCR treatment. The problem of _low_ temperature _activity_ of SCR catalysts _is_ also addressed in US 2008/0234126 A1. It _is_ described a method for the preparation of a vanadium/titania _based_ _catalyst_ with _enhanced_ |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to an extruded film processing system, and in particular to control systems utilized in extruded film processing systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Blown film extrusion lines are used to manufacture plastic bags and plastic sheets. A molten tube of plastic is extruded from an annular die, and then stretched and expanded to a larger diameter and a reduced radial thickness by the action of overhead nip rollers and internal air pressure. Typically, ambient air is entrained by one or more blowers. The ambient air provides a cooling medium, which absorbs heat from the molten material. This speeds up the change in state from a molten material back to a solid material.
Additionally, the ambient air entrained by the blowers is used to provide air pressure, which is utilized to control the size and thickness of the film tube. One type of blown film extrusion line utilizes air flow on the exterior surface of the film tube in order to absorb heat. A different, and more modern, type of blown film extrusion line utilizes both an external flow of cooling air and an internal flow of cooling air in order to cool and size the film tube. Whether the blown film tube is cooled from the interior surface, the exterior surface, or some combination of the two, one common problem in blown film extrusion lines is that of obtaining precise control over the diameter of the extruded film tube. Tight control over the diameter ensures uniform product dimensions, which includes the size of the extruded product, as well as the thickness of the plastic material.
Acoustic sensors may be utilized to gauge the diameter of the product. When such acoustic sensors are utilized, a feedback loop is established to alter dynamically one or more controllable variable of the process, such as blower speed, and/or temperature control over the cooling air stream. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to an extruded film processing system, and in particular to control systems utilized in extruded film processing systems. 2. Description of the Prior Art Blown film extrusion lines are used to manufacture plastic bags and plastic sheets. A molten tube of plastic is extruded from an annular die, and then stretched and expanded to a larger diameter and a reduced radial thickness by the action of overhead nip rollers and internal air pressure. Typically, ambient air is entrained by one or more blowers. The ambient air provides a cooling medium, which absorbs heat from the molten material. This speeds up the change in state from a molten material gage to a solid material. Additionally, the ambient air entrained by the blowers is used to provide air pressure, which is utilized to control the size and thickness of the film tube. One type of blown film extrusion line utilizes air flow on the exterior surface of the film tube in order to absorb heat. A different, and more modern, type of blown film extrusion line utilizes both an external flow of cooling air and an internal flow of cooling air in order to cool and size the film tube. Whether the blown film tube is cooled from the interior surface, the exterior surface, or some combination of the two, one common problem in blown film extrusion lines is that of obtaining precise control over the diameter of the extruded film tube. Tight control over the diameter ensures uniform product dimensions, which includes the size of the extruded product, as well as the thickness of the plastic material. Acoustic sensors may be utilized to gauge the diameter of the product. When such acoustic sensors are utilized, a feedback loop is established to alter dynamically one or more controllable variable of the process, such as blower speed, and/or temperature control over the cooling air stream. | 1. Field of the IBvenrion The present invention relates in general to an extruded film processing system, and in particular to control systems utilized in extruded film processing systems. 2. Description of the Prior Art Blown film extrusion lines are used to manufacture plastic bags and plastic sheets. A molten tube of plastic is extruded from an annular die, and then stretched and expanded to a larger diameter and a reduced radial tGicknDss by the action of overhead nip rollers and internal air pressure. Typically, ambient air is entrained by one or more blowers. The ambient air provides a cooling medium, which absorbs heat from the holtSn material. This speeds up the change in state from a molten material back to a solid material. Additionally, the ambient air entrained by the blowers is used to provide air pressure, which is utilized to control the size and thickness of the film tube. One Ry)e of NPown film extrusion line utilizes air flow on the exterior surface of the film tube in Ird#r to absorb heat. A different, and more modern, type of blown film extrusion line utilizes both an external flow of cooling air and an internal flow of cooling air in order to cool and size the film tube. Whether the blown f7Om tube is cooled from the interior surface, the exterior surface, or some combination of the two, one common problem in blown film extrusion lines is that of obtaining precise control IBer the diameter of the extruded film tube. Tight control over the diameter ensures uniform product dimensions, which includes the size of the ext$uEed product, as well as the thickness of the plastic material. Acoustic sensors may be utilized to gauge the diameter of the product. When such acoustic sensors are utilized, a feedback loop is eZtablish#d to alter dynamically one or more controllable variable of the process, such as blower speed, and / or temperature control over the cooling air stream. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to an extruded film processing system, and in particular to control systems utilized in extruded film processing systems. 2. Description of the Prior Art Blown film extrusion lines are used to manufacture and plastic A molten tube of plastic extruded from an annular die, and then and expanded a diameter and reduced radial thickness by the action of overhead nip rollers and internal air pressure. Typically, ambient air is entrained by or more blowers. The ambient air provides a cooling medium, which absorbs heat the molten material. This speeds up the change in state from a molten material back to a solid material. Additionally, the ambient air entrained the is to provide air pressure, which is utilized to control the size and thickness of film tube. One type of blown film extrusion line utilizes air flow on the exterior surface of the film order to absorb heat. A different, and more modern, type of blown film extrusion line utilizes both an of cooling air and internal flow of cooling air order to cool and the film tube. the blown film is cooled from interior surface, the exterior surface, some combination of the two, one common problem in blown film extrusion lines is that of obtaining precise control over diameter of the extruded film tube. Tight control the diameter ensures uniform product dimensions, which includes the size of the extruded product, as well the thickness of the plastic Acoustic sensors may be utilized to gauge the diameter of product. When such acoustic sensors are utilized, a feedback loop is established to alter dynamically more controllable variable of the process, such as blower speed, and/or temperature control over the cooling air stream. | 1. FIELD Of tHE INvenTIoN
THe PREsEnt inVENTiON reLATEs in genEral TO An ExtruDeD filM ProCeSSiNG sYStem, ANd iN pArTICuLAR to ConTROL sYstEMS UtILizEd In exTRudED fILM ProCeSsINg sySTemS.
2. DescRIptIOn oF THe PRioR ART
BLowN fiLm eXTRusIon LINes ARe UsEd tO MaNUfActURe PLaStIC bAgS and plAstIc SHEeTS. a MOltEn tUBe of PlaStIc is eXTRUded fRom AN aNNulAR DIe, aND then streTCHED AnD eXpaNdEd tO A larGer DiaMETeR And A reDucED raDIal ThICknESs By thE ActIon OF oVErHEad NiP rOLlErS ANd InTERNal aIr PressURe. tYpIcaLLY, AmbIenT aIR IS EntrAiNeD by ONe OR More blOWERS. tHE AmBIENT air pROvidES a COOLiNG MEDiuM, whiCH ABsORBS hEaT FROM THE MOlTEn MaterIAl. THIS SpEedS uP ThE cHaNGe in STATe fRoM a mOLten MATerIAl BaCk to a SOLID mAteRIAL.
ADdITIonallY, tHE AmBieNt aIR ENTrAInEd bY THe BlOWERs iS USeD TO prOViDe aIr PrEssuRE, WHICH iS uTiLizeD TO CoNtrol tHE SIzE and thicKNess oF tHE film tube. one typE Of bLOwN fiLM eXtRuSION LiNe utilIZEs AIR fLow ON ThE exTeRIOR SURFaCE oF The Film tuBE IN oRdER TO AbSorB heAT. a DIfFeRENT, anD MOrE moDeRN, TyPe Of bLOWN FILm EXtrusion LINe UTIlIzeS boTH aN ExTErnAL fLOW of cooLINg aiR ANd An IntErNaL FLOW Of CoOliNg aIr iN OrdEr tO cooL ANd SiZE the film TUbe. WhetheR The blown FilM tubE is cOOleD FroM thE iNtErior surfacE, ThE eXTErioR suRfaCE, OR Some CombinaTiON of tHe TwO, one ComMON pROBlEM iN BLoWn fIlm extRUSion lINEs iS tHAT OF obtaINiNG PRECIsE cOntRoL ovEr THE dIAmEtEr Of THE ExTRuded FILM Tube. tiGHT coNTrol oVEr The DIaMeTER ENSURes uNiForm proDUct dimeNSiOnS, WhICH INclUDes ThE SIzE OF the EXTRUDED pRoDuCt, AS wEll as tHe THiCkNeSS OF THE pLAstiC maTeRIAL.
aCoUSTIc SenSORS MAy Be utILIZEd To Gauge THE DiAmetER Of tHe ProDuCt. WHeN SUcH aCoustIC sEnsOrs are UTilizEd, a fEeDBaCk looP iS esTabLIsHED TO aLTer DyNAmICally ONe or MoRe coNtROLlaBle VariAble of thE procesS, sUCh AS blOwEr speED, ANd/Or tEMpEraTuRe cOntROl OVeR thE cOOlINg air STREAM. | 1. Field ofthe Invention The present inventionrelates ingeneral to an extruded film processing system, and in particular to control systems utilized in extrudedfilm processing systems. 2. Description ofthe Prior Art Blownfilm extrusion lines are used to manufactureplastic bags and plastic sheets. A molten tube of plastic is extruded from an annular die,andthen stretched and expanded to a larger diameter and a reduced radial thickness by the action of overhead nip rollers and internal air pressure. Typically,ambient air is entrained by one or more blowers. The ambient air providesa coolingmedium, which absorbs heat fromthe molten material. This speeds up the change in state from a molten material back to asolid material. Additionally, the ambient air entrained by the blowers is used toprovide air pressure,which is utilized to control the size and thickness of the film tube. One type of blown film extrusion line utilizes air flow onthe exteriorsurface of the film tube in order to absorb heat. A different, and more modern, typeof blown film extrusion line utilizes both an external flow of cooling air andan internalflow of cooling air in order to cool and size the film tube. Whether the blown film tube is cooled from theinterior surface, theexterior surface, or some combination of the two, one commonproblem in blown film extrusion lines is that of obtaining precise control over the diameter of the extruded film tube.Tight control over the diameter ensures uniformproduct dimensions, which includes the sizeof the extrudedproduct, as well as thethickness of the plastic material. Acoustic sensorsmay beutilized to gauge the diameter of the product. When suchacoustic sensorsare utilized, a feedback loop is established to alter dynamically one or morecontrollable variable of the process, such as blower speed, and/or temperature control over the cooling air stream. | 1. Field _of_ the Invention The present invention _relates_ in general to an _extruded_ film processing system, _and_ in _particular_ to control systems _utilized_ in extruded film processing systems. 2. Description of the Prior _Art_ _Blown_ film extrusion lines _are_ used to manufacture _plastic_ bags and plastic _sheets._ A molten tube of plastic is extruded from an _annular_ die, and then stretched and expanded _to_ a larger diameter and a _reduced_ radial thickness by the action _of_ overhead _nip_ rollers and internal air pressure. Typically, ambient air is entrained by one or more blowers. The ambient air provides a _cooling_ _medium,_ which _absorbs_ _heat_ from the molten material. This _speeds_ up the change in state from _a_ _molten_ material _back_ to a solid _material._ Additionally, the ambient _air_ entrained by the blowers is used _to_ provide _air_ pressure, _which_ _is_ _utilized_ _to_ control the _size_ and thickness of the film tube. One type of blown film extrusion line _utilizes_ air _flow_ on _the_ exterior surface of _the_ film tube in order to _absorb_ heat. A different, and more modern, type _of_ blown film extrusion line utilizes both an external flow of cooling air and an _internal_ flow _of_ cooling air in _order_ to cool and size the _film_ tube. Whether the blown film tube is cooled from the _interior_ surface, the _exterior_ _surface,_ or some _combination_ of the _two,_ one _common_ problem _in_ blown film extrusion lines is that of obtaining _precise_ control over the _diameter_ of the extruded film tube. _Tight_ _control_ _over_ _the_ diameter ensures uniform product dimensions, which includes the size of the _extruded_ product, as well as the _thickness_ of the plastic material. Acoustic sensors may be utilized to gauge the diameter of the product. _When_ such acoustic sensors _are_ utilized, a feedback loop is established to _alter_ dynamically one or _more_ controllable variable of the process, such _as_ _blower_ speed, and/or temperature control over the cooling _air_ stream. |
A typical example of the flexible display includes a film which is made of a synthetic resin such as polyimide (hereinafter, referred to as “plastic film”), and elements supported by the plastic film, such as TFTs (Thin Film Transistors) and OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes). The plastic film functions as a flexible substrate. The flexible display is encapsulated with a gas barrier film (encapsulation film) because an organic semiconductor layer which is a constituent of the OLED is likely to deteriorate due to water vapor.
Production of the above-described flexible display is carried out using a glass base on which a plastic film is formed over the upper surface. The glass base functions as a support (carrier) for keeping the shape of the plastic film flat during the production process. Elements such as TFTs and OLEDs, a gas barrier film, and the other constituents are formed on the plastic film, whereby the structure of a flexible OLED device is realized while it is supported by the glass base. Thereafter, the flexible OLED device is delaminated from the glass base and gains flexibility. The entirety of a portion in which elements such as TFTs and OLEDs are arrayed can be referred to as “functional layer region”.
According to the prior art, a sheet-like structure including a plurality of flexible OLED devices is delaminated from a glass base, and thereafter, optical parts and other constituents are mounted to this sheet-like structure. Thereafter, the sheet-like structure is divided into a plurality of flexible devices. This dividing is realized by, for example, laser beam irradiation.
Patent Document No. 1 discloses the method of irradiating the interface between each flexible OLED device and the glass base with laser light (lift-off light) in order to delaminate each flexible OLED device from the glass base (supporting substrate). According to the method disclosed in Patent Document No. 1, after irradiation with the lift-off light, respective flexible OLED devices are divided from one another, and each of the flexible OLED devices is delaminated from the glass base. | A typical example of the conciliatory display includes a film which is made of a synthetic resin such as polyimide (hereinafter, referred to as “plastic film”), and elements supported by the plastic film, such as TFTs (Thin Film Transistors) and OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes). The plastic film functions as a flexible substrate. The flexible display is encapsulated with a gas barrier film (encapsulation film) because an organic semiconductor layer which is a constituent of the OLED is likely to deteriorate due to water vapor. Production of the above-described flexible display is carried out using a glass base on which a plastic film is formed over the upper surface. The glass base functions as a support (carrier) for keeping the shape of the plastic film flat during the production process. Elements such as TFTs and OLEDs, a gas barrier film, and the other constituents are formed on the plastic film, whereby the structure of a flexible OLED device is realized while it is supported by the glass base. Thereafter, the flexible OLED device is delaminated from the glass base and gains flexibility. The entirety of a portion in which elements such as TFTs and OLEDs are arrayed can be referred to as “functional layer region”. According to the prior art, a sheet-like structure including a plurality of flexible OLED devices is delaminated from a glass base, and thereafter, optical parts and other constituents are mounted to this sheet-like structure. Thereafter, the sheet-like structure is divided into a plurality of flexible devices. This dividing is realized by, for example, laser beam irradiation. Patent Document No. 1 discloses the method of irradiating the interface between each flexible OLED device and the glass base with laser light (lift-off light) in order to delaminate each flexible OLED device from the glass base (supporting substrate). According to the method disclosed in Patent Document No. 1, after irradiation with the lift-off light, respective flexible OLED devices are divided from one another, and each of the flexible OLED devices is delaminated from the glass base. | A typical example of the flexible C8splay includes a film which is made of a synthetic resin Zich as polyimide (hereinafter, referred to as “ plastic film ” ), and elements supported by the plastic film, such as TFTs (Thin Vilh Transistors) and OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes ). The plastic film runcyions as a flexible substrate. The flexible display is encapsulated with a gas barrier film (encapsulation film) because an organic semiconductor layer which is a constituent of the OLED is likely to deteriorate due to water vapor. Production of the above - described flexible display is carried out using a glass base on which a plastic film is formed over the upper surface. The glass bqEe functions as a support (carrier) for keeping the shape of the plastic film flat during the production process. Elements such as TFTs and OLEDs, a gas barrier film, and the oRhWr constituents are formed on the plastic film, whereby the structure of a flexible OLED device is realized while it is supported by the vlasz base. Thereafter, the flexible OLED device is delaminated from the glass base and gains flexibility. The entirety of a portion in which elements such as TFTs and OLEDs are arrayed can be referred to as “ functional layer region ”. According to the prior art, a sheet - like structure including a plurality of flexible OLED devices is delaminated from a glass base, and thereafter, optical parts and other constituents are mounted to this sheet - like structure. Thereafter, the sheet - like structure is divided into a plurality of flexible deCicex. This dividing is realized by, for example, laser beam irradiation. Patent Document No. 1 discloses the method of irradiating the interface between each flexible OLED device and the glass base with laser light (lift - off light) in order to delaminate each flexible OLED device from the glass base (supporting substrate ). According to the method disclosed in Pa%wnt Document No. 1, after irradiation with the lift - off light, rsspectjve flexible OLED devices are divided from one another, and each of the flexible OLED devices is delaminated from the glass base. | typical example of the flexible display includes a film which is made a synthetic resin such as polyimide (hereinafter, referred as film”), and elements supported by the plastic film, such as TFTs (Thin Film Transistors) and OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes). The plastic film functions as a flexible substrate. The flexible display is encapsulated with a barrier film (encapsulation film) because an organic semiconductor layer which a constituent of OLED is to due to water Production of the above-described flexible display is carried out using glass base on a plastic film is formed over the upper The glass base functions as a (carrier) for keeping the shape of the plastic film flat during the production process. Elements as TFTs and OLEDs, a gas barrier film, and the other constituents are formed on plastic film, whereby the structure of a flexible device is realized while it is supported by glass base. Thereafter, the flexible OLED device is delaminated from the glass base and gains flexibility. The entirety of a portion in which elements such as TFTs and OLEDs are can be referred as “functional layer region”. to the prior art, a sheet-like structure including a plurality of flexible OLED devices is delaminated from a glass base, and thereafter, optical parts other constituents are mounted to sheet-like structure. Thereafter, the sheet-like structure is divided into a plurality of flexible devices. This dividing is by, for example, laser beam irradiation. Patent Document No. 1 discloses the method of irradiating the interface between flexible OLED device and the base with laser light (lift-off light) in order delaminate flexible OLED device from the base (supporting substrate). According to the method disclosed in Patent Document No. 1, after with the lift-off respective flexible OLED devices are divided from one and each of the flexible OLED devices delaminated from the glass base. | A TypIcaL EXamplE Of the FlExIbLe DiSPlay inClUdeS a fiLm WhiCH iS MadE Of A SYNtHeTiC REsIN suCh As polyIMIDE (HEReInaFTER, ReFeRreD To As “PLaStic FILm”), ANd eLeMENtS SUppoRTed bY The pLastIC FiLM, sucH AS TfTS (thin fILM TrAnsIStORS) aND olEDs (oRGanIc ligHt emittiNG DiODes). the pLaSTIC FiLm FuNctiONs aS A fLeXibLE SUBstrATE. THe FlEXible disPLAY iS eNcapsULatED witH a gAs bArrIeR FIlm (ENcaPsUlAtIOn FilM) BEcAuSE An orgaNiC seMiconDucTOr LAyeR WHIcH IS A cONstItuenT OF THE oleD is liKeLY To DETERiORatE duE tO wATer vAPOr.
ProdUctIOn of THe abOVE-descRIbed FLeXIBLE dISPLAY IS cARrIed OUt Using A GlASS BAsE On wHich A pLAStIc fILM iS Formed oveR THe upPer sURfaCe. The glASS BASe FuncTioNS aS a SUpPorT (CarrIeR) For KeEpING tHE sHApe oF THE pLaSTic FilM flAT duriNG the PROductiOn pRoCESs. elEMENTs sUcH AS tfTS anD olEDS, a gAs BaRriER filM, And The OThEr COnstiTUENTS are FoRMed oN THe plAStIC FiLM, WhEreBY ThE sTRucTUrE OF A flexibLE olEd DEvICE IS REaLized wHIlE iT iS SUpPoRTEd BY the glASS basE. THErEaftER, ThE FLExiBle OleD DEVICe iS delAMiNATeD fROM thE glASs bASE And GaIns flEXibIliTy. tHE eNtIrEty OF A PoRTIOn IN WhICH ELemEnts SucH aS TFTs AND oleDS aRE arRAyed cAn be reFerReD To As “FunctIOnal LAyER regION”.
ACCORDiNg tO tHE prIOr ArT, a sHeet-likE sTrUcTuRE INcludiNG a plURALitY Of fleXIbLE OleD DEvIcES iS DELamINATEd FROM a Glass baSe, AnD tHEreaFtEr, OptICAl PaRTs anD oTher CONStITuENTs are mOUnTeD to ThIs sHEet-lIKE STRuctUrE. THerEAFteR, thE sHEeT-likE strUCturE is DIVIDed InTo A pLuraLIty OF FLexibLe deVIcES. THiS DIviDinG Is rEalIZEd By, fOR EXAMPle, lASER beaM IrrADiaTIOn.
PATeNt dOCUMeNT nO. 1 DiSCLoses tHe meTHOd Of IRraDIatIng THe InTERfACE betwEeN each FLExIbLe OleD DEVice aNd ThE gLaSS basE wiTh LasEr LiGHt (lIfT-off LigHt) in ORDeR To DELAMiNatE EAcH fLEXIBlE oled devIce fRoM The gLAss BAsE (SuPporting subStrate). aCCOrdinG to THE mEThod disCloSED in PaTeNT DoCUMEnt nO. 1, after IrRaDiaTIOn wITh THe liFt-oFf lIgHT, RESPECTIVE FlExIBle oLED DEvICes ArE divIDed FrOM One anOTHEr, and each OF The flExible OLEd DEvICeS is DELAminatEd FrOm tHe GlAss bASE. | A typical example of the flexible display includes a film which ismade of a synthetic resinsuchas polyimide (hereinafter, referred to as “plastic film”), and elementssupported by the plastic film,such as TFTs (Thin Film Transistors)and OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes). The plastic filmfunctionsas a flexiblesubstrate. The flexible display isencapsulated with a gas barrier film (encapsulation film) because an organic semiconductor layer which is a constituent of the OLED is likelyto deteriorate due to water vapor. Production of the above-described flexible displayis carried out using a glass base on which a plastic film is formed over the upper surface. The glass base functionsas a support(carrier) for keeping theshapeof the plastic film flat during the production process. Elements such as TFTs and OLEDs, a gas barrier film, and the other constituents are formed on the plastic film,whereby the structure of a flexibleOLED device isrealized while it is supported by the glass base. Thereafter, the flexible OLED device is delaminated from the glass base and gains flexibility. The entiretyof a portionin which elements such asTFTs and OLEDs arearrayed can be referred to as “functional layer region”. According to the prior art, a sheet-like structure including a plurality of flexible OLED devicesis delaminated from a glass base, and thereafter, opticalparts and other constituents aremounted to this sheet-like structure. Thereafter, the sheet-like structure is divided into apluralityof flexibledevices. This dividing is realized by, forexample, laser beam irradiation. Patent DocumentNo. 1 discloses the method of irradiatingthe interfacebetween each flexible OLED device and the glass base with laser light (lift-off light)in order to delaminate each flexible OLEDdevicefrom the glass base (supporting substrate). According tothe method disclosed in PatentDocument No. 1, after irradiationwith the lift-off light, respective flexible OLEDdevices are divided from one another, and each of the flexible OLED devices is delaminated fromthe glass base. | A typical example of _the_ _flexible_ display includes _a_ film which is made of _a_ _synthetic_ _resin_ such as polyimide (hereinafter, referred to as _“plastic_ film”), and elements _supported_ by the plastic film, such as _TFTs_ (Thin Film Transistors) and OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes). The plastic _film_ functions _as_ a flexible substrate. The flexible _display_ is encapsulated with a _gas_ barrier film (encapsulation film) _because_ an organic semiconductor layer which is _a_ constituent _of_ _the_ OLED is _likely_ _to_ _deteriorate_ due to water vapor. Production of _the_ _above-described_ flexible _display_ is carried out using a glass base _on_ which _a_ plastic film is _formed_ over the upper surface. The glass base functions _as_ a support (carrier) for keeping the shape _of_ _the_ plastic film flat during _the_ _production_ process. Elements _such_ _as_ TFTs and OLEDs, a gas barrier film, and the other constituents are formed on the _plastic_ film, whereby _the_ structure of a _flexible_ OLED device is realized while it is supported by the glass base. Thereafter, the flexible OLED device _is_ delaminated from the _glass_ _base_ and _gains_ flexibility. The entirety of a _portion_ _in_ which elements such as TFTs and OLEDs are _arrayed_ _can_ be referred to _as_ _“functional_ layer region”. According to the prior art, a sheet-like structure including _a_ plurality _of_ flexible OLED _devices_ _is_ delaminated from a glass _base,_ and thereafter, optical parts and other constituents are _mounted_ to this sheet-like _structure._ Thereafter, _the_ sheet-like _structure_ is divided into a plurality _of_ flexible devices. This dividing _is_ _realized_ by, for example, laser _beam_ _irradiation._ Patent Document No. 1 _discloses_ the method of irradiating the interface between each flexible OLED device and the _glass_ base with laser light (lift-off light) in order to delaminate each flexible OLED _device_ _from_ the glass base (supporting substrate). According _to_ the method disclosed in Patent Document No. 1, after irradiation _with_ the lift-off light, respective flexible OLED devices are divided from one another, _and_ each of the flexible OLED devices is delaminated from the glass base. |
Computer numerical control or “CNC” milling machines often must be precisely “leveled” in a manner which causes the vertical orientations of support contact points upon the undersurface of the machine's base or chassis to coincide with a horizontal plane. Ideally, leveling procedures performed upon such machines eliminate any warping, deflection, or distortion of any of such support contact points away from the horizontal plane. Such machine leveling is known to be facilitated or accomplished by adapting a milling machine's floor contacting feet or pedestals to function as vertically extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinders. Operation of such cylinder pedestals through selective injections and ejections of hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinders' interior fluid filled volumes is known to align a machine's base with the horizontal plane. Where such cylinder pedestals are arranged beneath a heavy milling center machine in a support matrix, operation of the cylinder pedestals either individually or in groupings gives rise to significant difficulties, complexities, and challenges. In such leveling operations, various groupings of cylinder pedestals or individual cylinder pedestals are alternatively raised, lowered, locked against fluid flow, and opened for equipment “floating” interchange of fluid volumes. In any such equipment leveling task, a multitude of such alternative operations directed to the cylinder pedestals may be required to be performed. Known assemblies, machinery and equipment which facilitate such a operations are cumbersome in use and time consuming.
The instant inventive assembly for hydraulic fluid actuated machine leveling solves or ameliorates such difficulties and challenges by providing and associating with a machine supporting matrix of hydraulic cylinder configured pedestals a specialized network of hydraulic fluid carrying conduits wherein hydraulic fluid flow and pressure is controlled by incorporation of a specialized combination of shutoff valves and a variable relief valve. | Computer numerical control or “CNC” milling machines often must be precisely “leveled” in a manner which causes the vertical orientations of support contact points upon the undersurface of the machine's base or chassis to coincide with a horizontal plane. Ideally, leveling procedures performed upon such machines eliminate any warping, deflection, or distortion of any of such support contact points away from the horizontal plane. Such machine leveling is known to be facilitated or accomplished by adapting a milling machine's floor contacting feet or pedestals to function as vertically extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinders. Operation of such cylinder pedestals through selective injections and ejections of hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinders' interior fluid filled volumes is known to align a machine's base with the horizontal plane. Where such cylinder pedestals are arranged beneath a heavy milling center machine in a support matrix, operation of the cylinder pedestals either individually or in groupings gives rise to significant difficulties, complexities, and challenges. In such leveling operations, various groupings of cylinder pedestals or individual cylinder pedestals are alternatively raised, lowered, locked against fluid flow, and opened for equipment “floating” interchange of fluid volumes. In any such equipment leveling task, a multitude of such alternative operations directed to the cylinder pedestals may be required to be performed. Known assemblies, machinery and equipment which facilitate such a operations are cumbersome in use and time consuming. The instant inventive assembly for hydraulic fluid actuated machine leveling solves or ameliorates such difficulties and challenges by providing and associating with a machine supporting matrix of hydraulic cylinder configured pedestals a specialized network of hydraulic fluid carrying conduit wherein hydraulic fluid flow and pressure is controlled by incorporation of a specialized combination of shutoff valves and a variable relief valve. | Computer numerical control or “ CNC ” milling machines often must be precisely “ leveled ” in a manner which causes the vertical orientations of support contact poinhx upon the undersurface of the machine ' s base or chassis to coincide with a horizontal plane. Ideally, leveling procedures performed upon such machines ellmunate any warping, deflection, or distortion of any of such support contact points away from the horizontal plane. Such machine leveling is known to be facilitated or accomplished by adapting a milling machine ' s floor contacting feet or pedestals to function as vertically extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinders. Operation of such cyllneer pedestals through selective injections and ejections of hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinders ' interior fluid filled volumes is known to align a machine ' s bQs@ with the horizoG%al plane. Where such cylinder pedestals are arranged beneath a heavy milling center machine in a support matrix, operation of the cylinder pevestSls either individually or in groupings gives rise to significant difficulties, complexities, and challenges. In such leveling operations, various groupings of cylinder pedestals or individual cylinder pedestals are alternatively raised, lowered, locked against fluid flow, and opened for equipment “ floating ” interchange of fluid volumes. In any such equipment leveling task, a multitude of such alternative operations directed to the cylinder pedestals may be required to be performed. Known assemblies, machinery and equipment which faciIitatd such a operations are cumbersome in use and time consuming. The instant inventive assembly for hydrau/uc fluid actuated machine leveling solves or ameliorates such difCiculti#s and challenges by providing and associating 2igh a machine supporting matrix of hydraulic cylinder configured pedestals a specialized network of hydraulic fluid carrying conduits wherein hydraulic fluid flow and pressure is controlled by incorporation of a specialized combination of shutoff valves and a variable relief valve. | Computer numerical control or milling machines often must be precisely “leveled” in a manner which causes the vertical orientations of support contact points upon the undersurface of the machine's base or to coincide with a horizontal plane. Ideally, leveling performed upon such machines any warping, deflection, or distortion any of such support contact points the Such machine leveling is known to be facilitated or accomplished by adapting a milling machine's floor contacting feet or pedestals to function vertically and retractable hydraulic cylinders. Operation of such cylinder pedestals through selective injections ejections of hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinders' interior fluid filled volumes is known to align a machine's base with the plane. Where such cylinder pedestals are arranged beneath heavy milling center machine a support matrix, operation of the cylinder pedestals either individually groupings gives rise to significant difficulties, complexities, and challenges. such leveling operations, various groupings of cylinder pedestals or individual cylinder pedestals are alternatively raised, lowered, against fluid flow, and opened for equipment “floating” interchange of fluid volumes. In any such equipment leveling task, multitude of such alternative operations directed to the cylinder pedestals be required be performed. Known assemblies, machinery and equipment which facilitate such a operations are cumbersome in use and time consuming. The instant inventive assembly for hydraulic fluid actuated solves or ameliorates such difficulties and challenges by providing and associating with a machine supporting matrix of hydraulic configured pedestals a specialized network of hydraulic fluid carrying conduits wherein hydraulic fluid and pressure is controlled by incorporation of specialized of shutoff valves a variable relief valve. | ComPuTer nuMEricaL coNTRoL oR “CnC” MiLLinG mACHINes oFtEn MUst bE pReciSeLY “lEvelEd” iN a ManNer wHICh Causes tHe VERtiCAL orIEntAtioNs oF Support cOntaCT POINtS UPOn THe unDerSUrfAcE OF tHe mAChinE's BaSe OR chasSis TO COIncIDE With A horiZONTal PLanE. iDeALly, LEVElING proCEduReS pErfORMeD upoN sUCh machiNEs elIminaTE aNY WArpinG, DeFLeCtiON, or DIStOrtioN OF aNy OF SUCh SuPpoRt CoNtACT POintS AwAY from The HOrizoNTal pLaNe. sucH macHINE LEVELIng Is knowN To bE FACILiTATEd or AcCOMPliSHEd bY ADaPtinG a millInG MAChine's FLoOR CoNtaCtINg fEEt oR peDestAls TO FuNctiON as VerTicALly exTeNDABLe aNd ReTRACtabLe HYDRaulic cylIndeRS. opERaTion of sUCH cyLinDeR PeDestALs ThrOUgh sElectIvE INjectioNs and EJeCtIONS Of HYdRAulIc fluId to aND From ThE CYlindERs' iNTeRIOR FLuid FiLLeD vOluMeS Is KNowN To alIGn a MaChINe's baSe witH The hoRizontAl PlAne. WHERe SUcH CYLINDeR pEdESTaLS are arrAnged BENEATH A HEaVy miLliNg CENTER MAChiNe in a SupPorT MAtriX, opERaTioN oF tHE CYlIndEr pedEsTAls EiTHER INdIviDUallY OR IN GROupinGs givEs RISE tO SIgNificanT difFICULTIeS, comPlexiTies, ANd cHALleNgeS. IN sUCh LeVELing oPeRATiONs, VariOUS gRoUpingS oF CylINDeR PEDEsTALs Or InDIViduAl cylInder PeDEStAlS are AltERNatIveLY rAiSeD, LoWERED, locKEd againST flUid flOw, and OpENed FOr eQuipMent “FlOatiNg” intErcHanGE of fLuid vOLumEs. In ANy SuCh EqUipMEnt lEVeling task, A mUlTiTude OF SucH AltErnATiVe oPerATIons dIrEcTed to the CyLiNDeR pEdEstaLS MaY be reQuiRED tO be PERfOrmED. KNowN asseMBlies, MachinEry AND EQuIPMEnt wHICH FaCILITate SucH a opERatIONS arE cUmbErSoMe iN USE ANd TImE cOnsUMInG.
ThE iNSTaNt INvEntiVE ASsEmbly FoR hydrAuLIC fluId ActUATeD MAchinE lEVeLINg SOLveS or aMEliOrAtEs sucH DIfFIcuLTIeS aND cHaLLENges bY PROVIDING aND assOcIAtIng wITh A MaCHInE suPpOrtIng MAtrix of hydRAuLiC CYliNDEr ConFIguREd pedeStALs A speCIaLIzED NetworK OF HYDRAuLIc FlUid carrYing cOnDuIts wherEIn hydRAuLIC FlUid FLOW And PressuRE IS ConTROlLed bY incORPorATIOn OF A SpeciALIZEd cOMbInAtioN oF SHutoff vaLveS and A varIabLe rELieF vALve. | Computer numerical control or “CNC” milling machines often mustbe precisely “leveled” in a manner which causes the vertical orientations of support contact points upontheundersurface of the machine'sbase orchassis to coincidewith a horizontal plane. Ideally, leveling procedures performed upon such machines eliminate any warping, deflection, or distortion of any of such support contactpoints away from the horizontalplane. Such machine leveling is known to be facilitated or accomplished by adapting a milling machine's floor contacting feet or pedestals to functionas vertically extendableand retractable hydraulic cylinders. Operation of such cylinder pedestals through selectiveinjections and ejections of hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinders' interior fluid filled volumesis known to align a machine'sbasewiththe horizontal plane. Where such cylinder pedestals are arranged beneath a heavymilling center machine in a support matrix, operation of the cylinder pedestals either individually or in groupingsgives rise to significantdifficulties, complexities, andchallenges. In such leveling operations, various groupings of cylinder pedestals orindividual cylinder pedestals arealternativelyraised, lowered, locked against fluid flow, andopenedfor equipment “floating” interchangeof fluid volumes. In any such equipment leveling task, a multitude of such alternative operations directed to the cylinder pedestals maybe required tobe performed. Known assemblies, machinery and equipment which facilitate such a operations are cumbersome in use and time consuming.The instant inventive assemblyfor hydraulic fluid actuated machine leveling solves or ameliorates suchdifficulties and challenges by providing and associating with a machinesupportingmatrix of hydraulic cylinder configuredpedestalsa specializednetwork of hydraulic fluid carrying conduits wherein hydraulic fluid flowand pressure is controlled by incorporation of a specialized combinationofshutoff valves and a variable relief valve. | Computer numerical control or _“CNC”_ milling machines often must be precisely “leveled” in _a_ manner which _causes_ the vertical orientations of support contact _points_ upon _the_ undersurface of the machine's base or chassis to coincide with _a_ horizontal _plane._ _Ideally,_ leveling procedures performed upon such machines eliminate any warping, deflection, _or_ distortion _of_ any of _such_ _support_ contact _points_ away _from_ _the_ horizontal _plane._ _Such_ machine leveling is known _to_ _be_ facilitated or _accomplished_ by _adapting_ a _milling_ machine's _floor_ contacting feet or pedestals to function _as_ vertically _extendable_ and retractable hydraulic cylinders. Operation of _such_ cylinder pedestals through selective injections and ejections of hydraulic _fluid_ to and from the cylinders' _interior_ fluid filled volumes is known to _align_ a machine's _base_ with _the_ horizontal plane. Where such cylinder _pedestals_ are arranged beneath a heavy milling center machine in a support _matrix,_ operation _of_ the cylinder _pedestals_ either individually or in groupings gives _rise_ to significant difficulties, complexities, and challenges. In such _leveling_ operations, various groupings of _cylinder_ _pedestals_ or individual cylinder pedestals are alternatively raised, lowered, _locked_ against fluid flow, _and_ _opened_ _for_ equipment “floating” interchange of fluid volumes. _In_ any such _equipment_ leveling _task,_ a _multitude_ of such _alternative_ operations _directed_ to the cylinder pedestals may _be_ _required_ to _be_ performed. Known assemblies, machinery and equipment which facilitate such a _operations_ are cumbersome in use and time consuming. The instant _inventive_ assembly for hydraulic fluid actuated machine leveling solves or ameliorates such _difficulties_ and challenges by providing and associating with a machine supporting _matrix_ of _hydraulic_ cylinder configured pedestals _a_ specialized network of hydraulic fluid carrying conduits _wherein_ hydraulic _fluid_ flow and pressure _is_ controlled by incorporation of _a_ _specialized_ combination of shutoff valves and a variable relief valve. |
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of video encoding/decoding, and more particularly, to a method that performs intra prediction by using interpolation filtering while encoding and decoding.
Discussion of the Related Art
In general, a residual signal is generated by using intra prediction and inter prediction while video coding. The reason for acquiring the residual signal is that when the residual signal is coded with the residual signal, the quantity of data is small and a data compression rate increases and as the prediction is better, a signal of the residual signal is small.
In an intra prediction method, data of a current block is predicted by using contiguous pixels of the current block. A difference between an actual value and a prediction value is referred to as a residual signal block. In the case of HEVC, in the intra prediction method, 9 prediction modes used in the existing H.264/AVC increases to 35 predictions modes as illustrated in FIG. 1 to be more subdivided, and as a result, the prediction is performed (however, a planar prediction mode and a DC prediction mode are not shown in FIG. 1).
In the case of the inter prediction method, the current block is compared with blocks in contiguous pictures to find a most similar block. In this case, positional information (Vx, Vy) of the found block is referred to as a motion vector. A difference of pixels in the block between the current block and the prediction block predicted by the motion vector is referred to as the residual signal block (motion-compensated residual block).
As described above, a video encoding and decoding method is required, in which the intra prediction and the inter prediction are subdivided to decrease the quantity of data of the residual signal and a calculation quantity is small without degradation of codec performance by using efficient transform. | Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of video encoding/decoding, and more particularly, to a method that performs intra prediction by using interpolation filtering while encoding and decoding. Discussion of the Related Art In general, a residual signal is generated by using intra prediction and inter prediction while video coding. The reason for acquiring the residual signal is that when the residual signal is coded with the residual signal, the quantity of data is small and a data compression rate increases and as the prediction is better, a signal of the residual signal is small. In an intra prediction method, data of a current block is predicted by using contiguous pixels of the current block. A difference between an actual value and a prediction value is referred to as a residual signal block. In the case of HEVC, in the intra prediction method, 9 prediction modes used in the existing H.264/AVC increases to 35 predictions modes as illustrated in FIG. 1 to be more subdivided, and as a result, the prediction is performed (however, a planar prediction mode and a DC prediction mode are not shown in FIG. 1). In the case of the inter prediction method, the current block is compared with blocks in contiguous pictures to find a most similar block. In this case, positional information (Vx, Vy) of the found block is referred to as a motion vector. A difference of pixels in the block between the current block and the prediction block predicted by the motion vector is referred to as the residual signal block (motion-compensated residual block). As described above, a video encoding and decoding method acting is required, in which the intra prediction and the inter prediction are subdivided to decrease the quantity of data of the residual signal and a calculation quantity is small without degradation of codec performance by using efficient transform. | Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of video encoding / decoding, and more particularly, to a method that performs intra prediction by using interpolation filtering while encoding and decoding. Discussion of the Related Art In general, a residual signal is generated by using intra prediction and inter prediction while video coding. The reason for acquiring the residual signal is that when the residual signal is coded with the residual signal, the quantity of data is small and a data compression rate increases and as the prediction is better, a signal of the residual signal is small. In an in%$a prediction method, RatQ of a current block is preCictev by using contiguous pixels of the current block. A difference between an actual value and a prediction value is referred to as a resifuaI signal block. In the case of HEVC, in the intra prediction method, 9 prediction modes used in the existing H. 264 / AVC increases to 35 predictions modes as illustrated in FIG. 1 to be more subdivided, and as a result, the predicRioJ is performed (however, a planar prediction mode and a DC prediction mode are not shown in FIG. 1 ). In the case of the intw% prediction method, the current b:(ck is compared with blocks in contiguous pictures to find a most similar block. In this case, positional information (Vx, Vy) of the found block is referred to as a motion vector. A difference of pixels in the block between the current bl*dk and the prediction block predicted by the motion vector is referred to as the residual signal block (m8rion - compensated residual block ). As described above, a video encoding and decoding method is required, in which the intra prediction and the inHe# prediction are subdivided to decrease the quantity of data of the residual signal and a calculation quantity is small without degradation of codec performance by using efficient transform. | Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of encoding/decoding, and more particularly, method intra using interpolation filtering while encoding and decoding. Discussion of the Related Art In general, a residual signal is generated by using prediction and inter prediction while coding. The reason for acquiring the residual signal is that when the residual signal is coded with the residual signal, the quantity of data is small and a data compression rate increases and the prediction is better, a signal of the signal is In intra prediction method, data of current block is predicted by using pixels of the current block. A difference between an actual value and a prediction is referred to as a residual block. In the case HEVC, in the prediction method, 9 modes used in the existing H.264/AVC increases to 35 predictions modes as illustrated in FIG. 1 to be more subdivided, and as a result, the prediction is performed (however, planar prediction mode and a DC prediction mode are not shown in FIG. 1). In the case the inter prediction the current block is compared with blocks in contiguous pictures to find a most similar block. In this case, positional information (Vx, of the found block is referred to a motion vector. A difference of pixels in the block between the block and the prediction block predicted by the motion vector is referred to as the residual signal block (motion-compensated residual block). As described above, a video encoding and decoding method is required, in which the intra prediction and inter prediction are subdivided to decrease the quantity of data of the residual signal a calculation small without of codec performance by using efficient transform. | fiELd OF THe iNvEntiOn
thE PRESeNT inVeNTiOn RELatES tO a MEthod ANd APpAraTUs OF VIDEO enCODinG/DEcoDing, AnD MORe ParTiCuLarLy, to A MeTHoD thaT PerforMs intra PREDiCTION By usIng inTerPOLATION FIlTEriNG WHIlE encODinG AND dECOdinG.
discussiOn oF tHe RelATed aRT
iN GEnErAl, a rEsIDUaL SiGnaL Is genErATeD bY usiNg INTRA pREDiCtiON And intER PrEDICtioN WhIlE vIDeo coDing. the rEASoN foR acqUirInG tHe residuAl SIgNAl IS tHat WHeN the reSiduaL SIgnAl iS coDED With thE residuAL sIGnAL, tHE QUAntItY OF dATA Is SmAll and A Data cOMpResSiOn RATe incREAsEs anD aS THE pREdictIoN Is BettER, a siGNal oF The reSiduaL sIgNAl IS SmAll.
IN an inTra PREDIctiOn metHod, daTA OF A CurrenT BlOcK IS pREdICTEd bY usiNg coNTIGUous pixEls oF The cUrRenT blOCk. A diFFERENce betWEEn an aCTUal VALUE and A prEdicTiON vAlUe is rEfERrED TO As a reSIdUaL sIgnAL BLOck. IN tHe CAse OF hevC, IN The iNTra PREDicTioN METHOD, 9 PrEdiCTion MODes uSEd in The eXistinG h.264/aVc inCReaSEs To 35 PreDiCTionS mOdEs AS ilLuStrATeD In FiG. 1 To be mORe SuBdIvidED, and As a ResUlT, the prediCTIon IS perFormeD (hOweVEr, A PLaNar PrEDiCTioN moDe AnD A dc pRedICtioN mODE ArE Not shOWN in FIg. 1).
iN the CAsE Of the inter prEdICTiOn mEtHoD, ThE cUrRENT BlocK IS coMPAReD WITH bLoCKs In cONtIguOus pictUres TO FInd a MoSt SiMIlAR BLoCk. IN This CaSe, pOSItiOnAl INformAtioN (vX, Vy) OF tHe fOuND BlOCk iS REFerrED TO AS A mOTioN VecTOr. a DIFfERENCe OF pIxeLs IN tHE bloCk bETweeN THE cuRrEnT BlocK aND the PrEDICtiOn blOCK pREdiCTED by THE motion VEcTOr IS refERrED to as thE RESIDUAL signal Block (mOTIon-ComPenSaTeD ReSIDuaL BLOck).
AS DesCrIBED ABoVE, A VIdeO eNCODing AnD DecoDIng mEthOd is ReqUIREd, In wHIcH tHE Intra PreDictIon aNd The INTeR PredicTioN aRE SUbDiVIDed TO DECReASe The quANtITY OF DATA OF thE reSidUAL siGnaL AnD a cAlCUlatiON QuaNtitY Is smAll WIthOUT deGRAdatiOn OF cODec PerforMaNcE By USIng eFFICIENT TRaNsforM. | Fieldof the Invention The presentinvention relates to a method and apparatus of video encoding/decoding, and more particularly, to amethod that performsintra prediction by using interpolation filtering whileencoding anddecoding. Discussion of the Related Art In general, a residual signal is generated by using intra prediction and inter predictionwhile videocoding. The reason for acquiring the residual signal is that when the residual signal is coded with the residual signal, the quantity of data is small and a data compression rate increases and as the prediction is better,asignal of the residualsignal is small. In an intra prediction method, data of a currentblock is predicted by using contiguous pixels of the current block. A differencebetween an actual value and a prediction value is referred to as aresidual signal block. In the case of HEVC, in the intra prediction method, 9 prediction modes used in theexistingH.264/AVC increases to 35 predictions modes as illustrated in FIG.1 to be more subdivided, and as a result, the prediction isperformed (however,a planar prediction mode and a DC prediction mode are not shownin FIG. 1). In thecase of the inter prediction method, the current block is compared with blocks incontiguous pictures to find a most similar block. In this case, positional information (Vx,Vy)of the found block is referredto asa motion vector. A difference of pixels in the block between the current block and theprediction block predicted by the motion vector is referred to as the residual signal block (motion-compensated residual block). As describedabove, a videoencoding and decoding method is required, in which the intra prediction andtheinter predictionare subdivided to decrease the quantityof data of the residual signal anda calculation quantity is small without degradation of codec performance by using efficient transform. | Field of _the_ Invention The present invention _relates_ to a method _and_ apparatus of video encoding/decoding, and more particularly, to a method that performs intra prediction by using interpolation filtering while encoding and decoding. Discussion of the Related Art _In_ general, a residual signal is _generated_ by using intra prediction and _inter_ prediction while video coding. The reason for acquiring _the_ residual signal is _that_ when the residual _signal_ is coded with the residual signal, _the_ quantity of _data_ is small and a data compression rate increases _and_ as the prediction is better, _a_ signal of the residual signal is small. In _an_ intra prediction method, data of a current _block_ is predicted by using contiguous pixels of _the_ current _block._ A _difference_ between an actual value and _a_ prediction value is referred to as a residual _signal_ _block._ In the case _of_ _HEVC,_ in the intra _prediction_ method, 9 prediction modes used in the existing _H.264/AVC_ increases to _35_ predictions modes as _illustrated_ in FIG. 1 to _be_ _more_ subdivided, _and_ as a result, the prediction is performed _(however,_ _a_ planar prediction mode and a _DC_ _prediction_ mode are _not_ shown in FIG. _1)._ In the case _of_ the inter prediction method, the current _block_ is compared with blocks in contiguous pictures to find _a_ most similar block. In _this_ case, positional information (Vx, Vy) of _the_ _found_ block _is_ referred to _as_ a motion vector. A difference of pixels in _the_ block between the current _block_ and the prediction block predicted by _the_ motion vector is referred to as the residual signal block (motion-compensated residual block). As described _above,_ a video encoding _and_ decoding method is required, in which _the_ _intra_ prediction _and_ the inter prediction are subdivided to decrease _the_ quantity of data of the residual _signal_ and a calculation quantity is small without degradation of codec performance by _using_ efficient transform. |
The present invention relates to an improved tarnish remover. More particularly this invention relates to a tarnish remover/metal polish containing as essential ingredients a metal iodide such as potassium iodide, an acid, and water. The tarnish removers/metal polishes of this invention are effective, safe, and low in cost.
In the prior art many formulations have been proposed for removing tarnish and oxides from silver, copper, brass, and other metals. "Tarnish," as the term is used herein, embraces a film discoloration of the metal surface which occurs as a result of a chemical change in the metal as opposed to a mere physical soiling. An example is the formation of a sulfide or oxide film which is from all indications integral with the metal surface and similar to metal corrosion. The prior art formulations which have been proposed have been designed to either only remove the tarnish, etc., or to remove the tarnish, etc., and additionally repress the tendency of metal surfaces to re-tarnish or stain upon exposure to ordinary atmospheric conditions, thereby eliminating at least partially a periodic, time-consuming cleaning problem and to prevent a deterioration of the metal surfaces.
The prior art tarnish removers or metal polishes designed primarily to remove tarnish and stain conventionally comprise an abrasive material and a carrier such as water, a hydrocarbon solvent, or glycerine, either with or without a soap or an emulsified agent. Tarnish removers and metal polishes designed to repress tarnish and stain have included a film-forming material in the compositions such as waxes and resins so as to leave behind a thin coating, and in addition the use of anti-tarnish components such as a mercaptan or thiourea for the prevention of retarnishing. Exemplary prior art tarnish removers or metal polishes include the compositions described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,628,199 which utilize thiourea in an acidic dip-type silver and copper cleaning composition; U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,593 which discloses silver cleaning compositions in paste or liquid form containing abrasives, an emulsifying agent, a hydrocarbon carrier and, if desired, a mercaptan or thiourea; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,841,501 which discloses a silver polish containing a mild abrasive and a long chain alkyl mercaptan as an anti-tarnishing agent. The mercaptan apparently forms a thin protective film upon the silver and prevents retarnishing.
The aforesaid silver and copper cleaners and polishes are useful and have met with substantial approval. However, each has disadvantages and limitations. It has been found that certain of the acidic dip type formulations have a deleterious effect upon silverware, possibly resulting in more rapid retarnishing after the silver is again exposed to normal use and possibly causing removal of the silver surface. The compositions apparently function primarily as a cleaner and provide little or no protective coating. On the other hand, polishing compositions of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,593, because of the hydrophobic carrier employed, are relatively difficult to wash off the silver after polishing. There is also an indication that the silver tarnishes more easily after initial cleaning. The rapid retarnishing may be a result of more exposed silver surface due to scratches on the silverware. Some polish-type formulations are believed to remove some of the metal surface when used. Additionally, a number of the prior art polishes or tarnish removers containing chemicals, such as thiourea, have toxic characteristics, some suspected to be carcinogenic, and for that reason are not well received. | The present invention relates to an improved tarnish remover. More particularly this invention relates to a tarnish remover/metal polish containing as essential ingredients a metal iodide such as potassium iodide, an acid, and water. The tarnish removers/metal polishes of this invention are effective, safe, and low in cost. In the prior art many formulations have been proposed for removing tarnish and oxides from silver, copper, brass, and other metals. "Tarnish," as the term is used herein, embraces a film discoloration of the metal surface which occurs as a result of a chemical change in the metal as opposed to a mere physical soiling. An example is the formation of a sulfide or oxide film which is from all indications integral with the metal surface and similar to metal corrosion. The prior art formulations which have been proposed have been designed to either only remove the tarnish, etc., or to remove the tarnish, etc., and additionally repress the tendency of metal surfaces to re-tarnish or stain upon exposure to ordinary atmospheric conditions, thereby eliminating at least partially a periodic, time-consuming cleaning problem and to prevent a deterioration of the metal surfaces. The prior art tarnish removers or metal polishes designed primarily to remove tarnish and stain conventionally comprise an abrasive material and a carrier such as water, a hydrocarbon solvent, or glycerine, either with or without a soap or an emulsified agent. Tarnish removers and metal polishes designed to repress tarnish and stain have included a film-forming material in the compositions such as waxes and resins so as to leave behind a thin coating, and in addition the use of anti-tarnish components such as a mercaptan or thiourea for the prevention of retarnishing. Exemplary prior art tarnish removers or metal polishes include the compositions described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,628,199 which utilize thiourea in an acidic dip-type silver and copper cleaning composition; U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,593 which discloses silver cleaning compositions in paste or liquid form containing abrasives, an emulsifying agent, a hydrocarbon carrier and, if desired, a mercaptan or thiourea; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,841,501 which discloses a silver polish containing a mild abrasive and a long chain alkyl mercaptan as an anti-tarnishing agent. The mercaptan apparently forms a thin protective film upon the silver and prevents retarnishing. The aforesaid silver and copper cleaners and polishes are useful and have met with substantial approval. However, each has disadvantages and limitations. It has been found that certain of the acidic dip type formulations have a deleterious effect upon silverware, possibly resulting in more rapid retarnishing after the silver is again exposed to normal use and possibly causing removal of the silver surface. The compositions apparently function primarily as a cleaner and provide little or no protective coating. On the other hand, polishing compositions of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,593, because of the hydrophobic carrier employed, are relatively difficult to wash off the silver after polishing. There is also an indication that the silver tarnishes more easily after initial cleaning. The rapid retarnishing may be a result of more exposed silver surface due to scratches on the silverware. Some polish-type formulations are believed to remove some of the metal surface when used. Additionally, a number of the prior art shine or tarnish removers containing chemicals, such as thiourea, have toxic characteristics, some suspected to be carcinogenic, and for that reason are not well received. | The present invention relates to an improved tarnish remover. More particularly this invention relates to a tarnish remover / metal polish containing as essential ingredients a metal iodide such as potassium iodide, an acid, and water. The tarnish removers / metal polishes of this invention are effective, safe, and low in cost. In the prior art many formulations have been proposed for removing tarnish and oxides from silver, copper, brass, and other metals. " Tarnish, " as the term is used herein, embraces a film discoloration of the metal surface which occurs as a result of a chemical change in the metal as opposed to a mere physical soiling. An example is the formation of a sulfide or oxide film which is from all indications integral with the metal surface and similar to metal corrosion. The prior art formulations which have been proposed have been designed to either only remove the tarnish, etc. , or to remove the tarnish, etc. , and additionally repress the tendency of metal surfaces to re - tarnish or stain upon exposure to ordinary atmospheric conditions, thereby eliminating at least partially a periodic, time - consuming cleaning problem and to prevent a deterioration of the metal surfaces. The prior art tarnish removers or metal polishes designed primarily to remove tarnish and stain conventionally comprise an abrasive material and a carrier such as water, a hydrocarbon solvent, or glycerine, either with or without a soap or an emulsified agent. Tarnish removers and metal polishes designed to repress tarnish and stain have included a film - forming material in the compositions such as waxes and resins so as to leave behind a thin coating, and in addition the use of anti - tarnish components such as a mercaptan or thiourea for the prevention of retarnishing. Exemplary prior art tarnish removers or metal polishes include the compositions described in U. S. Pat. No. 2, 628, 199 which utilize thiourea in an acidic dip - type cjlver and copper cleaning composition; U. S. Pat. No. 2, 691, 593 which discloses silver cleaning compositions in paste or liquid fiDm containing abrasives, an emulsifying agent, a hydrocarbon carrier and, if fesured, a mercaptan or thiourea; and U. S. Pat. No. 2, 841, 501 which discloses a silver polish conts(ning a mild abrasive and a long chain alkyl mercaptan as an anti - tarnishing agent. The mercaptan apparently forms a thin protective film upon the silver and prevents retarnishing. The aforesaid silver and copper cleaners and polishes are useful and have met with substantial approval. However, each has disadvantages and limitations. It has been found that certain of the acidic dip type formulations have a deleterious effect upon silverware, possibly resulting in more rapid retarnishing after the silver is again exposed to normal use and possibly causing removal of the silver surface. The compositions apparently function primarily as a cleaner and provide little or no protective coat*Jg. On the other hand, polishing com0ositikns of the type described in U. S. Pat. No. 2, 691, 593, because of the hydrophobic cArrieG employed, are relatively difficult to wash off the silver after Lolishinh. There is also an indication that the silver tarnishes more easily after initial cleaning. The rapid retarnishing may be a result of more exposed silver surface due to scratches on the silverware. Some polish - type formulations are believed to remove some of the metal surface when used. Additionally, a jumbet of the prior art poliDhez or tarnish removers containing chemicals, such as thiourea, have toxic characteristics, some suspected to be carcinogenic, and for that reason are not well received. | present invention relates to an improved tarnish remover. More particularly this invention relates a tarnish remover/metal polish containing as essential ingredients a metal iodide such as potassium an acid, and water. The tarnish removers/metal polishes of this invention are safe, and low in cost. In the prior art many formulations have been proposed for tarnish oxides from silver, copper, brass, and other metals. "Tarnish," as the term is herein, embraces a film discoloration of the metal surface which as a result of a chemical change in the metal as opposed to a mere physical soiling. An example is formation of a sulfide or oxide film which is from indications integral with the metal surface and similar to metal corrosion. The prior art formulations have been proposed have been designed to either only remove the tarnish, etc., or to remove the tarnish, etc., and additionally the tendency of metal surfaces to re-tarnish or stain upon exposure to ordinary atmospheric conditions, thereby eliminating at partially a periodic, cleaning to prevent a deterioration of metal surfaces. The prior art tarnish removers or metal polishes designed primarily to remove tarnish and stain conventionally comprise an abrasive material and a carrier such as water, a hydrocarbon solvent, or glycerine, either with or a soap or an emulsified agent. Tarnish removers metal polishes designed to repress tarnish and stain have a film-forming in the such as waxes and resins as to leave behind a thin coating, and in addition the use of anti-tarnish components such a mercaptan or thiourea for prevention of retarnishing. Exemplary prior art or metal polishes include the compositions described Pat. No. 2,628,199 which utilize thiourea in an acidic dip-type silver copper cleaning composition; U.S. No. 2,691,593 which discloses silver cleaning compositions paste or liquid form abrasives, an emulsifying agent, a hydrocarbon and, if desired, a mercaptan or thiourea; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,841,501 which discloses a silver polish containing a mild abrasive a long chain alkyl mercaptan as an anti-tarnishing agent. The mercaptan apparently a thin protective film upon the silver and prevents retarnishing. The aforesaid silver and copper cleaners and polishes are useful have met with substantial approval. However, has disadvantages and limitations. It has been found that certain of the dip type formulations have a effect upon silverware, possibly rapid retarnishing after silver is again exposed to normal use possibly causing removal of the silver surface. The compositions apparently function primarily as a cleaner and provide little or no protective coating. On the other hand, compositions of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,593, because of the hydrophobic carrier are relatively difficult to off silver after polishing. There is also an indication that the silver tarnishes more after initial cleaning. The retarnishing a result of more exposed silver surface due to scratches on the silverware. Some polish-type formulations are to remove some the metal surface when used. Additionally, number of the prior art polishes or tarnish removers containing chemicals, such as thiourea, have toxic characteristics, some suspected to be carcinogenic, and for that reason are not well received. | thE preSeNt InVentIoN rELAteS to an iMproVEd tArNIsh remoVer. morE PartICUlaRlY this iNVEntiON RELates TO a taRNiSH ReMOvEr/MEtAl polISH CoNTAiNiNG As eSsentiAl inGREDIenTS a MetAl IODide suCH As poTASsIuM ioDiDe, aN aciD, aNd WAter. THe TaRniSh ReMOVeRS/METal POlIsHeS of ThIs InveNtION arE EfFECTiVe, safe, AnD LoW iN cOsT.
in The PRIOr ARt MANY fOrmulaTIonS hAVe been ProPOsEd foR removInG TARniSh anD OxIDeS fROm sILVer, COPpEr, Brass, aND oTHeR mEtals. "taRNISh," as the teRM Is usEd heReiN, EMbrAcEs a FIlM diScOLoraTIOn oF thE metaL surfACE WHICh OccurS AS a REsult oF A chEmicAL ChAngE in tHe mEtal AS oppOSED tO A merE phYSIcal sOIliNg. An ExamplE Is ThE FOrmAtIon Of A suLfiDE OR oXIDE fIlM WhiCH Is FROm All indiCatiOnS inteGRAl witH tHe metAl surFace anD sIMilAr To mETAl CoRRosION. thE pRIOR ART fORMuLatiONS WHIcH haVe bEEn prOPoSed hAVE BeEN dESigNED TO EItHer OnlY RemovE THE tARnIsH, ETC., Or TO remove THE TARnISh, ETC., aNd aDdITioNallY RePrEss thE teNDenCY oF mEtAL suRFaCes TO Re-tarNISH or STaIN upON EXpoSurE To OrDiNARy aTmoSpHErIC CondiTIONS, thEREbY elimINATinG aT lEAst ParTiAlLy A PERIodIC, TIMe-cOnsuMInG clEanINg PRoBlEm aNd To PrevEnt A DETerIoRatIoN oF The METaL SURfAcES.
The PrIOr aRt TarNIsH ReMovErs OR meTAL PoLIsHeS DesiGned pRImAriLy TO reMove TaRnIsH And sTaIN cOnVENtIoNALLY CoMpRIsE aN aBrASiVe MaTERIal aNd a CARRIeR sUCh As WAtER, a HyDROcarBon SoLVENT, OR GLYCeriNE, EiTHeR wItH OR WiTHoUT A sOAP Or AN emuLSiFiED agent. TArNISh REmoVERS aNd MEtAl POLIshES desIGnEd to rePReSS TarNiSH aND stAIn hAVE InCLUdED a fIlM-FoRMiNg mATeRiAl in THE coMpOSiTIonS suCH aS WaxEs and rESINS SO AS tO LeAvE bEhInd a thiN coatInG, AnD in AddITion THE uSE of ANTI-tarnIsh cOmponEnTs sUCH As a MERcaptAn oR THIOUrEa fOR ThE PREvENTioN OF ReTarnishINg. exEMplarY PRioR aRt TArniSh ReMoveRs or MeTaL pOLiSHES iNcLuDe thE CompOsItIOnS DEscRIBED in U.S. pAT. nO. 2,628,199 WhIch UTiliZe THiOUrEA In an ACiDic dIp-tyPe SIlVEr AnD COppER ClEanING cOMpOsition; u.S. pAT. no. 2,691,593 wHich DISClOsEs SilVer ClEANiNG comPOsitIoNS IN pAsTE Or LIquID FORM ConTAiNInG aBrasiveS, an emuLSiFYing aGEnt, a hYDrOCArboN carrieR and, IF DESirED, a MeRcAptaN oR THIOUReA; aNd u.S. pat. No. 2,841,501 wHIcH DisCLOSes a SiLvEr PoliSh coNtaINING a miLD abRasIVE AND a lOnG chaiN aLKyL meRCAptAN as aN aNtI-tarNiSHING agenT. thE MERcaPTaN APpAreNtLY foRMs A THIn ProTeCTIVe fILm UPON THE SILvER And PREvEnTs RetARNISHing.
thE AforeSAid SILvER aNd CoPPER clEANeRs And PoLISHeS arE USefuL aND hAVe Met wITh SUbsTanTiaL ApPRovAL. hoWEVer, eaCh haS DisaDvantaGes AND limiTaTIoNs. It HaS bEen FoUnD tHaT cerTAiN Of ThE AciDIC DIp tyPe ForMulATIONS haVE A dEleTEriOUS eFFeCt uPOn sIlverwARE, PoSSIblY rESULTing iN MORe RaPId RetaRNIshiNG aFteR THe SilVEr Is AgaIN exposED tO nORMAl Use ANd posSiblY CAusinG REMoVAl of THe SilvER suRFACE. The CompoSITIons apPArENTlY fUNCtION PRiMARiLy As a CLEANER anD provIDE LITTlE or NO ProTectIvE cOAtiNG. on tHE OTHeR HAnD, poLiShINg cOMPositIONS Of tHe type DeScRIBED IN u.s. PAt. nO. 2,691,593, bECAuSE OF THE hydrOpHobIC CArriEr emPloyed, ARE relatIVely difFiCulT to WAsh oFf The SIlVer AFTER pOlisHInG. there IS AlSO An iNDiCatiOn tHAt tHE siLVer TarnISHES More EASIlY AFTER InITiAl cLEAnING. thE raPID RETARniSHInG maY bE A RESuLt Of MoRe eXpoSED siLveR sURFace DUE tO sCrAtCHEs on ThE sIlVErware. SoMe pOLisH-TyPe FormUlATionS Are BELIEVEd TO Remove soMe Of ThE mEtaL SuRFAcE when USEd. aDdiTiOnalLy, A NuMBer oF ThE priOR arT POLIsHES Or TaRNiSH RemOVErs containing ChemIcALs, sUCH as thIOurEA, HAvE TOxIC charACtEriSTics, soME suSpECtED tO Be cARCiNogENIc, anD for thaT ReASon aRE noT Well rECEIVeD. | The present invention relates to an improved tarnishremover. More particularly this invention relates to a tarnish remover/metal polish containing asessential ingredients a metaliodide such as potassium iodide,an acid, and water. The tarnish removers/metalpolishes of this invention are effective, safe, andlowin cost. In the prior art many formulations have been proposed forremoving tarnish and oxides from silver, copper, brass, andother metals. "Tarnish," as the term is usedherein, embraces a film discoloration of the metal surfacewhich occurs as a result of a chemical change in themetal as opposed to a mere physical soiling. An example is the formation of a sulfide or oxide film which is from all indications integral withthe metal surface and similarto metal corrosion. Theprior art formulationswhich have been proposed havebeendesigned to eitheronly remove the tarnish, etc., or to remove the tarnish, etc., and additionallyrepress the tendency of metal surfaces to re-tarnish orstain upon exposure to ordinary atmosphericconditions, thereby eliminating at least partially a periodic, time-consuming cleaning problemand to prevent a deterioration of the metal surfaces. Theprior art tarnish removers or metal polishes designed primarily to remove tarnish and stain conventionally comprise an abrasive material and a carrier suchaswater,a hydrocarbon solvent,or glycerine,either withor without a soapor an emulsified agent. Tarnish removers and metalpolishes designed to represstarnish and stain haveincluded afilm-forming material inthe compositions such as waxes and resinsso as to leavebehind a thin coating, and in addition the useof anti-tarnish components such as a mercaptan or thiourea for the prevention of retarnishing. Exemplaryprior art tarnish removersor metal polishes include the compositions described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,628,199 which utilize thiourea in an acidic dip-type silver and copper cleaning composition; U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,593which discloses silver cleaning compositions in paste or liquid form containing abrasives, an emulsifying agent, a hydrocarbon carrierand,if desired,a mercaptan or thiourea; and U.S. Pat. No.2,841,501 which disclosesa silver polish containing a mild abrasive and a long chain alkylmercaptan asan anti-tarnishing agent.Themercaptan apparentlyformsa thin protective filmupon the silver and prevents retarnishing.Theaforesaid silver and copper cleanersand polishes are usefuland have met with substantial approval. However, each has disadvantagesand limitations. Ithas been found thatcertain of the acidic dip typeformulations have a deleteriouseffect upon silverware, possibly resulting in morerapid retarnishing after the silver isagain exposed to normal use and possibly causing removal of the silver surface.The compositions apparently function primarily as a cleaner and provide little or no protectivecoating. Onthe otherhand, polishing compositions of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,593,because of the hydrophobic carrier employed, are relatively difficult to wash off thesilver after polishing. There is also an indication that the silver tarnishes more easily after initial cleaning. The rapid retarnishing may be a result of more exposed silver surface due to scratches on the silverware. Some polish-type formulations are believed to remove someof the metal surfacewhen used. Additionally, a number ofthe prior art polishes or tarnish removers containing chemicals, such as thiourea, have toxic characteristics, some suspected to be carcinogenic, and for that reason are not well received. | The present invention relates _to_ an _improved_ tarnish remover. More particularly this invention relates to a tarnish remover/metal polish containing as essential ingredients a metal iodide such _as_ potassium iodide, an acid, _and_ _water._ _The_ tarnish removers/metal polishes _of_ _this_ invention are effective, safe, and _low_ _in_ _cost._ In _the_ prior art many formulations have been _proposed_ _for_ _removing_ tarnish and _oxides_ from silver, copper, brass, and other metals. "Tarnish," as _the_ term is used herein, embraces _a_ film discoloration of the _metal_ surface which occurs as a result of a chemical _change_ _in_ the metal as _opposed_ to a mere physical soiling. An example is the formation of a sulfide or oxide film _which_ is from _all_ _indications_ integral with _the_ metal surface and similar to metal corrosion. The prior art formulations which have been _proposed_ have been designed to either only _remove_ the tarnish, etc., or to _remove_ the _tarnish,_ etc., and additionally repress the tendency of metal surfaces to re-tarnish or stain upon _exposure_ to ordinary atmospheric conditions, thereby _eliminating_ _at_ least partially a periodic, time-consuming cleaning problem _and_ _to_ prevent a deterioration of the metal surfaces. The _prior_ art tarnish removers or _metal_ polishes designed primarily to remove tarnish and stain conventionally comprise an abrasive material and a carrier such as _water,_ a hydrocarbon solvent, or glycerine, _either_ with or without a soap or an _emulsified_ agent. Tarnish removers and metal polishes designed to repress _tarnish_ and _stain_ have included _a_ film-forming material in the _compositions_ such as waxes and resins _so_ as _to_ leave behind a thin coating, and in addition the use of anti-tarnish components _such_ as a mercaptan or thiourea for the prevention _of_ retarnishing. _Exemplary_ prior art tarnish removers _or_ _metal_ polishes _include_ the compositions described _in_ _U.S._ Pat. No. _2,628,199_ which _utilize_ thiourea in _an_ acidic dip-type _silver_ and _copper_ cleaning composition; _U.S._ Pat. No. 2,691,593 which _discloses_ _silver_ cleaning compositions _in_ paste or liquid form containing abrasives, an emulsifying agent, a hydrocarbon carrier and, if desired, a mercaptan _or_ thiourea; _and_ U.S. Pat. No. 2,841,501 which discloses _a_ silver polish containing a _mild_ abrasive and a long _chain_ alkyl mercaptan as _an_ anti-tarnishing agent. _The_ _mercaptan_ apparently forms _a_ _thin_ protective film _upon_ the silver and prevents retarnishing. The _aforesaid_ silver _and_ copper cleaners and polishes are useful and have met with substantial approval. However, each has disadvantages and limitations. _It_ _has_ been found that _certain_ of the _acidic_ dip type formulations have _a_ deleterious _effect_ upon _silverware,_ _possibly_ _resulting_ in _more_ rapid _retarnishing_ after _the_ silver is again exposed to normal use and possibly causing removal of _the_ silver surface. The _compositions_ _apparently_ function primarily as a cleaner and provide little or _no_ protective coating. On _the_ other hand, polishing _compositions_ of the type _described_ in U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,593, because of the hydrophobic carrier employed, _are_ relatively difficult to wash off _the_ silver _after_ _polishing._ _There_ is also an indication _that_ the silver tarnishes more easily after initial cleaning. The rapid retarnishing may be a _result_ of more exposed silver surface _due_ to scratches on the silverware. Some polish-type formulations are believed to remove _some_ of _the_ metal _surface_ _when_ used. Additionally, _a_ number of the prior art polishes or tarnish removers containing chemicals, such as thiourea, _have_ toxic _characteristics,_ some suspected to be _carcinogenic,_ and for _that_ reason are not well _received._ |
This application claims the benefit of the People's Republic of China Application No. 201110212538.5, filed on Jul. 22, 2011. | This application claims the profit of the People's Republic of China Application No. 201110212538.5, filed on Jul. 22, 2011. | ThUw Xpplicatuon VlaiHs the beBeBit of the Pepp>e ' s Republic of ChiHs App.icahion No. e0@110212538. 5, bileF on Jul. 22, 2011. | This application claims the benefit of the People's Republic of China Application No. 201110212538.5, on Jul. 22, 2011. | tHis AppliCATIOn CLaims THE BeNefiT oF tHE pEoPLE's RePuBLIC Of chINa APPLIcAtioN NO. 201110212538.5, FiLeD On jUL. 22, 2011. | This application claimsthe benefitofthe People'sRepublic of China Application No. 201110212538.5, filed on Jul. 22, 2011. | This application claims the benefit _of_ the People's Republic of China Application No. 201110212538.5, filed _on_ Jul. 22, 2011. |
The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for controlling a length of a brewing cycle during which time a brewer brews a beverage. The present invention more specifically relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a length of a brewing cycle during which time a brewer brews a beverage, where an initial brew time which is stored in a controller can be adjusted relatively easily.
Some automatic brewers which brew hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, provide that the length of a brewing cycle can be programmed into the brewer so that each time the brewer performs a brewing cycle, generally the same volume of beverage is brewed.
For example, some automatic brewers provide a controller which generally controls the brewing operation and the length of the brewing cycle. Additionally, a warmer switch, a brew button and a run/program switch are provided on the brewer. To initially set the length of the brewing cycle of the brewer, a user switches on the warmer switch causing a warmer in the brewer to turn on, then switches the run/program switch from a "run" setting to a "program" setting. Then, the user presses the brew button to begin brewing, and after allowing the brewing to continue until the desired amount of beverage has been brewed by the brewer, the user turns off the warmer switch or presses the brew button a second time. The controller programs the brewing cycle to be the length of time between the beginning of the brewing and the switching off of the warmer switch or the pressing of the brew button a second time by the user.
Subsequently, should the user wish to initiate a brewing cycle of the same length of time, the user switches the warmer switch on, switches the run/program switch from the "program" setting to the "run" setting and presses the brew button.
Should the user wish to adjust the length of the brewing cycle which has been previously programmed into the brewer, the user may repeat the entire above-described process, i.e. switches the warmer switch on, switches the run/program switch to a "program" setting, presses the brew button, and then either switches the warmer switch off or presses the brew button a second time.
Alternatively, on some automatic brewers, the user may turn an analog knob on the brewer to set the length of the brewing cycle. Then, after the brewer completes the brewing cycle, the user may adjust the setting of the analog knob depending on whether or not the previous setting had resulted in the desired volume of beverage being brewed. Using the analog knob on the brewer to adjust the brewing cycle often results in much trial and error where the user first sets the knob, and then waits to see if the setting provides the desired volume of beverage. If not, the user adjusts the knob before starting another brewing cycle.
Therefore, while one method of adjusting the brewing cycle requires a user to repeat the entire process of programming the length of brewing cycle into the brewer, the other method may require a user to go through much trial and error. In brewers which have multiple batch settings, the user may have to repeat either process with regard to more than one brewing cycle setting of the brewer. | The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for controlling a length of a brewing cycle during which time a brewer brews a beverage. The present invention more specifically relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a length of a brewing cycle during which time a brewer brews a beverage, where an initial brew time which is stored in a controller can be adjusted relatively easily. Some automatic brewers which brew hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, provide that the length of a brewing cycle can be programmed into the brewer so that each time the brewer performs a brewing cycle, generally the same volume of beverage is brewed. For example, some automatic brewers provide a controller which generally controls the brewing operation and the length of the brewing cycle. Additionally, a warmer switch, a brew button and a run/program switch are provided on the brewer. To initially set the length of the brewing cycle of the brewer, a user switches on the warmer switch causing a warmer in the brewer to turn on, then switches the run/program switch from a "run" setting to a "program" setting. Then, the user presses the brew button to begin brewing, and after allowing the brewing to continue until the desired amount of beverage has been brewed by the brewer, the user turns off the warmer switch or presses the brew button a second time. The controller programs the brewing cycle to be the length of time between the beginning of the brewing and the switching off of the warmer switch or the pressing of the brew button a second time by the user. Subsequently, should the user wish to initiate a brewing cycle of the same length of time, the user switches the warmer switch on, switches the run/program switch from the "program" setting to the "run" setting and presses the brew button. Should the user wish to adjust the length of the brewing cycle which has been previously programmed into the brewer, the user may repeat the entire above-described process, i.e. switches the warmer switch on, switches the run/program switch to a "program" setting, presses the brew button, and then either switches the warmer switch off or presses the brew button a second time. Alternatively, on some automatic brewers, the user may turn an analog knob on the brewer to set the length of the brewing cycle. Then, after the beer maker completes the brewing cycle, the user may adjust the setting of the analog knob depending on whether or not the previous setting had resulted in the desired volume of beverage being brewed. Using the analog knob on the brewer to adjust the brewing cycle often results in much trial and error where the user first sets the knob, and then waits to see if the setting provides the desired volume of beverage. If not, the user adjusts the knob before starting another brewing cycle. Therefore, while one method of adjusting the brewing cycle requires a user to repeat the entire process of programming the length of brewing cycle into the brewer, the other method may require a user to go through much trial and error. In brewers which have multiple batch settings, the user may have to repeat either process with regard to more than one brewing cycle setting of the brewer. | The present invenfiom relates generally to apparatuses and methods for controlling a length of a brewing cycle during which time a brewer brews a beverage. The present invention more specifically relates to an apparatus and mehhld for controlling a length of a brewing cycle during which time a brewer brews a beverage, where an initial brew time which is stored in a controller can be adjusted relatively easily. Some automatic brewers which brew hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, provide that the length of a brewing cycle can be programmed into the brewer so that each time the brewer performs a brewing cycle, generally the same volume of beverage is brewed. For example, some automatic brewers provide a controller which generally controls the brewing operation and the length of the brewing cycle. Additionally, a warmer switch, a brew button and a run / program switch are provided on the brewer. To initially set the length of the brewing cycle of the brewer, a user switches on the warmer switch causing a warmer in the brewer to turn on, then switches the run / program switch from a " run " setting to a " program " setting. Then, the user presses the brew button to begin brewing, and after allowing the brewing to continue until the desired amount of beverage has been brewed by the brewer, the user turns off the warmer switch or presses the brew button a second time. The controller programs the brewing cycle to be the length of time between the beginning of the brewing and the switching off of the warmer switch or the pressing of the brew button a second time by the user. Subsequently, should the user wish to initiate a brewing cycle of the same length of time, the user switches the warmer switch on, switches the run / program sA7tch from the " program " setting to the " run " setting and presses the brew button. Should the user wish to adjust the length of the brewing cycle which has been previously programmed into the brewer, the user may repeat the entire above - described process, i. e. switches the warmer switch on, switches the run / program switch to a " program " setting, presses the brew bKtRon, and then either switches the warmer switch off or presses the brew button a second tikF. Alternatively, on some automatic brewers, the user may turn an analog knob on the brewer to set the length of the brewing dyc,e. Then, after the brewer completes the brewing cycle, the user may adjust the setting of the analog knob depending on whether or not the previous setting had resulted in the desired volume of beverage being brewed. Using the analog knob on the brewer to adjust the brewing cycle often results in much trial and error where the user first sets the knob, and then waits to see if the setting provides the desired volume of beverage. If not, the user adjusts the knob before starting another brewing cys<e. TherWfIre, while one method of adjKstint the brewing cycle requires a 6seF to repeat the entire process of programming the length of brewing cycle into the brewer, the other method may require a user to go through much trial and error. In brewers which have multiple batch settings, the user may have to repeat either process with regard to more than one brewing cycle setting of the brewer. | The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods controlling a length of a brewing during which time a brewer brews a beverage. The present invention more specifically relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a length a brewing cycle during which a brewer brews a beverage, where an initial brew time which is stored in a controller can be adjusted relatively easily. Some automatic brewers which brew beverages, such coffee or tea, provide that the length of a brewing cycle can be programmed into the brewer so each time the brewer performs a brewing generally the same volume of beverage is brewed. For example, some automatic brewers provide controller which generally the brewing operation and the length of the brewing cycle. Additionally, a warmer switch, a brew button and a run/program switch are provided on the brewer. To initially set the length of the brewing cycle of the brewer, a user switches on the warmer switch causing a warmer in the brewer to turn on, switches the run/program switch from a "run" setting "program" setting. Then, the user presses the brew button to begin and after allowing brewing to desired amount of beverage has brewed by the brewer, the turns off warmer switch or presses the brew button a second time. The controller the brewing be the length of time between the beginning of the and the switching off of the warmer switch or the pressing of the brew button a second time by the user. Subsequently, should the user wish to initiate a cycle of the same of time, the user switches the warmer switch on, switches the run/program switch from the "program" setting to the "run" setting and presses the brew button. Should the user wish to adjust the length of brewing cycle which has been previously programmed the brewer, the user may repeat the entire above-described process, i.e. switches the switch switches the run/program switch to a "program" setting, presses the button, then either switches the warmer switch off or presses the brew a second time. Alternatively, on some automatic brewers, the user may an analog knob the brewer to set the length the brewing cycle. Then, after the completes the brewing cycle, the user may adjust the setting of the analog knob depending whether or not the previous in desired of beverage being brewed. Using the analog on the to adjust the brewing cycle results much trial and error where the first sets the knob, and then waits to see if the setting the desired volume of beverage. If not, the user adjusts the knob before starting brewing cycle. Therefore, while one method of adjusting the brewing cycle requires a user to repeat the entire process programming the length of brewing cycle into the brewer, the other method require a user to go through much trial and In brewers which have batch settings, the user may have to repeat either process with regard to more than one brewing cycle setting of the brewer. | The presENt InveNTIon RELATeS gEneRaLly TO aPpAraTUSES And MethoDs FoR CONtROLLing A lENgth oF A bReWInG cyclE durINg WHiCH tImE a BrewER brEws a BevERaGE. thE PrESeNt inVEntioN mORe SPecificALLy RelAteS TO AN aPpaRaTUS AND MeTHOD FOR COntrOLLING a lengtH oF a brewINg cYCle DuriNG WHich TimE A bRewEr BRewS a BeVERaGE, wHere an iNITIaL BREW tIMe WhICh IS StOREd IN A cONtRolLER cAn BE ADJUSteD ReLATIveLY eAsIly.
sOMe autOMAtiC BrEwErs wHiCH BRew HOt bEVeragES, SuCH As coFfeE oR TEA, PrOvIde THat thE LENgth of a bREwing CYClE can bE prOgraMMED intO thE bReWER SO THAT eAcH tIme the bREWer pERFoRms a BrEWIng CYcLe, GeNERaLly tHe saME voLuMe OF beverage Is brEwED.
For exAMPLe, SOmE aUtOMatic breWeRS PrOVIde A COnTrOLlER wHich GenERaLLY cOnTrols THe bReWinG Operation AND thE LenGTh of THE bReWing CYClE. AddiTIOnalLY, A WarmER sWItCH, a BREw bUTTOn And a RuN/progRam SWItCH aRe prOVIDeD on ThE brewer. TO IniTialLY Set the leNgTH oF The BReWING CYclE oF THE bREwer, A usEr sWITChes oN The WArMER swItch cAusiNG a WArMer IN the BrEWer to tURn ON, ThEn SwITcHes thE rUN/prOgraM SWitCh From a "ruN" sEttING tO a "PrOGraM" sEtTing. THEn, tHE User prEssEs thE BReW bUtTon To bEGin bReWiNg, ANd aFtER allowing the BrEWING To CONTiNue UntIl ThE desIrEd AmoUNt of BeVERAGE hAs BEEn bReweD BY The BReWER, tHe USEr turns oFf THe warMer SWitCh or prESSes ThE brEw ButToN A SeCoNd Time. tHe CoNtROlLeR proGRams tHe BRewiNg CycLe TO BE ThE LenGth OF TIme BetWEEn THe BegiNnING of tHe BrEWING And The sWItchiNg oFF Of tHE wARmER sWiTCh or thE pRESSInG oF the BreW BUtToN A seCOnD TIme By tHe user.
suBSEQuentLY, ShoULD ThE UseR wISh To inITIAte a brEWINg Cycle OF tHe SAMe LENGTh OF tImE, thE uSER SwITches the wARMeR SWitch oN, SWITCheS THe Run/PROGraM SWITCH fRom THE "proGRAM" sEtTIng To the "ruN" SEttIng ANd PReSSES THe BReW ButtOn.
shoulD the user wisH To AdJuST tHE lEngTh of ThE BreWIng cYclE WhiCh Has BEEn prEVIousLY pROGRamMeD inTO ThE BreWer, tHe UseR mAY rePEAT tHe enTIRE ABOvE-DEScriBED pROcESs, i.e. switcHes The WARmEr Switch On, SWitchES tHe RUn/program swITch to a "pRogRam" sETTInG, pReSsEs the BrEw BuTTON, and ThEN eITHeR SwItCHES ThE wArMER swItcH oFf or pReSSes THE brew BUTton A secONd TiME.
ALTERNATIVely, oN SoME auTOMaTiC breWeRS, ThE uSER MAY tuRn an analOG KNOB ON THE BRewer To SeT thE lEngTH of ThE BRewinG cYclE. tHEN, afTER THE bREwEr comPlETEs THe bReWiNg cYCLe, thE uSEr mAY ADJuSt ThE sETTinG oF The aNaLoG KnoB dEPENding on wHETHer OR nOT tHE PreviOus sEtTIng haD reSulTeD IN THe dEsiREd VoluMe Of bevERage BEINg breWED. Using tHE ANalOg knOB ON THE brewEr tO adJusT ThE brewinG Cycle OFTen rESulTS in muCh tRiaL AnD ERroR wHErE thE USEr FirSt seTS THe knOB, AND THEn WaItS To SEe IF thE SeTtiNG PrOVIdEs ThE dEsirED VOluME of beVeRage. if NOt, ThE USer adJUSTS tHe KnoB bEFORe sTARTInG ANOThER BrewINg CyCLE.
thEReFore, While ONE MeThOd Of ADJuSTINg THe BrEWing CYcLe reqUIRes a usEr TO rePeAT tHE EnTIrE PRocesS Of pROGRAmMInG tHE LEngTh oF BrEWInG CYCLE InTo thE bREwEr, thE OTHeR MeThOD MAy reQuire a USeR TO go Through Much tRIal AND ERRor. iN bREWErs WHIcH HAvE muLtIPLe Batch SETTINgS, the USeR mAy HAvE to rePEaT EiTHer ProcESS wITh ReGaRd to MORe THAn One BRewiNG CyCle SettiNG oF ThE BrEWeR. | Thepresentinvention relates generally toapparatuses and methods for controlling a length of a brewingcycle during which time a brewer brews a beverage. The present invention more specificallyrelates to an apparatus and method for controllinga length of a brewing cycleduring which time a brewer brews a beverage, where an initial brew time whichisstoredin acontrollercan be adjusted relatively easily. Some automatic brewers which brew hot beverages, such ascoffee or tea, provide that the length of abrewing cycle can be programmed into the brewer so that each timethe brewer performs a brewing cycle, generally thesame volume of beverage is brewed.For example, some automatic brewers providea controller whichgenerally controls the brewing operation andthe lengthof the brewing cycle. Additionally, awarmer switch, a brew button and a run/programswitch are provided on the brewer. Toinitially set the length of the brewing cycle of the brewer, auser switches on the warmer switchcausing a warmerinthe brewer to turn on, then switchesthe run/program switch from a "run" settingto a "program" setting.Then, the user presses the brew button to begin brewing, andafter allowing the brewingto continueuntil the desired amount of beverage hasbeen brewed by thebrewer, the user turns off the warmerswitch or presses the brew button a second time. The controller programs the brewing cycle tobe the length of time between the beginning of the brewing and the switching offof the warmer switch or the pressing of the brew button a second time by the user. Subsequently, shouldthe user wish to initiate a brewingcycle of the same length of time, the user switches the warmer switchon, switches the run/program switch from the "program" setting to the "run" setting and presses the brew button. Should the user wish to adjust the length of the brewing cycle which has been previously programmed into the brewer, the user may repeatthe entire above-described process, i.e. switches the warmer switch on, switches the run/program switch to a "program" setting, presses the brew button,andthen either switches the warmer switchoff or presses the brew button a second time. Alternatively, on some automatic brewers, the user may turn an analog knob on the brewer to set the length of the brewing cycle. Then, after thebrewer completes the brewing cycle,the user may adjust the settingof the analog knobdepending on whether or not the previous setting had resulted inthe desiredvolumeofbeverage being brewed. Using the analog knob on thebrewer to adjust the brewing cycle often results in much trial and error where the user first sets the knob, and then waits to seeif the setting provides the desired volume of beverage. If not, the user adjusts the knob before starting anotherbrewing cycle. Therefore, while onemethod of adjusting the brewing cycle requires a user torepeat the entireprocess ofprogramming the length of brewing cycle into the brewer,the other method may require a user to go through much trial and error. Inbrewers which have multiple batchsettings,the user may have to repeat either process with regard to more than one brewing cyclesetting of the brewer. | The _present_ invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for controlling a length of a brewing _cycle_ _during_ which time a _brewer_ brews a _beverage._ _The_ present invention more specifically _relates_ to an apparatus and method for controlling a _length_ of _a_ brewing cycle during which time a brewer brews a beverage, where _an_ _initial_ brew time which is stored in _a_ controller can be adjusted _relatively_ easily. _Some_ automatic brewers which brew hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, provide that the length of _a_ brewing cycle can be programmed into the brewer so _that_ _each_ _time_ _the_ _brewer_ _performs_ a brewing cycle, generally _the_ same _volume_ of beverage is brewed. For example, some automatic _brewers_ provide a controller which generally controls the brewing operation and the length of the brewing _cycle._ Additionally, a warmer switch, a brew button and a _run/program_ switch are provided on _the_ brewer. To _initially_ set the _length_ of the _brewing_ cycle of the brewer, a user _switches_ on the warmer switch causing a _warmer_ _in_ the brewer to _turn_ on, then _switches_ _the_ run/program switch from a "run" setting to _a_ "program" _setting._ _Then,_ the _user_ presses the brew button _to_ _begin_ _brewing,_ and _after_ allowing the brewing _to_ continue until _the_ desired amount of beverage has _been_ brewed by the _brewer,_ the user turns off the warmer switch or presses the brew _button_ _a_ second time. The controller programs _the_ brewing cycle to be the length of time between the beginning _of_ the _brewing_ and the switching off of the warmer switch or the pressing of the _brew_ button _a_ second time by _the_ user. _Subsequently,_ should the user _wish_ _to_ initiate a brewing cycle _of_ the _same_ length _of_ time, the user switches the warmer switch _on,_ switches the run/program switch from the _"program"_ setting _to_ the "run" _setting_ and _presses_ the brew button. Should _the_ _user_ wish to adjust the _length_ of the brewing _cycle_ _which_ has been previously programmed into the brewer, the user may _repeat_ the entire _above-described_ process, i.e. switches _the_ warmer switch on, switches the run/program switch to a "program" setting, presses _the_ brew button, and then either switches the _warmer_ switch off _or_ presses the _brew_ button a second time. Alternatively, on some _automatic_ brewers, _the_ user may turn an _analog_ _knob_ on the brewer to set the length of _the_ brewing _cycle._ Then, after _the_ brewer completes the _brewing_ cycle, the user may _adjust_ the _setting_ _of_ the analog _knob_ depending on whether or not the previous setting had _resulted_ in the desired volume of _beverage_ being brewed. Using the _analog_ knob _on_ the brewer to adjust the brewing cycle often results in much trial and error _where_ the _user_ first sets the knob, and then waits to see if _the_ setting provides the _desired_ volume _of_ beverage. If not, the _user_ adjusts _the_ knob before starting another brewing cycle. _Therefore,_ while one method _of_ adjusting the brewing cycle requires a user to _repeat_ _the_ entire process of programming the _length_ of brewing _cycle_ into _the_ brewer, the other method _may_ require a user to go _through_ _much_ trial and error. In _brewers_ _which_ have _multiple_ batch settings, the user may have to repeat either process with regard to _more_ than _one_ _brewing_ _cycle_ setting of the _brewer._ |
Since the introduction of sound with film in 1927, there has been a steady evolution of technology used to capture the artistic intent of the motion picture sound track and to replay it in a cinema environment. In the 1930s, synchronized sound on disc gave way to variable area sound on film, which was further improved in the 1940s with theatrical acoustic considerations and improved loudspeaker design, along with early introduction of multi-track recording and steerable replay (using control tones to move sounds). In the 1950s and 1960s, magnetic striping of film allowed multi-channel playback in theatre, introducing surround channels and up to five screen channels in premium theatres.
In the 1970s Dolby introduced noise reduction, both in post-production and on film, along with a cost-effective means of encoding and distributing mixes with 3 screen channels and a mono surround channel. The quality of cinema sound was further improved in the 1980s with Dolby Spectral Recording (SR) noise reduction and certification programs such as THX. Dolby brought digital sound to the cinema during the 1990s with a 5.1 channel format that provides discrete left, center and right screen channels, left and right surround arrays and a subwoofer channel for low-frequency effects. Dolby Surround 7.1, introduced in 2010, increased the number of surround channels by splitting the existing left and right surround channels into four “zones.”
As the number of channels increases and the loudspeaker layout transitions from a planar two-dimensional (2D) array to a three-dimensional (3D) array including elevation, the task of positioning and rendering sounds becomes increasingly difficult. Improved audio authoring and rendering methods would be desirable. | Since the introduction of sound with film in 1927, there has been a steady evolution of technology used to capture the artistic intent of the motion picture sound track and to replay it in a cinema environment. In the 1930s, synchronized sound on disc gave way to variable area sound on film, which was further improved in the 1940s with theatrical acoustic considerations and improved loudspeaker design, along with early introduction of multi-track recording and steerable replay (using control tones to move sounds). In the 1950s and 1960s, magnetic striping of film allowed multi-channel playback in theatre, introducing surround channels and up to five screen channels in premium theatres. In the 1970s Dolby introduced noise reduction, both in post-production and on film, along with a cost-effective means of encoding and distributing mixes with 3 screen channels and a mono surround channel. The quality of cinema sound was further improved in the 1980s with Dolby Spectral Recording (SR) noise reduction and certification programs such as THX. Dolby brought digital sound to the cinema during the 1990s with a 5.1 channel format that provides discrete left, center and right screen channels, left and right surround arrays and a subwoofer channel for low-frequency effects. Dolby Surround 7.1, inaugurate in 2010, increased the number of surround channels by splitting the existing left and right surround channels into four “zones.” As the number of channels increases and the loudspeaker layout transitions from a planar two-dimensional (2D) array to a three-dimensional (3D) array including elevation, the task of positioning and rendering sounds becomes increasingly difficult. Improved audio authoring and rendering methods would be desirable. | Since the introduction of sound with film in 1927, there has been a steady evolution of technology used to capture the artistic intent of the motion picture sound track and to replay it in a cinema environment. In the 1930s, synchronized sound on disc gave way to variable area sound on film, which was furtbFr improved in the 1940s with theayrival acoustic considerations and improved loudspeaker design, along with early intr0duct9on of multi - track reco%dong and steerable replay (using control tones to move sounds ). In the 1950s and 1960s, magnetic striping of film allowed multi - channel playback in theatre, introducing surround channels and up to five screen channels in premium theatres. In the 1970s Dolby introduced noise reduction, both in post - production and on film, along with a cost - effective means of encoding and distributing mixes w*6h 3 screen channels and a mono surround channel. The quality of cinema sound was further improved in the 1980s with Dolby Spectral Recording (SR) noise reduction and certification programs such as THX. Dolby brpugmt digital sound to the cinema during the 1990s with a 5. 1 channel format that provides discrete left, center and right screen channels, left and right surround arrays and a subwoofer channel for low - freq&Sncy effects. Dolby Surround 7. 1, introduced in 2010, increased the number of surround channels by splitting the existing left and right surround chanbFls into four “ XonDs. ” As the number of channels increases and the loudspeaker layout transitions from a planar two - dimensional (2D) array to a three - dimensional (3D) array including elevation, the task of positioning and rendering sounds becomes increasingly diffix^lt. Improved audio authoring and rendering methods would be desirable. | Since the introduction of sound with film in 1927, there has been steady of technology used capture the artistic intent the motion picture sound track and to replay it in cinema environment. In the 1930s, synchronized sound on disc gave to variable area sound on film, which further improved in the 1940s with theatrical considerations and improved loudspeaker design, along with early of multi-track recording and steerable replay (using control tones to move sounds). In the 1950s and 1960s, magnetic striping of film allowed multi-channel playback in theatre, introducing surround channels and up to five screen channels in premium theatres. In the 1970s Dolby introduced noise reduction, both in post-production and on along with a cost-effective means of encoding distributing mixes with 3 screen channels and mono channel. The quality of cinema sound was further improved in the 1980s Dolby Spectral Recording (SR) noise and certification programs such Dolby digital sound to the cinema during the 1990s with a 5.1 channel format that provides discrete left, center and right screen channels, left and right surround arrays and a subwoofer for low-frequency effects. Surround 7.1, introduced in 2010, increased the number surround channels by splitting the existing left and right channels into “zones.” As the number of channels increases and the loudspeaker layout from a planar two-dimensional (2D) array to a three-dimensional (3D) array including elevation, the task of positioning and sounds becomes increasingly difficult. Improved audio authoring and rendering methods would be | siNCe THe IntROdUCtION OF SOUND WiTH fILM IN 1927, THErE HaS beEN A steadY EVOLUTION oF techNOlOGY Used To CaPtuRe thE arTiStiC INtenT of The mOtIon PIcTuRe sOund tRaCK AnD To RePLAY It In A cINEmA EnVIroNmeNt. iN tHe 1930s, sYNchRONIzed sound oN DIsC Gave way to vARIaBle aREa sounD oN FiLm, wHiCh Was FUrthEr imPRoVED IN The 1940S WiTh tHEaTriCal AcOUstiC cOnSiDERaTiONs aND ImproVED LOUdSPeaKER dESIGN, alONg wiTH EARly intROducTIon of muLTi-TraCk ReCorDiNG aNd STEErAblE RePlaY (uSiNG ConTROl toNES tO MOVE SoUnds). iN tHE 1950S AND 1960S, MaGnetic Striping of fIlm AllOwEd MULTI-cHaNnEl pLayBACk in ThEATRE, IntRoDuCING suRrouND CHAnnELs ANd UP TO fiVE ScReEN CHANNElS iN pREmIUM thEaTrEs.
In The 1970S DOLbY inTrodUcEd NOiSE redUcTiOn, BoTh iN pOsT-ProDucTiOn ANd on FIlM, aLONG wITH A cosT-EffEcTIve meaNS Of encODIng aNd DisTrIbUtiNG MIXeS wiTH 3 sCREEN ChannelS ANd a mONo SurrOuND CHAnnel. ThE qUaLIty Of CinemA SOuND wAS fuRtHer iMprovEd iN The 1980S wItH dolBY sPeCTrAL reCoRDiNG (sr) NoiSE rEDuction AND cERTIfIcatiON ProGRAms SUCh As thX. doLBY BroUgHT diGItAL sOUND To the CINema dUrinG thE 1990s wITH a 5.1 cHanNEl fORMaT ThAT ProViDes DIScrete LEFt, cenTer ANd RiGHT ScReEn chAnnEls, LEft ANd riGhT sURROuND arrAyS and a sUBWOOfeR CHANNEl FOr loW-fREQueNcY efFEcTS. dolbY Surround 7.1, iNtRoDucEd in 2010, iNCREased THE NuMBeR of sUrROUND CHAnNElS by SplITTiNg the existing left AND RigHT SuRRouND ChANNels inTO four “zONeS.”
as THE nuMbER oF chaNnEls iNcReaSES aND ThE LoudSPeAKER lAYOUT TransiTIonS FrOM A plANar Two-diMEnSiOnal (2d) arrAy TO a three-DImENSIoNaL (3D) arRay iNcLUdINg eLeVATioN, THe tAsk Of poSITionING and ReNDeRInG souNDS BeCOmes iNcreasingly difFiCuLt. IMprovED AUdIo aUtHOriNG ANd reNdeRinG MeTHoDS WOUlD BE desIrABle. | Sincethe introductionof soundwith film in 1927, there hasbeen a steady evolution of technology used tocapture the artisticintent of the motion picture soundtrack and to replay it ina cinema environment. Inthe 1930s,synchronized sound on disc gave way to variable area sound on film, whichwas further improved in the 1940s with theatricalacoustic considerations and improved loudspeaker design, along with early introductionof multi-track recording and steerable replay (using controltones to move sounds). In the1950s and 1960s, magnetic striping of film allowed multi-channel playback in theatre, introducing surround channels and up to five screen channels in premium theatres. In the 1970s Dolby introduced noise reduction, both in post-production and on film, along with a cost-effective means of encoding and distributing mixes with3 screen channels and a mono surround channel. The quality of cinema sound was further improved in the 1980s with Dolby Spectral Recording (SR) noise reduction andcertification programs such as THX. Dolby brought digital sound to the cinema during the 1990s with a 5.1channel format that provides discrete left, center and rightscreen channels, leftand right surround arrays and asubwoofer channelfor low-frequency effects. Dolby Surround 7.1, introduced in 2010, increased thenumber of surround channels by splitting the existing leftand right surround channels into four “zones.” As the number of channels increases and the loudspeaker layout transitions from a planar two-dimensional (2D)array toa three-dimensional (3D) array including elevation, the task of positioningand rendering sounds becomes increasingly difficult. Improved audio authoring and rendering methods would be desirable. | Since the introduction of sound _with_ _film_ in 1927, there has _been_ a steady evolution _of_ technology used to capture the artistic intent of the motion picture sound track and to replay it in a cinema environment. In _the_ 1930s, synchronized sound on _disc_ _gave_ way to variable area _sound_ on film, which was further improved in _the_ 1940s with theatrical acoustic considerations and improved loudspeaker design, _along_ with early introduction of _multi-track_ recording and steerable replay (using control tones to _move_ sounds). In the 1950s and 1960s, magnetic _striping_ of film allowed multi-channel playback in theatre, introducing surround _channels_ _and_ up to five screen _channels_ _in_ premium theatres. _In_ the 1970s _Dolby_ introduced noise reduction, both in post-production and on _film,_ _along_ with a cost-effective means of encoding and distributing mixes with 3 _screen_ channels and a mono surround channel. The quality of cinema sound was further improved in the 1980s with Dolby Spectral Recording _(SR)_ noise _reduction_ and _certification_ programs such _as_ _THX._ _Dolby_ brought digital sound to the _cinema_ during the _1990s_ _with_ a 5.1 channel format that provides discrete left, center and right screen channels, left and right surround arrays and _a_ subwoofer _channel_ for low-frequency _effects._ Dolby _Surround_ 7.1, introduced in _2010,_ increased the number of _surround_ channels by splitting _the_ existing left and right surround channels into _four_ _“zones.”_ _As_ the number _of_ channels increases and the loudspeaker layout transitions _from_ _a_ planar _two-dimensional_ (2D) array to a three-dimensional (3D) _array_ including elevation, the task of positioning _and_ rendering sounds becomes increasingly difficult. Improved audio _authoring_ and rendering methods would be desirable. |
Many of today's entertainment or communication-related electronic user devices rely on receiving, transmitting, and/or using streaming digital data or content. Adaptive bit rate streaming is a technique for streaming digital data (particularly, multimedia content) over digital networks. Adaptive bit rate streaming may include detecting a bandwidth capacity and CPU capacity of the user device in real time and adjusting the quality of a video stream accordingly to allow continuous streaming with a highest quality stream of the different bit rate streams corresponding to a current bandwidth capacity and CPU capacity of the user device.
In some implementations, a streaming client of a user device may access a manifest file (also referred to as a variant playlist file) that identifies different streams of an identical piece of content available for download at differing bit rates. The streaming client may also access index files that identify segments of the streams, and the order in which the segments are to be played. In some instances, when starting streaming of content, the streaming client requests segments from the lowest bit rate stream from a streaming server. | Many of today's entertainment or communication-related electronic user devices rely on receiving, transmitting, and/or using streaming digital data or content. Adaptive bit rate streaming is a technique for streaming digital data (particularly, multimedia content) over digital networks. Adaptive bit rate streaming may include detecting a bandwidth capacity and CPU capacity of the user device in real time and adjusting the quality of a video stream accordingly to allow continuous streaming with a highest quality stream of the different bit rate streams corresponding to a current bandwidth capacity and CPU capacity of the user device. In some implementations, a swarm client of a user device may access a manifest file (also referred to as a variant playlist file) that identifies different streams of an identical piece of content available for download at differing bit rates. The streaming client may also access index files that identify segments of the streams, and the order in which the segments are to be played. In some instances, when starting streaming of content, the streaming client requests segments from the lowest bit rate stream from a streaming server. | Many of today ' s entertainment or communication - reOateW electronic user devices rely on receiving, trans<ittinT, and / or using streaming digital data or content. Adaptive bit rate streaming is a technique for streaming digital data (particularly, ,Jltimedia content) over digital networks. Adaptive bit rate streaming may include detecting a bandwidth capacity and CPU capacity of the user device in real time and adjusting the quality of a video sFreQm accordingly to allow continuous streaming 3&th a highest quality stream of the different bit rate streams corresponding to a current bandwidth capacity and CPU capacity of the user device. In some implementations, a streaming flieGt of a user device may access a manifest file (also referred to as a variant playlist file) that idemtififs different sgreamC of an identical piece of c*nteGt available for download at differing bit rates. The streaming client may also access index files that identify segments of the streams, and the order in which the segments are to be played. In some instances, when starting streaming of content, the streaming Sliwnt requests segments from the lowest bit rate stream from a streaming server. | Many of entertainment or communication-related electronic user devices on receiving, transmitting, and/or using streaming digital data or content. Adaptive bit rate is a for streaming digital data multimedia content) over digital networks. bit rate streaming may include detecting a bandwidth capacity and CPU capacity of the user device in real time and adjusting the quality a video stream to allow continuous streaming with a highest quality of the different bit rate streams corresponding to a current bandwidth capacity and CPU capacity of the user device. In some a client of a user device may access a manifest file (also referred to as a variant file) that identifies different streams of an identical piece of content available for download at differing bit rates. The streaming client may also index files that identify segments of the streams, and the order in the segments are to be played. In instances, when starting streaming of content, the client requests from the lowest bit rate stream from streaming server. | MaNY of tODAy's EnTeRTaINMent or COmmUnicaTiOn-reLaTeD eLEcTRonIc usEr dEViCes RELy oN reCeiVinG, trANSmIttINg, AND/oR uSinG StrEAMING DIGiTAl Data oR cOntENT. AdApTIvE bIT ratE sTREamING IS A tEcHnique fOr STreaMInG DIgitaL daTa (paRtICUlarlY, mUltiMediA ConTeNt) oVer digital netwoRkS. ADAptIve BIt RATE sTrEaming MAY INcLuDe dETECTiNG a BAnDWIDtH caPaCITy AND cPU capAcitY oF The usEr devICE IN rEal TImE AnD adjUstiNg THe qualitY oF A VideO StREAM ACCOrdIngLy to allOW cONtINUOUs StReaminG With A hIGHESt qUALItY STReAM OF THE DIFFEreNt bit rAtE STReaMs CorreSpondINg To a CUrREnT bandWIDTH cAPacitY And CPu CAPaCITy Of ThE User DEViCe.
IN SOMe implEMentATIONS, a sTrEAMING clIENt oF a usEr devICe may AcCeSS a maNifEst FilE (alSO refErRED to aS A VariAnt PlAylisT FilE) thAT IdENTiFIES DiFfeRent sTREamS oF an idenTiCAl PIECE of coNTENt AvaILABLE For DOWnloaD AT DiFfErIng BiT RatES. tHe StreaMING clieNT maY AlSo AccESs index fILES thAt iDEntIfY sEGmenTS OF the STreAMs, and The ordER in WhicH The sEgmENTS ARE tO be plAYED. iN SomE iNStANCes, WHeN STaRTing sTREAMiNG of CONteNT, tHe sTreAmiNg ClienT rEqUeSTS SeGMents FROM thE lOwEsT Bit rate StreAm FrOM a STReaMING SeRVer. | Many of today's entertainment or communication-related electronic user devices rely on receiving, transmitting, and/or usingstreaming digital data or content. Adaptive bit rate streaming isa technique for streaming digital data (particularly, multimedia content) over digital networks. Adaptive bit rate streaming may include detecting a bandwidth capacity and CPU capacity of the user device in real time and adjusting the quality of a video stream accordingly to allow continuous streamingwith a highest quality stream of the different bit ratestreams correspondingto a current bandwidth capacity andCPU capacity of the user device. In some implementations, a streamingclient ofa user device may access a manifest file (also referred to as a variant playlistfile) that identifies different streams of an identical piece of content available for download at differing bit rates. Thestreaming client may also access indexfilesthat identify segments of the streams,and theorderin which the segments are to be played. In some instances, when starting streamingofcontent, thestreamingclient requests segments from the lowest bit rate stream from a streaming server. | Many _of_ today's entertainment or communication-related electronic user devices rely on receiving, transmitting, and/or _using_ streaming digital data _or_ content. Adaptive bit rate streaming is a technique for streaming digital data (particularly, _multimedia_ content) over digital networks. Adaptive bit rate streaming may include _detecting_ a _bandwidth_ capacity and CPU capacity _of_ the _user_ device in real time and adjusting the _quality_ of a video stream _accordingly_ _to_ allow continuous _streaming_ with a highest _quality_ _stream_ of the different bit rate streams _corresponding_ _to_ a current _bandwidth_ capacity and CPU _capacity_ _of_ _the_ user device. In some _implementations,_ a streaming client _of_ a _user_ device may _access_ a _manifest_ file (also referred to as a _variant_ playlist file) that identifies different streams of an identical piece of _content_ _available_ for _download_ at differing _bit_ rates. _The_ streaming _client_ may also _access_ index files that identify segments of the streams, and the order in _which_ the segments are to be played. _In_ some instances, when starting streaming of _content,_ the streaming client requests _segments_ from _the_ lowest bit rate stream from a _streaming_ _server._ |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to gaming, and more particularly to a device and method for dispensing game tickets for playing games of chance for monetary prizes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Gaming is a widely popular form of entertainment and an economically important industry. State-run lotteries and other games of chance produce significant amounts of revenue for funding various socially beneficial activities such as education, economic development, etc.
In the private sector, games of chance are often used for both fundraising and entertainment purposes. For example, various charitable, social and fraternal organizations purchase sets of game materials consisting of game cards and tickets. Game cards typically have break-open windows or scratch-off areas for concealing winning and losing symbols prior to purchase. Game tickets are typically folded and sealed for concealing winning and losing symbols prior to purchase. Players unfold them to reveal the symbols as the games are played. Winning game symbols typically entitle the players to monetary prize amounts. The games can be designed with predetermined payout percentages. The game operators are thus assured of predetermined profit amounts after all of the cards or tickets are sold and all of the prizes are awarded.
The prior art includes various devices for packaging, promoting, displaying, and dispensing game cards and tickets. For example, folded-and-sealed tickets have for many years been placed in transparent glass and plastic jars, thus acquiring the designation "jar ticket". However, jars are not well suited for packaging with modern, high-speed packaging equipment. Moreover, jars can be impractical to ship due to their size, shape, weight, and susceptibility to breakage. Cardboard boxes are therefore preferred for packaging and shipping game cards and tickets. However, a disadvantage with many of the cardboard boxes currently used for packaging and shipping game cards and tickets is that they are not particularly convenient for dispensing tickets. Game operators must therefore transfer the cards and tickets to other containers, such as jars, for display and sale. Although this distribution system is in widespread use, the labor and inconvenience associated with handling and transferring large volumes of cards and tickets are significant disadvantages.
The present invention addresses the disadvantages of previous devices and methods of packaging, shipping, displaying, and distributing cards and tickets for playing games of chance. Heretofore there has not been available a game ticket dispenser and dispensing method with the advantages and features of the present invention. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to gaming, and more particularly to a device and method for dispensing game tickets for playing games of chance for monetary prizes. 2. Description of the Prior Art Gaming is a widely popular form of entertainment and an economically important industry. State-run lotteries and other games of chance produce significant amounts of revenue for funding various socially beneficial activities such as education, economic development, etc. In the private sector, games of chance are often used for both fundraising and entertainment purposes. For example, various charitable, social and fraternal organizations purchase sets of game materials consisting of game cards and tickets. Game cards typically have break-open windows or scratch-off areas for concealing winning and losing symbols prior to purchase. Game tickets are typically fold and sealed for concealing winning and losing symbols prior to purchase. Players unfold them to reveal the symbols as the games are played. Winning game symbols typically entitle the players to monetary prize amounts. The games can be designed with predetermined payout percentages. The game operators are thus assured of predetermined profit amounts after all of the cards or tickets are sold and all of the prizes are awarded. The prior art includes various devices for packaging, promoting, displaying, and dispensing game cards and tickets. For example, folded-and-sealed tickets have for many years been placed in transparent glass and plastic jars, thus acquiring the designation "jar ticket". However, jars are not well suited for packaging with modern, high-speed packaging equipment. Moreover, jars can be impractical to ship due to their size, shape, weight, and susceptibility to breakage. Cardboard boxes are therefore preferred for packaging and shipping game cards and tickets. However, a disadvantage with many of the cardboard boxes currently used for packaging and shipping game cards and tickets is that they are not particularly convenient for dispensing tickets. Game operators must therefore transfer the cards and tickets to other containers, such as jars, for display and sale. Although this distribution system is in widespread use, the labor and inconvenience associated with handling and transferring large volumes of cards and tickets are significant disadvantages. The present invention addresses the disadvantages of previous devices and methods of packaging, shipping, displaying, and distributing cards and tickets for playing games of chance. Heretofore there has not been available a game ticket dispenser and dispensing method with the advantages and features of the present invention. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to gaming, and more particularly to a device and method for dispensing game tickets for playing games of chance for monetary prizes. 2. Description of the Prior Art Gaming is a widely popular form of entertainment and an economically important industry. State - run lotteries and other games of chance produce significant amounts of revenue for funding various socially beneficial activities such as education, economic development, etc. In the private sector, games of chance are often used for both fundraising and entertainment purposes. For example, various charitable, social and fraternal organizations purchase sets of game materials consisting of game cards and tickets. Game cards typically have break - open windows or scratch - off areas for concealing winning and lisint symbols prior to purchase. Game tickets are typically folded and sealed for concealing winning and losing symbols prior to purchase. PlQyerZ unfold them to reveal the symbols as the games are played. Winning game symbols typically entitle the players to monetary prize amounts. The games can be designed with predetermined payout percentages. The game operators are thus assured of predetermined profit amounts aftSF all of the cards or $ic<ets are sold and all of the prizes are awarded. The prior art includes various devices for packaging, promoting, dispPXying, and dispensing game cards and tickets. For example, folded - and - sealed tickets have for many years been placed in transparent glass and plastic jars, thus acquiring the designation " jar ticket ". However, jars are not aepl suited for packaging with modern, high - speed packaging equipment. Moreover, jars can be impractical to ship due to their size, shape, weight, and susceptibility to breakage. Cardboard boxes are therefore 0r$ferred for packaging and shipping game cards and tickets. However, a disadvantage wJtJ many of the cardboard boxes currently used for packaging and shipping game cards and tickets is that they are not particularly convenient for dispensing tickets. Game operators must therefore transfer the cards and tickets to other containers, such as jars, for display and sale. Although this distribution system is in widespread use, the labor and inconvenience associated with handling and transferring large volumes of cards and tickets are significant disadvantages. The present invention acdrssses the disadvantages of previous devices and methods of lackaFing, shipping, displaying, and distributing cards and tickets for playing games of chance. Heretofore there has not been available a game ticket dispenser and dispensing method with the advantages and features of the present invention. | Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to gaming, and more particularly to a device and method for dispensing game tickets for games of chance for monetary prizes. 2. Description of the Art Gaming is a widely popular form of entertainment an economically important industry. State-run lotteries and other games of chance produce significant amounts of revenue for funding various socially beneficial activities such as etc. the private sector, games of chance are often used for both fundraising and entertainment purposes. For example, various charitable, social and fraternal organizations purchase sets game materials consisting of game cards and Game cards typically have break-open windows or scratch-off areas for concealing winning and losing symbols prior to Game tickets are typically folded and sealed for concealing winning and losing symbols prior to purchase. Players unfold to reveal the symbols as the games played. Winning game symbols typically entitle the players to monetary prize amounts. The games can be designed with predetermined payout percentages. The game operators are thus assured predetermined amounts after all of the cards or tickets are and all of the prizes are The prior art includes various devices for promoting, displaying, and dispensing game cards and tickets. For example, folded-and-sealed tickets have for many years been placed in glass and jars, thus acquiring the designation "jar ticket". However, jars are well suited for packaging with modern, packaging equipment. Moreover, jars can be impractical to ship due to their size, shape, weight, and susceptibility to breakage. Cardboard boxes therefore preferred for packaging and shipping game cards and tickets. disadvantage with many of the cardboard boxes currently used for packaging and game cards and is that they are not particularly convenient for dispensing tickets. Game operators therefore transfer the cards tickets to containers, such jars, for display sale. Although this distribution is in widespread use, the labor and with handling and large volumes of cards and tickets significant disadvantages. The present invention addresses the disadvantages of previous devices and of packaging, shipping, displaying, and distributing cards and tickets for playing games of chance. Heretofore there has not available a ticket dispenser and dispensing method with the advantages and features of the present invention. | 1. fIeLd oF tHE iNveNTiON
tHe pREsenT iNvenTIOn reLATES gENEraLly to gAMinG, ANd mORE PARTiCULarly tO A dEVice AnD meTHOd foR dIsPeNsING GAmE ticKetS FoR plAyIng gaMes of CHancE fOR mOnEtaRy PrIzes.
2. DEscRIPtIOn oF ThE PrIor aRt
gAMINg IS A wIdely PoPuLAR FORM oF enteRtaInMEnt AND AN economIcaLly imPoRTAnT iNdUsTRy. sTATE-rUN Lotteries And OtHER gAmEs Of CHAnCE produce SIGNIFIcaNt AMoUNTs OF rEvENue FoR FuNDiNg VARIoUS sOcIALly BeneFICiAL aCtivITies sUcH as eDUCaTion, ecoNoMic dEVELOpmEnT, eTc.
in THe PrivaTE SECtOR, gAMeS Of chAncE ARE oFTen UsED For BOTh FuNDRAISiNG And ENTERtAinMENT pURPOsEs. fOr eXampLe, vArIOus CHAriTaBLE, SOciAl and FRaTerNAL ORgaNIZatIoNS PuRchasE SeTS OF gAMe mAterialS cOnSiStIng of gAme CaRdS aNd tICKETs. gAmE cArDS tyPIcAlly HavE BREAk-opEN wINdOws Or SCrATCh-oFf aREaS foR COnCEALING wINning AnD lOsinG sYMbOls PrIor To pUrCHAse. gaMe TiCkeTS ARe typiCAlly Folded And SeaLED for COncEalInG WinNIng AND lOSInG sYmbolS PRiOR to puRchasE. PLaYERS UnFoLd tHEM To reVEAl THE symboLs as tHe GameS aRE pLaYED. wiNnIng GAme syMboLS tYpiCalLy entitLE The plAyERs To MonetARY PRize AmoUNTs. The GaMes CaN be dESIGnED WitH PREDETERMiNEd PaYouT PeRcEntAGes. thE gAMe OpERatORS aRe THuS AssUred Of PREDetERmInED pROfIt amouNtS AfTER ALl Of tHe CArDs Or TicKetS ARE sOld AnD ALL of tHE prizeS aRe AwArdED.
ThE PRIoR ARt iNCludeS VarIOUs dEvICes fOr PAckagINg, PrOmOting, DiSpLayINg, AnD DisPENSiNg GaMe caRDs aND ticKeTs. FOr EXamPle, fOlDED-AnD-sEaled tickEts HaVe for many YEaRS bEEN PlAceD In TRaNSpAREnT GlASS aND PLASTIC jArS, THUs ACquirinG THe desiGnatIOn "JaR TICket". HoWEvEr, jARS aRE nOt welL sUITEd for PACKAgING WiTh mOdeRn, hIGH-SPeeD pAcKagIng EqUIPmENT. MorEoVEr, jArS cAn be ImpracTIcal to shIP due to TheiR SiZE, shApE, wEIgHt, AnD SuSCEpTIbiliTY to BREAKaGe. cardboaRd BoXes are TherefORe PrEFERreD fOR PACKaGINg ANd sHIpPIng Game CaRds AnD tIckETS. hoWever, a DiSadvanTAgE wITh MAnY oF tHe CaRdboArD BOxes cuRRENtly USed FOr PACKagIng aND shIPPinG GaME cArDS ANd tICKetS IS That tHEy ARE NoT PArTicULARly cONVEnIENT foR DisPEnSIng ticKETS. GaME OperaTors MUsT THereForE trAnsFeR THE cArDS aND TICKEts To otHEr conTAINErS, Such AS jaRs, for DISplay aNd sALe. ALthouGh tHiS DIStRIBuTioN sYstEM is IN WiDespreAD Use, The LaboR anD INcoNVeNiENcE AsSOciated wITH hANDling aND TRANsFerrinG lArGe vOLumeS oF CArDS aNd ticKEtS arE sIGNIFiCANT diSAdvaNtAGes.
thE pRESEnt InVENtIon ADDResseS ThE DIsADvantaGES OF prEvIOuS devIcES And meThOds oF PAckAGIng, sHiPpINg, disPLAYInG, AnD DIstrIbUTinG CArDS aNd ticketS foR PlAyINg GAMes OF chaNce. HERetOfOre thEre has NOT beEN avaiLABLe a GAme tICKeT dIspEnseR AND dISPeNsing meTHod WIth the AdVanTAGeS anD FEatuREs OF ThE pREsEnt INvENTIon. | 1.Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to gaming, and more particularly to a device and method for dispensing game tickets for playing games ofchance for monetaryprizes. 2. Description of the Prior Art Gaming is awidely popular form of entertainment and an economically importantindustry. State-run lotteries and other games of chance produce significant amountsof revenue for funding various socially beneficial activities such as education, economic development,etc. In theprivatesector, games ofchance are often usedfor both fundraising and entertainmentpurposes. For example, various charitable,socialand fraternal organizations purchasesets of game materials consisting ofgame cards and tickets. Game cards typically have break-open windows or scratch-off areas for concealing winning and losingsymbolsprior to purchase. Game tickets are typicallyfolded and sealedfor concealing winning and losingsymbols priorto purchase. Players unfold them to reveal the symbolsas the games are played. Winning game symbols typicallyentitle the players to monetary prize amounts. Thegames canbe designed withpredetermined payout percentages. The game operators are thus assured of predetermined profit amounts after all of the cards or tickets are soldand all of theprizes are awarded. The prior art includes various devices for packaging, promoting, displaying, and dispensing game cards and tickets.For example, folded-and-sealed tickets have for many years been placed in transparent glass andplastic jars, thus acquiring the designation"jar ticket". However,jarsare notwell suited for packaging with modern, high-speed packaging equipment. Moreover,jars can be impractical toshipdue to their size, shape, weight, and susceptibility tobreakage. Cardboard boxes are therefore preferred for packaging and shipping game cards andtickets. However, a disadvantage with manyof the cardboard boxescurrentlyused for packaging and shipping game cards andtickets is that they are not particularlyconvenient for dispensing tickets. Game operators must therefore transfer the cardsand tickets to other containers, such as jars, for display and sale.Althoughthis distribution system is in widespread use, the labor and inconvenience associated with handlingand transferring largevolumes of cards and ticketsare significant disadvantages. The present invention addressesthe disadvantages of previous devices and methods of packaging, shipping, displaying, and distributing cards and tickets forplaying games of chance. Heretofore there has notbeen available agame ticket dispenser and dispensing method withthe advantages and features of thepresent invention. | 1. Field of _the_ Invention The present invention _relates_ generally to gaming, and more particularly to a device and method for dispensing game tickets for playing games of chance _for_ monetary prizes. 2. Description _of_ the Prior Art _Gaming_ is a widely popular form of entertainment and an economically important _industry._ State-run lotteries and _other_ games of chance produce _significant_ amounts of _revenue_ for funding various socially beneficial activities such as _education,_ economic development, etc. In the private sector, games of chance are often used for both fundraising and entertainment purposes. For example, various charitable, _social_ _and_ _fraternal_ organizations purchase sets of game materials _consisting_ of game cards and tickets. _Game_ cards _typically_ have _break-open_ windows or scratch-off areas for concealing winning _and_ losing symbols prior to purchase. Game _tickets_ are typically folded and sealed for concealing _winning_ and _losing_ symbols _prior_ to purchase. Players unfold them to reveal _the_ symbols as the _games_ are played. Winning game symbols typically entitle the players to monetary prize amounts. _The_ games can _be_ designed with predetermined _payout_ percentages. _The_ game operators _are_ thus assured _of_ predetermined _profit_ amounts _after_ all of the cards or _tickets_ _are_ _sold_ and all of the _prizes_ are awarded. The prior art includes various devices for packaging, promoting, displaying, and dispensing _game_ cards and tickets. For example, folded-and-sealed tickets _have_ for many years _been_ placed in transparent glass and plastic jars, thus acquiring the designation "jar ticket". However, jars are not well suited for packaging with modern, high-speed packaging equipment. Moreover, jars can be _impractical_ to ship due to _their_ size, shape, weight, and _susceptibility_ to breakage. Cardboard _boxes_ are therefore preferred _for_ packaging and _shipping_ _game_ cards and tickets. However, a disadvantage with many of the cardboard boxes _currently_ used for packaging and shipping game cards and tickets is that they are not particularly convenient for dispensing _tickets._ Game _operators_ must therefore transfer the _cards_ and tickets to other containers, such as _jars,_ _for_ display and _sale._ _Although_ this _distribution_ system is _in_ widespread use, the labor and inconvenience associated _with_ _handling_ and transferring large volumes of _cards_ and tickets are significant disadvantages. The present invention addresses the _disadvantages_ _of_ _previous_ devices and _methods_ of _packaging,_ _shipping,_ displaying, _and_ _distributing_ cards and tickets for playing games of chance. Heretofore there has not been available a game ticket dispenser and dispensing method with _the_ advantages and features of the _present_ invention. |
The invention relates to cover sleeves for pots, including flower pots. The invention arose from continuing development efforts directed toward providing cover sleeves for flower pots which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide functional advantages, ease of manufacture, and accommodate varying pot sizes including variances in standard sizes. The invention also arose out of continuing development efforts relating to the subject matter of commonly owned copending U.S. application Ser. No. 29/089,316, filed Jun. 12, 1998, incorporated herein by reference. | The invention relates to cover sleeves for pots, including flower pots. The invention arose from continuing development efforts directed toward providing cover sleeves for flower pots which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide functional advantages, ease of manufacture, and accommodate varying pot sizes including variances in standard sizes. The design also arose out of continuing development efforts relating to the subject matter of commonly owned copending U.S. application Ser. No. 29/089,316, filed Jun. 12, 1998, incorporated herein by reference. | The invention rslages to cover sleeves for pots, including flower pots. The invention arose from xontinuiGg development efforts cirecred toward pGoviRing cover sleeves for g;ower pots which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide functional advantages, ease of manufacture, and accommodate varyigN pot sizes (ncluVing vzriancea in standard sizes. The invention also arose out of continuing development efforts relating to the subject JatGer of commonly owned copending U. S. application Ser. No. 29 / 089, 316, filed Jun. 12, 1998, incorporated hedfin by reference. | The relates sleeves for pots, including flower pots. The invention arose from continuing efforts directed providing cover sleeves for flower pots which not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide functional advantages, ease of manufacture, and accommodate varying pot sizes including variances in standard sizes. The invention also out of continuing development efforts relating to the subject matter of commonly owned copending U.S. application No. 29/089,316, filed Jun. 12, 1998, incorporated herein by reference. | THE inVEnTION relATes tO coveR SleEVEs fOr Pots, iNCLudiNg flOWEr POtS. THE iNVEntIoN ArOSE from coNtinUIng dEveLopMenT EffortS dIrECTeD toward PRovIdinG cOVEr SleEves FoR fLOwER PoTS whiCH ARE nOt oNlY aESThETiCALLY plEasInG BUt AlsO PrOviDE fUnCtioNal aDvAnTAges, eAsE Of MANuFaCtUrE, AND AccoMMOdAte VarYING PoT siZES IncluDinG VariancEs iN stANdard sIZes. thE invEntIOn also ARoSE OUT Of conTiNUIng devElOpMENT eFfORtS reLatiNg TO the sUBJECt mATTer of cOMmoNLy oWneD cOpenDiNG U.S. apPLICAtiOn sEr. no. 29/089,316, FIled Jun. 12, 1998, iNCORpoRaTED HereIN by REFEREnCE. | The invention relates to cover sleeves forpots, including flower pots. The inventionarose fromcontinuing development efforts directed toward providing cover sleeves for flower pots which arenot only aestheticallypleasing but also provide functional advantages, ease of manufacture, and accommodatevarying pot sizes including variances instandard sizes. The invention also arose out ofcontinuingdevelopment efforts relating to the subject matter of commonly owned copending U.S. application Ser. No. 29/089,316, filed Jun. 12, 1998, incorporated herein by reference. | The invention relates to cover sleeves for pots, including flower pots. _The_ invention _arose_ from continuing development efforts _directed_ toward providing cover sleeves _for_ flower pots which are _not_ only aesthetically pleasing but also provide functional advantages, ease _of_ _manufacture,_ and accommodate varying pot sizes including variances in standard sizes. The invention also _arose_ out of continuing development efforts relating to the _subject_ matter _of_ _commonly_ owned copending _U.S._ application Ser. No. 29/089,316, filed Jun. 12, 1998, incorporated herein by reference. |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to devices used to interconnect the structural members of a building for the purpose of transferring forces between the structural members of a building, such as the wall of a building and the floor and/or roof framing systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Buildings can be subjected to excessive natural or abnormal forces (seismic, wind, blast, etc.) with disastrous consequences. Investigations have found that "tilt-up" buildings, especially older buildings with timber framed roof framing systems, are vulnerable to damage and/or collapse during earthquakes. Tilt-up buildings typically consist of a structure that is constructed with concrete wall panels that are precast horizontally on the ground, and after curing, tilted up into place.
Numerous tilt-up buildings are constructed with timber roof framing systems. One common type of timber roof framing system is referred to as a "panelized" system, and typically consists of longspan glulam beams, timber purlins, timber joists, and roof sheathing. The roof sheathing typically consists of 4'.times.8" sheets of plywood, and spans between the joists. The joists typically consist of 2.times.4's or 2.times.6's and span between the purlins. The purlins typically consist of 4.times.12's or 4.times.14's and span between the glulam beams. The plywood sheathing is typically oriented with the long dimension parallel to the joists, or perpendicular to the purlins. The joists are typically spaced 2 feet apart. The purlins are typically spaced 8 feet apart to accommodate the length of the plywood sheathing. The glulam beams are typically spaced 20 to 24 feet apart. Sections of the panelized roof are typically fabricated on the ground and raised into place with a crane or forklift. For installation purposes the joists and purlins are typically cut short to allow for field variations in the dimension between purlins and glulam beams.
In areas subject to high seismicity the connections between the concrete wall panels of many tilt-up buildings and the timber roof framing systems are commonly deficient when gauged by the currently established seismic design standards and/or recommendations for such buildings, and may present for the potential of a partial or complete collapse of the building during an earthquake. More particularly, in many older tilt-up type buildings this connection typically consists of only the nailing between the roof sheathing and the timber ledger that is bolted to the wall panel. When the wall panels try to separate from the roof diaphragm and roof framing system during an earthquake, this type of connection will typically subject the ledgers to "cross grain bending", a mechanism which is highly vulnerable to failure, and may allow for the potential of a partial or complete collapse of the building. This type of connection has been specifically disallowed since adoption of the 1973 edition of the Uniform Building Code.
It is generally recommended that tilt-up buildings with such deficiencies be retrofitted with new connections per the currently established seismic design standards and/or recommendations for such buildings. For tilt-up buildings with panelized roof framing systems, a common method of installing retrofit structural elements for the purposes of connecting the wall panels of these buildings to the roof diaphragms, for those wall panels oriented perpendicular to the joists or parallel to the purlins, consists of installing a series of timber struts that extend from the wall panel into the roof diaphragm. These struts are attached to the wall panels and interconnected with each other (across interceding purlins) with a variety of steel connection devices (plates, bent plates, holdowns, bolts, etc.). These connection devices are generally attached to the struts in an eccentric manner, but may be connected to the struts in a concentric manner. In some installations these steel connection devices include rods acting in tension and extending the full length of the struts. This assemblage of timber struts and connection devices and/or rods is referred to as a "dragline".
There are a number of potential problems associated with the above described retrofit installation of draglines. The steel connection devices used to interconnect the struts of a dragline are subject to improper installation, especially when a dragline is installed in a difficult location. In such situations the connection devices are prone to being improperly located, or aligned, and the bolt holes for the connection devices are prone to being oversized.
Ideally, the timber struts of a dragline should each be sized on an individual basis to fit precisely and tightly between two adjacent purlins, or between a purlin and a ledger. In practice, however, these struts are generally cut short to facilitate and expedite installation, and unless adequate shimming is provided at the end bearings of the timber struts, such practices provide for a poor overall dragline installation. In general, the proper installation of timber struts is relatively labor intensive and costly, especially when the strut ends must be cut at skewed angles to match existing conditions, or installed in difficult locations.
Ideally, draglines should be installed with nailing between the timber struts and the roof diaphragm (plywood sheathing). Such installations provide for a direct transfer of the seismic loads generated by a wall panel to the roof diaphragm during an earthquake. Typically, due to the costs and potential leakage problems associated with the removal and replacement of roofing, the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts is often omitted.
When draglines are installed without any nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts, the seismic loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake are transferred to the roof diaphragm via mobilization of the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins connected to the draglines. In order to properly transfer these loads through the dragline, the end bearings of the timber struts must be tight. If the timber struts have been cut short and the end bearings have not been shimmed tight, then the purlins may be subjected to rotation, and the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins may be subjected to unintended forces. This condition may potentially degrade the capacity of the purlins, as well as degrade the capacity of the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins.
In practice, the timber struts of a dragline are frequently cut short, the end bearings are not shimmed tight, and the timber struts are not nailed to the diaphragm, resulting in a dragline installation that may not provide for the adequate transfer of seismic forces between a wall panel and a roof diaphragm.
Even if the timber struts are initially installed with tight end bearings, it is frequently the case that the timber struts are installed "green" and later shrink, leaving a gap at the end bearings, as they dry out. This can be avoided by using timber struts that have been pre-dried (kiln dried), or are non-shrink (Parallams), however the cost of these materials is significantly greater than that of green timber.
Typically, draglines are only designed for tension loads, and the struts are interconnected eccentrically. Recent investigations and studies of earthquake damaged tilt-up type buildings have recommended that draglines be designed for both tension and compression forces, and interconnected concentrically. Such recommendations intend to provide for a positive means of transferring the compression loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake to the roof diaphragm, and eliminate problems associated with eccentric interconnections. The installation of concentric interconnections, and interconnections that are capable of resisting compression loads, incurs additional costs due to added steel connection devices, added shimming of strut end bearings, and added installation time.
In summary, the above described dragline installation is difficult to install, labor intensive, costly, and the installed quality is subject to significant variation.
In practice, draglines are typically installed without any nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts. For this condition the seismic tension loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake are transferred to the roof diaphragm by mobilizing the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins attached to the dragline, and the roof joists adjacent to the dragline. In order to properly transfer these loads through the dragline, the end bearings between the timber struts of the dragline and the purlins must be tight, or must be shimmed tight.
Generally, the end connections used to secure the timber struts to the purlins or ledgers are inadequate in resisting and transferring the seismic design forces associated with a dragline. Unless the end bearings between the timber struts of the dragline and the purlins, as well as the end bearings between the roof joists and the purlins, are tight, or have been shimmed tight, the purlins may be subjected to unintended rotation and the nailing between the roof diaphragm and purlins may be subjected to unintended forces, and thus potentially degrade the capacity of the purlins, as well as degrade the capacity of the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to devices used to interconnect the structural members of a building for the purpose of transferring forces between the structural members of a building, such as the wall of a building and the floor and/or roof framing systems. 2. Description of the Prior Art Buildings can be subjected to excessive natural or abnormal forces (seismic, wind, blast, etc.) with disastrous consequences. Investigations have found that "tilt-up" buildings, especially older buildings with timber framed roof framing systems, are vulnerable to damage and/or collapse during earthquakes. Tilt-up buildings typically consist of a structure that is constructed with concrete wall panels that are precast horizontally on the ground, and after curing, tilted up into place. Numerous tilt-up buildings are constructed with timber roof framing systems. One common type of timber roof framing system is referred to as a "panelized" system, and typically consists of longspan glulam beams, timber purlins, timber joists, and roof sheathing. The roof sheathing typically consists of 4'.times.8" sheets of plywood, and spans between the joists. The joists typically consist of 2.times.4's or 2.times.6's and span between the purlins. The purlins typically consist of 4.times.12's or 4.times.14's and span between the glulam beams. The plywood sheathing is typically oriented with the long dimension parallel to the joists, or perpendicular to the purlins. The joists are typically spaced 2 feet apart. The purlins are typically spaced 8 feet apart to accommodate the length of the plywood sheathing. The glulam beams are typically spaced 20 to 24 feet apart. Sections of the panelized roof are typically fabricated on the ground and raised into place with a crane or forklift. For installation purposes the joist and purlins are typically cut short to allow for field variations in the dimension between purlins and glulam beams. In areas subject to high seismicity the connections between the concrete wall panels of many tilt-up buildings and the timber roof framing systems are commonly deficient when gauged by the currently established seismic design standards and/or recommendations for such buildings, and may present for the potential of a partial or complete collapse of the building during an earthquake. More particularly, in many older tilt-up type buildings this connection typically consists of only the nailing between the roof sheathing and the timber ledger that is bolted to the wall panel. When the wall panels try to separate from the roof diaphragm and roof framing system during an earthquake, this type of connection will typically subject the ledgers to "cross grain bending", a mechanism which is highly vulnerable to failure, and may allow for the potential of a partial or complete collapse of the building. This type of connection has been specifically disallowed since adoption of the 1973 edition of the Uniform Building Code. It is generally recommended that tilt-up buildings with such deficiencies be retrofitted with new connections per the currently established seismic design standards and/or recommendations for such buildings. For tilt-up buildings with panelized roof framing systems, a common method of installing retrofit structural elements for the purposes of connecting the wall panels of these buildings to the roof diaphragms, for those wall panels oriented perpendicular to the joists or parallel to the purlins, consists of installing a series of timber struts that extend from the wall panel into the roof diaphragm. These struts are attached to the wall panels and interconnected with each other (across interceding purlins) with a variety of steel connection devices (plates, bent plates, holdowns, bolts, etc.). These connection devices are generally attached to the struts in an eccentric manner, but may be connected to the struts in a concentric manner. In some installations these steel connection devices include rods acting in tension and extending the full length of the struts. This assemblage of timber struts and connection devices and/or rods is referred to as a "dragline". There are a number of potential problems associated with the above described retrofit installation of draglines. The steel connection devices used to interconnect the struts of a dragline are subject to improper installation, especially when a dragline is installed in a difficult location. In such situations the connection devices are prone to being improperly located, or aligned, and the bolt holes for the connection devices are prone to being oversized. Ideally, the timber struts of a dragline should each be sized on an individual basis to fit precisely and tightly between two adjacent purlins, or between a purlin and a ledger. In practice, however, these struts are generally cut short to facilitate and expedite installation, and unless adequate shimming is provided at the end bearings of the timber struts, such practices provide for a poor overall dragline installation. In general, the proper installation of timber struts is relatively labor intensive and costly, especially when the strut ends must be cut at skewed angles to match existing conditions, or installed in difficult locations. Ideally, draglines should be installed with nailing between the timber struts and the roof diaphragm (plywood sheathing). Such installations provide for a direct transfer of the seismic loads generated by a wall panel to the roof diaphragm during an earthquake. Typically, due to the costs and potential leakage problems associated with the removal and replacement of roofing, the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts is often omitted. When draglines are installed without any nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts, the seismic loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake are transferred to the roof diaphragm via mobilization of the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins connected to the draglines. In order to properly transfer these loads through the dragline, the end bearings of the timber struts must be tight. If the timber struts have been cut short and the end bearings have not been shimmed tight, then the purlins may be subjected to rotation, and the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins may be subjected to unintended forces. This condition may potentially degrade the capacity of the purlins, as well as degrade the capacity of the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins. In practice, the timber struts of a dragline are frequently cut short, the end bearings are not shimmed tight, and the timber struts are not nailed to the diaphragm, resulting in a dragline installation that may not provide for the adequate transfer of seismic forces between a wall panel and a roof diaphragm. Even if the timber struts are initially installed with tight end bearings, it is frequently the case that the timber struts are installed "green" and later shrink, leaving a gap at the end bearings, as they dry out. This can be avoided by using timber struts that have been pre-dried (kiln dried), or are non-shrink (Parallams), however the cost of these materials is significantly greater than that of green timber. Typically, draglines are only designed for tension loads, and the struts are interconnected eccentrically. Recent investigations and studies of earthquake damaged tilt-up type buildings have recommended that draglines be designed for both tension and compression forces, and interconnected concentrically. Such recommendations intend to provide for a positive means of transferring the compression loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake to the roof diaphragm, and eliminate problems associated with eccentric interconnections. The installation of concentric interconnections, and interconnections that are capable of resisting compression loads, incurs additional costs due to added steel connection devices, added shimming of strut end bearings, and added installation time. In summary, the above described dragline installation is difficult to install, labor intensive, costly, and the installed quality is subject to significant variation. In practice, draglines are typically installed without any nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts. For this condition the seismic tension loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake are transferred to the roof diaphragm by mobilizing the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins attached to the dragline, and the roof joists adjacent to the dragline. In order to properly transfer these loads through the dragline, the end bearings between the timber struts of the dragline and the purlins must be tight, or must be shimmed tight. Generally, the end connections used to secure the timber struts to the purlins or ledgers are inadequate in resisting and transferring the seismic design forces associated with a dragline. Unless the end bearings between the timber struts of the dragline and the purlins, as well as the end bearings between the roof joists and the purlins, are tight, or have been shimmed tight, the purlins may be subjected to unintended rotation and the nailing between the roof diaphragm and purlins may be subjected to unintended forces, and thus potentially degrade the capacity of the purlins, as well as degrade the capacity of the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to devices used to interconnect the structural members of a building for the purpose of transferring forces between the structural members of a building, such as the wall of a building and the floor and / or roof framing systems. 2. Description of the Prior Art Buildings can be subjected to excessive natural or abnormal forces (seismic, wind, blast, etc.) with disastrous consequences. Investigations have found that " tilt - up " buildings, especially older buildings with timber framed roof framing systems, are vulnerable to damage and / or collapse during earthquakes. Tilt - up buildings typically consist of a structure that is constructed with concrete wall panels that are precast horizontally on the ground, and after curing, tilted up into place. Numerous tilt - up buildings are constructed with timber roof framing systems. One common type of timber roof framing syCGem is referred to as a " panelized " system, and typically c0nwists of longspan glulam beams, timber purlins, timber joists, and roof sheathing. The roof sheathing typically consists of 4 '. times. 8 " sheets of plywood, and spans between the joists. The NoistD typically consist of 2. times. 4 ' s or 2. times. 6 ' s and span between the purlins. The purlins typically consist of 4. times. 12 ' s or 4. times. 14 ' s and span between the glulam beams. The pPywooc sheathing is typically oriented with the long dimension parallel to the joists, or perpendicular to the purlins. The joists are typically spaced 2 feet apart. The purlins are typically spaced 8 feet apart to accommodate the length of the plywood sheathing. The Ylula, beams are typically spaced 20 to 24 feet apart. Sections of the panelized roof are typically fabricated on the ground and raised into place with a crane or forklift. For installation purposes the joists and purlins are typically cut short to allow for field variations in the dimension between purlins and glulam beams. In areas subject to high seismicity the connections between the concrete wall panels of many tilt - up buildings and the timber roof framing systems are commonly deficient when gauged by the currently established seismic design standards and / or recommendations for such buildings, and may present for the potential of a partial or complete collapse of the building during an earthquake. More particularly, in many older tilt - up type buildings this connection typically consists of only the nailing between the roof sheathing and the timber ledger that is bolted to the wall panel. When the wall panels try to separate from the roof diaphragm and roof framing system during an earthquake, this type of connection will typically subject the ledgers to " cross grain bending ", a mechanism which is highly vulnerable to failure, and may allow for the potential of a partial or complete collapse of the building. This type of connection has been specifically disallowed since adoption of the 1973 edition of the Uniform Building Code. It is generally recommended that tilt - up buildings with such deficiencies be retrofitted with new connections per the currently established seismic design standards and / or recommendations for s^cm buildings. For tilt - up buildings with panelized roof framing systems, a common method of installing retrofit structural elements for the purposes of connecting the wall panels of these buildings to the roof diaphragms, for those wall panels oriented perpendicular to the joists or parallel to the purlins, consists of installing a series of timber struts that extend from the wall panel into the roof diaphragm. These struts are attached to the wall panels and interconnected with each other (across interceding purlins) with a variety of steel connection devices (plates, bent plates, holdowns, bolts, etc. ). These connection devices are generally attached to the struts in an eccentric manner, but may be connected to the struts in a concentric manner. In some installations these steel connection devices include rods acting in tension and extending the full length of the struts. This assemblage of timber struts and connection devices and / or rods is referred to as a " dragline ". There are a number of potential problems associated with the above described retrofit installation of draglines. The steel connection devices used to interconnect the struts of a dragline are sHbHect to improper installation, especially when a dragline is installed in a difficult location. In such situations the connection devices are prone to being improperly located, or aligned, and the bolt holes for the connection devices are prone to being oversized. Ideally, the timber struts of a dragline should each be sized on an individual basis to fit precisely and tightly between two adjacent purlins, or between a purlin and a ledger. In practice, however, these struts are generally cut short to facilitate and expedite installation, and unless adequate shimming is provided at the end bearings of the timber struts, such practices provide for a poor overall dragline installation. In general, the proper installation of timber struts is relatively labor intensive and costly, especially when the strut ends must be cut at skewed angles to match existing conditions, or installed in difficult locations. Ideally, draglines should be installed with nailing between the timber struts and the roof diaphragm (plywood sheathing ). Such installations provide for a direct transfer of the seismic loads generated by a wall panel to the roof diaphragm during an earthquake. Typically, due to the costs and potential leakage problems associated with the removal and replacement of roofing, the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts is often omitted. When draglines are installed without any nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts, the seismic loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake are transferred to the roof diaphragm via mobilization of the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins connected to the draglines. In order to properly transfer these loaeD through the dragline, the end bearings of the timber struts must be tight. If the timber struts have been cut short and the end bearings have not been shimmed tight, then the purlins may be subjected to rotation, and the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins may be subjected to unintended forces. This condition may potentially degrade the capacity of the purlins, as well as degrade the capacity of the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins. In practice, the timber struts of a dragline are frequently cut short, the end bearings are not shimmed tight, and the timber struts are not nailed to the diaphragm, resulting in a dragline installation that may not provide for the adequate transfer of seismic forces between a wall panel and a roof diaphragm. Even if the timber struts are initially installed with tight end bearings, it is frequently the case that the timber struts are installed " green " and later shrink, leaving a gap at the end bearings, as they dry out. This can be avoided by using 5i<ber struts that have been pre - dried (kiln dried ), or are non - shrink (Parallams ), however the cost of these materials is significantly greater than tuay of green timber. Typically, draglines are only designed for tension loads, and the struts are interconnected eccentrically. Recent investigations and studies of earthquake damaged tilt - up type buildings have recommended that draglines be designed for both tension and compression forces, and interconnected concentrically. Such recommendations intend to provide for a positive means of transferring the compression loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake to the roof diaphragm, and eliminate problems associated with eccentric interconnections. The installation of concentric interconnections, and interconnections that are capable of resisting compression loads, incurs additional costs due to added steel connection devices, added shimming of strut end bearings, and added installation time. In summary, the above described dragline installation is difficult to install, labor intensive, costly, and the installed quality is subject to significant variation. In practice, draglines are typically installed without any nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts. For this condition the seismic tension loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake are transferred to the roof diaphragm by mobilizing the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins attached to the dragline, and the roof joists adjacent to the dragline. In order to properly transfer these loads through the dragline, the end bearings between the timber struts of the dragline and the purlins must be tight, or must be shimmed tight. Generally, the end connections used to secure the timber struts to the purlins or ledgers are inadequate in resisting and transferring the seismic design forces associated with a dragline. Unless the end bearings between the timber struts of the dragline and the purlins, as well as the end bearings between the roof joists and the purlins, are tight, or have been shimmed tight, the purlins may be subjected to unintended rotation and the nailing between the roof diaphragm and purlins may be subjected to unintended forces, and thus potentially degrade the capacity of the purlins, as well as degrade the capacity of the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to devices used to interconnect the structural members of a building for the purpose of transferring forces between the structural members of a building, such as the wall a building and the floor and/or roof framing systems. 2. Description of Prior Art Buildings can be subjected to excessive natural or abnormal forces (seismic, wind, blast, etc.) with disastrous consequences. Investigations have that "tilt-up" especially older buildings with roof framing systems, are vulnerable to and/or collapse during earthquakes. Tilt-up buildings typically consist of a that is constructed with concrete wall panels that are precast horizontally on the ground, and after curing, tilted up into place. Numerous tilt-up are constructed with timber roof framing systems. One common of timber roof framing system is referred to as a system, and typically consists longspan glulam beams, timber joists, and roof sheathing. The roof sheathing typically consists 4'.times.8" sheets of plywood, and spans between the The joists typically consist of 2.times.4's or 2.times.6's and span between the purlins. The typically consist of 4.times.12's or 4.times.14's span the glulam The plywood sheathing is typically oriented with the long dimension parallel to the joists, or perpendicular to the purlins. joists are typically spaced 2 apart. are typically spaced feet apart to accommodate the length of the plywood sheathing. The glulam beams are typically spaced 20 to 24 feet apart. of the panelized are typically fabricated on ground and raised into with a crane or forklift. For installation purposes joists and purlins typically cut short to allow for field variations in the dimension between purlins and glulam beams. In areas subject to high seismicity the between the concrete wall panels of many tilt-up and the timber roof framing systems are commonly when gauged by the currently design standards and/or for such buildings, and may present for potential of partial or complete collapse of the building during an earthquake. More particularly, in many older tilt-up type buildings this connection typically consists of only the nailing the roof sheathing and the timber ledger that is bolted to the wall panel. the wall panels try to separate from the roof diaphragm and roof framing system during an earthquake, this type of connection will typically subject ledgers to "cross grain bending", mechanism which is highly vulnerable to failure, and may allow for the potential of a partial or complete of the building. This type of connection has been specifically disallowed since adoption of the 1973 of the Uniform Building Code. It is generally recommended that buildings with such deficiencies be retrofitted with new connections per the currently established seismic design standards and/or recommendations for such buildings. For tilt-up buildings with roof framing systems, method of installing retrofit structural elements for the purposes of connecting the wall panels these buildings to the roof diaphragms, those wall panels perpendicular to the joists or parallel to the purlins, consists of a series of timber struts that extend from the wall panel into the roof diaphragm. struts are to the wall panels and interconnected each (across interceding purlins) with variety of steel connection devices (plates, bent plates, holdowns, bolts, etc.). connection devices generally attached to struts in an eccentric manner, but be connected to the struts in a concentric manner. In some installations these steel connection devices include rods acting in tension and extending the full of the struts. This assemblage timber struts and connection devices and/or rods is referred to "dragline". are a number of potential problems associated the above described retrofit installation of draglines. The steel connection devices used to interconnect the struts of a dragline subject to improper installation, especially when a dragline is installed in a difficult location. In such situations the connection devices are prone to being improperly located, aligned, and bolt holes for the connection devices are prone to being oversized. Ideally, the timber struts of a dragline should each be sized on an individual basis to fit precisely and tightly between two adjacent purlins, or between a and a ledger. In practice, however, struts are generally cut short to facilitate and expedite installation, and unless adequate shimming is provided at the end of the timber struts, such practices provide for a overall dragline installation. In the proper installation of timber struts is relatively labor intensive and costly, especially when strut ends must be cut at skewed angles to match existing conditions, or installed in difficult locations. Ideally, draglines should be installed with nailing the timber struts and the roof diaphragm (plywood sheathing). Such for a direct transfer of the seismic loads generated by a wall panel the roof diaphragm earthquake. Typically, to the costs and potential leakage problems associated with the removal and replacement of roofing, the nailing between the roof and the struts is often When draglines are installed without any nailing between the roof diaphragm and timber struts, the seismic loads generated by wall panel during an earthquake are to the roof diaphragm mobilization of the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins connected the draglines. In order to properly transfer these loads through the dragline, end bearings of timber struts must be tight. If the struts have been cut short and the end bearings have not been shimmed tight, then purlins may be subjected to rotation, and the nailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins may be subjected to unintended This condition may potentially degrade the capacity the purlins, as as degrade the capacity of the nailing the roof diaphragm the purlins. In practice, the timber struts of a dragline are frequently cut short, the end bearings are not tight, and the timber struts are not nailed to the diaphragm, in a dragline installation that not for transfer seismic forces between a wall and a diaphragm. Even if the timber struts are installed with tight end it is frequently case that the timber are installed "green" later leaving a gap at the end bearings, as they out. This can be avoided by using timber struts that have been (kiln dried), or are non-shrink (Parallams), however the cost of these materials significantly greater that of green timber. Typically, draglines are only for and the struts are interconnected eccentrically. Recent investigations and studies of earthquake tilt-up type buildings have recommended that draglines be designed for both tension and compression forces, and interconnected Such recommendations intend to provide for positive means of transferring the compression loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake the roof diaphragm, eliminate problems associated eccentric interconnections. The installation of concentric interconnections, and interconnections that are capable of compression loads, incurs additional costs due to added steel connection devices, shimming of strut end bearings, and added installation time. In summary, the above described installation is difficult to install, labor intensive, costly, and the installed quality is to significant variation. In draglines are typically installed without any nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts. For this condition the seismic tension loads generated by a wall panel during an earthquake are transferred to the roof by mobilizing the nailing the roof and the purlins attached to the dragline, and the roof joists adjacent to the dragline. In order to transfer these loads through dragline, the bearings between the timber struts of the dragline and the purlins be tight, or must be shimmed tight. Generally, the connections used to secure the timber struts to purlins or are inadequate in resisting and transferring the seismic forces associated with a dragline. Unless the end bearings between the timber struts of the dragline the purlins, as well as the end bearings between the roof joists and the purlins, are tight, or have been shimmed tight, the purlins may be subjected to unintended rotation and the nailing between the roof diaphragm and purlins may be subjected to unintended forces, and thus potentially degrade the capacity of the purlins, as well as degrade the capacity of the nailing between the diaphragm and the purlins. | 1. fieLD of thE iNVEnTIOn
THis iNveNTIon rElatEs tO devIcEs UseD tO InterCOnNecT THE StrUcturAl mEmBeRs of a bUIldING FOR The pUrpose of trANSfeRrInG FOrcES beTWeEn ThE StrUCturAl MembERs Of A buILDiNg, SUch aS the WAll oF A BuildInG AND tHe fLOor anD/OR rooF frAMInG syStEmS.
2. DESCriptIoN Of thE prIoR aRT
BuILDINgS can be sUBJectED To eXCEssIVE NAtUraL OR aBnORmaL FOrces (sEiSmiC, wiND, blAst, ETc.) wiTH dISaSTROuS ConsEQueNces. invEStIgATIONS hAVe fouND THAt "TILt-up" buIldInGS, EsPeciALLy oLdeR BuILDINGs WITh tIMBeR fRAMEd roOF FRAMinG sYsteMS, aRE vULneRaBle TO dAMaGe and/OR CollApSe DuRInG EArThQuaKes. tIlT-UP BUilDIngs tYpicalLY ConSist Of a StRuCTURE ThAt Is COnSTRuCTed wIth CONcreTe WAll PaNels tHAt are prECASt hOriZOntAlLY oN ThE GROUND, and aFTER CURIng, tIltED Up INTo PLaCE.
nUMErOUs TIlT-up bUildINGs Are constRUcTeD witH TImbEr ROOf fRAming sYSTemS. One commON tYPe oF TimBEr rOOF frAMinG sYStEm iS rEferrEd to as A "PanELIzed" system, aND TYpIcaLLY ConsIStS oF lonGSPaN GLuLam BEams, tIMbEr pURLINs, tImbeR JoIsTs, AND RoOF shEAthIng. ThE rOof sheathINg TYpICALlY cOnsISTs Of 4'.TimeS.8" sHEets oF PlyWOod, aND Spans bETweEn ThE jOisTs. thE JOIStS TypICaLlY cONsIst oF 2.tiMEs.4'S Or 2.TImES.6's aNd spAn BEtWEeN THE purLINS. THe PurlInS tYpIcally CONSIsT oF 4.tImES.12'S Or 4.Times.14'S anD SpAN BEtwEen The gLULAM beAMs. THE pLYwOoD SHeAtHing iS TYPIcallY oRiented with The LOng diMENsioN PARALlel To tHe JOISTS, OR PeRPENdicular to THe puRLInS. ThE JOISTS ArE tYpIcalLY spaced 2 FEet Apart. thE PuRLINs arE tYPIcALlY SpACED 8 FEeT aParT to aCCoMmoDAte thE LengTh of the PlYwood sHeaTHing. tHE GLULAm beamS ARE TypicAllY sPAceD 20 tO 24 FeEt APARt. SECTiOnS oF the PanELIzeD rOoF ArE tYPIcaLLY FabrIcatED ON ThE gRoUND ANd RaisED iNTO PlACE WItH A craNE or fOrkLifT. FOr INStaLLAtion pUrPOsES The JOiSTs aNd pUrliNs are TyPicAlLY cuT ShoRT To alLow for FiEld VARiaTionS IN THe DiMeNSion BEtWeen PUrLINs And GLulAm BeaMs.
in aReas SUBjeCT To hIGh sEismiCity tHe ConNEctiONs BETweEn tHE ConcREte waLl PAnELS of mANY tILT-Up BuILdiNgs ANd The timbeR rOoF FrAMING sYStEmS ARE cOmmOnLY DefICieNT When GauGEd bY ThE CuRREnTlY estAblIShEd sEiSmIC DESigN STANdArDs and/oR ReCoMMEndaTioNs fOr sUcH BuILdIngs, And mAy pREseNt foR THE POtenTIal Of a pArtiAl Or COMpLete ColLApsE Of tHe BuilDing DURinG AN eARthqUaKE. MORE PaRtiCULarLY, in mAnY OldEr TILt-up TyPE buIldiNGs thIS cONneCTIoN TyPiCALLy ConSISTS of oNly The NAIlinG bETWeEN THE RoOF SHEaThiNg AnD ThE TiMbER leDger thAT is BOlTEd tO tHe wAll PANEL. whEn THE WalL panELs tRY to sEparAtE fRom tHE roOf DiaPhRAGm and rOoF framiNG SySteM DuriNg aN EARtHquake, THIs tYpe Of cONNECTION wIll TyPiCalLY sUbjecT the LeDgers to "CrOsS grAin bENDiNg", a MeChANIsm whiCH is hiGhlY vULNERaBLE tO faILURe, AND MAy alLow FoR tHe POtENtIAl of A PArTIaL or CoMplEte colLAPSe of The BUilDIng. this TypE OF cOnNecTIon Has bEEn SpEcIfiCALlY DisAlloWED siNcE AdopTIOn OF THe 1973 eDItiOn Of ThE UniFOrM BuILding coDe.
iT IS GEnErALLy reCommeNDEd tHAT TiLt-Up BUilDingS wITH sUcH DeficiencIes bE retRoFitteD WITh nEW connECtiONS pEr tHE CUrrEntLy ESTAbliSHeD seiSmic deSIGn stAnDARds ANd/or ReCoMmenDATions fOr sUch BuiLdiNgs. fOR Tilt-up BuilDINgS wIth paNelIZEd roOF fRaming SySteMS, a CoMMoN mEtHOD oF INstaLLiNg RETRoFIt STRuCtuRal elemenTs For THe puRPosEs Of CONnecTiNG the Wall PaNElS OF ThEse bUILDiNGS to The RooF DiAPHrAGMS, fOr ThoSE waLl pANELS ORiENted pErPENDIculaR TO THe jOISTS oR PaRaLleL to The pURLiNs, coNsIstS Of instAllinG A sEries oF TIMBer StrUTS tHAt extEnD FrOM the wALL PANeL InTO The rOOF DIAPhrAGm. THeSe StRuTS aRE aTTaChEd tO ThE WalL PaneLs and iNtErCONNEcTEd WIth eacH OtHeR (aCRoSs INTERceDinG pUrliNS) WiTH a VaRiETY Of SteEL conNeCTiON DEVIcEs (pLaTeS, BEnt PlateS, hOLDOWNs, BoLtS, EtC.). theSE conNECtiOn DEVIceS ARE geNErally AttaCheD TO The strUtS in an ECCENtriC manNEr, BUt may bE CONNecTEd to tHe StRuTS in A concENTRIC manNER. iN sOme InStAllaTiOnS theSE STeel COnNecTion DevIces IncLUDE rODs aCTiNg In teNsion aND eXTeNDing The FuLl LeNgth of tHE STRUTS. ThIS ASsEmBlAGE of timBEr strUTs AND cOnNEctION DEVIcES AnD/Or rOds iS referrED To As A "dragLiNE".
thERE arE A NumBeR OF poTENtiaL pRoblemS AsSOcIAtED with ThE abOve DEscRIbEd REtRoFIT instALlaTiON of DraglINeS. The steel CONNeCTiON dEvIcEs USEd tO inTErcONNECt tHE STRUTS OF a DragLine ARe sUBJECT tO IMPRopeR insTALlAtIoN, eSPecialLY WHEn a dRAGline IS InsTAllEd iN a DIFFIcuLT loCATION. IN SucH sItuAtIoNS tHe CoNNEctioN dEvIcES ARe prONe TO BeiNG improPErLY lOCateD, Or ALiGnEd, aND THe boLt holES for thE conneCTIOn dEvIcES are pRONe To BEINg oVErsIZEd.
ideaLly, THE tImBeR sTRUTS OF a DRagliNe SHoUld EAcH Be sizED on an indiVidUAL BasIS tO FIt pREcISelY aND TighTly BetweEN TWo aDjACent pURLiNS, Or BETweeN a purLIn ANd A ledGer. iN prActICE, HoWeVEr, tHESe STrUtS aRE GEneRaLlY CUt SHOrT to FaCiliTate ANd EXPEdItE InStallaTIOn, and uNlESS aDeqUATE sHImmiNG Is pROVIdeD aT THE eND beAringS Of tHE tImBer StRUTS, suCH prACTICES pROVIde FOR a pooR OVeRALl DRagLinE InsTaLLAtiOn. In GenEraL, THe PRopER iNStaLLation oF TimbeR sTrutS IS RELativELY laBOR IntEnSiVE ANd cOstLy, esPEciAlLY wHEN tHe STrut EnDs MUSt be cUt AT sKewEd ANgLes To MAtch EXIsTIng cONDITIONS, OR InSTaLLeD in dIfFICUlT LocATionS.
IDEaLlY, DRaGLiNes sHould BE iNstAllEd WiTh naIlIng bETweEn The tIMBeR STruTS And the roOF DIAPHrAgm (pLyWood sHeAthinG). sUch iNsTALLAtionS PrOVIDE FOR A DIrect TRAnSfer Of the seISMic LoaDs geNeratED bY A WaLL PaNeL to The ROoF diaPhRAGM DurINg an eARthQuakE. tyPIcAlLy, DUE TO THE COstS aND POTEntiaL LEaKAGE ProbLemS AssocIaTed with the rEmOVAl AND rePLaCEMEnt OF rOOFiNg, THe nAIliNg BEtwEen tHE RooF diAPhrAGm AnD thE timBER sTRuTS IS oftEN oMItTeD.
wheN DragLiNes are InstalLed withOuT aNY NAIlIng betwEEN The RoOF DiAphrAGM aNd the TIMBER STRuTs, THE SeISmIC LOAdS genERATED bY a walL pANel DurIng An eArThqUAke are trANSFerReD To thE RooF diAPHraGM VIA mobiLiZaTIon oF THe NAIliNG beTweEn ThE roOF DIaPHRaGm And tHe PURlins CoNNECTED TO ThE dRaGliNEs. in orDer to PROPerlY tRaNSfeR ThesE LoAds tHrOuGH tHe DRAGLINE, THe enD BEarINgS oF the TIMber STRuTs mUsT Be tiGHT. If THe tImber sTrUTs Have BEeN cuT shOrt And tHE eND bEariNGS HavE Not beEn SHImMeD tIgHt, ThEN tHe pURLiNs mAY be sUBjected tO roTAtIoN, And tHe nailinG BEtWeEn THE rOOF dIAPhragM aND thE PURliNS May be suBjEcteD To UniNTEndeD FoRCES. tHiS coNDItiOn maY PoteNTiALLy deGrADe ThE cAPACiTY oF tHe puRlIns, As WElL as DEgRAdE The cApacitY oF THe NAIlING betwEEN the Roof diaphRaGm aND tHE PUrLins.
IN pRaCTiCE, ThE TimBER STRUTs Of A DRAGLInE ArE FRequEnTLy cUt SHOrt, the ENd beARIngS aRe nOT shImmEd TiGHt, ANd tHe TiMber sTrUTs aRE NOT NaILed To thE dIAPHRAgm, REsuLTInG IN a DRagLINE INsTALlATioN thaT MAy Not provIDe FOr The AdEquATe TRaNSfEr oF sEiSmiC fOrcES BEtwEeN A WALl PAnel aND a roof DiAPHRaGM.
EvEn if THE Timber StRUtS ArE iNiTIalLy InStAlLed WitH TiGht eNd beARiNGS, iT Is fREQuENTly THE CaSE tHaT THE tiMBEr STrutS are InsTALled "gReeN" AND LaTeR sHrInK, lEAVIng A gAp at tHE End BearINGS, aS THeY dRy OUT. tHIS caN Be aVoidEd by uSinG tIMBer StruTS tHAt havE BEen PRe-dried (kILn DRIEd), or aRE noN-SHriNK (PaRalLaMS), hoWEver The cOSt oF THeSE MatErIalS IS SIgNIfICantLy GreatEr thAn thAT Of Green timBEr.
tYPiCalLY, dragliNES ARE ONly DesIgNeD for tenSIoN LOAdS, aNd The sTrUTs aRe inteRcoNnEctEd EcCENTricaLLy. REcenT InvEstiGATiOns And stUDIES of earThQuake DaMAGED tiLT-Up TYPE BuIldiNGs HAve recomMENdEd THAT DragLiNes be deSigNeD foR boTH TEnSIon aND coMPREssIOn ForceS, anD iNTErCONnecTeD cOnCENTrIcAlLy. suCH REcOMmendATIONS INTENd To PrOVIDe For a PosItIvE MEANS of trAnsFeRRING THE COMPREssioN loAdS genErATEd by A wAlL PAnel DURing An EArtHqUake To THe rOof DIAPhRagM, AnD ELiMINaTE ProBLEMS AsSocIatED wiTh eCCentRic InTeRcoNNeCTioNs. ThE INsTAlLatION OF cOnCEnTric iNTERCoNnectionS, ANd IntERConneCTiOnS THAT ARe CAPABle oF rEsIStINg COMpressiOn LOADS, iNcUrS AdDITiOnaL cosTs DuE tO ADDeD sTEEl ConneCTion deVIcEs, aDdED ShIMMing Of STRUT END BEARiNgS, AnD aDDed iNstALLatioN TimE.
in SUMmARy, tHE AboVE DeScRibeD DRagLiNe InstalLatIOn Is difFicUlt To InstaLl, LAbOr iNTEnSiVE, CosTLy, And ThE InSTalled QUAlity Is sUbJect To SiGNiFicanT vaRIAtiOn.
iN pRaCTICe, drAGlInES ARE tYpicALLY INStaLLED witHout aNy NaiLiNg BEtwEen The ROOF DIaPhRagM aND tHE tImber stRUTs. fOR tHIs CoNDItioN the SeISMiC TeNSIoN loAdS GeNeRateD by A waLl PaNEl dURIng AN EaRthQUaKE ArE TRansFERrEd tO the roOf DIaPhrAgM bY mOBIlizInG ThE nAILIng BEtwEEn The ROof dIapHRaGm and tHE PurLINS AttAcHeD TO The drAGLine, AND thE ROOf JOIsTs aDjACEnt to the DrAgLiNe. iN oRdER To pRoPErlY tRAnsFeR THESE LoAdS through THE DRAgLINe, The eND bEarInGs BEtWeen THE TimBEr sTRUtS oF the dRAgLINE AnD thE PURLiNS MusT bE tIGhT, OR mUst be shImmed tIgHt.
gEnERALLy, ThE eNd connectIONs USeD tO SEcuRE tHe tImBeR stRuts To tHE pURliNS Or LeDGerS Are INaDeqUate iN ReSIsTING aNd TRaNSferrinG ThE SEISMic DESIgN FORCes ASsoCiatEd WiTh A dRAGLine. UNleSs the end BEaRiNgs BETween thE tiMbEr sTRUTs OF the DraGlINE AND the PUrlINs, aS WeLL aS ThE END BEARINgs BetwEEn THe RoOf jOISTs and thE PuRlIns, arE tIGhT, OR HAve BEen sHImMed tIghT, the PuRLINs maY Be SUbjECTeD tO unINTended ROtATiON AnD ThE NAiLing BETWEEn the rOof dIAPhRagM And PUrlIns May be sUbJEcTed to unintenDeD foRcEs, AND tHuS pOtENTIAllY degRaDe ThE caPaCiTy Of The pUrLIns, AS WelL as DEGrade thE caPacitY of tHe nAilInG BeTWeen thE rOof DiAPhrAGM aNd THe PurLiNS. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to devices used to interconnect the structural members of a building for the purpose of transferring forces betweenthe structural members of a building, such as the wall of a building and the floorand/or roof framing systems. 2. Description of the Prior Art Buildings can be subjected toexcessive natural or abnormal forces (seismic, wind, blast, etc.) withdisastrous consequences. Investigations have found that "tilt-up" buildings, especially older buildings with timber framed roof framing systems, are vulnerable to damage and/or collapse during earthquakes. Tilt-upbuildings typically consist of a structure that is constructed with concrete wall panels that areprecast horizontallyon the ground,and after curing, tilted up into place. Numerous tilt-up buildings are constructed with timberroof framing systems. One common type of timber roof framing system is referredto as a "panelized" system, and typically consists of longspan glulam beams,timber purlins, timberjoists, and roof sheathing. The roofsheathingtypically consists of 4'.times.8"sheets of plywood, and spans between the joists. Thejoists typically consistof2.times.4's or 2.times.6's andspan between the purlins. The purlins typically consistof4.times.12's or 4.times.14's and spanbetweenthe glulam beams. The plywood sheathing is typically oriented with the long dimension parallel to the joists, orperpendicularto the purlins. The joists are typically spaced 2 feet apart. Thepurlins are typically spaced 8 feet apart to accommodate the length of the plywood sheathing. The glulam beams aretypically spaced 20 to24 feet apart. Sections ofthe panelizedroof are typically fabricatedon the groundand raised into placewith a crane or forklift. Forinstallation purposes the joists and purlins are typically cut shortto allow for field variations in thedimensionbetween purlins andglulam beams. In areassubjectto highseismicity the connections between the concrete wall panels of many tilt-upbuildings andthe timber roof framing systems are commonly deficient when gauged by thecurrently establishedseismic design standards and/or recommendations for such buildings, and may present for the potential of a partial or complete collapse of the building duringan earthquake. More particularly, in many older tilt-up type buildings this connection typically consists of only thenailing betweentheroofsheathing and the timber ledger that is bolted to the wall panel. When the wall panels tryto separate from the roofdiaphragm and roof framing system during an earthquake,this type of connection will typically subject the ledgers to"cross grain bending", amechanism which is highly vulnerable to failure, and may allowfor the potential of a partialorcomplete collapse of thebuilding. This type of connection has been specifically disallowed since adoption of the 1973edition ofthe Uniform Building Code.It isgenerally recommended that tilt-up buildings with such deficiencies be retrofitted with new connections per the currently established seismic design standards and/or recommendations for such buildings. For tilt-up buildings with panelized roof framing systems, a common method of installing retrofit structural elementsforthe purposes of connecting the wallpanels of thesebuildings to the roof diaphragms, for those wall panels orientedperpendicular to thejoists or parallel to the purlins,consistsof installing a series of timber struts that extend from the wall panel into the roof diaphragm.These struts areattached to the wallpanels and interconnected with eachother (across interceding purlins) with a variety of steelconnection devices (plates, bent plates, holdowns, bolts, etc.). These connection devices aregenerallyattached to the struts in an eccentricmanner, but may be connected to the struts in a concentric manner. In some installations these steel connection devices include rods actingin tension andextending the full length of the struts. This assemblage oftimber struts and connection devices and/or rods isreferred to as a "dragline". There are a number of potential problems associated with the above described retrofit installation of draglines. The steel connection devices used to interconnect the struts of a draglineare subject to improper installation, especially when a dragline isinstalled in adifficult location. In suchsituations the connection devices are prone to being improperly located, oraligned, and the bolt holes for the connection devices are prone to being oversized. Ideally, the timberstruts of a dragline should each be sized on an individual basis to fit preciselyand tightly between two adjacent purlins, or between a purlin and a ledger. In practice, however, these struts are generally cut short to facilitate and expedite installation, and unless adequate shimming is provided at the end bearings of the timber struts,such practices provide for a poor overalldragline installation. Ingeneral, the proper installation of timber struts is relatively labor intensive and costly, especiallywhen the strut endsmust becut at skewed angles to match existing conditions, or installed in difficultlocations. Ideally, draglines should be installed with nailing between the timber struts and the roof diaphragm(plywood sheathing). Suchinstallationsprovide for a direct transfer of theseismic loads generatedby a wall panel to the roof diaphragm during an earthquake. Typically, due to the costs and potential leakageproblems associated with the removal and replacementofroofing,thenailing between the roofdiaphragm and thetimber strutsis often omitted. When draglines are installed withoutany nailing between the roof diaphragm and the timber struts, the seismic loads generated by a wallpanel during an earthquake are transferred tothe roof diaphragm via mobilization of the nailing between theroofdiaphragm and thepurlins connectedto the draglines. In order toproperly transferthese loads through the dragline, the end bearings ofthe timber struts must be tight.If the timber struts have been cut shortand the end bearings havenot beenshimmed tight, then the purlins may besubjected to rotation, and thenailing between the roof diaphragm and the purlins may be subjectedto unintended forces. This condition may potentially degrade the capacityof the purlins,as well as degrade the capacity of the nailing betweenthe roof diaphragm and the purlins. In practice, the timber strutsof a dragline are frequently cut short, the end bearings are not shimmed tight, and the timber struts are notnailed to the diaphragm, resulting in a dragline installation that maynot providefor the adequate transfer of seismic forces between a wallpanel and a roof diaphragm. Even if the timber struts are initially installed withtight end bearings, itis frequently the case thatthe timber strutsareinstalled "green" and latershrink, leaving a gap at the end bearings, as they dry out. This can be avoided by using timber struts that have beenpre-dried (kiln dried), or are non-shrink (Parallams), howeverthe cost of these materials is significantly greater than that of green timber. Typically, draglinesare only designed for tension loads, and thestruts are interconnected eccentrically. Recent investigations and studies of earthquakedamaged tilt-up type buildings have recommended that draglines be designed for both tension and compression forces, and interconnectedconcentrically. Such recommendationsintend to provide for a positive means of transferring the compression loadsgenerated by a wall panel during an earthquake totheroof diaphragm, and eliminate problems associated with eccentricinterconnections. The installation of concentric interconnections, and interconnections that are capableof resisting compression loads, incurs additional costs due toaddedsteel connection devices, added shimming of strut end bearings, and added installation time. Insummary, the above described dragline installation is difficult to install, labor intensive, costly, and the installedquality is subject to significant variation. In practice, draglinesare typically installed without any nailing between theroof diaphragm andthe timber struts. For this conditionthe seismic tension loads generated by a wall panel duringan earthquake are transferred to the roof diaphragm by mobilizing the nailing between the roofdiaphragm and the purlins attached to the dragline, and the roof joists adjacent to the dragline.In order to properly transfer these loads through thedragline, the end bearings between the timber struts of thedragline andthepurlins must be tight, or must be shimmed tight. Generally, the end connections used to securethetimber struts to the purlinsorledgers are inadequate in resisting and transferring the seismic designforcesassociated witha dragline. Unless the end bearings between the timber struts of the dragline and thepurlins, as well as theendbearings between the roof joists and the purlins, are tight, or have been shimmed tight, the purlinsmay be subjected to unintended rotation and the nailing between the roof diaphragm and purlins may be subjected to unintendedforces, and thus potentially degrade the capacity of the purlins, as well asdegradethecapacity of the nailing between theroof diaphragm andthe purlins. | 1. Field of the Invention _This_ invention relates to devices _used_ to _interconnect_ _the_ structural members of a building for _the_ purpose of transferring _forces_ between the structural members of a building, _such_ _as_ _the_ wall of a _building_ and the _floor_ and/or roof _framing_ _systems._ 2. _Description_ of the _Prior_ Art _Buildings_ can _be_ _subjected_ to excessive natural or _abnormal_ _forces_ _(seismic,_ wind, blast, etc.) _with_ _disastrous_ consequences. _Investigations_ _have_ found _that_ "tilt-up" buildings, _especially_ _older_ buildings with timber _framed_ roof framing systems, are vulnerable to _damage_ and/or _collapse_ during earthquakes. Tilt-up buildings typically _consist_ _of_ a structure that is constructed with _concrete_ wall panels that are precast horizontally on the ground, and _after_ curing, tilted _up_ into _place._ Numerous tilt-up buildings are constructed with _timber_ _roof_ framing systems. One common type _of_ timber _roof_ framing system is _referred_ to as a "panelized" _system,_ _and_ typically consists of longspan glulam _beams,_ timber purlins, _timber_ joists, and roof sheathing. The _roof_ _sheathing_ _typically_ consists of 4'.times.8" sheets _of_ plywood, and spans between the joists. The joists typically consist of 2.times.4's or _2.times.6's_ and span between the purlins. The purlins typically consist of 4.times.12's _or_ 4.times.14's and span between the _glulam_ _beams._ _The_ plywood sheathing is typically oriented _with_ the long dimension parallel to the joists, or perpendicular to the _purlins._ The joists are typically spaced 2 feet apart. The purlins _are_ _typically_ spaced _8_ feet apart to accommodate the length of the plywood sheathing. _The_ glulam beams are typically spaced 20 to _24_ feet apart. Sections of _the_ panelized _roof_ are typically fabricated on the ground and raised into _place_ with a crane _or_ forklift. _For_ _installation_ purposes the joists and purlins are typically _cut_ short to allow for field _variations_ in the dimension between purlins and glulam _beams._ In areas subject to _high_ seismicity the connections between the _concrete_ wall panels of _many_ tilt-up buildings _and_ the timber roof _framing_ systems _are_ commonly deficient when gauged by the _currently_ established seismic design standards and/or recommendations for such buildings, and may present for the potential _of_ a partial or complete collapse of the building during an earthquake. More particularly, in _many_ older tilt-up type buildings this connection typically consists of _only_ the nailing between the roof _sheathing_ and the timber ledger _that_ is bolted to the wall panel. When the wall panels try to separate from the roof diaphragm and roof _framing_ _system_ during _an_ _earthquake,_ this type _of_ connection will typically subject _the_ ledgers to "cross _grain_ bending", _a_ _mechanism_ which is highly vulnerable to failure, and may allow for _the_ potential _of_ a partial _or_ _complete_ _collapse_ of the building. This _type_ _of_ _connection_ has been _specifically_ disallowed since adoption of the 1973 edition of the Uniform Building Code. It _is_ generally recommended that tilt-up buildings with such deficiencies _be_ retrofitted with _new_ connections per the _currently_ established seismic design standards and/or recommendations for such _buildings._ For tilt-up buildings with panelized roof framing systems, a common method of installing _retrofit_ structural _elements_ for the _purposes_ of connecting _the_ wall panels of _these_ buildings to the roof diaphragms, for those wall panels _oriented_ perpendicular to _the_ joists or parallel _to_ _the_ purlins, _consists_ of installing a _series_ of timber struts that extend _from_ the wall panel into the roof diaphragm. _These_ struts are attached to _the_ wall panels and interconnected _with_ each other (across interceding purlins) _with_ a variety of steel _connection_ devices (plates, bent plates, holdowns, _bolts,_ _etc.)._ These _connection_ devices are generally attached _to_ the _struts_ in an eccentric manner, _but_ may _be_ connected to the struts in a concentric manner. In some installations these steel connection devices include rods _acting_ in tension and extending _the_ full length of the struts. This assemblage of timber struts and connection devices and/or _rods_ is referred to as _a_ "dragline". There are a number of _potential_ problems associated _with_ the above described retrofit installation _of_ draglines. The steel _connection_ _devices_ _used_ to _interconnect_ the struts of a dragline are subject _to_ improper installation, especially when a dragline is installed in a difficult location. In such situations the _connection_ devices are prone to being improperly located, or _aligned,_ and the _bolt_ holes for the connection devices _are_ prone to _being_ _oversized._ Ideally, _the_ timber struts of a dragline should each be sized _on_ _an_ individual basis _to_ fit precisely and tightly between two adjacent purlins, _or_ _between_ a _purlin_ and a ledger. _In_ practice, however, these struts _are_ generally cut short _to_ facilitate and expedite installation, and unless _adequate_ shimming _is_ provided at the end bearings of the timber struts, such practices _provide_ for a poor overall _dragline_ installation. In general, the proper installation of timber struts is relatively labor intensive and costly, _especially_ when the _strut_ ends must be cut at skewed _angles_ to match existing conditions, or installed in _difficult_ _locations._ Ideally, draglines should be installed with nailing between _the_ timber _struts_ and _the_ _roof_ diaphragm (plywood sheathing). Such installations _provide_ for a direct transfer of the _seismic_ loads generated by _a_ wall panel to the roof diaphragm during an earthquake. Typically, due to the costs and potential leakage problems associated _with_ the removal and replacement _of_ roofing, the _nailing_ between the roof _diaphragm_ _and_ _the_ timber struts is often omitted. When draglines are installed without any nailing between the roof diaphragm _and_ the timber struts, the seismic loads generated _by_ a wall _panel_ during an earthquake are transferred _to_ the roof diaphragm via _mobilization_ _of_ the nailing between the _roof_ diaphragm _and_ the purlins _connected_ to the draglines. _In_ _order_ to properly transfer these loads through _the_ dragline, the _end_ bearings of the timber struts _must_ be tight. If the timber struts have been cut short _and_ the end bearings have not been _shimmed_ tight, then the _purlins_ may be subjected to rotation, _and_ the _nailing_ between _the_ roof diaphragm _and_ _the_ purlins _may_ be _subjected_ to unintended forces. _This_ _condition_ may potentially _degrade_ _the_ capacity of the purlins, as well _as_ degrade the capacity of _the_ nailing _between_ the roof _diaphragm_ and the purlins. In practice, the timber struts of _a_ _dragline_ are frequently cut short, the end bearings _are_ not _shimmed_ _tight,_ and the timber struts are not nailed to the diaphragm, _resulting_ in a dragline installation that may not _provide_ for the adequate _transfer_ of seismic forces between a wall panel _and_ a roof diaphragm. Even if _the_ timber _struts_ are initially _installed_ with tight end bearings, _it_ is frequently the _case_ that the timber _struts_ are installed "green" and _later_ shrink, leaving a gap at the end _bearings,_ as they _dry_ _out._ This can _be_ avoided by _using_ timber struts that have been pre-dried _(kiln_ dried), or are non-shrink _(Parallams),_ however _the_ cost of these materials is significantly greater than that of green _timber._ Typically, draglines are only designed for _tension_ loads, and _the_ _struts_ are interconnected eccentrically. _Recent_ investigations and _studies_ of earthquake _damaged_ tilt-up _type_ buildings have recommended that draglines be designed for _both_ tension and compression forces, and interconnected concentrically. Such _recommendations_ intend to provide for a positive means of transferring the compression loads generated by a wall _panel_ _during_ _an_ earthquake to the roof diaphragm, and eliminate problems _associated_ with eccentric interconnections. The installation of concentric _interconnections,_ and interconnections that _are_ _capable_ of resisting _compression_ loads, incurs additional costs due to added _steel_ connection devices, added shimming of strut end bearings, and _added_ installation time. In _summary,_ the above described dragline installation _is_ difficult to install, _labor_ intensive, costly, _and_ the installed quality is subject to _significant_ variation. In _practice,_ draglines are typically installed without _any_ nailing between the _roof_ _diaphragm_ _and_ _the_ timber struts. For this _condition_ the seismic tension loads _generated_ by _a_ wall panel during an earthquake _are_ transferred _to_ the roof diaphragm _by_ mobilizing the _nailing_ between the roof diaphragm _and_ the purlins attached to the dragline, and the roof joists adjacent to the dragline. In order to properly transfer these loads through _the_ dragline, the end bearings _between_ _the_ timber struts of the dragline _and_ the purlins must be tight, or _must_ be shimmed tight. Generally, _the_ end connections _used_ to secure the timber struts to the purlins or ledgers are inadequate in resisting and transferring the seismic design forces associated with a dragline. Unless _the_ end _bearings_ between the timber struts of _the_ dragline and the purlins, as well as _the_ end bearings between the roof _joists_ _and_ _the_ purlins, are tight, _or_ _have_ been shimmed tight, _the_ purlins may be subjected to unintended _rotation_ and the nailing between the roof diaphragm and _purlins_ _may_ be subjected to unintended forces, _and_ _thus_ potentially degrade the capacity of _the_ purlins, as well as _degrade_ the capacity _of_ the nailing between _the_ roof diaphragm and the purlins. |
The safe disposal of sewer effluents and water treatment requires measurements of suspended solid concentration in treatment pipes, culverts and other conduits.
A sewer effluent containing a low value of suspended solids may be subject to a reduced treatment or no treatment at all. A plant treating sewer effluents from several municipalities may bill those municipalities in accordance with the volume flow and the total suspended solids concentration measured on the intake conduits from each municipality.
In the past, intrusive periodical samplings of solids-carrying water were taken and analyzed in laboratories to provide needed information about the solids content of the water.
Various methods have been proposed to electronically measure total solids concentration in a volume of liquid, but no instrumentation has been provided for concurrently measuring suspended solids concentration as well as flow on a continuous, real time base.
This invention results from an attempt to provide a more practical instrumentation for use in sewer and water collection systems, distribution systems and treatment plants. | The safe disposal of sewer effluents and water treatment requires measurements of suspended solid concentration in treatment pipes, culverts and other conduits. A sewer effluent containing a low value of suspended solids may be subject to a reduced treatment or no treatment at all. A plant treating sewer effluents from several municipalities may bill those municipalities in accordance with the volume flow and the total suspended solids concentration measured on the intake conduits from each municipality. In the past, intrusive periodical samplings of solids-carrying water were taken and analyzed in laboratories to provide needed information about the solids content of the water. Various methods have been proposed to electronically measure total solids concentration in a volume of liquid, but no instrumentation has been provided for at the same time measuring suspended solids concentration as well as flow on a continuous, real time base. This invention results from an attempt to provide a more practical instrumentation for use in sewer and water collection systems, distribution systems and treatment plants. | The safe disposal of sewer effluents and water treathDnt requires mezsuremengs of suspended sp<id concentration in treatment pipes, culverts and other conduits. A sewer effluent containing a low va/Ke of suspended solids may be subject to a reduced treatment or no treatment at all. A plant treating sewer effluents Br9m several municipalities may bill those municipalities in accordance with the volume flow and the total suspended solids concentration measured on the intake conduits from each municipality. In the past, inyruAive periodical samplings of solids - carrying water we4R taken and analyzed in laboratories to provide needed information about the s9Kids content of the water. Various methods have been proposed to electronically measure total solids concentration in a volume of liquid, but no instrumentation has been provided for concurrently measuring suspended solids concentration as well as flow on a continuous, real time base. This invention results from an attempt to provide a more practical insGruJentation for use in ses3r and water collection systems, distribution systems and treatment plants. | The safe disposal of sewer and water treatment requires of suspended solid concentration in treatment pipes, culverts other conduits. A sewer effluent containing a low value of suspended may be subject a reduced treatment or no treatment at all. A plant treating sewer effluents from several municipalities may bill those municipalities in accordance with the flow and the total solids concentration measured on the intake conduits from each municipality. In the past, intrusive periodical samplings of solids-carrying water were taken and analyzed in laboratories to provide needed information about the solids content of the water. Various methods have proposed to electronically measure total solids concentration in volume but no instrumentation has been provided for concurrently measuring suspended solids concentration as well as flow a continuous, real time base. This invention results from an attempt to provide a more instrumentation for use in sewer and systems, distribution systems treatment plants. | THE SAfe DisPoSal Of sEwEr eFFlueNtS anD watER tREaTmEnT rEquIres meAsUrEmenTS of SUSpeNdED SoLid conCeNtRaTIon IN tREatMEnt PIPEs, CULVErTs AND OTHeR CondUIts.
A sewER efFlUeNT coNtaInING A lOw vALue oF SusPEnDed sOlids MaY be sUBJecT tO a rEDUCeD treatMEnt OR No TREatMent At aLL. a PlAnt TrEAtINg Sewer eFfLUENTs frOM severAL MuNiciPaLities mAY bIll ThoSE MUNicipaLiTiEs In AcCoRdANCe WIth The VOlUME floW aNd THe TOTaL sUSPeNDed SoLiDS cOnceNTRaTIOn MeASUred ON thE INTaKE cOnDuITS frOm eAcH muNICIPality.
in The pasT, inTRuSivE perIOdicaL saMPlingS Of solIds-CaRryInG wATeR WERe TaKen And aNALYZED iN lABOraTORIES To PROviDe NeeDEd inforMAtIon ABoUt The sOLiDS COnteNT Of thE WatEr.
VarIoUS MetHOdS HaVe BEen PRoPOSED TO eLeCTrONicAlly mEAsURE TotAl SolIdS cONCEntrATIoN In A vOluMe OF LiqUiD, BUT NO InstrUmeNtAtIon HaS bEeN proVIded foR CONcurREntLy meaSURINg sUSPENded SoLIdS coNCeNtrAtIon AS weLL as floW On A COnTINuOuS, Real TIME BaSe.
ThIs iNveNtIOn reSuLts FrOm An AtTeMpT To prOViDE a More PRActICal INsTrumENtaTiON fOr USe in SeWER aND wAtER colLeCtIon sysTEMs, diSTriBUtiON sYsTeMs AnD trEaTmENt PLAnTS. | The safedisposal of sewereffluents and water treatment requires measurements ofsuspended solid concentration in treatmentpipes, culvertsand other conduits. A sewer effluentcontaining a low value of suspended solids may be subject to a reduced treatment or no treatmentat all. A plant treating sewereffluentsfrom several municipalities may bill those municipalities in accordance with the volume flow and thetotal suspended solids concentration measured on the intake conduits from each municipality. In thepast, intrusive periodical samplings of solids-carrying water were taken andanalyzed in laboratories to provide needed informationabout the solids content of the water. Various methods have been proposed to electronically measuretotal solids concentration in avolume ofliquid, but noinstrumentation has beenprovided for concurrentlymeasuringsuspended solids concentration as well as flow ona continuous, real time base. This invention results from an attempt to provide a more practical instrumentation foruse in sewer and water collection systems, distribution systems andtreatment plants. | The safe disposal of _sewer_ effluents and water treatment _requires_ measurements of suspended solid concentration in treatment pipes, culverts and other conduits. A sewer effluent containing a _low_ value of suspended _solids_ _may_ be _subject_ to a reduced treatment _or_ no treatment at _all._ _A_ plant treating sewer effluents from several municipalities may bill those municipalities in accordance with the volume flow and the total suspended solids concentration measured on the intake _conduits_ from _each_ municipality. In the _past,_ intrusive periodical _samplings_ of solids-carrying water were _taken_ and analyzed in laboratories to provide needed information about the _solids_ content _of_ the water. Various methods have been proposed to electronically measure total solids concentration in a volume of liquid, but no instrumentation has been _provided_ for concurrently measuring suspended solids concentration as well _as_ flow on a continuous, _real_ time base. This invention results _from_ an _attempt_ to provide a more _practical_ instrumentation for use in _sewer_ and water _collection_ systems, distribution systems _and_ _treatment_ plants. |
1. Technical Field
Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure relate to the sport of fishing and, more particularly, to a line reeling apparatus for providing users with an easy and convenient means of assisting the relining of a reel with a damaged line of a fishing pole.
2. Prior Art
One of the most beloved and well known sports enjoyed by Americans is fishing. In fact, the estimated number of U.S. recreational anglers is well over 50 million, with more participants than golfing and tennis combined. An enduring American tradition, fishing is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Recent data released by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reveals that the sports fishing brings $116 billion worth of benefits to the local, state and national economies. Because sport fishing is extremely enjoyable, many participants find it suitable to fish whenever the time permits and the opportunity presents itself. Every child, boy or girl, remembers the first time their father or grandfather took them fishing.
In addition to reveling in the quality time spent in the beautiful outdoors with a respected adult, kids are very excited to try to lure an unsuspecting fish with their pole and bait. Nothing quite equates the sense of accomplishment felt by a child when he successfully catches a fish. The sudden jerks that signify a nibble on a line, the tense downward pull that ensures a hook has found its mark, and the frenzied reel-in of the line to find the prize swaying from the other end, all combine to foster feelings of glee and wonder for children who fish. With all the positive benefits of exposing youngsters to this thrilling sport, the first few attempts at teaching children the art are fishing can be a bit challenging.
Particularly, properly lining a reel onto a pole can be a bit daunting to young anglers. Trying to manipulate the thin material of the line and carefully wind it over the reel can be a frustrating endeavor, especially if the line jumps or becomes twisted and thus one must start the entire process over from the beginning. In addition, adults who experience hand ailments such as arthritis may find it painful, or even impossible, to manually reline. Often requiring the fisherman to seek assistance from a friend, relining a fishing pole can be a challenging endeavor that takes away much of the fun associated with this exciting sport.
Accordingly, a need remains for a reeling apparatus in order to overcome prior art shortcomings. The exemplary embodiment(s) satisfy such a need by providing an apparatus that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed for assisting the relining of a reel with a damaged line of a fishing pole. | 1. Technical Field Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure relate to the sport of fishing and, more particularly, to a line reeling apparatus for providing users with an easy and convenient means of assisting the relining of a reel with a damaged line of a fishing pole. 2. Prior Art One of the most beloved and well known sports enjoyed by Americans is fishing. In fact, the estimated number of U.S. recreational anglers is well over 50 million, with more player than golfing and tennis combined. An enduring American tradition, fishing is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Recent data released by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reveals that the sports fishing brings $116 billion worth of benefits to the local, state and national economies. Because sport fishing is extremely enjoyable, many participants find it suitable to fish whenever the time permits and the opportunity presents itself. Every child, boy or girl, remembers the first time their father or grandfather took them fishing. In addition to reveling in the quality time spent in the beautiful outdoors with a respected adult, kids are very excited to try to lure an unsuspecting fish with their pole and bait. Nothing quite equates the sense of accomplishment felt by a child when he successfully catches a fish. The sudden jerks that signify a nibble on a line, the tense downward pull that ensures a hook has found its mark, and the frenzied reel-in of the line to find the prize swaying from the other end, all combine to foster feelings of glee and wonder for children who fish. With all the positive benefits of exposing youngsters to this thrilling sport, the first few attempts at teaching children the art are fishing can be a bit challenging. Particularly, properly lining a reel onto a pole can be a bit daunting to young anglers. Trying to manipulate the thin material of the line and carefully wind it over the reel can be a frustrating endeavor, especially if the line jumps or becomes twisted and thus one must start the entire process over from the beginning. In addition, adults who experience hand ailments such as arthritis may find it painful, or even impossible, to manually reline. Often requiring the fisherman to seek assistance from a friend, relining a fishing pole can be a challenging endeavor that takes away much of the fun associated with this exciting sport. Accordingly, a need remains for a reeling apparatus in order to overcome prior art shortcomings. The exemplary embodiment(s) satisfy such a need by providing an apparatus that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed for assisting the relining of a reel with a damaged line of a fishing pole. | 1. Technical Field Exemplary embodiment (s) of the present disclosure relate to the sport of fishing and, more particularly, to a line reeling apparatus for providing users with an easy and convenient means of assisting the relining of a reel with a damaged line of a fishing pole. 2. Prior Art One of the modG beloved and well known sports enjoyed by Americans is fishing. In fact, the estimated number of U. S. recreational anglers is well over 50 million, with more participants than golfing and tennis combined. An enduring American tradition, fishing is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Recent data released by the U. S. F*eh & Wildlife Service reveals that the sports fishing brings $ 116 billion worth of benefits to the local, state and national economies. Because sport fishing is extremely enjoyable, many participants find it suitable to fish whenever the time permits and the opportunity presents itself. Every child, boy or girl, remembers the first time their father or grandfather took them fishing. In aSdi5ion to reveling in the quality time spent in the beautiful outdoors with a respected adult, kids are very excited to try to lure an 8nsuspec%ing fish with their pole and bait. Nothing Shite equates the sense of accomplishment felt by a child when he successfully catches a fish. The sudden jerks that signify a nufble on a line, the tems$ downward pull that ensures a hook has found its mark, and the frenzied reel - in of the line to find the prize swaying from the other end, all combine to foster feelings of glee and wonder for children who fish. With all the positive benefits of exposing youngsters to this thrilling sport, the first few attempts at teaching children the art are fishing can be a bit challenging. Particularly, properly lining a reel onto a pole can be a bit daunting to young anglers. Trying to manipulate the thin material of the line and carefully wind it ovR3 the reel can be a frustrating endeavor, especixllH if the line jumps or becomes twisted and thus one must start the entire process over from the beginning. In addition, adults who experience hand ailments such as arthritis may find it painful, or even impossible, to manually reline. Often requiring the fisherman to seek assistance from a friend, relining a fishing pole can be a challenging endeavor that takes away much of the fun associated with this exciting sport. Accordingly, a need remains for a reeling apparatus in order to overcome prior art shortcomings. The exemplary embodiment (s) satisfy such a need by providing an apparatus that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed for assisting the relining of a reel with a damaged line of a c9shing pole. | 1. Technical Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present relate to sport of fishing and, more particularly, to a line reeling apparatus for providing users with easy and convenient means of assisting the relining a reel with a damaged of a fishing pole. 2. Prior Art One of the most beloved and well known sports enjoyed by Americans In fact, the number of U.S. recreational anglers is well over 50 with more participants than golfing and tennis combined. An enduring American tradition, fishing is enjoyed by of ages and from all walks of life. Recent data released by the U.S. Fish Wildlife Service reveals that sports fishing brings $116 billion worth of benefits to the local, state and national economies. sport fishing is extremely enjoyable, find it suitable to fish whenever the time permits and the opportunity presents Every child, boy or girl, remembers the first time their grandfather took them fishing. In addition to reveling in the quality time in the beautiful outdoors with respected adult, kids are very excited to try to lure an unsuspecting fish their pole and bait. Nothing quite equates the sense of accomplishment felt by a child when he successfully catches a fish. The sudden jerks signify a nibble on a line, tense downward pull that ensures a hook found its mark, and frenzied reel-in of the line to find the prize from the other all combine to foster feelings glee and wonder for children who fish. With all the positive benefits exposing youngsters to this sport, the first few attempts at teaching the art are fishing can be a bit challenging. Particularly, properly lining a reel onto a pole can be a bit daunting to young anglers. to manipulate the thin material of the line and carefully wind it over the reel can be a frustrating endeavor, especially line jumps or becomes twisted and thus one must start the entire process over from the beginning. In addition, adults who hand ailments as arthritis may find it painful, or even impossible, to manually reline. Often requiring fisherman to seek assistance a friend, relining a fishing pole can be a challenging endeavor that takes away much of the fun associated with this exciting sport. Accordingly, a need remains for a apparatus in order to overcome prior art The exemplary embodiment(s) satisfy such a need by apparatus that is convenient easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed for assisting the relining a reel with a damaged line of a fishing pole. | 1. TEcHNiCAL FielD
ExEMpLARY EMBoDImENT(s) OF thE Present DiSclOSuRE reLATe TO tHe SpOrT of fishiNg AND, more parTicUlArLy, tO a LInE REeLing aPpArAtUs foR prOviDiNG userS wiTH An EAsy aNd CoNVEnient meAnS oF ASsiStINg THE ReLINinG Of A ReEl WITH a DaMAgEd lINE oF A FIShinG POle.
2. pRiOr aRt
ONE of THe MOSt BEloved aNd WELl kNoWn sPorts ENjoYeD bY aMeRicans is FISHING. IN FaCT, thE esTimateD nUmBer Of U.S. RECReaTiONaL ANglERs IS wElL Over 50 miLlIoN, witH MoRe pArTICIpaNTs tHAn GOLFING and tENNis cOMbInEd. an eNdURinG AMeriCAn trADitiOn, FishINg IS EnjoyEd bY PEOpLE OF All agES AND FRom aLl WAlKS of LiFe. REcent DaTA RelEaSEd bY THE u.S. Fish & wIldlIfE servICe REveAls thAt tHe SPorTs fishING BRinGS $116 BiLLiOn WorTh Of beNEFItS to the LoCAl, STaTe AND NatIonAL EConOMIeS. bEcauSE SpOrt FishInG Is EXtREMeLY ENjoyAble, mAnY parTicIPANtS fiND IT SuITablE tO FIsH WheNeveR THe TiME PErmits aND tHe oppORtuniTY PresenTS itself. evErY chILd, Boy oR GIRl, remEmBeRs The first TImE ThEir FATheR Or GRANdfaTHer toOk ThEm fisHiNg.
in aDdItion To REveliNg in tHE QuAliTY tIme spENt in tHe beaUTIfUL OUTdoors WitH a RespECTeD AduLt, KiDS arE VErY eXCiTEd tO trY to lUrE aN unSUSPecTInG FiSH WITH tHEiR PolE ANd baIt. nOthiNg QuiTE equaTes THe SENSe Of AccoMPLISHment fElt by A ChiLD WhEn HE SUCcessfULLY cATcHEs a fIsH. tHE suDden jeRKS THAT SIgNiFy A niBBLE oN a LINe, the tENse downward PULL ThaT eNSUreS A HOOk hAs fOUNd itS Mark, And thE FrEnZiEd REel-iN Of tHE LInE To FinD tHe pRize sWayiNG from the otHer End, alL COmBINe To FOSTer feelingS oF gLeE AND Wonder FOr CHiLDReN WhO fiSH. WiTh ALL tHe POsitIve bENefitS OF ExpOsIng yOUNGSteRS tO thIs THRilLiNg SPORT, the First Few AtTeMPts aT teAChIng CHildREN tHE ART are fIsHing can BE A BiT cHaLleNGINg.
PArTIculaRlY, PRoPerly LIning a reeL Onto a PoLe cAN be a bIT dAuNTiNg TO yOuNg anGLeRs. TRYinG To MAnIpuLAtE thE THIN MatErial of THe linE anD CaREFulLy wiNd It OVer The reel caN bE A frUsTRATING EndeAvOR, eSPeciALLy IF tHe lINE jUmpS or bECOmeS tWIsTED aND Thus One mUST STArt ThE eNtiRE pRoCEss oVer fROM THe begInnInG. IN ADdITIOn, aDulTs WHo eXPerience hanD AilMentS sucH AS aRThRItIs May FiND IT PAInFul, oR eVEn iMpOsSiBLe, TO MANuALlY rEliNE. often rEQUirINg tHe FISHERMAn To sEEK ASsISTAnCe frOm a FRiend, rEliniNg a fIShINg PolE Can Be A chaLlEnGiNG ENDeaVOR tHat TaKes aWAy MUCh Of ThE FUn asSoCIatEd wiTH tHIS ExCITING sPORt.
acCorDiNgLY, A NEeD reMAIns For a REeling AppaRAtuS In ordER TO oveRCOMe PrIoR ART ShORTCoMings. ThE ExEMpLARy eMBodImEnT(s) SATiSfy sUcH A NEEd bY PrOVIdiNG An ApparaTuS ThAT Is cONVEnIEnt AnD EasY TO USE, lIGHTWeIGHT yEt dURaBlE In DesIGn, verSATilE IN ITs apPLicatIons, and deSiGNED For aSSisTINg tHE ReliNInG OF a reel WiTh A DAmaGED lIne Of A FIshiNg pOLe. | 1. TechnicalField Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure relate to the sport of fishing and, more particularly, to a line reeling apparatus for providing userswith an easy and convenientmeans of assisting the relining ofa reel with a damaged line of a fishing pole. 2. Prior Art One of the most beloved and well known sports enjoyed by Americans is fishing.In fact, the estimated number ofU.S. recreational anglers iswell over 50 million, with more participants thangolfing and tennis combined. An enduring Americantradition, fishing isenjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Recent data releasedby the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reveals thatthe sports fishing brings $116 billion worth of benefits to the local,state and national economies.Because sport fishingis extremely enjoyable, manyparticipants find it suitable to fish whenever the timepermits and the opportunity presents itself. Every child,boy or girl,remembers the first timetheir father or grandfather took them fishing.In addition to revelingin the quality time spent in thebeautiful outdoors with a respected adult,kids are very excited to try to lurean unsuspecting fishwith theirpole and bait.Nothingquite equates the sense ofaccomplishmentfelt by a child when hesuccessfully catches a fish. The sudden jerks that signifya nibble on a line, the tense downward pull that ensures a hook has foundits mark, and the frenzied reel-in of the line to find the prize swaying from the otherend, all combine to foster feelings of gleeand wonderfor children who fish. With allthe positivebenefits of exposing youngsters to this thrilling sport, the first fewattempts at teaching children the art are fishing can be a bit challenging. Particularly, properly lining a reel onto a pole canbe abit daunting toyounganglers. Trying to manipulate the thin materialof the line and carefully wind it over the reel canbe afrustrating endeavor, especially if the line jumps or becomes twistedand thus one must start the entire process over from the beginning. In addition, adults who experience handailments such as arthritis may find it painful, or even impossible, to manually reline. Often requiring the fisherman to seek assistance from a friend, relining a fishing pole can be a challenging endeavor that takesaway muchof the fun associated with thisexciting sport.Accordingly, aneed remains fora reeling apparatus inorder to overcome prior artshortcomings.The exemplaryembodiment(s) satisfysuch a need by providing an apparatusthat is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable indesign, versatile in its applications, anddesigned for assisting the reliningof a reelwith a damaged line of a fishing pole. | _1._ Technical Field Exemplary embodiment(s) of _the_ present disclosure _relate_ to the sport of fishing and, more particularly, to a line reeling apparatus for _providing_ users with an easy and convenient means of assisting the relining _of_ a reel with _a_ damaged line _of_ a fishing pole. 2. Prior Art One of _the_ most _beloved_ and well known sports enjoyed by Americans is fishing. In fact, the estimated number of U.S. recreational anglers is well over 50 million, _with_ more _participants_ _than_ golfing and tennis combined. An enduring American tradition, fishing is enjoyed by people _of_ _all_ _ages_ _and_ from _all_ walks of _life._ Recent data released by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service _reveals_ that the sports fishing brings $116 billion worth _of_ benefits _to_ the local, state and national economies. Because sport fishing is extremely enjoyable, many participants find _it_ suitable to fish whenever the time permits _and_ _the_ opportunity presents itself. Every _child,_ boy or girl, remembers the first time _their_ father or grandfather took _them_ fishing. In addition to _reveling_ in the quality time _spent_ in the beautiful outdoors _with_ a respected adult, kids _are_ very excited to try to lure an unsuspecting fish with their pole and bait. Nothing quite equates _the_ sense of accomplishment felt by _a_ child when he successfully _catches_ a _fish._ _The_ sudden jerks that _signify_ _a_ _nibble_ on a line, the tense downward _pull_ that ensures a hook _has_ found _its_ mark, and the _frenzied_ reel-in of _the_ line to _find_ the prize swaying _from_ the other end, all combine to foster feelings _of_ glee _and_ _wonder_ _for_ _children_ who fish. With all the _positive_ benefits of exposing youngsters to this thrilling sport, _the_ first few attempts _at_ teaching _children_ the art _are_ fishing can be a bit _challenging._ Particularly, properly lining a reel onto a pole can be a bit daunting to young anglers. _Trying_ to manipulate the thin material of the line _and_ carefully wind _it_ over _the_ _reel_ can be _a_ frustrating endeavor, especially if _the_ line jumps or becomes twisted and thus _one_ must start the _entire_ process over _from_ the _beginning._ _In_ addition, adults who experience _hand_ ailments such _as_ arthritis may _find_ it painful, or even _impossible,_ to manually reline. Often requiring the _fisherman_ to seek assistance from _a_ friend, _relining_ a fishing pole can be a challenging endeavor that takes away much of the fun associated with this _exciting_ sport. Accordingly, a need remains for _a_ reeling apparatus in order to overcome prior art shortcomings. _The_ exemplary embodiment(s) _satisfy_ such a need _by_ providing an apparatus that is convenient and easy _to_ use, lightweight yet durable _in_ design, versatile _in_ its applications, _and_ designed for _assisting_ the relining of _a_ reel _with_ a _damaged_ line of a fishing pole. |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-color light apparatus, and more particularly to a multi-color light apparatus with only two power wires to transmit data and power.
2. Description of Related Art
In winter, most people living in North America will decorate their houses with multi-color light apparatus to celebrate Christmas. The multi-color light apparatus includes many different illumination functions, such as showing different colors (red, green or blue color), flashing and so on.
Normally, the multi-color light apparatus with many different illumination functions is driven by a driving control integrated circuit (IC). The driving control IC will output different control signals to the multi-color light apparatus, so a plurality of light bulbs in the multi-color light apparatus will be randomly or sequentially turned on according to the control signals.
With reference to FIG. 3, a conventional driving control IC 30 includes a plurality of pins. Those pins include a red light output pin (OUTR), a green light output pin (OUTG), a blue light output pin (OUTB), a ground pin (GND), a signal output pin (SDO), a signal input pin (SDI), a mode set pin (SET) and a power input pin (VDD). The data signal is outputted from the driving control IC 30 via an electric wire. The power signal is outputted from the driving control IC 30 via another electric wire. Therefore, the conventional driving control IC 30 requires at least three electric wires (a data wire, a positive power wire and a negative power wire) to drive the multi-color light apparatus to perform many different illumination effects.
Accordingly, a need arises to develop a multi-color light apparatus without using too many wires, so the cost is reduced and the usage of the electric wires is minimized. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-color light apparatus, and more particularly to a multi-color light apparatus with only two power wires to transmit data and power. 2. Description of Related Art In winter, most people living in North America will decorate their houses with multi-color light apparatus to celebrate Christmas. The multi-color light apparatus includes many different illumination functions, such as showing different colors (red, green or blue color), flashing and so on. Normally, the multi-color light apparatus with many different illumination functions is driven by a driving control integrated circuit (IC). The driving control IC will output different control signals to the multi-color light apparatus, so a plurality of light bulbs in the multi-color light apparatus will be randomly or sequentially turned on according to the control signals. With reference to FIG. 3, a conventional driving control IC 30 includes a plurality of pins. Those pins include a red light output pin (OUTR), a green light output pin (OUTG), a blue light output pin (OUTB), a ground pin (GND), a signal output pin (SDO), a signal input pin (SDI), a mode set pin (SET) and a power input pin (VDD). The data signal is outputted from the ram control IC 30 via an electric wire. The power signal is outputted from the driving control IC 30 via another electric wire. Therefore, the conventional driving control IC 30 requires at least three electric wires (a data wire, a positive power wire and a negative power wire) to drive the multi-color light apparatus to perform many different illumination effects. Accordingly, a need arises to develop a multi-color light apparatus without using too many wires, so the cost is reduced and the usage of the electric wires is minimized. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention rflaHes to a multi - color light a9(aratus, and more particularly to a multi - color light apparatus with only two power wires to transmit data and power. 2. Description of Related Art In winter, most people living in North America will decIrZte their houses with multi - color light apparatus to celebrate Christmas. The multi - color light apparatus includes many different illumination functions, such as showing different colors (red, green or blue color ), flashing and so on. Normally, the multi - color light apparatus with many different illumination functions is driven by a driving control integrated circuit (IC ). The driving control IC will output different control signals to the multi - color light apparatus, so a plurality of light bulbs in the multi - color light apparatus will be randomly or sequentially turned on according to the control signals. With reference to FIG. 3, a conventional driving control IC 30 includes a plurality of pins. Those pins inDiude a red light oItlut pin ()UT4 ), a green light output pin (OUTG ), a blue light output pin (OUTB ), a ground pin (GND ), a signal output pin (SDO ), a signal input pin (SDI ), a mode set pin (SET) and a power input pin (VDD ). The data signal is outputted from the driving control IC 30 via an electric wire. The power signal is outputted from the driving control IC 30 via Snoth#r electric wire. Therefore, the conventional driving control IC 30 requires at least three electric @irss (a data wire, a positive power wire and a negative p(w2r wire) to drive the multi - Vo?or light apparatus to perform many different illumination effects. Accordingly, a need arises to develop a multi - color light apparatus without using too many wires, so the cost is reduced and the usage of the electric wires is minimized. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates a multi-color apparatus, and more particularly to a multi-color light apparatus with only two power wires to transmit data and power. Description of Related In winter, most in North America will decorate houses with multi-color light apparatus to celebrate Christmas. The multi-color light apparatus includes many different illumination functions, such as showing different colors (red, green or blue color), flashing and so on. Normally, multi-color light apparatus with many different illumination functions is driven by a driving control integrated circuit (IC). The driving control IC will different control signals to the multi-color apparatus, so a plurality of light bulbs in the multi-color light will be randomly or sequentially turned on according to the control signals. With reference to 3, a driving control IC 30 includes a plurality of pins. Those pins include a red light output pin (OUTR), green light output pin (OUTG), blue light output pin (OUTB), a ground pin (GND), a signal output pin (SDO), a input (SDI), a mode set pin (SET) a power pin data signal is outputted the driving control IC 30 via an electric wire. The power signal is outputted from the driving control IC 30 via another wire. Therefore, the conventional driving control IC 30 requires at least three electric wires (a data wire, a positive power wire and a negative power wire) to drive the light apparatus to perform many different illumination effects. a need arises to develop multi-color light apparatus without using too wires, so the cost reduced and the usage of electric wires is minimized. | 1. FielD of THE iNVeNtIoN
tHe PREsent invENtiON rELaTeS tO a mULti-Color LIGhT APPaRAtUs, AnD MoRE PARticulArLY To a MuLTi-cOLOR LigHT aPpARATuS with oNLY twO pOwEr wIreS to tRaNSmiT DAta anD poweR.
2. deSCriptION oF RelaTEd aRT
IN WINtEr, MoST PEopLE lIVInG in NorTH aMeriCa wILl deCOrate ThEIr HoUSes wItH multi-CoLOr liGHT APPARATUS TO cELebRatE chRIsTmAs. tHE muLTI-CoLor lIGHT aPparatUS iNclUdES MAny DiFfErEnt IlLUminaTion FuNcTioNS, SUCH as SHoWInG DiFFeRenT cOLOrs (ReD, GrEeN Or bLuE coLor), FLashING ANd so On.
nORMAlly, the mUlTI-ColoR light appaRATUS wITH mANy DifFEreNT ILluMINATIoN funCtioNS IS DrIVen By A DRIvinG COnTroL intEgRAted CircUIt (IC). ThE drIvInG CoNTrOL IC wILl oUtput DiFfErenT conTrOl sigNALs tO ThE MULti-ColOR LIghT ApPARAtUs, SO a PLURAlity Of liGhT BULbs In ThE muLTi-coloR LiGHt APPAraTUs WILl bE RaNdoMLY OR SEQUenTiALLy tuRNEd On AccOrdINg To ThE cOntRol SIGNAlS.
wItH ReFEreNCE tO Fig. 3, A CONVEntIonAl dRIvINg CoNTrOL iC 30 iNCLUdeS a PLUraLiTy Of pIns. tHOSe pINs inclUdE a rEd liGht OutPUT PiN (OuTr), a gREeN Light OutPUt pIn (ouTG), A blUe lIGhT oUtPUT piN (Outb), A gRounD pIn (Gnd), a SIGnAl oUtPUt pIn (Sdo), a siGNAl iNpuT pIN (Sdi), A Mode sEt piN (SET) And A PoweR INPut PIn (vdd). THE DAtA siGnAl IS oUTpUTteD frOM tHE drivInG ControL iC 30 via An ELeCTrIc WiRE. THE PowER siGnAL iS OUTPutTed FroM the DrivIng CoNTRol Ic 30 VIa anotheR eLEcTrIc WirE. tHereFoRe, thE coNVEnTional DriVinG CoNTRoL ic 30 REQuiREs AT leASt tHRee eLECtric WIReS (A DAtA WirE, A pOSItIvE poWEr wIRe aND A neGative powEr WiRe) tO dRIVe The MUlti-coLOR LIGHT ApPaRAtus tO peRfOrm mAny DIfFeRenT ILLUmiNaTION efFEctS.
accOrDingLy, a NeEd arIses TO DEvELOP A muLTI-cOLoR lIghT APpaRAtuS WIThouT usINg TOo Many wIrES, sO thE COsT is reDUCED AND thE uSaGE OF the eLeCTRiC wirEs IS MInIMIzeD. | 1. Field of the Invention Thepresent invention relates to a multi-color light apparatus, andmore particularly to a multi-color light apparatus withonly two power wires to transmit data and power. 2. Description ofRelated Art In winter, most people living inNorth America will decoratetheirhouses with multi-color light apparatus to celebrate Christmas. The multi-color light apparatus includes many different illumination functions, such as showing different colors (red,green or blue color), flashingand so on.Normally, the multi-color light apparatus with many different illumination functions isdriven by a driving control integrated circuit (IC). The drivingcontrol IC willoutput different control signals to the multi-color light apparatus, so a plurality of light bulbs in the multi-colorlight apparatus willbe randomly or sequentiallyturned on accordingto the control signals. With reference toFIG. 3, aconventional driving control IC 30 includes a plurality of pins.Those pins includearedlight output pin(OUTR), a green lightoutput pin (OUTG), a blue light output pin (OUTB), a ground pin (GND),a signal output pin (SDO), a signal input pin (SDI), a mode set pin (SET) and apowerinput pin (VDD). The data signal is outputtedfrom the driving control IC 30 via an electricwire. The power signal is outputted from the driving control IC 30viaanotherelectric wire. Therefore, the conventional drivingcontrol IC 30 requires at least three electric wires (a data wire, a positive power wire and anegative powerwire) to drivethemulti-color light apparatus to perform many different illumination effects. Accordingly, a need arises todevelop amulti-color light apparatuswithout using too many wires, so thecostisreduced and the usage of the electric wires is minimized. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-color _light_ _apparatus,_ and more particularly to a multi-color light apparatus with only two power wires _to_ transmit _data_ and power. 2. _Description_ of Related Art In winter, most _people_ living in North America will _decorate_ their houses _with_ _multi-color_ _light_ _apparatus_ to _celebrate_ Christmas. The _multi-color_ light _apparatus_ includes many different illumination functions, such _as_ showing different colors (red, green _or_ blue color), flashing and _so_ on. Normally, the multi-color _light_ apparatus with many different illumination _functions_ is _driven_ by a driving control integrated circuit (IC). The driving control IC will output different control signals to _the_ _multi-color_ _light_ apparatus, so a _plurality_ of light bulbs in the multi-color light apparatus _will_ be _randomly_ _or_ sequentially _turned_ on according to _the_ control signals. With _reference_ to _FIG._ 3, a _conventional_ driving control IC 30 includes a plurality _of_ _pins._ _Those_ pins include a red light output pin (OUTR), a green light output pin (OUTG), a blue light output pin (OUTB), a ground pin (GND), a signal output pin (SDO), a _signal_ input pin _(SDI),_ a _mode_ _set_ pin _(SET)_ and _a_ power _input_ _pin_ _(VDD)._ The data signal is outputted _from_ _the_ driving control IC 30 via _an_ electric wire. The power signal is _outputted_ _from_ the driving control _IC_ 30 _via_ another electric wire. Therefore, the conventional driving control IC 30 requires at least three electric wires (a data wire, a positive power wire and a negative power wire) to _drive_ the multi-color light _apparatus_ _to_ perform many different illumination effects. Accordingly, a need arises to develop a multi-color light apparatus without using too many wires, so _the_ cost _is_ reduced and the _usage_ of the electric wires is minimized. |
The present invention relates to high-performance radiation sensitive resist compositions and their use in multilayer lithography processes to fabricate semiconductor devices. Specifically, the present invention is concerned with negative-tone silicon-containing resist compositions based on an acid catalyzed crosslinking of aqueous base soluble silicon-containing polymers. The resist composition of the present invention can be used as the top imaging layer in a multilayer, including bilayer, technique to fabricate semiconductor devices using various irradiation sources, such as mid-ultraviolet (UV), deep-UV (for example 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm), extreme UV, X-ray, e-beam and ion-beam irradiation.
In the manufacture of patterned devices such as semiconductor chips and chip carriers the steps of etching different layers which constitute the finished product are among the most critical and crucial steps involved.
In semiconductor manufacturing, optical lithography has been the main stream approach to pattern semiconductor devices. In typical prior art lithography processes, UV light is projected onto a silicon wafer coated with a layer of photosensitive resist through a mask that defines a particular circuitry pattern. Exposure to UV light, followed by subsequent baking, induces a photochemical reaction which changes the solubility of the exposed regions of the photosensitive resist. Thereafter, an appropriate developer, typically an aqueous base solution, is used to selectively remove the resist either in the exposed regions (positive-tone resists) or, in the unexposed region (negative-tone resists). The pattern thus defined is then imprinted on the silicon wafer by etching away the regions that are not protected by the resist with a dry or wet etch process.
The current state-of-the-art optical lithography uses DUV irradiation at a wavelength of 248 nm to print features as small as 250 nm in volume semiconductor manufacturing. The continued drive for the miniaturization of semiconductor devices places increasingly stringent requirements for resist materials, including high resolution, wide process latitude, good profile control and excellent plasma etch resistance for image transfer to substrate. Several techniques for enhancing the resolution, such as reduced irradiation wavelength (from 248 nm to 193 nm), higher numerical aperture (NA) of the exposure systems, use of alternate masks or illumination conditions, and reduced resist film thickness are currently being pursued. However, each of these approaches to enhance resolution suffers from various tradeoffs in process latitude, subsequent substrate etching and cost. For example, increasing NA of the exposure tools also leads to a dramatic reduction in the depth of focus. The reduction in the resist film thickness results in the concomitant detrimental effect of decreased etch resistance of the resist film for substrate etching. This detrimental effect is exasperated by the phenomenon of etch induced micro-channel formation during substrate etch, effectively rendering the top 0.2-0.3 um resist film useless as an etch mask for substrate etching.
It would therefore be desirable to provide for enhanced resolution without experiencing drawbacks of the prior art.
Furthermore, bilayer imaging schemes have been suggested. In a bilayer imaging scheme, typically, images are first defined in a thin, usually 0.1-0.3 um thick, silicon containing resist with a wet process on a relatively thick high absorbing organic underlayer. The images thus defined are then transferred into the underlayer through a selective and highly anisotropic oxygen reactive ion etching (O2 RIE) where silicon in the top imaging layer is converted into nonvolatile silicon oxides, thus acting as an etch mask. To be effective as etch mask, the top imaging layer needs to contain sufficient silicon, usually greater than 10 wt %.
The advantages of bilayer imaging over the conventional single layer imaging include higher resolution capability, wider process latitude, patterning high aspect ration features, and minimization of substrate contamination and thin film interference effects. Moreover, the thick organic underlayer offers superior substrate etch resistance. The bilayer imaging is most suitable for high NA exposure tools, imaging over substrate topography and patterning high aspect ratio patterns.
Various silicon-containing polymers have been used as polymer resins in the top imaging layer resists (see R. D. Miller and G. M. Wallraff, Advanced Materials for Optics and Electronics, p. 95 (1994)). One of the most widely used silicon-containing polymers is polysilsesquioxane. Both positive-tone and negative-tone resists have been developed using an aqueous base soluble polysilsesquioxane: poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane). For positive-tone bilayer resists, poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane) was modified with a diazo photoactive compound or an acid sensitive t-butyloxycarbonyl (t-BOC) for I-line and chemically amplified DUV lithography, respectively [U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,385,804, 5,422,223]. Positive-tone resists have also been developed by using dissolution inhibitors [U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,169]. For negative-tone bilayer resists, an azide functional group was chemically attached to poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane). Exposure of the azide functionalized poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane) caused crosslinking in the exposed regions. Thus, negative-tone images resulted. However, these bilayer resists suffer from inadequate resolution, low sensitivity, and poor resist profile in some cases due to high optical density.
In view of the state of prior art resists, it is desirable to develop new bilayer resists with high resolution, high sensitivity, and good profile control for patterning semiconductor circuities. In particular, new negative-tone silicon-containing resists are desirable since negative-tone resists generally offer advantages of better isolated feature resolution, good thermal stability, small isolated and dense feature bias.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a highly sensitive, high resolution negative-tone resist compositions with relatively high silicon content.
Another object of the present invention is to provide chemically amplified negative-tone silicon-containing resist compositions that can be used as top imaging layer resists in multilayer lithography for semiconductor manufacturing, and, in particular, in the patterning of semiconductor circuities.
These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by an acid catalyzed, high contrast crosslinking of silicon-containing polymers bearing a phenolic moiety by using crosslinking agents that react with the hydroxyl group of the phenolic moiety in the silicon polymers (O-alkylation). These objectives are achieved also by using a bulky photo-generated acid to reduce acid diffusion for high resolution. More specifically, highly sensitive, high resolution chemically amplified negative-tone resists are obtained by acid catalyzed crosslinking of aqueous base soluble hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymer via O-alkylation. These crosslinking agents include, but are not limited to, uril and melamine derivatives. The O-alkylation not only increases the molecular weight of the parent polymer but also converts the hydrophilic hydroxyl group in the parent polymer into a less hydrophilic phenolic ether group. Both lead to high contrast for the negative-tone resists.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward a silicon-containing negative-tone chemically amplified resist composition which comprises (a) an aqueous base soluble phenolic silicon-containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a crosslinking agent; (c) an acid generator; (d) a solvent for said polymer resin and crosslinking agent; and, optionally, (e) a photosensitizer that is capable of absorbing irradiation in the mid-UV, deep-UV (e.g. 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm), extreme-UV, X-ray, e-beam or ion-beam range. The chemically amplified resist composition of the present invention may further comprise (f) a base and/or (g) a surfactant. The crosslinking agent, acid generator, photosensitizer, base and surfactant can be either a single compound or a combination of two or more compounds of the same function.
A further aspect of the present invention involves using the silicon containing resist in a bilayer imaging scheme where a thin layer of the silicon-containing resist is applied and imaged on a thick, highly absorbing organic underlayer. The images thus formed are then transferred into the underlayer through anisotropic O2 or CO2 reactive ion etching.
Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein it is shown and described only the preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
The present invention relates to a high sensitivity, high resolution, aqueous base developable silicon-containing negative-tone resist composition. The resist compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for the top imaging layers for bilayer imaging. In one embodiment of the invention, the high sensitivity, high resolution chemically amplified negative-tone resists are obtained by acid catalyzed crosslinking aqueous base soluble hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymer and copolymers with crosslinking agents that react with the hydroxyl group (O-alkylation) of the silicon-containing polymers. Examples of suitable crosslinking agents include, but not limited to, uril and malamine derivatives.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the chemically amplified silicon-containing negative-tone resist composition comprises (a) an aqueous base soluble phenolic silicon-containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a crosslinking agent; (c) an acid generator; (d) a solvent for said polymer resin and the crosslinking agent; and, optionally, (e) a photosensitizer that is capable of absorbing irradiation in the mid-UV, deep-UV (e.g. 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm), extreme-UV, X-ray or e-beam range. The | The present invention relates to high-performance radiation sensitive resist compositions and their use in multilayer lithography processes to fabricate semiconductor devices. Specifically, the present invention is concerned with negative-tone silicon-containing resist compositions based on an acid catalyzed crosslinking of aqueous base soluble silicon-containing polymers. The resist composition of the present invention can be used as the top imaging layer in a multilayer, including bilayer, technique to fabricate semiconductor devices using various irradiation sources, such as mid-ultraviolet (UV), deep-UV (for example 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm), extreme UV, X-ray, e-beam and ion-beam irradiation. In the manufacture of patterned devices such as semiconductor chips and chip carriers the steps of etching different layers which constitute the finished product are among the most critical and crucial steps involved. In semiconductor manufacturing, optical lithography has been the main stream approach to pattern semiconductor devices. In typical prior art lithography processes, UV light is projected onto a silicon wafer coated with a layer of photosensitive resist through a mask that defines a particular circuitry pattern. Exposure to UV light, followed by subsequent baking, induces a photochemical reaction which changes the solubility of the exposed regions of the photosensitive resist. Thereafter, an appropriate developer, typically an aqueous base solution, is used to selectively remove the resist either in the exposed regions (positive-tone resists) or, in the unexposed region (negative-tone resists). The pattern thus defined is then imprinted on the silicon wafer by etching away the regions that are not protected by the resist with a dry or wet etch process. The current state-of-the-art optical lithography uses DUV irradiation at a wavelength of 248 nm to print features as small as 250 nm in volume semiconductor manufacturing. The continued drive for the miniaturization of semiconductor devices places increasingly stringent requirements for resist materials, including high resolution, wide process latitude, good profile control and excellent plasma etch resistance for image transfer to substrate. Several techniques for enhancing the resolution, such as reduced irradiation wavelength (from 248 nm to 193 nm), higher numerical aperture (NA) of the exposure systems, use of alternate masks or illumination conditions, and reduced resist film thickness are currently being pursued. However, each of these approaches to enhance resolution suffers from various tradeoffs in process latitude, subsequent substrate etching and cost. For example, increasing NA of the exposure tools also leads to a dramatic reduction in the depth of focus. The reduction in the resist film thickness results in the concomitant detrimental effect of decreased etch resistance of the resist film for substrate etching. This detrimental effect is exasperated by the phenomenon of etch induced micro-channel formation during substrate etch, effectively rendering the top 0.2-0.3 um resist film useless as an etch mask for substrate etching. It would therefore be desirable to provide for enhanced resolution without experiencing drawbacks of the prior art. Furthermore, bilayer imaging schemes have been suggested. In a bilayer imaging scheme, typically, images are first defined in a thin, usually 0.1-0.3 um thick, silicon containing resist with a wet process on a relatively thick high absorbing organic underlayer. The images thus defined are then transferred into the underlayer through a selective and highly anisotropic oxygen reactive ion etching (O2 RIE) where silicon in the top imaging layer is converted into nonvolatile silicon oxides, thus acting as an etch mask. To be effective as etch mask, the top imaging layer needs to contain sufficient silicon, usually greater than 10 wt %. The advantages of bilayer imaging over the conventional single layer imaging include higher resolution capability, wider process latitude, patterning high aspect ration features, and minimization of substrate contamination and thin film interference effects. Moreover, the thick organic underlayer offers superior substrate etch resistance. The bilayer imaging is most suitable for high NA exposure tools, imaging over substrate topography and patterning high aspect ratio patterns. Various silicon-containing polymers have been used as polymer resins in the top imaging layer resists (see R. D. Miller and G. M. Wallraff, Advanced Materials for Optics and Electronics, p. 95 (1994)). One of the most widely used silicon-containing polymers is polysilsesquioxane. Both positive-tone and negative-tone resists have been developed using an aqueous base soluble polysilsesquioxane: poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane). For positive-tone bilayer resists, poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane) was modified with a diazo photoactive compound or an acid sensitive t-butyloxycarbonyl (t-BOC) for I-line and chemically amplified DUV lithography, respectively [U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,385,804, 5,422,223]. Positive-tone resists have also been developed by using dissolution inhibitors [U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,169]. For negative-tone bilayer resists, an azide functional group was chemically attached to poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane). Exposure of the azide functionalized poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane) caused crosslinking in the exposed regions. Thus, negative-tone images resulted. However, these bilayer resists suffer from inadequate resolution, low sensitivity, and poor resist profile in some cases due to high optical density. In view of the state of prior art resists, it is desirable to develop new bilayer resists with high resolution, high sensitivity, and good profile control for patterning semiconductor circuities. In particular, new negative-tone silicon-containing resists are desirable since negative-tone resists generally offer advantages of better isolated feature resolution, good thermal stability, small isolated and dense feature bias. Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a highly sensitive, high resolution negative-tone resist compositions with relatively high silicon content. Another object of the present invention is to provide chemically amplified negative-tone silicon-containing resist compositions that can be used as top imaging layer resists in multilayer lithography for semiconductor manufacturing, and, in particular, in the patterning of semiconductor circuities. These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by an acid catalyzed, high contrast crosslinking of silicon-containing polymers bearing a phenolic moiety by using crosslinking agents that react with the hydroxyl group of the phenolic moiety in the silicon polymers (O-alkylation). These objectives are achieved also by using a bulky photo-generated acid to reduce acid diffusion for high resolution. More specifically, highly sensitive, high resolution chemically amplified negative-tone resists are obtained by acid catalyzed crosslinking of aqueous base soluble hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymer via O-alkylation. These crosslinking agents include, but are not limited to, uril and melamine derivatives. The O-alkylation not only increases the molecular weight of the parent polymer but also converts the hydrophilic hydroxyl group in the parent polymer into a less hydrophilic phenolic ether group. Both lead to high contrast for the negative-tone resists. Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward a silicon-containing negative-tone chemically amplified resist composition which comprises (a) an aqueous base soluble phenolic silicon-containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a crosslinking agent; (c) an acid generator; (d) a solvent for said polymer resin and crosslinking agent; and, optionally, (e) a photosensitizer that is capable of absorbing irradiation in the mid-UV, deep-UV (e.g. 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm), extreme-UV, X-ray, e-beam or ion-beam range. The chemically amplified resist composition of the present invention may further comprise (f) a base and/or (g) a surfactant. The crosslinking agent, acid generator, photosensitizer, base and surfactant can be either a single compound or a combination of two or more compounds of the same function. A further aspect of the present invention involves using the silicon containing resist in a bilayer imaging scheme where a thin layer of the silicon-containing resist is applied and imaged on a thick, highly absorbing organic underlayer. The images thus formed are then transferred into the underlayer through anisotropic O2 or CO2 reactive ion etching. Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein it is shown and described only the preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. The present invention relates to a high sensitivity, high resolution, aqueous base developable silicon-containing negative-tone resist composition. The resist compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for the top imaging layers for bilayer imaging. In matchless embodiment of the invention, the high sensitivity, high resolution chemically amplified negative-tone resists are obtained by acid catalyzed crosslinking aqueous base soluble hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymer and copolymers with crosslinking agents that react with the hydroxyl group (O-alkylation) of the silicon-containing polymers. Examples of suitable crosslinking agents include, but not limited to, uril and malamine derivatives. In another embodiment of the present invention, the chemically amplified silicon-containing negative-tone resist composition comprises (a) an aqueous base soluble phenolic silicon-containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a crosslinking agent; (c) an acid generator; (d) a solvent for said polymer resin and the crosslinking agent; and, optionally, (e) a photosensitizer that is capable of absorbing irradiation in the mid-UV, deep-UV (e.g. 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm), extreme-UV, X-ray or e-beam range. The | The present invention relates to high - performance radiation sensitive resist compositions and their use in multilayer lithography processes to fabricate semiconductor devices. Specifically, the present invention is concerned with negative - tone silicon - containing resist compositions based on an acid catalyzed crosslinking of aqueous base soluble silicon - containing polymers. The resist composition of the present invention can be used as the top imaging layer in a multilayer, including bilayer, technique to fabricate semiconductor devices using various irradiation courceq, such as mid - ultraviolet (UV ), deep - UV (for example 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm ), extreme UV, X - ray, e - beam and ion - beam irradiation. In the manufacture of patterned devices such as semiconductor chips and chip carriers the steps of etching different layers which constitute the finished product are among the most critical and crucial steps involved. In semiconductor manufacturing, optical lithography has been the main stream approach to pattern semiconductor devices. In typical prior art lithography processes, UV light is projected onto a silicon wafer coated with a layer of photosensitive resist through a mask that defines a particular circuitry pattern. Exposure to UV light, followed by subsequent baking, induces a photochemical reaction which changes the solubility of the exposed regions of the photosensitive resist. Thereafter, an appropriate developer, typically an aqueous base solution, is used to selectively remove the resist either in the exposed regions (positive - tone resists) or, in the unexposed region (negative - tone resists ). The pattern thus defined is then imprinted on the silicon wafer by etching away the regions that are not protected by the resist with a dry or wet etch process. The current state - of - the - art optical lithography uses DUV jrradiatioG at a wavelength of 248 nm to print features as small as 250 nm in volume semiconductor manufacturing. The continued drive for the miniaturization of semiconductor devices places increasingly stringent requirements for resist materials, including high resolution, wide process latitude, good profile control and excellent plasma etch resistance for image transfer to substrate. Several techniques for enhancing the resolu%ioj, such as reduced irradiation wavelength (from 248 nm to 193 nm ), higher numerical aperture (NA) of the exposure systems, use of alternate masks or illumination conditions, and reduced resist film thickness are currently being pursued. However, each of these approaches to enhance resolution suffers from various tradeoffs in process latitude, subsequent substrate etching and c)sG. For example, increasing NA of the exposure tools also leads to a dramatic reduction in the depth of focus. The reduction in the resist film thickness results in the concomitant detrimental effect of decreased etch resistance of the resist film for substrate etching. This Reteimental effect is exasperated by the phenomenon of etch induced micro - channel formation during substrate etch, effectively rendering the top 0. 2 - 0. 3 um resist film useless as an etch mask for substrate etching. It would therefore be desirable to provide for enhanced resolution without experiencing drawbacks of the prior art. Furthermore, bilayer imaging schemes have been suggested. In a bilayer imaging scheme, typically, images are first defined in a thin, usually 0. 1 - 0. 3 um thick, silicon containing resist with a wet process on a relatively thick high absorbing organic underlayer. The images thus defined are then transferred into the underlayer through a selective and highly anisotropic oxygen reactive ion etching (O2 RIE) where silicon in the top imaging layer is converted into nonvolatile silicon oxides, thus acting as an etch mask. To be effective as etch mask, the top imaging layer needs to contain sufficient silicon, usually greater than 10 wt% . The advantages of bilayer imaging over the conventional single layer imaging include higher resolution capability, wider process latitude, patterning high aspect ration features, and minimization of substrate contamination and thin film interference effects. Moreover, the thick organic underlayer offers superior substrate etch resistance. The bilayer imaging is most suitable for high NA exposure tools, imaging over substrate topography and patterning high aspect ratio patterns. Various silicon - containing polymers have been used as polymer resins in the top imaging layer reslxts (see R. D. Miller and G. M. Wallraff, Advanced Materials for Optics and Electronics, p. 95 (1994) ). One of the most widely used silicon - containing polymers is polysilsesquioxane. Both positive - tone and negative - tone resists have been developed using an aqueous base soluble polysilsesquioxane: poly (p - hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane ). For positive - tone bilayer resists, poly (p - hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane) was modified with a diazo photoactive compound or an acid sensitive t - butyloxycarbonyl (t - BOC) for I - line and chemically amplified DUV lithography, respectively [U. S. Pat. Nos. 5, 385, 804, 5, 422, 223 ]. Positive - tone resists have also been developed by using dissolution inhibitors [U. S. Pat. No. 4, 745, 169 ]. For negative - tone bilayer resists, an azide functional group was chemically attached to poly (p - hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane ). Exposure of the azide functionalized poly (p - hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane) caused crosslinking in the exposed regions. Thus, negative - tone images resulted. However, these bilayer resists suffer from inadequate resolution, low sensitivity, and poor resist profile in some cases due to high optical density. In view of the state of prior art resists, it is desirable to develop new bilayer resists with high resolution, high sensitivity, and good profile control for patterning semiconductor circuities. In particular, new negative - tone silicon - containing resists are desirable since negative - tone resists generally offer advantages of better isolated feature resolution, good thermal stability, small isolated and dense feature bias. Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a highly sensitive, high resolution negative - tone resist compositions with relatively high silicon content. Another object of the present invention is to provide chemically amplified negative - tone silicon - containing resist compositions that can be used as top imaging layer %esiZts in multilayer lithography for semiconductor manufacturing, and, in particular, in the patterning of semiconductor circuities. gyese and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by an acid catalyzed, high contrast crosslinking of silicon - containing polymers bearing a phenolic moiety by using crosslinking agents that react with the hydroxyl group of the phenolic moiety in the silicon polymers (O - alkylation ). These objectives are achieved also by using a bulky photo - generated acid to reduce acid diffusion for high resolution. More specifically, highly sensitive, high resolution chemically amplified negative - tone resists are obtained by acid catalyzed crosslinking of aqueous base soluble hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymer via O - alkylation. These crosslinking agents include, but are not limited to, uril and melamine derivatives. The O - alkylation not only increases the molecular weight of the parent polymer but also converts the hydrophilic hydroxyl group in the parent polymer into a less hydrophilic phenolic ether group. Both lead to high contrast for the negative - tone resists. Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward a silicon - containing negative - tone chemically amplified resist comp9sitiLn which comprises (a) an aqueous base soluble phenolic silicon - containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a crosslinking agent; (c) an acid generator; (d) a solvent for said polymer resin and crosslinking agent; and, optionally, (e) a photosensitizer that is capable of absorbing irradiation in the mid - UV, deep - UV (e. g. 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm ), extreme - UV, X - ray, e - beam or ion - beam range. The chemically amplified resist composition of the present invention may further comprise (f) a base and / or (g) a surfactant. The crosslinking agent, acid generator, photosensitizer, base and surfactant can be either a single compound or a combination of two or more compounds of the same function. A further aspect of the present invention involves 8sinv the silicon containing resist in a bilayer imaging scheme where a thin layer of the silicon - containing resist is applied and imaged on a thick, highly absorbing organic underlayer. The images thus formed are then transferred into the underlayer through anisotropic O2 or CO2 reactive ion etching. Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein it is shown and described only the preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. The present invention relates to a high sensitivity, high resolution, aqueous base developable silicon - containing negative - tone resist composition. The resist compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for the top imaging layers for bilayer imaging. In one embodiment of the invention, the high sensitivity, high resolution chemically amplified negative - tone resists are obtained by acid catalyzed crosslinking aqueous base soluble hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymer and copolymers with crosslinking agents that react with the hydroxyl group (O - alkylation) of the silicon - containing polymers. Examples of suitable crosslinking agents include, but not limited to, uril and malamine derivatives. In another embodiment of the present invention, the chemically amplified silicon - containing negative - tone resist composition comprises (a) an aqueous base soluble phenolic silicon - containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a crosslinking agent; (c) an acid generator; (d) a solvent for said polymer resin and the crosslinking agent; and, optionally, (e) a photosensitizer that is capable of absorbing irradiation in the mid - UV, deep - UV (e. g. 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm ), extreme - UV, X - ray or e - beam range. The | The present invention relates to high-performance radiation sensitive resist compositions and their use in multilayer lithography processes to fabricate semiconductor devices. Specifically, the present is concerned with silicon-containing resist compositions based on an acid catalyzed crosslinking aqueous base soluble silicon-containing polymers. The resist composition of present invention can be used as the top imaging layer in a multilayer, bilayer, to semiconductor devices using various irradiation sources, such as mid-ultraviolet (UV), (for example 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm), extreme UV, X-ray, e-beam and ion-beam irradiation. In the manufacture of patterned devices such as semiconductor chips chip the of etching different layers which constitute the finished product are among the most critical and crucial steps involved. In semiconductor manufacturing, optical lithography has been the main approach to pattern devices. In typical prior art lithography processes, UV light is projected onto a silicon wafer coated with a layer resist through a mask that defines a particular circuitry Exposure to UV followed by subsequent baking, induces a photochemical reaction which changes the solubility the exposed regions the resist. Thereafter, an appropriate developer, an aqueous base solution, is used to selectively the resist either in the exposed regions (positive-tone resists) or, in the unexposed region (negative-tone The pattern thus is then imprinted on the silicon wafer by etching away the regions that are not protected by the resist a dry or etch process. The current state-of-the-art optical lithography uses DUV irradiation at wavelength of 248 nm to print features as small 250 nm in volume semiconductor manufacturing. The continued drive for miniaturization of semiconductor devices places increasingly stringent requirements for resist materials, including high resolution, wide process latitude, good profile control excellent plasma etch resistance for image transfer to substrate. Several techniques for enhancing the resolution, such as reduced irradiation 248 nm to 193 nm), numerical aperture (NA) of the exposure systems, use of alternate masks or and reduced resist film thickness are currently being pursued. However, each of these approaches to enhance resolution suffers from various tradeoffs in process latitude, subsequent substrate etching For example, increasing NA of the exposure tools also leads to a dramatic reduction in the of focus. The reduction in the resist film thickness in the detrimental effect of decreased etch resistance of the resist film for etching. This detrimental effect is exasperated by phenomenon of etch induced micro-channel formation substrate etch, rendering the top 0.2-0.3 um resist film useless as an etch mask substrate etching. It would be desirable to provide enhanced resolution without experiencing drawbacks of the prior art. Furthermore, bilayer imaging schemes have been suggested. In bilayer imaging scheme, typically, images are first in a thin, usually um thick, silicon containing resist with a wet process on relatively thick high absorbing organic underlayer. The images thus are then transferred the underlayer through a selective and highly anisotropic oxygen reactive ion etching RIE) where silicon in the top imaging layer is converted into nonvolatile silicon oxides, thus acting as an etch mask. To be effective as etch mask, top imaging layer needs to contain sufficient usually greater than 10 wt %. The advantages bilayer imaging over the conventional single layer imaging include higher resolution capability, wider process latitude, patterning high aspect ration features, and minimization of substrate and thin film interference effects. Moreover, thick organic underlayer offers substrate etch resistance. The bilayer imaging most for high NA exposure tools, imaging over substrate topography and patterning high aspect ratio patterns. Various polymers have used as polymer resins in the top imaging resists (see R. D. Miller and G. M. Wallraff, Advanced Materials for Optics and Electronics, p. 95 (1994)). One of the widely used silicon-containing polymers is polysilsesquioxane. Both positive-tone and negative-tone resists been developed using aqueous soluble polysilsesquioxane: poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane). For positive-tone bilayer resists, was modified with a diazo photoactive compound an acid sensitive (t-BOC) for I-line and chemically amplified DUV lithography, respectively [U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,385,804, 5,422,223]. Positive-tone resists have also developed by using inhibitors [U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,169]. For bilayer resists, an azide functional group was chemically poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane). Exposure of the azide functionalized poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane) caused crosslinking in the exposed regions. Thus, negative-tone resulted. However, bilayer resists suffer from inadequate resolution, low sensitivity, and poor resist profile some cases to high optical density. In view of the state of prior resists, it is desirable to develop new bilayer resists with high high sensitivity, and good profile for patterning semiconductor circuities. In particular, new negative-tone silicon-containing resists are desirable since negative-tone resists generally offer advantages of isolated feature resolution, good thermal small isolated and dense feature bias. Accordingly, object of the present invention to provide a highly high resolution negative-tone resist compositions with relatively high silicon Another object of the invention is to provide chemically amplified silicon-containing resist compositions that can be used as top imaging layer resists in multilayer lithography for semiconductor manufacturing, in particular, in the patterning of semiconductor circuities. These and other achieved according to the invention by acid catalyzed, high contrast crosslinking of silicon-containing polymers bearing a moiety by using crosslinking agents that react with the hydroxyl group of the phenolic moiety in the silicon polymers (O-alkylation). These objectives are achieved also by using a bulky photo-generated acid to reduce acid diffusion for high resolution. More specifically, highly sensitive, high resolution chemically amplified negative-tone resists obtained by acid catalyzed crosslinking of aqueous base soluble hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymer O-alkylation. crosslinking agents include, but are not limited to, uril and melamine derivatives. The O-alkylation not only increases molecular weight of the parent polymer but also converts the hydrophilic hydroxyl in polymer into less hydrophilic phenolic ether group. Both lead to high contrast the negative-tone Another aspect of the present is directed toward a silicon-containing negative-tone chemically amplified resist which comprises (a) an aqueous base soluble phenolic silicon-containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a crosslinking (c) an acid generator; (d) a solvent for said resin and crosslinking agent; optionally, (e) a photosensitizer is capable of absorbing irradiation in the mid-UV, deep-UV (e.g. 248 nm and 157 nm), extreme-UV, X-ray, e-beam or range. The chemically amplified resist composition of the present invention may further comprise (f) a base (g) a surfactant. The agent, acid generator, photosensitizer, base surfactant can be a single compound or a combination of two or more compounds of the same function. A further aspect of the present involves using the silicon containing resist a bilayer imaging scheme where thin layer of the silicon-containing resist is applied and imaged a thick, highly absorbing organic underlayer. The images thus formed are then transferred into the underlayer through anisotropic O2 CO2 reactive ion etching. Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily by those skilled the art from the following detailed description, is shown and described only the embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated carrying As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable modifications in various obvious respects, without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. The invention relates to a high sensitivity, resolution, aqueous base developable silicon-containing negative-tone resist composition. The resist compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for the top imaging layers for bilayer imaging. In of the invention, the high sensitivity, resolution chemically amplified negative-tone resists are obtained by acid catalyzed crosslinking aqueous base soluble hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymer and copolymers with crosslinking agents that react with the hydroxyl group (O-alkylation) of the silicon-containing polymers. Examples of suitable crosslinking agents include, but not limited uril and malamine derivatives. In embodiment of the present invention, the amplified silicon-containing negative-tone resist composition comprises (a) an aqueous base soluble silicon-containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a agent; (c) an acid generator; (d) a solvent for said polymer resin and the crosslinking agent; and, optionally, (e) a photosensitizer that is capable of absorbing in the mid-UV, deep-UV (e.g. 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm), extreme-UV, X-ray or e-beam range. The | The PReSEnt InvENtion RElATES to High-pErFOrMancE RAdiAtION SEnSiTivE ResIst cOmPoSiTIonS and THeIr use iN muLTilaYEr lIThOgrApHY ProcESSEs To FaBRiCATe SEMicONdUcToR DevICEs. sPECiFIcAlly, The PrEsENt iNvenTIOn IS ConcERned wITH nEgAtIvE-tOne silIcoN-cOntaiNInG RESiSt coMPositiOns BaseD on An acId cATAlyzeD crosSlINkINg OF AqUeouS Base soluBle SilicoN-CoNtAInINg poLymERs. tHe rESIST coMPoSition of the PRESent iNvEnTIOn caN bE USeD As the tOP IMAGinG laYEr in a multilaYEr, iNcLudinG biLayer, tecHNIQUE To FAbRIcAte semICONduCtOR dEvIcEs USING VARIOUs iRrADIAtION SourcEs, SUCh AS MiD-UlTRavIOLet (uV), deeP-Uv (For EXaMpLe 248 nM, 193 NM ANd 157 nM), exTrEmE UV, X-RAy, E-bEAM aNd iOn-beaM irRaDIATion.
IN ThE manUFaCturE Of PatteRnED DEVices sUCh As sEmIconDUCtoR cHIPs aND ChiP carrIerS THe stePs oF etcHiNg DIffErEnT LAyeRs wHich CONsTiTute thE finiShED PROdUCt ARE among THE mosT CRItiCal aNd cRuCiaL StePs iNvOLved.
In sEMiCONduCTOR manuFactURIng, OPTiCAl liThOGrAPhy hAS BeEn THe MAIn sTream aPPROAch To paTtErn SEmiCoNdUctOr dEviceS. iN TYpicAL pRiOR ArT LIThOGraPhy PrOceSses, UV LiGHt Is pRoJeCTed oNTo A siLICOn WAFEr COATeD witH a LayeR of pHOToSenSiTIvE rEsIST tHRouGH A MAsK thAt DefineS a pArTICuLAr CIrcUITRy paTtErN. exPoSURe To uv lighT, FOlloweD BY SUbseQuenT bAKIng, inDucEs A phOTocHemiCAL reActiON WhICh CHANGES The SOlUBILItY OF ThE eXpOSed REGiOns OF The photOSEnSITIVe rESist. ThereaFTeR, an APprOPrIAte dEveLopEr, TyPiCalLY AN aqueoUS bAse SolUTIoN, is UsED to selECtivELy reMovE ThE rEsist EITheR IN tHe expOSED REGIoNs (POSiTIVe-ToNe RESISTS) or, iN tHE unEXPOSED reGioN (neGATivE-TOne RESIstS). thE PatteRn tHuS DEFined is tHen ImPRiNtED On THE sIlICON wAfER By etChinG AWaY tHE rEGioNs THAT ARE not PrOtEcTed bY THE ResIsT WitH a drY oR WET etch prOCESS.
thE cUrrEnt stATe-OF-ThE-ArT opTiCAl lIthogRAPHY UsEs DUv irraDiATiON at A waVeLengTh of 248 nm to PRiNt featUres aS smaLL AS 250 nM In VoluMe sEmiCOnDUCTor mANuFACturINg. THE cONTinUeD DRIVE FOR ThE MInIATUrizaTIon of sEmIcoNdUCtoR deviceS PlacEs increASiNGlY sTRIngeNT rEQUIRemenTS For RESiST maTErIaLs, IncLUDING hIGH rESolUTIon, WiDe prOcEss LATITude, GOOd proFiLe CONtROl anD eXcELleNt plAsMa EtcH resISTaNCE FOr ImAge TRANsFER To subSTraTE. SEvErAl TechniquEs FoR eNhANCing The RESOLuTiON, SuCh As rEducEd iRrAdiAtion WAvElEnGTh (From 248 NM to 193 nm), HIGHer numeRIcaL ApErturE (NA) of thE expoSURe syStemS, Use Of AltErNaTE MAsks or ILlumInatION cOndItIoNS, and reDUCEd ResIST Film ThIcKness are cuRReNTlY BeiNG puRSUED. hoWeVeR, eACH Of tHESe apPROACHEs to eNhANce REsOluTIon SufFERs FRoM vaRIouS TradeoFfS IN procEsS LatiTuDE, sUBsEquEnt SUBStrAtE eTCHIng aND COsT. FOr eXamPlE, INCREASiNg na Of ThE ExPosURe tOols ALso leADS to A DRamaTiC rEducTiOn IN The dEpth of FocUS. ThE REDuCtIoN in the rESIsT FIlm THICKnEsS ResULTs in THe COncoMitanT dETRIMeNtaL EFfeCT oF DEcrEAsEd eTCH rESiSTANCe OF THe RESISt FIlM fOr SuBstRate EtchinG. tHIs dEtrIMeNTal efFECT Is eXasPeRAteD By THe phenoMeNon OF EtCh iNDUCed MicrO-cHAnNel FoRMatiON dURINg sUBSTrAte ETCH, efFeCtiVelY rEndErInG THE TOP 0.2-0.3 uM ReSIsT FilM usElesS aS an EtcH MASK fOR subsTRATe etChINg.
it WoulD ThERefOrE BE DesIrable to PROvIde fOr eNHaNCED RESOLUtIOn WiTHoUT ExPeRIencinG drAwBACks Of tHe PrIoR ARt.
FUrtHERmoRe, biLayEr iMAging scHEmeS HAvE bEen SuGgEStEd. IN A bIlAYEr ImAgInG schemE, typiCAlLy, IMages arE FIrSt dEfiNed IN a tHIN, uSuAllY 0.1-0.3 UM tHICK, SIlICON CONtaINIng REsISt WITh a wEt PRoCeSs on a RElATIvELy tHicK High aBsORbiNG orgANIc UnderLaYER. thE ImageS tHUs DeFiNEd Are THeN TranSFErRed intO the Underlayer THrougH A SeLecTIvE AnD hiGHly aNiSotrOpIC oxYGeN rEActIvE ioN EtChING (O2 Rie) WHEre sIlIcon In THE toP iMaGIng LAYeR is cONVERteD InTO NonvOlAtilE SILIcoN OxidEs, THUs AcTIng aS an ETCH MAsk. tO Be eFfEctiVE aS eTCH MaSk, tHe toP imAgING laYEr NeeDs To CoNtAIN SUfFIciEnT silIcOn, usuAlLy GReATer THAN 10 wt %.
THe ADVaNtAGeS OF bILAYER iMagINg OVER tHe CONvenTIOnAl sIngle lAyer ImaGiNG INclUDE HIgHeR REsolUtiOn caPaBIliTY, wIdER Process lATITUdE, pAtTeRninG High aspeCt RatiOn FeaTuRes, and MIniMIzaTiOn Of SuBStRatE cOntAmiNaTIon aND THiN FILM InteRFErencE EFfectS. moReoVeR, ThE THiCK oRGaNIC uNderLAyeR offERS SupeRIoR sUbsTratE eTCH rESisTAnCE. tHE Bilayer iMaGINg is MOst suITABLe fOR HIgH Na eXpOsure ToolS, IMagiNg oveR SuBsTRaTE tOpoGRAphY AnD patTernINg hIgH AsPECT rAtio PatTERNS.
VARIOUS SiliCon-cOnTaINInG PoLyMerS HaVE been USeD aS poLyMEr REsInS In tHE tOP ImAgINg LAyeR reSiSTs (see R. D. mILler And g. m. wALlrAfF, AdVANCeD MaTErIaLs for OptiCS ANd eLectRonics, P. 95 (1994)). oNE OF ThE mOsT WIDeLy UseD sILiCon-contaiNInG POlYmERs Is pOlySILSESQUIOXANE. BotH PosITivE-TONE AND nEgAtIvE-TOnE reSISTs Have BEen devElOPed USinG aN AQUeous BasE SolUBlE pOLysILSeSQUIOxanE: poLy(P-hydRoxYBENZYLSIlsesqUiOxAnE). fOr POsiTIvE-ToNe bilAyer resIsts, polY(P-HYDrOXYBeNZylsILSesquiOxaNe) WAs MOdiFiEd WITH a DIAZO phOToaCTIvE cOmpOUND or aN AcID SeNSiTivE T-bUtYLOXYcARBonyL (t-Boc) fOR i-lInE AND ChemICally AMpLIFied DUv lIThOgraPHy, ReSPECtiveLy [U.s. PaT. nOs. 5,385,804, 5,422,223]. POSItIVe-TonE REsIsTs hAVe AlSO BeeN devELOpED BY USinG DIssoLUTiOn INHIbitOrs [u.s. PAT. NO. 4,745,169]. fOR NEgativE-tONE bILaYeR RESiSTs, an aziDe FuNcTIonAl GrOUP Was chEMICaLLY atTAched tO PoLy(p-HYDrOXYBENzylsilSEsQuioXAne). exPOsuRE oF the aziDe funCTioNaLiZed pOly(P-hyDROxYBenZYlSIlsesQUIOXANE) CaUsED cROSSlinKING iN THE exPosEd rEGions. THus, negATivE-TOne iMAgeS REsUlTEd. HOWEvEr, TheSe BILaYeR reSISTS suFFer frOM INadeqUATE reSOlUtIOn, low SensItIViTy, aNd pooR ReSISt proFiLe In SoMe caseS dUE to hIgh OPtiCAL densITy.
IN vIew OF thE STaTe OF pRIOr ARt rESists, It iS dESIrABLe tO develOp nEW BIlaYER RESistS wITh HiGh REsoLUTION, high SenSitiviTy, AnD goOd pRoFIle CONtrol FOR pAttERnInG SEmIConDuctoR cIRcUITieS. iN pARTICuLAr, NEw nEgATIve-TONE SiliCon-CONTaiNIng reSiSTs ArE DeSiRABLe SINce negaTIve-TOnE RESISts geNERAllY offeR advantAges OF beTter IsOLatEd FeatURe rESoLUtiOn, gOOd tHeRMal STABiLITY, smAll isOlated ANd dEnse FEATurE BiAS.
AcCordIngly, onE OBJeCT Of tHE prESeNt INVEnTioN is TO PrOVIde A HIGHlY sEnSItIve, hIGh reSolutIOn nEgatIve-tone REsist compOsItioNs WIth ReLaTiVElY HIGH SILICoN ConTENt.
anoThEr OBJEcT Of thE preSENT InVeNTIoN Is To PROVIDe CHEmICAlLY AmpLIFIed NEGative-tONE SIliCoN-COnTaiNinG RESist cOmpOSItiOns THAt Can Be UsEd AS tOp ImAGing LAYEr resistS iN multilaYER lIthogrAphy fOR seMIcoNDuCTOr ManUfAcTuring, and, In pARtiCulAR, In thE PAtterniNG oF SeMIcoNductor CIrcUITieS.
THESE And OTher objECTS are AChievED acCOrDinG TO The pREsEnt InVEntIon BY AN acID CaTALYZed, HIgh CONTrasT cROSsLiNKInG Of SILIcoN-cONtAInINg polYMeRs bEAriNg A pHEnolic moIeTY by usiNg CrosSlinKING agEntS THaT React WITH The hyDRoxYl grOuP of ThE pHenOLIC MOiEtY IN tHe sIlicON poLYMERs (o-ALKyLatIOn). THEsE oBjECTives ARE ACHiEveD AlSo bY USINg a buLKy PHOtO-geNeRaTED aCId TO redUCE ACId DiFFUsiON foR HiGh ReSOlUtioN. moRe SPECIFicallY, hIgHLy senSiTIVE, hIGh rESOLuTIon ChEMicAlly AMpLIFIEd negaTIVE-tONE rESIsts ARe oBtAiNEd BY aciD CAtALYzeD crOsSLInKIng OF AqUEoUs Base soLuble hYDrOxybENZylSilSeSQUIOXAne pOLyMeR vIA o-alKYLAtiON. THEsE cROsslInkING AgEnTS INcLUDe, bUT aRe Not LImitED To, uRil AnD MelaMINe dErivAtIVes. tHe O-AlkYlatioN NOt ONly INCrEaSeS THe MOLEcULAr weIGHT oF tHE pareNT PolyMer but aLSo ConverTS tHe hYdROphiliC HyDROxYL GROUp IN The PAREnt poLYMEr InTO a lesS HYdROphiliC PhEnolIc eTHEr gROUP. bOtH leAD TO HiGh cONTRast for tHe NEgATIve-toNE RESistS.
anOtHeR aspEct of ThE presENT InveNTiOn iS DiReCted tOWaRd A SILiCoN-CONTAINiNG NEgaTive-tonE CHeMicAlly AMPLIFIEd rEsiST COMpOSitiON WHich coMPrISEs (a) an aQueOUs BAsE SoluBlE pheNoLiC silicOn-ContaiNinG poLyMER Or CoPoLYMER; (B) a CrOSSlinkiNG AGEnt; (C) AN acId GeNErATOR; (d) a soLvent FOR said PoLYMEr resIn anD cROssliNkINg AgENt; ANd, optiONaLLy, (E) a pHOToseNSItizER thAt iS CaPaBLe OF aBSoRbInG IRRADiATion iN THe mId-uv, DeEp-uv (E.g. 248 nm, 193 Nm aNd 157 Nm), exTrEME-Uv, x-rAY, E-BEAM oR iOn-bEaM raNGe. tHe CHeMically AMpliFIED rESisT coMpOSiTiOn of THE pResenT inVentIOn may FurtHEr comPRise (f) A baSE AnD/or (G) a SuRfACTanT. tHe CrosSLInkiNG AGeNT, acId GENErATOr, pHOtOsENSITIZer, bAsE aND sURfACTaNT CAN bE eIThER A singLe coMPOuND or A COmBiNAtion of tWo OR MOre CoMpoUNDs Of tHe SAme FUnCtIoN.
A FURtheR AspeCt Of ThE PREseNt iNVentiOn INVOlvES UsING ThE siliCon CONTAiNInG RESiST In a bilaYER IMagINg sCHEMe wHErE A thIN LAYer Of tHE SIlIcON-CoNtaINIng resIsT is AppLied ANd Imaged on a ThIck, hiGhLY ABsorBiNg oRGanic uNDeRLayER. THe imAGes ThUS FORMed ARE ThEn TRaNSfERReD into The UnderlAYer thrOuGH aNisotROPIC o2 or cO2 rEActivE IOn ETcHINg.
StiLL oThEr OBjeCTS And AdVanTaGES of THe PreSeNt inVEnTIOn WiLl BEcOMe REaDiLY ApParenT bY Those sKiLLED In THe arT FROM ThE fOLlOWiNg detAIlED DeScrIpTIOn, wHeREIn IT iS sHOwN and descriBED oNlY tHE PrEFerReD eMBOdimeNts of THE InVENTiON, siMpLy BY Way Of illustratIon Of thE BEsT Mode coNteMPlaTED of CARRyIng OUT THe InVeNTioN. as wiLl BE realiZED, THE iNvENtiOn is CapaBLe oF oThER and DIffERent emBodiMeNts, and ITS SeVErAL DeTails are CAPAble of modificatiONS iN variOUS oBviOuS resPeCTs, wItHOUt DeparTIng fROM THE InventIOn. aCcOrDINgLy, The dRaWInGs ANd DeScripTIoN are to bE Regarded AS iLLUsTRAtiVe In NaTURe anD Not as RESTriCTiVE.
THe PreSeNt inVEntiON relATeS TO A HIgH seNsITIVItY, hIGH ReSoLUTioN, AQUEoUS BasE dEveLOPABle SIlicOn-coNtAinING neGAtivE-TONe ReSISt COmpOsITiOn. tHE reSISt COmpoSITIoNs OF THE PresENt InvENTIoN ARe EsPecIALly SuiTABlE for THe ToP ImaGINg lAYERs foR bIlayeR IMaGIng. In One eMBOdIment of THE INVENTIoN, THe hIgH sEnsitIVity, HIGh rEsOLuTiOn ChEmICAllY AmPLIFieD NegatIve-tone ReSIsTs ArE OBtAiNed By aCID CATAlYZED crOSsLInkiNg AqueoUs baSE sOluBLE HYDROXyBeNzYlsIlSESquIOxANe poLYmER aND CopOlYMERs WItH crOsSlInkinG AGENTs THaT REaCT wITh tHE HyDrOxyl GROUP (o-alKYlaTIOn) oF ThE SilICoN-CONtAININg pOlYMERS. exAmPLeS OF SuItablE CrOSSLiNKIng AGentS InCLUde, but nOt liMiTed To, UrIl And mALaMiNE dEriVativEs.
in aNoTHER emBoDIMeNt oF the prESeNt inVenTioN, THE CheMiCallY AmPLIFieD siLicoN-CoNTainING negativE-TOne reSISt coMPOsitIOn CoMpRIseS (A) An aquEOUS BAse SoLuBLE pHENOlic sILICOn-cOnTAIniNg POLymer oR COpolymEr; (B) a croSSliNking AgEnT; (c) an aciD gEneraTOR; (D) a SoLveNt for SAiD PoLymeR RESIN And THe cROsslINkING aGeNT; anD, optioNallY, (E) a pHOtoSEnsItIzer thAT is cApAblE Of ABsoRbING irrADIatiON IN tHe MID-UV, DeeP-UV (E.G. 248 NM, 193 Nm And 157 Nm), ExtrEME-uv, x-Ray Or E-bEam RANge. tHE | The present invention relates to high-performance radiation sensitive resist compositionsand theiruse in multilayer lithography processes to fabricate semiconductor devices. Specifically,the present invention is concernedwith negative-tone silicon-containing resist compositions based on anacid catalyzed crosslinkingof aqueousbase soluble silicon-containing polymers. The resist composition of the present invention can be usedas the topimaging layer in a multilayer, including bilayer,technique to fabricate semiconductor devices using various irradiation sources, such as mid-ultraviolet (UV), deep-UV (forexample248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm), extreme UV, X-ray, e-beam andion-beam irradiation. In the manufacture of patterneddevices such as semiconductor chips and chip carriers the steps of etching different layers which constitutethe finished product are among the mostcritical andcrucial steps involved. In semiconductor manufacturing, optical lithographyhas been the main stream approach to pattern semiconductor devices. In typical prior art lithography processes, UV light is projected onto a silicon wafer coated witha layer of photosensitiveresist through a mask that defines a particular circuitry pattern. Exposureto UV light,followed by subsequent baking, induces a photochemical reactionwhich changes the solubility of theexposed regions of the photosensitiveresist.Thereafter, an appropriate developer, typically an aqueous base solution, is used to selectively remove the resist either intheexposed regions (positive-toneresists) or, in the unexposedregion (negative-toneresists). The pattern thusdefined is then imprintedon the silicon waferbyetching away the regions that are not protected by the resist with adryor wet etch process. The current state-of-the-art optical lithography usesDUV irradiation at a wavelength of 248 nm to print features as small as 250 nmin volume semiconductor manufacturing. The continued drive for the miniaturization of semiconductor devices places increasingly stringentrequirements for resist materials, including high resolution, wide process latitude, goodprofile controlandexcellent plasma etch resistance forimage transfer tosubstrate. Several techniques for enhancing the resolution,such asreducedirradiation wavelength (from 248 nm to 193 nm), higher numerical aperture (NA) of the exposuresystems, use of alternate masks or illumination conditions, and reduced resist film thicknessare currently being pursued. However, each of these approaches to enhance resolutionsuffers from varioustradeoffs in process latitude, subsequent substrate etching and cost. For example, increasingNAoftheexposure tools also leads to a dramatic reduction in the depth of focus. The reductionin the resist film thickness results in the concomitant detrimental effect of decreased etch resistance of the resistfilm for substrate etching. This detrimental effect is exasperatedby the phenomenon of etch induced micro-channel formation during substrate etch, effectively rendering the top 0.2-0.3um resist filmuseless as an etch mask for substrate etching. It wouldtherefore be desirable to provide for enhanced resolution without experiencing drawbacks of theprior art. Furthermore, bilayer imaging schemes have been suggested. In a bilayer imaging scheme, typically, images are first defined in a thin, usually 0.1-0.3 um thick, silicon containing resist with a wet process ona relatively thickhigh absorbing organic underlayer. The images thus defined are then transferred into the underlayer through a selectiveand highly anisotropic oxygen reactive ion etching (O2 RIE) where silicon in the top imaginglayeris converted into nonvolatile silicon oxides, thus acting as an etch mask. To beeffective as etch mask, the top imaging layerneeds to contain sufficient silicon, usually greater than 10 wt%. The advantages of bilayer imaging over the conventional single layer imagingincludehigher resolution capability, wider process latitude, patterninghigh aspectration features, and minimization of substratecontamination andthin film interference effects.Moreover, the thickorganic underlayer offers superior substrate etch resistance. The bilayer imaging is most suitable for high NA exposure tools, imaging oversubstrate topography and patterning high aspect ratiopatterns. Various silicon-containing polymers havebeen used as polymer resins in the top imaging layer resists (seeR. D.Miller and G. M. Wallraff, Advanced Materials for Optics andElectronics, p. 95 (1994)). One of the most widelyused silicon-containing polymers ispolysilsesquioxane. Both positive-tone and negative-tone resists havebeendeveloped using an aqueous base soluble polysilsesquioxane: poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane). Forpositive-tone bilayer resists, poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane) was modified with a diazo photoactive compound or an acid sensitivet-butyloxycarbonyl (t-BOC) for I-line and chemically amplified DUV lithography, respectively [U.S. Pat.Nos.5,385,804, 5,422,223]. Positive-tone resists have also been developed by using dissolution inhibitors [U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,169]. For negative-tone bilayerresists, anazide functional group was chemically attached to poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane). Exposure of the azide functionalized poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane)caused crosslinking in theexposed regions. Thus, negative-tone images resulted. However, thesebilayer resists suffer from inadequate resolution, lowsensitivity, and poorresist profile in some casesdue to high optical density. In view of the state of prior art resists, it is desirableto develop new bilayer resists with high resolution,high sensitivity, and goodprofile control for patterning semiconductor circuities. In particular, new negative-tone silicon-containing resists are desirable since negative-tone resists generally offeradvantages of better isolatedfeature resolution, good thermal stability, small isolated and dense feature bias. Accordingly, one objectof the present invention is toprovide a highly sensitive, high resolution negative-tone resist compositions with relativelyhigh silicon content. Another object of the present invention is to provide chemically amplified negative-tone silicon-containing resist compositions that can beused as topimaging layerresistsin multilayer lithography for semiconductormanufacturing, and,in particular, in the patterning ofsemiconductor circuities. These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention byan acid catalyzed,high contrast crosslinking of silicon-containing polymers bearing a phenolicmoiety byusing crosslinkingagents that react with thehydroxyl group of the phenolic moiety in the silicon polymers (O-alkylation). These objectives are achieved also by usinga bulky photo-generated acid to reduce acid diffusionforhigh resolution. More specifically, highly sensitive, high resolution chemically amplified negative-tone resists are obtained by acidcatalyzed crosslinkingof aqueous base soluble hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymerviaO-alkylation. Thesecrosslinking agents include, but are not limitedto, uril and melamine derivatives. The O-alkylation notonly increases themolecular weight ofthe parent polymer but also converts the hydrophilic hydroxyl group in the parent polymer into aless hydrophilic phenolic ether group. Both lead to high contrast for the negative-tone resists. Another aspectof the present invention is directed towarda silicon-containing negative-tone chemically amplifiedresistcomposition which comprises (a) an aqueousbasesoluble phenolic silicon-containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a crosslinking agent; (c) an acidgenerator; (d) a solvent for said polymer resin and crosslinking agent; and, optionally, (e) a photosensitizer that is capableofabsorbing irradiation in the mid-UV, deep-UV (e.g. 248 nm,193nm and 157 nm), extreme-UV, X-ray, e-beam or ion-beam range.The chemically amplified resist composition of the present invention mayfurthercomprise (f)abase and/or(g) a surfactant. The crosslinking agent, acid generator, photosensitizer, base and surfactant can be either a single compoundor a combination of two or more compounds ofthe same function. A further aspect of the present invention involves using the siliconcontainingresist in a bilayer imagingscheme where a thin layerof the silicon-containing resist is applied and imaged on a thick, highlyabsorbing organic underlayer. Theimages thus formedare then transferred into the underlayer through anisotropicO2 or CO2 reactive ion etching. Still other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome readily apparent by those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, wherein it is shown and described only the preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carryingout the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other and differentembodiments, and its several details arecapableof modifications invariousobvious respects, without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawingsand description are to be regarded as illustrative innatureand not as restrictive. The present invention relates to a high sensitivity,high resolution, aqueous base developable silicon-containing negative-tone resistcomposition. The resist compositions of the present inventionare especially suitable for the top imaging layers for bilayer imaging. In one embodiment of the invention,the high sensitivity, high resolution chemically amplified negative-tone resists are obtained by acidcatalyzed crosslinking aqueous base soluble hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymer and copolymers with crosslinking agents that react with the hydroxyl group (O-alkylation) of the silicon-containing polymers. Examples of suitable crosslinkingagents include, but not limited to, uril and malamine derivatives. Inanother embodiment ofthe present invention, the chemically amplified silicon-containing negative-tone resist composition comprises (a) an aqueous basesoluble phenolic silicon-containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a crosslinking agent; (c) an acid generator; (d)a solvent for said polymer resin and the crosslinking agent; and, optionally,(e) a photosensitizer that is capableof absorbing irradiation in the mid-UV,deep-UV (e.g. 248 nm, 193 nm and157 nm), extreme-UV, X-ray or e-beam range. The | The present invention relates to high-performance radiation sensitive resist compositions and _their_ use in _multilayer_ lithography processes to fabricate semiconductor devices. Specifically, the present invention is _concerned_ with negative-tone _silicon-containing_ resist compositions based on an acid catalyzed crosslinking of aqueous base _soluble_ silicon-containing polymers. The resist _composition_ of the _present_ _invention_ can be _used_ _as_ _the_ _top_ imaging layer in _a_ multilayer, _including_ bilayer, technique to fabricate semiconductor devices using various irradiation sources, _such_ as mid-ultraviolet (UV), deep-UV (for _example_ 248 _nm,_ 193 nm and 157 nm), _extreme_ UV, _X-ray,_ _e-beam_ _and_ ion-beam irradiation. In the _manufacture_ of patterned devices such as semiconductor chips _and_ chip carriers the _steps_ of _etching_ different layers which constitute the _finished_ product are among the _most_ critical _and_ crucial _steps_ involved. _In_ semiconductor manufacturing, optical lithography _has_ been the main stream approach to pattern semiconductor devices. In typical prior art lithography _processes,_ UV _light_ is projected _onto_ a silicon _wafer_ coated _with_ a layer of photosensitive resist through a mask that defines a _particular_ _circuitry_ pattern. Exposure to UV _light,_ followed by _subsequent_ _baking,_ induces a photochemical _reaction_ which changes _the_ solubility of the exposed _regions_ _of_ the photosensitive resist. Thereafter, an appropriate developer, typically _an_ aqueous base solution, _is_ used to selectively _remove_ _the_ resist _either_ _in_ the exposed regions (positive-tone resists) _or,_ in the unexposed region _(negative-tone_ resists). The _pattern_ thus defined is then imprinted _on_ _the_ silicon wafer by _etching_ away _the_ _regions_ that are not _protected_ by _the_ resist with a _dry_ _or_ wet etch process. The current state-of-the-art optical lithography uses DUV irradiation at a wavelength of 248 _nm_ to _print_ features as small as 250 nm in volume _semiconductor_ manufacturing. The continued drive for the miniaturization _of_ semiconductor devices places increasingly stringent requirements for _resist_ materials, _including_ _high_ resolution, wide process latitude, good profile control and excellent _plasma_ etch _resistance_ for image transfer to substrate. _Several_ techniques for enhancing the resolution, such as _reduced_ irradiation wavelength _(from_ 248 nm to 193 nm), higher _numerical_ aperture (NA) of the exposure systems, use of alternate _masks_ or _illumination_ conditions, and _reduced_ resist film thickness are currently being pursued. However, each of _these_ approaches to enhance resolution suffers from various _tradeoffs_ in process _latitude,_ subsequent substrate etching and cost. _For_ example, increasing _NA_ _of_ the exposure tools also leads to a dramatic reduction in the depth _of_ focus. _The_ reduction in _the_ resist film thickness results in the concomitant detrimental effect _of_ decreased _etch_ resistance _of_ the resist film _for_ substrate etching. This detrimental effect is exasperated by the _phenomenon_ of etch induced _micro-channel_ formation during _substrate_ etch, effectively rendering the top 0.2-0.3 um resist film _useless_ _as_ _an_ etch mask for substrate etching. It would therefore _be_ desirable to provide _for_ enhanced resolution without _experiencing_ drawbacks of the _prior_ art. _Furthermore,_ bilayer imaging schemes have been suggested. In a _bilayer_ imaging scheme, typically, images _are_ _first_ defined in a thin, usually 0.1-0.3 um thick, silicon containing resist with a wet process on a relatively _thick_ high absorbing organic underlayer. The images _thus_ defined are then transferred into the underlayer through a _selective_ and highly anisotropic _oxygen_ reactive ion etching _(O2_ RIE) where silicon in the top imaging layer _is_ converted into nonvolatile silicon oxides, thus acting as _an_ etch _mask._ To be _effective_ as etch mask, _the_ top _imaging_ layer needs to contain _sufficient_ silicon, _usually_ greater than 10 wt %. The advantages of bilayer imaging over the conventional single layer _imaging_ include _higher_ _resolution_ capability, wider process latitude, _patterning_ high aspect ration features, and minimization of substrate _contamination_ and thin film interference _effects._ Moreover, the thick _organic_ underlayer offers superior substrate etch resistance. The bilayer imaging is most suitable for high NA _exposure_ _tools,_ _imaging_ over substrate topography and patterning high aspect _ratio_ patterns. Various silicon-containing polymers have been used as polymer resins in the top imaging _layer_ resists (see R. D. Miller and _G._ M. Wallraff, Advanced Materials for _Optics_ and Electronics, p. 95 (1994)). One of _the_ most widely used silicon-containing polymers _is_ _polysilsesquioxane._ Both positive-tone and negative-tone _resists_ have been _developed_ using _an_ aqueous base _soluble_ polysilsesquioxane: poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane). For _positive-tone_ bilayer resists, poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane) was modified with a diazo _photoactive_ compound or an acid sensitive t-butyloxycarbonyl (t-BOC) for I-line and chemically amplified DUV lithography, _respectively_ [U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,385,804, 5,422,223]. Positive-tone resists _have_ also been developed _by_ using dissolution inhibitors [U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,169]. _For_ negative-tone bilayer _resists,_ an azide _functional_ group was chemically _attached_ to poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane). Exposure of _the_ azide functionalized poly(p-hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane) caused crosslinking in the _exposed_ regions. _Thus,_ negative-tone _images_ resulted. _However,_ these bilayer resists _suffer_ from inadequate resolution, low sensitivity, and poor _resist_ profile in some _cases_ due to high optical density. In view _of_ the state of prior art _resists,_ it _is_ desirable to develop _new_ _bilayer_ resists _with_ high resolution, high _sensitivity,_ and good profile control _for_ _patterning_ semiconductor circuities. In _particular,_ new negative-tone silicon-containing resists are desirable since negative-tone resists generally offer _advantages_ of _better_ isolated feature resolution, good thermal stability, small isolated and dense _feature_ bias. _Accordingly,_ _one_ object of the present invention is to provide a highly sensitive, _high_ _resolution_ negative-tone resist compositions with relatively high silicon content. _Another_ object of the present invention is to provide chemically amplified negative-tone _silicon-containing_ _resist_ compositions that _can_ be used as _top_ _imaging_ layer resists in multilayer lithography for _semiconductor_ manufacturing, and, in _particular,_ in _the_ patterning of semiconductor circuities. These and _other_ objects are achieved _according_ to the _present_ invention by an acid _catalyzed,_ high _contrast_ crosslinking _of_ silicon-containing polymers bearing a phenolic moiety by using crosslinking agents that _react_ _with_ _the_ hydroxyl group of the phenolic _moiety_ in the silicon _polymers_ (O-alkylation). _These_ objectives are achieved also _by_ using a bulky photo-generated acid to reduce acid diffusion for high resolution. More _specifically,_ _highly_ sensitive, high resolution chemically amplified negative-tone resists are obtained by acid catalyzed crosslinking of aqueous base soluble _hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane_ polymer via O-alkylation. _These_ crosslinking _agents_ include, but are not limited to, uril and melamine derivatives. The O-alkylation not _only_ increases the molecular weight of the parent _polymer_ but also converts _the_ hydrophilic hydroxyl group in the parent polymer into a _less_ hydrophilic phenolic ether _group._ Both lead _to_ high contrast for the negative-tone resists. Another _aspect_ of _the_ present invention is directed _toward_ a silicon-containing negative-tone chemically amplified resist composition which comprises (a) _an_ _aqueous_ _base_ soluble _phenolic_ silicon-containing polymer _or_ copolymer; (b) a crosslinking agent; (c) an acid generator; (d) a solvent for said _polymer_ resin and crosslinking agent; and, optionally, (e) a photosensitizer _that_ is _capable_ of _absorbing_ irradiation in the mid-UV, _deep-UV_ (e.g. 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 _nm),_ extreme-UV, X-ray, e-beam or ion-beam range. The chemically amplified resist composition _of_ the present invention may further comprise (f) _a_ base and/or (g) a surfactant. The crosslinking agent, _acid_ _generator,_ photosensitizer, base and _surfactant_ can be _either_ a _single_ compound or a combination _of_ two or more compounds of _the_ same function. A further aspect _of_ the _present_ invention involves using the silicon containing resist _in_ a bilayer imaging scheme where a thin layer of _the_ silicon-containing resist _is_ applied and imaged on a thick, highly _absorbing_ organic _underlayer._ _The_ _images_ thus formed _are_ then transferred _into_ the _underlayer_ through anisotropic _O2_ or CO2 reactive ion etching. Still _other_ objects and advantages of the present _invention_ _will_ become readily _apparent_ _by_ those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein it is shown and described only _the_ _preferred_ embodiments of the invention, _simply_ by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out _the_ invention. As will be _realized,_ _the_ _invention_ is capable of _other_ and different _embodiments,_ and _its_ _several_ _details_ are _capable_ of modifications in _various_ obvious respects, without _departing_ from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and _description_ are to be regarded as illustrative in nature _and_ _not_ as restrictive. The _present_ invention _relates_ to a high sensitivity, high resolution, _aqueous_ base developable silicon-containing _negative-tone_ resist composition. The _resist_ _compositions_ of the present invention _are_ especially suitable for the top imaging _layers_ for bilayer imaging. In _one_ _embodiment_ of the invention, the high sensitivity, high resolution chemically amplified negative-tone resists _are_ obtained by acid catalyzed crosslinking aqueous base _soluble_ hydroxybenzylsilsesquioxane polymer and _copolymers_ _with_ crosslinking agents that react with the hydroxyl group (O-alkylation) of the silicon-containing polymers. Examples of suitable _crosslinking_ agents include, but not _limited_ _to,_ uril and malamine derivatives. In another embodiment of the present invention, the chemically amplified _silicon-containing_ negative-tone resist composition comprises (a) _an_ aqueous base soluble phenolic silicon-containing polymer or copolymer; (b) a crosslinking agent; (c) an acid generator; (d) a solvent for said polymer resin and the crosslinking agent; and, optionally, (e) a photosensitizer that is capable of _absorbing_ irradiation in the mid-UV, deep-UV (e.g. 248 _nm,_ 193 nm _and_ 157 nm), extreme-UV, X-ray _or_ e-beam range. The |
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to riding mowers, and in particular, to a hydrostatically controlled rear steer mower with a front steering mechanism.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Lawnmowers are well known in the art and have been used for decades to maintain a lawn's appearance. In the prior art, the lawnmower design has typically been of the form of a riding mower that is propelled by the use of a gasoline or diesel engine. A mowing deck is located beneath the mower, and in some circumstances in front or behind of mower. The mowing deck is usually powered by the same gasoline or diesel mower that propels the vehicle. The mowing deck may contain a series of pulleys connected with mowing blades that operate in a rotational pattern to cut a lawn.
Many problems have plagued the riding lawnmower. In the past, riding lawnmowers were incapable of cornering in an acceptable turn radius. In order to correct this problem, the prior art implemented a rear steer mowing system, commonly called a zero turn mower. This rear steer mechanism made each rear wheel independently controllable by the operator and turning was facilitated by slowing the inner turn radius wheel while accelerating the outer turn radius wheel. However, these zero turn mowers were deficient in the regards that they were susceptible to loss of tire grip while cornering and on steep terrain. When the rider was operating the vehicle on a steep terrain, the higher elevated tire would lose contact with the terrain surface and thereby cause the mower to sway out of control from the operator. This created a dangerous and inefficient method of mowing.
Thus, there remains a need for a new and improved hydrostatically controlled rear steer mower that is capable of maintaining tire grip while traversing rough, uneven or highly sloped terrain. | (1) Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to riding mowers, and in particular, to a hydrostatically controlled rear steer mower with a front steering mechanism. (2) Description of the Prior Art Lawnmowers are well known in the art and have been used for decades to maintain a lawn's appearance. In the anterior art, the lawnmower design has typically been of the form of a riding mower that is propelled by the use of a gasoline or diesel engine. A mowing deck is located beneath the mower, and in some circumstances in front or behind of mower. The mowing deck is usually powered by the same gasoline or diesel mower that propels the vehicle. The mowing deck may contain a series of pulleys connected with mowing blades that operate in a rotational pattern to cut a lawn. Many problems have plagued the riding lawnmower. In the past, riding lawnmowers were incapable of cornering in an acceptable turn radius. In order to correct this problem, the prior art implemented a rear steer mowing system, commonly called a zero turn mower. This rear steer mechanism made each rear wheel independently controllable by the operator and turning was facilitated by slowing the inner turn radius wheel while accelerating the outer turn radius wheel. However, these zero turn mowers were deficient in the regards that they were susceptible to loss of tire grip while cornering and on steep terrain. When the rider was operating the vehicle on a steep terrain, the higher elevated tire would lose contact with the terrain surface and thereby cause the mower to sway out of control from the operator. This created a dangerous and inefficient method of mowing. Thus, there remains a need for a new and improved hydrostatically controlled rear steer mower that is capable of maintaining tire grip while traversing rough, uneven or highly sloped terrain. | ( 1) Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to riding mowers, and in particular, to a hydrostatically controlled rear steer mower with a front steering mechanism. (2) Description of the Prior Art Lawnmowers are well known in the art and have been used for decades to maintain a lawn ' s appearance. In the prior art, the lawnmower design has typically been of the form of a riding mower that is propelled by the use of a gasoline or diesel engine. A mowing deck is located beneath the mower, and in some circumstances in front or behind of mower. The hiwing V4ck is usually powered by the same gasoline or diesel mower that propels the vehicle. The mowing deck may contain a series of pulleys connected with mowing blades that operate in a rotational pattern to cut a lawn. Many problems have plagued the riding lawnmower. In the past, riding lawnmowers were incapable of cornering in an acceptable turn radius. In order to correct this problem, the prior art implemented a 4eZr steer mowing system, commonly Vall@d a zero turn mower. This rear ste3f mechanism made each rear wheel independently controllable by the operWtot and turning was facilitated by slowing the inner turn radius wheel while accelerating the outer turn radius wheel. However, these zero turn mowers were deficient in the regards that they were susceptible to loss of tire grip while cornering and on steep gerrAin. When the rider was operating the vehicle on a steep terrain, the higher elevated tire would lose contact w*tN the terrain surface and thereby cause the mower to sway out of control from the operator. This created a dangerous and ineRficieGt method of mowing. Thus, there remains a need for a new and improved hydrostatically controlled rear steer mower that is capab,R of maintaining tire grip while traversing rough, uneven or highly sloped terrain. | (1) Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to riding mowers, and in particular, to a hydrostatically controlled rear mower with a front steering mechanism. (2) Description of the Prior Art Lawnmowers are known in the art and have been used for decades to maintain a lawn's appearance. the prior art, the lawnmower has typically been of the of a riding mower that is propelled by the use of a gasoline diesel engine. A mowing deck is located beneath the mower, and in some circumstances in front or behind of mower. mowing deck is usually powered by the same or mower that propels The mowing may contain a of pulleys connected with mowing blades that operate in a rotational pattern to cut a lawn. Many problems have plagued the riding lawnmower. In the past, riding lawnmowers were incapable of cornering in an acceptable radius. In order to correct this problem, the prior art implemented a rear steer system, commonly called zero turn mower. This rear steer made each rear wheel independently controllable by operator and turning facilitated the inner turn wheel while accelerating outer turn radius wheel. However, these zero turn mowers were deficient in the regards that they were susceptible to loss of tire while cornering and on When the rider was operating the vehicle on a steep terrain, the higher elevated would lose contact with the terrain surface and thereby cause the mower to sway out of control from the operator. This created a dangerous and inefficient of mowing. Thus, there remains a need for a new and improved hydrostatically controlled rear steer mower that is capable of maintaining tire grip while traversing uneven or highly sloped | (1) fIEld oF tHE invenTIon
ThE PREsEnT InvEnTIon RELaTeS gEneRALlY tO RIDiNg mOwErs, aNd IN paRtIcULAr, TO a HYDrOStaTiCaLly CONTRoLlEd reAr Steer moWer wItH A fRont STeeRINg mEcHAniSm.
(2) deSCripTiON Of the PRiOR aRt
lAWNmOWERs aRE wEll knOwN iN ThE aRt aND havE BEEn USeD fOr DEcADeS to mAINTain a lAWn's AppearAnCe. IN tHE pRIOR aRT, THe LAwnMOWER dESign hAs tYpIcALLy been of the Form Of A RIdinG mOWeR thAT Is pROPeLlED by the uSe of a GaSolinE OR DieSEl eNGIne. a mowINg DECK IS lOCaTED BenEATh thE mowER, AND In SOME cIRcuMstAnCES in fRont OR BEHIND Of MOwEr. tHe MoWIng deCK Is USuALly powereD bY thE SAmE gaSOliNE OR diEsel MOWER thAT prOPEls ThE VeHiCLe. tHE moWing dEck mAy ConTaIn A seriES oF PulleYS conNECteD WiTH mOwINg bladES tHat OperAtE iN A rOtatIOnAl pATTern to cuT A laWN.
mAnY PrOblEms haVE plAgUeD ThE RiDING LAwNMOWer. in thE PasT, ridiNg lAWNMoWeRs were InCapAble OF corneRING in aN accEptAbLe tUrN raDiUs. in ORDEr tO COrRecT ThiS pROBLEM, tHe pRIor art imPLEMEnTED A REAR StEEr mOWInG SySTEM, cOmmoNLY CALLEd A zERO turn mOwEr. this ReaR STeEr mECHANISM mADe eAch reAR WHEel IndEPeNDENTlY contrOLLAble by tHe operaTor ANd TuRnIng wAs FaCILiTaTeD By slowINg tHE InNER tUrn RadIus WHEEL WhILE aCceLErAtiNG thE ouTeR TuRn RaDIuS Wheel. HoWevEr, thESE zERo tUrn MoWerS Were DeficiEnT IN thE RegARDs THaT thEY WeRe SUscepTiBle To lOss OF tIre Grip while CoRNERInG AND on STEEP TErRAin. wHen THe RIDEr WAS oPerATiNG ThE veHICLE on a STeEp tERRaIN, THE higher ELeVateD TIRe wOULd LoSe CoNtACT WItH THE TERRAiN sURfacE ANd tHerEby cAusE tHE MowER To sway ouT of cOntrol FROm tHe opeRator. THiS CrEateD A DANGeRoUs ANd inEffICIEnt MeTHod of mOwING.
Thus, theRe remaIns a nEED FOr A NeW aNd iMProvEd HyDRostaTICAlly CoNTroLLed reAR STeEr mOwER THat IS CAPAbLE OF MainTAinINg TIRe GRip WHIle TrAVerSING ROuGH, uneVeN or hIghly sLOPEd TErraIN. | (1) Field of the Invention The present invention relatesgenerally toriding mowers, and in particular, to a hydrostatically controlled rearsteer mower with a front steeringmechanism. (2) Descriptionof thePrior Art Lawnmowers are well known in the art andhave been usedfor decades to maintain alawn's appearance. In the prior art, the lawnmower design hastypically been of theform of a riding mower that is propelled bythe use of agasoline or diesel engine. A mowing deck islocated beneath the mower, and in some circumstances in front or behind of mower. The mowing deck is usually powered by the same gasoline or dieselmower thatpropels the vehicle. The mowing deck may contain a series of pulleys connectedwith mowing blades thatoperate in a rotationalpattern to cut a lawn. Many problems have plagued theriding lawnmower.In thepast, riding lawnmowers were incapable of cornering in an acceptable turn radius. In order to correct this problem, the prior art implemented arear steer mowing system, commonly called a zero turn mower. This rear steer mechanism made each rearwheel independently controllable by theoperator andturningwas facilitated by slowing the inner turn radius wheel while accelerating the outerturnradius wheel. However,these zero turn mowers were deficient inthe regardsthat theywere susceptible to loss of tire grip while cornering and on steep terrain. Whenthe rider was operating the vehicle on a steep terrain, the higher elevated tire would lose contactwith the terrainsurfaceand thereby cause the mower to sway out of control from the operator. This created a dangerous and inefficient method ofmowing. Thus, there remains aneed for a new and improvedhydrostatically controlled rear steer mower that is capableof maintaining tire grip while traversing rough, uneven or highly sloped terrain. | (1) Field _of_ the Invention The present invention relates _generally_ to riding mowers, and _in_ particular, to a hydrostatically controlled rear steer mower with a front steering mechanism. (2) Description of the Prior _Art_ Lawnmowers are well _known_ in the art and have been used for decades _to_ maintain a lawn's appearance. In the _prior_ art, the lawnmower design has typically been of the form of a riding mower that is propelled by _the_ use of a gasoline or diesel engine. _A_ mowing _deck_ is located beneath the _mower,_ and in some _circumstances_ in _front_ or behind _of_ mower. The mowing deck is usually powered by the same gasoline or _diesel_ mower that propels _the_ _vehicle._ The mowing deck may _contain_ a _series_ of pulleys connected with mowing blades _that_ operate in a rotational pattern to _cut_ a lawn. _Many_ problems have _plagued_ the riding lawnmower. In the past, riding lawnmowers were _incapable_ of cornering in _an_ acceptable turn radius. In _order_ to correct _this_ problem, the _prior_ _art_ implemented a rear _steer_ mowing system, commonly called a zero turn mower. This rear steer mechanism made each _rear_ _wheel_ independently _controllable_ by the operator and turning was _facilitated_ by slowing the inner _turn_ radius wheel while _accelerating_ the outer turn radius wheel. However, these zero turn mowers were deficient in the regards that they were susceptible to loss _of_ _tire_ grip while cornering and _on_ _steep_ terrain. When the rider was operating _the_ vehicle on a steep terrain, the higher elevated tire would lose contact with the terrain _surface_ and thereby cause the _mower_ to sway out _of_ control _from_ the operator. This created a _dangerous_ _and_ _inefficient_ _method_ of mowing. Thus, _there_ remains _a_ need for _a_ new and _improved_ _hydrostatically_ controlled rear steer mower that is capable of maintaining tire _grip_ while traversing rough, uneven or highly sloped _terrain._ |
Software programs are subject to complex and evolving attacks by malware seeking to gain control of computer systems. These attacks can take on a variety of different forms ranging from attempts to crash the software program to subversion of the program for alternate purposes. Additionally, it is particularly difficult to protect the run-time data of the program. The protection of this run-time data is especially important when it involves the program's secrets and configuration information or digital rights protection keying material needed by applications to protect content in main memory and while in transit. | Software programs are subject to complex and evolving attacks by malware attempt to gain control of computer systems. These attacks can take on a variety of different forms ranging from attempts to crash the software program to subversion of the program for alternate purposes. Additionally, it is particularly difficult to protect the run-time data of the program. The protection of this run-time data is especially important when it involves the program's secrets and configuration information or digital rights protection keying material needed by applications to protect content in main memory and while in transit. | Sofrwar@ programs are sufjeVt to complex and evolving attacks by malware seeiimg to gaKJ control of computer systems. These attacks can take on a variety of different forms ranging from attempts to crash the xoDtware program to subversion of the program for alternate purposes. Addi4ional>y, it is particularly diffuculr to protect the run - time data of the program. The protection of 4hUs run - time data is especially important when it involves the program ' s secrets and configuration information or digital elghts protection keying material needed by applications to protect conRFnt in main memory and while in transit. | Software programs are subject to complex and attacks by malware seeking to control of computer systems. These attacks can take on a variety of different ranging from attempts crash the software to subversion of the program for alternate purposes. it is particularly difficult to protect the run-time data of the program. The protection of this run-time data especially when it the program's secrets and configuration information or digital rights protection keying material needed by applications to protect content in main memory and while in transit. | sOftWare pROGRams ArE sUbJEcT to cOmplEX And EVoLviNg AtTACkS BY mALWARe sEEkiNg to gAIn ContrOL Of coMpUTer SYSTEmS. THesE aTTAckS CAN tAke On a VAriETy Of dIFfEReNT FOrMs rANgIng fROm aTteMPtS to CRASh thE SOftwaRe PRoGrAM to SubvERSiON Of tHe PROgrAM for AlTerNAte pURpoSeS. AdDitIoNally, it is PArTIcULarly DIffIcuLT TO PROtEcT thE rUn-time daTa oF THE PrograM. The PRotEction OF ThIS rUN-tImE DATa Is esPeCIAlly IMPortAnt WHeN it INvOLVES ThE ProGRAM'S SeCreTS aND ConfiguratIon INfOrmaTIoN or digitAl riGhts pROTEcTIOn kEyINg mAteRial NeEDed by aPplIcaTionS tO prOtEct COntEnT in mAin MEMORY aNd WhiLE in trANSIt. | Software programs are subject tocomplex and evolving attacks by malware seeking to gain controlof computersystems. These attacks can takeona variety of differentforms ranging from attempts to crash the software programtosubversion of the program for alternate purposes. Additionally, itis particularlydifficult to protect the run-time dataof the program. The protection of this run-time data is especially important when it involvestheprogram's secrets and configurationinformation or digital rights protection keying material needed by applications to protect content in main memory and while in transit. | Software programs are subject _to_ complex and evolving attacks by _malware_ _seeking_ to gain control of _computer_ systems. These attacks _can_ take on a variety _of_ different forms ranging from attempts to crash the software _program_ to subversion of _the_ program for alternate purposes. Additionally, it is particularly difficult to _protect_ the run-time data of the program. The protection of this run-time data is _especially_ important when it _involves_ the _program's_ secrets _and_ configuration information or digital rights protection _keying_ material needed by applications to _protect_ content in main memory _and_ while _in_ transit. |
In a conventional radiographic system, an x-ray source is actuated to direct a divergent area beam of x-rays through a patient. A cassette containing an x-ray sensitive screen and light and x-ray sensitive film is positioned in the x-ray path on a side of the patient opposite the source. Radiation passing through the patient's body is attenuated to varying degrees in accordance with the various types of tissue through which the x-rays pass. The attenuated x-rays emerge from the patient in a pattern and strike the phosphor screen which in turn exposes the film. The x-ray film is processed to yield a visible image which can be interpreted by a radiologist as defining internal body structure and/or condition of the patient.
In conventional systems of the type described above the x-ray source is mounted to a support structure. Such structure is commonly a ceiling supported, telescoping carriage which permits selection of various source to film distances. The weight of the source and associated componentry are counterbalanced against gravity via a spring motor and a cable/pulley arrangement. A support cable take-up drum or cam is provided to compensate for the variance in the spring tension force over the operative range of spring extension. The take-up drum is provided with a helical groove which receives the support cable. By decreasing the support cable drum take-up radius as the counterbalance springs are extended, a substantially constant counterbalance force is applied to the support cable. Further details of the above described counterbalance system can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,070 to Amor Jr. et al. which is owned by the present assignee.
It is to be noted that the above described counterbalance system is useful where the center of gravity of the moving component moves in a substantially vertical, straight line.
More recently, digital radiography techniques have been developed. In digital radiography, the source directs radiation through a patient's body to a detector in the beam path beyond the patient. The detector, by use of appropriate sensor means, responds to the incident radiation image to produce analog signals representing the sensed radiation, which signals are converted to digital information and fed to a digital data processing unit. The data processing unit records, and/or processes and enhances the digital data. A display unit responds to the appropriate digital data representing the image to convert the digital information back into analog form and produce a visual display of the patient's internal body structure.
Digital radiography includes radiographic techniques in which a thin spread beam of x-rays is used. In this technique, often called "scan" (or slit) projection radiography (SPR), a spread beam of x-rays are scanned across the patient's body, or the patient is movably interposed between the source and an array of individual cellular detector segments. In such an embodiment, relative movement is effected between the source/detector arrangement and the patient's body, keeping the detector aligned with the beam, such that a large area of the patient's body is scanned by the beam of x-rays.
One such SPR system is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. 4,626,688 to Barnes entitled Split Energy Level Radiation Detection and in the following publication:
Tesic, M. M. et al.; "Digital Radiography of the Chest: Design Features and Considerations For a Prototype Unit", Radiology, Vol. 148 No. 1, pp 259-64, July 1983.
The above described SPR Systems are configured such that the scanning motion is about a substantially vertical axis, i.e., the detector moves along a path defining an arc lying substantially in a horizontal plane.
It has also been proposed to provide an SPR system wherein the scanning motion is about a substantially horizontal axis thereby causing the detector to move along a path defining an arc lying substantially in a vertical plane.
In both configurations the scanning motion is provided by means of electromechanical servo-systems driven by controllable electric motors. An encoder is utilized to provide a closed loop feedback system wherein motor performance is adjusted in accordance with the sensed location of the detector.
In the second system wherein the scanning motion is about a horizontal axis, a difficulty is encountered in that the center of gravity of the rotating body rotates about the pivot point. The torque required to effect scanning motion about the pivot axis varies sinusoidally. A electromechanical servo system designed to compensate for the torque variations would be unduly complex. Further, a motor able to provide sufficient torque to overcome the system torque at the extremes of the scan motion would be large and prohibitively expensive.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a lightweight, reliable, simple and inexpensive counterbalance system which compensates for gravitation torques experienced in a system which rotates about a substantially horizontal axis thereby permitting the use of less costly and complex drive components. | In a conventional radiographic system, an x-ray source is actuated to direct a divergent area beam of x-rays through a patient. A cassette containing an x-ray sensitive screen and light and x-ray sensitive film is positioned in the x-ray path on a side of the patient opposite the source. Radiation passing through the patient's body is attenuated to varying degrees in accordance with the various types of tissue through which the x-rays pass. The attenuated x-rays emerge from the patient in a pattern and strike the phosphor screen which in turn exposes the film. The x-ray film is processed to yield a visible image which can be interpreted by a radiologist as defining internal body structure and/or condition of the patient. In conventional systems of the type described above the x-ray source is mounted to a support structure. Such structure is commonly a ceiling supported, telescoping carriage which permits selection of various source to film distances. The weight of the source and associated componentry are counterbalanced against gravity via a spring motor and a cable/pulley arrangement. A support cable take-up drum or cam is provided to compensate for the variance in the spring tension force over the operative range of spring extension. The take-up drum is provided with a helical groove which receives the support cable. By decreasing the support cable drum take-up radius as the counterbalance springs are extended, a substantially constant counterbalance force is applied to the support cable. Further details of the above described counterbalance system can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,070 to Amor Jr. et al. which is owned by the present assignee. It is to be noted that the above described counterbalance system is useful where the center of gravity of the moving component moves in a substantially vertical, straight line. More recently, digital radiography techniques have been developed. In digital radiography, the source directs radiation through a patient's body to a detector in the beam path beyond the patient. The detector, by use of appropriate sensor means, responds to the incident radiation image to produce analog signals representing the sensed radiation, which signals are converted to digital information and fed to a digital data processing unit. The data processing unit records, and/or processes and enhances the digital data. A display unit responds to the appropriate digital data representing the image to convert the digital information back into analog form and produce a visual display of the patient's internal body structure. Digital radiography includes radiographic techniques in which a thin spread beam of x-rays is used. In this technique, often called "scan" (or slit) projection radiography (SPR), a spread beam of x-rays are scanned across the patient's body, or the patient is movably interposed between the source and an array of individual cellular detector segments. In such an embodiment, relative movement is effected between the source/detector arrangement and the patient's body, keeping the detector aligned with the beam, such that a large area of the patient's body is scanned by the beam of x-rays. One such SPR system is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. 4,626,688 to Barnes entitled Split Energy Level Radiation Detection and in the following publication: Tesic, M. M. et al.; "Digital Radiography of the Chest: Design Features and Considerations For a Prototype Unit", Radiology, Vol. 148 No. 1, pp 259-64, July 1983. The above described SPR Systems are configured such that the scanning motion is about a substantially vertical axis, i.e., the detector moves along a path defining an arc lying substantially in a horizontal plane. It has also been proposed to provide an SPR system wherein the scanning motion is about a substantially horizontal axis thereby causing the detector to move along a path defining an arc lying substantially in a vertical plane. In both configurations the scanning motion is provided by means of electromechanical servo-systems driven by controllable electric motors. An encoder is use to provide a closed loop feedback system wherein motor performance is adjusted in accordance with the sensed location of the detector. In the second system wherein the scanning motion is about a horizontal axis, a difficulty is encountered in that the center of gravity of the rotating body rotates about the pivot point. The torque required to effect scanning motion about the pivot axis varies sinusoidally. A electromechanical servo system designed to compensate for the torque variations would be unduly complex. Further, a motor able to provide sufficient torque to overcome the system torque at the extremes of the scan motion would be large and prohibitively expensive. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a lightweight, reliable, simple and inexpensive counterbalance system which compensates for gravitation torques experienced in a system which rotates about a substantially horizontal axis thereby permitting the use of less costly and complex drive components. | In a conventional radiographic system, an x - ray source is actuated to direct a divergent area beam of x - rays through a patient. A cassette containing an x - ray sensitive screen and light and x - ray sensitive film is positioned in the x - ray path on a side of the patient opposite the source. Radiation passing through the patient ' s body is attenuated to varying degrees in accordance with the various types of tissue through which the x - rays pass. The attenuated x - rays emerge from the patient in a pattern and strike the phosphor scrWsn which in turn exposes the film. The x - ray film is processed to yield a visible image which can be interpreted by a radiologist as defining internal body structure and / or condition of the patient. In conventional systems of the type described above the x - ray source is mounted to a support structure. Such structure is commonly a ceiling supported, telescoping carriage whisj permits selection of various source to film distances. The weight of the source and associated compoB3ntry are counterbalanced against gravity via a spring motor and a cable / pulley arrangement. A support cable take - up drum or cam is provided to compensate for the variance in the spring tension force over the operative range of spring extension. The take - up drum is provided with a helical groove which receives the support cable. By decreasing the support cable drum take - up radius as the counterbalance springs are extended, a substantially constant counterbalance force is applied to the support cable. Further details of the above described counterbalance system can be found in U. S. Pat. No. 3, 902, 070 to Amor Jr. et al. which is owned by the present assignee. It is to be noted that the above described counterbalance system is useful where the center of gravity of the moving component moves in a substantially vertical, straight line. More recently, digital radiography techniques have been developed. In digital radiography, the source directs radiation through a patient ' s body to a detector in the beam path beyond the patient. The detector, by use of appropriate sensor means, responds to the Jnciden% radiation image to produce analog signals representing the sensed radiation, which signals are converted to digital information and fed to a digital data processing unit. The data processing unit records, and / or processes and enhances the digital data. A display unit responds to the appropriate digital data representing the image to convert the digital information back into analog form and produce a visual display of the patient ' s internal body structure. Digital radiography includes radiographic techniques in which a thin spread beam of x - rays is used. In this technique, often called " scan " (or slit) projection radiography (SPR ), a spread Nea< of x - rays are scanned across the patient ' s body, or the patient is movably interposed between the source and an array of individual cellular detector segments. In such an embodiment, relative movement is effected between the source / detector arrangement and the patient ' s body, keeping the detector aligned with the beam, such that a large area of the patient ' s body is scanned by the beam of x - rays. One such SPR system is d#sc#ibed in more detail in U. S. Pat. 4, 626, 688 to Barnes entitled Split Energy Level Radiation Detection and in the following publication: Tesic, M. M. et al. ; " Digital Radiography of the Chest: Design Features and Considerations For a Prototype Uj&t ", Radiology, Vol. 148 No. 1, pp 259 - 64, July 1983. The above described SPR Systems are configured such that the scanning motion is about a substantially vertical axis, i. e. , the detector moves along a path defining an arc lying substantially in a horizontal plane. It has also been proposed to provide an SPR system wherein the scanning motion is about a substantially horizontal axis thereby causing the detector to move along a path defining an arc lying substantially in a vertical plane. In both configurations the scanning motion is provided by means of electromechanical servo - systems driven by controllable electric motors. An encoder is utilized to provide a closed loop feedback system wherein motor performance is adjusted in accordance with the sensed location of the detector. In the second system wherein the scanning motion is about a horizontal axis, a difficulty is encountered in that the center of gravity of the rotating body rotates about the pivot point. The torque required to effect scanning motion about the pivot axis varies sinusoidally. A e.ectromecJanical servo system designed to compensate for the torque variations would be unduly complex. Further, a motor able to provide sufficient torque to overcome the eysfem torque at the extremes of the scan motion would be large and prohibitively expensive. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a lightweight, reliable, simple and inexpensive counterbalance system which comp4nsatrs for gravitation torques experienced in a system which rotates about a substantially horizontal axis thereby permitting the use of less costly and complex drive components. | In a conventional radiographic an source is actuated to direct a divergent area beam of x-rays through a patient. A containing an x-ray sensitive screen and light and x-ray sensitive film positioned in x-ray path a side of patient opposite the source. Radiation passing patient's body is attenuated to varying degrees in accordance with the various types of tissue through which x-rays The attenuated x-rays emerge from the patient in a pattern strike the phosphor screen which in turn exposes the film. x-ray film is to yield a visible image which can interpreted by a radiologist as defining internal body structure and/or condition of the In conventional systems of the type described above the x-ray source is to a support Such structure is commonly a ceiling supported, telescoping which permits selection of various source to film distances. The weight of source and associated componentry are against gravity via a spring motor and a cable/pulley arrangement. A support cable take-up cam is provided to compensate variance in the spring tension force over the operative range of extension. The take-up drum is provided a helical groove which receives the support cable. By decreasing the support cable drum take-up radius as the springs are extended, a substantially counterbalance force is to the support Further details of the above described counterbalance system be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,070 to Amor Jr. et al. is owned by the present assignee. It is to be noted that the above described counterbalance system is useful where center gravity of the component moves in a substantially vertical, straight line. More recently, digital radiography techniques have been developed. In digital radiography, the directs radiation through a patient's to a detector in beam path beyond the patient. The detector, by use of appropriate sensor means, responds to the incident radiation image to produce analog signals representing the sensed radiation, which signals are to information and fed to a digital data processing unit. The data processing unit and/or processes and enhances the digital data. A display unit responds to the appropriate digital data the image to convert the digital information into analog form and produce a display of the patient's internal body structure. Digital radiography includes radiographic in which a spread beam of x-rays is used. In this technique, often called "scan" (or slit) projection (SPR), a spread of x-rays are scanned across the patient's body, or the patient is movably interposed between the source and an array of individual cellular In such an embodiment, movement is effected between the source/detector arrangement and the patient's body, the detector with the beam, such that a large area of the patient's is scanned by the of x-rays. One such SPR system is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. 4,626,688 to Barnes entitled Split Energy Level Radiation Detection and in the following publication: Tesic, M. M. et al.; "Digital Radiography of the Chest: Design Features and Considerations For a Prototype Unit", Radiology, Vol. 148 No. 1, pp July 1983. The above described SPR Systems are such that the scanning motion is about a substantially vertical axis, i.e., detector moves along a path defining an arc lying substantially in a plane. It has also been proposed to provide an SPR system wherein motion is about a substantially horizontal axis thereby causing the detector along path defining arc lying in a plane. In both the scanning motion is provided by means of electromechanical servo-systems driven by electric motors. An encoder is utilized to provide a closed loop feedback system wherein performance is adjusted in accordance with the sensed location of the detector. In the second wherein the scanning motion is about a axis, a difficulty is encountered in the center of gravity of the rotating body rotates about the pivot point. torque required to effect scanning motion about the pivot axis varies sinusoidally. A electromechanical servo system designed to compensate for the torque variations would be complex. Further, a motor able to provide sufficient torque to overcome the system at the extremes the scan motion would be large prohibitively expensive. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a reliable, simple and inexpensive counterbalance system which compensates for gravitation torques experienced in a system which rotates about a substantially horizontal axis thereby permitting the use of less costly and complex drive components. | IN A COnveNTiONAl RaDIOGRaPhIc sySteM, An X-RAY SOURCe iS ActUAted TO dIRECt a dIvERgENT areA BeAm OF x-RAys tHroUgH a PatIeNt. A CASSETte cOnTAIninG An x-ray SENSitiVE sCreen aNd lIGhT AnD x-Ray SEnSItive FIlm iS POsItIONed in The x-RAy pAth On A sidE Of tHe PAtIeNT opPoSItE thE soURcE. RADIAtioN PAssIng THrough THE pATIEnt'S bodY iS aTtENUATEd TO VaRYiNg dEGReEs IN aCCoRdance wIth tHE vARiOuS TypEs of tisSUE througH whicH ThE X-rayS PAss. ThE ATtenuateD x-raYs EMERgE fROm The paTIEnt In A paTteRn anD StRIKe the PHOSphor sCrEeN WHich In tURn eXPoSEs THe fiLM. thE X-RAY fILM iS PRoceSSEd to yIELD a visIbLe IMAge WhICh can bE interPrETed by a raDiolOGIsT As DEfInIng INTerNAl bodY sTRuCtUre aNd/oR coNDItiON oF THE paTIEnt.
iN convEnTIONaL sYStEMs OF The tYPE DEScRiBeD Above THE X-rAy soUrCe iS MOuNted TO A sUPPoRt StRucture. sucH sTRuctUrE IS cOmMoNLy a CEiLiNG sUppORtEd, TelEsCopING cARrIage WHiCh pERMiTS sElecTioN oF varioUS SouRce tO fIlM DiSTaNCES. the wEIgHt OF thE sOURCE AnD asSociateD COmpONeNTry aRE COUntERbAlAncED agAinsT GraVITY viA a sPRinG MOtoR and A CAble/pUlleY arRangEMent. A SUpporT cAblE tAke-Up DRum OR cAM is pRovideD TO cOMpeNSATE FOr tHE VarIaNcE iN tHe SPring tenSIon forCE ovER The opERatIVe Range Of sPrIng eXtensIOn. The TAke-UP drUm IS prOviDEd WItH A helICAL grOOVE WHICh rEcEivES THe SUppORt cabLE. by dEcreAsInG THE sUppoRt cabLE DrUm TakE-uP rAdIuS AS THE cOuntERBAlAnce SpRingS are eXTENdEd, a SubsTANtIALlY cOnstanT COUNTErbALaNCE FORce is APPLied TO thE sUpPorT cAble. FUrThEr dEtaIls of The above DeSCRIbEd CoUNTErbalaNCe sYsTem can be founD iN u.s. pAT. nO. 3,902,070 to Amor jr. eT al. WHICh Is oWnED bY the PReseNt assigneE.
iT is tO Be notED tHat the abOVe dEScrIbED cOunTErbalaNce SysTEm iS USEful wHERe The CeNteR OF GRAViTy of thE MOvINg ComPoNenT MovEs IN a SuBSTantIallY VerTiCaL, StrAIGht lINE.
mOrE ReCenTlY, DIgITAl rADIoGRaphY TeCHNIQues havE BEeN deVeLoPED. IN DIgitaL RaDiOGRApHY, THE SOurce diREctS rADiatioN tHrOugh a PatIEnT'S BOdY TO A dETECTOr iN THe bEam PAth BeyOnD The pAtient. THE DETEctOr, by UsE oF ApPROPrIAte seNSor MeANS, RESpoNDs To The INcIdent rAdIaTiOn iMAGE To proDuCE aNAlOG SiGNALs rEPREsenTinG thE seNSEd RaDIAtION, wHIch SIgNALs arE CoNVErTed to dIgItal InFOrmaTioN aND feD TO a dIgitaL Data PRoceSsING uNIt. the DaTA processING uNiT rEcoRdS, ANd/OR PROcEssES AnD eNhaNcES The digITal data. A DISPlaY unit RespoNdS TO THe appropRiaTE dIGital daTA REPrEsentiNg tHE IMAGE TO COnVERT THe DIGITAl iNFOrmation bAck INTO analog FOrm And ProdUcE a ViSuaL dISpLay oF ThE pAtient'S iNtERnaL bOdy strUCTuRe.
DIgItAL RadIoGRaPhY inCLUDEs RadIOGRApHIC TEcHniQueS in WHIcH a ThIN spread BEAm of x-raYs Is USeD. in tHiS tEchNiqUE, oftEn caLlEd "scAn" (or SLIT) PrOJECTION RAdiOGRaPHy (spR), a sPreAd bEAm Of x-rayS aRe SCanNEd acrOSs thE PaTIenT's bODy, Or ThE paTiEnt iS mOvABly INTerPosed BETwEen thE sOurcE aNd An arraY OF indIvidUAL cElluLAr DETectoR sEgmenTs. IN sUCH AN EmBODiMEnt, ReLatIve movEMENT iS EFfeCtEd bEtWEEN tHe SOUrCE/DETEcTor aRrangEmEnt And tHE PaTiENT's BOdy, KEEPIng thE deTEcTOR aLIGNED WITh The BeaM, sUch thAT a LaRGE AreA oF THE PaTiENT'S bODy IS SCANnEd BY THE Beam of X-raYs.
ONe suCh spr syStEM iS DEsCrIbEd IN moRe DetaiL In U.s. pAT. 4,626,688 TO BaRneS enTitLEd sPLit energY LeVeL RadIATIoN DETection aND in The FolLoWIng PublICAtIoN:
TeSiC, M. m. eT aL.; "diGitAl radioGrAphY oF ThE cHEst: desIgN featurEs ANd conSIDeRaTionS FOr A PRotOtYPe unit", RAdIoLogY, vOl. 148 No. 1, pp 259-64, JULY 1983.
The AbovE deScRIbeD SPR systEMS ArE cOnFIguRED sucH That tHE scanninG mOTioN IS AbOUt a SUBsTAntiALLy VErTicAl AXiS, i.E., tHE DeTectOR mOVes aLONg a PATH defiNiNG An ARc LYINg SUBStANtIAllY in A HoRizOnTal PLAne.
IT HaS Also BEeN PROpOsed TO PRovide an SpR sySTEM wherEIN tHe SCaNNInG motIoN iS abOUT a sUBstANtiaLLY hoRIzOntAL axis TheReby CAuSIng tHE dEtEctOR To MOVe AloNG A Path defiNiNG AN arc LyINg SUBStantIALLY iN a veRTiCaL Plane.
iN bOth CONfIguRAtIons thE SCAnNinG motIOn iS pROvIded By mEans of eLecTROMechanIcaL sERVo-sYsTEMS DRivEn by cOntRollAblE ELeCtRiC mOTors. An encoDER IS uTIlizeD tO prOViDe A clOSeD LoOP FEedBAck sYsTEm wheReIN mOtor pErfOrMAnce IS adJuSTed iN AccOrDanCe WITh tHE SeNseD LoCation Of thE DeteCtoR.
iN The secOND systeM wheREiN the scaNNINg moTIon IS AbOuT a hoRIzontaL aXiS, A dIFFIcUltY Is eNCounTEReD In tHAt tHe cEntEr OF GrAvity oF THe RoTATinG BOdY roTAtEs AbOUT THE pivOT PoiNt. The TOrQuE rEQUIReD to EffECT sCAnNiNG mOtioN AboUT THe PIVot aXis vArIeS sInUsOidAlLY. a eLECTRoMEcHaNiCAL seRvO SYStEM desiGNed TO COmPenSate For tHe TOrQUe varIaTiONs wouLd Be UndUlY COmPLEX. FuRTHer, A MOToR ABLe tO prOVidE sufficIENt toRQue tO OVErcoMe thE sYsTEM torQuE aT The exTrEMES OF ThE scaN motIOn wOUld bE LArGe aNd pRoHIbItIvElY expENSiVe.
it Is THeREForE AN ObJEcT oF ThIS inVeNTiON TO PRovIDE A LightwEigHt, reLIABLE, sImPLE aND INExpeNsive COuntErBAlanCE SYStEm WhiCH COMPeNSates FOR grAviTaTion TOrQUES eXpErIEnCED in a syStEm WHIch ROTAtES ABoUt a substanTiALLy HOriZoNtAl AxIs thereby PErmItTinG tHe UsE OF LESS COstly AND COmplEX dRivE compoNeNtS. | In a conventional radiographic system,an x-ray source isactuated to direct a divergent area beam ofx-rays through a patient. A cassette containing an x-ray sensitive screen and light and x-ray sensitive film ispositioned in thex-ray path on a side ofthe patient opposite the source. Radiation passing through the patient's body is attenuated to varying degrees in accordance with the various types of tissue through which the x-rays pass. The attenuated x-rays emerge from the patient in apattern and strike the phosphorscreen which inturn exposes the film. The x-ray film is processedto yield a visible image which can be interpreted by a radiologist as defining internalbody structure and/or condition of the patient. In conventional systemsof the type describedabove thex-ray source is mounted to a support structure. Such structure is commonly a ceiling supported, telescoping carriage which permits selection ofvarious source tofilm distances. The weight of the sourceand associated componentry are counterbalanced against gravity via a spring motor and a cable/pulley arrangement. A support cabletake-up drum or cam is providedto compensate for the variance in the spring tension force over the operativerange of spring extension. The take-up drum is provided with a helical groove which receives the support cable. Bydecreasing the support cable drumtake-up radius as the counterbalance springs are extended, a substantially constant counterbalance force is applied to the supportcable. Further details of the above described counterbalance systemcan befound inU.S. Pat.No. 3,902,070 to Amor Jr. et al. which is owned by the present assignee. It is to be noted that the above described counterbalance system is useful where the center ofgravity of the moving component moves in a substantially vertical, straight line. Morerecently, digitalradiography techniques have been developed. In digital radiography, the source directs radiation through a patient's body toa detector in thebeam path beyond thepatient. Thedetector, by use of appropriate sensor means, responds to the incidentradiation image to produce analog signals representing the sensedradiation, which signals are convertedto digital information andfedto a digital data processing unit. The data processing unit records,and/or processes and enhances thedigital data. A display unit responds to theappropriate digital data representing the image toconvert the digital information back into analog form and produce a visual display of the patient's internal body structure. Digital radiography includes radiographic techniques in which a thin spread beamof x-rays is used. In this technique, often called"scan" (or slit) projectionradiography (SPR), a spread beam of x-raysare scanned acrossthe patient's body, orthe patient ismovably interposed between the source and an arrayof individualcellular detector segments. In such an embodiment, relativemovement is effected between the source/detector arrangement and the patient's body,keeping thedetector alignedwith thebeam, such that a large area ofthe patient's bodyis scannedby thebeam of x-rays. One such SPR system is described in more detail in U.S. Pat.4,626,688to BarnesentitledSplit Energy Level Radiation Detection and in the following publication:Tesic, M. M. et al.; "Digital Radiography of the Chest: Design Features and Considerations For a Prototype Unit", Radiology, Vol. 148No. 1, pp 259-64, July 1983. The above described SPRSystems areconfiguredsuch that the scanningmotion is about a substantially vertical axis, i.e., the detector moves along a path defining an arc lying substantially in ahorizontal plane. It has also beenproposed to provide an SPR system wherein the scanning motionis about a substantiallyhorizontal axis thereby causing the detector to movealong a path defining an arc lying substantially in a vertical plane. In both configurations the scanning motion isprovided by means of electromechanical servo-systems drivenby controllable electric motors.An encoder is utilized to provide a closedloop feedback system wherein motor performance is adjusted in accordancewith the sensed location of the detector. In the secondsystem whereinthe scanning motion isabout a horizontal axis, a difficulty isencountered in that the center of gravityof the rotating body rotatesabout thepivot point. The torque requiredto effectscanningmotion about the pivot axis variessinusoidally. A electromechanical servo system designed to compensatefor the torque variations would be unduly complex. Further, a motor able to providesufficient torque to overcome the system torque at the extremes of the scan motion would be large and prohibitively expensive. Itistherefore an object of this invention to provide alightweight, reliable, simple and inexpensive counterbalance system which compensates for gravitation torques experienced in a system which rotates about a substantially horizontalaxis thereby permitting theuse of less costlyand complex drive components. | In a conventional radiographic system, an x-ray source is actuated to direct a divergent area beam _of_ x-rays through _a_ patient. A cassette _containing_ an _x-ray_ sensitive screen and _light_ and x-ray sensitive film is positioned _in_ the _x-ray_ path _on_ a side of the patient opposite the source. _Radiation_ passing through the patient's body is attenuated to _varying_ degrees in accordance with the various _types_ of tissue _through_ _which_ the x-rays pass. The attenuated _x-rays_ emerge _from_ the patient _in_ a pattern and _strike_ the phosphor screen _which_ in turn exposes the film. The x-ray film is processed to yield _a_ visible image which can be interpreted _by_ a radiologist as defining internal body _structure_ and/or condition of the patient. In conventional _systems_ of the type described above the x-ray source is mounted to a _support_ structure. Such structure _is_ commonly a ceiling supported, _telescoping_ carriage which permits selection of various _source_ to film _distances._ The weight of the source and associated _componentry_ are _counterbalanced_ against gravity via a spring motor and a cable/pulley arrangement. A _support_ cable take-up drum or cam is _provided_ _to_ compensate for the variance in the spring tension force over the operative range of spring extension. The take-up drum is provided with a helical _groove_ which receives _the_ support _cable._ By decreasing _the_ support cable drum _take-up_ radius as the counterbalance springs are extended, a _substantially_ constant counterbalance _force_ is applied to the support _cable._ _Further_ details of the above described counterbalance system _can_ be found _in_ U.S. Pat. No. _3,902,070_ to Amor Jr. _et_ al. which is owned by the present assignee. _It_ _is_ _to_ be _noted_ that the above described counterbalance system _is_ useful where the _center_ _of_ gravity of the _moving_ component moves in a substantially vertical, _straight_ line. _More_ recently, _digital_ radiography techniques _have_ _been_ developed. In digital radiography, the source _directs_ radiation through a patient's body to _a_ _detector_ _in_ the beam path _beyond_ _the_ patient. _The_ detector, _by_ use _of_ _appropriate_ sensor means, responds to the incident radiation image to produce _analog_ signals representing the sensed radiation, _which_ signals are converted _to_ _digital_ information and fed _to_ a _digital_ _data_ _processing_ _unit._ The _data_ processing unit _records,_ and/or processes and enhances the digital _data._ A _display_ unit responds to the appropriate digital data representing _the_ image to convert the _digital_ _information_ back into _analog_ form and produce a visual display _of_ _the_ _patient's_ _internal_ body structure. Digital _radiography_ includes radiographic techniques in which a thin spread beam of x-rays is used. In _this_ technique, often called "scan" (or slit) projection _radiography_ (SPR), a _spread_ beam of _x-rays_ are scanned _across_ the _patient's_ body, or the patient is movably _interposed_ between the _source_ _and_ _an_ array of individual cellular detector segments. In such an embodiment, relative _movement_ is effected between the source/detector arrangement and _the_ _patient's_ body, keeping the detector aligned _with_ _the_ _beam,_ such that a large area of the patient's body is scanned by the beam of x-rays. One _such_ SPR system is described in more detail in U.S. _Pat._ 4,626,688 to Barnes _entitled_ _Split_ Energy _Level_ Radiation Detection and in the following publication: Tesic, M. M. et _al.;_ "Digital Radiography of _the_ Chest: Design Features and _Considerations_ _For_ a _Prototype_ Unit", Radiology, Vol. 148 _No._ 1, pp 259-64, July _1983._ The above described SPR Systems are configured _such_ that the scanning motion is about _a_ substantially vertical axis, i.e., the detector moves along _a_ path defining _an_ arc _lying_ _substantially_ in a horizontal plane. It has also been _proposed_ to provide an SPR system _wherein_ the scanning motion is about a substantially _horizontal_ axis _thereby_ _causing_ _the_ detector to _move_ _along_ a path defining an arc lying _substantially_ in a vertical plane. In both configurations the scanning motion _is_ _provided_ by _means_ of electromechanical servo-systems driven by controllable _electric_ motors. An _encoder_ _is_ utilized to provide a closed _loop_ _feedback_ system wherein motor performance is _adjusted_ in accordance with the sensed location of _the_ detector. _In_ the second _system_ wherein _the_ scanning _motion_ is about a horizontal axis, a difficulty is encountered in that the center of _gravity_ of the rotating body rotates about the pivot _point._ The torque required _to_ effect scanning motion about the pivot axis varies _sinusoidally._ A _electromechanical_ servo system designed to compensate _for_ the torque variations would be unduly _complex._ _Further,_ _a_ motor able to provide sufficient torque _to_ overcome the system torque at _the_ extremes of the scan motion _would_ be large _and_ prohibitively expensive. It is therefore an object _of_ this invention _to_ provide _a_ lightweight, reliable, _simple_ and inexpensive counterbalance system which compensates _for_ gravitation torques experienced _in_ a system which rotates _about_ _a_ substantially horizontal axis thereby permitting the use of less costly and complex drive components. |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to manufactured homes and more particularly to an improved frame for transporting a manufactured home that lowers the overall height of the manufactured home during the transportation thereof.
2. Background of the Invention
In recent years, the manufactured home industry has substantially increased the quality of materials and construction of manufactured homes. This increase in quality and construction has been the result of superior materials, superior construction techniques, and new innovations which have resulted in a substantial increase in performance with a reduction in cost.
In general, a manufactured home is erected in an automated manufacturing factory using modern patterns, assembly line, and modern assembly equipment. The use of these automation techniques substantially reduces the cost and the time of construction of the manufactured home. After the manufactured home is completed, the manufactured home is stored on supports to await transportation to a permanent site for the manufactured home.
The manufactured home is loaded on a transportation carrier for transportation to the permanent site for the manufactured home. The manufactured home is positioned onto the transportation carrier by crane or other lifting means. The transportation carrier comprises a steel frame assembly supported by plural axles and transport wheels. The transportation carrier includes a hitch for attaching the transportation carrier to a towing vehicle such as a truck for transporting the manufactured home to the permanent site.
After the manufactured home is towed to the permanent site, the manufactured home is removed from the transportation carrier by a crane or other lifting means and the manufactured home is positioned on a foundation at the permanent home site. After removal of the manufactured home, the carrier transport is towed back to the manufacturing factory by a towing vehicle such as a truck for use in delivering another manufactured home. Unfortunately, the carrier transport is returned to the manufacturing factory without a load thereby substantially increasing the overall cost of delivery of the manufactured home. It is estimated that the cost of returning the carrier transport to the manufacturing factory is approximately one dollar per mile. Furthermore, the task of moving the manufactured home from the carrier transport to the foundation at the permanent home site requires the use of a crane or other lifting means. Accordingly, the transportation and installation of manufactured homes requiring the use of a carrier transport substantially adds to the overall cost of the manufactured home.
Among the most significant construction innovations developed in the manufactured home industry is the use of a dual purpose flooring system for a manufactured home. The dual purpose flooring system for a manufactured home comprises plural longitudinally extending beams and a multiplicity of transverse cross beams. The plural longitudinally extending beams are preferably steel I-beams with the multiplicity of transverse cross beams comprising wooden trusses.
The dual purpose flooring system provides a first function for the manufactured home by providing a removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly for transporting the manufactured home to the permanent home site. Preferably, a removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly are secured to the plural longitudinally extending beams for transporting the manufactured home and eliminating the need for an independent transportation carrier. When the manufactured home reaches the permanent home site, the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly are removed from the manufactured home and are shipped to the manufacturing factory. Only the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly which comprise the most expensive portions of a transport carrier need to be returned to the manufacturing factory. In addition, the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch may be returned to the manufacturing factory by a conventional freight carrier thus eliminating the need for using the towing vehicle as was the problem in the prior art manufactured home carrier transports.
The dual purpose flooring system provides a second function for the manufacturated home by providing a right floor for supporting the manufactured home at the permanent home site. The plural longitudinally extending beams remain with the manufactured home after removal of the removable transport wheel assembly and the removable hitch assembly to provide a rigid support to the permanently mounted manufactured home. The plural longitudinally extending beams remains with the manufactured home to add to the structural integrity and strength of the flooring system. Several examples of the aforementioned dual purpose flooring system are disclosed in the following U.S. Letters Patent of the presented inventor.
The dual purpose flooring system provides a third function for the manufactured home by reducing the overall height of the manufactured home when the manufactured home is being transported to the permanent home site. Since the removable transport wheel assembly and the removable hitch assembly are directly secured to the plural longitudinally extending beams of the manufactured home, the dual purpose flooring system reduces the overall height of the manufactured home, the dual purpose flooring system reduces the overall height of the manufactured home during transportation by the thickness of the frame of the carrier transport of the prior art.
Typically, the carrier comprises a steel structure fashioned from I-beams that are from ten to twelve inches in height. Typically, an axle is mounted on leaf springs which are secured to the bottom portion of each of the I-beams of the carrier. Accordingly, the frame of structure reduces the overall height of the building structure during transportation by the thickness of the carrier. Typically, the thickness of the carrier is ten to twelve inches.
The overall height of the building structure during transportation is extremely important since overall height of the building structure must be below the maximum permitted transportation height established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The building structure must be below the maximum permitted transportation height in order to easily pass under typical roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like. Presently, the maximum permitted transportation height established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is thirteen feet six inches.
In the event the transportation height of a building structure exceeds fourteen feet, than the building structure must be preceded by a flag truck having a fourteen foot sensor to detect any roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like that would prevent the passing of the building structure thereunder. In the event the flag truck detects any roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like that would prevent the passing of the building structure thereunder this maximum permitted transportation height, the building structure must be routed to avoid this obstacle. Accordingly, the transportation of a building structure in excess of the maximum permitted transportation height adds significantly to the cost of the transportation.
The pitch or slope of the roof of a building structure is limited by the maximum permitted transportation height established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. A greater pitch or slope of a roof has a distinct advantage for building structures located in regions with inclement weather such as rain, snow or ice. Secondly, a greater pitch or slope of a roof approximates the pitch or slope of a roof of a site built home.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,299 to Lindsay discloses an improved floor assembly being incorporated into a mobile building. A pair of identical frame assemblies form the floor of the building each including a plurality of middle beams mounted to and atop lower beams and further including a pair of adjacent interior sidewalls attached to the middle beams and extending therebeneath being adjacent the lower beams. The exterior sidewalls are mounted to the frame assemblies. Wheeled carriages are removably mountable to the assemblies facilitating transportation of the assemblies to a building site. A skirt is permanently mounted externally to the sidewalls and extends adjacent the floor assembly. A bracket is connected to the middle beam and the bottom beam of each frame assembly and in addition is connected to a pole which supports the adjacent middle portions of the frame assemblies. The interior sidewalls are slidably received in the bracket. In an alternate embodiment, the floor frame assembly is incorporated into a floor joist.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,189 to Lindsay discloses a floor frame assembly, formed principally of wood material, having two load-bearing outer beams and front and rear end members defining a periphery and a plurality of transverse load-supporting trusses connected normal to the outer beam between the end members. In a preferred embodiment, each truss has an upper elongate member, a shorter central elongate member attached parallel thereto by vertical cross-braced elements, and on either side of the central member a braced vertical member spaced therefrom to provide gaps of predetermined height and width. Each truss also has an end portion of the upper elongate member in cantilever form for contact thereat with a load-supporting surface at the permanent location of the floor assembly, so that additional external beams or continuous wall surfaces to support the completed floor frame assembly and any superstructure thereon is rendered unnecessary. The floor frame assembly may be further supported by conventional piers or jackposts at points under two elongate, load-supporting, inner beams closely received and connected to the trusses within the gaps. These inner beams may optionally be made of wood material, wood material supported along the edges at selected portions by metal reinforcement, or entirely formed of I-section beam lengths. In one aspect of the invention, at least one of the load-supporting outer beams has a larger vertical dimension than the other outer beam and two floor frame assemblies thus formed may be united at their respective wider outer beams and provided additional support thereunder to generate a commensurately larger floor frame assembly structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,072 to Lindsay discloses a unified floor frame assembly having two elongate outer load supporting beams formed of elongate beam sections that are butt-spliced to be cambered in parallel vertical planes to counter forces that may tend to cause sagging of the floor frame assembly during transportation. At inner vertical perimeter surfaces of the elongate beams are provided attachment plates for attachment, first, of a wheel carrier assembly detachably mountable thereto with a plurality of wheels partially recessed within the floor frame assembly and, second, a towing hitch assembly attachable to a forward end of the floor frame assembly for applying a towing force thereat. A moisture, dirt, insect and pest excluding thin covering is provided underneath the floor frame assembly and sections of heating and ventilating ducting, piping, wiring and the like are includable during | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to manufactured homes and more particularly to an improved frame for transporting a manufactured home that lowers the overall height of the manufactured home during the transportation thereof. 2. Background of the Invention In recent years, the manufactured home industry has substantially increased the quality of materials and construction of manufactured homes. This increase in quality and construction has been the result of superior materials, superior construction techniques, and new innovations which have resulted in a substantial increase in performance with a reduction in cost. In general, a manufactured home is erected in an automated manufacturing factory using modern patterns, assembly line, and modern assembly equipment. The use of these automation techniques substantially reduces the cost and the time of construction of the manufactured home. After the manufactured home is completed, the manufactured home is stored on supports to await transportation to a permanent site for the manufactured home. The manufactured home is loaded on a transportation carrier for transportation to the permanent site for the manufactured home. The manufactured home is positioned onto the transportation carrier by crane or other lifting means. The transportation carrier comprises a steel frame assembly supported by plural axles and transport wheels. The transportation carrier includes a hitch for attaching the transportation carrier to a towing vehicle such as a truck for transporting the manufactured home to the permanent site. After the manufactured home is towed to the permanent site, the manufactured home is removed from the transportation carrier by a crane or other lifting means and the manufactured home is positioned on a foundation at the permanent home site. After removal of the manufactured home, the carrier transport is towed back to the manufacturing factory by a towing vehicle such as a truck for use in delivering another manufactured home. Unfortunately, the carrier transport is returned to the manufacturing factory without a load thereby substantially increasing the overall cost of delivery of the manufactured home. It is estimated that the cost of returning the carrier transport to the manufacturing factory is approximately one dollar per mile. Furthermore, the task of moving the manufactured home from the carrier transport to the foundation at the permanent home site requires the use of a crane or other lifting means. Accordingly, the transportation and installation of manufactured homes requiring the use of a carrier transport substantially adds to the overall cost of the manufactured home. Among the most significant construction innovations developed in the manufactured home industry is the use of a dual purpose flooring system for a manufactured home. The dual purpose flooring system for a manufactured home comprises plural longitudinally extending beams and a multiplicity of transverse cross beams. The plural longitudinally extending beams are preferably steel I-beams with the multiplicity of transverse cross beams comprising wooden trusses. The dual purpose flooring system provides a first function for the manufactured home by providing a removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly for transporting the manufactured home to the permanent home site. Preferably, a removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly are secured to the plural longitudinally extending beams for transporting the manufactured home and eliminating the need for an independent transportation carrier. When the manufactured home reaches the permanent home site, the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly are removed from the manufactured home and are shipped to the manufacturing factory. Only the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly which comprise the most expensive portions of a transport carrier need to be returned to the manufacturing factory. In addition, the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch may be returned to the manufacturing factory by a conventional freight carrier thus eliminating the need for using the towing vehicle as was the problem in the prior art manufactured home carrier transports. The dual purpose flooring system provides a second function for the manufacturated home by providing a right floor for supporting the manufactured home at the permanent home site. The plural longitudinally extending beams remain with the manufactured home after removal of the removable transport wheel assembly and the removable hitch assembly to provide a rigid support to the permanently mounted manufactured home. The plural longitudinally extending beams remains with the manufactured home to add to the structural integrity and strength of the flooring system. Several examples of the aforementioned dual purpose flooring system are disclosed in the following U.S. Letters Patent of the presented inventor. The dual purpose flooring system provides a third function for the manufactured home by reducing the overall height of the manufacture home when the manufactured home is being transported to the permanent home site. Since the removable transport wheel assembly and the removable hitch assembly are directly secured to the plural longitudinally extending beams of the manufactured home, the dual purpose flooring system reduces the overall height of the manufactured home, the dual purpose flooring system reduces the overall height of the manufactured home during transportation by the thickness of the frame of the carrier transport of the prior art. Typically, the carrier comprises a steel structure fashioned from I-beams that are from ten to twelve inches in height. Typically, an axle is mounted on leaf springs which are secured to the bottom portion of each of the I-beams of the carrier. Accordingly, the frame of structure reduces the overall height of the building structure during transportation by the thickness of the carrier. Typically, the thickness of the carrier is ten to twelve inches. The overall height of the building structure during transportation is extremely important since overall height of the building structure must be below the maximum permitted transportation height established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The building structure must be below the maximum permitted transportation height in order to easily pass under typical roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like. Presently, the maximum permitted transportation height established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is thirteen feet six inches. In the event the transportation height of a building structure exceeds fourteen feet, than the building structure must be preceded by a flag truck having a fourteen foot sensor to detect any roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like that would prevent the passing of the building structure thereunder. In the event the flag truck detects any roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like that would prevent the passing of the building structure thereunder this maximum permitted transportation height, the building structure must be routed to avoid this obstacle. Accordingly, the transportation of a building structure in excess of the maximum permitted transportation height adds significantly to the cost of the transportation. The pitch or slope of the roof of a building structure is limited by the maximum permitted transportation height established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. A greater pitch or slope of a roof has a distinct advantage for building structures located in regions with inclement weather such as rain, snow or ice. Secondly, a greater pitch or slope of a roof approximates the pitch or slope of a roof of a site built home. U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,299 to Lindsay discloses an improved floor assembly being incorporated into a mobile building. A pair of identical frame assemblies form the floor of the building each including a plurality of middle beams mounted to and atop lower beams and further including a pair of adjacent interior sidewalls attached to the middle beams and extending therebeneath being adjacent the lower beams. The exterior sidewalls are mounted to the frame assemblies. Wheeled carriages are removably mountable to the assemblies facilitating transportation of the assemblies to a building site. A skirt is permanently mounted externally to the sidewalls and extends adjacent the floor assembly. A bracket is connected to the middle beam and the bottom beam of each frame assembly and in addition is connected to a pole which supports the adjacent middle portions of the frame assemblies. The interior sidewalls are slidably received in the bracket. In an alternate embodiment, the floor frame assembly is incorporated into a floor joist. U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,189 to Lindsay discloses a floor frame assembly, formed principally of wood material, having two load-bearing outer beams and front and rear end members defining a periphery and a plurality of transverse load-supporting trusses connected normal to the outer beam between the end members. In a preferred embodiment, each truss has an upper elongate member, a shorter central elongate member attached parallel thereto by vertical cross-braced elements, and on either side of the central member a braced vertical member spaced therefrom to provide gaps of predetermined height and width. Each truss also has an end portion of the upper elongate member in cantilever form for contact thereat with a load-supporting surface at the permanent location of the floor assembly, so that additional external beams or continuous wall surfaces to support the completed floor frame assembly and any superstructure thereon is rendered unnecessary. The floor frame assembly may be further supported by conventional piers or jackposts at points under two elongate, load-supporting, inner beams closely received and connected to the trusses within the gaps. These inner beams may optionally be made of wood material, wood material supported along the edges at selected portions by metal reinforcement, or entirely formed of I-section beam lengths. In one aspect of the invention, at least one of the load-supporting outer beams has a larger vertical dimension than the other outer beam and two floor frame assemblies thus formed may be united at their respective wider outer beams and provided additional support thereunder to generate a commensurately larger floor frame assembly structure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,072 to Lindsay discloses a unified floor frame assembly having two elongate outer load supporting beams formed of elongate beam sections that are butt-spliced to be cambered in parallel vertical planes to counter forces that may tend to cause sagging of the floor frame assembly during transportation. At inner vertical perimeter surfaces of the elongate beams are provided attachment plates for attachment, first, of a wheel carrier assembly detachably mountable thereto with a plurality of wheels partially recessed within the floor frame assembly and, second, a towing hitch assembly attachable to a forward end of the floor frame assembly for applying a towing force thereat. A moisture, dirt, insect and pest excluding thin covering is provided underneath the floor frame assembly and sections of heating and ventilating ducting, piping, wiring and the like are includable during | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to manufactured homes and more particularly to an improved frame for transporting a manufactured home that lowers the overall height of the manufactured home during the transportation thereof. 2. Background of the Invention In recent years, the manufactured home industry has substantially increased the quality of materials and construction of manufactured homes. This increase in quality and construction has been the result of superior materials, superior construction techniques, and new innovations which have resulted in a substantial increase in performance with a reduction in cost. In general, a manufactured home is erected in an automated manufacturing factory using modern patterns, assembly line, and modern assembly equipment. The use of these automation techniques substantially reduces the cost and the time of construction of the manufactured home. After the manufactured home is completed, the manufactured home is stored on supports to await transportation to a permanent site for the manufactured home. The manufactured home is loaded on a transportation carrier for transportation to the permanent site for the manufactured home. The manufactured home is positioned onto the transportation carrier by crane or other lifting means. The transportation carrier comprises a steel frame assembly supported by plural axles and transport wheels. The transportation carrier includes a hitch for attaching the transportation carrier to a towing vehicle such as a truck for transporting the manufactured home to the permanent site. After the manufactured home is towed to the permanent site, the manufactured home is removed from the transportation carrier by a crane or other lifting means and the manufactured home is positioned on a foundation at the permanent home site. After removal of the manufactured home, the carrier transport is towed back to the manufacturing factory by a towing vehicle such as a truck for use in delivering another manufactured home. Unfortunately, the carrier transport is returned to the manufacturing factory without a load thereby substantially increasiMn the overall cost of delivery of the manufactured home. It is estimated that the cost of returning the carrier transport to the manufacturing factory is approximately one dollar per NiKe. Furthermore, the task of moving the manufactured home from the carrier transport to the foundation at the permanent home site requires the use of a crane or other lifting means. Accordingly, the transportation and installation of manufactured homes requiring the use of a carrier transport substantially adds to the overall cost of the manufactured home. Among the most significant construction innovations developed in the manufactured home industry is the use of a dual purpose flooring system for a manufactured home. The dual purpose flooring system for a manufactured home comprises plural longitudinally extending beams and a multiplicity of transverse cross beams. The plural longitudinally extending beams are preferably steel I - beams with the multiplicity of transverse cross beams comprising wooden trusses. The dual purpose flooring system provides a first function for the manufactured home by providing a removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly for transporting the manufactured home to the permanent home site. Preferably, a removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly are secured to the plural longitudinally extending beams for transporting the manufactured home and eliminating the need for an independent transportation carrier. When the manufactured home reaches the permanent home site, the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly are removed from the manufactured home and are shipped to the manufacturing factory. Only the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly which comprise the most expensive portions of a transport carrier need to be returned to the manufacturing factory. In addition, the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch may be returned to the manufacturing factory by a conventional freight carrier thus eliminating the need for using the towing vehicle as was the problem in the prior art manufactured home carrier transports. The dual purpose flooring system provides a second function for the manufacturated home by providing a right floor for supporting the manufactured home at the permanent home site. The plural longitudinally extending beams remain with the manufactured home after removal of the removable transport wheel assembly and the removable hitch assembly to provide a rigid support to the permanently mounted manufactured home. The plural longitudinally extending beams remains with the manufactured home to add to the structural integrity and strength of the flooring system. Several examples of the aforementioned dual purpose flooring system are disclosed in the following U. S. Letters Patent of the presented inventor. The dual purpose flooring system provides a third function for the manufactured home by reducing the overall height of the manufactured home when the manufactured home is being transported to the permanent home site. Since the removable transport wheel assembly and the removable hitch assembly are directly secured to the plural longitudinally extending beams of the manufactured home, the dual purpose flooring system reduces the overall height of the manufactured home, the dual purpose flooring system reduces the overall height of the manufactured home during transportation by the thickness of the frame of the carrier transport of the prior art. Typically, the carrier comprises a steel structure fashioned from I - beams that are from ten to twelve inches in height. Typically, an axle is mounted on leaf springs which are secured to the bottom portion of each of the I - beams of the carrier. Accordingly, the frame of structure reduces the overall height of the building structure during transportation by the thickness of the carrier. Typically, the thickness of the carrier is ten to twelve 7nchex. The overall height of the building structure during transportation is extremely important since overall height of the building structure must be below the maximum permitted transportation height established by the U. S. Department of Transportation. The building structure must be below the maximum permitted transportation height in 0rded to easily pass under typical roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like. Presently, the maximum permitted transportation height established by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is thirteen feet six inches. In the event the transportation height of a building structure exceeds fourteen feet, than the building structure must be preceded by a flag truck having a fourteen foot sensor to detect any roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like that would prevent the passing of the building structure thereunder. In the event the flag truck detects any roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like that would prevent the passing of the building structure thereunder this maximum permitted transportation height, the building structure must be routed to avoid this obstacle. Accordingly, the transportation of a building structure in excess of the maximum permitted transportation height adds significantly to the cost of the transportation. The pitch or slope of the roof of a building structure is limited by the maximum permitted transportation height established by the U. S. Department of Transportation. A greater pitch or slope of a roof has a distinct advantage for building structures located in regions with inclement weather such as rain, snow or ice. Secondly, a greater 0Otch or slope of a roof approximates the pitch or slope of a roof of a site built home. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 019, 299 to Lindsay discloses an improved floor assembly being incorporated into a mobile building. A pair of identical frame assemblies form the floor of the building each including a plurality of middle beams mounted to and atop lower beams and further including a pair of adjacent interior sidewalls attached to the middle beams and extending therebeneath being adjacent the lower beams. The exterior sidewalls are mounted to the frame assemblies. Wheeled carriages are removably mountable to the assemblies facilitating transportation of the assemblies to a building site. A skirt is permanently mounted externally to the sidewalls and extends adjacent the floor assembly. A bracket is connected to the middle beam and the bottom beam of each frame assembly and in addition is connected to a pole wh*xh supports the adjacent middle portions of the frame assemblies. The interior sidewalls are slidably received in the braSoet. In an alternate embodiment, the floor frame assembly is incorporated into a floor joist. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 863, 189 to Lindsay discloses a floor frame assembly, formed principally of wood material, having two load - bearing outer beams and front and rear end members defining a periphery and a plurality of transverse load - supporting trusses connected normal to the outer beam between the end members. In a preferred embodiment, each truss has an upper elongate member, a shorter central elongate member attached parallel thereto by vertical cross - braced elements, and on either side of the central member a braced vertical member spaced therefrom to provide gaps of predetermined height and width. Each truss also has an end portion of the upper elongate member in cantilever form for contact thereat with a load - supporting surface at the permanent location of the floor assembly, so that additional external beams or continuous wall surfaces to support the completed floor frame assembly and any superstructure thereon is rendered unnecessary. The floor frame assembly may be further supported by conventional piers or jackposts at points under two elongate, load - supporting, inner beams closely received and connected to the trusses within the gaps. These inner beams may optionally be made of wood material, wood material supported along the edges at selected portions by metal reinforcement, or entirely formed of I - section beam lengths. In one xspeXt of the invention, at least one of the load - supporting outer beams has a larger vertical dimension than the other outer beam and two floor frame assemblies thus formed may be united at their respective wider outer beams and provided additional support thereunder to generate a commensurately larger floor frame assembly structure. U. S. Pat. No. 5, 028, 072 to Lindsay discloses a unified floor frame assembly having two elongate outer load supporting beams formed of elongate beam sections that are butt - spliced to be cambrrrd in parallel vertical planes to counter forces that may tend to cause sagging of the floor frame assembly duFinF transportation. At inner vertical perimeter surfaces of the elongate beams are provided attachment plates for attachment, first, of a wheel carrier assembly detachably mountable thereto with a plurality of wheels partially recessed within the floor frame assembly and, second, a towing hitch assembly attachable to a forward end of the floor frame assembly for applying a towing force thereat. A moisture, dirt, insect and pest excluding thin covering is provided underneath the floor frame assembly and sections of heating and ventilating ducting, piping, wiring and the like are includable during | 1. Field Invention This relates to manufactured homes and more particularly to an improved frame for transporting a manufactured home that lowers the overall height of the manufactured home during the thereof. Background of the Invention In recent years, the manufactured home industry has increased the quality of materials and construction of manufactured homes. This increase in quality and construction has been the result of superior materials, superior construction techniques, and new innovations which have resulted in a substantial increase in performance with a reduction in cost. In general, a manufactured is erected in an automated manufacturing factory using modern patterns, assembly line, and modern assembly equipment. The use of techniques substantially reduces the cost and the time of construction of the home. After the home is the manufactured is stored on supports to await transportation a permanent site for the manufactured home. The manufactured home is loaded on a transportation carrier transportation to the permanent site for the manufactured home. The manufactured home is positioned the transportation carrier by crane or other means. The transportation carrier comprises a steel frame assembly supported plural axles and transport wheels. The transportation carrier includes hitch for attaching the transportation carrier to a towing vehicle such as a truck for transporting the manufactured permanent site. After the manufactured is to the permanent site, the manufactured home is removed from transportation carrier by a crane or other lifting means manufactured home is positioned on a foundation the permanent home site. After removal of the manufactured home, the carrier transport is towed back to the manufacturing factory by a towing vehicle such as a truck for use in delivering another manufactured home. Unfortunately, the carrier transport is returned to the without a load thereby substantially increasing the overall cost of delivery of the manufactured home. It is estimated that the cost of returning the transport to the manufacturing factory is approximately one dollar per mile. Furthermore, the task of the manufactured home from the carrier transport to the foundation at the permanent home site requires the use of a crane or other lifting means. Accordingly, the transportation and installation of manufactured homes requiring the use of a carrier transport substantially adds to the overall cost the manufactured home. Among the most significant construction innovations developed in the home industry is the use of a dual purpose flooring system for a manufactured home. The dual flooring system for a manufactured plural longitudinally extending beams and a multiplicity of beams. The plural longitudinally beams are steel the multiplicity of transverse cross beams comprising wooden The dual flooring system provides a first function for the manufactured by providing a removable transport wheel assembly and removable hitch assembly for transporting the manufactured home to the home site. Preferably, removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly are secured to plural longitudinally extending beams for transporting the home and eliminating the need for independent carrier. When the manufactured home permanent home site, the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly are removed from the manufactured home and are shipped to the manufacturing factory. Only the removable transport wheel and a removable hitch assembly which the most expensive portions of a transport carrier need to be returned to the manufacturing factory. In addition, the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch may be returned to the manufacturing factory by a conventional carrier thus eliminating the need for using the towing vehicle as was the problem in the prior art manufactured home carrier transports. The dual purpose flooring system provides a second function for the manufacturated home by providing a right floor for the manufactured home at the permanent home The plural longitudinally extending beams remain with the home after removal of removable transport wheel assembly and the removable hitch assembly to provide a rigid support to the permanently mounted manufactured home. The plural longitudinally extending beams remains with the manufactured home to add to the structural integrity and strength of the system. Several of the aforementioned dual purpose flooring system are disclosed in the following U.S. Letters Patent of the presented inventor. The dual purpose flooring system provides a third function for manufactured home by reducing the overall height of the manufactured when the manufactured home being transported to the permanent home Since the removable transport wheel assembly and the removable hitch assembly are directly secured to the plural longitudinally extending beams of the manufactured home, the purpose flooring system reduces the overall height the manufactured home, the dual purpose flooring system reduces the overall height of the manufactured home during transportation by the thickness of the frame of the carrier of the prior art. Typically, the carrier comprises a steel structure fashioned I-beams that are from ten to twelve inches in height. Typically, an axle mounted on leaf springs are secured to the bottom portion of each of I-beams of the carrier. the frame of structure reduces the overall height of structure transportation by thickness of the carrier. the thickness of the carrier ten to twelve inches. The height of the building structure extremely important since overall height of the building structure must be below the maximum permitted height established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The building structure must be below the maximum transportation in order to easily pass under typical roadway underpasses, and the like. Presently, the maximum permitted transportation established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is thirteen In event transportation of a building structure exceeds fourteen feet, than the structure must preceded by a flag truck a fourteen foot to detect any roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like that would prevent the passing of the building structure thereunder. In the event the flag truck detects any bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like would prevent the passing of the building structure thereunder this maximum permitted transportation the building structure must be routed to avoid this obstacle. Accordingly, the transportation of a building structure in excess the maximum permitted height adds significantly to the cost of the transportation. The pitch or slope of roof a building structure limited by the maximum permitted transportation height by the U.S. Department of Transportation. A greater pitch or slope of a roof has a distinct advantage for building structures located in regions with inclement weather as rain, snow or ice. Secondly, a greater pitch or slope of a roof approximates the pitch slope of a roof of a site built home. U.S. Pat. No. to discloses an improved assembly being incorporated into a building. A pair of identical assemblies form the floor of the building each including a plurality middle beams mounted to and lower beams and further including a pair of adjacent interior sidewalls attached to the middle extending therebeneath being adjacent the lower beams. The exterior sidewalls are mounted to the frame assemblies. Wheeled carriages are removably mountable to the assemblies facilitating transportation the assemblies to building site. A skirt is permanently mounted externally to the and extends adjacent the assembly. A bracket is connected to the beam and bottom beam of each frame and addition is connected to a pole which supports the middle portions of the frame assemblies. The interior sidewalls are slidably the bracket. In an alternate embodiment, the floor frame assembly is incorporated into a floor joist. U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,189 to discloses a floor frame assembly, formed principally of wood material, two load-bearing outer beams and front and rear end members a periphery and a plurality of transverse load-supporting trusses connected normal to the outer beam between the end members. In a preferred each truss an upper elongate member, a shorter central elongate member attached parallel thereto by vertical cross-braced elements, and on either of the member a braced vertical member spaced therefrom to provide gaps of predetermined height and width. Each truss also has an end of elongate member in cantilever form for contact thereat with a load-supporting at the permanent location of the floor so that additional beams or wall surfaces to support the completed floor frame and any thereon is rendered unnecessary. The floor frame assembly may be further supported by conventional piers or jackposts points under elongate, load-supporting, inner beams closely received and connected the trusses within gaps. inner beams may optionally be made of wood material, wood supported along the at selected portions by metal reinforcement, or entirely formed of I-section beam lengths. In of the invention, at least one of the outer beams has a larger dimension than the other outer beam and two floor frame thus formed may be united at their respective wider outer beams and provided additional support thereunder generate a commensurately larger floor frame assembly structure. Pat. No. to Lindsay discloses a unified floor frame assembly two elongate outer load supporting beams formed of elongate beam sections that are butt-spliced to cambered in parallel vertical planes to counter forces that may tend to cause sagging the floor frame assembly during transportation. At inner vertical perimeter surfaces of the elongate beams are provided attachment plates for attachment, of a wheel assembly detachably mountable thereto with a plurality of wheels partially recessed within the floor assembly and, second, a towing hitch attachable to a forward end of the floor frame assembly for applying towing force thereat. A moisture, dirt, insect and pest excluding is provided underneath the floor frame and sections of heating and ventilating ducting, piping, wiring and the like are includable during | 1. fiELD of tHe iNVEntION
tHiS INvENTIOn ReLATES TO MANuFactuReD hOmeS aND MORE PartICuLArLY To An IMpRoVED fRamE for traNsPOrTiNG A mAnuFaCturED HOME THaT LOWERS tHE oVERAlL heIgHT of THE MaNuFaCtuRed homE durInG THE TrAnspOrtATioN tHerEof.
2. BaCKgRoUnD of thE inVeNTIon
iN rECEnt YEARs, tHe mAnUfacTured Home iNDUStRY hAS sUbsTanTIALly increASeD The QUaliTY OF maTerIALS AnD coNstRUcTIoN of MANUFACTuRED HoMES. tHIS INcrEASE iN quality AnD cONstrucTiOn HAs beEn tHe ResULT oF sUpErior MAtErIals, SUperiOR CoNstrUcTION techNIQUes, and NeW innovatIoNs whiCH haVe ReSulTeD iN A suBsTAntial inCreASE iN PeRFOrMAnCE WITh a REDuCtIoN In cosT.
IN GENeral, a manUFaCTuReD hoME is ErEcteD In aN aUtOMaTEd manUfActuRInG faCTORy usING MoDerN PaTTERNS, ASsembLY lINe, AND moderN ASsemblY eqUiPmEnT. the Use of THesE AUToMATiOn techNiQuES SubsTanTIaLly REDUcEs thE coST anD ThE tImE OF cOnsTruCTIOn oF ThE MANUfACTUReD hOMe. afTeR tHe mANUfAcTuRed homE Is comPLEtED, THE maNuFAcTUrED hOme iS sTORED on sUPPORts to AWAIT tRaNsPoRtAtiON tO A perMAnEnt SiTE fOR The ManufaCTUreD hOmE.
the ManUFactuREd HOmE is loaDed On A traNSpoRTATiON carrIER foR TranSPOrtATIon tO the pErMAnENt SItE FOR the MANUfactuRED HOMe. THE MAnUFAcTured hoME Is pOsItioNeD ONto The trANsPoRtaTion caRRiEr bY cRanE oR OtHer LIFtiNG MeANs. thE trANsporTATiON cArriEr cOmpRises A StEEl frAME asseMblY supporTeD by PLUral AXlES anD tRaNspOrT WHEeLs. tHE trANSPortaTIOn CaRrIeR INCLUdes A hITCH FOR AtTAchING The TRAnSPOrtatION caRRier To A towing VEhicLe Such aS a TRUCk fOr traNSpoRTing ThE mAnufAcTURED homE tO the perMAnenT SiTE.
AFTer tHe MANUFACtuReD hoMe IS Towed TO ThE pERmAneNt Site, thE mAnuFAcTUred HOME is ReMovEd fRoM THE tRansPOrTaTIon cARrIER bY a cRAne or othEr liftiNg MeaNS AND THE MANUfactUrED HomE is POsiTIonEd on a fouNDATion AT The PeRmANeNt HoME sitE. afTer RemOVAl OF ThE mANuFACtureD HOme, THe CarRIeR TraNSPOrt is ToweD bAck to THe ManuFacTuRiNg FACtory bY a ToWing veHIclE suCH As A tRucK FOr usE IN delivERing anOTHEr ManufACtURED HOMe. UNFOrTuNaTelY, tHE cArRiER TRANspORT IS RetUrNED To THe manUFAcTURING FaCTORY wiTHout a LoAD tHEREbY SuBsTaNtiALly INCReAsING thE ovErall COSt OF DELivERY of tHE MAnUFACTuRED HOME. iT iS estiMATEd thAT ThE COst Of RETUrNIng the cArRIER trAnspoRt TO ThE MANufACtuRinG faCTORy Is ApprOximAtElY oNe Dollar peR MIlE. FUrtheRMOre, The tasK Of moving The mAnUFAcTURed home FROm The CaRriEr TRANSpoRT to The fOuNdAtiOn AT thE PeRmAneNt HomE SITe REQuireS ThE USE OF A cRanE or Other liftiNg means. aCCOrdInglY, the tRaNSporTAtION AnD InStAllAtioN oF ManufactuReD homeS requiRiNG tHe Use oF a cArrier tRansPoRT suBsTaNtIaLLy addS tO thE OveraLl COst OF thE manUFacTureD HOMe.
aMonG tHe mOST SigNIficANt CoNsTruCtION INNovAtIonS DEvelOPEd IN thE MANUFAcTUred Home INdustry iS tHe uSE of a dUal PuRpOsE FLooring SYstEm FOr a mANUFActuReD hoMe. The DuAl puRpoSe FLOORiNG sYSTEM For A maNuFACtUReD HOmE coMpRiSES pLuraL lOnGITudInAlLY eXtendING BeaMs aND A multiplicitY oF traNSvErSe CROsS BEAmS. tHe pLuRAL lonGITUdInaLlY eXtENDING BEAMS arE PreFeRAbLy STEEL I-bEams WIth ThE MultIPliciTY oF TRaNsvErSE cROSs Beams COmPRISing woOdeN TRUSSES.
ThE dUaL PuRPOSE flooRIng sYsTEM PROVIDeS A first FuNcTiOn FOR the MaNUFActUrEd HomE bY PRovidIng a REmOVAbLE TrAnsPOrt WheeL aSSembLY ANd A REmOVaBlE hItCh aSSEmBlY FOr TranSPortING The MAnUfaCTUreD HOMe to thE PErmanENt HOme site. PREfErAbLy, a ReMOvAble TraNSpOrt WhEeL assEmBLy aND A remOvABlE HITch AsSEMbLY are sECuREd to the plURAL lONgITUdInaLLy exTendiNG BEAms for TrANSPortING tHe maNUfaCTureD hOMe aND ELIminatInG the NEED FOR an IndepenDenT tRAnSpOrtAtiOn caRrieR. wHen tHe MaNuFActUrED hOMe ReaCHES tHE PerMANEnt hOmE sitE, thE rEMOvAble TrANsPORt wHEEl ASSEmbly and a rEMOvaBLE HItch AsSEmbLy ARe REmoveD FRom tHe maNuFActurEd hOMe And ArE sHippEd to tHE MANUfAcTurinG FACtoRy. onLy THe RemOvABLe tRaNsPORt WhEEL aSSEMBlY aNd a reMOvaBLE hitch aSsEMBlY WhICH cOmPriSe THE mosT eXpEnsIvE POrtiONS oF A trANsPorT caRRIEr NeED TO Be RetUrneD to ThE MANuFacTuRinG fACToRY. In addiTiON, THe RemOVablE tRansport WheEL ASSEMBLy And a REMOVAblE hItcH may BE RetUrneD To THE MAnUfactURIng FACtOrY bY a coNVENtionAl fReiGht CarRIEr THUS elImInAtiNG ThE Need foR usIng THE tOwiNG VehiCLe as WaS tHE problEm In THe pRiOr ArT mAnufaCTUreD HOme cArRieR TraNSPoRTs.
ThE Dual pUrposE flOOring System ProVides a SECond fuNCTioN fOR ThE MAnUfAcTUratED HOMe By pROvidinG A RiGhT FloOr fOR suPPoRtING THE mANUfAcTUreD HoMe AT THe peRMAnEnT hOME sITe. the PlURAl LONgItuDINalLy ExtEndinG BEaMs rEMain wITh thE manUFAcTUred homE AftER RemovaL of tHe REMoVaBLE TRaNSpOrt whEEl asseMBLy aNd tHE REmoVAblE hITCh aSSeMBLy TO PROvIDe A RiGId sUppOrT TO tHE peRManeNtlY MOunTED mANUFaCTuRed hOME. tHE PLuRaL LOngITudINALlY eXtENDing beaMs REmAInS wiTH The MaNUFAcTUrEd HoME To ADD To ThE StRucTUral inTEgriTy And sTrEnGth OF the fLOoRing SYsTem. sEveRaL EXaMplEs of The aFOReMEntIonEd Dual PUrPOsE fLOOring sysTEm are DiScLOSEd in THe follOwINg u.S. leTTeRS PATENt of ThE prEsEnTed invEntOR.
tHe duAl PURpOse FLOORInG sYStEm proVideS a thiRd FUNCtiOn foR the MANuFacTUred HOMe by REDUCiNG THE OVErAll HeiGHT oF The maNUfActUred hOme wHEn THE MANuFacTURED Home IS bEING TraNsporteD tO ThE pERMANeNt hOME SIte. sINce The RemovAbLe trAnSporT WHeEL aSSEmBLy and thE REMoVABLe Hitch asSembly Are dIrecTLY SeCured to THe pLurAL lOngITUDiNALLy ExtENdinG BEAMs oF the manUFACtured HOme, ThE duaL pURpose FlooRiNg SySTEM rEDuCES tHe OveRalL heIghT oF tHE MaNUFAcTURED HOME, thE DUaL PuRPOse fLOOrIng SySTEM rEduCeS THE oVERAlL HeIgHT of ThE MAnUfActureD HoMe duRiNg transPOrTaTIoN By ThE THICKness OF THe fraME of The CArriEr TraNspORT Of ThE priOr arT.
typIcAlLY, tHe carrIER COMpriSES A sTeeL STrUcturE FashIoned FRoM I-BEAmS That Are FROm Ten tO tWelVE InchEs in hEIgHt. tYpicaLly, an aXle iS MoUnTeD ON LEAF sprInGS WHICH ARE SeCurED To THE botTOm pOrTION Of eAcH Of ThE i-BEAMS Of THe CarrIer. AcCOrDINGLY, tHe fRamE Of StrucTUre REduCEs the OVEraLl HeighT Of The BuIldiNG stRUcTure dURinG TRANSPOrTatiOn BY thE thiCknEsS of THe cARRIEr. typiCally, thE tHiCknESS oF the CArrier Is TeN TO TWelve INCheS.
ThE oveRAlL HEigHt Of tHE BUIlDiNG sTrUctURe DuRiNg TRAnsPortATioN iS ExtREmELy imPorTANt SiNCe ovERALL HEigHT of tHe bUIlDInG sTrucTuRe MUsT Be bELow the maXImUm PeRMiTtED trAnSPorTaTiON HeIght EsTablIshED BY THE u.s. dEParTMent of TRaNsPOrtATIon. The bUilDINg struCTuRe mUSt bE belOw tHe maXiMUm PermitTed tRANspOrtAtION HeIGht in ordEr to EAsiLy paSs unDer TYpicaL rOaDway briDGEs, UndErpasseS, tUNnelS anD the likE. PreSenTLy, ThE MaXImuM perMITted trANSPOrtatIon HeiGHt EsTABliSheD By THe u.S. DEPArTmEnt of HousinG aND URbAN dEVElOPMENT iS thirTeEn fEet siX INCHES.
In the EVEnt ThE TrAnsPORtation hEIGhT of A bUILding STRUCTUrE EXCeeds fouRTeEN fEET, Than ThE BuiLDiNg STrUctuRE muSt bE PREcEDED bY a flaG tRUck HavINg A FOUrTEEN foOT seNSoR TO detect anY ROaDway BRIdgES, unDErPaSSES, TunNELs and The Like THaT wOUlD pREVENT thE PASSIng oF tHe BuiLdinG STrUCTUrE thEreUndER. In tHE EvEnt tHe flAg tRuck detecTs ANY RoAdWaY briDGeS, UndErPassEs, tUnnEls AND thE lIkE that wOuld PrEvent THE PassIng of tHe builDiNg StructURE tHErEundER tHIs MaxImum PErMitteD tRanspORTATIoN hEIgHt, ThE BUIldING STRuctUrE MUST be rOutED To avOId tHIs obStAcle. aCcordiNGlY, The TranspORTAtion of a buILdING StrUCTurE iN exCESS OF THE MAxImuM pERmitteD TRAnsPoRtatIon heIGht AddS signiFiCAntly tO The COST OF THE TRanSPortaTion.
THe pItch OR SLoPe oF tHe rOoF oF a bUilDINg structurE is LimITeD bY tHE MAxiMuM PerMiTtEd TrAnspoRTAtIon HEiGht EsTABlISHEd by THe U.s. DEParTMEnt of TrANsporTATIon. a GReaTer PitCH oR sloPe oF A roof hAS a diSTINCT aDVAntaGE FoR buiLDiNG STRUcTures LoCAtED iN REgIons WITH InCLEMENt weatHer sUCH AS rAin, snoW oR Ice. sEcONDLY, A GrEatER piTCh OR sLOpE OF A RoOF APPRoxIMAtES the pItCh Or SlopE Of a RooF of A SITe bUilt hoMe.
u.S. Pat. no. 4,019,299 TO LiNDsAY dIsCloSES An IMProVED FLOor AsseMBly BEING INCoRPoraTED IntO a moBILE BuIldinG. A PAiR OF IDEnTiCAl Frame asSEMbLiEs fORm The flOoR of The BuILdING each iNCLUdiNg A PlUrALiTY Of miDDle beaMS MOUntEd tO anD aToP LOWEr beamS AND fUrtheR iNcluDIng a pAIr OF ADJACENT iNTerioR SiDEwALls atTaCHed To tHe mIdDLE BEAmS ANd EXTendING tHeReBEneATH BEING ADJACeNt tHE lowER BeAmS. tHe eXtErioR siDEWALLS ARe mouNTEd TO the fRAme AsSEmblies. WHeeLED cARriAGES Are rEmoVAbLy mOunTAble To ThE aSsEmbLiEs faciLITaTiNG tRansPoRtATIOn Of tHe aSSEmbLIES To A BuiLdiNG siTE. a skiRt is PERmANeNtLy moUnted eXtErNally TO The sIdEWaLlS ANd Extends AdjaceNt ThE floOr aSSeMbLY. A BRACKeT IS CONnected TO THe miDDle Beam aND the boTTom bEAM of each frAmE aSsEmbLy aNd iN addItIoN is coNnECTed TO A POlE wHich supPorts ThE aDjACEnt middLe PorTiOnS of ThE FRAmE assEMBliES. THe INtERIOR sIdeWaLlS ArE SLIdAblY receIVed IN The BRAckEt. iN AN altERNAte embodImEnt, the flOOr FRAme asSEmBLy IS INCorpOraTEd iNto A flOor JoIsT.
u.s. pAt. nO. 4,863,189 tO LIndsaY DiscLoSEs A flOoR FramE aSSeMbLY, fOrmEd PrIncIPaLly of WooD MaTeRIAL, hAVing Two LoAd-BearIng oUTeR BEaMS AND FroNt and reaR EnD MeMbeRs DefinInG a pERIPhEry aNd A PluralITY oF TRansvERse LOaD-SuPPORTING Trusses COnNEcTED nORMal tO the Outer bEam betWeen the End MemBERS. iN a prefeRrEd eMBODImeNT, each TRUsS HaS An upPeR elONgATe mEmbEr, a SHorteR CenTral elONGAtE MeMBer AtTachEd PaRAlLeL ThERETo BY VertICal CroSS-brAceD ELEmENTs, AND On EIthER Side Of the CENtraL meMBeR a BrACeD verTIcAl MEmBEr SPACEd ThEReFrOm To ProVIDE gaPs of PReDetErmInED HEiGHT AND width. eACH TrUSS alSo HAs aN ENd POrtIoN of The uppER ELONgATE MeMber In CaNTiLEvEr foRM FOR COnTact ThErEAt wiTh a LOAD-SuPPoRtiNg SuRFace At The peRManent locatiON of the fLoOr aSSEmbLY, so tHAT ADDItionaL EXTernAL BeamS or contiNuous WaLl SUrfacEs TO SupPOrt THe coMPLeTED FloOr FRaME ASsembly And anY SupersTruCtUre tHeREoN Is rendEREd UNneCESsaRy. THe flOor FRaME ASsemblY May Be furTHEr sUppOrTEd bY CONVeNTIONaL PIeRs oR JAcKPoStS at PoIntS uNDER tWo elOnGatE, LoAD-sUPPoRtiNg, inNER BEaMS CLosELY ReceIvED aNd conNecTED to tHE truSSES WiTHin THE GaPS. THEse iNnER bEAmS maY oPTiOnally BE Made Of wOod mATERIAL, woOD MATerIAl SUPpOrTEd Along THe edGes at sElecTED POrtioNS by meTAL rEiNFORceMenT, oR EntiRElY fOrmeD oF i-SecTiOn BEAm LEnGThS. In One AsPEct oF tHe invEnTION, AT LeASt ONe oF The lOad-SuPPOrtinG oUtER beAMs HaS a LARGEr VErtiCal DImEnsiON tHaN tHe OtHeR OUtER beaM And Two FlOOr fRAME assEmBliEs ThUS fOrmED MAy BE UNiTeD AT tHeIr reSpECTiVe WIdEr OutER BEaMS aND PrOViDeD aDDitIonaL SUpPOrt tHErEUnDer To geNeRAte a COMmENSurAtelY LARGeR flOOr fRaME ASSEMBly STructurE.
u.s. pat. nO. 5,028,072 To lINDsay diSCLoseS a UnIfiED FLooR FrAME ASsemBLY HaViNg twO elOnGatE OUTer loAD sUppORtIng BEAmS foRmeD Of ELOngATE beAm SeCTiOns tHaT ArE butt-spliCEd To bE cAMbeRed IN ParalLeL veRtiCal plANES TO coUNtER ForCeS tHat mAy TeNd tO CAUSe SaGginG OF THe FlOor frAmE assEMBLy durINg TRAnsPORtaTiON. AT InNer VertICAL PERImeTer sUrfaCES Of thE ELoNGAtE BeAMs ArE ProVidEd aTTACHmeNt PLateS fOR atTaChMenT, firsT, oF a wHEel carrieR asSemblY dEtaChAbLY MountAbLE thErETO WIth a PluRAlItY Of wHeELs partIaLly reCeSsEd WIthiN tHE FlOor fraMe aSsEmbLy ANd, SecOnD, A TOwiNg hitCH AsSeMBlY AtTaCHAblE To A forwaRd enD of tHE FLooR fRAme ASSEMbLy fOr apPlyING a TowIng foRCe theREaT. A MOIstUre, dirT, InseCT anD pesT excLuDiNg thIN CoVErING IS pROVideD UndErneaTh THe FLOoR FraME aSsEmBLY aNd SeCtIOnS of HEAting aND VEnTIlATINg DuCting, pIpINg, WiRinG aND tHe lIKE are inCluDabLe during | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to manufacturedhomes and more particularly to animproved frame for transporting a manufactured home that lowers the overall height of the manufactured home during the transportationthereof. 2. Background of the InventionIn recent years,the manufactured home industry has substantially increased the quality of materials and construction ofmanufactured homes. This increase in quality and construction has been the result of superior materials, superiorconstructiontechniques, and new innovations which have resulted in asubstantial increase in performance with a reduction incost. In general, a manufactured home is erectedin an automated manufacturingfactory using modern patterns, assembly line, and modern assembly equipment. The use of these automationtechniques substantially reduces thecost and thetime of construction of the manufactured home. After the manufactured homeis completed, the manufactured home is stored on supportsto await transportationto a permanent siteforthe manufacturedhome. The manufactured home is loadedon a transportation carrier for transportation to the permanent sitefor the manufactured home. The manufactured home is positioned onto the transportation carrier by crane orother lifting means. The transportation carrier comprises asteel frame assembly supported by plural axles and transport wheels. The transportation carrier includes a hitch for attachingthe transportation carrier to a towingvehicle such as a truck for transporting the manufactured home to the permanent site. After the manufacturedhome is towed to the permanent site, the manufactured home is removed from thetransportation carrier by a crane or otherlifting meansand the manufactured home is positioned on a foundation at the permanent home site.After removalof the manufactured home, the carrier transport is towedback to the manufacturing factoryby a towingvehicle such as a truck for use in delivering another manufactured home. Unfortunately, the carrier transport is returned to the manufacturing factory without a loadthereby substantially increasing the overall costof delivery of the manufactured home. It is estimated that the cost of returning the carrier transport to the manufacturing factory isapproximately one dollarper mile. Furthermore, the task of moving the manufactured home from the carrier transport to the foundation at the permanent home site requires the use of a crane or other lifting means. Accordingly, the transportation andinstallation of manufactured homes requiringthe use of a carrier transportsubstantially adds to the overall costofthe manufacturedhome. Among the most significant construction innovations developed in the manufactured home industry is the use of a dual purpose flooring system for a manufactured home. The dual purpose flooring system for amanufactured home comprises plurallongitudinally extending beams anda multiplicity of transverse crossbeams. The plural longitudinallyextending beams are preferablysteelI-beams with the multiplicity of transverse cross beams comprising woodentrusses. The dual purpose flooring system provides a first functionfor the manufactured home by providing a removabletransport wheel assembly and a removablehitch assembly for transporting the manufactured home tothe permanent home site. Preferably, a removable transport wheel assemblyanda removable hitch assembly are secured tothe plural longitudinally extending beams for transportingthe manufactured homeand eliminating the need for an independent transportationcarrier. Whenthe manufactured home reaches the permanent home site, the removable transport wheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly are removed fromthe manufactured home and are shipped to the manufacturing factory. Only the removable transportwheel assembly and a removable hitch assembly which comprise the most expensive portions ofa transport carrier need to be returned to the manufacturing factory. In addition, the removable transport wheelassembly and a removable hitch may be returned to the manufacturing factory by aconventionalfreight carrier thus eliminating the need for using the towing vehicleas was the problem in theprior art manufactured home carrier transports.The dual purposeflooring system provides asecond function for the manufacturated home by providing a rightfloor forsupporting the manufactured home at the permanent home site. The plural longitudinally extending beamsremain with the manufactured homeafter removal of the removable transport wheel assembly and the removable hitch assembly to provide a rigidsupport to the permanently mounted manufactured home.The plural longitudinally extending beams remains with the manufactured home to add to the structural integrity and strength of the flooring system. Several examples ofthe aforementioned dual purpose flooring system are disclosed in the following U.S. Letters Patent of the presented inventor. The dual purpose flooring system provides athirdfunction for the manufactured home by reducingtheoverallheight of the manufactured homewhen the manufactured home is being transported to the permanent home site. Since the removable transport wheel assembly and the removable hitchassembly are directly securedto the plural longitudinally extending beams of themanufactured home, the dual purposeflooring system reduces the overall height of the manufactured home, the dual purpose flooring system reduces theoverall height of the manufactured home duringtransportation by the thicknessof the frame ofthe carrier transport of the prior art. Typically, the carriercomprises a steel structure fashioned from I-beams that arefrom ten to twelve inches in height. Typically, an axle is mounted on leaf springs which are secured to the bottom portion of each of the I-beamsof thecarrier. Accordingly, theframe of structure reduces the overall height of the building structure during transportation bythethickness of the carrier. Typically, the thickness of the carrieris ten to twelve inches. The overall height of the building structureduring transportationis extremely important since overall height of the building structure must bebelow the maximumpermittedtransportation height established by the U.S. DepartmentofTransportation. Thebuilding structure must be below the maximum permitted transportation height inorder to easily pass under typical roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and thelike. Presently,the maximum permittedtransportation height established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is thirteen feet six inches. In theevent the transportationheight ofa building structure exceeds fourteen feet, than the building structure must be preceded by a flag truck having a fourteen foot sensor todetect any roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the like that would prevent the passing of thebuilding structurethereunder. Inthe event the flag truck detectsany roadway bridges, underpasses,tunnels and thelike that would prevent the passingof the building structure thereunder this maximum permitted transportationheight, the buildingstructure must be routed to avoid this obstacle. Accordingly, thetransportation of abuilding structure in excess ofthe maximum permitted transportationheight adds significantly to the costof the transportation. The pitch orslope of the roof of a building structure is limited by the maximum permitted transportation height established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. A greaterpitch or slope of a roof has adistinct advantage for building structures located in regions with inclement weather such as rain, snowor ice.Secondly,agreater pitchor slope of a roof approximates the pitch orslope ofaroof of a site built home. U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,299 to Lindsay discloses an improved floor assembly being incorporated into a mobile building. A pairof identical frame assemblies form the floor ofthe buildingeach including a plurality of middle beams mounted to and atop lower beams and further including a pair of adjacent interior sidewalls attached to the middle beams and extending therebeneath being adjacent the lower beams.The exterior sidewalls are mounted to theframe assemblies. Wheeled carriages are removably mountable to the assemblies facilitating transportationof the assemblies to a building site. A skirt ispermanently mountedexternally to the sidewalls andextends adjacent the floor assembly. A bracket is connectedto the middle beam and the bottom beam ofeach frameassembly and in addition is connectedto apole which supports the adjacent middle portions ofthe frame assemblies. The interior sidewalls are slidably received in the bracket. In an alternate embodiment, the floor frame assembly is incorporated into afloor joist. U.S. Pat.No. 4,863,189to Lindsay disclosesa floor frame assembly, formed principally of woodmaterial, having two load-bearing outerbeams and front and rear end members defining aperipheryandaplurality of transverse load-supporting trusses connected normal to the outer beam between the endmembers. In a preferred embodiment, each truss hasan upper elongate member, ashorter central elongate member attached parallel thereto by verticalcross-braced elements, and on either side of the centralmember a braced vertical member spaced therefrom to providegaps of predetermined height and width.Each truss also has an end portion of the upper elongate member in cantilever form for contact thereat with a load-supporting surface at thepermanent location of thefloor assembly, so thatadditionalexternal beams or continuous wallsurfaces to support the completed floor frame assembly and any superstructurethereon is rendered unnecessary. The floor frame assembly may be further supported by conventional piers or jackposts at points under two elongate,load-supporting,inner beamsclosely received and connected to the trusseswithin the gaps. These inner beamsmay optionally be madeof wood material, wood material supported along the edges atselected portions by metal reinforcement, or entirely formed of I-section beam lengths. Inone aspect of the invention,at least one of the load-supporting outer beams has a larger verticaldimension than theother outer beam and two floor frame assemblies thus formed may be unitedat theirrespective wider outer beamsand provided additional support thereunder to generate a commensurately larger floor frame assembly structure. U.S. Pat.No. 5,028,072 to Lindsay discloses a unified floor frame assembly having two elongate outer loadsupporting beams formedof elongate beam sections that are butt-splicedto becambered in parallel vertical planes tocounter forces that may tend to causesagging of the floorframe assembly during transportation. Atinner vertical perimetersurfaces of the elongate beamsare provided attachment plates for attachment, first,of a wheel carrier assembly detachably mountable theretowith aplurality of wheels partially recessed within thefloor frame assembly and,second, a towinghitch assembly attachable to a forward end of the floor frame assemblyfor applying a towing force thereat. Amoisture,dirt, insect and pest excluding thin covering isprovided underneath the floor frame assembly andsections of heating and ventilating ducting, piping, wiring and the like are includable during | 1. _Field_ of the Invention This invention _relates_ to _manufactured_ homes and _more_ _particularly_ to an improved frame for transporting _a_ manufactured _home_ _that_ lowers the overall height of the manufactured home during the transportation thereof. _2._ _Background_ of the Invention In _recent_ years, the manufactured home industry has substantially increased the quality of materials and construction of manufactured _homes._ This _increase_ _in_ quality and construction has been the result of _superior_ materials, superior construction techniques, _and_ new _innovations_ which have resulted in a substantial _increase_ in performance with _a_ _reduction_ _in_ cost. In general, a manufactured home _is_ _erected_ _in_ an automated manufacturing factory using modern _patterns,_ assembly line, and modern assembly equipment. The use of these automation techniques substantially reduces the _cost_ and _the_ time of _construction_ of the manufactured home. _After_ _the_ manufactured home is completed, the manufactured home _is_ stored on _supports_ to await transportation to a permanent site for the manufactured _home._ The manufactured _home_ is loaded _on_ a transportation carrier _for_ transportation _to_ the _permanent_ site for the manufactured home. The manufactured home is positioned onto the transportation carrier _by_ crane _or_ other lifting means. The transportation carrier _comprises_ a steel frame assembly supported by plural axles and transport wheels. _The_ transportation _carrier_ includes a hitch for attaching the transportation _carrier_ to a _towing_ vehicle such _as_ a truck _for_ transporting the manufactured home to the permanent site. After _the_ manufactured home is towed to the permanent site, the manufactured home is removed from the transportation carrier by a crane or other _lifting_ means and the manufactured home is positioned on a foundation at the permanent home site. After removal of the manufactured home, the carrier transport is towed back to the manufacturing factory _by_ a _towing_ vehicle such as a truck for _use_ in delivering another manufactured home. Unfortunately, the _carrier_ transport is returned to the _manufacturing_ factory without a load thereby _substantially_ increasing the overall _cost_ of delivery of _the_ manufactured home. _It_ is estimated _that_ the cost of _returning_ the _carrier_ _transport_ to _the_ _manufacturing_ factory _is_ _approximately_ _one_ dollar per _mile._ Furthermore, the task of moving the _manufactured_ home _from_ the carrier transport to _the_ foundation at _the_ permanent home site requires the use of a _crane_ or other lifting means. Accordingly, _the_ transportation and _installation_ of manufactured homes requiring the use of a carrier transport substantially adds to the overall cost _of_ the manufactured _home._ _Among_ the most significant _construction_ _innovations_ _developed_ in the manufactured home industry _is_ the _use_ _of_ a dual purpose _flooring_ system for a manufactured home. The _dual_ purpose flooring system for _a_ manufactured home _comprises_ plural longitudinally extending beams and a multiplicity of _transverse_ _cross_ beams. The plural longitudinally _extending_ beams are preferably steel I-beams with the multiplicity of transverse cross beams comprising wooden trusses. The dual _purpose_ flooring system _provides_ a first function for _the_ manufactured home by _providing_ a removable transport wheel assembly and a removable _hitch_ _assembly_ for _transporting_ the manufactured home _to_ _the_ permanent home site. Preferably, a _removable_ transport _wheel_ assembly and a removable _hitch_ assembly _are_ secured to the plural longitudinally _extending_ _beams_ for transporting the manufactured home and eliminating the _need_ _for_ an independent transportation carrier. _When_ the manufactured home reaches _the_ permanent home site, the removable _transport_ _wheel_ assembly and a removable hitch assembly are removed from the _manufactured_ home and _are_ shipped _to_ _the_ manufacturing factory. _Only_ the _removable_ transport _wheel_ assembly and a removable hitch _assembly_ which _comprise_ the most expensive portions of _a_ transport carrier need to _be_ returned to the manufacturing factory. In _addition,_ the removable transport wheel _assembly_ and a removable hitch may be _returned_ _to_ the _manufacturing_ factory by a _conventional_ freight _carrier_ thus eliminating the need for using the towing _vehicle_ as was the problem in the prior _art_ _manufactured_ home _carrier_ transports. The dual purpose _flooring_ _system_ provides _a_ second function for the _manufacturated_ home _by_ providing a right floor _for_ supporting the _manufactured_ home at the permanent home site. The _plural_ longitudinally extending beams remain with the manufactured home after removal of the removable transport wheel _assembly_ and the removable hitch assembly to provide a rigid support to the permanently mounted _manufactured_ home. The plural longitudinally _extending_ beams remains with the manufactured _home_ _to_ _add_ to _the_ structural integrity and strength of _the_ flooring system. Several examples of the aforementioned dual purpose _flooring_ system are _disclosed_ _in_ _the_ following U.S. Letters Patent of the presented inventor. The _dual_ purpose flooring system provides _a_ _third_ function _for_ the manufactured home _by_ _reducing_ the overall height of the manufactured _home_ when _the_ _manufactured_ _home_ is being transported to the permanent home _site._ Since the removable transport _wheel_ assembly and the removable hitch assembly are directly _secured_ to _the_ plural longitudinally extending _beams_ of the manufactured _home,_ the dual _purpose_ flooring system reduces the _overall_ height of the manufactured home, the dual purpose flooring _system_ _reduces_ the overall height of the manufactured _home_ during transportation by the _thickness_ of the frame _of_ the carrier transport of _the_ _prior_ art. Typically, _the_ _carrier_ comprises a steel _structure_ fashioned from I-beams that _are_ from ten to twelve inches in height. Typically, an axle is mounted on _leaf_ _springs_ which are secured _to_ the bottom portion of each _of_ the I-beams of _the_ _carrier._ Accordingly, the frame _of_ _structure_ reduces _the_ overall height of the building structure _during_ transportation by the thickness _of_ the carrier. _Typically,_ the thickness _of_ the carrier is ten to twelve inches. The overall height of the building structure during transportation is _extremely_ important since _overall_ height of the building structure must be below _the_ maximum permitted _transportation_ height established by _the_ U.S. Department of Transportation. The building structure _must_ _be_ below the maximum permitted transportation _height_ in order to _easily_ pass under typical _roadway_ bridges, underpasses, _tunnels_ and the like. Presently, the maximum permitted transportation height established by _the_ _U.S._ Department of Housing and _Urban_ Development _is_ thirteen feet six inches. In _the_ event the transportation height _of_ a _building_ structure exceeds fourteen feet, than the building structure must be preceded by a _flag_ _truck_ having a fourteen foot _sensor_ to detect _any_ roadway bridges, underpasses, tunnels and the _like_ _that_ would prevent the _passing_ of _the_ building structure thereunder. In the _event_ the flag truck detects _any_ roadway bridges, _underpasses,_ _tunnels_ and the like _that_ would prevent the passing of _the_ building structure _thereunder_ this maximum permitted _transportation_ height, the building structure must be routed to avoid this _obstacle._ _Accordingly,_ the transportation of a building structure in _excess_ of the maximum permitted transportation height _adds_ significantly to the cost _of_ the transportation. The pitch or slope of the roof _of_ a building structure is limited by the _maximum_ permitted transportation height established by the _U.S._ Department of Transportation. _A_ greater pitch or slope _of_ a roof has a distinct advantage _for_ _building_ structures located _in_ regions with inclement _weather_ such as rain, snow or ice. Secondly, a greater pitch or slope _of_ a roof approximates the _pitch_ or slope of _a_ roof of a site built home. U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,299 to _Lindsay_ discloses _an_ improved floor assembly being incorporated into a mobile building. A pair of identical frame assemblies form the floor _of_ the building each including a _plurality_ _of_ middle beams mounted to and atop _lower_ beams and further _including_ a pair _of_ adjacent interior sidewalls attached to the middle _beams_ and extending therebeneath being adjacent the lower beams. The exterior sidewalls _are_ _mounted_ to the frame assemblies. Wheeled _carriages_ are _removably_ mountable _to_ the assemblies facilitating transportation of the assemblies to a building site. A skirt is permanently mounted _externally_ to _the_ sidewalls and extends adjacent the floor assembly. A _bracket_ is connected _to_ the middle beam and the bottom beam of each frame assembly and _in_ _addition_ is _connected_ to a _pole_ which supports the _adjacent_ _middle_ portions of _the_ _frame_ assemblies. The interior sidewalls are slidably received in _the_ _bracket._ In an _alternate_ embodiment, the _floor_ frame assembly is incorporated into a _floor_ joist. U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,189 to Lindsay discloses a floor frame assembly, formed principally of wood material, having _two_ _load-bearing_ outer beams and _front_ and rear end _members_ defining a periphery and a plurality _of_ transverse _load-supporting_ trusses connected normal _to_ _the_ outer beam between the end members. In a preferred embodiment, _each_ _truss_ has an _upper_ elongate member, a shorter _central_ _elongate_ member attached parallel thereto by _vertical_ cross-braced elements, and _on_ either side of the central _member_ _a_ _braced_ _vertical_ member spaced therefrom to provide _gaps_ of _predetermined_ _height_ and width. Each _truss_ also _has_ an end portion _of_ the _upper_ elongate member in cantilever form for contact _thereat_ with a _load-supporting_ _surface_ at _the_ _permanent_ location of _the_ floor assembly, so that _additional_ external beams or continuous wall surfaces to _support_ the completed floor _frame_ _assembly_ and _any_ superstructure thereon is _rendered_ unnecessary. The floor _frame_ assembly may _be_ further supported by _conventional_ _piers_ or jackposts at points under two _elongate,_ load-supporting, inner beams closely _received_ and connected to the trusses within _the_ gaps. These inner _beams_ _may_ _optionally_ be made of _wood_ material, wood material _supported_ along the edges at selected _portions_ by metal reinforcement, or _entirely_ formed of I-section beam lengths. In one aspect _of_ _the_ invention, at least one of the load-supporting outer _beams_ has a larger vertical dimension than the other outer beam and two floor frame assemblies thus formed may be united at their respective wider outer beams _and_ _provided_ additional support thereunder to generate a commensurately larger floor _frame_ assembly _structure._ U.S. _Pat._ No. 5,028,072 to _Lindsay_ discloses a _unified_ floor _frame_ assembly having _two_ elongate outer _load_ supporting _beams_ formed of elongate _beam_ sections that are butt-spliced to be cambered in parallel _vertical_ planes to counter _forces_ that may tend to cause sagging of the floor frame _assembly_ during transportation. At inner _vertical_ perimeter surfaces of the elongate beams are provided attachment plates for _attachment,_ first, of a wheel carrier assembly _detachably_ mountable thereto with a plurality of wheels _partially_ _recessed_ within _the_ floor _frame_ _assembly_ and, second, a towing _hitch_ assembly attachable to a forward end of the floor frame assembly for _applying_ a towing force _thereat._ _A_ moisture, dirt, insect and pest _excluding_ thin covering is provided underneath the floor frame assembly and sections of heating and _ventilating_ ducting, piping, _wiring_ and _the_ like are includable during |
The present invention relates to power staple guns, and relates more particularly to such a power staple gun which has pairs of staple grooves for loading staples of different lengths, and marks for indexing the loading of staples of different lengths.
Various power staple guns are well known, and intensively used for driving staples into workpieces. FIG. 1 shows a power staple gun according to the prior art, which comprises a gun body 16 having a staple nozzle 15 at one end, a coupling frame 17 at an opposite end, a magazine 10 connected between the staple nozzle 15 and the coupling frame 17 and defining two parallel staple grooves 14 for loading staples 12, and a follower member 11 for pushing staples 12 toward the nail nozzle 15. The magazine 10 further has a rectangular staple loading port 13 at one side for loading staples 12 in the staple grooves 14. When the follower member 11 is pulled backwards toward the coupling frame 17, staples 12 can then be inserted through the staple loading port 13 into the staple grooves 14. When staples 12 are loaded, the follower member 11 is released from hand to move the staples 12 forwards. If long staples are used, they can be loaded in the magazine 10 from the top side. This structure of power staple gun is still not satisfactory in function. One drawback of this structure of power staple gun is its limited application. Because the power staple gun has only one pair of staple grooves, only limited sizes of staples can be used. Another drawback of this structure power staple gun is that there is no indexing means to show staples of different specifications. When staples of different sizes are alternatively used, wrong staples may be loaded and driven into workpieces. Furthermore, when buying staples, the user shall have to check if the staples fit the power staple gun. | The present invention relates to power staple guns, and relates more particularly to such a power staple gun which has pairs of staple grooves for loading staples of different lengths, and marks for indexing the loading of staples of different lengths. Various power staple guns are well known, and intensively used for driving staples into workpieces. FIG. 1 shows a power staple gun according to the prior art, which comprises a gun body 16 having a staple nozzle 15 at one end, a coupling frame 17 at an opposite end, a magazine 10 connected between the staple nozzle 15 and the coupling frame 17 and defining two parallel staple grooves 14 for loading staples 12, and a follower member 11 for pushing staples 12 toward the nail nozzle 15. The magazine 10 further has a rectangular staple loading port 13 at one side for freight staples 12 in the staple grooves 14. When the follower member 11 is pulled backwards toward the coupling frame 17, staples 12 can then be inserted through the staple loading port 13 into the staple grooves 14. When staples 12 are loaded, the follower member 11 is released from hand to move the staples 12 forwards. If long staples are used, they can be loaded in the magazine 10 from the top side. This structure of power staple gun is still not satisfactory in function. One drawback of this structure of power staple gun is its limited application. Because the power staple gun has only one pair of staple grooves, only limited sizes of staples can be used. Another drawback of this structure power staple gun is that there is no indexing means to show staples of different specifications. When staples of different sizes are alternatively used, wrong staples may be loaded and driven into workpieces. Furthermore, when buying staples, the user shall have to check if the staples fit the power staple gun. | The present invention relates to power staple guns, and relates more )articula%ly to such a power staple gun which has pairs of staple grpovSs for loading staples of different lengths, and marks for indexing the loading of staples of different lengths. Various power staple guns are well known, and intensively used for driving staples into workpieces. FIG. 1 sjowd a power staple gun according to the prior art, which comprises a gun H0dy 16 having a staple nozzle 15 at one end, a coupling frame 17 at an opposite end, a magazine 10 connected betweDj the staple nozzle 15 and the coupling frame 17 and defining two parallel sts9le grooves 14 for loasint staples 12, and a follower member 11 for pushing staples 12 toward the nail nozzle 15. The magazine 10 further has a rectangular staple loading port 13 at one side for loading staples 12 in the staple grooves 14. When the follower member 11 is pulled backwards toward the coupling frame 17, staples 12 can then be inserted through the staple loading port 13 into the staple grooves 14. When staples 12 are loaded, the follower member 11 is released from hand to move the staples 12 forwards. If long staples are used, they can be loaded in the magazine 10 from the top side. This structure of power staple gun is still not satidfavtory in function. One drawback of this structure of power staple gun is its limited application. Because the power staple gun has only one )wir of staple grooves, only limited sizes of staples can be used. Another drawback of this structure power staple gun is that there is no indexing means to show staples of different specifications. When staples of different sizes are alternatively used, wrong staples may be loaded and driven into workpieces. Furthermore, when buying staples, the user shall have to check if the stapOew fit the power staple gun. | The present relates to power guns, and relates more particularly to such power staple gun which has pairs of staple grooves for loading staples of different and marks for indexing the loading of staples of different lengths. Various power staple guns are well known, and intensively used for driving staples into FIG. 1 shows a power staple gun according to the prior which comprises a body having a staple nozzle 15 at one a coupling frame 17 at an end, a magazine 10 connected between the nozzle 15 and the coupling frame 17 and defining parallel staple grooves 14 for loading staples 12, and a follower member 11 for pushing toward the nail nozzle 15. The magazine 10 further has a rectangular staple loading port 13 at one side loading staples 12 the staple grooves 14. When the follower member 11 is pulled backwards toward the coupling frame 17, staples 12 can then be inserted through the staple port 13 the staple grooves 14. When staples 12 are loaded, the follower member 11 is released from hand to move the staples 12 forwards. If staples are used, they can be loaded in the magazine 10 from the top side. This structure of power staple is still not satisfactory in One of structure of power staple gun is its limited application. Because the power staple gun has only pair of staple grooves, only limited sizes staples can be used. Another drawback of this structure power staple gun is that is no indexing to show staples of different specifications. When staples of different sizes are alternatively used, wrong staples may be loaded and driven into workpieces. Furthermore, buying user shall have to check if the staples fit power staple gun. | THe preseNT INVENTion RElAteS To pOwer StapLE GuNs, AND RELATEs mOre PartiCuLArLY TO SucH A PowER stAPlE GUn whiCh has paIrs OF staPle Grooves FOR LoaDiNG StApLes of DIFfEreNT LEngThs, aND markS FOr iNDeXing THe lOadING of sTapLES oF DIFfeREnt lengThs.
varIoUs poWer STapLE guNs ArE welL KnowN, AND INTEnSIvELy usED fOr drIviNG sTaPlES inTO wOrkpIeces. Fig. 1 sHOWs A pOwer StAple gUN aCCORDinG TO thE pRiOR ARt, WhiCH cOMPRiSes a GUN Body 16 hAViNG A StAple nOzzLe 15 AT onE eND, a COuPlInG frame 17 AT AN opPosItE ENd, a magazInE 10 cONnECTed BETwEeN the stAple NoZzLE 15 And the CoUplinG Frame 17 AND DeFINing tWO parALLEL STaple grOovEs 14 FOr lOADINg stApLes 12, aNd A FOLlower MEmBer 11 FOr pUSHiNG STaPLeS 12 toward ThE nail noZzLe 15. ThE MAgAZinE 10 fUrthER HAS a rECTANgULAR stApLE LOADING POrT 13 AT onE SIDe FOR lOAdiNG stApleS 12 in THE STAplE GrOOveS 14. wHEn ThE foLloWer MEmBeR 11 Is puLLED BacKwArdS tOWaRD thE CouPLInG fRamE 17, stapLEs 12 cAn THEN Be InSerTED THrOuGh THe stAPle loADIng pORT 13 iNto thE stAPLe GrOOVeS 14. wHeN STApLEs 12 ARe loADED, ThE foLLoWER MembeR 11 IS RELeAsEd FROm Hand to mOve thE STaPLEs 12 fORWARDS. iF LOng STAPlES Are useD, theY can be lOAded in tHe magazIne 10 FROm thE tOP sidE. tHIS sTRUcTure OF poWer STapLE gun IS STilL nOT sATiSFacTORy In fUNCtIOn. oNE DrAWBaCK of THiS StRuCTurE of pOWeR sTaplE Gun iS ItS limITed aPPlICaTioN. BEcAuse the pOwer sTAPLE gUn HAS oNLY onE pAir OF StaPLe gRooVes, oNly LiMIted Sizes oF StaPLEs can bE uSEd. AnoTHeR dRawBacK OF thIS StRUcTURE pOwER STapLE Gun Is ThAt THeRe IS No inDexInG meAnS To SHow sTapLEs oF diFFErent sPecificAtionS. WHen STAPleS of diffErEnt SiZes aRE ALTernATivElY uSed, wrOnG staplEs may BE LOADeD and driVen iNTO worKPIecEs. FuRtHErmoRE, WhEn bUYiNg staPles, tHe USER ShALL hAve to Check If tHe staplEs FIT the PoWEr STaPle gUn. | The present inventionrelates to power staple guns, and relates more particularlyto such apower staple gun which has pairs of staple grooves for loading staples of different lengths, and marks for indexing the loading of staples of different lengths.Various powerstaple guns are wellknown, and intensively used for driving staples into workpieces. FIG. 1 shows a power staple gun according to theprior art, which comprises a gun body16 having a staple nozzle15 at one end, acoupling frame 17 atan opposite end, a magazine 10 connected between the staple nozzle 15 and the coupling frame17and defining two parallel staple grooves 14 for loading staples 12, and a follower member 11for pushing staples 12 toward the nail nozzle 15. The magazine 10 further has a rectangular staple loading port 13 at oneside for loading staples 12in the staple grooves 14. When the follower member 11 is pulled backwards toward the coupling frame 17, staples 12 can then be inserted through the staple loading port 13 into the staple grooves 14. When staples 12areloaded, the follower member 11 is releasedfrom hand to move the staples 12 forwards. If long staples are used,they can beloaded in the magazine10 from the top side. This structure of power staple gun is still not satisfactory infunction. One drawback of this structure ofpower staple gun is its limited application. Because the power staple gun has only onepair of staple grooves, onlylimited sizes of staples can be used. Another drawback of this structure power staple gunis that there isnoindexing means to show staples of different specifications. When staples ofdifferent sizes are alternatively used, wrong staples may be loaded anddriven into workpieces. Furthermore, when buying staples, the user shall have to check if the staples fit the powerstaple gun. | The present invention relates to power staple guns, and relates more particularly _to_ such a _power_ staple _gun_ _which_ has pairs of staple grooves for loading _staples_ of _different_ lengths, and marks for _indexing_ the loading of staples of different lengths. Various power _staple_ guns are _well_ known, and intensively used _for_ driving staples into workpieces. FIG. 1 shows a power staple gun according to the prior art, which comprises a gun body 16 _having_ a staple nozzle 15 at one end, _a_ _coupling_ frame 17 at an opposite end, a magazine 10 connected between _the_ _staple_ nozzle 15 and _the_ coupling frame 17 and defining two parallel staple _grooves_ 14 for _loading_ _staples_ _12,_ and a follower member 11 for pushing staples _12_ toward the nail nozzle 15. The magazine 10 further has a _rectangular_ _staple_ loading port 13 at one _side_ for loading staples 12 in _the_ staple grooves _14._ When the follower member 11 is pulled backwards toward the _coupling_ frame 17, _staples_ 12 can then be inserted through _the_ staple _loading_ port 13 into the staple grooves _14._ When _staples_ 12 are loaded, the follower member _11_ is released _from_ hand to move the staples 12 forwards. If long staples are used, they can _be_ loaded in the magazine 10 from _the_ _top_ side. This structure of power staple gun is _still_ not satisfactory in function. _One_ _drawback_ of this _structure_ of power _staple_ _gun_ is its limited application. Because the power staple _gun_ has only _one_ pair of staple grooves, only limited sizes of staples can be used. Another drawback of _this_ structure power _staple_ gun is that there is _no_ indexing means to show staples of different specifications. _When_ staples of different sizes are alternatively used, wrong staples _may_ be loaded and driven into _workpieces._ Furthermore, when buying staples, the user shall have to check _if_ the staples _fit_ the _power_ staple gun. |
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a screen on which an image is projected.
2. Related Art
There has been known a screen having a plurality of lens elements formed on a light-incident surface on which light is incident, each of which reflects the incident light (see JP-A-2006-215162, for example).
The screen described in JP-A-2006-215162 is so configured that a plurality of unit shape portions having the same shape are regularly disposed two-dimensionally on a surface of a substrate sheet and each of the unit shape portions is formed of a semispherical or convex-lens-shaped protruding portion. A reflection surface is formed on the surface of each of the unit shape portions in a section where light is incident from a projector disposed in advance in an intended position. Projection light obliquely projected from a position in front of the screen is diffused and reflected off the reflection surface of each of the unit shape portions, whereby viewers in a wide viewing range can view a projected image.
However, since the unit shape portions on the screen described in JP-A-2006-215162 are regularly arranged two-dimensionally, light fluxes that exit from adjacent unit shape portions travel along substantially the same optical paths and reach a predetermined viewing position, likely causing a moire pattern (interference fringes) and scintillation in a projected image. Such a moire pattern and scintillation tend to degrade the displayed image. | 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a screen on which an image is projected. 2. Related Art There has been known a screen having a plurality of lens elements formed on a light-incident surface on which light is incident, each of which reflects the incident light (see JP-A-2006-215162, for example). The screen described in JP-A-2006-215162 is so configured that a plurality of unit shape portions having the same shape are regularly disposed two-dimensionally on a surface of a substrate sheet and each of the unit shape portions is formed of a semispherical or convex-lens-shaped protruding portion. A reflection surface is formed on the surface of each of the whole shape portions in a section where light is incident from a projector disposed in advance in an intended position. Projection light obliquely projected from a position in front of the screen is diffused and reflected off the reflection surface of each of the unit shape portions, whereby viewers in a wide viewing range can view a projected image. However, since the unit shape portions on the screen described in JP-A-2006-215162 are regularly arranged two-dimensionally, light fluxes that exit from adjacent unit shape portions travel along substantially the same optical paths and reach a predetermined viewing position, likely causing a moire pattern (interference fringes) and scintillation in a projected image. Such a moire pattern and scintillation tend to degrade the displayed image. | 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a screen on which an image is projected. 2. Related Art There has been known a screen having a plurality of lens elements formed on a light - incident surface on which light is incident, each of which reflects the incident light (see JP - A - 2006 - 215162, for example ). The screen described in JP - A - 2006 - 21R!62 is so configured that a plurality of unit shape portions having the same shape are regularly disposed two - dimensionally on a surface of a substrate sheet and eSdh of the unit shape portions is formed of a semispherical or convex - lens - shaped protruding portion. A reflection surface is formed on the wirface of each of the tbit shape portions in a section where ligjy is incident from a projector disposed in advance in an intended position. Projection light obliquely projected from a posit(pn in front of the screen is diffused and reflected off the reflection surface of each of the unit shape portions, whereby vieSerQ in a wide viewing range can view a projected image. However, since the unit shape portions on the screen described in JP - A - 2006 - 215162 are regularly arranged two - dimensionally, light fluxes that exit from adjacent unit shape port&ins travel sl(ng substantially the same optical paths and reach a predetermined viewing position, likely caueung a moire pattern (interference fringes) and scintillation in a projected image. Such a moire pattern and scintillation tend to degrade the displayed image. | 1. Technical present invention relates to a screen on an is projected. 2. Related Art There has been known a screen a plurality lens elements formed on a light-incident surface on which light is incident, each of which reflects the (see JP-A-2006-215162, for example). The screen described JP-A-2006-215162 is so configured that a plurality of unit portions having the same shape are disposed two-dimensionally on surface of a substrate sheet and each the unit portions is formed of a semispherical or convex-lens-shaped protruding portion. A reflection formed on the surface of each the unit shape portions in a section where light is incident from a projector disposed in advance in an intended position. Projection light obliquely projected from a position in front of the screen is diffused and reflected off the reflection surface of each of the unit shape portions, whereby viewers in a wide range can view a projected However, since the shape portions on the screen described in JP-A-2006-215162 are regularly arranged two-dimensionally, light fluxes that exit from adjacent unit shape travel along substantially same optical paths and reach a predetermined viewing position, likely causing a moire pattern (interference fringes) and scintillation a projected image. Such a moire pattern and scintillation tend to degrade the displayed image. | 1. TEcHNicaL FIEld
tHE PResENt InvenTioN RELaTeS TO a sCrEEN on WhICH An imAGe Is pROjEcTed.
2. reLAted aRt
ThErE Has BEEn kNOWn A sCReen haVING a pluraLITY OF LenS ELEMENTS foRmeD oN a LIghT-incIDenT SURFAcE On WHicH LIgHT iS INCidEnT, EAch oF wHicH REfleCts thE inCIdEnT LIghT (See JP-a-2006-215162, for EXAmpLE).
ThE Screen DesCRIBED iN JP-A-2006-215162 is SO CoNFigURed THat A pLuRALItY Of unIt ShaPE PORtIoNs havinG tHe SAME sHaPe Are ReGUlArLy DispOsEd TWO-dImeNsIOnAlly oN a sURFace oF A substRaTe sHEEt and EacH oF tHe UniT SHaPe poRTIONs is FOrMeD oF a SEmISPhERicaL OR CoNVEx-lEns-Shaped PROtrUDiNg PorTiOn. a rEFLectiON sURfAcE is FOrMeD on tHe surfACe of eACH Of The uniT shaPE pOrtiOnS In a sectIon WHeRE lIght is iNCIDeNt From A pRojEctOr dIsPosed IN AdVANCE iN an inTeNded pOSITIOn. PROJectION LIghT oBLiqUElY PrOjECteD FROm a poSItION in FrOnT OF ThE sCReeN iS DiffUSed aND REFlectEd OFf the ReflecTiON SURfaCe oF EAch oF THe UnIT SHApe PoRtions, wHEREby VIEwErs in a wIdE VIEWING RangE caN vIeW a pROjECtED imAge.
HOwevEr, SInCE tHE Unit shaPE poRTiONS On THe Screen DEScriBEd In jP-a-2006-215162 aRe rEgUlArLy arRAnGed TwO-dIMENSIONaLLY, liGhT FLUxeS THat ExIT FRoM ADJACent UnIT sHAPe poRtIOnS TrAvEl ALonG SUbsTANtiallY The SaME OpTiCAL PAThs aNd reaCH A predetErmINED VieWING posITION, LIKely cAuSInG a MoiRe pAttERn (INtErfErEncE friNGEs) and sciNTILLatION iN a pROJecTEd imAGe. sucH a MoirE PatTeRn anD ScIntIlLATION Tend TO dEGRade tHe dIspLAYEd Image. | 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a screen on which an imageis projected. 2. Related Art There hasbeen knowna screenhaving a plurality of lens elements formed on alight-incidentsurface on which light is incident, each of whichreflects the incident light (see JP-A-2006-215162, for example).The screen described in JP-A-2006-215162 is so configured that a pluralityof unit shape portionshaving the sameshape areregularly disposed two-dimensionallyon a surface ofa substrate sheet and each of the unit shape portions is formed of a semispherical or convex-lens-shaped protrudingportion. A reflection surface is formed on the surface of each of the unit shapeportions in asectionwhere light is incident from a projector disposed in advance inan intendedposition. Projection light obliquely projected from a position in front of thescreen is diffused and reflected offthe reflection surface of each of the unit shape portions, whereby viewers in a wide viewing range can view a projected image. However, since the unit shape portions on the screen describedin JP-A-2006-215162 are regularly arranged two-dimensionally, light fluxes that exit from adjacent unit shape portions travel along substantially the same optical pathsand reach a predetermined viewing position, likely causing a moire pattern (interferencefringes) and scintillation in a projected image. Such a moire pattern and scintillation tendto degrade the displayed image. | 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to _a_ screen on _which_ an _image_ is _projected._ 2. Related Art There has been known a screen having _a_ plurality _of_ lens elements formed on a light-incident _surface_ on _which_ light _is_ incident, _each_ of which _reflects_ the incident _light_ (see JP-A-2006-215162, for example). The _screen_ described in JP-A-2006-215162 is so configured that a plurality of _unit_ shape portions having the same shape are regularly disposed two-dimensionally on a surface of a substrate sheet and each _of_ the _unit_ shape portions is formed of a semispherical or convex-lens-shaped protruding portion. A reflection surface _is_ formed on the surface of each of the _unit_ _shape_ portions in _a_ section where light is incident _from_ _a_ projector disposed in advance in an intended position. Projection light _obliquely_ projected from a _position_ in front of the screen is diffused and reflected off _the_ reflection surface of _each_ of the unit shape portions, whereby viewers in a _wide_ viewing _range_ can view a projected image. However, since _the_ unit shape portions on the screen described _in_ JP-A-2006-215162 are regularly arranged two-dimensionally, light fluxes _that_ exit from adjacent unit shape portions travel along substantially the _same_ optical paths and reach a _predetermined_ viewing position, _likely_ causing a moire pattern (interference _fringes)_ and scintillation in a projected image. _Such_ a moire _pattern_ and scintillation tend to degrade the displayed _image._ |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air-fuel mixture intake apparatus having a two-barrel or duplex carburetor for internal combustion engines.
2. Prior Art
There has been a strong need for internal combustion engines which will emit a reduced amount of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons and improve fuel economy without impairing engine performance and lowering the thermal efficiency of engines.
Various systems such as lean air-fuel mixture combustion systems or EGR systems have been practiced to reduce harmful components in the exhaust gas and achieve better mileage. These known systems have proven unsatisfactory in that in low-load operating conditions or especially in low-speed, low-load operating conditions, the volumetric efficiency of an air-fuel mixture introduced into a combustion chamber is low and an increased amount of exhaust gas tends to remain in the combustion chamber, and the air-fuel mixture in the chamber cannot easily be ignited. Furthermore, the speed of combustion and hence the speed of travel of flames are low, resulting in unstable fuel combustion in the combustion chamber. The foregoing systems thus have the disadvantages of low thermal efficiency and sluggish engine operation.
Improved engine performance, efficiency and fuel economy accompanied by better emission control can be best achieved by speeding up fuel combustion in combustion chambers. To increase the rate of combustion, there have been proposed many arrangements which are designed to burn an air-fuel mixture at a higher speed by developing disturbances in the air-fuel mixture, to promote fuel carburetion, and to uniformize fuel distribution among engine cylinders.
One of the proposed arrangements comprises an auxiliary intake passage for generating swirls in a combustion chamber during the intake stroke. Another proposal is composed of a combustion of primary and secondary intake passages, with primary and secondary throttle valves located closely to a combustion chamber in some applications. According to still another construction, a projection or a valve is disposed adjacent to an intake valve to produce a biased flow of airflow mixture.
The auxiliary intake passage is designed to introduce an air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber at a high speed. With the cross section of a main intake passage being selected to suit high-speed, high-load engine operation, the speed of flow of the air-fuel mixture becomes reduced in lowload operating ranges in which the volumetric efficiency is small, with the results that sufficient swirls will not be generated in a combined flow of air-fuel mixtures from the main and auxiliary intake passages. The auxiliary intake passage is less effective to produce swirls than desired under medium and high load conditions in which the throttle valve is wide open and the boost pressure is relatively small. With the auxiliary intake passage, fuel tends to be less atomized during idling operation due to a bypassing flow of air-fuel mixture.
The speed of flow of air through the venturi of a carburetor is low and hence fuel is not fully atomized in low-load engine operation. Such insufficient fuel atomization causes fuel in a liquid form to flow down an intake passage into a combustion chamber, with the result that air and fuel will not be mixed uniformly and fuel will not be distributed uniformly among engine cylinders, resulting in poor fuel combustion in the engine cylinders.
To improve fuel combustion in low-load operating conditions, there has been devised a carburetor having a variable venturi which is variable in cross section in order to keep substantially constant the speed of flow of air through the venturi where a fuel discharge nozzle is located, irrespective of varying amounts of air flowing through the venturi. Although the variable venturi enables an engine to operate relatively stably and flexibly in a wide operating range from low load to full load conditions, it fails to effect stable air flow control when the throttle valve opens slightly because the venturi cross section does not change appreciably even if the opening of the throttle valve varies. Therefore, exhaust gas purification cannot be achieved by the variable venturi while the engine operates under small loads.
There have been known internal combustion engines equipped with a duplex or two-barrel carburetor or with primary and secondary intake passages for each engine cylinder, the secondary intake passage being put into service under certain load conditions. Such an intake system is more advantageous than single-carburetor intake systems in that it can effect better fuel atomization particularly in low to medium load ranges, cause more disturbances in the air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber, and improve the rate of fuel combustion. An internal corbustion engine having a secondary throttle valve provided for each engine cylinder and actuatable when the engine is subjected to a higher load can prevent interference between the cylinders such as leakage of the air-fuel mixture therebetween on the secondary side, resulting in better fuel distribution among the engine cylinders. When secondary throttle valves are inadequate in their opening and closing motions or cannot be closed completely, the engine operation becomes as unstable as there are such defective secondary throttle valves since each engine cylinder is equipped with a secondary throttle valve. During deceleration, the secondary throttle valves subjected to bouncing or re-opening motion under a large negative pressure developed in the combustion chambers, with the consequences that stability and recovery of idling operation are poor, and the rpm of the engine during idling operation is relatively high, resulting in worse fuel economy. Furthermore, the secondary throttle valves open rapidly during acceleration, and hence the engine performance becomes impaired in the acceleration mode due to retarded fuel introduction into the engine cylinders. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air-fuel mixture intake apparatus having a two-barrel or duplex carburetor for internal combustion engines. 2. Prior Art There has been a strong need for internal combustion engines which will emit a reduced amount of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons and improve fuel economy without impairing engine performance and lowering the thermal efficiency of engines. Various systems such as lean air-fuel mixture combustion systems or EGR systems have been practiced to reduce harmful components in the exhaust gas and achieve better mileage. These known systems have proven unsatisfactory in that in low-load operating conditions or especially in low-speed, low-load operating conditions, the volumetric efficiency of an air-fuel mixture introduced into a combustion chamber is low and an increased amount of exhaust gas tends to remain in the combustion chamber, and the air-fuel mixture in the chamber cannot easily be ignited. Furthermore, the speed of combustion and hence the speed of travel of flames are low, resulting in unstable fuel combustion in the combustion chamber. The foregoing systems thus have the disadvantages of low thermal efficiency and sluggish engine operation. Improved engine performance, efficiency and fuel economy accompanied by better emission control can be best achieved by speeding up fuel combustion in combustion chambers. To increase the rate of combustion, there have been proposed many arrangements which are designed to burn an air-fuel mixture at a higher speed by developing disturbances in the air-fuel mixture, to promote fuel carburetion, and to uniformize fuel distribution among engine cylinders. One of the proposed arrangements comprises an auxiliary intake passage for generating swirls in a combustion chamber during the intake stroke. Another proposal is composed of a combustion of primary and secondary intake passages, with primary and secondary throttle valves located closely to a combustion chamber in some applications. According to still another construction, a projection or a valve is disposed adjacent to an intake valve to produce a biased flow of airflow mixture. The auxiliary intake passage is designed to introduce an air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber at a high speed. With the cross section of a main intake passage being selected to suit high-speed, high-load engine operation, the speed of flow of the air-fuel mixture becomes reduced in lowload operating ranges in which the volumetric efficiency is small, with the results that sufficient swirls will not be generated in a combined flow of air-fuel mixtures from the main and auxiliary intake passages. The auxiliary intake passage is less effective to produce swirls than desired under medium and high load conditions in which the throttle valve is wide open and the boost pressure is relatively small. With the auxiliary intake passage, fuel tends to be less atomized during idling operation due to a bypassing flow of air-fuel mixture. The speed of flow of air through the venturi of a carburetor is low and hence fuel is not fully atomized in low-load engine operation. Such insufficient fuel atomization causes fuel in a liquid form to flow down an intake passage into a combustion chamber, with the result that air and fuel will not be mixed uniformly and fuel will not be distributed uniformly among engine cylinders, resulting in poor fuel combustion in the engine cylinders. To improve fuel combustion in low-load operating conditions, there has been devised a carburetor having a variable venturi which is variable in cross section in order to keep substantially constant the speed of flow of air through the venturi where a fuel discharge nozzle is located, irrespective of varying amounts of air flowing through the venturi. Although the variable venturi enables an engine to operate relatively stably and flexibly in a wide operating range from low load to full load conditions, it fails to effect stable air flow control when the throttle valve opens slightly because the venturi cross section does not change appreciably even if the opening of the throttle valve varies. Therefore, exhaust gas purification cannot be achieved by the variable venturi while the engine operates under small loads. There have been known internal combustion engines equipped with a duplex or two-barrel carburetor or with primary and secondary intake passages for each engine cylinder, the secondary intake passage being put into service under certain load conditions. Such an intake system is more advantageous than single-carburetor intake systems in that it can effect better fuel atomization particularly in low to medium load ranges, cause more disturbances in the air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber, and improve the rate of fuel combustion. An internal corbustion locomotive having a secondary throttle valve provided for each engine cylinder and actuatable when the engine is subjected to a higher load can prevent interference between the cylinders such as leakage of the air-fuel mixture therebetween on the secondary side, resulting in better fuel distribution among the engine cylinders. When secondary throttle valves are inadequate in their opening and closing motions or cannot be closed completely, the engine operation becomes as unstable as there are such defective secondary throttle valves since each engine cylinder is equipped with a secondary throttle valve. During deceleration, the secondary throttle valves subjected to bouncing or re-opening motion under a large negative pressure developed in the combustion chambers, with the consequences that stability and recovery of idling operation are poor, and the rpm of the engine during idling operation is relatively high, resulting in worse fuel economy. Furthermore, the secondary throttle valves open rapidly during acceleration, and hence the engine performance becomes impaired in the acceleration mode due to retarded fuel introduction into the engine cylinders. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air - euDl mixture intake apparatus having a two - barrel or duplex carburetor for internal combustion engines. 2. Prior Art There has been a strong need for internal combustion engines wjidh will emit a reduced amount of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons and improve fuel economy without impairing engine performance and lowering the thermal efficiency of engines. Various systems such as lDWn air - fuel mixture combustion systems or EGR systems have been practiced to reduce harmful components in the exhaust gas and achieve better mileage. These known systems have proven unsatisfactory in that in low - load operating conditions or especially in low - speed, low - load operating conditions, the volumetric efficiency of an air - fuel mixture introduced into a combustion chamber is low and an increased amount of exhaust gas tends to remain in the combustion chamber, and the air - fuel mixture in the chamber cannot easily be ignited. Furthermore, the speed of combustion and hence the speed of travel of flames are low, resulting in unstable fuel combustion in the combustion chamber. The foregoing systems thus have the disadvantages of low thermal efficiency and sluggish engine operation. Improved engine performance, efficiency and fuel economy accompanied by better emission control can be best achieved by speeding up fuel combustion in combustion chambers. To increase the rate of combustion, there have been proposed many arrangements which are designed to burn an air - fuel mixture at a higher speed by developing disturbances in the air - fuel mixture, to promote fuel carburetion, and to uniformize fuel distribution among engine cylinders. One of the proposed arrangements comprises an auxiliary intake passage for generating swirls in a combustion chamber during the intake stroke. Another proposal is composed of a combustion of primary and secondary intake passages, with primary and secondary throttle valves located closely to a combustion chamber in some applications. According to still another construction, a projection or a valve is disposed adjacent to an intake valve to produce a biased flow of airflow mixture. The auxiliary intake passage is designed to introduce an air - fuel mixture into the combustion chamber at a high speed. With the cross section of a main intake passage being selected to suit high - speed, high - load engine operation, the speed of flow of the air - fuel mixture becomes reduced in lowload operating ranges in which the volumetric efficiency is small, with the results that sufficient swirls will not be generated in a combined flow of air - fuel mixtures from the main and auxiliary intake passages. The auxiliary intake passage is less effective to produce swirls than desired under medium and high load conditions in which the throttle valve is wide open and the boost pressure is relatively small. With the auxiliary intake passage, fuel tends to be less atomized during idling operation due to a bypassing flow of air - fuel mixture. The speed of flow of air through the venturi of a carburetor is low and hence fuel is not fully atomized in low - load engine operation. Such insufficient fuel atomization causes fuel in a liquid form to flow sowJ an intake passage into a combustion chamber, with the result that air and fuel will not be mixed uniformly and fuel will not be distributed uniformly among engine cylinders, resulting in poor fuel combustion in the engine cylinders. To improve fuel combustion in low - load operating conditions, there has been devised a carburetor having a variable venturi which is variable in cross section in order to OeWp substantially constant the speed of flow of air through the venturi where a fuel discharge nozzle is located, irrespective of varying amounts of air flowing through the venturi. Although the variable venturi enables an engine to operate relatively stably and flexibly in a wide operating range from low load to full load conditions, it fails to effect stable air flow control when the throttle valve opens slightly because the venturi cross section does not change appreciably even if the opening of the throttle valve varies. Therefore, exhaust gas purification cannot be achieved by the variable venturi while the engine operates under small loads. There have been known internal combustion engines equipped with a duplex or two - barrel carburetor or with primary and secondary intake passages for each engine cylinder, the secondary intake passage being put into service under certain load conditions. Such an intake system is more advantageous than single - carburetor intake systems in that it can effect better fuel atomization particularly in low to medium load ranges, cause more disturbances in the air - fuel mixture in a combustion chamber, and improve the rate of fuel combustion. An internal coEVustion engine having a secondary throttle valve provided for each engine cylinder and actuatable when the engine is subjected to a higher load can prevent interference between the cylinders such as leakage of the air - fuel mixture therebetween on the secondary s*Ee, resulting in better fuel distribution among the engine cylinders. When secondary throttle valves are inadequate in their *penLng and closing motions or cannot be closed completely, the engine operation becomes as unstable as there are such defective secondary throttle valves since each engine cylinder is equipped with a secondary throttle valve. During deceleration, the secondary throttle valves subjected to bouncing or re - opening motion under a large negative pressure developed in the combustion chambers, with the consequences tuag stability and recovery of idling operation are poor, and the rpm of the engine during idling operation is relatively high, resulting in worse fuel economy. Furthermore, the secondary throttle valves open #apiEly during acceleration, and hence the engine performance becomes impaired in the acceleration mode due to retarded fuel introduction into the engine cylinders. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air-fuel mixture intake apparatus having a two-barrel or duplex carburetor for internal combustion engines. 2. Prior Art There has been a strong need for internal combustion engines which will emit a reduced amount of pollutants such as carbon and unburned hydrocarbons and improve fuel economy without impairing performance and the thermal efficiency of engines. systems such as lean mixture combustion systems or EGR systems have been practiced to reduce harmful components in the exhaust gas and achieve better mileage. These systems have proven unsatisfactory in that in low-load operating conditions or especially in low-speed, low-load operating conditions, volumetric efficiency of an air-fuel mixture introduced into a combustion is low and an increased amount exhaust tends to in the combustion chamber, and the air-fuel mixture in the chamber cannot easily be Furthermore, the speed combustion and hence the of travel of flames are low, in unstable fuel combustion in the combustion chamber. The foregoing systems thus have the disadvantages of low efficiency and sluggish engine operation. engine performance, efficiency and economy by better emission control can be best achieved by speeding up fuel combustion in combustion chambers. To increase the rate of combustion, there have been proposed many arrangements which are designed to burn an air-fuel mixture a higher speed by developing disturbances the air-fuel mixture, to promote fuel carburetion, and to uniformize fuel distribution among engine One of the proposed arrangements comprises an intake passage for generating swirls in combustion chamber during the intake stroke. Another proposal is composed of combustion of primary secondary intake passages, with primary and secondary throttle valves located closely to a combustion in some applications. According to still another construction, or valve is disposed adjacent to an intake valve to produce a biased flow airflow mixture. The auxiliary intake passage is designed to introduce an air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber a high speed. With cross of a main intake passage being selected suit high-speed, high-load engine operation, the speed of flow of the air-fuel mixture becomes reduced in lowload operating ranges in which the volumetric efficiency is small, with the that swirls not be generated in combined flow air-fuel mixtures from the main and auxiliary passages. The auxiliary intake is to produce swirls than desired under and high load conditions in which valve is wide open the boost relatively small. With the auxiliary intake passage, fuel tends to be less atomized idling operation due to a bypassing flow air-fuel mixture. The speed of flow of air through venturi of a carburetor is low and hence is fully atomized in low-load engine operation. Such fuel atomization causes fuel in a liquid form to flow down an intake into a combustion chamber, the result that air and fuel will not be mixed uniformly and fuel will not be distributed uniformly among engine cylinders, resulting in poor fuel combustion in engine cylinders. improve combustion in low-load conditions, there has been devised a having a variable venturi which is variable in cross section in order to keep substantially constant the speed of flow of air through the where a fuel discharge is located, irrespective amounts of air flowing through the venturi. Although the variable venturi an engine to operate relatively stably and flexibly in a operating range from low load to full load conditions, it to control when the valve opens slightly because the venturi cross does not change appreciably even if the opening of the throttle valve varies. Therefore, exhaust gas purification cannot be achieved by the variable venturi while operates under small loads. There have been known internal combustion engines equipped a duplex or two-barrel carburetor or with primary and secondary intake passages each engine cylinder, the secondary intake passage being put into service under certain load conditions. Such an intake system is more advantageous than single-carburetor intake systems in that can effect better fuel atomization particularly in low to medium load ranges, cause disturbances in the air-fuel mixture in a chamber, and improve the rate of fuel combustion. An internal corbustion engine having a secondary throttle valve provided for each engine cylinder and actuatable when the engine subjected to a load can prevent interference between the cylinders such as leakage of the air-fuel mixture therebetween on the secondary side, resulting better fuel distribution among the engine cylinders. When secondary throttle valves are inadequate in their opening and closing motions or cannot be closed completely, the engine operation becomes as unstable as there are defective secondary throttle valves since each engine cylinder equipped with a secondary throttle valve. During deceleration, the secondary throttle valves subjected to bouncing or re-opening motion under a large negative pressure in the combustion chambers, with the consequences that stability and recovery of idling operation are poor, and the rpm of engine during idling operation is relatively high, resulting worse fuel economy. Furthermore, the secondary throttle valves open rapidly during acceleration, and hence the engine performance becomes in the acceleration due to retarded fuel introduction into the engine cylinders. | 1. FiELd of The INvEntIon
THE PReSENT INvENtIoN relAtES tO an aiR-fueL mixtURE INTAKE APpaRAtUs HavING A tWo-BarREL or DUplex CarbUreTor FoR inteRNal COmBuStiOn ENgiNES.
2. prIoR ART
THeRE HaS bEEN a sTrong Need FOr INTeRNaL COmBuSTiOn EngiNEs WHiCH WilL emiT a reducED amOunt Of poLLuTAnts sUCH aS CARBoN mOnOXiDe AnD unBURNEd hYDrOCaRbONs anD iMpRovE FueL EconoMy withOuT iMPaiRiNG ENgINe PerFormaNce AND LoWEriNG tHe tHerMal EFFicIEncy OF eNgiNES.
vaRIOUS sySTeMS SuCH aS LEAn AIr-fueL mIXtUrE cOmBuSTIoN sYsTEMS Or Egr sysTEMs HAve bEEn pRAcTICED To rEDuCe HARmFUL CoMpOnENTs iN ThE exhaUST GAS and ACHiEVE bEtTER mileage. tHese KNoWn SYSteMS HavE Proven UNSATiSFAcTORY iN THaT In Low-loAD oPERatiNG cONdiTIOnS OR EspeCialLy In lOW-spEEd, Low-LoaD OpeRATinG CoNDiTIOnS, ThE VolUmETRIC eFfIcIeNCY Of An AIR-Fuel MixtuRE INtrODucEd INTO a cOMBUstiOn CHAmbER IS lOw AnD aN iNCReAseD AmOUNt Of eXhauST gaS TeNDS to remaiN In tHE cOmBuSTiON chAMbEr, aNd the aIr-fuel MixtUre In ThE cHAMbER CaNNot EaSilY bE IGniTeD. furTHermoRE, THE SPeED of ComBustioN and hEncE the SpEed of tRAveL OF FLames aRe low, ResULTInG IN unStablE fueL COmBUSTION IN The cOMbuStIOn chamBEr. THE foREGOiNG syStEms thuS hAvE thE disADVANTaGeS oF Low TheRMaL eFficIEncY And SlUgGIsH Engine oPerATiON.
ImprOVEd eNGIne peRFOrMaNcE, efFICIENCy ANd fuEl ECoNOmY ACcOMpanIeD by BEttEr eMisSIoN ContROL CAn be BeST acHievEd by sPEEdInG uP fueL combuStion iN ComBuStiOn CHaMBERs. To iNCrEaSE THE rAtE oF COmBUStiOn, thErE hAVE bEEN ProPOsED MANY ARRANGEMeNts whIch Are DESigNED To BurN an AIR-fuEL mIXTure aT a HIGhEr speeD by DEvelOpINg DISTurbaNCeS In THE AIr-fuEL mixtUre, to promOtE FUEl cARBuREtiON, And TO UnIFORMIZE FUEl diStRIbuTioN AmONg ENgiNE CYlinDeRs.
oNE OF thE prOpoSED ARraNgEmEntS ComPriSEs an auXilIaRY InTAke PaSsAGE FOr GeneRaTinG SWIrls iN a coMbusTion CHAMbEr DUring tHE intAKe sTROkE. aNOtHEr PROpOsaL iS COmpOsED oF a cOMbustion oF PRIMArY and seCoNdARY intaKE pAssAGeS, wITh prIMARy anD sEcoNDary THrOtTLE valveS LOCAtEd ClOsELY To a coMbustION CHamBeR in SOMe ApPLICAtionS. AcCORDiNg To sTiLl aNOThER conStRuCTion, a PrOJEctIon OR a VALVe is disposEd aDjacEnT TO an INtaKE vaLvE to PrODucE a BiaseD FLOW OF aiRFlOw mIxtURe.
THe AuxILiaRY IntaKe PAssAGe is DEsIgNED to inTRoducE an aiR-FuEL MIxtuRe INtO thE coMbUstION CHaMBER At A HIGh sPeEd. wIth THE cRoSS SECtiON oF A mAin InTAkE PAssAge BEiNG SelecTED to sUiT HIGh-SPEeD, high-lOaD ENGiNe opERATIoN, THE SPeeD OF FLOw oF the AIr-fUel MIxtuRE beCoMeS reDuceD in LOWLOAD OpeRAtInG raNGEs iN whICH THe volumetRic eFFiCiEncY IS smaLL, wITH tHE REsuLTs tHat SUFfICiEnT SwIRlS WiLl not bE GeNerAteD IN A coMBinEd fLOw oF air-Fuel MIXtuRes frOm the maiN anD auxILIaRY InTAke PaSsAgES. The aUXILIaRY inTAkE pAsSaGe is less EFFEctIvE TO ProDUce sWIRls tHAN DesIrEd under mEDium and hIGH loAd ConDItIoNs in wHich THe THRoTtlE valVe IS WidE open AnD tHE booST PrESSUrE Is RElativElY Small. wITh The AUXIliaRY inTAke pasSagE, fUeL tEnDS to Be lEsS ATOmiZed dURIng idlinG OpERaTion dUe To a BYPasSiNG Flow OF aiR-fUEL mIxture.
tHE SPeed of FLOW OF aiR THrOUGH tHe vEntuRI Of a CARbUrETor IS lOW and hENCe FueL IS nOT fuLLy AtOmiZEd iN low-loAd ENGIne oPERATIoN. Such iNsufFIcIEnt fueL atOMIZaTIoN cAusES fuEL in a lIQUId fOrM To fLOW dowN an INTAke PAsSage into A cOMbuSTIoN ChAMBer, WIth THE reSULt thAt AIR And fUeL WIll nOT be mixED UnIFORMlY aND fueL WiLL nOt bE disTributEd UnIFoRMly AmOng ENGinE CYlindeRs, RESUlTiNG iN Poor Fuel COmbUstion IN THE eNGINe CylIndERs.
To ImprOVe fuEl cOmBUStiOn in Low-LOaD OPErATing cONdITiONS, THErE Has bEEn devISeD a CaRBUREToR HaVInG A vArIaBLE VenTuRI whIch Is VaRIAble in cRoss SeCtion In oRDer TO keep SUbSTANTiALLy coNSTAnt ThE SpEEd of flOW OF Air tHrOUGh THE VenTURi WhERe A fueL DIscharGE noZZLE Is LOcaTEd, IRRESPECtIVE oF vaRYING amounTS Of AiR fLoWIng THRoUGH thE VeNtUri. AlTHoUgh the VarIabLE venTuri eNABLEs An engIne tO oPErAtE rELatiVEly stabLY AnD flEXibLY iN a WIDE oPeratING RaNGE from low lOAD TO fulL LOAd cOndITiOnS, It FAIlS TO eFFeCt stabLE Air flOw contROL WheN The throTtle VALVe OpeNS SliGhtlY becaUse ThE VEnturi cRosS SeCtIon DoES NOT cHaNGe AppReCiABlY EvEN if thE OpEniNg OF ThE tHrOtTle VaLVE VARIES. THErEFore, ExhauST GAS PurIfICATioN cANNOT Be aChiEved bY The VAriaBlE ventURI while The eNgINe oPERATEs UndER SMaLL loADs.
tHErE HAve bEen KnoWN INTERnaL CoMbUstIon EngInES equIppEd WItH A dUpLex or TWO-baRREL caRBUrEToR Or wITh pRIMary aNd SecONdArY INtaKe pasSAgeS For eaCH engiNe cYLIndeR, tHe SecondaRy Intake PaSsAGE BEING puT intO serVICe uNDeR cErTAiN LoAD cONDiTIOnS. SUcH AN inTaKe SYSTEM IS MOre aDvaNTAgEous THaN sIngLe-cArbuRetOr INTaKE systemS in ThaT it CAN EFfECT BEtteR fUEl aTOmizaTION pArtIcULaRly IN lOw TO mEdiUM LOaD RanGeS, CauSe morE DIstUrbANcES in the aiR-FuEl mixtUre iN a COMbusTion cHAMbER, aND imPRovE the rAtE OF fUEL combUStIon. an IntERNal corbustiOn eNGInE hAViNG A seConDaRY throtTlE valVE PrOViDeD FOr eACH EngiNe cYliNdER AND AcTUATaBLe wHEn tHE eNginE Is subjecTED to a hiGhEr LOaD cAN pREvENt iNterFerEnCE bEtWeEN tHe CylInDERS SuCh AS leAkAGE OF tHE AiR-FUEL MIxTuRE THeREbeTWEEn On tHe sEcoNDaRy siDe, RESULtInG iN BETtEr FuEl dIstriBUtiOn AMONg tHE EnGIne CyLinderS. wheN SECondARY ThrOttLe vALveS are inadEqUaTe In tHEiR oPeNING aNd closInG mOTiONs or canNoT BE CLOSed cOmpleteLy, THe ENgINe oPeRATIOn BeCOmeS as unsTAble AS THeRE ARe sUCh DeFeCtIve SeCOnDARy thrOttLe ValVES sInCe eACh EnginE cYlINder Is EquiPped WItH a secoNDArY tHRoTtLE VaLve. DUriNG dECelerATIoN, tHe SEcondARY THRottLE VAlVes subJecTed to BOUNCing Or re-OpEnINg MotIon uNder a LARGe neGatiVE PreSsuRE dEVElopED IN the combuStiON chamBerS, witH ThE cONSeQUEnCeS thaT STAbILiTY anD rECovErY Of idlinG OperAtioN ARe pooR, AND thE rPM Of tHe ENgine duRinG IDLiNG operatIon Is rELATiveLY High, REsulting in WORSe FuEL EcONOmY. furTHERmOrE, The sECoNDAry ThrOTTle vALVes opeN RAPidLy DUring ACCelERatION, AND hENCE THE eNgINe pErFOrMaNce BecOMES ImPaIrED IN the aCCElEratIoN MODe dUE To RetARDeD fueL INTroDuCTIOn Into tHE EngiNE cYliNdErS. | 1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention relatesto an air-fuelmixture intake apparatus having a two-barrel or duplex carburetor for internalcombustion engines. 2. Prior Art There has been a strong need for internal combustion engines which will emit a reducedamount of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons and improve fuel economy without impairing engine performance and lowering thethermal efficiency of engines. Various systems such as lean air-fuel mixture combustion systems or EGR systems have been practiced to reduce harmful components in the exhaust gas and achievebetter mileage. These known systems have proven unsatisfactory in that in low-loadoperating conditions or especially in low-speed, low-load operating conditions, the volumetric efficiency ofan air-fuelmixture introduced into a combustion chamber is low andan increasedamount of exhaust gas tends to remain in the combustion chamber,and the air-fuel mixture in the chamber cannot easily be ignited. Furthermore, the speed of combustion and hence the speed of travel of flames are low, resultingin unstable fuelcombustion in the combustion chamber. The foregoing systems thushavethe disadvantages of low thermalefficiency and sluggish engine operation. Improved engine performance, efficiency and fuel economy accompanied by better emission control can be best achieved by speeding up fuel combustion in combustion chambers. To increase the rate ofcombustion, therehave been proposed many arrangements whichare designed to burn anair-fuel mixtureat a higher speed by developing disturbances inthe air-fuel mixture, to promote fuel carburetion, and to uniformize fuel distribution among engine cylinders. One oftheproposed arrangements comprises an auxiliary intake passage for generating swirls in acombustion chamber during the intakestroke. Another proposal is composed of a combustion of primary and secondary intakepassages, with primary and secondary throttle valves locatedclosely to a combustionchamber in someapplications. According to still another construction, a projection or a valve is disposed adjacent toanintake valve to produce a biased flow of airflow mixture.The auxiliary intake passage is designed to introduce an air-fuelmixture into the combustion chamberat a high speed. With the cross section of a main intake passage beingselected to suit high-speed, high-load engine operation, the speed of flow of the air-fuel mixture becomes reduced in lowload operating ranges in which the volumetricefficiency issmall, with the results that sufficient swirls willnot be generatedin a combined flow of air-fuel mixtures from the main and auxiliary intake passages. Theauxiliary intake passage is less effective to produceswirls than desired under medium and high load conditions in which thethrottle valve is wide open and the boost pressureis relativelysmall. Withthe auxiliary intakepassage, fueltends to be less atomized during idling operation due to a bypassing flow of air-fuelmixture. Thespeed of flow of air through the venturi of a carburetor is low and hence fuelis not fully atomized in low-load engine operation. Such insufficient fuel atomization causes fuel in a liquid formtoflow down an intakepassage into a combustionchamber, with theresult that air andfuel will not bemixed uniformly and fuel will not be distributed uniformly among engine cylinders, resulting in poor fuelcombustionin the engine cylinders. To improve fuel combustion in low-load operating conditions, there has been devised a carburetorhaving a variable venturi which isvariable in crosssection in order to keepsubstantiallyconstant thespeed of flowof air throughthe venturi where a fueldischarge nozzle is located, irrespective ofvarying amounts of air flowing through the venturi. Although thevariable venturi enables an engine to operate relatively stablyand flexiblyin a wide operating range from low load to full load conditions, it fails to effectstable air flow control when the throttle valve opens slightly because the venturicross section does not change appreciably even if the opening of the throttle valve varies. Therefore, exhaust gas purification cannot be achieved by the variable venturiwhile the engine operatesunder small loads. There have been known internal combustionengines equipped with a duplex or two-barrel carburetor or with primary and secondaryintake passages for each engine cylinder, the secondary intake passage being putinto service under certainload conditions. Such an intake system is more advantageous than single-carburetor intake systems in that itcaneffect better fuel atomizationparticularly in low to mediumload ranges, cause moredisturbancesin the air-fuelmixture in a combustionchamber, and improve the rate of fuel combustion. An internal corbustion engine having a secondary throttlevalve providedforeach engine cylinder and actuatable when the engineis subjected to a higher load can prevent interference between the cylinderssuch asleakage ofthe air-fuelmixture therebetween on the secondary side, resulting in better fuel distribution among the engine cylinders.When secondary throttle valves are inadequate in their openingand closingmotions or cannot be closedcompletely, the engine operation becomes as unstable as thereare such defective secondarythrottle valves since each enginecylinder is equipped witha secondary throttle valve.During deceleration, the secondary throttle valves subjected to bouncing or re-opening motion under a large negative pressure developed in the combustion chambers,with the consequences that stability and recoveryof idling operation are poor, and the rpm of the engine during idlingoperation is relatively high, resulting in worse fuel economy. Furthermore, thesecondary throttle valves open rapidly during acceleration, and hence the engine performance becomes impaired in the accelerationmode due to retarded fuel introductionintothe engine cylinders. | _1._ Field _of_ _the_ Invention The present invention relates to an air-fuel _mixture_ intake apparatus having a _two-barrel_ or _duplex_ carburetor for _internal_ combustion engines. _2._ _Prior_ Art There has been a strong need for internal combustion engines which will emit _a_ reduced amount of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons and _improve_ fuel economy without impairing _engine_ _performance_ and _lowering_ _the_ thermal efficiency of engines. Various systems such as lean air-fuel _mixture_ combustion systems _or_ EGR systems have _been_ practiced to reduce harmful components _in_ the exhaust gas _and_ achieve better mileage. These known systems have proven _unsatisfactory_ in that in low-load operating conditions or especially _in_ low-speed, _low-load_ _operating_ conditions, _the_ volumetric efficiency of an air-fuel mixture introduced into a combustion chamber is _low_ _and_ an increased amount of _exhaust_ gas tends to _remain_ in the combustion _chamber,_ and the _air-fuel_ mixture in the chamber cannot easily be _ignited._ Furthermore, _the_ _speed_ _of_ combustion and hence the speed _of_ travel of _flames_ _are_ low, resulting in unstable fuel combustion _in_ the combustion chamber. _The_ _foregoing_ systems thus have _the_ disadvantages of low thermal _efficiency_ and _sluggish_ engine operation. Improved engine performance, efficiency and fuel economy accompanied by better _emission_ _control_ can be best achieved _by_ speeding up fuel combustion in combustion _chambers._ To increase the rate of combustion, there have been _proposed_ many arrangements which are designed to burn an air-fuel mixture at a higher speed by developing disturbances in the air-fuel mixture, _to_ promote fuel carburetion, and to uniformize fuel distribution among engine _cylinders._ _One_ of _the_ _proposed_ arrangements _comprises_ an auxiliary _intake_ passage for generating swirls in a combustion _chamber_ during the intake stroke. _Another_ proposal is composed of a combustion of _primary_ and secondary intake passages, with _primary_ and secondary throttle valves located closely to _a_ _combustion_ _chamber_ in _some_ applications. According to still another construction, a projection or _a_ valve is disposed adjacent to an intake _valve_ to produce a biased flow _of_ airflow mixture. The auxiliary intake passage _is_ designed to _introduce_ an air-fuel mixture into the _combustion_ chamber at a _high_ _speed._ With the cross section _of_ a _main_ _intake_ passage being selected to suit high-speed, high-load engine operation, the _speed_ of flow of the air-fuel mixture becomes reduced in lowload operating ranges in which _the_ volumetric efficiency _is_ small, with the _results_ that sufficient swirls will not be generated in a combined flow of _air-fuel_ _mixtures_ from the main _and_ auxiliary intake passages. The auxiliary intake passage _is_ less effective to produce swirls than desired under medium and high load conditions in which the throttle _valve_ _is_ wide _open_ _and_ the _boost_ pressure is _relatively_ _small._ With the auxiliary intake _passage,_ fuel tends to be less atomized during _idling_ operation due to _a_ bypassing _flow_ of air-fuel mixture. The speed of flow of _air_ through _the_ venturi of a _carburetor_ is _low_ _and_ _hence_ _fuel_ is not _fully_ atomized in low-load _engine_ operation. Such insufficient _fuel_ atomization causes fuel in a liquid form to _flow_ down _an_ intake _passage_ into a combustion _chamber,_ _with_ the result that air and fuel will _not_ be mixed uniformly and _fuel_ will not be distributed uniformly among engine cylinders, resulting in _poor_ fuel combustion in the engine _cylinders._ To _improve_ fuel combustion _in_ low-load operating _conditions,_ there has been devised a carburetor _having_ a variable venturi _which_ is variable in cross section in order to _keep_ substantially constant the _speed_ of flow of _air_ through _the_ venturi _where_ a fuel discharge nozzle is located, irrespective of varying amounts of _air_ flowing through the venturi. Although the variable _venturi_ enables _an_ _engine_ to operate relatively stably and flexibly in a wide operating range _from_ low load to full load conditions, it fails to effect stable air flow control when the _throttle_ valve _opens_ _slightly_ because the venturi cross section _does_ not change appreciably even _if_ the _opening_ of the throttle valve varies. _Therefore,_ exhaust gas _purification_ cannot be _achieved_ by _the_ variable venturi while the engine operates under small loads. There have been known internal combustion _engines_ equipped with a _duplex_ or two-barrel carburetor or with primary and secondary intake passages for each engine cylinder, the secondary intake passage being put into service under certain load conditions. Such an _intake_ system is more advantageous than single-carburetor intake _systems_ _in_ that it can effect better fuel atomization _particularly_ in low to _medium_ load ranges, _cause_ _more_ disturbances in the _air-fuel_ mixture in a combustion chamber, and _improve_ the rate of fuel combustion. _An_ _internal_ corbustion _engine_ _having_ a secondary throttle valve _provided_ for each engine cylinder and actuatable when the engine _is_ subjected to a higher load can prevent _interference_ between the cylinders such _as_ leakage of the air-fuel _mixture_ therebetween on the secondary side, resulting in better fuel _distribution_ _among_ _the_ engine _cylinders._ When _secondary_ throttle valves are inadequate in their _opening_ and closing motions or cannot be closed _completely,_ the _engine_ operation becomes as unstable _as_ there are _such_ _defective_ _secondary_ throttle valves since each engine cylinder is equipped with a secondary throttle valve. During deceleration, the secondary throttle _valves_ subjected to bouncing or _re-opening_ motion under a large negative pressure developed _in_ the combustion chambers, with the consequences that stability and recovery of idling operation are poor, and the rpm of the engine during _idling_ operation is _relatively_ high, resulting in worse fuel economy. Furthermore, the secondary throttle valves open rapidly _during_ acceleration, _and_ hence the engine performance becomes impaired in the acceleration mode due _to_ retarded fuel introduction into the engine cylinders. |
Cast copper alloy ingot CAC406, which has heretofore been used for parts of water supply systems and devices, contain 4.0 to 6.0% by weight of lead. Thus, lead in this material tends to dissolve into tap water. In order to reduce the amount of toxic lead that dissolves into tap water, consideration is now being given to developing lead-reduced or lead-free copper alloys.
But such lead-reduced or lead-free copper alloys are difficult to cast and cut, and also tend to be low in pressure resistance. Valves made of such alloys therefore tend to cause water leakage. Alloys are thus being considered that are not only low in lead content, but sufficiently high in pressure resistance and other necessary properties compared to alloys that are higher in lead content.
Among such alloys is one disclosed in Patent document 1, to which bismuth and selenium are added to improve machinability. Patent document 2 discloses an alloy to which silicon and magnesium are added to improve strength and leaching properties.
[Patent document 1] JP Patent publication 2004-68096A
[Patent document 2] JP patent publication 2004-52106A | Cast copper alloy ingot CAC406, which has heretofore been used for parts of water supply systems and devices, contain 4.0 to 6.0% by weight of lead. Thus, lead in this material tends to dissolve into tap water. In order to reduce the amount of toxic lead that dissolves into tap water, consideration is now being given to developing lead-reduced or lead-free copper alloys. But such lead-reduced or lead-free copper alloys are difficult to cast and cut, and also tend to be low in pressure resistance. Valves made of such alloys therefore tend to cause water leakage. Alloys are thus being considered that are not only low in lead content, but sufficiently high in pressure resistance and other necessary properties compared to alloys that are higher in lead content. Among such alloys is one disclosed in Patent document 1, to which bismuth and selenium are added to improve machinability. Patent document 2 discloses an alloy to which silicon and magnesium are added to improve strength and leach properties. [Patent document 1] JP Patent publication 2004-68096A [Patent document 2] JP patent publication 2004-52106A | Cast copper alloy ingot CAC406, which has heretofore befH used for parts of water supply systems and devices, contain 4. 0 to 6. 0% by weight of lead. Thus, lead in this material tends to dissolve into tap water. In order to reduce the amount of toxic ,ezd 5hWt dissolves into tap water, consideration is now being given to developing lead - reduced or lrae - free copper alloys. But such lFaR - reduced or lead - free copper alloys are difficult to cast and cut, and also tSBd to be low in pressure resistance. Valves mAse of such alloys therefore tend to cause water leakage. Alloys are thus being considered 4ha^ are not only low in lead content, but sufficiently high in pressure resistance and other necessary properties compared to alloys that are higher in lead content. Among such alloys is one disclosed in Paren5 document 1, to which bismuth and selenium are added to improve machinability. Patent document 2 discloses an alloy to which silicon and magnesium are added to improve strength and leaching properties. [Patent document 1] JP Patent publication 2004 - 68096A [Pwtwnt document 2] JP patent publication 2004 - 52106A | copper alloy ingot CAC406, which has heretofore been used for parts of water supply systems devices, contain 4.0 to 6.0% by weight of lead. Thus, lead in material tends to dissolve into tap water. In order to reduce the amount of toxic lead that dissolves into tap water, consideration is now being given to lead-reduced or lead-free copper alloys. But such lead-reduced or lead-free alloys difficult to cast and cut, and tend to be in pressure resistance. Valves made of such alloys therefore tend to water leakage. Alloys are thus being considered that are not low in lead content, but sufficiently high in pressure resistance and other necessary properties compared to alloys that are higher in content. Among such alloys is in Patent document 1, to bismuth and are to improve machinability. Patent document an alloy to which silicon and magnesium are added to improve strength and leaching properties. [Patent document 1] JP Patent publication 2004-68096A [Patent document 2] JP patent publication 2004-52106A | cAST COPPEr AlLOy IngOT cAC406, whiCh HaS hErEtOFore been USED fOr PaRTs Of WAteR SuPply SYStEmS aNd dEVIcEs, COntAIn 4.0 TO 6.0% By weiGHT oF LeAd. thuS, Lead IN ThIS mATerIAL TEnDS To dissOLVE IntO TaP waTER. IN oRdER To rEDuCe ThE AMOunT Of toXIc lead thAT dIssOLvES INtO taP waTER, cOnsidErAtion iS NOw BeIng GIveN tO DeVeloPInG leAD-RedUcED Or LEAD-FrEe coPpEr AlLOYs.
BUT such LEad-ReDuCED OR LEaD-FRee copPer AllOyS arE DIFFICULt tO CAST AND CUt, anD AlsO TEnD TO bE LoW iN PRESsUrE ReSiStAnCE. vAlVEs MaDE oF sUCh ALLOYS tHerEfORE TeNd TO cauSe WATeR LEAKaGE. AllOys arE Thus bEIng CONsiDerEd thAt aRE NOT oNLy LOW In Lead COnTEnT, bUT SUFFiCIENTly HIGh in preSsurE RESiStanCe and OtheR NEcEssaRy prOPErTIeS cOmPARed tO aLlOYs tHAT ArE HiGHER In lEAD coNtEnt.
amoNg SUCH aLlOYS is ONe dIScLOSED in pAtEnT doCuMeNt 1, TO wHICH Bismuth anD seleNIUm are ADded To imProve MAChinAbiLity. pAteNT doCUMeNt 2 dIsCloSes aN Alloy to whICh SIlICOn ANd magNeSium are AddeD tO imPROVE stRengTh and LeAcHiNG PROPerTiES.
[PatENT dOcUmEnT 1] jP pATEnT publiCATION 2004-68096A
[pATEnT DOcuMenT 2] jP PAtent PubLIcaTion 2004-52106a | Cast copper alloy ingot CAC406, whichhas heretofore been used for parts of water supply systems and devices, contain 4.0to 6.0% by weight oflead. Thus,lead in this material tends to dissolve into tap water. Inordertoreduce the amount of toxiclead thatdissolves into tap water, consideration is now being given to developinglead-reduced or lead-free copper alloys. But suchlead-reduced or lead-free copper alloys aredifficult to cast and cut, and alsotend to be low inpressureresistance. Valves made of such alloys therefore tend to cause water leakage. Alloys are thus being consideredthat are not only low in lead content, but sufficiently high in pressure resistanceand other necessary properties compared to alloys thatare higherin lead content. Amongsuch alloys is one disclosed in Patent document 1, towhich bismuth and selenium are addedto improve machinability. Patent document2 discloses analloy to which silicon and magnesium are added to improve strength and leaching properties. [Patent document 1] JP Patent publication 2004-68096A[Patent document 2] JP patent publication 2004-52106A | Cast copper _alloy_ ingot CAC406, which has heretofore been used for parts of water supply systems and devices, contain 4.0 to 6.0% by _weight_ of lead. Thus, lead in this material _tends_ to _dissolve_ into tap _water._ In _order_ to reduce the amount of toxic lead _that_ _dissolves_ into tap water, _consideration_ is now being _given_ to developing _lead-reduced_ _or_ lead-free copper alloys. But _such_ _lead-reduced_ or _lead-free_ copper alloys are difficult to cast and cut, and also tend to be low _in_ _pressure_ resistance. Valves _made_ of such _alloys_ therefore tend to cause water leakage. _Alloys_ are thus being _considered_ that are not only _low_ in lead content, but sufficiently high in pressure resistance _and_ other necessary properties compared to _alloys_ that are higher _in_ lead content. Among such alloys is one disclosed in Patent document _1,_ to which bismuth and selenium are added to improve machinability. Patent document 2 discloses an alloy to which silicon and magnesium _are_ added to improve strength and leaching properties. [Patent _document_ 1] JP Patent publication 2004-68096A [Patent document _2]_ JP _patent_ publication 2004-52106A |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which transmits an ultrasonic beam from an ultrasonic probe to a subject, such as a biological body, receives the echoes from the subject, and obtains ultrasonic image data on the subject, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method which adjust a transmission voltage sent to an ultrasonic probe to the optimum value.
2. Description of the Related Art
With an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with a subject, such as a biological body. In this state, the ultrasonic probe transmits an ultrasonic beam to the inside of the subject and receives the echoes from the inside of the subject, thereby acquiring ultrasonic image data on the subject. The ultrasonic probe transmits an ultrasonic beam of acoustic power corresponding to a transmission voltage specified by a system control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. As for the transmission voltage to the ultrasonic probe, a transmission voltage preset within an acoustic power limit range by the system control unit is set as the maximum transmission voltage.
The ultrasonic beam is adjusted according to the type of subject, such as an unborn baby or an internal organ, so as not to transmit high acoustic power to the subject. The acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam is adjusted by the user manually operating an acoustic power adjustment switch provided on the panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The acoustic power adjustment of the ultrasonic beam is made in the acoustic power limit range by the manual operation, with the transmission voltage calculated by the system control unit being used as the maximum transmission voltage.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, too, the safety of acoustic power of an ultrasonic beam is required. The transmission voltage for the ultrasonic beam is set to a transmission voltage calculated in advance by the system control unit. Accordingly, when an actual subject is diagnosed, the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam has to be limited for the region which needs no diagnosis in the subject. To limit the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam, the user operates the acoustic power adjustment switch manually, thereby adjusting the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam to the optimum value. Such an adjustment of the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam is made for, for example, each of a plurality of diagnostic regions of the subject.
However, when the user operates the acoustic power adjustment switch manually for each of the plurality of diagnostic regions to optimize the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam, this decreases the diagnostic throughput of the diagnostic regions. Moreover, since a plurality of diagnostic regions of the subject are diagnosed, the total time required for the diagnostic regions becomes longer. Consequently, the irradiation time of the ultrasonic beam to the subject becomes longer.
The technique for not only controlling a method of driving a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic Doppler spectrum method so as to follow the heat generation limit or acoustic output limit but also observing the Doppler spectrum with high sensitivity has been disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2005-305129. Specifically, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2005-305129 has disclosed a method of switching between a power mode in which the amplitudes of the driving signals corresponding to a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are relatively high and a power mode in which the amplitudes of the driving signals are relatively low in synchronization with the biological signal of the subject.
It is an object of the invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method which are capable of adjusting a transmission voltage sent to an ultrasonic probe according to a subject to an optimum value automatically. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which transmits an ultrasonic beam from an ultrasonic probe to a subject, such as a biological body, receives the echoes from the subject, and obtains ultrasonic image data on the subject, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method which adjust a transmission voltage sent to an ultrasonic probe to the optimum value. 2. Description of the Related Art With an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with a subject, such as a biological body. In this state, the ultrasonic probe transmits an ultrasonic beam to the inside of the subject and receives the echoes from the inside of the subject, thereby acquiring ultrasonic image data on the subject. The ultrasonic probe transmits an ultrasonic beam of acoustic power corresponding to a transmission voltage specified by a system control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. As for the transmission voltage to the ultrasonic probe, a transmission voltage preset within an acoustic power limit range by the system control unit is set as the maximum transmission voltage. The ultrasonic beam is adjusted according to the type of subject, such as an unborn baby or an internal organ, so as not to transmit high acoustic power to the subject. The acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam is adjusted by the user manually operating an acoustic power adjustment switch provided on the panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The acoustic power adjustment of the ultrasonic beam is made in the acoustic power limit range by the manual operation, with the transmission voltage calculated by the system control unit being used as the maximum transmission voltage. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, too, the safety of acoustic power of an ultrasonic beam is required. The transmission voltage for the ultrasonic beam is set to a transmission voltage calculated in advance by the system control unit. Accordingly, when an actual subject is diagnosed, the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam has to be limited for the region which needs no diagnosis in the subject. To limit the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam, the user operates the acoustic power adjustment switch manually, thereby adjusting the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam to the optimum value. Such an adjustment of the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam is made for, for example, each of a plurality of diagnostic regions of the subject. However, when the user operates the acoustic power adjustment switch manually for each of the plurality of diagnostic regions to optimize the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam, this decreases the diagnostic throughput of the symptomatic regions. Moreover, since a plurality of diagnostic regions of the subject are diagnosed, the total time required for the diagnostic regions becomes longer. Consequently, the irradiation time of the ultrasonic beam to the subject becomes longer. The technique for not only controlling a method of driving a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic Doppler spectrum method so as to follow the heat generation limit or acoustic output limit but also observing the Doppler spectrum with high sensitivity has been disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2005-305129. Specifically, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2005-305129 has disclosed a method of switching between a power mode in which the amplitudes of the driving signals corresponding to a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are relatively high and a power mode in which the amplitudes of the driving signals are relatively low in synchronization with the biological signal of the subject. It is an object of the invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method which are capable of adjusting a transmission voltage sent to an ultrasonic probe according to a subject to an optimum value automatically. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which transmits an ultrasonic beam from an ultrasonic probe to a subject, such as a biological body, receives the echoes from the subject, and obtains ultrasonic image data on the subject, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method which adjust a transmission cootage sent to an ultrasonic probe to the optimum value. 2. Description of the Related Art With an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with a subject, such as a biolKg9cal body. In this state, the ultrasonic probe transmits an ultrasonic beam to the inside of the subject and receives the echoes from the inside of the subject, thwrebu acquiring ultrasonic image data on the subject. The ultrasonic probe transmits an ultrasonic beam of acoustic power corresponding to a transmission voltage specified by a system control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. As for the transmission voltage to the ultrasonic probe, a transmission voltage preset within an acoustic power limit range by the system control unit is set as the maximum transmission voltavW. The ultrasonic beam is adjusted according to the type of subject, such as an unborn baby or an internal orYab, so as not to transmit high acoustic power to the subject. The acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam is adjusted by the user manually operating an acoustic power adjustment switch provided on the panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The acoustic power adjustment of the ultrasonic beam is made in the acoustic power limit range by the manual operation, with the transmission voltage calculated by the system control unit being used as the maximum transmission voltage. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, too, the safety of acoustic power of an ultrasonic beam is required. The transmission voltage for the ultrasonic beam is set to a transmission voltage calculated in advance by the system control unit. Accordingly, when an actual subject is diagnosed, the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam has to be limited for the region which needs no diagnosis in the subject. To limit the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam, the user operates the acoustic power adjustment switch manually, thereby adjusting the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam to the optimum value. Such an adjustment of the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam is made for, for example, ewcN of a plurality of diagnostic regi)nD of the subject. However, when the user operates the acoustic power adjustment switch manually for each of the plurality of diagnostic regions to optimize the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam, this decreases the diagnostic throughput of the diagnostic regions. Moreover, since a plurality of diagnostic regions of the subject are diagnosed, the total time required for the diagnostic regions becomes longer. Consequently, the irradiation time of the ultrasonic beam to the subject becomes longer. The technique for not only controlling a method of driving a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic DKpple$ spectrum method so as to f0:low the ueAt generation limit or acoustic output limit but also observing the Doppler spectrum with high sensitivity has been disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2005 - 305129. Specifically, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2005 - 305129 has disclosed a method of switching between a power mode in which the amplitudes of the driving signals corresponding to a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are relatively high and a power mode in which the amplitudes of the driving signals are relatively low in synchronization with the biological signal of the subject. It is an object of the invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method which are capable of adjusting a transmission voltage sent to an ultrasonic probe according to a subject to an optimum value automatically. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which transmits an ultrasonic beam from an ultrasonic probe to subject, such as biological body, receives the echoes the subject, and obtains ultrasonic data the subject, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method which adjust a transmission voltage sent to an ultrasonic probe to the optimum value. 2. Description the Related With apparatus, an ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with a subject, such as a biological In this the ultrasonic transmits an ultrasonic beam to the inside of the subject and receives echoes the inside of the subject, thereby acquiring ultrasonic image data on the subject. The ultrasonic probe transmits an ultrasonic beam of acoustic power corresponding to a transmission voltage specified by system control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. As for the transmission voltage to the ultrasonic probe, a transmission voltage preset an acoustic power range by the system control unit is as the maximum transmission voltage. The ultrasonic beam is adjusted to the type of subject, such as an unborn baby or an internal organ, so as not transmit high acoustic to subject. The power of the ultrasonic beam is adjusted the user manually operating an acoustic power adjustment switch provided on the panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. acoustic power adjustment of the ultrasonic beam made in the power limit range by the manual operation, with the transmission voltage calculated by the system control unit being used as the maximum transmission voltage. In ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, too, the safety of acoustic power of an ultrasonic beam is required. The transmission voltage for the ultrasonic beam is set to a transmission voltage calculated in advance by the control unit. Accordingly, an actual is diagnosed, the acoustic power of ultrasonic has to be limited for the region which needs no diagnosis in the subject. To the acoustic of the ultrasonic beam, the user operates the acoustic power adjustment switch thereby adjusting acoustic power of the to the optimum value. Such an adjustment of the power the ultrasonic beam is made for, for example, each of a plurality of diagnostic regions of the subject. However, when the user operates the acoustic adjustment manually for each of the plurality of diagnostic regions to optimize the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam, this decreases the diagnostic throughput of the diagnostic regions. Moreover, since a plurality diagnostic of the subject are diagnosed, the total time required for the diagnostic regions longer. Consequently, the irradiation time of the ultrasonic beam to the subject becomes longer. The technique for not only controlling a method driving a plurality of included in an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic spectrum method so as to follow the heat generation limit or acoustic limit but also observing the Doppler spectrum with high sensitivity has been disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication 2005-305129. Specifically, Jpn. Pat. KOKAI No. 2005-305129 has disclosed a method of switching between a power mode in which the amplitudes of the driving signals corresponding to plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are relatively high and a power in which the amplitudes of the driving signals are relatively low in synchronization with the biological signal of the subject. It is an object of the invention provide an ultrasonic diagnostic and an diagnostic method are capable of adjusting transmission voltage sent to an ultrasonic probe to a subject to an optimum value automatically. | 1. fiELD of tHe INveNtION
This INVEntioN RELates tO an UltrasOnIc DiAgnOstIC AppARATuS WhicH tRaNsMIts AN ULTRAsONiC beam fROM AN uLtraSOniC Probe to A subJeCT, suCH aS a BIolOgICaL bODY, REceiVes THe ECHOes fROm thE suBJECT, and OBTAins UlTRASoNIc ImAge dATA on the SubJEcT, And MoRE pARtiCuLarLy tO AN ultRasONIc dIagnOsTIC aPpARaTUS anD AN UltrAsoNic DIAGnOsTic MEtHoD whicH aDJUST A trANSmisSioN vOlTAge SenT to AN ulTRasONic pROBE tO the oPtimUm value.
2. DeScRIPTiOn of THe RElatED aRt
WitH AN ULTraSoNic DIAGnoSTIC ApPARaTUS, an uLTRasoNiC Probe iS BROUGhT into CONTAcT wiTh a SubjECT, SucH aS A bIOLOgIcAl boDy. In ThIS sTaTE, ThE ultRAsOnic PRobE trAnSMIts an ULTRasOnIc BEAm tO ThE INsIDe of ThE SUBjecT anD reCEIVeS the EcHoES fRom thE iNsIdE Of thE SUBJEcT, TheREBY ACquirinG UlTrasONiC iMAge Data on tHE subJECt. THE UltRAsOnIc pRobe TrAnSMitS an uLtRasONIc BeAM Of AcOUStic pOwEr CORrEsPOnDIng TO a tRAnsMisSION voLtaGe SPeCIfIEd bY a SyStEM coNtRoL uNIT Of tHE ULtrAsONic DiaGNOsTIC APPARatUs. as FOR THE trANsMIsSIoN voLtaGE To the ultRasOnIc PRObe, a TraNSMiSSION voLtAge pResET WiThiN An acOUStIC PoweR lIMiT RaNgE BY tHe SYSTem contrOL UNiT Is sEt aS THE mAxiMum tranSmISSION vOltAge.
thE ulTraSoNIc bEam Is AdjUsteD ACCoRDINg TO The Type OF SUbJeCt, sucH As An unBorn bABy Or aN inTeRNAl OrGAn, SO as NOt TO Transmit High acoUsTIC PoweR To THe SubjEcT. the ACoUStiC pOwER of The uLtraSonIC BEAm is AdJUSTeD BY the USER mANuaLly opEratING an AcoUSTiC pOWEr AdJUstmEnT SwITCH ProVIDEd on THE PaNEL of tHe ULTRasONIC dIAgnoSTIc aPpARaTUs. The AcoUSTiC poWeR adjuSTMeNt Of THE ULTRasoNic bEAM is MAde in ThE aCOuSTIc PoweR LImIT rAnge By the mAnuAL OpERATIoN, wiTh ThE TRaNSMiSsiON vOLtAgE CaLcULatEd by The sysTeM CoNtROL uNiT bEing uSeD AS THE maxIMum tRANSmiSsiON voLTAGe.
IN tHe UltRASonIc diAgNOSTIc APPArATuS, tOO, The SAFEty of acOuSTIc POWer Of An ULTRAsONIc bEaM IS reQuIRed. tHE TrANsmisSiON VoLtAge foR ThE ULTrasonic BEaM IS set to a TranSmIssiOn vOLTAGE caLcULATeD In adVANCe By ThE System cOnTROL UniT. accordINgly, wHen An acTuAL suBjECT is DIaGnOSEd, tHE ACoUstIC poweR oF The ulTRaSONic bEaM haS TO Be LImIteD FoR THE REGIoN WHiCh neEDS NO diagnOSiS in The SUBjEcT. tO LImiT The aCOuStIc POwer of tHe uLtRASonic BeAM, THe uSEr oPErATES tHE aCOuSTiC PoWer AdjuStmeNt SwiTcH manUALLY, THEREby ADJUsTing The ACOusTIc pOWER OF THE ULtrAsONIC beaM to the oPtiMUm value. suCH aN AdjusTMeNT Of The AcouStiC POWer of tHE ULtrAsOnIc bEam IS MADE For, FoR ExamPLE, eaCH Of A pluRAlITY Of DIaGNOSTic ReGIoNs Of tHe sUBJect.
hoWEvEr, when tHe UsER OperAtes tHE acOuStic POWEr AdjuSTMeNt swiTch MAnUAlly FOR eAch oF thE PluRAlIty of dIAGnOstIc REGIONS TO opTiMIZe The AcOuStic pOwEr of The uLTRAsonIC bEaM, ThIs deCreASEs The diAGNOsTiC throUGHput Of ThE dIAGNoStIc REgiONS. MOREoVer, sInce A pLuraLItY oF DIAgNOstIc RegIOnS oF tHE SUbject ARE dIaGNOSed, tHe TOTAl tiMe rEqUired FOR The DIAgNOSTiC rEgIONs bEcomes lONger. ConSequeNtlY, the IRrADiaTiOn TiME Of tHE ulTrASOniC BeaM tO THE suBjeCT BEcOmES LONGer.
thE TEcHnIQUE fOr noT onLY CoNtRoLlING a meTHod of DRiVING A pLurALitY OF PIeZOELectRiC viBrAtors INClUDed in an UltraSoNIc PROBE IN AN ULtRaSoniC DOPPlEr SpEcTrum methOD So aS TO FOllOw thE hEAT GENERATiOn LImit oR acOUsTiC OUtpUt LIMIt bUt also OBserVIng THe dOPplEr spEctrUm WitH hIGH sENSITIvity hAs beEn dISClOseD in jpn. paT. Appln. kOKai PUBlicAtION no. 2005-305129. SpecifiCAlly, jpn. PaT. appLn. koKaI PubLICATioN NO. 2005-305129 has DisCLoSeD A mETHod OF switchInG bEtweeN A PoWer mODe in which THe aMplITUDEs of tHe dRIVing SignAlS COrREsponDING to a pluralitY oF pIEZoELeCTriC vIBratOrS ArE RelATIVElY higH And a POweR MoDe In wHiCH tHE amPLITUDES Of THE dRIviNg siGnals ARE RElAtIvelY loW iN SynCHRoNizATIon wItH tHe biOlOGICaL signAl oF the subjECT.
it iS an ObJeCT Of THE INVENTioN to PRovIdE An uLTRasOnIc DIAgnOstiC apPARAtus AnD an ULtrAsONic diagnostIC MeTHOD WhIcH Are CapABlE Of aDjUStiNG A tRAnsmisSIOn volTAgE SeNT TO an ultRasoNic PRobe acCordINg to a subJEcT To an oPtImUM vALUE aUtOmaTicaLLY. | 1. Field of theInvention This invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuswhichtransmits an ultrasonic beam froman ultrasonicprobe to a subject, such as abiological body, receives the echoes from the subject, and obtains ultrasonic image dataon thesubject, and more particularly to anultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method which adjust a transmission voltage senttoan ultrasonic probe to the optimum value.2. Description of the Related Art With an ultrasonic diagnosticapparatus, an ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with a subject,such asa biological body. In this state, the ultrasonic probe transmitsan ultrasonicbeamto the inside of the subject andreceives the echoes from the inside of the subject, thereby acquiringultrasonic image data on the subject. The ultrasonic probe transmits an ultrasonic beam of acoustic power corresponding to atransmission voltage specifiedby a systemcontrol unit of the ultrasonic diagnosticapparatus. As for thetransmission voltage to the ultrasonic probe, a transmission voltage preset within an acoustic power limit range by the system control unit is set as the maximum transmission voltage. The ultrasonic beam is adjusted according to the typeofsubject, suchasan unborn baby oran internal organ,so asnot to transmit highacoustic power to the subject. The acoustic power of the ultrasonicbeam isadjusted by the user manuallyoperating an acoustic power adjustment switch provided on the panel oftheultrasonicdiagnostic apparatus. The acousticpower adjustment ofthe ultrasonic beamis made in the acoustic power limit range bythe manual operation,with the transmission voltage calculated by the system control unitbeing used as themaximum transmission voltage. In theultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, too, the safety of acousticpower of an ultrasonic beam is required. The transmission voltage for the ultrasonicbeam is set to a transmission voltage calculated inadvance by the system control unit.Accordingly, whenan actual subject isdiagnosed,the acoustic power of theultrasonic beam has to be limited for the regionwhich needs no diagnosis in thesubject. To limit the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam, the useroperates the acoustic power adjustment switch manually, thereby adjusting the acoustic power ofthe ultrasonic beamto the optimum value. Suchan adjustment of theacoustic powerof theultrasonic beam ismade for, for example, each of a plurality of diagnostic regions of the subject. However, when the user operates the acousticpower adjustment switch manuallyforeachof the plurality of diagnostic regions to optimize the acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam, thisdecreases the diagnostic throughput of the diagnostic regions. Moreover, since aplurality of diagnostic regionsof the subject are diagnosed, the total time requiredfor the diagnosticregions becomeslonger. Consequently, the irradiationtime of the ultrasonic beam to thesubject becomes longer. The technique for not only controlling a method of driving a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic Doppler spectrum method soas tofollow the heat generation limitor acoustic output limit but also observing the Doppler spectrum with high sensitivity has been disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2005-305129. Specifically, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAIPublication No. 2005-305129 has disclosed a method of switching between a power mode in whichthe amplitudesof the driving signals corresponding to a pluralityof piezoelectric vibrators are relatively high and a power mode in which the amplitudes ofthe driving signals are relatively lowin synchronization withthe biological signal of thesubject.It is an object of the inventionto provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnosticmethod which are capable of adjusting a transmission voltage sent to an ultrasonic probe according toa subject to anoptimum value automatically. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to _an_ ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which transmits an ultrasonic beam from an ultrasonic probe to a subject, such as a biological body, receives the _echoes_ from the _subject,_ and _obtains_ ultrasonic image data on _the_ subject, _and_ more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic _method_ which adjust a transmission voltage sent to an _ultrasonic_ _probe_ to the optimum value. 2. Description of the Related Art With _an_ ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe is brought into _contact_ with a subject, _such_ as a biological body. In this _state,_ the ultrasonic probe transmits _an_ ultrasonic _beam_ to the inside of the subject and receives the echoes from the _inside_ _of_ the subject, thereby acquiring ultrasonic image data on _the_ subject. _The_ _ultrasonic_ probe transmits an ultrasonic beam of acoustic power corresponding to _a_ transmission voltage specified by a system control unit of the ultrasonic _diagnostic_ apparatus. As for the transmission voltage to _the_ _ultrasonic_ probe, a transmission voltage preset within an acoustic power limit range by the system control unit is set as the _maximum_ transmission _voltage._ The ultrasonic beam is adjusted according to the type of _subject,_ such as an _unborn_ baby or an internal organ, so as not to transmit _high_ acoustic power to the subject. _The_ acoustic power of the ultrasonic beam is adjusted _by_ the user manually operating an acoustic power adjustment switch provided on the panel of _the_ ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. _The_ acoustic power adjustment of _the_ ultrasonic beam _is_ made in the acoustic power limit range by the manual operation, _with_ the _transmission_ voltage _calculated_ by _the_ _system_ _control_ unit being used as the maximum transmission voltage. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, too, the safety of _acoustic_ _power_ _of_ _an_ ultrasonic beam is required. _The_ transmission voltage _for_ the ultrasonic beam is _set_ _to_ a transmission voltage calculated _in_ advance by the _system_ _control_ unit. _Accordingly,_ _when_ an actual subject is diagnosed, the acoustic power _of_ the _ultrasonic_ beam has to be limited for the region which needs no diagnosis in the subject. To limit _the_ acoustic power of the _ultrasonic_ _beam,_ the user operates _the_ acoustic _power_ adjustment switch _manually,_ _thereby_ adjusting the _acoustic_ power of _the_ ultrasonic beam to the optimum value. Such an _adjustment_ _of_ _the_ _acoustic_ power of the ultrasonic _beam_ is made for, for _example,_ each of a plurality of diagnostic _regions_ of the subject. However, when the user operates the acoustic power adjustment switch manually _for_ each of _the_ plurality of diagnostic regions _to_ optimize the _acoustic_ power of the ultrasonic beam, this _decreases_ the _diagnostic_ throughput _of_ the diagnostic regions. Moreover, since a plurality of diagnostic _regions_ _of_ the subject are diagnosed, the total _time_ required for the diagnostic regions becomes longer. Consequently, the irradiation time _of_ the ultrasonic _beam_ to the subject becomes longer. The technique for not _only_ _controlling_ a method _of_ driving _a_ plurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic Doppler spectrum method so as to follow _the_ heat generation _limit_ or acoustic output limit but also observing the Doppler _spectrum_ with high sensitivity has been disclosed _in_ Jpn. Pat. Appln. _KOKAI_ _Publication_ No. 2005-305129. Specifically, _Jpn._ Pat. _Appln._ KOKAI Publication No. 2005-305129 _has_ disclosed a method _of_ switching between a _power_ mode in _which_ the amplitudes of the driving _signals_ corresponding to a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are relatively high and a power mode in _which_ the amplitudes of the driving _signals_ are relatively low in synchronization with the biological _signal_ of the subject. It is an object of _the_ _invention_ _to_ provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method which are capable of adjusting a transmission voltage sent _to_ an ultrasonic probe according to _a_ subject to an optimum _value_ automatically. |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to three-piece solid golf balls comprising a center core, an intermediate layer, and a cover and more particularly, to three-piece solid golf balls which are improved in feeling on impact, controllability, and durability.
2. Prior Art
Among a variety of golf balls, thread-wound golf balls and solid golf balls are now popular. The solid golf balls are currently increasing to be a mainstream product. Among them, two-piece solid golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are most widespread.
Most amateur golfers are fond of two-piece solid golf balls which have excellent flying performance and durability although these balls have the disadvantages of a very hard feel on hitting and low control due to rapid ball separation on hitting. For this reason, many of professional golfers and skilled amateur golfers who impose weight on feeling and control prefer wound golf balls, especially wound golf balls using a soft balata cover, to two-piece solid golf balls. The wound golf balls are superior in feeling and control, but inferior in flying distance and durability to the two-piece solid golf balls.
Under the present situation that two-piece solid golf balls and wound golf balls have contradictory characteristics as mentioned above, players make a choice of golf balls depending on their own skill and taste.
In order to develop solid golf balls having a hitting feel approximate to the wound golf balls, two-piece solid golf balls of the soft type have been considered. For such two-piece solid golf balls of the soft type, soft cores must be used. If the cores are soft, however, repulsion becomes low with a concomitant loss of flying performance and durability is considerably deteriorated. That is, the superior flying performance and durability which are a characteristic of two-piece solid golf balls are lost, and in an extreme case, the balls become unacceptable for practical use.
Controllability, which is required even on full shots with drivers, is most important on control shots like approach shots. In an exemplary situation that the next shot should fly beyond the bunker and a short distance from the green edge to the cup, the player who is either professional or amateur will naturally wish to hit a ball with a minimal run. Such controllability of a golf ball largely depends on spin properties.
On a full shot with a club having a relatively large loft, the club loft is dominant to that the ball itself so that almost all balls are given an appropriate amount of spin and few balls overrun. However, on a approach shot over a short distance of 30 or 50 yards, balls will significantly vary in run or controllability. The major factor causing such a difference is not a basic structure, but the identity of cover material. In two-piece solid golf balls, however, covers made of soft material are effective for improving controllability, but detrimental for gaining flying distance. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to three-piece solid golf balls comprising a center core, an intermediate layer, and a cover and more particularly, to three-piece solid golf balls which are improved in feeling on impact, controllability, and durability. 2. Prior Art Among a variety of golf balls, thread-wound golf balls and solid golf balls are now popular. The solid golf balls are currently increasing to be a mainstream product. Among them, two-piece solid golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are most widespread. Most amateur golfers are fond of two-piece solid golf balls which have excellent flying performance and durability although these balls have the disadvantages of a very hard feel on hitting and low control due to rapid ball separation on hitting. For this reason, many of professional golfers and skilled amateur golfers who visit weight on feeling and control prefer wound golf balls, especially wound golf balls using a soft balata cover, to two-piece solid golf balls. The wound golf balls are superior in feeling and control, but inferior in flying distance and durability to the two-piece solid golf balls. Under the present situation that two-piece solid golf balls and wound golf balls have contradictory characteristics as mentioned above, players make a choice of golf balls depending on their own skill and taste. In order to develop solid golf balls having a hitting feel approximate to the wound golf balls, two-piece solid golf balls of the soft type have been considered. For such two-piece solid golf balls of the soft type, soft cores must be used. If the cores are soft, however, repulsion becomes low with a concomitant loss of flying performance and durability is considerably deteriorated. That is, the superior flying performance and durability which are a characteristic of two-piece solid golf balls are lost, and in an extreme case, the balls become unacceptable for practical use. Controllability, which is required even on full shots with drivers, is most important on control shots like approach shots. In an exemplary situation that the next shot should fly beyond the bunker and a short distance from the green edge to the cup, the player who is either professional or amateur will naturally wish to hit a ball with a minimal run. Such controllability of a golf ball largely depends on spin properties. On a full shot with a club having a relatively large loft, the club loft is dominant to that the ball itself so that almost all balls are given an appropriate amount of spin and few balls overrun. However, on a approach shot over a short distance of 30 or 50 yards, balls will significantly vary in run or controllability. The major factor causing such a difference is not a basic structure, but the identity of cover material. In two-piece solid golf balls, however, covers made of soft material are effective for improving controllability, but detrimental for gaining flying distance. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to three - piece solid golf balls comprising a center c)$e, an intermediate layer, and a cover and more particularly, to three - pied$ solid golf balls which are improved in feeling on impact, V*ntrollability, and durability. 2. Prior Art Among a variety of golf balls, thread - woKgd golf balls and solid golf balls are now popular. The solid golf balls are currently increasing to be a mainstream product. Among them, two - piece solid golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are most widespread. Most amateur golfers are fond of two - piece solid golf balls Shish have excellent flying performance and Wu4ability wlthKugh these balls have the disadvantages of a very hard feel on hitting and low control due to rapid ball separation on hitting. For this reXdon, many of professional golfers and skilled amateur golfers who impose weight on feeling and control prefer wound golf balls, especially wound golf balls using a soft balata cover, to two - piece solid golf balls. The wound golf balls are superior in feeling and control, but inferior in flying distance and durability to the two - piece solid golf balls. Under the present situation that two - piece solid golf balls and wo^gd golf balls have contradictory characteristics as mentioned above, players make a choice of golf balls depending on their own skill and taste. In order to develop solid golf balls having a hitting feel approximate to the wound golf balls, two - piece solid golf balls of the soft type have been considered. For such two - piece solid rolc balls of the soft type, soft cores must be used. If the cores are soft, however, repulsion becomes low with a concomitant loss of flying performance and durability is considerably deteriorated. That is, the superior flying performance and durability which are a characteristic of two - piece solid golf balls are lost, and in an extreme case, the balls become unacceptable for practical use. Controllability, which is required even on full shots with drivers, is most important on control shots like approach shots. In an exemplary situation that the next shot should fly beyond the bunker and a short distance from the green edge to the cup, the player who is either professional or amateur will naturally wish to hit a ball with a minimal run. Such controllability of a golf ball largely depends on spin properties. On a full shot with a club having a relatively large loft, the club loft is dominant to that the ball itself so that almost all balls are given an appropriate amount of spin and few balls overrun. However, on a approach shot over a short distance of 30 or 50 yards, balls will significantly vary in run or controllability. The major factor causing such a difference is not a basic structure, but the identity of cover material. In two - piece solid golf balls, however, covers made of soft material are effective for improving controllability, but detrimental for gaining flying distance. | Field of Invention This invention relates to three-piece solid golf balls comprising a core, an intermediate layer, a cover and more particularly, to three-piece solid which are improved in on impact, controllability, and durability. 2. Prior Art Among a variety of golf balls, thread-wound golf balls solid golf balls are now popular. The solid golf are currently increasing to be a mainstream product. Among them, two-piece solid golf balls of a core and a cover are most widespread. Most amateur golfers are fond of two-piece solid golf balls which have excellent flying performance and durability although these balls have the disadvantages of a very hard feel on hitting and low control due to rapid ball on hitting. For this reason, many of professional golfers and skilled amateur golfers who impose weight on feeling and control prefer wound golf balls, especially wound golf using a soft balata cover, to two-piece solid golf balls. The wound balls are superior in feeling control, inferior in distance and durability to the two-piece solid golf balls. Under the present situation that solid golf balls and wound golf balls have contradictory as above, make a choice of golf balls depending on their own skill In order to develop solid golf balls a hitting feel approximate to the wound golf balls, two-piece golf the soft type have been considered. For such two-piece solid balls of soft type, soft cores must be used. If the cores are soft, however, repulsion becomes low with a concomitant loss of flying performance and durability is considerably deteriorated. That is, the superior performance and durability which are a characteristic of two-piece golf balls are lost, and in an extreme case, the balls become unacceptable for practical use. Controllability, which is required even on full with drivers, is most important on control shots like approach shots. In an situation that the next shot should fly beyond the bunker and a short distance from green edge to the cup, player who is either professional or amateur naturally wish hit a ball with a minimal run. Such controllability of a golf ball largely depends on spin properties. On a full shot with club having a relatively large loft, the club loft is dominant to that the ball itself that almost all balls given appropriate amount spin and few balls overrun. However, on a approach shot over a short distance of 30 or yards, balls will vary in run or controllability. major factor causing such a difference is not a basic structure, but the identity of cover material. In two-piece solid golf balls, however, covers of material effective for improving controllability, detrimental for gaining flying distance. | 1. FieLD of The inVenTION
ThIs InVenTIoN Relates tO ThrEe-Piece sOliD goLF BALls COMpRISiNG A ceNter core, An InteRMediaTe lAYeR, AnD A cOvER And More pARTICulARLY, To ThreE-pIece SOlid GoLF balls which ArE ImprOvED in fEELiNg On impacT, cONTRoLlaBilItY, aND DuRAbILiTy.
2. pRIOr arT
amoNG a VarIETY of golF ballS, thReaD-WOuNd gOlF balLs AND sOlid golF baLLS are nOw POpuLar. the sOliD GoLf BALLs are CUrReNtly InCrEAsiNG tO bE A MAiNsTREAM PROduCT. amoNg ThEM, twO-pIece SoLID GOlF BALLS CONsiSTIng Of A cORE aND a cOVeR ARE moSt WIdeSpreAD.
MOst aMAteUr GoLFeRS ArE fOND of twO-piECe Solid GoLF BAlls wHICh haVE eXcelLeNT FLyiNG peRFOrmaNce AnD dUrabilitY AltHOUGH tHesE BaLLs hAve the DISAdvanTageS Of A verY HArD FEeL oN hITting AnD low ConTRol due to RApid BAlL sEparATIOn oN HItTINg. FOr ThiS REAsON, mAnY OF proFEsSiONaL golfERs anD skILLED AMAtEuR gOlfeRS wHO IMPOSe WeIGhT On feeLINg and ContrOL PREFer wound gOLF BAlLs, esPeCiAlLy WOuND gOlf bALls uSIng a SofT balaTA coVeR, TO twO-PIece soliD GOlf BallS. thE WoUNd gOlf bAlls ARe superiOr iN FeeLInG aNd CONtroL, BUt INfErioR IN FlyIng diStAncE ANd dUrABILITY tO ThE TWo-pIEcE SoLID golf balLS.
uNder tHE preseNt sitUATiON THaT twO-PiecE SolId GOLF bALlS AnD woUnd GOLf baLlS haVE CoNTrAdIcTORY charActErIstIcS AS mENtIonED AbOVE, PlAyERS makE A choIcE of gOlF balLs dEPEnDInG On THEIr OwN SKilL AND TAsTE.
iN ORdeR tO DEVeloP SOlid Golf bAlLS HAving A HITTINg feEl ApprOXimAtE tO THE wouND GoLF balLs, two-PiecE SOlid gOLf bALLs oF thE SofT tYPe have BeeN ConSIDeRed. FoR sUcH tWo-PIece SoLId gOlF baLls OF the SOFT TYpE, sofT coReS MUsT bE uSEd. If thE CoRES ARE SOft, HOweveR, RePULsION BEcoMes LoW WiTH a ConcomitANT loSs oF FlyiNG pErfOrMANCE and DuraBILIty Is coNSIDErABly DEteRioRAted. ThaT iS, thE sUperior FLyinG peRFOrMaNCe and durAbility WHiCH ARe a chARaCtERIsTiC Of tWO-pIEcE sOLiD GOLF balLS aRe lOST, and iN aN extREmE caSe, THE bAlls becOme UnaccePtaBLe fOr pRactICaL UsE.
CONTRollABIliTY, WhIcH Is rEquIred eveN on fuLl ShotS WITH dRivERs, Is Most imPoRtANT ON coNtroL shotS LiKe aPPRoAch sHOts. In An eXeMPlaRY SituaTIOn thAT THE neXT sHOt ShouLD FLy BeYond the BuNker anD A shoRt DiSTANce fRoM tHe grEEn edge tO thE cUP, the plAYeR WHO is eitHeR professIOnAL oR amateUR WiLL NATURaLlY WISh tO hIt A baLl With A minIMAl RuN. SuCH CONtrOlLabiLity of a GolF ball LARGELY dEPEnDs On spin PrOPeRtiEs.
On A Full sHOT with a Club HAviNg A ReLAtIVELY LARGe loFt, the CLub LofT Is DoMiNanT To thAt tHe Ball ItselF so THAt alMoSt alL baLlS ArE GIVen An ApPROPriatE amount OF spIn aND FEW BAlLs oVerRUN. hOWEvER, On a apprOaCH sHot OVer a sHoRt diStanCe OF 30 OR 50 YarDs, BAllS wILL SIGniFICANTly vARy iN Run oR contROlLABiliTY. thE Major facTor cAuSInG SuCH A DiFFEREncE iS nOt A baSiC STrUctUre, BUT tHe IdENtiTY of cOvER mAteriaL. iN TwO-pIeCe soLid gOlF BALLs, hOwevER, COvErS MAdE OF sOft MatERiAl ARE EfFeCTiVe fOr imPrOviNg CONtROllABILITy, buT DeTRiMenTAL fOR GaINIng flyINg diSTANCe. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to three-piece solid golf balls comprising a center core, an intermediate layer, anda cover and moreparticularly, to three-piece solid golfballs which areimproved in feeling onimpact, controllability,and durability. 2. Prior Art Among a variety of golf balls, thread-wound golf balls and solid golfballs are now popular.The solidgolf balls are currently increasing to be a mainstream product. Among them, two-piece solid golf balls consisting of a core and acoverare most widespread. Mostamateurgolfers are fond of two-piece solid golf balls which have excellent flying performance and durability although these balls have the disadvantages of a very hard feel on hittingand low control due to rapid ball separation on hitting. For this reason, many of professionalgolfers and skilled amateur golfers who impose weight on feeling and control prefer woundgolf balls, especially woundgolf balls using a soft balata cover, totwo-piece solid golf balls. The wound golf balls aresuperior in feeling and control, but inferior in flying distance and durability to the two-piece solid golfballs.Under the present situationthat two-piece solid golf balls and wound golf balls have contradictory characteristics as mentioned above, players makea choice of golf balls depending on their own skill and taste. In orderto develop solid golfballs having a hittingfeel approximate to the wound golf balls,two-piece solid golf balls ofthe soft typehave been considered. For such two-piece solid golf balls of thesoft type, soft coresmust be used. Ifthe cores are soft, however, repulsion becomes low with a concomitant loss of flying performance anddurability is considerably deteriorated. That is, the superior flying performance and durability which area characteristic of two-piece solid golf balls are lost, and inan extreme case, theballs become unacceptablefor practical use. Controllability, which is required even on full shots with drivers,is mostimportant on control shots likeapproach shots. In an exemplary situation that thenextshot should fly beyondthe bunker and a short distance from the green edgeto thecup, theplayer who is either professional or amateur will naturally wish to hit a ballwith a minimal run. Suchcontrollability of a golfball largely depends on spin properties. On a full shot with a club having a relatively large loft, theclub loft is dominant to that the ball itselfso that almost all balls are given an appropriate amount of spin and few ballsoverrun. However, on aapproach shotover a short distance of 30 or 50 yards, balls will significantlyvary in run or controllability. The major factor causing sucha difference isnot a basic structure, but the identity of cover material. In two-piece solid golf balls, however, covers made of soft materialare effective for improving controllability,but detrimental for gainingflyingdistance. | 1. Field _of_ the Invention _This_ invention relates to three-piece _solid_ _golf_ balls comprising _a_ center core, an intermediate layer, and a cover and more particularly, to three-piece solid golf balls which are improved _in_ _feeling_ on _impact,_ _controllability,_ and durability. 2. Prior Art Among a variety _of_ golf balls, thread-wound golf balls _and_ solid golf balls are now popular. _The_ solid _golf_ balls are currently increasing _to_ be a mainstream product. Among _them,_ two-piece _solid_ golf _balls_ consisting _of_ a _core_ and a _cover_ are most _widespread._ Most amateur _golfers_ are fond of _two-piece_ _solid_ golf balls which have excellent flying performance _and_ durability _although_ these balls have the disadvantages of a very _hard_ feel on hitting and low control due _to_ rapid ball separation on hitting. For _this_ _reason,_ many of professional golfers and skilled _amateur_ golfers _who_ impose weight on feeling _and_ control prefer wound golf _balls,_ especially _wound_ golf balls using a soft balata cover, to two-piece solid _golf_ balls. _The_ wound _golf_ balls are superior in _feeling_ and control, but inferior in flying distance and durability to the _two-piece_ solid golf _balls._ Under the present _situation_ that _two-piece_ solid golf balls and wound _golf_ balls _have_ contradictory characteristics as mentioned above, players _make_ a choice of _golf_ balls depending on _their_ own _skill_ and taste. _In_ order to _develop_ solid golf balls having _a_ hitting feel approximate to _the_ wound golf balls, two-piece _solid_ golf balls _of_ the soft _type_ _have_ been considered. For such two-piece solid golf _balls_ _of_ the soft type, _soft_ cores must _be_ _used._ If the cores are soft, however, repulsion becomes low with _a_ _concomitant_ _loss_ of _flying_ performance and durability is considerably deteriorated. That is, the _superior_ flying performance _and_ durability which _are_ a characteristic of two-piece _solid_ golf balls are _lost,_ and in an _extreme_ case, _the_ balls become _unacceptable_ for practical _use._ Controllability, _which_ is required even on full _shots_ with _drivers,_ is _most_ important on control shots like _approach_ shots. In an exemplary situation _that_ the next shot should fly _beyond_ the _bunker_ and a short distance _from_ the green edge to the cup, the player who is either _professional_ _or_ amateur will _naturally_ wish to _hit_ a ball with a minimal run. Such controllability of _a_ golf _ball_ largely depends on spin properties. On _a_ _full_ _shot_ with a _club_ having a _relatively_ large _loft,_ _the_ club loft is dominant to that _the_ _ball_ itself so that almost all balls are given an appropriate amount of spin _and_ few balls overrun. _However,_ on a _approach_ _shot_ over a short distance of 30 or 50 yards, balls will significantly _vary_ in run or controllability. The major factor causing such a difference is not a basic structure, but the identity _of_ cover _material._ In two-piece solid golf balls, however, _covers_ made of soft _material_ _are_ effective for improving _controllability,_ but detrimental for gaining flying distance. |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus that picks up an image by using a solid state image pickup device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, image pickup apparatuses using solid state image pickup devices have been widely used in various apparatuses including the case of medical endoscopes.
In the case of a medical endoscope that is inserted into a body cavity, it is necessary to achieve diameter reduction to reduce a pain given to a patient by reducing an outside diameter of an insertion portion that is inserted into the body cavity, and it becomes necessary to reduce a size of a solid state image pickup device that is disposed in a distal end portion of the insertion portion.
In order to reduce the size of the solid state image pickup device which is disposed in the distal end portion of the insertion portion, it is conceivable to configure some pixels at a peripheral side of pixels forming a light receiving portion to have a configuration of effective pixels having no optical black pixels (OB pixels) that generate signals of black levels on an picked-up image by mechanically blocking light from reaching some pixels at the peripheral side of the pixels forming the light receiving section.
Although it becomes possible to reduce the size of the solid state image pickup device which is disposed in the distal end portion of the insertion portion by adopting the solid state image pickup device having no OB pixels in this way, the black levels on the picked-up image is in an indefinite state by adopting the configuration having no OB pixels, and the entire image becomes white (black floating) or becomes unnatural black (black sinking) on monitor display, so that a circuit configuration that generates signals of black levels is needed.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-019577 as a first prior example discloses an image pickup apparatus including a mechanical shutter configured to capture an object optical image, an image pickup device configured to output an image signal based on the object optical image incident through the mechanical shutter, storage means configured to hold the output from the image pickup device in a light shielding state time by the shutter as a dark output, and correction means configured to estimate noise components in an actual photographing time based on an exposure time period at the actual photographing time at which the object optical image is captured through the mechanical shutter, and the dark output stored in the storage means, and remove the estimated noise components from the output of the image pickup device at the actual photographing time to output the output of the image pickup device.
Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-82698 as a second prior example discloses an image pickup apparatus including an image pickup device capable of acquiring a first photographed image and a second photographed image in one image output period, image judging means configured to judge whether or not to acquire an image for dark shading correction in accordance with photographing conditions, image acquisition means configured to acquire the image for dark shading correction instead of the second photographed image when the image judging means judges to acquire the image for dark shading correction, and image correction means configured to correct the first photographed image and the second photographed image by using the image for dark shading correction. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus that picks up an image by using a solid state image pickup device. 2. Description of the Related Art In Holocene years, image pickup apparatuses using solid state image pickup devices have been widely used in various apparatuses including the case of medical endoscopes. In the case of a medical endoscope that is inserted into a body cavity, it is necessary to achieve diameter reduction to reduce a pain given to a patient by reducing an outside diameter of an insertion portion that is inserted into the body cavity, and it becomes necessary to reduce a size of a solid state image pickup device that is disposed in a distal end portion of the insertion portion. In order to reduce the size of the solid state image pickup device which is disposed in the distal end portion of the insertion portion, it is conceivable to configure some pixels at a peripheral side of pixels forming a light receiving portion to have a configuration of effective pixels having no optical black pixels (OB pixels) that generate signals of black levels on an picked-up image by mechanically blocking light from reaching some pixels at the peripheral side of the pixels forming the light receiving section. Although it becomes possible to reduce the size of the solid state image pickup device which is disposed in the distal end portion of the insertion portion by adopting the solid state image pickup device having no OB pixels in this way, the black levels on the picked-up image is in an indefinite state by adopting the configuration having no OB pixels, and the entire image becomes white (black floating) or becomes unnatural black (black sinking) on monitor display, so that a circuit configuration that generates signals of black levels is needed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-019577 as a first prior example discloses an image pickup apparatus including a mechanical shutter configured to capture an object optical image, an image pickup device configured to output an image signal based on the object optical image incident through the mechanical shutter, storage means configured to hold the output from the image pickup device in a light shielding state time by the shutter as a dark output, and correction means configured to estimate noise components in an actual photographing time based on an exposure time period at the actual photographing time at which the object optical image is captured through the mechanical shutter, and the dark output stored in the storage means, and remove the estimated noise components from the output of the image pickup device at the actual photographing time to output the output of the image pickup device. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-82698 as a second prior example discloses an image pickup apparatus including an image pickup device capable of acquiring a first photographed image and a second photographed image in one image output period, image judging means configured to judge whether or not to acquire an image for dark shading correction in accordance with photographing conditions, image acquisition means configured to acquire the image for dark shading correction instead of the second photographed image when the image judging means judges to acquire the image for dark shading correction, and image correction means configured to correct the first photographed image and the second photographed image by using the image for dark shading correction. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus that picks up an image by using a solid state image pickup device. 2. Description of the RelX5ed Art In recent years, image pickup apparatuses using solid state image pickup devices have been widely used in various apparatuses including the case of medical endoscopes. In the case of a medical endoscope that is inserted into a bLd% cavity, it is necessary to achieve diameter reduction to reduce a pain given to a patient by reducing an outside diameter of an insertion portion that is inserted into the body cavity, and it becomes necessary to reduce a size of a solid xtare image pickup device that is disposed in a distal end portion of the insertion portion. In order to reduce the size of the solid state image pickup device which is disposed in the distal end portion of the insertion portion, it is conceivable to configu3@ some pixels at a peripheral side of pixels forming a light receiving portion to hZDe a configuration of effective pixels having no optical black pixels (OB pixels) that generate signals of black levels on an picked - up image by mechanically blocking light from reaching some pixels at the peripheral side of the pixels forming the light receiving section. Although it becomes possible to reduce the size of the solid state image pickup device which is disposed in the distal end portion of the insertion portion by adopting the solid state image pickup device having no OB pixels in this way, the black levels on the picked - up image is in an indefinite state by adopting the configuration having no OB pixels, and the entire image becomes white (black floating) or becomes unnatural black (black sinking) on monitor display, so that a circuit configuration that generates signals of black levels is needed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open Publication No. 2007 - 019577 as a first prior example discloses an image pickup apparatus including a mechanical shutter configured to capture an object optical image, an image pickup device configured to out9uh an image signal Vawed on the object optical image incident through the mechanical shutter, storage means configured to hold the output from the image pickup device in a light shielding state time by the shutter as a dark output, and correction means configured to estimate noise components in an actual photographing time based on an exposure time period at the actual ptotogrWphing time at whUVh the object optical image is captured through the mechanical shutter, and the dark output stored in the storage means, and remove the estimated noise components from the output of the image pickup device at the actual photographing time to output the output of the image pickup device. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open Publication No. 2014 - 82698 as a second prior example discloses an i,aRe pickup apparatus including an image pickup device capable of acquiring a first photographed image and a second photographed image in one image output period, image judging means configured to judge whether or not to acquire an image for dark shading correction in accordance with photographing conditions, image acquisition means configured to acquire the image for dark shading correction instead of the second photographed image when the image judging means judges to acquire the image for dark shading correction, and image correction means configured to correct the first photographed image and the second photographed image by using the image for dark shading correction. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an pickup apparatus that picks up an image by using a solid state image pickup device. 2. Description of the Related Art recent years, image pickup apparatuses using solid state image pickup devices have been widely used in various apparatuses including the case of medical endoscopes. In the case of a medical endoscope that is inserted into a body cavity, it is necessary to achieve diameter reduction to reduce a pain to patient by reducing an outside of insertion portion is inserted into the body cavity, and it becomes necessary to reduce a of a solid state pickup that is disposed in a portion of the insertion portion. In order to reduce the size of the solid state image pickup device which is in the distal of portion, it is conceivable to configure some pixels at a of pixels forming a light receiving to have configuration of effective pixels having no optical black pixels (OB pixels) that generate signals of black levels on an picked-up image by mechanically blocking light from reaching pixels at the peripheral side of the pixels forming the light receiving section. Although it becomes possible to reduce the size of the solid state image device which is in the distal end portion of the insertion portion by adopting the solid state image pickup device having no OB pixels in this the black on the picked-up image an indefinite state by adopting the configuration having no OB pixels, and the entire image becomes white floating) or becomes unnatural black (black sinking) on monitor display, so that a circuit configuration that generates signals of black levels is needed. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-019577 as a prior example discloses an image pickup apparatus including a mechanical shutter to capture an object optical image, an image pickup configured to output an image signal based on the object optical incident through the mechanical shutter, storage means configured to hold output from the image pickup device in a light shielding state time by the shutter as a dark output, and correction means configured to noise components in an photographing time based on an period at the actual photographing time at which the object optical image is captured through mechanical and the dark output stored in the storage and remove from the output of the image device at the actual photographing time to output the output of the image pickup device. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-82698 as a second prior example discloses an image pickup apparatus including an image pickup device capable of acquiring a first photographed image and second photographed image one image output period, image judging means configured to or not to acquire an image for dark shading correction in accordance with photographing conditions, image acquisition means to acquire the image for dark shading correction instead of the second photographed when image judging means judges to acquire the image for dark shading correction, and image correction means configured to correct first photographed image the second photographed image by using the image for dark shading correction. | 1. FIeLD oF The inVENTION
tHe PResENt iNveNtion RelaTes To aN IMAge pIcKup aPpARatus ThAt piCKS up aN ImAgE bY uSIng a Solid sTATe imAge pIcKup dEviCE.
2. DeSCrIPtiON OF thE reLAteD ArT
In REceNt YeArS, iMAGE PICKUp APpARaTUsEs usiNG sOLiD stAte IMAgE PIckUp dEViCEs HaVe BeeN wIdElY UseD IN vAriOus APpARATUseS iNCLudInG tHE CASE Of MEdICal enDOSCOpeS.
In thE cAse oF a MedIcal ENdoScOPe tHAt Is INSERTed INTO a BoDy CaVity, it IS NEcESsARY tO acHIEvE DIAmETer redUcTIon tO reDucE A PaIn GIVEn TO A paTiENt BY REdUcinG an outSide diamETeR OF an InSeRtioN pOrTION tHat iS insERteD INtO ThE bOdy cAvity, AND IT BecoMES NecEssArY to reduCe A SIzE OF A soliD sTAte imaGE pickUp devicE tHAt IS DisPOsed iN a distal END PortioN oF the InSErtioN PoRTIon.
iN OrDer tO rEduce THe SiZE Of ThE SOlID stATE imAgE pICkuP DeviCe WhICh is DiSPOSEd In THe dIsTal end PorTion OF ThE InSeRtiOn PoRtION, it is conceIVABLE tO configuRE SoMe PixEls At a pERipHeRal sIDE OF PixeLs FOrmiNG a LigHT ReceIvINg pOrtIoN TO HAve a CoNFIGuRATIoN oF eFfEcTivE pIXELS HaVING nO oPTIcAl BlACK PIXelS (ob pixElS) ThAt GEnERatE SignaLS oF blaCk levElS ON aN PIckED-uP iMaGe by MECHANiCALLy BlocKING LiGHT FrOM rEaCHiNg some pIXeLS AT ThE PeriPhErAl SiDE of thE PIxELs fORMING THE Light rECEiViNg secTiOn.
aLTHOugh it becoMES pOsSibLE To rEdUCe the SIZe OF tHE SolId sTATe ImaGe PiCkup dEviCE WHIcH Is DISPoSED IN The DistAl eND pOrtIOn oF ThE inseRTiON PortiON bY AdOpTinG The SoLid StATE IMAge piCkUp deViCE HAVing no OB PixeLs in tHiS wAy, tHe bLacK lEvELs on THE pickED-up imAGE iS IN An iNDefiNIte STAtE By aDOpTINg The ConFIGurAtION haVINg NO oB PixeLs, ANd the ENtirE iMAgE bEcOMeS white (bLaCk fLOatINg) oR BEcomEs uNnATURAL bLACk (bLAck siNKInG) ON monitOr DiSPLAY, so ThAt a CircUiT ConFiGUraTIOn thAT gEnerates SiGnaLs oF BlacK LeveLS is nEEDed.
FOr exAMpLE, jApAnEsE PatenT AppLIcaTioN lAId-opEn pubLICATIon nO. 2007-019577 As a fIRst PRIor eXAMPLE DisCloseS aN ImaGE PiCkUP apPArATUs inCLUdiNG A meCHAnICAl shutTeR coNFiGurEd tO cAptuRe An OBJecT OPTICAL ImAgE, An iMagE piCkup dEvice cOnFIGUrED To ouTPUT an imaGe SIGnaL bASED On tHe objECT OpTIcaL imagE iNCiDENT THRouGH THE MechaNIcaL shUTteR, SToRaGe MEANS conFIGUReD To hOlD the OuTPut FRom tHe image pIcKUP DevIce in a lIgHT SHielDinG sTAte TIme By The SHuTTer as A dARK oUTPUt, aNd cOrrECtIon MeaNs ConFiGurED tO EstImATe noIsE coMpOneNtS iN An ActuaL PhOtOgrapHING tiME BasEd oN an eXpOSURE Time PErIod AT THe ActUAL PhOTOGRaPhINg TImE AT which THE obJeCt opticaL ImAge IS CAPTUred THROugh The mECHANICal sHUTter, anD thE DaRK OUTpUT stORED In tHE StOrage MeAnS, aNd reMOvE thE EsTImaTED nOIsE CoMpOnenTs FROm THe ouTPuT of tHe imAge PiCKuP DeviCE At tHE ACtuAl phOTOgRapHInG TiMe To OutpUT ThE OuTPUt of THE IMAGE pickuP dEvICE.
FURTHER, JAPaNEse PaTeNt apPlIcatioN laiD-Open PUBLiCatION No. 2014-82698 As A seConD pRIOR ExaMpLE dISclOSES AN imAge piCKuP apPARatuS inCludiNG An imaGE PicKUp dEVIce CaPaBLE oF AcQuirINg A firSt PhotogRAphED IMagE and a SeCOND pHOtoGRaPheD iMage in ONe IMAGE OUTPUT pEriod, iMaGE JudgiNG MeANs cOnfIgURed to judge WHEtHEr OR NOT TO aCqUIRE aN iMAGe FoR DArk sHADiNg CorReCTiON in acCOrdaNce WITh PHoTogrAPhing CoNdITioNS, iMAGe ACqUiSiTiON MeaNS CoNFiguRED tO aCqUIRE tHE ImagE FoR Dark ShADIng corReCtIOn inStEad Of tHe SEcOND PhOtOGRaPHED image WheN ThE iMagE JudGING MeANs jUdGES to aCQUIRe ThE image foR dArK SHADING cORreCtioN, aNd IMAgE CORrECtioN MEANs cOnfigurEd to cOrrEct The FirsT PhotogRAPheD iMAge aNd tHE sECONd PhOtogRaPHEd IMage BY usINg thE IMAgE FoR dArK ShadIng CoRrECtION. | 1. Fieldof theInvention The present invention relates to an imagepickup apparatus that picks up an image by using a solid state imagepickup device. 2. Descriptionof the Related ArtIn recentyears, image pickup apparatuses usingsolid state image pickup deviceshave been widely used in various apparatuses including the case of medicalendoscopes. In the caseof a medicalendoscope that isinserted into a body cavity, it is necessary to achieve diameter reduction to reduce a pain given to a patient by reducing an outside diameter of an insertion portion that is inserted into the body cavity,and it becomes necessary to reduce a size ofa solidstate image pickup devicethat isdisposed in adistal end portion of the insertionportion. In orderto reduce the size of the solid state image pickup device which is disposed in the distalend portion ofthe insertion portion, it is conceivable to configure some pixels at a peripheral side of pixels forming a lightreceiving portion to have a configuration of effective pixels having nooptical blackpixels (OB pixels) that generate signals of black levels onan picked-up image by mechanically blocking light from reaching somepixels atthe peripheral side of the pixels forming the light receiving section. Although it becomes possible toreduce the size ofthe solidstate image pickup device which is disposed in the distal endportionof the insertion portion by adopting the solid stateimage pickup devicehaving noOBpixelsinthis way, the black levels on the picked-upimage isin an indefinite state by adopting the configuration having no OB pixels, andthe entire image becomeswhite (black floating) or becomes unnatural black (black sinking) on monitor display, sothat a circuit configuration that generates signals of black levels is needed.For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-019577 as a first prior example discloses an image pickup apparatus includinga mechanical shutterconfigured to capture an object optical image, an image pickup device configuredto output an image signal based on the object optical image incidentthrough the mechanicalshutter,storage means configured tohold the output fromthe image pickup deviceinalight shielding state time by the shutterasa dark output, and correctionmeans configured to estimate noise components in an actual photographing time based on an exposure time period at the actual photographing time at which the object optical image iscapturedthrough the mechanical shutter, and the dark output storedin the storage means, and remove the estimated noise components from the output of the image pickup device at the actual photographing timeto output the outputof the image pickup device. Further,Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-82698 as a second priorexample discloses an imagepickup apparatus including an image pickup devicecapable of acquiring a first photographed image anda second photographed image inone image output period, imagejudging means configured to judge whetheror not to acquire an image for dark shading correction in accordance with photographing conditions, image acquisition means configured to acquire the image for dark shading correction instead of the second photographed image when the imagejudging means judges to acquire the image for darkshading correction,and image correction means configured to correct the first photographed imageand the secondphotographed image by using the image for dark shading correction. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup _apparatus_ that picks up an image by using a solid state image pickup _device._ 2. Description of _the_ Related Art _In_ recent years, image pickup _apparatuses_ using solid state _image_ pickup devices have been widely used in various apparatuses including the case of _medical_ endoscopes. _In_ the case _of_ _a_ medical endoscope that _is_ inserted into a body cavity, it is necessary to achieve diameter reduction _to_ _reduce_ a pain given _to_ a patient by reducing an outside _diameter_ of an insertion portion that is inserted into _the_ body cavity, _and_ _it_ becomes necessary to reduce _a_ size of a solid state image pickup device that is _disposed_ in a distal end portion of the insertion portion. In order to reduce _the_ size of the solid state image pickup device which is disposed in the distal end portion of the _insertion_ portion, it is _conceivable_ to configure _some_ pixels at a peripheral side of pixels forming a light receiving _portion_ to have a _configuration_ of _effective_ pixels having no optical black pixels (OB pixels) _that_ _generate_ signals of black levels on an picked-up image by mechanically blocking light _from_ reaching _some_ pixels at the peripheral side of the _pixels_ forming the _light_ receiving _section._ Although it becomes _possible_ to _reduce_ the size of the solid state image pickup device which is _disposed_ in the _distal_ end portion of the insertion portion by adopting the solid state image pickup device having no OB pixels in this _way,_ the black levels _on_ the picked-up image is in an _indefinite_ state _by_ adopting _the_ configuration _having_ no OB pixels, _and_ the _entire_ image becomes white (black floating) or _becomes_ _unnatural_ black (black sinking) _on_ monitor display, so _that_ _a_ circuit configuration that generates _signals_ of black levels is needed. _For_ _example,_ Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-019577 as a _first_ prior example discloses an image _pickup_ apparatus including a mechanical shutter configured to capture an object optical image, an image pickup device configured to output an _image_ _signal_ _based_ on the object _optical_ image incident through the _mechanical_ shutter, storage means configured to hold the output from the image _pickup_ device in a light shielding state time by _the_ shutter as _a_ dark _output,_ and correction _means_ configured _to_ estimate _noise_ components in _an_ actual photographing _time_ _based_ on an _exposure_ _time_ period at the actual _photographing_ _time_ at which the object optical image is _captured_ _through_ the mechanical shutter, and the dark output stored _in_ the _storage_ means, and remove the estimated noise components from the _output_ _of_ the image _pickup_ _device_ at the _actual_ photographing time to _output_ the output of _the_ image _pickup_ device. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-82698 _as_ a second prior example _discloses_ an image pickup apparatus including an image pickup device capable of acquiring a first photographed image and a second photographed image in one _image_ output period, image judging means configured to judge whether or _not_ to acquire an image for dark shading correction in _accordance_ _with_ photographing _conditions,_ _image_ acquisition means configured to acquire _the_ image for dark shading correction instead of the second photographed image when the image _judging_ means judges _to_ acquire the image for _dark_ shading correction, and image correction means configured to correct the first photographed image and the _second_ photographed image by using the _image_ _for_ dark shading correction. |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to a protective structure and to a protective system for protecting buildings, streets, and other areas from explosions caused by an explosive device such as a bomb. More particularly, the protective structure and protective system employ a membrane-like mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire. The mesh structure surrounds a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete. The protective structure deflects in response to and absorbs the energy associated with the blast load of an explosion, and the mesh structure prevents composite fragments from injuring people or property in the vicinity of the explosion. The protective structure may be sacrificial in nature, i.e., its sole purpose is to absorb the energy from the explosive shock wave and contain composite debris caused by the explosion, or the protective structure may be employed as a load-bearing structural component. Accordingly, this results in reduction in personal injury and property damage due to the explosion.
2. Background Information
Protection of people, buildings, bridges etc. from attacks by car or truck bombs, remote controlled explosives, etc. is of increasing importance and necessity. The explosive force or pressure wave generated by an explosive device such as a car bomb may be sufficient (depending on the size of the explosive device used) to disintegrate a composite wall, thereby causing shrapnel-like pieces of composite to be launched in all directions, and causing additional personal injury and property damage.
Conventional reinforced composite structures such as reinforced concrete walls are well known to those skilled in the art. Such conventional structures typically employ steel reinforcement bars embedded within the composite structure or wall. However, in the case of an explosion or blast load which may generate a pressure wave in excess of tens of thousands of psi, a conventional reinforced composite structure will be ineffective in providing sufficient protection, and the blast load will cause disintegration of the composite, thereby causing shrapnel-like pieces of composite to be launched in all directions, and causing additional personal injury and property damage.
One example of a proposed solution for this problem is the Adler Blast Wall™ which, is made up of front and back face plates which contain a reinforced concrete fill material. According to the developers of the Adler Blast Wall™, if an explosion occurs proximate to the front face plate, the back face plate will catch any concrete debris which results from the explosion. However, if the back face plate of the Adler Blast Wall™ is sufficiently displaced in the horizontal or vertical direction due to the explosion, small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities may escape, thereby causing personal injury or property damage. Accordingly, there is a need for a protective structure which further minimizes the possibility that such small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities will escape the protective structure employed.
It is a first object of this invention to provide a blast resistant protective structure which minimizes the possibility that small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities will escape the protective structure in the event of an explosion or blast load proximate to the structure.
It is one feature of the protective structure of this invention that it employs a membrane-like mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire, and structural steel cables in contact with the mesh structure, for example welded to the mesh structure forming a cage around it, or interwoven into the mesh structure. The mesh structure is compressible in all three dimensions, and surrounds a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastics, molded plastics, or other composite plastics. In the event of an explosion proximate to the protective structure of this invention, the mesh structure advantageously prevents composite fragments produced due to disintegration of the composite fill material of the protective structure from injuring people or property in the vicinity of the explosion.
It is another feature of the protective structure of this invention that, in the event of an explosion proximate to the protective structure of this invention, the protective structure deflects in response to and absorbs the energy associated with the blast load of the explosion.
It is a second object of this invention to provide a protective system which employs a number of the above described protective structures which are joined together via a number of support members, thereby providing a protective wall of sufficient length to provide more complete protection of a given area as well as additional ease of construction and use. The protective system may be used, but is not limited to use in constructing buildings, tunnels, portals etc.
It is a feature of the protective system of the invention that the support members be capable of receiving the respective ends of the protective structures to provide an integrated wall structure.
It is another feature of the protective system of the invention that the support members may also employ a mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire. The mesh structure may surround a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastics, molded plastics, or other composite plastics. Thus, in the event of an explosion proximate to the protective system of this invention, the mesh structure prevents concrete fragments produced due to disintegration of the concrete fill material of the support members from injuring people or property in the vicinity of the explosion.
Other objects, features and advantages of the protective structure and protective system of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the detailed description of the invention set forth herein. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention is directed to a protective structure and to a protective system for protecting buildings, streets, and other areas from explosions caused by an explosive device such as a bomb. More particularly, the protective structure and protective system employ a membrane-like mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire. The mesh structure surrounds a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete. The protective structure deflects in response to and absorbs the energy associated with the blast load of an explosion, and the mesh structure prevents composite fragments from injuring people or property in the vicinity of the explosion. The protective structure may be sacrificial in nature, i.e., its sole purpose is to absorb the energy from the explosive shock wave and contain composite debris caused by the explosion, or the protective structure may be employed as a load-bearing structural component. Accordingly, this results in reduction in personal injury and property damage due to the explosion. 2. Background Information Protection of people, buildings, bridges etc. from attacks by car or truck bombs, remote controlled explosives, etc. is of increasing importance and necessity. The explosive force or pressure wave generated by an explosive device such as a car bomb may be sufficient (depending on the size of the explosive device used) to disintegrate a composite wall, thereby causing shrapnel-like pieces of composite to be launched in all directions, and causing additional personal injury and property damage. Conventional reinforced composite structures such as reinforced concrete walls are well known to those skilled in the art. Such conventional structures typically employ steel reinforcement bars embedded within the composite structure or wall. However, in the case of an explosion or blast load which may generate a pressure wave in excess of tens of thousands of psi, a conventional reinforced composite structure will be ineffective in providing sufficient protection, and the blast load will cause disintegration of the composite, thereby causing shrapnel-like pieces of composite to be launched in all directions, and causing additional personal injury and property damage. One example of a proposed solution for this problem is the Adler Blast Wall™ which, is made up of front and back face plates which contain a reinforced concrete fill material. According to the developers of the Adler Blast Wall™, if an explosion occurs proximate to the front face plate, the back face plate will catch any concrete debris which results from the explosion. However, if the back face plate of the Adler Blast Wall™ is sufficiently displaced in the horizontal or vertical direction due to the explosion, small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities may escape, thereby causing personal injury or property damage. Accordingly, there is a need for a protective structure which further minimizes the possibility that such small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities will escape the protective structure employed. It is a first object of this invention to provide a blast resistant protective structure which minimizes the possibility that small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities will escape the protective structure in the event of an explosion or blast load proximate to the structure. It is one feature of the protective structure of this invention that it employs a membrane-like mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire, and structural steel cables in contact with the mesh structure, for example welded to the mesh structure forming a cage around it, or interwoven into the mesh structure. The mesh structure is compressible in all three dimensions, and surrounds a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastics, molded plastics, or other composite plastics. In the event of an explosion proximate to the protective structure of this invention, the mesh structure advantageously prevents composite fragments produced due to disintegration of the composite fill material of the protective structure from injuring people or property in the vicinity of the explosion. It is another feature of the protective structure of this invention that, in the event of an explosion proximate to the protective structure of this invention, the protective structure deflects in response to and absorbs the energy associated with the blast load of the explosion. It is a second object of this invention to provide a protective system which employs a number of the above described protective structures which are joined together via a number of support members, thereby providing a protective wall of sufficient length to provide more complete protection of a given area as well as additional ease of construction and use. The protective system may be used, but is not limited to use in reconstruct buildings, tunnels, portals etc. It is a feature of the protective system of the invention that the support members be capable of receiving the respective ends of the protective structures to provide an integrated wall structure. It is another feature of the protective system of the invention that the support members may also employ a mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire. The mesh structure may surround a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastics, molded plastics, or other composite plastics. Thus, in the event of an explosion proximate to the protective system of this invention, the mesh structure prevents concrete fragments produced due to disintegration of the concrete fill material of the support members from injuring people or property in the vicinity of the explosion. Other objects, features and advantages of the protective structure and protective system of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the detailed description of the invention set forth herein. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention is directed to a protective ctruc6ure and to a protective system for protecting buildings, streets, and other ar3qs from explosions caused by an explosive device such as a bomb. More particularly, the protective structure and protective system employ a membrane - like mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire. The mesh structure surrounds a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete. The protective structure deflects in response to and absorbs the energy associated with the blast load of an explosion, and the mesh structure prevents composite fragments from injuring people or property in the vicinity of the explosion. The protective structure may be sacrificial in nature, i. e. , its sole purpose is to absorb the energy from the explosive shock wave and contain composite debris caused by the explosion, or the protective structure may be employed as a load - bearing structural component. Accordingly, this results in reduction in personal injury and property damage due to the explosion. 2. Background Information Protection of people, bii;dings, bridges etc. from attacks by car or truck bombs, remote controlled explosives, etc. is of increasing importance and necessity. The explosive force or pressure wave generated by an explosive device such as a car bomb may be sufficient (depending on the size of the explosive device used) to disintegrate a composite wall, thereby causing shrapnel - like pieces of composite to be launched in all directions, and causing additional personal injury and property damage. Conventional reinforced composite structures such as reinforced concrete walls are well known to those skilled in the art. Such conventional structures typically employ steel reinforcement bars embedded within the composite structure or wall. However, in the case of an explosion or blast load which may generate a pressure wave in excess of tens of thousands of psi, a conventional reinforced composite structure will be ineffective in providing sufficient protection, and the blast load will cause disintegration of the composite, thereby causing shrapnel - like pieces of composite to be launched in all directions, and causing additional personal injury and property damage. One example of a proposed solution for this problem is the Adler Blast Wall ™ which, is made up of front and back face plates which contain a reinforced concrete fill material. According to the developers of the Adler Blast Wall ™, if an explosion occurs proximate to the front face plate, the back face plate will catch any concrete debris which results from the explosion. However, if the back face plate of the Adler Blast Wall ™ is sufficiently displaced in the horizontal or vertical direction due to the explosion, small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities may escape, thereby causing personal injury or property damage. Accordingly, there is a need for a protective structure which further minimizes the possibility that such small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities will escape the protective structure employed. It is a first object of this invsntUon to provide a blast resistant protective structure which minimizes the possibility that small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities will escape the proteftiv4 structure in the event of an explosion or blast load proximate to the structure. It is one feature of the protective structure of this invention that it employs a membrane - like mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire, and structural steel cables in contact with the mesh structure, for example welded to the mesh structure forming a cage around it, or interwoven into the mesh structure. The mesh structure is compressible in all three dimensions, and surrounds a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastics, molded plastics, or other composite plastics. In the event of an explosion proximate to the protective structure of this invention, the mesh structure advantageously prevents composite fragments produced due to disintegration of the composite fill material of the protective structure from injuring people or property in the vicinity of the explosion. It is another feature of the protective strjctJre of this invention that, in the event of an explosion proximate to the protective structure of this invention, the protective structure deflects in response to and absorbs the energy associated with the blast load of the explosion. It is a second object of this inveGtiob to provide a protective system which employs a number of the above described protective structures which are joined together via a number of support members, thereby providing a protective wall of sufficient length to provide more complete protection of a given area as well as adEiti0nal ease of construction and use. The protective system may be used, but is not limited to use in constructing buildings, tunnels, portals etc. It is a feature of the protective system of the invention that the support members be capable of receiv9nV the respective ends of the protective structures to provide an integrated wall structure. It is another feature of the protective system of the invention that the support members may also employ a mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire. The mesh structure may surround a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastics, molded plastics, or other composite plastics. Thus, in the event of an explosion proximate to the protective system of this invention, the mesh structure prevents concrete fragments produced due to disintegration of the concrete fill material of the support members from injuring people or property in the vicinity of the explosion. Other objects, features and advantages of the protective structure and protective system of this invention will be apparent to those sMillec in the art in view of the detailed description of the invention set forth herein. | 1. Field the Invention This invention is to a protective structure and to a protective system for protecting streets, and other areas from explosions caused by an explosive device such as a More particularly, the protective structure and protective system employ a membrane-like mesh structure made up of, for example, steel The structure surrounds a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete. The protective structure deflects in response to and absorbs the energy associated with the blast load of explosion, and the mesh structure prevents composite fragments from injuring people or in the vicinity of the explosion. The protective may be sacrificial nature, i.e., its sole to absorb the from the explosive wave and composite debris caused by explosion, or the structure may be as a load-bearing structural component. Accordingly, this results in reduction personal injury and property damage due to the explosion. Background Information Protection of people, bridges etc. from attacks by car truck bombs, remote controlled explosives, etc. of increasing importance and necessity. The explosive force or wave generated by an explosive device such as a car may be sufficient (depending the size of the explosive device used) to disintegrate composite wall, thereby causing shrapnel-like pieces of composite to be in all directions, and causing additional personal injury and damage. Conventional reinforced composite structures such reinforced concrete walls are well known to skilled in the art. Such conventional structures typically employ steel bars embedded within the composite structure or wall. However, in the case of an explosion or blast load which may generate a pressure wave in excess of tens of thousands psi, a conventional composite structure will be ineffective in providing sufficient protection, and the blast load will cause disintegration of composite, thereby shrapnel-like pieces of composite to be launched in all directions, and causing additional personal injury and property damage. One example a proposed solution for this problem is the Adler Blast Wall™ which, is made up of and back face plates which contain a reinforced concrete fill material. According to the developers of the Adler Blast Wall™, if an explosion occurs proximate to the front face plate, the back face plate will catch concrete debris which results from the explosion. However, if face plate of the Adler Blast is sufficiently displaced in the horizontal or vertical direction due to the explosion, small concrete debris traveling velocities may escape, thereby causing personal injury or property damage. Accordingly, there a for a protective structure which further minimizes the that such pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities will escape the protective structure employed. It is a first object of this invention to provide a blast resistant protective which the possibility that pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities will escape the protective structure in the event of an explosion or blast load proximate to the structure. It is one feature of the protective structure of this invention that it employs a membrane-like mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire, and steel cables in with the mesh structure, for example welded to the mesh structure forming a cage around it, or interwoven into the mesh structure. mesh structure is compressible in all three dimensions, and surrounds a composite fill material such as concrete, fiber reinforced plastics, molded plastics, or other composite plastics. In the event of an explosion proximate the protective structure of this invention, the mesh structure advantageously prevents composite fragments produced due to disintegration of the composite fill material of the protective structure from injuring people or in the vicinity of the explosion. It is of the structure of this invention that, in the event of an explosion proximate to the structure of this invention, the structure deflects in response to and absorbs the energy associated with the blast of the explosion. is a second object of this invention to provide a protective system which employs a number of the above described protective structures which are joined together via a of support members, thereby providing a protective wall of sufficient length to provide complete protection of a given area as well as additional ease of use. The protective system be used, but is not limited to use in constructing buildings, tunnels, portals etc. is feature of the protective system the invention that the support members be capable of receiving the respective ends of the protective structures to provide an integrated structure. It another feature of the protective system of the invention that the members may a mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire. The mesh structure surround a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete, reinforced molded plastics, or other composite plastics. Thus, in the of an proximate to the protective system of this invention, the mesh structure prevents concrete fragments produced due to of the concrete fill material the support members from people or property in the vicinity the explosion. Other objects, advantages of the protective structure and protective of this invention will be apparent to those in the art in view of detailed description of the invention set forth herein. | 1. FiElD of tHe invENtIoN
THis iNVEnTiON IS diRecTED to A pRotECTIVe StRuCtuRe AnD tO a ProTECtIve SYSteM fOR PRoTeCting BuILDiNgs, sTreeTS, And otheR AreAs fRoM exPLosIONs cAUSED by an expLOSIvE DEvICe suCH as a boMb. MoRE ParTIcULARly, thE ProTectivE stRUcturE AnD proTEcTIVE SysTem EMPlOY a mEmbRanE-LIkE Mesh STRuCTuRE made up Of, FOr eXAmPLe, STeel wIRe. tHE mesH sTrUCTurE suRrOUNDS A cOMpoSitE FilL matEriAl SUCh as reINfOrced CONcreTE. thE PrOTeCtiVe stRUCTURe DEFlECtS IN RespOnse TO anD ABsoRBs tHE EnErgY aSsoCIaTed wiTh The BlAST LOaD OF an eXPlosiOn, anD tHE mESH strucTurE PREvenTS compoSitE FrAGMEntS from iNjURiNg peOPLE oR PrOpErTy in THe vIcinITY oF the EXploSiON. thE prOTeCTIVE StRUCTure MAY be sACrIFICIAl In NaTurE, I.e., iTs sOle PurPose is To AbsoRB tHe EneRgY FroM THe eXpLOSivE ShOCK WAVe aNd ConTAIn CoMpOsITe deBRIs CAusED by thE ExpLoSION, oR The protecTIVE sTRuctUrE maY bE eMPLoyEd AS A LoaD-beArING STRuCTuRAl COMpOneNt. AcCoRDIngLY, ThIs ReSuLts In REDUCTIon IN PeRSONAL InJuRy aND PRoPeRty dAMaGe due TO thE eXploSIOn.
2. BAckGRounD InFOrmaTIoN
PrOteCtIOn oF peOPlE, buILDINGS, BRiDges etC. FROm attaCkS By car oR trucK BoMbs, remoTe conTrOlleD EXPLosIveS, ETc. iS Of INcrEAsinG iMportANCE aND NECESSity. The explOSiVE fORcE Or PResSUrE wAve GENeRateD By An ExplOSiVe DEViCe suCH AS a caR boMB MaY Be sUFfiCiEnt (DEpeNdING on THe SIZE OF THE ExpLOSive DeVICe USeD) To DISiNtEGRaTE a cOMpoSIte wALL, TheREBY CaUSinG shraPNeL-liKe pIeceS Of cOMPOSITe to BE lAunCheD IN All dIREctIONS, aND CaUSING AddiTIONal pErsONAl injurY AnD PropeRty DAmAge.
CoNVENTIOnal REInFoRcEd ComposITE StRUCtURES SuCH as reINfOrcEd COncRETE walls ARe WEll KnOWn tO thOsE sKiLleD iN ThE ARt. sucH cOnvEnTioNAL STRucTurES tYPICaLLY eMPLOY StEel rEINFOrceMeNT BaRs EMBEDdEd WitHiN THe CompOSITe StrUcturE or Wall. howevER, In the CaSE OF aN EXpLOsIOn Or bLAsT load WhICH MaY gEnErate A PrEssuRE wAve IN EXcEsS of tENS OF tHouSANDs of PSI, a ConvENtiOnAl reINFOrcED ComposiTE STrUCTUre Will BE IneFfEctIve IN providING SuFFIcieNT pRoTECTIOn, aNd THE BLASt loAD wiLl caUSe disiNTEgRATiOn of thE COmpOSITe, THEreBY CauSInG shRaPNEL-LiKE PieceS Of COmPOSite TO Be lauNChED In aLL DiREcTiONS, ANd cauSing adDiTiOnAL PeRsonAL iNJUry aNd PrOPertY daMAge.
OnE exampLE OF a prOpoSEd SOlUtioN FoR tHIS pROBlem IS THE ADlEr BlAST WALl™ wHicH, iS made uP Of FrOnt anD BACK fAce PLATeS whiCh COntaiN a rEINforceD CoNcRetE FILl materIAl. aCCordiNG TO tHe dEvEloPERs oF The aDLEr BlaSt wALl™, If an EXpLosIOn OCCuRS ProxImAtE to The fROnt Face plaTE, THe baCK fAcE pLAte WILl CatCH ANY coNCRETe DEbrIS WHIcH Results frOM THE EXPlOsioN. hOweVEr, If thE BACk FacE PlAte OF THE aDler blAST waLl™ is sUffiCiEntLy DispLAced IN THE HOrIZOntaL oR veRTiCaL DIrECtION DuE TO the eXpLoSIon, smALL PieceS Of coNcRete DEBRIS trAvELING At hIgH vELociTies MAY EScaPe, ThereBY CauSING PersonAL inJURY oR ProPErty DAmAgE. AcCOrDIngLY, TheRE IS a NeeD for A PrOteCTivE StRUCTURE WhiCh FURtHer mINImIzes tHE poSSibiLITY THAt SUch sMalL pIeCeS oF cONCREtE dEBRIs TRAVEling at hiGH vELoCitIes Will EscaPE ThE pRotEcTIVE sTrUctuRE EMpLOyED.
it IS a FirSt Object oF tHiS iNVENtioN to ProVIde A BLast resIstANT pROTEcTIvE sTructUre WhicH minimIzes THe POSSIbilIty THat sMAlL PIeces OF CONCrete DEbriS TRAvELiNg AT High veLOcItiES Will eScaPE ThE PRoTeCtivE stRUCtuRe In THE EvEnT of an EXPlOsIOn oR BlAst lOaD pRoxiMaTE To THE STrUCtuRe.
IT IS One FeAtURe of tHe pROTective sTruCtURE OF this INVEnTioN That It eMPloYs a mEMbrANE-LIKE meSH stRUcTURe MadE uP of, FOr EXaMPlE, stEEl WiRe, and StRuCTurAl stEEL CAblEs In CoNtact WItH tHE mESH StRuctuRe, FoR EXaMPLE welded tO The mESH StRUCTuRE Forming A CaGE ArounD it, OR INTErwoVen InTO THe Mesh StruCtuRE. the mESH sTRUctuRe IS coMprEssIBLe in All THrEe DimEnSions, and sUrroUNds a ComposiTE fILl mATeriaL SUcH as reINforCed cOnCrEte, fiBER ReInfOrCeD PlASTICS, MOlDED PlAStics, or OTHeR ComposIte pLaStIcs. In thE evENt of aN exPlosion PRoXImatE tO THe PRoTEcTiVE sTRUCtuRE of tHIs invEnTiON, THE mesh STRuCTURE aDVANtaGEousLy PREVENTS compoSitE FRAGmeNTs PRodUCeD DuE TO DisiNTeGRAtIOn oF THe COmpOSITe FIlL matErIAL of The ProteCtIvE struCturE FROm injURiNg peOple oR pRoperTY IN The vICinItY OF tHe ExPloSIon.
iT is anOTHeR fEaTUre OF thE PrOtECtive sTruCtURE OF thIs InvEntIon tHaT, In ThE EVENT oF an ExPLOsiOn ProxiMaTE To THE ProtEctIve STRUcTURe of ThIs inVeNtIOn, tHe pROtecTiVE sTrUctuRE dEflecTS in rESPOnsE tO and abSorBS tHE eNeRgY AssociATeD WItH thE BLast loaD oF ThE exPlosIoN.
IT is a seCOND obJEcT of ThIS iNvENTion tO pRovIDe A pRotecTIvE sysTem wHIcH EmpLoYS A NUmbER OF the aBoVe dEsCribeD PROTECTIvE sTRuCTUREs whIcH ARE jOInED TOgEtHER VIa A NUmBEr oF sUppOrt mEmBErS, thEREbY ProviDiNG A PROtECtIVE walL oF sUfFiCiENt LenGth To provide MOre CompLetE PROteCTIOn Of A givEN Area as WelL As aDDITioNal EaSe Of ConsTRUctiOn aND uSE. tHe PrOTEctIVE sysTEM May bE usEd, buT iS NOt LimITED tO uSe iN coNStrUCtiNG BuiLDINGs, TUnNELs, porTAlS ETc.
it Is a fEaTURE Of tHe ProtEcTIVE SYsTem OF The InVeNTIoN THaT THE sUPPoRT memBErs be CapABle of rEcEIviNG thE rESpECTIve eNds oF tHE prOTECTIVe STRUCturES TO provide an inTegRateD WalL STRUcturE.
it iS aNOtHer FEAtURe OF tHe protectiVe SystEM OF tHE inVenTion tHat ThE sUppORT MEmbErs mAy alSO EMPLOY A mesh sTRucTURE madE UP oF, fOR EXAmple, STEEl WIrE. ThE mesh StRuCTurE may sUrrOUnd A COmpOSITe FIll matErial sUcH AS ReiNfoRCeD cOncreTe, FIBer REINFoRcEd pLAsTICS, MOlDed plASTIcS, OR otheR COMPoSiTe pLAsTiCs. tHus, IN tHe eVEnT of aN exPlOSIOn pROxImatE tO The pRotectiVe SYsteM of This InvenTIon, tHe mEsH stRuctuRE pREvenTS cOnCRETE frAgmENTS pRODUCed DUE TO diSintEgRAtION OF The cOnCREtE fiLl MaTEriaL OF THe SUPPOrT mEMbeRs FrOM iNjUring PeOPLe or proPerty in tHE ViCINiTy Of tHe eXplOsiOn.
oTHeR ObjEcTS, feAtUReS ANd advAnTaGEs Of tHE PROtectIve StrUCTURe AND protectiVE SYSTem OF this InVeNtIon wIlL Be AppARENT tO Those skIlLED In tHe aRT In VIEw oF tHe dEtaILED dESCriPTiON of ThE INVenTioN sEt forth hErEIN. | 1. Field of theInvention This invention is directed to aprotective structure and to a protective system for protecting buildings, streets, and other areas from explosions caused by an explosive device suchas a bomb. More particularly, the protective structure and protective system employ amembrane-like mesh structure made up of, forexample, steel wire.The mesh structure surrounds a composite fillmaterial such asreinforced concrete. The protective structuredeflects in responseto and absorbs the energy associated with the blastload of an explosion, and the mesh structure prevents composite fragmentsfrom injuring people or propertyinthe vicinity of the explosion.The protective structure may besacrificial in nature,i.e., its sole purpose is to absorb theenergy from the explosive shock wave and containcomposite debris caused bythe explosion, orthe protectivestructure may be employed as a load-bearing structural component. Accordingly,thisresults in reduction in personal injury and property damage due to theexplosion. 2. Background InformationProtection of people, buildings, bridges etc. from attacks by car or truck bombs, remote controlled explosives, etc. is of increasing importance and necessity. The explosive force or pressure wave generated by anexplosive device such asa car bomb may be sufficient (depending on the size of theexplosive device used) todisintegrate a composite wall, thereby causing shrapnel-like pieces of composite to belaunchedin all directions, and causingadditional personal injury and property damage.Conventional reinforced composite structures such as reinforced concrete walls arewell known to those skilled inthe art. Suchconventional structures typically employ steel reinforcement bars embedded within the composite structure or wall. However,in the caseof an explosion or blast load which maygenerate a pressure wave inexcess of tens of thousands of psi, a conventional reinforced composite structure will be ineffective in providing sufficientprotection, and the blast load will cause disintegration of the composite, thereby causing shrapnel-like pieces of composite to be launched in all directions, and causing additional personal injury andproperty damage. One example of a proposedsolution for this problem is the Adler Blast Wall™ which, is made up of front and back face plates which contain a reinforced concrete fill material. According to the developers of the Adler BlastWall™, if an explosion occurs proximate to the front face plate, the back face plate will catch any concrete debriswhich results from the explosion. However, if the back face plate of the Adler Blast Wall™ issufficiently displaced in the horizontal or vertical direction due tothe explosion, small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities may escape, thereby causing personalinjury or property damage. Accordingly, there is a need for a protective structurewhich further minimizes thepossibility that such small pieces of concrete debris traveling at highvelocities will escape the protective structure employed. It is a first object of this invention to provide ablast resistant protective structure which minimizes the possibility that small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities will escape theprotective structure in the event of an explosion or blast load proximateto the structure.It is one feature of the protective structureof this invention that it employs amembrane-like mesh structure made up of, for example,steel wire, andstructural steel cables in contact with the meshstructure, for example welded to the mesh structure forming a cagearound it, or interwoven into the mesh structure. The mesh structure is compressible in all three dimensions, and surrounds a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastics, molded plastics,or other compositeplastics. In the event of an explosionproximate to the protective structure of this invention, the mesh structure advantageously prevents composite fragments produced due todisintegration of the composite fill material of the protective structure from injuringpeopleor property in the vicinity ofthe explosion. It is another feature of the protective structure of this invention that, in the eventof an explosion proximateto the protectivestructure of this invention, the protectivestructuredeflects in responsetoand absorbs the energyassociated with the blast loadof the explosion. It is a secondobject of this invention to providea protective system which employs a number ofthe above described protectivestructures which are joined together via anumberof support members, thereby providing a protective wallof sufficient length to provide more complete protection of a given area as well as additionalease of construction and use. The protective system may be used, but is not limited to use in constructing buildings, tunnels, portals etc.It is a feature of the protective systemof the invention that the support members be capable of receiving therespective ends of the protective structuresto provide an integrated wall structure.Itis another feature of the protective system oftheinvention that the support members may also employa mesh structure made up of, for example, steel wire. The mesh structure may surround a composite fill material such as reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastics, molded plastics,or other composite plastics. Thus, in the event of an explosion proximateto the protective system of thisinvention, themesh structure prevents concrete fragments produceddue to disintegrationof the concrete fill material of the support members from injuringpeople orpropertyin the vicinity of the explosion. Other objects, features andadvantages of the protective structureandprotectivesystem of this invention willbeapparent to those skilled in the art in view of the detaileddescription of the invention set forth herein. | 1. Field of the _Invention_ This invention is directed to a protective structure and to a protective system for protecting buildings, _streets,_ _and_ other areas from explosions caused by an explosive device such _as_ a _bomb._ More particularly, the protective _structure_ and protective _system_ employ a membrane-like mesh _structure_ made up of, for _example,_ steel wire. The mesh structure surrounds a composite _fill_ material such as reinforced _concrete._ _The_ protective structure deflects in response _to_ and _absorbs_ the energy associated with the blast load _of_ an explosion, _and_ the mesh structure prevents composite fragments _from_ injuring people or property in the _vicinity_ of the explosion. The protective structure _may_ be sacrificial in nature, i.e., its sole purpose is to absorb the energy from _the_ explosive shock wave and contain composite debris caused by _the_ explosion, or the protective _structure_ may be employed as _a_ _load-bearing_ structural component. Accordingly, this results in reduction in personal injury and property _damage_ _due_ _to_ the explosion. 2. Background Information Protection of _people,_ buildings, _bridges_ _etc._ from attacks by car or truck bombs, remote _controlled_ explosives, etc. is of increasing importance and necessity. The _explosive_ force or pressure wave _generated_ by an explosive device _such_ _as_ a _car_ bomb may be _sufficient_ (depending _on_ the _size_ of the explosive device used) to disintegrate _a_ composite _wall,_ thereby _causing_ shrapnel-like pieces of composite _to_ be _launched_ in _all_ directions, _and_ causing additional personal _injury_ and _property_ _damage._ Conventional _reinforced_ composite _structures_ such as _reinforced_ concrete _walls_ are well known to those skilled _in_ the _art._ Such _conventional_ structures typically employ steel reinforcement bars embedded within _the_ composite structure _or_ wall. However, in the case _of_ an explosion or blast load which may _generate_ a _pressure_ _wave_ in excess of _tens_ _of_ thousands of psi, a conventional reinforced composite structure _will_ be ineffective in providing sufficient protection, and _the_ blast load will cause disintegration of the composite, thereby causing shrapnel-like pieces of composite to be launched in _all_ _directions,_ and causing additional personal injury _and_ property damage. One example of a proposed solution for this problem is the Adler Blast Wall™ which, is made up _of_ front and back face plates which _contain_ a reinforced concrete fill material. According _to_ the _developers_ of the Adler Blast Wall™, if _an_ _explosion_ _occurs_ _proximate_ to _the_ _front_ face plate, _the_ back face plate will catch any concrete _debris_ which _results_ _from_ _the_ explosion. However, _if_ _the_ back face plate of the Adler _Blast_ Wall™ is _sufficiently_ displaced _in_ the horizontal or _vertical_ direction due to the _explosion,_ small pieces of concrete debris traveling at _high_ velocities may _escape,_ thereby causing personal injury or property _damage._ _Accordingly,_ _there_ _is_ a need for _a_ _protective_ _structure_ which further minimizes the possibility that _such_ small pieces of concrete debris traveling at high velocities _will_ escape the _protective_ structure employed. It _is_ a first object of this invention to provide a _blast_ resistant _protective_ _structure_ which minimizes the possibility that _small_ _pieces_ of concrete debris traveling _at_ high _velocities_ will _escape_ _the_ protective structure in the event of an explosion or _blast_ load proximate to the structure. It is one _feature_ of the protective structure of this _invention_ that _it_ employs a membrane-like mesh structure made _up_ of, for example, steel _wire,_ _and_ _structural_ steel cables in contact with the _mesh_ structure, for example welded to the mesh structure forming a cage around it, or _interwoven_ into the mesh structure. The mesh structure _is_ compressible in all three dimensions, and surrounds _a_ composite fill material such _as_ reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced _plastics,_ molded plastics, _or_ other composite plastics. In the event _of_ an _explosion_ proximate to the protective structure of this invention, the mesh _structure_ advantageously prevents composite fragments produced due to disintegration of _the_ composite fill material of the protective structure _from_ injuring _people_ or property in the vicinity of the explosion. It is another feature of the _protective_ structure of this invention that, _in_ _the_ event of _an_ explosion proximate _to_ the protective _structure_ of this invention, _the_ protective structure deflects in response to and absorbs the _energy_ associated _with_ the blast load of _the_ explosion. It is a second object of this _invention_ _to_ provide a _protective_ system which employs a number of _the_ above described protective structures which are joined together via a number of support members, thereby providing a protective wall _of_ sufficient length to _provide_ more complete protection _of_ _a_ given area as _well_ as additional ease of construction and use. The protective system may be _used,_ but is not limited to use in constructing buildings, _tunnels,_ _portals_ etc. It is a feature of the _protective_ system of the invention that the support members be _capable_ of receiving the respective ends of the _protective_ structures to provide an integrated wall structure. It is another feature of the protective _system_ of the invention that the support members may _also_ employ _a_ mesh structure made _up_ of, for example, _steel_ _wire._ The mesh structure _may_ surround a composite fill _material_ such as reinforced _concrete,_ fiber _reinforced_ plastics, molded plastics, or other composite plastics. Thus, in the event of an explosion proximate to the protective system _of_ _this_ invention, the mesh _structure_ prevents _concrete_ fragments produced due to disintegration of the concrete fill material of _the_ support members _from_ injuring people or property in the vicinity _of_ the explosion. Other objects, _features_ and advantages of the protective structure and protective _system_ of _this_ invention _will_ _be_ apparent _to_ _those_ _skilled_ _in_ the art in _view_ _of_ the detailed _description_ _of_ the invention set forth herein. |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device modeling method of modeling the electrical characteristic of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device to simulate a circuit that includes the ESD protection device and an ESD simulation method of simulating the ESD protection device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, the ESD destruction of a device becomes a serious problem in the large scale integration or miniaturization of semiconductor integrated circuits and the self-aligned silicide (Salicide) process for reducing the resistance between devices, making it necessary to use an ESD protection device. The conventional ESD protection device and ESD protection circuit simulation, however, are very complicated and difficult to set each parameter for modeling the device.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. 2001-339052 discloses a method of simulating a protective circuit against the ESD destruction. That is, to model an ESD protection device, first, a model for the equivalent circuit of an ESD protection device is made, and measurement is taken for the device made by the final process or the physical parameter is extracted from the electrical characteristic obtained by the device simulation to form an equivalent circuit. Then, 100 or more model parameters of the equivalent circuit must be further fitted or adjusted.
This method is applicable to a relatively large IC by way of the equivalent circuit of the ESD protection device. However, the formation of the equivalent circuit needs the adjustment of many parameters. In addition, if the production process is changed by circuit correction, for example, no simple operation, such as parameter change, can solve the problem. That is, if the production process is changed, the model parameters for the previous modeling are no longer useable, and the model parameters for forming the equivalent circuit must be adjusted again. Moreover, the above method is only a circuit simulation and fails to specify the destruction location by ESD. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device modeling method of modeling the electrical characteristic of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device to simulate a circuit that includes the ESD protection device and an ESD simulation method of simulating the ESD protection device. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the ESD destruction of a device becomes a serious problem in the large scale integration or miniaturization of semiconductor integrated circuits and the self-aligned silicide (Salicide) process for reducing the resistance between devices, making it necessary to use an ESD protection device. The conventional ESD protection device and ESD protection circuit simulation, however, are very complicated and difficult to set each parameter for modeling the device. For example, Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. 2001-339052 discloses a method of simulating a protective circuit against the ESD destruction. That is, to model an ESD protection device, first, a model for the equivalent circuit of an ESD protection device is made, and measurement is taken for the device made by the final process or the physical parameter is extracted from the electrical characteristic obtained by the device pretense to form an equivalent circuit. Then, 100 or more model parameters of the equivalent circuit must be further fitted or adjusted. This method is applicable to a relatively large IC by way of the equivalent circuit of the ESD protection device. However, the formation of the equivalent circuit needs the adjustment of many parameters. In addition, if the production process is changed by circuit correction, for example, no simple operation, such as parameter change, can solve the problem. That is, if the production process is changed, the model parameters for the previous modeling are no longer useable, and the model parameters for forming the equivalent circuit must be adjusted again. Moreover, the above method is only a circuit simulation and fails to specify the destruction location by ESD. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) profectikn device modeling method of modeling the electrical characteristic of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protSXtion device to simulate a circuit that includes the ESD protection device and an ESD simulation method of simulating the ESD protection device. 2. Description of the Related Art In DScent years, the ESD destruction of a device becomes a serious pr8b:em in the large scale integration or miniaturization of semiconductor integrated circuits and the self - aligned silicide (Salicide) process for reducing the resistance betaewn devices, making it necessary to use an ESD protection device. The conventional ESD protection device and ESD protection circuit simulation, however, are very comp,Ucated and difficult to set each parameter for modeling the device. For example, Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. 2001 - 339052 discloses a method of simulating a protective circuit against the ESD destruction. That is, to model an ESD protection device, first, a model for the equivalent circuit of an ESD protection device is made, and measurement is taken for the device made by the final process or the physical parameter is extrXcteS from the electrical characteristic obtained by the device simulation to f0r, an equivalent circuit. Then, 100 or more model parameters of the equivalent circuit must be further fitted or adjusted. This method is applicable to a relatively large IC by way of the equivalent circuit of the ESD protection device. However, the formation of the equivalent circuit needs the adjustment of many parameters. In addition, if the production process is changed by circuit correction, for example, no simple operation, such as parameter change, can solve the problem. That is, if the production process is changed, the model pwramDters for the previous modeling are no longer useable, and the model parameters for forming the e2hivalent circuit must be adjusted again. Moreover, the above method is only a circuit simulation and fails to specify the destruction location by ESD. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an discharge protection device modeling of modeling the characteristic of an discharge (ESD) protection device to simulate a circuit that includes the ESD device and an ESD of simulating the ESD protection device. 2. Description of Related Art In recent years, the ESD destruction of a device becomes a serious problem in the large scale integration or miniaturization of semiconductor circuits and the silicide (Salicide) process for reducing the resistance between devices, making necessary to use an ESD device. The conventional ESD protection device and ESD protection circuit simulation, however, are very complicated and difficult to set each parameter for modeling the device. For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-339052 discloses a method of simulating a protective circuit against the ESD destruction. That is, to model an ESD protection device, first, model the equivalent circuit of ESD protection device is made, and measurement taken for the made by final process the physical parameter is extracted from the electrical characteristic obtained the device to form equivalent circuit. Then, 100 or more model parameters of the equivalent circuit must be further fitted or adjusted. This method applicable to a relatively large IC by way of the equivalent circuit of the ESD protection device. However, formation of the circuit needs the adjustment of many In addition, if the production process is changed by circuit correction, for example, no simple operation, such as parameter change, can solve the problem. is, if production process is changed, the model parameters for previous modeling are no longer useable, and the model parameters for forming the equivalent circuit be adjusted again. Moreover, the above method is only a circuit simulation and fails to specify the destruction location by ESD. | 1. field OF tHe iNvENtiON
thE pReSEnt InvEntioN RELATES tO AN eLeCTrostAtiC DisCHaRGE (Esd) PROteCTiON DevIcE moDELING method oF ModElInG the ELectrICal chAraCTEriStic of aN electROsTAtIC diScHarge (Esd) ProteCTion DeviCE TO sImuLaTE A cIrCuiT THat iNclUdeS thE Esd PRotEctIOn DEVIcE aNd an esd SimULAtioN MetHOd Of siMuLATINg tHE ESd pRotectIoN deVIce.
2. deSCRIPTIoN of The rELateD Art
in RECEnT YEARs, tHE ESD deStrUCTION oF a deviCe BecoMEs A SERIouS pROblEM in thE laRge scAle iNTEGRAtIon oR MINIATUrizaTion of seMiCondUctOR intEGRaTed CIrCuiTS AND ThE Self-ALIgnEd SILicide (SaliCidE) pROCeSs FoR reduCiNG the reSISTaNCe BETWeen dEVicES, mAkiNg iT neCesSARy To USe an esD prOTECtioN dEvICe. tHe coNVENTional esd prOTEctIOn DEvICE And esd ProteCTiON cIRCUit sIMuLATIoN, hOWEvEr, aRE VEry ComPLicAted AND DIFFIcUlt To sET each parAmeteR fOR mODElINg The dEViCe.
FOr exAmPLE, JapaneSe pAtENt ApPlICaTioN koKAi no. 2001-339052 disclOses a MethOd Of sImUlaTing A PrOtECtiVe CIrcUIT aGaiNSt The ESd DeStRUCTIoN. THat Is, TO MOdEl An Esd PRotEcTiON deViCE, FIrsT, A moDEl fOR tHE EQUIvaLenT ciRcUiT OF an esd PRoTEctiOn deVICe is maDe, anD MEAsURement IS TaKEn FOr THE DEvicE MADE By thE FINal ProcESs or thE PHYSICal ParAmETer iS extRActED FROM tHE elECtRiCAl CHaRacTeRiStiC obTaINed By THE devICE SImUlatiON to fORM AN eqUivALEnT cIrcUIt. tHeN, 100 OR MorE moDeL pARameters OF thE EQuIVaLeNt cIRcuIT mUSt BE FurTHER FItTeD or AdjustED.
thIS MetHOD iS aPPLIcABLe to A ReLativeLY LaRge Ic By way of The eQuiValEnT CiRcUiT of the eSD prOtECtIon dEvIce. HoWEVer, THE FoRmatiOn Of ThE EquiValEnt cIrcUiT NEEDS thE adjUsTMent OF MANy pArameteRS. In aDDItIoN, If tHE prodUcTIoN pRoCeSS IS cHaNGed BY ciRcuiT COrRecTION, For exAMpLe, no SiMplE oPEratiON, sUCh AS PARamEtER cHAnGe, cAn soLvE thE probLEm. ThaT Is, IF tHe ProdUCTIoN PROceSs is CHANgED, tHe mOdel PaRameteRS FoR the PREVIOUS MOdEling Are No LOnGEr useABlE, and tHe MoDEl paramETeRs FOr foRMIng tHe equivalEnT CIrCUit MusT Be ADjUSTED agaIN. moReoVeR, tHe abovE mETHod IS Only A cIRCUit sImUlaTioN AnD Fails To SPecifY the DEsTruCtIoN loCAtIoN bY esd. | 1. Field of the Invention The present inventionrelates to anelectrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device modeling method of modeling theelectrical characteristic of an electrostatic discharge (ESD)protection device to simulate a circuit that includesthe ESD protection device and an ESD simulation methodof simulating the ESD protection device. 2. Description ofthe Related Art In recent years, the ESD destructionof a devicebecomes a serious problem inthe largescale integration or miniaturization of semiconductor integratedcircuits and the self-aligned silicide (Salicide) process for reducing the resistance betweendevices, making it necessary to use an ESD protection device. The conventional ESD protection device and ESD protection circuitsimulation, however, are very complicated anddifficult to seteach parameter for modelingthe device. For example, JapanesePatent Application Kokai No. 2001-339052 discloses a method of simulating aprotective circuit against the ESD destruction. That is,to model an ESD protection device, first, a model for the equivalent circuit of an ESD protection deviceis made, and measurementis taken forthe device made bythe final process or the physical parameter is extracted fromthe electrical characteristic obtained by the device simulation to form anequivalent circuit. Then, 100 or more model parameters of the equivalent circuit must be further fitted or adjusted. This methodis applicable to a relatively large IC by way of the equivalent circuit of the ESD protection device. However, theformation of the equivalent circuit needs the adjustment ofmany parameters.In addition, if the production process is changed by circuit correction, for example, no simpleoperation, such as parameter change, can solvethe problem. Thatis, if theproduction processis changed, the model parametersfor the previous modeling are no longer useable, and the model parametersfor forming the equivalent circuitmust be adjusted again. Moreover, theabove method is only a circuit simulation and failstospecify the destruction location by ESD. | 1. Field of the _Invention_ The present invention relates to an _electrostatic_ _discharge_ (ESD) protection device _modeling_ method _of_ modeling the _electrical_ characteristic _of_ an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device to simulate a circuit that includes _the_ ESD protection _device_ and _an_ ESD simulation method _of_ simulating the ESD protection _device._ 2. _Description_ of the _Related_ _Art_ In _recent_ years, the ESD _destruction_ of a _device_ becomes a serious _problem_ in the large scale integration or miniaturization of semiconductor integrated circuits and the self-aligned silicide (Salicide) process for reducing the _resistance_ between devices, making it necessary to use an ESD protection device. The conventional ESD protection device and ESD protection circuit simulation, _however,_ are _very_ _complicated_ and difficult to set each parameter _for_ modeling _the_ device. For example, Japanese _Patent_ Application Kokai No. 2001-339052 discloses a method of _simulating_ a _protective_ circuit against the ESD destruction. That _is,_ to _model_ an ESD protection _device,_ first, a _model_ for the equivalent circuit of an ESD protection device is made, and measurement is taken for the device made _by_ the final process _or_ the physical parameter is extracted from the electrical characteristic obtained _by_ the device _simulation_ to form _an_ _equivalent_ circuit. Then, 100 _or_ more _model_ parameters of the equivalent circuit _must_ _be_ further fitted or adjusted. This method is _applicable_ to a _relatively_ large IC by way of _the_ equivalent circuit of _the_ ESD protection _device._ However, the formation of _the_ _equivalent_ circuit needs _the_ adjustment _of_ _many_ parameters. In _addition,_ if the production process is _changed_ by circuit correction, for example, no simple operation, such _as_ parameter change, can solve the _problem._ That is, if the production _process_ is changed, the model parameters for the previous _modeling_ are no longer useable, and the model parameters for _forming_ the equivalent circuit must be adjusted again. Moreover, the above method is only a circuit simulation and fails to specify the destruction location by ESD. |
Computer systems generally have several levels of memory; each level of memory can provide differing levels of speed, memory capacity, physical size, power requirements, voltage levels and/or volatility. These aspects are often at odds with each other. For example, increases in speed often lead to corresponding increases in power requirements. For this reason, many systems use a variety of different memories within the same system. From the view of the processor these memories are often hidden in the sense that common data is temporarily cached in smaller and faster memory circuits. This common data is mapped to larger and slower memory circuits, which are accessed when the faster memory does not contain the desired data. The common data, if changed in the cached memory, can eventually be written to the larger and slower memory circuits. This allows for the slow memory access time to be hidden so long as the faster memory contains the appropriately mapped data.
Computer systems generally contain some type of mass-storage memory that is able to store data when the computer system is powered down or when the memory otherwise loses power. This type of memory is referred to as nonvolatile memory because it is able to maintain data integrity when the computer system is not powered. Nonvolatile memory, however, can be slower by orders of magnitude relative to various volatile memories. Yet, nonvolatile can also be less expensive (per unit of memory capacity) and/or less power hungry. A common type of nonvolatile mass-storage memory device is a hard disc drive (HDD) that uses a rotating magnetic media. HDDs are used for home-computers, servers, enterprise applications and various other devices. Under normal operation a computer system transfers sensitive data from temporary memory to a HDD before the computer system is powered down. This allows for the sensitive data to be saved in memory that persists after the power is removed from the computer system. When the computer system is subsequently powered up, this data can be accessed and used by the computer system.
HDDs with rotating magnetic media have been in use for many years and have undergone various improvements including efficiency, reliability and memory capacity. Various data storage applications, however, are beginning to use other types of memory with more frequency. Solid State Devices (SSDs) are one such type of memory, and are attractive for many applications. Speed, cost and power requirements also factor into the selection of data storage devices such as SSDs or HDDs.
In addition to the above, power consumption is an important factor in most data storage systems, and effectively managing power consumption at startup can be particularly difficult. Generally, capacitive circuits draw a significant amount of power upon turn-on, as do motors used to drive HDD spindles. This can present challenges such as those relating to one or more of cost, power supply lifetime, etc.
While SSDs are useful in various applications, aspects of their operation and implementation remain challenging. For example, the above-discussed power consumption issues can be challenging to the implementation of capacitive-type SSD circuits, HDD drives, and to combinations of such drives. Power consumption issues are further exasperated when many of these drives draw power from a common power source. Providing power in an efficient, reliable and inexpensive manner has been challenging. | Computer systems generally have several levels of memory; each level of memory can provide differing levels of speed, memory capacity, physical size, power requirements, voltage levels and/or volatility. These aspects are often at odds with each other. For example, increases in speed often lead to corresponding increases in power requirements. For this reason, many systems use a variety of different memories within the same system. From the view of the processor these memories are often hidden in the sense that common data is temporarily cached in smaller and faster memory circuits. This common data is mapped to larger and slower memory circuits, which are accessed when the faster memory does not contain the desired data. The common data, if changed in the cached memory, can eventually be written to the larger and slower memory circuits. This allows for the slow memory access time to be hidden so long as the faster memory contains the appropriately mapped data. Computer systems generally contain some type of mass-storage memory that is able to store information when the computer system is powered down or when the memory otherwise loses power. This type of memory is referred to as nonvolatile memory because it is able to maintain data integrity when the computer system is not powered. Nonvolatile memory, however, can be slower by orders of magnitude relative to various volatile memories. Yet, nonvolatile can also be less expensive (per unit of memory capacity) and/or less power hungry. A common type of nonvolatile mass-storage memory device is a hard disc drive (HDD) that uses a rotating magnetic media. HDDs are used for home-computers, servers, enterprise applications and various other devices. Under normal operation a computer system transfers sensitive data from temporary memory to a HDD before the computer system is powered down. This allows for the sensitive data to be saved in memory that persists after the power is removed from the computer system. When the computer system is subsequently powered up, this data can be accessed and used by the computer system. HDDs with rotating magnetic media have been in use for many years and have undergone various improvements including efficiency, reliability and memory capacity. Various data storage applications, however, are beginning to use other types of memory with more frequency. Solid State Devices (SSDs) are one such type of memory, and are attractive for many applications. Speed, cost and power requirements also factor into the selection of data storage devices such as SSDs or HDDs. In addition to the above, power consumption is an important factor in most data storage systems, and effectively managing power consumption at startup can be particularly difficult. Generally, capacitive circuits draw a significant amount of power upon turn-on, as do motors used to drive HDD spindles. This can present challenges such as those relating to one or more of cost, power supply lifetime, etc. While SSDs are useful in various applications, aspects of their operation and implementation remain challenging. For example, the above-discussed power consumption issues can be challenging to the implementation of capacitive-type SSD circuits, HDD drives, and to combinations of such drives. Power consumption issues are further exasperated when many of these drives draw power from a common power source. Providing power in an efficient, reliable and inexpensive manner has been challenging. | Computer systems generally have several levels of memory; each level of memory can provide differing levels of speed, memory capacity, physical size, power requirements, voltage levels and / or volatility. These aspects are often at odds with each other. For example, increases in s(eer often lead to corresponding increases in power requirements. For this reason, many systems use a variety of different memories within the same system. From the view of the processor these memories are often hidden in the sense thx4 common data is temporarily cadGed in smaller and faster memory circuits. This common data is mapped to larger and slower memory circuits, which are accessed when the faster memory does not contain the desired data. The common data, if changed in the cached memory, can eventually be written to the larger and slower memory circuits. This allows for the slow memory access time to be hidden so long as the faster memory contains the appropriately mapped data. Computer sjs$ems generally contain some type of mass - storage memory that is able to store data when the computer system is powered down or when the memory otherwise loses power. This type of memory is referred to as nonvolatile memory because it is able to maintain data integrity when the computer system is not powered. Nonvolatile memory, however, can be slower by orders of magnitude relative to various volatile m2jories. Yet, nonvolatile can also be :esx expensive (per unit of memory capacity) and / or less power h Tngr5. A common type of nonvolatile mass - storage memory device is a hard disc drive (HDD) that uses a rotating magnetic media. HDDs are used for home - computers, servers, enterprise applications and various other devices. Under normal operation a computer system transfers sensitive data from temporary memory to a HDD before the computer system is powered down. This allows for the sensitive data to be saved in memory that persists after the power is removed from the computer system. When the computer system is subsequently powered up, this data can be accessed and used by the computer system. HDDs with rotating magnetic media have been in use for many years and have undergone various improvements including efficiency, reliability and memory capacity. Various data storage applications, however, are beginning to use other types of memory with more frequency. Solid State Devices (SSDs) are one such type of memory, and are attractive for many applications. Speed, cost and power requirements also factor into the selection of data storage devices such as SSDs or HDDs. In addition to the above, power consumption is an important bact9r in most data storage systems, and effectively managing power consumption at startup can be particularly difficult. Generally, capacitive circuits draw a significant amount of power upon turn - on, as do motors used to drive HDD spindles. This can present challenges such as those relating to one or more of cost, power supply lifetime, etc. While SSDs are useful in various applications, aspects of their operation and implementation remain challenging. For example, the above - discussed power consumption issues can be xha?lenging to the implementation of capacitive - type SSD circuits, HDD drives, and to combinations of such drives. Power consumption issues are furthWF exasperated when many of these drives draw power from a common power source. Providing power in an efficient, reliable and inexpensive manner has been challenging. | Computer systems generally have several of memory; each level memory can differing levels of speed, memory capacity, power requirements, voltage levels and/or volatility. These aspects at odds with each other. For increases in speed often lead to corresponding increases in power requirements. For this reason, many use a variety different memories within the system. From the view of the processor these memories are often hidden in the sense that common data is temporarily cached in smaller and faster memory circuits. This common data is mapped to larger and slower memory circuits, which are accessed when the faster memory does not the desired data. The common data, if changed in the memory, can eventually be written to the larger and slower memory circuits. This allows the slow access time to be hidden so long as the faster memory contains the appropriately mapped data. systems generally contain some of mass-storage memory that is able to store data when the computer system is powered down or when the memory otherwise loses power. This type of is to as nonvolatile memory because it is able to maintain integrity when the computer system is not powered. Nonvolatile memory, however, can be slower by orders of magnitude relative to various volatile memories. Yet, nonvolatile can also be less expensive (per unit of memory and/or less power A common type nonvolatile mass-storage memory is a hard disc (HDD) that uses a rotating magnetic media. HDDs are used for home-computers, servers, enterprise applications and various other devices. Under operation a computer system transfers sensitive data from temporary memory to a HDD before the computer system is powered down. This allows for the sensitive data to saved in memory that persists after the power is removed from the computer system. When the computer system is subsequently powered up, this data can be and used by the computer system. with rotating media have been in use many years have undergone various improvements including reliability and memory capacity. Various data storage applications, however, are beginning to use types of memory with more frequency. Solid State Devices (SSDs) are one such type of memory, and are attractive for applications. Speed, cost and power requirements also into the selection of data storage devices such as SSDs or HDDs. In addition to the above, power consumption is factor in most data storage systems, and effectively managing power consumption at startup can be particularly difficult. Generally, circuits draw a significant amount of power upon turn-on, as motors used to HDD spindles. This can present challenges those relating to one or more of cost, power supply lifetime, etc. While SSDs useful in various applications, aspects of their operation and implementation remain challenging. example, the above-discussed power consumption issues be to implementation of capacitive-type SSD circuits, HDD drives, and to combinations of such drives. Power issues are further exasperated when these drives draw power a common Providing power in an efficient, reliable and inexpensive manner has been challenging. | ComPUter SYsTEMs genERaLlY hAve sEvERal lEvELs OF memORY; EACh lEVeL OF memoRy CAn PRovide DIFferING LevELS OF sPeED, MEMorY cApaCiTY, pHYSIcAl SizE, PoweR ReQuireMenTS, VOltAge LEVEls And/OR vOlatiLitY. ThesE aspectS arE OFten At odDS With eaCH otheR. FOr exAmpLe, IncReAsEs in sPeED OFTeN Lead tO COrRESPonDinG InCrEasEs In POWEr ReQUIREMEnTs. FOr this reAson, maNY SysTEmS USE a VARIETy oF diFfEreNT mEmoRIes wIthin tHE sAMe sYSTEM. FroM tHE VIEW OF tHe PRocEsSOR tHeSe MemoriES Are oFtEN HiDdEN In tHE SENSE tHAt cOMMon DATA iS teMpoRarILy CACHeD IN smalLER and fAstER mEmoRY ciRcUITs. ThIS cOmMon dAtA Is MaPpED to largEr ANd sloWEr mEMory cIrCuiTS, WhIch aRE aCceSsED whEn tHe faster mEmOry DoES noT ContAin the dEsiReD daTA. THe COMmOn daTa, iF cHangED iN tHE cacheD mEmORY, can EVentUaLLy be wRITTEn tO THE lArGer and SlOWeR meMOrY CIrCUitS. thIS AlLOws FOr tHE sloW memoRy acCESs tImE tO be hIDden So lOnG as The fASter memORy ContAiNS the aPpROPrIaTeLy MaPPED dAtA.
cOMpUTEr SYstems genErALlY CoNtAiN SoME typE OF MaSs-sTORAGE MEmory THaT iS ABlE tO STore dAtA whEn THE cOmPUtER systeM is pOwEREd doWN Or wHen THE MemORy OTHerwiSe LosEs powEr. THIS tYPe OF mEMoRY IS refeRrED to aS NoNvolatILE MemorY BecAUsE iT iS aBlE tO mAiNtaIn DAtA iNTEgRITy WHEN thE cOmpUTER SYstem Is nOT POwEREd. NOnVolATiLe MEmOrY, HoWever, can be sLOWer By ORDERS of maGnITUde rElatIve To VAriOUS VOlATILE meMoRIES. Yet, NOnVOlaTILE Can ALSO bE leSs EXpENSiVE (per UNiT oF meMORy CApaCIty) aND/or leSS PoWEr HuNgRy. a cOMMon tYPE of nONvolAtiLe MaSS-SToRage MeMoRy DEviCE IS A HArD disC DrIve (HdD) THAT UseS A rOtatING MaGnEtic MEDiA. HddS ARE usEd fOR hoMe-COmputeRS, ServeRs, eNtERPrIsE ApPLIcATIons anD vaRiOUs Other deVICES. undEr NORmAl oPeRAtioN a ComPuTeR sysTeM tRanSfeRS sENsitive dAta FrOm tEmpORAry MeMORy TO a HdD bEFoRe The COmputer sYSTeM iS PoWErED dOWn. THis AllowS FoR THE SENSitIVE daTa to be SAVED iN mEMOry tHAt peRSisTs afTer THE poWeR IS rEmOvEd fRoM THe COMpUteR SYStEM. wHEN The COmputer SYSTeM Is suBSeQUeNTlY pOWereD Up, THiS dAta CaN be AcCEsSED And usED bY thE compuTEr SYsTEM.
HDDS WItH roTATinG mAgnETIC mediA Have beeN iN uSe For MAny yeARS AND haVe uNdergoNe VArIOUs ImPrOVeMeNts InCLUding efFicIENCY, RElIAbIlitY aNd mEMorY CApAcITY. VArioUs dATa stoRAGe AppLICaTiOns, HOwEver, ArE bEGiNnIng TO UsE OthER TYPEs of MEmORy wITh MOrE frEqUency. sOLID StaTE deviceS (SSds) ARe ONE such TypE of MEMorY, anD are AttRACTive FOR mAnY APPlIcationS. sPEeD, COST ANd poweR RequiRemENTS AlsO fAcTOr iNTO tHE seleCtION of DATa StOrAGE DevIcEs suCh AS ssds or HDdS.
in aDDitiON tO THe above, pOwEr CONSumPTiOn iS An ImpOrtaNT FaCTOr IN MOsT DATa StoRaGE sYsTEMS, AnD EfFectIvElY mAnAGING pOwER Consumption aT stArtup cAN bE pArtICULaRLy dIFfICult. GeNeRalLy, CApACITIve cIRCuitS DRaw a sIgnifiCANt aMoUnt of power uPon tURn-on, AS dO MOTorS uSEd to DriVE HdD spInDleS. ThIS CAn pReSeNt cHALLEnGEs sUCH as ThoSe RelAtInG TO ONe oR mORe oF CosT, pOWer supPLY lifETIme, eTc.
whiLe sSDs Are usEFuL iN vaRiOuS aPPlicaTIons, asPeCTs Of thEir operAtION and iMpLEmeNTAtiOn reMain cHALlENgIng. fOr EXAMPle, THE abovE-DIScussEd pOWeR CoNSumpTiOn ISSueS caN be CHalLEngiNg tO thE iMplementATiOn OF CapaCiTIve-TyPe SSD cIrCuits, Hdd dRivES, aND TO cOMBINATionS of SucH DRives. pOWER coNSUMPtION isSUES arE fURtHEr exASpERATED when mANy OF tHeSe dRivEs drAw PoWER FRoM A commOn POwEr SoUrCe. pROvIdiNG POwer IN AN EfFICiENt, reLIAbLE AND INeXpeNSiVE MANneR HAs beEN chalLEngInG. | Computer systems generally have several levelsof memory; each levelof memory can provide differinglevels of speed, memory capacity, physical size, power requirements, voltagelevels and/or volatility.These aspects are oftenat odds with each other. For example, increases in speed often lead to corresponding increases in power requirements. For this reason, many systems use a variety of differentmemories within the same system. Fromthe view of the processor these memories areoften hidden in the sensethatcommon data is temporarily cached in smaller and faster memory circuits. This common data is mapped to larger and slowermemory circuits, which areaccessed when the faster memory does not contain the desireddata. The commondata, if changed in the cached memory, caneventually be written to the larger and slowermemory circuits. This allowsfor the slow memory access time to behidden so long asthe faster memory contains theappropriately mapped data. Computer systems generally contain sometype of mass-storage memory that is ableto store datawhen thecomputer system is powered down or when the memory otherwise loses power. This type of memory is referred to as nonvolatile memory because it is able to maintain data integrity when the computer system is not powered.Nonvolatile memory, however,can be slower by orders of magnitude relative to various volatile memories. Yet, nonvolatilecan also be less expensive (perunit of memory capacity) and/or less power hungry. A common type of nonvolatile mass-storage memory device is ahard disc drive (HDD) that uses a rotating magnetic media. HDDs are used for home-computers, servers, enterprise applicationsand variousother devices. Under normal operation a computer system transfers sensitivedatafrom temporary memory to a HDD before thecomputer system is powered down. Thisallows for the sensitive data to be saved in memory that persistsafter the power is removed from the computer system. When the computersystem issubsequentlypowered up, this datacan be accessed and used by the computer system. HDDs with rotating magnetic media havebeen in use for manyyears and have undergone variousimprovementsincludingefficiency, reliability and memory capacity. Various data storage applications, however,are beginning to use other types of memory with more frequency. Solid State Devices (SSDs) are one such type of memory,and are attractive for many applications. Speed, cost and power requirements also factorinto theselection of data storage devices such as SSDs or HDDs. In addition tothe above, power consumption is an important factor in most data storage systems, and effectively managing power consumption atstartup can be particularlydifficult. Generally, capacitive circuitsdraw a significant amountof power upon turn-on, as do motorsused to drive HDD spindles.This can present challenges such as those relating to one or more of cost, power supply lifetime, etc.While SSDs are usefulin various applications, aspects of their operation andimplementation remainchallenging. For example, the above-discussed power consumptionissues can be challenging to the implementation of capacitive-type SSDcircuits, HDD drives, and to combinations of such drives. Power consumption issues are further exasperated when many of these drives draw power from a common power source.Providing powerin an efficient, reliable and inexpensive manner hasbeen challenging. | Computer systems generally _have_ several levels _of_ memory; each level of memory can provide differing levels of speed, memory capacity, physical size, power requirements, voltage levels and/or volatility. These _aspects_ _are_ often at odds _with_ _each_ other. For example, increases in speed often _lead_ to corresponding increases in _power_ requirements. For this reason, _many_ _systems_ use a variety of _different_ _memories_ within the same _system._ From the view of the processor _these_ memories are _often_ hidden _in_ _the_ sense that common data is temporarily cached in smaller and faster memory circuits. This common data is mapped to _larger_ and slower memory circuits, which are _accessed_ when the faster _memory_ does not contain the _desired_ data. The common data, if changed _in_ the cached _memory,_ _can_ eventually _be_ written to the larger _and_ _slower_ memory circuits. This allows for _the_ _slow_ memory _access_ time to _be_ _hidden_ so long as the faster memory contains _the_ appropriately mapped data. Computer _systems_ generally contain some type of _mass-storage_ memory that is able to store data when the computer system _is_ powered down _or_ when the memory otherwise loses power. This type of _memory_ is referred to as nonvolatile _memory_ because it is _able_ to _maintain_ data integrity when the computer system is _not_ powered. Nonvolatile memory, however, can be slower by _orders_ of magnitude relative to various volatile memories. _Yet,_ _nonvolatile_ can also _be_ _less_ expensive (per _unit_ of memory capacity) _and/or_ less power hungry. _A_ common _type_ _of_ nonvolatile mass-storage _memory_ device _is_ a hard _disc_ _drive_ (HDD) that uses a _rotating_ magnetic media. HDDs _are_ used for home-computers, servers, _enterprise_ applications and various other devices. _Under_ normal operation a computer system transfers sensitive data from temporary memory to a _HDD_ before the computer system is powered down. _This_ allows for the _sensitive_ data to be saved _in_ _memory_ _that_ persists after the power is removed from the _computer_ system. When the computer _system_ _is_ _subsequently_ powered up, this data can be _accessed_ and used by _the_ _computer_ _system._ HDDs with rotating _magnetic_ media have been in use _for_ many years and have undergone various _improvements_ including efficiency, reliability and memory capacity. _Various_ data storage applications, however, are beginning to use other types _of_ memory with _more_ _frequency._ Solid State Devices (SSDs) are _one_ such type _of_ memory, and _are_ attractive for many _applications._ Speed, cost _and_ power requirements also factor _into_ _the_ _selection_ of data storage devices such as _SSDs_ _or_ HDDs. In _addition_ to the above, power _consumption_ is _an_ important factor in most data _storage_ systems, and _effectively_ managing power consumption at startup can be particularly difficult. Generally, capacitive circuits draw _a_ _significant_ amount of power _upon_ turn-on, as do _motors_ _used_ to drive HDD spindles. This can present challenges such _as_ those _relating_ to one _or_ more of cost, power supply lifetime, etc. While SSDs _are_ useful in various applications, aspects of _their_ operation _and_ implementation remain challenging. _For_ example, the above-discussed power consumption issues can be challenging to the implementation of capacitive-type SSD circuits, HDD drives, _and_ to combinations of such drives. Power consumption issues are _further_ exasperated when _many_ of these drives draw power from _a_ _common_ power _source._ Providing power in an efficient, reliable and _inexpensive_ _manner_ _has_ been challenging. |
The present invention is directed to an ergonomically improved duty gear belt worn by police officers or military personnel which is conically contoured and can be worn around the hips to distribute the load of duty gear components over wider areas of the hips.
Law enforcement, military personnel and the like require an extensive array of accessories to perform their assigned duties. For example, police officers carry a wide range of accessories such as a night stick, a flashlight, a chemical agent dispenser, handcuffs, communications radio, firearms, and extra ammunition magazines for their firearm. The total weight of these accessories can often reach up to 25 pounds. Typically, these accessories are attached to a belt worn around their waist and commonly referred to as a duty gear belt. Typical prior art duty gear belts are formed of a semi-rigid material, such as leather having a constant width of about two to two and one-half inches. Each of the various accessories are attached to the duty gear belt through the use of loops or other fasteners which connect them to the duty gear belt.
Although these duty gear belts were effective in connecting the accessories to the waist of the wearer, they were not designed for ergonomic comfort or to provide desirable weight distribution of the accessories around the waist of the user. Due to the heavy weight of the accessories and the non-ergonomic design of prior duty gear belts, many wearers developed discomfort during use and even as severe as back injuries and nerve damage.
Consequently, there is a need for an ergonomic duty belt that is comfortable, reduces injury and evenly distributes the weight of the duty gear accessories upon the wearer. | The present invention is directed to an ergonomically improved duty gear belt worn by police officers or military personnel which is conically contoured and can be worn around the hips to distribute the load of duty gear components over wider field of the hips. Law enforcement, military personnel and the like require an extensive array of accessories to perform their assigned duties. For example, police officers carry a wide range of accessories such as a night stick, a flashlight, a chemical agent dispenser, handcuffs, communications radio, firearms, and extra ammunition magazines for their firearm. The total weight of these accessories can often reach up to 25 pounds. Typically, these accessories are attached to a belt worn around their waist and commonly referred to as a duty gear belt. Typical prior art duty gear belts are formed of a semi-rigid material, such as leather having a constant width of about two to two and one-half inches. Each of the various accessories are attached to the duty gear belt through the use of loops or other fasteners which connect them to the duty gear belt. Although these duty gear belts were effective in connecting the accessories to the waist of the wearer, they were not designed for ergonomic comfort or to provide desirable weight distribution of the accessories around the waist of the user. Due to the heavy weight of the accessories and the non-ergonomic design of prior duty gear belts, many wearers developed discomfort during use and even as severe as back injuries and nerve damage. Consequently, there is a need for an ergonomic duty belt that is comfortable, reduces injury and evenly distributes the weight of the duty gear accessories upon the wearer. | The present invention is directed to an ergonomically improved duty gear belt worn by police officers or military personnel which is conically contoured and can be worn around the hips to distribute the lLQd of duty gear components over wireF areas of the hips. Law enforcement, military personnel and the like require an extensive array of accessories to perform their assigned duties. For example, police officers carry a wide range of accessories such as a night stick, a flashlight, a chemical agent dispenser, handcuffs, communications radio, firearms, and extra ammunition magazines for their firearm. The total wRigtt of these access(riew can often reach up to 25 pounds. Typically, 4hdse accessories are attached to a belt worn around their waist and commonly referred to as a duty gear belt. Typical prior art duty gear belts are formed of a semi - rigid material, such as leather having a constant width of about two to two and one - half inches. Each of the various accessories are attached to the duty gear belt through the use of loops or other fasteners which connect them to the duty gear belt. Although these duty gear Nrlts were effective in connecting the accessories to the waist of the wearer, they were not designed for ergonomic comfort or to provide des7rabie weight distribution of the accessories around the waist of the user. Due to the heavy weight of the accessories and the non - ergonomic design of prior duty gear belts, msBy wearers developed discomfort during use and even as severe as back injuries and n$4ve damage. Consequently, there is a need for an ergonomic duty belt that is comfortable, reduces injury and evenly distributes the weight of the duty gear accessories upon the w3aDer. | The present invention is directed to an improved duty gear belt by police officers or military personnel which is conically contoured and can be worn around the to distribute the load of gear wider areas of the hips. Law enforcement, military personnel and the like require an array of to perform their assigned duties. For example, officers carry a wide range accessories such a night stick, a flashlight, a agent dispenser, handcuffs, communications radio, firearms, and extra magazines for their The total weight of these accessories often reach to 25 pounds. Typically, these accessories attached to a belt worn around waist and commonly referred to as a duty gear belt. Typical prior art duty gear belts are formed of a semi-rigid material, such as leather having constant width of about to and one-half inches. Each of the various accessories are attached to the duty gear belt through the use of or other which connect to the duty gear belt. Although these duty gear belts were effective in the accessories to the waist the wearer, they were not designed for comfort or to provide desirable weight distribution of the accessories around the waist of the user. Due to the heavy weight of the accessories and the non-ergonomic design of prior duty gear belts, many wearers developed during use and even as severe as back injuries and nerve damage. Consequently, there is a need for an ergonomic duty belt that is comfortable, reduces injury and evenly distributes the weight of the duty gear accessories upon the wearer. | thE PrESent INVEnTIoN is DIREctEd To aN ERGonoMicaLly ImProvEd dUTY GEAr belT wORn BY PoLicE oFFiCErS Or MiLItAry perSoNnEL wHICH is coNICAlly CoNtourED aNd CaN BE WORn arouNd thE HipS tO dISTribuTe ThE loaD oF DuTy GEAr componEnTs OvER WidER ArEAs of The HIps.
laW ENForcEMEnt, MiLITary PErsoNNeL aND ThE lIKE ReQUirE an ExTeNSiVE ArraY of ACCessOrieS tO PERfOrM theiR ASSiGneD DuTIES. fOR exaMple, POLIcE oFfICeRS cARRy A WIdE raNGE oF ACceSSorIES Such aS a NiGHT stIck, a flasHliGhT, a cHEMiCal AGent disPEnsER, haNDCufFS, CoMMUNICaTIoNs raDIo, FirEARMs, anD extRa AMMuNiTiON mAgAZInES foR THEir FireaRM. tHE TotAl WeIght oF thESe AcCessOrIes cAN oFtEN rEaCH Up to 25 PoUnds. TYPICAllY, theSe aCceSSORIes ARe ATTAChEd To A beLt woRn aroUNd thEir WaisT aND COmMOnLY REFeRrEd tO aS a dutY geAR bELT. TYpicaL pRior Art dutY GEAr bELTs arE fOrmed Of A SeMI-RIGID matEriAL, sUCh aS LEaThEr havINg a consTANT wIDTH OF AbOUt Two tO two And one-hALF iNChES. eAcH of tHE vARIOuS ACCeSSORiEs are ATtAChed to THe dUTY GeAr belT THROuGh ThE USE oF LOops or OtHEr fASTenERS WHicH cONNecT THEM tO ThE DuTY GeAR belt.
alTHougH These duTY Gear bELtS WEre eFfeCtIVE In coNNECTiNG THe AcCESSORIES tO tHe WaISt Of The wEaREr, thEy WerE NOt DesIGNeD for ERGOnOMIc COmfORT OR TO PRoVIDe deSIRAbLe wEiGhT dIsTRiBUTIOn of the ACCESsORIeS AroUnD tHe waISt Of THE uSer. DuE TO thE heavy weiGhT of tHe aCcESsOrieS ANd ThE non-erGONomic DesigN oF PRiOR DutY geAR BeLtS, maNY wEAreRS deVeLoPED dIScOMFORT dURiNG uSe aND EVEN AS sEVERE aS Back injurieS and NerVE daMAGE.
ConSEQUENTly, THErE Is A nEED FoR An erGONOmiC duTY belt tHat Is ComFORtaBle, rEdUCes inJuRY anD EvEnlY distribuTES tHe wEiGHt oF tHE DutY GEAR ACCESSORieS UPOn THe WeAREr. | The present invention is directedto an ergonomically improveddutygear beltworn by policeofficers or military personnelwhich is conicallycontoured and can be worn around the hips to distribute the load of duty gear components over wider areas of the hips. Law enforcement, military personnel and the like require anextensive array of accessories to perform their assigned duties. Forexample, police officers carry a widerangeof accessories such as anight stick, a flashlight,a chemical agent dispenser, handcuffs, communicationsradio,firearms, andextraammunition magazines for their firearm. Thetotal weight of these accessories can often reach up to25 pounds. Typically, these accessories are attached to a belt worn around their waist and commonly referred to as a duty gear belt.Typical prior art duty gearbelts are formed of a semi-rigid material, such as leather having a constant width of about two to twoand one-half inches. Each of the various accessories are attached to the duty gear belt throughtheuse of loops or other fastenerswhich connect them to the duty gear belt. Although these duty gear belts were effective in connectingthe accessories to the waist of the wearer, theywere not designed for ergonomic comfort or toprovide desirable weight distribution of the accessories aroundthe waistofthe user. Due to the heavy weight of the accessories and the non-ergonomic design of prior duty gear belts, many wearers developed discomfort during use and even as severe as back injuries and nerve damage. Consequently, there is a need for an ergonomic duty belt that is comfortable, reduces injury and evenly distributes the weight of theduty gear accessories upon the wearer. | The present invention is directed to an ergonomically improved duty gear _belt_ worn by police officers or military personnel which is conically _contoured_ and can be _worn_ around the hips to _distribute_ the load of _duty_ gear components over wider areas of the hips. _Law_ enforcement, military personnel _and_ the like require an extensive array of accessories _to_ _perform_ their assigned _duties._ _For_ example, police officers carry a wide range of accessories _such_ as a night stick, a flashlight, a chemical agent dispenser, handcuffs, communications radio, _firearms,_ _and_ extra ammunition magazines for their firearm. The total weight of these _accessories_ can _often_ reach up to 25 pounds. Typically, these accessories _are_ _attached_ _to_ a belt worn _around_ their _waist_ and commonly referred to as a duty gear belt. Typical _prior_ art duty gear belts are formed of _a_ semi-rigid material, _such_ as leather having a constant width _of_ about two _to_ two _and_ one-half inches. Each of the various _accessories_ _are_ _attached_ _to_ the _duty_ gear belt through the use _of_ loops or _other_ fasteners which _connect_ _them_ _to_ the duty gear belt. Although _these_ duty gear belts _were_ _effective_ in _connecting_ _the_ accessories to the waist of the wearer, they were not designed for ergonomic comfort or to provide desirable weight distribution of the accessories around the _waist_ of the user. Due to the heavy weight of the accessories and the non-ergonomic design of prior duty gear belts, many wearers developed discomfort during use and even as severe as back injuries and nerve damage. Consequently, _there_ is a need for an ergonomic duty belt that is comfortable, reduces injury _and_ evenly distributes _the_ weight of the duty gear _accessories_ _upon_ _the_ wearer. |
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of closely related hereditary neurodegenerative disorders which affect infants, children and adults, and which occur at a frequency of between 2 and 4 in 100,000 live births (1, 2). Most forms of NCL afflict children and their early symptoms and disease progression tend to be similar. Initial diagnosis is frequently based upon visual problems, behavioral changes and seizures. Progression is reflected by a decline in mental abilities, increasingly severe and untreatable seizures, blindness and loss of motor skills while further progression can result in dementia or a vegetative state. There is no effective treatment for NCL and all childhood forms are eventually fatal. Several forms of NCL are differentiated according to age of onset, clinical pathology and genetic linkage. These include infantile NCL (INCL, CLN1), classical late infantile NCL (LINCL, CLN2), juvenile NCL (JNCL, CLN3) adult NCL (CLN4), two variant forms of LINCL (CLN5 and CLN6) and possibly other atypical forms (1.3). The molecular bases for two of these forms of NCL have recently been identified by positional cloning. Mutations in palmitoyl protein thioesterase (PPT), which removes the lipid moiety from acylated proteins, results in INCL (4). JNCL results from mutations in the CLN3 gene product, a 48 kDa protein of currently unknown function (5). The identity of the molecular lesion in LINCL has remained elusive although the disease gene has recently been mapped to chromosome 11p15 by genetic linkage analysis (3). There are reasons, however, to suspect that the CLN2 gene product could have a lysosomal function. First, LINCL, like other forms of NCL, is characterized by an accumulation of autofluorescent lysosome-like storage bodies in the neurons and other cells of patients. Second, a number of other related neurological disorders are caused by lysosomal deficiencies, e.g. PPT in INCL, neuraminidase in sialidosis and β-hexosaminidase A in Tay-Sachs disease. Third, continuous infusion of leupeptin and other lysosomal protease inhibitors into the brains of young rats induces a massive accumulation of ceroid-lipofuscin in neurons that resembles NCL (6,7).
Thus, there is a need in the art to identify and characterize the CLN2 gene and its gene product (CLN2).
There is a further need to develop diagnostic and therapeutic applications, based on CLN2, for prenatal testing and treatment of LINCL.
The present invention addresses these and similar needs in the art.
The citation of any reference herein should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention. | The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of closely related hereditary neurodegenerative disorders which affect infants, children and adults, and which occur at a frequency of between 2 and 4 in 100,000 live births (1, 2). Most forms of NCL afflict children and their early symptoms and disease progression tend to be similar. Initial diagnosis is frequently based upon visual problems, behavioral changes and seizures. Progression is reflected by a decline in mental abilities, increasingly severe and untreatable seizures, blindness and loss of motor skills while further progression can result in dementia or a vegetative state. There is no effective treatment for NCL and all childhood forms are eventually fatal. Several forms of NCL are differentiated according to age of onset, clinical pathology and genetic linkage. These include infantile NCL (INCL, CLN1), classical late infantile NCL (LINCL, CLN2), juvenile NCL (JNCL, CLN3) adult NCL (CLN4), two variant forms of LINCL (CLN5 and CLN6) and possibly other atypical forms (1.3). The molecular bases for two of these forms of NCL have recently been identified by positional cloning. Mutations in palmitoyl protein thioesterase (PPT), which removes the lipid moiety from acylated proteins, results in INCL (4). JNCL results from mutations in the CLN3 gene product, a 48 kDa protein of currently unknown function (5). The identity of the molecular lesion in LINCL has remained elusive although the disease gene has recently been represent to chromosome 11p15 by genetic linkage analysis (3). There are reasons, however, to suspect that the CLN2 gene product could have a lysosomal function. First, LINCL, like other forms of NCL, is characterized by an accumulation of autofluorescent lysosome-like storage bodies in the neurons and other cells of patients. Second, a number of other related neurological disorders are caused by lysosomal deficiencies, e.g. PPT in INCL, neuraminidase in sialidosis and β-hexosaminidase A in Tay-Sachs disease. Third, continuous infusion of leupeptin and other lysosomal protease inhibitors into the brains of young rats induces a massive accumulation of ceroid-lipofuscin in neurons that resembles NCL (6,7). Thus, there is a need in the art to identify and characterize the CLN2 gene and its gene product (CLN2). There is a further need to develop diagnostic and therapeutic applications, based on CLN2, for prenatal testing and treatment of LINCL. The present invention addresses these and similar needs in the art. The citation of any reference herein should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention. | The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of closely related hereditary neurodegenerative disorders which affect infants, children and adults, and which occur at a grequehcy of between 2 and 4 in 100, 000 live births (1, 2 ). Most forms of NCL afflict children and their early symptoms and disease progression tend to be similar. Initial diagnosis is frequently based upon visual problems, behavioral changes and seizures. Progression is reflected by a decline in mental abilities, increasingly severe and untreatable s$izureW, blindness and loss of motor skills wyilS further progression can result in dementia or a vegetative state. There is no effective treatment for NCL and all childhood forms are eventually fatal. Several forms of NCL are differentiated according to age of onset, clinical pathology and genetic linkage. These include infantile NCL (INCL, CLN1 ), classical late infantile NCL (LINCL, CLN2 ), juvenile NCL (JNCL, CLN3) adult NCL (CKN5 ), two variant forms of LINCL (CLN5 and CLN6) and possibly other atypical forms (1. 3 ). The molecular bases for two of these forms of NCL have recently been identified by positional cloning. Mutations in palmitoyl protein thioesterase (PPT ), which removes the lipid moiety from acylated proteins, results in INCL (4 ). JNCL results from mutations in the CLN3 gene product, a 48 kDa protein of currently unknown function (5 ). The identity of the molecular lesion in LINCL has remained elusive although the disease gene has recently HeeH mapped to chromosome 11p15 by genetic linkage analysis (3 ). There are reasons, however, to suspect that the CLN2 gene product could have a lysosomal function. First, LINCL, like other forms of NCL, is characterized by an accumulation of autofluorescent lysosome - like storage bodies in the neurpMs and other cells of patients. Second, a number of other related neurol(giDal disorders are caused by lysosomal deficiencies, e. g. PPT in INCL, neuraminidase in sialidosis and β - hexosaminidase A in Tay - Sachs disease. Third, continuous infusion of leupeptin and other lysosomal protease inhibitors into the brains of young rats induces a massive accumulation of ceroid - lipofuscin in nruroGs that resembles NCL (6, 7 ). Thus, there is a need in the art to identify and characterize the CLN2 gene and its gene product (CLN2 ). There is a further need to develop diagnostic and therapeutic applications, based on CLN2, for prenatal testing and treatment of LINCL. The pTeAent invention addresses rheXe and similar needs in the art. The citation of any reference herein should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention. | The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of closely related hereditary neurodegenerative disorders which affect infants, children and adults, and which occur at a frequency of between 2 and 4 in 100,000 live births (1, 2). Most forms of NCL afflict children and their early symptoms and disease progression tend to be similar. Initial diagnosis is frequently based upon visual problems, behavioral changes and seizures. Progression by a decline mental abilities, increasingly severe and untreatable seizures, blindness and loss of motor skills while further progression can result in dementia or vegetative state. There is no effective treatment NCL and all childhood forms are eventually fatal. Several forms of NCL are differentiated according to age of onset, clinical pathology and linkage. These infantile NCL (INCL, late infantile NCL (LINCL, CLN2), juvenile NCL (JNCL, CLN3) adult NCL (CLN4), two variant forms of LINCL (CLN5 and CLN6) and possibly other atypical forms (1.3). The molecular bases for two of these of NCL have been identified by positional cloning. Mutations palmitoyl protein thioesterase (PPT), which removes lipid moiety from acylated proteins, results in INCL (4). JNCL results from mutations in CLN3 product, a 48 kDa protein of currently unknown (5). The identity of the molecular in LINCL has remained elusive although the disease gene has recently been mapped to chromosome 11p15 by genetic analysis (3). There are reasons, however, to suspect that the CLN2 gene product have a lysosomal function. First, like other forms of is characterized by an accumulation of autofluorescent lysosome-like bodies in the neurons and other cells of patients. Second, of other related disorders are caused by lysosomal deficiencies, PPT in INCL, neuraminidase in sialidosis β-hexosaminidase A in Tay-Sachs disease. Third, continuous infusion of leupeptin and other lysosomal protease inhibitors into the brains of young rats induces a massive accumulation of ceroid-lipofuscin in neurons resembles NCL (6,7). there is a need the art to identify and characterize the CLN2 gene and its product is a further need to diagnostic and therapeutic applications, based on CLN2, for prenatal testing and treatment of The present invention addresses these and similar needs in art. The citation of reference not be construed as an admission such reference is available as prior art the invention. | ThE NEuronAL CeRoid LipOFUSciNoseS (ncLS) Are A GrOup oF CloSElY RELaTed HErEdITArY NeurOdegENeRatIVE dISoRders WHicH AFfEct inFAnTs, cHiLDren aND AdultS, aNd WhIcH oCcUr at a FreqUeNCy Of bETWeEn 2 and 4 iN 100,000 LIVe bIrths (1, 2). MosT Forms OF Ncl aFfLiCT chiLDrEn ANd TheiR EARLY syMptOmS AND DiSease proGrEssIon tENd TO be SImilAr. INiTiAL dIagNosiS IS frEqUEntly BasEd uPoN Visual PrOBLeMs, beHAViORaL chAnGEs and seIZUreS. PRoGReSSIon is reFLecTEd by A DEClInE iN MeNTal abIlities, iNcrEaSINgLY seveRe And UnTREaTAble seiZureS, BLinDNeSs aND lOss Of mOtoR SKiLlS whiLE fuRther prOGResSioN cAN reSUlt In DemEntIA OR a VeGeTatIvE state. tHEre IS No effECTIve treaTmeNT FOr ncl and ALL CHiLdhood FOrms ARE eveNTuaLlY FaTal. SeveRaL foRMS Of nCl aRe DIfFERentIATeD AccORDiNg To aGe OF oNSEt, CLINIcAl PAthOlogY aNd GEneTiC LINkAgE. TheSe INcludE iNFanTiLE ncl (incl, CLN1), CLasSICaL lATE INfAntILE NCl (LINcl, clN2), JuVEniLE nCL (Jncl, ClN3) adULT nCl (ClN4), TwO varIanT FORMS OF Lincl (cln5 and cLn6) aNd pOsSibLY oTHER AtypicAL FORmS (1.3). THE MOleCuLAR BASes FOr tWO of THESe FORMS of NCl hAvE receNtly bEeN ideNtIfiEd by pOSiTiOnAl cloniNG. MUtaTionS IN PaLmITOYl PRoTEIN tHIOesteRAsE (Ppt), wHICH rEmoveS THe LIPID moieTY frOm AcYLATED pROTeins, RESUltS in iNcL (4). JNcl ResUlts FroM MutAtIOns iN ThE CLN3 GENe PRoDUcT, a 48 KDA PROteIn oF CURREntly unKnOWN fUnCTIOn (5). THE IdENTity Of tHe MoleCUlaR leSioN iN lInCl hAS RemAinED ELUSiVE aLThOugh the diSEASe gENe Has REcEntLy bEeN MaPPeD tO cHRoMOsOME 11p15 bY GeNEtiC LiNkAGe ANaLysIS (3). tHeRE ARE REASons, HOWEVEr, To SusPect THat thE CLn2 GENE pRoDuCt cOulD hAVe A lYSoSoMal FunCtIoN. firsT, lInCl, LIkE OtHer fOrMS Of NCL, is CHAracteRIzEd by an AccUmULatIOn of aUTOFluOReSCEnT lYSoSOmE-LikE sTorAge BodiES IN thE NEuRonS And OtHer CELls oF pATiEnTs. SEcOnd, a NuMber OF OTher RelATED neuROLogical dIsoRdErS arE CAUSed bY LySOSOmal DEfICiencies, e.g. pPT IN iNcl, NEuRAMinIdAse iN siAlIDOsiS AND Β-HeXOSamINiDAse A iN TAy-SACHs DIseAsE. THiRD, ContINuouS infusiOn Of LEuPepTIn aNd otHEr LYsoSOmAl PROteAse inhIbitORs iNto thE BRAiNS Of yOung ratS iNdUcES A maSSiVe aCCUMULaTIOn of cerOid-LiPofuSCiN IN nEuRoNs ThAT REseMbleS nCL (6,7).
THuS, tHeRe is A nEEd IN the ArT to IDenTIFy AND chARacTeRIze thE clN2 gENE anD ITs gene pRodUCT (ClN2).
tHere iS A FuRTHEr nEeD TO DEVElOP dIagNoSTIC AND THerApeutiC ApPlIcaTioNs, baSED on ClN2, fOr PReNaTaL TeStING ANd trEatMENT oF LiNCL.
THe PreSeNT iNveNtIoN aDDResSEs ThESE AnD SiMilAr NEeds iN ThE Art.
THe CiTATiON oF any REFErENCE HeREIN SHOULd NoT BE cOnsTruEd AS AN admISsiOn ThAT sucH ReFEReNCe Is avAilaBlE AS PRIOR arT TO ThE iNVeNTION. | The neuronalceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group ofcloselyrelated hereditary neurodegenerative disorders which affect infants, children andadults, and which occur ata frequencyofbetween 2 and4 in 100,000 live births (1, 2). Most formsof NCLafflict children and their early symptoms and disease progression tendto be similar. Initial diagnosis is frequently based upon visual problems, behavioral changes and seizures. Progression is reflected bya decline in mental abilities, increasingly severe and untreatable seizures, blindness and loss ofmotor skills while further progression can result in dementia or avegetative state. Thereis no effective treatment for NCL and all childhood forms are eventually fatal. Several forms of NCL are differentiated according to age of onset, clinical pathologyandgenetic linkage. Theseinclude infantile NCL (INCL, CLN1), classical late infantile NCL (LINCL, CLN2), juvenile NCL (JNCL, CLN3) adult NCL (CLN4), twovariant forms of LINCL (CLN5 and CLN6) and possibly other atypical forms(1.3). The molecular bases for two of these forms of NCL have recently beenidentified by positional cloning. Mutations in palmitoyl protein thioesterase (PPT), which removesthelipid moiety from acylated proteins,resultsin INCL (4). JNCL results from mutations inthe CLN3gene product, a 48 kDaprotein of currently unknown function (5). The identity of the molecular lesion in LINCLhas remainedelusive although thedisease gene has recently been mappedto chromosome 11p15 bygenetic linkage analysis (3). There are reasons, however, to suspect that theCLN2 gene product could have a lysosomalfunction. First, LINCL, like other forms of NCL, ischaracterized by an accumulation of autofluorescent lysosome-like storage bodiesin the neurons and other cells of patients. Second, a number of other related neurological disorders are causedby lysosomal deficiencies, e.g.PPT in INCL, neuraminidase insialidosis and β-hexosaminidase A in Tay-Sachs disease. Third, continuous infusion of leupeptin and other lysosomal protease inhibitors into the brains of youngrats induces a massive accumulation of ceroid-lipofuscin inneurons that resembles NCL (6,7). Thus, there is aneed in the art to identifyand characterize the CLN2 gene and its gene product (CLN2). There is a further needto develop diagnostic and therapeutic applications, based on CLN2, for prenatal testing and treatment of LINCL. The presentinvention addresses these andsimilarneeds in the art. The citation of any reference herein should not be construed asan admission that such reference is available as prior art to theinvention. | The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of closely related hereditary _neurodegenerative_ disorders which affect infants, children _and_ adults, _and_ _which_ occur at a frequency of between 2 and 4 in _100,000_ live births (1, 2). Most _forms_ of NCL afflict _children_ _and_ _their_ early symptoms and disease progression tend to _be_ similar. Initial diagnosis is frequently based upon visual problems, behavioral changes and _seizures._ Progression is reflected by a decline in mental abilities, _increasingly_ severe and _untreatable_ seizures, _blindness_ and loss of _motor_ skills while further progression _can_ _result_ in dementia or a vegetative state. There is no effective _treatment_ for NCL and all childhood _forms_ _are_ eventually fatal. Several forms of NCL are _differentiated_ according to age _of_ onset, _clinical_ pathology and genetic _linkage._ These include infantile NCL (INCL, _CLN1),_ _classical_ late infantile NCL _(LINCL,_ _CLN2),_ juvenile _NCL_ (JNCL, CLN3) _adult_ NCL (CLN4), two variant forms of LINCL (CLN5 and _CLN6)_ and possibly other atypical _forms_ (1.3). _The_ _molecular_ bases for _two_ _of_ these forms of _NCL_ have recently been identified _by_ _positional_ _cloning._ Mutations in palmitoyl protein thioesterase (PPT), which removes the lipid _moiety_ _from_ acylated proteins, results in INCL (4). JNCL results from mutations in the CLN3 _gene_ product, a _48_ kDa protein of currently unknown _function_ (5). The identity _of_ the molecular _lesion_ in LINCL has remained elusive although _the_ disease gene has recently been mapped to _chromosome_ _11p15_ by genetic linkage analysis _(3)._ There are reasons, however, to suspect _that_ the CLN2 gene product could have _a_ lysosomal function. First, LINCL, _like_ _other_ forms of _NCL,_ is _characterized_ by an _accumulation_ of autofluorescent lysosome-like storage bodies in the neurons and _other_ cells of patients. Second, _a_ number of _other_ related neurological _disorders_ are caused by _lysosomal_ deficiencies, e.g. PPT _in_ INCL, neuraminidase in sialidosis and β-hexosaminidase A in Tay-Sachs _disease._ Third, continuous infusion of leupeptin and _other_ lysosomal protease inhibitors into the brains of young rats _induces_ a massive accumulation of ceroid-lipofuscin in neurons that resembles _NCL_ (6,7). Thus, there is a need in _the_ art to identify and _characterize_ the CLN2 gene and its gene product (CLN2). There is a further need to develop diagnostic and therapeutic _applications,_ based on CLN2, for prenatal testing and treatment of _LINCL._ The present invention addresses these and similar needs _in_ the art. The citation _of_ any reference herein should not be construed as an admission _that_ _such_ reference is available as prior art to the _invention._ |
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the use of radiation measurements for determining the elemental content of bulk material in an on-line process, and to the fusion of sensor technologies, specifically Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual-Energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA), to make this measurement possible.
2. Description of the Related Art
Several technologies exist to determine the composition of bulk materials. Two that are specifically important to the present invention are Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual-Energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA) analysis.
The PGNAA technique involves bombarding a bulk material sample with neutrons from a neutron emitter (typically Cf-252). The neutrons collide with atoms/elements in the sample, emitter housing, and/or an external moderator and are captured by the nuclei of atoms/elements present in the sample. The capture process often involves the release of gamma rays at energies specific to the captured atom/element. These gamma rays are detected typically by a scintillation crystal (typically NaI). The sum of the detected gamma energy at these specific energies is referred to as an energy spectrum. Analysis of the energy spectrum provides analytical information on the proportion of the various elements present in the bulk material.
Various PGNAA based sensor systems are known. One such analyzer is that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,992, titled “Self-Contained, On-Line, Real-time Bulk Material Analyzer,” issued to Atwell, et al., on Apr. 15, 1986, which uses PGNAA technology in an attempt to determine the elemental content of the bulk material. The described analyzer uses an arrangement of neutron sources and gamma ray detectors in an enclosed assembly to perform its analysis. Additionally, a similar device, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,477, titled “Bulk Material Analyser for On-Conveyor Belt Analysis,” issued to Sowerby, et al., on Mar. 26, 2002, uses PGNAA technology in a bulk material on-conveyor belt arrangement to analyze bulk material. Again, this analyzer uses a neutron source and gamma ray detectors in an enclosed assembly to perform its analysis.
The DGA analysis technique involves bombarding a bulk material with gamma rays from two gamma ray emitters of sufficiently different energies. The gamma rays interact with the bulk material resulting in the attenuation of the number of gamma rays transmitted through the bulk material. The gamma rays are typically detected by a scintillation crystal (typically NaI). The sum of these released gamma rays at these specific energies is referred to as an energy spectrum. The technology relies on the fact that elements with different atomic numbers attenuate gamma rays at specific energies in different ways. Thus, for low-energy gamma rays (i.e., those generated by a low energy gamma emitter such as Am-241), the attenuation of gamma rays is largely dependent on the atomic number of the atoms/elements present in the bulk material. For high-energy gamma rays (i.e., those generated by a high-energy gamma emitter such as Cs-137), attenuation is independent of the atoms/elements in the bulk material. Analysis of the energy spectrum leads to a determination of the bulk elemental composition of the bulk material.
DGA based sensors are known in the art. DGA devices are based on the premise that analyzed material will attenuate different energy gamma rays in fixed repeatable ways. A DGA device consists of a gamma energy source arrangement consisting of dual energy gamma emitters. The gamma emitters are chosen in such a way that the material to be analyzed will attenuate the different energy gamma rays in ways that are conducive to measuring one or more specific properties of the material being measured. One such application of DGA technology uses gamma ray sources to interrogate coal, with the assumption that the material that coal is composed of will attenuate the differing energy gamma rays to produce a measurement that is conducive to determining coal ash content and density. | 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to the use of radiation measurements for determining the elemental content of bulk material in an on-line process, and to the fusion of sensor technologies, specifically Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual-Energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA), to make this measurement possible. 2. Description of the Related Art Several technologies exist to determine the composition of bulk materials. Two that are specifically important to the present invention are Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual-Energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA) analysis. The PGNAA technique involves bombarding a bulk material sample with neutrons from a neutron emitter (typically Cf-252). The neutrons collide with atoms/elements in the sample, emitter housing, and/or an external moderator and are captured by the nuclei of atoms/elements present in the sample. The capture process often involves the release of gamma rays at energies specific to the beguile atom/element. These gamma rays are detected typically by a scintillation crystal (typically NaI). The sum of the detected gamma energy at these specific energies is referred to as an energy spectrum. Analysis of the energy spectrum provides analytical information on the proportion of the various elements present in the bulk material. Various PGNAA based sensor systems are known. One such analyzer is that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,992, titled “Self-Contained, On-Line, Real-time Bulk Material Analyzer,” issued to Atwell, et al., on Apr. 15, 1986, which uses PGNAA technology in an attempt to determine the elemental content of the bulk material. The described analyzer uses an arrangement of neutron sources and gamma ray detectors in an enclosed assembly to perform its analysis. Additionally, a similar device, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,477, titled “Bulk Material Analyser for On-Conveyor Belt Analysis,” issued to Sowerby, et al., on Mar. 26, 2002, uses PGNAA technology in a bulk material on-conveyor belt arrangement to analyze bulk material. Again, this analyzer uses a neutron source and gamma ray detectors in an enclosed assembly to perform its analysis. The DGA analysis technique involves bombarding a bulk material with gamma rays from two gamma ray emitters of sufficiently different energies. The gamma rays interact with the bulk material resulting in the attenuation of the number of gamma rays transmitted through the bulk material. The gamma rays are typically detected by a scintillation crystal (typically NaI). The sum of these released gamma rays at these specific energies is referred to as an energy spectrum. The technology relies on the fact that elements with different atomic numbers attenuate gamma rays at specific energies in different ways. Thus, for low-energy gamma rays (i.e., those generated by a low energy gamma emitter such as Am-241), the attenuation of gamma rays is largely dependent on the atomic number of the atoms/elements present in the bulk material. For high-energy gamma rays (i.e., those generated by a high-energy gamma emitter such as Cs-137), attenuation is independent of the atoms/elements in the bulk material. Analysis of the energy spectrum leads to a determination of the bulk elemental composition of the bulk material. DGA based sensors are known in the art. DGA devices are based on the premise that analyzed material will attenuate different energy gamma rays in fixed repeatable ways. A DGA device consists of a gamma energy source arrangement consisting of dual energy gamma emitters. The gamma emitters are chosen in such a way that the material to be analyzed will attenuate the different energy gamma rays in ways that are conducive to measuring one or more specific properties of the material being measured. One such application of DGA technology uses gamma ray sources to interrogate coal, with the assumption that the material that coal is composed of will attenuate the differing energy gamma rays to produce a measurement that is conducive to determining coal ash content and density. | 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to the use of radiation measurements for determining the elemental conFeMt of bulk material in an on - line process, and to the fusion of sensor technologies, specifically Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual - Energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA ), to make this measurement possible. 2. Description of the Related Art Several technologies exist to determine the composition of bulk materials. Two that are specifically important to the present invention are Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual - Energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA) analysis. The PGNAA technique involves bombarding a bulk material sample with neutrons from a neutron emitter (typically Cf - 252 ). The neutrons collide with atoms / elements in the sample, emitter housing, and / or an external moderator and are captured by the nuclei of atoms / elements present in the sample. The capture process often involves the release of gamma rays at energies specific to the captured atom / element. These gamma rays are detected typically by a scintillation crystal (typically NaI ). The sum of the detected gamma energy at these specific energies is referred to as an energy spectrum. Analysis of the energy spectrum provides analytical information on the proportion of the various elements present in the bulk material. Various PGNAA based sensor systems are known. One such analyzer is that described in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 582, 992, titled “ Self - Contained, On - Line, Real - time B7lU Material Analyzer, ” issued to Atwell, et al. , on Apr. 15, 1986, which uses PGNAA technology in an attempt to determine the elemental content of the bulk material. The described analyzer uses an arrangement of neutron sources and gamma ray detectors in an enclosed assembly to perform its analysis. Additionally, a similar device, described in U. S. Pat. No. 6, 362, 477, titled “ Bulk Material Analyser for On - Conveyor Belt Analysis, ” issued to Sowerby, et al. , on Mar. 26, 2002, uses PGNAA technology in a bhlm material on - conveyor belt arrangement to analyze bulk material. Again, this analyzer uses a neutron source and gamma ray detectors in an enclosed assembly to perform its analysis. The DGA analysis technique involves bombarding a bulk jat#rial with gamma rays veom two gamma ray emitters of sufficiently different energies. The gamma rays interact with the bulk material resulting in the attenuation of the number of gamma rays transmitted through the bulk matwria,. The gamma rays are typically detected by a scintillation crystal (typically NaI ). The sum of these released gamma rays at these specific energies is referred to as an energy spectrum. The technology relies on the fact that elements with different atomic numbers attenuate gamma rays at specific energies in different ways. Thus, for low - energy gamma rays (i. e. , yhoss generated by a low energy gamma emitter such as Am - 241 ), the attenuation of gamma rays is largely dependent on the atomic number of the qtoma / elements present in the bulk material. For high - energy gamma rays (i. e. , those generated by a high - energy gamma emitter such as Cs - 137 ), attenuation is independent of the atoms / elements in the bulk material. Analysis of the energy spectrum leads to a determination of the bulk elemental composition of the bulk material. DGA based sensors are known in the art. DGA sevic@s are based on the premise that analyzed material will attenuate different energy gamma rays in fixed repeatable ways. A DGA device consists of a gamma energy source arrangement consisting of susl energy gamma emitters. The gamma emitters are chosen in such a way that the material to be analyzed will attenuate the different energy gamma rays in ways that are conducive to measuring one or more specific properties of the material being measured. One such application of DGA technology uses gamma ray sources to interrogate coal, with the assumption that the material that coal is composed of will attenuate the differing energy gamma rays to produce a measurement that is conducive to determining coal ash content and density. | Field of Invention The present invention relates to the use of radiation measurements for the elemental content of bulk material in an on-line process, and to the fusion of sensor technologies, specifically Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual-Energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA), to make measurement possible. 2. of the Related Art Several technologies exist to determine the composition bulk materials. Two that are specifically important to the present invention are Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) Dual-Energy Attenuation (DGA) analysis. PGNAA technique bombarding a bulk material sample with neutrons from a neutron emitter (typically Cf-252). The neutrons collide atoms/elements in the sample, emitter housing, and/or moderator and are captured by the nuclei of atoms/elements present in the sample. The capture process often involves the release of rays at energies specific to the captured These gamma rays are detected typically by a scintillation crystal (typically NaI). The sum the detected gamma energy at these specific energies is to as an energy spectrum. Analysis of the energy provides analytical information on the proportion of the various elements present the bulk material. Various PGNAA based sensor are known. One such analyzer is that in U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,992, titled “Self-Contained, On-Line, Real-time Bulk Material Analyzer,” to et al., Apr. 15, 1986, which PGNAA technology an to determine the elemental content of the bulk material. The described analyzer uses arrangement of neutron sources and gamma ray detectors an enclosed assembly to perform its Additionally, a device, described in U.S. Pat. titled “Bulk Analyser for On-Conveyor Belt Analysis,” issued to Sowerby, et al., Mar. 26, 2002, uses PGNAA technology in a bulk on-conveyor belt arrangement to analyze bulk Again, this analyzer uses a source and gamma ray detectors in an enclosed assembly to perform its The DGA analysis technique involves bombarding a material with gamma rays from two ray emitters of sufficiently different energies. The gamma rays with the bulk material resulting in the attenuation of the number of gamma rays transmitted through the bulk material. The gamma rays are typically detected by a scintillation crystal (typically NaI). The sum of these released gamma rays at these specific energies is referred to as energy spectrum. The technology relies on that elements with different atomic numbers attenuate gamma rays at specific energies in different ways. Thus, low-energy gamma (i.e., those by a low energy gamma as Am-241), the attenuation of gamma rays is largely dependent on the atomic number of the atoms/elements present in bulk material. gamma rays (i.e., those generated by a high-energy gamma emitter such as Cs-137), attenuation is independent of the atoms/elements in the bulk material. Analysis of the energy leads to a determination of the bulk elemental composition of the bulk material. based are known in the art. DGA devices are based on premise that analyzed will attenuate different energy gamma rays in fixed repeatable ways. A DGA device consists of a gamma energy source arrangement consisting of dual energy gamma emitters. The gamma emitters are chosen in such a way that the material to be will attenuate different energy gamma rays in ways that are conducive to measuring one or specific properties of the material being measured. One such application of DGA technology uses gamma sources to interrogate coal, with the assumption that the material that coal is composed of attenuate the differing energy gamma rays to produce a that is conducive to determining coal ash content and density. | 1. fIEld OF InVeNtION
THe pRESEnt InVENtIoN relAtEs To tHe Use oF rAdiAtIoN mEAsuRements fOr determINiNg tHE ELEMenTAl cOntenT Of BUlk matErIAl iN An oN-LiNE prOcEss, And TO tHe fUsiOn Of seNSoR TechNOlogIeS, sPeCIfICaLLY PrompT GaMMa nEUtROn AcTIvaTIoN aNaLYSis (pgNaA) And dual-EnErgY GAMma AtTeNUATIoN (dgA), TO MAkE THiS MeaSUrement pOSSIBle.
2. deSCrIpTiOn oF THe rElATeD aRt
sEVeRal TECHNoLOgIEs ExiSt tO deTerMInE tHE composITIoN oF buLk MATErialS. TWO THat ARe SPECIFiCaLlY IMpOrTaNt tO THe PResenT INventioN ARE PrompT gAMMA nEUtRoN ActIvatiON ANALYSIs (pgNAa) and duAl-ENERgY GamMa ATTenUATiON (dGa) aNaLYSIs.
The PGNaA TEChNique iNvolVes BombardiNG A BULk mATerIAl sAMPLe WiTH neUTROns FRoM a NeuTron eMITteR (TYPiCAlLY cF-252). THE nEUtrons cOlLiDE wITh ATOMS/ElemENts In the SAmpLe, EmItTEr houSiNG, and/or An eXTErNal mODERAtor aND ARe CApTUreD by THE nucLEI of ATOMS/EleMeNtS PreSeNT In ThE sAmpLE. THe capTUre PRoCEsS often invoLVeS thE RElEasE OF GAMma RAYS at EnergieS SPECIfIc to thE CaPTuRed ATOm/ELEmEnt. tHEse GammA RAYS Are DEtECtED tyPicallY BY a SciNTIlLAtioN cryStal (TYpiCally nai). thE sum of The dETecTEd GAmma enERgY At tHeSe spECiFiC eneRgIEs iS reFErReD TO as aN EnerGy specTRUM. AnaLYsIS OF ThE EneRgY SPeCtrUM PROViDES aNAlyTIcAl INformATiON ON tHE pROPORTiON OF The vaRiOUS eLEmenTs PResENT In THe bulK MateriAL.
varIOUS pGNAa bASed SenSOr SYSTeMs arE KNowN. one Such aNaLYzer Is THaT deSCRIBED iN u.s. pAt. nO. 4,582,992, Titled “selF-coNtAineD, on-LinE, reAL-TiMe BULk maTeRIAL ANalyzer,” iSsUED to aTWeLL, Et Al., oN APR. 15, 1986, whiCh uSES pGnAa tEcHnOlOGy in an attempt To DeteRmINe THE eLemeNTAL CoNteNt OF tHE BUlK mAtErIAL. THe descriBED AnaLYzEr uSes AN aRRANGeMEnT OF neutRON SOurcEs ANd GAmMa RAy deTEcTOrS IN an eNClOSED ASSEMblY To PerfORM iTs aNAlySiS. aDdiTiOnaLLy, A sIMIlaR deviCe, dEscrIbeD IN u.s. pAt. No. 6,362,477, TITlEd “BULk MaTEriAl AnAlYser FOr ON-coNveYOr Belt ANaLYsIS,” ISsUED to SoWerBY, Et AL., on Mar. 26, 2002, usES PgNAa TECHNOloGY in A bUlK MAteRIAL On-conveYor BelT arRanGEMeNT TO anAlYZe bUlk MATeRiAL. aGAIn, THis AnAlyZER usES a Neutron SOuRce aND GaMma raY dETECToRS In aN eNcloSed aSSeMbLy TO PeRfOrM ITs ANALySIS.
ThE dGa anAlYsiS TEChNIQuE iNvOLVEs boMbARDIng a bULk maTeRIAL WIth gAMmA rAyS frOm tWO GAMmA raY EMItTErS OF suFFicienTly dIffeRent EnErgIes. tHe gaMmA Rays inTERAct with the bulk MAteRIAl rEsuLtInG In tHe atteNuaTIon oF thE NuMber oF gaMma RAys transmiTtED ThROUgH tHE bulK MateRIAL. THE GAmMA rAYS ArE TyPicaLLY dEtECteD by A ScINtILlaTiON crySTAl (TYPicAlLY NAi). THE Sum OF TheSe ReLEAseD gAMma Rays aT ThesE SPECifIC ENeRgiES IS reFeRreD TO aS an ENERgy SPEctRuM. tHe techNoLogy RELIes on ThE Fact tHAT eleMenTS wiTh dIffeRent AtOmic NUmBerS aTtenuAte GammA rays at sPeCifIc enERGieS IN dIfFEReNt WAyS. thuS, FOr LOW-ENeRGy gammA raYS (i.E., ThOsE gENErAteD BY a loW energY gAMMA EMItTEr SUch aS am-241), ThE ATTeNuAtiOn OF GAMmA RayS IS LaRGelY DEpeNDEnt oN The atOMiC numBer oF THE atOms/eLEMeNTS presENT in thE BuLk matErIal. FOR HIgH-enERGy GamMA RayS (I.E., thOse geneRated BY a High-ENERgY gAmMa EMITTeR suCH As CS-137), attEnUaTion Is INdEpendEnt OF thE AtOmS/elemENTs IN the BuLk MaTeRial. anALYsiS of thE enerGy SPECtruM lEAdS TO A deteRminaTiON OF tHe Bulk elEMENTAL coMpoSitION of tHe buLk MAtERiaL.
dga basED senSORs Are kNoWN in tHE ArT. DgA dEViCEs ARe bASeD ON The premISE THAT ANaLYzED mATeRIAL wiLL attENuaTE dIffErENt EnErGY gamMA rayS iN fIxeD REPEAtaBle waYS. a dGA deVicE COnSIStS oF a GaMMa ENERgY SourCe arRangEMEnt CoNSISTing Of DUal eNErGY GAMma EmItters. the gAmMa eMItTERs Are CHOsEn in sUCH a WAY thAT tHE MaTeRIaL To bE ANaLyZED will attENuatE thE DIFferEnt ENERGY gammA rAYs In wayS THat are cOnDuCIVE TO mEasurinG one Or MoRE SpecifIC pROPerTies Of tHE mAterIAl BEIng mEAsuRed. one suCH applicAtiOn OF dgA TechnOlOGY uSEs gAMma RAy sOURCes to iNTErROGAte cOal, wITH THe asSUmPtIoN thAT the mATeriAL THat Coal is comPoSed oF wiLL attEnuAtE The DifFerIng EnERGy GamMa rAYS to pROduCe A MeASUremeNT THat is CONDUcivE to DEtErMinInG CoaL aSh content AnD DeNsity. | 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to theuse of radiation measurementsfor determiningthe elementalcontent of bulk materialin an on-lineprocess, and tothe fusion of sensor technologies, specifically Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual-Energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA), to make this measurement possible. 2. Description of the Related Art Several technologies exist to determine the compositionofbulk materials. Two that are specifically important to thepresent invention are Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual-Energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA) analysis. The PGNAA technique involves bombarding abulk material samplewith neutronsfrom aneutron emitter (typically Cf-252). The neutrons collidewithatoms/elements in the sample, emitter housing,and/oranexternal moderator and are captured by the nuclei of atoms/elements present inthe sample. The capture process often involvesthe release of gamma rays at energies specific to the captured atom/element. These gamma rays are detected typically by a scintillation crystal (typicallyNaI). The sumof thedetected gamma energy at these specific energies is referred to as an energy spectrum. Analysis of the energy spectrum provides analytical information on the proportion of the various elementspresentinthe bulk material. Various PGNAA basedsensor systems are known. One such analyzer isthat described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,992, titled “Self-Contained, On-Line, Real-timeBulk Material Analyzer,” issued to Atwell, et al., on Apr. 15, 1986, which uses PGNAA technology in an attemptto determinethe elemental contentof the bulk material. The described analyzer uses an arrangement of neutronsources andgamma ray detectors inan enclosed assembly to perform its analysis. Additionally,a similar device, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,477, titled “Bulk Material Analyser for On-Conveyor Belt Analysis,” issued to Sowerby, et al., on Mar. 26, 2002,uses PGNAA technologyin a bulkmaterialon-conveyor belt arrangementto analyze bulk material. Again, this analyzer uses a neutron source and gamma ray detectors in an enclosed assemblyto perform its analysis. The DGA analysis technique involves bombarding a bulk material with gamma rays from two gamma ray emittersof sufficiently different energies. The gamma rays interactwith the bulk materialresulting in theattenuationof the number of gamma rays transmitted through the bulk material. The gamma rays are typically detected by a scintillation crystal (typically NaI). The sum of these releasedgamma rays at these specific energies is referred to as an energy spectrum.The technology relies on the fact that elements with different atomicnumbersattenuate gamma rays at specific energiesindifferent ways.Thus, for low-energy gamma rays (i.e., those generated by a low energy gamma emitter such as Am-241), theattenuation of gamma rays is largely dependent on the atomic number of the atoms/elements presentinthe bulkmaterial. For high-energy gamma rays (i.e., those generated by a high-energy gamma emitter suchas Cs-137),attenuation is independent ofthe atoms/elements inthe bulk material. Analysis of the energy spectrum leads to a determination of the bulk elemental composition of the bulk material. DGA based sensorsare known in the art. DGAdevices are based on the premise that analyzed material willattenuate different energy gamma rays in fixed repeatable ways. A DGA device consists of a gamma energy source arrangement consisting of dual energy gamma emitters. The gamma emittersare chosen in sucha way that thematerial to be analyzed will attenuatethe different energy gamma rays in ways thatare conduciveto measuring one or more specific properties of the material being measured. One suchapplication of DGA technology uses gamma ray sourcesto interrogate coal,with the assumption that the material thatcoal is composed of will attenuate the differing energy gamma rays to produce ameasurement that isconducive todetermining coal ash content and density. | 1. _Field_ of _Invention_ The present invention relates to the _use_ _of_ radiation measurements for determining the _elemental_ content of bulk material in _an_ on-line process, and to _the_ fusion of sensor _technologies,_ specifically Prompt _Gamma_ Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual-Energy Gamma Attenuation _(DGA),_ to make this measurement possible. 2. Description of the Related Art Several technologies exist to determine the composition of bulk materials. _Two_ that are specifically important to the present _invention_ are Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) and Dual-Energy Gamma Attenuation _(DGA)_ analysis. The PGNAA _technique_ involves _bombarding_ a bulk material sample with neutrons from a neutron _emitter_ (typically Cf-252). The neutrons collide with atoms/elements in the sample, emitter housing, _and/or_ an external moderator and are captured by _the_ nuclei of atoms/elements _present_ _in_ the _sample._ _The_ capture _process_ often involves _the_ release of gamma rays at energies specific to the captured atom/element. These gamma rays are detected typically by _a_ _scintillation_ _crystal_ (typically NaI). The sum of the detected _gamma_ energy _at_ _these_ _specific_ energies is referred to _as_ an energy _spectrum._ _Analysis_ of the energy _spectrum_ _provides_ _analytical_ information on the proportion of the various elements _present_ in the bulk material. Various PGNAA _based_ sensor _systems_ _are_ known. One _such_ analyzer _is_ _that_ described in U.S. Pat. No. _4,582,992,_ titled _“Self-Contained,_ On-Line, Real-time Bulk Material Analyzer,” issued _to_ Atwell, et al., on _Apr._ 15, _1986,_ which uses PGNAA technology _in_ an attempt to determine the elemental content of the bulk material. The described analyzer uses an arrangement of _neutron_ sources and gamma ray detectors _in_ _an_ enclosed assembly to perform its analysis. _Additionally,_ a similar device, described in _U.S._ Pat. No. 6,362,477, titled _“Bulk_ _Material_ Analyser for On-Conveyor Belt Analysis,” issued to Sowerby, et al., on _Mar._ 26, _2002,_ uses PGNAA technology in _a_ _bulk_ material _on-conveyor_ belt _arrangement_ to _analyze_ bulk material. _Again,_ this analyzer _uses_ _a_ neutron source and gamma ray _detectors_ _in_ an enclosed assembly to perform _its_ analysis. _The_ DGA _analysis_ technique involves _bombarding_ a bulk material with gamma rays from _two_ gamma ray _emitters_ _of_ sufficiently different _energies._ The gamma rays interact with _the_ bulk material resulting _in_ the attenuation of the number of gamma rays transmitted _through_ the bulk material. The gamma rays _are_ typically detected _by_ a scintillation crystal (typically NaI). The sum of these released gamma _rays_ at these specific energies is referred to as an energy spectrum. _The_ technology relies on _the_ fact that elements with different atomic numbers attenuate gamma rays at specific _energies_ in different ways. _Thus,_ for low-energy gamma rays (i.e., those _generated_ _by_ a low energy _gamma_ emitter such as Am-241), the attenuation of gamma rays is _largely_ dependent _on_ the atomic number of the atoms/elements present _in_ _the_ _bulk_ _material._ _For_ high-energy gamma rays (i.e., those generated by _a_ high-energy gamma emitter such as Cs-137), attenuation is independent of the _atoms/elements_ _in_ _the_ bulk _material._ _Analysis_ of the energy _spectrum_ _leads_ to a determination of the bulk elemental composition of the bulk material. DGA _based_ _sensors_ _are_ known in the _art._ DGA devices are based on the premise that analyzed material will attenuate different energy _gamma_ rays in _fixed_ repeatable ways. A DGA device consists of a gamma energy source _arrangement_ consisting of dual energy gamma emitters. The gamma emitters _are_ chosen in such a way that the _material_ _to_ be analyzed will attenuate the different energy gamma rays in ways _that_ are conducive to measuring one _or_ _more_ specific properties _of_ _the_ material being measured. One such application of DGA technology uses gamma ray sources _to_ interrogate _coal,_ with the assumption that the material that coal is composed of will attenuate the differing energy _gamma_ _rays_ to produce a measurement that is conducive _to_ determining coal _ash_ content and density. |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to coding in information and data processing systems and, more particularly, to a method for correcting a bust of errors plus random errors in data. Such errors may, for example, originate from reading data from a disk drive storing the data.
2. Background Description
Many methods are known for correcting random errors in codes with check symbols. Reed-Solomon codes are designed to correct random errors. If the code has t syndromes then the minimum distance between two code words is t+1 so at most t/2 random errors can be corrected. If some of the errors are erasure errors (i.e., their location is known) then f erasure errors and e random errors can be corrected as long as 2e+f does not exceed t. Methods for correcting those errors are known, and are not a part of this invention.
In many cases it is known that errors may occur in bursts as well as at random locations. For some applications, such as in correcting errors while reading magnetic disks, it is known (or suspected) that a burst of b errors (some of which may have the value 0, i.e., no error occurred at those locations) have occurred (a burst of b errors is b errors whose locations are contiguous) in addition to e random errors. In this case 2e+b+1 cannot exceed t. The usual method for correcting a burst of b errors in addition to e random errors is to start with l=0 (l being the location of the start of the burst) and treat the locations l, l+1, . . . , as the location of b erasure errors, and employ one of the known methods for correcting b erasure errors (whose locations are l, l+1, . . . , l+b−1) and e random errors. The value of l is then changed to l+1, and the process repeated. It should be emphasized that there may be multiple solutions to a burst of b errors and e random errors, and some other criterion has to be used to resolve this ambiguity when it arises. The drawback of this method is that as many values of l as the length of the code must be checked (more precisely, the length of the code minus (b−1)). Typically, the value of l ranges from 170 to 500-600. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention loosely relates to coding in information and data processing systems and, more particularly, to a method for correcting a bust of errors plus random errors in data. Such errors may, for example, originate from reading data from a disk drive storing the data. 2. Background Description Many methods are known for correcting random errors in codes with check symbols. Reed-Solomon codes are designed to correct random errors. If the code has t syndromes then the minimum distance between two code words is t+1 so at most t/2 random errors can be corrected. If some of the errors are erasure errors (i.e., their location is known) then f erasure errors and e random errors can be corrected as long as 2e+f does not exceed t. Methods for correcting those errors are known, and are not a part of this invention. In many cases it is known that errors may occur in bursts as well as at random locations. For some applications, such as in correcting errors while reading magnetic disks, it is known (or suspected) that a burst of b errors (some of which may have the value 0, i.e., no error occurred at those locations) have occurred (a burst of b errors is b errors whose locations are contiguous) in addition to e random errors. In this case 2e+b+1 cannot exceed t. The usual method for correcting a burst of b errors in addition to e random errors is to start with l=0 (l being the location of the start of the burst) and treat the locations l, l+1, . . . , as the location of b erasure errors, and employ one of the known methods for correcting b erasure errors (whose locations are l, l+1, . . . , l+b−1) and e random errors. The value of l is then changed to l+1, and the process repeated. It should be emphasized that there may be multiple solutions to a burst of b errors and e random errors, and some other criterion has to be used to resolve this ambiguity when it arises. The drawback of this method is that as many values of l as the length of the code must be checked (more precisely, the length of the code minus (b−1)). Typically, the value of l ranges from 170 to 500-600. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to coding in information and data processing systems and, more particularly, to a method for correcting a bust of errors plus random errors in data. Such errors may, for example, originate from reading data feon a disk drive storing the dsga. 2. Background Description Many methods are known for correcting random errors in codes with check symbols. Reed - Solomon codes are designed to correct random errors. If the c)Re has t syndromes then the minimum diCfance between two code words is t + 1 so at most t / 2 random errors can be corrected. If some of the errors are erasure errors (i. e. , their location is known) then f erasure errors and e random errors can be corrected as long as 2e + f does not exceed t. Methods for correcting those errors are known, and are not a part of this invention. In many cases it is known that errors may occur in bursts as well as at random locations. For some applications, such as in correcting errors while reading magne5id disks, it is known (or suspected) that a burst of b errors (some of which may have the value 0, i. e. , no er#og occurred at those locations) have occurred (a burst of b errors is b errors whose locations are contiguous) in addi^iPn to e random errors. In this cWsS 2e + b + 1 cannot exceed t. The usual method for correcting a burst of b errors in addition to e random errors is to start with l = 0 (l being the location of the start of the burst) and treat the locations l, l + 1, .. ., as the location of b erasure errors, and employ one of the known methods for correcting b erasure errors (whose locations are l, l + 1, .. ., l + b − 1) and e random errors. The value of l is then changed to l + 1, and the process rsp2ated. It should be emphasized that there may be multiple solutions to a burst of b errors and e random errors, and some other criterion has to be used to resolve this ambiguity when it arises. The drawback of this method is that as many values of l as the lenN6h of the code must be checked (more precisely, the length of the code minus (b − 1) ). Typically, the value of l ranges from 170 to 500 - 600. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to coding in information data processing systems and, more to a method for correcting a bust of errors plus errors in data. Such errors may, for example, originate reading from a disk drive storing data. Background Description Many methods are known for correcting random errors in codes with check Reed-Solomon codes designed to correct random errors. If the code t syndromes then the distance between two code words is t+1 so at t/2 random errors can be If some of the errors are erasure errors (i.e., their location is known) then f erasure errors and e random errors can be corrected long 2e+f does not exceed t. Methods for correcting those errors are known, and not a part this invention. In many cases it is known that errors may occur in as at locations. For some applications, such in correcting errors while reading magnetic disks, it is known (or suspected) that a burst of b errors of may have the 0, i.e., no error occurred at those locations) have occurred (a burst of b errors is b errors whose locations are contiguous) addition to e random In this case cannot exceed t. The usual method for a of errors in addition to e random errors is to start with l=0 (l being the location of the start of the and treat the locations l, l+1, . . . , as the location of b erasure errors, and employ one of the known methods for correcting b erasure errors (whose locations are l, l+1, . . . , l+b−1) and e random errors. The value of l is then changed to and the process repeated. It should be that there may be multiple solutions to a burst of b errors and e random errors, and some other criterion to be used to resolve this ambiguity when it arises. The drawback of this method is that as many values of l the length of the code must be checked (more precisely, the length the code minus (b−1)). Typically, the value of ranges 170 to 500-600. | 1. FiEld of thE invEnTIOn
thE PReSent INvEnTIoN geneRallY rElATEs To CoDiNG in INForMaTiON and DAtA PRocEsSING sYStemS and, mORe PArTIcuLARLY, TO A MEtHoD FOr cORRecTIng a busT OF ERrORS pluS rAnDOm eRRorS In datA. suCH eRrORS mAY, for eXAMplE, OrIginAte FRoM ReadINg DATA fROm a DIsk DRivE StORINg tHe data.
2. BACKGrOuND DescRipTion
MaNY MEtHoDS ARE knOwn FoR cORrecTInG RaNdom ErroRs in COdes WiTH cHeCK sYmbols. reEd-SoLOmoN codeS aRE desIGnEd TO CorREct rANdOm ErROrS. IF tHe Code Has T SYNdROMeS thEN THe MInIMUM DistAncE BetwEEN TWO CodE WORDS iS T+1 so At MosT T/2 RANDOM errOrs CaN Be cORRECTEd. IF sOMe oF the erROrs aRE eRasure ERrors (i.E., their LoCATIon Is kNown) THeN F EraSuRE ERrOrs AnD E RaNDoM erRORS caN be cOrREcTeD AS LONG aS 2E+F dOES nOt excEed t. meThodS foR cORRECtIng thOsE ERroRS aRE KNOwn, aND ARE Not A PARt OF tHIS INVeNtION.
iN MaNY cASEs It IS knOWn ThaT ERrORs may oCcuR IN bURsTs As WeLl As AT raNdOM LoCatioNS. fOr SOME appLicaTiOns, SUCh AS in CorrEctINg erROrS whIle reaDIng mAgnetiC dISKs, iT IS knoWn (Or susPECteD) tHaT A bUrst Of b ERrOrs (Some of WhICH maY haVe The ValUe 0, i.E., nO ERRor OCcuRrED At THoSe lOCaTIOns) hAVe OccUrREd (a BuRst Of b erROrs IS B ERRORs whOsE lOcatiOns are cOntiGUOus) iN aDDItIon TO e RaNdoM errORs. IN ThIs case 2E+b+1 CAnnOT eXceEd t. ThE USual MethOD FOr CoRrECtiNG a BURsT OF b ErrorS IN ADDiTIon To E rANDOM errors is TO stArt WiTH L=0 (L BEiNG ThE lOCATION OF thE STArT Of tHE bURST) AnD TrEat thE locaTioNS l, l+1, . . . , as tHe LOCATiOn oF B ErAsuRe eRrOrs, AND eMPlOY onE OF tHe knowN MeTHoDs for cORReCTING B eRaSure erroRS (WHOSe locATions arE L, L+1, . . . , l+B−1) and e RaNdOM errORs. thE VaLUe of l IS tHeN ChANgEd to l+1, aNd thE PROCeSS rePEATed. iT ShOuld BE EmpHasIZED That THere MAy bE MULTIpLe SOLuTions tO a BuRSt Of B errOrS ANd E rANdoM ERROrs, aND SoME otHEr CrIteRION HaS To Be uSED to REsOLVe THIs AmbiGUiTY wHen it ARiSEs. the DraWBack oF thiS MEtHoD IS thAT as ManY vaLUES Of l AS THe lENgtH oF thE CodE MusT bE ChecKeD (MorE PRECISEly, THE LeNgth oF THE coDE MiNUS (b−1)). tYPicALlY, thE vaLuE Of l RaNgeS FRom 170 to 500-600. | 1. Field ofthe Invention The present invention generally relates to coding in informationand data processing systemsand, more particularly, to a method forcorrecting a bust of errors plus random errors in data.Such errors may,for example, originate from readingdata from a disk drive storing thedata. 2. Background Description Manymethods are known for correcting random errors in codes withcheck symbols. Reed-Solomoncodesaredesigned to correct random errors. If the code hast syndromes then the minimum distance between two code words is t+1 so at mostt/2 randomerrors can be corrected. If some of the errors are erasure errors (i.e., their location is known) then ferasure errors and e random errors can be corrected aslong as 2e+fdoes not exceedt.Methodsfor correcting those errors areknown, and arenot a part of this invention. In many cases it is knownthat errors mayoccurin bursts as well as at random locations. Forsome applications, such as in correcting errorswhile reading magnetic disks, it is known (or suspected) that a burstof b errors (some of which may have the value 0, i.e., noerror occurred at those locations) have occurred(aburst of b errors is b errorswhose locations are contiguous) in addition to erandom errors. In this case 2e+b+1 cannot exceed t. Theusual method for correcting a burst of b errors in addition to e random errors is to start with l=0 (l being the location of the startofthe burst) and treat the locations l, l+1,. . . , as the location of b erasure errors, and employone of the known methodsfor correctingb erasure errors (whose locationsare l,l+1, .. . , l+b−1) and e random errors. The value of l is then changed to l+1, and the process repeated. It should be emphasized that there may be multiple solutions to a burst of b errors and e random errors,and some other criterion has to beused to resolve thisambiguity when it arises. The drawback of this method is that asmany values of l as the lengthofthe code must be checked(more precisely, the length of the code minus (b−1)). Typically, the value ofl ranges from 170 to 500-600. | _1._ Field _of_ _the_ Invention _The_ _present_ _invention_ generally relates to coding in information _and_ data processing systems _and,_ more _particularly,_ _to_ _a_ method for correcting a bust of errors plus random errors in data. Such errors may, for example, originate from _reading_ data _from_ _a_ disk _drive_ storing _the_ data. 2. Background Description _Many_ methods are known _for_ correcting random errors in _codes_ with check symbols. Reed-Solomon codes are _designed_ to correct random errors. _If_ _the_ code has t syndromes then _the_ minimum distance _between_ two _code_ _words_ is _t+1_ so at most t/2 _random_ errors _can_ be _corrected._ If _some_ of _the_ _errors_ are erasure _errors_ _(i.e.,_ their _location_ is known) then f erasure errors and e _random_ errors _can_ be _corrected_ as long as 2e+f does not _exceed_ t. Methods _for_ correcting those errors _are_ _known,_ _and_ are not _a_ part of this invention. _In_ many _cases_ it is _known_ _that_ errors may occur in bursts as well as at _random_ locations. For some applications, such _as_ _in_ correcting errors while reading magnetic disks, it is known (or suspected) _that_ a burst _of_ b _errors_ (some of which may have the value 0, i.e., no _error_ _occurred_ at those locations) _have_ occurred _(a_ burst of b errors is b errors whose _locations_ are contiguous) in addition _to_ e random _errors._ _In_ this case 2e+b+1 _cannot_ exceed _t._ The usual method for correcting a burst of b errors in addition to e random errors is to start _with_ l=0 (l being _the_ location of the start of the burst) and _treat_ the locations l, l+1, . . . _,_ _as_ _the_ _location_ of b erasure errors, and employ one of the known methods for correcting b erasure errors (whose locations are l, l+1, _._ . . , _l+b−1)_ and e random errors. The value of l is then changed to l+1, and the process repeated. It should be emphasized that there may be multiple _solutions_ to a burst of b errors and _e_ _random_ errors, _and_ some other criterion has to be _used_ to resolve this ambiguity when it _arises._ The drawback of this method _is_ that _as_ many values _of_ l _as_ _the_ length of the _code_ must be checked (more precisely, the _length_ of the code minus (b−1)). Typically, the value of l ranges from 170 to 500-600. |
An important consideration in data communication equipment is circuit density. Most central data communication locations have limited space. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the size of data communication equipment, and install as much data communication equipment as possible in a relatively small space at a central data communication location.
For data communication manufacturers, making high density frames can be a challenging process in which engineers develop frames to meet the high density needs of the central data communication locations while protecting communication lines, maintaining bend radii of the communication lines, and managing massive amounts of the communication lines. This is particularly true for optical fiber communication lines, where the engineers create total front access (TFA) frames having a high density of optical fibers. Frames exist having a high density capacity of about 3,000 fiber terminations per frame, but the frames are not TFA, and instead require access to the backs of the frames. For example, in the case where the frame has a high density capacity of about 3,000 fiber terminations per frame, the splices are done at the back of the frame. Thus, a user must first splice cables at the back of the frame, and then traverse around a plurality of frames (e.g., a row of frames) to get to the front of the frame to patch the cables at the front of the frame the user is working on.
Moreover, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, the frames may be a dedicated splicing only frame or a dedicated patching only frame, resulting in a higher quantity of frames, and consuming more space. Further, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, footprints of the frames can become uncommon (i.e., not a standard size), resulting in uncommon space consumption in data communication locations. For example, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, a 23-inch mount (58-centimeter mount) frame may be designed to have a footprint of a width about 30 inches (76 centimeters) and a depth of about 24 inches (61 centimeters), which may be an uncommon footprint size used in central data communication locations and may be difficult to utilize with other existing frames and/or in relatively small spaces at the central data communication locations. | An important consideration in data communication equipment is circuit density. Most central data communication locations have limited space. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the size of data communication equipment, and install as much data communication equipment as possible in a relatively small space at a central data communication location. For data communication manufacturers, making high density frames can be a challenging process in which engineers develop frames to meet the high density needs of the central data communication locations while protecting communication lines, maintaining bend radii of the communication lines, and managing massive amounts of the communication lines. This is particularly true for optical fiber communication lines, where the engineers create total front access (TFA) frames having a high density of optical fibers. Frames exist having a high density capacity of about 3,000 fiber terminations per frame, but the frames are not TFA, and instead require access to the backs of the frames. For example, in the case where the frame has a high density capacity of about 3,000 fiber terminations per frame, the splices are done at the back of the frame. Thus, a user must first splice cables at the back of the frame, and then traverse around a plurality of frames (e.g., a row of frames) to get to the front of the frame to patch the cables at the front of the frame the user is working on. Moreover, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, the frames may be a dedicated splicing only frame or a dedicated patching only frame, resulting in a higher quantity of frames, and consuming more space. Further, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, footprints of the frames can become uncommon (i.e., not a standard size), resulting in uncommon space consumption in data communication locations. For example, when high density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, a 23-inch mount (58-centimeter mount) frame may be designed to have a footprint of a width about 30 inches (76 centimeters) and a depth of about 24 inches (61 centimeters), which may be an uncommon footprint size used in central data communication locations and may be difficult to utilize with other existing frames and/or in relatively small spaces at the central data communication locations. | An important consideration in data communication equipment is circuit density. Most central data communication locations have limited space. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the size of data communication equipment, and install as much data communication equipment as possible in a relatively small space at a central data communication location. For data communication manufacturers, making high density frames can be a challenging process in which engjneerq develop frames to meet the high density needs of the central data communication locations while protecting communication lines, maintaining bend radii of the communication lines, and managing massive amounts of the communLSation lines. This is particularly true for optical fiber communication lines, where the engineers create total front access (TFA) frames having a high density of optical fiherD. trameQ exist having a high density capacity of about 3, 000 fiber terminations per frame, but the frames are not TFA, and instead require access to the backs of the frames. For example, in the case where the frame has a high density capacity of about 3, 000 fiber terminations per frame, the splices are done at the back of the frame. Thus, a user kist first eplJce cables at the back of the frame, and then traverse around a plurality of GramSs (e. g. , a row of frames) to get to the front of the frame to patch the cables at the front of the frame the user is working on. Moreover, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, the frames may be a dedicated splicing only frame or a dedicated patching only frame, resulting in a higher quantity of frames, and consuming more space. Further, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, footprints of the frames can become uncommon (i. e. , not a standard size ), resulting in uncommon space consumption in data communication locations. For example, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, a 23 - inch mount (58 - centimeter mount) frame may be designed to have a footprint of a width about 30 inches (76 centimeters) and a depth of about 24 inches (61 centimeters ), wNict may be an unxoKmon footprint size used in central data communication locations and may be difficult to uti,iz4 with other existing frames and / or in relatively small spaces at the central data communication locations. | An important consideration in communication equipment is circuit density. Most central data communication locations have limited space. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the size of data communication equipment, and install as much data communication equipment as possible in a relatively small space at a central data communication location. For data communication manufacturers, making high frames can be a challenging process in which engineers develop frames meet the high density needs of the central data communication locations while protecting communication lines, maintaining bend radii the communication lines, and managing massive amounts of the communication This is particularly true for optical fiber communication lines, where the create total front access (TFA) frames having a high density of optical fibers. Frames exist having a density about 3,000 fiber terminations per frame, but the frames are not TFA, instead require access to the For example, in the case where the frame has a high density capacity of about 3,000 fiber terminations per frame, the are done at the back of the Thus, user first splice cables at the back of the frame, and then traverse around a plurality of frames (e.g., a row of frames) to get to front the frame to patch the cables at the front of the frame user is working on. Moreover, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, the may a dedicated splicing only frame or a dedicated only frame, resulting in higher quantity of frames, and consuming space. Further, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, footprints of the can uncommon (i.e., not standard size), resulting in uncommon space in data communication locations. For example, when higher density capacities fiber are involved, a 23-inch mount (58-centimeter mount) frame may be designed to have a footprint of a width about 30 inches (76 centimeters) and a depth of about 24 inches (61 centimeters), which may be an uncommon footprint size used in central data locations be to with other existing frames and/or in relatively small spaces at the central data communication locations. | An imPOrTAnt cONsIDeRATIon IN DAtA commUNIcATIoN eQUipmeNT Is CIRCUIt deNsItY. mOSt CENtral dATa CoMmunIcaTIon locATionS HaVe lIMiteD sPaCE. TherEFOre, ThERE is A NeEd TO rEDuCe tHe sIzE OF DaTa cOMmUNiCation eQuIPmEnt, and iNsTAlL as MucH DAtA cOmmUNicATiON EquIPMENt as pOssibLe iN a RelaTIvElY smALL SpACE aT a ceNtRaL dATA CommuniCaTIon LocATIOn.
FOr DATa cOmmuniCATION MaNufAcTUreRs, mAKINg HIgH deNSity Frames can Be A chaLLEngIng pRoCESS IN whicH EnGINEERS DeveLOP FRames To MeET tHE HIgh DENSIty neeDs oF tHe CentRaL daTa cOmMuniCatiON LOcatiONs WhILE proTeCTInG COmmUnicAtIoN liNES, maintAInINg BenD RaDIi Of thE COMMuNiCaTiOn liNes, And MaNagING MASsive amoUnts of tHE CommUNiCaTiON lInEs. tHis Is partIculArlY TRuE fOR OPTical fiBER coMmUNICATIOn LINES, wheRE The EnGinEErs CreATe tOTal fRONT accESs (TFa) fRaMes haviNg a HIgh dEnsItY Of opTIcaL FiBers. fRaMEs eXisT HavING A hIGH dEnsity caPAciTy OF aBout 3,000 fIber terminATiONs per FrAMe, But THe FrAmes ARE NOt tfa, AND InSTeAD ReQuIRe accESs TO tHe BACKS of thE FramES. FOr ExampLe, in THE CasE wHerE ThE framE HAS A hIgh DeNSITy CapacitY OF AbOuT 3,000 fIbeR terMiNAtIOns peR FrAme, THE splIceS ArE DoNe aT the BaCk oF tHe FramE. tHuS, a USER musT FIrst sPliCE CAbLES At ThE back oF the FrAME, AnD tHen TraVERSe arouNd A pLUralITy OF FraMEs (E.G., a ROw OF FRameS) TO geT tO tHe FronT oF thE FraME To PatcH THE CAbLEs at ThE fronT OF tHe FraME tHe user IS WoRKINg oN.
MorEoVer, when HighEr DensiTy capaciTIes of FibeR tErMINaTioNs ARE InVolVeD, thE FRames mAY Be a deDiCaTED sPLIcinG ONLY fRAMe OR a dEDIcaTED PATCHINg onlY fRaME, reSuLtinG in a HIGheR qUaNtItY of FrAmES, anD cOnSUMiNG mOre SPace. fURThEr, WHEn HIgher denSitY CApacItiEs Of fIbER TermInatIonS ArE inVolVed, fOoTpRINtS OF tHe FRAMEs CAN BEcoMe UNcoMMoN (i.e., noT a sTanDaRd SIZE), RESULTiNG IN UNcOMMon spACe coNsUmPtIOn IN DaTA COMMuNicaTiOn lOcatioNS. for EXAmpLe, when Higher dEnSitY CAPAcIties oF fIber TeRmInatIONs aRe INvOlVed, a 23-iNCH MounT (58-CeNTIMetER MOUNT) fRAme MaY be DESIGnED to hAve A FOoTPrint oF A WIdtH aBout 30 iNCHEs (76 CeNtimeTERs) and A DEpTh of AbouT 24 INCheS (61 CEntImEteRS), whiCH maY BE aN UncoMMON fOOtpRiNt Size uSED iN cEntRAl DaTa comMUNIcatioN LocaTIOnS and May be dIFfIcuLT To uTilIZe wiTH oTher eXIsTINg FRAmES and/OR In rELATIVELY smALl sPacEs aT THe cEntRal DATa COMMUniCATiOn LoCATIONs. | An important consideration in data communicationequipment is circuit density. Most central data communication locations have limited space. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the size ofdatacommunication equipment, and install as much data communication equipment as possible in a relatively small spaceat a centraldata communicationlocation. For data communicationmanufacturers, making high density frames can be a challenging process in which engineers develop framesto meet the high density needs of the central data communication locations while protecting communication lines, maintaining bend radii ofthe communication lines, and managing massive amounts ofthe communication lines. This isparticularly true for optical fiber communication lines, where the engineers create total front access (TFA) frames having a high densityof optical fibers. Frames exist havinga high densitycapacity of about 3,000 fiber terminations per frame, but the frames are not TFA, and instead require accessto the backs of the frames. For example, in the case where the frame has a highdensity capacity of about 3,000fiber terminations per frame, the splices are done at the backofthe frame. Thus, a user must first splicecables at the back of theframe, and then traverse around a plurality offrames (e.g., a row of frames) to get to the front ofthe frame to patch thecables at thefront of the frame the user is working on. Moreover, when higher density capacities of fiberterminations are involved, the frames may bea dedicated splicing only frameor a dedicated patching onlyframe, resulting in a higher quantityof frames, and consuming more space.Further, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, footprints of theframes can become uncommon (i.e., not a standard size), resulting in uncommon space consumption in datacommunication locations. For example, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, a 23-inch mount (58-centimeter mount) frame may bedesignedto have a footprint of a width about 30 inches(76 centimeters) and a depth of about 24 inches (61 centimeters), which may bean uncommon footprint size used in central data communication locations and may be difficult to utilize with other existing frames and/or in relatively small spaces at the central data communication locations. | An important consideration in data communication equipment is circuit density. Most central data communication locations have limited space. Therefore, _there_ is a need to reduce _the_ size _of_ data _communication_ equipment, and install _as_ much data communication _equipment_ as possible in a relatively small space at _a_ central _data_ communication location. For _data_ communication manufacturers, _making_ high density frames _can_ be a challenging process _in_ which engineers _develop_ frames to meet the high density _needs_ of the _central_ data _communication_ locations while _protecting_ _communication_ lines, _maintaining_ bend radii _of_ the communication lines, and managing massive amounts of the communication lines. This is particularly true for optical fiber communication lines, where _the_ _engineers_ _create_ total _front_ access (TFA) frames having a high _density_ of optical fibers. Frames exist having a high _density_ capacity of _about_ 3,000 fiber terminations per frame, but _the_ frames are not TFA, _and_ instead _require_ access _to_ the _backs_ of the frames. For _example,_ in the case where _the_ _frame_ _has_ a high density capacity of about 3,000 _fiber_ terminations _per_ frame, _the_ splices _are_ _done_ at _the_ _back_ of the frame. Thus, _a_ _user_ _must_ first splice cables _at_ the back of _the_ frame, and then traverse around a plurality of frames (e.g., a row of frames) to get to the front of the frame to patch the _cables_ at the front of _the_ _frame_ the user is working _on._ Moreover, when higher density capacities of fiber terminations are involved, _the_ frames may be a dedicated splicing only frame or a dedicated patching only frame, _resulting_ in a _higher_ quantity _of_ frames, and consuming _more_ space. Further, when higher density capacities of _fiber_ terminations are involved, footprints _of_ the frames can become _uncommon_ _(i.e.,_ not a standard size), resulting in uncommon _space_ consumption in data communication locations. _For_ example, _when_ _higher_ density capacities of fiber _terminations_ are involved, a _23-inch_ mount (58-centimeter mount) frame may be designed to have a _footprint_ of a width _about_ 30 inches (76 centimeters) and a depth of about 24 inches (61 centimeters), which may _be_ an uncommon footprint size used _in_ central data _communication_ _locations_ _and_ may be difficult _to_ utilize with other existing _frames_ and/or in relatively small _spaces_ at the _central_ data communication locations. |
This invention relates to exterior sheathing panels useful in building construction.
To provide adequate resistance to lateral forces, such as seismic and wind forces, all buildings typically must have bracing attached to the framework of the exterior walls. The materials and labor required to install such bracing adds to the expense of construction. Bracing is generally provided by the application of one or a combination of the following materials to the exterior building walls: metal, wood, plywood, or other reconstituted wood based panels located at the corners and spaced apart at certain distances along the walls. Alternatively, panels made from wood, laminated paperboard or gypsum wallboard are placed about the entire perimeter of the building for reinforcing purposes.
Insulating panels are also commonly placed on the exterior framework of a building. Such panels, which are used to retard heat transfer through the exterior walls, are commonly made of polystyrene, polyurethane, or phenolic foams or glass fiber materials. Sheets of metal foil, used to prevent foam aging, are adhered to the planar surfaces of panels made from such materials. Insulating panels known to the inventor do not have sufficient shear strength and fracture toughness to significantly brace the framework of a building. Therefore, additional exterior wall bracing is used with these insulating panels.
An additional problem associated with available insulative sheathing products is the propensity for such products to puncture or break during either transportation or construction. In light-frame housing construction, workers frequently attach the sheathing to the studs before placing the wall in an upright position. Workers often walk on top of the panels in order to attach the panels to the studs. Walking on known insulating panels can cause them to rupture.
A recurring problem associated with available sheathing is the temperature related expansion and contraction of the panels which causes the panels to retract from the supporting nails. Once a panel retracts, a pathway is created for the infiltration of air and moisture, which reduces the overall thermal performance of the panels.
Therefore, a need exists for improved insulating sheathing panels directed toward overcoming these and additional problems of the prior art. | This invention relates to exterior sheathing panels useful in building construction. To provide adequate resistance to lateral forces, such as seismic and wind forces, all buildings typically must have bracing attached to the framework of the exterior walls. The materials and labor required to install such bracing adds to the expense of construction. Bracing is generally provided by the application of one or a combination of the following materials to the exterior make walls: metal, wood, plywood, or other reconstituted wood based panels located at the corners and spaced apart at certain distances along the walls. Alternatively, panels made from wood, laminated paperboard or gypsum wallboard are placed about the entire perimeter of the building for reinforcing purposes. Insulating panels are also commonly placed on the exterior framework of a building. Such panels, which are used to retard heat transfer through the exterior walls, are commonly made of polystyrene, polyurethane, or phenolic foams or glass fiber materials. Sheets of metal foil, used to prevent foam aging, are adhered to the planar surfaces of panels made from such materials. Insulating panels known to the inventor do not have sufficient shear strength and fracture toughness to significantly brace the framework of a building. Therefore, additional exterior wall bracing is used with these insulating panels. An additional problem associated with available insulative sheathing products is the propensity for such products to puncture or break during either transportation or construction. In light-frame housing construction, workers frequently attach the sheathing to the studs before placing the wall in an upright position. Workers often walk on top of the panels in order to attach the panels to the studs. Walking on known insulating panels can cause them to rupture. A recurring problem associated with available sheathing is the temperature related expansion and contraction of the panels which causes the panels to retract from the supporting nails. Once a panel retracts, a pathway is created for the infiltration of air and moisture, which reduces the overall thermal performance of the panels. Therefore, a need exists for improved insulating sheathing panels directed toward overcoming these and additional problems of the prior art. | This invention relates to exterior sheathing panels useful in building construction. To provide adequate resistance to lateral forces, such as seismic and wind forces, all buildings typically must have bracing attached to the framework of the exterior wa>ld. The materials and labor required to install such bracing adds to the expense of construction. Bracing is generally provided by the application of one or a combination of the following materials to the exterior building walls: metal, wood, pl%wo)d, or other reconstituted wood based panels locaywd at the corners and spaced apart at certain distances along the walls. Alternatively, panels mQd3 from wood, laminated paperboard or gypsum wallboard are placed about the entire perimeter of the building for reinforcing purposes. Insulating panels are also commonly placed on the exterior framework of a building. Such panels, which are used to retard TeWt transfer through the exterior walls, are commonly made of polyctyreGe, polyurethane, or phenolic foams or glass fiber materials. Sheets of metal foil, used to prevent foam aging, are adhered to the planar surfaces of panels made from such materials. Insulating panels known to the inventor do not have sIffiXient shear strength and fracture toughness to significantly brace the fram2Qork of a building. Therefore, additional exterior wall bracing is used with these insulating panels. An additional problem associated with available insulative sheathing products is the propensity for such products to puncture or break during either transportation or construction. In linhY - frame housing construction, workers frequently attach the sheathing to the studs before placing the wall in an upright position. Workers often walk on top of the panels in order to attach the panels to the studs. Walking on known insulating panels can cause them to rupture. A recurring problem associated with available sheathing is the temperature related expansion and contraction of the panels which causes the pwnelA to retract from the supporting nails. Once a panel retracts, a pathway is created for the infiltration of air and moisture, which reduces the overall thermal performance of the panels. Therefore, a need exists for improved insulating sheathing panels directed toward overcoming these and additional problems of the prior art. | This invention exterior sheathing panels in building construction. To adequate resistance to lateral forces, such as seismic and wind forces, all typically must have bracing attached to the framework the exterior walls. materials and labor to install such bracing adds to the expense of construction. Bracing is generally provided by the application of one or a combination of following materials to the exterior building walls: metal, wood, or other wood based panels located at the corners apart at certain distances along the walls. Alternatively, panels made wood, laminated paperboard or gypsum wallboard are placed about the perimeter of the building for reinforcing purposes. Insulating panels are also commonly placed on the exterior framework of a building. panels, which are to retard heat through the exterior walls, are made polystyrene, polyurethane, or phenolic foams or glass fiber materials. Sheets of metal foil, used prevent foam aging, are adhered to the planar surfaces of panels made from such materials. Insulating panels known the inventor do not have sufficient strength fracture toughness to significantly brace the framework of a building. Therefore, additional exterior wall bracing is used with these insulating panels. An additional problem associated with available insulative sheathing products is the propensity for such products to puncture or break either transportation or construction. In light-frame housing construction, workers frequently attach the sheathing to the studs before placing the wall in an upright position. Workers often walk top of the panels in order to the panels to the studs. on known insulating panels can cause them to rupture. A recurring problem associated with available sheathing the temperature related expansion and contraction of the panels which causes the panels to retract from the supporting nails. Once a panel retracts, a pathway is created for the infiltration of air and moisture, reduces the overall thermal performance of the panels. Therefore, a exists for improved sheathing directed toward overcoming and additional problems the prior art. | THIs InvEnTiOn reLatES tO EXtErIOr sHeAThing pAnelS uSEFUl in BUiLDiNG CoNstrucTIOn.
To prOvIDE ADEqUAtE REsiStancE to lAterAL forCES, SUCh aS seismIC And wInd FOrCES, all buildINgS TYPiCaLly MUST HAVe braCing ATtaCHED tO tHE FraMEwoRK OF THe ExTerIoR WaLLS. THe mAterIaLS AnD lAbOR ReQUIrEd tO inSTAlL SuCH braciNG aDdS To ThE eXPENSE oF cOnstrUCtioN. BRacIng is GEnERALLY provIDED BY The APPLicATIon of oNE or a cOmbInAtiON OF THe foLLowIng maTeRials to THE eXTEriOr BuilDInG WALlS: MetAL, woOd, PLyWoOd, or otHEr rEconstITUTEd wooD Based pAnelS loCAted At THe cOrners ANd spAcEd aPArt aT cErtAIn diSTanCeS aloNg thE WALls. alterNAtIVeLy, PaNeLs madE fRoM WoOd, LaminaTED paPErBOarD OR gypsUM WAllbOArD Are PLacED AbOUt tHE ENtiRE peRimETeR of ThE BUILdING FOr REInfOrciNg PUrpOseS.
iNSULAtINg pAneLS aRE alSo cOmmonLy pLacEd on the eXTERior fRAmeWoRK oF A buIlDIng. sUCH PANels, whiCh arE USEd to Retard HeaT traNSFeR tHrouGH THE ExTEriOR wALLs, aRe CoMMONLy maDe oF polystYRENE, pOLyurEthanE, or phEnOlIc foams OR glAsS FIBeR MaTeRials. sHEETS OF mETaL FoiL, UsEd tO PrEVENT FOAM aGing, are aDHeRED to tHe PLanAR sUrFaces of pAnElS MAde FrOm SUcH maTeriALs. insULATing pAnels KNowN tO tHE INvEntOR dO NOt haVE sUFfiCIEnt SHEaR strengtH And frAcTUrE TOUgHness to sIGNIFIcanTLY braCe tHE frAmEWoRK OF a buILDING. tHEREfore, adDitional EXtERioR wALL bRACInG iS uSED with TheSE INsuLaTING PanELs.
An AddiTionAL pRoBleM AsSOCIAteD wItH AVaIlabLE insulatIvE SHEathInG prodUctS Is THe proPEnSITY for SuCh ProductS tO puNctURe oR BreAK dUriNG eitHer TRAnSpoRtATioN OR ConstRUCTIOn. in LigHT-FRAmE houSIng CoNStRUCTIoN, WoRkerS fREQUEntlY ATTach tHe SheaThInG to ThE STudS beFOre pLAcinG the WAll in an upRigHT PosITIOn. woRkeRS oFTeN WalK On ToP of tHe PAneLs in order tO ATTAch The paNeLS TO tHE STUds. waLKINg oN KnOWn insuLaTIng paNELs CAn cAUse them tO rUptuRe.
a RecUrRInG prObLEm ASSoCIaTED wiTh aVAiLAbLE sheAThing Is ThE tEMPEratUrE ReLaTED ExpaNSIoN ANd cOntraCTION OF THe Panels wHiCh causEs The pAnels TO RETracT FroM ThE suPPOrting nailS. ONcE A Panel rEtrActS, A patHWAy Is crEAteD FOr tHE INFilTRaTIOn of aiR anD moISTURE, WHiCh reDuCeS thE ovEralL tHERmaL perfOrmAncE oF THE panELs.
tHErEForE, A NeEd exiSts FOr imPRovED iNsULATiNG ShEaTHInG paNelS direCted TowARd OVeRcOMiNg thEsE AnD aDdITIonaL prObLeMs Of tHe PRIOr aRT. | This invention relates to exterior sheathing panels useful in building construction. To provide adequate resistance to lateral forces,such as seismic and wind forces,all buildingstypicallymust have bracing attached to the framework of theexterior walls. The materialsand labor required to install such bracing adds to the expenseofconstruction. Bracing is generally provided by the application of one or a combinationof the following materials to the exterior building walls: metal, wood, plywood, or other reconstituted wood basedpanels located at the corners and spaced apart at certain distances alongthe walls. Alternatively, panels made from wood, laminated paperboard or gypsum wallboard are placed about the entireperimeter of the building for reinforcing purposes. Insulating panels are also commonly placed on theexterior framework of a building. Such panels, which are used to retard heat transfer through the exterior walls, are commonly made of polystyrene, polyurethane, or phenolic foams or glass fiber materials.Sheets of metal foil, used to prevent foam aging, are adhered to theplanar surfaces of panels made from such materials. Insulatingpanels known to the inventordo not have sufficient shear strength and fracture toughnessto significantly bracethe framework of a building. Therefore,additional exterior wall bracing is used with these insulating panels. An additionalproblemassociated with available insulative sheathing products is thepropensityfor such products to puncture or break during either transportationor construction. In light-frame housingconstruction, workers frequently attach the sheathing to the studs before placing the wall in an upright position. Workers often walk on topof the panels in order to attach the panelsto the studs. Walking onknown insulating panels can causethem to rupture. A recurring problem associatedwith availablesheathing is the temperaturerelated expansion and contraction of the panelswhich causes the panels to retract from the supporting nails. Once a panel retracts, a pathway is created for the infiltration of air and moisture, which reduces the overall thermal performance ofthe panels. Therefore, a need exists for improved insulating sheathing panels directed toward overcoming these andadditional problems of the prior art. | This invention relates _to_ exterior sheathing panels useful in building construction. To provide adequate resistance to lateral forces, such as seismic _and_ wind _forces,_ _all_ buildings typically must _have_ _bracing_ attached to _the_ framework of the _exterior_ walls. The materials and _labor_ required to install such bracing adds to the expense _of_ construction. Bracing is generally _provided_ by the application of one or a combination of the following _materials_ to the exterior building _walls:_ metal, wood, plywood, or other reconstituted _wood_ _based_ panels _located_ at _the_ corners and spaced apart at certain distances along _the_ _walls._ Alternatively, panels made from wood, _laminated_ paperboard or gypsum wallboard are _placed_ about the entire _perimeter_ of _the_ building for reinforcing purposes. Insulating _panels_ are _also_ commonly placed on the exterior _framework_ of a building. Such _panels,_ which are used to _retard_ heat transfer through _the_ exterior walls, _are_ commonly made of polystyrene, polyurethane, or phenolic _foams_ or glass fiber materials. Sheets of _metal_ foil, used to prevent foam _aging,_ are adhered to the planar surfaces of panels made from such _materials._ Insulating panels known to the inventor do _not_ _have_ _sufficient_ shear _strength_ and fracture toughness to significantly brace the framework of _a_ building. Therefore, additional _exterior_ wall bracing is used with _these_ insulating panels. An additional problem associated with _available_ insulative sheathing products _is_ the _propensity_ for _such_ products to puncture or break during either transportation _or_ construction. In light-frame housing construction, workers _frequently_ _attach_ _the_ sheathing to _the_ _studs_ before placing the wall _in_ an _upright_ position. Workers often walk on top of the panels _in_ order to attach the panels to the studs. Walking on known insulating _panels_ can _cause_ them to rupture. A recurring problem _associated_ with available _sheathing_ is the temperature related expansion and contraction of the panels _which_ _causes_ the panels _to_ retract _from_ the supporting _nails._ _Once_ a panel retracts, a pathway is _created_ for the _infiltration_ of air and moisture, _which_ reduces the overall thermal _performance_ of _the_ _panels._ Therefore, _a_ need _exists_ for improved insulating sheathing panels directed toward overcoming these and additional _problems_ of the prior _art._ |
In the manufacture of circuit card assemblies (CCAs) such as multi-layer ceramic cards, the ceramic or other such substrates are populated with a variety of devices, including leadless chip carriers having typical board to device clearances of, for example, 0.006 inches and generally a minimum stand-off of 0.004 inches. Inasmuch as solder and solder flux mountings and connections are most commonly used in mounting and connecting the various devices to the substrate, the extremely close spacing between device and board traps flux residues that must be removed to avoid problems in subsequent manufacturing steps, such as when the CCAs are conformally coated. The removal of flux residues has been generally accomplished through the use of vapor degreasing equipment.
Typical of such prior art degreasing equipment is a dual sump assembly in which the first sump contains a degreasing solvent which is heated and the second sump also contains the same solvent. The first sump functions as a wash bath and the second sump functions as a rinse bath. A suitable conveyor means introduces a basket, for example, containing one or more CCAs into the heated solvent of the first sump. After a washing period, which may be of any suitable duration, the basket is removed from the liquid of the first sump and lifted into a vapor area above the sump through which it is passed to the second sump, where it is rinsed.
In some cleaning applications, it is highly desirable, if not mandatory, that the contaminant level after cleaning not exceed ten micrograms per square inch on the circuit board. More particularly, the ionic contamination of the surface of the board, which generally comprises a ceramic substrate populated with various devices and is, for example, six inches square, must be lower than ten micrograms (NaCl equivalent) per square inch; ion chromatography requirements by type must be less than one microgram per square inch for each of the ions chloride, bromide, and sulfate; and there should be no visible residue left on the surface under 7.times. magnification. Heretofore, excellent cleaning results which met the foregoing criteria had been achieved with 1,1,1 trichlorethane in both of the sumps of the previously described vapor degreasing equipment. However, that particular solvent is a Class 1 ozone depleting substance (ODS-1) CFC covered under the Montreal Protocol, the use of which is restricted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations, and international treaties.
As a consequence of the foregoing, it is extremely important that there be a cleaning system for circuit boards that uses environmentally "friendly" materials while meeting or exceeding the aforementioned cleanliness criteria. | In the manufacture of circuit card assemblies (CCAs) such as multi-layer ceramic cards, the ceramic or other such substrates are populated with a variety of devices, including leadless chip carriers having typical board to device clearances of, for example, 0.006 inches and generally a minimum stand-off of 0.004 inches. Inasmuch as solder and solder flux mountings and connections are most commonly used in mounting and connecting the various devices to the substrate, the extremely close spacing between device and board traps flux residues that must be removed to avoid problems in subsequent manufacturing steps, such as when the CCAs are conformally coated. The removal of flux residues has been generally accomplished through the use of vapor degrease equipment. Typical of such prior art degreasing equipment is a dual sump assembly in which the first sump contains a degreasing solvent which is heated and the second sump also contains the same solvent. The first sump functions as a wash bath and the second sump functions as a rinse bath. A suitable conveyor means introduces a basket, for example, containing one or more CCAs into the heated solvent of the first sump. After a washing period, which may be of any suitable duration, the basket is removed from the liquid of the first sump and lifted into a vapor area above the sump through which it is passed to the second sump, where it is rinsed. In some cleaning applications, it is highly desirable, if not mandatory, that the contaminant level after cleaning not exceed ten micrograms per square inch on the circuit board. More particularly, the ionic contamination of the surface of the board, which generally comprises a ceramic substrate populated with various devices and is, for example, six inches square, must be lower than ten micrograms (NaCl equivalent) per square inch; ion chromatography requirements by type must be less than one microgram per square inch for each of the ions chloride, bromide, and sulfate; and there should be no visible residue left on the surface under 7.times. magnification. Heretofore, excellent cleaning results which met the foregoing criteria had been achieved with 1,1,1 trichlorethane in both of the sumps of the previously described vapor degreasing equipment. However, that particular solvent is a Class 1 ozone depleting substance (ODS-1) CFC covered under the Montreal Protocol, the use of which is restricted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations, and international treaties. As a consequence of the foregoing, it is extremely important that there be a cleaning system for circuit boards that uses environmentally "friendly" materials while meeting or exceeding the aforementioned cleanliness criteria. | In the manufacture of circuit card assemblies (CCAs) such as multi - layer ceramic cards, the ceramic or other such substrates are populated with a variety of devices, including leadless chip carriers having typical board to device cleadAnces of, for example, 0. 006 inches and generally a minimum stand - off of 0. 004 inches. Inasmuch as solder and solder flux mountings and connections are mPs4 commonly used in mounting and connecting the various devices to the substrate, the extremely close spacing between device and board traps flux residues that must be rem8v#d to avoid problems in subsequent manufacturing steps, such as when the CCAs are conformally coated. The removal of flux residues has been generally accomplished through the use of vapor degreasing equipment. Typical of suVB prior art degreasing equipment is a dual sump assembly in which the first sump contains a degreasing solvent which is heated and the second sump also contains the same solvent. The first sump functions as a wash bath and the second sump functions as a rinse bath. A suitable conveyor means introduces a basket, for example, containing one or more CCAs into the heated solvent of the first sump. AEt#r a washing period, which may be of any suitable duration, the basket is removed from the liquid of the first sump and lifted into a vapor area above the sump through which it is passed to the second sump, where it is rinsed. In some cleaning applications, it is highly desirable, if not mandatory, that the contaminant level after cleaning not exceed ten micrograms per square inch on the circuit board. More particularly, the iojOc contamination of the surface of the board, which generally comprises a ceramic substrate populated with fwrious devices and is, for example, six inches square, must be lower than ten micrograms (NaCl equivalent) per square inch; ion chromatography Dequiremejts by type must be less than one microgram per square inch for each of the ions chloride, brPmidd, and sulfate; and Yhdre should be no visible residue left on the surface under 7. times. magnification. Heretofore, excellent cleaning results which met the foregoing criteria had been achieved with 1, 1, 1 trichlorethane in both of the sumps of the previously described vapor degreasing equipment. However, that particular solvent is a Class 1 ozone depleting substance (ODS - 1) CFC covered under the Montreal Protocol, the use of which is restricted by U. S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations, and international treaties. As a consequence of the foregoing, it is extremely important that there be a cleaning system for circuit boards that uses environmentally " friendly " materials while meeting or exceeding the aforementioned cleanliness criteria. | In manufacture of circuit card assemblies (CCAs) such as multi-layer ceramic the ceramic or other such substrates are populated with a variety of devices, including leadless chip having typical board to device clearances of, for example, 0.006 a minimum stand-off of 0.004 inches. as solder and solder flux mountings connections are most commonly used in mounting and connecting the various devices to the substrate, the extremely spacing between device and board traps flux residues that be removed to problems in subsequent manufacturing steps, such as when the CCAs are conformally coated. The removal of flux residues has been generally accomplished through the of vapor degreasing equipment. Typical of such prior art equipment is a sump assembly in which first sump contains a solvent which is heated the second sump contains the first sump functions as a wash bath and the second sump functions as a rinse bath. A suitable conveyor means introduces a basket, for example, containing one or more CCAs the heated of the sump. After a washing period, which may be of any suitable duration, the basket is removed from the liquid of the first sump and lifted into a vapor area the which it is passed to the second sump, where is In some cleaning applications, it is highly desirable, if not mandatory, that the contaminant level after cleaning not exceed ten micrograms square inch on board. More particularly, the ionic contamination of the surface of the board, generally comprises a ceramic substrate populated with various devices and is, for example, six inches must lower than ten micrograms (NaCl equivalent) square inch; ion requirements by type must be less than one microgram per square inch for each of the ions chloride, bromide, and sulfate; and there be no visible residue left on the surface under 7.times. magnification. Heretofore, excellent results which met the foregoing criteria had been achieved with 1,1,1 trichlorethane in both of the sumps of the previously described vapor degreasing equipment. However, that particular solvent is a Class 1 ozone depleting substance (ODS-1) CFC covered under the Montreal Protocol, of which is restricted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations, and international treaties. As a of the foregoing, it is extremely important that there be a cleaning system for circuit boards that uses environmentally "friendly" materials while meeting exceeding the aforementioned cleanliness criteria. | in tHE ManUfaCtURe of ciRcuIT CARD AssemBLiEs (cCAS) sUch AS MUlti-lAYEr cErAmic CaRDS, THE ceRaMiC or other SucH sUbStrATES arE pOPUlatED WITh A VarIetY Of deviCES, InCludINg LeadlEsS ChIp CaRrIeRs hAvIng tYPicAL BOard to DEViCE cLEaRances OF, FOr exAMPle, 0.006 iNCHes And gEnerALLy a minimUm staNd-OfF OF 0.004 iNChES. inasMUcH AS soldEr anD SOLdER flUX MouNtINgS And CoNNectIoNs aRe moSt COmMOnLY usED IN mOUNtiNG aND COnnectINg THE VARIoUS DeviCEs TO THE sUBSTraTE, ThE eXTREmEly clOSE spACing bETweEn dEViCE ANd boaRD TRAps FLUx RESIdUeS that Must bE ReMOved To Avoid proBLeMs IN sUbSEqUEnt ManUFaCTurING StEPs, Such AS WhEN ThE CcAS ArE cOnfoRMAllY cOAteD. the rEMoVaL oF FLuX reSIDuES Has Been GEneRaLly ACcOmPLISHed ThROuGh THe use of VaPoR DegrEAsInG eQuIpMenT.
tYpIcal Of SUcH PriOr arT dEGREasIng EQuIPmEnt iS A DuAl Sump asSEMBLy iN WhiCH The fiRst sUMP cOnTaIns A DEgREASIng sOLVEnT WHicH Is HEaTEd ANd ThE secOnd SUMP aLsO coNTAINs ThE sAMe sOlVeNT. the FiRst SUmP fUNCtiONs AS A wasH BATh And THe SecoND sUMp FUncTIons aS A RInSE BATh. a sUItABlE cOnvEYor mEAnS intRoDUCes a bASKeT, FoR ExamPLe, COnTAiniNg ONE Or MOrE ccas Into the heaTed SoLvenT OF THE FIRst sUmp. after A WashinG PeRioD, wHich may bE Of aNy sUitaBlE dURatiOn, THe bASket is remoVEd frOm THe LiqUID oF ThE fIRsT SUmP AND LIfTEd inTo a VApoR areA ABoVE ThE SUMP ThrOUgh WHICh It iS PaSSEd To tHE secOnd Sump, WHErE it Is rInsEd.
In SomE clEaNIng APPliCatioNs, It Is hIGHLy desIRaBle, if NoT MANDatoRY, THat tHE cOntaminAnT LEveL aFTEr CleANING noT exCEed ten MICROgrAmS PEr sQUaRE IncH oN the CiRcuiT BoaRd. mORe PaRtICuLaRlY, THE IoNIc ConTaMINATioN OF THe SuRFacE oF thE bOARD, wHIcH gENeRaLLy cOMprIsEs a CERAmic SubStraTE PopulATeD WItH various dEvICeS aNd is, FOr eXAMpLe, SIx iNcheS sQuARe, muST bE LOWeR THAn tEN miCrograMs (nAcL EQUIVAlent) PER sQUare INCH; ion CHRoMAToGrAphY RequIREMenTs bY Type mUST bE leSS tHAn oNE micrOgRAM pER squaRe INCH FOR EaCH of the IOnS chloRIDE, BrOmIDE, AND sUlFate; anD TherE shOUlD BE no vISiBle ReSIDUe leFT oN THE sUrFaCe unDer 7.TiMeS. maGNIFiCATIoN. herEtoFOrE, EXCeLLeNT clEaNiNg rESULts whICh met ThE ForeGOInG cRiteRiA hAD bEEn acHIEvEd wITh 1,1,1 tRIchLOretHane iN BOtH oF tHe suMPS oF the prEvIoUSlY DeScRIBed vapoR DEgReAsing EqUiPmenT. howeveR, that paRTiCulAr sOlVEnT iS A claSS 1 oZoNe dEplEtiNG SUBstaNce (odS-1) CFC COvereD UNdER THe mOntrEAl pROTOCol, The UsE OF whiCH IS ReSTRIcTed BY U.S. EnVIRonMeNtAL protectiON AGENCy REGulATIonS, AnD InTeRnaTIONaL TReATIEs.
As a CoNSequeNce Of tHE fOrEGoing, IT Is eXTReMeLy iMpORtant thAT thEre be A clEANIng System FOr cIRCuiT BOaRds THaT UsES ENVIrONmentaLly "FRieNDlY" MatERIals wHiLE MEetInG or eXceEdInG THe aFOreMENTIoNeD cLeaNliness CRIteRiA. | Inthe manufactureof circuit card assemblies (CCAs) such as multi-layerceramic cards, the ceramic or other such substrates are populated with a varietyof devices,including leadless chip carriers having typical board to device clearances of, forexample, 0.006 inches and generally a minimum stand-off of 0.004inches. Inasmuch as solder and solder flux mountings and connections are most commonly used in mounting and connecting the various devices to the substrate, the extremely close spacing between device and board traps flux residues that must be removed toavoid problems in subsequent manufacturing steps, such as when the CCAs are conformally coated.The removal of flux residues has been generally accomplished through the use ofvapordegreasing equipment. Typical of such prior art degreasingequipment is a dual sump assembly in which the first sump contains a degreasing solvent which is heated and the second sump also contains the same solvent. The firstsump functions as a wash bath and the second sump functions as a rinse bath. A suitable conveyor means introduces a basket, for example, containing one or more CCAs into the heated solvent of the first sump.After a washing period, which may be of any suitable duration, the basket is removedfrom theliquidof the first sump andlifted into a vapor area above thesump through which it is passed to the secondsump, whereit is rinsed. In some cleaning applications, it is highly desirable, if notmandatory, thatthecontaminant level after cleaning not exceed ten micrograms per square inch on the circuitboard. More particularly, the ionic contamination of the surfaceof the board, which generally comprises aceramic substrate populated with various devices and is, for example, six inches square, must be lower than ten micrograms(NaCl equivalent) per square inch; ion chromatography requirements by type must beless than one microgram per square inch for each of theions chloride, bromide, and sulfate; and there should beno visibleresidue left onthe surface under 7.times. magnification. Heretofore, excellent cleaningresults which met the foregoing criteria had been achieved with 1,1,1 trichlorethane inboth of the sumps ofthe previously described vapor degreasing equipment. However, that particular solvent isa Class 1 ozone depleting substance (ODS-1) CFCcoveredunder the Montreal Protocol, the use of which is restricted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations, and international treaties. As a consequence of the foregoing,itis extremely important thattherebe acleaningsystem for circuitboards that uses environmentally"friendly" materials while meeting or exceeding the aforementioned cleanlinesscriteria. | In the manufacture of circuit card assemblies (CCAs) such as _multi-layer_ _ceramic_ cards, the ceramic or _other_ such substrates are populated with a variety of _devices,_ including leadless chip carriers _having_ _typical_ board to device clearances of, for example, 0.006 inches and generally a minimum stand-off of 0.004 inches. Inasmuch as solder and _solder_ flux _mountings_ and connections _are_ _most_ commonly used _in_ mounting and connecting _the_ various devices to _the_ substrate, the extremely close spacing _between_ device and _board_ traps flux residues that must _be_ removed to avoid _problems_ in subsequent manufacturing steps, _such_ as _when_ the CCAs are _conformally_ _coated._ The removal of flux _residues_ has been _generally_ accomplished through the use of vapor degreasing equipment. Typical _of_ such prior art degreasing equipment is a dual sump assembly _in_ which _the_ _first_ sump contains a _degreasing_ solvent which _is_ heated _and_ the second sump also contains the _same_ solvent. The first _sump_ functions _as_ a wash bath and the _second_ sump functions as _a_ _rinse_ bath. A suitable conveyor _means_ introduces a basket, for example, containing one or more CCAs into the heated _solvent_ of the first sump. After a washing _period,_ _which_ may be of any suitable duration, the basket is _removed_ from the liquid of the first sump and lifted into a vapor area above the _sump_ through which _it_ _is_ passed to the _second_ sump, where it _is_ rinsed. In _some_ cleaning applications, it is highly desirable, if not mandatory, that the contaminant level _after_ cleaning not _exceed_ ten _micrograms_ per square inch on the circuit _board._ _More_ particularly, _the_ ionic contamination _of_ the _surface_ of the board, which generally comprises a _ceramic_ substrate populated _with_ _various_ devices and _is,_ for example, six _inches_ square, must be lower _than_ _ten_ _micrograms_ _(NaCl_ equivalent) _per_ square inch; ion chromatography requirements by type must be less than one microgram per square _inch_ for each _of_ the ions _chloride,_ bromide, and sulfate; _and_ _there_ should _be_ no visible residue _left_ on the surface under _7.times._ magnification. _Heretofore,_ _excellent_ _cleaning_ _results_ which met the foregoing criteria had been achieved with _1,1,1_ trichlorethane _in_ both of the sumps of the previously described vapor degreasing equipment. However, that particular solvent is _a_ _Class_ 1 _ozone_ _depleting_ substance (ODS-1) _CFC_ covered _under_ the _Montreal_ Protocol, the use of which is restricted _by_ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency _regulations,_ and _international_ _treaties._ As _a_ _consequence_ of the foregoing, it is extremely important that there be a _cleaning_ system for circuit boards that uses environmentally "friendly" materials _while_ _meeting_ or _exceeding_ the aforementioned cleanliness criteria. |
The increase in electronic commerce has increased the focus on security of the electronic transactions using this medium of commerce. In the world of computer transactions and electronic contracts, there is no face-to-face acknowledgement to identify the consumer or other person wishing to perform the transaction. As institutions become more reliant on computers, they have modified their business infrastructure (i.e., their “business process”) in an attempt to keep up with electronic commerce. The business process of an institution includes the methods used to interact with a customer (e.g., how transactions occur, what information is required from the customer, help desks to support the customer), the information contained in customer accounts, the databases used and how they are modified by the institution, and personnel training.
Institutions and persons desiring to utilize electronic commerce are faced with several issues regarding electronic transactions. The first issue is whether the person requesting the transaction is who they say they are (“identification”). And the second issue is whether the requested transaction is actually the transaction intended to be requested (“accuracy”). In other words, whether the requested transaction has been compromised, either fraudulently or through transmission errors, during the course of transmitting and receiving the request.
To address the identity, of the person requesting the transaction, current financial business processes bind information in accounts to authenticate non-face-to-face transactions. For example, an account holder's mother's maiden name, a personal identification number (PIN), and a social security number have all been used and integrated into the current financial infrastructure to aid in reliably identifying someone requesting a non-face-to-face transaction.
To address the accuracy of the electronic message being sent and the identity of the person sending the electronic message, digital signatures are utilized. Digital signatures are used with electronic messages and provide a way for the sender of the message to electronically “sign” the message as a way of providing proof of the identity of the sender and the accuracy of the message. In a digital signature system, a sender digitally “signs” the message using a private key (encryption software used to create a digital signature). The receiver validates the sender's digital signature by using the sender's public key (software used to decrypt the digital signature) sent to the receiver by the sender.
While, digital signatures provide some assurance of accuracy for the message and the identity of the sender, they are also subject to security risks. These risks include compromised private and public keys or merchant fraud. To address the security risks and validate the digital signatures, computer technology has developed “certification authorities” to be used in a Certificate Authority Digital Signature (“CADS”) system. In a CADS system, certification authorities are third parties that essentially “vouch” for the validity of a digital signature's public key and, hence, the validity of the digital signature.
However, certification authorities used in the CADS system come with inherent risks, such as an expired certification authority and a compromised private key, which affect the entire public key infrastructure. In addition, the increased reliability provided by certification authorities does not easily combine with the business process currently established.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method to increase the reliability of electronic transactions while not imposing significant modifications on the business processes already in place. | The increase in electronic commerce has increased the focus on security of the electronic transaction using this medium of commerce. In the world of computer transactions and electronic contracts, there is no face-to-face acknowledgement to identify the consumer or other person wishing to perform the transaction. As institutions become more reliant on computers, they have modified their business infrastructure (i.e., their “business process”) in an attempt to keep up with electronic commerce. The business process of an institution includes the methods used to interact with a customer (e.g., how transactions occur, what information is required from the customer, help desks to support the customer), the information contained in customer accounts, the databases used and how they are modified by the institution, and personnel training. Institutions and persons desiring to utilize electronic commerce are faced with several issues regarding electronic transactions. The first issue is whether the person requesting the transaction is who they say they are (“identification”). And the second issue is whether the requested transaction is actually the transaction intended to be requested (“accuracy”). In other words, whether the requested transaction has been compromised, either fraudulently or through transmission errors, during the course of transmitting and receiving the request. To address the identity, of the person requesting the transaction, current financial business processes bind information in accounts to authenticate non-face-to-face transactions. For example, an account holder's mother's maiden name, a personal identification number (PIN), and a social security number have all been used and integrated into the current financial infrastructure to aid in reliably identifying someone requesting a non-face-to-face transaction. To address the accuracy of the electronic message being sent and the identity of the person sending the electronic message, digital signatures are utilized. Digital signatures are used with electronic messages and provide a way for the sender of the message to electronically “sign” the message as a way of providing proof of the identity of the sender and the accuracy of the message. In a digital signature system, a sender digitally “signs” the message using a private key (encryption software used to create a digital signature). The receiver validates the sender's digital signature by using the sender's public key (software used to decrypt the digital signature) sent to the receiver by the sender. While, digital signatures provide some assurance of accuracy for the message and the identity of the sender, they are also subject to security risks. These risks include compromised private and public keys or merchant fraud. To address the security risks and validate the digital signatures, computer technology has developed “certification authorities” to be used in a Certificate Authority Digital Signature (“CADS”) system. In a CADS system, certification authorities are third parties that essentially “vouch” for the validity of a digital signature's public key and, hence, the validity of the digital signature. However, certification authorities used in the CADS system come with inherent risks, such as an expired certification authority and a compromised private key, which affect the entire public key infrastructure. In addition, the increased reliability provided by certification authorities does not easily combine with the business process currently established. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method to increase the reliability of electronic transactions while not imposing significant modifications on the business processes already in place. | The increase in electronic commerce has increased the focus on security of the electronic transactions using this medium of commerce. In the world of computer transactions and electronic contracts, there is no face - to - face acknowledgement to identify the consumer or other person wishing to perform the transaction. As institutions become more reliant on computers, they have modified their business infrastructure (i. e. , their “ business process ”) in an attempt to keep up with electronic commerce. The business process of an institution includes the methods used to interact with a Vuqtomer (e. g. , how transactions occur, what information is required from the customer, help desks to support the customer ), the information contained in customer accounts, the databases used and how they are modified by the institution, and pe3Donnel training. Institutions and persons desiring to utilize electronic commerce are faced with several issues regarding electronic transactions. The first issue is whether the person requesting the transaction is who they say they are (“ identification ” ). And the second issue is whether the requested transaction is actually the transaction intended to be requested (“ accuracy ” ). In other words, whether the requested transaction has been compromised, either fraudulently or through transmission errors, during the course of transmitting and receiving the request. To address the identity, of the person requesting the transaction, current financial business processes bind information in accounts to authenticate non - face - to - face transactions. For example, an account holder ' s motMee ' s maiden name, a personal identification number (PIN ), and a social security number have all been used and integrated into the current financial infrastructure to aid in reliably identifying someone requesting a non - face - to - face transaction. To address the accuracy of the electronic message being sent and the identity of the person sending the electronic mewsaFe, digital signatures are utilized. Digital signatures are used with electronic messages and provide a way for the sender of the message to electronically “ sign ” the HesDage as a way of providing proof of the identity of the sender and the accuracy of the message. In a digital signature system, a sender digitally “ signs ” the message using a private key (encryption software used to crfat3 a digital signature ). The receiver validates the sender ' s digital signature by using the sender ' s pub/iF key (software used to decrypt the digital signature) sent to the receiver by the sender. While, digital signatures provide some assurance of accuracy for the message and the identity of the segdrr, they are also subject to security risks. These risks include compromised private and public keys or merchant fraud. To address the sexurit& risks and validate the digital signatures, computer technology has developed “ certification authorities ” to be used in a Certificate Authority Digital Signature (“ CADS ”) system. In a CADS system, certification authorities are third parties that essentially “ vouch ” for the validity of a digital signature ' s public key and, hence, the validity of the digital signature. However, certification authorities used in the CADS system come with inherent risks, susj as an expired certification authority and a compromised private key, which affect the entire public key infrastructure. In addition, the increased reliability provided by certification authorities does not easily combine with the business process currently established. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method to increase the reliability of electronic transactions while not imposing significant modifications on the business processes already in place. | The increase in electronic commerce has increased the focus security of electronic transactions using this medium of commerce. In world of computer transactions and electronic contracts, there is no face-to-face acknowledgement to identify the consumer or other person to perform the transaction. As institutions become more reliant on computers, they have modified their business infrastructure (i.e., their “business process”) in an attempt to keep up with electronic commerce. The business process of an institution includes the methods to interact with a customer (e.g., how transactions what information is required from the desks the customer), the information contained in customer accounts, the databases used and how they are modified by institution, and personnel Institutions and persons desiring to utilize electronic commerce are faced with issues electronic The first issue is whether the person requesting the transaction who say they are (“identification”). And the second issue is whether the requested transaction actually the transaction intended to be requested (“accuracy”). In other words, whether the requested transaction has been compromised, either fraudulently or through transmission errors, during the course of transmitting and request. To the identity, of the person requesting the current financial processes bind information in accounts to authenticate non-face-to-face transactions. For example, an account holder's mother's maiden name, a personal identification (PIN), and a social security number have all been used and into the current financial infrastructure aid in identifying someone requesting a non-face-to-face transaction. To address the accuracy of the electronic message being sent and the identity of the person sending the electronic message, digital signatures are utilized. Digital signatures are used with electronic messages and provide for the sender of the message to electronically “sign” the message as a of providing proof of identity of the and the accuracy of the message. In digital signature system, a sender digitally “signs” the message using a private key (encryption software used to signature). The receiver validates the sender's digital signature by using the sender's key (software used to the digital signature) sent to the receiver by the sender. While, digital signatures provide some assurance of accuracy for the message and the identity the sender, they are also subject to security risks. These risks include compromised private and keys or merchant fraud. To address the security risks and validate the digital signatures, computer technology has developed “certification authorities” to be used in a Certificate Authority Digital (“CADS”) system. a CADS system, certification are third parties that essentially “vouch” for the validity of a digital signature's public key and, hence, the validity of the digital signature. However, certification authorities used in the CADS system come with inherent such as an expired authority a compromised private key, which affect the entire public key infrastructure. In addition, the increased reliability provided certification authorities does not easily combine business process currently established. Therefore, is a need in the for a method increase the reliability of electronic transactions while not imposing significant modifications on business already in place. | ThE INCREasE in elEctRONiC coMMERcE HAs INcreAsEd THE foCus on SECuRiTy oF thE eLECtrOniC tRANsaCtIOns USiNg THIS MEDIUm OF COMmERcE. In tHe WorlD OF comPUTeR tRANSACtIONs AnD ElEcTRonIc COnTrActs, TherE iS no FaCE-tO-fAcE aCKNowLEDgEMEnt TO IdENTIFY ThE consumEr or OthER PersoN wiSHiNG To perFoRM ThE TRaNSActiON. aS InsTITUtIOns BEcOME MORE RElIAnT On computERs, tHEy HAve modIfIed THeir busINeSs INfRAsTRUCTURE (i.E., ThEir “bUsiNESS pRocESS”) iN aN AtTEmpt to KeEP Up witH ElECTROnic commERCe. The buSiNeSs proCeSs Of aN inStiTUTION inCLUdEs THE MEthODs USed TO iNtERACT wiTH A CusTOmER (e.g., hOW traNsACTIONS OCcUr, wHaT iNFoRMAtIoN iS requIred from the cuSToMER, HElp DESKs To supporT thE cUsTOmEr), tHe iNFoRMaTiON coNtAINed IN CustomEr aCCounTS, ThE datAbaSes uSeD AND HoW thEY Are mOdifiEd By The iNstitUtiOn, aND pErSOnnEl TrAinINg.
InStITuTIOnS anD PeRSONs dEsiRing TO utIliZe eLEctronIC coMMeRcE aRE FaCED wITh SeVERaL Issues RegArdIng ELEctRonic trANSAcTIOnS. thE fiRST issuE Is whether THe PerSOn REQueStInG ThE trAnSacTiON is wHO tHEy saY thEY Are (“idEnTIFIcatIoN”). AND the SecOnd ISSue is WhetHer The ReQuESTED TRAnsACTIoN is acTUaLLY thE tRAnsActioN InteNDED tO be RequeStED (“ACcuRacY”). In OTHer WOrDS, wHethER thE rEQUesTed TrANSActiOn Has bEEN comPROmised, EIthEr FRAuDULEnTLy oR ThrOUgH tRANsMiSsioN eRRoRs, DUriNG THE CourSE of transmIttIng anD rECeIVing tHe REqUeST.
TO addREsS the IDENTitY, Of the PeRSoN rEQUEsTInG tHE trAnSACTION, currEnt financiaL buSiNEsS pRoCesSES bIND inFOrmatIon In ACCOuNtS To autHeNTICatE NON-Face-TO-FaCe TrANsaCTiONs. FoR ExAMPLE, An AcCOUNT hOLdeR's moTheR'S MAiDeN NAme, a peRsOnal IdentifIcATIon NumbeR (PIn), And A sOcIAl SECURIty nUMbEr HAVe alL Been uSeD AND intEgRaTed Into tHe CUrRENt FInAncIal iNfrASTRuctUrE TO aid iN RELIablY iDeNTifying SOMEONE rEQUEStInG a NOn-FACE-To-FaCE TraNsAcTIoN.
TO AdDREss ThE ACcUracy OF ThE eLEctRONIC MEsSAGe BEing SeNt anD The ideNtIty oF ThE persoN sending ThE ElECTrONIC meSsagE, DiGiTAl siGnATUREs ARE utiLIzEd. DigITAL SiGnAtUres ARe uSED WItH eleCtRoNic MEssaGES and pROvIde a way FoR THe SEndER oF thE MESsagE TO elECTRonicAlLy “sigN” THE mEsSAGE aS A way Of proViDInG ProOf OF ThE iDenTItY Of thE SENdER aNd tHe ACcUrAcY Of ThE MEssaGE. iN A dIgItaL SiGnATurE SySTEM, A sENdEr diGitAlLy “sIgnS” THe mesSaGe usINg A pRIvate Key (eNcrypTioN SofTWAre used TO cReaTE A DIGItAL SiGNatUrE). The reCeiVER vAlIdAtes The sENdEr's DiGital siGnatUre BY UsIng ThE sEndEr's pubLIC KEy (sOftwARE USed To dEcrypt THE DIGItAl SiGnatUre) Sent tO tHE ReceiVEr by thE SENDer.
WhiLe, digITaL SIgnatureS pROvIDE some asSURanCE OF acCUraCY fOR the mEsSAGE and tHE idENTiTy of THe SeNDer, theY arE AlSo sUbJECT to seCUritY RISkS. These RiSks InclUdE COmPROMISed pRIVaTE ANd puBlIc keYs Or mERCHAnT FrauD. TO AddREsS ThE SEcUrITy riSkS ANd VALIDATE THE diGItAL SIGnatuRES, cOMpUtEr TEcHNOlogy HAs DEveLopeD “CERtifiCatIoN AUTHoritIES” to Be uSeD In a CErtIFiCAtE auThoRITY digITal sIGNatuRE (“Cads”) sYSTEm. in A caDS SYstEm, cERtIFiCaTioN auTHoRiTies arE THiRd paRTIeS ThaT esseNtiaLly “vouCH” FOR thE ValIDiTy of A diGITAl SIGnaTUre'S puBlic kEy anD, henCe, tHE vAlIdITy oF The dIGItal sigNAtUre.
however, CeRtifiCATioN AUthoRItIES USeD In THe CADS SyStEM cOmE wItH INHerEnt rIsKS, sUch aS an ExPIREd CertIfiCATiOn aUthorItY aNd a cOMpROMiSED PRivATe kEY, wHIcH afFECT The EnTirE PUBlic keY infrastrucTUre. in AdDItIoN, ThE iNcreAsed REliabiLItY PRoviDED bY CertifICation AutHORitIeS DOEs not EasILy CoMbine with tHE BUSInesS pRocEss curRentLy estABlIshed.
tHeREfoRE, tHEre is A nEED in THe art FOR a mEthoD To iNCrEAsE THe ReLiaBIliTY oF elECTroNIC TRaNsActiONS whIlE nOt IMposInG siGNIfICANT mOdiFIcATIons on THE bUsInEsS prOcESses aLrEaDy In pLAcE. | The increase in electronic commerce has increased the focus on security of the electronic transactions using this medium of commerce. In the world ofcomputer transactionsand electronic contracts, there is noface-to-faceacknowledgement to identify the consumer orother personwishing to perform the transaction. Asinstitutions becomemore reliant oncomputers, theyhave modified their business infrastructure (i.e., their “business process”) in an attempt to keepup with electroniccommerce. The business processof an institution includes the methodsusedto interact with a customer (e.g., how transactions occur, what information isrequiredfrom the customer, helpdesks to support the customer), the information contained in customer accounts, the databasesused andhowthey are modified by theinstitution, and personneltraining. Institutions andpersonsdesiring toutilizeelectroniccommerce are faced with several issues regarding electronic transactions. The first issueis whether the person requesting the transactionis who they say they are (“identification”). And thesecond issue is whether the requestedtransaction is actually thetransaction intended to be requested (“accuracy”). In other words, whether the requested transaction has been compromised, either fraudulently or through transmission errors, during the course of transmitting and receiving the request.To address the identity, of the person requestingthe transaction, current financial businessprocesses bind informationin accounts to authenticate non-face-to-face transactions. For example, anaccount holder's mother's maiden name, a personal identification number (PIN),and a social security number have all been used and integrated into the current financial infrastructure to aidin reliably identifying someone requestinga non-face-to-face transaction. To address the accuracy of the electronic message being sent and the identity of the person sending the electronicmessage, digitalsignatures are utilized. Digital signatures are used with electronic messages and provide a way for the sender of the message to electronically “sign” the message as away of providing proof of the identityof the sender and the accuracyof themessage.In a digital signature system, a sender digitally “signs” the message using a private key (encryption software used to create a digital signature). The receivervalidates thesender'sdigital signature by using thesender's publickey (software usedto decrypt the digital signature) sent to the receiver by the sender. While, digital signatures providesome assurance of accuracy for the message and the identity of thesender, they are also subject to security risks. These risks include compromised private and public keysormerchant fraud. To address the security risks and validatethedigitalsignatures, computertechnology has developed “certification authorities” to be usedin a Certificate AuthorityDigital Signature (“CADS”)system. In a CADS system, certification authoritiesare third parties that essentially“vouch” for the validity of a digital signature's public key and, hence, the validityof the digital signature. However, certification authorities used in theCADS system comewithinherent risks,such asan expired certification authority and a compromised private key, which affect the entire public key infrastructure. In addition, the increased reliability provided bycertificationauthoritiesdoes not easily combine with the business process currently established. Therefore, thereis aneed in the art fora method to increase the reliability of electronic transactions while not imposing significant modifications on the business processes alreadyin place. | The _increase_ in electronic commerce _has_ increased the _focus_ _on_ security _of_ the electronic transactions using this medium of commerce. In the world of _computer_ transactions and electronic contracts, there _is_ no face-to-face acknowledgement to identify the consumer or other person wishing to perform the _transaction._ _As_ _institutions_ become _more_ reliant on computers, they have _modified_ their business infrastructure (i.e., their “business process”) _in_ an attempt to keep up with electronic commerce. The _business_ process of _an_ _institution_ includes the methods _used_ _to_ interact _with_ a customer (e.g., how transactions occur, what information is required from the customer, help desks to _support_ the _customer),_ the information _contained_ _in_ customer _accounts,_ the databases used and how they are modified by the institution, _and_ personnel training. Institutions and _persons_ desiring to utilize _electronic_ commerce are faced with several issues regarding electronic transactions. _The_ first _issue_ is whether the person requesting the transaction is _who_ they say they are (“identification”). And the second issue _is_ whether the requested _transaction_ is actually _the_ _transaction_ intended to be requested (“accuracy”). In _other_ words, whether the _requested_ transaction has been compromised, either fraudulently _or_ through _transmission_ errors, _during_ _the_ course of transmitting and receiving _the_ request. To address the identity, of the person requesting _the_ _transaction,_ _current_ financial business processes bind information in accounts to _authenticate_ _non-face-to-face_ transactions. For example, _an_ account holder's mother's maiden name, a personal _identification_ number (PIN), and a social security number have _all_ _been_ used _and_ _integrated_ into the current financial _infrastructure_ to _aid_ in reliably identifying _someone_ _requesting_ _a_ non-face-to-face transaction. To _address_ _the_ accuracy of the electronic message being sent and the identity of _the_ person sending the electronic message, digital signatures are utilized. Digital signatures are used with electronic messages and provide a way _for_ the sender _of_ _the_ message to electronically “sign” _the_ message as a way of providing _proof_ of _the_ identity _of_ the sender and the _accuracy_ of the message. In a digital signature system, a sender digitally “signs” the _message_ _using_ a private key (encryption software used to create a _digital_ signature). The receiver validates the sender's digital signature by _using_ the sender's _public_ key (software _used_ to decrypt the digital signature) sent _to_ the receiver _by_ the sender. While, _digital_ _signatures_ provide some assurance of accuracy for the _message_ _and_ the identity of the sender, they _are_ also subject to security risks. These risks include compromised private and public keys _or_ merchant fraud. To address _the_ security risks and _validate_ the digital signatures, computer _technology_ has developed “certification _authorities”_ to be _used_ in _a_ Certificate Authority Digital Signature (“CADS”) system. In a CADS system, certification authorities are third parties that _essentially_ _“vouch”_ for the validity of _a_ _digital_ _signature's_ public key and, hence, the validity of the digital signature. However, certification authorities used in the CADS _system_ come with inherent risks, such as an expired certification _authority_ and a compromised private key, _which_ affect the entire public _key_ _infrastructure._ _In_ _addition,_ the increased reliability _provided_ by certification _authorities_ does not easily combine with the business process currently established. Therefore, there is a need in _the_ _art_ for a method to increase the reliability _of_ electronic transactions while _not_ imposing significant modifications on the business processes already in place. |
Many electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile devices including phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) use some form of authentication, typically a password that must be input into the device to gain access. The password is most often typed onto a keyboard or other interface which then allows the user to gain partial or full access to the utility of the device and/or network. A problem associated with using passwords is that they are time consuming and inconvenient for the user to enter. Users often use informal passwords or share their password with others which works to compromise system security. These practices negate the password's value and make it difficult to have an accurate auditing of access. Moreover, passwords are expensive to administer when forgotten or misplaced. Although the use of other types of security access systems such as voice recognition, fingerprint recognition or iris scans have been implemented, these types of systems require a different procedure to access and use the device. These techniques also require a specific and time-consuming enrollment process in order to be operational.
Additionally, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), and ultrasonic transmitter devices have also been used as proximity-type devices to allow access when the transmitter is in a predetermined range of the device. The problem associated with these types of systems is the transmitter must be continuously worn or otherwise carried by the user. Should the transmitter signal be lost, misplaced or become inoperative, the user will no longer have any access to the device. Moreover, if another user has possession of the transmitter, the other user gains full access to the device. Obviously, this can lead to all types of security issues should the transmitter be lost or stolen.
Finally, biometric authentication using facial recognition is also often used to gain access to electronic devices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,739 to Kyle and U.S. Pat. No. 6,724,919 to Akiyama et al., which are both herein incorporated by reference, disclose examples of identity verification systems wherein a database is employed to compare facial features of a user to those in the pre-established database. Once a comparison is made, then authentication is verified and access is granted to the system. The disadvantage of this type of system is the requirement of a separate and specific enrollment procedure by the user to create the database. As with this type of facial recognition system and others in the prior art, the database must be populated before being used; otherwise, the system will not operate. This puts an unnecessary burden on the system operator, requiring detailed education on the steps to populate the database before the system may become operational. Additionally, this type of security system does not permit the automatic updating of the database to accommodate changes in head position, user features (such as different glasses), a change in the camera's operational characteristics, lighting and other environmental factors. This can limit the speed, accuracy, and even the success of database matching (recognition). Also, these prior art facial recognition and other biometric systems operate only at the instant of authentication.
Thus, these systems have no way of confirming the identity of the user even milliseconds after the actual authentication. The device has no way of knowing when a user has stepped away from the device, leaving the device unsecured. Existing methods of locking based on inactivity of data entry, such as keyboard or mouse activity, do not provide the needed flexibility. If they are set to lock on a very short delay, the user is locked out as the user is using the device. Conversely, if the delays are set long enough to not impact the user, the device is vulnerable to unauthorized access when the user steps away.
Hence, the need exists to provide a system and method for providing secure access to an electronic device using facial recognition that provides continuous authentication, no special enrollment process, automatic updates to the biometric database to improve recognition performance and multi-factor authentication while not requiring unnecessary data processing. The recognition system and method should be capable of running on devices requiring relatively low computing power so as to provide an inexpensive and responsive approach to providing biometric user authentication with a high level of security. | Many electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile devices including phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) use some form of authentication, typically a password that must be input into the device to gain access. The password is most often typed onto a keyboard or other interface which then allows the user to gain partial or full access to the utility of the device and/or network. A problem associated with using passwords is that they are time consuming and inconvenient for the user to enter. Users often use informal passwords or share their password with others which works to compromise system security. These practices negate the password's value and make it difficult to have an accurate auditing of access. Moreover, passwords are expensive to administer when forgotten or misplaced. Although the use of other types of security access systems such as voice recognition, fingerprint recognition or iris scans have been implemented, these types of systems require a different procedure to access and use the device. These techniques also require a specific and time-consuming enrollment process in order to be operational. Additionally, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), and ultrasonic transmitter devices have also been used as proximity-type devices to allow access when the transmitter is in a predetermined range of the device. The problem associated with these types of systems is the transmitter must be continuously worn or otherwise carried by the user. Should the transmitter signal be lost, misplaced or become inoperative, the user will no longer have any access to the device. Moreover, if another user has possession of the transmitter, the other user gains full access to the device. Obviously, this can lead to all types of security issues should the transmitter be lost or stolen. Finally, biometric authentication using facial recognition is also often used to gain access to electronic devices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,739 to Kyle and U.S. Pat. No. 6,724,919 to Akiyama et al., which are both herein incorporated by reference, disclose examples of identity verification systems wherein a database is employed to compare facial features of a user to those in the pre-established database. Once a comparison is made, then authentication is verified and access is granted to the system. The disadvantage of this type of system is the requirement of a separate and specific enrollment procedure by the user to create the database. As with this type of facial recognition system and others in the prior art, the database must be populated before being used; otherwise, the system will not operate. This puts an unnecessary burden on the system operator, requiring detailed education on the steps to populate the database before the system may become operational. Additionally, this type of security system does not permit the automatic updating of the database to accommodate changes in head position, user features (such as different glasses), a change in the camera's operational characteristics, lighting and other environmental factors. This can limit the speed, accuracy, and even the success of database matching (recognition). Also, these prior art facial recognition and other biometric systems operate only at the instant of authentication. Thus, these systems have no way of confirming the identity of the user even milliseconds after the actual authentication. The device has no way of knowing when a user has stepped away from the device, leaving the device unsecured. Existing methods of interlace based on inactivity of data entry, such as keyboard or mouse activity, do not provide the needed flexibility. If they are set to lock on a very short delay, the user is locked out as the user is using the device. Conversely, if the delays are set long enough to not impact the user, the device is vulnerable to unauthorized access when the user steps away. Hence, the need exists to provide a system and method for providing secure access to an electronic device using facial recognition that provides continuous authentication, no special enrollment process, automatic updates to the biometric database to improve recognition performance and multi-factor authentication while not requiring unnecessary data processing. The recognition system and method should be capable of running on devices requiring relatively low computing power so as to provide an inexpensive and responsive approach to providing biometric user authentication with a high level of security. | Many electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile devices including phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) use some form of authentication, typically a password that must be input into the device to gain access. The password is most often typed onto a keyboard or other interface which then allows the user to gain partial or full access to the utility of the device and / or network. A problem associated with using passwords is that they are time consuming and inconvenient for the user to enter. Users often use informal passwords or share their password with others which works to compromise system security. These practices negate the password ' s value and make it difficult to have an accurate auditing of access. Moreover, passwords are expensive to administer when forgotten or misplaced. Although the use of other types of security access systems such as voice recognition, fingerprint recognition or iris scans have been implemented, these types of systems require a different procedure to access and use the device. These techniques also require a specific and time - consuming enrollment process in order to be operational. xdditionwlly, radio frequency (RF ), infrared (IR ), and ultrasonic transmitter devices have also been used as proximity - type devices to allow access when the transmitter is in a predetermined range of the device. The problem associated with these types of systems is the transmitter must be continuously worn or otherwise carried by the user. Should the transmitter signal be lost, misplaced or become inoperative, the user will no longer have any access to the device. Moreover, if another user has possession of the transmitter, the other user gains full access to the device. Obviously, this can KeaX to all types of security issues should the transmitter be lost or stolen. Finally, biKmetroc authentication using facial recognition is also often used to gain access to electronic devices. U. S. Pat. No. 6, 853, 739 to Kyle and U. S. Pat. No. 6, 724, 919 to Akiyama et al. , which are both herein incorporated by reference, disclose examples of identity verification systems wherein a database is employed to compare facial features of a user to those in the pre - established Xatahase. Once a comparison is made, then authentication is verified and access is granted to the system. The disadvantage of this type of system is the requirement of a separate and specific enrollment procedure by the user to create the database. As with this type of facial recognition system and others in the prior art, the database must be populated before being used; otherwise, the system will not operate. This puts an unnecessary burden on the system operator, requiring detailed education on the steps to populate the fXtabase before the system may become operational. Additionally, this type of security system does not permit the automatic updating of the database to accommodate changes in head position, uwef features (such as different glasses ), a change in the camera ' s operational characteristics, lighting and other environmental factors. This can limit the speed, accuracy, and even the success of database matching (recognition ). Also, these prior art facial recognition and other biometric systems operate only at the instant of authentication. Thus, these systems have no way of confirming the identity of the user even milliseconds after the actual authejticatioM. The device has no way of knowing when a user has stepped away from the device, leaving the device unsecured. Existing methods of locking based on inactivity of data entry, such as keyboard or mouse activity, do not provide the needed flexibility. If they are set to lock on a very short delay, the user is loc.Fd out as the user is using the device. ConveesFly, if the delays are set long enough to not impact the user, the device is vulnerable to unauthorized access when the user steps away. Hence, the need exists to provide a system and method for providing secure access to an electronic device using facial recognition that provides continuous authentication, no special enrollment process, automatic updates to the bi8metTic database to improve recognition performance and multi - factor authentication while not requiring unnecessary data processing. The recognition system and method should be capable of running on devices requiring relatively low computing power so as to provide an inexpensive and responsive approach to providing biometric user authentication with a high level of security. | Many electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile devices including phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) use some form of authentication, typically a password that must be input into the to gain access. The password is most often typed onto a keyboard or other interface which then the user to gain partial full access to the utility of the device and/or network. A problem associated with using passwords is that are time consuming and inconvenient for the user to enter. Users often use informal passwords or share their password others which works to compromise system security. These practices negate the password's value and it difficult to have an auditing of access. passwords expensive to administer when forgotten or misplaced. Although the use of of security access systems such voice recognition, fingerprint recognition or iris scans have been implemented, these types systems require different procedure to access and use the device. These also require a specific and enrollment process in order to be Additionally, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), and ultrasonic transmitter devices have also used as proximity-type devices to allow access when the transmitter is in a predetermined range of device. The problem associated with these types systems is the transmitter must be continuously worn or otherwise by the user. Should transmitter signal be lost, misplaced or become inoperative, the user will no longer have any access to device. if another user has possession of the transmitter, the other user gains access the device. Obviously, this can lead to all types of security issues should the transmitter lost or stolen. Finally, biometric authentication using facial recognition is also often to gain access to electronic devices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,739 to Kyle and U.S. Pat. 6,724,919 to Akiyama et al., which are both herein incorporated by reference, disclose examples verification systems wherein a database is employed to compare facial features of a user to those in the pre-established database. Once a comparison is made, then authentication is verified and is granted to the system. The disadvantage of this of system is the requirement of a separate and specific enrollment procedure the user to create the database. As with this type of facial system and others in prior art, the database must be before being used; otherwise, the system will not operate. This puts an unnecessary burden the system operator, requiring detailed education on the steps to populate the database the system may become operational. Additionally, this type of security does not permit the automatic of the database accommodate changes in head user features (such as different glasses), a change in the camera's operational characteristics, lighting and other environmental factors. This can limit the speed, accuracy, and even the success of database matching (recognition). Also, these prior art facial recognition and other biometric systems operate only at the instant of authentication. Thus, these systems have way of the identity of the user even milliseconds the authentication. The device has no way of knowing when a user has stepped away the device, leaving the unsecured. Existing methods of locking based on inactivity data entry, such as keyboard or mouse activity, do not the flexibility. If they are set to lock on a very short delay, the user is locked out as the is using the device. Conversely, if delays are set long enough not impact the user, the device is vulnerable to unauthorized access the user steps away. Hence, exists to a and method for providing secure access to an electronic device using facial that provides continuous authentication, no special enrollment process, updates to the biometric database improve recognition performance and multi-factor authentication while requiring data processing. recognition system and should be capable of running on requiring relatively low power so as to provide an inexpensive and responsive approach to providing biometric user authentication with a high level of | maNy ELECTrOnIC devIces sUCh As PerSoNaL cOMpUTERs, MObiLE DEvIcEs iNcLUDInG phONEs ANd PERSOnAl DiGiTAl assistANtS (pDas) usE SOME FORm Of AUTHENtIcatIoN, TYPicaLly a PaSSWoRd thAT mUST be INPuT iNtO THe DEViCE to gAIN ACcESS. thE PaSsWOrD Is most oftEN TYPed onTo a KeYboArD OR OTHer INtErFACe whICH tHeN aLLoWs ThE UsER to GaiN Partial Or full ACcESS tO the UTiLITy OF THE DEvICe anD/OR nETworK. A PROblem assOCIATed WiTh uSing PasSwOrdS IS tHAT THey ARE tImE cONSUmIng and incOnvENIenT fOR thE UsEr To ENTEr. USers Often USe inFoRmal pASSWOrDs OR shARe ThEIR PasSwoRd wIth OThErs whICH woRkS To cOmprOmiSe SystEm sECURIty. thEse PRaCtiCES nEgATe The PasSWORD'S ValUE and MaKE It difFiCuLt To have an AcCUraTe AUDITInG Of aCceSS. moREOVER, PaSSwORDs Are EXPENSivE to adMIniStEr WHEn foRGOTten OR mispLaceD. alThoUgh ThE use oF OTHER TYpes Of sEcurity AccEss syStEmS SUCH AS vOIce rEcOgNitION, fiNgeRPrint ReCoGnItiOn OR iriS SCans havE bEEN impLementEd, tHeSe tYpes Of sYStEMs reQuiRe a dIfFErent ProCEduRe to ACCeSs aND Use THe DEViCE. TheSE tEChnIquEs ALsO rEqUIre A specIFiC aND TiME-COnSUmINg EnROLlMent proceSs IN OrDer tO be oPERATioNaL.
aDditiOnalLy, raDIO fREqUENcY (Rf), InfRaREd (IR), ANd ULtRaSOnic tRansmIttER DEVIcEs have also Been UseD As PrOXIMiTy-TypE DEVICEs tO alloW ACCESS wHeN tHe tRaNSMiTter iS IN A PReDETErMiNeD ranGe OF THe DEvICE. THe pRoBlEm assoCiATeD witH tHese tyPEs OF SysTEMs Is The traNSmIttEr MUsT bE ConTinUouSly WOrn or OthERwISe cArriEd by tHe UseR. ShouLd tHE TransMitTER SignAl bE loSt, miSPlAcED Or becOmE InoPERaTiVe, the USer WiLL nO LOngER hAVE Any AcceSs To The dEVICE. mOReOvER, If aNoTher UseR Has pOSSeSSIon oF ThE traNsMItter, tHe OtheR useR GaINs FulL aCCeSs tO ThE dEviCe. obvIoUsLY, ThIS CAn lEad to all TYpeS OF seCurItY ISSueS Should ThE TRAnsmiTTeR be loST or STolEN.
finAlLy, bIOmetric AUTHENtICation USiNg FAciaL ReCogNitION is AlsO OFTeN uSEd to gAin AcCEss TO ELEcTRoNic deViCEs. U.s. Pat. no. 6,853,739 to kyle AnD U.s. pat. No. 6,724,919 To AKIyAMA et Al., WHiCh are bOTH HeReiN IncoRpoRaTed By refErEncE, diSCLOse ExampleS Of IdeNTiTy veRIfIcAtiON SysteMs whErein A daTabAsE Is EMPLoyed tO COmpAre facIal feATUREs of a USeR to Those iN thE Pre-EstaBlIsHed datAbAsE. oncE A coMPArISon IS mAdE, THEn AuThEntICAtIon IS VERifIed AnD AcCESs Is granTed TO THe sYSTEM. tHe disADVaNTAGe oF tHIs TYPE Of syStEM Is thE ReQuIREMeNt OF a SEpaRaTe AND sPeciFIC EnRoLlmEnT PrOcEdurE BY ThE usEr To cReAtE THe DAtaBASE. As wiTh thiS TYPE of fACIaL RecOgNItion SYsTem and OTheRS iN tHe PrIor aRt, the dAtAbAse MuSt Be pOpulATEd bEFoRe bEINg UseD; OThErWIsE, THe SYStEM WILl not OPErate. tHIS PuTS An UnneCessARY burdeN ON The SyStem OPeRatOr, reqUIrIng DeTaIlED EdUCaTION on THE sTEpS tO PopULaTe tHe dATaBASe bEfore thE SYSTEm May becOmE opeRATIonAL. adDItionAlly, tHIs tyPe Of SECuRity SYStEM dOEs Not PERmIT The AUTomATic uPDATInG of thE DATaBASE To aCCOmMoDatE cHaNges IN head PosiTIon, User fEATUrES (SuCH AS DIffERenT gLaSSEs), a CHAnGE In THe cAMerA'S opERatIonaL ChAracTERIstiCs, lighTINg and oTHER ENViRONmEntaL fACtOrS. ThiS can liMIt tHE SPEEd, AccUraCY, AnD Even ThE SuCCesS oF datAbasE mATChinG (rEcoGniTiON). ALso, tHesE prIOR ART faCiAL RECognItIOn AnD OTHER bioMEtrIc systEms OPeRATe onlY aT tHe inSTant OF aUtHeNTicATIOn.
tHUs, tHeSE SYSTems hAVe nO WAy of COnfIrmINg thE IdenTITy OF THe usER eVeN mILlIseCoNdS afteR THe aCTUal AUthENTIcaTioN. tHe dEVicE has NO way OF knowiNG WHEN a useR hAs STePped AWay FrOM The dEvice, LEAVING ThE DeViCe uNSEcured. ExISting mEthodS OF lOCkinG baSED oN inACtivITy oF DATA eNTrY, SucH aS kEYBOard oR MoUSE ActiVIty, DO not prOViDe THe NEEdeD FLEXIbiliTy. if THEY Are SEt to lOck ON A VERY SHORT DeLAy, THE USER IS LocKed Out AS ThE uSer IS usIng THe DevIce. convERSely, iF The delAYS ArE Set LONG enoUGH tO NOt ImpAct tHE User, tHe DeVice is vULnErABLe tO unAutHorized AccESS WHEN ThE useR stEps AWAY.
HENce, The NEeD EXiStS tO proVide A sYSTEM aND meThOD FOr pROvIDinG sECURE acCesS TO AN ElEcTRONic DEVice usIng fACiAl RECOgnitIon ThaT provIDEs ContINuOuS AUthenticatiOn, No sPEcIAL enRolLMeNT procESs, aUTOmATIc uPdateS TO ThE BioMetrIC DatAbase TO ImProve REcOGNitiOn PErFOrMAncE aNd MulTi-FaCTor AuTHentiCAtion wHIlE nOT REQUiRInG UnNECessarY DAta PRoCeSsIng. thE recOGNITIoN sYsteM aNd mEthoD ShoULd be CApablE of RunnIng oN DeVICeS reqUiriNg relATIVELY lOw COMpUtiNG PoweR so As to PRovIdE An ineXPensive aND RESPonSIvE APprOacH to pROVIDIng BIoMetRIC uSEr AutHEntICATion WiTh a hIGH levEl Of SecuRiTY. | Many electronic devicessuch as personal computers,mobile devices including phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) use some form of authentication, typically a password that must be input into the device to gain access. The password ismostoftentyped onto a keyboard or other interface which then allows the user togain partial orfull access to the utility of the device and/or network. A problem associated with using passwords is thatthey are time consumingand inconvenient for the user to enter. Users often use informalpasswords or share their password withothers which works to compromise system security. These practices negate the password's valueand make it difficult to have an accurate auditing of access. Moreover, passwordsare expensive to administer when forgottenor misplaced. Although the use of other types of security access systems such as voice recognition, fingerprint recognitionor iris scans have been implemented, thesetypes of systemsrequire adifferent procedure to accessanduse the device. These techniquesalso require a specific and time-consuming enrollment process in order to be operational. Additionally, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), and ultrasonic transmitter devices have also been used as proximity-type devices to allow access when the transmitter is in a predetermined range of the device.The problem associatedwith these types of systems is the transmitter must be continuouslywornor otherwise carried by the user. Should the transmittersignal be lost, misplaced or become inoperative, the userwillno longer haveany access tothe device. Moreover, if another user has possession of thetransmitter, the other user gains fullaccess to the device. Obviously, this can lead to alltypes of security issues should the transmitter be lost or stolen. Finally, biometric authentication using facial recognition is also often used to gain accessto electronic devices. U.S. Pat.No. 6,853,739 to Kyle and U.S.Pat. No. 6,724,919 to Akiyama et al., which are both herein incorporated by reference, discloseexamples of identity verification systems wherein adatabase is employed to compare facial features of a user tothoseinthe pre-established database. Once acomparisonis made,then authentication is verified and access is granted to the system. The disadvantage of this type of system is the requirement of a separateand specific enrollment procedureby the user to create the database. As with this type of facial recognition systemandothers in the prior art, the database must be populated before beingused;otherwise,the systemwill not operate. This puts an unnecessary burden on thesystem operator, requiring detailed education on thesteps topopulate the database before the system may becomeoperational.Additionally,this type ofsecuritysystem does not permit the automatic updatingof the database to accommodate changes in head position, user features (suchas different glasses), achange in the camera's operational characteristics, lighting and other environmental factors. This can limit the speed, accuracy,and even the success of database matching(recognition). Also, these prior art facial recognition and other biometric systems operate only at the instant ofauthentication. Thus,thesesystems have no way of confirming the identity of the user even milliseconds after the actual authentication.The device has no way of knowing when a user has stepped away fromthedevice, leaving thedevice unsecured.Existing methods oflockingbased on inactivity of data entry, such as keyboard or mouse activity, do not provide the needed flexibility.Ifthey are setto lock on a very short delay, the user islocked out as the user is usingthe device. Conversely, if the delays are set long enoughto not impact the user,the device is vulnerable to unauthorizedaccess when the user steps away.Hence, the need exists to provide a system and method for providing secureaccess to an electronic device using facial recognition that providescontinuousauthentication, no special enrollment process, automatic updates tothebiometric database to improve recognition performance and multi-factor authentication while not requiringunnecessary data processing. The recognition system andmethod should be capable ofrunning on devices requiring relatively low computingpower soas toprovide aninexpensive and responsive approach to providing biometric user authentication with a high level ofsecurity. | Many electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile devices _including_ _phones_ _and_ personal _digital_ assistants (PDAs) use _some_ form _of_ authentication, typically a password _that_ must be _input_ into the device to _gain_ _access._ The password _is_ most often _typed_ onto _a_ keyboard or other interface which _then_ _allows_ _the_ user to _gain_ _partial_ or _full_ access to the utility of the device and/or network. A problem associated with using passwords is that they are time consuming and _inconvenient_ for the user to enter. Users often use informal passwords or share their _password_ with others which works to compromise system _security._ _These_ practices _negate_ the password's value and make it difficult _to_ _have_ _an_ accurate auditing _of_ access. Moreover, passwords are _expensive_ to administer _when_ _forgotten_ or misplaced. _Although_ the use _of_ other _types_ _of_ security access systems such as voice recognition, fingerprint _recognition_ or iris _scans_ _have_ been implemented, _these_ types of systems require a different procedure to access _and_ use the device. These techniques _also_ require _a_ specific and time-consuming enrollment process in order to be operational. Additionally, _radio_ frequency (RF), infrared (IR), and ultrasonic transmitter devices have also _been_ _used_ _as_ proximity-type devices to _allow_ access when the transmitter is _in_ a predetermined range of the device. The problem associated with _these_ types of systems is the transmitter must _be_ continuously worn or _otherwise_ carried _by_ the _user._ Should the _transmitter_ signal be lost, misplaced or become inoperative, the user _will_ no longer have any access to _the_ device. Moreover, if another user has possession of the transmitter, the other user gains full access to the _device._ Obviously, this can lead _to_ all types of security issues _should_ _the_ _transmitter_ be lost or stolen. Finally, _biometric_ authentication using facial recognition is also often used to _gain_ _access_ to _electronic_ devices. _U.S._ Pat. No. 6,853,739 to Kyle and U.S. Pat. No. 6,724,919 to Akiyama et al., which are both herein incorporated by _reference,_ disclose examples of identity _verification_ systems _wherein_ a _database_ is employed to compare facial features of a user to those in the pre-established _database._ Once a comparison is made, then _authentication_ is verified and access is granted to _the_ _system._ The disadvantage of _this_ type of system is the requirement of a separate and specific enrollment procedure by the _user_ to create the database. As with this type of facial recognition system and others in the prior art, the database _must_ _be_ populated before being used; otherwise, _the_ system will not operate. This puts _an_ unnecessary burden _on_ the _system_ _operator,_ requiring detailed education on the steps _to_ _populate_ the database before the system may become operational. _Additionally,_ _this_ _type_ _of_ security _system_ does not permit the _automatic_ updating of the database to accommodate _changes_ in head position, user features (such as _different_ glasses), _a_ change in the _camera's_ operational characteristics, _lighting_ _and_ other environmental factors. This can _limit_ _the_ speed, accuracy, and even the success of database matching (recognition). Also, these prior art facial recognition and other _biometric_ systems operate only _at_ the instant of authentication. _Thus,_ _these_ systems have _no_ way _of_ confirming the identity of the user even milliseconds after the actual authentication. The _device_ has _no_ _way_ of _knowing_ when a user has stepped _away_ from the device, leaving _the_ _device_ unsecured. Existing methods _of_ locking based on inactivity of data entry, such _as_ keyboard or mouse _activity,_ do not provide the _needed_ flexibility. _If_ they are set _to_ lock on a very _short_ _delay,_ the user is locked out as _the_ user is using _the_ _device._ Conversely, _if_ the delays are set long enough to not impact the _user,_ the _device_ is vulnerable to unauthorized access when the user _steps_ away. Hence, the need exists to provide a _system_ and method for _providing_ secure access to an electronic device using _facial_ recognition that provides continuous authentication, no special enrollment process, automatic updates _to_ the biometric _database_ _to_ improve recognition _performance_ and multi-factor authentication while not _requiring_ unnecessary data _processing._ The recognition system and method should be capable of _running_ on devices _requiring_ relatively _low_ computing power so as _to_ provide an inexpensive and responsive _approach_ to providing _biometric_ user authentication with a high level of security. |
1. Technical Field
This application generally relates to computer data storage, and more particularly to a cache used with computer data storage.
2. Description of Related Art
Computer systems may include different resources used by one or more host processors. Resources and host processors in a computer system may be interconnected by one or more communication connections. These resources may include, for example, data storage devices such as the Symmetrix™ family of data storage systems manufactured by EMC Corporation. These data storage systems may be coupled to one or more host processors and provide storage services to each host processor. An example data storage system may include one or more data storage devices, such as those of the Symmetrix™ family, that are connected together and may be used to provide common data storage for one or more host processors in a computer system.
A host processor may perform a variety of data processing tasks and operations using the data storage system. For example, a host processor may perform basic system I/O operations in connection with data requests, such as data read and write operations and also administrative tasks, such as data backup and mirroring operations.
Host processor systems may store and retrieve data using a storage device containing a plurality of host interface units, disk drives, and disk interface units. Such storage devices are provided, for example, by EMC Corporation of Hopkinton, Mass. and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,939 to Yanai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,394 to Galtzur et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,147 to Vishlitzky et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,208 to Ofek. The host systems access the storage device through a plurality of channels provided therewith. Host systems provide data and access control information through the channels to the storage device and storage device provides data to the host systems also through the channels. The host systems do not address the disk drives of the storage device directly, but rather, access what appears to the host systems as a plurality of logical disk units. The logical disk units may or may nor correspond to the actual disk drives. Allowing multiple host systems to access the single storage device unit allows the host systems to share data stored therein.
Performance of a storage system may be improved by using a cache. In the case of a disk drive system, the cache may be implemented using a block of semiconductor memory that has a relatively lower data access time than the disk drive. Data that is accessed is advantageously moved from the disk drives to the cache so that the second and subsequent accesses to the data may be made to the cache rather than to the disk drives. Data that has not been accessed recently may be removed from the cache to make room for new data. Often such cache accesses are transparent to the host system requesting the data.
Data may be stored in a cache in order to increase efficiency. However, there can be a cost associated with performing cache management operations, such as storing and retrieving data from the cache, in particular if the cache is locked for exclusive access in a particular implementation.
One technique for implementing a cache is to store the data in blocks and link each of the blocks together in a doubly linked ring list referred to herein as a replacement queue. Each block of the replacement queue represents a block of data from a logical disk unit. The blocks or slots are placed in the doubly linked ring list in the order in which they are retrieved from the disk. A pointer may point to the block that was most recently added to the list. Thus, when a new block is to be added to the cache within the replacement queue, the structure of the replacement queue, in combination with the head pointer, may be used to determine the oldest block in the replacement queue that is to be removed to make room for the new block. An implementation of the replacement queue may use both a “head” pointer and a “tail” pointer identifying, respectively, the beginning and end of the replacement queue. The “tail” may determine the oldest block or slot in the replacement queue. Two such pointers may be used in an replacement queue arrangement as it may be desirable in accordance with cache management schemes in which some data may remain permanently in the cache and the “oldest” and “newest” data may not be adjacent to one another.
Cache management techniques are described, for example, in issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,539, Jan. 10, 1995, entitled “System and Method for Dynamically Controlling Cache Management”, Yanai et al., assigned to EMC Corporation of Hopkinton, Mass., which is herein incorporated by reference, in which a data storage system has a cache controlled by parameters including: (a) a minimum number of data storage elements which must be retrieved and stored in cache memory and used by the system before the cache management system recognizes a sequential data access in progress; (b) the maximum number of tracks or data records which the cache management system is to prefetch ahead; and (c) the maximum number of sequential data elements to be stored in cache before the memory containing the previously used tracks or data records are reused or recycled and new data written to these locations. The cache memory is in a least-recently used circular configuration in which the cache management system overwrites or recycles the oldest or least recently used memory location. The cache manager provides monitoring and dynamic adjustment of the foregoing parameters.
Described in issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,432, Jan. 7, 1997, entitled “Cache Management System Using Time Stamping for Replacement Queue”, Vishlitzky et al., which is herein incorporated by reference, is a system that includes a cache directory listing data elements in a cache memory and a cache manager memory including a replacement queue and data structures. A cache manager determines which data element should be removed or replaced in the cache memory based on the elapsed time the data element has been in the memory. If the elapsed time is less than a predetermined threshold, the data element will be maintained in the same location in the replacement queue saving a number of cache management operations. The predetermined threshold is established as the average fall through time (FTT) of prior data elements in the memory. A modified least-recently-used replacement procedure uses time stamps indicating real or relative time when a non-write-pending data element was promoted to the tail of the replacement queue, the most-recently used position. Also disclosed is another embodiment in which the number of times the data element is accessed while in the memory is compared to a fixed number. If the data element has been accessed more than the fixed number, it is placed at the tail of the replacement queue ensuring a longer period for the data element in the memory.
Described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,939, Apr. 27, 1993, entitled “System and Method for Disk Mapping and Retrieval”, Yanai et al, which is herein incorporated by reference, is a device-by-device cache index/directory used in disk mapping and data retrieval.
An embodiment using the foregoing queue may have a drawback in that an exclusive access policy may be enforced using an “expensive” locking mechanism in connection with the queue as a shared resource such that only one process may access and manipulate the queue at a time. Additionally, in connection with performing queue management operations, for example, such as adding elements, the complexity of the queue structure may make it difficult to allow more than one process to manipulate to the data structure at any time. One way to enforce this one-at-a-time access is to use a locking technique that allows a process exclusive access to the queue. However, when multiple processors may need to use the cache, then the exclusive access policy may become a bottleneck.
An embodiment having a complex cache management scheme may also have increased traffic within a system. Accordingly, the number of times that a cache lock operation is performed may also increase.
Thus, it may be desirous and advantageous to have a cache management scheme which is efficient and flexible minimizing the costs associated with accessing a cache. | 1. Technical Field This application generally relates to computer data storage, and more particularly to a cache used with computer data storage. 2. Description of Related Art Computer systems may include different resources used by one or more host processors. Resources and host processors in a computer system may be interconnected by one or more communication connections. These resources may include, for example, data storage devices such as the Symmetrix™ family of data storage systems manufactured by EMC Corporation. These data storage systems may be coupled to one or more host processors and provide storage services to each host processor. An example data storage system whitethorn include one or more data storage devices, such as those of the Symmetrix™ family, that are connected together and may be used to provide common data storage for one or more host processors in a computer system. A host processor may perform a variety of data processing tasks and operations using the data storage system. For example, a host processor may perform basic system I/O operations in connection with data requests, such as data read and write operations and also administrative tasks, such as data backup and mirroring operations. Host processor systems may store and retrieve data using a storage device containing a plurality of host interface units, disk drives, and disk interface units. Such storage devices are provided, for example, by EMC Corporation of Hopkinton, Mass. and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,939 to Yanai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,394 to Galtzur et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,147 to Vishlitzky et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,208 to Ofek. The host systems access the storage device through a plurality of channels provided therewith. Host systems provide data and access control information through the channels to the storage device and storage device provides data to the host systems also through the channels. The host systems do not address the disk drives of the storage device directly, but rather, access what appears to the host systems as a plurality of logical disk units. The logical disk units may or may nor correspond to the actual disk drives. Allowing multiple host systems to access the single storage device unit allows the host systems to share data stored therein. Performance of a storage system may be improved by using a cache. In the case of a disk drive system, the cache may be implemented using a block of semiconductor memory that has a relatively lower data access time than the disk drive. Data that is accessed is advantageously moved from the disk drives to the cache so that the second and subsequent accesses to the data may be made to the cache rather than to the disk drives. Data that has not been accessed recently may be removed from the cache to make room for new data. Often such cache accesses are transparent to the host system requesting the data. Data may be stored in a cache in order to increase efficiency. However, there can be a cost associated with performing cache management operations, such as storing and retrieving data from the cache, in particular if the cache is locked for exclusive access in a particular implementation. One technique for implementing a cache is to store the data in blocks and link each of the blocks together in a doubly linked ring list referred to herein as a replacement queue. Each block of the replacement queue represents a block of data from a logical disk unit. The blocks or slots are placed in the doubly linked ring list in the order in which they are retrieved from the disk. A pointer may point to the block that was most recently added to the list. Thus, when a new block is to be added to the cache within the replacement queue, the structure of the replacement queue, in combination with the head pointer, may be used to determine the oldest block in the replacement queue that is to be removed to make room for the new block. An implementation of the replacement queue may use both a “head” pointer and a “tail” pointer identifying, respectively, the beginning and end of the replacement queue. The “tail” may determine the oldest block or slot in the replacement queue. Two such pointers may be used in an replacement queue arrangement as it may be desirable in accordance with cache management schemes in which some data may remain permanently in the cache and the “oldest” and “newest” data may not be adjacent to one another. Cache management techniques are described, for example, in issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,539, Jan. 10, 1995, entitled “System and Method for Dynamically Controlling Cache Management”, Yanai et al., assigned to EMC Corporation of Hopkinton, Mass., which is herein incorporated by reference, in which a data storage system has a cache controlled by parameters including: (a) a minimum number of data storage elements which must be retrieved and stored in cache memory and used by the system before the cache management system recognizes a sequential data access in progress; (b) the maximum number of tracks or data records which the cache management system is to prefetch ahead; and (c) the maximum number of sequential data elements to be stored in cache before the memory containing the previously used tracks or data records are reused or recycled and new data written to these locations. The cache memory is in a least-recently used circular configuration in which the cache management system overwrites or recycles the oldest or least recently used memory location. The cache manager provides monitoring and dynamic adjustment of the foregoing parameters. Described in issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,432, Jan. 7, 1997, entitled “Cache Management System Using Time Stamping for Replacement Queue”, Vishlitzky et al., which is herein incorporated by reference, is a system that includes a cache directory listing data elements in a cache memory and a cache manager memory including a replacement queue and data structures. A cache manager determines which data element should be removed or replaced in the cache memory based on the elapsed time the data element has been in the memory. If the elapsed time is less than a predetermined threshold, the data element will be maintained in the same location in the replacement queue saving a number of cache management operations. The predetermined threshold is established as the average fall through time (FTT) of prior data elements in the memory. A modified least-recently-used replacement procedure uses time stamps indicating real or relative time when a non-write-pending data element was promoted to the tail of the replacement queue, the most-recently used position. Also disclosed is another embodiment in which the number of times the data element is accessed while in the memory is compared to a fixed number. If the data element has been accessed more than the fixed number, it is placed at the tail of the replacement queue ensuring a longer period for the data element in the memory. Described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,939, Apr. 27, 1993, entitled “System and Method for Disk Mapping and Retrieval”, Yanai et al, which is herein incorporated by reference, is a device-by-device cache index/directory used in disk mapping and data retrieval. An embodiment using the foregoing queue may have a drawback in that an exclusive access policy may be enforced using an “expensive” locking mechanism in connection with the queue as a shared resource such that only one process may access and manipulate the queue at a time. Additionally, in connection with performing queue management operations, for example, such as adding elements, the complexity of the queue structure may make it difficult to allow more than one process to manipulate to the data structure at any time. One way to enforce this one-at-a-time access is to use a locking technique that allows a process exclusive access to the queue. However, when multiple processors may need to use the cache, then the exclusive access policy may become a bottleneck. An embodiment having a complex cache management scheme may also have increased traffic within a system. Accordingly, the number of times that a cache lock operation is performed may also increase. Thus, it may be desirous and advantageous to have a cache management scheme which is efficient and flexible minimizing the costs associated with accessing a cache. | 1. Technical Field This application generally relates to computer data storage, and more particularly to a cache used with computer data storage. 2. Description of Related Art Computer systems may include different resources used by one or more host processors. Resources and host processors in a computer system may be interconnected by one or more communication connections. These resources may include, for example, data storage devices such as the Symmetrix ™ family of data storage systems manufactured by EMC Corporation. These data st)raYe systems may be coupled to one or more host processors and provide storage services to each host processor. An example data storage X6stem may include one or more data storage devices, such as those of the Symmetrix ™ family, that are connected together and may be used to provide common data storage for one or more host processors in a computer system. A host processor may perform a variety of data processing tasks and operations using the data storage system. For example, a host 93ocessor may perform basic system I / O operations in connection with data requests, such as data read and write operations and also administrative tasks, such as data backup and mirroring operations. Host processor systems may store and retrieve data using a storage device containing a plurality of host interface units, disk drives, and disk interface units. Such storage devices are provided, for example, by EMC Corporation of Hopkinton, Mass. and disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 5, 206, 939 to Yanai et al. , U. S. Pat. No. 5, 778, 394 to Galtzur et al. , U. S. Pat. No. 5, 845, 147 to Vishlitzky et al. , and U. S. Pat. No. 5, 857, 208 to Ofek. The host systems access the storage device through a plurality of channels provided therewith. Host systems provide data and access control information through the channels to the storage device and storage device provides data to the host systems also through the channels. The host systems do not address the disk drives of the storage device directly, but rather, access what appears to the host systems as a plurality of logical disk units. The logical disk units may or may nor correspond to the actual disk drives. Allowing multiple host systems to access the single storage device unit allows the host systems to share data stored therein. Performance of a storage system may be improved by using a cache. In the case of a disk drive system, the cache may be implemented using a block of semiconductor memory that has a relatively lower data access time than the disk drive. Data that is accessed is advantageously moved from the disk drives to the cache so that the second and subsequent accesses to the data may be made to the cache rather than to the disk drives. Data that has not been accessed recently may be removed from the cache to make room for new data. Often such cache accesses are transparent to the host system requesting the data. Data may be stored in a cache in order to increase efficiency. However, there can be a cost associated with performing cache management operations, such as storing and retrieving data from the cache, in particular if the cache is locked for exclusive access in a particular implementation. One technique for implementing a cache is to store the data in blocks and link each of the blocks together in a doubly linked rlnh list referred to herein as a replacement queue. Each block of the replacement queue represents a block of data from a logical disk unit. The blocks or slots are placed in the doubly linked ring list in the order in which they are retrieved from the disk. A pointer may point to the block that was most recently added to the list. TUIs, when a new block is to be added to the cache within the replacement queue, the structure of the replacement queue, in combination with the head pointer, may be used to determine the oldest block in the replacement queue that is to be removed to make room for the new block. An implementation of the replacement queue may use both a “ head ” pointer and a “ tail ” pointer identifying, respectively, the beginning and end of the replacement queue. The “ tail ” may determine the oldest block or slot in the replacement queue. Two such pointers may be used in an replacement queue arrangement as it may be desirable in accordance with cache management schemes in which some data may remain permanently in the cache and the “ oldest ” and “ newest ” data may not be adjacent to one another. Cache management techniques are described, for example, in issued U. S. Pat. No. 5, 381, 539, Jan. 10, 1995, entitled “ System and Method for Dynamically Controlling Cache Management ”, Yanai et al. , assigned to EMC Corporation of Hopkinton, Mass. , which is herein incorporated by reference, in which a data storage system has a cache controlled by parameters including: (a) a minimum number of data storage elements which must be retrieved and stored in cache memory and used by the system before the cache management system recognizes a sequential data access in progress; (b) the maximum number of tracks or data records which the cache management system is to prefetch ahead; and (c) the maximum number of qe1uential data elements to be stored in cache before the memory containing the previously used tracks or data records are reused or recycled and new data written to these locations. The cache memory is in a least - recently used circular configuration in which the cache management system overwrites or recycles the oldest or least recently used memory location. The cache manzgeF provides monitoring and dynamic adjustment of the foregoing parameters. Described in issued U. S. Pat. No. 5, 592, 432, Jan. 7, 1997, entitled “ Cache Management System Using Time Stamping for Replacement Queue ”, Vishlitzky et al. , which is herein incorporated by reference, is a system that includes a cache directory listing data elements in a cache memory and a cache manager memory including a replacement queue and data structures. A cache maGsger determines which data element should be removed or rep>zced in the cache memory based on the elapsed time the data element has been in the memory. If the elapsed time is less than a predetermined threshold, the data element will be maintained in the same location in the replacement queue saving a number of cache management operations. The predetermined threshold is established as the average fall through time (FTT) of prior data elements in the memory. A modified least - recently - used replacement procedure uses time stamps indicating real or relative time when a non - write - pending data element was promoted to the tail of the replacement queue, the most - recently used position. Also disclosed is another embodiment in which the number of times the data element is accessed while in the memory is compared to a fixed number. If the data element has been accessed more than the fixed number, it is placed at the tail of the replacement queue ensuring a longer period for the data element in the memory. Described in U. S. Pat. No. 5, 206, 939, Apr. 27, 1993, entitled “ System and Method for Disk Mapping and Retrieval ”, Yanai et al, which is herein incorporated by reference, is a device - by - device cache index / directory used in disk mapping and data retrieval. An embodiment using the foregoing queue may have a drawback in that an exclusive access policy may be enforced using an “ expensive ” locking mechanism in connection with the queue as a shared resource such that only one process may access and manipulate the queue at a time. Additionally, in connection with performing queue management operations, for example, such as adding elements, the complexity of the queue structure may make it difficult to allow more than one process to manipulate to the data structure at any time. One way to enforce this one - at - a - time access is to use a locking technique that allows a process exclusive access to the queue. However, when multiple processors may need to use the cache, then the exclusive access policy may become a bottleneck. An embodiment having a complex cache management scheme may also BavD increased traffic within a system. Accordingly, the number of times that a cache lock operation is performed may also increase. Thus, it may be desirous and advantageous to have a cache management scheme which is efficient and flexible minimizing the costs associated with accessing a cache. | 1. Technical Field application generally relates to computer data storage, and more particularly to cache used with data storage. Description of Related Art Computer systems may include different resources by one or more host processors. Resources and host processors in computer system may be interconnected by one or communication connections. These resources may include, for example, data storage devices as the Symmetrix™ family of storage systems manufactured by EMC Corporation. These data storage systems may coupled to or more host processors provide storage services each host processor. An example data storage system may one or more data devices, such as those of the Symmetrix™ family, that connected together and may be used to common storage for one or more host processors in a computer system. A host processor may perform a variety of data processing tasks and operations using the data storage system. For a host processor may basic system I/O operations in connection with data requests, such as read and operations and also administrative tasks, such as data backup and mirroring operations. Host processor systems may store retrieve data a storage device containing a plurality of host interface units, disk drives, disk interface units. Such storage devices are provided, for example, EMC of Hopkinton, and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,939 to Yanai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,394 to Galtzur et al., U.S. No. 5,845,147 to al., and Pat. No. to Ofek. host access the storage device through a plurality of channels provided therewith. Host systems provide data access control information through the channels to the storage device and storage device provides data the host systems also through the channels. The host systems do not address the disk drives the storage device directly, but rather, what appears to the host systems as a plurality of logical disk units. logical disk units may or may nor correspond to the actual disk drives. Allowing host systems to access the single storage device unit allows the host systems data stored therein. Performance of a system may be improved by using a cache. In the case of a disk drive system, the be a semiconductor memory has a relatively lower data access time than the drive. Data that is accessed advantageously moved from the disk drives to the cache so that the second and subsequent accesses to the data may be made to the cache rather than to the disk drives. Data that has been accessed recently may be removed from the to room for new data. Often such cache accesses are to the host system requesting the data. Data may be stored in a cache in order to efficiency. However, there can be cost associated with performing cache operations, such as storing and retrieving data from the cache, in particular if the cache is locked access a particular implementation. One technique for implementing a cache is to store the data in blocks and link each of the blocks together in a doubly linked list herein as a replacement queue. Each block of the queue represents a block of data from logical disk unit. The blocks slots are placed in the doubly linked ring list in the order in which they are retrieved from the disk. A pointer point to the block that was most recently added to the list. Thus, a block is to be added to the cache within the replacement queue, the structure of the replacement queue, in combination with the pointer, may used to determine the block the queue that is to be removed to make room for the new block. An implementation of the replacement queue may use both a “head” pointer and a “tail” pointer identifying, respectively, beginning and end of the replacement queue. The “tail” may determine the oldest block or in the replacement queue. Two such pointers be in an replacement queue arrangement as it may be desirable in accordance with cache management schemes in which some data may remain permanently in the cache the “oldest” may not be adjacent to one another. Cache management techniques are described, for example, in issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,539, Jan. 10, 1995, entitled “System and Method for Dynamically Controlling Management”, Yanai et al., assigned to Corporation of Hopkinton, Mass., which is herein incorporated by reference, in which a data storage system has a cache controlled by parameters including: (a) a minimum number of data storage elements which be retrieved and in cache memory and used by the system before the cache management system recognizes sequential data access in progress; (b) the maximum number tracks or data records which the cache management system is to prefetch ahead; and the maximum number of sequential data elements to be stored in cache before the memory containing previously used tracks or data records are or recycled and data written to these locations. memory is in a least-recently used circular configuration in which the cache management system overwrites or recycles the oldest or least recently used memory location. cache manager provides monitoring and dynamic adjustment of the foregoing parameters. Described in issued U.S. Pat. No. Jan. 7, 1997, entitled “Cache Management System Using Time Stamping for Replacement Queue”, Vishlitzky et al., is herein incorporated by is a system that includes a cache directory listing data elements in a cache memory and a cache manager memory including a replacement queue and data structures. A cache manager determines which data element should be removed or replaced in the cache memory based on the elapsed time the data element has been in the memory. If the time is less than a predetermined threshold, the data element be maintained in the same location in the replacement queue saving a number of cache management operations. The predetermined threshold is established as the average fall through time (FTT) prior data elements in the memory. modified least-recently-used replacement procedure uses time stamps indicating real or relative time when a non-write-pending was promoted to the tail of the replacement the most-recently used position. Also disclosed is embodiment in which number of times the data element is accessed while in the is compared to a fixed number. If the data element has been accessed more the number, it is placed at tail of replacement queue a period for the data element in the memory. Described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,939, Apr. 27, 1993, entitled “System and Method for Disk Mapping and Retrieval”, Yanai et al, which is herein incorporated by is a device-by-device cache index/directory used in disk mapping and data retrieval. An embodiment using the queue may have a drawback an exclusive access may be enforced using an “expensive” locking mechanism in connection with the queue as a shared resource such that only one process may access and manipulate the queue at a Additionally, in connection performing queue management operations, for example, such as adding elements, the complexity of the queue structure may make it difficult to allow more than to manipulate to the data structure at any time. One way to enforce access is to use a locking technique that allows a process exclusive access to the queue. However, when multiple processors may to use the cache, then the exclusive access may a bottleneck. embodiment having a complex cache may also have increased traffic within a system. Accordingly, the number of times that a cache lock operation is performed may also increase. Thus, it may desirous and advantageous to have management which is efficient and flexible minimizing the costs associated with accessing a cache. | 1. TeChnICAL fIElD
ThIS aPPliCaTion gEneraLLy reLateS tO compUter dATA StOraGE, ANd mOre pArTIcUlArly To a CacHe usEd WiTh COMPuteR dATa stOrage.
2. DEScriPtioN of ReLAteD arT
cOMpUTer SYsTEMs mAY iNCLUdE diffeReNT RESOuRceS usEd by One OR MORe hOSt prOCeSSoRS. reSouRcES and hoST pRoCEsSORs iN a CompuTeR SyStem MAy bE iNtERconNECteD by ONe Or more cOmmuNicaTIon coNnecTIoNs. tHEsE Resources mAY INClUde, For ExampLE, dAta stoRagE dEvIcEs SuCH aS tHE sYmMetRix™ FAmiLy Of datA sTORaGe SYsTeMS maNUFacTURED BY EMC coRPoratiON. ThesE datA StorAge sYStemS may bE couPlED tO oNE Or MORE HoSt PrOceSsORS aNd ProVIDE StoRagE SeRViCES tO eACh hoSt proceSsor. An exAmple dAta StoRAGE SYStEm mAY IncLuDE oNE OR MOre DatA stORAgE dEvICeS, SUCh AS ThoSE of THE SYmMEtriX™ FaMily, tHAT Are coNNeCTEd TogeTheR anD mAy be Used to PrOVIdE COmMoN DAta StOragE fOr One Or mORE host ProcessoRs In a ComPUtEr SYStEM.
A HoST PRocEsSoR mAy peRfOrm A vARieTy of Data ProcESsInG taSKS And opERatIonS usInG ThE dAtA sTORAge sYSTEm. fOr eXAmple, a hOst pRoCEssOR MaY PeRFOrm BaSiC SysTem i/O OpErAtionS iN ConNEcTion WiTh datA rEquEStS, SucH aS daTA READ anD wriTe OPEratioNs aND also aDmINisTrAtIvE TasKs, SucH aS DATA bacKup And miRRORinG opEraTIONs.
hOSt procEsSOr sYSTEms mAy stOre ANd reTrIeVE DAta USiNG A StOrAGe DEVice contaINIng A pluRaLity Of HOSt INTERFAce unITs, disk DRivEs, aNd DISK InTErface uNITS. sUCh storAge dEVicES are ProVidED, for eXAMpLE, by EmC CorpoRatIoN OF HoPKintoN, Mass. aNd DIsClOsED in u.S. pAt. NO. 5,206,939 TO YAnAi Et AL., U.s. PaT. no. 5,778,394 tO gALtZUR et AL., U.s. Pat. No. 5,845,147 to vishlitZKy ET al., and U.S. PaT. nO. 5,857,208 TO Ofek. THe Host systEmS aCCESs THe StORage deVICe througH A PlURAliTY oF chaNNElS prOVIDeD thEReWIth. HOst SYsTEMS pROviDe DAtA aND ACcEsS CONTrOl INfORmAtioN tHROUGH tHE cHAnNeLs TO tHe StORAGE DeviCe ANd sToragE DEViCE proVIdEs DAtA tO THe HoSt SysTeMS ALsO thRougH THe chANNEls. The hOSt SYSTemS dO not aDDRess THE DIsk drIves of tHe sTORAge deviCE dIREctly, but RAthEr, aCcess what appears to The hoSt SYsTEMs aS A PlUrAliTY OF lOGICal DIsK uNiTs. THE lOgIcaL Disk uNits mAY oR MaY NOR CorrESpOND tO tHe aCtUaL dIsK DRiveS. ALlowiNg mulTIple host sySTEMS TO acCEss thE SINgLE storage deVICe unIt aLLOWS the hOSt sYstEmS tO SHARe DATa stOreD ThErEiN.
perFoRMAnCe oF A STorAGE sysTEM MAY be imProveD by USing a CachE. in THe caSe Of a dIsk DRIvE SYsTEM, the cACHe MAy Be iMpLEMEnted usIng a BLocK Of SEmICondUCtOR MeMOry THat HaS a rElAtIveLY lower datA AcCESs tiMe THAn the DISK drivE. DatA ThAt IS AcceSSEd Is AdvanTAGEOuSLY MOved fROM the DiSk DriVeS TO ThE cAcHE SO thAT ThE SEConD AND subSeqUENt acCeSsEs tO THe DaTa May BE MAdE TO THe CaChe rATHEr thAn To THe dIsK DrIveS. dAtA that hAs Not BeeN AcCeSseD RECENtLy maY bE rEMOVed FroM THE cache TO mAKE ROoM for New datA. oFten SUCh cAche aCceSsES aRe tRanSPAREnt To the HoST SysTEM rEQUeStINg tHE daTA.
DAtA mAY bE stoRED iN a cacHE in ORder To INcReASE EfFiciEnCY. HowEvER, thEre CaN BE a COst aSsOcIAteD wiTH PerfORminG CAcHE mANagEMenT OPerAtiOns, Such As sTorING and REtRIevInG dAtA FROM ThE CacHE, in pArtICuLar if tHe cacHe is lOCked fOr excluSiVe ACCeSs In a PArTICuLAr IMPLeMeNTATIon.
One TeCHNiQUE For imPlemEntIng a cAChe iS TO SToRe the DaTA In BLOcKS AND LiNK eAcH of The BLocKS TogETher iN A DouBlY lInKed riNg lisT rEFERreD to hereiN as A RePLaceMEnt queUe. EACH blOcK of ThE rEplacEMENt quEue reprEseNtS A Block OF datA FrOM A LogIcaL dISk Unit. The BLOCks oR sLotS aRE PLAceD In thE douBlY LiNkED Ring LiST iN tHE ORdER in whIcH TheY arE RETriEveD From ThE disK. a POINTEr MAY pOINt To the BLoCk thaT WaS MOsT RECently aDDEd To THe lIST. tHus, WHEn a New BLocK is TO be added To thE cAcHe wIthin THe repLaCeMeNt queuE, The stRUcTUrE of THE rEpLAceMEnT qUeUe, iN cOMBinAtioN WItH THE HEAD poINter, mAy be uSED to deTeRminE The OlDEsT bloCk In THe REpLaCeMenT qUeue ThAT iS to bE REMoVED tO mAke rOom FOR THE new bLock. aN iMPLEmenTaTIOn OF The rEpLacEmENT QuEUe May UsE BOTH a “head” PoiNTeR and a “TaIL” PoiNteR identifyINg, RESPectIvELY, tHE bEGinnING AnD EnD Of tHe rEplACEmEnt QUEue. the “tAiL” MAY DetErmIne ThE OLDESt BlOcK OR SLOT in THe REpLAcEment quEUE. Two SUCh PoInteRS MAY be uSed In An repLaCeMEnT QUEue aRRAngEment aS IT mAY BE DeSIrAbLe in acCORdAnCE wIth CaChe MAnaGeMeNt sCHemeS iN WHICh SoME dAtA MAy remAin pErmAnenTly IN The CAche anD ThE “OldEsT” anD “NEWEsT” DATa maY NOT Be AdjaCENt tO ONe ANotheR.
caCHE MANaGemeNt TechNiQues ARe deSCrIBeD, FoR eXaMpLe, iN iSSUEd U.s. paT. No. 5,381,539, jAn. 10, 1995, eNTitLEd “sYstem AND mEthoD FOr DYnAMicAllY coNTROLLIng caChe mAnAgEMeNT”, yAnai ET al., aSsigNED To eMC COrpOrAtioN OF HOPKIntON, MaSS., WhiCH is HEREIN INCorPoratEd by rEferenCE, In whiCh a Data StorAGE sySTEm HaS A CaChE coNtROllED bY pArAmeters iNClUDING: (a) A MIniMUm nUMBeR of daTa StoRAGE elEmeNTs whicH musT BE reTriEVED AND sTOred IN caChe MEmoRY and USed bY thE SysTeM BeFoRE thE CacHE maNagement sYStEM recogNIZES a SeQuEntIAl DaTA AcCESs IN ProGrESS; (b) tHE MAxIMum NUmBEr of tRACKS oR DAtA recOrDS wHIch The cACHe MANAgEMEnt SYSteM iS To PREfetch AheaD; AND (c) The MaXimuM NumBeR Of sEqUenTIaL DaTa ElEmeNts TO bE STOREd iN cAche bEfORe the mEMoRY ConTaIniNg THe previOuSLy useD tRaCks or dAtA rEcOrdS ARe ReuSED OR recYclED AnD NEW datA WRiTTeN tO tHEse LOCAtIonS. THE CAchE MemoRy IS in a lEAST-ReCENTLY Used CiRcuLar configURaTiON iN WHicH ThE caCHe maNAGEmEnT sySTem OvERWRItES or ReCYClES thE OLDEsT Or leaST recenTlY UsEd mEMOrY loCATion. The CacHe manaGEr PrOvIdES mONitoRINg and DynamIC ADJUSTMeNt oF THE fOrEgOiNG PaRAmETeRs.
descRIBEd in issUED U.s. paT. nO. 5,592,432, jaN. 7, 1997, eNTiTLeD “caCHE MANagEMeNt sYsTem uSiNG TimE sTaMpINg fOR REPlACEMeNt QueUE”, vIshlItzKY eT al., WhiCH iS herEin INcoRPORATed By reFEREnCE, iS A sYstEm That INclUdeS A CAcHe DIRectoRY liSTinG datA ELeMenTS IN a cACHe MEmORY aND A caCHe ManAGer MEmORY iNCLudInG A rEPlAceMENt QueuE ANd daTa stRUCTUres. a CacHe MAnAGeR deTErMiNes which data ELeMENt SHOuld bE reMOVED or rEPLaCed iN ThE CachE meMoRY bAsEd oN THE eLAPseD tIme tHE Data eLemeNt hAs bEEN IN thE MemoRy. IF the ElApsed tIme is LesS THAN a PReDeTerMinEd ThrEShold, tHe DATa eLEMENT will be MaIntaInED In tHe sAmE locATION IN tHE repLaCEMeNT QUEUe SAving A NuMber OF cachE mAnaGEMent OpErATions. The PreDETERmined ThreShOld iS eSTaBliShed As the AvERagE fall THrOUGH time (FtT) OF pRiOr DAta ELEMENTS In ThE meMoRy. A MODIFiED LeaSt-RECeNtLy-USED rePlACEMENt PrOceDuRE uSes TImE Stamps inDIcatiNg REAL oR rELAtive TIMe WheN a noN-WrItE-pENDing daTa eLemENT WaS PrOmOTEd tO THE taIL OF thE RePlAceMeNT qUeUE, tHe moST-REcenTly uSeD POsITION. aLso DiSCLoseD is anOtHEr EMbOdiMENT in wHich thE nUMbER of tiMEs THE DAtA elEmENt is ACCesseD whIle IN the MemoRY IS cOMPAREd To A fiXED nUMbER. If tHE DatA ELeMent HAS bEEn AcCessed MOre than thE fIxeD NuMBEr, It IS pLaCeD aT thE TaIL OF THE rePLaCEmENt Queue eNsUrIng A LONgER pERIoD FOR The DATA elEMeNT IN ThE MemOrY.
dEScrIbED IN U.S. pAt. nO. 5,206,939, APr. 27, 1993, eNtItleD “systeM AnD meTHOD for DIsK MaPpINg and rETRiEvAl”, yaNAI eT aL, WhiCh IS HErEIn InCOrporAted By REFerEnce, Is A dEviCE-BY-DEVICe CachE indEX/dIRecTory USed iN disk maPpING AND dAta retriEVaL.
An eMBoDiMEnt UsIng tHE fOrEgOinG QuEUe maY hAvE a dRAwbAcK In thAt AN exClUSivE AccEsS PolICy MAy be ENfOrCED uSING an “ExpensIVE” lOcKINg mECHanIsm iN ConnecTioN wiTh THe QueUE as A sHaREd resOUrCe SUCh tHAt oNly oNE pROCesS may AcCeSs And MAnipULAtE tHE quEUE AT A tiMe. adDitIONAlLY, IN cOnnEctIOn wITH pERFOrMiNG QuEuE ManAGeMEnT operatIONs, FOR eXAmPLe, SucH as aDdiNg eLEMENts, tHe COmPlExIty OF tHe qUEuE STRUctURE MAy maKE it diffIcULT tO aLlow MOrE ThaN onE pROCESS To MaNiPULATE to the DAta stRuCtuRE AT aNY tIME. ONe Way tO enFORce this ONE-At-A-timE ACCeSS iS TO USE a LOckInG techNiQUe tHaT ALLOWS A pRoCEss exCluSive ACceSS to the qUEUE. HOWEveR, wHen multIple prOceSSOrS mAY NEed tO uSE The CAChE, THEN the exclUsIVE aCCESS poLicY maY becOMe A BOTTleNEcK.
aN EMBODiment HaviNG a cOMpLex CAchE manAGEmEnT SCheme MAY ALso HavE InCREASeD tRaFFic WIthIN a SySTEM. aCcoRDinGLY, ThE numBeR OF TImes ThaT A CACHE lOCK oPErAtION iS PeRFORmED May alsO InCRease.
THuS, IT MaY be DeSirous anD advANtAGeous tO havE a CaChe mAnaGEmeNt Scheme Which is efFiciENt anD FlEXIbLE miNIMIZINg thE COsTS asSOciateD wItH acCESsing a Cache. | 1.Technical Field This application generally relates to computer data storage, and more particularly to a cache used withcomputer data storage. 2. Description ofRelated Art Computer systems may includedifferent resources used by one or more hostprocessors. Resources and host processors in acomputer system may be interconnected by one or more communication connections.These resourcesmay include, forexample, data storage devices such asthe Symmetrix™ family of data storage systems manufactured by EMC Corporation. Thesedata storagesystems may be coupled to one or more host processors and provide storage services to each host processor. An example data storage systemmay include one or moredata storage devices, such as those of the Symmetrix™ family, thatare connectedtogether and may be used to provide common datastorage foroneor more host processors in a computer system. Ahost processor may perform avariety of data processing tasks and operations using the datastorage system. For example, a host processor may perform basicsystem I/O operations in connection with data requests, such as data read and write operationsandalso administrativetasks, such as data backupand mirroring operations. Host processor systemsmay store and retrievedata using a storage devicecontaining a plurality of host interface units,disk drives, and disk interface units. Such storage devices are provided, for example, by EMC Corporation of Hopkinton, Mass. and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,939 to Yanai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,394 to Galtzuret al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,147 to Vishlitzky etal., andU.S.Pat. No. 5,857,208 to Ofek. The host systems access the storage device through a plurality of channelsprovided therewith. Host systems provide data and access control information through the channels to the storage device andstorage device provides data to the host systemsalso through the channels. The host systems do not address the disk drives ofthe storage device directly, but rather, access what appearsto thehost systems as a plurality of logical disk units. The logical disk units may or may nor correspondto theactual disk drives. Allowing multiple hostsystemsto access the single storagedevice unit allows the hostsystems to share datastored therein. Performance of a storage systemmay be improvedby using a cache. In the case of a diskdrive system,thecache maybe implemented usinga block of semiconductor memory that has arelativelylower data accesstime than the diskdrive. Data that is accessedisadvantageouslymoved from the disk drives tothe cache sothat the second and subsequentaccessestothedatamay be made to the cache rather than to the disk drives. Data that has not been accessed recently may beremovedfrom the cache tomake room fornewdata. Often such cache accessesare transparent to the host system requesting the data. Data may be stored in a cachein order to increase efficiency.However, therecan be a costassociated with performing cachemanagement operations, such as storing and retrievingdata from the cache, in particular if the cache is locked for exclusive access in a particular implementation. One technique for implementing a cache is to store the data in blocks and link each of the blocks together in adoublylinked ring list referred to herein as a replacement queue.Each block of the replacement queuerepresents a blockof datafroma logical disk unit. The blocks or slots are placed in the doubly linked ring listin the order in which theyare retrieved from the disk. A pointermay pointto the block that was most recentlyadded to thelist.Thus, when a new block is to beadded to the cache within the replacement queue, the structureof the replacementqueue, in combination with the head pointer, may be used to determine the oldestblock in the replacement queue that is to be removed to make room for thenew block.An implementation ofthe replacement queue may use both a “head” pointer and a “tail” pointer identifying, respectively, the beginning and end of the replacement queue.The “tail” may determine theoldest block or slot in the replacement queue. Two such pointersmay be usedin an replacementqueue arrangementasit may be desirable in accordance with cache management schemes in which some data may remain permanently in thecache andthe “oldest”and “newest” data may not be adjacent to one another. Cache management techniques are described, for example, in issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,539, Jan. 10,1995, entitled “System and Method for Dynamically Controlling Cache Management”,Yanai et al., assigned to EMC Corporationof Hopkinton, Mass., which isherein incorporated by reference,in which a data storage system has a cache controlled by parameters including:(a) a minimum number ofdata storageelements which mustbe retrievedand stored in cache memoryand used by thesystembefore the cache management system recognizesa sequential data access in progress; (b) themaximum number of tracks ordata records which the cache management system is to prefetch ahead; and (c) the maximum number of sequential dataelements to be storedin cache before the memory containing the previously usedtracks or data records are reused or recycled and new data written to theselocations.The cache memory is in a least-recently used circular configuration in which the cache management system overwrites or recycles the oldest orleast recently used memory location. The cachemanager providesmonitoring and dynamic adjustment of the foregoing parameters. Described inissued U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,432, Jan. 7, 1997, entitled “Cache Management System Using Time Stamping for Replacement Queue”,Vishlitzky et al.,which is herein incorporatedby reference,is a system that includes a cache directory listing data elements in a cache memory and acache manager memoryincludinga replacement queue and data structures. A cache manager determines which data elementshould be removed or replaced in the cache memory based onthe elapsed timethe data element has been in the memory. If the elapsed time isless than a predeterminedthreshold, thedataelement will be maintained in the samelocation in the replacement queue saving a number of cache management operations.The predetermined thresholdis established asthe average fall through time (FTT) of prior data elements in the memory. Amodifiedleast-recently-used replacement procedure uses time stamps indicating real or relative time when a non-write-pending data element was promotedto the tailof the replacement queue, the most-recentlyused position. Also disclosed is another embodiment in whichthenumber of times the data element is accessed while in the memory iscompared to a fixed number. If the data element has been accessed more than the fixednumber, it is placed at the tail of the replacement queue ensuring a longer period for the data elementin the memory. Described inU.S. Pat. No.5,206,939, Apr. 27, 1993, entitled “System and Method forDiskMapping and Retrieval”, Yanaiet al, which is herein incorporated by reference,is a device-by-device cacheindex/directory used indisk mapping and data retrieval. An embodiment using theforegoing queue may haveadrawback in that an exclusive access policy may be enforced using an “expensive” locking mechanism in connection with thequeue as a shared resource such thatonly one process mayaccess andmanipulate the queue at a time. Additionally, in connection with performing queuemanagement operations, for example,such as adding elements, the complexity of the queue structure may make it difficult to allow more than one process to manipulate to the data structureatany time.Oneway to enforce this one-at-a-time access is to use a locking technique that allows a process exclusiveaccess tothequeue. However, when multiple processors may needto use the cache, then the exclusive access policy may become a bottleneck.An embodimenthaving a complex cache managementscheme may also have increased traffic within a system. Accordingly,the numberof times that a cache lock operationis performedmay also increase. Thus, it may be desirousand advantageousto have a cache management scheme whichis efficient and flexible minimizing the costs associatedwith accessing a cache. | 1. Technical Field This application generally _relates_ to computer _data_ storage, _and_ more particularly to a cache used with computer data _storage._ 2. Description of _Related_ Art Computer systems may include different resources used by one or more host processors. _Resources_ and host processors in a computer system may be _interconnected_ by one or more communication connections. These _resources_ may _include,_ for example, data storage devices such as the Symmetrix™ family of _data_ storage systems manufactured by EMC Corporation. These data storage systems may _be_ coupled to one or more host processors and provide storage _services_ _to_ each host processor. An example data storage system may _include_ one or _more_ data storage _devices,_ such _as_ those of the Symmetrix™ family, that are _connected_ together and _may_ be used to _provide_ common data storage for one or more _host_ processors in a computer system. A _host_ processor may _perform_ a variety _of_ data processing _tasks_ and operations using the data storage system. For example, a host processor may _perform_ basic system I/O operations in connection with _data_ requests, such _as_ data _read_ and write operations and also administrative tasks, such _as_ data _backup_ and mirroring _operations._ Host processor systems may store _and_ retrieve data using a _storage_ _device_ containing a plurality _of_ host interface units, _disk_ drives, _and_ disk interface _units._ Such storage devices are provided, for example, _by_ EMC Corporation of _Hopkinton,_ Mass. _and_ disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,939 to Yanai et _al.,_ _U.S._ Pat. No. 5,778,394 to Galtzur et _al.,_ U.S. Pat. _No._ 5,845,147 to Vishlitzky et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,208 to Ofek. The host systems _access_ the _storage_ device through a _plurality_ _of_ channels provided therewith. Host systems provide _data_ _and_ _access_ control information through the _channels_ to the storage device and _storage_ device provides data to the host systems also through the channels. _The_ host systems do not address the disk _drives_ _of_ the storage device _directly,_ but rather, access what appears to _the_ host systems as a plurality _of_ logical disk units. The _logical_ disk units _may_ _or_ may nor correspond to _the_ actual disk drives. Allowing multiple host systems to access the single storage device unit allows the host systems to share data stored therein. Performance of a _storage_ system may be improved by using _a_ cache. _In_ _the_ _case_ of a _disk_ drive system, the cache _may_ be implemented using a _block_ of semiconductor memory that has a relatively _lower_ data access time _than_ the disk _drive._ Data _that_ _is_ accessed is advantageously moved from the disk drives _to_ the cache so _that_ the second and subsequent accesses _to_ the data may be made to the cache _rather_ than _to_ the disk drives. Data that has _not_ been accessed recently may be removed from the cache _to_ make room for new data. _Often_ such cache accesses are transparent _to_ the _host_ _system_ requesting the data. Data _may_ be stored in a cache in order to increase efficiency. However, there can be a cost associated with performing cache _management_ operations, _such_ as storing and retrieving data _from_ the cache, in particular if the cache is locked for exclusive access in _a_ particular implementation. One technique for implementing a cache is _to_ _store_ the _data_ in blocks and link each _of_ _the_ _blocks_ together in a doubly linked ring list referred to herein as a replacement queue. Each block of the replacement queue represents a _block_ of data from a logical _disk_ unit. The blocks or _slots_ are _placed_ in the doubly _linked_ ring list in the _order_ in which they are retrieved _from_ the disk. A pointer may point to the _block_ _that_ was _most_ recently added to _the_ list. Thus, when _a_ new block _is_ to be added _to_ the cache within _the_ replacement queue, the structure of _the_ _replacement_ queue, _in_ combination with the head pointer, may _be_ used to determine _the_ oldest block in _the_ replacement queue that is to be removed to make room for the new block. An implementation _of_ the replacement queue may use both a “head” pointer _and_ a “tail” pointer identifying, _respectively,_ the beginning and end of the replacement _queue._ The “tail” may determine _the_ oldest block or slot in the replacement queue. _Two_ such pointers may be used in an _replacement_ queue arrangement as it may be desirable in accordance with cache management schemes _in_ which some data may remain permanently in the cache and the “oldest” and “newest” data may not _be_ adjacent to _one_ another. Cache management techniques _are_ described, _for_ _example,_ in issued U.S. Pat. No. _5,381,539,_ Jan. 10, 1995, entitled “System and Method for Dynamically Controlling Cache Management”, Yanai et al., _assigned_ to EMC Corporation of _Hopkinton,_ Mass., which is _herein_ incorporated by _reference,_ in which _a_ data storage system _has_ _a_ cache controlled _by_ parameters including: (a) a _minimum_ number of _data_ storage elements which _must_ _be_ retrieved and stored in cache memory and used _by_ the _system_ before the cache management system recognizes a sequential _data_ access in _progress;_ (b) the maximum number _of_ tracks or data records _which_ _the_ cache management system _is_ _to_ prefetch ahead; _and_ (c) the maximum number _of_ sequential _data_ _elements_ to be _stored_ in cache before _the_ memory containing the previously used _tracks_ or data _records_ are reused _or_ _recycled_ and _new_ data written _to_ these locations. The cache memory is in a least-recently used circular configuration in which the cache management system overwrites or recycles _the_ oldest or least recently used memory location. The cache _manager_ provides monitoring and dynamic adjustment of the _foregoing_ parameters. Described in issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,432, Jan. 7, 1997, entitled “Cache Management System Using Time _Stamping_ for Replacement Queue”, Vishlitzky et al., which is herein incorporated by reference, is _a_ system _that_ includes a cache directory listing data elements in a cache _memory_ and a cache manager memory including a replacement queue _and_ data structures. A cache manager determines which _data_ element should be removed or replaced in the cache _memory_ based on the elapsed time the data _element_ has been in the memory. If the elapsed time is _less_ than a predetermined threshold, the data element will be _maintained_ _in_ _the_ same location in _the_ replacement queue _saving_ a number _of_ cache management _operations._ The predetermined threshold _is_ established as _the_ _average_ fall through _time_ (FTT) of _prior_ _data_ _elements_ in _the_ memory. A modified least-recently-used _replacement_ procedure uses time stamps indicating real or _relative_ time when a non-write-pending data element was promoted to the tail of the replacement queue, the most-recently _used_ position. _Also_ _disclosed_ is another embodiment in which the number of times the data element is _accessed_ _while_ in the memory is compared to _a_ fixed number. If the data element has been accessed more than the fixed _number,_ it is placed at _the_ tail _of_ the replacement queue ensuring a longer period for the _data_ element in the _memory._ Described _in_ U.S. Pat. No. _5,206,939,_ _Apr._ 27, _1993,_ entitled “System and Method for Disk Mapping _and_ Retrieval”, Yanai et al, which _is_ herein incorporated by reference, _is_ a device-by-device _cache_ index/directory used in disk mapping and data _retrieval._ An embodiment using the _foregoing_ queue may have a _drawback_ in that an exclusive _access_ policy may be _enforced_ using an “expensive” _locking_ _mechanism_ in connection with the _queue_ as a shared _resource_ such that only _one_ process may access and manipulate the queue at a time. _Additionally,_ in connection with performing queue management operations, for _example,_ _such_ as adding elements, the complexity of the _queue_ structure may _make_ it _difficult_ to allow more than one process to _manipulate_ to the data _structure_ at any time. One way _to_ enforce this one-at-a-time _access_ is to use a locking technique _that_ allows a process exclusive access to the queue. However, _when_ _multiple_ processors may need to _use_ the cache, then the exclusive access policy may _become_ _a_ _bottleneck._ _An_ embodiment having a complex cache management scheme may also have increased traffic within a system. _Accordingly,_ the number of times that a cache lock operation is performed may also increase. Thus, it may be desirous and advantageous _to_ have a _cache_ management _scheme_ which is efficient and flexible minimizing _the_ costs associated with _accessing_ _a_ _cache._ |
The present invention is directed to a carton tester and in particular to a centrifugal carton tester for testing carrier style paperboard cartons of the type used in the beverage industry.
Beverages such as soft drinks and beer are typically sold in bottles or cans which are packaged in carriers in lots of six, eight or twelve bottles or cans to a carrier. The collective weight of these bottles or cans in a carrier when combined with adverse conditions such as a wetting of the carrier and/or rough handling of the carrier can result in a failure of the carrier. Failure of a carrier in the handle region can result in the dropping of the entire carrier. Failure of other portions of a carrier can result in the release of one or more bottles or cans from the carrier. Accordingly, it is important to test such carriers to determine their failure points under various adverse conditions and to make sure the carriers are manufactured to certain standards.
The centrifugal force tester of the present invention has been developed to measure the force required to produce failure in a package designed to hold and support a relatively heavy product. It is primarily designed to test the carriers commonly used in the soft drink and beer beverage markets to carry multiple units of bottled or canned beverages.
It is contemplated that the centrifugal force carton tester can be used (1) to establish minimum standards for cartons (2) to monitor carton quality at the point of manufacture; and (3) to evaluate performance levels of cartons exposed to adverse environmental conditions such as refrigeration in storage or exposure to rain on open delivery trucks.
The weight of a package is that force exerted by gravity on the mass of the carton and its contents. Obviously for any package to be usable it must be able to support (or hold) a force equal to its own weight. In addition it must be able to withstand additional forces created during normal handling or abuse.
An example of an additional force is the force developed due to the angular acceleration of the package when a person walks and carries a carton with the normal swinging of the arms. The total maximum force so generated is limited to about twice the package weight.
Another force is the force generated when a package is taken from a height and lowered to a carrying position. The force on the carton at the end of this action again exceeds the package weight. This force is more difficult to predict but it is estimated to be up to two to three times the package weight.
The weight of a package is the force created by gravity on the mass of the carton and its contents. Mathematically, weight can be expressed by the following equation: EQU W=mg
where,
W=weight of package PA1 m=mass of carton and its contents PA1 g=acceleration of gravity=32 ft/sec.sup.2 PA1 F=force PA1 m=mass PA1 a=acceleration PA1 F.sub.f =Force to Failure PA1 m=mass of carton PA1 a.sub.f =angular acceleration at failure EQU a.sub.f =V.sup.2 /r (II) PA1 v=peripheral velocity of the carton at failure PA1 r=radius from the axis of rotation to the bottom of the carton, and, PA1 V=(RPS).multidot.C PA1 RPS=Revolutions per Second at time of failure PA1 C=Circumference along the outside perimeter of the carton
This weight equation is a specific application of the general equation for force from physics: EQU F=ma
where,
In designing the tester of the present invention, it was decided to use the force created by angular acceleration when an object is rotated in a circular motion tethered to the axis of rotation. A force gauge is inserted in the tether between the axis of rotation and the carton being tested. The rate of rotation is increased with time causing a continuing increase in the angular acceleration until the carton fails. The failure force of the carton can be read directly from the force gauge or calculated indirectly from the angular acceleration, the radius of the tether from the axis to the bottom of the test carton, and the velocity of rotation at the time of failure. Therefore, at the time of failure: EQU F.sub.f =m.multidot.a.sub.f (I)
where
where,
where,
For practical purposes the preferred method is the use of a force gauge which can be read and recorded directly after the test is completed. | The present invention is directed to a carton tester and in particular to a centrifugal carton tester for testing carrier style paperboard cartons of the type used in the beverage industry. Beverages such as soft drinks and beer are typically sold in bottles or cans which are packaged in carriers in lots of six, eight or twelve bottles or cans to a carrier. The collective weight of these bottles or cans in a carrier when combined with adverse conditions such as a wetting of the carrier and/or rough handling of the carrier can result in a failure of the carrier. Failure of a carrier in the handle region can result in the dropping of the entire carrier. Failure of other portions of a carrier can result in the release of one or more bottles or cans from the carrier. Accordingly, it is important to test such carriers to determine their failure points under various adverse stipulation and to make sure the carriers are manufactured to certain standards. The centrifugal force tester of the present invention has been developed to measure the force required to produce failure in a package designed to hold and support a relatively heavy product. It is primarily designed to test the carriers commonly used in the soft drink and beer beverage markets to carry multiple units of bottled or canned beverages. It is contemplated that the centrifugal force carton tester can be used (1) to establish minimum standards for cartons (2) to monitor carton quality at the point of manufacture; and (3) to evaluate performance levels of cartons exposed to adverse environmental conditions such as refrigeration in storage or exposure to rain on open delivery trucks. The weight of a package is that force exerted by gravity on the mass of the carton and its contents. Obviously for any package to be usable it must be able to support (or hold) a force equal to its own weight. In addition it must be able to withstand additional forces created during normal handling or abuse. An example of an additional force is the force developed due to the angular acceleration of the package when a person walks and carries a carton with the normal swinging of the arms. The total maximum force so generated is limited to about twice the package weight. Another force is the force generated when a package is taken from a height and lowered to a carrying position. The force on the carton at the end of this action again exceeds the package weight. This force is more difficult to predict but it is estimated to be up to two to three times the package weight. The weight of a package is the force created by gravity on the mass of the carton and its contents. Mathematically, weight can be expressed by the following equation: EQU W=mg where, W=weight of package PA1 m=mass of carton and its contents PA1 g=acceleration of gravity=32 ft/sec.sup.2 PA1 F=force PA1 m=mass PA1 a=acceleration PA1 F.sub.f =Force to Failure PA1 m=mass of carton PA1 a.sub.f =angular acceleration at failure EQU a.sub.f =V.sup.2 /r (II) PA1 v=peripheral velocity of the carton at failure PA1 r=radius from the axis of rotation to the bottom of the carton, and, PA1 V=(RPS).multidot.C PA1 RPS=Revolutions per Second at time of failure PA1 C=Circumference along the outside perimeter of the carton This weight equation is a specific application of the general equation for force from physics: EQU F=ma where, In designing the tester of the present invention, it was decided to use the force created by angular acceleration when an object is rotated in a circular motion tethered to the axis of rotation. A force gauge is inserted in the tether between the axis of rotation and the carton being tested. The rate of rotation is increased with time causing a continuing increase in the angular acceleration until the carton fails. The failure force of the carton can be read directly from the force gauge or calculated indirectly from the angular acceleration, the radius of the tether from the axis to the bottom of the test carton, and the velocity of rotation at the time of failure. Therefore, at the time of failure: EQU F.sub.f =m.multidot.a.sub.f (I) where where, where, For practical purposes the preferred method is the use of a force gauge which can be read and recorded directly after the test is completed. | The present invention is directed to a carton tester and in particular to a centrifugal carton Hes^er for testing carrier style paperboard cartons of the type used in the b@veraRe industry. Beverages such as soft drinks and beer are typically sold in bottles or cans which are packaged in carriers in lots of six, eight or twelve bottles or cans to a carrier. The collective weight of these bottles or cans in a carrier when combined with adverse conditions such as a wetting of the carrier and / or rough handling of the carrier can result in a failure of the carrier. Failure of a carrier in the handle region can result in the dropping of the entire carrier. Failure of other portions of a carrier can result in the release of one or more bottles or cans from the carrier. Accordingly, it is important to test such carriers to determine their failure points under various adverse conditions and to nZke sure the carriers are manufactured to certain standards. The centrifugal force tester of the present invention has been developed to measure the force required to produce failure in a package designed to hold and support a relatively heavy product. It is primarily designed to test the carriers commonly used in the soft drink and beer beverage markets to Fwrry multiple units of bottled or canned beverages. It is contemplated that the centrifugal force carton tester can be used (1) to establish minimum standards for cartons (2) to monitor carton quality at the point of manufacture; and (3) to evaluate performance levels of cartons exposed to adverse environmental conditions W8ch as refrigeration in storage or exposure to rX9n on open delivery trucks. The weight of a package is that force exerted by grSvLty on the mass of the carton and its contents. Obviously for any package to be usable it must be able to support (or hold) a force equal to its own weight. In addition it must be able to withstand additional forces created during normal handling or abuse. An example of an additional force is the force developed due to the angular acceleration of the package when a person walUw and carries a carton with the noFhal swinging of the arms. The total maximum force so generated is limited to about twice the package weight. Another force is the force generated when a package is taken from a height and lowered to a carrying position. The force on the carton at the end of this action again exceeds the package weight. This force is more difficult to predict but it is estimated to be up to two to three times the package weight. The weight of a package is the force created by gravity on the mass of the carton and its contents. Mathematically, weight can be expressed by the following equation: EQU W = mg where, W = weight of package PA1 m = mass of carton and its contents PA1 g = acceleration of gravity = 32 ft / sec. sup. 2 PA1 F = force PA1 m = mass PA1 a = acceleration PA1 F. sub. f = Force to Failure PA1 m = mass of carton PA1 a. sub. f = angular acceleration at failure EQU a. sub. f = V. sup. 2 / r (II) PA1 v = peripheral velocity of the carton at failure PA1 r = radius from the axis of rotation to the bottom of the carton, and, PA1 V = (RPS ). multidot. C PA1 RPS = Revolutions per Second at time of failure PA1 C = Circumference along the outside perimeter of the carton This weight equation is a specific application of the general equation for force from physics: EQU F = ma where, In designing the tester of the present invention, it was decided to use the force created by angular acceleration when an object is rotated in a circular motion tethedef to the axis of rotation. A force gauge is inserted in the tether between the axis of rotation and the carton being tested. The rate of rotation is increased with time causing a continuing increase in the angular acceleration until the carton fails. The failure force of the carton can be read directly from the force gauge or calculated indirectly from the angular acceleration, the radius of the tether from the axis to the bottom of the test carton, and the velocity of rotation at the time of failure. Therefore, at the time of failure: EQU F. sub. f = m. multidot. a. sub. f (I) where where, where, For practical purposes the preferred method is the use of a force gauge which can be read and recorded directly after the test is completed. | The present invention is directed to carton tester in particular to a centrifugal carton tester for testing carrier style cartons of the type in the beverage industry. Beverages such as drinks and beer are in bottles or cans which packaged in carriers in lots of eight or twelve bottles or cans to a carrier. The collective weight of bottles or cans in a carrier when combined with adverse conditions such as a wetting of the carrier and/or rough handling of the carrier can result in a failure of the carrier. Failure of a carrier in the handle can result in the dropping of the carrier. Failure of other of carrier can result in the of one or more bottles or cans from the carrier. Accordingly, it is important test such carriers to determine their failure points under various adverse conditions and to make sure the carriers are manufactured to certain The centrifugal force tester of the present invention has developed to measure the force required to produce failure in package designed to and support a relatively heavy product. It primarily designed to carriers commonly in the soft drink and beer beverage markets to carry of bottled or canned beverages. It is that the centrifugal force carton tester can used (1) to establish minimum standards for cartons (2) to monitor carton quality at the point of manufacture; and (3) to evaluate performance of cartons exposed to adverse environmental conditions such as refrigeration in storage or exposure to rain on open delivery The of a package is that force exerted by gravity on the mass of the carton and its contents. for any package to be usable it able to support (or hold) a force equal to its own weight. In it must be able to withstand additional forces created during normal handling or abuse. An example of an additional force is the force developed due to the angular acceleration the package when a person walks and carries a carton with the normal swinging of the arms. The maximum force so generated is limited to about twice the package weight. Another force is the force generated when a package taken from a height and lowered to a carrying position. force on the carton at the end of this action again exceeds the package weight. force is more difficult to predict but it is estimated to be up to two to times the package weight. The weight of a is the force created by gravity on the mass of the carton and its contents. Mathematically, weight can be by following equation: EQU W=mg W=weight of PA1 m=mass of carton and contents PA1 g=acceleration of gravity=32 ft/sec.sup.2 PA1 PA1 m=mass PA1 a=acceleration PA1 F.sub.f =Force to Failure PA1 of carton PA1 a.sub.f =angular acceleration at failure EQU a.sub.f /r (II) v=peripheral velocity the carton at failure PA1 r=radius from axis of rotation to the of the carton, and, PA1 V=(RPS).multidot.C PA1 RPS=Revolutions per Second at time of failure PA1 C=Circumference along the outside perimeter of carton This weight equation is a specific application of the general equation for force from physics: EQU F=ma where, In designing the of the present invention, it decided to use the created by angular acceleration when an object is rotated in a circular motion tethered to axis of rotation. A force gauge is in the tether the axis of rotation and the carton being tested. The rate of is increased with time causing a increase the angular until the carton fails. The failure force of carton can be read directly from the force gauge or calculated from the angular the radius of the tether from the to the bottom of the test carton, and the velocity of rotation at the time of failure. Therefore, at the of failure: EQU F.sub.f (I) where where, where, For practical purposes the preferred method use of a force gauge which can be read and recorded directly after the test is completed. | The preSENt INVENTION is diReCTED tO A cARTON TEstER aND In parTICulaR To A cEnTRifUGAl carton TesTeR FoR tEsTIng carRIEr StyLe pAPeRBoaRD CarTonS of THE tYpE useD in ThE BeVERagE IndUSTRy.
bEVERaGES SuCh As soFt dRiNKS anD BEER ARE typIcAlly sOLD IN bOttlES OR CaNs WhIch arE pacKAgED In CaRRIERs IN LoTS Of SiX, eIgHt Or TwelVe bOtTlES OR caNS To a CARRieR. tHe coLleCtIve WeiGHt oF THeSe BoTtLeS OR Cans iN A CArRiER WheN ComBInEd wITH ADVeRsE cOnDiTIONS SucH As a WETtInG Of tHe carrieR And/Or roUGH HandlIng of THE CaRrIer CAn resULT in A fAilUrE oF tHE cArRieR. FAilURE of a CaRRIeR iN thE HANdlE RegiOn Can reSUlt IN THE drOpPiNg of The eNtIrE CaRrieR. FaILUrE oF OtHER PoRTIoNs OF A CaRRIER CAN ReSulT In the relEAse OF ONe or moRe BoTtlEs oR CAnS FROM THE carrIER. aCcoRdIngLY, iT Is ImpoRTANt tO tEsT Such CarRIERs To DeTeRminE ThEir faIlUre pOinTS UnDER VArious ADVERse CoNDiTioNS And TO mAke surE THe cArRIERs ARe MANUFaCTurED To CErTaIN staNDardS.
tHe cenTrifuGal FORCE teSTER oF tHE PRESent INVENtiOn hAs Been dEvElOPed To meAsUre the FOrce rEquiReD To PRODuce FaIlUrE iN a paCkagE DesIgnEd To hoLd And SupPort A RELAtIVELy HeAVy PrODuCt. iT IS pRIMariLY dEsignEd tO tEst tHe CaRRiErs coMMonly used In The sOfT DRINK and BEer bEverAgE MarKetS to CArRY mULtiplE unITs Of boTTlEd Or cAnnED bEveraGeS.
It Is cONtEmplAtED that tHe cENTRIfUgAl Force CARTOn tESTER CaN bE USeD (1) TO eStabLiSH MiniMuM StANdArDs FOr cArTONS (2) To MONitOR CarTOn quaLITY AT THe pOINt of mAnUFActURE; ANd (3) TO EvalUAtE pERFoRmAncE levELs Of cArtONs eXPOseD To adVersE ENvIRONMentAL conDITiONS SuCH aS reFRIgeraTIon in sTORAge oR EXpoSure To RaiN ON opEN DELiVeRY TRUcks.
the wEIGHT of A pacKaGe Is thAT force eXERtED by GravItY On ThE mASS of thE CARtOn and ITS contenTs. ObvIoUsly For ANY pacKAgE tO Be uSABLE iT MUSt Be ABle TO suPPORT (Or hoLD) A foRCE EqUAL To iTS owN wEiGHt. IN additIOn it MUSt BE abLE tO wIthSTAND adDITIONAl ForcEs cREAtEd dURing NorMal hAnDLiNG oR abUSE.
AN exampLE of AN aDdiTIoNAl ForCe iS tHE FOrce DEveLOpED Due To The AnGULar ACceLERaTioN Of tHE pAckage wHEn a pERsON walks anD cArrIEs A CartON wiTh tHe NOrmal SWingInG Of tHE ArMs. tHE toTal maxIMUM FORCE so geNEratED iS liMITED TO aBOut twICe tHe pACkAGE weigHT.
AnoTheR ForCE iS tHE FOrce GeNERateD WheN A PACKaGe is TAken frOm A hEiGHT and lOwereD tO A caRRYINg pOsiTION. thE forcE ON THE cartON At THe eNd oF ThIs actiON AgAIn eXCEEds the pACkagE weiGhT. tHIs FORce iS MoRe DIfFICuLT tO PreDICT bUT iT Is eStIMateD TO BE uP TO two To thREE TIMeS The pAckagE weIght.
thE weIGHt OF a PACkage is THe FORCe CreATED bY graVitY on THe Mass oF ThE cARToN AnD iTS cONteNTS. MathEMAtiCaLLy, WEIGHt caN Be ExPrEsseD by the fOLlOWiNG EQUAtioN: Equ w=Mg
wHerE,
W=WEigHT OF Package PA1 m=MASs oF CArTOn ANd iTs ConTeNts Pa1 g=aCcelEratIOn oF GraVIty=32 FT/seC.sUP.2 PA1 F=fOrCe PA1 M=Mass pa1 a=accELerATion PA1 f.sUB.f =FOrcE TO faIluRE Pa1 M=mASs Of CArton pa1 a.SuB.F =ANgulaR aCceLeRAtiON aT FAilurE EQu A.sUb.F =V.SUp.2 /r (Ii) pa1 v=peRIpHEraL VEloCiTy oF The caRtOn AT FailuRE PA1 r=rADiuS fROm tHe axIS OF ROTAtIOn TO tHE boTtOM OF THE cArton, anD, Pa1 v=(rps).MULtIdOT.c pA1 rps=RevOluTIons pEr secoND at tIME of FaILUre pA1 C=CiRcumFErEnce aLONg THe outSIde perImetER Of the CaRtON
ThIs WEIGHt eQUATiOn is A speCIfIc apPlICatioN Of The GENEraL eQuAtIoN FOR fORce From physIcS: EQU F=ma
WhERE,
In DEsIGnING ThE TEster oF the pRESEnt invENtiON, It Was dECIded to use tHE FOrCE crEAteD by ANGUlar ACCeLeRATioN when AN OBJEcT Is roTAteD in a CirCULar motIon TEthERED To tHE aXiS Of rotAtioN. a fOrCe gAugE iS InSeRteD iN tHE teTHer BetWEEn tHe aXiS of RotAtiON ANd the cARTOn being tEStED. thE RAte oF RoTAtIOn IS iNCREAseD WIth tImE CAuSinG A coNtiNuinG increASe in tHE anGULAR AcCElERATIon until tHE CaRToN faiLs. THE faiLure FORCE oF THE caRTon can BE rEAD diReCTlY fROm THE fOrcE gaUge oR calculATEd IndIrEctlY fRom thE ANGular accELERAtiON, tHe rAdIus of the tEtHer froM tHE aXIS TO tHe boTtoM of tHE TeST CaRTON, anD ThE VELocity oF ROtATiON at ThE TiMe of fAiLUrE. THerEfoRE, AT THe tIme OF faIlurE: Equ f.SUb.F =M.mULTiDot.a.suB.F (I)
wHerE
wHeRe,
WheRE,
FOR PRAcTICAl purposES tHe pREFERrEd meTHod is tHe Use Of a fOrce gAUge WhiCh CaN BE ReaD and rECOrDeD dIreCTLy aFteR THe tesT iS CompletED. | The present invention is directed to a cartontester and in particular to a centrifugal carton tester for testing carrier style paperboard cartons of the type usedin the beverage industry. Beveragessuch as soft drinks and beerare typically sold in bottlesor cans which are packaged incarriersin lots of six, eight or twelvebottles or cans to a carrier.The collective weight ofthese bottles or cansin a carrier when combined with adverse conditions such as a wetting of the carrier and/or rough handling of the carriercanresult in a failure of the carrier. Failure of a carrier in the handleregion can result in the droppingof the entire carrier. Failure of other portions of a carrier can result in the releaseof one or more bottles or cans from thecarrier.Accordingly,it is important to testsuch carriers to determine their failure points under various adverse conditions and to make sure the carriers are manufactured to certainstandards. The centrifugal force tester of the present invention has been developed to measure the force required to produce failure in a package designed tohold and support a relatively heavy product. It isprimarily designedto test the carrierscommonly used in the soft drinkand beer beveragemarkets tocarry multiple units of bottled or cannedbeverages. It is contemplatedthatthe centrifugalforce carton tester can be used (1) to establish minimum standards for cartons (2) to monitor carton quality atthe point of manufacture; and (3) to evaluate performance levels of cartons exposed to adverseenvironmental conditionssuchas refrigeration in storage or exposure torain on open delivery trucks.The weightof a package is thatforce exerted by gravityon the mass of the carton and itscontents. Obviously for any packageto be usable itmustbe ableto support (or hold) a force equal to its own weight.In addition it must be able to withstand additional forces created during normal handling or abuse. An example of an additional forceis the force developed due to the angular acceleration of the package when a person walks and carries a carton with the normal swinging of the arms.The total maximum force so generated is limited to about twice thepackage weight. Another force is the force generated when a package istaken from a height and lowered to a carrying position. The force on the carton at the endof this action again exceeds the package weight. This force is more difficult topredict but it is estimated to be up totwo to three timesthe package weight. The weight of a package is the force created by gravity onthe massof the cartonand its contents. Mathematically, weightcan be expressed by the following equation:EQU W=mg where, W=weight of package PA1 m=mass of carton andits contents PA1 g=acceleration ofgravity=32 ft/sec.sup.2 PA1 F=force PA1 m=mass PA1a=acceleration PA1 F.sub.f =Force to FailurePA1m=mass of carton PA1 a.sub.f =angular acceleration at failure EQU a.sub.f =V.sup.2 /r (II) PA1v=peripheral velocity of the carton at failure PA1 r=radius from the axis ofrotationto the bottom of the carton, and, PA1 V=(RPS).multidot.CPA1 RPS=Revolutions perSecond attime of failure PA1 C=Circumference along theoutsideperimeter of the carton This weight equation is a specific application of the general equation for force from physics: EQU F=ma where, In designing the testerof the present invention, it was decided to use the force createdby angular accelerationwhen an objectis rotated ina circular motion tethered tothe axis ofrotation. A force gauge is inserted in thetether between theaxis of rotation andthe carton being tested. The rate of rotation is increased with time causing a continuing increase in theangular accelerationuntil the carton fails. The failure force of the carton can be read directly fromthe force gauge or calculatedindirectly from the angular acceleration, theradius ofthe tether from the axis to the bottom of the test carton, and the velocity of rotation at the timeof failure. Therefore, at the time of failure: EQUF.sub.f =m.multidot.a.sub.f (I) where where, where, For practical purposes the preferred method isthe use of a force gauge whichcan be read and recordeddirectly after thetest is completed. | The present _invention_ _is_ directed to a carton tester and in particular to _a_ centrifugal carton tester for testing carrier style paperboard _cartons_ _of_ the type used in _the_ _beverage_ industry. Beverages such _as_ soft drinks and beer are typically sold _in_ _bottles_ or cans which are packaged _in_ _carriers_ _in_ lots of _six,_ eight or twelve bottles or _cans_ to a carrier. The collective weight of these _bottles_ or cans in _a_ _carrier_ _when_ combined with adverse _conditions_ such as a wetting of _the_ carrier _and/or_ rough handling of the carrier can result in a failure _of_ the carrier. Failure _of_ a _carrier_ _in_ the handle region _can_ result in the dropping of the entire carrier. _Failure_ of other portions of _a_ carrier can result _in_ the release of one _or_ more bottles or cans from the carrier. Accordingly, it is _important_ to _test_ _such_ carriers to determine their _failure_ points under various adverse conditions and to make sure the carriers are manufactured to certain standards. The centrifugal force tester of the _present_ _invention_ has been developed to measure the force required _to_ _produce_ failure in a _package_ _designed_ to _hold_ _and_ _support_ a relatively heavy product. It is primarily designed to test the carriers commonly used in the _soft_ drink and beer beverage _markets_ to _carry_ multiple units of bottled or canned beverages. It is contemplated that the centrifugal force carton tester _can_ be used (1) to establish _minimum_ standards for cartons (2) to monitor carton quality at the point _of_ manufacture; and _(3)_ to evaluate performance levels of _cartons_ exposed to _adverse_ environmental conditions _such_ as refrigeration in storage or exposure to rain on _open_ delivery _trucks._ The weight of a package is that force exerted by gravity on the mass _of_ the _carton_ and its contents. _Obviously_ for any package _to_ be usable it must _be_ able _to_ support (or hold) a force equal to its own weight. In addition it must be _able_ _to_ withstand _additional_ forces created _during_ normal handling or abuse. An example of an additional _force_ is the force developed _due_ to the angular acceleration of the _package_ when a person walks and carries a carton with the normal swinging of the arms. _The_ total maximum force so generated is _limited_ _to_ _about_ twice the package weight. _Another_ force is _the_ force _generated_ when a package _is_ taken from a _height_ and lowered _to_ _a_ carrying position. The force _on_ the carton at the end _of_ this action again exceeds the package weight. This force is more _difficult_ to predict _but_ it is estimated _to_ be up to two to three _times_ the package _weight._ The weight of a _package_ is the force created by _gravity_ on the mass of the carton and its contents. _Mathematically,_ weight _can_ be _expressed_ by the following equation: EQU W=mg where, W=weight of package PA1 m=mass of carton _and_ its contents PA1 g=acceleration _of_ gravity=32 ft/sec.sup.2 _PA1_ F=force _PA1_ m=mass PA1 a=acceleration PA1 _F.sub.f_ =Force to Failure _PA1_ m=mass of carton _PA1_ a.sub.f =angular acceleration at _failure_ EQU a.sub.f _=V.sup.2_ /r (II) PA1 v=peripheral velocity _of_ _the_ carton at failure PA1 r=radius from the _axis_ of rotation to _the_ bottom of the carton, and, PA1 V=(RPS).multidot.C PA1 RPS=Revolutions per Second at time of _failure_ PA1 _C=Circumference_ along the outside perimeter _of_ the _carton_ This weight equation _is_ a specific _application_ of the _general_ equation for _force_ from physics: EQU _F=ma_ where, In designing the _tester_ of the present invention, it was decided to use the force created by angular acceleration when an object is rotated in _a_ circular motion tethered to _the_ axis of rotation. A force gauge is inserted _in_ the tether between the axis of _rotation_ and the carton _being_ _tested._ The rate of rotation _is_ increased _with_ time _causing_ a _continuing_ increase in the angular _acceleration_ _until_ the carton _fails._ _The_ failure force of the carton _can_ be read _directly_ from the force gauge or calculated indirectly from the angular _acceleration,_ the radius of the tether _from_ the _axis_ to the bottom _of_ _the_ _test_ carton, and the velocity of rotation at the _time_ _of_ failure. Therefore, at the time of _failure:_ EQU F.sub.f _=m.multidot.a.sub.f_ (I) where where, _where,_ _For_ practical purposes the preferred method is the use of a force gauge which can be read and recorded directly after the test is _completed._ |
(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a channel state feedback method by quantizing time domain channel coefficients.
(b) Description of the Related Art
In a multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system, communication between a plurality of terminals and base stations is simultaneously performed at the same time and same frequency through a spatially identified signal. In this instance, a terminal must not be interfered with by a signal transmitted to another user during communication through a single receiving antenna. For this, a base station performs an appropriate beamforming process based on channel information with the terminal.
In detail, one part of information to be known by the base station in the multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system is channel information with the terminal to be simultaneously communicated by the base station. In the frequency division duplex (FDD) system, the terminal measures channel information between the base station and the terminal and transmits a measured channel coefficient (a channel value) to the base station so that the base station knows the channel information.
Considering the existing multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system, the terminal transmits a quantized direction of a channel vector for the base station and the terminal and a corresponding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value to the base station. Here, the channel vector indicates a channel state between the base station and the terminal. The channel state is expressed as a channel vector assuming that the base station has a plurality of transmitting antennas and the terminal has a single receiving antenna.
The base station selects a plurality of appropriate terminals from among many terminals in consideration of the channel state, and transmits data to the selected terminals. In this instance, what is to be considered when the terminals are selected is selection of the terminals having less interference between the quantized directions of the channel vectors of the selected terminals and having a great SNR.
The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system is widely used for transmitting signals in the current communication system. However, the above-noted scheme is difficult to apply to the OFDM system because it is proposed for a single-carrier system.
This is because channel state transmission in the frequency domain from the terminal to the base station is not performed by all subcarriers, but several subcarriers are sampled by considering the limited feedback resource and the channel state is then transmitted on the sampled subcarrier in the OFDM system. The base station uses the channel state on the sampled subcarrier, and performs an interpolation process for checking state information of the subcarrier receiving no channel state value to know the channel state on the subcarrier.
However, the above-noted existing method transmits not the channel vector but the quantized value of the channel vector direction to the base station. Therefore, it is difficult to know directions of other subcarriers by using the quantized direction of the channel vector on a specific sampled subcarrier.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. | (a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a channel state feedback method by quantizing time domain channel coefficients. (b) Description of the Related Art In a multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system, communication between a plurality of terminals and base stations is simultaneously performed at the same time and same frequency through a spatially identified signal. In this instance, a terminal must not be interfered with by a signal transmitted to another user during communication through a single receiving antenna. For this, a base station performs an appropriate beamforming process based on channel information with the terminal. In detail, one part of information to be known by the base station in the multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system is channel information with the terminal to be simultaneously communicated by the base station. In the frequency division duplex (FDD) system, the terminal measures channel information between the base station and the terminal and transmits a measured channel coefficient (a channel value) to the base station so that the base station knows the channel information. Considering the existing multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system, the terminal transmits a quantized direction of a channel vector for the base station and the terminal and a corresponding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value to the base station. Here, the channel vector indicates a channel state between the base station and the terminal. The channel state is expressed as a channel vector assuming that the base station has a plurality of transmitting antennas and the terminal has a single receiving antenna. The base station selects a plurality of appropriate terminals from among many terminals in consideration of the channel state, and transmits data to the selected terminals. In this instance, what is to be considered when the terminals are selected is selection of the terminals having less interference between the quantized directions of the convey vectors of the selected terminals and having a great SNR. The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system is widely used for transmitting signals in the current communication system. However, the above-noted scheme is difficult to apply to the OFDM system because it is proposed for a single-carrier system. This is because channel state transmission in the frequency domain from the terminal to the base station is not performed by all subcarriers, but several subcarriers are sampled by considering the limited feedback resource and the channel state is then transmitted on the sampled subcarrier in the OFDM system. The base station uses the channel state on the sampled subcarrier, and performs an interpolation process for checking state information of the subcarrier receiving no channel state value to know the channel state on the subcarrier. However, the above-noted existing method transmits not the channel vector but the quantized value of the channel vector direction to the base station. Therefore, it is difficult to know directions of other subcarriers by using the quantized direction of the channel vector on a specific sampled subcarrier. The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. | ( a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a channel state feedback method by quantizing time domain channel coefficients. (b) Description of the Related Art In a multiple - user multiple - antenna communication system, communication between a plurality of terminals and base stations is simultaneously performed at the same time and same frequency through a Cpatkally identified signal. In this instance, a terminal must not be interfered with by a signal transmitted to another user during communication through a single receiving antenna. For this, a base stayi0n performs an appropriate beamforming process based on channel information with the terminal. In detail, one part of information to be known by the base station in the multiple - uqee multiple - antenna communication system is channel information with the terminal to be simultaneously communicated by the base station. In the frequency division duplex (FDD) system, the terminal measures channel invormQtion between the base station and the terminal and transmits a measured channel coefficient (a channel value) to the base station so that the base station knows the channel information. Considering the existing multiple - user multiple - antenna communication system, the terminal transmits a quwntuzed direction of a channel vector for the base station and the terminal and a corresponding signal - to - noise ratio (SNR) value to the base station. Here, the channel vector indicates a channel state between the base station and the terminal. The channel state is expressed as a channel vector assuming that the base station has a plurality of transmitting antennas and the terminal has a single receiving antenna. The base station selects a plurality of appropriate termiHxls from among many terminals in consideration of the chanhwl state, and transmits data to the selected terminals. In this instance, what is to be considered when the terminals are selected is selection of the terminals having less interference between the quantized directions of the chZnne. vectors of the selected terminals and having a great SNR. The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system is widely used for transmitting signals in the current communication system. However, the above - noted scheme is difficult to apply to the OFDM system because it is proposed for a single - carrier system. This is because channel state transmission in the frequency domain from the terminal to the base station is not performed by all subcarriers, but XeGeral subcarriers are sampled by considering the limited feedback resource and the channel state is then transmitted on the sampled subcarrier in the OFDM system. The base station uses the channel state on the sampled subcarrier, and performs an interpolation process for checking state information of the subcarrier receiving no channel state value to know the channel state on the subcarrier. However, the above - noted existing method transmits not the channel vector but the quantized value of the channel veDtkr direction to the base station. Therefore, it is difficult to know directions of other subcarriers by using the quantized direction of the channel vector on a specific sampled subcarrier. The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. | (a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a channel state feedback method by quantizing time domain channel coefficients. (b) Description of the Related Art In a multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system, communication a plurality of terminals and base stations is simultaneously performed at the same time and same frequency through a spatially identified signal. In this instance, a must not be interfered with by a signal transmitted to another user during communication through a single receiving antenna. For this, a base performs an appropriate beamforming process based on channel information with terminal. In detail, one part of information to be by the base station in the multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system is channel information with the be simultaneously communicated by the base station. In the frequency division duplex (FDD) system, measures channel information between the base station and the terminal and transmits a measured channel coefficient (a channel value) to the base station so that the base station knows the channel existing multiple-user communication system, the terminal transmits a direction of a channel vector for the station and the terminal and a corresponding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value the base station. Here, the channel vector indicates channel between the base station and terminal. The channel is expressed as a channel vector assuming that the base station has a plurality of transmitting antennas and the terminal has a single receiving antenna. The base station selects a plurality terminals from many terminals in consideration of the channel state, and transmits data to the selected terminals. this instance, what is be considered when the terminals are selected is selection of terminals having less interference the quantized directions of channel vectors the selected terminals and having a SNR. The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system is widely used for transmitting signals in the current communication system. However, the above-noted scheme is difficult to to the OFDM because it is proposed for a single-carrier system. This is because channel state transmission in the domain from the terminal the base station is not performed by all subcarriers, but several are sampled by considering the limited feedback resource and the channel state is then transmitted on the sampled subcarrier in the OFDM system. The base uses the channel state on sampled subcarrier, and performs an process for checking state information of the subcarrier receiving no channel state value to know the channel on the subcarrier. However, the existing method transmits not the channel vector but the quantized the channel direction the base station. it is difficult to know directions of other subcarriers by the direction of channel vector on specific sampled subcarrier. The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the the and therefore it may contain information that does form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. | (a) FieLD Of THE inVEntIon
The PReSENT InVENTIon rELaTES To A cHaNnEl sTATE fEEdbAck MeTHod BY QuaNTizing tIme dOMAIn ChaNnEl cOeFFiCIEnts.
(b) dEscrIPtIoN Of ThE ReLATEd Art
in A muLTIPlE-UseR MuLTiPLE-AnTEnNa coMmUnICATion sYSTEM, coMMUnIcatIOn BETWeEN a PLURalITy of tERmiNAls anD BASe StAtionS IS SimUltanEouSLY pErfORmED AT THe Same tIme aNd saME FREqUenCy ThrOugh a SPATiALlY IDENtIfiED signAl. IN This INstaNCE, a TErminAl MusT noT Be InterFerED WIth By a siGNAl TRaNsmiTTeD to aNotHeR USeR DuRiNG commUNiCatioN ThROugh A SINglE rECeivING aNTENNA. For tHIs, A bASe statiOn PErfOrmS an apprOpRIATe bEAMFoRmInG pROCeSs baSeD on chaNnel inFoRMAtiON wItH thE TErminal.
In DetaiL, oNe PART of INformaTIOn to BE kNown bY the BASE STATioN IN tHE mUltipLE-USER MULtIPlE-aNtEnNA COMMunicaTIon SYSTem is CHanNEl iNFOrmatiOn WiTH thE teRMiNaL To be SiMUltaNeouslY coMMunICAteD by tHe BASE STaTIOn. In THe fReqUEncy divisION DUPlEX (Fdd) sYsTeM, tHE teRMiNaL MeASUrEs ChANnEL inFOrMation BetweeN the BASe stAtIOn And thE TErmInaL AND tranSMIts A MEAsUReD CHAnnEl COEFficieNT (a ChanNEl ValuE) To tHE basE StatIon so THat THe BasE STAtION knOWS the chAnNEl iNFOrmaTION.
CONsiDerIng THe EXisting MultIPLe-uSEr MuLtiPlE-AnTEnnA COMmUniCAtioN systEM, tHE TeRmInaL tRANSMITs a QUANtIZEd DIrECTIoN of A chANNEL veCTor fOR ThE BAsE staTiON AnD ThE TERMINAl and A cOrrespoNdinG SIGnal-tO-NOIsE ratiO (Snr) vALUE TO tHe basE stAtion. heRE, thE chanNel VecTor iNdicaTEs a CHANnel statE betWEen thE bAsE sTatIon anD THE tErMInAL. The ChaNNEL STAte IS exPREsseD as a CHannEl vector aSsuminG tHat THe bASe StAtiOn HaS a PlURAlITY oF TRansmItTIng aNtennas ANd The TeRMInAL HAs a sInGle ReCEiVinG ANTenna.
ThE BasE StATION SeLECts A PLuraLItY of ApPRoprIAtE tERMInalS FroM amonG mANy TErmInAlS in consiDeRATIon OF the cHaNnel StAte, AND TransmitS dAta to ThE SeLEcTeD TErMinAls. In ThiS InSTAnCe, whAT is tO bE CoNsidErED WhEN tHe TERMINAlS aRE sELeCted iS sELeCTIon Of THE teRmInaLS HAVIng LesS intErfeReNce BeTWeEN The QUANtizeD dIrectionS OF ThE ChANNEL VecTORS of The SelEcTeD TeRminals aNd HAVInG a gReAT sNr.
tHe oRThOGonAl frequenCy divIsIoN mULTiPLEXiNg (OFdM) SYStem IS widelY uSED FoR TrANsMitTiNG sIGNAlS iN tHe CurRent commUnicATION sYStEm. hoWeVEr, tHE aBove-NotED SCHEmE iS DifFicULT to AppLY to the oFdm system BecaUSE IT iS PROposed foR a sInGLE-CarRiEr SystEM.
thIS Is beCauSE chaNnEL STatE tRaNSMIsSIoN IN The FReQuency DoMaIn fROM the TErmINAL TO the baSe StaTIoN Is NOT perFOrmed By alL suBcaRRieRS, bUT sEVeraL SuBcARRIERs ARE SAMPLEd BY coNsiDERING tHE limited feeDbAck rEsOurcE AnD the CHANNEL sTate iS then TrANSMItTeD ON THE SaMplEd SUBCArRIer IN ThE OfDM SystEm. tHE basE staTION usES ThE chAnnEl StaTE ON the sAmPlEd suBCaRRIer, And PERFOrms aN INteRpolatIon prOcess For cheCkiNG StatE informAtION OF ThE subCaRRIeR recEiVing NO ChAnneL STatE VALue TO knOW The cHaNnel STAte ON The SuBCaRrIer.
HowEvER, THe ABOVe-nOTeD ExiSTiNG mEthOd tRANsmiTs NoT the chANneL VECtoR bUT ThE quANtIzEd VAluE Of ThE chANNel VeCToR DIrEcTiOn to THe bASe StATIon. TheReFORE, IT iS DiFFiCULT TO kNoW diRectioNs of OTheR SubcaRRiERs By UsiNG ThE QUanTiZed dIreCTiON OF tHe channEL Vector on a sPeCIFiC SAmpLEd suBCaRrier.
THe ABOVE InfOrMatIOn DISclOSed in thiS bacKgRoUnD seCtIOn IS oNLY foR eNhaNcEmEnt oF UNDErSTANDInG OF THE BaCkground of tHe InvENtIoN aND THErEFORe it mAY cOntaIn InfoRmatioN thAt DoeS NOT foRm thE pRIOr Art ThAT IS aLREaDy kNoWn iN tHiS cOUNtRy tO A PErson oF ORdiNARy sKilL in thE arT. | (a) Field of the Invention The present invention relatestoa channel state feedback method by quantizing time domainchannel coefficients. (b) Description of the Related Art In a multiple-user multiple-antennacommunication system,communication between a plurality of terminals and base stations is simultaneously performedat the same timeand same frequency through a spatially identified signal. In this instance, a terminalmust not beinterfered with by a signal transmitted to anotheruser during communicationthrough a single receiving antenna. For this,a base station performs an appropriate beamforming process based on channel information with the terminal. In detail, one part of information to be known by thebase stationin the multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system ischannel information with the terminal to be simultaneously communicated by thebasestation.Inthe frequencydivision duplex(FDD) system, theterminal measures channel information between the base station and the terminal and transmits a measured channel coefficient (achannel value) to the base station so that the base station knows the channel information. Considering the existing multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system, the terminal transmits a quantized direction of achannel vector for the base station andthe terminal and a corresponding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value to the base station. Here, thechannel vector indicates a channel state between the basestation andthe terminal. The channel stateis expressed as a channelvector assuming thatthebase station has a plurality of transmitting antennasand theterminalhas a single receiving antenna.The base station selects a plurality of appropriateterminals fromamong manyterminals in considerationof the channel state, and transmits data to theselected terminals. In this instance, whatis to be considered when theterminals are selected is selection of the terminals having less interference between thequantized directionsof the channel vectors of the selectedterminals and having a great SNR. The orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) systemis widely used fortransmitting signalsinthe current communication system.However, the above-noted scheme is difficult to apply to the OFDM system becauseit isproposed for a single-carrier system. This is because channel state transmissionin the frequencydomain from theterminalto the base station is not performed by all subcarriers, but several subcarriers are sampledby considering the limitedfeedback resource and the channel state is then transmitted on the sampled subcarrier inthe OFDM system. The base station usesthechannelstate on the sampled subcarrier, and performs an interpolation process for checking state informationofthe subcarrier receiving no channel state value to know the channel state on the subcarrier.However, the above-noted existing method transmits not the channel vector but the quantizedvalue of the channel vector direction to the basestation. Therefore, it is difficultto know directions of othersubcarriers by using the quantizeddirection of the channel vector on a specific sampled subcarrier. The above information disclosed in thisBackground section is onlyfor enhancement ofunderstanding of the background of the invention and therefore itmay contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a personof ordinary skill in the art. | (a) _Field_ of the _Invention_ The present invention relates _to_ a channel state feedback method _by_ quantizing time domain _channel_ coefficients. (b) Description of the Related _Art_ _In_ a multiple-user _multiple-antenna_ communication system, communication _between_ _a_ plurality of terminals and base stations is simultaneously performed _at_ _the_ same time and _same_ frequency through a spatially _identified_ signal. In this instance, a _terminal_ must not be interfered with by _a_ signal _transmitted_ to _another_ user _during_ communication through a _single_ receiving antenna. For _this,_ a base station performs an appropriate beamforming process based _on_ channel _information_ _with_ _the_ _terminal._ In detail, one _part_ of information _to_ be known by the base _station_ in the _multiple-user_ multiple-antenna communication system is _channel_ _information_ with the terminal to be _simultaneously_ communicated by _the_ _base_ _station._ In the _frequency_ division duplex (FDD) system, _the_ terminal _measures_ channel information between the _base_ _station_ and the _terminal_ and transmits a measured channel _coefficient_ (a channel value) to the base station so that _the_ base station knows _the_ _channel_ _information._ Considering the existing multiple-user multiple-antenna communication system, _the_ terminal transmits _a_ quantized direction of a channel vector for _the_ base _station_ and the terminal and a corresponding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value to the base station. Here, _the_ channel vector indicates a channel state between the base station _and_ the _terminal._ The channel state is expressed as _a_ _channel_ vector _assuming_ that the base station has a plurality of transmitting _antennas_ and the _terminal_ has a _single_ receiving antenna. The base _station_ _selects_ _a_ plurality of appropriate terminals from among many terminals in consideration of the channel state, and transmits data to the selected terminals. _In_ _this_ instance, what is to be considered when _the_ terminals are selected is selection of the _terminals_ having less _interference_ between the quantized directions of the channel vectors of the selected terminals _and_ having a great _SNR._ The orthogonal frequency division _multiplexing_ _(OFDM)_ system is widely used for transmitting signals in the current communication system. _However,_ _the_ above-noted scheme is difficult to apply to the OFDM _system_ _because_ it is proposed for a _single-carrier_ system. This is because channel state transmission in the frequency domain from the terminal _to_ the base station _is_ not performed by _all_ subcarriers, _but_ several subcarriers are sampled by considering the limited feedback _resource_ _and_ the channel state is then transmitted on the sampled subcarrier in the OFDM _system._ The base _station_ uses _the_ channel state on the _sampled_ _subcarrier,_ and performs _an_ interpolation process for checking state _information_ of the subcarrier receiving no _channel_ state value to know the channel state _on_ the subcarrier. However, the above-noted existing method transmits _not_ the _channel_ vector but the quantized value of _the_ channel _vector_ direction _to_ the base station. Therefore, it is _difficult_ _to_ _know_ directions of other subcarriers by _using_ the _quantized_ direction of _the_ channel vector on a specific _sampled_ subcarrier. The above information _disclosed_ in _this_ Background section is only _for_ enhancement of _understanding_ _of_ the background of the invention and _therefore_ _it_ may contain information that _does_ _not_ form _the_ _prior_ art _that_ is already known _in_ this country to a _person_ of ordinary skill in _the_ art. |
The use of halogen lamps in light fixtures provides many advantages over the use of flourescent and incandescent lamps. Halogen light sources provide, among other benefits, pure white light, instant start-up with no flickering, and are operational at any temperature including sub freezing temperatures.
However, halogen light fixtures typically employ one or more lamps having a wattage that is often 100 watts or greater. This use of high wattage lamps increases the heat generated in and around the fixture. Thus, there is a need for light fixtures that allow and provide for the efficient dissipation of the heat generated by the lamp or lamps contained therein. Not only will the dissipation of heat prevent the fixture itself from becoming dangerously hot, it also assists in protecting the fixture's internal components from heat damage as well.
In addition, because of the high temperatures created by a halogen lamp, the possibility exists that objects located near the lamp may unintentionally combust. Consequently, there is a need for a fixture design that prevents objects or structures such as walls and the like from coming into close contact with the light generated by the fixture in order to reduce the risk of inadvertent combustion. | The use of halogen lamps in light fixtures provides many advantages over the use of flourescent and incandescent lamps. Halogen light sources provide, among other benefits, pure white light, instant start-up with no flickering, and are operational at any temperature including sub freezing temperatures. However, halogen light fixtures typically employ one or more lamps having a wattage that is often 100 watts or greater. This use of high wattage lamps increases the heat generated in and around the fixture. Thus, there is a need for light fixtures that allow and provide for the efficient dissipation of the heat generated by the lamp or lamps contained therein. Not only will the dissipation of heat prevent the fixture itself from becoming dangerously hot, it also assists in protecting the fixture's internal components from heat damage as well. In addition, because of the high temperatures created by a halogen lamp, the possibility exists that objects located near the lamp may unintentionally combust. Consequently, there is a want for a fixture design that prevents objects or structures such as walls and the like from coming into close contact with the light generated by the fixture in order to reduce the risk of inadvertent combustion. | The use of halogen lamps in light fixtures provides many advantages over the use of flourescent and incandescent lamps. Halogen light sourc2E provide, among other benefits, pure white light, instant start - up with no flickering, and are operational at any temperature including sub freezing temperatures. However, halogen light fixtures typically emLlky one or more lamps having a eaHtage that is often 100 watts or greater. This use of high wattage lamps increases the heat generated in and around the fixture. Thus, there is a need for lkgTt fkxturRs that allow and provide for the efficient dissipation of the heat generated by the Iam9 or lamld contained therein. Not only will the dissipation of heat prevent the fixture itself from becoming dangerously hot, it also wssKsts in protecting the fixture ' s internal components from heat damage as well. In addition, because of the high temperatures created by a halogen lamp, the possibility exists that objects located near the lamp may uninHen6ionally combust. Consequently, there is a need for a fixture design that pr2vemts objects or structures such as walls and the like from coming into close contact with the light generated by the fixture in order to reduce the risk of inadvertent combustion. | The use of halogen in light fixtures provides many advantages over the use of flourescent and incandescent lamps. Halogen light sources provide, among other benefits, pure white light, instant start-up with no flickering, are operational at any temperature including sub freezing temperatures. However, halogen light fixtures typically employ one or more lamps a that is 100 watts or greater. use of high wattage lamps increases the heat generated in and around the fixture. Thus, there is a need for light fixtures allow and provide for the efficient dissipation of the heat by the lamp or lamps contained therein. Not only will the dissipation of heat prevent the fixture from becoming dangerously hot, also assists in protecting the fixture's components from heat damage as well. In addition, because of the high temperatures created by a halogen the possibility exists that objects located near lamp unintentionally Consequently, is a need a fixture design that prevents objects or structures such as walls and the like from coming into close contact the light generated the fixture in order to reduce the of inadvertent combustion. | The USe of HaLOgeN LamPs iN LIghT fIXtUREs PROvIdEs maNY aDVaNtAgES ovEr tHE USE oF FloUrESCEnt AND InCAnDEscEnt LaMps. hAlogEn LIGhT SoUrcEs pROvIDE, AMONG other bEnefIts, PUrE whiTe LigHT, INsTAnt STart-UP wiTh nO fLIcKERiNg, anD arE OpERATiOnal at ANy tEMpERATUrE InclUdINg Sub freEzInG temperaTURes.
howeVEr, hAlogEN LIgHt fIXTuRes tYPicaLly EMPlOY oNE Or More LAmPs hAVING a wAttAgE tHaT IS OftEN 100 waTts OR gREAteR. this use oF HIgh waTTAgE lAMPS iNCreaSeS tHe HeAT genERatEd iN and AroUnd THE fiXTurE. tHUs, tHere IS a NeEd fOr ligHT fiXTURes that ALlOW AnD ProVIde foR THe EfFiCIeNT DisSIPaTIon OF THe hEAT GeNErATED BY the LamP oR LAMPS coNTAiNed THeREin. nOt oNLY wiLL the dISsiPATIoN oF heAT PrEVENt THe FiXTUrE ItSeLf fROM beCOmInG dAngERousLY HOt, IT aLSo aSsisTs In prOTectinG the FiXtUre'S INternAL CoMPonENTS FRom heaT DaMaGE AS WElL.
in ADdItioN, BecAUse oF THe HiGH TEmpERATUREs CreATed bY a HaLOgen LAMp, tHe pOsSIBiLIty ExiSTS tHaT ObjeCTs LocAtEd NEaR THe lAMP may unINtentioNALLY COMBust. coNSEqUenTlY, ThERe Is A neeD FOR A fiXTuRe DeSIgn THat PReVenTS ObjEcts Or StRuCTuREs SUcH as wAlls anD tHe likE FRom Coming iNTo close CoNtact witH tHE LigHT gENERaTED by thE fIxTure iN ORDer To rEDUce THE rIsk OF inADverteNT CombuSTiON. | The use ofhalogen lamps inlightfixtures provides many advantages overthe use offlourescent and incandescent lamps. Halogen light sources provide, among other benefits, pure whitelight,instant start-up with no flickering, andare operational at any temperature includingsub freezing temperatures. However, halogen light fixturestypically employ one ormore lamps having a wattagethat is often 100watts orgreater. This use of high wattage lamps increasesthe heat generatedin and around the fixture. Thus, there is a need for light fixtures that allow and providefor the efficient dissipation of theheat generated by the lamp or lamps contained therein. Not only will the dissipation of heat prevent the fixture itself from becoming dangerously hot, italsoassists in protecting the fixture's internalcomponents fromheat damage as well. In addition, because of the high temperatures created bya halogen lamp, the possibility exists that objects located near the lamp may unintentionally combust. Consequently, there is a need for a fixture designthat prevents objects orstructures such as wallsand the like from coming into close contact with the light generated by the fixture inorder to reduce therisk of inadvertent combustion. | The use of halogen _lamps_ in light fixtures provides many _advantages_ over _the_ use of _flourescent_ and incandescent lamps. _Halogen_ light _sources_ _provide,_ among _other_ _benefits,_ pure white light, instant start-up _with_ no flickering, _and_ _are_ operational at any _temperature_ including sub freezing temperatures. However, halogen light fixtures _typically_ _employ_ one _or_ more lamps having a wattage _that_ is often 100 watts or greater. _This_ use _of_ high wattage lamps increases the _heat_ generated in and around the fixture. Thus, there _is_ a need for light _fixtures_ that allow and provide for _the_ _efficient_ _dissipation_ of the heat _generated_ by _the_ _lamp_ or lamps contained therein. _Not_ only will the dissipation of heat prevent _the_ fixture itself from _becoming_ dangerously _hot,_ it _also_ assists in _protecting_ the fixture's _internal_ components _from_ heat damage as well. In addition, because of the high temperatures created by a halogen lamp, the possibility exists _that_ objects located near the _lamp_ may unintentionally combust. Consequently, there _is_ a _need_ _for_ a fixture design that _prevents_ _objects_ _or_ _structures_ such as walls and the like from coming into close _contact_ with the light generated by _the_ fixture _in_ order to reduce _the_ risk _of_ inadvertent combustion. |
The present invention relates to real-time navigation and more specifically to utilizing non-GPS information to update navigation information in real-time.
Navigation devices exist today that utilize GPS information to track the location of the navigation device and thus the device's user. Existing navigation devices typically store a cartographic map of data indicative of a roadway network for a geographic area and offer various applications and features to support the user's navigation through the geographic area. One exemplary application is to provide the user with audio instructions to direct the user between source and destination locations within the roadway network. Various routing parameters exist upon which the route through the roadway network may be based, such as time, distance and the like.
However, the data stored in the navigation device that is indicative of the roadway network is static in that the data is representative of the status of the roadway network only as of the last time that the navigation device was uploaded with a new cartographic map of the roadway network. The cartographic map reflects limited non-periodic or non-reoccurring information regarding the status of the roadway network. For example, while the cartographic map may store data identifying road segments that typically exhibit slow travel times (e.g. due to numerous traffic lights, rough road conditions and the like), the data is unable to identify for non-reoccurring, one time events that impact travel over the roadway network. Examples of non-reoccurring events are traffic accidents, icy road conditions, flooded roads, construction, weather conditions, temporary traffic back-ups and the like.
Heretofore, travelers generally obtained information regarding these non-reoccurring events through the automobile's FM/AM radio that played various types of content, such as entertainment-related content, traffic-related content and the like. To obtain travel-related content, drivers tuned to a weather channel or traffic channel to hear local travel conditions.
No system exists that is able to utilize real-time travel-related content to update navigation information and provide updated navigation information to the user.
A need remains for improved navigation devices, modular electronic devices and methods for use thereof that are better suited to inform users of real-time travel-related conditions and to utilize such real-time travel-related conditions to update navigation information. | The present invention relates to real-time navigation and more specifically to utilizing non-GPS information to update navigation information in real-time. Navigation devices exist today that utilize GPS data to track the location of the navigation device and thus the device's user. Existing navigation devices typically store a cartographic map of data indicative of a roadway network for a geographic area and offer various applications and features to support the user's navigation through the geographic area. One exemplary application is to provide the user with audio instructions to direct the user between source and destination locations within the roadway network. Various routing parameters exist upon which the route through the roadway network may be based, such as time, distance and the like. However, the data stored in the navigation device that is indicative of the roadway network is static in that the data is representative of the status of the roadway network only as of the last time that the navigation device was uploaded with a new cartographic map of the roadway network. The cartographic map reflects limited non-periodic or non-reoccurring information regarding the status of the roadway network. For example, while the cartographic map may store data identifying road segments that typically exhibit slow travel times (e.g. due to numerous traffic lights, rough road conditions and the like), the data is unable to identify for non-reoccurring, one time events that impact travel over the roadway network. Examples of non-reoccurring events are traffic accidents, icy road conditions, flooded roads, construction, weather conditions, temporary traffic back-ups and the like. Heretofore, travelers generally obtained information regarding these non-reoccurring events through the automobile's FM/AM radio that played various types of content, such as entertainment-related content, traffic-related content and the like. To obtain travel-related content, drivers tuned to a weather channel or traffic channel to hear local travel conditions. No system exists that is able to utilize real-time travel-related content to update navigation information and provide updated navigation information to the user. A need remains for improved navigation devices, modular electronic devices and methods for use thereof that are better suited to inform users of real-time travel-related conditions and to utilize such real-time travel-related conditions to update navigation information. | The present invention %ela6es to real - time navigation and more specifically to utilizing non - GPS information to update navigation information in real - time. Navigation devices exist today that utilize GPS iJformatiKn to Hdack the location of the navigation device and thus the device ' s user. Existing navigation devices typically store a cartographic map of data indicative of a roadway network for a geographic area and offer vz#ious applications and features to support the user ' s navigation through the geographic area. One exemplary application is to provide the user with audio instructions to direct the user between source and destination locations within the roadway network. Various routing parameters exist upon which the route through the roadway network may be based, such as time, distance and the like. However, the data zHored in the navigation device that is indicative of the roadway network is static in that the data is representative of the status of the roadway network only as of the last time that the navigation device was uploaded with a new cartographic map of the roadway network. The cartographic map reflects limited non - periodic or non - reoccurring information regarding the status of the roadway netDo4k. For example, while the cartographic map may store data identifying road segments that typically exhibit slow travel times (e. g. due to numerous traffic lights, rough road conditions and the like ), the data is unable to identify for non - reoccurring, one time events that impact travel over the roadway network. Examples of non - reoccurring events are traffic accidents, icy road conditions, flooded roads, cindtruction, weather conditions, temporary traffic back - ups and the like. Heretofore, travelers generally obtained information regarding these non - reoccurring evwMts through the automobile ' s FM / AM radio that played various types of content, such as entertainment - related content, traffic - related content and the like. To obtain travel - related content, drivers tuned to a weather channel or traffic channel to hear local travel conditions. No system exists that is able to utilize real - time travel - related content to update navigation information and provide u9dahed navigation information to the user. A need remains for improved navigation devices, modular electronic devices and methods for use thereof that are better suited to inform users of real - time travel - related conditions and to utilize s6cB real - time travel - related conditions to update navigation information. | The present invention relates to real-time navigation and more specifically to utilizing non-GPS information to update navigation information in real-time. Navigation devices exist today that utilize GPS information to track the location of the navigation device and the device's user. Existing navigation devices store a cartographic map data indicative of roadway network a geographic area and offer various applications features to support the user's navigation the geographic area. One exemplary application is to provide the user with audio to direct the user source and destination locations within the roadway network. Various routing parameters exist the route through the roadway network may be based, such as time, distance and like. the data stored in the navigation device that is indicative of the roadway network is static in that the data is of the status of the roadway network only as of the last that the navigation device was uploaded with a new cartographic map of the roadway network. The cartographic reflects non-periodic or non-reoccurring regarding the status of the roadway network. example, while cartographic map may store data identifying road segments that typically exhibit slow travel times (e.g. to numerous traffic lights, rough road conditions and the like), the data is unable to identify for non-reoccurring, one time events impact travel the roadway network. Examples of non-reoccurring events are traffic accidents, icy road flooded roads, construction, weather conditions, temporary traffic back-ups and the like. Heretofore, travelers generally information regarding these non-reoccurring events through the automobile's FM/AM radio that played various types of content, as entertainment-related content, content and the To obtain travel-related drivers tuned to weather channel or channel to hear local travel conditions. system exists that to utilize real-time travel-related content to update navigation information provide updated navigation information to the user. A need remains for improved navigation devices, modular electronic devices and methods for thereof that are better suited to inform users of real-time travel-related conditions and to utilize such real-time travel-related conditions to update navigation information. | ThE PresenT iNVeNTIoN RElaTeS tO ReAL-tIMe navigATiOn aNd MoRE speCiFicalLy tO UTIliZiNg NOn-gpS INfoRmaTIon tO uPDate NAvigATIon iNFormatION In ReAL-tiME.
NAVIgATiOn DeVIcES eXIsT toDaY that utILize gPs InFOrmATion To tRACk tHe lOcAtION Of THe NAViGATION devICE anD ThuS THe deVICe'S usER. ExisTINg NavigaTIOn DeVicES TYpIcAllY StorE a CaRTOgRApHic Map oF DatA INdiCaTiVe oF a roAdWAY NetWoRk FOR a GeOgraphIc aREa And offER vAriouS APpLIcatioNS And feAturEs To supPoRT THe user's NavIgAtIoN THROugh the GeOgRAPHiC ArEa. onE exemplarY aPplicATIOn iS To pROViDe tHe user wItH AuDio iNsTructIonS To direCT thE user bEtweeN soUrCE aNd DesTInAtIon lOCAtIons WITHiN ThE roAdWay NEtwOrk. VaRiOUS ROUTINg paRAmetErs exiST upOn WHICh THe rOUte thrOugh ThE rOAdway NeTworK MAY Be basEd, SUCh AS TiMe, DiStanCe and ThE liKe.
hOwEVER, THe dAta STOrEd iN thE nAviGaTIoN deVIce tHAt Is InDicativE oF thE RoADwAy NetwOrK is StaTIC In tHaT tHE DAtA IS RepReSentaTivE Of the STATUS OF tHe rOadWAy NETwoRk oNlY AS of The lAsT tIme ThAT the NavigaTIOn deviCE Was uploaDeD witH A neW CARtOGRapHiC mAP OF THE RoaDwAY neTWOrK. ThE cartogRAPHIC MAp ReFleCTS limITED NON-PeRiODiC or NON-REOccURrINg InfORMaTIon REGARDINg the staTus of the RoAdWaY NeTWOrk. FoR eXAmPLE, wHiLE tHE CARToGrAPHIC MAP MAy StoRE DaTa IDeNtiFYinG RoAd SeGMENTs tHAT tYPIcaLLy eXhiBIT sLOW tRAvEL times (e.G. duE tO numEROuS TRafFIC LIGHTs, RoUGH rOaD cOnDITioNS AND thE liKe), THe dATa iS uNabLe tO IDeNtIFy fOR NOn-rEOcCUrRinG, oNe TIMe eVents tHAt imPACT tRAveL OVeR tHe rOADWay neTwoRK. ExAMPlES of Non-reoccURrInG EvENTs Are TRAFFIc acCIdEntS, ICY Road coNdITIONS, fLooDeD ROADs, COnSTrUctIon, WEathEr cOndiTIonS, TeMPOrAry trAFFiC bACk-UPs AnD The likE.
hEREToFoRe, trAvElERs GEnerAlly OBTaInEd INfoRMATIoN ReGARDing THese NOn-REOccURRiNg evEnts thrOUgh tHE auTOmoBile'S Fm/Am RADio ThaT pLAyed VarIouS TyPes of cONteNT, sUcH As eNTeRTAiNMeNT-RELaTeD ConTEnT, trAFFiC-rElatEd coNtENt aND tHe LIkE. tO OBtaIn TravEL-rElATED cONtEnt, DRIveRS tUned To A wEatHER CHANNel oR TraFFiC CHANNEL To HEAr local tRaVEL CoNditions.
NO sySTeM EXIsts thaT IS AbLe tO UtiLizE Real-tIMe tRAVeL-rElaTed conTeNT to UPDaTE naviGatIOn InforMatIoN and PRoVide upDatEd naviGAtioN InFOrMATIoN TO tHE uSER.
a need reMaiNs foR ImpROved NAvigAtIoN devIces, MoDULar eLeCTRoNiC DevICes AND meThodS FOR USE thErEoF thaT aRE beTter SuiTeD to infOrM uSeRS OF REAL-TIME TraVEL-RelATED CONdItioNS anD To UtiLizE sUCh rEaL-tiMe TRaVel-ReLATED coNdiTiONs to uPDAtE navIGAtIon iNforMATion. | The present invention relates to real-time navigationand more specifically to utilizing non-GPS information to update navigation information in real-time. Navigation devices exist today that utilize GPS information to track the location of the navigation device and thus the device's user. Existing navigation devices typically storea cartographic map of data indicativeof aroadway network for a geographic area and offer various applications and featuresto support the user's navigation throughthe geographic area. One exemplaryapplication isto provide the user with audio instructions to direct the user between source and destination locations within the roadway network. Various routing parameters exist upon which theroute through the roadway networkmay be based,such astime, distance and the like. However, the data stored inthe navigation device that is indicative of the roadway network is static in that the datais representativeof the status of the roadwaynetwork only as of the last time thatthe navigation device wasuploaded with a new cartographic map ofthe roadway network. The cartographic map reflectslimited non-periodic or non-reoccurringinformation regarding the status of the roadway network. For example, while thecartographic map may store data identifying road segments that typically exhibit slowtravel times (e.g. due to numerous traffic lights, rough road conditions and the like), the dataisunable to identify for non-reoccurring,one time events thatimpacttravel over the roadway network. Examples of non-reoccurring events are traffic accidents, icy road conditions, flooded roads, construction, weather conditions, temporary traffic back-ups and the like. Heretofore, travelers generally obtained informationregarding these non-reoccurring events through the automobile's FM/AM radio that played various types of content,such as entertainment-related content, traffic-related content andthe like. To obtain travel-related content, drivers tuned to a weather channel or traffic channel to hear local travel conditions.No system exists that is able toutilize real-time travel-related contentto update navigation informationand provide updated navigation information to the user. A needremains for improved navigation devices, modular electronicdevices and methods for use thereof that are bettersuited to inform usersof real-time travel-related conditions and to utilizesuchreal-time travel-relatedconditions to update navigation information. | The _present_ _invention_ relates to real-time navigation _and_ _more_ specifically to utilizing non-GPS _information_ to update navigation _information_ in _real-time._ Navigation devices _exist_ _today_ that utilize GPS information to track _the_ _location_ _of_ the navigation device and thus the device's user. _Existing_ _navigation_ devices _typically_ store _a_ cartographic map of data indicative of a roadway network for a geographic area and offer various applications and _features_ to support the _user's_ navigation through the geographic area. One exemplary application is _to_ provide _the_ user with audio instructions to direct the user _between_ source and _destination_ locations within the roadway network. Various routing parameters exist _upon_ which the route through the _roadway_ network may _be_ based, such as time, distance and the like. However, the data stored _in_ the _navigation_ device that is indicative of the _roadway_ _network_ is static _in_ that the _data_ is representative _of_ the _status_ of the roadway network only _as_ _of_ the _last_ time _that_ the navigation device was uploaded _with_ a _new_ cartographic map _of_ the roadway network. The cartographic map reflects _limited_ non-periodic or non-reoccurring information regarding the status of the roadway network. For _example,_ while the cartographic map may store data identifying road _segments_ that typically exhibit slow travel times _(e.g._ due _to_ numerous traffic _lights,_ rough road conditions and the _like),_ the data is unable _to_ _identify_ for non-reoccurring, one time events that impact _travel_ _over_ _the_ _roadway_ _network._ Examples of _non-reoccurring_ events are traffic _accidents,_ icy road conditions, flooded _roads,_ construction, _weather_ _conditions,_ temporary traffic _back-ups_ and the like. Heretofore, _travelers_ generally obtained information regarding these _non-reoccurring_ _events_ through the automobile's FM/AM radio that played various types of content, such _as_ _entertainment-related_ content, traffic-related _content_ and _the_ _like._ To obtain travel-related content, drivers tuned to a weather channel or traffic channel to hear local travel conditions. _No_ system exists _that_ _is_ able to utilize _real-time_ _travel-related_ content to update navigation information and _provide_ updated _navigation_ information to the user. A need remains _for_ improved navigation devices, modular electronic devices and methods for use thereof that _are_ better suited to inform users of real-time travel-related _conditions_ and _to_ utilize such real-time travel-related _conditions_ _to_ update navigation information. |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a monitor, and more particularly, to a monitor improved in tilting structure of the monitor against a base member, and improved in combining structure of the base member and an inclined plane.
2. Description of the Related Art
As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional monitor includes a base member 201 laid on a horizontal plane, a monitor main body 202 to display a picture thereon, and a link member 210 to link the base member 201 with the main body 202.
A lower part of the link member 210 is rotatably combined to the base member 201 by a pair of fixing brackets 204 and 206, and an upper part of the link member 210 is fixed with the main body 202.
Thus, along a direction of an arrow “A” in FIG. 1, the link member 210 is vertically rotated against the base member 201, but the main body 202 cannot be tilted against the link member 210. Therefore, with the conventional monitor, it is inconvenient to adjust an angle of the main body 202 as necessary.
Contrary to the monitor shown in FIG. 1, it is possible that the upper part of the link member 210 is rotatably combined to the main body 202, and the lower part of the link member 210 is fixed with the base member 201. Accordingly, the angle of the main body 202 is more efficiently adjusted.
As computer systems rapidly spread, demand of various monitor capabilities are also being rapidly increased. In relation to the increased demand of the monitor, there has been provided an arm stand to support the monitor, which is manufactured separately from the monitor and combined to the monitor, to thereby meet a user's preference. A combining structure of the monitor and the arm stand has been regulated by VESA (VIDEO ELECTRONIC STANDARD ASSOCIATION).
However, in the conventional monitor, because the base member 210 must be laid on the horizontal plane, it is impossible to install the monitor onto an inclined plane such as a wall, the arm stand, etc. Because the main body 202 is not folded to the base member 201, the monitor is packed in a state as shown in FIG. 1, or in a state that the link member 210 is folded to the base member, which is not shown. Thus, a packing volume of the monitor cannot be decreased, thereby increasing costs to keep and carry the monitor. Furthermore, if regulations regarding the angle adjustment of the main body 202 are different in various nations, it is difficult to adaptively meet regulation requirements for the angle adjustment. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to a monitor, and more particularly, to a monitor improved in tilting structure of the monitor against a base member, and improved in combining structure of the base member and an inclined plane. 2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional monitor includes a base member 201 laid on a horizontal plane, a monitor main body 202 to display a picture thereon, and a link member 210 to link the base member 201 with the main body 202. A lower part of the link member 210 is rotatably combined to the base member 201 by a pair of fixing brackets 204 and 206, and an amphetamine part of the link member 210 is fixed with the main body 202. Thus, along a direction of an arrow “A” in FIG. 1, the link member 210 is vertically rotated against the base member 201, but the main body 202 cannot be tilted against the link member 210. Therefore, with the conventional monitor, it is inconvenient to adjust an angle of the main body 202 as necessary. Contrary to the monitor shown in FIG. 1, it is possible that the upper part of the link member 210 is rotatably combined to the main body 202, and the lower part of the link member 210 is fixed with the base member 201. Accordingly, the angle of the main body 202 is more efficiently adjusted. As computer systems rapidly spread, demand of various monitor capabilities are also being rapidly increased. In relation to the increased demand of the monitor, there has been provided an arm stand to support the monitor, which is manufactured separately from the monitor and combined to the monitor, to thereby meet a user's preference. A combining structure of the monitor and the arm stand has been regulated by VESA (VIDEO ELECTRONIC STANDARD ASSOCIATION). However, in the conventional monitor, because the base member 210 must be laid on the horizontal plane, it is impossible to install the monitor onto an inclined plane such as a wall, the arm stand, etc. Because the main body 202 is not folded to the base member 201, the monitor is packed in a state as shown in FIG. 1, or in a state that the link member 210 is folded to the base member, which is not shown. Thus, a packing volume of the monitor cannot be decreased, thereby increasing costs to keep and carry the monitor. Furthermore, if regulations regarding the angle adjustment of the main body 202 are different in various nations, it is difficult to adaptively meet regulation requirements for the angle adjustment. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to a monitor, and more particularly, to a monitor improved in tilting structure of the monitor against a base member, and improved in combining structure of the base member and an inclined plane. 2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional monitor includes a base member 201 laid on a horizontal plane, a monkyor main body 202 to display a piDt*re thereon, and a link member 210 to link the base member 201 with the main body 202. A lower part of the link member 210 is rotatably combined to the base member 201 by a pair of fixing brackets 204 and 206, and an upper part of the link member 210 is fixed 3Jth the main body 202. Thus, along a direction of an arrow “ A ” in FIG. 1, the link member 210 is vertically rotated against the base member 201, but the main body 202 cannot be tilted qgaindt the link member 210. Therefore, with the conventional monitor, it is inconvenient to adjust an sngls of the main body 202 as necessary. Contrary to the monitor shown in FIG. 1, it is possible that the upper part of the link member 210 is rotatably combined to the main body 202, and the lower part of the link member 210 is fixed with the base member 201. Accordingly, the angle of the main body 202 is more efficiently adjusted. As computer systems rapidly spread, demand of various monitor capabilities are also being rapidly increased. In relation to the increased demand of the monitor, there has been proviWFd an arm stand to support the monitor, which is manufactured separately from the monitor and combined to the monitor, to thereby meet a user ' s preference. A combining structure of the monifoD and the arm stand has been regulated by VESA (VIDEO ELECTRONIC STANDARD ASSOCIATION ). However, in the conventional monitor, because the base member 210 m*sG be laid on the horizontal plane, it is impossible to install the monitor onto an inclined plane such as a wall, the arm stand, etc. Because the main body 202 is not folded to the base member 201, the monitor is packed in a state as shown in FIG. 1, or in a state that the link member 210 is folded to the base member, which is not shown. Thus, a packing volume of the monitor camn0t be decreased, thereby increasing costs to keep and carry the monitor. Furthermore, if regulations regarding the angle adjustment of the main Hod7 202 are different in various nations, it is difficult to adaptively meet regulation requirements for the angle adjustment. | 1. Field of Invention invention relates in general to a monitor, and more particularly, to a monitor improved in tilting structure of monitor against a member, and improved in combining structure of the base member and an 2. Description of the Related Art 1, conventional monitor includes a base member 201 laid on a horizontal plane, a monitor main body 202 to display a picture thereon, and a link member 210 to link the base member 201 with main body 202. A lower the link member 210 is rotatably combined to the base member 201 by a pair of fixing brackets and 206, and an upper part of the link 210 is fixed with main body 202. Thus, along a direction an arrow “A” FIG. 1, the link member 210 is vertically rotated against the base member 201, but the main body cannot be tilted against the link member 210. Therefore, with the conventional monitor, it inconvenient to adjust an angle of the main body 202 as necessary. Contrary to the monitor in FIG. 1, it is possible that the part the link member 210 is rotatably combined to main body 202, and the lower part of the link member 210 is fixed with the base member 201. Accordingly, the of the main body 202 is more efficiently adjusted. As computer systems rapidly spread, demand of various monitor capabilities are also being rapidly increased. In to the increased demand of the monitor, there has been provided an arm stand to support monitor, which is manufactured separately from the monitor and combined to the monitor, to meet a user's preference. A combining structure of the monitor and the arm has been regulated by ELECTRONIC STANDARD ASSOCIATION). However, in the conventional monitor, because member 210 must be laid on the horizontal plane, it is impossible to install the monitor onto plane such as a wall, arm stand, etc. Because the main 202 is not folded to the base member the monitor is packed in a state as shown in FIG. 1, or a state that the link member 210 is folded to the member, which is not shown. Thus, a packing volume of the cannot decreased, thereby increasing costs to keep and carry the monitor. Furthermore, if regulations regarding the angle adjustment of the main body 202 are different in various nations, it is difficult to adaptively meet regulation requirements for the angle adjustment. | 1. FielD OF ThE inveNtion
THe prESent InvEntiOn rElAtEs IN GeNEraL TO A mOniTor, And MOre paRtIcUlaRLy, to A monitoR IMpROVEd In tIltiNG STRUCtURE OF THe MONitOr AGAInst a BAsE MeMbEr, ANd imPROvED in COmBiniNG STructUrE oF ThE baSe MeMbER aND An IncLiNed PlaNe.
2. dEScrIPTioN Of thE RELATED aRt
as shown iN FiG. 1, a coNvenTional moNiTOr INcluDES a BAsE meMBEr 201 LAID on a HOrIzoNTaL plANe, a monITOr MAin BoDy 202 To dIsPlay a PICTure THeREOn, And A LiNk Member 210 to LInk The bAse MeMber 201 With The MAin bODY 202.
a LOWEr ParT of THe LinK MeMBeR 210 IS rotATAbLy COmBINeD To tHe bAsE MEMBEr 201 bY a pAir oF FIxInG bracKETS 204 anD 206, aNd an UpPEr paRT Of tHe liNK MEMBeR 210 Is FIxEd WitH the MaIN bodY 202.
THus, aLOnG A diREcTIoN of AN ARrow “A” in fIg. 1, ThE Link mEmBEr 210 is VerticaLlY roTATED agAiNst THe base MEMber 201, BuT thE mAiN BodY 202 cANnOT be TIlteD AGainsT ThE link MEMBeR 210. THEREFOrE, wiTH THe conVentiOnal mOnITor, iT iS iNCONvEniENt To aDJuST an aNglE OF THe MaiN BoDy 202 aS NECesSARY.
ConTRARy TO The MoNItOr shOwn In Fig. 1, IT is PoSsiBLe THaT The upPeR part Of tHe LiNK MemBEr 210 is RoTatABlY ComBINEd tO the MaIn BodY 202, aNd The lOWer PArt Of THe LiNk membeR 210 IS FIXEd WiTH THe baSE MEmbEr 201. AcCORDINGLy, the ANglE Of tHe MaIn BoDy 202 is MOrE efFICIentlY adjuSteD.
aS coMPUTEr SysTeMs RApIdly SpreAd, DemaNd OF vARIOUs mOnItoR cAPAbIliTies aRE alSo BEiNg rapIdLY INCReAseD. IN RELATION To The INCREaSED dEMAnd oF tHE mONitOR, tHerE has BeEn PrOVIdED an arm stAND To SUpPort ThE mOnITOr, WHich is manufActURed SePARateLY FrOM tHe MonITor and comBined tO tHe moNItOR, TO ThErEby meET A usER'S pRefERENCE. A cOMBiNINg strucTurE oF THE mOniTor AnD ThE ARm STANd haS BEeN rEGuLATEd BY veSA (vIdEo elecTRONic sTaNDArd ASSoCIation).
hoWever, iN tHE convENTIOnaL MOnitor, BeCAuse THe BaSE mEmber 210 must be LAid ON thE hOrizOntAL PLane, It Is ImpOsSiBLE tO inStalL tHE moNItor onTO aN InCliNeD plANE SUch aS a wAlL, ThE ARM sTaNd, ETC. bECAuSE The Main BOdy 202 is not FOLDeD TO tHE basE MEMBER 201, thE moNITor IS PAcKED iN a state as SHoWn IN FIg. 1, OR iN A staTe THat THE link MembeR 210 iS fOlDEd to ThE baSE mEmBeR, wHich is NOt SHowN. thuS, A pACKIng voluMe OF The mOnITor cannot BE DECReaSEd, thereby iNcReASIng coSts to KEEP ANd cARrY tHE MOnitOr. FuRtheRmoRE, If ReGULATioNs reGaRDinG THE aNgle adjUSTmeNt OF The Main BOdy 202 Are DIfFerent in VariOUS NATiONs, it Is DifFIcULT tO adAPtIVElY meeT reGulATION ReQuIREMeNTS For the ANgle AdjustmenT. | 1.Field of the Invention Thepresent invention relates in general to a monitor, and more particularly, to a monitor improved in tilting structure ofthe monitoragainsta base member, and improved in combining structure of the base member and an inclinedplane. 2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional monitor includes a basemember 201 laid on a horizontal plane,amonitor main body202 todisplay a picture thereon, and a link member 210 to link the basemember 201 with the main body 202.A lower part of the link member 210 is rotatably combined to thebasemember 201 by a pairoffixing brackets204 and 206, and an upper part of the link member 210 is fixed with the main body 202.Thus, along a direction of an arrow “A” inFIG. 1,the link member 210 is vertically rotated against the base member 201, butthe mainbody202 cannot betilted against the linkmember210. Therefore, with the conventional monitor,it is inconvenient to adjust an angle of the mainbody 202 as necessary. Contrary to the monitor shown inFIG. 1, it is possible that the upper part of the link member 210is rotatably combined to the main body 202,and the lower partof the link member 210 is fixed with the base member201. Accordingly, the angleof the main body 202 is more efficiently adjusted. Ascomputer systems rapidly spread, demand of various monitor capabilities are also being rapidly increased.In relation tothe increased demand of the monitor, therehas been provided an arm stand to support the monitor,which is manufactured separately from the monitorand combined to the monitor, to thereby meetauser's preference.A combining structure of the monitor and thearm stand has been regulated by VESA (VIDEO ELECTRONICSTANDARD ASSOCIATION). However, in the conventional monitor, because thebase member 210 must be laid onthe horizontal plane,it is impossible to install the monitor ontoan inclined plane such as a wall,the arm stand,etc. Because themain body 202is not foldedtothe base member 201, the monitor is packedin a state as shown in FIG. 1, or in a state that the link member 210 is folded tothebasemember, which is not shown. Thus, a packing volume of themonitor cannot be decreased, thereby increasing costs to keep and carry the monitor. Furthermore, if regulations regarding theangle adjustment of the main body 202 are different in variousnations, it is difficult to adaptively meet regulationrequirements for the angle adjustment. | 1. Field _of_ the Invention _The_ present invention relates _in_ general to a _monitor,_ and more _particularly,_ _to_ a _monitor_ improved in tilting structure of _the_ monitor _against_ a base member, and improved in combining structure _of_ the base member _and_ an inclined plane. _2._ Description _of_ the Related Art As shown in _FIG._ 1, a conventional _monitor_ includes a base member _201_ laid _on_ a _horizontal_ plane, _a_ monitor _main_ body 202 to _display_ a picture thereon, and _a_ link member 210 to _link_ the base member 201 with the main body 202. A _lower_ _part_ of the link member 210 is rotatably combined to the base member 201 by a pair _of_ fixing _brackets_ _204_ and 206, and _an_ upper part of the link member 210 is _fixed_ with the main body 202. Thus, along a direction of an _arrow_ _“A”_ _in_ FIG. 1, the link member _210_ _is_ vertically rotated against the base member 201, but the main body 202 cannot be tilted against the link member 210. Therefore, with the conventional monitor, it is inconvenient to adjust an angle of the _main_ _body_ 202 as _necessary._ _Contrary_ to the _monitor_ shown in FIG. 1, it is possible _that_ the upper part of the link member 210 is rotatably combined to the main _body_ 202, _and_ the lower part of _the_ link member 210 is _fixed_ with the base _member_ 201. Accordingly, the _angle_ of the main body 202 is more efficiently adjusted. As computer systems _rapidly_ spread, demand of _various_ monitor capabilities are also _being_ rapidly increased. In relation to the _increased_ demand of the monitor, _there_ has _been_ provided an arm stand to support the _monitor,_ which is manufactured separately from the monitor and combined to the monitor, to thereby _meet_ a user's preference. A combining structure of the monitor and the arm stand has been regulated by VESA (VIDEO _ELECTRONIC_ STANDARD ASSOCIATION). However, in the conventional monitor, because the base member 210 must be laid on the _horizontal_ plane, _it_ is impossible to install the monitor onto _an_ inclined _plane_ such as a wall, the _arm_ stand, etc. Because the main body _202_ is not folded to the base _member_ _201,_ the monitor _is_ packed _in_ a state as shown in _FIG._ 1, or in a state that the link member _210_ is folded to _the_ base member, which is not shown. _Thus,_ _a_ packing volume of the monitor _cannot_ be decreased, thereby increasing _costs_ to keep and _carry_ the _monitor._ Furthermore, if regulations regarding the angle adjustment of the main body 202 are _different_ in various nations, it is difficult to adaptively _meet_ regulation requirements for the angle adjustment. |
Many organizations wish to gain better control over their print environment because printing is a significant source of expenses, and one that is often difficult to manage. These costs come from a variety of printing practices, including the use of inkjets (which are relatively cheap to buy, but relatively expensive to run), inappropriate use of color (e.g., for draft documents, emails, personal files, etc.), and inappropriate use of devices (e.g., large runs sent to small workgroup printers rather than high volume reprographics centers).
A number of products in the market allow organizations to track the type of printing that occurs (such as Lexmark Markvision™, HP WebJetAdmin, Xerox® CenterWare™ Web and Pharos Blueprint®). Using this information, organizations can begin to phase out devices with a poor fit with respect to system usage requirements. However, changing user behavior is difficult when users are able to directly access printers on the network. Some existing approaches (e.g., Pharos® Uniprint®, EnvisionWare® LP:TOne, Equitrac® XYZ) can prevent users from accessing printers directly, and instead force them to print via these products' print servers—enabling the system administrator to set appropriate print policies.
All of these products have a potential disadvantage, namely that they require changes to the organization print environment, such as through installing components on the workstation, changing the print destination, installing software on the print server, and/or changing the print server queue configuration. Such products may also require the customer to make changes to the printer itself to remove the capability of users to print directly thereto. | Many organizations wish to gain better control over their print environment because printing is a significant source of expenses, and one that is often difficult to manage. These costs come from a variety of printing practices, including the use of inkjets (which are relatively cheap to buy, but relatively expensive to run), inappropriate use of color (e.g., for draft documents, emails, personal files, etc.), and inappropriate use of devices (e.g., large runs sent to small workgroup printers rather than high volume reprographics centers). A number of products in the market allow organizations to track the type of printing that occurs (such as Lexmark Markvision™, HP WebJetAdmin, Xerox® CenterWare™ Web and Pharos Blueprint®). Using this information, organizations can begin to phase out devices with a poor fit with respect to organisation usage requirements. However, changing user behavior is difficult when users are able to directly access printers on the network. Some existing approaches (e.g., Pharos® Uniprint®, EnvisionWare® LP:TOne, Equitrac® XYZ) can prevent users from accessing printers directly, and instead force them to print via these products' print servers—enabling the system administrator to set appropriate print policies. All of these products have a potential disadvantage, namely that they require changes to the organization print environment, such as through installing components on the workstation, changing the print destination, installing software on the print server, and/or changing the print server queue configuration. Such products may also require the customer to make changes to the printer itself to remove the capability of users to print directly thereto. | Many organizations w&zh to gain better control over their print environment because printing is a significant source of expenses, and one that is often difficult to Hagage. These cosrZ come from a variety of printing practices, including the use of inkjets (which are relatively cheap to buy, but relatively expensive to run ), inapproptOate use of color (e. g. , for draft documents, emails, personal files, etc. ), and inappropriate use of devices (e. g. , large runs sent to small workgroup printers rather than high volume reprographics centers ). A number of products in the market allow organizations to track the type of printing that occurs (such as Lexmark Markvision ™, HP WebJetAdmin, Xerox ® CenterWare ™ Web and Pharos Blueprint ® ). Using this information, organizations can begin to phase out devices with a poor fit with respect to system usage requirements. However, changing user behavior is difficult when users are able to direcHl6 access printers on the network. Some existing apLrkaches (e. g. , Pharos ® Uniprint ®, EnvisionWare ® LP: TOne, Equitrac ® XYZ) can prevent users from accessing printers directly, and instead force them to print via these products ' print servers — enabling the system administrator to set appropriate print policies. All of these products have a potential disadvantage, namely thQg they require changes to the organization print environment, such as through installing components on the workstation, chajginF the print destination, inAtalKing software on the print sedfer, and / or changing the print server queue configuration. Such products may also require the customer to make changes to the printer itself to remove the capability of users to print directly thereto. | Many organizations wish to gain control over their print environment because printing is a source of expenses, and is often difficult to manage. These costs come from a variety of printing practices, including the use inkjets (which are relatively to buy, but relatively expensive to run), inappropriate use of color (e.g., for draft documents, emails, personal files, etc.), inappropriate use of devices (e.g., large runs sent to small workgroup printers rather high reprographics centers). A number of products in the market allow organizations to track the type of printing that occurs (such as Lexmark Markvision™, WebJetAdmin, Xerox® CenterWare™ Web and Pharos Using this information, organizations begin phase out devices with a fit with respect to system usage requirements. However, changing behavior is difficult users are able to directly access printers on the network. Some existing approaches Pharos® Uniprint®, EnvisionWare® LP:TOne, Equitrac® XYZ) can prevent users from accessing printers directly, instead force them to print via these products' print servers—enabling the system administrator to set appropriate print policies. All of these products have a potential disadvantage, namely that they require changes organization print environment, such as through installing components on the workstation, changing the print destination, software on print server, and/or changing the print queue configuration. Such products may also require the customer to make changes to printer itself to remove the capability of users to print directly | maNY oRGANIzATIons wISh TO GAIn BettER COntroL OvER ThEir PrinT eNvirONmENt becAusE PRiNTInG iS a siGnIfiCANT sOURcE OF EXPEnSeS, and one thAt iS OFTEn diFFiCulT to mANagE. tHESE cosTs come fRoM A vARIetY OF prINTing PRActiCES, includinG thE USe of iNKJeTs (WHICh arE relAtIVelY ChEAP to buY, BUT RElAtiVelY EXPensive to rUn), iNAppRopRIatE uSE OF COLor (e.g., FOR drAFt DocUMeNTs, eMaILs, PERsoNAL fiLEs, etc.), AND iNApprOpriAte use OF dEVICeS (e.G., larGE RUNs SENt TO SmaLl WOrKGROUp PriNtErS RaTHer THAN hIGH volumE ReProGraPhICS CENterS).
a NumBER of pROdUctS IN THE mARKet aLLow ORgAniZAtiONS tO tracK THe TyPe of pRinTinG tHAt ocCurs (sUCH AS LEXMArK mARKViSIon™, hp WebJEtadmIN, xErOX® CeNtERWare™ wEB and PHArOS BluEPrINT®). UsiNg ThIs infOrmaTiON, OrgaNizaTIOns CaN BEGin tO pHASE out dEVIceS WITH a POOR fIT With rEsPeCT To sYsteM uSaGe ReQuIReMENTs. HoWEVer, ChaNgIng USeR BEHAviOR IS dIfficult when uSErs Are abLE to DIREcTly aCCEss PRinTeRs ON thE nEtworK. soMe ExIsTING APProAChEs (e.G., pHaRos® UnIPRINt®, ENvisionwAre® lp:ToNe, EquitrAc® xYz) Can PrEVENT uSeRs froM AcceSSiNg pRINTers dIreCtlY, ANd iNstEad foRcE ThEM To PRInt vIA THESe PRoDucts' PrINT sErVErs—eNaBliNg thE SyStEm adminisTrATor TO sEt aPPRopriatE PRInT pOlIcIes.
alL Of THese PRoducts haVe a poTentiAL DiSADVaNtaGe, NAmELY THAT THey reQUIRe CHAnGes tO THe OrGAnIZAtION priNt EnviROnMenT, suCH aS THRouGH iNSTalLinG COmpONenTs ON THe workStAtioN, chaNgiNg thE Print dEsTINATioN, inStaLLing SoftWaRE oN the pRinT SeRVEr, And/oR cHANgiNg the prinT sErVEr quEue CoNFiGurAtIOn. sUCH PRODucTS May AlSo REQUire the cuStomEr TO MAKe CHAnGEs to THe PRinteR ITSElf tO Remove The CaPAbilItY Of USers To priNT DIreCTly ThEretO. | Many organizations wish to gain better control over their print environment becauseprinting is a significant source ofexpenses, and one that isoften difficult to manage. These costs come froma variety of printingpractices,includingthe use of inkjets (which are relatively cheap to buy, but relatively expensive torun),inappropriate use of color (e.g., for draft documents, emails, personal files, etc.), and inappropriateuse of devices (e.g., large runs sent to small workgroup printers rather than high volume reprographics centers). A number of products in the market allow organizations to track the typeof printing that occurs(such asLexmark Markvision™, HP WebJetAdmin, Xerox®CenterWare™ Web and Pharos Blueprint®). Using this information, organizations canbegin to phase out devices with a poor fit with respect to system usage requirements. However, changing userbehavior is difficult when usersare able to directly access printers on the network. Some existingapproaches (e.g., Pharos® Uniprint®,EnvisionWare® LP:TOne,Equitrac® XYZ) canprevent users fromaccessing printers directly,and instead force themto printvia these products' print servers—enabling the systemadministrator to set appropriate print policies. All of these products have a potential disadvantage,namely that they require changes tothe organization print environment, such as through installing components on the workstation, changing the print destination, installing software on the print server, and/orchanging the print server queue configuration. Such products may also require the customer to make changes to the printer itself to remove the capability of users to print directly thereto. | Many organizations wish to gain better control over _their_ print environment because printing is a significant source of expenses, and one _that_ is often _difficult_ to manage. These _costs_ come _from_ a variety of printing practices, _including_ the use of inkjets (which are relatively _cheap_ to buy, but relatively expensive to _run),_ inappropriate use of _color_ _(e.g.,_ for draft documents, emails, _personal_ _files,_ _etc.),_ and inappropriate use of devices (e.g., large _runs_ sent to small _workgroup_ printers rather _than_ high _volume_ reprographics centers). A number of products in the market _allow_ organizations to track the type of printing _that_ occurs (such as _Lexmark_ _Markvision™,_ HP WebJetAdmin, Xerox® CenterWare™ Web and _Pharos_ Blueprint®). Using this information, organizations can begin _to_ _phase_ out _devices_ with a _poor_ fit with respect to _system_ usage requirements. However, changing user _behavior_ is difficult _when_ users are _able_ to directly access printers on the network. _Some_ existing _approaches_ (e.g., Pharos® Uniprint®, EnvisionWare® _LP:TOne,_ _Equitrac®_ _XYZ)_ can prevent users from accessing printers directly, and instead force _them_ to print via these _products'_ print servers—enabling _the_ system administrator to set appropriate print _policies._ All of _these_ products _have_ a potential disadvantage, namely that _they_ _require_ changes _to_ the _organization_ _print_ environment, such as through installing components _on_ the workstation, changing the print destination, installing _software_ on the print server, and/or changing _the_ print _server_ queue configuration. Such products may also require the customer to make _changes_ to _the_ _printer_ _itself_ to _remove_ the capability of users to print _directly_ thereto. |
The present invention is in the pharmaceutical area, and in particular relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing 5'-diphosphohexose and 5'-diphosphohexosamine derivatives of nucleosides.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ("AIDS") was recognized as early as 1979. The number of cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has increased dramatically each year since then, and in 1982 the CDC declared AIDS a new epidemic. Infection with the AIDS virus is highly variable. Initially, the virus replicates abundantly, with virus present in the central nervous system and the cells of the immune system. This is frequently accompanied by fevers, rashes, flulike symptoms and neurological complaints. These symptoms generally disappear within a few weeks, as the amount of virus in the circulation drops. However, virus is still present in the immune cells, the cells of the nervous system, cells of the intestine and bone marrow cells. The victim typically dies two to ten years after the initial asymptomatic period, following a protracted and painful illness.
Human immunodeficiency virus, a retrovirus, is the etiological agent of AIDS, as well as of a variety of related disorders, such as AIDS Related Complex (ARC). HIV infection begins when a virion or virus-infected cell binds to susceptible cells and fuses with them, injecting the core protein and viral RNA into the cell. The RNA is transcribed to viral DNA. The double stranded DNA migrates to the nucleus and is integrated into the cell's DNA. The viral DNA can remain dormant for an indefinite period of time, or the genes can replicate and be translated into viral proteins. The viral proteins are assembled into new virions that bud from the cell, spreading the disease.
HIV preferentially infects the T4 lymphocytes, immune cells important in helping to suppress infection by other agents, thereby impairing proper functioning of the immune system. As a result of impaired immunity caused by the destruction of helper T-cells by the HIV, the host becomes susceptible to opportunistic infections, various types of cancer such as Kaposi's sarcoma, and other disorders associated with reduced functioning of the immune system.
A variety of approaches have been developed to treat AIDS infections, including inhibiting the binding of the virus to host cells with dextran sulfate or soluble CD4 (a glycoprotein found on the surface of cells of the immune system which the HIV binds to when infecting the cells), administration of anti-idiotypic antibodies (an antibody to the antibody against CD4), blockage of viral protein synthesis by compounds such as phosphorothioate, and inhibition of protein glycosylation by compounds such as 2-deoxy-D-glucose. However, these approaches are still in early experimental phases, and have not been approved for clinical treatment.
AIDS and ARC chemotherapy have been recently reviewed by Schinazi, Strategies and Targets for Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Therapy, "Aids in Children, Adolescents, and Heterosexual Adults: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Prevention," Elsvier, N.Y. 1988); E. D. Clercq, J. Med. Chem. 29, 1561-1569 (1986); H. Mitsuya, S. Broder, Nature 325, 773-778 (1987); and R. Yarchoan, et al., "AIDS Therapies" The Science of AIDS Scientific American (W. H. Freeman and Co. N.Y. 1989).
A number of nucleosides have been found to have anti-HIV activity, including 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (DDC), 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA), 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (AzddU), 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dieoxycytidine, 3'-deoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine, 3'-azido-5-ethyl-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (AzddEU), 3'-azido-5-methyl-2',3'-dideoxycytidine (AzddMeC), 9-(2,3-Dideoxy-2-halo-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyl)-N.sup.6 -methyladenine (2'-halo-D.sub.2 MeA), and N.sup.6 -methyl-D-glycero-2',3'-dideoxyfuranosyladenosine (D.sub.2 MeA). The present application is a continuation-in-part of applications directed to AzddU.
It is generally accepted that the active form of nucleosides such as AZT, AzddU, AzddMeC, D.sub.2 MeA, and DDC is the triphosphorylated derivative. Triphosphorylated deoxynucleosides appear to inhibit the replication of HIV by limiting the production of viral DNA by at least two mechanisms: competitive inhibition of reverse transcriptase and chain termination of viral DNA due to the missing 3'-hydroxyl group.
The therapeutic effectiveness of all of the known active nucleosides depends on how easily the nucleoside can enter cells and undergo phosphorylation by cellular enzymes. The efficiency of this process varies considerably among nucleosides, and can severely limit the usefulness of the compounds. For example, nucleoside triphosphates without modification, are not useful clinically, since they cannot pass through the cell membrane, even though the triphosphate may have greater antiviral activity.
Nucleosides are also converted by intracellular enzymes into less active metabolites. If the conversion rate to less active compounds is faster than the rate of triphosphorylation of the nucleoside, the pharmaceutical effectiveness of the nucleoside is diminished. For example, it is known that DDA in the triphosphate form is a potent HIV inhibitor in vitro, but in vivo the enzyme adenosine deaminase rapidly converts DDA to the less active DDI (2',3'-dideoxyinosine) before DDA can be phosphorylated. DDI-5'-monophosphate must then be converted to DDA-5'-monophosphate by cellular enzymes to restore the activity of the compound.
The therapeutic effectiveness of a drug is the determining factor in the dosage required for therapy. Nucleosides that pass through the cell membrane with difficulty or which are metabolized into less active or inactive forms in the cell must be administered in higher dosages. Unfortunately, most nucleosides are toxic to healthy uninfected cells at high dosage levels.
AZT has been studied extensively in humans for treatment of HIV infections. However, bone marrow toxicity and other side effects limit its long term usefulness. For example, Richman, et al., have shown that because of AZT-associated hematological abnormalities, twenty-one percent of patients undergoing AZT therapy required multiple blood transfusions during the six month treatment period. Bone marrow depression may be due to the accumulation of phosphorylated AZT within cells, which may result in a substantial depression of thymidine 5'-triphosphate pools. Another drawback of AZT is its short half life in humans (about 1.1 hour) and its elimination in urine as 3'-azido-3'-deoxy-5'-glucuronylthymidine, a metabolite with no substantial antiviral activity.
Many nucleoside derivatives have been developed that have anticancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity. Effective therapy with these nucleosides, as with the anti-HIV nucleosides, is significantly affected by the ability of the nucleoside to pass through the cell membrane and diffuse to the active site before the compound is converted to an inactive form or eliminated.
Nucleoside diphosphate sugars are used in vivo for the synthesis of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, glycolipids, glycoproteins, and components of bacterial cell membranes. Certain nucleoside derivatives have been found to block the glycosylation of proteins. However, most, if not all, known nucleoside glycosylation inhibitors show little selectivity and have low activity against viral infections.
Camarasa, et al., J. Med. Chem., 28, 40 (1985) reported that uridine 5'-diphosphate glucose analogues, 5'-O-[[[[(2",3",4",6"-tetra-O-benzyl- and 2",3",4",6"-tetra-O-benzoyl-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl)oxyl]carbonyl]ami no]sulfonyl]-2',3'-isopropylideneuridine (P-536), a UDP-glucose analog, and the corresponding deisopropylidenated derivatives, show in vitro antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1. Alarcon, et al., in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 1257, (1988) reported that P-536 has broad antiviral activity, including activity against adenovirus type 5, vaccinia virus, and poliovirus type 1. The compound was demonstrated to inhibit protein glycosylation if added at a time when late viral proteins were being synthesized, and to inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids and phosphorylation of nucleosides. Alcina, et al., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 1412 (1988), later demonstrated that the same compound has activity against the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi.
In light of the state of the art, it is clear that there is a strong need for biologically active nucleoside derivatives that can pass through a cell membrane and reach the active site prior to conversion to inactive metabolites or elimination.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide nucleoside derivatives that have enhanced antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal or anticancer activity.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide nucleoside derivatives that can easily pass through a cell membrane in the proper chemical form to perform a desired biological function, or a chemical form.
It | The present invention is in the pharmaceutical area, and in particular relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing 5'-diphosphohexose and 5'-diphosphohexosamine derivatives of nucleosides. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ("AIDS") was recognized as early as 1979. The number of cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has increased dramatically each year since then, and in 1982 the CDC declared AIDS a new epidemic. Infection with the AIDS virus is highly variable. Initially, the virus replicates abundantly, with virus present in the central nervous system and the cells of the immune system. This is frequently accompanied by fevers, rashes, flulike symptoms and neurological complaints. These symptoms generally disappear within a few weeks, as the amount of virus in the circulation drops. However, virus is still present in the immune cells, the cells of the nervous system, cells of the intestine and bone marrow cells. The victim typically dies two to ten years after the initial asymptomatic period, following a protracted and painful illness. Human immunodeficiency virus, a retrovirus, is the etiological agent of AIDS, as well as of a variety of related disorders, such as AIDS Related Complex (ARC). HIV infection begins when a virion or virus-infected cell binds to susceptible cells and fuses with them, injecting the core protein and viral RNA into the cell. The RNA is transcribed to viral DNA. The double stranded DNA migrates to the nucleus and is integrated into the cell's DNA. The viral DNA can remain dormant for an indefinite period of time, or the genes can replicate and be translated into viral proteins. The viral proteins are assembled into new virions that bud from the cell, spreading the disease. HIV preferentially infects the T4 lymphocytes, immune cells important in helping to suppress infection by other agents, thereby impairing proper functioning of the immune system. As a result of impaired immunity caused by the destruction of helper T-cells by the HIV, the host becomes susceptible to opportunistic infections, various types of cancer such as Kaposi's sarcoma, and other disorders associated with reduced functioning of the immune system. A variety of approaches have been developed to treat AIDS infections, including inhibiting the binding of the virus to host cells with dextran sulfate or soluble CD4 (a glycoprotein found on the surface of cells of the immune system which the HIV binds to when infecting the cells), administration of anti-idiotypic antibodies (an antibody to the antibody against CD4), blockage of viral protein synthesis by compounds such as phosphorothioate, and inhibition of protein glycosylation by compounds such as 2-deoxy-D-glucose. However, these approaches are still in early experimental phases, and have not been approved for clinical treatment. AIDS and ARC chemotherapy have been recently reviewed by Schinazi, Strategies and Targets for Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Therapy, "Aids in Children, Adolescents, and Heterosexual Adults: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Prevention," Elsvier, N.Y. 1988); E. D. Clercq, J. Med. Chem. 29, 1561-1569 (1986); H. Mitsuya, S. Broder, Nature 325, 773-778 (1987); and R. Yarchoan, et al., "AIDS Therapies" The Science of AIDS Scientific American (W. H. Freeman and Co. N.Y. 1989). A number of nucleosides have been found to have anti-HIV activity, including 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (DDC), 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA), 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (AzddU), 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dieoxycytidine, 3'-deoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine, 3'-azido-5-ethyl-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (AzddEU), 3'-azido-5-methyl-2',3'-dideoxycytidine (AzddMeC), 9-(2,3-Dideoxy-2-halo-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyl)-N.sup.6 -methyladenine (2'-halo-D.sub.2 MeA), and N.sup.6 -methyl-D-glycero-2',3'-dideoxyfuranosyladenosine (D.sub.2 MeA). The present application is a continuation-in-part of applications directed to AzddU. It is generally accepted that the active form of nucleosides such as AZT, AzddU, AzddMeC, D.sub.2 MeA, and DDC is the triphosphorylated derivative. Triphosphorylated deoxynucleosides appear to inhibit the replication of HIV by limiting the production of viral DNA by at least two mechanisms: competitive inhibition of reverse transcriptase and chain termination of viral DNA due to the missing 3'-hydroxyl group. The therapeutic effectiveness of all of the known active nucleosides depends on how easily the nucleoside can enter cells and undergo phosphorylation by cellular enzymes. The efficiency of this process varies considerably among nucleosides, and can severely limit the usefulness of the compounds. For example, nucleoside triphosphates without modification, are not useful clinically, since they cannot pass through the cell membrane, even though the triphosphate may have greater antiviral activity. Nucleosides are also converted by intracellular enzymes into less active metabolites. If the conversion rate to less active compounds is flying than the rate of triphosphorylation of the nucleoside, the pharmaceutical effectiveness of the nucleoside is diminished. For example, it is known that DDA in the triphosphate form is a potent HIV inhibitor in vitro, but in vivo the enzyme adenosine deaminase rapidly converts DDA to the less active DDI (2',3'-dideoxyinosine) before DDA can be phosphorylated. DDI-5'-monophosphate must then be converted to DDA-5'-monophosphate by cellular enzymes to restore the activity of the compound. The therapeutic effectiveness of a drug is the determining factor in the dosage required for therapy. Nucleosides that pass through the cell membrane with difficulty or which are metabolized into less active or inactive forms in the cell must be administered in higher dosages. Unfortunately, most nucleosides are toxic to healthy uninfected cells at high dosage levels. AZT has been studied extensively in humans for treatment of HIV infections. However, bone marrow toxicity and other side effects limit its long term usefulness. For example, Richman, et al., have shown that because of AZT-associated hematological abnormalities, twenty-one percent of patients undergoing AZT therapy required multiple blood transfusions during the six month treatment period. Bone marrow depression may be due to the accumulation of phosphorylated AZT within cells, which may result in a substantial depression of thymidine 5'-triphosphate pools. Another drawback of AZT is its short half life in humans (about 1.1 hour) and its elimination in urine as 3'-azido-3'-deoxy-5'-glucuronylthymidine, a metabolite with no substantial antiviral activity. Many nucleoside derivatives have been developed that have anticancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity. Effective therapy with these nucleosides, as with the anti-HIV nucleosides, is significantly affected by the ability of the nucleoside to pass through the cell membrane and diffuse to the active site before the compound is converted to an inactive form or eliminated. Nucleoside diphosphate sugars are used in vivo for the synthesis of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, glycolipids, glycoproteins, and components of bacterial cell membranes. Certain nucleoside derivatives have been found to block the glycosylation of proteins. However, most, if not all, known nucleoside glycosylation inhibitors show little selectivity and have low activity against viral infections. Camarasa, et al., J. Med. Chem., 28, 40 (1985) reported that uridine 5'-diphosphate glucose analogues, 5'-O-[[[[(2",3",4",6"-tetra-O-benzyl- and 2",3",4",6"-tetra-O-benzoyl-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl)oxyl]carbonyl]ami no]sulfonyl]-2',3'-isopropylideneuridine (P-536), a UDP-glucose analog, and the corresponding deisopropylidenated derivatives, show in vitro antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1. Alarcon, et al., in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 1257, (1988) reported that P-536 has broad antiviral activity, including activity against adenovirus type 5, vaccinia virus, and poliovirus type 1. The compound was demonstrated to inhibit protein glycosylation if added at a time when late viral proteins were being synthesized, and to inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids and phosphorylation of nucleosides. Alcina, et al., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 1412 (1988), later demonstrated that the same compound has activity against the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In light of the state of the art, it is clear that there is a strong need for biologically active nucleoside derivatives that can pass through a cell membrane and reach the active site prior to conversion to inactive metabolites or elimination. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide nucleoside derivatives that have enhanced antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal or anticancer activity. It is a further object of the present invention to provide nucleoside derivatives that can easily pass through a cell membrane in the proper chemical form to perform a desired biological function, or a chemical form. It | The present invention is in the pharmaceutical area, and in particular relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing 5 ' - diphosphohexose and 5 ' - diphosphohexosamine derivatives of nucleosides. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (" AIDS ") was recognized as early as 1979. The number of cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has increased dramatically each year since then, and in 1982 the CDC declared AIDS a new epidemic. Infection with the AIDS virus is highly variable. Initially, the virus replicates abundantly, with virus present in the central nervous system and the cFl.s of the immune system. This is frequently accompanied by fevers, rashes, flulike symptoms and neurological complaints. These symptoms generally disappear within a few weeks, as the amount of virus in the circulation drops. However, virus is still present in the immune cells, the cells of the nervous system, cells of the intestine and bone marrow cells. The victim typically dies two to ten years after the initial asymptomatic period, following a protracted and painful illness. Human immunodeficiency virus, a retrovirus, is the etiological agent of AIDS, as well as of a variety of related disorders, such as AIDS Related Complex (ARC ). HIV infection begins when a virion or virus - infected cell binds to susceptible cells and fuses with them, injecting the core protein and viral RNA into the cell. The RNA is transcribed to viral DNA. The doug:e stranded DNA migrates to the nucleus and is integrated into the cell ' s DNA. The viral DNA can remain dormant for an indefinite period of time, or the genes can replicate and be translated into viral proteins. The viral proteins are assembled into new virions that bud from the cell, spreading the disease. HIV preferentially infects the T4 lymphocytes, immune cells important in helping to suppress infection by other agents, thereby impairing proper functioning of the immune system. As a result of impaired immunity caused by the destruction of helper T - cells by the HIV, the host becomes susceptible to opportunistic infections, various types of cancer such as Kaposi ' s sarcoma, and other disorders associated with reduced functioning of the immune system. A variety of approaches have been developed to treat AIDS infections, including inhibiting the binding of the virus to host cells with dextran sulfate or soluble CD4 (a glycoprotein found on the surface of cells of the immune system which the HIV binds to when infecting the cells ), administration of anti - idiotypic antibodies (an antibody to the antibody against CD4 ), blockage of viral protein synthesis by compounds such as phosphorothioate, and inhibition of protein glycosylation by compounds such as 2 - deoxy - D - glucose. However, these approaches are still in early experimental phases, and have not been approved for clinical grea4ment. AIDS and ARC chemotherapy have been recently reviewed by Schinazi, S$%ategies and Targets for Anti - Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Therapy, " Aids in Children, Adolescents, and Heterosexual Adults: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Prevention, " Elsvier, N. Y. 1988 ); E. D. Clercq, J. Med. Chem. 29, 1561 - 1569 (1986 ); H. Mitsuya, S. Broder, Nature 325, 773 - 778 (1987 ); and R. Yarchoan, et al. , " AIDS Therapies " The Science of AIDS Scientific American (W. H. Freeman and Co. N. Y. 1989 ). A number of nucleosides have been found to have anti - HIV activity, including 3 ' - azido - 3 ' - deoxythymidine (AZT ), 2 ', 3 ' - dideoxycytidine (DDC ), 2 ', 3 ' - dideoxyadenosine (DDA ), 3 ' - azido - 2 ', 3 ' - dideoxyuridine (AzddU ), 2 ', 3 ' - didehydro - 2 ', 3 ' - dieoxycytidine, 3 ' - deoxy - 2 ', 3 ' - didehydrothymidine, 3 ' - azido - 5 - ethyl - 2 ', 3 ' - dideoxyuridine (AzddEU ), 3 ' - azido - 5 - methyl - 2 ', 3 ' - dideoxycytidine (AzddMeC ), 9 - (2, 3 - Dideoxy - 2 - halo -. beta. - D - arabinofuranosyl) - N. sup. 6 - methyladenine (2 ' - halo - D. sub. 2 MeA ), and N. sup. 6 - methyl - D - glycero - 2 ', 3 ' - dideoxyfuranosyladenosine (D. sub. 2 MeA ). The present application is a continuation - in - part of applications directed to AzddU. It is generally accepted that the active form of nucleosides such as AZT, AzddU, AzddMeC, D. sub. 2 MeA, and DDC is the triphosphorylated derivative. Triphosphorylated deoxynucleosides appear to inhibit the replication of HIV by limiting the production of viral DNA by at least two mechanisms: competitive inhibition of reverse transcriptase and chain termination of viral DNA due to the missing 3 ' - hydroxyl group. The therapeutic effectiveness of all of the known active nucleosides depends on how easily the nucleoside can enter cells and undergo phosphorylation by cellular enzymes. The efficiency of this process varies considerably among nucleosides, and can severely limit the usefulness of the compounds. For example, nucleoside triphosphates without modification, are not useful clinically, since they cannot pass through the cell membrane, even though the triphosphate may have greater antiviral activity. Nucleosides are also converted by intracrllukar enzymes into less active NetabolJtes. If the conversion rate to less active compounds is faster than the rate of triphosphorylation of the nucleoside, the pharmaceutical effectiveness of the nucleoside is diminished. For example, it is known that DDA in the triphosphate form is a potent HIV inhibitor in vitro, but in vivo the enzyme adenosine deaminase rapidly converts DDA to the less active DDI (2 ', 3 ' - dideoxyinosine) before DDA can be phosphorylated. DDI - 5 ' - monophosphate must then be converted to DDA - 5 ' - monophosphate by cellular enzymes to restore the activity of the compound. The therapeutic effectiveness of a drug is the determining factor in the dosage required for therapy. Nucleosides that pass through the cell membrane with difficulty or which are metabolized iHt) less active or inactive forms in the cell must be administered in higher dosages. Unfortunately, most nucleosides are toxic to healthy uninfected cells at high dosage levels. AZT has been studied extensively in humans for treatment of HIV infections. However, bone marrow toxicity and other side effects limit its long term usefulness. For example, Richman, et al. , have shown that because of AZT - associated hematological abnormalities, twenty - one percent of patients undergoing AZT therapy required multiple blood transfusions during the six month treatment period. Bone marrow depression may be due to the acvumuOation of phosphorylated AZT within cells, which may result in a substantial depression of thymidine 5 ' - triphosphate pools. Another drawback of AZT is its short half life in humans (about 1. 1 hour) and its elimination in urine as 3 ' - azido - 3 ' - deoxy - 5 ' - glucuronylthymidine, a metabolite with no substantial antiviral activity. Many nucleoside derivatives have been developed that have anticancer, anti - bacterial, and anti - fungal activity. Effective therapy with these nucleosides, as with the anti - HIV nucleosides, is significantly affected by the ability of the nucleoside to pass through the cell membrane and diffuse to the active site before the compound is converted to an inactive R(rm or eliminated. Nucleoside diphosphate sugars are used in vivo for the synthesis of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, glycolipids, glycoproteins, and components of bacterial cell membranes. Certain nucleoside derivatives have been found to block the glycosylation of proteins. However, most, if not all, known nucleoside glycosylation inhibitors show little selectivity and have low activity against viral infections. Camarasa, et al. , J. Med. Chem. , 28, 40 (1985) reported that uridine 5 ' - diphosphate glucose analogues, 5 ' - O - [[ [[ (2 ", 3 ", 4 ", 6 " - tetra - O - benzyl - and 2 ", 3 ", 4 ", 6 " - tetra - O - benzoyl -. alpha. - D - glucopyranosyl) oxyl] carbonyl] ami no] sulfonyl] - 2 ', 3 ' - isopropylideneuridine (P - 536 ), a UDP - glucose analog, and the corresponding deisopropylidenated derivatives, show in vitro antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1. Alarcon, et al. , in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 1257, (1988) reported that P - 536 has broad antiviral activity, including activity against adenovirus type 5, vaccinia ciruq, and poliovirus type 1. The compound was demonstrated to inhibit protein glycosylation if added at a time when late viral proteins were being synthesized, and to inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids and phosphorylation of nucleosides. Alcina, et al. , Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 1412 (1988 ), later demonstrated that the same compound has activity against the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In light of the state of the art, it is clear that there is a strong need for biologically active nucleoside derivatives that can pass through a cell membrane and reach the active site prior to conversion to inactive metabolites or elimination. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide nucleoside derivatives that have enhanced antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal or anticancer activity. It is a further object of the present invention to provide nucleoside derivatives that can easily pass through a cell membrane in the proper chemical form to perform a desired biological function, or a chemical form. It | The present invention is in the pharmaceutical and in particular relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing 5'-diphosphohexose 5'-diphosphohexosamine derivatives of nucleosides. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ("AIDS") was recognized as early 1979. The number of cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has increased dramatically each year since then, and in 1982 the CDC declared AIDS a new epidemic. Infection with the AIDS virus highly variable. Initially, the virus replicates abundantly, with virus present the central nervous and the cells of the immune system. This is frequently accompanied by fevers, rashes, flulike symptoms and neurological complaints. symptoms generally disappear within a few weeks, as the amount of virus in the drops. However, virus is still present in the immune cells, cells of the system, cells of the and bone marrow cells. The victim typically two to ten years after initial period, following a protracted and painful illness. Human immunodeficiency a retrovirus, is the etiological agent of AIDS, as well as of a variety of related disorders, such as AIDS Related Complex (ARC). HIV infection begins a virion or virus-infected cell to cells and fuses with them, injecting the core protein and viral RNA into the cell. The RNA is transcribed to viral double stranded DNA migrates to the nucleus and is integrated into the cell's DNA. The viral can remain dormant for an indefinite period of time, or the genes can replicate and be translated into viral proteins. The viral proteins are assembled into new virions that bud from the cell, spreading the disease. preferentially infects the T4 lymphocytes, important in helping to suppress infection by other agents, thereby impairing functioning of the immune system. As a result of impaired immunity caused by destruction of helper T-cells by the HIV, the becomes susceptible to opportunistic infections, various types of cancer such as Kaposi's sarcoma, and other disorders associated with reduced of the immune system. A variety of have been to treat AIDS infections, binding of the virus to host cells with dextran sulfate or soluble CD4 (a glycoprotein found on the of cells of the immune system which the HIV binds to when infecting the cells), administration of anti-idiotypic antibodies (an antibody to the antibody against CD4), blockage of viral protein synthesis by compounds such phosphorothioate, inhibition of protein glycosylation by compounds such as However, these approaches are still in early phases, and have not been approved for clinical treatment. AIDS and ARC chemotherapy have been recently reviewed by Schinazi, Strategies Targets for Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Therapy, "Aids in Children, Adolescents, and Heterosexual Adults: An Approach to Elsvier, N.Y. 1988); E. Clercq, J. Med. Chem. 29, 1561-1569 (1986); H. S. Nature 773-778 (1987); and R. Yarchoan, et al., "AIDS Therapies" Science of Scientific (W. H. Freeman and Co. N.Y. 1989). A number of nucleosides have found to anti-HIV activity, including 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), (DDC), 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA), (AzddU), 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dieoxycytidine, 3'-deoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine, 3'-azido-5-ethyl-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (AzddEU), 3'-azido-5-methyl-2',3'-dideoxycytidine (AzddMeC), 9-(2,3-Dideoxy-2-halo-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyl)-N.sup.6 -methyladenine (2'-halo-D.sub.2 MeA), and N.sup.6 -methyl-D-glycero-2',3'-dideoxyfuranosyladenosine (D.sub.2 MeA). The present application is a continuation-in-part applications directed to AzddU. It is generally accepted that the active form of nucleosides such as AZT, AzddU, AzddMeC, D.sub.2 MeA, and DDC is the triphosphorylated derivative. Triphosphorylated deoxynucleosides appear to inhibit the replication of HIV by limiting the production of by at least two mechanisms: competitive of reverse transcriptase and chain termination of viral DNA due to the missing 3'-hydroxyl group. The therapeutic effectiveness of all of the known active depends on how easily the nucleoside can enter cells and phosphorylation by cellular The efficiency this process varies considerably among nucleosides, and can severely limit the usefulness of the compounds. For nucleoside triphosphates without modification, are not useful clinically, since they cannot through the cell membrane, even though the triphosphate may have greater antiviral activity. Nucleosides are also converted by intracellular enzymes into less active metabolites. If the conversion less active compounds is than the rate of triphosphorylation of the nucleoside, the pharmaceutical effectiveness the nucleoside is diminished. For example, it is known that DDA in form a HIV inhibitor in vitro, but in vivo the enzyme adenosine deaminase converts DDA to the less active DDI (2',3'-dideoxyinosine) before DDA can be phosphorylated. DDI-5'-monophosphate must then be converted to DDA-5'-monophosphate by cellular enzymes to restore the of the compound. The therapeutic effectiveness a drug is the determining factor in required for therapy. Nucleosides that pass through the cell membrane with difficulty which metabolized into less active or forms in cell must be in higher dosages. Unfortunately, most nucleosides are toxic to healthy uninfected cells at high dosage levels. AZT has been studied extensively in humans treatment of HIV infections. However, bone marrow toxicity and other side effects limit its long term For example, Richman, et al., have shown that because of AZT-associated hematological abnormalities, twenty-one percent of patients AZT therapy required multiple blood transfusions the six month treatment period. Bone marrow depression may be due to the accumulation phosphorylated AZT within cells, which may result in a substantial depression of thymidine 5'-triphosphate pools. Another drawback of AZT is its short half in (about 1.1 hour) and its elimination in urine as 3'-azido-3'-deoxy-5'-glucuronylthymidine, a metabolite with no substantial antiviral activity. nucleoside derivatives have been developed that have anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity. Effective therapy with these nucleosides, as with nucleosides, is significantly affected the ability of the nucleoside to pass through cell membrane and to the active site before the compound is converted to an inactive form or eliminated. Nucleoside diphosphate are used in vivo for the synthesis of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, glycolipids, glycoproteins, components of bacterial cell membranes. Certain nucleoside derivatives have been found to the glycosylation proteins. However, most, if not all, known nucleoside inhibitors show little selectivity and have low activity against viral infections. Camarasa, et al., J. Med. Chem., 28, 40 (1985) reported that uridine 5'-diphosphate 5'-O-[[[[(2",3",4",6"-tetra-O-benzyl- and 2",3",4",6"-tetra-O-benzoyl-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl)oxyl]carbonyl]ami no]sulfonyl]-2',3'-isopropylideneuridine UDP-glucose analog, and the corresponding deisopropylidenated derivatives, show in vitro activity herpes simplex virus type 1. Alarcon, et al., in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 1257, (1988) that P-536 has broad antiviral activity, including activity against adenovirus type vaccinia virus, and poliovirus type 1. The demonstrated to inhibit protein glycosylation if added a time when late proteins were being synthesized, and to inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids and phosphorylation of nucleosides. Alcina, et al., Antimicrobial Agents and 1412 (1988), later demonstrated that the compound has activity against the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In light of the state of the art, it clear that there is a strong need for biologically active nucleoside derivatives that can pass through cell membrane and reach the active site prior to conversion to inactive metabolites or elimination. is an object of the invention to nucleoside derivatives that have enhanced antibacterial, or anticancer activity. It is a further object of the present invention to nucleoside derivatives can easily pass a membrane in the proper chemical form to perform a desired biological or a chemical form. It | thE pReSeNT inventIon IS iN tHe PhaRMacEUTICAl areA, AnD in ParTicULaR ReLatEs To pharMAceUticAL cOMPOsitioNS cOnTaIning 5'-diPHosPHOhexoSe and 5'-DipHoSPHOHeXOSaMIne dERIVatiVEs oF NUcLeoSIdes.
AcQuirED iMMuNOdeFiCIEncy syNDRoMe ("aiDS") WAs REcognIzEd AS EARlY AS 1979. ThE NuMBer Of cASEs rEPOrteD to The CeNteRs FOr dIseASE cOnTRol (cdc) has incrEAsed drAMaTiCalLY each YEaR sincE tHEn, AND iN 1982 tHe cDC DEcLareD aiDS A NEW ePIdEmiC. iNFeCtIoN WITH THE aiDS VIrus is HighlY vArIable. InitialLY, ThE VIRUS rePLiCatEs AbunDanTLy, WiTh VIruS pRESeNT in ThE ceNTral NERvous SYsteM ANd tHE CELls Of thE imMUNE SYstem. THIS IS FrEQueNtlY ACCOMPANIEd bY fEveRs, raShES, FLulIkE SyMpToMS ANd NEuroLOGIcaL CoMPLaiNtS. tHEse SyMpToMS gEnerALlY dIsAPpEar WithiN a few WEeKS, as THE AmOunT oF viruS IN thE ciRCUlATIon droPS. HoWEvER, VIrUs Is StiLl pREseNt in THE imMune CElLS, the ceLlS oF THE NERvOus SYSTem, cEllS oF thE InTEsTINe ANd bONE maRrOW celLs. the vIctIm tyPIcAlLY dies TwO TO teN YeaRS aFTEr the InITiAL ASYMptoMaTic PErIod, folLOwing a PROtRacTED aND pAiNful IllNEss.
HuMAn IMmUNOdEFiciEnCY viRus, A REtROvirUs, iS tHE EtIoLOgICAl AgeNt oF aIDS, As weLl AS of A vARIEty OF RELaTED disorDerS, sUcH aS AIDs RelaTeD COmPlEx (Arc). hIV iNfeCtiON begInS wHeN A VirION or viRus-inFeCted CEll biNdS tO sUscepTible ceLLS anD fuSeS wiTh tHEm, injeCtiNG ThE cORe pRoTeIN and viRAl rna inTo ThE CelL. the rna IS tRANscRiBed To vIRal Dna. tHE DOUBle stRaNdEd DNA MiGrAtes TO THe NuCleUS aND IS intEGRAtEd INTo The CeLl'S dnA. The viraL DNa CaN ReMAIn DOrMAnt For aN iNDefInItE pErIOD Of tIMe, or the GeNeS caN rEPLiCaTE anD be tRansLAtEd iNTO viraL proTEINs. the viRAL PRotEIns Are AsSeMbLed intO nEW VirionS thAt bUd frOm THe celL, SpReADINg THE DIseaSe.
hiV PrEfeREntIally infectS THE t4 lyMPHOCYtes, IMmunE cELlS IMpoRtant IN HELping to supPresS INfeCTion by otHER AGENTS, tHeREbY ImPAIrINg proPer funcTIonInG Of ThE IMMUnE SYStem. as a ReSulT oF ImPaIred imMuNITy cAUSed bY the DeStRuctioN oF HElper T-celLS BY tHe Hiv, The Host becoMES sUsCEPTIBLE TO oPPoRtUNistiC inFeCtIons, VarIOUS typEs OF CanCer SuCH AS kApOsi's SARcomA, And OtHER dIsorDers ASsoCIATed WiTH rEDuced FuncTIOninG oF The iMmUne SYstEm.
a VariEty OF AppRoAchES have been DEveLopeD TO Treat aIds iNFecTiONS, incLUDINg iNhibitING THe BiNDING OF thE VIruS to HOst celLs WiTh dexTRaN sulFaTE OR SolUbLE CD4 (A gLYcOProteiN fOUnD ON tHE sUrFacE Of cElLS oF tHe immUnE SYStEM WHICh thE hIV BiNdS To WheN INfEcTInG the CellS), aDMinIStRatioN of antI-IdiOtyPIC ANTIBOdIEs (AN aNTiBOdY tO tHE anTIBOdy aGaInsT cD4), blOckage OF vIrAl PROteIN SYntheSis BY CoMpoUndS SUch aS phOsPHoRothIOate, AND iNhIbiTIOn Of pRoTEiN gLycosYLatIOn By comPOUNds suCh aS 2-DEoxY-d-gLUcoSe. hOWeVER, THeSe APPROACHeS ARe StIll In eArLY ExPERImENTaL PhasEs, And HAVE not BeEN appRovED for cliNicAL TREatMeNT.
aiDS aND arC CHemOThERApy hAVE bEEn REcEnTLY rEvIEWed by SChinAzI, sTRatEgies anD TArgeTs FOr ANTI-hUmaN iMmUNOdEfIciencY vIRUs tyPe 1 thErApY, "AidS in ChilDreN, AdoLESceNTS, AnD HeTeRoSExUAl ADUlTs: AN INtErDiScIPlInary aPPROACH tO PRevenTioN," elSvIER, n.y. 1988); e. d. clErcq, J. MED. CHEm. 29, 1561-1569 (1986); h. mitSUya, S. brOdER, natuRe 325, 773-778 (1987); anD r. YArchOAn, ET Al., "aIdS tHERapiEs" the sciENcE of aIDs SciEnTifIC aMericaN (w. h. freEMaN ANd co. N.Y. 1989).
A NUmBer Of NuCLEoSiDeS hAVE bEEN FoUND To hAvE AnTI-hiV actIvItY, iNCluDIng 3'-AzIDO-3'-dEoXytHYmIDine (azt), 2',3'-didEoxycytidiNE (dDc), 2',3'-didEOXYADenOSiNE (DdA), 3'-azido-2',3'-dIdeOxyuriDiNe (AZDdU), 2',3'-dideHYDrO-2',3'-DIeOXYcYTiDiNe, 3'-dEoxy-2',3'-DIDehyDrOtHYmidinE, 3'-aZidO-5-EtHyL-2',3'-dideOXYUriDiNE (AZDdEu), 3'-AZiDO-5-MEtHYl-2',3'-DidEoxycytIdinE (AZDDMEc), 9-(2,3-dideOxY-2-hAlO-.BETa.-d-arabInofUraNOSyL)-n.SUP.6 -mEtHyLaDENiNe (2'-HAlo-d.sub.2 mEa), anD n.sUP.6 -METHYL-D-gLYceRO-2',3'-DiDeoxyFuRanoSYlADenOsINe (d.SUb.2 mEa). THe PrEsENT aPPLiCation Is a COnTINuAtIon-in-pART oF AppLIcatiOnS DIReCTeD To aZDdu.
iT iS generaLLy Accepted tHat THE aCTIvE FOrm oF NuCLeOSIDes sUCh As aZT, AzdDU, azDDMEC, d.SUb.2 mEA, aND dDC iS The TrIPHOSpHOrYlaTed deRIVaTIVE. triPHOSphORYLatEd DeOXynUCleoSIdEs appEAr to INhIBIt THE RePliCATIon Of hiV by lIMitiNG thE ProdUCtiOn Of viraL DnA by AT LEaSt TWO MECHaNIsMs: cOMpetItIve INHIBItIoN oF ReVERse TranSCRiPtaSe AND chAin teRMINATIOn OF viral dna duE to the MIssINg 3'-HYDROXyl GROUP.
tHE tHerApeutIc eFfECTiVENEsS Of alL oF THE Known ACtiVE NuCLeOsiDeS DEPendS oN How eASIly the nucLEosIDe CAN entEr cELLS AnD undERgO pHoSpHoryLAtIoN bY cElLUlAR enZYMes. THE EFFICiEnCY oF ThiS prOCesS VariES cONsidERabLy Among NUcleosiDes, aND cAn sevEreLY LimIt THe UsEFUlNess Of THe cOmpOunDS. fOr eXaMPlE, nuClEoSiDE TRIphoSPHATeS wItHoUt ModiFIcatioN, aRE Not uSeful clinicALLY, SINCe thEy CAnNoT pass tHrougH THE cEll MEmbRane, EVEN tHOugH tHe tRiPHosphATE mAy HAVE grEatER ANtIVIrAl ACtIvITY.
NuCLeoSiDeS aRE alSO ConverteD bY inTrACelLulAR ENZymES INtO lEsS ActivE mETaBoliteS. if tHe cONVerSIOn RaTE TO lESs acTivE CoMPoUNDS IS FAsTer THAN THE rate Of trIpHOspHoRYlAtiON OF ThE NUCLeoSIde, tHE PHaRmACEUtIcAL eFFecTiVENESs Of the nUcLeOSiDe is DImiNISHED. fOR exaMPLE, It iS kNoWn THAT dDA IN ThE TriphoSpHaTE FoRM Is a POTenT hIv iNHibiTOR In vITro, But In viVO The enZYMe aDEnosiNe deamiNase RAPIDlY CONveRTs DDa to THe lESs ACtiVe Ddi (2',3'-DIdeOxyinoSINe) beFoRE DDa CAn be phoSPHoRYLaTEd. DdI-5'-monOPHOSPHaTe muSt Then BE CONveRTeD TO DdA-5'-MonoPHoSPHATe by cellULar enZYMeS tO rEstoRe THe ACTIviTY oF THe cOMpouNd.
tHe tHerAPeUTiC efFECtIvEnEss oF A drUG iS The dETeRmiNIng FaCTOR in THE DOSaGE REquIreD fOR thERapY. nUclEoSIdeS THat pAss tHRoUGh ThE cell meMBRaNe WItH DIFFICultY or wHiCh ARe MetAbOlizEd iNTo LeSS aCtive Or iNActIvE FOrmS In THe ceLL muSt Be adMINiSTEReD in hIGher DosAgEs. unForTUnatEly, mOst NUcLEoSIdES ArE Toxic TO HEAlThy UNInfeCteD celLs aT higH dOSAgE LEVELs.
azt has BEEN studiEd ExtEnSivelY IN huManS fOR trEAtment of Hiv infeCtIOns. hOweveR, bONe mARrOW TOXicitY AND OTheR sIdE efFects limIT ItS lONG TerM UsefulneSs. fOR eXAmPlE, riChMan, et AL., have shOwN tHAT BecAUse Of azt-aSsociatEd heMatoloGiCal abnormAlItIes, tweNTY-one peRCENT OF PaTientS UNdERGOING AZT tHErApy rEquirEd MuLtIPLe BlOOD TRaNSFUSiONs dURiNG the six mONth tReAtmenT PeRIoD. bONE maRROW dePRESSIon MAy Be Due tO THE AccuMULatiOn Of PHOSpHOryLatEd Azt WItHiN celLS, whiCh mAy rESulT iN A subStaNTIal DEPRessIoN of thYMIdINE 5'-tRipHOsphate pOOls. ANotHER DRawBack OF azT iS its shoRt hAlf liFe In HuMaNs (abouT 1.1 houR) aNd ItS ElimINaTioN In URinE aS 3'-aZiDO-3'-DEOxy-5'-glUcurOnYlThymIdIne, A MEtaBoLITe WiTH NO sUBStaNtial AntIviraL aCTiViTy.
maNy NuCLeOSIde derIvativeS have BEen DEveloPeD ThAt haVE aNtICAncer, AnTI-BaCTEriAL, And AntI-FuNgaL ActivITy. EFfECtiVE ThErApy With these NUcleOsIdEs, aS wITH THe aNtI-hiv NUcLeoSideS, IS signifICantLY aFFeCTEd By the AbilITY of the nUcLeoSIde to pass throuGH ThE celL MeMBrAnE aNd DifFUse TO ThE aCTIvE sIte bEFoRe THE COMPOuNd IS COnVerted tO aN iNactive FoRM OR eliMinated.
NUCLeosidE dIPhospHATe sugArS aRE UsED in vivO FOR ThE SYnTheSIS OF OlIgosAccHArIdEs, PolysAcChaRiDES, GLycoLipIdS, GLyCOprOtEins, aNd coMpOneNTS Of BaCTerial CElL MemBRaNES. cErtaiN NUCLEosIde deRiVaTiVEs have beeN fOund TO BlOck THe gLYCoSyLATIon oF proteiNS. hOWeVeR, moSt, If nOT aLl, kNOWN nuclEOside glYcOSylATIOn INHibiTOrS SHow lITTLE SelecTivITy aND HavE low ActiVitY againsT vIrAL iNfECtiONS.
caMArasa, eT Al., j. mED. ChEm., 28, 40 (1985) RePOrTed that URIdINE 5'-dIphOsphATe gLuCosE AnaLogueS, 5'-o-[[[[(2",3",4",6"-tetRA-o-benzyl- anD 2",3",4",6"-TeTrA-o-BeNzoYl-.aLPHa.-d-GLUcoPYRanOSyL)OXYL]carBONYL]aMi nO]suLFONyl]-2',3'-iSOpROPylIDEnEUriDine (p-536), A Udp-gLUcosE AnaLOg, aNd tHe CorrEsPoNdInG DEisOpROpylideNATed DERIvatIves, sHOw IN VItro ANtiVIrAl aCTiVity agaINsT HeRPeS sImpLeX VIrUS TYpE 1. alArcOn, eT AL., in AntimIcRObiaL AgENTS aND cHEmotHerApy 1257, (1988) ReportED tHAT P-536 Has BrOAD AntIVirAL acTivity, INCluDInG ACTIVITY AGainsT aDENOVirus TypE 5, VaCCiNia vIrus, And poLIOvIRUs tYPe 1. THe COMpoUND wAs DemonStRAtEd tO inhIbIT PROteIN GLYcOsylaTIoN iF AdDed At A tIme WheN LATe viRAl PROteins Were bEInG sYNthEsIzed, aND TO iNHIBit THe SyntHESIS OF nucLeIC aCIDs and PhOSPHORyLAtiON of NucleosIDEs. aLCINa, Et Al., anTiMicrObIAL agenTS AND cHEMOtHeRaPY, 1412 (1988), LaTer demONStRATED THAt THE sAME COmPoUNd hAS actIvitY aGAINsT The FLAgelLAted pRoTOZOan trYPaNoSoMA crUZI.
IN liGHt OF thE STatE of ThE aRt, it Is cLEAr tHAT ThERe IS A STRong NeED fOr BIOlOgICaLly actIVE NuclEOSide deRiVaTiVes thAt CAN PAss THRouGh A CelL MEMBrAnE aNd REaCH ThE ACTiVe sIte prIor TO cONVERsIOn TO inAcTIVE mEtaBoLIteS Or ELImInAtiOn.
it IS thEREForE aN OBjECt OF THe PReseNt INveNtion tO PROVIDE NUCLEoSiDe deRivaTIvES tHAt hAVe enHancEd antIvIRal, antIBactERiaL, ANTIfuNgAl OR anticaNcEr actIVity.
It is a FuRther ObJeCT Of the PRESeNt inVeNtiOn To pROvidE NuCLeOSiDe DerivaTIvEs thAt can EaSily paSS THRoUgH a cELL MEMbranE In thE PROPER CheMicAL form tO PeRfORM a deSIrEd biOloGIcAL FUnCtION, OR a cHemICAL FOrm.
IT | The present invention isin the pharmaceutical area, and in particular relatesto pharmaceuticalcompositions containing 5'-diphosphohexose and 5'-diphosphohexosamine derivatives of nucleosides. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ("AIDS") was recognized as early as 1979. The number of cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) hasincreased dramatically eachyear since then, and in 1982 the CDC declared AIDS a new epidemic.Infection with the AIDSvirus is highly variable. Initially, the virus replicates abundantly, with virus present in the central nervous system and the cells ofthe immune system. This is frequently accompanied by fevers, rashes, flulike symptoms and neurological complaints. Thesesymptomsgenerally disappear within a few weeks, asthe amount of virus in thecirculation drops. However, virus is still present in the immune cells, the cells of the nervous system, cellsof the intestine and bone marrow cells. The victim typicallydiestwo to ten years after the initialasymptomatic period, following a protractedand painfulillness. Human immunodeficiency virus, a retrovirus,is the etiological agent of AIDS,as well asof a variety of relateddisorders, such as AIDS Related Complex (ARC).HIV infection begins when a virionor virus-infected cell binds to susceptible cells and fuses with them, injecting thecore protein andviral RNA into the cell. The RNAis transcribed to viral DNA. The double strandedDNA migrates to the nucleus and is integrated into the cell'sDNA. The viral DNA canremain dormant foran indefinite period of time, or the genescan replicate and betranslated into viral proteins. The viral proteinsare assembled into new virions that bud from thecell, spreading the disease. HIV preferentially infects the T4lymphocytes, immune cells important in helpingto suppress infection byother agents,thereby impairing proper functioningofthe immune system. As a result of impaired immunity caused by the destruction ofhelper T-cells by the HIV, the host becomes susceptible to opportunisticinfections, various types of cancer such asKaposi's sarcoma, and other disorders associated with reduced functioning of the immune system. A variety of approaches have been developed to treat AIDSinfections, including inhibitingthe binding of the virus to host cells withdextran sulfate or soluble CD4 (a glycoprotein found on the surface of cells of the immunesystem which theHIV binds to when infecting the cells), administration of anti-idiotypic antibodies (an antibody tothe antibody against CD4), blockage of viral protein synthesis by compounds such as phosphorothioate,and inhibitionof protein glycosylation by compounds such as 2-deoxy-D-glucose. However, these approaches are still in early experimental phases, and have not been approved for clinical treatment. AIDS and ARC chemotherapy have beenrecently reviewed by Schinazi, Strategies and Targets for Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Therapy, "Aids inChildren, Adolescents, andHeterosexual Adults: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Prevention," Elsvier, N.Y. 1988); E.D. Clercq, J.Med. Chem. 29, 1561-1569 (1986); H. Mitsuya, S. Broder, Nature 325, 773-778 (1987); and R. Yarchoan, et al., "AIDSTherapies" The Scienceof AIDS Scientific American (W. H. Freeman and Co. N.Y. 1989). A number of nucleosides have been found to have anti-HIV activity, including 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT),2',3'-dideoxycytidine (DDC),2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA), 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine(AzddU), 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dieoxycytidine, 3'-deoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine, 3'-azido-5-ethyl-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (AzddEU), 3'-azido-5-methyl-2',3'-dideoxycytidine (AzddMeC), 9-(2,3-Dideoxy-2-halo-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyl)-N.sup.6 -methyladenine (2'-halo-D.sub.2 MeA), and N.sup.6 -methyl-D-glycero-2',3'-dideoxyfuranosyladenosine (D.sub.2 MeA). The present application is a continuation-in-part ofapplications directed toAzddU. It is generally accepted that the active form of nucleosides suchas AZT,AzddU, AzddMeC, D.sub.2 MeA, and DDC is the triphosphorylated derivative. Triphosphorylated deoxynucleosides appear to inhibit the replicationof HIV by limiting the production ofviralDNA by at least twomechanisms: competitiveinhibition of reverse transcriptase and chain termination of viral DNA due to the missing 3'-hydroxyl group. The therapeutic effectiveness of all of the known active nucleosides depends on howeasily thenucleoside can enter cells and undergo phosphorylation by cellular enzymes. The efficiency of this process varies considerably among nucleosides, and can severely limit the usefulness of the compounds. Forexample,nucleoside triphosphates without modification, are not useful clinically, since they cannot pass through the cell membrane, even though the triphosphate may have greater antiviral activity. Nucleosides are also converted by intracellular enzymes into less active metabolites. If the conversionrate to less active compounds isfaster thantherate of triphosphorylation of the nucleoside,thepharmaceuticaleffectivenessofthenucleoside is diminished. For example, it is known that DDA in the triphosphate formis a potentHIV inhibitor in vitro,butin vivo the enzyme adenosine deaminase rapidly converts DDAto the lessactive DDI (2',3'-dideoxyinosine)before DDA can be phosphorylated. DDI-5'-monophosphate must then be converted toDDA-5'-monophosphate by cellular enzymes to restore the activity of the compound. The therapeutic effectiveness of a drug isthedetermining factor in the dosagerequired for therapy. Nucleosides thatpassthrough the cell membrane with difficulty or which are metabolized into less active or inactive formsin the cell must be administered in higher dosages. Unfortunately, most nucleosides are toxic to healthy uninfected cells at high dosage levels. AZThasbeen studied extensively in humans fortreatment ofHIV infections. However, bone marrow toxicity and other side effectslimitits long term usefulness. For example,Richman, et al., have shownthat because of AZT-associated hematological abnormalities, twenty-one percent of patients undergoing AZT therapy required multipleblood transfusions during thesix month treatment period.Bone marrow depression maybe due to the accumulation of phosphorylated AZT withincells, which may result in a substantialdepression ofthymidine 5'-triphosphate pools. Another drawbackofAZT is its short half life in humans (about 1.1hour) andits elimination in urine as 3'-azido-3'-deoxy-5'-glucuronylthymidine, ametabolitewith no substantial antiviral activity.Many nucleoside derivatives have been developed that have anticancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity. Effective therapywith these nucleosides, as with the anti-HIVnucleosides, is significantly affected by the ability of the nucleoside to passthrough the cellmembrane and diffuse to the active site beforethe compound is converted to an inactiveform or eliminated. Nucleoside diphosphate sugars areused invivo for the synthesis of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, glycolipids, glycoproteins, and components of bacterial cell membranes. Certain nucleoside derivatives have been found to block theglycosylation of proteins. However, most,if not all, known nucleoside glycosylationinhibitors show little selectivity and have low activity against viralinfections. Camarasa, et al., J. Med. Chem., 28, 40 (1985) reported that uridine 5'-diphosphate glucose analogues, 5'-O-[[[[(2",3",4",6"-tetra-O-benzyl- and 2",3",4",6"-tetra-O-benzoyl-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl)oxyl]carbonyl]ami no]sulfonyl]-2',3'-isopropylideneuridine (P-536), aUDP-glucose analog, andthe corresponding deisopropylidenated derivatives, show in vitro antiviral activity against herpes simplexvirus type1.Alarcon, et al., in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy1257, (1988) reported that P-536 has broad antiviral activity, including activity against adenovirus type 5, vaccinia virus, and poliovirus type 1. The compound was demonstrated toinhibit protein glycosylation if added at a time when late viral proteinswere being synthesized,andto inhibit thesynthesis ofnucleic acidsand phosphorylation of nucleosides. Alcina, etal., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 1412(1988), later demonstrated thatthe samecompound has activity against theflagellatedprotozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In light of the state of the art, it is clear that there is astrong need for biologically active nucleoside derivatives that can pass through a cell membrane and reach the active site prior toconversion to inactive metabolites or elimination. It is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide nucleoside derivatives that have enhancedantiviral,antibacterial, antifungal or anticancer activity. It is a further objectof the present invention to provide nucleoside derivatives that can easily pass through acell membranein the proper chemicalform to performa desired biological function, or a chemical form.It | The present invention is in _the_ pharmaceutical area, and in particular relates to _pharmaceutical_ compositions containing 5'-diphosphohexose and 5'-diphosphohexosamine derivatives of nucleosides. Acquired _immunodeficiency_ _syndrome_ ("AIDS") _was_ recognized as early as 1979. The _number_ of cases _reported_ _to_ the Centers for _Disease_ Control (CDC) has increased dramatically each _year_ since then, and _in_ 1982 the _CDC_ declared AIDS _a_ new _epidemic._ Infection _with_ the AIDS virus _is_ highly _variable._ Initially, the virus replicates abundantly, with virus present _in_ the central nervous _system_ and _the_ cells _of_ the immune system. _This_ is frequently accompanied _by_ _fevers,_ rashes, flulike _symptoms_ and neurological complaints. These symptoms generally disappear within a _few_ weeks, as the amount _of_ virus in the _circulation_ _drops._ _However,_ _virus_ is still _present_ in the _immune_ cells, the cells of the nervous system, cells of the intestine and bone marrow cells. The victim typically dies _two_ to ten years after the initial asymptomatic period, following _a_ protracted _and_ painful illness. Human immunodeficiency virus, a _retrovirus,_ is _the_ etiological agent of AIDS, as well as of a _variety_ of _related_ disorders, such as AIDS Related Complex (ARC). HIV infection begins _when_ a virion or virus-infected cell binds to susceptible cells and fuses with them, _injecting_ the core _protein_ _and_ viral _RNA_ into the cell. _The_ RNA is transcribed to viral DNA. The double stranded _DNA_ migrates _to_ _the_ nucleus and is integrated _into_ the cell's DNA. The viral DNA _can_ _remain_ dormant for an _indefinite_ period of time, _or_ the genes can replicate and be translated into viral proteins. The viral proteins are _assembled_ _into_ new virions that _bud_ from the cell, spreading the _disease._ _HIV_ preferentially infects the T4 lymphocytes, immune cells important in helping _to_ suppress infection by _other_ agents, thereby impairing proper functioning of the immune system. _As_ _a_ result _of_ impaired _immunity_ caused _by_ the destruction _of_ _helper_ T-cells by the HIV, the host _becomes_ susceptible to opportunistic infections, various types _of_ cancer such as _Kaposi's_ sarcoma, _and_ other disorders associated with reduced functioning _of_ the immune _system._ A variety of approaches have been developed to _treat_ AIDS infections, including inhibiting the binding of _the_ virus to host cells _with_ dextran sulfate _or_ soluble CD4 (a glycoprotein found _on_ the _surface_ of cells of _the_ immune _system_ which the HIV binds to when infecting the cells), _administration_ _of_ anti-idiotypic antibodies (an antibody to the _antibody_ against CD4), blockage of viral protein _synthesis_ by _compounds_ such as phosphorothioate, and inhibition _of_ protein glycosylation by compounds such _as_ _2-deoxy-D-glucose._ However, these approaches are still in early experimental phases, _and_ have not been approved for clinical _treatment._ AIDS _and_ ARC chemotherapy have been recently reviewed by Schinazi, _Strategies_ and _Targets_ for Anti-Human Immunodeficiency _Virus_ Type _1_ Therapy, _"Aids_ in _Children,_ Adolescents, and Heterosexual Adults: An _Interdisciplinary_ Approach to Prevention," Elsvier, N.Y. 1988); E. D. Clercq, J. _Med._ Chem. 29, _1561-1569_ (1986); _H._ Mitsuya, S. Broder, Nature _325,_ 773-778 (1987); _and_ R. Yarchoan, et al., "AIDS Therapies" The Science of AIDS Scientific American _(W._ H. Freeman and _Co._ N.Y. 1989). A number of nucleosides have _been_ found to have anti-HIV activity, including 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), 2',3'-dideoxycytidine _(DDC),_ _2',3'-dideoxyadenosine_ (DDA), 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (AzddU), 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dieoxycytidine, 3'-deoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine, 3'-azido-5-ethyl-2',3'-dideoxyuridine _(AzddEU),_ 3'-azido-5-methyl-2',3'-dideoxycytidine (AzddMeC), 9-(2,3-Dideoxy-2-halo-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyl)-N.sup.6 _-methyladenine_ (2'-halo-D.sub.2 MeA), and N.sup.6 _-methyl-D-glycero-2',3'-dideoxyfuranosyladenosine_ (D.sub.2 _MeA)._ The present application _is_ a _continuation-in-part_ of applications directed _to_ AzddU. It is generally accepted that _the_ _active_ form of nucleosides such _as_ _AZT,_ _AzddU,_ _AzddMeC,_ D.sub.2 _MeA,_ _and_ DDC is the triphosphorylated derivative. _Triphosphorylated_ deoxynucleosides appear to inhibit the replication of HIV by limiting the production of viral _DNA_ by at _least_ two mechanisms: competitive inhibition _of_ _reverse_ transcriptase and chain termination of viral _DNA_ due _to_ the _missing_ _3'-hydroxyl_ _group._ _The_ therapeutic effectiveness of _all_ of _the_ _known_ _active_ _nucleosides_ depends _on_ how easily _the_ nucleoside _can_ enter cells and undergo phosphorylation by cellular enzymes. The efficiency of this process varies _considerably_ among nucleosides, and can severely limit the usefulness of the compounds. For _example,_ nucleoside triphosphates _without_ modification, are _not_ useful clinically, since they cannot pass through the cell membrane, even though the triphosphate _may_ have greater antiviral activity. Nucleosides are also _converted_ _by_ intracellular _enzymes_ into less _active_ metabolites. _If_ _the_ conversion _rate_ to less active compounds is faster _than_ the rate of triphosphorylation of the nucleoside, the pharmaceutical effectiveness _of_ _the_ nucleoside _is_ diminished. For example, it is known that DDA in the triphosphate form is _a_ potent HIV _inhibitor_ in vitro, but in vivo the enzyme adenosine deaminase rapidly converts DDA _to_ the _less_ active _DDI_ (2',3'-dideoxyinosine) before DDA can _be_ phosphorylated. DDI-5'-monophosphate must then _be_ converted to DDA-5'-monophosphate by cellular enzymes to restore the activity of the compound. The therapeutic effectiveness of a drug is the determining _factor_ in _the_ dosage required for therapy. Nucleosides _that_ pass through the cell membrane with difficulty _or_ which are metabolized into less active or _inactive_ forms in the _cell_ must _be_ administered _in_ higher dosages. _Unfortunately,_ _most_ nucleosides _are_ toxic to _healthy_ uninfected cells at high dosage levels. AZT has _been_ studied extensively in _humans_ for treatment _of_ HIV infections. However, bone marrow toxicity and other side effects limit _its_ long term usefulness. For _example,_ Richman, et _al.,_ have shown that because of _AZT-associated_ hematological abnormalities, twenty-one percent of _patients_ undergoing AZT therapy _required_ _multiple_ blood _transfusions_ during the six month _treatment_ period. Bone marrow depression may be due to the accumulation _of_ phosphorylated AZT within cells, which may result in _a_ _substantial_ depression of _thymidine_ 5'-triphosphate pools. Another drawback of AZT is its short half life in _humans_ (about _1.1_ hour) _and_ its elimination in _urine_ as 3'-azido-3'-deoxy-5'-glucuronylthymidine, a metabolite with no substantial antiviral activity. _Many_ nucleoside derivatives _have_ been developed that have _anticancer,_ anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity. Effective therapy with _these_ _nucleosides,_ as with the anti-HIV nucleosides, is _significantly_ affected by the ability of the nucleoside _to_ pass through the cell _membrane_ and diffuse to _the_ active site before the compound is converted to an _inactive_ form _or_ _eliminated._ Nucleoside diphosphate sugars are used in vivo for the _synthesis_ of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, _glycolipids,_ glycoproteins, and components of bacterial cell _membranes._ Certain nucleoside _derivatives_ have been found _to_ block the glycosylation _of_ proteins. _However,_ most, if not all, known nucleoside glycosylation inhibitors _show_ little selectivity and have low _activity_ against viral infections. Camarasa, et al., J. Med. _Chem.,_ 28, 40 (1985) reported that uridine 5'-diphosphate glucose analogues, 5'-O-[[[[(2",3",4",6"-tetra-O-benzyl- _and_ 2",3",4",6"-tetra-O-benzoyl-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl)oxyl]carbonyl]ami no]sulfonyl]-2',3'-isopropylideneuridine (P-536), a UDP-glucose analog, and the corresponding deisopropylidenated derivatives, show in vitro antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1. Alarcon, et _al.,_ in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 1257, (1988) _reported_ that P-536 has broad antiviral _activity,_ _including_ _activity_ against adenovirus _type_ 5, vaccinia virus, and _poliovirus_ type 1. The compound was demonstrated to _inhibit_ protein glycosylation if added at _a_ time when late viral _proteins_ were being synthesized, and to inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids and _phosphorylation_ of nucleosides. _Alcina,_ et al., _Antimicrobial_ Agents and Chemotherapy, _1412_ _(1988),_ later demonstrated that the same compound has activity against the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. _In_ light of _the_ state of the _art,_ _it_ is clear that there is _a_ strong need for biologically active nucleoside derivatives that can pass _through_ a _cell_ membrane and _reach_ the active site prior _to_ conversion to inactive metabolites or _elimination._ It is therefore _an_ object of the present invention to provide nucleoside derivatives that have enhanced _antiviral,_ antibacterial, _antifungal_ _or_ anticancer activity. It is a further object of the present invention to provide nucleoside _derivatives_ that can easily pass through _a_ cell membrane in the proper chemical form to perform a desired biological function, or _a_ chemical form. It |
1. Technical Field
This invention relates to the field of data transmission, and in particular to systems and methods for reliably determining the voltage level of data signals transmitted at high speeds.
2. Background Art
Computers and other data processing devices operate at ever increasing frequencies. In order to avoid bottlenecks, data must be provided to these devices at high speeds and without distortion. However, as transmission frequencies exceed 150 MHz, it becomes more difficult to ensure that transmitted data signals have sufficient time to settle before they are sampled and the next data transition begins. This problem is compounded by the need to operate computers at lower system voltages, to limit the power dissipated by high frequency processors.
High frequency operation of buses, which transfer data signals to different parts of the computer system, poses especially difficult problems. At frequencies of 100 MHz or more, bus traces behave like transmission lines. In particular, the inductive and capacitive properties of bus traces distort data signals, increasing the time it takes for signal voltages to settle sufficiently to be sampled reliably.
For example, at high frequencies, the capacitance of bus traces requires signal transitions to be driven with higher currents, and for 32-bit and wider buses, the number of signal transitions being driven results in substantial current pulses on the supply voltage lines. These current pulses couple with the inductance of the bus traces to generate voltage glitches. In addition, impedance mismatches between the bus and the circuits driving the data signal creates reflections on the bus. Data signals are distorted by reflected signals generated by voltage glitches and signal voltages. One result of these distortions is that a data signal in a given clock cycle may appear to be in either a high or low voltage state, depending on when in the clock cycle it is sampled by a receiver.
Conventional strategies for handling high speed data signals employ circuitry to guarantee a window of relatively clean signal transitions, and a single reference voltage is selected within this voltage window. There are a number of drawbacks to this approach. Noise is generated differently for high-going and low-going transitions, and the resulting asymmetry in the signal distortion must be accounted for by the circuitry. In addition, the circuitry used to provide a clean voltage window becomes more complex and less effective as signal frequencies increase. | 1. Technical Field This invention relates to the field of data transmission, and in particular to systems and methods for reliably determining the voltage level of data signals transmitted at high speeds. 2. Background prowess Computers and other data processing devices operate at ever increasing frequencies. In order to avoid bottlenecks, data must be provided to these devices at high speeds and without distortion. However, as transmission frequencies exceed 150 MHz, it becomes more difficult to ensure that transmitted data signals have sufficient time to settle before they are sampled and the next data transition begins. This problem is compounded by the need to operate computers at lower system voltages, to limit the power dissipated by high frequency processors. High frequency operation of buses, which transfer data signals to different parts of the computer system, poses especially difficult problems. At frequencies of 100 MHz or more, bus traces behave like transmission lines. In particular, the inductive and capacitive properties of bus traces distort data signals, increasing the time it takes for signal voltages to settle sufficiently to be sampled reliably. For example, at high frequencies, the capacitance of bus traces requires signal transitions to be driven with higher currents, and for 32-bit and wider buses, the number of signal transitions being driven results in substantial current pulses on the supply voltage lines. These current pulses couple with the inductance of the bus traces to generate voltage glitches. In addition, impedance mismatches between the bus and the circuits driving the data signal creates reflections on the bus. Data signals are distorted by reflected signals generated by voltage glitches and signal voltages. One result of these distortions is that a data signal in a given clock cycle may appear to be in either a high or low voltage state, depending on when in the clock cycle it is sampled by a receiver. Conventional strategies for handling high speed data signals employ circuitry to guarantee a window of relatively clean signal transitions, and a single reference voltage is selected within this voltage window. There are a number of drawbacks to this approach. Noise is generated differently for high-going and low-going transitions, and the resulting asymmetry in the signal distortion must be accounted for by the circuitry. In addition, the circuitry used to provide a clean voltage window becomes more complex and less effective as signal frequencies increase. | 1. Technical Field This invention relates to the field of data transmission, and in particular to systems and methods for reliably determining the voltage level of data signals transmitted at high speeds. 2. Background Art Computers and other data processing devices operate at ever increasing frequencies. In order to avoid bottlenecks, data must be provided to 6hesf devices at high speeds and without distortion. However, as transmission frequencies exceed 150 MHz, it becomes more difficult to ensure that transmitted data signals have sufficient time to settle before they are sampled and the next data transition begins. This problem is compounded by the need to operate computers at lower system voltages, to limit the power dissipated by high frequency processors. High frequency operation of buses, which transfer data signals to different parts of the computer system, poses especially difficult problems. At frequencies of 100 MHz or more, bus traces behave like transmission lines. In particular, the inductive and capaVihive properties of bus RraSes distort data signals, increasing the time it takes for signal voltages to we5tle sufficiently to be sampled reliably. For example, at high frequencies, the capacitance of bus traces requires signal transitions to be driven with higher currents, and for 32 - bit and wider buses, the number of signal transitions being driven results in substantial current pulses on the supply voltage lines. These current pulses couple with the inductance of the bus traces to generate voltage glitcnws. In addition, impedance mismatches between the bus and the circuits driving the data signal creates reflections on the bus. Data signals are distorted by refkested signals generated by voltage glitches and signal voltages. One result of these distortions is that a data signal in a given clock cycle may appear to be in either a h8Vh or low voltage state, depending on when in the clock cycle it is sampled by a receiver. Conventional strategies for handling high speed data signals employ circuitry to guarantee a window of relatively clean signal transitions, and a sinyie reference voltage is selected within this voltage window. There are a number of drawbacks to this approach. Noise is generated d7fferenyly for high - going and low - going transitions, and the resulting asymmetry in the signal distortion must be accounted for by the circuitry. In addition, the circuitry used to provide a clean voltage window becomes mKee complex and less effective as signal frequencies increase. | 1. Technical This invention relates the field of data transmission, and in particular to systems methods for reliably determining the voltage level of data signals transmitted at high speeds. 2. Background Art Computers and other data processing devices operate at ever increasing frequencies. In to avoid bottlenecks, be provided to these devices at high speeds and as transmission exceed 150 MHz, it becomes more difficult to ensure that transmitted data signals have sufficient time to settle before they are sampled and the next data transition begins. This problem is compounded by the need to operate computers lower voltages, to limit the power dissipated by high frequency processors. High frequency operation of buses, which transfer data signals to different parts of the system, poses especially difficult problems. At frequencies 100 MHz or more, bus traces behave like transmission lines. In particular, the inductive and capacitive properties bus traces distort data signals, increasing the time it takes for signal voltages to sufficiently to be sampled reliably. For example, at high frequencies, the capacitance of bus traces requires signal transitions to be driven with higher currents, and for 32-bit and wider buses, the of signal transitions driven results in pulses on the supply voltage lines. These current pulses couple with inductance of the bus traces to generate voltage glitches. In addition, impedance mismatches between the bus and the circuits driving the data signal creates reflections on the bus. Data distorted by reflected signals generated by voltage and voltages. One result of these distortions that a data signal in a given clock cycle may appear to be in either high or low voltage state, depending on when in the clock cycle it is sampled by a receiver. Conventional strategies for high speed data signals circuitry to guarantee a window relatively clean transitions, and a single reference voltage is selected within this voltage window. are number of drawbacks to approach. Noise is generated differently for and transitions, the resulting asymmetry in the signal distortion must be accounted for by the circuitry. In addition, the circuitry used to provide a voltage window becomes more complex and less effective as frequencies increase. | 1. tecHnicaL FIelD
THIs invENTion RelaTEs TO tHE fielD oF DATA TrAnSMISsiON, AND IN PaRtICULAr tO SysTems anD mEThOds fOr ReLIABLY detERMining thE VOLtaGE LEVEL oF datA SIgNalS TrANsmITteD AT high SpeeDs.
2. BAcKgROuND arT
cOmPUTerS And Other dATA PrOCESsIng DEvIcES opERAtE aT EVEr incrEASInG frEqUencIeS. In oRDer To aVoiD BottLeNeCkS, dAtA MusT Be PROVIDEd to These dEVIcES AT hIgh SPeEdS AND WiTHOUt dIstORtion. HOweVeR, AS tRAnsmissIOn FrEqUeNCies ExCeED 150 mhZ, it BecomES moRE dIFficuLt tO eNsUrE that tRaNsMiTtED dAtA SiGnaLs HaVE SuFFICIenT TimE tO SEttlE bEfORE theY ARe SampLED AND the nexT dATA TranSiTIoN bEGins. THIS prOBLEm is ComPOUndeD By THE nEED To oPeratE cOmpUteRS AT Lower SysTEm VOLtAgeS, tO LImit tHe pOWER DIssIpAtED by HiGH fREqUEnCy procEssoRS.
higH FrEQueNcY OperATIon oF bUses, Which TranSfEr DAtA sIGNals tO DiFFEReNT pARtS Of tHE cOMpUtER sYsTeM, pOsES esPeciALLY diffiCUlT pRoBLEMs. aT FREQUEnCieS oF 100 mhz Or mOre, Bus traceS beHaVE lIKe tRaNsmisSION lINEs. In pARTicuLAr, THe inDuCTiVe And cAPAcITive PROPERTIes oF BuS tRAces distOrT datA sIGNaLs, INCreaSING thE Time It takES For SignAL VoLtaGeS TO seTtLE SuffIcIently TO Be SAmPLED RELiaBLY.
FOr eXamPle, at hiGh FreqUEncIeS, ThE cAPAcITancE Of BuS traCEs ReQuiReS SiGNAl tRaNsitIOnS To bE dRIVEn wIth HIGHer cURRENts, AnD FOr 32-bIT anD WIdEr bUSeS, The numBEr oF siGnal TransItIonS beiNg drIVeN rEsUlts IN sUBSTantIaL CurRent PUlseS On tHE sUpPlY vOlTAge LINES. TheSE CuRRenT pULses coUPle wIth The IndUCTAnCE OF ThE bUS tRaceS To gEneRatE VOltaGe gLITChES. iN ADDItIOn, IMPedaNCe mISmaTCHes bETweEN tHE buS and thE ciRcuits DRIvING ThE dATa sIgnal creATeS REfLectiONs ON tHE BUs. DAta SignaLS ARe disTorTed bY REfLected SIGnAls gEnERateD BY vOLTagE GLiTcheS aNd signAl vOltAges. ONE Result Of ThEse dIStorTIonS is ThaT a dAta SIGnAL in A giVEN ClOCK cYcLE mAy aPPeAr To be in EiTheR A hIgH oR lOW VOltage STAte, DEpENDiNg On When iN THE cLOck cYClE It is sAmPleD bY A REcEIVeR.
coNvenTiOnaL sTraTEgIeS For hAndlInG HiGH speed dATa SiGnaLS emPLOY CirCUiTRy tO GUarAnTeE A wINDOw of RelatiVelY cLEan SIgnAL tRaNSITiONS, anD a sInGLe refEReNCe vOLtAgE is SElECtED WiThiN This VOLTAGe WIndoW. There aRe a nUmber OF DRAwBAckS To tHis appROACh. nOisE is gENeRaTED DIFfeReNtly fOr hiGh-goinG aND loW-GOiNg trAnsItIoNs, ANd ThE RESULtiNG aSYMmeTRy in thE siGnaL diSTortION muST bE aCcountEd FOr bY tHe CIRCuITry. In adDiTIoN, thE CIRCUitry USeD tO PROViDE A ClEan vOLTaGe WiNDOW Becomes moRe ComPlEX and leSs EffEcTIvE AS SigNal FreqUENCIES iNCREASe. | 1. Technical Field This invention relates tothe field of data transmission, and in particular to systems and methods for reliably determining the voltage level of data signals transmitted at high speeds. 2. Background Art Computersand other data processing devices operate atever increasing frequencies. In order to avoid bottlenecks, data must be provided to these devices at high speeds and withoutdistortion. However,as transmission frequencies exceed 150 MHz, it becomes more difficult to ensurethat transmitted datasignals have sufficient time to settle before they are sampled and the nextdatatransition begins. This problemis compoundedby theneed to operate computers at lower systemvoltages, to limit the power dissipatedby high frequency processors. High frequency operation of buses, which transfer datasignals to different partsof the computer system, poses especially difficult problems. At frequencies of 100 MHz or more, bus traces behave like transmission lines. Inparticular, the inductive and capacitive properties ofbus traces distort data signals, increasing the time it takes for signal voltages to settle sufficiently to be sampledreliably.For example, athigh frequencies, the capacitance of bus traces requires signal transitionsto be driven with higher currents, and for 32-bit and wider buses, the number of signal transitions being driven results in substantial current pulseson the supply voltage lines.These current pulses couple with the inductance of the bus traces to generate voltage glitches. In addition,impedance mismatches between the bus and the circuits driving the data signalcreates reflectionson thebus. Data signals are distorted by reflected signals generated by voltage glitches and signal voltages. Oneresult of these distortions is that a data signal in a given clockcycle may appear to be in either a high or low voltage state, depending onwhen inthe clock cycle it issampled by a receiver.Conventional strategies for handling high speed data signals employ circuitry to guarantee a window of relatively clean signal transitions, and a single reference voltage isselected withinthis voltage window.There are a number of drawbacks to this approach. Noiseisgenerated differently for high-going and low-goingtransitions,and the resulting asymmetry inthe signal distortion mustbeaccounted forby the circuitry. In addition, the circuitry used to provide a cleanvoltage windowbecomesmore complex and lesseffectiveas signalfrequencies increase. | 1. Technical Field This invention relates to _the_ field of data transmission, and in particular _to_ systems and methods for reliably determining the _voltage_ level of data signals _transmitted_ at high speeds. _2._ Background Art Computers and other data processing devices operate _at_ _ever_ _increasing_ frequencies. In order _to_ avoid bottlenecks, _data_ must be provided _to_ these devices at high _speeds_ and without distortion. _However,_ as transmission _frequencies_ exceed 150 MHz, it becomes _more_ difficult to ensure that transmitted data _signals_ have _sufficient_ time to settle before they are sampled and the next _data_ transition _begins._ This problem is compounded by the _need_ to operate _computers_ at lower system voltages, to limit _the_ power _dissipated_ _by_ high frequency processors. High _frequency_ operation of buses, which transfer data signals _to_ different parts of the computer system, poses especially _difficult_ _problems._ At frequencies of 100 MHz or more, _bus_ traces behave like transmission _lines._ In particular, the inductive and capacitive properties of bus traces distort data _signals,_ _increasing_ the time it takes for signal voltages to settle sufficiently to be sampled reliably. _For_ example, at high frequencies, the _capacitance_ of bus traces requires signal transitions to be driven with higher currents, and for 32-bit and wider _buses,_ _the_ number of signal _transitions_ being driven _results_ in substantial current pulses on the supply voltage lines. These current pulses couple with the _inductance_ of the bus _traces_ to _generate_ voltage glitches. In _addition,_ impedance mismatches between the bus _and_ the circuits driving the _data_ signal creates reflections _on_ the bus. Data signals are distorted by reflected signals generated by _voltage_ glitches and signal _voltages._ One result of these _distortions_ is that a data signal in a given clock cycle may appear to be _in_ either a high _or_ _low_ voltage _state,_ depending on _when_ in _the_ clock cycle it is sampled by a receiver. Conventional strategies for _handling_ _high_ speed data signals employ circuitry to guarantee a window of relatively clean signal transitions, and a single reference voltage is selected within this voltage window. There are a number of _drawbacks_ to this approach. _Noise_ is _generated_ _differently_ for high-going and low-going _transitions,_ and _the_ resulting asymmetry _in_ the signal distortion _must_ be _accounted_ for by the circuitry. In addition, the _circuitry_ used to provide _a_ _clean_ voltage _window_ becomes more _complex_ and less effective as _signal_ _frequencies_ _increase._ |
Scroll compressors in each of which a compression mechanism including an orbiting scroll and a fixed scroll is housed in a casing have been known to date. The compression mechanism includes a compression chamber formed by engaging the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll with each other. As shown in Patent Document 1, some of such scroll compressors reduce separation between the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll by utilizing a pressure rise in the compression chamber.
The scroll compressor shown in Patent Document 1 is connected to a refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system. A compression mechanism of this scroll compressor has a suction port that is open at a suction position of the compression chamber, a discharge port that is open at a discharge position of the compression chamber, and an intermediate port that is open at an intermediate position between the suction position and the discharge position in the compression chamber. The suction port communicates with a low-pressure line of the refrigeration circuit, and the discharge port communicates with a high-pressure line of the refrigeration circuit.
This configuration can press an orbiting scroll against a fixed scroll by utilizing the pressure of a fluid introduced through the intermediate port from the compression chamber at the intermediate position into the back pressure space. In this manner, application of a pressing force to the orbiting scroll can reduce separation of the orbiting scroll from the fixed scroll. | Scroll compressors in each of which a compression mechanism including an orbiting scroll and a fixed scroll is housed in a casing have been known to date. The compression mechanism includes a compression chamber formed by engaging the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll with each other. As shown in Patent Document 1, some of such scroll compressors reduce separation between the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll by utilizing a pressure rise in the compression chamber. The scroll compressor shown in manifest Document 1 is connected to a refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system. A compression mechanism of this scroll compressor has a suction port that is open at a suction position of the compression chamber, a discharge port that is open at a discharge position of the compression chamber, and an intermediate port that is open at an intermediate position between the suction position and the discharge position in the compression chamber. The suction port communicates with a low-pressure line of the refrigeration circuit, and the discharge port communicates with a high-pressure line of the refrigeration circuit. This configuration can press an orbiting scroll against a fixed scroll by utilizing the pressure of a fluid introduced through the intermediate port from the compression chamber at the intermediate position into the back pressure space. In this manner, application of a pressing force to the orbiting scroll can reduce separation of the orbiting scroll from the fixed scroll. | Scroll compressors in each of which a compression mechanism incIudinr an orbiting zcroPl and a fixed scroll is housed in a casing have been known to date. The compression mechanism inxluxes a compression chamber GormeF by engaging the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll with each other. As shown in Patent Document 1, some of such scroll compressors reduce separation between the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll by utilizing a pressure rise in the compression chamber. The scroll compressor shown in Patent Document 1 is connected to a refrigeration circuit of an air clnditipning system. A compression mechanism of this scroll compressor has a suction port that is open at a suction position of the compression chamber, a discharge port that is open at a discharge position of the compression chamber, and an intermediate port that is open at an intermediate position between the suction position and the discharge position in the compression chamber. The suction port communicates aJth a low - pressure line of the refrigeration circuit, and the discharge port communicates with a high - pressure line of the refrigeration circuit. This configuration can press an orbiting scroll agZinDt a fiCeR scroll by utilizing the pressure of a fluid introduced through the intermediate port from the compression chamber at the intermediate position into the back pressure space. In this manner, application of a pr4ssUng force to the orbiting scroll can reduce separation of the orbiting scroll brPm the fixed scroll. | Scroll compressors in each of a compression mechanism including an scroll and a fixed scroll is housed in a casing have been known to date. The mechanism includes a compression chamber formed by engaging the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll with each other. As shown in Patent Document some of such scroll compressors reduce separation between the scroll and the fixed scroll by a pressure rise in the compression chamber. The scroll shown in Patent Document 1 is connected to a refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system. compression mechanism of this scroll compressor a suction port that is open at a suction position of the compression chamber, a discharge port that is open a discharge position the compression chamber, and an intermediate port that is open at an intermediate position between the suction and the position the compression chamber. The suction port communicates with a low-pressure line the refrigeration and the discharge port with a high-pressure line of the refrigeration circuit. This configuration can press an orbiting scroll against a fixed scroll by utilizing the pressure of a fluid introduced through the intermediate port from the chamber intermediate position into the back space. In this manner, application of a pressing force to the orbiting scroll can reduce of the orbiting from the fixed scroll. | SCroll coMprESsORS iN EacH OF WhIcH A ComPrESSioN mEchaNisM iNCLuDing an orBItIng scrolL ANd A fIxeD SCRolL is HOUsED IN a CasiNg HAve BEeN kNOwN To DATe. the cOMprEssIOn meChAnIsM iNCluDes a cOMPrEsSION ChAmbER FORMEd bY ENgaGinG THE fIxed sCroLl ANd tHe oRBItiNG SCRolL wiTh eAcH OTHeR. aS sHOwN In paTeNt docUMeNt 1, some Of sUcH scrolL cOmpreSSORS REDuCE SepAraTIOn beTWEen tHe oRbiTINg ScROLL ANd THE FIxeD scRoLL By UTiLIziNg a preSsuRe Rise IN tHE CoMPRESSiOn chambER.
ThE SCrOLL COMPREsSOR shOwN iN PAteNt dOCUMent 1 IS ConNECTeD to A RefrIGERatiOn CIRCuIT OF An AIr condItIOnInG sySTem. A comPreSsioN MEChaNISM OF this scrolL coMprEssoR hAS a SucTIon PoRT that is OpeN At A SuCTiOn poSITioN OF tHE comPREsSiOn chaMBer, A DiSCharGe poRt ThAT Is OPEn AT a dIscHArGe poSITiOn OF tHE COmpRESSiOn CHamber, aND AN iNtermeDiAtE port ThAT IS OPen at an inTeRMediaTe pOSiTIoN BETWeeN ThE sUcTiOn posiTIoN anD tHE DISCharGe POsiTion in thE cOmPReSSIon CHAmber. THe SUCtIOn PorT CoMMuniCATeS wItH a LoW-presSUrE lINe of tHE rEFrigErAtIoN cIrcuIT, aND thE DISChargE PORt COmmUNiCatES wItH A High-preSsURe liNe oF the reFRigERaTiOn circUit.
thIS CoNfIgURAtiOn cAN prEsS aN oRbiTIng sCroll AgaiNst a FIXED sCroLL By utiLiziNG THe presSurE of a FLUid inTrOdUced thROuGh tHE intErMeDIatE Port FRoM THE COmPRESsioN ChaMbEr At ThE InTermediatE poSition Into tHE bACk preSSUrE SPACe. iN thIs manNER, ApPliCatION of A PreSSing fOrCE TO THe orbITInG ScRoLl CAN REduCe sepaRatIoN oF THe orBitinG ScRolL FrOM THe fiXEd ScRolL. | Scrollcompressors in each of which a compression mechanism including an orbiting scroll andafixed scroll is housed in a casing have been known to date. The compression mechanism includes a compression chamber formed by engaging thefixed scroll and the orbiting scroll with each other. As shown in Patent Document1,some of such scroll compressors reduce separation between the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll by utilizing a pressureriseinthe compression chamber. The scroll compressor shown in Patent Document 1 is connected to a refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system. A compression mechanism of this scroll compressor has a suction port that is open at a suction position of the compression chamber, a discharge port that is openat a discharge position of the compression chamber, and an intermediate port that is openat an intermediate position between the suction position and the discharge position in the compression chamber. The suction port communicates with a low-pressureline of the refrigeration circuit,and the discharge port communicates with a high-pressureline of the refrigeration circuit. This configuration can press an orbiting scroll against afixedscroll byutilizing the pressure of a fluid introduced throughthe intermediate port from thecompression chamber at the intermediate position intothebackpressure space. In this manner,applicationof a pressing force tothe orbiting scroll can reduce separation of the orbiting scroll from the fixed scroll. | _Scroll_ compressors _in_ _each_ of which a compression mechanism including an orbiting _scroll_ and a _fixed_ _scroll_ is housed in a casing have been known _to_ _date._ The _compression_ mechanism includes a compression chamber formed by engaging the _fixed_ scroll and the orbiting scroll with each _other._ As _shown_ in Patent Document 1, _some_ of _such_ scroll compressors reduce separation between the orbiting scroll _and_ the fixed scroll _by_ utilizing _a_ pressure rise in the compression chamber. The scroll compressor shown in Patent Document _1_ is connected to a _refrigeration_ circuit _of_ an air conditioning system. A compression mechanism of this scroll compressor has a suction _port_ _that_ is open at _a_ suction position of the compression chamber, a discharge port that is open _at_ _a_ _discharge_ position _of_ _the_ _compression_ chamber, and an _intermediate_ port that is open at an intermediate _position_ between _the_ suction position and the discharge position in _the_ compression chamber. The suction _port_ _communicates_ with a low-pressure line _of_ the refrigeration circuit, and the discharge port communicates _with_ a high-pressure line of _the_ refrigeration circuit. _This_ configuration can _press_ an orbiting scroll against _a_ fixed scroll by _utilizing_ the pressure _of_ a fluid introduced _through_ the _intermediate_ port from the compression _chamber_ at the intermediate position into the back _pressure_ space. In this manner, application of a pressing force to the orbiting scroll can reduce separation of _the_ orbiting _scroll_ from the fixed scroll. |
Ethanol is a commonly encountered toxic substance. Methods for qualitative and quantitative determination of ethanol in body fluids, particularly human body fluids, are used in medicine and in law enforcement. In medicine, the level of ethanol in the blood is significant in diagnosing liver malfunction and alcoholism, as well as for understanding the reason for an emergency room patient being comatose. In law enforcement, such assays are used to determine whether or not an automobile operator is driving under the influence of alcohol.
Ethanol testing can be accomplished using both enzymatic and nonenzymatic assays. The nonenzymatic assays have a number of disadvantages and are being widely replaced by enzymatic assays which are more accurate, highly specific, more sensitive and require less expensive procedures. Enzymatic assays are generally based on the use of alcohol dehydrogenase to catalyze the reaction of ethanol to acetaldehyde. This reaction can be used alone, or in combination with other reactions to produce a spectrophotometric signal which can be related to the amount of ethanol in the tested specimen.
One enzymatic assay is based on the direct measurement of the reduced coenzyme (NADH), such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,926,736 (Bucolo). This assay is carried out entirely in solution.
Another enzymatic assay is described in EP-A-0464 942 (published Jan. 1, 1992) which uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD.sup.+) as a coenzyme with alcohol dehydrogenase to produce the reduced form of the coenzyme. The coenzyme, in turn, reacts with a tetrazolium salt to produce a detectable dye. The described assay is carried out in a multilayer analytical element containing tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer and both crosslinked and uncrosslinked gelatin layers.
One problem that has been encountered in developing a dry analytical element for the assay of ethanol is the strong interference by fluoride ion present in human serum. Fluoride ion is commonly used as a preservative in serum, and interferes in assays possibly by altering the equilibrium between ethanol and acetaldehyde, and causes the assay results to be biased positively compared to the true value of ethanol in the specimen. This problem has been effectively solved using a multilayer analytical element containing a high amount of buffer which is arranged in certain layers. Moreover, this element typically contains crosslinked gelatin as a binder for one or more of the reagent layers. Further details of such elements are found in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/005,683 (filed Jan. 19, 1993 by Detwiler) which is entitled MULTILAYER ANALYTICAL ELEMENT CONTAINING PRIMARY AMINE BUFFER AND METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF ETHANOL.
While the element just described can be used effectively to detect ethanol, coating its many layers requires multiple steps and causes manufacturing inefficiencies. It would be desirable to reduce the number of coating steps in preparing an element which is just as effective in the detection of ethanol, and thus provide manufacturing efficiencies needed in the highly competitive field of clinical chemistry. | Ethanol is a commonly encountered toxic substance. Methods for qualitative and quantitative determination of ethanol in body fluids, particularly human body fluids, are used in medicine and in law enforcement. In medicine, the level of ethanol in the blood is significant in diagnosing liver malfunction and alcoholism, as well as for understanding the reason for an emergency room patient being comatose. In law enforcement, such assays are used to determine whether or not an automobile operator is driving under the influence of alcohol. Ethanol testing can be accomplished using both enzymatic and nonenzymatic assays. The nonenzymatic assays have a number of disadvantages and are being widely replaced by enzymatic assays which are more accurate, highly specific, more sensitive and require less expensive procedures. Enzymatic assays are generally based on the use of alcohol dehydrogenase to catalyze the reaction of ethanol to acetaldehyde. This reaction can be used alone, or in combination with other reactions to produce a spectrophotometric signal which can be related to the amount of ethanol in the tested specimen. One enzymatic assay is based on the direct measurement of the reduced coenzyme (NADH), such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,926,736 (Bucolo). This assay is carried out entirely in solution. Another enzymatic assay is described in EP-A-0464 942 (published Jan. 1, 1992) which uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD.sup.+) as a coenzyme with alcohol dehydrogenase to produce the reduced form of the coenzyme. The coenzyme, in turn, reacts with a tetrazolium salt to produce a detectable dye. The described assay is carried out in a multilayer analytical element containing tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer and both crosslinked and uncrosslinked gelatin layers. One problem that has been encountered in developing a teetotal analytical element for the assay of ethanol is the strong interference by fluoride ion present in human serum. Fluoride ion is commonly used as a preservative in serum, and interferes in assays possibly by altering the equilibrium between ethanol and acetaldehyde, and causes the assay results to be biased positively compared to the true value of ethanol in the specimen. This problem has been effectively solved using a multilayer analytical element containing a high amount of buffer which is arranged in certain layers. Moreover, this element typically contains crosslinked gelatin as a binder for one or more of the reagent layers. Further details of such elements are found in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/005,683 (filed Jan. 19, 1993 by Detwiler) which is entitled MULTILAYER ANALYTICAL ELEMENT CONTAINING PRIMARY AMINE BUFFER AND METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF ETHANOL. While the element just described can be used effectively to detect ethanol, coating its many layers requires multiple steps and causes manufacturing inefficiencies. It would be desirable to reduce the number of coating steps in preparing an element which is just as effective in the detection of ethanol, and thus provide manufacturing efficiencies needed in the highly competitive field of clinical chemistry. | Ethanol is a commonly encountered toxic substance. Methods for qualitative and quantitative determination of ethanol in body fluids, particularly human body fluids, are used in medicine and in law enforcement. In medicine, the level of ethanol in the blood is significant in diagnosing liver malfunction and alcoholism, as well as for understanding the reason for an emergency room patient being co,Ztose. In law enforcement, such assays are used to determine whether or not an automobile operator is driving under the influence of alcohol. Ethanol testing can be accomplished using both enzymatic and nonenzymatic assays. The nonenzymatic assays UavW a number of disadvantages and are being widely replaced by enzymatic assays which are more accurate, highly specific, more sensitive and require less expensive procedures. Enzymatic assays are generally based on the use of alcohol dehydrogenase to catalyze the reaction of ethanol to acetaldehyde. This reaction can be used alone, or in combination with other reactions to produce a spectrophotometric signal which can be related to the amount of ethanol in the tested specimen. One enzymatic assay is based on the SiGect measurement of the reduced coenzyme (NADH ), AuFh as that described in U. S. Pat. No. 3, 926, 736 (Bucolo ). This assay is carried out entirely in solution. Another enzymatic assay is described in EP - A - 0464 942 (published Jan. 1, 1992) which Ksew nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD. sup. +) as a coenzyme with alcohol dehydrogenase to produce the redHcsd form of the coenzyme. The coenzyme, in turn, reacts with a tetrazolium salt to produce a detectable dye. The described assay is catdied out in a multilayer analytical element containing tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane buffer and both crosslinked and uncrosslinked gelatin layers. One problem that has been encountered in developing a dry anXlyticXl element for the assay of ethanol is the strong interference by fluoride ion present in human serum. Fluoride ion is commonly used as a prez@rvative in serum, and interferes in assays possibly by altering the equilibrium between ethanol and acetaldehyde, and causes the assay results to be biased positively compared to the true value of ethanol in the specimen. This problem has been effectively solved using a multilayer analytical element containing a high amount of buffer which is arranged in certain layers. Moreover, this element typically contains crosslinked gelatin as a binder for one or more of the reagent layers. Further details of such elements are found in U. S. ap0?ication Ser. No. 08 / 005, 683 (filed Jan. 19, 1993 by Detwiler) which is entitled MULTILAYER ANALYTICAL ELEMENT CONTAINING PRIMARY AMINE BUFFER AND METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF ETHANOL. While the element just described can be used effectively to detect ethanol, coating its many layers requires multiple steps and causes manufacturing inefficiencies. It would be desirable to reduce the number of coating steps in preparing an element which is just as effective in the detection of ethanol, and thus provide manufacturing efficiencies needed in the highly competitive field of clinical chemistry. | Ethanol is commonly encountered toxic substance. Methods for qualitative and quantitative determination ethanol in body fluids, particularly human body fluids, are in medicine and in enforcement. In medicine, the level of ethanol in the blood is significant diagnosing liver malfunction alcoholism, as well as for understanding the reason for an emergency room patient being comatose. In law enforcement, such to determine or not an automobile operator is driving under the influence of Ethanol testing can be accomplished using both enzymatic and nonenzymatic The nonenzymatic assays have a of disadvantages and are being widely replaced by enzymatic assays which are more accurate, highly specific, more sensitive and require less expensive procedures. assays are generally based on the use of alcohol to catalyze the reaction of ethanol This reaction can be used alone, or in combination with other reactions to a spectrophotometric signal which can be related to the amount of in the tested specimen. One enzymatic assay is based on the direct measurement of reduced coenzyme (NADH), such that described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,926,736 (Bucolo). This assay is carried out entirely in Another enzymatic assay is described in EP-A-0464 942 (published Jan. 1, 1992) which uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD.sup.+) a with alcohol dehydrogenase to produce the reduced form of the coenzyme. The coenzyme, in turn, reacts with a tetrazolium salt to produce a detectable dye. assay carried out in a multilayer analytical element containing buffer both crosslinked and uncrosslinked gelatin layers. problem that has been encountered in developing a dry analytical element for the assay is the strong interference by fluoride ion present in human serum. Fluoride is commonly used as a preservative in serum, and interferes in assays possibly by altering the equilibrium between ethanol acetaldehyde, and causes the assay results to be biased positively compared to the true value of ethanol in the specimen. This problem been effectively solved using a multilayer analytical element containing high amount of buffer which is arranged in certain layers. Moreover, this element contains gelatin as a binder for one or more of the reagent layers. Further details of such elements are found in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/005,683 (filed Jan. 19, 1993 by Detwiler) is entitled MULTILAYER ANALYTICAL ELEMENT CONTAINING PRIMARY AMINE BUFFER AND METHOD THE DETERMINATION OF ETHANOL. While the element just described can used to detect coating its many layers requires multiple steps and causes manufacturing inefficiencies. It would be to reduce the number of coating steps in preparing an element which is just as in the detection of ethanol, and thus provide manufacturing efficiencies the competitive field of clinical chemistry. | EThAnoL Is a ComMOnly eNcountEreD TOXIc sUBStaNce. MethoDS foR quALiTative aND QUAntItATIVE DEtermiNATION Of etHanOl iN BodY FLuiDS, paRticULARLy HUman bOdY flUIDs, are USeD iN MedicINe AnD in LAw EnfORcEmenT. in medICiNE, tHE lEvel OF ethaNOL In THE BlOOd is sIGNIFIcaNT in diagnoSIng liVer malFUnctIOn aNd AlCoHOlisM, AS WEll As FOr undErStaNdinG thE ReAson fOR aN eMERgEnCy rOom pATIENT BEiNg CoMaToSE. in law eNforCEMEnt, SUCh ASsAyS ArE UseD tO DeTERmiNE whEthEr oR Not An AUTOmobile opErator IS DrIViNg under ThE INFLUEncE Of aLcohOL.
etHAnOl TesTiNG caN Be ACCOMpliShed usINg bOth EnzYMatIC aND noNEnzYMaTic asSAYS. the NOnENzYMaTiC ASSaYs HAve a nuMBer oF DisAdvaNtagEs AnD are BEINg wIDelY RePlaCed BY enzYmatIc aSsaYs whICh aRe moRe ACcurAte, HigHLy SPECiFIC, mOrE SEnsITIVe anD rEquire LEsS eXpENSiVE PRocEDuRES. enZYMATiC assaYs ARE genEraLlY bASed on tHE use oF aLcohol dEhyDroGeNase to cataLYZe the ReACtiOn OF eTHAnOl TO acETaLDEhYde. thIS rEAcTiOn can BE uSEd aLOne, OR In coMBinAtiON wItH oTHEr REActiONs to pRODuCE A specTROphOTOmETrIC SIGnaL WhICH caN Be RElAtEd To thE AmOuNt of EthAnOl iN ThE TeStEd SPecimEn.
one enzYmATIc asSAy IS BaSEd On THE dIreCt mEAsuremenT OF ThE ReDUCed COENzyMe (naDH), SUcH As THat DEScRIBeD in u.S. paT. no. 3,926,736 (BucolO). thiS AsSAY IS cArried ouT EnTIREly iN sOLUtioN.
anOtheR ENzyMATIc ASSaY IS DEscRibeD iN ep-a-0464 942 (puBliSHEd jAn. 1, 1992) WHiCH uSES NicOTINaMIde adeNinE dinuClEoTidE (nAd.sUP.+) As a coenzYme wiTH alcOHol dEHYdRogeNAse To pRoduce tHE rEduCeD fORM of ThE COEnzymE. tHe cOenzYmE, IN TUrn, reacTs wItH a TETrazOlIUm SaLT To PROduce a deTeCtaBle Dye. ThE DEscRIBed aSSAy is cARRiED OUt IN A MUlTILaYEr anAlYTicaL eLeMent coNtaInInG tRis(HYdroxymethYL)aMInomEThANE bUFfER aNd boTh CROssLInKeD ANd UnCROSSLInKED gElATiN LAYERS.
onE prOblEm ThAT has bEEN ENCOunterED In deveLOpInG A dRY ANalYTICAl EleMeNT foR the asSAy Of EThanOL IS tHE StrOng InTeRfEReNce by fLuoriDE ion PrEsEnt in Human SERum. fLuoRiDe iOn iS CoMmonLy UseD AS a pReserVaTIVe IN seRUm, aNd iNTERfeRES In assays POSSIbLy By aLtErING THe EQuilIbRIUm bETweEn ethaNoL And acEtaLDEHYde, aNd CAuSes THe aSsAy reSULts TO BE bIasED poSITivELY CompAred to the True VaLUe oF eTHanoL IN ThE sPecImen. tHIs PRoBlEM hAS BEEn EFFECTIVEly sOLvEd usINg a mUlTIlAYER ANAlYticAL ElEMEnT contAinInG A HigH AMoUnT Of BuFfeR WhiCH IS ARrAnGeD IN CErTain lAYERs. mOrEoVeR, This EleMENT TypICaLlY CONTainS CRoSSlInKED GelAtiN aS a BiNdEr FOr ONe Or MoRE of the ReAGenT lAYErS. FUrTHEr DEtAiLS of sucH ELEmentS Are FOUNd in U.s. APPlICATIoN SER. nO. 08/005,683 (FileD JAn. 19, 1993 BY DETWIleR) WHICh is EnTItLeD MULTILayER ANalyTICaL eLEmEnT contAinING PRImARy AmInE bufFEr aND MethoD fOR the detERmiNatIoN of ETHANol.
WHIle tHE eLEMEnT jUst dEScRIBED can bE USeD effeCtIVelY to DETEcT EThAnOL, COAtInG itS maNy LaYERs rEquIres MULTIplE stePS and CAUSeS manuFAcTURiNg INefFICieNcIeS. it WOulD BE DESIrable to rEdUcE THE NumBeR of COATiNG sTEPS iN pREPArIng AN EleMEnt WhICh is JUsT AS efFeCtiVe in The dETECTIon oF ETHanOL, AnD tHuS proViDE mANufaCtUrIng EfFIciENcIEs needed iN THe HiGHLY coMPETitive fIElD OF CliNIcAl CHemIstRY. | Ethanol is a commonly encountered toxic substance. Methods for qualitative andquantitative determination of ethanol in body fluids, particularly human body fluids, are used in medicine and in law enforcement. In medicine, the level of ethanol in the blood is significant in diagnosingliver malfunction and alcoholism, as well as for understanding thereason for an emergency room patient being comatose. In lawenforcement, such assays are used todeterminewhether or not an automobile operator isdriving under the influence of alcohol. Ethanol testingcan beaccomplished using bothenzymatic and nonenzymatic assays. The nonenzymatic assayshave a number of disadvantages and are being widelyreplaced by enzymatic assays whichare more accurate, highly specific, more sensitive andrequire less expensiveprocedures. Enzymatic assays are generally based on the use of alcohol dehydrogenaseto catalyze the reaction of ethanol to acetaldehyde.This reaction can be used alone, or in combination with other reactions toproduce a spectrophotometric signal whichcan be related to the amount of ethanol in the tested specimen. Oneenzymatic assay is basedon the direct measurement of the reduced coenzyme(NADH), suchas that describedin U.S. Pat. No. 3,926,736 (Bucolo). This assayis carried out entirely in solution. Another enzymatic assay is described inEP-A-0464 942 (published Jan. 1, 1992) which uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD.sup.+) as a coenzyme with alcohol dehydrogenase to produce the reduced form of the coenzyme. The coenzyme, inturn, reactswith a tetrazolium salt to produce a detectable dye. Thedescribed assay is carried out in a multilayer analytical element containing tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer andboth crosslinked anduncrosslinked gelatin layers. One problem that has been encountered in developing a dry analytical elementfor the assay of ethanol is the strong interference by fluorideion presentin human serum. Fluoride ion iscommonly used as a preservative inserum,and interferesin assays possibly by altering theequilibrium between ethanol and acetaldehyde, and causes the assay results to be biased positively compared to the true valueof ethanolin the specimen. This problem has been effectively solved using a multilayer analytical element containing a high amount of bufferwhich is arranged in certain layers. Moreover, this elementtypically contains crosslinked gelatin as a binder for one or more ofthe reagent layers. Further details of such elements are foundin U.S. applicationSer. No. 08/005,683(filed Jan. 19, 1993 by Detwiler) which is entitled MULTILAYER ANALYTICAL ELEMENT CONTAINING PRIMARY AMINE BUFFER ANDMETHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF ETHANOL. While the element just described can beused effectively to detect ethanol, coating its many layers requires multiple stepsand causes manufacturing inefficiencies. It wouldbe desirableto reduce the numberof coating steps in preparing an element which isjust as effective in the detection of ethanol, and thus providemanufacturing efficienciesneeded in the highly competitive field of clinical chemistry. | Ethanol is a commonly _encountered_ toxic _substance._ Methods for qualitative and quantitative determination of ethanol in body fluids, particularly human body fluids, are used in medicine and in law enforcement. _In_ medicine, the level of ethanol in the _blood_ _is_ significant in diagnosing liver malfunction and alcoholism, as well as for _understanding_ the _reason_ for _an_ emergency room patient being comatose. In law enforcement, such assays are used _to_ determine whether _or_ _not_ an _automobile_ _operator_ is driving under the influence of alcohol. _Ethanol_ _testing_ can be accomplished using _both_ enzymatic and _nonenzymatic_ assays. _The_ nonenzymatic assays have a number of disadvantages and are being widely replaced _by_ _enzymatic_ assays _which_ are more accurate, highly _specific,_ more sensitive and require less _expensive_ procedures. Enzymatic assays are generally based on the use _of_ alcohol _dehydrogenase_ to catalyze the _reaction_ of ethanol to acetaldehyde. This _reaction_ can be used alone, or in combination with other reactions to produce _a_ spectrophotometric signal which can be related to the amount of _ethanol_ in the tested specimen. One enzymatic assay is _based_ on the direct _measurement_ _of_ the _reduced_ _coenzyme_ (NADH), _such_ as _that_ described in U.S. Pat. _No._ 3,926,736 (Bucolo). _This_ assay is carried out entirely in solution. Another enzymatic assay is described in EP-A-0464 _942_ _(published_ Jan. _1,_ _1992)_ which uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD.sup.+) _as_ a coenzyme with _alcohol_ dehydrogenase to produce _the_ reduced form of _the_ coenzyme. The coenzyme, in turn, reacts with a tetrazolium salt to produce a detectable dye. The described assay is carried _out_ in a multilayer _analytical_ _element_ containing _tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane_ buffer and both _crosslinked_ _and_ uncrosslinked _gelatin_ layers. One problem that has been encountered _in_ developing a _dry_ analytical _element_ for the assay of ethanol is the strong interference by fluoride _ion_ present in human _serum._ Fluoride ion is commonly used as a _preservative_ in serum, _and_ interferes _in_ assays _possibly_ by altering _the_ equilibrium _between_ ethanol and acetaldehyde, and causes the assay results to be _biased_ positively compared to _the_ true value of ethanol _in_ the specimen. This problem has been effectively solved using a multilayer analytical element containing a high amount of _buffer_ which is _arranged_ in certain layers. _Moreover,_ _this_ element typically contains crosslinked gelatin as a binder for one or more of the reagent layers. Further _details_ of such elements are found _in_ U.S. application Ser. No. 08/005,683 (filed Jan. 19, _1993_ _by_ Detwiler) which is _entitled_ MULTILAYER ANALYTICAL _ELEMENT_ CONTAINING PRIMARY _AMINE_ BUFFER AND METHOD FOR THE _DETERMINATION_ _OF_ ETHANOL. While _the_ element just described _can_ be used _effectively_ to detect ethanol, coating its many layers requires multiple steps and causes _manufacturing_ inefficiencies. It would be _desirable_ to reduce the number of coating steps in preparing an element which is just as effective in _the_ _detection_ of ethanol, and thus provide manufacturing efficiencies needed in the highly _competitive_ _field_ of _clinical_ chemistry. |
This invention relates to folding rear view mirrors for vehicles.
With vehicles such as agricultural or industrial tractors the variety of trailers, implements or attachments which may be drawn behind the tractor is very varied and this presents a problem in providing rear view mirrors which can be easily adjusted between the different width settings that are necessary to provide a clear rear view around the different trailers, implements or attachments which may be used.
One option is a telescoping arrangement as described, for example, in U.S. 2003/0117729, but such arrangements are not simple to adjust if not mechanised and may have penalties in terms of cost and component count. Simpler systems based on pivoting links, described in GB 1 339 123 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,031,929, allow a mirror mount to collapse inwards if an obstacle is encountered but do not support adjustment over a wide range of width settings whilst remaining visible to the user. | This invention relates to folding rear view mirrors for vehicles. With vehicles such as agricultural or industrial tractors the variety of trailers, implements or attachments which may be drawn behind the tractor is very varied and this presents a problem in ply rear view mirrors which can be easily adjusted between the different width settings that are necessary to provide a clear rear view around the different trailers, implements or attachments which may be used. One option is a telescoping arrangement as described, for example, in U.S. 2003/0117729, but such arrangements are not simple to adjust if not mechanised and may have penalties in terms of cost and component count. Simpler systems based on pivoting links, described in GB 1 339 123 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,031,929, allow a mirror mount to collapse inwards if an obstacle is encountered but do not support adjustment over a wide range of width settings whilst remaining visible to the user. | This invention relates to Goldint rear view mirrors for vehicles. With vehicles such as agrKFultural or industrial tractors the variety of trailers, implements or attachments which may be drawn behind the tractor is very vaeoed and this presents a problem in providing rear view mirrors which can be easily adjusted between the different width settings that are necessary to provide a clear rear view around the different trailers, implements or attachments which may be used. One option is a telescoping arrangement as described, for example, in U. S. 300$ / 0117729, but such arranvem2nts are not simple to adjJs4 if not mechanised and may have penalties in terms of cost and component count. S8mp;er systems based on pivoting OKnks, described in GB 1 339 123 and U. S. Pat. No. 3, 031, 929, allow a mirror mount to collapse inwards if an obstacle is encountered but do not support adjustment over a wide rqng2 of width settings whilst remaining visible to the uDrr. | invention relates to folding rear view mirrors for vehicles. With vehicles such as agricultural or industrial tractors the variety of trailers, implements or attachments which may be drawn behind the tractor is very varied and this presents a problem in providing rear view mirrors which can be easily adjusted between the different width settings are to provide a rear view around the different trailers, implements or attachments which may be used. One option is a telescoping arrangement as described, example, in U.S. 2003/0117729, but such not simple to adjust if not mechanised and may have penalties in of cost and Simpler systems based on pivoting links, described in GB 1 339 123 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,031,929, allow a mirror to collapse inwards if an obstacle encountered but do not support adjustment over a wide width settings whilst remaining visible to user. | ThIs InveNTIoN RELATeS TO fOldIng ReAr VieW mIRrORs FOr veHicleS.
wiTH VehicLEs suCh AS aGRIcUltuRAL oR induSTrIaL TrAcTOrs the vAriETY oF trAiLerS, imPLEMeNTs OR aTtachMENtS whiCh MaY BE dRAWn bEHINd THe tRacTOR iS VeRY vArIED anD tHiS pResENtS a PRoBLem iN pROVIdIng REAR VIEw MIrroRs wHICh CAN Be EasiLY aDjUsTeD BETween THe diffEREnt WIdtH SEttiNgs tHaT arE nECeSsArY TO PRoVIDe A CleAr ReAR view aROunD thE DiFfErEnT TRaIlErS, iMPLEMeNts OR ATTACHmENtS wHICH MaY bE uSeD.
one OPTIon Is a teLescoPing arrangEment aS dEScRIbeD, fOR exAmPLE, In U.s. 2003/0117729, BuT such ARRaNgEMENTs ARE noT SiMPLE tO ADJUSt If Not mEcHANIseD aNd May HAve PENALties IN TerMS OF cosT and COmPONenT coUnT. SImpLer systEmS based On PIvotInG lINkS, dESCrIBeD In gB 1 339 123 AND u.S. Pat. No. 3,031,929, ALloW a MirROr mOuNT tO coLlaPSE iNWArds iF An obSTAClE IS ENCOUntErED buT do NOT sUPpOrt aDJuSTmenT oVER A WIDE Range OF wIDTh SettINgs wHiLsT rEmAiNING visIBLe tO THE USer. | Thisinventionrelatesto folding rear view mirrors for vehicles. With vehicles such as agricultural or industrial tractors the variety of trailers, implements orattachmentswhich may be drawn behind the tractor is very varied andthispresents a problem in providing rear view mirrors which can be easilyadjusted between the different width settings that arenecessary to providea clear rear view around thedifferent trailers,implements or attachments which may be used. One option is a telescopingarrangementas described, for example,in U.S. 2003/0117729, but such arrangements arenot simple to adjust if not mechanised and may have penalties in terms of cost and component count. Simpler systems based onpivoting links, described in GB 1 339 123 and U.S.Pat. No. 3,031,929, allow amirror mount to collapse inwards if an obstacle is encountered but do not support adjustment overa wide rangeof width settings whilst remaining visible to the user. | This invention relates to folding _rear_ _view_ mirrors for _vehicles._ With vehicles such _as_ _agricultural_ or industrial tractors the variety of trailers, implements or _attachments_ which may be drawn behind _the_ tractor is _very_ varied and this presents a problem _in_ providing _rear_ view mirrors which can be easily _adjusted_ between the _different_ _width_ _settings_ that _are_ necessary to _provide_ a _clear_ _rear_ view around the different _trailers,_ implements or attachments which _may_ be used. _One_ _option_ is a _telescoping_ arrangement as described, _for_ example, _in_ U.S. _2003/0117729,_ but such arrangements are _not_ simple _to_ adjust if not mechanised and may have penalties in terms of _cost_ _and_ component count. Simpler systems based on pivoting links, _described_ in GB 1 _339_ 123 _and_ _U.S._ Pat. _No._ 3,031,929, _allow_ _a_ mirror mount to collapse inwards if an obstacle _is_ encountered but do not support adjustment over a _wide_ range _of_ _width_ settings whilst remaining visible to the _user._ |
Many vehicles include cargo areas having a relatively flat floor leading to a door, such a liftgate, tailgate or hatchback. The door typically pivots away from the flat floor to facilitate access to the cargo area. As a result of the relatively flat cargo area floor, some objects stored in the cargo area may shift during vehicle travel or otherwise come to rest against the door. Upon movement of the door away from the floor, these objects may roll, slide or otherwise fall out of the cargo area. Particularly with a hatchback or liftgate that pivots vertically away from the cargo floor, it can be difficult to prevent cargo from falling out of the vehicle upon opening the liftgate. | Many vehicles include cargo areas having a relatively flat floor leading to a door, such a liftgate, tailgate or hatchback. The door typically pivots away from the flat floor to facilitate access to the cargo area. As a result of the comparatively flat cargo area floor, some objects stored in the cargo area may shift during vehicle travel or otherwise come to rest against the door. Upon movement of the door away from the floor, these objects may roll, slide or otherwise fall out of the cargo area. Particularly with a hatchback or liftgate that pivots vertically away from the cargo floor, it can be difficult to prevent cargo from falling out of the vehicle upon opening the liftgate. | Many vehicles include cargo areas having a relatively flat floor l$sding to a door, such a liftgate, tailgate or hatchback. The door typically pivots away from the flat floor to facilitate access to the cqrg( area. As a result of the relatively flat cargo area floor, some objects stored in the cargo area may shift during vehicle Grqvel or otherwise Dime to rest against the door. Upon movement of the door xwat from the floor, these objects may roll, slide or otherwise fall out of the cXrgP area. Particularly with a hatchback or liftgate that pivots v#rGically away f%lm the cargo floor, it can be difficult to prevent cargo from falOong out of the vehicle upon opening the littgzte. | Many vehicles include cargo areas having a relatively flat floor leading to a door, such liftgate, tailgate or hatchback. The door typically away from the flat floor facilitate access the cargo area. As a result of the relatively flat cargo area floor, some objects stored the cargo area may vehicle travel or otherwise come rest against the door. Upon movement of the door away from the floor, these objects may roll, slide otherwise fall out of the cargo area. Particularly with a hatchback liftgate that pivots away from the cargo floor, it can be difficult to prevent cargo from falling out of the vehicle upon opening the liftgate. | MaNy VeHIclEs InClUDe CaRgo aReAS haviNG a reLATIVely FlAt FlOor LeAdiNg tO a DooR, SucH a liFtgaTe, tailgAte OR hATCHbacK. thE dOOR TYpicAlly pIVoTS AWay fRoM the flAt FlOOr to FaciliTaTE aCceSs tO tHe Cargo ArEa. aS A RESUlt of the RelaTiVEly FLAt carGO arEa floOr, soME objECTS StOREd In thE CaRGo ArEa MAy SHIFT DuRiNG vehIcLe TraVEl or OTHErwise cOme To reSt agaINsT the DOOR. upOn MOVeMent of the dOor away FrOm ThE fLOOR, tHeSE OBJeCTs mAY roLL, SlIdE OR OThErWISe falL OUt of The caRgO Area. ParTicUlARlY With A haTcHBaCk OR liFtgatE That PivOTs VeRticALlY awAy FrOM tHE CaRgO flOoR, iT caN BE DiFFICUlt tO pRevENt CaRGo FRoM faLLInG OUt of THE VehICLe UPon OPENINg tHE LIFTgate. | Many vehicles include cargo areas havingarelatively flat floor leading to a door,such aliftgate, tailgate or hatchback. The door typically pivots away from the flat floorto facilitate access to thecargo area. Asa result of the relatively flat cargo areafloor, some objects stored in the cargo area may shift during vehicle travel or otherwise come to restagainst the door. Upon movement of the door away fromthe floor,these objects may roll, slideor otherwise fall out ofthecargo area. Particularly with a hatchback orliftgate that pivots vertically away from the cargo floor,it can be difficult to prevent cargo from falling out of the vehicle upon opening the liftgate. | _Many_ _vehicles_ include cargo areas having a relatively flat floor leading to a door, _such_ a liftgate, _tailgate_ or hatchback. _The_ door typically pivots away from the _flat_ floor to facilitate _access_ to _the_ cargo area. As a result of the relatively flat _cargo_ area floor, some objects stored in _the_ cargo _area_ _may_ shift during vehicle travel or otherwise come to _rest_ against the door. Upon movement of the door _away_ from the floor, these objects may _roll,_ _slide_ or _otherwise_ fall out of the cargo _area._ Particularly with a hatchback or liftgate that pivots vertically away from the cargo floor, it can be difficult _to_ prevent cargo from falling out of the vehicle upon opening the liftgate. |
Providing cooling passageways structured to flow cooling fluids from and within components of gas turbine engines remains an area of interest. Some existing systems have various shortcomings relative to certain applications. Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology. | Providing cooling passageways structured to flow cooling fluids from and within components of gas turbine engines remains an area of interest. Some existing systems have various shortcomings relative to certain applications. Accordingly, there cadaver a need for further contributions in this area of technology. | Pfividing cooling passageways str tvtured to fI*w cooling fluids frkj and within components of gas turbine engines remains an area of iJt2rest. Xo,e 4xis^ing sTshems have various shortcomings relative to certain applications. Accordingly, there remaonX a HeWd for further contributions in this area of technology. | Providing cooling passageways structured to flow cooling fluids from and components gas turbine engines remains area of interest. Some existing systems have various shortcomings relative to certain applications. Accordingly, there remains a need for further in this area of technology. | provIdINg CoolInG paSSaGeWayS stRucTuRed to FloW CooLInG fLUiDS frOm and wITHIN COMPOneNTs Of gAS turBinE ENginEs REmains AN AreA OF InterEST. somE eXISting SyStEms hAVe vARioUs sHorTCoMInGs rElAtive to CErtAIn AppLICatIOns. aCCOrdinGlY, tHere reMAins A Need fOr fUrThEr CoNtributIonS IN tHiS arEa of TeChNOLogY. | Providing cooling passageways structuredto flow cooling fluidsfromand within components of gas turbine engines remains an area of interest. Someexisting systems have various shortcomings relative to certain applications. Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this areaof technology. | Providing cooling passageways structured to flow cooling fluids from and within _components_ of _gas_ _turbine_ engines remains _an_ area of interest. Some existing systems have various shortcomings _relative_ to certain applications. Accordingly, there remains a need for further _contributions_ _in_ this area of technology. |
The present invention relates generally to fuel injectors for gasoline engines, and more particular to a unit injector for such engines.
A typical gasoline injector for an automotive engine is connected to a fuel rail which is pressurized to a relatively low pressure. Such pressure is typically in the vicinity of 268 kilo-pascals or 39 PSI. It has proved exceedingly difficult to generate a Properly atomized fuel spray pattern at the injector metering orifice due to this low pressure fuel. Further, since known fuel injectors are often attached directly to the engine, the heat of the engine will cause air bubbles to form within various fuel chambers of the fuel injector. Such air bubbles will cause a cycle to cycle variation in the performance of the fuel injector. The formation of these air bubbles is enhanced by this low pressure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gasoline fuel injector which is communicated to a relatively low source of pressurized fuel and which includes means for increasing such fuel pressure to at least approximately 6895 KPA. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel injector characterized by a finely atomized fuel spray. Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel injector in which the rate of formation of air bubbles is significantly reduced or eliminated. Accordingly, the present invention comprises:
A unit injector adapted to receive fuel from a relatively low pressure source, comprising:
a housing, armature means responsive to an electromagnetic force for opening and closing a metering orifice to control the ejection of fuel therefrom and various fuel receiving chambers disposed about the armature means and upstream of the metering orifice.
The injector further includes a check valve disposed upstream of the fuel receiving chambers, responsive to a pressure differential thereacros to control the flow of fuel to such chambers and first accumulator means disposed in first of the fuel receiving chambers, compressable in response to the Pressure of the fuel therein for pressurizing the fuel in the various fuel receiving chambers and for controlling the rate at which fuel is ejected.
An outer bellows, received about a portion of the housing, fluidly sealed at one end, and adapted to expand and contract as fuel is received and purged therefrom, including a flexible, springlike wall effective to restore the outer bellows to its non-expanded size.
The injector further includes means defining a pressure chamber, means for communicating fuel to and from the bellows to the pressure chamber, means movable with the outer bellows to pressurize the fuel in the pressure chamber and for urging same across the check valve, to pressurize the fuel in the various fuel receiving chambers, compressing the first accumulator means (180), and means for generating the electromagnetic force to move the armature means away from the metering orifice.
In one embodiment of the invention the moveable means includes a cylindrical shaped piston while in another embodiment of the invention such means includes a cup-shaped piston having an insulative liner.
Many other objects and purposes of the invention will be clear from the following detailed description of the drawings. | The present invention relates generally to fuel injectors for gasoline engines, and more particular to a unit injector for such engines. A typical gasoline injector for an automotive engine is connected to a fuel rail which is pressurized to a relatively low pressure. Such pressure is typically in the vicinity of 268 kilo-pascals or 39 PSI. It has proved exceedingly difficult to generate a Properly atomized fuel spray pattern at the injector metering orifice due to this low pressure fuel. Further, since known fuel injectors are often attached directly to the engine, the heat of the engine will cause air bubbles to form within various fuel chambers of the fuel injector. Such air bubbles will cause a cycle to cycle variation in the performance of the fuel injector. The formation of these air bubbles is enhanced by this low pressure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gasoline fuel injector which is communicated to a relatively low source of pressurized fuel and which includes means for increasing such fuel pressure to at least approximately 6895 KPA. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel injector characterized by a finely atomized fuel spray. Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel injector in which the rate of formation of air bubbles is significantly reduced or eliminated. Accordingly, the present invention comprises: A unit injector adapted to receive fuel from a relatively low pressure source, comprising: a housing, armature means responsive to an electromagnetic force for opening and closing a metering orifice to control the ejection of fuel therefrom and various fuel receiving chambers disposed about the armature means and upstream of the metering orifice. The injector further includes a check valve disposed upstream of the fuel receiving chambers, responsive to a pressure differential thereacros to control the flow of fuel to such chambers and first accumulator means disposed in first of the fuel receiving chambers, compressable in response to the Pressure of the fuel therein for pressurizing the fuel in the various fuel receiving chambers and for controlling the rate at which fuel is ejected. An outer bellows, received about a portion of the housing, fluidly sealed at one end, and adapted to expand and contract as fuel is received and purged therefrom, including a flexible, springlike wall effective to restore the outer bellows to its non-expanded size. The injector further includes means defining a pressure chamber, means for communicating fuel to and from the bellows to the pressure chamber, substance movable with the outer bellows to pressurize the fuel in the pressure chamber and for urging same across the check valve, to pressurize the fuel in the various fuel receiving chambers, compressing the first accumulator means (180), and means for generating the electromagnetic force to move the armature means away from the metering orifice. In one embodiment of the invention the moveable means includes a cylindrical shaped piston while in another embodiment of the invention such means includes a cup-shaped piston having an insulative liner. Many other objects and purposes of the invention will be clear from the following detailed description of the drawings. | The present invention relates generally to fuel injectors for gasoline engines, and more particular to a unit injector for such engines. A typical gasoline injector for an automotive engine is connected to a fuel rail which is pressurized to a relatively low pressure. Such pressure is typically in the vicinity of 268 kilo - pascals or 39 PSI. It has proved exceedingly difficult to generate a Properly atomized fuel spray pattern at the injector metering orifice due to this low pressure fuel. Further, since known fuel injectors are often attached directly to the engine, the heat of the engine will cause air Gubvles to form within various fuel chambers of the fuel injector. Such air bubbles will cause a cycle to cycle variation in the performance of the fuel injector. The formation of these air bubbles is enhanced by this low pressure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gasoline fuel injector which is communicated to a relatively low source of pressurized fuel and which includes means for increasing such fuel pressure to at least approximately 6895 KPA. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel injector charactetiz$d by a finely atomized fuel spray. Snothdr object of the present invention is to provide a fuel injector in which the rate of formation of air bubbles is significantly reduced or eliminated. Acc(rdibgly, the present invention comprises: A unit injector adapted to receive fuel from a relatively low pressure source, comprising: a housing, armature means responsive to an electromagnetic force for opening and closing a metering orifice to control the ejection of fuel therefr9j and various fuel receiving chambers dispkqed about the armature m$anE and upstream of the metering orifice. The injector further includes a Fhecu valve disposed upstream of the fuel receiving chambers, responsive to a pressure differential thereacros to control the flow of fuel to such chambers and first accumulator means disposed in first of the fuel receiving chambers, compressable in response to the Pressure of the fuel therein for prfsWurizing the fuel in the various fuel receiving chambers and for controlling the rate at which fuel is ejected. An outer bellows, received about a portion of the housing, fluidly sealed at one end, and adapted to expand and contract as fuel is received and purged therefrom, including a flexible, slginglike wall effective to restore the outer bellows to its non - expanded size. The injector further includes means defining a pressure chamber, means for communicating fuel to and from the bellows to the pressure chamber, means movable with the outer bellows to pressurize the fuel in the pressure chamber and for urging same across the check valve, to pressurize the fuel in the various fuel receiving chambers, compressing the first accumulator means (180 ), and means for generating the electromagnetic force to move the armature means away from the metering orifice. In one embodiment of the invention the moveable means includes a cylindrical shaped piston while in another embodiment of the invention such means includes a cup - shaped piston having an insulative liner. Many other objects and purposes of the invention will be clear from the following detailed description of the drawings. | The present invention relates generally to injectors for gasoline engines, and more particular to a injector for such engines. A typical gasoline injector for an engine is connected to a fuel rail which pressurized a relatively low pressure. Such pressure is typically in the vicinity of 268 or 39 PSI. It has proved exceedingly difficult generate a Properly pattern at the injector metering orifice due to this low pressure fuel. since known injectors are often attached directly to the engine, the heat of the engine will cause air bubbles to form within various fuel of the fuel injector. Such air cause a cycle to cycle in the performance of the fuel injector. The formation of these air bubbles enhanced by this low pressure. It is object of the present invention provide a gasoline fuel injector which is to a relatively low of pressurized fuel and which includes means for such fuel pressure to at least approximately 6895 KPA. It is a further object of the present invention to provide fuel injector characterized by a finely atomized fuel spray. object of the present invention is to provide a fuel injector in which the rate of formation of air bubbles is significantly reduced eliminated. Accordingly, the present invention comprises: A unit adapted to receive fuel from a relatively low pressure source, comprising: a housing, armature means responsive to an electromagnetic force for opening and closing metering orifice to control the ejection of fuel and various fuel disposed about the armature means upstream of the metering orifice. The further a check valve upstream of the receiving chambers, responsive to a pressure differential thereacros to control the flow of fuel to such chambers first accumulator means disposed in first of the fuel receiving chambers, compressable in response to the Pressure of the fuel therein for pressurizing the fuel in the various fuel receiving chambers and for controlling the rate at which fuel ejected. An outer bellows, received about a portion of housing, fluidly sealed at one end, and adapted to expand and contract as is received and purged therefrom, including a flexible, springlike wall effective to restore the outer bellows to its non-expanded size. The injector further includes means defining a pressure chamber, means for communicating fuel from the bellows the pressure chamber, movable with the outer bellows to pressurize the fuel in the pressure chamber and for urging same across the check valve, to the in the various fuel receiving chambers, compressing the first accumulator means (180), and means generating the electromagnetic to move the armature means away from the metering orifice. In one of the invention the moveable means a cylindrical shaped piston while in embodiment of the invention such means includes a cup-shaped piston having an insulative liner. other objects purposes of the invention will be clear from the following detailed description of the drawings. | thE prEsenT inVENtIOn reLATeS GENErALLy to fuel INJectoRS FoR GASolInE ENGInEs, And MoRe pARTIculAr To A Unit iNjeCTOR FOR suCH ENgINES.
a tyPIcAL gasoLIne injectOR fOR aN AutOMOTIvE eNGinE is cOnNeCTed To A fueL rAIL wHIcH is PrEssURized TO a rElATivELy LoW PReSSuRE. suCh PRESsUre Is tYpICALly iN THe viCInity of 268 kiLO-pASCAlS Or 39 Psi. it hAs pRoVed eXcEeDiNGLY DiFFiculT To gENERatE A ProperLY AtoMIzeD fUEl Spray pAttern AT tHe InJeCtOr mETERiNg OrifIce due to THiS Low pResSuRE fUEl. fuRTher, SinCE kNOWN fUel InjectoRS aRE oFten attAcHEd diReCTLY to the ENgIne, the HEaT Of The eNgINE WILl CaUsE aIR BubbLeS To FoRM WIthIn vARious fUel CHaMbeRS of thE fuEl iNjecTOr. SUch aIR bUbbles WILL CAUSE A cyCLe to cYCle VaRIATIon IN tHe pERfORMAnce oF THe fuel inJEctor. the forMatION Of thEse air BubbLes Is enHanCED BY thIs loW PREsSUre. It IS An OBjECt Of ThE preSEnT invenTioN TO pROVIDe a GasOlinE Fuel InjECTor WhicH is comMUNIcAtED to a rElATivELY lOW SOurCE of PrESsurIZEd fUEL anD whiCH incluDEs mEanS for increASInG sUch Fuel pREssuRE tO AT leAsT apPrOxImateLY 6895 KPa. IT is A FurtHER objecT Of THE PReSEnt inVENTION To proVIDE A fuEL InJeCtOR CHarActeRiZED bY a fINElY aToMIZEd FUEl sPrAy. anOThER ObjEct Of THe pReSEnT InveNtiON Is to pRovIDe A fuEl iNJeCtOR iN whICH THe RATe OF FormaTION oF aIr bUBbLeS iS siGNificaNtly rEDuCEd OR elImiNaTed. aCcordiNGly, thE prEsENT InVeNtIoN CoMPrISes:
a UniT inJeCToR AdapteD to ReCEIVE FuEL from A rElAtIVely lOW PRESSURe SOurCE, cOMpRIsInG:
a HoUSiNG, arMATUre mEans rEspONSive to an ELecTRoMAGNetiC forcE FoR oPeninG ANd closIng a meteRiNg OrIFice to coNtrOl thE eJECtiOn of FueL TheRefRom AND VaRiOuS fUEl REceivInG ChAmbers diSpOsEd AbOut the arMaTurE MEanS and UPSTREam OF The metErIng oRifIce.
THe InJeCTor fURTher incLUDEs a cHECK valvE diSpOsED uPsTReAm Of THe fUEl receiviNG cHaMBErs, RespoNsivE to A PResSure difFerENtIAl tHerEACROS to CoNTRoL ThE FLow oF fUel TO suCH cHAMbers aND fIRST accUMulAtOr mEanS disPOSEd In firsT of THE fuEl REceIvinG chAmbeRs, COmpReSsablE in REspOnSe To tHE pRESsUre of ThE fueL THereIN FOR PRESsuRIzInG thE fUel iN the VARioUS fUeL rEcEiVIng ChAMbeRS anD FOR CoNTRoLLinG The RaTE aT wHICH fuEL Is ejECtED.
an OuTer beLLows, REceIveD AbOuT A PoRTion Of the HOusinG, fluidLy SEaled AT oNE EnD, And Adapted to ExpaNd And coNTrACT AS fuel is receIVED and PuRgeD TheRefroM, INCLuDInG a fLeXIBLe, SPrinGlikE WalL eFfECTiVE to REstOre THE outER BeLloWs To iTs noN-eXPaNDed sIze.
tHE InJectoR FuRtHer InClUdEs mEANs DefIning A pRESsure CHamBER, mEAns FoR cOMmUNIcATiNG fuEl TO And FRoM the bEllows to The pressurE cHAmBeR, mEaNs MOvABLE witH The OUter belLoWs to pRessUrIze tHE fUel iN The preSSurE chAmBeR and fOr urgIng SaMe acrOss thE cHeCK VAlve, To PReSsURIzE The fUeL In THe vARIOUS fUEl rECeIVInG cHAmBeRs, coMpresSinG the fiRsT ACCUmULator mEANs (180), And MEanS FOr genEraTiNg THe elEctRomagnetIC force to move thE ARmAtUre MeANs AWay FROm THE METERInG orIFICe.
in ONe embODimeNT oF the inVentIOn the mOVeAbLE meANs InCluDes a CYLIndRIcal sHAped PIStoN whIle IN aNOTHER eMBOdIMEnT OF thE InvENTIon SUch MeAnS iNCluDES a cUP-SHaPed pistON Having an INsulAtIve LINeR.
MaNy otheR ObJEcTS ANd PUrPoseS OF tHe InVEntiON WiLl be cLeAr FROm tHe FoLLOWing DETAIled desCRiptION oF THe DrAWIngs. | The presentinvention relates generally tofuel injectors for gasoline engines, and more particular to a unit injector for such engines. A typical gasoline injector for an automotive engine is connected toa fuel rail which is pressurized to a relativelylow pressure.Such pressureis typicallyinthe vicinity of 268kilo-pascals or 39 PSI.Ithas proved exceedingly difficultto generate aProperly atomized fuel spray patternat the injector metering orifice due to this low pressurefuel.Further, since known fuel injectors are often attached directly to the engine, the heat of theengine will cause air bubbles to form withinvarious fuelchambersof the fuelinjector. Such air bubbles will cause a cycle to cycle variation in theperformance of the fuel injector. The formation of these air bubbles is enhanced bythis low pressure. Itis an object of the present inventionto providea gasoline fuel injector which is communicated to a relatively low source ofpressurizedfuel and which includes means for increasing such fuel pressure to at least approximately6895 KPA. It isa further object of thepresent invention to provide a fuel injector characterized by a finely atomized fuel spray. Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel injector inwhich the rate of formation of air bubbles is significantlyreduced or eliminated. Accordingly, the present invention comprises: A unit injector adapted to receive fuel from a relatively low pressure source, comprising:a housing,armaturemeansresponsive to an electromagnetic force for opening and closing a metering orifice to control theejectionof fuel therefrom and variousfuel receiving chambers disposed about the armature meansandupstreamof the metering orifice. The injector further includes a check valvedisposed upstream of the fuel receivingchambers, responsive to a pressure differential thereacrosto control the flow of fuel to such chambers and first accumulator means disposed in first of the fuel receiving chambers, compressable in response to the Pressure of thefuel therein for pressurizing thefuel in the various fuel receiving chambers and for controlling therate at which fuelis ejected. An outer bellows, receivedabouta portion of the housing, fluidlysealed at one end, and adapted to expandand contract as fuel is received and purged therefrom, includinga flexible, springlike wall effective to restore the outer bellows to its non-expanded size. The injector further includes means defining apressure chamber,means for communicating fueltoand from the bellows to the pressure chamber, means movable with the outer bellows to pressurize the fuel in the pressure chamber and for urging same across the check valve, to pressurize the fuel in the various fuel receiving chambers, compressing the first accumulator means (180), and means for generating the electromagnetic force to move the armature meansaway from the metering orifice. In one embodiment of the inventionthe moveable means includes a cylindrical shaped piston while in another embodiment of theinvention such means includesa cup-shaped piston having an insulativeliner.Many other objects and purposes oftheinvention will be clear from thefollowing detaileddescription of thedrawings. | The present invention _relates_ generally to fuel _injectors_ for gasoline engines, and more particular to a unit injector for such _engines._ A typical gasoline injector for _an_ automotive engine _is_ connected _to_ a fuel _rail_ which is pressurized to _a_ relatively _low_ _pressure._ _Such_ pressure is _typically_ in the vicinity of 268 kilo-pascals _or_ 39 PSI. It has _proved_ exceedingly difficult to generate a Properly _atomized_ fuel spray pattern at _the_ injector metering orifice due to this _low_ pressure fuel. Further, _since_ known fuel injectors are often attached _directly_ to _the_ engine, the heat _of_ the engine will cause air bubbles to form within various fuel _chambers_ of the fuel injector. Such air bubbles _will_ cause a cycle to cycle _variation_ _in_ the _performance_ of the fuel injector. _The_ formation _of_ _these_ air bubbles is enhanced by this low pressure. It is an object of _the_ present invention _to_ provide a gasoline fuel injector which is communicated to _a_ relatively low source of pressurized fuel and which includes means for increasing such fuel pressure to at least approximately 6895 KPA. It is a _further_ object _of_ the present invention to provide _a_ _fuel_ injector characterized _by_ a _finely_ _atomized_ fuel spray. Another object of _the_ present invention _is_ to _provide_ a fuel injector in which the _rate_ of formation of _air_ _bubbles_ _is_ significantly reduced or eliminated. Accordingly, the present invention _comprises:_ _A_ unit _injector_ adapted to receive fuel from _a_ relatively low pressure source, comprising: a housing, armature _means_ responsive to _an_ electromagnetic force for _opening_ and closing _a_ metering _orifice_ to control the ejection of fuel therefrom and various fuel receiving chambers disposed about the armature means and upstream of the metering orifice. The injector further includes a check _valve_ disposed _upstream_ of the _fuel_ receiving chambers, responsive to a pressure differential thereacros _to_ control the flow of fuel _to_ _such_ chambers and first accumulator means _disposed_ in first of the fuel _receiving_ chambers, _compressable_ in _response_ to _the_ Pressure _of_ the fuel therein for pressurizing the fuel in _the_ various fuel receiving chambers and for controlling the rate at _which_ fuel is _ejected._ _An_ outer bellows, _received_ about a portion of the _housing,_ fluidly sealed at one end, and adapted to _expand_ and contract as fuel _is_ _received_ and purged therefrom, including a flexible, springlike wall _effective_ to restore the outer bellows to its non-expanded size. The injector further includes _means_ defining a pressure chamber, _means_ for communicating fuel to and from the bellows to the pressure chamber, means movable _with_ the outer bellows to pressurize the fuel in the pressure chamber and for urging _same_ across the _check_ valve, to pressurize the fuel in _the_ various _fuel_ receiving chambers, compressing the _first_ _accumulator_ means (180), _and_ means for generating the electromagnetic force to move the armature means away _from_ the metering orifice. In one embodiment of the invention _the_ moveable means _includes_ a cylindrical shaped _piston_ while in another _embodiment_ of the invention such _means_ includes a cup-shaped piston _having_ an insulative liner. Many other _objects_ and purposes of the invention will be clear from the following detailed description of the drawings. |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pedal, and more particularly to a pedal for a bicycle.
2. Description of Related Art
When a bicycle rider is riding on a bicycle, he/or she has to alternatively and repeatedly tread on two pedals of the bicycle with his/or her legs so as to drive the bicycle to move forward. However, when the bicycle rider rides on an bumpy road or when the bottoms of the shoes of the bicycle rider is too slippery, the legs of the bicycle rider would unexpectedly depart from the pedals, and his feet would be hurt by the impact of the pedals. This is particularly a serious condition in a bicycle racing contest.
A conventional bicycle pedal set comprises two pedal bodies, a driving assembly and a braking system. The two pedal bodies are respectively pivoted on two cranks of a bicycle. Each pedal body comprises a controlling member and an engaging member. The controlling member drives the engaging member so that the engaging member is selectively positioned in one of an engaging state and a releasing state. The driving assembly drives the two controlling members of the two pedal bodies. The braking system connects the driving assembly, a front wheel brake lever of the bicycle, a rear wheel brake lever of the bicycle, and two brakes of the bicycle. Under this arrangement, when the rear wheel brake lever is not pressed, the engaging members are positioned in the engaging state; in contrast, when the rear wheel brake lever is pressed, the braking system drives the driving assembly so as to drive the controlling members of the pedal bodies; as a result, the engaging members are positioned in the releasing state by the controlling members.
However, the conventional bicycle pedal set has a disadvantage as following.
The conventional bicycle pedal set is heavier than another bicycle pedal set without the engaging member. Actually, weight reduction is recently an important topic for improving the performance of the bicycle.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the disadvantages of the conventional. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pedal, and more particularly to a pedal for a bicycle. 2. Description of Related Art When a bicycle rider is riding on a bicycle, he/or she has to alternatively and repeatedly tread on two pedals of the bicycle with his/or her legs so as to drive the bicycle to move forward. However, when the bicycle rider rides on an bumpy road or when the bottoms of the shoes of the bicycle rider is too slippery, the branch of the bicycle rider would unexpectedly depart from the pedals, and his feet would be hurt by the impact of the pedals. This is particularly a serious condition in a bicycle racing contest. A conventional bicycle pedal set comprises two pedal bodies, a driving assembly and a braking system. The two pedal bodies are respectively pivoted on two cranks of a bicycle. Each pedal body comprises a controlling member and an engaging member. The controlling member drives the engaging member so that the engaging member is selectively positioned in one of an engaging state and a releasing state. The driving assembly drives the two controlling members of the two pedal bodies. The braking system connects the driving assembly, a front wheel brake lever of the bicycle, a rear wheel brake lever of the bicycle, and two brakes of the bicycle. Under this arrangement, when the rear wheel brake lever is not pressed, the engaging members are positioned in the engaging state; in contrast, when the rear wheel brake lever is pressed, the braking system drives the driving assembly so as to drive the controlling members of the pedal bodies; as a result, the engaging members are positioned in the releasing state by the controlling members. However, the conventional bicycle pedal set has a disadvantage as following. The conventional bicycle pedal set is heavier than another bicycle pedal set without the engaging member. Actually, weight reduction is recently an important topic for improving the performance of the bicycle. The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the disadvantages of the conventional. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pedal, and more particularly to a pedal for a bicycle. 2. Description of Related Art When a bicycle rider is riding on a bicycle, he / or she has to alternatively and repeatedly tread on two pedals of the bicycle with his / or her legs so as to drive the bicycle to move forward. However, when the bicycle rider g8des on an b^m)y road or when the bottoms of the shoes of the bicycle rider is too slippery, the legs of the bicycle rider would unexpectedly depart from the pedals, and his feet would be hurt by the impact of the pedals. This is particularly a serious condituoH in a Vicucle racing contest. A conventional bicycle pedal set comprises two pedal bodies, a driving assembly and a braking system. The two pedal bodies are respeFtiveiy pivoted on two cranks of a bicycle. Each LedaK body comprises a controlling member and an engaging member. The controlling member drives the engaging member so that the engaging member is selectively positioned in one of an engaging state and a releasing state. The driving assembly drives the two controlling members of the two pedal bodies. The braking system connects the driving assembly, a front wheel brake lever of the bicycle, a rear wheel brake lever of the bicycle, and two brakes of the bicycle. Under this arrangement, wueG the rear wheel brake lever is not pressed, the engaging members are positioned in the engaging state; in contrast, when the rear wheel brake lever is pressed, the braking system drives the driving assembly so as to drive the controlling members of the pedal bodies; as a result, the engaging members are positioned in the releasing state by the controlling members. However, the conventional bicycle pedal set has a disadvantage as following. The conventional bicycle pedal set is heavier than another bicycle pedal set without the engaging meJHer. Actually, weight reduction is recently an imLoGtant topic for improving the performance of the bicycle. The present invention has arKcen to mitigate and / or obviate the disadvantages of the conventional. | 1. Field of the Invention The present relates to pedal, and more particularly to a pedal for a bicycle. 2. Description of Related Art When bicycle rider is riding on a bicycle, he/or has to alternatively and repeatedly tread on two of the bicycle with his/or her legs so as drive the bicycle to move forward. However, when bicycle rider rides on an bumpy road or when the bottoms of the shoes of the bicycle rider is too slippery, the legs of bicycle rider would unexpectedly depart from the pedals, and his feet would be hurt by impact of pedals. This is particularly a serious condition in a racing contest. conventional bicycle pedal set comprises pedal bodies, a driving assembly and a braking system. The two pedal are respectively pivoted on two cranks of a bicycle. Each pedal body comprises a controlling member and an engaging member. The controlling member drives the engaging member so that the engaging member selectively positioned in one of an engaging state and releasing state. The driving assembly drives the two controlling members of two pedal bodies. The braking system connects the driving assembly, a front wheel lever of a rear wheel brake lever of the and two brakes of bicycle. arrangement, the rear wheel brake lever is not pressed, the engaging members are positioned in the engaging state; contrast, when the rear wheel brake lever is pressed, the braking system drives driving assembly so as to drive the controlling members of the pedal bodies; as a result, engaging members are positioned in the releasing state by the controlling members. However, the conventional bicycle pedal set has a following. conventional bicycle pedal set is heavier than another bicycle pedal set without the engaging Actually, weight reduction is recently an important topic improving the performance of the bicycle. The invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the disadvantages of the conventional. | 1. FIELd Of The inVeNtIoN
THe prEsenT iNVEntIOn rELAtEs TO A pEDal, and mOrE paRTIcularly to a PEdAL FOr A bICYcLE.
2. deScriPTion of RElATEd arT
whEN a bICyClE rIdeR Is RIDing oN A bICyCle, he/Or she HaS tO AlTErnAtivElY AnD REpeATedLy TREaD oN twO PeDALs Of ThE bICyClE WITh his/oR heR LeGs so aS tO DrIvE thE biCycLE TO move fOrwArD. HoWeVEr, WhEn the biCyClE RIdeR rIdEs oN aN BuMPy rOaD OR WHen tHE bOtTomS OF tHE shOES oF tHE BICYCle rIdEr iS ToO SLipPERY, thE lEgS of ThE bicyCLE rIdeR WoULd uNexPECtEDLy dePaRT fROM tHe pedALs, And HIs feet woulD be Hurt By the ImpACt of tHE PeDALS. THis Is parTiCulArlY a SeriouS conDiTiOn in A BICycle RAcIng coNTesT.
A COnvEntionaL bICycle peDal SeT COmprisES TWO peDAL BODIes, A DriVing ASsEMbLy anD A brAKIng sySTEM. THE TwO PedaL Bodies aRe resPectIvelY PivOtED oN TWO CRaNks Of A BiCYclE. EACh PedaL BODY ComPrisES A ConTrOLlInG mEMbER And AN eNgaginG meMbeR. ThE ContrOLLING mEMbeR driVEs ThE EngAGing MeMBer SO thAt the engAGiNG MEMbeR IS sELEctiVelY POSitioNeD iN one Of An EngAGIng StAtE ANd A rElEasING staTe. ThE DriVinG Assembly DrIves The Two COnTroLlIng MEmBeRS oF THE two pEDAL BoDieS. ThE BRAkInG SySTem coNNEctS The DRIvINg asseMBly, A froNt wheel bRAKe lEvER oF the BicyCLE, a REAr Wheel brAke LEveR oF tHE BiCyclE, anD tWo BraKES oF THE BicyClE. uNder ThIs ArrangEMenT, wHeN THE REAr WhEel bRAke LEVer IS NoT PreSsEd, tHE enGAgiNg mEMbERS aRe PosiTioNed iN the EngagING sTATE; IN CoNTraSt, wHEn THE rEar whEel brAke LEvEr iS prESSEd, The BRAking sYsTEM dRiVES tHe dRiving aSSeMBly sO As TO drIVe The CoNtrOLlinG MeMbeRS of ThE pEdaL boDIEs; As A reSUlt, THE EnGAgING meMbERS aRe POSitiOneD IN The reLeasiNG STaTe bY thE coNtROLliNg MEMbErS.
HoweVeR, The cOnVentIOnAL bicYCLe peDAL sET Has A diSAdVanTAGe As fOLlOwING.
the cOnvEntIoNal BICyClE PEDaL SeT iS heavIER THAn ANOtHEr Bicycle PedAL SeT WItHOut thE ENgAgINg MEMbeR. acTuAlly, WEiGHt rEduCTIOn iS RECeNTly aN iMpoRTaNt ToPic FOr IMprOVING thE pErfOrmaNce oF tHe BIcYCLE.
the PRESeNT invEnTION HAs ArISen To mITIgaTE aNd/or obVIATE tHe dISADvANTaGES oF tHe CoNvENtIOnaL. | 1.Field of the InventionThe present invention relatesto a pedal, and more particularly to a pedal for a bicycle.2. Description of Related Art Whena bicycle rider isriding on a bicycle, he/or she has to alternatively and repeatedlytread on two pedals of the bicycle withhis/or her legs so as to drive the bicycle to move forward. However, whenthe bicycle rider rides on an bumpyroad or when the bottoms of the shoes of the bicycle rider is too slippery,the legs of the bicyclerider would unexpectedly depart from the pedals, and his feet wouldbe hurt bythe impact of the pedals. Thisisparticularly a serious conditionina bicycle racing contest. A conventionalbicycle pedal set comprisestwo pedal bodies, a driving assembly and a braking system. The two pedal bodies are respectively pivotedon two cranks of abicycle. Each pedal body comprises a controllingmember and an engaging member. The controllingmember drives the engaging member so that the engagingmember is selectively positioned inone of an engagingstate anda releasing state. Thedriving assembly drives the two controllingmembers of thetwopedal bodies. The braking system connects the driving assembly, a front wheel brake leverof the bicycle, a rear wheel brake lever of the bicycle, andtwo brakes ofthebicycle. Under thisarrangement, when the rear wheel brake lever isnotpressed, the engaging members arepositioned in the engaging state; in contrast, when the rearwheel brake lever is pressed, the braking system drivesthe driving assembly so as to drive the controlling membersof the pedal bodies;as a result,the engaging members are positionedin the releasing state by the controllingmembers. However, theconventional bicycle pedalset has a disadvantage asfollowing. The conventional bicycle pedal set is heavier thananother bicycle pedal set without the engaging member. Actually, weight reduction is recently an important topic for improving the performance of the bicycle. The present invention has arisento mitigate and/or obviatethe disadvantagesof the conventional. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention _relates_ to a pedal, and more particularly to a _pedal_ for a bicycle. 2. Description of Related Art _When_ a bicycle rider is riding on _a_ bicycle, he/or she has to alternatively and repeatedly _tread_ on two _pedals_ of the bicycle _with_ his/or her legs so as to drive the bicycle to move forward. However, _when_ _the_ bicycle _rider_ _rides_ _on_ _an_ bumpy road _or_ when the bottoms of the shoes of the bicycle rider is too slippery, _the_ legs of the bicycle rider would unexpectedly depart from the pedals, and his feet _would_ be hurt by _the_ impact of the pedals. This is _particularly_ a serious condition in _a_ bicycle racing contest. _A_ conventional bicycle pedal set comprises two pedal bodies, a _driving_ assembly _and_ a braking system. _The_ _two_ pedal bodies are respectively pivoted on two _cranks_ of _a_ bicycle. _Each_ pedal _body_ comprises a controlling _member_ and an _engaging_ member. The controlling member _drives_ _the_ _engaging_ member so that the engaging _member_ is selectively _positioned_ _in_ one of an engaging state and a _releasing_ state. The driving assembly _drives_ the two _controlling_ members of the two pedal _bodies._ _The_ braking system connects the driving assembly, a front _wheel_ brake lever of the bicycle, _a_ rear _wheel_ brake lever of the _bicycle,_ _and_ two _brakes_ of _the_ _bicycle._ _Under_ this arrangement, when the rear wheel _brake_ lever is _not_ pressed, _the_ _engaging_ _members_ are positioned in the engaging state; in _contrast,_ when the rear wheel brake lever is _pressed,_ the _braking_ system drives the driving assembly so as to drive the controlling members of the pedal _bodies;_ as a result, the _engaging_ members are _positioned_ _in_ the releasing state by the _controlling_ _members._ However, the conventional bicycle pedal set has a disadvantage as following. _The_ conventional bicycle _pedal_ set is heavier than another _bicycle_ pedal set without the engaging member. _Actually,_ weight _reduction_ _is_ recently _an_ important topic for improving the performance _of_ the bicycle. _The_ present invention has arisen _to_ mitigate and/or obviate the disadvantages of the conventional. |
The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Crapemyrtle plant, botanically known as Lagerstroemia indica and hereinafter referred to by the name ‘G2X133143’.
The new Crapemyrtle plant is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Bellefonte, Pa. The objective of the breeding program was to develop new compact, mounding and freely-branching Crapemyrtle plants with large inflorescences, high temperature tolerance, winter hardiness and resistance to Powdery Mildew.
The new Crapemyrtle plant originated from a cross-pollination conducted by the Inventor in August, 2010 of a proprietary selection of Lagerstroemia indica identified as code number 8170-2, not patented, as the female, or seed, parent with Lagerstroemia indica ‘Coral Filli’, disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,317, as the male, or pollen, parent. The new Crapemyrtle plant was discovered and selected by the Inventor on Jan. 9, 2011 as a single flowering plant from within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination in a controlled nursery environment in Bellefonte, Pa.
Asexual reproduction of the new Crapemyrtle plant by vegetative tip cuttings in a controlled greenhouse environment in Bellefonte, Pa. since Feb. 2, 2011 has shown that the unique features of the new Crapemyrtle plant are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction. | The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Crapemyrtle plant, botanically known as Lagerstroemia indica and hereinafter referred to by the name ‘G2X133143’. The new Crapemyrtle plant is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Bellefonte, Pa. The objective of the breeding program was to develop new compact, mounding and freely-branching Crapemyrtle plants with large inflorescences, high temperature tolerance, winter hardiness and resistance to Powdery Mildew. The new Crapemyrtle plant originated from a cross-pollination conducted by the Inventor in August, 2010 of a proprietary selection of genus Lagerstroemia indica identified as code number 8170-2, not patented, as the female, or seed, parent with Lagerstroemia indica ‘Coral Filli’, disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,317, as the male, or pollen, parent. The new Crapemyrtle plant was discovered and selected by the Inventor on Jan. 9, 2011 as a single flowering plant from within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination in a controlled nursery environment in Bellefonte, Pa. Asexual reproduction of the new Crapemyrtle plant by vegetative tip cuttings in a controlled greenhouse environment in Bellefonte, Pa. since Feb. 2, 2011 has shown that the unique features of the new Crapemyrtle plant are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction. | The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Crapemyrtle Llagt, botanically known as Lagerstroemia indica and hereinafter referred to by the name ‘ G2X133143 ’. The new Crapemyrtle plant is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Bellefonte, Pa. The objective of the breeding program was to develop new compact, mounding and RrFely - branching Crapemyrtle plants with large inflorescences, Tigt temperature tolerance, winter hardiness and resistance to Powdery Mildew. The new CrapemHrtlw plant originated from a cross - pollination conducted by the Inventor in August, 2010 of a proprietary selection of Lagerstroemia indica identified as code number 8170 - 2, not patented, as the female, or seed, parent with Lagerstroemia 7nxica ‘ Coral Filli ’, disclosed in U. S. Plant Pat. No. 14, 317, as the ma<d, or pollen, parent. The new Crapemyrtle plant was discovered and selected by the Inventor on Jan. 9, 2011 as a CKngle flowering plant from within the progeny of the stated cross - pollination in a controlled nursery environment in Bellefonte, Pa. Asexual reproduction of the new Crapemyrtle plant by vegetative tip cuttings in a controlled greenhouse environment in BellwTonte, Pa. since Feb. 2, 2011 has shown that the unique features of the new Crapemyrtle p?aJt are stable and reproduced $Gue to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction. | The present invention relates to a new and cultivar Crapemyrtle plant, known as Lagerstroemia indica hereinafter referred to by the name ‘G2X133143’. new Crapemyrtle plant is a product a planned breeding program by the Inventor in Bellefonte, Pa. The objective of the breeding was to new compact, mounding and freely-branching Crapemyrtle plants with large inflorescences, high temperature tolerance, winter hardiness and resistance to Powdery Mildew. The new Crapemyrtle plant originated from a cross-pollination conducted by the Inventor in August, 2010 of a proprietary selection of Lagerstroemia indica identified code number 8170-2, not patented, as the female, or seed, parent with Lagerstroemia indica ‘Coral Filli’, disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,317, as the male, pollen, The new Crapemyrtle plant was discovered and selected by the Inventor on Jan. 9, 2011 as a single flowering plant from within the progeny of the stated in a controlled environment Bellefonte, Pa. Asexual reproduction of the new Crapemyrtle by vegetative tip cuttings in a controlled greenhouse environment in Bellefonte, Pa. since Feb. 2, 2011 has shown that the unique features of the new Crapemyrtle plant are and true in successive generations asexual reproduction. | the PreSent INvEntiON RelateS To a NeW AND disTINCt CUlTivAr OF cRaPEmYRtLE pLant, botanICAlly kNoWn aS LAgERsTroEmIA INdICA And HereiNaFteR ReFeRRed TO By ThE nAME ‘G2X133143’.
the nEW CraPEmyRTlE pLANT iS A PRoDuCT OF A plAnnED bReedINg PrOgram CONdUCted by The inVENTOr IN BeLlefonTE, pa. thE objeCtive oF ThE BrEedInG ProgRaM waS To DEVelOP NEW COMPACT, mOuNDIng anD frEeLy-bRanchING cRaPemyrTLE PlaNts WitH lArge InFLoReScEncEs, hIGH tEMPeRAtURe tOlERanCE, wINteR hardIness aND ResiStanCE To POWderY MIldew.
THe New CRApEmyRTLe plANt OrIGiNated froM A crOsS-POLLINAtIOn CONDucTEd by The iNVENtoR iN auGUST, 2010 of A PRoprIeTARy SeLeCTion of lAgerStRoEmIa inDica IDENtIfIEd as cODe NuMBER 8170-2, NOT patEnted, As The femALE, or SEEd, pArent wITh LAGeRsTroEmIA INdiCa ‘COrAL fillI’, dIscLoSed in U.S. PLaNt PaT. NO. 14,317, aS tHE maLE, OR pollEn, parEnt. The nEW crapEMYRtLe Plant wAs DiSCoVerED ANd sEleCtEd By the InveNTOr oN jAN. 9, 2011 as A siNGLe fLowERINg PLANT FrOm wiThiN The PROGenY of THe stAted cROSS-poLliNaTion in A CoNtrOlled NUrSEry ENviROnmeNt iN BelLEfonTe, PA.
aseXuaL reProDuctiOn oF the NEw cRApEMyrTLe PLAnT BY VeGetAtIVe tIP cuTTINGS In a CoNtrOllEd GreEnhousE EnviRoNMent iN BEllefonTe, pA. SInce feB. 2, 2011 HAs Shown THaT ThE UniqUE fEatureS of THE nEW crAPeMYrtLE plAnt aRE STAblE And rEprOdUCed True tO Type IN SUCcESsiVe geNeratIONS OF aSexuaL rEprOductiON. | The present invention relates toa new and distinct cultivar of Crapemyrtleplant, botanically known as Lagerstroemia indica and hereinafter referred to by the name ‘G2X133143’. The new Crapemyrtle plant is a productof a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Bellefonte, Pa. The objective of the breeding program was to developnew compact,mounding and freely-branching Crapemyrtle plants with large inflorescences, high temperaturetolerance, winter hardiness and resistance to Powdery Mildew. The newCrapemyrtle plant originated froma cross-pollination conducted bythe Inventor in August, 2010 of aproprietary selection of Lagerstroemia indica identified as code number 8170-2, not patented, as the female,or seed, parent with Lagerstroemia indica‘Coral Filli’, disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,317, as the male, or pollen, parent. The new Crapemyrtle plantwas discoveredand selected by theInventor on Jan. 9, 2011as a single flowering plant from within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination in a controlled nursery environment in Bellefonte, Pa. Asexual reproduction of the new Crapemyrtle plantby vegetativetip cuttingsin a controlled greenhouse environment in Bellefonte, Pa.since Feb. 2, 2011 has shownthat the unique features of the new Crapemyrtleplantare stable andreproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction. | The present invention relates to _a_ new and distinct _cultivar_ of _Crapemyrtle_ plant, _botanically_ known _as_ Lagerstroemia indica and hereinafter referred to by the name ‘G2X133143’. The new _Crapemyrtle_ plant is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by _the_ _Inventor_ _in_ Bellefonte, Pa. The objective _of_ _the_ breeding _program_ _was_ to _develop_ new _compact,_ mounding _and_ _freely-branching_ Crapemyrtle plants with large _inflorescences,_ high temperature tolerance, winter hardiness and _resistance_ to Powdery _Mildew._ The new Crapemyrtle plant originated from _a_ cross-pollination conducted by the Inventor in August, 2010 of a proprietary selection of Lagerstroemia indica identified as _code_ number 8170-2, not patented, as the _female,_ or seed, parent with Lagerstroemia indica ‘Coral Filli’, _disclosed_ in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,317, as _the_ _male,_ _or_ pollen, parent. _The_ new Crapemyrtle plant was discovered and selected by _the_ Inventor on Jan. _9,_ 2011 as a _single_ flowering plant from within the progeny of the _stated_ cross-pollination _in_ a _controlled_ nursery environment in Bellefonte, _Pa._ Asexual reproduction of _the_ _new_ Crapemyrtle plant by vegetative tip cuttings in a controlled _greenhouse_ _environment_ in Bellefonte, Pa. _since_ Feb. 2, 2011 _has_ _shown_ that the unique features of the _new_ Crapemyrtle plant are stable and reproduced true to type in _successive_ generations of asexual _reproduction._ |
The present invention relates to a fiber opening device in a spinning unit of an open-end spinning machine, and more particularly such a device having an opening roller rotatably mounted in a housing to which a sliver is fed by a drawing-in roller.
In open-end spinning, a sliver consisting of fibers that are generally parallel is combed to separate the fibers by an opening roller enclosed in a housing and the fibers are fed by air current in the housing to a fiber discharge opening in the housing from which they pass through a fiber guide tube to the spinning element, e.g. a spinning rotor.
As the fibers are of small size, even very small crevices between and within the components of the device, such as at edges and corners, can result in entrapment of individual fibers and the accumulation of a clump of fibers that disrupts the even flow of fibers that may ultimately break loose and pass into the spinning rotor to create a faulty slub in the yarn.
Typical of the known fiber opening devices in open-end spinning machines is the device disclosed in German patent document DE-PS No. 19 14 115, in which a trash discharge opening for separating trash, such as hull particles, dirt, etc., is formed in the housing between the drawing-in roller and the fiber discharge opening to the guide tube. Such a trash discharge opening will allow undesirable clumps of fibers to be discharged and not pass through the guide tube to the rotor, but it does not prevent the formation of clumps, which can result in faulty yarn, e.g. thin areas, during the formation of a clump of fibers prior to being broken loose and discharged. In known fiber opening devices, there are several locations at which fibers can be caught and accumulate in crevices. Typical of these are the pivoted feed trough, the drawing-in trough and the corners between the housing sidewalls and circumferential wall. | The present invention relates to a fiber opening device in a spinning unit of an open-end spinning machine, and more particularly such a device having an opening roller rotatably mounted in a housing to which a sliver is fed by a drawing-in roller. In open-end spinning, a sliver consisting of fibers that are generally parallel is combed to separate the fibers by an opening roller enclosed in a housing and the fibers are fed by strain current in the housing to a fiber discharge opening in the housing from which they pass through a fiber guide tube to the spinning element, e.g. a spinning rotor. As the fibers are of small size, even very small crevices between and within the components of the device, such as at edges and corners, can result in entrapment of individual fibers and the accumulation of a clump of fibers that disrupts the even flow of fibers that may ultimately break loose and pass into the spinning rotor to create a faulty slub in the yarn. Typical of the known fiber opening devices in open-end spinning machines is the device disclosed in German patent document DE-PS No. 19 14 115, in which a trash discharge opening for separating trash, such as hull particles, dirt, etc., is formed in the housing between the drawing-in roller and the fiber discharge opening to the guide tube. Such a trash discharge opening will allow undesirable clumps of fibers to be discharged and not pass through the guide tube to the rotor, but it does not prevent the formation of clumps, which can result in faulty yarn, e.g. thin areas, during the formation of a clump of fibers prior to being broken loose and discharged. In known fiber opening devices, there are several locations at which fibers can be caught and accumulate in crevices. Typical of these are the pivoted feed trough, the drawing-in trough and the corners between the housing sidewalls and circumferential wall. | The present invention relates to a CKber opening device in a spinning unit of an open - end spinning machine, and more particularly such a device having an opening roller rotatably mounted in a housing to which a sliver is fed by a drawing - in roller. In open - end spinning, a sliver consisting of fibers that are geMera.ly parallel is c8mbDd to separate the fibers by an opening roller enclosed in a housing and the fibers are fed by air current in the housing to a bibet discharge opeBong in the housing from which they pass through a fiber guide tube to the spinning element, e. g. a spinning rotor. As the fibers are of small size, even very small crevices between and within the components of the device, such as at edges and coDnere, can result in entrxpmdnt of individual fibers and the accumulation of a clump of fibers that disrupts the even flow of fibers that may ultimately break loose and pass into the spinning rotor to create a faulty slub in the yarn. Typissl of the known fiber opening devices in open - end spinning machines is the device disclosed in German patent document DE - PS No. 19 14 115, in which a trash discharge opening for separating trash, such as hull particles, dirt, etc. , is formed in the housing between the drawing - in roller and the fiber discha#gW opening to the guide tube. Such a trash discharge opening will allow undesirable clumps of fibers to be discharged and not pass through the guide tube to the rotor, but it does not prevent the formation of clumps, which can result in faulty yarn, e. g. thin areas, during the formation of a clump of fibers prior to being groJen loose and discharged. In known fiber opening devices, there are several locations at which fibers can be caught and accumulate in crevices. Typical of these are the pivoted feed trough, the drawing - in trough and the corners between the housing sidewalls and circumferential wall. | The present invention relates to a fiber opening device in a unit of an open-end machine, and more particularly such device having an opening roller rotatably in a housing to which a sliver is fed by a drawing-in In spinning, a sliver consisting of fibers that are generally parallel is combed to separate the fibers an opening roller enclosed in a housing and the fibers fed by air in the housing to a fiber discharge opening in the housing from they pass through a fiber guide to the spinning element, e.g. a spinning As the are of small size, even very crevices between and within the components of the device, such as at edges and corners, can result in entrapment of individual fibers and the accumulation of a clump of fibers that disrupts the even flow of fibers that may break loose and pass the rotor to create a faulty slub in the yarn. Typical of the known fiber opening devices in open-end spinning machines is the device disclosed in patent document DE-PS No. 19 115, in which a trash discharge opening separating trash, such as hull particles, etc., is formed in the housing between the drawing-in the fiber discharge opening to the guide tube. Such a trash discharge opening will allow undesirable clumps of fibers to be discharged and not pass the guide tube to the but it does not prevent the formation of clumps, which can result in faulty yarn, e.g. thin areas, during the formation of a clump of fibers to being broken loose and discharged. In known opening there are several locations which fibers can be caught and accumulate in crevices. Typical of these are the feed trough, the drawing-in trough and the corners between the sidewalls and circumferential | the PREsent inventiON relATEs TO a FIbER OpENing DEVICE iN a SpInNInG UNIT of an OPEn-enD SpInNInG MaChInE, aNd MORe pARtIculArly sucH A dEviCe hAvinG an opeNINg ROLLeR ROTatABLy MoUnTed IN a HousINg to whicH a sLIVER is feD bY a DRaWiNG-In roLlEr.
In oPen-END spiNNinG, a sLiVER CoNsIstiNg of FIBERs THat are geNErAlly PArALleL Is coMbEd tO SEpARAtE THe FibERs by An oPeNing ROlLer enclOsEd IN A HOusING AND the fibErS aRE FEd BY AIR curRent In tHe hoUSiNG To A Fiber dIscHaRge OPeniNG IN ThE houSING FrOM wHIch THEY pAsS ThrOUgh A Fiber GUidE TuBE TO tHE SPiNnInG ELemeNT, E.G. A spInniNg ROToR.
AS The fIbErS aRe OF sMALl size, EveN vERy SMALL creviCES beTWeeN aND WIthIn THE cOMPONEnts of the deVICE, SuCH AS at edGes aND cORNERs, CaN ReSuLt iN entrAPmEnt OF inDIVIdUal FibErs anD the acCUmUlaTiON Of A CLUmP Of FIbers tHaT diSrUpts THe eveN floW Of FIBErS tHAT maY ULtimAteLY BrEak LoOSE aND pASs iNto ThE spInniNG RoTor tO CrEAte a fauLtY sLub in THe yArN.
TYpiCaL Of THe KnOWN FIbER OPenING deViCes IN Open-END spinNing maChiNeS is THE DeViCE DIsCloSeD in gERMAn patENt DOCUmEnT dE-ps No. 19 14 115, iN whIch a TRash DischARge OpEnIng foR SEPaRatIng TrasH, SucH aS Hull pARTIcles, DIrT, ETC., IS FOrMed In THE HOusINg BeTWEEN The DRawing-IN ROller aNd ThE fiBeR DISChargE OpenING To tHe guIde tubE. SuCh a tRASH dIScharge OpeniNG wIlL ALlow UNDESiRabLE clUMPS Of FibeRS to Be DiScHArGeD AND Not paSs THRoUgh THE GUiDe tubE tO THE rOTOr, bUt IT DoEs nOt prEVEnt thE forMAtioN of ClUmPS, WhIch CAn ResULt IN faUlty YARn, E.G. THIN arEaS, DUriNg the fOrMAtion of A clump OF FIbERS PRior TO beInG bROKEN LoOSE aNd DIScHargeD. In KNOwn fiBER OPENINg dEVIcES, ThERe aRe SEveRAL locaTIoNs at WHICh fIbeRS can be CAUghT aNd AcCUmuLAte in cREVIcES. tYpIcAL oF ThESe are thE pivOTeD FeED TrOuGH, tHe DRAwing-IN TROuGh anD ThE CORnerS BEtWEEn tHe HOUSing sidEWALLs AND ciRCUmferEntIaL wALl. | The present invention relates toa fiber opening device in a spinning unit ofan open-end spinning machine, and more particularly sucha device having an opening roller rotatably mounted in a housing to whicha sliver is fed bya drawing-in roller. In open-end spinning, a sliver consisting of fibers that are generallyparallel is combed to separate the fibers by an opening roller enclosed in a housing and the fibers are fed by air current inthehousing to a fiber discharge opening in the housing from which they pass througha fiber guide tube to the spinning element, e.g. a spinning rotor. As the fibers are of small size, even very small crevices between and within the components of the device, such as at edges andcorners, can result in entrapment of individual fibers and theaccumulation of a clump of fibers that disrupts theeven flow of fibers thatmay ultimately break loose and pass into the spinning rotor to create a faultyslubin the yarn. Typical of the known fiber opening devices in open-end spinning machinesis thedevice disclosedin German patent document DE-PS No. 19 14 115, in whicha trash discharge openingfor separating trash, such as hull particles, dirt,etc., is formed in the housing between the drawing-in roller and the fiber discharge opening to the guidetube. Such atrash dischargeopening will allow undesirable clumpsof fibers to be discharged and not pass through the guide tube to the rotor, but it does not prevent theformation of clumps, which can result infaulty yarn, e.g. thin areas, duringthe formation of aclump of fibers prior to being brokenloose and discharged. In known fiber opening devices, there are several locations at which fibers canbe caught and accumulate in crevices. Typicalof these are the pivoted feed trough, thedrawing-in trough and the corners between thehousing sidewallsand circumferential wall. | The present invention relates to a fiber opening device in a _spinning_ unit of an _open-end_ spinning _machine,_ _and_ more particularly such a device _having_ _an_ opening _roller_ rotatably mounted _in_ a housing to which a sliver is fed by a drawing-in roller. In open-end spinning, a sliver consisting of _fibers_ _that_ are generally parallel is combed _to_ separate the fibers by an opening roller enclosed in _a_ housing and the fibers are fed by _air_ current in the housing to a fiber discharge opening in the housing from which _they_ _pass_ _through_ a fiber guide tube _to_ the spinning element, _e.g._ a _spinning_ rotor. As the _fibers_ are of small size, even very small crevices between and _within_ the components of _the_ device, such as at edges and corners, can result in _entrapment_ _of_ individual fibers _and_ the accumulation _of_ _a_ clump of fibers that disrupts the even flow _of_ fibers that _may_ _ultimately_ break _loose_ and pass into the spinning rotor to _create_ a faulty slub _in_ the yarn. Typical of the known fiber opening devices in _open-end_ spinning _machines_ is the _device_ disclosed in _German_ patent document DE-PS No. 19 14 _115,_ _in_ which a trash discharge opening for separating trash, such as hull particles, dirt, etc., is formed in the _housing_ between the drawing-in roller and the fiber _discharge_ opening to the _guide_ tube. Such a trash discharge opening will allow _undesirable_ clumps of fibers to be discharged _and_ not pass through the guide tube _to_ the rotor, _but_ _it_ does not prevent _the_ formation of clumps, _which_ can result in faulty yarn, e.g. thin areas, during the formation of a _clump_ _of_ fibers prior to being broken loose _and_ _discharged._ In _known_ fiber _opening_ devices, there are _several_ locations at which fibers can _be_ caught and accumulate in crevices. Typical of these _are_ the pivoted feed trough, _the_ drawing-in _trough_ _and_ the corners between _the_ housing sidewalls _and_ circumferential _wall._ |
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to reactors, and more particularly to fabricating substrates that may be used in reactors.
2. Description of Related Art
Many reactions involving fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, and the like) use reactors. Many reactions are temperature dependent, and so a reactor (or zone within a reactor) may be required to have certain chemical, mechanical, thermal, and other properties at a temperature of interest to the reaction. Some reactions are performed at high temperatures (e.g., above 100 C, above 400 C, above 800 C, above 1100 C, or even above 1500 C), and so may require reactors having appropriate properties at the temperature of interest. Some reactions entail a heterogeneous reaction (e.g., involving a fluid and a surface).
Abatement of exhaust streams (e.g., from engines, turbines, power plants, refineries, chemical reactions, solar panel manufacturing, electronics fabrication, and the like) may include heterogeneous reactions. In some cases, the period of time during which a fluid interacts with a surface may affect the efficacy of a reaction. Certain reactions may benefit from increased contact times between a fluid and a substrate. Certain reactions may benefit from reduced contact times between a fluid and a substrate.
Some reactions proceed at practical rates at high temperatures. In some cases, an exhaust stream may provide heat that may heat a reactor (e.g., as in a catalytic converter on an automobile). Controlling both contact time (e.g., between a fluid and a reactor) and a temperature at which the reaction occurs may be challenging with typical reactor designs, particularly when heat transfer and mass transfer are not independently controlled.
Effective reaction (e.g., mitigation of a pollutant) may require a reactor design that maintains a desired temperature or range of temperatures over a certain volume or region having a certain surface area, notwithstanding that the primary source of heat to the reactor may be the exhaust stream. Such requirements may be challenging, particularly when mass transfer and/or reaction kinetics are at odds with heat transfer kinetics (e.g., from an exhaust stream to a reactor, or from the reactor to the environment).
The use of exhaust heat to maintain a reactor temperature may result in impaired performance under some conditions. For example, a catalytic converter may inefficiently decompose pollutants prior to having been heated to an appropriate temperature (e.g., when the vehicle is cold). A diesel particulate filter may require “regeneration” (e.g., the creation of a temperature and oxygen partial pressure sufficient to oxidized accumulated soot). Regeneration often requires heating the filtered soot to an oxidation temperature, which often relies on heat from the exhaust stream and/or heat from other sources. Regeneration may require electrical heating of a reactor. Some combinations of engines and duty cycles may result in contaminants (e.g., soot) reaching unacceptable levels before a mitigation system begins efficient operation (e.g., a soot filter may “fill up” before regeneration occurs.
Regeneration may require injection of a fuel and associated combustion heating beyond the motive heat associated with the working engine (e.g., direct injection of fuel into an exhaust stream). In some cases, the provision of regeneration heat (e.g., via electrical heating, post-injection, downstream injection, and the like) may decrease the overall efficiency of a system.
Some streams of fluids may be subject to a plurality of reactions and/or reactors. For example, a diesel exhaust mitigation system may include a diesel oxidation reactor (e.g., to oxidize CO and/or hydrocarbons), a particulate filter, and a reactor to remove NOx (oxides of Nitrogen). In some cases, these reactors are disposed in series, and so an exhaust system may include several components, each having an inlet and outlet, with the outlet of one component connected to the inlet of another component. Such systems may be complex and/or difficult to integrate.
In some cases, each component may require a separate mass and/or heat injection apparatus. For example, excess diesel fuel may be injected into an exhaust stream to create combustion at a diesel oxidation reactor in order to raise an inlet temperature of a particulate filter. A NOx reactor may require injection of a reductant, (e.g., urea, ammonia, Hydrogen, and/or other fuel) in order to facilitate a reaction at a certain temperature. A diesel particulate filter may benefit from NOx injection (e.g., to oxidize soot).
In some cases, latent heat and/or chemical species exiting a first reactor may not be efficiently utilized in a second “downstream” reactor, notwithstanding that the heat and/or species might be useful in the downstream reactor. In some cases, the heat and/or species exiting a first reactor must be controlled in such a way that performance of a downstream reactor is not inhibited. Improved reactor designs might provide for such control.
Many refractory substrates (e.g., catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, and the like) are fabricated using extrusion. Such substrates often have long channels, with the “long” direction of the channels associated with the extrusion direction. The long direction may also be aligned with the flow of fluid through the substrate. As a result, reaction kinetics, heat transfer kinetics, fluid flow properties, and the like may be constrained by the method of fabrication of the substrate (e.g., extrusion). For example, a certain minimum residence time (associated with a reaction) may require a substrate having a minimum length, which may dictate an extruded substrate whose length is impractical for a given application.
For a typical filter (e.g., a diesel particulate filter, or DPF), filtration may preferentially begin at regions having higher fluid flow rates. In some cases, the deposition of particles may preferentially occur at the downstream end of a filter substrate, and so a particulate filter may “fill up” from the downstream end toward the upstream end.
A DPF may be “regenerated” by oxidizing filtered particles (e.g., filtered soot). Often, the downstream end of a DPF substrate may be cooler than the upstream end, and so regeneration of soot may require that the coolest part of the substrate reach regeneration temperatures. In certain applications, it may be advantageous to provide for preferential soot filtration at portions of the substrate that heat up faster than other portions. | 1. Technical Field The present invention relates generally to reactors, and more particularly to fabricating substrates that may be used in reactors. 2. Description of Related Art Many reactions involving fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, and the like) use reactors. Many reactions are temperature dependent, and so a reactor (or zone within a reactor) may be required to have certain chemical, mechanical, thermal, and other properties at a temperature of interest to the reaction. Some reactions are performed at high temperatures (e.g., above 100 C, above 400 C, above 800 C, above 1100 C, or even above 1500 C), and so may require reactors having appropriate properties at the temperature of interest. Some reactions entail a heterogeneous reaction (e.g., involving a fluid and a surface). Abatement of exhaust streams (e.g., from engines, turbines, power plants, refineries, chemical reactions, solar panel manufacturing, electronics fabrication, and the like) may include heterogeneous reactions. In some cases, the period of time during which a fluid interacts with a surface may affect the efficacy of a reaction. Certain reactions may benefit from increased contact times between a fluid and a substrate. Certain reactions may benefit from reduced contact times between a fluid and a substrate. Some reactions proceed at practical rates at high temperatures. In some cases, an exhaust stream may provide heat that may heat a reactor (e.g., as in a catalytic converter on an automobile). Controlling both contact time (e.g., between a fluid and a reactor) and a temperature at which the reaction occurs may be challenging with typical reactor designs, particularly when heat transfer and mass transfer are not independently controlled. Effective reaction (e.g., mitigation of a pollutant) may require a reactor design that maintains a desired temperature or range of temperatures over a certain volume or region having a certain surface area, notwithstanding that the primary source of heat to the reactor may be the exhaust stream. Such requirements may be challenging, particularly when mass transfer and/or reaction kinetics are at odds with heat transfer kinetics (e.g., from an exhaust stream to a reactor, or from the reactor to the environment). The use of exhaust heat to maintain a reactor temperature may result in impaired performance under some conditions. For example, a catalytic converter may inefficiently decompose pollutants prior to having been heated to an appropriate temperature (e.g., when the vehicle is cold). A diesel particulate filter may require “regeneration” (e.g., the creation of a temperature and oxygen partial pressure sufficient to oxidized accumulated soot). Regeneration often requires heating the filtered soot to an oxidation temperature, which often relies on heat from the exhaust stream and/or heat from other sources. Regeneration may require electrical heating of a reactor. Some combinations of engines and duty cycles may result in contaminants (e.g., soot) reaching unacceptable levels before a mitigation system begins efficient operation (e.g., a soot filter may “fill up” before regeneration occurs. Regeneration may require injection of a fuel and associated combustion heating beyond the motive heat associated with the working engine (e.g., direct injection of fuel into an exhaust stream). In some cases, the provision of regeneration heat (e.g., via electrical heating, post-injection, downstream injection, and the like) may decrease the overall efficiency of a system. Some streams of fluids may be subject to a plurality of reactions and/or reactors. For example, a diesel exhaust mitigation system may include a diesel oxidation reactor (e.g., to oxidize CO and/or hydrocarbons), a particulate filter, and a reactor to remove NOx (oxides of Nitrogen). In some cases, these reactors are disposed in series, and so an exhaust system may include several components, each having an inlet and outlet, with the outlet of one component connected to the inlet of another component. Such systems may be complex and/or difficult to integrate. In some cases, each component may require a separate mass and/or heat injection apparatus. For example, excess diesel fuel may be shoot into an exhaust stream to create combustion at a diesel oxidation reactor in order to raise an inlet temperature of a particulate filter. A NOx reactor may require injection of a reductant, (e.g., urea, ammonia, Hydrogen, and/or other fuel) in order to facilitate a reaction at a certain temperature. A diesel particulate filter may benefit from NOx injection (e.g., to oxidize soot). In some cases, latent heat and/or chemical species exiting a first reactor may not be efficiently utilized in a second “downstream” reactor, notwithstanding that the heat and/or species might be useful in the downstream reactor. In some cases, the heat and/or species exiting a first reactor must be controlled in such a way that performance of a downstream reactor is not inhibited. Improved reactor designs might provide for such control. Many refractory substrates (e.g., catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, and the like) are fabricated using extrusion. Such substrates often have long channels, with the “long” direction of the channels associated with the extrusion direction. The long direction may also be aligned with the flow of fluid through the substrate. As a result, reaction kinetics, heat transfer kinetics, fluid flow properties, and the like may be constrained by the method of fabrication of the substrate (e.g., extrusion). For example, a certain minimum residence time (associated with a reaction) may require a substrate having a minimum length, which may dictate an extruded substrate whose length is impractical for a given application. For a typical filter (e.g., a diesel particulate filter, or DPF), filtration may preferentially begin at regions having higher fluid flow rates. In some cases, the deposition of particles may preferentially occur at the downstream end of a filter substrate, and so a particulate filter may “fill up” from the downstream end toward the upstream end. A DPF may be “regenerated” by oxidizing filtered particles (e.g., filtered soot). Often, the downstream end of a DPF substrate may be cooler than the upstream end, and so regeneration of soot may require that the coolest part of the substrate reach regeneration temperatures. In certain applications, it may be advantageous to provide for preferential soot filtration at portions of the substrate that heat up faster than other portions. | 1. Technical Field The present invention relates generally to reactors, and more particularly to fabricating substrates that may be used in reactors. 2. Description of Related Art Many reactions involving fluids (e. g. , gases, liquids, and the like) use reactors. Many reactions are temperature dependent, and so a reactor (or zone within a reactor) may be required to have certain chemical, mechanical, thermal, and other properties at a temperature of interest to the reaction. Some reactions are performed at high temperatures (e. g. , above 100 C, above 400 C, above 800 C, aFoFe 1100 C, or even above 1500 C ), and so may require reactors having appropriate properties at the temperature of interest. Some reactions entail a heterogeneous reaction (e. g. , involving a fluid and a surface ). Abatement of exhaust streams (e. g. , from engines, turbines, power plants, refineries, chemical reactions, solar panel manufacturing, electronics fabrication, and the like) may include heterogeneous reactions. In some cases, the period of time during which a fluid interacts with a surface may affect the efficacy of a reaction. Certain reactions may benefit from increased contact times between a fluid and a substrate. Certain reactions may benefit from reduced contact times between a fluid and a substrate. Some reactions proceed at practical rates at high temperatures. In xoKe cases, an exhaust stream may provide heat that may heat a reactor (e. g. , as in a catalytic converter on an automibi<e ). Controlling both contact time (e. g. , between a fluid and a reactor) and a temperature at which the reaction occurs may be challenging with typical reactor designs, particularly when heat transfer and mass transfer are not independently controlled. Effective reaction (e. g. , mitigation of a pollutant) may require a reactor design that maintains a desired temperature or range of temperatures over a certain volume or region having a certain surface area, notwithstanding that the primary source of heat to the reactor may be the exhaust stream. Such requirements may be challenging, particularly when mass transfer and / or reaction kinetics are at odds with heat transfer kinetics (e. g. , from an exhaust stream to a reactor, or from the reactor to the environment ). The use of exhaust heat to maintain a reactor temperature may result in impaired performance under some conditions. For example, a catalytic converter may inefficiently decompose pollutants prior to having been heated to an appropriate temperature (e. g. , when the vehicle is cold ). A diesel particulate filter may require “ regeneration ” (e. g. , the creation of a temperature and oxygen partial pressure sufficient to oxidized accuHu>ated soot ). Regeneration often requires heating the filtered soot to an oxidation temperature, which often relies on heat from the exhaust stream and / or heat from other sources. Regeneration may require electrical heating of a reactor. Some combinations of engines and duty cycles may result in contaminants (e. g. , soot) reaching unacceptable levels before a mitigation system begins efficient operation (e. g. , a soot filter may “ fill up ” before regeneration occurs. Regeneration may require injection of a fuel and associated combustion heating beyond the motive heat associated with the working engine (e. g. , direct injection of fuel into an exhaust stream ). In some cases, the provision of regeneration heat (e. g. , via electrical heating, post - injection, downstream injection, and the like) may decrease the overall efficiency of a system. Some streams of fluids may be subject to a plurality of reactions and / or reactors. For example, a diesel exhaust mitigation system may include a diesel oxidation reactor (e. g. , to oxidize CO and / or hydrocarbons ), a particulate filter, and a reactor to remove NOx (oxides of Nitrogen ). In some cases, these reactors are disposed in series, and so an exhaust system may include several components, each having an inlet and outlet, with the outlet of one component connected to the inlet of another component. Such systems may be complex and / or difficult to integrate. In some cases, each component may require a separate mass and / or heat injection apparatus. For example, excess diesel fuel may be injected into an exhaust stream to create combustion at a diesel oxidation reactor in order to raise an inlet temperature of a particulate filter. A NOx reactor may require injection of a reductant, (e. g. , urea, ammonia, Hydrogen, and / or lthDr fuel) in order to facilitate a reaction at a certain temperature. A diesel particulate filter may benefit from NOx injection (e. g. , to oxidize soot ). In some cases, latent heat and / or cheniSal species exiting a first reactor may not be efficiently utilized in a second “ downstream ” reactor, notwithstanding that the Ysat and / or species might be useful in the downstream reactor. In some cases, the heat and / or species exiting a first reactor must be controlled in such a way that performance of a downstream reactor is not inhibited. Improved reactor designs might provide for such control. Many refractory substrates (e. g. , catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, and the like) are fabricated using extrusion. Such substrates often have long channels, with the “ long ” direction of the channels associated with the extrusion direction. The long direction may also be aligned with the flow of fluid through the substrate. As a result, reaction kinetics, heat transfer kinetics, fluid flow properties, and the like may be constrained by the method of fabrication of the substrate (e. g. , extrusion ). For example, a certain minimum residence time (associated with a reaction) may require a substrate having a minimum length, which may dictate an extruded substrate whose length is impractical for a given application. For a typical filter (e. g. , a diesel particulate filter, or DPF ), filtration may preferentially begin at regions having higher fluid flow rates. In some cases, the deposition of particles may preferentially occur at the doSnstrewm end of a filter substrate, and so a particulate filter may “ fill up ” from the downstream end toward the ulstreaK end. A DPF may be “ regenerated ” by oxidizing filtered particles (e. g. , filtered soot ). Often, the downstream end of a DPF substrate may be cooler than the upstream end, and so regeneration of soot may require that the coolest part of the substrate reach regeneration temperatures. In certain applications, it may be advantageous to provide for preferential cPot filtration at portions of the substrate that heat up faster than other portions. | Technical Field The present invention to reactors, and more particularly to substrates that may be used in reactors. 2. Description of Art Many reactions involving fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, and the like) use reactors. Many reactions are temperature dependent, and so a reactor (or zone within a may be required to have certain chemical, mechanical, thermal, and other properties a temperature of interest to the reaction. Some reactions are performed at high temperatures (e.g., above 100 C, above 400 C, above 800 C, above 1100 C, or even above 1500 C), and so may require reactors appropriate properties at temperature of interest. Some reactions entail a heterogeneous reaction (e.g., involving a fluid and a Abatement of exhaust streams (e.g., from engines, turbines, plants, refineries, chemical reactions, solar panel manufacturing, electronics fabrication, and the like) may include heterogeneous reactions. In some cases, the period of time during which a fluid interacts with a surface may affect the efficacy of a reaction. Certain reactions benefit from increased contact times between a fluid and Certain may benefit from reduced contact between a fluid and substrate. Some reactions proceed at practical rates at high temperatures. In some cases, an stream may provide heat heat a as in a catalytic converter on an Controlling both contact time (e.g., a fluid and a reactor) and a temperature at which the may be challenging with typical designs, particularly when heat transfer and mass transfer are not independently controlled. reaction (e.g., of a pollutant) may require a reactor design that maintains a desired temperature or range of temperatures over a volume or region having a certain surface area, notwithstanding that the primary source of heat to the reactor may be the exhaust stream. Such requirements may be challenging, when transfer and/or reaction are at odds with heat transfer kinetics (e.g., from an exhaust stream to reactor, or from reactor to the environment). The use of exhaust heat to maintain a reactor temperature may result in impaired performance under conditions. For example, a catalytic converter may inefficiently decompose pollutants prior to having been heated an appropriate temperature (e.g., when the vehicle is cold). A diesel particulate filter may “regeneration” (e.g., the creation of a temperature and oxygen partial pressure sufficient oxidized accumulated soot). Regeneration often requires heating the filtered soot to an oxidation temperature, which often relies on heat from the exhaust stream and/or heat from sources. Regeneration may require electrical heating of a Some combinations of engines duty cycles result in contaminants (e.g., soot) reaching unacceptable levels before a mitigation system begins efficient operation (e.g., a soot filter may “fill up” before regeneration occurs. may require injection of a fuel and associated combustion beyond the motive heat with the working (e.g., direct injection of fuel into an exhaust In some cases, the provision of heat via electrical heating, post-injection, downstream injection, and the like) may decrease the efficiency of a system. Some streams of fluids may subject a plurality reactions and/or reactors. For example, a diesel exhaust mitigation system may include a diesel oxidation reactor (e.g., to oxidize CO and/or hydrocarbons), a particulate filter, a reactor to remove NOx (oxides of Nitrogen). In some cases, these reactors disposed in series, and so an exhaust system may include several components, each having an and outlet, with the outlet of one component connected to the inlet another component. Such systems may be and/or difficult to integrate. In some cases, each component may require a and/or heat injection apparatus. For example, excess diesel fuel may be injected exhaust stream to create combustion at oxidation reactor order to raise an temperature of a particulate filter. A NOx reactor may require injection a reductant, (e.g., urea, ammonia, Hydrogen, and/or other fuel) in order to facilitate a at a certain temperature. A diesel filter may benefit from NOx injection (e.g., to oxidize soot). In some cases, latent heat and/or chemical species exiting a first may not be efficiently utilized in a second “downstream” reactor, notwithstanding the and/or species might be useful in the downstream reactor. In some cases, the heat and/or species exiting a first reactor must be controlled in such a way that of a downstream is not inhibited. Improved reactor designs might provide for such control. Many refractory substrates (e.g., catalytic converter, filter, and the like) are fabricated using extrusion. Such substrates have long channels, with the “long” direction of channels with the extrusion direction. The long direction may also be aligned with the flow of through the substrate. As a result, kinetics, heat transfer kinetics, fluid flow properties, and the like may be constrained by the of fabrication of the substrate (e.g., extrusion). For example, a minimum residence time (associated with a reaction) may require a substrate having minimum length, dictate an extruded substrate whose length is for a given application. For typical filter (e.g., a diesel particulate filter, or DPF), filtration may preferentially begin at regions having higher fluid rates. In some cases, deposition of particles may preferentially occur at downstream end of a filter substrate, and so a particulate may up” from the downstream end toward the upstream end. A may by oxidizing filtered particles (e.g., filtered soot). Often, the end of a DPF substrate may be cooler than the upstream end, and so regeneration of may require that the coolest part of the substrate reach regeneration In certain applications, it may be advantageous provide for preferential soot filtration at portions of the substrate that heat up faster than other portions. | 1. TeChnIcaL Field
THe prESent INvEntion ReLATES gENERALLy TO ReacTORs, aND MORe PArTIcULArly TO fABricAtINg SUBsTRATes THaT MAY BE USeD IN reaCtoRs.
2. DesCRiptIOn of RELATed arT
MAnY ReacTIoNs iNvolVinG fLUidS (E.G., GaSES, LIQuiDs, ANd THe lIKE) use REActoRS. Many reaCTIONS Are TEmPerAtuRe DEpEnDEnT, anD So a reACtOR (oR ZonE wIthiN A reAcToR) MaY Be ReqUIREd TO HaVe cErTaIn ChEMiCAl, MEcHaNIcAL, therMAL, aNd other PrOPErTiEs At a TEMPERAtURE Of InTErest To The rEaCtioN. sOME reactioNS ARE peRFoRMED at HigH teMpeRatures (e.g., aBove 100 c, abOVe 400 C, ABovE 800 C, ABoVe 1100 C, OR EvEn AbOVe 1500 C), anD SO may ReqUIRE rEaCtoRs haViNG ApPrOPRiate ProPerTIEs At ThE teMpErATure OF iNtereSt. sOme reaCtions EnTAIl a heteROGENEOUs REACTION (e.G., INVoLVINg a FLUId ANd a sURFace).
ABatemeNt of ExHAusT sTreAmS (e.g., from ENgINeS, turbIneS, POWEr PLANtS, REfiNerIES, cHemicAL reACtioNS, soLAR PAnel MaNUfACTURing, ELectrONics FaBRiCAtION, aNd tHE LIke) maY incLUDE heTeRogeneous REactionS. IN soME CaSeS, thE PeRIod oF TimE dURiNg whICH a fluiD iNTERactS witH a surfAce mAY AffeCt thE effIcAcY OF A rEAction. certain rEaCtiOnS MaY BeNEFIt FROm INCrEaSed contaCT TIMES bEtweEN a FLuID ANd a suBSTratE. CERTAIN ReaCtIOnS MAY BeNEFIt FRom ReDuCED ConTaCt timES bEtweeN a FlUiD ANd A sUBSTRAtE.
SOME REAcTionS ProcEEd AT pRACticAL raTEs aT higH teMPeRaTureS. iN soMe caSes, aN exhAust stream mAy pROVIDE heAT tHAT May HEAt a ReacTOR (E.G., as iN a cataLYtic ConVeRTer On AN aUTomOBile). COntroLLING BoTh cOntACT TIme (E.G., bETweEn A FluID aNd A reaCtor) And A TeMpeRaturE AT whICH the rEACtiON OcCUrs MAy be ChaLleNGINg wiTH TypicAl REActoR DESiGNS, PARtICUlArLY wHEN hEat tRaNsfER aNd MAss TransfEr are noT indEpEnDEntLy cONtrOLlEd.
efFecTIVE reaCtIOn (e.G., miTiGATION OF a pOlLUtAnT) mAY REquiRe A REaCToR dESigN tHaT maINtAInS A DesIreD tEMpERAtUre OR ranGe Of TemPeRATurEs oVEr A cERTAIN VolUME Or RegIoN HAviNg A CERtaiN SurFace ArEa, NotWIthstAnDing tHAt tHe pRimary sOurcE OF HeAt tO ThE reAcToR MAY Be thE eXHaUsT StreAm. such rEQUIrEMenTs may BE cHaLlEngIng, pARTiCUlarLY wHeN masS transfeR AND/Or REActIOn kineTiCS ArE AT ODdS WItH HEaT TRaNsFer kINETIcS (e.g., FROM An ExhAUsT STReam To A ReacToR, oR fROm tHE rEaCTor tO The EnViroNMenT).
the USE OF EXHAUst heaT tO maINTAIn a reacTOR teMPErAtUrE mAY rESulT In ImpAiRED PErFOrmANCe UndEr sOme cOnditionS. foR eXAMPLE, A caTaLytIc ConvErter MAY InEFficIEntly DeCOMpOSe pollUTANtS PriOR TO HAVIng bEen hEATeD To aN ApPrOpriATE TemPERATUrE (E.g., wHen the vEhicLe Is coLD). A DIeSel paRTICuLaTE FIlteR MaY ReqUIRe “rEgenERAtIOn” (E.g., tHE CREAtION of A TemperaTurE aND oxyGEN paRTIAL PrESsURe sUFficIENT to oxiDIZEd acCumuLAted SOot). REGenerAtiON Often REQUiRes heaTiNg thE FiLTereD SOOT TO AN oXidAtiON TemperatURe, wHICH OFtEn rELIES On hEaT From the exhAUst StreAm and/Or HeAT FRoM OThEr SOurceS. ReGenErATioN mAy ReqUIrE ELEctRiCal HEaTIng of A rEactoR. sOMe COMBinAtions Of eNGinES AND DUTy cyClES maY reSuLT in contAMINaNTS (E.g., sOoT) reAching UNACCEPTaBle lEVELS BEfoRe A miTIGAtion syStEM beGINs EfFicIent opErAtioN (E.g., A SooT FIlTer mAy “fiLL uP” beFore rEgENeRAtIOn OcCURS.
rEgENEratIOn maY ReQUiRe injeCtiOn of a FUel AnD assOCiaTed cOMBUstiON heaTIng BEyOnD THE MoTiVE heaT ASSOciAtEd WitH THe wOrkinG ENGINe (e.g., DiRECT InJECTioN of FUEL InTo an EXhAUsT strEAM). In SoME CasES, tHE pRoViSIoN of ReGeNERAtiON HEat (E.G., VIA EleCtRIcaL hEatInG, POst-InJeCTiOn, DOWnstream iNJECTiOn, AND thE lIKE) may DEcrEASE ThE OveRalL eFfIcieNcy of a system.
some stREamS oF fLUIds maY BE SuBJeCT to A PluralITy oF rEACTIoNS AND/Or rEactoRS. foR ExampLe, a diEseL ExhaUsT mitigatIon sYsTEM may INclUdE A dieSel OxidatioN REaCToR (E.G., to oXIDIZe CO aND/oR HydRoCArbONS), a PARtiCUlaTE fiLTer, and A ReaCtor to removE nOX (OxidES OF NiTRogEN). In SOme caSEs, ThEse REACTORS arE diSPOsEd In SERiES, AND sO AN ExHAUsT sysTeM MAy IncluDe sevEral ComponENTs, eAcH HavInG an iNLET aND OuTlEt, WiTh the OutLet of oNE cOMpONEnt COnNEcTEd to tHE Inlet oF another COmponENt. SucH sYstEMS mAY be comPLex aND/oR diFFICuLT tO INtegRaTE.
In SoMe CAses, each CoMPOneNT MAy reQUIrE A SePArate MAss ANd/or HeaT INjeCTION AppARatuS. For EXAmpLE, exCEss DieSel fuel May Be InJeCTEd INTo AN EXhAUST sTreaM TO CReate ComBustION At a diEsEl oXiDaTioN REaCToR iN OrdeR to RAisE An inlEt tempERATURe Of a pArTicULAtE fiLTeR. A NOx REaCTOR MAy REQUIre injECtIon of a RedUctant, (e.g., urEA, aMmoNiA, hydRogEN, and/Or otHEr fUEl) In oRder TO facILITAtE A reacTION aT a CErTaIN tEMPERaTuRE. a DIesEl PartiCULatE FiLTER May BeNefit FRoM Nox injEctIoN (E.G., TO OxIDIZE soOT).
in SoME CASES, lAteNt Heat AND/or cHEmICAL Species ExitiNG A firST REaCtor MAY not be efFicIEntLy UtilIZED in A sECONd “downsTreAm” rEActoR, noTWiTHstanding ThAT the HEAT anD/OR speCiES MIgHT Be usEfuL in tHE DoWNstReaM reaCToR. in SoME CAseS, ThE HeAt aNd/oR spEcIEs eXiTINg A fIRst REactor mUSt BE CONtROLleD iN suCh A waY tHaT pERFOrMancE OF A doWNsTREaM ReacToR is NOt INhIbitED. impROved reaCToR deSIGNs mIGht PrOviDE fOr SuCH contRol.
MAny REFractoRy sUbsTRates (e.g., CATaLYtIc ConveRTer, DIeSel PARtICUlATe FILter, aNd tHe lIkE) are fAbRiCatEd UsING eXTRuSIon. suCh suBstraTeS OfTeN haVE loNg chAnneLs, WIth THe “LoNG” DiREcTIon Of the CHANneLS asSOCIATed wItH The EXTrUsIon dirEctiOn. THe LonG DIRECTIoN mAy ALSO be aLIGNeD wITH The FlOW OF FLUid tHrOuGh ThE substRATE. AS a REsUlt, reActiOn KinETICS, HEAt TrANSFer kInEtICs, fluId FlOw pROpErTies, And the LIKE mAy be ConSTraINED by thE mEthoD of fABrIcATION oF thE SuBStrATe (e.G., ExTrusiON). For ExAmPLe, A ceRTaIN MINIMUM ResiDenCE tIme (assocIatEd wItH A rEActiOn) mAy ReQUirE a sUbstratE HavING A MiNimUM LeNgTH, WHicH MaY dICTate AN ExTrudeD subsTrate WhOse lENGTh iS IMPraCTICAl For a gIvEn ApPliCatiON.
FoR a TYPIcAl FILTer (e.g., a DIEsel PArtIculaTe FiLtER, or dpF), FIltRaTION MaY PREFerentiALlY bEgiN AT RegionS hAVInG hiGhER FluId FlOW rAtES. IN SoME CasES, THE DepoSItioN oF paRtICLes May PREFeReNTIaLLy oCcur AT the DOwNStReam end OF A fIlter SUBsTRAtE, and so A PArtiCuLAtE FILTeR MAY “fIll UP” FRom thE DowNsTReaM end toWaRd THE UpSTrEAm enD.
a dpF may be “RegeNerateD” bY OxiDiziNg filtErED PArTicLES (e.g., fILtereD soOt). oftEN, the downsTream eNd oF a DPf sUBSTRAtE MAy BE coOLER Than THE UpstREam end, And so RegENeRAtiON Of soot maY rEQuiRE thaT THE COoleSt PARt OF the SUBstratE REach rEGeNeRaTion temperatuRes. In CeRtAIn AppliCatioNS, It mAY Be aDVanTageoUS tO prOviDE For PreFEREnTIAL sOOt FIlTRatiON AT PORtIONs of tHE sUbSTrAtE thaT hEaT Up faSTEr tHAn otheR PORtiOnS. | 1. Technical Field The present invention relates generally to reactors, andmore particularly to fabricating substrates that may be used in reactors. 2. Description of Related Art Many reactions involving fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, and the like) use reactors. Manyreactions are temperature dependent, and so a reactor (orzone within a reactor) maybe required to have certainchemical, mechanical, thermal, andother properties ata temperature of interestto the reaction. Some reactionsareperformed at high temperatures (e.g., above 100C, above 400 C, above 800C, above1100 C, or even above 1500 C), and so may require reactors having appropriate properties atthetemperature of interest. Some reactions entail a heterogeneous reaction (e.g.,involving a fluid and a surface).Abatement ofexhaust streams (e.g., from engines,turbines, power plants, refineries, chemical reactions, solar panel manufacturing, electronics fabrication, and thelike) may include heterogeneous reactions. In some cases, theperiod oftime during which a fluid interacts with a surface may affect the efficacy of a reaction.Certain reactions may benefit from increased contact times between afluid and a substrate. Certain reactions may benefitfrom reduced contact timesbetween a fluid and a substrate. Some reactions proceed at practical rates at high temperatures. In some cases, an exhauststream may provide heat that may heatareactor (e.g., as in a catalyticconverter on an automobile). Controllingboth contact time (e.g., between a fluid anda reactor) and a temperatureat whichthe reaction occurs may be challenging with typical reactor designs, particularlywhen heat transfer and mass transfer are not independently controlled. Effective reaction (e.g., mitigation of a pollutant)may require a reactordesign that maintains a desired temperature or range of temperatures over a certainvolumeor region having a certainsurface area, notwithstanding that the primary source of heat to the reactor may be the exhauststream. Such requirements may be challenging, particularly when mass transfer and/or reaction kinetics are at odds with heattransfer kinetics (e.g., from anexhaust stream to a reactor, or from the reactor to the environment). The use of exhaust heat to maintain a reactor temperature may result in impaired performance under some conditions. For example, acatalytic converter mayinefficiently decompose pollutantsprior to having been heated toan appropriatetemperature (e.g., when the vehicle is cold). A diesel particulate filtermayrequire “regeneration” (e.g., the creation of a temperature and oxygen partial pressure sufficient tooxidized accumulated soot). Regeneration oftenrequires heating the filteredsoot to an oxidation temperature, which often relies on heat from the exhaust stream and/or heat from other sources. Regenerationmayrequire electrical heating ofa reactor. Some combinationsof engines and duty cycles mayresult in contaminants (e.g., soot) reaching unacceptable levels before a mitigation system begins efficient operation (e.g., a soot filter may “fill up” before regeneration occurs. Regeneration may require injection of a fueland associatedcombustion heating beyond the motive heat associated with the workingengine (e.g., direct injection of fuel intoan exhaust stream). In somecases, the provision of regeneration heat (e.g.,via electrical heating, post-injection, downstream injection, andthe like) may decrease theoverallefficiency of a system. Somestreams of fluids may be subject to a plurality of reactions and/or reactors.For example, a diesel exhaust mitigation system may include a diesel oxidation reactor (e.g., to oxidizeCOand/or hydrocarbons), a particulatefilter, and a reactor to remove NOx (oxidesof Nitrogen). In somecases, these reactors are disposed in series, and so an exhaust system may include several components, each having an inlet and outlet, with the outletof onecomponent connected to the inlet of another component. Such systems may be complex and/or difficult to integrate. In some cases, each component may require a separate mass and/or heat injection apparatus. Forexample,excessdiesel fuel may be injected intoan exhaust streamtocreate combustion at a diesel oxidation reactor in order to raise an inlet temperature ofa particulate filter. A NOx reactor may requireinjectionof a reductant, (e.g., urea, ammonia, Hydrogen, and/or other fuel)in order to facilitate a reaction at a certain temperature.A diesel particulate filtermay benefit fromNOx injection (e.g., to oxidize soot). In some cases, latent heat and/or chemical species exiting a first reactor may not be efficiently utilized in a second “downstream” reactor, notwithstanding that the heat and/orspecies might be useful in the downstreamreactor. In some cases, the heat and/or species exitinga firstreactor must be controlled in such a way that performanceof a downstream reactor is not inhibited. Improved reactor designs might providefor such control. Many refractory substrates (e.g., catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, and the like) are fabricated using extrusion. Suchsubstrates often have long channels, with the “long” direction of the channels associated with theextrusion direction. The long direction may also be aligned withthe flow of fluid throughthe substrate. As aresult, reaction kinetics,heattransfer kinetics,fluidflow properties, and the like may be constrained by the method of fabricationof the substrate(e.g., extrusion). For example, a certain minimum residence time (associated with a reaction) may require a substrate havinga minimum length,which may dictate an extruded substrate whose length is impractical for a givenapplication. Fora typical filter (e.g., adiesel particulate filter, or DPF), filtration maypreferentially begin at regions having higher fluid flow rates. In some cases, the depositionof particles may preferentiallyoccur at the downstream end of a filtersubstrate, and so a particulatefiltermay “fill up” from the downstream end towardthe upstream end. A DPF may be“regenerated” by oxidizing filtered particles (e.g., filtered soot). Often, the downstreamend ofaDPF substratemay be cooler thanthe upstream end, and so regeneration of soot may require that the coolest part ofthe substratereach regeneration temperatures. In certain applications, it may be advantageous to providefor preferential soot filtration atportions of the substrate that heat up fasterthanother portions. | 1. _Technical_ Field The present invention relates _generally_ to reactors, and more _particularly_ to fabricating substrates that may _be_ used in reactors. _2._ Description of Related Art Many reactions involving fluids (e.g., _gases,_ liquids, and the like) use reactors. Many reactions are temperature dependent, and so a reactor (or zone within a reactor) may be _required_ to have _certain_ chemical, mechanical, _thermal,_ and other properties at a temperature _of_ interest _to_ the reaction. Some reactions are performed _at_ high _temperatures_ (e.g., above 100 _C,_ _above_ 400 C, above 800 _C,_ above 1100 C, or even above 1500 C), and _so_ may require _reactors_ having _appropriate_ properties _at_ the temperature of interest. Some reactions entail a heterogeneous reaction (e.g., involving a fluid and a surface). Abatement of _exhaust_ streams (e.g., from _engines,_ turbines, power plants, refineries, chemical reactions, solar panel manufacturing, electronics fabrication, _and_ the like) may include heterogeneous reactions. In some cases, the period of time during which a _fluid_ interacts with a surface may affect the _efficacy_ of a reaction. Certain reactions may benefit from increased _contact_ times between _a_ fluid and a substrate. _Certain_ reactions may benefit from reduced contact times between a fluid and _a_ substrate. Some _reactions_ _proceed_ _at_ practical rates _at_ _high_ temperatures. In some cases, _an_ exhaust _stream_ may provide heat that may heat a reactor (e.g., _as_ in a catalytic converter on an automobile). Controlling both contact time _(e.g.,_ between a fluid and a reactor) and a temperature at _which_ the reaction occurs may be _challenging_ with typical _reactor_ _designs,_ particularly when heat transfer and mass transfer are not _independently_ controlled. _Effective_ _reaction_ (e.g., mitigation of a pollutant) _may_ _require_ a reactor _design_ that maintains _a_ desired temperature or _range_ of temperatures over a certain volume or region having a certain surface area, notwithstanding that the primary source of heat to the reactor may be the exhaust stream. _Such_ requirements _may_ be challenging, _particularly_ _when_ mass transfer _and/or_ _reaction_ kinetics are at odds with heat _transfer_ kinetics (e.g., from an exhaust stream to a reactor, or _from_ the reactor to the environment). _The_ use of exhaust heat to maintain a reactor temperature _may_ _result_ _in_ impaired performance under some conditions. For _example,_ a catalytic converter _may_ inefficiently _decompose_ pollutants _prior_ to having been heated to an appropriate temperature (e.g., when the vehicle is cold). A _diesel_ particulate filter may require _“regeneration”_ (e.g., the _creation_ of a temperature and oxygen _partial_ pressure sufficient to oxidized accumulated soot). Regeneration _often_ requires _heating_ the _filtered_ _soot_ to an oxidation temperature, which often _relies_ on heat from the exhaust stream and/or _heat_ from _other_ sources. Regeneration may _require_ electrical heating of _a_ reactor. Some combinations _of_ engines and duty cycles may _result_ _in_ _contaminants_ (e.g., soot) _reaching_ unacceptable levels before a _mitigation_ system begins efficient operation (e.g., a soot filter may “fill up” _before_ regeneration occurs. Regeneration may require _injection_ of a fuel and associated _combustion_ heating beyond the motive heat associated with _the_ working engine (e.g., direct _injection_ _of_ fuel into an exhaust stream). In some cases, the provision of regeneration _heat_ (e.g., via _electrical_ _heating,_ post-injection, downstream injection, and the like) may decrease the overall efficiency of a system. Some streams of fluids may be subject to a plurality of reactions and/or reactors. For _example,_ a diesel exhaust mitigation system may include a diesel oxidation _reactor_ (e.g., to oxidize CO and/or hydrocarbons), _a_ particulate filter, and a reactor to remove NOx (oxides of Nitrogen). In some cases, these reactors are disposed in _series,_ and so an exhaust _system_ _may_ include several components, each having _an_ inlet and outlet, with the _outlet_ of one component _connected_ to the inlet of another component. Such _systems_ may be _complex_ and/or difficult to integrate. In some cases, each component may require _a_ separate mass _and/or_ heat injection apparatus. For example, excess diesel fuel may be injected _into_ an exhaust _stream_ to create _combustion_ at a diesel oxidation _reactor_ in order to raise an inlet temperature _of_ _a_ particulate filter. A NOx reactor may require injection _of_ _a_ reductant, (e.g., _urea,_ ammonia, Hydrogen, and/or other fuel) _in_ order to facilitate a reaction at a certain temperature. A diesel _particulate_ filter may benefit _from_ NOx _injection_ (e.g., to _oxidize_ soot). In some cases, _latent_ heat and/or chemical species exiting a first reactor _may_ _not_ _be_ efficiently utilized _in_ a second “downstream” reactor, notwithstanding _that_ _the_ heat and/or species might _be_ useful in the downstream _reactor._ In _some_ _cases,_ the heat and/or species exiting a first _reactor_ _must_ be _controlled_ in such a way that performance _of_ _a_ downstream _reactor_ is not inhibited. _Improved_ reactor designs might provide for such control. Many refractory _substrates_ _(e.g.,_ catalytic converter, diesel _particulate_ filter, and _the_ _like)_ are fabricated using extrusion. Such substrates _often_ _have_ long channels, with the _“long”_ direction of the channels associated with the _extrusion_ direction. The _long_ direction may also be aligned _with_ the flow of _fluid_ through the substrate. As a result, reaction kinetics, heat transfer kinetics, fluid flow properties, and the like _may_ be constrained by the _method_ of fabrication of the substrate _(e.g.,_ extrusion). _For_ example, a certain _minimum_ residence time (associated with a reaction) may require _a_ _substrate_ having a minimum length, which _may_ dictate an extruded substrate whose length _is_ impractical for a given application. _For_ _a_ _typical_ filter (e.g., a _diesel_ particulate _filter,_ or DPF), filtration may preferentially begin _at_ _regions_ having higher fluid flow rates. In some cases, the deposition of particles may preferentially occur at the downstream end _of_ a filter _substrate,_ and so a particulate _filter_ may _“fill_ _up”_ from the downstream end toward the upstream _end._ A DPF may _be_ “regenerated” _by_ oxidizing filtered particles (e.g., _filtered_ soot). Often, the _downstream_ end of a DPF substrate may be cooler than _the_ upstream end, and so _regeneration_ of soot may require that the coolest part of the substrate _reach_ regeneration temperatures. In _certain_ applications, it may be advantageous to provide for preferential soot filtration at portions of the substrate _that_ _heat_ up faster than other portions. |
In a shot ball game machine, such as a pachinko machine, predetermined game parts including a starting means, a pattern display means, and a big prize means are mounted in the game region of a game board. In playing a game, game balls are shot to the game region by shooting means. And, if a game ball is detected by the starting means, under the condition of this detection a plurality of patterns in the pattern display means are varied for a predetermined time, and whether a special game state is to be generated or not is decided on the basis of a random number obtained under the condition of this variation. If there is a decision to the effect that the special game state should be generated, a patterns after the variation is stopped in a particular manner, whereupon the special game state to open the opening/closing plate of the big prize means is generated. The big prize means closes the opening/closing plate when a predetermined time has passed since the opening or when a predetermined number of game balls win prizes during the opening. Further, under the condition that game balls pass through the particular region, the special game state, that is, the opening of the big prize means, is repeated predetermined times at a maximum.
Game moves taking place in the game board, including lottery or the like to decide whether or not such special game state is to be generated, are controlled by a main control circuit board stored in a main circuit board case on the back of the game machine main body. Therefore, if predetermined electronic parts including ROMs on the main control circuit board are dishonestly replaced by those which provide a higher probability of generation of the special game state or the like, the special game state can be easily generated.
Accordingly, the method heretofore employed is such that as the predetermined electronic parts including ROMs, those having intrinsic identification information, such as a serial number, applied thereto are used on the one hand and on the other hand after the main control circuit board having the predetermined electronic parts mounted thereon has been stored in the main circuit board case, the latter is sealed by a sealing means which, when opened, will leave a trace of opening. Thereby, if such sealing means are inspected in game parlors or the like, the presence or absence of a dishonest act can be decided, e.g., by the presence or absence of a trace of opening the sealing means, or by a difference in the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts.
In assembling a pachinko machine or the like provided with a circuit board case disposed on the back of the game machine main body and having such main control circuit board stored therein, it is necessary for game machine makers to confirm and record the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and to reliably seal the main circuit board case by the sealing means.
In the prior art, however, since the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and the sealing state of the sealing means are visually confirmed by the operator in the inspection step subsequent to the assembling of a pachinko machine, there is a danger of omission of inspection or the like to overlook the state of the sealing means despite the fact that the sealing means has not sealed.
Further, in the case of confirming the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts prior to sealing the main circuit board case and then sealing the main circuit board case by the sealing means, it cannot be absolutely denied that between the confirmation of the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and the sealing of the main circuit board case, there is a dishonest act, e.g., to open the main circuit board case to replace the main control circuit board by a new one and to let the latter read a dishonest intrinsic identification information.
With these prior art problems in mind, the invention has for its object the provision of a game machine circuit board case inspection method, and a game board or game machine inspection method, which are capable of reliably effecting the reading of intrinsic identification information applied to electronic parts on a control circuit board in a circuit board case and confirming the sealed state of a circuit board case and also capable of preventing a dishonest act, e.g., to replace electronic parts and let them read dishonest intrinsic identification information in an inspection step. | In a shot ball game machine, such as a pachinko machine, predetermined game parts including a starting means, a pattern display means, and a big prize means are mounted in the game region of a game board. In playing a game, game balls are shot to the game region by shooting means. And, if a game ball is detected by the starting means, under the condition of this detection a plurality of patterns in the pattern display means are varied for a predetermined time, and whether a special game state is to be generated or not is decided on the basis of a random number obtained under the condition of this variation. If there is a decision to the effect that the special game state should be generated, a patterns after the variation is stopped in a particular manner, whereupon the special game state to open the opening/closing plate of the big prize means is generated. The big prize means closes the opening/closing plate when a predetermined time has passed since the opening or when a predetermined number of game balls win prizes during the opening. Further, under the condition that game balls pass through the particular region, the special game state, that is, the opening of the big jimmy means, is repeated predetermined times at a maximum. Game moves taking place in the game board, including lottery or the like to decide whether or not such special game state is to be generated, are controlled by a main control circuit board stored in a main circuit board case on the back of the game machine main body. Therefore, if predetermined electronic parts including ROMs on the main control circuit board are dishonestly replaced by those which provide a higher probability of generation of the special game state or the like, the special game state can be easily generated. Accordingly, the method heretofore employed is such that as the predetermined electronic parts including ROMs, those having intrinsic identification information, such as a serial number, applied thereto are used on the one hand and on the other hand after the main control circuit board having the predetermined electronic parts mounted thereon has been stored in the main circuit board case, the latter is sealed by a sealing means which, when opened, will leave a trace of opening. Thereby, if such sealing means are inspected in game parlors or the like, the presence or absence of a dishonest act can be decided, e.g., by the presence or absence of a trace of opening the sealing means, or by a difference in the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts. In assembling a pachinko machine or the like provided with a circuit board case disposed on the back of the game machine main body and having such main control circuit board stored therein, it is necessary for game machine makers to confirm and record the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and to reliably seal the main circuit board case by the sealing means. In the prior art, however, since the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and the sealing state of the sealing means are visually confirmed by the operator in the inspection step subsequent to the assembling of a pachinko machine, there is a danger of omission of inspection or the like to overlook the state of the sealing means despite the fact that the sealing means has not sealed. Further, in the case of confirming the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts prior to sealing the main circuit board case and then sealing the main circuit board case by the sealing means, it cannot be absolutely denied that between the confirmation of the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and the sealing of the main circuit board case, there is a dishonest act, e.g., to open the main circuit board case to replace the main control circuit board by a new one and to let the latter read a dishonest intrinsic identification information. With these prior art problems in mind, the invention has for its object the provision of a game machine circuit board case inspection method, and a game board or game machine inspection method, which are capable of reliably effecting the reading of intrinsic identification information applied to electronic parts on a control circuit board in a circuit board case and confirming the sealed state of a circuit board case and also capable of preventing a dishonest act, e.g., to replace electronic parts and let them read dishonest intrinsic identification information in an inspection step. | In a shot ball game machine, such as a pachinko machine, predetermined game parts including a starting means, a pattern display means, and a big prize means are mounted in the game region of a game board. In playing a game, game balls are shot to the game region by shooting means. And, if a game ball is detected by the starting means, under the condition of this detection a plurality of patterns in the pattern display means are fariRd for a predetermined time, and whether a special game state is to be generated or not is decided on the basis of a random number obtained under the condition of this variation. If there is a decision to the effect that the special game state should be generated, a patterns after the variation is stopped in a particular manner, whereupon the special game state to open the opening / closing plate of the big prize means is generated. The big prize means closes the opening / closing plate when a predetermined time has passed since the opening or when a predetermined number of gaND balls win prizes during the opening. Further, under the condition that game balls pass through the particular region, the special game state, that is, the opening of the big prize means, is repeated predetermined times at a maximum. Game moves taking place in the game board, &ncludung lottery or the like to decide whether or not such special game state is to be generated, are controlled by a main control circuit board stored in a main circuit board case on the back of the game machine main body. Therefore, if predetermined electronic parts including ROMs on the main control circuit board are dishonestly replaced by those which provide a higTWr probability of generation of the special game state or the like, the special game state can be easily generated. Accordingly, the method heretofore employed is qkch that as the predetermined electronic parts including ROMs, those having intrinsic identification information, such as a serial number, applied thereto are used on the one hand and on the other hand after the main control circuit board having the predetermined electronic parts mounted thereon has been stored in the main circuit board case, the latter is sealed by a sealing means which, when opened, will leave a trace of opening. Thereby, if such sealing means are inspected in game parlors or the like, the presence or absence of a dishonest act can be decided, e. g. , by the presence or absence of a trace of opening the sealing means, or by a difference in the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts. In assembling a Lachigko machine or the like provided with a cieciit board case disposed on the back of the game machine main body and having such main control circuit board stored therein, it is necessary for game mafh(ne makers to confirm and record the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and to reliably seal the main fitcuit board case by the sealing means. In the prior art, however, since the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and the sealing state of the sealing means are visually confirmed by the operator in the inspection step subsequent to the assembling of a pacyiHko machine, there is a danger of omission of inspection or the like to overlook the state of the sealing means despite the fact that the sealing means has not sealed. Further, in the case of confirming the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts prior to sealing the main circuit board case and then sealing the main circuit board case by the sealing means, it cannot be absolutely denied that between the confirmation of the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and the sealing of the main circuit board case, there is a dishonest act, e. g. , to open the main circuit board case to replace the main control circuit board by a new one and to let the latter read a dishonest intrinsic identification information. With these prior art problems in mind, the invention has for its object the provision of a game machine circuit board case inspection method, and a game board or game machine inspection method, which are capable of reliably effecting the reading of intrinsic identification information applied to electronic parts on a control circuit board in a circuit board case and confirming the sealed state of a circuit board case and also capable of preventing a dishonest act, e. g. , to replace electronic parts and let them read dishonest intrinsic identification information in an inspection step. | In a shot ball game machine, such as a pachinko machine, predetermined game parts including a starting means, a pattern display means, and a big prize means are mounted the game region a game board. In a game, game balls are shot to the game region by shooting And, if a game ball is detected by the means, under the condition of this detection a plurality in the display are varied for a predetermined time, and whether a special game state is generated or not is decided on the basis a number obtained under the condition of this variation. If there is decision to the that the special game state should be generated, a patterns after the variation is stopped in a particular whereupon the special game state to open the opening/closing plate of the big prize means is generated. The prize means closes the opening/closing plate when a predetermined time passed since the opening or when predetermined number of game balls win prizes during the opening. Further, under the condition that balls pass through the particular region, the special game state, that is, the opening of the prize means, is repeated a maximum. Game moves taking in game board, including or the like to decide whether or not such special state to be generated, are controlled main control circuit board stored in a main circuit board case on the back of the game machine main body. Therefore, if predetermined electronic parts including ROMs on the control board are dishonestly replaced those which provide a higher probability of of the special game state the the special game state can be easily Accordingly, the method heretofore is such that as the predetermined electronic parts including ROMs, those having identification information, such as a serial applied thereto are used on the one hand and on the other hand after the main control circuit board having the predetermined electronic parts mounted thereon been stored the main circuit board case, the latter is sealed by a sealing means which, when opened, will leave a trace of opening. Thereby, if such means inspected in game parlors or the like, the presence or absence of a dishonest can be decided, by the presence or absence of a trace of opening the sealing means, or by a difference in the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts. In assembling a pachinko machine or the like provided with a circuit board disposed on the of the game machine main body and having such main control circuit board stored therein, it is necessary for game machine to confirm and record the intrinsic identification information on electronic parts and to reliably seal the board case by the sealing means. In the art, however, the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and the state of the sealing means are visually confirmed by the operator in the inspection step subsequent to the assembling of a pachinko machine, there a danger of omission of inspection the to overlook the state of the sealing means despite the fact that the sealing means has not sealed. Further, in the case of confirming the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts prior to sealing the main circuit board case and then sealing the main circuit board case by the sealing means, cannot be absolutely denied that between the confirmation of the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and the sealing of the main circuit board case, there is a dishonest act, e.g., to open the main circuit case to the main control circuit board by a new one and to the latter read a identification information. With these prior art problems in mind, the invention has for its object the provision of a game machine circuit board case inspection and a board or game machine inspection method, are of reliably effecting reading of intrinsic identification information applied to electronic parts on a control circuit board in a board case and the sealed state of a circuit board case and also capable of a dishonest act, e.g., to replace electronic parts let read dishonest identification information in an inspection step. | In a shOT bAlL GAME mAChINE, SUch aS a pAcHINKo mAcHinE, predeTErMinEd gaME ParTs iNClUdInG A starTING MEAns, A PaTterN DisplaY meAns, and A BIG prize Means ArE MOuNTED IN THE GaME reGIon OF a GAmE boarD. IN plAYiNG A gAmE, GamE bAllS arE sHOT TO THe gaMe RegiON By sHoOTiNG MEANS. AND, iF A GAMe bALl IS DetectEd by thE startINg meAns, UNder ThE ConDITiON oF ThIS deTECTIOn A plUrAlITY oF PAtTERNs iN THe PaTTErN DiSpLAY Means Are VarIED fOR a pRedEtERmined TIme, and WHeTher A sPeCIal Game STatE iS tO Be GeNeRatEd Or nOT Is dECideD on thE BASis oF A RaNdoM numbEr ObtaInED under ThE cONdITioN Of thIs VarIAtION. IF ThErE is a DECISioN to thE efFeCt tHAT tHe sPeCiaL Game STAte sHould Be GeneRAtEd, a pattErNS aFteR the varIatiOn IS STopPeD IN a ParTicULAR Manner, whEReuPOn the speciaL gaMe STate tO OpEN the oPEning/ClOSinG PlatE of thE BIg PrIze MEaNs IS GeNeRATEd. THe BIG prize mEANS cloSEs the OPenING/cLOSING pLATE wHen a pREdeTERMiNEd Time hAs PASseD siNce THE oPenIng Or WheN A PrEdeTeRMiNed nUmbER OF gaMe baLlS WIN prizES duRINg THE OpENiNG. FURTHeR, UnDEr tHE conDiTiON ThAT gaMe bAllS PASs tHROUGH tHE ParTiculAR rEGIOn, thE spEciAl gaME StATe, tHat Is, THE oPENINg oF The BIg PrIZe mEAnS, is repeAtED pRedeTERmiNeD TimeS at a MAxImUm.
game MOVES tAkinG PlACe In tHe gAme bOaRD, InCludiNG lOTtERy oR tHe lIKe tO DeciDe whether oR NOt SUch SPeCiAl gAMe staTe Is TO be gEnERAted, ARe conTrolLEd bY a MAiN ConTRoL cIrCuiT bOArD sToREd iN A MAiN ciRCUiT bOArD cASe On tHe bAck Of the game machiNE maiN bODy. THERefoRe, IF pRedEtERmIneD ELECTrOnIC paRTS iNcLUdiNG rOMS On THe mAIN cOnTrol CiRcuIt BoARD aRe disHonestLY RepLACEd By tHOsE whICH ProvIde A HiGheR prObaBIlITy oF genEratIoN of thE SPECiAl GAme STAte OR THE LiKE, thE SpeciAl gamE StaTe Can be EasiLy GENErAtEd.
ACCordINgly, The METhod HEreTOForE eMpLOyed IS sUCH tHAT AS tHE PrEDETERmiNeD ElEcTROniC PARTs iNClUdINg RoMS, thosE HaVINg IntrInsIC IDEnTIFiCaTiOn iNforMAtION, SUCh As a sERIal Number, aPplIEd THEReTo ARe useD on ThE OnE haNd AND oN THE othEr hand AfteR THe maIN CONTROl cIRCUIT BoarD havinG tHE pReDETErmINeD ELeCtroNIc parts moUntED thEreoN has bEEN StoREd In thE maIn CircuiT BOaRD cASE, tHe lATTer iS SEAleD by a seALINg MeANs WHICH, whEn oPeNED, WILL leave A TracE OF oPenIng. tHeRebY, iF sUCh seAliNG meANS ARe iNSpecTED IN Game paRlorS OR The LIkE, tHe PrEsENce or abseNce oF A diShOnEst ACt Can bE dECIdED, e.g., bY THe pRESeNcE oR AbseNcE OF a tRace of oPENiNG The sEALIng mEANs, or BY a DiFferEnce iN thE INTRiNSic idEnTiFiCAtion INforMation On THE elECTRonic PARtS.
In ASSemBlINg A PAchINko Machine OR tHE LiKE pRoVideD WITH a cIRcuiT BOard CaSE DIspOSeD on THe BaCk OF the GAMe mAChINe MaiN bOdy aNd haviNg sUCH MaIn CoNtRol CIRcUit boArD StOred tHEReiN, It IS nEcessARy FoR GAme MAChINE Makers To confIRm anD ReCoRd thE iNTrINSIc IdeNTiFICaTIoN inFOrmaTion On ThE elEctroNiC PaRts aND to rElIABLy sEAL tHE MAin CIrCuiT bOaRD cAsE By tHE SEaLInG mEAnS.
in the prioR ArT, hOWeveR, SinCe thE INTRinSiC IDeNTIfiCaTiOn infORmATion On The eLECtroNiC parTS AnD ThE SeALinG STaTe of THE SeAling means Are vIsuALLy CoNFirMEd By tHe OPErAToR iN The inspecTion step SUbsEqUEnt tO THE AsseMblING OF A PacHiNkO MacHinE, theRe IS a DANGeR Of OMISsion of inSpECTiON oR THE LIKe TO ovERLOOK THE sTaTe oF thE sEaLiNG Means dESpiTe tHe FacT THAT The SeAlInG meANs haS not sEALeD.
furtHEr, in tHE cASE oF CoNfIRMing The INTrInsIC IdeNtIfiCaTion INFoRmATiON on THe eLEctRoNiC PARTS pRiOR to SEaLIng tHe mAiN CiRCUIt BoArd cASE aND thEN SeAlInG the MaIN cIRcuIt bOaRd cAse by tHE SEAlinG MeaNS, it CanNot BE AbsolUteLY DeNIeD thaT BEtWEEn ThE conFirMATion Of THE INTRiNsic iDeNTIFICAtION INfORMaTiOn On The ElECTRONic PArTS ANd ThE sEaLiNG of thE MAin cIRcuIt BOARD cAse, THeRe Is A diShonest ACt, e.g., TO oPen thE mAiN CIRCuit BOard CASE To RePLACe The mAin CONtRol cIRcUiT boaRd bY A NeW One and TO let ThE laTTer ReAD A dIShOnEST INtRInSIC idENTifIcAtion iNForMATioN.
witH ThESE pRIOr aRt ProblEmS In Mind, The InVENtIOn hAs fOR ITS oBJect thE proVisIOn of A GAme MAcHINE cIrCUiT Board casE INsPEctIOn mEtHOD, And a gAME bOaRd Or GAme maChinE InsPecTiOn methOD, WHIcH ARe caPaBlE oF rEliabLy eFFECtiNG THe reADiNG oF iNTriNsIC ideNTifICaTIoN INfOrmATIOn ApPLIEd to eLEctROnIc pARts on A coNtrol CIRCUit BoARD In A CiRCuIT BOArd CASE anD confirMInG thE sEaLED StatE oF a CirCUIt bOArD Case ANd ALSo CaPABlE of pREvENtIng A dIShoNEst AcT, E.G., to repLaCe ELEcTrOnIC parts anD let them READ dishONESt intriNsIC IDENTifiCatiOn iNformAtioN in an iNSPEctiOn sTEP. | Ina shot ball game machine,such as a pachinko machine, predeterminedgameparts including a starting means, a pattern displaymeans, and a big prize means are mounted in the game region of a game board. In playing a game, game balls are shot to the game region byshooting means. And, if a game ballis detected bythe starting means, under the condition ofthis detection a plurality of patternsin the pattern display means are varied fora predetermined time, and whether a special gamestate is to be generated or not is decided on thebasis of a random numberobtained underthe conditionofthis variation. If there is a decision to the effect that the specialgame state shouldbe generated, a patterns afterthe variation is stopped in a particular manner, whereuponthe special game state to openthe opening/closing plate ofthebig prizemeans is generated. The bigprize means closes the opening/closing plate when apredeterminedtimehas passed since the opening orwhen a predetermined number of game ballswinprizes during the opening.Further, under the condition that game ballspass through the particular region,the special game state, that is, the opening of the bigprize means, is repeated predeterminedtimes at amaximum.Game movestaking place in the game board, including lottery or the like to decide whether or not such special game state is to be generated, are controlled by a main control circuit board storedin amain circuit board case on the back ofthe game machine main body. Therefore, if predetermined electronic parts including ROMs on the main control circuit board aredishonestly replacedby those which provide a higherprobability of generation of the special game stateor the like, the specialgame state canbe easily generated. Accordingly, themethodheretofore employed is suchthat as thepredetermined electronicparts includingROMs,those having intrinsic identification information, such as a serial number, applied thereto areused on the one hand andontheother hand after the main control circuit board having the predetermined electronic parts mounted thereon has been stored in themaincircuit board case, thelatter is sealed by a sealing means which,when opened, will leavea trace of opening. Thereby, if suchsealing means are inspected in gameparlorsor the like,the presence or absence of a dishonest act can be decided, e.g.,bythe presence or absence of a trace of opening the sealing means, orby a difference inthe intrinsic identification information onthe electronicparts. In assembling a pachinko machine or thelike provided witha circuit board casedisposed on the back of the game machine mainbody and having such main control circuit board storedtherein, it is necessary for game machine makers to confirm and recordthe intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and to reliably seal the main circuit board case by the sealing means. Inthe prior art, however, since the intrinsic identification information on the electronicparts and the sealing state of the sealing means arevisually confirmed by the operator in the inspection step subsequent to the assemblingof a pachinko machine, there is a danger of omission of inspectionor the like to overlook the state of the sealing means despite the fact that the sealing means has not sealed.Further, in the case ofconfirming the intrinsicidentification information on the electronic partsprior to sealing the main circuit boardcaseand thensealingthe main circuit boardcase by the sealing means, it cannotbe absolutely denied that between the confirmation of the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and the sealing of the main circuit board case, there isa dishonest act, e.g., toopen the main circuit board case to replace the main controlcircuit board by a new one and to let the latter read a dishonest intrinsic identificationinformation. With these prior art problems in mind, the invention has for its object the provisionof agame machinecircuit boardcase inspection method, and a game board or game machine inspection method, which are capable of reliably effecting the reading ofintrinsic identification informationapplied to electronic parts on a control circuit boardin a circuit board caseand confirmingthe sealed state of a circuitboard case and also capableof preventing a dishonest act, e.g., to replace electronic parts and let themread dishonest intrinsic identification information in an inspection step. | In _a_ shot _ball_ game _machine,_ such as a pachinko machine, predetermined game parts including a _starting_ means, _a_ pattern _display_ means, and a _big_ _prize_ means are mounted in the game _region_ of _a_ game board. In playing _a_ game, game balls _are_ _shot_ to the game region by shooting means. _And,_ if a game ball is _detected_ _by_ the starting means, under the _condition_ of this detection _a_ plurality of _patterns_ _in_ the pattern display means _are_ varied for a predetermined time, and whether a special _game_ state _is_ to be generated or not _is_ _decided_ _on_ the basis of a random number obtained under the _condition_ of this variation. If _there_ is a decision to the effect that the special game state should be generated, a _patterns_ after the variation _is_ stopped in a _particular_ manner, whereupon the special game state to open _the_ _opening/closing_ plate of the big prize means _is_ _generated._ The big prize _means_ closes the opening/closing plate when a predetermined time _has_ _passed_ since _the_ opening _or_ when a predetermined number of _game_ balls win prizes during the opening. _Further,_ _under_ the condition that game balls pass through the particular _region,_ _the_ special game state, that is, the opening of _the_ big prize means, is _repeated_ _predetermined_ _times_ at a maximum. _Game_ moves taking place in the _game_ board, including lottery or the like to decide whether or not _such_ special game state is _to_ be generated, are controlled by _a_ main control circuit board stored in a main circuit board case on the back _of_ _the_ _game_ machine main body. Therefore, _if_ predetermined electronic parts including _ROMs_ on the _main_ control _circuit_ board are dishonestly replaced by those which provide a higher probability of _generation_ of the special game state or the like, the _special_ game state can be easily generated. Accordingly, the method heretofore employed is _such_ that as the _predetermined_ electronic parts including ROMs, those having intrinsic _identification_ information, _such_ _as_ a serial number, applied thereto are used on the _one_ hand and on the _other_ hand after the main control circuit board _having_ the predetermined electronic parts mounted thereon has been stored in the _main_ circuit board _case,_ _the_ _latter_ is sealed by a sealing means which, when opened, will leave a trace of opening. Thereby, if such sealing means are inspected in game parlors or the _like,_ _the_ _presence_ _or_ absence of _a_ dishonest act can be decided, _e.g.,_ by the presence or absence of a trace of opening the sealing means, or by a difference in the intrinsic identification information on _the_ electronic parts. In assembling a pachinko machine or the _like_ provided with _a_ circuit board case disposed on the back of the game machine main body and having such _main_ control circuit board _stored_ therein, _it_ _is_ necessary for game machine _makers_ to confirm _and_ record the intrinsic identification information on the electronic parts and _to_ reliably seal the main circuit board case by the sealing means. In the _prior_ art, however, since _the_ intrinsic identification information on the _electronic_ _parts_ and the sealing state of the sealing _means_ are visually confirmed _by_ _the_ _operator_ in _the_ _inspection_ _step_ subsequent to _the_ assembling of a _pachinko_ machine, there _is_ _a_ danger _of_ omission _of_ inspection or _the_ _like_ to overlook the state of the _sealing_ _means_ despite the fact that the _sealing_ means has not sealed. Further, in the case of confirming the _intrinsic_ identification information on the electronic parts prior to sealing the main _circuit_ board _case_ and then sealing the main circuit board _case_ by _the_ sealing means, it cannot be absolutely denied that between the _confirmation_ of the intrinsic identification information _on_ the electronic parts and the _sealing_ of _the_ main circuit board case, there is a dishonest act, _e.g.,_ to open the main circuit board case to replace the _main_ control circuit _board_ by _a_ new one and _to_ let _the_ latter read _a_ dishonest intrinsic identification information. With _these_ prior art problems in _mind,_ the invention _has_ _for_ _its_ object the provision of a game _machine_ circuit _board_ case inspection method, and a _game_ board or game _machine_ inspection method, which are capable of reliably effecting the reading of intrinsic identification information applied to electronic parts on a control circuit board in a _circuit_ board case _and_ confirming the sealed _state_ of a circuit _board_ case and also capable of preventing a dishonest act, e.g., to _replace_ electronic parts _and_ _let_ them read dishonest _intrinsic_ identification _information_ in an inspection step. |
Photographic cameras have been in widespread use for quite some time. Basically, such a camera operates by exposing a portion of a light sensitive media, i.e. a frame of film, for a pre-defined period of time to scene illumination. The light is focused on the frame through a lens that has an aperture of a given, often variable, size. A shutter, situated behind the lens and in front of the film, opens for a selected period of time in order to permit the light to transit therethrough, illuminate and expose the film. As a result of being properly exposed and subsequently developed, the film undergoes a photochemical process, on a two-dimensional basis throughout the frame, that locally varies the optical transmissivity of each portion of the frame in proportion to the amount of illumination that reaches that portion of the frame from a corresponding portion of the scene, thereby producing, depending upon whether reversal or negative film is used, either a two-dimensional positive or negative optical image of the scene. As such, tonal variations that appeared in the scene are captured in the frame of the film. Photographic prints are often made from negatives, while
transparencies (commonly referred to as "slides") are made from positives.
Though this overall process, which relies on the use of silver halide as a photosensitive reagent in film, has basically remained unchanged over many years, this process is highly non-linear and subject to a great many variables which significantly complicate its use. In particular, exposure (E) is defined, under a standardized definition, as being a product of the illuminance (I) multiplied by the time (t) during which the film is exposed to this illumination. In this regard, see specifically ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard PH 3.49-1971 "American National Standard for General Purpose Photographic Exposure Meters" (re-affirmed in its entirety with no modifications in 1987 as ANSI standard PH 3.49-1987) [hereinafter referred to as ANSI standard 3.49-1987], and also ANSI standard PH 2.7-1986 "American National Standard for Photography--Photographic Exposure Guide" and specifically page 13 thereof. In a camera, the combination of two settings, namely lens aperture (size of the lens opening) and shutter speed (time during which the shutter remains open), primarily defines a particular exposure. Unfortunately, lens aperture and shutter speed define more than just an amount of exposure, these settings also dramatically affect picture (hereinafter including both prints and transparencies) quality and must be judiciously chosen in each photographic situation; otherwise, a picture (also referred to hereinafter as an image) having inferior quality will result.
To illustrate the variability among photographic parameters and the difficulties in choosing appropriate lens aperture and shutter speed settings, consider for the moment a particular scenario that often occurs and presents significant challenges to a photographer: photographing a scene in relatively low light conditions with sufficient depth-of-field to cover a desired subject. In dealing with a low light situation, a photographer, particularly an amateur, might, at first, open the lens aperture to its maximum value in order to pass as much light as possible therethrough to the film. A suitable shutter speed would then be chosen based on scene luminance, typically using an indication provided by an internal light meter located in the camera. Unfortunately, such an approach might fail. Specifically, while, the lens aperture size specifies the amount of light that instantaneously strikes the film, this size also defines the so-called depth-of-field in the resulting photographed image, i.e. a range of minimum to maximum camera-to-subject distances in which objects located therein will be perceived in the image as being sharp and in-focus. As the aperture size of a given lens increases, i.e. the lens is opened and its so-called "f" number decreases, which ordinarily occurs in low light conditions, the depth-of-field produced by that lens correspondingly decreases. Accordingly, with certain subject thicknesses, the depth-of-field that results from a maximum lens aperture exposure may be too restricted to fully cover the entire subject. Thus, portions of the subject located at camera-to-subject distances that are outside the range specified by the depth-of-field for the given lens aperture, i.e. too close to or too far from the camera, will appear out-of-focus in the resulting photographed image. Therefore, in order to provide an appropriate depth-of-field to cover the entire subject, a smaller lens aperture than the maximum available size must be used along with a slower shutter speed to generate a sufficient exposure. Unfortunately, a photographer is often unable to steadily hold a hand-held camera for times typically in excess of, for example, 1/50th of a second for a 50 mm lens. Hence, as the shutter remains open for increasingly longer periods of time, the camera becomes increasingly sensitive to camera shake or subject motion which, when it occurs, blurs and ruins the entire picture. Therefore, to reduce the incidence of noticeable image blur, particularly resulting from camera shake, shutter speeds equal to or slower than of 1/50th second for use with a 50 mm lens should be avoided for use in a hand-held camera. Consequently, other techniques, such as mounting the camera on a tripod or using an auxiliary light source, e.g. a so-called flash unit, or higher speed film, i.e. a more sensitive film, are often required in order to provide acceptable combinations of lens aperture openings and shutter speeds in low light conditions. Unfortunately, a flash unit or a tripod may not be currently available. Also, films that are increasingly sensitive tend to produce pictures that exhibit increasing graininess, thereby adversely impacting the quality of the picture. With this scenario and in the absence of having a flash unit, a tripod or the ability to change film for use in photographing a particular low light scene, the photographer may not be able to select shutter speeds and lens aperture sizes that will produce a picture of optimum quality. Instead, the photographer is forced to accept compromise settings which will likely produce a picture of sub-optimum quality, such as being under-exposed, but, owing to the latitude in the performance of the film, will hopefully still exhibit sufficient quality to still be acceptable to a viewer. To a certain extent, the developing process can compensate (through so-called "forcing") for under-exposure conditions, though the ability to do so and still provide pictures of sufficient quality depends upon the subject matter in the scene and hence can be rather limited. In this regard, see D. M. Zwick, "The Technical Basis of Photographic Speed Determination or What is a Normal Exposure", SMPTE Journal, Vol. 88, No. 8, August 1979, pages 533-537 (hereinafter referred to as the L Zwick publication) and specifically pages 536-537 thereof.
In certain extreme situations with worsening exposure conditions than that illustratively described above, the lighting conditions may, for all practical purposes, totally frustrate the ability of even a skilled photographer to produce a picture of merely acceptable quality. In these situations, photography would be essentially impossible. For example, consider the same low-light scenario above but where the photographer desires to use a lens that has a relatively large focal length, e.g. a telephoto lens, to capture a scene. For a given film size, the depth-of-field varies in proportion to the square of the focal length of the lens and hence significantly decreases with increases in focal length. Therefore, the depth-of-field provided by such a lens, for certain lens apertures, may not meet the scene requirements. Large focal length lenses also tend to be bulky, massive and relatively heavy and thus, once mounted to a hand-held camera, are hard to hold steady for even moderate shutter speeds, such as 1/30 or 1/60th of a second. Accordingly, to avoid significant camera shake, the slowest shutter speed at which these lenses can be used, without a tripod, is often quite limited. Moreover, since physical limitations on lens size often prevent a large focal length lens from being constructed with large lens aperture sizes, this forces the use of increasingly long shutter speeds to achieve a proper exposure under low-light conditions and exacerbates the need to use other techniques, such as a tripod, auxiliary light source or a faster speed film, to provide usable lens aperture and shutter speed settings that will provide a proper exposure. In the absence of using a tripod or an auxiliary light source, which--owing to the amplitude fall-off as the inverse square of distance to the subject--becomes ineffective at large subject-to-camera distances, or the ability to change to and/or even the availability of sufficiently fast films that exhibit low graininess during the printing process, low-light photography with large focal length lenses is oftentimes practically impossible.
Therefore, as one can now appreciate, even a skilled photographer often experiences difficulties in choosing the proper photographic settings under certain lighting conditions, e.g. lens aperture and shutter settings, selection of lens focal length, use and amount of flash illumination. While certain lighting conditions are so extreme that they simply can not be handled by even a professional photographer, the vast majority of scene lighting conditions fortunately do not fall in this category. Nevertheless, some of these latter conditions often present sufficient difficulties to effectively frustrate the ability of an amateur photographer to take a picture of acceptable quality. In fact, for many inexperienced amateurs, choosing lens aperture size and shutter speed settings amounts to little more than mere guesswork, through which the probability is high that the amateur will select wrong settings and quickly become frustrated. Frustration, if it occurs sufficiently often, leads to dis-satisfaction, which in the context of an amateur photographer often means that that photographer will simply stop taking pictures and turn to other leisure activities which he or she believes to be less trying and more satisfying than photography. Since | Photographic cameras have been in widespread use for quite some time. Basically, such a camera operates by exposing a portion of a light sensitive media, i.e. a frame of film, for a pre-defined period of time to scene illumination. The light is focused on the frame through a lens that has an aperture of a given, often variable, size. A shutter, situated behind the lens and in front of the film, opens for a selected period of time in order to permit the light to transit therethrough, illuminate and expose the film. As a result of being properly exposed and subsequently developed, the film undergoes a photochemical process, on a two-dimensional basis throughout the frame, that locally varies the optical transmissivity of each portion of the frame in proportion to the amount of illumination that reaches that portion of the frame from a corresponding portion of the scene, thereby producing, depending upon whether reversal or negative film is used, either a two-dimensional positive or negative optical image of the scene. As such, tonal variations that appeared in the scene are captured in the frame of the film. Photographic prints are often made from negatives, while transparencies (commonly referred to as "slides") are made from positives. Though this overall process, which relies on the use of silver halide as a photosensitive reagent in film, has basically remained unchanged over many years, this process is highly non-linear and subject to a great many variables which significantly complicate its use. In particular, exposure (E) is defined, under a standardized definition, as being a product of the illuminance (I) multiplied by the time (t) during which the film is exposed to this illumination. In this regard, see specifically ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard PH 3.49-1971 "American National Standard for General Purpose Photographic Exposure Meters" (re-affirmed in its entirety with no modifications in 1987 as ANSI standard PH 3.49-1987) [hereinafter referred to as ANSI standard 3.49-1987], and also ANSI standard PH 2.7-1986 "American National Standard for Photography--Photographic Exposure Guide" and specifically page 13 thereof. In a camera, the combination of two settings, namely lens aperture (size of the lens opening) and shutter speed (time during which the shutter remains open), primarily defines a particular exposure. Unfortunately, lens aperture and shutter speed define more than just an amount of exposure, these settings also dramatically affect picture (hereinafter including both prints and transparencies) quality and must be judiciously chosen in each photographic situation; otherwise, a picture (also referred to hereinafter as an image) having inferior quality will result. To illustrate the variability among photographic parameters and the difficulties in choosing appropriate lens aperture and shutter speed settings, consider for the moment a particular scenario that often occurs and presents significant challenges to a photographer: photographing a scene in relatively low light conditions with sufficient depth-of-field to cover a desired subject. In dealing with a low light situation, a photographer, particularly an amateur, might, at first, open the lens aperture to its maximum value in order to pass as much light as possible therethrough to the film. A suitable shutter speed would then be chosen based on scene luminance, typically using an indication provided by an internal light meter located in the camera. Unfortunately, such an approach might fail. Specifically, while, the lens aperture size specifies the amount of light that instantaneously strikes the film, this size also defines the so-called depth-of-field in the resulting photographed image, i.e. a range of minimum to maximum camera-to-subject distances in which objects located therein will be perceived in the image as being sharp and in-focus. As the aperture size of a given lens increases, i.e. the lens is opened and its so-called "f" number decreases, which ordinarily occurs in low light conditions, the depth-of-field produced by that lens correspondingly decreases. Accordingly, with certain subject thicknesses, the depth-of-field that results from a maximum lens aperture exposure may be too restricted to fully cover the entire subject. Thus, portions of the subject located at camera-to-subject distances that are outside the range specified by the depth-of-field for the given lens aperture, i.e. too close to or too far from the camera, will appear out-of-focus in the resulting photographed image. Therefore, in order to provide an appropriate depth-of-field to cover the entire subject, a smaller lens aperture than the maximum available size must be used along with a slower shutter speed to generate a sufficient exposure. Unfortunately, a photographer is often unable to steadily hold a hand-held camera for times typically in excess of, for example, 1/50th of a second for a 50 mm lens. Hence, as the shutter remains open for increasingly longer periods of time, the camera becomes increasingly sensitive to camera shake or subject gesticulate which, when it occurs, blurs and ruins the entire picture. Therefore, to reduce the incidence of noticeable image blur, particularly resulting from camera shake, shutter speeds equal to or slower than of 1/50th second for use with a 50 mm lens should be avoided for use in a hand-held camera. Consequently, other techniques, such as mounting the camera on a tripod or using an auxiliary light source, e.g. a so-called flash unit, or higher speed film, i.e. a more sensitive film, are often required in order to provide acceptable combinations of lens aperture openings and shutter speeds in low light conditions. Unfortunately, a flash unit or a tripod may not be currently available. Also, films that are increasingly sensitive tend to produce pictures that exhibit increasing graininess, thereby adversely impacting the quality of the picture. With this scenario and in the absence of having a flash unit, a tripod or the ability to change film for use in photographing a particular low light scene, the photographer may not be able to select shutter speeds and lens aperture sizes that will produce a picture of optimum quality. Instead, the photographer is forced to accept compromise settings which will likely produce a picture of sub-optimum quality, such as being under-exposed, but, owing to the latitude in the performance of the film, will hopefully still exhibit sufficient quality to still be acceptable to a viewer. To a certain extent, the developing process can compensate (through so-called "forcing") for under-exposure conditions, though the ability to do so and still provide pictures of sufficient quality depends upon the subject matter in the scene and hence can be rather limited. In this regard, see D. M. Zwick, "The Technical Basis of Photographic Speed Determination or What is a Normal Exposure", SMPTE Journal, Vol. 88, No. 8, August 1979, pages 533-537 (hereinafter referred to as the L Zwick publication) and specifically pages 536-537 thereof. In certain extreme situations with worsening exposure conditions than that illustratively described above, the lighting conditions may, for all practical purposes, totally frustrate the ability of even a skilled photographer to produce a picture of merely acceptable quality. In these situations, photography would be essentially impossible. For example, consider the same low-light scenario above but where the photographer desires to use a lens that has a relatively large focal length, e.g. a telephoto lens, to capture a scene. For a given film size, the depth-of-field varies in proportion to the square of the focal length of the lens and hence significantly decreases with increases in focal length. Therefore, the depth-of-field provided by such a lens, for certain lens apertures, may not meet the scene requirements. Large focal length lenses also tend to be bulky, massive and relatively heavy and thus, once mounted to a hand-held camera, are hard to hold steady for even moderate shutter speeds, such as 1/30 or 1/60th of a second. Accordingly, to avoid significant camera shake, the slowest shutter speed at which these lenses can be used, without a tripod, is often quite limited. Moreover, since physical limitations on lens size often prevent a large focal length lens from being constructed with large lens aperture sizes, this forces the use of increasingly long shutter speeds to achieve a proper exposure under low-light conditions and exacerbates the need to use other techniques, such as a tripod, auxiliary light source or a faster speed film, to provide usable lens aperture and shutter speed settings that will provide a proper exposure. In the absence of using a tripod or an auxiliary light source, which--owing to the amplitude fall-off as the inverse square of distance to the subject--becomes ineffective at large subject-to-camera distances, or the ability to change to and/or even the availability of sufficiently fast films that exhibit low graininess during the printing process, low-light photography with large focal length lenses is oftentimes practically impossible. Therefore, as one can now appreciate, even a skilled photographer often experiences difficulties in choosing the proper photographic settings under certain lighting conditions, e.g. lens aperture and shutter settings, selection of lens focal length, use and amount of flash illumination. While certain lighting conditions are so extreme that they simply can not be handled by even a professional photographer, the vast majority of scene lighting conditions fortunately do not fall in this category. Nevertheless, some of these latter conditions often present sufficient difficulties to effectively frustrate the ability of an amateur photographer to take a picture of acceptable quality. In fact, for many inexperienced amateurs, choosing lens aperture size and shutter speed settings amounts to little more than mere guesswork, through which the probability is high that the amateur will select wrong settings and quickly become frustrated. Frustration, if it occurs sufficiently often, leads to dis-satisfaction, which in the context of an amateur photographer often means that that photographer will simply stop taking pictures and turn to other leisure activities which he or she believes to be less trying and more satisfying than photography. Since | Photographic cameras have been in widespread use for quite some time. Basically, such a camera operates by exposing a portion of a light sensitive media, i. e. a frame of film, for a pre - defined period of time to scene illumination. The light is focused on the frame through a lens that has an aperture of a given, often variable, size. A shutter, situated behind the lens and in front of the film, opens for a selected period of time in order to permit the light to transit therethrough, illuminate and expose the film. As a result of being properly exposed and subsequently developed, the film undergoes a photochemical process, on a two - dimensional basis throughout the frame, that locally varies the optical transmissivity of each portion of the frame in proportion to the amount of illumination that reaches that portion of the frame from a corresponding portion of the scene, thereby producing, depending upon whether reversal or negative film is used, either a two - dimensional positive or negative optical image of the scene. As such, tonal variations that appeared in the scene are captured in the frame of the film. Photographic prints are often made from negatives, while transparencies (commonly referred to as " slides ") are made from positives. Though this overall process, which relies on the use of silver halide as a photosensitive reagent in film, has basically remained unchanged over many years, this process is highly non - linear and subject to a great many variables which significantly complicate its use. In particular, exposure (E) is defined, under a standardized definition, as being a product of the illuminance (I) multiplied by the time (t) during which the film is exposed to this illumination. In this regard, see specifically ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard PH 3. 49 - 1971 " American National Standard for General Purpose Photographic Exposure Meters " (re - affirmed in its entirety with no modifications in 1987 as ANSI standard PH 3. 49 - 1987) [hereinafter referred to as ANSI standard 3. 49 - 1987 ], and also ANSI standard PH 2. 7 - 1986 " American National Standard for Photography - - Photographic Exposure Guide " and specifically page 13 thereof. In a camera, the combination of two settings, namely lens aperture (size of the lens opening) and shutter speed (time during which the shutter remains open ), primarily defines a particular exposure. Unfortunately, lens aperture and shutter speed define more than just an amount of exposure, these settings also dramatically affect picture (hereinafter including both prints and transparencies) quality and must be judiciously chosen in each photographic situation; otherwise, a picture (also referred to hereinafter as an image) having inferior quality will result. To illustrate the variability among photographic parameters and the difficulties in choosing appropriate lens aperture and shutter speed settings, consider for the moment a particular scenario that often occurs and presents significant challenges to a photographer: photographing a scene in relatively low light conditions with sufdicienH depth - of - field to cover a desired subject. In dealing with a low light situation, a photographer, particularly an amateur, might, at first, open the lens aperture to its maximum value in order to pass as much light as possible therethrough to the film. A suitable shutter speed would then be chosen based on scene luminance, typically using an indication provided by an internal light meter located in the camera. Unfortunately, such an approach might fail. Specifically, while, the lens aperture size specifies the amount of light that instantaneously strikes the film, this size also defines the so - called depth - of - field in the resulting photographed image, i. e. a range of minimum to maximum camera - to - subject distances in which objects located therein will be perceived in the image as being sharp and in - focus. As the aperture size of a given lens increases, i. e. the lens is opened and its so - called " f " number decreases, which ordinarily occurs in low light conditions, the depth - of - field produced by that lens correspondingly decreases. Accordingly, with certain subject thicknesses, the Wrpth - of - field that results from a maximum lens aperture exposure may be too restricted to fully cover the entire subject. Thus, portions of the subject located at camera - to - subject distances that are outside the range specified by the depth - of - field for the given lens aperture, i. e. too close to or too far from the camera, will appear out - of - focus in the resulting photographed image. Therefore, in order to provide an appropriate depth - of - field to cover the entire subject, a smaller lens aperture than the maximum acailablF size must be used along with a slower shutter speed to generate a sufficient exposure. Unfortunately, a photographer is often unable to steadily hold a hand - held camera for times typically in excess of, for example, 1 / 50th of a second for a 50 mm lens. Hence, as the shutter remains open for increasingly longer periods of time, the camera becomes increasingly sensitive to camera shake or subject motion which, when it occurs, blurs and ruins the entire picture. Therefore, to reduce the incidence of noticeable image blur, particularly resulting from camera shake, shutter speeds equal to or slower than of 1 / 50th second for use with a 50 mm lens should be avoided for use in a hand - held camera. Consequently, other techniques, such as mounting the camera on a tripod or using an auxiliary light source, e. g. a so - called flash unit, or higher speed film, i. e. a more sensitive film, are often required in order to provide acceptable combinations of lens aperture openings and shutter speeds in low light conditions. Unfortunately, a flash unit or a tripod may not be currently available. Also, films that are increasingly sensitive tend to produce pictures that exhibit increasing graininess, thereby adversely impacting the quality of the picture. With this scenario and in the absence of having a flash unit, a tripod or the ability to change film for use in photographing a particular low light scene, the photographer may not be able to select shutter speeds and lens aperture sizes that will produce a picture of optimum quality. Instead, the photographer is forced to accept compromise settings which will likely produce a picture of sub - optimum quality, such as being under - exposed, but, owing to the latitude in the performance of the film, will hopefully still exhibit sufficient quality to still be acceptable to a viewer. To a certain extent, the developing process can compensate (tJrPugh so - called " forcing ") for under - exposure conditions, though the ability to do so and still provide pictures of suffLciWnt quality depends upon the subject matter in the scene and hence can be rather limited. In this regard, see D. M. Zwick, " The Technical Basis of Photographic Speed Determination or What is a Normal Exposure ", SMPTE Journal, Vol. 88, No. 8, August 1979, pages 533 - 537 (hereinafter referred to as the L Zwick publication) and specifically paBeZ 536 - 537 thereof. In certain extreme situations with worsening exposure conditions than that illustratively described above, the lighting conditions may, for all practical purposes, totally frustrate the ability of even a skilled photographer to produce a picture of merely acceptable quality. In these situations, photography would be essentially impossible. For example, consider the same low - light scenario above but where the photographer desires to use a lens that has a relatively large focal length, e. g. a telephoto lens, to capture a scene. For a given film size, the depth - of - field varies in proportion to the square of the focal length of the lens and hence significantly decreases with increases in focal length. Therefore, the depth - of - field provided by such a lens, for certain lens apertures, may not meet the scene requirements. Large focal length lenses also tend to be bulky, massive and relatively heavy and thus, once mounted to a hand - held camera, are hard to hold steady for even moderate shutter speeds, such as 1 / 30 or 1 / 60th of a second. Accordingly, to avoid signififajt camera shake, the slowest shutter speed at which these lenses can be used, without a tripod, is often quite limited. Moreover, since physical limitations on lens size often prevent a large focal length lens from being constructed with large lens aperture sizes, this forces the use of increasingly long shutter speeds to achieve a proper exposure under low - light conditions and exacerbates the need to use other techniques, such as a tripod, auxiliary light source or a faster speed film, to provide uAagle lens aperture and shutter speed settings that will provide a proper exposure. In the absence of using a tripod or an auxiliary light source, which - - owing to the amplitude fall - off as the inverse square of distance to the subject - - becomes ineffective at large subject - to - camera distances, or the ability to change to and / or even the availability of sufficiently fast films that exhibit low graininess during the printing process, low - light photography with large focal length lenses is oftentimes practically impossible. Therefore, as one can now appreciate, even a skilled photographer often experiences difficulties in choosing the proper photographic settings under certain lighting conditions, e. g. lens a9ertu5e and shutter settings, selection of lens focal length, use and amount of flash illumination. While certain lighting conditions are so extreme that they simply can not be handled by even a professional photographer, the vast majority of scene lighting conditions fortunately do not fall in this category. Nevertheless, some of these latter conditions often present sufficient difficulties to effectively frustrate the ability of an amateur photographer to take a picture of acceptable quality. In fact, for many inexperienced amateurs, choosing lens aperture size and shJttWr speed settings amounts to little more than mere guesswork, through which the probability is high that the amateur will select wrong settings and quickly become frustrated. Frustration, if it occurs sufficiently often, leads to dis - satisfaction, which in the context of an amateur photographer often means that that photographer will simply stop taking pictures and turn to other leisure activities which he or she believes to be less trying and more satisfying than photography. Since | Photographic cameras have been in widespread use for quite some time. Basically, such a camera by exposing a portion a light sensitive media, i.e. a frame of film, for a pre-defined period of time to illumination. The light is focused on the frame through a lens that has an aperture of a often variable, size. A shutter, situated behind the lens and front of the film, opens for period of time in to permit the light to transit illuminate and expose the film. As a result of being properly and subsequently developed, the film a photochemical process, on a two-dimensional basis throughout the frame, that locally varies optical transmissivity of each portion the frame in proportion to the amount of illumination reaches that portion of frame from a corresponding portion of the scene, thereby producing, upon whether reversal or negative film is used, either a two-dimensional positive or negative optical of the scene. such, variations that appeared in the scene are captured the frame of the film. Photographic prints are often made from while transparencies (commonly referred as "slides") are made from positives. Though this overall process, which relies on the use of halide as a photosensitive reagent in film, has basically remained over many years, this process is highly non-linear and subject to a great many variables which significantly complicate its use. In particular, exposure (E) defined, under a standardized definition, being a product of the illuminance (I) multiplied by the time (t) during which the film exposed to this illumination. In this regard, see ANSI Standards Institute) standard PH 3.49-1971 "American National Standard General Purpose Photographic Exposure Meters" (re-affirmed in its entirety with no modifications in 1987 as ANSI standard PH 3.49-1987) [hereinafter referred to as ANSI standard 3.49-1987], and also ANSI standard PH 2.7-1986 "American National Standard for Exposure Guide" specifically page 13 thereof. In a camera, combination of two settings, namely aperture (size of the lens opening) and shutter speed during which the shutter remains open), primarily defines a particular exposure. Unfortunately, aperture and shutter speed more than just an amount of exposure, these settings also affect picture including both prints and transparencies) and must judiciously chosen in each situation; otherwise, a picture (also to hereinafter as an image) having inferior quality will result. To illustrate the variability among photographic parameters and difficulties in appropriate lens aperture and shutter speed settings, consider for the moment a particular scenario that often occurs presents significant challenges a photographer: photographing a scene in relatively low conditions with sufficient depth-of-field to cover a desired In with a low light situation, a particularly an amateur, might, at first, open lens aperture to its maximum value order to pass as much light as possible therethrough to the A suitable shutter would then be chosen based on scene using an indication provided by an internal light meter in the camera. Unfortunately, such an might fail. Specifically, while, the aperture size specifies the amount of light instantaneously strikes the film, this size also defines the so-called depth-of-field in the resulting photographed image, i.e. a range of minimum to distances in which objects therein will be in the image as being sharp and in-focus. As the aperture size of a given lens increases, i.e. the lens is opened and its so-called "f" number decreases, which ordinarily occurs in low light conditions, the depth-of-field produced by lens correspondingly decreases. Accordingly, with certain subject thicknesses, the depth-of-field that results from a maximum lens aperture exposure may be too restricted to cover the entire Thus, portions of the subject located at camera-to-subject distances that are outside the range specified by the depth-of-field for the given lens aperture, i.e. too close to or too far from the camera, will appear out-of-focus in the image. Therefore, in order to provide an depth-of-field cover the entire subject, smaller lens than the maximum available size must be used along with slower shutter speed to generate a sufficient exposure. Unfortunately, a photographer often steadily hold a camera for times typically in excess for example, 1/50th of a second for a 50 mm lens. Hence, as the remains open for increasingly longer periods of time, camera becomes increasingly sensitive camera shake or subject motion which, when it occurs, blurs and ruins the entire Therefore, to reduce the incidence of noticeable image blur, particularly resulting from camera shake, shutter speeds equal to or slower than 1/50th second for use with a 50 mm lens should be avoided for use in a camera. other techniques, such as mounting the camera on a tripod or using light source, e.g. a so-called flash unit, or higher speed film, i.e. a sensitive film, are often required in order to provide acceptable combinations of lens aperture openings and shutter in low light conditions. Unfortunately, a flash unit or a tripod may not be currently available. Also, that are increasingly sensitive tend produce pictures that exhibit increasing thereby impacting the quality of the picture. With this scenario and in the absence of a unit, tripod or the ability to change film for use in photographing a particular low light scene, the photographer may not be to select shutter speeds and lens sizes that will produce a picture of optimum quality. Instead, the photographer is forced accept compromise settings which will likely produce a picture of sub-optimum quality, such as being under-exposed, but, owing to the latitude in the performance of the film, will hopefully still sufficient to be acceptable a To extent, developing process can compensate (through so-called "forcing") for under-exposure conditions, though the ability to do so and still provide pictures of sufficient quality depends upon the subject matter in the scene and hence can be rather limited. In this regard, see D. M. Zwick, Technical Basis of Photographic Speed or What is a Normal Exposure", SMPTE Vol. 88, No. 8, August 1979, pages 533-537 (hereinafter referred to as the L Zwick publication) specifically pages 536-537 thereof. certain extreme situations worsening exposure than that illustratively described above, the lighting conditions may, for all practical purposes, totally frustrate the of even skilled photographer to produce a picture of merely acceptable quality. In these situations, would essentially impossible. For example, the same low-light scenario above but the photographer to use a lens that has a relatively large focal length, e.g. a telephoto lens, to capture a scene. For a given film size, the depth-of-field varies in proportion to the focal length of the lens and hence significantly decreases with increases in length. Therefore, the depth-of-field provided by such a for certain lens may not meet scene requirements. Large focal length lenses tend to be bulky, massive and relatively heavy and thus, once mounted to a hand-held camera, are hard to hold steady for moderate shutter speeds, such as 1/30 or 1/60th of a second. Accordingly, to avoid significant camera shake, the slowest shutter speed at which these lenses can be used, without a tripod, is often quite limited. Moreover, since physical limitations on lens size often prevent a large focal length lens from being constructed with large lens aperture sizes, this forces the use of increasingly long shutter speeds to achieve a proper exposure under low-light conditions and exacerbates the to use other techniques, such as a tripod, auxiliary light source or a faster speed film, to provide usable lens aperture and shutter speed settings that will a proper exposure. the absence of using a tripod or an auxiliary light source, to the amplitude fall-off as the inverse square distance to the subject--becomes ineffective at large distances, or the ability to change to and/or even the availability of sufficiently fast films that exhibit low graininess during printing process, low-light photography large focal length is oftentimes practically Therefore, as one can now appreciate, even a skilled photographer often experiences difficulties in the proper photographic settings under certain conditions, e.g. lens aperture and shutter settings, of lens focal length, use and amount of flash illumination. While certain lighting conditions are so extreme they not be handled even a professional photographer, the vast majority of scene lighting conditions fortunately do fall in this category. Nevertheless, some of these latter conditions often present sufficient difficulties to effectively frustrate the ability an amateur photographer to take a picture of acceptable In many inexperienced amateurs, choosing lens aperture size and shutter speed settings amounts to little more than mere guesswork, through which the probability is high that the amateur will select wrong settings and quickly become frustrated. if it occurs sufficiently often, leads to dis-satisfaction, which in the context of an amateur photographer often means that that photographer will simply stop pictures and turn other leisure activities which he or she believes to be less trying and satisfying Since | PHOtOGrAphiC cAmeraS Have bEen iN wiDEsprEaD uSe FOr quITE SoMe timE. bAsicaLLy, sUcH a camERa opErATeS By ExpoSing a pOrTIoN Of A LIgHT sENsItiVe MeDia, i.e. a FrAME oF FIlM, FOr a pRE-DEfInEd pERiOD Of tIMe To scene ILlUmiNatiON. ThE lighT Is FoCUseD ON The fRAME THrOUgH a lEnS thAt HaS aN ApertURE of a GIVEN, ofteN vARIabLE, sIZe. A SHuTter, sitUaTED BehiNd THe LenS and In fRont Of the FilM, openS fOR A sElEcTED pErioD Of TImE in orDer to pErMIT the liGhT To Transit TheRethrOUgh, IlLUminAte ANd eXPOse the Film. As A rEsULt oF Being ProPeRlY ExpOseD ANd SUBSequENtly dEvELOpED, THE FIlm UndErGoes A pHotocHEMICAl pRoCesS, on A TWo-dimenSiOnAL BASis tHrOUGHouT THe fRAME, tHaT LoCaLLY vAriEs ThE OPtIcaL tRansMISSIVity oF EaCH portIoN of The fRAmE In propORTIOn to thE amOunT OF ILLUMiNation tHat rEaChes tHaT PoRtIOn OF tHE FraME FROM A COrreSpONdiNG PORTiON oF thE scEne, THerEBy ProDUCiNg, DEpENdING uPon whETHEr ReVERSAL oR NEGaTIvE film is usED, eithEr A TwO-dIMeNSionAl PoSiTive OR negATIve opticAl ImAGE oF tHE ScenE. as sUCH, ToNAl VaRiATiOnS thaT AppearED In tHE scenE aRe CAPtURED in ThE FraME OF THe FiLM. PhoTOgrapHIC PrInTs are ofTen made fROM nEgATiVeS, wHile
tRAnSPArenCieS (cOmmonlY rEfERred To AS "sliDes") aRe mAdE FrOM PoSiTIvEs.
tHOugH tHIS ovERAll PRoCEss, whiCH reLies on THe uSE OF sILvER halide as A photosEnSITIve reaGent iN FILM, hAS BAsIcaLLy REMAINED UNChAnGEd OveR MaNy YeARs, tHiS PROCesS is hIGhly noN-liNear AnD sUbJEct TO A GREAT Many VarIaBLes WHICh siGnifICaNtlY coMplICATe iTS Use. in parTicular, EXpOsURE (e) Is DEFined, UNDER a StandaRDizeD dEFiNitiON, AS BeINg A pRoDuCt OF The ilLUmiNancE (i) mUltipLIED bY the tiMe (t) duRiNG WhIcH The FILm is ExPOSED To THIs IlLUMinATiON. in tHIS reGArd, SeE SpEcIFiCalLY ansi (AmErIcan nATIONAL sTANDards inSTitUTE) staNDARd pH 3.49-1971 "AmerIcan NaTIonaL standARD foR gEneRal PurpOSe PhOTOGRapHic expoSURE meTERs" (re-aFFirMeD in Its EntIrety wItH NO MODIFicAtIOns IN 1987 AS anSI StaNDArD ph 3.49-1987) [HeReinaFter rEFerREd To as ANsI sTANDARD 3.49-1987], anD aLSo anSi sTAndard PH 2.7-1986 "AmERIcan NaTIonAL StandARd fOR pHotOgrapHy--PhoToGRAPHIc exposuRE GuidE" aNd spECIfiCalLY pAge 13 theReoF. in A caMerA, ThE COmBinatIOn of two seTTiNGs, nAMElY lEns APeRTurE (SIZE Of thE lENS OPeNing) aND sHUTTER sPEeD (time duRING WhiCH tHe ShutTEr ReMaIns OPEn), pRiMAriLY definEs A PArtiCulAR exPOsuRe. UnfORTUNatelY, lEnS APeRtUre ANd ShUTtEr SpEeD defiNe morE thAn JUSt an AmOUNt OF ExPOSURe, ThEse SeTTingS ALSO DrAMAticAlLy AffECt pICTuRE (hErEinAFtEr InCludiNg boTh PrintS aND TrANSpaRenCIEs) qUALitY aND mUsT bE JUDIcIoUSly CHOsEN IN eacH photOgRapHiC sitUatiOn; OtHERwISe, A pIctuRE (ALSo reFErRED tO herEinafTeR aS An ImAge) HaViNg InFeriOR QuALItY Will resUlt.
TO ILLUSTratE thE variABILitY aMonG PhOTOgRapHic paraMeterS AnD the dIFFicUlTIES In CHoOSING apPROpRiatE lEns APERtURE AnD ShUtter spEeD sETTinGs, CoNsIdEr fOR tHE moment a paRTICuLar sCeNARIO that OFtEn occURS AND PResENtS SigniFIcant chaLlengEs TO A phoTogrAPHER: phOTogRApHiNg A SCene in rElATivELy LOw lIghT cOndItions with SUfFiCiENt DEptH-of-fIeld tO cOver a DesIRED sUbjECt. iN DeaLing with A low lIgHt situAtIon, A PhOtogRaPHER, partICuLaRlY aN AMAtEUR, mighT, at firSt, OPeN the leNs aperture TO ITS MAximuM Value iN oRdeR to paSs aS muCh lIGht As pOssiBLE tHErEtHrOuGh tO tHE FiLM. A SuiTAblE ShUtTer SPEEd WoUld theN be cHosEn BaseD ON SCENE luMInAnce, tYpICallY using AN INdICatiON PROViDed By An IntErnAL LiGHt mETer lOCateD IN THe CAMeRa. uNfOrTUnAtElY, sUCH AN APPrOACH MiGhT FaiL. sPECIFicalLy, WHiLE, The lEnS ApErtUrE sIze SPEcifIEs THE aMOUnT OF lIgHT tHat iNSTANTANEouSlY StrikES thE fiLM, tHIS SizE also defIneS The SO-CAlLED DEPTh-oF-field IN THe reSULtInG pHotoGRaPHED iMaGE, i.E. a raNge Of miNimUM tO mAximUm cAmera-tO-subJEcT disTANCeS IN WHIch OBJECTS lOCatED THerEIn wiLl be PErceiVed in ThE imaGE As BeiNg sharp AND In-FOCus. AS tHe aperture siZe OF A GIVEN lEnS incREASEs, i.E. the LEnS iS oPENeD And its so-caLLed "F" NUMBEr decrEASes, WHICh ORdINARilY OcCUrS iN LoW liGHt cONDItIons, the dEPTH-OF-FiELD PRODuCed BY tHaT leNS cOrrEsPonDinGlY decreASes. aCcordINgLy, wItH cERTain SUBjecT ThICknESsEs, tHE dEPTH-oF-field thaT rESUlts FRom a maxiMuM LEns APeRTUrE eXpOsUre May Be tOO RESTRICTeD tO FUlLy coveR tHE eNTIRE sUBject. THUs, pOrtiONS oF THE SuBjECT LoCaTed at CAMERa-tO-SUbJecT diStanCEs ThAT are outSIde THE RaNGE SpEciFiED bY THE dEPth-OF-fIELd fOR The GIVeN LenS apertuRE, I.e. ToO ClosE tO OR TOo Far FroM The caMErA, wIll Appear OuT-Of-focuS in tHE REsULTiNg PHoTOgRAPhed ImAge. therEfoRe, IN OrDEr tO PRovIDE An approPriATE DEPTh-Of-fieLD To cOVEr the eNTiRE suBJECT, A smAller LENs ApertURe ThAn thE maXimum avAiLAbLe SiZE musT Be useD aLOng wIth a SLOwER shUtTER sPEeD TO gENErATE a SufficIeNT eXPoSURe. unFOrTunAteLY, a PhOtogRaPHeR IS OFten uNAbLe to STEadilY hOlD A HaND-hElD CamerA fOr tIMeS tyPiCALlY in ExCESS of, For eXAMple, 1/50Th oF A SeCond FOr a 50 MM Lens. HEncE, As THE sHutteR rEMaIns OpEN FOr INCREAsInGly lONger pErIODs oF tiMe, tHe caMera beCoMes incrEaSIngLY SEnSitIVE To caMErA shaKE or SUBject MOTION wHIch, wHeN It occuRS, bLurS AnD RUINs tHE EnTIRE PiCturE. THeREFORE, tO redUcE the InCiDeNCe of nOticeaBLe imAgE blur, PARTiCULaRLy reSUlTinG fROm CAmeRA SHaKE, sHutter speEDs Equal tO Or SlOWeR THaN oF 1/50tH sECONd foR uSe WiTh a 50 MM LenS sHOULd BE Avoided for use iN a hAnD-hELd CAmERA. ConseQUENTlY, OTHEr teCHnIQueS, sUch As mouNTiNG the cAmera on a TrIPod Or using An aUxiliARy liGHt SOUrCE, e.g. A So-calLEd FLash uNiT, Or HigheR SpEeD Film, i.E. A MORe SEnSiTIvE Film, arE OFten rEQuIreD iN orDER to pRoVIDe accEPTABLE CoMbinaTIoNS oF LEns APERture oPENINGS and ShuTtER sPeeDs In LOW lIGHT conDitionS. uNFortuNAtELY, A FlAsh unIT oR A TRipoD MAy Not Be CuRrEntLY aVAILabLE. Also, FilmS tHAt ARE inCreasINGLy seNsITIVE TeNd TO pRoDuCE picTUReS ThAt ExhIbIT increAsINg gRainINESs, tHErEbY aDvERseLy imPACTInG tHe quALIty Of thE PicTurE. WITh tHis sCenaRiO aNd IN The AbsencE oF HAvING a flAsh unIt, a tRIpod or The AbILIty To cHange FILm FOR uSE iN pHOTOGRAPHinG a PartICulAR loW lIGhT scEne, The PhOtOgRAPheR maY nOT bE AbLE to SElECt sHutTeR SpeEDS and lENs APERTurE siZEs THAt WiLl prOduCe A piCturE OF OPtImUm qUaLITy. InsTeaD, ThE PHoTograpHEr iS forCed TO acCePt cOmPrOMise SEttinGS WhICH wIlL LIKELY PRoDuce A piCTUre oF sUB-OptimUM QUaLiTY, SucH As bEIng uNdEr-ExpOSed, bUT, oWinG tO tHE latiTUDe In tHE pERFOrmanCe OF THE FilM, WILL hOpeFullY STill eXHIbIt suFFiCIENt QualIty tO STILl BE aCCEptAbLE To a ViEWEr. To A cErtaiN extent, THE deVeLOping PrOCEsS caN cOMPEnsaTe (THROuGh So-CALlED "FOrCINg") FoR uNDEr-EXPoSure coNdiTiOns, THOUGh tHE AbilIty TO dO so anD stILL PrOvide piCtUREs Of SuFFicIENT qUaLITY depENDS uPoN the SuBJecT MaTtEr IN the SCenE AnD hEnCe cAN bE RaTheR LiMITEd. In tHIs rEGarD, seE d. M. ZWICK, "thE tEcHnIcal baSis OF pHotOGrAPHIc spEED DETERmInAtIoN oR WhAT is a noRmal ExpOSuRE", SmPTE JoURnAL, vol. 88, No. 8, AugUSt 1979, pAGES 533-537 (heReINAFTer ReFeRREd tO as tHE L ZwiCK puBliCaTion) and SpECifICAlLY pageS 536-537 tHErEof.
iN cerTaIN ExtrEme SituaTiOnS WitH woRsEniNG EXPoSure coNDItIONs ThAn THAT IlLUsTRaTIVELY DesCRibEd ABOvE, THe LIghtiNG condItions may, FOR All pRACtICAl PuRPOSes, TotaLLy fRuStraTe ThE aBiliTy Of eVEN A SKillEd phoTogRAphEr To proDucE a PiCtuRE Of MErely aCcepTaBle qUaLITY. in tHeSe SiTUaTiONS, PHotOgrApHy woUld Be essEntially imPOsSibLE. For eXAmpLe, cONsiDer the same low-LIGhT scENaRIO ABOVE bUt WHERe THE phOTOGRapheR dESiReS to uSe a Lens tHAt HAS A rELatIVeLy lARgE focAL LeNGtH, e.g. A TElePhoto LeNs, To CaPturE a SCEnE. For a gIVEn FIlm Size, THe DEPth-of-FiEld VARiEs IN proPORTION TO ThE SQUArE oF tHE focAL lengtH of tHE lEns ANd heNCe signIFICantly dEcREases With increAseS iN focal lengTH. thErefoRe, tHe DepTH-OF-FIelD proVIDed BY SuCh a LEnS, for CERTAIn LENs aPerTUres, MAy noT MeET thE SCeNe rEQUiReMEntS. large focAl lENgTh LenSeS aLSo TENd tO BE bUlky, mAssIvE And reLatiVELy HEAVY And THUs, ONCe mouNteD to a hanD-HELD camEra, aRe Hard TO hOlD sTEAdY FOR EVen MoDeratE shUTter sPEEDS, sUCh as 1/30 OR 1/60TH oF a sECOnD. ACcorDINglY, To avOiD SigNIFIcAnt CaMeRA sHake, tHe sLoWesT SHuTter spEED aT WHich ThEsE lenSeS CaN be useD, without A tRiPOd, iS oFtEn QUItE lIMiTeD. moREOVer, SincE pHYsicAl LIMiTAtIons oN LEnS SIzE oFTen PreVEnT A lArgE foCAL LENGTH lENs FroM BEinG CoNStrucTed with LarGe lenS aPertURE SIzeS, THIS fORcEs the uSE OF inCreASINGLy LOng SHUtTer SpEEDS TO aChIEvE A PrOpeR eXPosURe UnDEr LOw-ligHt COndITionS aNd eXaCerbATeS tHE need To use OThER TechNIqUEs, such AS a TRIpod, AUxiLIarY LiGht SOurcE Or A FAster SpEEd FILm, TO PRoviDE USaBLe lENS APERture anD shuttEr spEeD sETtingS ThAT WIll PRoVIde A proPer ExpOSure. IN THe aBSencE oF usINg a trIPoD or AN aUxilIarY lIGhT SOurCE, WHICH--owing To the AMpLItUDE FAlL-oFF as thE invERSe sQUArE oF DistANCe tO thE subjECT--BeCOMEs inEFFectiVE AT Large SUBjEcT-TO-cAMERA dIsTANcES, oR THe abILITy to ChaNge tO and/OR EveN The AvaILabilITY OF SUfFICieNtLy faST FIlmS ThaT eXHIBIt LOW gRAinINEss DUrinG THE pRiNting pRoCesS, lOw-ligHt PHOtOgRaPhy wItH LArge FoCal lEngTH lEnSES IS OfTeNtImeS PRaCticALly iMpoSSIBle.
ThEREfOre, As one CaN nOW ApPReciaTE, EVeN A skilLED photOGraPheR ofTEn exPErIeNces DIfFicuLtIes iN CHOosING tHE pRopEr PHotOGRApHiC SeTtINGs uNDER CeRtAin LightiNg cOndiTIons, E.G. lENs ApertUre ANd ShUTtER SettInGs, seLEcTion oF LENS fOcal LenGtH, Use aND AmOuNT OF fLAsh IlLuminATiOn. WHile certAiN LIgHtiNG cONDiTiOns ARe So ExTreME tHat tHEY SimPlY CaN not be hAndLeD bY Even a profEssIONaL PhOTOGraPHEr, tHE VAst majoRitY OF sceNe LIGhting CoNdiTiONs fOrtUNAtely do NOT FALl iN tHIS caTEGoRy. nEVERtHeLESs, SoMe Of ThESE lAtTer conDitiONs OfTEn PREsenT SuFfICIENT diFficulTiEs TO eFFECtIVELY frusTraTe the AbiLiTY of aN aMateuR phOToGraphEr TO tAke A pIctUre oF aCcEPtABLe quALITy. in fACT, For mAnY iNExpeRIEnCeD aMaTEURS, CHoosIng LeNs APeRTURE sIze aND ShutTEr Speed settInGS amOuntS To LITTle MORe tHAn meRE gueSSwork, THROUGh whicH the PRObaBilItY is hIGH tHat thE amatEuR WiLL seLECT WRONG seTtiNgS anD QUIcKly BECOMe FrUsTrATed. fRUStraTiON, If iT OCCuRS suFFIcienTLY oFtEN, LEadS TO dIs-sATIsfactiON, WHiCH In THe CoNtExt Of An amaTeuR phoTOgRapHeR OFTEn MeAnS THAT tHat PHoTogRApHeR WiLl SiMpLY sTOp TakInG pIctureS And turN TO oTHer leiSURe ACtiVITiEs whIcH he OR SHE bELiEves To bE lESS tryinG and moRE SATISfying ThAN phOTOgRAphY. sINCE | Photographic camerashave beenin widespreaduse for quite sometime. Basically,such a camera operates by exposing a portion of a light sensitive media, i.e.a frame of film, for a pre-defined period of time to scene illumination. The light is focusedon the frame through a lensthat hasan apertureofa given, often variable, size. A shutter, situated behind the lens and in front of the film, opens for a selected period of time in order to permit thelightto transittherethrough, illuminateand exposethe film. As a result of being properly exposed andsubsequently developed, the film undergoes a photochemical process, on a two-dimensional basis throughout the frame, that locally varies theoptical transmissivity ofeach portion of the frame in proportion to the amount of illumination that reaches thatportionof the frame from a correspondingportion of thescene,thereby producing, depending uponwhether reversal or negativefilm isused, either a two-dimensional positive or negativeopticalimage of the scene. As such, tonal variations that appeared in the scene are captured in theframeofthe film. Photographic prints are often made from negatives, while transparencies (commonly referred to as "slides") are made from positives. Though this overall process, which relies on the use of silverhalide as a photosensitivereagent in film, has basically remained unchanged over many years, this process is highly non-linear and subject to a great many variables which significantlycomplicate its use. In particular, exposure (E) is defined, under a standardized definition, as being a product of the illuminance (I) multipliedby the time (t) during which the film is exposed to this illumination. In thisregard, see specifically ANSI(American National Standards Institute) standard PH 3.49-1971 "American National Standard for General Purpose Photographic Exposure Meters" (re-affirmed in its entirety with no modifications in 1987 asANSI standard PH 3.49-1987)[hereinafter referred to as ANSI standard 3.49-1987], andalso ANSI standard PH 2.7-1986"American National Standard for Photography--Photographic Exposure Guide" and specifically page 13 thereof. In a camera, the combination of two settings, namely lens aperture (size ofthe lens opening)andshutter speed (time during which the shutter remains open), primarily defines a particular exposure. Unfortunately, lens aperture and shutter speed define more than just an amount of exposure, these settings also dramatically affect picture (hereinafter including both prints and transparencies) quality and must be judiciously chosen in each photographic situation; otherwise, a picture (also referred to hereinafter as an image)having inferior quality will result. Toillustrate the variability among photographic parametersand the difficulties in choosing appropriate lens aperture and shutter speed settings,consider for the moment a particular scenario that often occurs and presents significant challenges to a photographer: photographing a scene in relativelylowlight conditions with sufficient depth-of-field to coveradesired subject. In dealing with a low lightsituation, a photographer,particularly an amateur, might, at first, open the lens aperture to its maximum value in order to pass as muchlightas possible therethrough to the film.A suitable shutter speed would then be chosen based on scene luminance, typically using anindication provided by aninternallight meter located in the camera. Unfortunately, such an approach might fail. Specifically,while, the lens aperture size specifies the amount of light thatinstantaneously strikes thefilm, this size also defines the so-called depth-of-field in theresulting photographed image, i.e. a range of minimumto maximum camera-to-subjectdistances in which objects located therein will be perceived in the image asbeing sharp and in-focus. As the aperture size of a given lens increases, i.e. the lens isopened and its so-called "f" number decreases, which ordinarily occursinlow light conditions, the depth-of-field produced by that lens correspondingly decreases. Accordingly, with certain subject thicknesses, the depth-of-field that results from a maximum lens aperture exposure may be too restricted to fully cover the entiresubject. Thus, portions of the subject located at camera-to-subject distances thatare outside the range specified by the depth-of-field for thegiven lens aperture, i.e. too closeto or too far from the camera, will appear out-of-focus in theresulting photographed image. Therefore, in order to provide an appropriate depth-of-field to cover the entire subject, a smaller lens aperture than the maximum available size must be used along with a slower shutter speed togenerate a sufficient exposure. Unfortunately, a photographer is often unable to steadily hold a hand-held camera fortimestypically in excess of,for example, 1/50th of a second for a 50 mm lens. Hence, as the shutter remains open for increasingly longer periods of time, the camera becomes increasingly sensitive to camera shake or subject motion which, when it occurs, blurs andruins the entire picture. Therefore, to reduce the incidence of noticeable image blur, particularlyresulting from camerashake, shutter speeds equal to or slowerthan of 1/50th second foruse witha 50 mm lens shouldbeavoided for use in a hand-held camera. Consequently,other techniques, such as mounting the camera on a tripodor using an auxiliary light source, e.g. a so-called flash unit, or higher speed film, i.e. a more sensitive film, are oftenrequired in order to provide acceptable combinations of lens aperture openings and shutter speeds in low light conditions. Unfortunately, a flash unit or a tripod may not be currently available. Also, films that areincreasingly sensitive tend to produce pictures that exhibit increasing graininess, thereby adversely impacting the quality ofthe picture. With this scenario andin the absence of havinga flash unit, a tripod or the ability tochange film for use in photographing a particular lowlight scene, the photographer may not be able to selectshutterspeeds andlensaperture sizes that willproduceapicture of optimum quality.Instead, the photographer is forced to acceptcompromisesettings whichwill likely produce a picture ofsub-optimum quality, such as being under-exposed, but, owing to the latitude in theperformance of the film, will hopefully still exhibit sufficient quality to still be acceptable to a viewer. To a certain extent, the developing process can compensate(throughso-called"forcing") for under-exposure conditions, thoughthe ability to doso and still providepictures of sufficient quality depends upon the subject matter inthe scene and hence can be rather limited. In this regard, seeD. M. Zwick, "The Technical Basis of PhotographicSpeed Determination or What isaNormal Exposure", SMPTE Journal, Vol. 88, No. 8, August 1979, pages 533-537 (hereinafter referred to as the L Zwick publication) and specifically pages 536-537 thereof. Incertain extreme situations with worsening exposure conditions than that illustratively described above, the lighting conditions may, for all practical purposes, totally frustrate the ability of even askilled photographer to produce a picture of merelyacceptable quality. In these situations,photography would be essentially impossible. For example, considerthe same low-light scenario above but where the photographerdesires to use a lens that has a relatively large focal length, e.g. a telephotolens, to capture a scene. For a given filmsize, the depth-of-field variesin proportionto the square of the focal length of thelens and hence significantly decreases with increases in focal length. Therefore, the depth-of-field provided bysuch alens, forcertain lens apertures,may not meetthe scene requirements. Large focal length lenses also tend to be bulky, massive and relatively heavy and thus, once mounted to a hand-heldcamera,are hard toholdsteady for even moderate shutter speeds, such as 1/30 or 1/60th of a second. Accordingly, to avoidsignificant camera shake, the slowest shutter speed at whichtheselensescan be used, without a tripod,isoften quitelimited. Moreover, since physical limitations on lens sizeoften prevent a large focal length lensfrom being constructed with large lens aperture sizes, thisforces theuseof increasingly long shutter speeds to achieve a proper exposure under low-light conditions and exacerbates the need to use other techniques, such asa tripod, auxiliary light source or a faster speed film, to provide usablelens aperture and shutter speed settings that will provide a proper exposure. In theabsence of using a tripod or an auxiliary light source, which--owing to the amplitude fall-off as the inverse square ofdistance to the subject--becomes ineffective at large subject-to-camera distances, or the ability to change to and/or even the availability of sufficiently fast films that exhibit low graininess during the printing process,low-light photography with large focallength lensesis oftentimes practically impossible.Therefore, asone can now appreciate, even a skilled photographer often experiences difficulties in choosing the proper photographic settings under certain lighting conditions, e.g. lens aperture andshutter settings, selection of lens focallength,use and amountof flash illumination. While certain lighting conditions are so extreme that they simply cannot be handled by even a professionalphotographer, the vastmajorityof scenelighting conditions fortunately donot fall in this category. Nevertheless, some of these latterconditions often present sufficient difficultiesto effectively frustrate the abilityof an amateur photographer to take a picture of acceptable quality.Infact, for many inexperienced amateurs, choosing lensaperture size and shutter speedsettings amountsto little more than mere guesswork, through which the probability is high that the amateur will select wrong settings andquickly become frustrated. Frustration, if it occurs sufficiently often, leads to dis-satisfaction, which in the context of an amateurphotographer often means that thatphotographer will simply stop taking pictures and turnto other leisureactivities which he or she believes tobe less trying and moresatisfying than photography. Since | Photographic cameras _have_ been _in_ widespread use _for_ quite some time. Basically, such a _camera_ operates by exposing _a_ portion of _a_ light sensitive media, _i.e._ a _frame_ _of_ _film,_ for _a_ pre-defined period of _time_ to scene illumination. The light is focused on the frame through _a_ lens that has an aperture of a given, _often_ _variable,_ size. _A_ shutter, situated behind the lens and in front of the film, opens _for_ a selected period of time in order to permit the light to _transit_ therethrough, illuminate and expose the film. As a result _of_ being properly exposed and _subsequently_ developed, the film _undergoes_ a _photochemical_ process, on a two-dimensional basis throughout _the_ frame, that locally varies the _optical_ _transmissivity_ _of_ each portion of the frame in proportion _to_ the _amount_ of illumination that _reaches_ that portion of _the_ frame from _a_ corresponding portion of the _scene,_ thereby producing, depending upon _whether_ _reversal_ or negative _film_ is _used,_ either a two-dimensional _positive_ _or_ negative _optical_ image of the scene. _As_ such, tonal _variations_ that appeared in the scene _are_ captured in _the_ frame of the film. Photographic prints are often made from negatives, while transparencies (commonly referred _to_ as _"slides")_ _are_ _made_ from positives. Though this overall _process,_ which _relies_ on the use _of_ silver _halide_ as _a_ photosensitive reagent in _film,_ has _basically_ remained unchanged _over_ many years, this process is _highly_ non-linear and subject to a great many variables _which_ significantly complicate its use. _In_ particular, exposure _(E)_ is defined, _under_ a standardized _definition,_ as being a product of the _illuminance_ (I) multiplied by _the_ time (t) during which the film is exposed to _this_ illumination. In this regard, see specifically ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard PH 3.49-1971 "American National Standard for _General_ Purpose _Photographic_ _Exposure_ Meters" (re-affirmed in its entirety with _no_ modifications in 1987 _as_ ANSI _standard_ PH 3.49-1987) [hereinafter _referred_ to as ANSI _standard_ 3.49-1987], _and_ _also_ ANSI standard PH 2.7-1986 "American National Standard for Photography--Photographic Exposure Guide" and specifically page 13 thereof. In a _camera,_ the combination of two settings, namely lens _aperture_ (size _of_ the lens opening) _and_ shutter speed (time during _which_ the shutter remains open), primarily defines a particular exposure. Unfortunately, lens aperture and _shutter_ speed _define_ more than _just_ an _amount_ of exposure, these settings also dramatically affect picture (hereinafter _including_ both prints and _transparencies)_ quality and must _be_ judiciously chosen _in_ each _photographic_ situation; otherwise, _a_ picture (also referred to hereinafter as an image) having inferior quality will result. To _illustrate_ the variability among photographic parameters _and_ the difficulties _in_ choosing appropriate lens aperture and shutter speed settings, consider for the moment a particular scenario that often occurs _and_ presents significant challenges to a photographer: photographing a scene in relatively low light _conditions_ with sufficient depth-of-field to cover a desired subject. In _dealing_ with a _low_ _light_ situation, _a_ photographer, particularly _an_ amateur, might, at first, open the _lens_ aperture _to_ its maximum value in order to pass as much light as possible therethrough _to_ the film. _A_ _suitable_ _shutter_ _speed_ would _then_ be chosen based on scene _luminance,_ typically using an _indication_ provided by an internal light meter located _in_ _the_ camera. Unfortunately, such an approach might _fail._ Specifically, while, the lens aperture size specifies the amount of light that instantaneously strikes _the_ _film,_ this size _also_ _defines_ the so-called depth-of-field _in_ the resulting photographed _image,_ i.e. a range of _minimum_ to maximum camera-to-subject distances in which objects located therein will _be_ perceived _in_ the image _as_ being sharp and in-focus. As the _aperture_ size of a given lens increases, i.e. the lens _is_ opened and its so-called _"f"_ number _decreases,_ which ordinarily _occurs_ in low light conditions, _the_ depth-of-field produced by that lens correspondingly decreases. Accordingly, with _certain_ subject thicknesses, the depth-of-field that results from a maximum lens aperture exposure may be too restricted _to_ fully _cover_ _the_ entire subject. _Thus,_ portions of the subject located at camera-to-subject distances that are outside the _range_ specified by the depth-of-field for the _given_ lens aperture, i.e. too close to or too far _from_ _the_ camera, will appear out-of-focus in the resulting _photographed_ image. Therefore, in order to provide _an_ appropriate depth-of-field to _cover_ _the_ entire _subject,_ _a_ smaller lens aperture than the maximum available _size_ must be used _along_ _with_ a slower _shutter_ speed to generate a sufficient _exposure._ Unfortunately, a photographer is _often_ unable to steadily hold a _hand-held_ camera for _times_ typically in excess of, for example, 1/50th of a second for a 50 _mm_ lens. Hence, as _the_ _shutter_ remains open for increasingly longer periods of _time,_ the camera becomes _increasingly_ sensitive to camera shake _or_ subject motion which, when _it_ occurs, _blurs_ and ruins the entire picture. Therefore, to reduce the incidence of noticeable image _blur,_ _particularly_ resulting from camera shake, shutter speeds equal to or _slower_ than _of_ _1/50th_ _second_ for use _with_ a 50 mm _lens_ should be avoided for _use_ _in_ a _hand-held_ camera. Consequently, other _techniques,_ such as _mounting_ the camera on a tripod or using an auxiliary light source, e.g. _a_ so-called _flash_ unit, or _higher_ _speed_ film, _i.e._ a more sensitive film, are often required _in_ order to provide acceptable combinations _of_ _lens_ aperture openings and shutter _speeds_ in low light _conditions._ Unfortunately, a flash unit or a _tripod_ _may_ not be currently available. Also, films _that_ are increasingly sensitive tend to produce pictures that exhibit increasing graininess, thereby adversely impacting the quality of the _picture._ With this scenario and _in_ the absence _of_ having a flash _unit,_ a tripod or the ability to change film for use _in_ photographing a particular low light scene, _the_ photographer may not be _able_ _to_ select _shutter_ speeds and lens aperture sizes _that_ will produce _a_ picture of optimum quality. Instead, the photographer is forced to accept _compromise_ settings _which_ will likely produce a picture of sub-optimum quality, such as being under-exposed, but, owing to the _latitude_ in the performance of the film, will hopefully _still_ _exhibit_ _sufficient_ quality _to_ _still_ be _acceptable_ to a _viewer._ To a _certain_ extent, the developing process can compensate (through so-called "forcing") for under-exposure conditions, though the ability to do so and still provide pictures _of_ sufficient quality depends upon _the_ subject matter in _the_ scene and hence can be rather limited. _In_ this _regard,_ see _D._ M. Zwick, "The _Technical_ Basis of _Photographic_ Speed Determination or What is a Normal Exposure", SMPTE Journal, _Vol._ 88, No. _8,_ August 1979, pages 533-537 (hereinafter referred to as the _L_ _Zwick_ _publication)_ and specifically _pages_ 536-537 _thereof._ In _certain_ extreme situations _with_ worsening exposure conditions than _that_ illustratively described above, the lighting conditions may, for all practical purposes, _totally_ _frustrate_ the ability of even a skilled photographer to _produce_ _a_ picture of merely acceptable quality. In _these_ situations, photography _would_ be essentially _impossible._ For example, consider _the_ same low-light _scenario_ _above_ but where the photographer desires to use _a_ lens that has _a_ relatively large focal _length,_ e.g. a telephoto lens, _to_ capture a _scene._ For a given film size, the depth-of-field _varies_ in _proportion_ to _the_ _square_ of the _focal_ length of the _lens_ and _hence_ significantly decreases with increases in focal length. Therefore, _the_ depth-of-field _provided_ by such _a_ _lens,_ _for_ certain lens apertures, may _not_ meet _the_ scene requirements. Large focal length _lenses_ also tend to _be_ bulky, massive _and_ relatively heavy and thus, once mounted to _a_ hand-held camera, are hard to hold steady for even moderate shutter _speeds,_ such as _1/30_ or 1/60th of a second. _Accordingly,_ to _avoid_ significant _camera_ shake, the slowest _shutter_ speed at which _these_ lenses can _be_ used, _without_ a _tripod,_ is often _quite_ limited. Moreover, since physical limitations on lens size often prevent a large _focal_ length lens from being constructed with large lens aperture sizes, this forces the use of _increasingly_ long _shutter_ speeds to achieve a proper _exposure_ _under_ low-light _conditions_ and exacerbates the need to use other techniques, such as _a_ tripod, auxiliary light _source_ or a _faster_ _speed_ film, to provide usable lens aperture and shutter speed settings that will provide a _proper_ exposure. In the absence of using a tripod _or_ an auxiliary light source, which--owing to the amplitude fall-off as the _inverse_ square of _distance_ _to_ the subject--becomes _ineffective_ at _large_ subject-to-camera distances, _or_ the ability to change to and/or _even_ the availability of sufficiently _fast_ films that exhibit low graininess _during_ the printing process, _low-light_ photography with large _focal_ _length_ lenses is oftentimes _practically_ impossible. Therefore, as _one_ can now appreciate, even a _skilled_ photographer often experiences difficulties in choosing the proper photographic settings under certain lighting conditions, e.g. lens aperture _and_ shutter settings, selection of lens focal length, use and _amount_ of flash illumination. While certain _lighting_ _conditions_ _are_ _so_ _extreme_ that they simply can _not_ be handled _by_ even a professional photographer, the vast majority of scene lighting _conditions_ fortunately do not fall in this category. _Nevertheless,_ some of these latter _conditions_ _often_ present sufficient difficulties to effectively frustrate the _ability_ of an amateur photographer to take _a_ picture of _acceptable_ quality. In fact, for many inexperienced amateurs, choosing lens _aperture_ size and shutter speed settings amounts to little _more_ _than_ _mere_ guesswork, through which the probability is _high_ that the amateur will select wrong _settings_ and _quickly_ _become_ _frustrated._ Frustration, _if_ it occurs _sufficiently_ often, leads _to_ dis-satisfaction, which in the context of an _amateur_ photographer often means that that _photographer_ will simply stop taking _pictures_ and turn to other leisure activities which _he_ or _she_ believes to be less _trying_ and more _satisfying_ than _photography._ Since |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus and a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. In particular, it relates to an impeller as well as method of fixing the blades of the impeller, and of fixing a lock-up damper spring plate without making a hole or slit in any of constituting members.
2. Description of Related Art
In a conventional hydraulic power transmitting apparatus, as a means of fixing blades to a shell, there are known the following, i.e., means of fixing both the members by welding or brazing, or means of fitting claws provided in the blades into slits and then fixing them together by caulking or brazing (see Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 79359/1982). In the above-described conventional art, welding or brazing will give rise to thermal strains to the shell and the blades. Particularly, in case of brazing, a large amount of electric power is consumed in a brazing furnace. When a flux for preventing oxidation is used, there is a possibility of generating harmful gases from the flux. In case the claws provided in the blades are fitted into the slits, three-dimensional slits and the claws of the blades must be manufactured at a high accuracy in order to facilitate the assembling work. This results in a higher manufacturing cost and in a reduced strength in the shell due to the presence of the slits. In addition, since the force of fixing the blades is weak, a working fluid may leak through the slits out of the shell, resulting in a remarkable reduction in the performance of the hydraulic power transmitting apparatus.
In view of the above disadvantages accompanied by the conventional art, the present invention has an object of providing an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus and a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus in which the shell and the blades as well as the shell and a lock-up damper spring plate can be fixed without resort to welding or brazing as well as to fitting of claws into slits.
In order to attain the above and other objects, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention is an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The impeller comprises: a shell; a plurality of blades fixed to the shell, each of the blades having a blade main body and a fixing flange which is bent at an angle relative to the blade main body; wherein the shell and the fixing flange are placed one on top of the other and are pressed together at a fixing point such that a hollow cylindrical projection having a bottom is formed; and wherein the projection comprises a diametrically expanded portion along a bottom outer periphery of that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an inner side in the projection, the expanded portion being thrusted into that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an outer side in the projection.
In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The impeller comprises: a shell; a plurality of blades fixed to the shell, each of the blades having a blade main body and a fixing flange which is bent at an angle relative to the blade main body; wherein each of the shell and the fixing flange are placed one on top of the other and are pressed together at a fixing point such that a hollow cylindrical projection having a bottom is formed, an outer periphery of the bottom having an axially extending ring-shaped convex; and wherein the projection comprises a diametrically expanded portion along a bottom outer periphery of that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an inner side in the projection, the expanded portion being thrusted into that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an outer side in the projection.
Preferably, the projection is formed in a plurality of numbers, and at least one of the projections is projected inward of the impeller. According to this arrangement, in case another constituting member of the impeller is disposed in close proximity to the outside of the shell, a particular projection which is likely to interfere with the above-mentioned member can be projected inward, instead of outward as is the case with the remaining ones, to prevent the mutual interference.
Further, preferably, at least one of the projections is positioned radially inward relative to a center of radial length of the blade. Ordinarily, in the turbine blades, a large force in a direction of peeling off the blades is operated on an outlet side in an inner circumference. By arranging at least one of the projections as described above, a large fixing force against the peeling can be secured.
Preferably, the fixing flange has a larger width on a radially inner side and a diameter of a projection to be provided on the radially inner side is larger in diameter than the diameter of remaining projections. According to this arrangement, the projection of a larger diameter can generate a larger force against the peeling off the blades.
Preferably, the impeller further comprises a lock-up damper spring plate having a shape free from interference with a projection that is on a circumferentially outermost position, the damping spring plate being fixed to an outside of the shell by a projection which is the same as the projection for fixing the shell and the fixing flange. According to this arrangement, the lock-up damper spring plate can be fixed to the shell without giving rise to the interference with the projection for fixing the fixing flange and without giving rise to the thermal strains.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The method comprises: preparing a shell from a first metallic plate and a plurality of blades from a second metallic plate, each of the blades having an integrally formed fixing flange; placing the shell and the fixing flange one on top of the other; pressing the shell and the fixing flange together to form a hollow cylindrical projection such that a material in a corner portion of an inner member of the shell and the fixing flange inside the projection is expanded outward so as to be thrusted into a material of an outer member of the shell and the fixing flange inside the projection.
Alternatively, there is provided a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The method comprises: preparing a shell made of a first metallic plate and a plurality of blades made of a second metallic plate, each of the blades having an integrally formed fixing flange; feeding the shell and each of the fixing flanges into a die assembly in a state in which one is placed on top of the other, the die assembly comprising: a die having a die hole with a bottom; and a punch which is adapted to be inserted into, and out of, the die hole; wherein a clearance between the punch and an inner surface of the die hole is smaller than a sum of thicknesses of the shell and the fixing flange, and wherein the die has a ring-shaped groove which is formed along a corner of the bottom of the die hole so as to extend in an axial direction of the die assembly; pressing the shell and the fixing flange together to form a hollow cylindrical projection such that a material in a bottom corner portion of an outer member out of the shell and the fixing flange is forced into the ring-shaped groove and that a material in a bottom corner portion of an inner member of the shell and the fixing flange is expanded diametrically outward so as to be thrusted into the material of the outer member. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus and a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. In particular, it relates to an impeller as well as method of fixing the blades of the impeller, and of fixing a lock-up damper spring plate without making a hole or slit in any of constituting members. 2. Description of Related Art In a conventional hydraulic power transmitting apparatus, as a means of fixing blades to a shell, there are known the following, i.e., means of fixing both the members by welding or brazing, or means of fitting claws provided in the blades into slits and then fixing them together by caulking or brazing (see Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 79359/1982). In the above-described conventional art, welding or brazing will give rise to thermal strains to the shell and the blades. Particularly, in case of brazing, a large amount of electric power is consumed in a brazing furnace. When a flux for preventing oxidation is used, there is a possibility of generating harmful gases from the flux. In case the claws provided in the blades are fitted into the slits, three-dimensional slits and the claws of the blades must be manufactured at a high accuracy in order to facilitate the assembling work. This results in a higher manufacturing cost and in a reduced strength in the shell due to the presence of the slits. In addition, since the force of fixing the blades is weak, a working fluid may leak through the slits out of the shell, resulting in a remarkable reduction in the performance of the hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. In view of the above disadvantages accompanied by the conventional art, the present invention has an object of providing an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus and a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus in which the shell and the blades as well as the shell and a lock-up damper spring plate can be fixed without resort to welding or brazing as well as to fitting of claws into slits. In order to attain the above and other objects, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention is an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The impeller comprises: a shell; a plurality of blades fixed to the shell, each of the blades having a blade main body and a fixing flange which is bent at an angle relative to the blade main body; wherein the shell and the fixing flange are placed one on top of the other and are pressed together at a fixing point such that a hollow cylindrical projection having a bottom is formed; and wherein the projection comprises a diametrically expanded portion along a bottom outer periphery of that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an inner side in the projection, the expanded portion being thrusted into that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an outer side in the projection. In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The impeller comprises: a shell; a plurality of blades fixed to the shell, each of the blades having a blade main body and a fixing flange which is bent at an angle relative to the blade main body; wherein each of the shell and the fixing flange are placed one on top of the other and are pressed together at a fixing point such that a hollow cylindrical projection having a bottom is formed, an outer periphery of the bottom having an axially extending ring-shaped convex; and wherein the projection comprises a diametrically expanded portion along a bottom outer periphery of that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an inner side in the projection, the expanded portion being thrusted into that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which prevarication on an outer side in the projection. Preferably, the projection is formed in a plurality of numbers, and at least one of the projections is projected inward of the impeller. According to this arrangement, in case another constituting member of the impeller is disposed in close proximity to the outside of the shell, a particular projection which is likely to interfere with the above-mentioned member can be projected inward, instead of outward as is the case with the remaining ones, to prevent the mutual interference. Further, preferably, at least one of the projections is positioned radially inward relative to a center of radial length of the blade. Ordinarily, in the turbine blades, a large force in a direction of peeling off the blades is operated on an outlet side in an inner circumference. By arranging at least one of the projections as described above, a large fixing force against the peeling can be secured. Preferably, the fixing flange has a larger width on a radially inner side and a diameter of a projection to be provided on the radially inner side is larger in diameter than the diameter of remaining projections. According to this arrangement, the projection of a larger diameter can generate a larger force against the peeling off the blades. Preferably, the impeller further comprises a lock-up damper spring plate having a shape free from interference with a projection that is on a circumferentially outermost position, the damping spring plate being fixed to an outside of the shell by a projection which is the same as the projection for fixing the shell and the fixing flange. According to this arrangement, the lock-up damper spring plate can be fixed to the shell without giving rise to the interference with the projection for fixing the fixing flange and without giving rise to the thermal strains. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The method comprises: preparing a shell from a first metallic plate and a plurality of blades from a second metallic plate, each of the blades having an integrally formed fixing flange; placing the shell and the fixing flange one on top of the other; pressing the shell and the fixing flange together to form a hollow cylindrical projection such that a material in a corner portion of an inner member of the shell and the fixing flange inside the projection is expanded outward so as to be thrusted into a material of an outer member of the shell and the fixing flange inside the projection. Alternatively, there is provided a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The method comprises: preparing a shell made of a first metallic plate and a plurality of blades made of a second metallic plate, each of the blades having an integrally formed fixing flange; feeding the shell and each of the fixing flanges into a die assembly in a state in which one is placed on top of the other, the die assembly comprising: a die having a die hole with a bottom; and a punch which is adapted to be inserted into, and out of, the die hole; wherein a clearance between the punch and an inner surface of the die hole is smaller than a sum of thicknesses of the shell and the fixing flange, and wherein the die has a ring-shaped groove which is formed along a corner of the bottom of the die hole so as to extend in an axial direction of the die assembly; pressing the shell and the fixing flange together to form a hollow cylindrical projection such that a material in a bottom corner portion of an outer member out of the shell and the fixing flange is forced into the ring-shaped groove and that a material in a bottom corner portion of an inner member of the shell and the fixing flange is expanded diametrically outward so as to be thrusted into the material of the outer member. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus and a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. In particular, it relates to an impeller as well as method of fixing the blades of the impeller, and of fixing a lock - up damper spring plate without making a hole or slit in any of constituting members. 2. Description of Related Art In a convent8onsl hydraulic power transmitting apparatus, as a means of fixing blades to a shell, there are known the following, i. e. , means of fixing both the members by welding or brazing, or means of fitting claws provided in the blades into slits and then fixing them together by caulking or brazing (see Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 79359 / 1982 ). In the above - described conventional art, welding or brazing will give rise to thermal strains to the shell and the blades. Particularly, in case of brazing, a large amount of electric power is consumed in a brazing furnace. When a flux for preventing oxidation is used, there is a possibility of generating harmful gases from the flux. In case the claws provided in the blades are fitted into the slits, three - dimensional slits and the claws of the blades must be manufactured at a high accuracy in order to facilitate the assembling work. This results in a higher manufacturing cost and in a reduced strength in the shell due to the presence of the slits. In addition, since the force of fixing the blades is weak, a working fluid may leak through the slits out of the shell, resulting in a remarkable reduction in the performance of the hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. In view of the above disadvantages accompanied by the conventional art, the present invention has an object of providing an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus and a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus in Shjch the shell and the blades as well as the shell and a lock - up damper spring plate can be fixed without resort to welding or brazing as well as to fitting of claws into slits. In order to attain the above and other objects, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention is an impeller for a jydrau:ic power transmitting apparatus. The impeller comprises: a shell; a plurality of blades fixed to the shell, each of the blades having a blade main body and a fixing flange which is bent at an angle relative to the blade main body; wherein the shell and the fixing flange are placed one on top of the other and are pressed together at a fixing point such that a hollow cylindrical projection having a bottom is formed; and wherein the projection comprises a diametrically expanded portion along a bottom outer periphery of that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an inner side in the projection, the expanded portion being thrusted into that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an outer side in the projection. In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The impeller comprises: a shell; a plurality of blades fixed to the shell, each of the blades having a blade main body and a fixing flange which is bent at an angle relative to the blade main body; wherein each of the shell and the fixing flange are placed one on top of the other and are pressed together at a fixing point such that a hollow cylindrical projection having a bottom is formed, an outer periphery of the bottom having an axially extending ring - shaped convex; and wherein the projection comprises a diametrically expanded portion along a bottom outer periphery of that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an inner side in the projection, the expanded portion being thrusted into that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an outer side in the projection. Preferably, the projection is formed in a plurality of numbers, and at least one of the projections is projected inward of the impeller. According to this Arranbement, in case another constituting member of the impeller is disposed in close proximity to the outside of the shell, a particular projection which is likely to interfere with the above - mentioned member can be projected inward, instead of outward as is the case with the remaining ones, to prevent the mutual interference. Further, preferably, at least one of the projections is positioned radially inward relative to a center of radial length of the blade. Ordinarily, in the turbine blades, a large force in a direction of peeling off the blades is operated on an outlet side in an inner circumference. By arranging at least one of the projections as described above, a large fixing force against the peeling can be secured. Preferably, the fixing flange has a larger width on a radially inner side and a diameter of a projection to be provided on the radially inner side is larger in diameter than the diameter of remaining projections. According to this ar5angrment, the projection of a larger diameter can generate a larger force against the peeling off the blades. Preferably, the impeller further comprises a lock - up damper spring plate having a shape free from interference with a projection that is on a circumferentially outermost position, the damping spring plate being fixed to an outside of the shell by a projection which is the qamR as the projection for fixing the shell and the fixing flange. According to this arrangement, the lock - up damper spring plate can be fixed to the shell without giving rise to the interference with the projection for fixing the fixing flange and without giving rise to the thermal strains. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The method comprises: preparing a shell from a first metallic plate and a plurality of blades from a second metallic plate, ewXh of the blades having an integrally formed fixing flange; placing the shell and the fixing flange one on top of the other; pressing the shell and the fixing flange together to form a hollow cylindrical projection such that a material in a corner portion of an inner member of the shell and the fixing flange inside the projection is expanded outward so as to be thrusted into a material of an outer member of the shell and the fixing flange inside the projection. Alternatively, there is provided a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The method comprises: preparing a shell made of a first metallic plate and a plurality of blades made of a second metallic plate, each of the blades having an integrally formed fixing flange; feeding the shell and each of the fixing flanges into a die assembly in a state in which one is placed on top of the other, the die assembly comprising: a die having a die hole with a bottom; and a punch which is adapted to be inserted into, and out of, the die hole; wherein a clearance between the punch and an inner surface of the die Mol@ is smaller than a sum of thicknesses of the shell and the fixing flange, and wherein the die has a ring - shaped groove which is formed along a corner of the bottom of the die hole so as to extend in an axial direction of the die assembly; OresCing the shell and the fixing flange together to form a hollow cylindrical projection such that a material in a bottom corner portion of an outer member out of the shell and the fixing flange is forced into the ring - shaped gEo(ve and that a material in a bottom corner portion of an inner member of the shell and the fixing flange is expanded diametrically outward so as to be thrusted into the material of the outer member. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus and method fixing blades a hydraulic power transmitting In particular, it relates an as well as method fixing the blades of the and of fixing a lock-up damper spring plate without making a hole or slit in any constituting members. 2. Description of Related Art In a conventional hydraulic power transmitting apparatus, as a means of fixing blades to a shell, are known following, i.e., means of fixing both the members by welding or brazing, or means of fitting claws provided in the blades into slits and then fixing them together by caulking brazing (see Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 79359/1982). In the above-described conventional art, welding or brazing will give rise to thermal strains to the shell and the blades. in case of brazing, a large amount of electric power consumed in a furnace. When a flux for preventing oxidation is used, there is a possibility of generating harmful gases from the flux. In case the claws provided the blades are fitted into the slits, three-dimensional slits and the claws of the blades must be manufactured at high accuracy in order to the assembling work. This results in a higher manufacturing cost and in a strength in the shell due to the presence of the slits. In addition, since the force of fixing the blades is weak, a working fluid leak through the slits out of the shell, resulting in a remarkable in the performance of the hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. In view of the above accompanied by the conventional present invention has object of providing an impeller for a hydraulic transmitting and a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus in the shell and the blades as well as the shell and a lock-up damper spring plate fixed without to welding or brazing as well as fitting of claws into slits. order to the above and other objects, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention is an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting impeller comprises: a shell; a plurality blades fixed to the shell, each of the blades having a blade main body a fixing flange which is bent at an angle relative to the blade main wherein the shell and the fixing flange are placed one on top of the other and are pressed together at a fixing point such that a hollow cylindrical projection having bottom is formed; and the projection comprises a expanded portion along a bottom outer periphery of that member out of the shell and the flange which lies on an inner in the projection, the expanded portion being thrusted into that member of shell and the fixing flange which lies on an outer side in the projection. In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an impeller for a power transmitting apparatus. The impeller comprises: a a plurality of blades to the shell, each the blades having a blade main body and a fixing flange which is bent an angle relative the blade main body; wherein each of the and the fixing flange one on top of the other and are pressed together a point such that a hollow cylindrical projection a bottom is formed, an outer periphery of the bottom having an axially extending ring-shaped and wherein the projection comprises a diametrically expanded portion along a bottom outer periphery that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies an inner side in the projection, the expanded portion being thrusted into that out of the shell and the flange which lies on an outer side in the projection. Preferably, the projection is formed in a plurality of numbers, and at least one of the projections is projected of the impeller. According to this arrangement, in another constituting member of the impeller disposed in close proximity to the outside of shell, a particular projection which is likely to interfere above-mentioned can projected inward, instead of outward as is the case with the remaining ones, to prevent the Further, preferably, at least one of the projections is positioned radially to a center of radial length of the blade. Ordinarily, in the turbine blades, a large force in a direction of off the blades operated on an outlet side in an circumference. By arranging at least one of the projections as described above, a large fixing force against the peeling can be secured. Preferably, the fixing flange larger width on a radially inner side and diameter of a to be provided on the radially inner is larger diameter than diameter of remaining projections. to this arrangement, the projection of a larger diameter can generate a larger force the peeling off the blades. Preferably, the impeller further comprises a lock-up damper spring plate having a shape free from interference a projection that is a circumferentially outermost position, the damping spring plate fixed to an outside of the shell by projection which is same as the projection for fixing the shell the fixing According to this arrangement, the lock-up damper spring plate can fixed the without giving rise to the interference with projection for fixing the fixing without giving to the strains. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of fixing blades of hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The method comprises: preparing a shell from a first metallic plate and a plurality of blades from a second metallic plate, of blades having an integrally formed fixing flange; placing the shell and the flange one on top of the other; the shell the together to form a hollow cylindrical projection such that a material in a corner portion of an inner member of the shell and the fixing flange inside the projection is expanded outward so as to be thrusted into a material of an outer member of the shell and the fixing flange the projection. Alternatively, there is provided a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The method comprises: preparing a made of a first plate and a plurality of blades made of a second metallic plate, each of the blades having an integrally formed fixing flange; the shell and each of the fixing flanges a die assembly in a state in which one is placed top of other, the die assembly comprising: a die having a die hole with and a punch which is adapted to be inserted into, and out of, the die wherein a clearance between the punch and an inner surface of die hole is smaller than a sum of thicknesses the shell and the flange, and wherein the die has a groove is formed along a corner of the of the die hole so as extend in an axial direction of the die assembly; pressing the shell and the fixing flange together to form a hollow cylindrical projection such that a material in a bottom corner portion of outer member out of the shell and the fixing is forced into the ring-shaped groove and that a material in a bottom corner portion of an member of the shell and the fixing flange is expanded diametrically outward so as to into the of the outer member. | 1. fieLD oF THE inveNtiOn
THe PreSEnT InvenTION rElAteS TO An imPEllER for a HyDrAUlic PowEr TRaNSmITtinG apParAtUS aNd a mEThOD OF FIxIng BlAdEs Of a hyDRaUlIC POWer tranSMittING aPPAraTuS. IN PArTiCulAR, iT RelATes To aN iMPeLLER aS weLL AS METhOd Of fIxing THe blADEs of the imPElLEr, anD Of FiXINg a LOck-uP DAmPEr SPrING pLAtE WithoUT MAKing a holE or SLIt In Any OF consTItuTinG MemBerS.
2. deSCrIPTION oF ReLAteD ArT
in a coNVeNTIOnAl HydraULIc POWER TransmItTING ApparaTus, aS a meAnS of FIxiNG BlADes TO a SHeLL, ThERe aRe kNoWN tHE folLOWiNg, i.E., mEANs OF FIxinG Both ThE members by wELdIng OR BrAZiNG, oR MeANS oF FIttInG CLaWS PROvIdeD In tHE BLAdES intO SlITs AnD THeN FiXIng tHem togeTHER By CAULKing OR bRaZIng (See JaPAneSe publiSheD uNExaMINED pAtEnt AppliCATiOn No. 79359/1982). In thE ABove-desCRIbeD conVeNtIOnal aRt, WELdInG Or brAzING WILl gIVe rISE to THerMaL sTrAinS To the Shell aND the blADes. ParTiCuLarly, IN CasE OF brAZiNg, A LaRGe amoUNT Of elECtrIc pOWer is COnsUMED IN a bRAZinG furnaCE. WHEn a FlUx For PreVENtIng oxIDAtiON IS USed, ThERe IS A pOSsIbilIty OF GENERaTInG hARMfUL gAses from tHE FLux. in cAsE THe ClAwS pRoviDeD IN the blaDeS aRe fITTEd into tHE sLiTs, THREE-DiMEnSionAL SLitS aND tHE cLaWs OF The bladES musT be maNUfACtured AT a HIgh acCuracY iN OrDER to FAcilITAte THe assemBLIng WOrK. THis ReSULtS In A hiGhER MAnUfACtUrInG cosT anD in a redUCeD stReNGth In The ShELL DuE to THE PresEnCe of thE SlITS. In AdditioN, SInCE thE foRcE Of fIxINg the bLAdEs is weak, A WoRKING FLUID mAy LeaK THrOugh THe SLITS ouT of ThE sheLL, reSUlTiNg in A RemaRKable REdUCtiON IN The pErfOrMAnCE Of the HyDRaulIc poWER tRAnSMITtINg APParATUs.
IN VIeW oF the AboVE dISAdVaNTAgEs acCoMpAniEd bY the COnveNtioNAL ART, The preseNT iNvenTiON has aN ObJECT Of PRovidinG an ImPelLEr FOr A HyDRAuLIC powEr tRANsmITTINg apParatus AnD a MetHod of fixiNg BLaDES Of A HyDrAUlIc POWer TranSMitTinG ApPAraTuS In WhicH THe sHeLl anD The bLADES as WELl As tHe sHELl aNd A loCK-up DAMPER SprING plAtE caN be FixED wiThOUt reSORT tO WeLdIng or BrAZInG as WELL As TO fITTinG Of CLaWS INtO SLiTS.
in oRdeR to ATtAin The aboVE anD othEr objECTS, aCCoRdINg tO a FirsT aSPeCt oF THE PReSEnT iNvEnTION, ThE Present inVENtIOn IS AN ImPELLER FOR a hYdraULIc powER TRAnsmiTting APparaTuS. ThE impeLLeR ComPRISES: A sHELl; a pLuralitY OF BlAdes fIXeD to THe sHell, eaCh of ThE BlaDEs hAViNg a BlAde MAIn bOdy ANd a FixINg flangE Which is bEnT AT an angLE reLative To THe BlAdE mAiN body; Wherein THe ShELL ANd thE FIxiNG flANGE aRE PlAceD onE on tOp oF ThE OtheR ANd aRe presSEd tOgethER aT A FiXINg POInt suCH THaT a HoLLOW cyliNDrIcaL pROJECTiON HavING A BoTtom iS FoRMeD; AND wHEREiN ThE ProjecTion COMPRiSES A DIaMEtriCALLY ExpAndeD porTiON ALOnG A bOttom oUTeR perIPHERY OF that MemBeR OUT of tHE sHELL anD The FIXING FLaNge WHich LIES On AN INNER SiDe IN THe PRojEctIoN, The EXPaNDED porTiON beINg THrUSteD INtO THat MEMbER OuT Of tHE ShelL AnD tHe FixING FLAnGE wHiCH lieS ON an outEr Side In thE pRojecTioN.
in a seCONd aSPECt OF thE presENT INVentIoN, there is ProvIdeD An impELLer FoR A hyDRAUlIc pOWer trANsMittInG AppAraTUS. thE iMpeLLer comPriSes: a sHeLL; A pLUralitY of BLaDES FIXeD To THe ShELL, eAch of ThE blAdeS HAviNg a Blade MAiN BodY and a FIxinG flaNgE whiCH is BEnT aT An AnglE RelaTivE TO tHe BLade MAin bodY; wHErEIN eaCh Of tHe shELL ANd THE FIxIng flanGe are PLaCEd oNE On top oF tHE OthER AnD ARe PRESSED tOGether AT a FiXing pOint such ThAt A HoLlOW CYLInDricaL pROjectION hAviNG a boTTom is foRmeD, aN oUTEr peRIPheRy OF THe BOttom havinG An axiaLLy EXTEndiNg RING-shapED convEX; AND WhErein The pRoJeCTIon COMPrIsEs A DiAMetrICalLy expANDED poRTIon ALONg a BOtTOM oUTER periPherY of that MEMBeR oUT OF THe sHelL And THe fIXINg fLAnGe WhIch LiEs ON AN inneR siDE In The ProjECtION, thE ExPAndED porTion bEinG THRUSTed iNTO tHaT MEMbeR oUT OF tHe shEll anD The fIXing FlaNgE WHIch LiEs On an ouTER Side iN thE projecTIoN.
PrEFEraBly, thE pROjEcTion iS fORMED iN a pLurAlITy OF nUMbers, ANd at LEAST OnE OF the PRoJEcTIONS IS PrOJeCtED INWaRd oF tHE ImpelLER. acCORdINg To this arRAnGeMEnT, iN casE ANOtHEr coNsTITuTING memBEr OF thE ImPelLEr IS dIspOsED in cLoSe pRoxIMitY tO the OUTSIDe oF tHE SHELl, A PArTICulAr projectIOn WhIcH IS liKeLY tO INTErFERe WitH THe AbOvE-MEntIOnED Member cAn be PROjecTED iNwARD, InstEAd of ouTwaRd AS IS THe caSE WiTh thE ReMaininG OnES, To preveNT ThE mUTuAl intERfERenCE.
fuRther, PrEfErably, At LEasT OnE Of The projeCTioNs Is PoSItIoNEd RaDiALLY InwArd rELaTIVe to A cEnTEr oF raDIaL LENgTh Of thE BLadE. orDINariLy, In the tURbINE BlaDeS, a LARGe foRCe In a DIREctIon Of PEELiNG oFF The BLAdeS iS opeRatEd ON an OutLeT Side In an INNeR ciRcUmfErENcE. bY ARrangiNG at LEasT onE of The pROJecTiONs As deSCriBeD aboVE, A laRGe FixINg FoRCE aGaINST the pEEliNG CAn be secuRED.
pReFeRABLy, thE FiXiNG FlAnge hAS A LArGER WIdTh On A RAdIALLY InNeR SIDE AND A Diameter oF a proJecTion TO Be PRoVIDEd ON The RADIALLy InneR SiDE Is lARgEr in DiAmeter than thE DIaMETeR OF rEMaIninG PrOjectIOns. aCCORDiNg tO tHIs aRRanGeMeNT, the prOJectiON OF A largEr diAmETeR can GENERATE A LaRGeR fOrce agaInsT thE peeliNG oFF THe blAdEs.
PRefERAbLY, THe ImpeLLeR fUrTHER ComPrISES A LOck-Up DampEr sPRing PLATE HAVING a ShapE FrEE FRom IntErFERencE wITh A PRojECTION tHAt is on a CiRCUmFerentIaLLy OUTErMoST pOSITion, the DAmpinG spRINg plAte BeINg FIXED to an oUtsIdE Of ThE SheLl By a PrOjecTIoN wHICH iS the sAme as The ProJeCTioN foR fixING tHE SheLl ANd THe FIxiNG FLaNge. AccordiNg to thIs arRanGeMeNT, tHE locK-Up DAmpEr SpRING Plate Can Be fiXED tO ThE sheLL wITHOUT GIvING rise tO The inteRFeRenCE WITh tHe PRojEctIon for fIxINg tHe FIxiNG FlangE aNd WIThOut giVing rise to The theRMAl sTraiNs.
aCCoRdIng To a thiRd aSpEcT OF thE PreSENt invENTiOn, thERe is proVIDeD A MeThod OF fIxING BLaDeS of A HydrAULiC PoWeR TrANSMITTiNg AppArATUS. tHe meTHOD cOMPriSeS: prEparIng a ShEll frOM A FirST mETALLic PlAtE AND a PLuraliTY of bLADES FROM a sEcOnd METALlic plATe, eACH Of the BlaDes haVinG aN intEgRAlLy formed FIXiNG FLaNge; Placing THE SheLL AnD thE FIxiNG flAnGe oNe oN tOP OF tHE othEr; pRESSiNg tHe ShelL anD The FixING fLANge ToGEthEr to fORM a hOLLOW cYliNDRICaL proJeCtiOn SUch That a MAteRiaL in a CoRneR pOrtioN oF aN INNEr Member OF ThE ShEll anD the fIxinG flANge INsiDe tHe pRoJectiOn Is ExPandEd outwArD So as To bE thrustEd Into a MaTERIAL Of an oUTer mEmBeR OF thE SheLL ANd THE FIxIng fLangE iNsIDE the pRojEctIon.
alTERNatIveLY, ThErE Is proviDEd A methOd Of fIXIng bLAdeS oF a hYdRaULic POWER TraNSmITtING appaRAtUs. the mEthOd ComPriSeS: pREpArINg a sheLl MAde oF a fiRsT MetallIc PlAte And A plurAlITY of BLAdEs mADE Of a SeconD mEtAlLIc plaTe, eaCH OF ThE blaDES haVING an IntegrallY FormEd FIxing FLanGe; feEdInG The ShElL And EAcH Of thE fiXIng FLANges iNto A dIE AsSeMbly in a sTate in wHiCH oNe is PlaCeD oN top of the OTheR, ThE diE aSsEMBlY comPRIsing: a DiE HaVinG A DiE HOle WitH A bOttom; anD a pUNcH WhICH iS aDaPted tO bE inSerTED INto, AnD oUT of, thE dIE hOlE; whErEIn a cLeaRaNcE BETWEeN tHe PuNch AnD An inneR SurfaCE OF thE DiE HoLe iS SMalLEr Than A sUm of tHICKneSseS oF THE sHELL And The fIXINg fLaNge, aND whereIN ThE dIE HAs A riNg-Shaped GrOOVe which iS FOrmEd alonG a coRNER OF The boTTOm OF The die HolE SO as To eXTEND in AN AxiaL DIrECTION Of thE diE asSEMbLy; pReSsing THE SHelL AND ThE fixInG flANgE TOgeTheR tO FORM A hOLlOw cyliNDrIcAl pROjEcTioN such THaT a MaTeRial iN a BottOM cORNer poRTIon oF AN ouTEr meMber ouT of the SHeLL aNd THE FIXING flanGe IS FoRced intO THe riNg-shaped GROovE AnD ThaT A MATeriaL in a botTOM corneR pORTion oF an INnER MembER of tHe ShelL And THE fiXiNG FLAnge iS EXPANdEd DiAMETrIcallY outward sO AS tO bE ThruSTeD inTO tHe MaTEriAl of The OuTER mEmBEr. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an impeller fora hydraulicpower transmitting apparatus and amethod of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus.In particular, it relates to animpeller as well as method of fixing the blades of the impeller, and of fixing alock-up damper spring plate without making a hole or slit in any of constituting members. 2. Description of Related Art In a conventional hydraulic power transmitting apparatus, as a meansof fixing blades to a shell, there areknown the following, i.e., means of fixing boththemembersby welding or brazing, ormeans of fitting claws provided in the blades into slits andthen fixing them together bycaulking or brazing (see JapanesePublished Unexamined Patent Application No. 79359/1982). In theabove-described conventional art, welding or brazing will give rise to thermal strains to theshell and the blades. Particularly,in case of brazing, a large amount of electricpower is consumed in a brazingfurnace. When a fluxfor preventingoxidation is used, there is a possibility of generating harmful gases from the flux. In case the claws provided in the blades are fitted into the slits, three-dimensional slits and the claws of the bladesmust be manufactured at a highaccuracy in order to facilitate the assemblingwork. This resultsin a higher manufacturing cost and ina reduced strength in the shelldue to the presence of the slits. In addition, since the force of fixing the blades is weak, a working fluid may leak throughthe slits out of the shell, resulting in a remarkable reduction in the performance of the hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. In viewof the above disadvantagesaccompanied by the conventional art, the present inventionhas an object of providing an impellerfor a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus and a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus in which theshell and the blades as well as the shell and a lock-up damper spring plate can befixed without resort to welding or brazingaswell as to fitting of clawsintoslits. In order to attainthe above and other objects, according to a first aspect of the present invention, thepresent invention is an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The impeller comprises: ashell;a pluralityof blades fixed tothe shell, each of the blades having ablademainbody and a fixing flange which is bent at an angle relative to the blade main body; whereinthe shell and the fixing flange are placed one on top of the other and arepressed together ata fixing point such that a hollow cylindrical projection having a bottom is formed; and wherein the projection comprises a diametrically expanded portionalong a bottom outer periphery of that member out of the shell andthe fixing flange which lies onaninner sidein the projection,the expanded portion being thrusted into that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an outer side in the projection. Ina second aspect of the present invention,there is providedan impeller fora hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The impeller comprises: a shell; a plurality of bladesfixed to the shell, eachof the bladeshaving a blade main body and a fixing flange which is bent at an anglerelative to the blade main body; wherein each ofthe shelland the fixing flange are placed one on top of the other and are pressed together at a fixingpoint such that a hollow cylindrical projection having a bottom is formed, an outer periphery of the bottom having an axially extending ring-shaped convex; andwherein the projectioncomprises a diametrically expanded portionalong a bottom outer periphery of that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies on aninnerside in the projection, the expanded portion being thrusted into that member out of the shell and the fixing flange whichlies on anouter side in the projection. Preferably, the projection is formed in a plurality of numbers, andat least one of the projections is projected inward of the impeller. According tothisarrangement, in caseanother constituting member of the impeller is disposedin close proximity to the outside of the shell, a particularprojection which is likely to interfere with the above-mentioned member can be projected inward, insteadof outward as is the case with the remaining ones, to prevent the mutual interference.Further, preferably, at least one of the projections is positioned radially inward relative to a center of radial length of the blade. Ordinarily, in the turbine blades, a large force in a direction of peeling off the blades is operated on an outletside in an inner circumference. By arrangingat least one of the projections as described above,a large fixing force against the peeling can be secured. Preferably,the fixing flange has a largerwidth on aradially inner side and a diameter of a projection to beprovided on the radially inner sideis larger in diameter than the diameter of remainingprojections. According to this arrangement, the projectionof a larger diameter can generatea larger force against the peeling offthe blades. Preferably, the impeller further comprises a lock-updamper springplate havinga shape free frominterference with aprojection that is on acircumferentiallyoutermost position, the dampingspring plate being fixed to an outsideof theshell by a projection which is the same as the projection forfixing theshell and the fixing flange. According to this arrangement, thelock-up damper spring plate can be fixed to the shell without givingrise totheinterference with theprojection for fixing the fixing flangeand without giving rise to the thermal strains. According to a third aspectof the present invention, there is provided a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The method comprises: preparing a shellfrom a first metallic plateand a plurality ofblades from a second metallic plate, each of the bladeshaving an integrally formed fixing flange; placing theshell andthe fixing flange oneon topof theother; pressing theshell and the fixing flange together toform a hollow cylindrical projection such that a material in a corner portion of an innermember ofthe shell and the fixingflangeinside the projection is expanded outward so as to be thrusted into a material of an outer member of the shell and the fixing flange inside the projection.Alternatively, there is provided a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The method comprises:preparing a shell made of a first metallic plate anda plurality of blades made of a second metallic plate,each of theblades havingan integrally formed fixing flange; feeding the shell and each of the fixing flanges into a die assembly in a state in which one is placed on top of the other,the dieassembly comprising: a die having a die hole with abottom; and a punch which is adapted tobeinserted into, and out of, the die hole; wherein a clearance between the punch and an innersurface of the die hole is smaller than a sum of thicknessesof theshell and the fixing flange, and wherein the diehas a ring-shaped groove which is formedalong a corner ofthe bottom of the die hole so as to extend in an axial direction ofthe die assembly; pressing the shell and the fixing flange together to form a hollow cylindrical projection such that amaterial in a bottomcorner portion of an outer member out of the shell and the fixing flangeis forced into thering-shaped groove and that a material in a bottom corner portion of an innermember of the shell andthe fixing flange isexpanded diametrically outward soas to be thrusted into thematerial of the outer member. | _1._ Field of the Invention _The_ present invention relates to an impeller for _a_ _hydraulic_ power transmitting apparatus _and_ a method _of_ fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. _In_ particular, it relates to an _impeller_ _as_ _well_ _as_ method of fixing the blades of the _impeller,_ and of fixing a lock-up damper spring plate without _making_ _a_ _hole_ or slit in any of constituting members. 2. Description of _Related_ Art _In_ _a_ conventional hydraulic _power_ transmitting apparatus, as _a_ means of fixing blades to a shell, there are known the following, i.e., means of fixing both the members by welding or brazing, or _means_ of fitting claws provided in the blades _into_ slits and then fixing them together by caulking _or_ brazing (see Japanese _Published_ Unexamined Patent Application _No._ _79359/1982)._ In the _above-described_ conventional art, welding or brazing will give _rise_ _to_ thermal strains to the shell and the blades. _Particularly,_ in case _of_ brazing, a large amount of electric power _is_ consumed in a brazing furnace. When a flux for preventing _oxidation_ is used, there is _a_ _possibility_ of generating harmful gases _from_ the flux. In case the claws provided in the _blades_ are _fitted_ into the slits, three-dimensional slits _and_ the _claws_ _of_ the blades must be manufactured at _a_ _high_ accuracy in _order_ to facilitate the assembling work. This results in a higher _manufacturing_ cost and _in_ a reduced strength in the shell due to the presence of the _slits._ In addition, since _the_ force of _fixing_ the blades is weak, a working fluid _may_ leak through the slits out of the shell, resulting in a remarkable reduction in _the_ _performance_ of the hydraulic _power_ transmitting apparatus. In view of _the_ above _disadvantages_ accompanied by the _conventional_ art, _the_ present invention has an object of providing _an_ impeller for a _hydraulic_ _power_ transmitting apparatus _and_ a method of fixing blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus in which the shell and the blades as well as _the_ _shell_ and a lock-up damper spring _plate_ can be _fixed_ without resort to welding _or_ brazing as _well_ as _to_ fitting of claws into slits. _In_ order _to_ attain the above and other objects, according _to_ a first aspect of the _present_ invention, the _present_ _invention_ is an impeller for a hydraulic power transmitting _apparatus._ The impeller comprises: a shell; _a_ plurality _of_ blades fixed to the shell, each of the blades having a blade main body and a fixing flange which is _bent_ at _an_ angle relative _to_ the blade main body; wherein the _shell_ and the fixing flange are placed _one_ on _top_ of the other _and_ _are_ _pressed_ together at a fixing point such _that_ _a_ hollow cylindrical _projection_ having a bottom is formed; and _wherein_ the projection comprises a diametrically expanded portion _along_ a bottom outer periphery _of_ that member out _of_ the shell and the fixing flange which lies on an inner side in the projection, the expanded portion being thrusted into that member out of _the_ shell and the _fixing_ flange which _lies_ on _an_ outer side in the projection. In _a_ second aspect of the _present_ invention, there is provided an impeller _for_ a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The impeller comprises: a shell; a plurality of _blades_ _fixed_ to the shell, each _of_ the blades having a blade _main_ body and a _fixing_ flange which is bent _at_ an angle relative _to_ the blade main body; _wherein_ each _of_ the shell and the fixing flange are _placed_ one on top of the other _and_ are pressed together at a fixing point such that a _hollow_ cylindrical _projection_ having a _bottom_ _is_ formed, an outer periphery of the bottom having an axially _extending_ ring-shaped convex; and wherein the projection _comprises_ a diametrically _expanded_ portion along a bottom outer periphery of that member out of _the_ _shell_ and the _fixing_ _flange_ _which_ lies on an inner side _in_ the _projection,_ the expanded portion being thrusted into that member out of the shell and the fixing flange which lies _on_ an outer side in the projection. Preferably, _the_ projection _is_ formed in a plurality of numbers, and at least one of the projections is projected inward of the impeller. According to this _arrangement,_ in case another constituting _member_ of the _impeller_ _is_ disposed in _close_ proximity to _the_ outside of _the_ shell, a particular projection which is likely _to_ interfere _with_ the above-mentioned member can be _projected_ inward, instead of outward as is the case with the remaining ones, to prevent the _mutual_ interference. Further, preferably, at least one of the projections is positioned _radially_ _inward_ relative to a center of radial length of the blade. Ordinarily, in the _turbine_ blades, a large force _in_ a direction of _peeling_ off the blades is _operated_ on an outlet side in _an_ inner circumference. By arranging at least one of the _projections_ as _described_ _above,_ _a_ _large_ _fixing_ force against the peeling can be secured. Preferably, the _fixing_ _flange_ has a larger width _on_ a _radially_ inner side and a _diameter_ of a _projection_ to be provided on the radially _inner_ _side_ is _larger_ in diameter than the _diameter_ _of_ _remaining_ projections. According to this arrangement, the projection _of_ a larger diameter _can_ generate a larger force _against_ the peeling _off_ the blades. Preferably, the impeller further comprises a lock-up damper spring plate having _a_ shape _free_ _from_ _interference_ with a projection that is on _a_ circumferentially outermost position, the damping spring plate being fixed to an outside _of_ the shell by _a_ projection which is the same as _the_ _projection_ for fixing the shell and _the_ _fixing_ flange. According to _this_ arrangement, the lock-up damper _spring_ plate can be fixed to the shell without giving _rise_ _to_ _the_ interference with the projection for fixing the _fixing_ flange and without giving _rise_ to the thermal strains. According to a third aspect of _the_ present invention, _there_ is provided a _method_ of fixing blades _of_ a hydraulic power transmitting _apparatus._ The method comprises: preparing a shell from _a_ _first_ metallic plate and _a_ plurality of blades from a second metallic plate, each _of_ _the_ blades having an integrally formed fixing _flange;_ _placing_ the _shell_ and the fixing flange one on top of _the_ _other;_ pressing the shell _and_ _the_ fixing flange together _to_ form _a_ hollow cylindrical projection such that a material _in_ a corner portion of an inner member of _the_ shell and _the_ fixing _flange_ inside the projection is expanded outward so _as_ _to_ _be_ thrusted into a _material_ of _an_ outer member of the _shell_ and the fixing flange inside the projection. Alternatively, there is provided a method of _fixing_ blades of a hydraulic power transmitting apparatus. The _method_ comprises: preparing a shell made of a _first_ metallic plate _and_ _a_ plurality of _blades_ _made_ of a second metallic plate, each _of_ the blades _having_ an integrally formed fixing flange; _feeding_ _the_ shell and each of _the_ _fixing_ flanges _into_ a die assembly in a state in which one is placed on top of the other, the _die_ _assembly_ _comprising:_ a die having a die hole _with_ a bottom; and a _punch_ which is adapted _to_ be inserted into, and out of, the die _hole;_ wherein _a_ clearance _between_ the punch _and_ an inner surface of the _die_ hole is smaller than a sum of thicknesses of _the_ shell and _the_ fixing flange, and wherein the die has a ring-shaped _groove_ which is _formed_ _along_ a _corner_ of _the_ bottom _of_ the die hole so _as_ to extend in an _axial_ direction of the die assembly; pressing the shell _and_ the fixing flange together to form a hollow cylindrical _projection_ such that a material _in_ a _bottom_ corner portion of an outer member _out_ of the shell and the fixing flange is forced into the ring-shaped groove _and_ that a material in _a_ bottom corner portion _of_ _an_ inner member of the shell and the fixing flange is expanded _diametrically_ outward so as to be thrusted into the material of the _outer_ member. |
Prior to the present invention, draftsmen and/or architects and/or engineers utilizing the latest technology of utilizing a computer drawing-mouse or digital tablet-cusor while concurrently comparing blueprints or the like on a monitor screen to and in comparison with exhibit-drawings and in thee concurrent use of the mouse or digital tablet-cusor to superimpose data viewed from the drawing-exhibit onto the computer screen blueprint, have been faced with the heretofore difficulties and/or hardship and unsolved problem of inadequate ways of simultaneously handling and/or temporarily mounting/supporting all of the papers while using the computer mouse or digital tablet-cusro. Normally and often the exhibit-papers and/or documents are of large and varying width and length sizes and shapes not readily adaptable to conventional document holders. As well, frequently and normally such exhibit-papers and/or documents are in the nature of non-rigid paper not readily supportable. Paper weights and/or tacks have been less than satisfactory alternatives and conventional document holders conclusively are not functionally capable of adequately doing the job. Because of the necessity of manually handling the mouse or digital tablet-cusor when making drawing and/or notation changes to the blueprint image on the computer screen, together with visually making reference to particular points on the drawing-exhibit in comparison to the image viewed on the computer screen, the person's mere two hands while maintaining his concentrated attention to the task of making needed entries onto the computer monitor's memory as viewed on the screen, has proven to be extremely difficult and awkward and not readily possible devoid of excessive strain, consumption of excessive time and experiencing of distractions from optimal concentration and attention to the crucial matters being attended to. Moreover, in arriving at the present invention, it was noted that no easy solution existed for mounting, suspending or hanging a document support on computer monitors, it being additionally discovered that notoreously when moving from one computer monitor to another either within the same or different desks and/or offices, the width and height dimensions of word processor and/or computer monitors vary considerably from one monitor to another. That fact accounts for prior art devices heretofore having been rigidly mounted onto monitors by screws or adhesive or the like, as above-noted. | Prior to the present invention, draftsmen and/or architects and/or engineers utilizing the latest technology of utilizing a computer drawing-mouse or digital tablet-cusor while concurrently comparing blueprints or the like on a monitor screen to and in comparison with exhibit-drawings and in thee concurrent use of the shiner or digital tablet-cusor to superimpose data viewed from the drawing-exhibit onto the computer screen blueprint, have been faced with the heretofore difficulties and/or hardship and unsolved problem of inadequate ways of simultaneously handling and/or temporarily mounting/supporting all of the papers while using the computer mouse or digital tablet-cusro. Normally and often the exhibit-papers and/or documents are of large and varying width and length sizes and shapes not readily adaptable to conventional document holders. As well, frequently and normally such exhibit-papers and/or documents are in the nature of non-rigid paper not readily supportable. Paper weights and/or tacks have been less than satisfactory alternatives and conventional document holders conclusively are not functionally capable of adequately doing the job. Because of the necessity of manually handling the mouse or digital tablet-cusor when making drawing and/or notation changes to the blueprint image on the computer screen, together with visually making reference to particular points on the drawing-exhibit in comparison to the image viewed on the computer screen, the person's mere two hands while maintaining his concentrated attention to the task of making needed entries onto the computer monitor's memory as viewed on the screen, has proven to be extremely difficult and awkward and not readily possible devoid of excessive strain, consumption of excessive time and experiencing of distractions from optimal concentration and attention to the crucial matters being attended to. Moreover, in arriving at the present invention, it was noted that no easy solution existed for mounting, suspending or hanging a document support on computer monitors, it being additionally discovered that notoreously when moving from one computer monitor to another either within the same or different desks and/or offices, the width and height dimensions of word processor and/or computer monitors vary considerably from one monitor to another. That fact accounts for prior art devices heretofore having been rigidly mounted onto monitors by screws or adhesive or the like, as above-noted. | Prior to the present invention, draftsmen and / or architects and / or engineers utilizing the latest technology of ut8liAing a computer drawing - mouse or digital tablet - cusor while concurrently comparing bluepr(bts or the like on a monitor screen to and in comparison with exhibit - drawings and in thee concurrent use of the mouse or digital tablet - cusor to superimpose data viewed from the drawing - exhibit onto the XomputeF screen blueprint, have been faced with the heretofore difficulties and / or hardship and unsolved problem of inadequate ways of simultaneously handling and / or temporarily mounting / supporting all of the papers while using the computer mouse or digital tablet - cusro. Normally and often the exhibit - papers and / or documents are of large and varying width and length sizes and shapes not readily adaptable to conventional document holders. As well, frequently and normally such exhibit - papers and / or documents are in the nature of non - rigid paper not readily supportable. Paper weights and / or tacks have been less than satisfactory alternatives and conventional vocumeGt holders conclusiv$?y are not functionally capable of adequately doing the job. Because of the necessity of manually handling the mouse or digital tablet - cusor when making drawing and / or notation changes to the blueprint image on the computer screen, together with visually making reference to particular points on the drawing - exhibit in comparison to the imav# viewed on the computer screen, the person ' s mere two hands while maintaining his concentrated attention to the task of making needed entries onto the computer monitor ' s memory as viewed on the screen, has pFofen to be extremely difficult and awkward and not readily possible devoid of excessive strain, consumption of excessive time and experiencing of distractions from optimal concentration and attention to the crucial matters being attended to. Moreover, in arriving at the present invention, it was noted that no easy solution existed for mounting, suspending or hanging a document support on computer monitors, it being additionally discovered tma$ no6oreo6sly when moving from one computer monitor to another either within the same or different desks and / or offices, the width and height dimensions of word processor and / or computer monitors vary considerably from one monitor to another. That fact accounts for prior art dev(fes heretofore having been rigidly mounted onto monitors by screws or adhesive or the like, as above - noted. | Prior to the present invention, draftsmen and/or architects and/or engineers utilizing the technology of utilizing a computer drawing-mouse or tablet-cusor while comparing blueprints or like on monitor screen to and in comparison with exhibit-drawings and in thee concurrent use of the mouse or tablet-cusor superimpose viewed from the drawing-exhibit onto the computer screen blueprint, have been faced with the heretofore difficulties hardship and problem of inadequate ways of handling and/or temporarily mounting/supporting all of the papers while using the computer mouse or Normally and often the exhibit-papers and/or documents are of large and varying width and length sizes and shapes not readily adaptable to conventional document holders. As frequently and normally such exhibit-papers and/or are in nature of non-rigid paper not readily supportable. Paper weights and/or tacks have been less than satisfactory alternatives and conventional document holders conclusively are not functionally capable of adequately doing the job. Because of the of handling the mouse or digital tablet-cusor when making drawing and/or changes to blueprint image on the computer screen, together visually making reference to particular points on the drawing-exhibit in comparison to the image viewed on the computer the person's mere two hands while maintaining his concentrated attention to the of making needed entries onto the computer monitor's as viewed on the screen, has proven to be extremely difficult and awkward and devoid of excessive strain, consumption of excessive time and experiencing distractions from concentration and attention to the crucial matters being attended to. Moreover, in arriving at the present invention, it noted that no easy existed for mounting, suspending or hanging a document support on computer monitors, it being additionally discovered notoreously when moving from one computer monitor to another within the same or different desks offices, the width and height dimensions of word processor and/or computer monitors vary considerably from one monitor to That fact accounts for prior devices heretofore having been rigidly mounted onto monitors by screws or adhesive or the like, as above-noted. | PrIOr to THe PrESEnt INvEntIoN, dRafTsmeN anD/or arCHITECTs aND/oR eNgINeeRs UtIliZIng The latEST technoloGY Of UtIliZInG a ComPuTer dRAWIng-MousE oR DiGiTAl TablET-CuSOR whILE CoNcUrrENtLY comPARing BLUePRInTs or THe LikE on a mONITOR scREeN tO anD IN ComPariSoN WitH eXHiBiT-DraWinGS aNd in THee ConCuRrenT Use Of the MoUse or DIgiTaL TAbLEt-cUsor to sUpERiMPOsE dATA viewED fRoM tHE DRawInG-exhIBIT oNto the computER scREEn BluEPriNt, hAVe bEEn faCED witH tHE hEretofORE dIfFiCultIEs AND/Or HaRdSHip anD uNsOlvED PRobleM Of iNAdequAte WAys oF SIMULTanEOUsLy HaNdLiNg and/OR tEmPOraRILY MoUnTIng/sUpPortINg alL Of tHe PAperS WhilE UsING tHe COmPUteR moUsE or DIgiTAl TABlET-cUsro. noRMALLY AnD oftEN the ExhiBit-paPers And/or dOcumenTs aRE OF lArGE And varyiNg WIDth aNd length Sizes ANd shApeS noT READIly adAptabLE to ConvENTIONAl DoCUmEnt HOLDeRs. AS WelL, freQUeNTly aNd nORmALLY sUCH ExhIBiT-PAPERs and/OR DoCumentS ARE iN tHE nATUrE OF NON-RIgId PApeR not READIly SupPoRTaBLE. papEr weiGHtS AnD/Or TacKs HavE bEEN LeSS tHan sATiSfActOrY aLterNatIves aNd CoNvenTIoNAL DoCUmENt hOldeRs COncLUsively ArE NOt FuNCTiONaLLy CapabLe oF AdequaTeLY dOInG tHE JOB. because OF the NECeSsiTY of maNuALLY HaNDlInG THE MOusE Or DigITAL TablEt-CUSoR WhEN mAkinG DRaWInG AnD/or NOtatIoN chANGES to The bLueprint imaGe ON THe ComPUTeR SCreen, tOgeTHeR WitH viSuAlly mAKINg REfeREnCe TO PaRtIcuLAr PoInTs on ThE DRawInG-eXhibiT In COmPAriSOn TO tHe iMAGe ViewED On THe coMputer sCreen, THe PERson'S mERE two HandS WHiLe MaINtaiNinG HIS COnCeNTRATED aTteNtIOn tO tHE tasK of MakiNg nEEDeD EnTrIes OnTo thE ComPUTEr MoNitoR's MemOrY AS ViEwed On The ScReeN, has PRoven tO be ExTReMELy DiffIcULt and AWKwArd aNd NOT reADILy POsSIBLe dEVoiD Of eXceSsIVe straIN, coNSuMPtiOn Of EXcEsSive TimE AnD ExPerIEnCInG Of DiStraCtIons FroM OPtIMAl cOncENTRaTiOn And AttENTIon To tHe cRUCIal MatTERs BeinG aTTENDEd to. MOreoVER, iN aRriVinG at The PReSent InVENtion, iT WAs notED ThAt nO EAsy SoluTiON eXISTed fOr mOUnTiNG, sUSPenDInG Or hANgiNG a dOcument sUPPoRT on cOmPUtEr MonITORs, iT bEIng AddiTiOnALlY dIScoveRED thAT noTOrEoUslY wHen mOVING fRom onE coMPuTeR MonItor tO aNOTHER EIther wITHIN tHe sAme or difFErEnt DEsKs aND/or OFfiCeS, The WidtH AnD hEiGHT DIMEnSionS OF WOrD ProCessOr anD/or coMPuteR mONitORs VAry cONsideRaBlY FRoM oNe MONITor tO anOtHEr. That facT acCouNtS FOR PRior ArT DeVicEs HeretOFore HAvInG BEEN RIGidLY MoUnteD ONtO MOnitoRs bY SCREWs oR AdhESiVE OR ThE lIKE, aS ABoVe-NoTEd. | Prior to the presentinvention, draftsmen and/or architects and/or engineers utilizing the latest technology of utilizing a computer drawing-mouse or digital tablet-cusor while concurrently comparingblueprints or the likeon a monitor screento andin comparison with exhibit-drawings and in thee concurrent use of the mouse ordigital tablet-cusor to superimposedata viewed from the drawing-exhibitonto the computer screen blueprint, have been faced with theheretofore difficulties and/or hardshipand unsolved problem of inadequate ways of simultaneously handling and/or temporarily mounting/supporting all ofthe papers while using the computer mouse or digital tablet-cusro.Normally and often the exhibit-papers and/or documents are of large and varying width and length sizes and shapes not readily adaptableto conventional document holders. As well, frequentlyand normally such exhibit-papers and/or documents arein the natureof non-rigid paper not readily supportable. Paper weights and/or tacks have been less than satisfactory alternativesand conventional document holders conclusively are not functionally capable of adequately doing the job. Because of the necessity ofmanually handling the mouse or digital tablet-cusor when making drawing and/or notation changes to theblueprint image onthe computer screen, together with visually making reference to particular points on the drawing-exhibit in comparison to the image viewedon the computer screen, the person's mere two hands whilemaintaining hisconcentrated attention to the task of making needed entries onto the computer monitor's memory as viewed on the screen, has proven to be extremely difficult and awkward andnot readily possible devoid of excessive strain,consumption of excessive time and experiencing of distractions from optimal concentrationand attention tothecrucial matters being attended to. Moreover, in arriving at the present invention, itwas noted thatno easy solution existed formounting, suspending or hanging a document supportoncomputer monitors, itbeing additionally discovered that notoreously when moving from onecomputer monitor to another either within the same or different desks and/or offices, the width and height dimensionsof word processor and/or computer monitors vary considerably from one monitor toanother. That fact accounts for prior art devicesheretofore having been rigidly mounted onto monitors by screws or adhesive or the like, as above-noted. | Prior to the present invention, draftsmen and/or _architects_ and/or _engineers_ utilizing the _latest_ technology of utilizing _a_ computer drawing-mouse or digital _tablet-cusor_ while concurrently _comparing_ blueprints or the like on _a_ monitor screen to and in _comparison_ with _exhibit-drawings_ and in thee concurrent _use_ of the mouse or digital tablet-cusor to superimpose data viewed from the drawing-exhibit onto _the_ computer screen blueprint, have been faced _with_ the heretofore difficulties and/or hardship and unsolved problem of _inadequate_ ways of simultaneously handling and/or temporarily _mounting/supporting_ _all_ of _the_ papers _while_ using the _computer_ mouse or digital tablet-cusro. Normally and often the exhibit-papers and/or documents are of large and varying width and length sizes and shapes not _readily_ adaptable to conventional document holders. As well, frequently and _normally_ _such_ _exhibit-papers_ and/or documents are in _the_ _nature_ of non-rigid paper not readily supportable. Paper weights and/or _tacks_ have been _less_ than satisfactory alternatives and _conventional_ document holders conclusively _are_ not _functionally_ capable of adequately _doing_ _the_ job. Because of the necessity of _manually_ handling the _mouse_ or _digital_ tablet-cusor when making drawing and/or _notation_ changes to the blueprint image on the computer screen, together with _visually_ making reference to particular points _on_ _the_ drawing-exhibit in comparison to the image viewed _on_ _the_ computer screen, the person's mere two hands while maintaining his concentrated attention to the task of making needed entries onto _the_ _computer_ monitor's memory as viewed on the _screen,_ has proven to be extremely difficult and awkward _and_ not readily possible _devoid_ of _excessive_ strain, consumption of excessive _time_ and experiencing of distractions from _optimal_ concentration and attention to the _crucial_ _matters_ being attended to. Moreover, in arriving at the present invention, it _was_ noted that no easy _solution_ existed for _mounting,_ suspending or hanging a document support on computer monitors, it _being_ additionally discovered that notoreously when _moving_ _from_ one _computer_ monitor to another either within the same _or_ different desks and/or offices, _the_ width _and_ _height_ _dimensions_ _of_ word processor and/or computer monitors vary considerably from one monitor to another. That fact accounts for prior art _devices_ _heretofore_ having been rigidly mounted onto monitors by _screws_ or adhesive _or_ _the_ like, as _above-noted._ |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic musical instrument, such as an electronic organ or an electronic piano, having an opening/closing mechanism for a keyboard cover which closes/opens a keyboard portion.
2. Description of Related Art
An electronic musical instrument having a keyboard, e.g., an electronic organ, generally includes a keyboard cover which covers and protects a keyboard portion while the instrument is not used.
Two types of keyboard covers are used: a sliding cover which is arranged to be slidable back and forth on the main body of a musical instrument (instrument main body) and is stored in the instrument main body when it is open; and a pivot cover which is arranged to be vertically pivotal and is erected on an instrument main body when it is open.
Since the sliding cover is formed like a folding shutter by coupling a large number of cover constituent members so as to be flexible, its structure becomes complicated, and a large number of components are required, resulting in a high manufacturing cost.
In contrast to this, since the pivot cover is constituted by one plate-like cover member, it can be manufactured at a low cost. In addition, since the pivot cover is erected on the instrument main body when it is open, no storage space for the cover is required in the instrument main body.
In the latter case, however, if a musical instrument has two or more upper and lower keyboards, the depth and weight of a keyboard cover are increased. For this reason, an opening/closing operation of the cover becomes less easy. In addition, the cover may abruptly fall to clamp the hands of a player due to a shift in the center of gravity of the cover when it is opened/closed.
In order to solve such a problem, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-46219 discloses a keyboard instrument in which when a keyboard cover is closed, a pivoting force based on the weight of the cover is damped by a damper mechanism using a spring at a latter stage of the pivoting movement of the cover.
A keyboard cover having such a mechanism, however, is increased in area with an increase in depth. For this reason, when the cover is opened and erected on an instrument main body, a player inevitably feels a sense of oppression.
In order to solve such a problem in a pivot keyboard cover, the present applicant has developed a keyboard instrument, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-11995, in which the pivot point of a keyboard cover is set at a position separated forward and downward from the rear end by a predetermined distance so that when the cover is opened, its rear end portion is inserted from an opening formed in the upper surface of an instrument main body to be stored therein.
An example of such a mechanism will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. 9. A pivot keyboard cover 3 is provided above a keyboard portion 2 arranged on a front portion of an instrument main body 1. First and second links 5a and 5b constituting a four-joint rotating link 5 are pivotally supported between a triangular support member 4 fixed to a rear end portion of the cover 3 and a fixed portion as a pivot point in the instrument main body 1 by using pins 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b.
When a front end portion of this keyboard cover 3 is raised to cause the cover 3 to pivot from a position indicated by solid lines, at which the cover 3 is closed, in a direction indicated by an arrow P, the rear end of the cover is moved along a path indicated by an alternate long and dashed line L. As a result, a rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 is stored in the instrument main body 1, resulting in an cover open state indicated by imaginary lines.
According to this keyboard opening/closing mechanism, since a torque based on the weight of the keyboard cover 3 acts in opposite directions before and after the pivot point, the cover 3 can be lightly opened and closed by overbalancing it.
In addition, since the rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 is stored in the instrument main body 1 when it is open, a sense of oppression to a player can be reduced.
In such a conventional keyboard cover opening/closing mechanism, however, since the four-joint rotating link is used to pivot the keyboard cover 3, the degree of freedom of a path for pivoting movement is low, and the cover 3 is moved in the manner shown in FIG. 10A. During this pivoting movement, a large gap S is formed between the keyboard cover 3 and the front end (point A) of a top board (upper surface plate) 1a of the instrument main body 1, and an object may fall inside the instrument main body 1.
For this reason, a large dust cover 8 must be arranged, as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, a portion of the top board 1a must be hinged to a back board 1b to be pivotal in a direction indicated by an arrow Q so that an upper portion of the instrument main body 1 can be opened, thus allowing easy removable of an object therefrom.
In addition, the use of the four-joint link requires a large space for the pivoting movement of the rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 in the instrument main body 1, as shown in FIG. 9. This inevitably leads to a great reduction in mounting space for other components, e.g., a transformer 9 shown in FIG. 10A.
In any of such conventional keyboard cover opening/closing mechanisms, the safety in closing the keyboard cover is mainly considered, but damping of a shock in opening the cover is not much considered.
For this reason, since a required operating force considerably varies throughout the opening/closing process of the keyboard cover, a smooth opening/closing operation cannot necessarily be performed.
Furthermore, a gap is formed between the keyboard cover and the front end of the top board of the instrument main body upon opening/closing of the cover, and a musical score, a piece of paper, a clip, or the like may fall from the gap. As a result, a necessary thing is lost, or a mechanism or a circuit in the instrument main body may be broken down due to the object which has fallen inside the instrument main body.
In order to eliminate such inconvenience, a large dust cover must be arranged under the keyboard cover opening/closing mechanism, or a portion of the top board must be pivotally hinged to the back board to be pivoted to open the upper portion of the instrument main body, thus allowing removal of an object which has fallen inside the instrument main body. Such an arrangement increases the cost. In addition, an object which has fallen inside the instrument main body cannot be removed unless a user notices it.
Moreover, if a sufficient spring constant as a damper is provided to a spring for a damper mechanism, as a safety means, for damping a pivoting force based on the weight of a keyboard cover, the pivoting force based on the weight of the cover upon closing balances the damping force of the spring. As a result, the cover floats from the keyboard portion, and a feeling that the cover is reliably closed and the stability of the cover are impaired. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic musical instrument, such as an electronic organ or an electronic piano, having an opening/closing mechanism for a keyboard cover which closes/opens a keyboard portion. 2. Description of Related Art An electronic musical instrument having a keyboard, e.g., an electronic organ, generally includes a keyboard cover which covers and protects a keyboard portion while the instrument is not used. Two types of keyboard covers are used: a sliding cover which is arranged to be slidable back and forth on the main body of a musical instrument (instrument main body) and is stored in the instrument main body when it is open; and a pivot cover which is arranged to be vertically pivotal and is erected on an instrument main body when it is open. Since the sliding cover is formed like a folding shutter by coupling a large number of cover constituent members so as to be flexible, its structure becomes complicated, and a large number of components are required, resulting in a high manufacturing cost. In contrast to this, since the pivot cover is constituted by one plate-like cover member, it can be manufactured at a low cost. In addition, since the pivot cover is erected on the instrument main body when it is open, no storage space for the cover is required in the instrument main body. In the latter case, however, if a musical instrument has two or more upper and lower keyboards, the depth and weight of a keyboard cover are increased. For this reason, an opening/closing operation of the cover becomes less easy. In addition, the cover may abruptly fall to clamp the hands of a player due to a shift in the center of gravity of the cover when it is opened/closed. In order to solve such a problem, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-46219 discloses a keyboard instrument in which when a keyboard cover is closed, a pivoting force based on the weight of the cover is damped by a damper mechanism using a spring at a latter stage of the pivoting movement of the cover. A keyboard cover having such a mechanism, however, is increased in area with an increase in depth. For this reason, when the cover is opened and erected on an instrument main body, a player inevitably feels a sense of oppression. In order to solve such a problem in a pivot keyboard cover, the present applicant has developed a keyboard instrument, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-11995, in which the pivot point of a keyboard cover is set at a position separated forward and downward from the rear end by a predetermined distance so that when the cover is opened, its rear end portion is inserted from an opening formed in the upper surface of an instrument main body to be stored therein. An example of such a mechanism will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. 9. A pivot keyboard cover 3 is provided above a keyboard portion 2 arranged on a front portion of an instrument main body 1. First and second links 5a and 5b constituting a four-joint rotating link 5 are pivotally supported between a triangular support member 4 fixed to a rear end portion of the cover 3 and a fixed portion as a pivot point in the instrument main body 1 by using pins 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b. When a front end portion of this keyboard cover 3 is raised to cause the cover 3 to pivot from a position indicated by solid lines, at which the cover 3 is closed, in a direction indicated by an arrow P, the rear end of the cover is moved along a path indicated by an alternate long and dashed line L. As a result, a rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 is stored in the instrument main body 1, resulting in an cover open state indicated by imaginary lines. According to this keyboard opening/closing mechanism, since a torque based on the weight of the keyboard cover 3 acts in opposite directions before and after the pivot point, the cover 3 can be lightly opened and closed by overbalancing it. In addition, since the rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 is stored in the instrument main body 1 when it is open, a sense of oppression to a player can be reduced. In such a conventional keyboard cover opening/closing mechanism, however, since the four-joint rotating link is used to pivot the keyboard cover 3, the degree of freedom of a path for pivoting movement is low, and the cover 3 is moved in the manner shown in FIG. 10A. During this pivoting movement, a large gap S is formed between the keyboard cover 3 and the front end (point A) of a top board (upper surface plate) 1a of the instrument main body 1, and an object may fall inside the instrument main body 1. For this reason, a large dust cover 8 must be arranged, as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, a portion of the top board 1a must be hinged to a back board 1b to be pivotal in a counselling indicated by an arrow Q so that an upper portion of the instrument main body 1 can be opened, thus allowing easy removable of an object therefrom. In addition, the use of the four-joint link requires a large space for the pivoting movement of the rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 in the instrument main body 1, as shown in FIG. 9. This inevitably leads to a great reduction in mounting space for other components, e.g., a transformer 9 shown in FIG. 10A. In any of such conventional keyboard cover opening/closing mechanisms, the safety in closing the keyboard cover is mainly considered, but damping of a shock in opening the cover is not much considered. For this reason, since a required operating force considerably varies throughout the opening/closing process of the keyboard cover, a smooth opening/closing operation cannot necessarily be performed. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the keyboard cover and the front end of the top board of the instrument main body upon opening/closing of the cover, and a musical score, a piece of paper, a clip, or the like may fall from the gap. As a result, a necessary thing is lost, or a mechanism or a circuit in the instrument main body may be broken down due to the object which has fallen inside the instrument main body. In order to eliminate such inconvenience, a large dust cover must be arranged under the keyboard cover opening/closing mechanism, or a portion of the top board must be pivotally hinged to the back board to be pivoted to open the upper portion of the instrument main body, thus allowing removal of an object which has fallen inside the instrument main body. Such an arrangement increases the cost. In addition, an object which has fallen inside the instrument main body cannot be removed unless a user notices it. Moreover, if a sufficient spring constant as a damper is provided to a spring for a damper mechanism, as a safety means, for damping a pivoting force based on the weight of a keyboard cover, the pivoting force based on the weight of the cover upon closing balances the damping force of the spring. As a result, the cover floats from the keyboard portion, and a feeling that the cover is reliably closed and the stability of the cover are impaired. | 1. Field of the Invention The pG3sent invention relates to an electronic musical instrument, such as an electronic organ or an electronic piano, having an opening / closing mechanism for a keyboard cover which closes / opens a keyboard portion. 2. Description of Related Art An electronic musical instrument having a keyboard, e. g. , an electronic organ, generally includes a keyboard cover Dhoch covers and protects a keyboard portion while the instrument is not used. Two types of keyboard covers are used: a sliding cover which is arranged to be slidable back and forth on the main body of a musical instrument (instrument main body) and is stored in the instrument main body when it is open; and a pivot cover which is arranged to be vertically pivotal and is erected on an instrument main body when it is open. Since the sliding cover is formed like a folding shutter by coupling a large number of cover constituent members so as to be flexible, its structure becomes complicated, and a large number of components are required, resulting in a high manufacturing cost. In contrast to this, since the pivot cover is constituted by one plate - like cover member, it can be manufactured at a low cost. In addition, since the pivot cover is erected on the instrument main body when it is open, no storage space for the cover is required in the instrument main body. In the latter case, however, if a musical instrument has two or more upper and lower keyboards, the depth and weight of a keyboard cover are increased. For this reason, an opening / closing operation of the cover becomes less easy. In addition, the cover may abruptly fall to clamp the hands of a player due to a shift in the center of gravity of the cover when it is opened / closed. In order to solve such a problem, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62 - 46219 discloses a keyboard instrument in which when a keyboard cover is closed, a pivoting force based on the weight of the cover is damped by a damper mechanism using a spring at a latter stage of the pivoting moFe,ent of the cover. A keyboard cover having such a mechanism, however, is increased in area with an increase in depth. For this reason, when the cover is opened and erected on an instrument main body, a player inevitably feels a sense of oppression. In order to solve such a problem in a pivot keyboard cover, the present applicant has developed a keyboard instrument, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid - Open No. 63 - 11995, in which the pivot point of a keyboard cover is set at a position separated forward and downward from the rear end by a predetermined distance so that when the cover is opened, its rear end portion is inserted from an opening formed in the upper surface of an instrument main body to be stored therein. An example of such a mechanism will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. 9. A pivot keyboard cover 3 is provided above a keyboard portion 2 arranged on a front portion of an instrument main body 1. First and second links 5a and 5b constituting a four - joint rotating link 5 are pivotally supported between a triangular support member 4 fixed to a rear end portion of the cover 3 and a fixed portion as a pivot point in the instrument main body 1 by using pins 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b. When a front end portion of this keyboard cover 3 is raised to cause the cover 3 to pivot from a position indicated by solid lines, at which the cover 3 is closed, in a direction indicated by an arrow P, the rear end of the cover is moved along a path indicated by an alternate long and dashed olne L. As a result, a rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 is stored in the instrument main body 1, resulting in an cover open state indicated by imaginary lines. According to this keyboard opening / closing mechanism, since a torque based on the weight of the keybozrR cover 3 acts in opposite directions before and after the pivot point, the cover 3 can be lightly opened and closed by overbalancing it. In addition, since the rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 is stored in the instrument main body 1 when it is open, a sense of oppression to a player can be reduced. In such a conventional keyboard cover opening / closing mechanism, however, since the four - joint rotating link is used to pivot the keyboard cover 3, the degree of vreedoK of a path for pivoting movement is low, and the cover 3 is moved in the manner shown in FIG. 10A. During this pivoting movement, a large gap S is formed between the keyboard cover 3 and the front end (point A) of a top board (upper surface plate) 1a of the instrument main body 1, and an object may fall inside the instrument main body 1. For this reason, a large dust cover 8 must be arranged, as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, a portion of the top board 1a must be hinged to a back board 1b to be pivotal in a direction indicated by an arrow Q so that an upper portion of the instrument main body 1 can be opened, thus allowing easy removable of an object therefrom. In addition, the use of the four - joint link requires a large space for the pivoting movement of the rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 in the instrument main body 1, as shown in FIG. 9. This inevitably leads to a great reduction in mounting space for other components, e. g. , a transformer 9 shown in FIG. 10A. In any of such conventional keyboard cover opening / closing mechanisms, the safety in closing the keyboard cover is mainly considered, but damping of a shock in opening the cover is not much considered. For this reason, since a required operating force considerably varies throughout the opening / closing process of the keyboard cover, a smooth opening / closing operation cannot necessarily be performed. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the keyboard cover and the front end of the top board of the instrument main body upon opening / closing of the cover, and a musical score, a piece of paper, a clip, or the like may fall from the gap. As a result, a necessary thing is lost, or a mechanism or a circuit in the instrument main body may be broken down due to the object which has fallen inside the instrument jZin body. In order to eliminate such inconvenience, a large dust cover must be arranged under the keyboard cover opening / closing mechanism, or a portion of the top board must be pivotally hinged to the back board to be pivoted to open the upper portion of the instrument main body, thus allowing removal of an object which has fallen inside the instrument main body. Such an arrangement increases the cost. In addition, an object which has fallen inside the instrument main fod6 cannot be removed unless a user notices it. Moreover, if a sufficient spring constant as a damper is provided to a sp5ijg for a damper mechanism, as a safety means, for damping a pivoting force based on the weight of a keyboard cover, the pivoting force based on the weight of the cover upon closing balances the damping TorcR of the spring. As a result, the cover floats from the keyboard portion, and a feeling that the cover is reliably closed and the stability of the cover are impaired. | 1. Field of the Invention The present relates to an electronic musical such as an electronic organ or an electronic piano, having an opening/closing mechanism for a keyboard which closes/opens a keyboard portion. 2. Related Art An musical instrument having a e.g., an electronic organ, generally includes a keyboard cover which and protects a keyboard portion while the instrument is not used. Two types of keyboard covers are a sliding cover which is to be slidable back and forth on main body of a musical instrument main body) and is stored in the instrument main when it is open; and a pivot cover is arranged to be vertically pivotal and is erected on an instrument main body when it is open. Since the sliding cover is formed like a shutter coupling a large number of cover constituent members so as to be flexible, its structure becomes complicated, and a number of components are required, resulting in a high manufacturing cost. In to this, since the pivot cover is by one plate-like cover it can be manufactured at a low cost. In since the pivot cover is erected on the instrument main body when it is open, no storage space for the cover is required in the instrument main body. In the latter case, however, if a musical instrument has two or more upper and lower keyboards, the depth and weight of keyboard cover are increased. For this reason, an operation of cover becomes less easy. In addition, the may abruptly fall to clamp the hands of a player due to a in the center of gravity of the cover when it opened/closed. In order to such a for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-46219 discloses a keyboard instrument in which when a keyboard is closed, pivoting force based on the weight of the cover is by a damper mechanism using a spring at a latter stage of the pivoting movement of the cover. A keyboard cover having such a mechanism, however, is increased in area with an increase in depth. For this reason, when the cover is opened and on an instrument main body, player inevitably feels a sense of oppression. In order to solve such a problem in a pivot keyboard cover, the present applicant has developed a keyboard instrument, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 63-11995, in which the pivot point of a keyboard cover is set at a position separated downward from the rear end by predetermined distance so that when the cover is opened, its rear end portion is inserted from an opening formed in the upper surface of an instrument main body to be stored therein. An example of such a will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. 9. pivot keyboard cover 3 provided a keyboard portion 2 arranged on a front portion of an instrument main body First and second links 5a and 5b constituting four-joint rotating link 5 are pivotally between a triangular support member 4 fixed to a rear end portion of the cover 3 and fixed portion as a pivot point in the instrument main body 1 using pins 6a, 7a, and a front end portion of this keyboard cover 3 is raised the cover 3 to from a indicated by solid lines, at which the cover 3 is in a direction indicated by arrow P, the rear end of the cover is moved along a path indicated by an long and dashed line a result, a rear portion of the keyboard 3 is in the instrument main body 1, resulting an cover open state indicated by imaginary lines. According to this keyboard opening/closing since torque on the weight of the keyboard cover 3 in opposite directions before after the pivot point, can be lightly opened and closed by overbalancing it. In addition, since the rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 is stored in the instrument main body when is open, a sense of oppression to a player can be reduced. In such a keyboard cover opening/closing however, since four-joint rotating link is used to pivot the keyboard cover degree freedom of a for pivoting movement is low, and the is moved in the manner shown in FIG. 10A. During this pivoting a large is formed between keyboard cover 3 and the front end A) of a top (upper surface plate) 1a of the instrument main body 1, and an object may fall inside the instrument main body 1. For this reason, a large dust cover 8 must be arranged, as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, a portion of the top board 1a must be to a back board 1b to be pivotal in a direction by arrow Q so that an upper portion of the main body 1 can be opened, thus allowing easy removable of an object therefrom. In addition, use of the four-joint link requires a large space for the pivoting movement of the rear portion the keyboard cover 3 the instrument main body 1, as shown in FIG. 9. This leads to a great reduction in mounting for other components, e.g., a transformer 9 in 10A. In any of such conventional keyboard cover opening/closing mechanisms, the in closing keyboard cover is mainly considered, damping of a shock in opening the cover is not much considered. this reason, since required operating force considerably varies opening/closing process of the keyboard cover, a smooth opening/closing operation necessarily be Furthermore, a gap is formed between the keyboard cover the front end of top board of the instrument main body upon opening/closing of the cover, and a musical score, a piece of paper, a clip, the like may fall from the gap. As a result, a necessary thing lost, or a mechanism or a in the instrument main body may be broken down due to the object which has fallen inside the instrument main body. In order to eliminate such inconvenience, a large cover must be arranged under the keyboard cover opening/closing mechanism, or portion of the top board must be pivotally hinged to the back board to be pivoted to open the upper portion of the instrument main body, thus allowing removal of object which has fallen inside instrument main body. Such an arrangement increases the cost. In addition, an object has fallen inside the instrument main body cannot be removed unless a user notices it. Moreover, if a sufficient spring constant as a damper is provided to spring for damper mechanism, as a safety means, for damping a pivoting force on the weight of a keyboard cover, the pivoting force on the weight of the cover upon closing the damping force of the spring. As a result, the from the keyboard portion, and a feeling that the cover is reliably closed and the stability of the cover are | 1. FIeld oF THE INvEntion
the Present InVeNtION rELAtEs tO aN elECtrONIc muSicAL InStrumENt, sucH AS AN ElecTROnIc organ Or aN eLECtRONIC PiANO, HAViNG aN opEniNg/cLoSing mECHanISm For A KeyboaRd CoVeR whiCH CLoseS/Opens A keybOARD PortION.
2. DEsCrIption of RELATeD aRT
AN elEctrONiC muSicAL InsTrUMEnT hAviNG A kEYBoArd, e.G., an EleCtrOniC ORgAn, GENEralLy InclUDES a KeYBOaRd cOVER WhIch Covers and PRoTeCtS a KeYboarD poRTioN WHILE the iNstrUmEnt IS NoT UsED.
twO TyPES Of KeyBOArd cOvers ArE USed: A SlIDINg CoVER wHiCh iS ARRANGED To be SlidAbLe BAck And forTh On THe MaIN bODy oF A MUsIcAl iNSTrUmenT (INSTRUmeNT mAin boDY) AND iS sTored in tHe insTRuMenT MaIn boDY whEn it iS oPen; And a PIvoT coVer whICh iS ArRANGEd to Be vErtIcally PiVoTAl and iS EReCtEd On aN InStRUmENt Main bOdy wheN it Is OPen.
sinCe the SLIding CoVer IS fOrMED LikE A FolDINg shuttER bY CouPlInG a lARGe nUMBEr oF CoVER ConSTItUENT mEmBeRs so AS TO be FLexiBlE, Its StruCTure beCOmES cOMpLicAted, aND a lArge nUMbeR Of coMPOnEnTs are ReQuIrEd, reSULTINg In a hIgH MANufACTuriNg COsT.
iN cONTraST TO ThIs, Since thE Pivot CovEr iS coNsTiTUTed by One plAte-like CoVEr memBEr, IT cAN Be manuFaCtuRed at a LOW CoSt. iN adDiTIoN, SiNCE tHE piVOt CoVeR IS erECTEd ON tHe insTrUMENT maIN BODY wHen iT is OpEN, no StoraGe SpACe for ThE COvER iS REQUIreD In The INSTrumeNT maiN bODY.
IN The lATtER cAse, hOweveR, IF a mUSiCal InSTRuMeNT hAS TwO oR mOre UpPeR AND loWeR KEyBOaRDS, The DEPTh aNd weiGHT oF a KEYboard coVeR ArE IncreAsed. FoR THiS rEASON, An OPeNIng/ClOsIng opeRaTION Of THe CovER becoMEs LesS EASY. In aDDItIOn, The cOver MAY aBRuPTLY FaLL tO CLAmP THe hANds of a PLAyER dUe to a shifT iN the CenTer oF GRaVity Of tHe cOvEr wHEN it IS OpenEd/CLOsEd.
iN oRder tO sOlVE SUCh a PROblem, foR eXaMPLe, jaPAnEsE UTIlItY mOdel publICAtioN NO. 62-46219 disCLOsEs a KEyboARd InstrumeNT In which wheN a kEYboarD COVER iS CloSED, a pivoting FOrce BASED On ThE WEIGht OF the coVer is DAmpEd bY A daMpeR meCHAniSm usING a SpRinG AT a lAtteR sTaGE oF the piVOtiNg MOvEMEnT of tHe CovEr.
a KeyBoarD covEr hAviNG SuCh A mEcHaNiSM, hoWEVer, iS InCREAsEd iN areA wITH AN IncReaSe In depth. fOR ThIS rEaSon, WhEn THe cover is opeNEd ANd EReCted oN AN iNStRUMEnt MAiN BOdy, a PLAYER IneVitabLY feels A sensE Of OpPressIoN.
in oRdeR tO soLVe suCH a PrOBLEm iN A PiVOT kEybOARD COVer, tHe PRESEnt APplicaNt HAs devELOped a kEybOaRd iNSTRUMENt, AS disCLOSed In JapANesE PAtENt lAiD-oPeN no. 63-11995, in WhicH the PivOt POiNt OF A KEybOArD COVer Is SET at a POsITiOn SEPArAtED fOrwaRD anD dowNwArD FRoM ThE reAr ENd by A pReDEtERmIneD disTance SO ThAT When thE cOVEr Is oPENED, its REaR EnD PORTIoN iS iNsertEd fROm aN opENiNg foRmed iN tHe UPPER sURface of aN inSTrUmENt MAiN bODy tO bE StOred thErEIn.
AN EXample of sucH a MECHANism will bE bRiEflY desCRiBeD BElow wItH REFerencE tO fIg. 9. A piVOT keybOarD COVER 3 iS PrOVIDeD aBoVE a KEyboARd porTIOn 2 ArranGED oN a frOnT pORTION OF aN insTRUMEnT maIN BOdY 1. FirSt anD seCONd linKs 5a anD 5B CONstItutiNg A FoUr-joINt rOtatinG lInk 5 aRe PivOTAlLY suPPorted bEtwEEn A TriAngULaR sUppOrT meMBeR 4 FIXed to A Rear ENd poRtion Of tHe CoVER 3 And a fixEd pOrTIon aS A PiVOt pOInt in thE instRuMeNt main BOdY 1 by UsINg PiNs 6a, 6B, 7a, aNd 7b.
When a frONT EnD pORTiOn OF ThIs KeyBoArd CoVEr 3 iS rAISeD TO CaUse ThE Cover 3 tO pIVOt fROM A POsItiOn INDiCAteD bY SOliD LINEs, aT wHIch tHE covER 3 is ClOSeD, in A DirEcTION iNdIcATed bY an arrow p, the Rear ENd of tHE COvEr Is MOvEd AlonG A pATH INdicaTEd By an alTERNATe LOng ANd dASHEd linE L. as a rESUlt, a rear POrTion OF the keYBOaRD COVer 3 is sToRED iN tHe iNstrUmEnt MaiN BODy 1, REsUlTING in AN cOvER opeN sTaTE iNDiCateD bY ImAgInaRy lINES.
ACcORDinG To THIS KEyBOard OpenInG/CLoSING mECHanism, sINCE A TorqUE bAsEd On thE weiGhT Of THE kEYboaRd cOvER 3 ACts iN OpPosITE DirEctIoNs BefOre And aFter thE piVot pOiNT, THE CoVeR 3 cAN BE lIGhtLy OPENed and ClOsEd BY OVerBaLaNcing IT.
iN AddiTiON, SinCe The REar PorTioN of The KeyBOard COveR 3 IS STORed iN ThE inStRUMeNt MaIn bODy 1 whEn it Is Open, A seNSE of OpPREssiOn to a PLayer Can BE reDUCeD.
in sucH a convenTional kEyboaRd CoVer OPEning/CLoSiNg mechANIsM, HoWeVer, SINcE thE fOUR-JOiNt rotATiNg LINk Is UsED tO pIVoT THe KEybOARD COVER 3, THE dEgReE of FreEDom of a PATh foR pivOtINg MOVEmENt Is lOw, AND tHe cOVeR 3 is MoVEd IN the MAnner shOwn In fIG. 10A. DUriNg THIs PIvOtIng movEMeNT, A LARge gAp s iS fOrMeD bETWeen ThE KEyBoARd COver 3 AND thE FRoNT end (POinT a) of a ToP boaRd (uPPEr sUrFacE PLAte) 1a Of The instRUMENT MaIn bODy 1, AND an obJecT mAY falL inSidE thE iNStrUMent main BoDY 1.
FOr THis REAsoN, a LaRGe DusT cover 8 mUst BE aRraNGEd, aS SHOwN in fIg. 9. AlTeRnATiVELy, A pORTion oF tHe top bOArD 1A musT BE hinGEd To a back BoaRD 1B To Be pivOTAL iN A DirECTiON INdiCaTEd By aN ARRow Q SO That An uppeR poRtiON OF tHE InSTrument MAiN bOdY 1 Can Be OPEned, thus allOwINg Easy rEMovAblE oF AN objECt THereFrOM.
IN aDDItiOn, tHe uSe of tHe fOur-jOINt LinK rEquIREs a laRGE sPacE FOR tHe PIVoTing moveMeNt of THE reAr portION oF THe kEYboard cOveR 3 IN ThE InStrUmENt MaIN boDy 1, as SHowN In FIG. 9. this ineVitABlY leaDs tO A greAT rEDuCTIoN iN MoUnTING SPAcE fOR OthER cOmPoNEnts, e.G., a TraNSFoRMEr 9 ShoWN iN fiG. 10a.
iN any Of sUCh cOnvENtionaL keYboARD cOVer openINg/cLOSIng meChaNIsMS, thE saFEtY in ClOSIng tHe keyBoarD CovER iS MAinLY cONsIDEREd, BUt DampING Of A sHoCK In OpENinG tHe coVer is nOt MUcH CONsIDEreD.
foR ThIs ReaSOn, SINCe a rEQUiRed operATinG FoRcE coNSIDErABLy VAriEs THrOUghOuT the oPeNIng/cLOSInG PROcess OF thE KeyBOard COvEr, A SMoOtH oPenIng/cLoSiNG opERATion CANNoT NECeSSariLy bE perFormeD.
FUrtHERmoRe, a gaP IS ForMed beTWeen tHe KeYBoARd coVer ANd thE FRoNT End of tHE Top bOaRd OF thE INstRUMEnt MAIn BODY UPon opEning/CloSinG OF tHe cOVeR, AND A musical sCorE, a PiEce of pApER, A cLIp, or thE liKE MaY FAlL fRoM THe Gap. AS a reSULT, a NeceSSArY tHING is losT, or A MecHAnIsm or a CiRCUIt in tHE INsTrUMeNt Main BODy may be BrOkeN DoWN DUe To thE oBJECT WHICh HaS faLlEn iNSIde ThE INsTrUmEnT maiN bODy.
In oRdeR to ELIMInAtE Such INcOnvENIenCe, a LARgE DuSt cOvEr MUsT bE aRRanged UNDeR tHe kEYboaRd CovEr oPeNiNg/CloSIng mECHaniSm, or A portION Of ThE top boaRd must bE pIvotaLly HinGeD tO the Back boArd tO Be PivoteD To OpeN tHe uPpER pOrTiOn Of thE INsTRuMent MAiN bodY, ThuS aLlowING remoVAl of aN obJeCt WHICH haS FAllEn insIde tHe instrUment MaIN bODY. SUCH an ARrANGEmeNT INCREASES tHE COST. iN addiTION, An object WHICH Has FaLLen INsidE the inStRUmEnt main boDy CaNNot Be rEmOVED UnLESs a uSEr NoTices It.
MOReovER, IF A suFFicienT sPring ConstANT As A DAMPeR IS pRovIDED TO a sPRIng for a dAMPEr MECHANIsM, AS a SAfETY mEaNs, for daMPINg A pIVOtINg forCE BaSEd ON The WeigHT OF A KEYBOaRD cOver, the pivoTIng foRce BAsed ON The weiGHT Of The cOvER upOn CLOsINg BALanCes THe dAmpiNG fORCe oF THE sPRInG. As a resuLT, ThE CoVER floaTs fROM tHE KeybOArD poRTion, AnD a feeLinG tHAT ThE cOVeR IS RElIaBLY clOSed ANd tHE STabilITY oF the coVer aRe ImpairED. | 1.Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic musical instrument, such asanelectronicorgan or an electronic piano, having an opening/closing mechanism for akeyboard cover whichcloses/opens a keyboard portion. 2. Description of Related Art An electronicmusical instrumenthaving a keyboard, e.g., an electronic organ, generallyincludes a keyboard cover which covers and protects a keyboard portion while theinstrument is not used.Two types of keyboard covers are used: a sliding coverwhich is arrangedto beslidable back and forth on themain body of a musical instrument (instrument mainbody)and is stored inthe instrument main body when it is open; and a pivotcoverwhich is arranged to be vertically pivotaland is erected onan instrument main body when it is open. Since the sliding cover isformed like a folding shutterby couplingalargenumber of coverconstituent members so as to be flexible, its structure becomes complicated, and a large number of componentsare required, resulting ina high manufacturing cost. In contrast tothis, since the pivot cover is constituted by one plate-like cover member, it canbe manufactured at alow cost. In addition, since the pivot cover is erected on the instrument main body when it is open, no storage space forthe cover is required in the instrument mainbody. In the latter case, however,if a musical instrument hastwo or more upper and lowerkeyboards, the depth and weight of a keyboard cover are increased. For this reason, an opening/closing operation of the cover becomeslesseasy. Inaddition, the cover may abruptly fall to clamp the hands of a player due to a shift in the center of gravity of the cover when it is opened/closed. In orderto solvesuch aproblem,for example, Japanese UtilityModel Publication No. 62-46219 discloses a keyboard instrument in whichwhen akeyboard cover is closed, apivoting force basedon the weightof the cover is damped by a damper mechanism using a spring at a latter stage ofthe pivoting movement of the cover. A keyboard cover having such a mechanism, however, is increased in area with an increase in depth. For this reason, when the cover is opened and erected on an instrument main body, a player inevitably feels a sense ofoppression. Inorder to solve such a problem in a pivot keyboard cover,thepresent applicanthas developed a keyboard instrument, as disclosedin Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-11995, inwhich the pivot point of a keyboard cover isset at a position separated forwardand downward from the rear end bya predetermined distance so that when the coveris opened, its rear end portion is inserted from an opening formedin the upper surface of an instrument main body to be storedtherein. An example of such a mechanism will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. 9. A pivotkeyboardcover 3 is provided abovea keyboard portion 2 arranged on a front portion of an instrument main body 1. First and second links 5a and 5b constituting a four-joint rotating link 5 are pivotally supported betweena triangular support member 4 fixed to a rear end portion of the cover 3 and a fixedportion as a pivot pointin the instrument main body 1 by using pins 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b. When a front end portion of this keyboard cover 3is raised to cause thecover 3 topivot from a positionindicated by solid lines, at which the cover 3is closed, in a direction indicated by anarrowP, the rear end of the coveris moved along apath indicated by an alternate long and dashed line L. As a result,a rear portion of the keyboard cover 3 is stored in the instrument main body1, resulting in an cover open state indicated by imaginary lines. According tothis keyboard opening/closing mechanism, sincea torque basedon the weight of the keyboard cover 3 acts in opposite directionsbeforeand after the pivot point, the cover3 can belightly opened and closed by overbalancing it. In addition,since the rear portionof the keyboard cover 3is stored in the instrument main body1 when it isopen, a sense of oppression to a player can bereduced. In such a conventional keyboard coveropening/closingmechanism,however, since the four-joint rotating link isusedto pivot the keyboard cover 3, the degree of freedom of a path for pivoting movement is low, and the cover 3is moved in the manner shownin FIG. 10A. During this pivoting movement, a large gap S is formed between the keyboard cover 3 and the front end (point A) of a top board (upper surfaceplate) 1a of theinstrument mainbody 1, and an object may fall inside theinstrument main body 1. For this reason, a large dust cover 8 must be arranged, as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, a portion of the top board 1a must be hinged to a backboard 1b to be pivotal in adirection indicated by an arrowQ so that an upper portion of the instrumentmain body 1 can be opened, thus allowing easy removable of an object therefrom. In addition, theuse of the four-joint link requires a large space for the pivoting movement of therearportion of the keyboard cover 3in the instrument main body 1, as shown in FIG. 9. This inevitably leadsto a great reduction in mounting space for othercomponents, e.g., a transformer 9 shown in FIG. 10A. In any of such conventional keyboard cover opening/closing mechanisms,the safety in closing the keyboard cover ismainly considered, but damping of a shock in opening the cover is not much considered. For this reason, since a required operatingforce considerably varies throughout the opening/closing process of the keyboardcover,a smooth opening/closing operation cannot necessarily be performed. Furthermore, a gap isformed betweenthekeyboardcoverand thefront end of the top board of the instrument main body upon opening/closing of the cover, and a musical score, a piece of paper, a clip, or the like may fall from the gap. As a result, anecessary thingis lost, or a mechanism or a circuit in the instrument mainbody may be broken down due to the object which has fallen inside the instrument main body. In orderto eliminate such inconvenience, a largedust cover must be arranged underthe keyboard cover opening/closing mechanism,or a portion ofthe top boardmust be pivotally hinged to the back board to be pivoted to open the upper portion of the instrument main body, thus allowing removal of an object which has fallen insidethe instrument main body. Such an arrangement increases the cost. In addition, an objectwhich hasfallen insidethe instrument main body cannot be removed unlessa user notices it. Moreover, if a sufficient spring constant as a damperis provided to a spring for a damper mechanism, as a safety means, for dampinga pivoting force based onthe weight of a keyboard cover, the pivoting force based on the weight ofthe cover upon closing balances the dampingforce of the spring. As a result, the cover floats from the keyboard portion, and a feeling that the coveris reliably closed and the stability of the cover are impaired. | 1. Field _of_ the Invention The _present_ _invention_ relates to an electronic musical instrument, such as _an_ electronic organ or an electronic piano, having an opening/closing mechanism for a keyboard _cover_ which closes/opens a keyboard _portion._ 2. Description of Related Art An _electronic_ musical instrument having a keyboard, e.g., an electronic organ, generally includes _a_ keyboard cover which _covers_ and protects a _keyboard_ portion while the instrument is not used. Two types of keyboard covers are used: a _sliding_ cover which _is_ _arranged_ _to_ be slidable _back_ and forth on the _main_ body of a musical instrument (instrument main _body)_ and is stored in the instrument _main_ body when it _is_ open; _and_ _a_ pivot _cover_ which is _arranged_ to be vertically pivotal and is erected on an instrument main _body_ when it is open. Since the sliding _cover_ _is_ formed like a folding _shutter_ by coupling a _large_ number of cover constituent _members_ _so_ as to be flexible, its _structure_ _becomes_ complicated, and a large number of components are _required,_ resulting _in_ a high manufacturing cost. In contrast to this, _since_ _the_ _pivot_ cover is constituted by one _plate-like_ _cover_ member, it can be manufactured at a _low_ cost. In addition, since the pivot cover is erected on _the_ instrument main body when it is open, _no_ storage space _for_ the cover _is_ _required_ in the instrument main body. In the latter case, however, if a musical instrument has two _or_ more upper and lower keyboards, the depth _and_ weight of a keyboard cover are increased. _For_ this reason, an _opening/closing_ operation of the cover becomes less _easy._ _In_ addition, the _cover_ may abruptly fall to _clamp_ the hands of a player due to a shift in the center of _gravity_ of the _cover_ when it is opened/closed. In order to solve such a problem, for example, _Japanese_ Utility Model Publication No. 62-46219 _discloses_ a keyboard instrument in which when a keyboard cover is closed, a _pivoting_ force based on the weight of _the_ cover _is_ _damped_ by a _damper_ mechanism using a spring at a latter stage of the pivoting movement of the cover. A _keyboard_ cover having such a mechanism, however, _is_ increased _in_ _area_ with an _increase_ in depth. For this reason, _when_ the cover is opened and erected on _an_ instrument main body, a _player_ inevitably _feels_ a _sense_ of oppression. _In_ order to solve such a problem in a pivot keyboard _cover,_ the _present_ applicant has _developed_ a keyboard instrument, as disclosed in Japanese _Patent_ Laid-Open No. 63-11995, _in_ which _the_ pivot point of a keyboard cover is _set_ at a position separated forward and downward _from_ _the_ rear _end_ _by_ a predetermined distance _so_ that _when_ the cover is _opened,_ _its_ rear end portion is inserted from _an_ _opening_ _formed_ in the upper surface of an instrument main body to be stored therein. _An_ example of _such_ a mechanism _will_ be briefly _described_ _below_ with reference to FIG. _9._ A pivot _keyboard_ cover 3 is provided above a keyboard _portion_ 2 arranged _on_ a front portion of an instrument main _body_ 1. First and second links 5a and 5b constituting a _four-joint_ rotating _link_ _5_ are pivotally _supported_ _between_ a triangular _support_ member 4 _fixed_ to a rear end portion of the _cover_ 3 _and_ a fixed portion as a pivot point in the instrument _main_ _body_ 1 by using pins 6a, _6b,_ _7a,_ _and_ 7b. When a _front_ end portion of this keyboard cover _3_ _is_ raised _to_ cause _the_ cover _3_ _to_ pivot from a position indicated by solid lines, at which the cover 3 is closed, in a direction _indicated_ by an arrow P, the rear end of the cover is moved along _a_ _path_ indicated by _an_ alternate long and _dashed_ line L. As a _result,_ a rear _portion_ of the _keyboard_ cover 3 is stored in the _instrument_ _main_ body 1, resulting in an _cover_ open state indicated by _imaginary_ lines. According to _this_ keyboard _opening/closing_ mechanism, since a torque based on the weight _of_ _the_ keyboard _cover_ 3 acts in opposite directions before _and_ after the _pivot_ point, the cover 3 can _be_ lightly opened and closed by overbalancing it. In addition, _since_ the rear portion _of_ the _keyboard_ cover 3 _is_ stored in the instrument main body _1_ when it is _open,_ _a_ sense of oppression to _a_ player can be reduced. In such _a_ conventional keyboard _cover_ opening/closing mechanism, _however,_ since the four-joint rotating link is used to pivot the _keyboard_ _cover_ _3,_ the degree of _freedom_ of a path for pivoting movement is low, and the cover _3_ is moved in the _manner_ _shown_ in _FIG._ 10A. During _this_ pivoting movement, _a_ _large_ gap S _is_ _formed_ between the keyboard _cover_ 3 and the _front_ end (point A) of a top board (upper surface plate) _1a_ of the _instrument_ main body 1, and an object may _fall_ _inside_ the instrument main body 1. _For_ this reason, a large _dust_ cover 8 must _be_ arranged, _as_ shown in FIG. _9._ _Alternatively,_ a portion _of_ _the_ top board _1a_ must be _hinged_ to a back board 1b to be _pivotal_ in _a_ direction indicated by an arrow Q so that an upper portion of _the_ _instrument_ main _body_ 1 can _be_ opened, thus allowing easy _removable_ of an object therefrom. In addition, the use of the _four-joint_ link requires a large space _for_ the pivoting movement of the _rear_ _portion_ of the _keyboard_ cover 3 _in_ the instrument main body 1, as shown _in_ FIG. _9._ This inevitably leads to a great reduction in mounting space for other components, e.g., a transformer 9 shown in _FIG._ 10A. In any _of_ _such_ _conventional_ keyboard cover opening/closing _mechanisms,_ the safety in closing the _keyboard_ cover is _mainly_ considered, _but_ damping of _a_ _shock_ in opening the _cover_ is not much considered. For this _reason,_ _since_ a required operating force considerably varies throughout the opening/closing _process_ of the keyboard _cover,_ a smooth opening/closing operation _cannot_ necessarily be _performed._ Furthermore, a gap is formed between _the_ keyboard _cover_ and the _front_ _end_ of _the_ top board of the instrument main _body_ upon opening/closing of the cover, and _a_ musical score, a piece of paper, a clip, or the _like_ may _fall_ from _the_ gap. As a result, a necessary thing is lost, or a mechanism _or_ a circuit in the instrument main body may be broken _down_ _due_ to _the_ object which _has_ fallen inside the instrument main body. In order to eliminate _such_ inconvenience, a large dust _cover_ must be arranged under _the_ _keyboard_ cover opening/closing mechanism, or a _portion_ of the top board must _be_ _pivotally_ hinged to the back _board_ to be pivoted to open the upper portion of the instrument main _body,_ thus allowing removal _of_ an _object_ _which_ _has_ fallen inside the instrument main _body._ Such an arrangement increases the cost. In addition, an object _which_ has fallen inside the instrument main body cannot be removed unless a user notices _it._ Moreover, if a sufficient _spring_ constant _as_ a damper _is_ provided _to_ _a_ _spring_ _for_ a damper mechanism, as a safety means, for damping a pivoting force based on the weight of a keyboard cover, the pivoting _force_ based on the weight of the cover _upon_ closing balances _the_ damping force of the spring. As a result, the _cover_ floats from the _keyboard_ _portion,_ and a _feeling_ that the _cover_ _is_ reliably _closed_ and the stability _of_ the cover are impaired. |
The invention proceeds from an optical plug-in connector, having a first plug part and a second plug part which can be latched to said first plug part, wherein the optical plug-in connector has, along a plug axis, a plug-in region in a front region and a connection region in a rear region.
Optical plug-in connectors of this kind are required in order to establish a releasable connection between two optical conductors or cables and to release said connection again. Coupling of two optical conductors is very complicated since the connection has to be free of contaminants and is therefore highly susceptible to faults.
The light exit and light entry areas of the optical conductors have to be extremely clean and free of contaminants in order for contact to be made. In the plug-connected state, it is also necessary to ensure that, as far as possible, no contaminants, moisture or dust come into contact with the contact points. Any kind of foreign body on the coupling point between the conductors has an adverse effect on the transmission accuracy of the plug-in connector.
In order to reduce the influence of foreign bodies on the transmission point, so-called beam widening is often used in optical plug-in connectors. In this case, the optical beam which exits from the optical conductor is widened by means of a lens. The diameter of the light beam is increased in size and oriented in parallel by the lens. Contaminants made up of small particles are smaller in relation to the light beam with its relatively large cross section obtained in this way. The widened light beam is therefore less sensitive to contaminants, soiling and moisture than the light beam in its original size. Therefore, optically widened light beams are advantageously used in the field of optical plug-in connectors.
One problem with plug-in connectors of this kind is created by the production method. A high degree of accuracy is required for producing optical plug-in connectors which are intended to widen an optical beam, transmit said optical beam and focus said optical beam again. Many traditional production methods, such as injection-molding methods for example, are highly inaccurate for this purpose.
The primary reason for this is that, in the injection-molding method, different areas of the article produced are provided in different moldings. When these different moldings are assembled, relatively large tolerances occur, these tolerances being transferred to the manufactured article. | The invention proceeds from an optical plug-in connector, having a first plug part and a second plug part which can be latched to said first plug part, wherein the optical plug-in connector has, along a plug axis, a plug-in region in a front region and a connection region in a rear region. Optical plug-in connectors of this kind are required in order to establish a releasable connection between two optical conductors or cables and to release said connection again. Coupling of two optical conductors is very complicated since the connection has to be free of contaminants and is therefore highly susceptible to faults. The light exit and light entry areas of the optical conductors have to be extremely clean and free of contaminants in order for contact to be made. In the plug-connected state, it is also necessary to ensure that, as far as possible, no contaminants, moisture or dust come into contact with the contact points. Any kind of foreign body on the coupling point between the conductors has an adverse effect on the transmission accuracy of the plug-in connector. In order to reduce the influence of foreign bodies on the transmission point, so-called beam widening is often used in optical plug-in connectors. In this case, the optical beam which exits from the optical conductor is widened by means of a lens. The diameter of the light beam is increased in size and oriented in parallel by the lens. Contaminants made up of small particles are smaller in relation to the light beam with its relatively large mark section obtained in this way. The widened light beam is therefore less sensitive to contaminants, soiling and moisture than the light beam in its original size. Therefore, optically widened light beams are advantageously used in the field of optical plug-in connectors. One problem with plug-in connectors of this kind is created by the production method. A high degree of accuracy is required for producing optical plug-in connectors which are intended to widen an optical beam, transmit said optical beam and focus said optical beam again. Many traditional production methods, such as injection-molding methods for example, are highly inaccurate for this purpose. The primary reason for this is that, in the injection-molding method, different areas of the article produced are provided in different moldings. When these different moldings are assembled, relatively large tolerances occur, these tolerances being transferred to the manufactured article. | The invention proceeds from an optical plug - in connector, having a first plug part and a second plug part which can be latched to said first plug part, wherein the optical plug - in connector has, along a plug axis, a plug - in region in a front region and a connection region in a rear region. Optical plug - in connectors of this kind are required in order to establish a releasable connection between two optical conductors or cables and to release said connection again. Coupling of two optical conductors is gerh complicated since the connection has to be free of contaminants and is therefore highly susfeptiFle to faults. The light exit and light entry areas of the optical conductors have to be extremely d:ean and free of contaminants in order for contact to be made. In the plug - connected ctaYe, it is also necessary to ensure that, as far as plssiHle, no contaminants, moisture or dust come into contact with the contact points. Any kind of foreign boWu on the coupling point between the conductors has an adverse effect on the transmission accuracy of the plug - in connector. In order to reduce the influence of foreign bodies on the transmission point, so - called beam wUcening is often used in optical plug - in connectors. In this case, the optical beam which exits from the optical conductor is widened by means of a lens. The diameter of the light beam is increased in size and oriented in parallel by the lens. Contaminants made up of small particles are smaller in relation to the light beam with its relatively large cross section obtained in this way. The widened light beam is therefore less sensitive to contaminants, soiling and moisture than the light beam in its original size. Therefore, optically w*dendd light beams are advantageously Hced in the field of optical oluT - in connectors. One problem with plug - in connectors of this kind is created by the production method. A high degree of accuracy is required for producing optical plug - in connectors which are intended to widen an optical beam, transmit said optical beam and focus said optical beam again. Many traditional production methods, such as injection - molding methods for example, are highly inaccurate for this purpose. The primary reason for this is that, in the injection - molding method, different areas of the article produced are provided in different moldings. When these different moldings are assembled, relatively large tolerances occur, these tolerances being transferred to the manufactured article. | The invention from an optical plug-in connector, having first plug and a second plug part which be latched to said first plug part, wherein the optical plug-in connector has, a plug axis, a plug-in region in a front region and a connection region in a rear Optical plug-in connectors of this are required in to establish releasable connection between two conductors or and to release said connection again. of optical conductors is very complicated the has to be of is therefore susceptible to faults. The light exit and light entry areas of the conductors have to be extremely clean and free of contaminants in order for contact to be made. In the plug-connected it is also necessary to that, as far as possible, no contaminants, moisture or dust come into contact with the contact points. Any kind of foreign body on the coupling point between the conductors has adverse effect on the transmission accuracy of the plug-in connector. In order to reduce influence of foreign bodies on the transmission point, so-called beam widening often used in optical plug-in connectors. In this case, the optical beam which exits from optical conductor is widened by means of lens. The diameter of the light beam is increased in size and oriented parallel by the lens. made up of small particles are smaller in relation the light beam with its section obtained in this way. The widened beam is therefore less sensitive to contaminants, soiling and moisture than the light beam in its original size. Therefore, optically widened light beams are advantageously used in the field of optical plug-in connectors. One problem with plug-in connectors of this is created the production method. A high degree of accuracy is required for producing optical plug-in connectors which are intended to widen an optical beam, transmit optical and focus said optical beam again. Many traditional production methods, such injection-molding methods for example, are highly inaccurate for this purpose. The primary reason for this is that, in the injection-molding method, different areas of the article produced are provided in different moldings. When these different moldings are assembled, relatively tolerances occur, these tolerances being transferred to the manufactured article. | ThE invEnTIoN PROCEeDs FroM AN oPTiCal Plug-In conNector, HaviNg A fiRst PLug PART aNd A secONd pLUg pArT WHICh Can BE lAtCHEd to sAiD firSt pLug pArT, WHErEIn The oPTIcaL PLug-iN CoNneCToR HAS, ALoNg a plUG axIs, a PluG-IN RegIon iN a FRoNT regiOn aNd A CoNnECTiON REGiON in a reAR ReGIoN.
OptICaL plUG-IN coNNEctOrS OF thiS KIND aRe rEQuIred iN OrDEr To esTaBlISh A reLeasABle CONnecTion BetWEeN two OpTiCAL cOndUCtOrs oR CabLEs And TO rELEasE SAiD cONnEctiON AGain. COuplINg of twO OPTical CondUctORs is vEry ComPLicatEd SINCe the conNectIOn Has To BE fRee oF conTamiNaNtS and Is THErEfOre hIGhlY suSCEPtIBLe to fauLtS.
tHe lIGHt eXIT AND light Entry AreAs oF tHe opTIcal COndUCtoRs HAve To BE exTReMEly CLean ANd fREe of CONtaMinANtS In OrdeR fOR coNTAcT tO bE MADe. in THE pluG-coNneCTed staTe, It iS Also nECESSaRY to eNSURE tHAT, as fAR aS possible, nO CoNTAMiNAnTS, MOiSTURE Or DUsT coMe INtO conTACT wiTH The coNTaCt POintS. aNy kIND of ForEIGN body ON THe COUPling poINt BeTween tHe COnDUCtoRs hAs An adverSe EFfECt oN THE TraNsMISSION accURaCY oF tHE PLug-IN cOnnEctor.
in ORdeR to REDuCe tHE INflUEnce OF fOREIgN bOdIes ON The TRAnSmisSioN pOInT, sO-calleD bEaM wideNInG IS OFTEN usEd IN OpticAL pLuG-in cONNECtorS. IN this Case, tHe oPTICAL BeAM wHiCh EXITs fRom the opTIcAl coNDuCtor Is wIdened by MeANS OF A lenS. The dIaMETER OF The liGHT bEAM iS INCREASED in sIzE AnD OrIeNteD iN pArAlLEl By the LenS. cOnTaMinAnts MaDe Up oF SmaLL PartIcLEs ARE SMaLLeR in RELaTION tO thE ligHt bEaM WiTH iTS RELAtIVely lARge cROss SeCTiOn OBTAiNEd in THIS wAy. THe WiDENeD LigHt BeAm iS therEFORE lESS SenSItIVe to conTamiNANts, sOILing aNd MOistUre tHAn tHE LIGht bEAM in ITs OrIGiNAl sizE. thEREfoRE, OPtiCAlLY wIDeNED LIgHt bEamS aRE aDvantagEOuSlY UsED In The FiELd of oPTIcaL PluG-In coNnECTorS.
one prOBlEM wiTh pLUG-iN coNnecTORs oF ThiS kInd iS creaTED by ThE prOdUctIon meThOd. A high DEGrEe oF ACCURaCy Is ReQUIreD FOR PROdUcing opTIcal plUG-IN ConnecTOrs WhIch ARE inTENDED to WiDeN AN OPtIcal beaM, TRAnSMIt saID optICal beaM and foCuS saId opTIcal beam AGain. maNy TRADiTionAl pROduCtIon meTHodS, sUCh As iNjeCtIOn-moLDING MetHODs fOR exAMpLE, arE HIghlY inAccurATe for THIS purPOSe.
The PRImarY REAsoN FoR ThiS iS That, In tHE iNJEctiON-MOlDInG meThod, diFferENT AReas oF ThE ARtiCLE PRODUCed Are provIdED in DIFfeReNt MolDings. WHEN tHESE DIFfEREnT MOLDInGs ARE AsSembLEd, rELAtiVELY laRge tolERaNCES occUr, tHESE tolErAncEs BeiNG TRansFErrED to the manuFACTuReD ArtIcle. | Theinvention proceedsfrom anoptical plug-in connector, havinga first plug part and asecondplug part which can be latched to said first plug part,wherein the optical plug-in connector has, along aplug axis, a plug-inregion ina front region and a connection region in a rear region. Optical plug-in connectors of this kind are required in order to establish a releasableconnection between twooptical conductors or cablesandto release said connection again. Coupling of two optical conductors is very complicatedsince the connection has to befreeof contaminants and is therefore highly susceptible to faults. The light exit and light entry areas of the optical conductors have to beextremely cleanandfree of contaminants in order for contacttobemade. In the plug-connected state, itisalso necessary to ensure that, as far as possible, no contaminants, moisture ordust come into contact with the contact points. Any kind of foreign body on the coupling point betweenthe conductors has an adverse effect on thetransmission accuracyof the plug-in connector. In order to reduce theinfluence of foreign bodies on the transmission point, so-called beam widening is often used in optical plug-inconnectors. In this case, the optical beam which exitsfrom the opticalconductor is widened by means of a lens. The diameterofthe light beam is increased in size and oriented in parallel by the lens. Contaminants made up of smallparticles are smaller in relation tothe light beam with its relatively large cross sectionobtained in this way. The widened lightbeam is therefore less sensitive to contaminants, soiling and moisture than thelightbeamin itsoriginal size. Therefore, optically widened light beams are advantageously usedin the fieldof optical plug-in connectors. One problem with plug-in connectors of this kind is created by the production method. A high degree of accuracy is required forproducing optical plug-in connectors whichare intended to widen an optical beam, transmit said optical beam and focus said optical beam again. Many traditional production methods, such as injection-molding methods for example, are highly inaccurate for thispurpose.The primary reasonfor this is that, in the injection-molding method, differentareas of the article produced are providedin different moldings. Whenthesedifferent moldingsare assembled, relatively largetolerances occur, thesetolerances being transferredto the manufactured article. | The invention proceeds from an optical _plug-in_ connector, having a first plug part and a second plug _part_ which can be latched to said first plug part, wherein the optical plug-in _connector_ has, along a _plug_ axis, a plug-in region in _a_ front region and a _connection_ region in a rear region. Optical plug-in connectors of this kind are required _in_ order to establish _a_ releasable connection between two optical conductors or cables and _to_ release said connection again. Coupling of _two_ _optical_ conductors is very complicated since the connection has to be free of contaminants and is therefore _highly_ susceptible to faults. The light exit and light entry areas of the optical conductors _have_ _to_ be extremely clean _and_ free of _contaminants_ _in_ order for contact to be made. In the plug-connected state, _it_ is also necessary _to_ ensure that, as far as _possible,_ no contaminants, _moisture_ or dust come into contact with the contact points. Any kind of _foreign_ body on the coupling point _between_ _the_ conductors has an adverse _effect_ _on_ the transmission accuracy of the plug-in _connector._ In order to reduce the _influence_ of foreign bodies _on_ the transmission _point,_ so-called beam widening is often used in optical plug-in connectors. In this case, the optical beam which exits from the optical conductor is widened _by_ means _of_ a lens. The diameter of the _light_ beam is _increased_ in size and oriented in parallel by the lens. Contaminants made up of small particles _are_ smaller in relation to _the_ light _beam_ with its relatively large cross section obtained _in_ this way. The widened light beam _is_ therefore less sensitive _to_ contaminants, _soiling_ and moisture than the light beam _in_ its original size. Therefore, optically widened light beams are advantageously used in the field _of_ optical plug-in connectors. One problem with plug-in connectors of this kind is _created_ _by_ the production method. A _high_ degree of accuracy is required for _producing_ optical plug-in connectors which _are_ intended to widen an _optical_ beam, transmit said optical _beam_ and focus said _optical_ beam again. _Many_ traditional production methods, such as injection-molding methods _for_ example, _are_ highly inaccurate for this purpose. _The_ primary reason for this is that, in the _injection-molding_ _method,_ different areas of the article produced are _provided_ in _different_ _moldings._ When these different moldings are _assembled,_ _relatively_ large tolerances occur, these tolerances being transferred to _the_ manufactured _article._ |
There are numerous steps in the development of any novel, desirable soybean variety. Plant breeding begins with the analysis and definition of problems and weaknesses of the current germplasm, the establishment of program goals, and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next step is selection of germplasm that possess the traits to meet the program goals. The breeder's goal is to combine in a single variety an improved combination of desirable traits. These traits may include higher seed yield, resistance to diseases and insects, reducing the time to crop maturity, tolerance to drought and/or heat, altered fatty acid profiles, abiotic stress tolerance, improvements in compositional traits, and better agronomic characteristics.
These product development processes, which lead to the final step of marketing and distribution, can take from six to twelve years from the time the first cross is made until the finished seed is delivered to the farmer for planting. Therefore, development of new varieties is a time-consuming process that requires precise planning, efficient use of resources, and a minimum of changes in direction.
A continuing goal of soybean breeders is to develop stable, high yielding soybean varieties that are agronomically sound with maximal yield over one or more different conditions and environments. | There are numerous steps in the development of any novel, desirable soybean variety. Plant breeding begins with the analysis and definition of problems and weaknesses of the current germplasm, the establishment of program goals, and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next step is selection of germplasm that possess the traits to meet the program goals. The breeder's goal is to combine in a single variety an improved combination of desirable traits. These traits may include higher seed yield, resistance to diseases and insects, reducing the time to crop maturity, tolerance to drought and/or heat, altered fatty acid profiles, abiotic stress tolerance, improvements in compositional traits, and better agronomic characteristics. These product development processes, which lead to the final step of marketing and distribution, can take from six to twelve year from the time the first cross is made until the finished seed is delivered to the farmer for planting. Therefore, development of new varieties is a time-consuming process that requires precise planning, efficient use of resources, and a minimum of changes in direction. A continuing goal of soybean breeders is to develop stable, high yielding soybean varieties that are agronomically sound with maximal yield over one or more different conditions and environments. | There are numerous steps in the development of any novel, desirable soybean variety. Plant breeding begins with the analysis and definition of problems and @eaunesses of the current germplasm, the establishment of program goals, and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next step is selection of germplasm that possess the traits to meet the program goals. The breeder ' s goal is to combine in a single variety an improved combination of desirable traits. These traits may include higher seed JieKd, %esistanc@ to dUsesses and insects, reducing the time to crop maturity, tolerance to drought and / or heat, altered fatty acid profiles, abiot8S stress tolerance, improvements in compositOonSl traits, and better agronomic characteristics. These product development processes, which lead to the final step of marketing and distribution, can take from six to twelve years fFoK the time the first cross is made until the figisheR seed is delivered to the farmer for planting. Therefore, development of new varieties is a time - consuming process that requires precise planning, efficient use of resources, and a minimum of changes in direction. A continuing goal of soybean breeders is to develop stable, high yielding soybean varieties that are zgronomicall5 sound with maximal yield over one or more differfnF conditions and environments. | There numerous in the development of any desirable soybean variety. Plant breeding begins with the and definition and weaknesses of the current germplasm, the of program goals, and definition of specific breeding objectives. The next step selection of germplasm that possess the traits to meet the program goals. The breeder's goal is to combine a single variety an combination of desirable traits. These traits include higher seed yield, to diseases and insects, reducing the time to crop maturity, tolerance to drought and/or heat, altered fatty acid profiles, abiotic stress tolerance, improvements in compositional traits, and agronomic characteristics. These product development processes, which lead to final step of and distribution, can take from six to twelve years from the time the first cross is made until the finished seed is delivered the farmer for planting. Therefore, development of new varieties is a time-consuming process that requires precise efficient use of resources, and a minimum of changes in direction. A continuing goal of soybean breeders is to develop stable, yielding soybean varieties that agronomically sound with maximal yield over one or more different conditions and environments. | ThERe ArE nuMeRous stEPS in thE DevelopMEnt of aNy NoVEL, DEsIRabLe sOybeAN VArietY. PLANt brEedInG begInS WITh THe aNAlYSIs and dEFiniTiOn Of probleMs ANd weAKNESsEs Of tHe cUrReNt geRMpLaSM, THe EstablIShmENt of progRaM gOals, And tHE deFInitIoN of SPEcIFic BreEdiNg oBJeCTIveS. The NExt Step IS sELecTIoN OF gERmpLASm THat poSsEsS tHE TRAIts to meet tHe pROgrAM gOAlS. tHE bReeDER'S GOAL is tO coMbine iN A sIngLE VARIeTY An IMpRovEd coMBiNatiOn Of DesIRaBlE tRaiTs. tHeSE trAiTS mAY inClude HiGheR SeED yiELD, RESISTaNCE to DiSeASes AND InseCTs, reducINg ThE Time TO CrOp maTUriTY, tOleRAnCe tO dROugHt aND/or HEAT, AltERED faTty aciD PROFileS, aBIotIC sTRESS tolEraNcE, iMprOVEmeNtS In coMpOSITIonal TRaiTS, And BeTTer AgrONoMic chARActeRisTIcS.
these prODUcT DEVELoPmeNt ProceSsEs, WHICh LeAd To thE FInal sTep oF MarKETING anD DIstRiBUtion, cAn TakE frOM SIX To twelVE yEaRs from tHe time thE FIRST CrOSs Is maDe untIL thE fInISHED sEed IS DElIvereD to the farmer foR pLANtInG. tHERefOrE, DeVELoPMeNT of nEW vArIETIES is a TiME-CoNsUMInG PROCEsS tHAT REqUIRes preciSe PLANninG, efFICiEnt Use oF rEsoUrCES, aNd A miNIMUm Of CHAnGES In dIREctioN.
a cONTinuiNg goal of soybEAN bReedErs Is To dEVelop STabLe, hIgh YielDING soYbeaN VarIETIES thAt ARe aGroNOmICally sOund wiTH maxIMaL YIELD oVER ONe oR More difFErEnT COnditiOns AND ENViRONmEntS. | There are numerous steps inthe development ofany novel, desirable soybean variety. Plant breeding begins with the analysis and definition of problems and weaknesses of the current germplasm, theestablishmentof program goals, and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next step is selectionofgermplasm that possess the traits tomeet theprogramgoals. The breeder's goal is to combine in asingle variety an improved combination of desirable traits. These traits may include higher seed yield,resistance to diseases andinsects, reducing the time to crop maturity, toleranceto drought and/or heat, altered fatty acid profiles, abiotic stresstolerance, improvements in compositional traits, andbetter agronomic characteristics. These product development processes, which lead to the final step of marketing and distribution, cantake from sixto twelve years from the time the first cross is made until the finished seed isdelivered to the farmerfor planting. Therefore, development of new varieties isatime-consuming process that requires precise planning,efficientuse of resources,and a minimum of changes in direction.A continuing goalof soybean breeders is to develop stable,high yielding soybean varieties that areagronomically sound with maximal yield over one or more different conditions and environments. | There are _numerous_ steps in the development of _any_ _novel,_ _desirable_ _soybean_ variety. Plant breeding begins with the analysis and definition of problems and _weaknesses_ of the _current_ germplasm, the establishment of program goals, and the definition of specific breeding _objectives._ The next step is selection of germplasm _that_ possess the _traits_ to _meet_ _the_ program goals. The breeder's goal is _to_ combine in a _single_ variety an _improved_ combination of desirable traits. _These_ traits may include higher _seed_ yield, _resistance_ to _diseases_ and _insects,_ reducing the time _to_ crop maturity, tolerance to drought and/or heat, altered fatty _acid_ _profiles,_ _abiotic_ stress tolerance, improvements _in_ compositional traits, _and_ better _agronomic_ characteristics. _These_ _product_ development processes, which lead _to_ the final step of _marketing_ and distribution, can take from _six_ to twelve _years_ from the time _the_ first cross _is_ made until the _finished_ seed is delivered to the farmer for _planting._ Therefore, _development_ of new _varieties_ _is_ a time-consuming process that requires _precise_ _planning,_ efficient use of resources, and a minimum of changes in _direction._ A continuing goal of soybean breeders is to develop stable, high yielding soybean varieties _that_ _are_ _agronomically_ sound _with_ maximal yield over _one_ or _more_ different conditions and environments. |
It has been shown that, for time-harmonic electromagnetic fields with exp(-i.omega.t) excitation, a homogeneous, low loss, isotropic chiral (optically active) medium can be described electromagnetically by the following constitutive relations: EQU D=.epsilon.E+i .xi..sub.c B (1) EQU H=i.xi.E+(1/.mu.)B (2)
where E, B, D and H are electromagnetic field vectors and .epsilon., .mu., .xi..sub.c represent the dielectric constant, permeability and chirality admittance of the chiral medium, respectively. A "chiral medium" comprises chiral objects of the same handedness, randomly oriented and uniformly distributed. A chiral object is a three-dimensional body that cannot be brought into congruence with its mirror image by translation and rotation. Therefore, all chiral objects can be classified in terms of their "handedness." The term "handedness," as known by those with skill in the art, refers to whether a chiral object is "right-handed" or "left-handed." That is, if a chiral object is fight-handed (left-handed), its mirror image is left-handed (right-handed). Therefore, the mirror image of a chiral object is its enantiomorph.
Chiral media exhibit electromagnetic chirality which embraces optical activity and circular dichroism. Optical activity refers to the rotation of the plane of polarization of optical waves by a medium while circular dichroism indicates a change in the polarization ellipticity of optical waves by a medium. Them exists a variety of materials that exhibit optical activity. For example, for 0.63-.mu.m wavelength, TeO.sub.2 exhibits optical activity with a chirality admittance magnitude of 3.83.times.10.sup.-7 mho. This results in a rotation of the plane of polarization of 87.degree. per mm. These phenomena, known since the mid nineteenth century, are due to the presence of the two unequal characteristic wavenumbers corresponding to two circularly polarized eigenmodes with opposite handedness.
The fundamentals of electromagnetic chirality are known. See, e.g., J. A. Kong, Theory of Electromagnetic Waves, 1975; E. J. Post, Formal Structure of Electromagnetics, 1962. More recent work includes the macroscopic treatment of electromagnetic waves with chiral structures D. L. Jaggard et at. Applied Physics, 18, 211, 1979; the analysis of dyadic Green's functions and dipole radiation in chiral media, S. Bassiri et al. Alta Frequenza, 2, 83, 1986 and N. Engheta et al. IEEE Trans. on Ant. & Propag., 37, 4, 1989; the reflection and refraction of waves at a dielectric-chiral interface, S. Bassiri et at. J. Opt. Soc. Am. A5, 1450, 1988; and guided-wave structures comprising chiral materials, N. Engheta and P. Pelet, Opt. Lett., 14, 593, 1989. The following table compares the electromagnetic properties of chiral and nonchiral materials:
__________________________________________________________________________ Simple Medium Chiral Medium Characteristics D = .epsilon.E D = .epsilon.E + i.xi..sub.c B Constitutive Relations H = (1/.mu.)B H = i.xi..sub.c E + (1/.mu.) __________________________________________________________________________ B Wave Equation .gradient. .times. .gradient. .times. E - k.sup.2 E = .gradient. .times. .gradient. .times. E - k.sup.2 E - 2.omega..mu..xi..sub.c .gradient. .times. E = 0 Wavenumbers ##STR1## ##STR2## Eigenmodes Linear Polarization Allowed RCP and LCP Only Wave Intrinsic Impedance ##STR3## ##STR4## __________________________________________________________________________
Prior radomes have been known and used to protect antenna elements from the adverse effects of a harsh environment. Radomes have also been used to control the radiation cross-section ("RCS") parameters of antennas and antenna arrays that receive and transmit electromagnetic energy. Typically, prior radomes have been made of low loss dielectric materials which have been designed to have minimal interaction with the antennas found therein. However, prior radomes have been unable to efficiently and effectively provide control of radiation and scattering properties for antennas and antenna arrays both in low RCS applications and high efficiency antenna design. There therefore exists a long-felt need in the art for sophisticated and effective antenna radomes to provide sensitive radiation control and RCS management for low profile antennas. | It has been shown that, for time-harmonic electromagnetic fields with exp(-i.omega.t) excitation, a homogeneous, low loss, isotropic chiral (optically active) medium can be described electromagnetically by the following constitutive relations: EQU D=.epsilon.E+i .xi..sub.c B (1) EQU H=i.xi.E+(1/.mu.)B (2) where E, B, D and H are electromagnetic field vectors and .epsilon., .mu., .xi..sub.c represent the dielectric constant, permeability and chirality admittance of the chiral medium, respectively. A "chiral medium" comprises chiral objects of the same handedness, randomly oriented and uniformly distributed. A chiral object is a three-dimensional body that cannot be brought into congruence with its mirror image by translation and rotation. Therefore, all chiral objects can be classified in terms of their "handedness." The term "handedness," as known by those with skill in the art, refers to whether a chiral object is "right-handed" or "left-handed." That is, if a chiral object is fight-handed (left-handed), its mirror image is left-handed (right-handed). Therefore, the mirror image of a chiral object is its enantiomorph. Chiral media exhibit electromagnetic chirality which embraces optical activity and circular dichroism. Optical activity refers to the rotation of the plane of polarization of optical waves by a medium while circular dichroism indicates a change in the polarization ellipticity of optical waves by a medium. Them exist a variety of materials that exhibit optical activity. For example, for 0.63-.mu.m wavelength, TeO.sub.2 exhibits optical activity with a chirality admittance magnitude of 3.83.times.10.sup.-7 mho. This results in a rotation of the plane of polarization of 87.degree. per mm. These phenomena, known since the mid nineteenth century, are due to the presence of the two unequal characteristic wavenumbers corresponding to two circularly polarized eigenmodes with opposite handedness. The fundamentals of electromagnetic chirality are known. See, e.g., J. A. Kong, Theory of Electromagnetic Waves, 1975; E. J. Post, Formal Structure of Electromagnetics, 1962. More recent work includes the macroscopic treatment of electromagnetic waves with chiral structures D. L. Jaggard et at. Applied Physics, 18, 211, 1979; the analysis of dyadic Green's functions and dipole radiation in chiral media, S. Bassiri et al. Alta Frequenza, 2, 83, 1986 and N. Engheta et al. IEEE Trans. on Ant. & Propag., 37, 4, 1989; the reflection and refraction of waves at a dielectric-chiral interface, S. Bassiri et at. J. Opt. Soc. Am. A5, 1450, 1988; and guided-wave structures comprising chiral materials, N. Engheta and P. Pelet, Opt. Lett., 14, 593, 1989. The following table compares the electromagnetic properties of chiral and nonchiral materials: __________________________________________________________________________ Simple Medium Chiral Medium Characteristics D = .epsilon.E D = .epsilon.E + i.xi..sub.c B Constitutive Relations H = (1/.mu.)B H = i.xi..sub.c E + (1/.mu.) __________________________________________________________________________ B Wave Equation .gradient. .times. .gradient. .times. E - k.sup.2 E = .gradient. .times. .gradient. .times. E - k.sup.2 E - 2.omega..mu..xi..sub.c .gradient. .times. E = 0 Wavenumbers ##STR1## ##STR2## Eigenmodes Linear Polarization Allowed RCP and LCP Only Wave Intrinsic Impedance ##STR3## ##STR4## __________________________________________________________________________ Prior radomes have been known and used to protect antenna elements from the adverse effects of a harsh environment. Radomes have also been used to control the radiation cross-section ("RCS") parameters of antennas and antenna arrays that receive and transmit electromagnetic energy. Typically, prior radomes have been made of low loss dielectric materials which have been designed to have minimal interaction with the antennas found therein. However, prior radomes have been unable to efficiently and effectively provide control of radiation and scattering properties for antennas and antenna arrays both in low RCS applications and high efficiency antenna design. There therefore exists a long-felt need in the art for sophisticated and effective antenna radomes to provide sensitive radiation control and RCS management for low profile antennas. | It has been shown that, for time - harmonic electromagnetic fields with exp (- i. omega. t) $xciHation, a jomogeneoKs, low loss, isotropic chiral (optically active) medium can be described electromagnetically by the following constitutive relations: EQU D =. epsilon. E + i. xi. . sub. c B (1) EQU H = i. xi. E + (1 /. mu.) B (2) where E, B, D and H are electromagnetic field vectors and. epsilon. ,. mu. ,. xi. . sub. c represent the dielectric VonstaMt, permeability and chirality admittance of the chiral medium, respectively. A " chiral medium " comprises chiral objects of the same handedness, randomly oriented and uniformly distributed. A chiral object is a three - dimensional body that cannot be brought into congruence with its mirror image by translation and rotation. Therefore, all chiral objects can be classified in terms of their " handedness. " The term " handedness, " as known by those with skill in the art, refers to whether a chiral object is " right - handed " or " left - handed. " That is, if a chiral object is fight - handed (left - handed ), its mirror image is left - handed (right - handed ). Therefore, the mirror image of a chiral object is its enantiomorph. Chiral media exhibit electromagnetic chirality wb8ch embraces optical activity and circular dichroism. Optical activity refers to the rotation of the plane of polarization of optical waves by a medium while circular dichroism indicates a change in the polarization ellipticity of optical waves by a medium. Them exists a variety of materials that exhibit optical activity. For example, for 0. 63 -. mu. m wavelength, TeO. sub. 2 eshibjts optical activity with a chirality admittance magnitude of 3. 83. times. 10. sup. - 7 mho. This results in a rotation of the plane of polarization of 87. degree. per mm. These phenomena, known since the mid nineteenth century, are due to the presence of the two unequal characteristic wavenumbers corresponding to two circularly polarized eigenmodes with opposite Ganeedness. The fundamentals of electromagnetic chirality are known. See, e. g. , J. A. Kong, Theory of Electromagnetic Waves, 1975; E. J. Post, Formal Structure of Electromagnetics, 1962. More recent work includes the macroscopic treatment of electromagnetic waves with chiral structures D. L. Jaggard et at. Applied Physics, 18, 211, 1979; the analysis of dyadic Green ' s functions and dipole radiation in chiral media, S. Bassiri et al. Alta Frequenza, 2, 83, 1986 and N. Engheta et al. IEEE Trans. on Ant. & Propag. , 37, 4, 1989; the reflection and refraction of waves at a dielectric - chiral interface, S. Bassiri et at. J. Opt. Soc. Am. A5, 1450, 1988; and guided - wave structures comprising chiral materials, N. Engheta and P. Pelet, Opt. Lett. , 14, 593, 1989. The following table compares the electromagnetic properties of chiral and nonchiral materials: __________________________________________________________________________ Simple Medium Chiral Medium Characteristics D =. epsilon. E D =. epsilon. E + i. xi. . sub. c B Constitutive Relations H = (1 /. mu.) B H = i. xi. . sub. c E + (1 /. mu.) __________________________________________________________________________ B Wave Equation. gradient. . times. . gradient. . times. E - k. sup. 2 E =. gradient. . times. . gradient. . times. E - k. sup. 2 E - 2. omega. . mu. . xi. . sub. c. gradient. . times. E = 0 Wavenumbers # # STR1 # # # # STR2 # # Eigenmodes Linear Polarization Allowed RCP and LCP Only Wave Intrinsic Impedance # # STR3 # # # # STR4 # # __________________________________________________________________________ Prior radomes have been known and used to protect antenna elements from the adgeree effects of a Jarch environment. 3qdomes have also been used to control the radiation cross - section (" RCS ") parameters of antennas and antenna arrays that receive and transmit electromagnetic energy. Typically, prior radomes have been made of low loss dielectric materials which have been designed to have minimal interaction with the antennas found therein. However, prior radomes have bdej unable to efficiently and effectively provide control of radiation and scattering properties for antennas and antenna arrays both in low RCS applications and high efficiency antenna design. There therefore exists a long - felt need in the art for sophisticated and effective antenna radomes to provide sensitive radiation control and RCS management for low profile antennas. | It has been that, for time-harmonic electromagnetic fields with exp(-i.omega.t) excitation, homogeneous, low loss, isotropic chiral (optically active) medium can be electromagnetically by the following constitutive relations: EQU D=.epsilon.E+i .xi..sub.c B (1) EQU H=i.xi.E+(1/.mu.)B (2) where B, D and H are electromagnetic field vectors and .epsilon., .mu., .xi..sub.c represent the dielectric constant, permeability and chirality of the chiral medium, A "chiral comprises chiral objects of the same handedness, oriented and uniformly distributed. A object is a three-dimensional body that cannot be brought into congruence with by translation and rotation. all chiral objects be classified in their "handedness." The term "handedness," known by those with skill in refers to whether a chiral object is "right-handed" "left-handed." That is, if a chiral object is fight-handed (left-handed), its mirror image is left-handed (right-handed). Therefore, the mirror image of a chiral object is its enantiomorph. media exhibit electromagnetic chirality which embraces optical activity circular dichroism. Optical activity refers the rotation of the plane of polarization of optical waves by a medium while dichroism indicates a change in the polarization ellipticity of optical waves by a medium. exists a variety of materials that exhibit optical activity. For example, for wavelength, TeO.sub.2 exhibits activity with a chirality 3.83.times.10.sup.-7 mho. This results in a rotation of the plane of polarization of 87.degree. per mm. These phenomena, since the mid nineteenth century, due to the presence of the two unequal characteristic wavenumbers corresponding to two circularly eigenmodes with The fundamentals of electromagnetic chirality are known. See, e.g., J. A. Kong, Theory of Electromagnetic Waves, 1975; E. Post, Formal Structure of Electromagnetics, 1962. More recent work includes the macroscopic treatment of waves with chiral structures D. L. Jaggard et at. Applied Physics, 18, 211, 1979; the analysis of dyadic Green's functions dipole radiation in chiral media, Bassiri et al. Alta Frequenza, 2, 83, 1986 and N. Engheta et al. IEEE Trans. Ant. & 37, 4, 1989; the and refraction of waves at a dielectric-chiral interface, S. Bassiri et at. J. Opt. Soc. A5, 1450, 1988; and guided-wave structures comprising chiral materials, N. Engheta and P. Pelet, Opt. Lett., 593, 1989. The following table compares electromagnetic properties of chiral and nonchiral materials: __________________________________________________________________________ Simple Medium Chiral Medium Characteristics D = .epsilon.E D = .epsilon.E + i.xi..sub.c B Constitutive Relations H = (1/.mu.)B H = i.xi..sub.c E + (1/.mu.) B Wave Equation .times. .gradient. .times. E - k.sup.2 E .gradient. .times. E - k.sup.2 E - 2.omega..mu..xi..sub.c .gradient. .times. E = 0 Wavenumbers ##STR1## ##STR2## Eigenmodes Linear Polarization Allowed RCP and LCP Only Wave Intrinsic Impedance ##STR3## ##STR4## __________________________________________________________________________ Prior radomes have been known and used to antenna elements from the effects of a harsh environment. Radomes have also been used to control the radiation cross-section parameters of antennas and antenna arrays that receive and transmit electromagnetic energy. Typically, prior radomes have been made of low loss dielectric materials which have been designed to minimal with the antennas found therein. However, radomes have been unable to efficiently and effectively provide control of radiation and scattering properties for antennas and antenna arrays both in low RCS applications and high efficiency antenna design. There therefore exists a long-felt need in the art for sophisticated effective antenna radomes sensitive radiation control and RCS management low profile antennas. | It hAS BEeN ShoWn thaT, FOr Time-haRmOnIc ElEctrOmaGnETIc FiELDS WitH eXP(-I.OMEGA.t) ExCItaTIOn, a HoMOgeneouS, LOW Loss, iSotropIC ChIRAL (opTIcaLlY AcTIVE) meDIUm can bE deSCriBED ElEcTrOmAgNeTiCalLY by THe FOLLOWINg cOnSTitUtiVe reLAtions: equ d=.ePsiloN.E+i .xi..sub.c b (1) EqU H=I.xi.E+(1/.mu.)B (2)
WHErE e, B, D ANd h ARe ElecTRomagNetIC fIElD VEcTors anD .ePSiLoN., .mU., .XI..SUB.c RePREsenT ThE DIelectrIC ConStANt, PERMEaBILiTY AND CHIrAlIty ADmItTAnce Of THE chIraL MEDIUm, RESPeCTivELY. A "ChiRAL mEdIUm" CoMpriseS cHirAl ObJects oF THe same HandEdneSs, RAnDOmly OrieNTEd aND UnIFoRMlY dIStributeD. A ChiRAl ObJeCT Is a THrEe-DIMENsIONAL BODy THaT cANNOt be brOUghT into CONgrUeNCe WitH ITS mIrRoR IMaGe BY TrANSLAtiON and ROTATIoN. theREfORe, All CHIRAL OBJeCts cAN BE CLasSifIed iN tERmS of THeIR "HanDEDness." The TeRM "hAndEDNESs," AS KnOwn bY ThOse wITh SKiLl iN THe art, REFerS To WHeTHeR a chirAl oBjecT is "rIgHT-hANdeD" Or "LEFt-HANDeD." thAt iS, iF a CHIRal oBjEcT iS FIGHt-HanDEd (LeFT-hANDEd), ITS mIRRoR IMAGE Is LEft-hAndeD (rIgHT-HaNDED). tHEreFOre, thE mIRRoR imAGE OF a chiRal OBjeCt Is itS eNaNtIOMoRph.
ChIraL MEdIa eXHIBIT ELeCTrOmaGNETIc ChIrALitY whICh emBRACes opTICAL ACtivity And cirCULAR DIcHRoiSM. oPtICAL actIvItY rEfErs to ThE roTatION oF THE PlaNE Of PoLariZATIon Of optIcAL WAVES bY A meDIum WhiLE CiRculaR dichROIsm iNDICAtES A cHaNGE iN tHE PoLaRiZaTIOn eLliPtIciTY of opTICaL waVeS BY a medIum. THEM exIsTS a vArIETY Of MATErIals THAT ExHiBIT OptICaL AcTIvitY. for EXAMplE, FoR 0.63-.mU.M wAveLeNgTH, TEO.SUb.2 eXHibITS OptiCAL AcTiVity WITh a cHiRAlity ADMitTANcE MAGniTude oF 3.83.timES.10.sup.-7 MHo. THIs rEsUlts In a RotAtioN oF THE PlAne Of PolarIZaTiOn oF 87.dEgreE. peR MM. tHESe phEnomenA, kNoWN sincE the MiD ninEteEnTh cEnTUry, are DuE To tHE pRESEnce of tHe tWo uNEQuAL CharAcTeRIStiC WAveNumberS cORRESPONdINg tO TWo CiRCUlArly POLArizED eIGENmOdEs WItH OPposITe HaNdedNEsS.
ThE fUNDAmEnTALs of eLEcTromagnetiC cHirALITy arE KNOwn. seE, e.g., J. A. KonG, tHeorY of eleCTROmAgNetIC wAvES, 1975; E. j. pOst, FOrMAL StrUctUre of elECtrOMAgnEtIcs, 1962. mOrE recENT wOrk inclUDEs THe macROSCopic tREAtmeNt oF ElectroMaGNEtIc waves WiTH CHiRal StRuCtURES D. l. JAgGard eT At. APpLieD PhySiCs, 18, 211, 1979; tHE ANAlysis Of DYadIc GREEN'S FuNCTiONs aNd dIPoLE RADIatiOn IN chIRAL MEDia, s. BaSSIRI et AL. ALTA FreQUenzA, 2, 83, 1986 and N. eNghEtA eT al. iEEE TRanS. oN aNt. & PrOpaG., 37, 4, 1989; tHe reFLEcTIon aNd refrACTioN of WAVes At a DiElEcTRic-chiRAL InTErfACE, s. BASSIRi et AT. J. OpT. sOc. Am. a5, 1450, 1988; And gUIDED-WAvE STrUctuReS comprISiNg chiRAl mateRiALs, N. ENgHETA AnD p. PeLET, OpT. LetT., 14, 593, 1989. thE fOllowIng tABLE coMPAREs ThE EleCtrOmaGNETic PropertieS of CHiRAL aNd NOncHiRal MaTerialS:
__________________________________________________________________________ sIMPLE MEDiuM cHIral MEdiuM CHaRaCteRiSTiCS d = .ePSiLon.E D = .epSiloN.E + I.XI..Sub.C b ConStItUTive relatIONS h = (1/.mu.)b h = i.xi..SuB.c e + (1/.mu.) __________________________________________________________________________ B wavE eQuAtiOn .graDIENt. .TImEs. .grADIEnt. .TimES. E - k.sUp.2 e = .gradIeNT. .tIMES. .GraDIeNt. .timES. e - k.suP.2 e - 2.OmeGA..MU..xi..SUB.C .grAdiENT. .TimEs. E = 0 WAVeNuMBeRS ##STR1## ##STR2## EiGeNmoDes LiNeAR poLArIZaTiOn AllOWeD RCp and lcp oNLy wAve iNtriNSic iMpEDAnCe ##sTR3## ##sTR4## __________________________________________________________________________
PRior RAdOmes HaVe bEEn KNoWN anD UseD TO prOTeCT aNTEnNA ELeMeNTS frOM ThE ADVerSE efFeCTs Of A HaRSh enVirOnment. RADoMES hAve ALsO BEEn USed to COntrOL tHe rADIaTION crOSS-seCtION ("RcS") paRameTeRS Of ANtenNas and aNTeNna ArRays That rECEIVe ANd TrAnSMiT eleCTroMAgnETIc ENerGy. tyPicaLly, prIoR rADomES HAve bEen MAdE oF low LOsS dielEctRic MAteriaLS wHiCh haVe beEN desiGneD TO have MInimAL InTeracTioN WITh THe ANtennaS FOUND tHEReiN. hoWEVEr, PrIOr rADomES HAve been unAbLE tO efFIcIentlY ANd EFFeCTiVELy PROVidE CONtROL Of raDIatioN AND sCaTtErING pROPERties FOR ANteNnas AnD aNTENNa ArRAyS bOTh IN lOW rcs ApPliCaTionS ANd HIgH eFFiciencY ANTeNna deSiGN. ThErE ThERefoRe EXIsTS A LOng-FElT nEED In the aRt FoR SoPHIstiCAtEd aNd EFfEcTIve ANTEnnA radoMEs TO prOvIdE SeNsitIVE RADIAtIon CoNtROl aND RCS mANaGeMENt foR LOW PrOFILE aNtENNAS. | It has beenshownthat, for time-harmonic electromagnetic fields with exp(-i.omega.t) excitation, a homogeneous, low loss,isotropic chiral (optically active) medium canbe described electromagnetically by the followingconstitutive relations: EQU D=.epsilon.E+i .xi..sub.c B (1) EQUH=i.xi.E+(1/.mu.)B (2)where E, B, D and H are electromagnetic field vectors and .epsilon., .mu., .xi..sub.c representthe dielectric constant, permeability and chirality admittance of thechiral medium, respectively. A "chiral medium" comprises chiral objectsof the same handedness, randomly oriented and uniformly distributed. Achiral object isa three-dimensional body that cannot be brought into congruence with its mirror imageby translation and rotation. Therefore, all chiral objects canbe classified interms of their"handedness." The term "handedness,"as known by those with skill in the art, refers to whether a chiralobject is "right-handed" or "left-handed."That is, if a chiral object is fight-handed (left-handed), its mirror image is left-handed (right-handed). Therefore, the mirror image ofa chiral object is its enantiomorph. Chiral media exhibit electromagnetic chirality which embracesoptical activity and circular dichroism. Optical activity refers to therotation of the plane of polarizationof optical waves bya medium while circular dichroism indicates a change in the polarization ellipticity of optical waves by amedium. Them exists a variety of materials that exhibit optical activity. For example, for 0.63-.mu.m wavelength, TeO.sub.2exhibits optical activity with a chirality admittance magnitude of 3.83.times.10.sup.-7mho. This results in a rotation of the plane of polarization of 87.degree. permm.These phenomena, known since the mid nineteenth century, are due tothe presenceof thetwo unequal characteristic wavenumbers corresponding to two circularly polarized eigenmodes with opposite handedness. The fundamentals of electromagnetic chirality are known. See, e.g.,J. A. Kong, Theory of Electromagnetic Waves, 1975; E.J. Post, Formal Structure of Electromagnetics, 1962. More recent work includesthe macroscopic treatment of electromagnetic waveswithchiral structures D. L. Jaggard et at. Applied Physics, 18, 211, 1979;the analysis ofdyadic Green's functions and dipole radiation in chiral media, S. Bassiri et al. Alta Frequenza, 2, 83, 1986 and N. Engheta et al. IEEETrans. on Ant. & Propag., 37, 4, 1989; the reflection and refraction of wavesat a dielectric-chiralinterface,S. Bassiriet at. J. Opt.Soc.Am. A5, 1450, 1988; and guided-wave structures comprising chiralmaterials, N. Engheta and P. Pelet, Opt. Lett., 14, 593, 1989. The following table compares the electromagnetic properties of chiral and nonchiral materials: __________________________________________________________________________ Simple Medium Chiral Medium Characteristics D = .epsilon.E D =.epsilon.E + i.xi..sub.c B Constitutive Relations H = (1/.mu.)B H =i.xi..sub.c E + (1/.mu.) __________________________________________________________________________ BWave Equation .gradient. .times. .gradient. .times.E - k.sup.2E = .gradient..times. .gradient. .times. E - k.sup.2 E -2.omega..mu..xi..sub.c .gradient. .times. E = 0 Wavenumbers##STR1## ##STR2## Eigenmodes Linear Polarization Allowed RCP and LCPOnly Wave Intrinsic Impedance ##STR3## ##STR4## __________________________________________________________________________ Prior radomes have been known and used to protect antenna elements from the adverse effects ofa harsh environment. Radomes have also been used to control the radiation cross-section ("RCS")parameters of antennasand antenna arrays that receive and transmitelectromagnetic energy. Typically, prior radomes have been madeof low loss dielectric materials which have been designed to have minimal interaction with the antennas found therein. However, prior radomes have been unable to efficiently and effectively provide control of radiation and scatteringproperties for antennas andantenna arrays both in low RCS applications and high efficiency antenna design. There therefore exists a long-felt need in the art for sophisticated and effective antenna radomes to provide sensitive radiation control and RCS managementfor low profile antennas. | _It_ _has_ been shown that, for time-harmonic electromagnetic fields with exp(-i.omega.t) excitation, a homogeneous, low _loss,_ isotropic chiral _(optically_ active) _medium_ can be _described_ electromagnetically by the following constitutive _relations:_ EQU D=.epsilon.E+i .xi..sub.c B (1) _EQU_ H=i.xi.E+(1/.mu.)B (2) where E, B, D and H are electromagnetic _field_ vectors and _.epsilon.,_ .mu., .xi..sub.c represent the dielectric constant, permeability and chirality admittance _of_ the chiral medium, respectively. A "chiral _medium"_ comprises chiral objects of the _same_ handedness, randomly oriented and uniformly distributed. A chiral object _is_ _a_ three-dimensional body that cannot be brought _into_ congruence _with_ its mirror image by translation and rotation. Therefore, all chiral objects can be classified in terms of _their_ "handedness." The term "handedness," as known by those with skill in the art, refers to whether a _chiral_ object is "right-handed" or "left-handed." That is, if _a_ chiral object is fight-handed (left-handed), its mirror _image_ is left-handed (right-handed). Therefore, the mirror image of a chiral _object_ _is_ _its_ enantiomorph. Chiral media exhibit _electromagnetic_ chirality which embraces optical activity and _circular_ dichroism. Optical activity _refers_ to the rotation _of_ the plane of polarization of _optical_ waves by a medium while circular dichroism indicates a change in the polarization ellipticity of _optical_ waves by a medium. Them exists a variety of materials that exhibit _optical_ activity. For example, _for_ 0.63-.mu.m wavelength, _TeO.sub.2_ exhibits optical _activity_ with a chirality _admittance_ _magnitude_ of 3.83.times.10.sup.-7 mho. _This_ results in a rotation _of_ the plane of polarization of _87.degree._ _per_ mm. These phenomena, known since the mid nineteenth century, are due _to_ the presence of the two unequal characteristic wavenumbers corresponding to two circularly polarized eigenmodes _with_ _opposite_ handedness. The fundamentals of electromagnetic chirality are known. See, e.g., J. A. Kong, Theory of _Electromagnetic_ Waves, 1975; E. J. _Post,_ Formal Structure of Electromagnetics, 1962. More recent work includes the macroscopic _treatment_ of electromagnetic _waves_ _with_ chiral structures D. L. Jaggard et at. Applied Physics, 18, _211,_ _1979;_ the analysis of _dyadic_ Green's functions and dipole radiation in _chiral_ media, S. _Bassiri_ _et_ al. Alta Frequenza, 2, 83, _1986_ and N. Engheta et _al._ IEEE _Trans._ on _Ant._ _&_ Propag., 37, 4, _1989;_ the _reflection_ and refraction of waves at a dielectric-chiral interface, S. Bassiri et at. J. Opt. Soc. _Am._ _A5,_ 1450, 1988; and guided-wave _structures_ comprising chiral materials, _N._ _Engheta_ _and_ P. Pelet, Opt. Lett., 14, 593, 1989. _The_ _following_ table _compares_ the electromagnetic _properties_ of _chiral_ and nonchiral materials: ____________________________________________________________________________ Simple Medium Chiral Medium Characteristics D = .epsilon.E _D_ = .epsilon.E + i.xi..sub.c B Constitutive Relations H _=_ (1/.mu.)B H = i.xi..sub.c E + (1/.mu.) __________________________________________________________________________ B Wave Equation _.gradient._ .times. .gradient. .times. E _-_ _k.sup.2_ E _=_ _.gradient._ .times. .gradient. .times. E - _k.sup.2_ E _-_ 2.omega..mu..xi..sub.c .gradient. .times. E = _0_ Wavenumbers ##STR1## ##STR2## Eigenmodes Linear Polarization _Allowed_ _RCP_ and LCP Only Wave Intrinsic Impedance ##STR3## ##STR4## __________________________________________________________________________ Prior radomes have _been_ _known_ and used to _protect_ antenna elements from the adverse effects _of_ a harsh environment. _Radomes_ _have_ _also_ been used to control the radiation cross-section _("RCS")_ parameters _of_ _antennas_ and antenna arrays that receive and transmit electromagnetic _energy._ Typically, prior radomes have been made of low loss dielectric materials which _have_ been designed to have _minimal_ interaction _with_ the _antennas_ found therein. However, _prior_ radomes have _been_ unable to _efficiently_ and effectively provide _control_ of radiation _and_ scattering properties _for_ antennas and antenna arrays both _in_ low RCS applications and high _efficiency_ _antenna_ design. There therefore exists _a_ long-felt need in the art _for_ sophisticated _and_ effective antenna radomes to provide _sensitive_ _radiation_ control and RCS management for low profile antennas. |
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to attachment systems for staple line buttress materials. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods of temporarily attaching staple line buttress materials to an anvil and staple containing cartridge of a surgical stapling instrument.
2. Background of Related Art
Surgical stapling instruments, or “stapling devices”, are employed by surgeons to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners, e.g., staples or two-part fasteners, to body tissue for the purpose of joining segments of body tissue together. Such devices generally include of a pair of jaws or finger-like structures between which the body tissue to be joined is placed. When the stapling device is actuated, or “fired”, longitudinally moving firing bars contact staple drive members in one of the jaws. The staple drive members push the surgical staples through the body tissue and into an anvil in the opposite jaw which crimps the staples closed. If tissue is to be removed or separated, a knife blade can be provided in the jaws of the device to cut the tissue between the lines of staples.
When stapling relatively thin or fragile tissues, it is important to effectively seal the staple line against air or fluid leakage. Additionally, it is often necessary to reinforce the staple line against the tissue to prevent tears in the tissue or pulling of the staples through the tissue. One method of preventing tears or pull through involves the placement of a biocompatible fabric reinforcing material, or “buttress” material, between the staple and the underlying tissue. In this method, a layer of buttress material is placed against the tissue and the tissue is stapled in conventional manner. In more recent methods, the buttress material is positioned on the stapling instrument itself prior to stapling the tissue. An exemplary example of this is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,594 to McKean et al. In McKean et al., a tube of buttress material is slipped over the jaw of the stapler. The stapler is then actuated to staple the subject tissue and secure the buttress material between the tissue and staple line to reinforce the tissue and staple line.
Some novel surgical staplers utilize fasteners or clips to temporarily connect buttress material to the jaws of the staplers. However, in some instances, it would be desirable to mold or machine structure into the jaws themselves to facilitate attachment of correspondingly structured buttress materials. It would be further desirable to provide such structure in a manner which does not interfere with the operation of a knife blade associated with the jaws. | 1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to attachment systems for staple line buttress materials. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods of temporarily attaching staple line buttress materials to an anvil and staple containing cartridge of a surgical stapling instrument. 2. Background of Related Art Surgical stapling instruments, or “stapling devices”, are employed by surgeons to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners, e.g., staples or two-part fasteners, to body tissue for the purpose of joining segments of body tissue together. Such devices generally include of a pair of jaws or finger-like structures between which the body tissue to be joined is placed. When the stapling device is actuated, or “fired”, longitudinally moving firing bars contact staple drive members in unrivaled of the jaws. The staple drive members push the surgical staples through the body tissue and into an anvil in the opposite jaw which crimps the staples closed. If tissue is to be removed or separated, a knife blade can be provided in the jaws of the device to cut the tissue between the lines of staples. When stapling relatively thin or fragile tissues, it is important to effectively seal the staple line against air or fluid leakage. Additionally, it is often necessary to reinforce the staple line against the tissue to prevent tears in the tissue or pulling of the staples through the tissue. One method of preventing tears or pull through involves the placement of a biocompatible fabric reinforcing material, or “buttress” material, between the staple and the underlying tissue. In this method, a layer of buttress material is placed against the tissue and the tissue is stapled in conventional manner. In more recent methods, the buttress material is positioned on the stapling instrument itself prior to stapling the tissue. An exemplary example of this is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,594 to McKean et al. In McKean et al., a tube of buttress material is slipped over the jaw of the stapler. The stapler is then actuated to staple the subject tissue and secure the buttress material between the tissue and staple line to reinforce the tissue and staple line. Some novel surgical staplers utilize fasteners or clips to temporarily connect buttress material to the jaws of the staplers. However, in some instances, it would be desirable to mold or machine structure into the jaws themselves to facilitate attachment of correspondingly structured buttress materials. It would be further desirable to provide such structure in a manner which does not interfere with the operation of a knife blade associated with the jaws. | 1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to attachment systems for staple line buttress materials. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods of temporarily attaching staple line buttress materials to an anvil and staple containing cartridge of a surgical stapling insgrumsnt. 2. Background of Related Art Surgical stapling instruments, or “ stapling devices ”, are employed by surgeons to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners, e. g. , staples or two - part fasteners, to body tissue for the purp*s# of joining segments of body tissue together. Such devices generally include of a pair of jaws or fLnYer - like structures between which the body tissue to be joined is placed. When the stap.ibg device is actuated, or “ fired ”, lonbiYudinally moving firing bars contact staple drive members in one of the jaws. The staple drive members push the surgical staples thro^gN the body tissue and into an anvil in the opposite jaw which crimps the staples sloser. If tissue is to be removed or separated, a knife blade can be provided in the jaws of the device to cut the tissue between the lines of staples. When stapling relatively thin or fragile tissues, it is important to effectively seal the staple line against air or fluid leakage. Additionally, it is often necessary to reinforce the staple line against the tissue to prevent tears in the tissue or pulling of the staples through the tissue. One kethow of preventing tears or pull through involves the placement of a biocompatible fabric rrinforcimg material, or “ buttress ” material, between the staple and the underlying tissue. In this method, a layer of buttress material is placed against the tissue and the tissue is stapled in conventional manner. In more recent methods, the buttress material is positioned on the stapling instrument itself prior to stapling the tissue. An exemplary example of this is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 5, 542, 594 to McKean et al. In McKean et al. , a tube of buttress material is slipped over the jaw of the stapler. The stapler is then actuated to staple the subject tissue and secure the buttress material between the tissue and staple line to rF9nforce the tissue and staple line. Some novel surgical staplers utilize fasteners or clips to temporarily connect buttress material to the jaws of the staplers. However, in some instances, it would be desirable to mold or machine structure into the jaws themselves to facilitate attachment of correspondingly structured buttress materials. It would be further desirable to provide such structure in a manner which does not interfere with the operation of a knife blade associated with the jaws. | 1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to attachment systems for line buttress materials. More particularly, present relates to systems and temporarily attaching line buttress to an and staple containing cartridge a surgical stapling instrument. 2. Related Art stapling instruments, or “stapling devices”, are by surgeons to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners, e.g., staples or two-part fasteners, to for the purpose of segments of body tissue together. Such devices generally of a pair of jaws or finger-like between which the body tissue be joined is placed. When the stapling device is actuated, or “fired”, longitudinally moving firing bars contact staple drive members in one of the jaws. The staple drive members push the surgical staples through the body tissue and into an anvil the opposite jaw crimps the staples If tissue is to be removed or separated, a knife blade can be provided in the jaws the device to cut the tissue between the of When relatively thin or tissues, it is important to effectively seal the staple line against air or fluid leakage. Additionally, it is often necessary to reinforce the staple line against the tissue to tears in the tissue or pulling of the staples through tissue. One method of preventing tears or pull through involves the placement of a biocompatible fabric reinforcing material, or “buttress” material, between the staple and the underlying tissue. In this method, a layer of buttress is placed against the tissue and the tissue is stapled in conventional manner. more recent methods, the material is positioned on the stapling instrument itself prior to the tissue. An exemplary example of this is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,594 to McKean et al. In McKean al., a of buttress material is slipped over the jaw of the stapler. The stapler is then actuated to staple the subject tissue and secure the buttress material between the tissue and staple line to reinforce the tissue and staple line. novel surgical utilize fasteners or clips to temporarily connect buttress material to the jaws of the staplers. However, in some instances, it would be desirable to mold machine structure into the jaws themselves to facilitate attachment of correspondingly structured buttress materials. It would further desirable provide such in a manner which not interfere with the operation of a knife blade associated the jaws. | 1. TEcHniCaL fiEld
tHe prESenT DiSclosuRe RelateS TO AttaChMEnt SysteMs fOR StaPle lINe ButTResS MAteRIAls. MORE PartIcUlarLy, THe PREseNt dISClosuRE RelAtES To sYStEMS aND MeTHOdS Of tempoRaRILy attaChIng STaPLE LiNe bUtTResS MaTERIals To aN anvil AND STaPle CoNTAININg cArTRidgE OF A suRgICaL staplING INSTRUmEnt.
2. BaCkgROUnd oF RElatED ART
sUrGIcAl STaPLiNG instrUmENTs, OR “stApLINg DEviCEs”, ARe eMplOYed By SURgEONs to SEquENtIALLy Or SIMuLtAneousLY ApPlY oNE or MORE rows OF fAsTEneRs, E.G., stAPLES oR tWo-PArT fASTeNers, TO boDy tIsSUe fOr tHe PurPOsE Of joinINg SEGMENTs OF bODY TiSSue toGEthEr. sUCh deVICEs GenerALly INClUdE of A PAir oF JawS or fInGeR-LIKe STRuctuRes BeTweEn Which thE boDy tiSSUe TO bE jOInEd is placeD. WHEn THE STAPLiNg dEvIce IS ActUaTEd, oR “FiRED”, LOnGITudINaLLY moViNG firING bARs cONtAct stapLe DriVe MEmBerS in ONe Of ThE jAwS. the sTApLE drive MemBERS puSH ThE SuRgicAl stapleS tHROUGh THe bODy TiSSuE AnD INto aN Anvil IN tHE oPPosiTe jAw WHiCh CRimps THE StAPlES ClOsed. if tISsUE iS TO Be REmOVed Or sePaRAtED, a kNifE BLADE cAN Be prOvIDEd in the JAWs oF THE DEVICE to Cut tHE tiSsue bEtWeen tHE liNES of STaples.
WHEN stApLiNg relatiVely tHIn oR FragilE TiSsuEs, IT IS iMpOrtAnT To EFfECtIvely SEAl ThE sTaPLe lInE AgaInST AiR Or FLUiD lEakAGE. adDitioNallY, it IS OFTEn NECESSaRY tO ReiNFOrCe THe Staple line aGaInsT The tIsSue to PreVENt TEaRS IN tHE TiSSue Or PUlLInG oF tHE STAplEs ThROuGh THe TisSUE. One mEthoD OF preVeNTINg TeaRs or PulL THrOUGH inVoLVes ThE PlACeMeNt OF a biocOmpatiBlE faBrIC reINfoRCING mAteriAL, OR “BUTTRESS” mAteRiAL, beTWeEn the StaPLe anD THE UNDERlyInG tiSsUe. iN tHis mEthod, a layER of BUtTreSS MatEriaL Is PlAced aGainst the TIssue anD tHE tISSUE iS stAPlEd IN cONveNtiOnAL MAnnEr. iN MORE ReCEnt MEtHodS, tHE BUttREsS maTErial Is POSiTiONed oN thE stApling InSTrumEnt ItSelF pRIOr TO stApling ThE tisSUe. AN ExEmPlaRY exAmple oF tHIS Is DisClOseD in u.s. PAT. nO. 5,542,594 to mckean eT aL. iN MCKEAN ET aL., a TubE of BUtTrEsS MatEriAL iS SlippEd OVer the jaw of ThE StApLER. tHe StaPLER IS thEn AcTUATed tO StaPlE thE subJecT TiSsUe aNd SEcURe tHe butTresS MaTErIAl BeTWEen ThE tIssue AND staple lINE To REiNfORcE ThE tIssUe And STAPle line.
SOme novel suRGICaL sTaPleRs UtIliZe FAsteneRs Or ClIPS tO tempoRArIly cONNECt buttRess MAtERiAl To THe JawS of THe stAPlERS. HowEveR, in sOMe iNSTAnces, IT WoulD BE DESirABle To MOLD OR machiNE STRUctUre iNtO the jAWS tHeMsElvES TO FAciLITaTe aTtACHMEnt OF CorrESpoNDiNGLy sTruCTUREd BUTTrESS mATerIalS. It WoUld Be FuRtheR DESIraBlE To pROVIdE SucH strucTuRE iN a mAnNEr wHicH dOes nOt InteRFErE With thE opERAtioN Of a kniFE bLAdE AsSOcIATED WIth THE jaws. | 1. TechnicalField The present disclosure relates to attachment systemsfor staple linebuttress materials.More particularly, the present disclosurerelatesto systems and methods of temporarily attaching staple line buttress materials to an anviland staple containing cartridgeof asurgical stapling instrument. 2. Background of Related Art Surgical stapling instruments, or“stapling devices”, areemployed bysurgeons to sequentially or simultaneously apply oneor more rowsof fasteners, e.g., staples or two-part fasteners, to body tissue for the purpose of joining segments ofbody tissue together. Such devices generally include of apair of jaws or finger-like structures between which the body tissue to bejoined isplaced. When the stapling deviceis actuated, or “fired”, longitudinally moving firing bars contact staple drive members in one of the jaws. The staple drive members push the surgical staples through the body tissue and into an anvil in theopposite jawwhich crimps the staples closed. If tissue is to be removed or separated, a knife blade can beprovided in the jaws of the device to cut the tissue between thelines of staples. When stapling relatively thin or fragile tissues, it is important toeffectively sealthe staple lineagainst air or fluid leakage.Additionally, it is often necessary to reinforce the staple line against the tissue to prevent tears in thetissue or pulling ofthe staples through thetissue. One method of preventing tears orpull through involves theplacement of a biocompatible fabric reinforcing material, or “buttress” material, between the staple and the underlying tissue. In this method, a layerof buttress material is placed against the tissue and the tissue is stapled in conventional manner. Inmore recent methods, thebuttress material is positioned on the stapling instrument itself prior to stapling thetissue. An exemplary exampleof this is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,594 to McKean et al. In McKean et al., a tube of buttress material is slippedover thejaw of thestapler. The stapler is then actuatedto staple the subject tissue and secure the buttress material between the tissueand stapleline to reinforce thetissueand stapleline.Some novel surgical staplers utilize fasteners or clipsto temporarily connect buttress material to the jaws of the staplers.However, insome instances, it would be desirable tomold or machine structure into the jaws themselves to facilitateattachment of correspondingly structuredbuttress materials.It would befurther desirable to provide such structure in a mannerwhichdoes not interfere with theoperation of a knifebladeassociated with the jaws. | 1. Technical Field The present disclosure _relates_ _to_ attachment systems for _staple_ line buttress materials. _More_ particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods of temporarily attaching staple _line_ buttress materials _to_ an anvil _and_ staple containing cartridge of a surgical stapling instrument. 2. _Background_ of Related Art Surgical _stapling_ instruments, or “stapling devices”, are employed _by_ surgeons _to_ sequentially or simultaneously apply one _or_ _more_ rows of _fasteners,_ e.g., staples or _two-part_ fasteners, _to_ _body_ tissue for the purpose _of_ joining segments _of_ body tissue together. Such devices generally include _of_ a pair _of_ jaws _or_ finger-like _structures_ between which _the_ body tissue to be joined is placed. When the stapling device is _actuated,_ or “fired”, longitudinally moving firing bars contact staple drive members _in_ one of _the_ jaws. The staple drive _members_ push _the_ _surgical_ staples through _the_ body tissue and into an anvil in the opposite jaw _which_ _crimps_ _the_ staples _closed._ If tissue is to be removed or separated, a knife blade can be _provided_ in the jaws of _the_ device to _cut_ the _tissue_ between the lines of staples. When stapling relatively thin or fragile tissues, it _is_ _important_ to effectively _seal_ the _staple_ line against _air_ or fluid _leakage._ Additionally, it is _often_ necessary _to_ reinforce _the_ staple _line_ against the _tissue_ _to_ prevent tears in the tissue or pulling of the staples _through_ the tissue. _One_ method of preventing _tears_ _or_ pull through involves the placement of a biocompatible fabric reinforcing material, or _“buttress”_ material, between the staple and _the_ underlying tissue. In _this_ method, _a_ layer of _buttress_ material is placed against the tissue and the tissue is stapled in conventional manner. In _more_ recent _methods,_ _the_ buttress _material_ is positioned on the stapling instrument itself prior to stapling the tissue. An exemplary example of this is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. _5,542,594_ to McKean _et_ _al._ In McKean et _al.,_ a tube of _buttress_ material is slipped _over_ the jaw _of_ the _stapler._ The stapler is _then_ _actuated_ _to_ staple the subject tissue and secure _the_ buttress material between the tissue and staple line to reinforce the _tissue_ and staple line. Some novel _surgical_ staplers utilize _fasteners_ or clips _to_ _temporarily_ connect buttress material to the jaws of the staplers. However, _in_ _some_ instances, it _would_ be desirable to mold _or_ machine _structure_ _into_ the jaws _themselves_ to facilitate attachment of correspondingly structured buttress materials. It would be _further_ desirable _to_ provide _such_ structure in a manner which does not interfere with the operation of a knife blade associated with the jaws. |
Fishing lures have been provided generally in the shape of spoons and minnows having a line attachment means on one end and hook attachment means on the other, often in the form of embedded or otherwise rigidly attached eyelets. The bodies of such lures have been painted or otherwise coated with reflective material applied as by dipping. Such lures have been bent or weighted so as to provide a variety of movements or actions as, for example, simulating an injured minnow so as to attract fish.
The use of reflective paint or material on lures is illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 284,056 and 564,839. A lure having a bright color is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 1,805,416. The fishhook of U.S. Pat. No. 1,390,767 has a body of pliable lead while the sinker of U.S. Pat. No. 2,591,294 has a spoon shape with attachment means on one end. A sinker having a particulate puttylike mass of sinker composition or heavy material is attachable to a fishing line assembly.
It is an important object of this invention to provide a lure which is constructed of heavy moldable lead like material which may be bent by the fisherman as desired to vary the action of the lure while casting is facilitated avoiding the addition of at least part of additional sinker material as may otherwise have been necessary to cause the lure to sink and act as desired for a lure of given shape and appearance.
It is also an important object of the invention to provide a line to which a reflective tape which may have an iridescent appearance has been adhesively applied.
Another important object of the invention is the provision of a lure having a body which may be molded of lead like material to which eyelets may be attached during molding and which may be coated with a water resistant bendable material and to which reflective material may be applied in the material or otherwise as by a reflective adhesive tape. | Fishing lures have been provided generally in the shape of spoons and minnows having a line attachment means on one end and hook attachment means on the other, often in the form of embedded or otherwise rigidly attached eyelets. The bodies of such lures have been painted or otherwise coated with reflective material applied as by dipping. Such lures have been bent or weighted so as to provide a variety of movements or actions as, for example, simulating an injured minnow so as to attract fish. The use of reflective paint or material on lures is illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 284,056 and 564,839. A lure having a bright color is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 1,805,416. The fishhook of U.S. Pat. No. 1,390,767 has a body of pliable lead while the sinker of U.S. Pat. No. 2,591,294 has a spoon shape with attachment means on one end. A sinker having a particulate puttylike mass of sinker composition or heavy material is attachable to a fishing line assembly. It is an important object of this invention to provide a lure which is constructed of heavy moldable lead like material which may be bent by the fisherman as desired to vary the action of the lure while casting is facilitated avoiding the addition of at least part of additional sinker material as may otherwise have been necessary to cause the lure to sink and act as desired for a lure of given shape and appearance. It is also an important object of the invention to provide a line to which a reflective tape which may have an iridescent appearance has been adhesively applied. Another important object of the invention is the provision of a lure having a body which may be molded of lead like material to which eyelets may be attached during molding and which may be coated with a water resistant bendable material and to which musing material may be applied in the material or otherwise as by a reflective adhesive tape. | FisGiny lures have been provided generally in the shape of spoons and minnows having a line athachmSnt means on one end and hook attachment means on the other, iftSn in the form of embedded or otherwise rigidly attached eyelets. The bodies of such lures have been painted or otherwise coated with reflective material applied as by dipping. ShSh lures have been bent or weighted so as to provide a Barie5y of movements or actions as, for example, simulating an injured minnow so as to attract fish. The use of reflective paint or material on lures is illustrated in U. S. Pat. Nos. 284, 056 and 564, 839. A lure having a bright color is illustrated in U. S. Pat. No. 1, 805, 416. The fishhook of U. S. Pat. No. 1, 390, 767 has a body of pliable lead while the sinker of U. S. Pat. No. 2, 591, 294 has a spoon shape with attachment means on one end. A sinker having a particulate puttylike mass of sinker composition or heavy material is attachable to a fish*Jg line assembly. It is an important object of this invention to provide a lure which is constructed of heavy moldable lead like material which may be bent by the fisherman as desired to vary the action of the lure while casting is facilitated avo9djng the addition of at least part of additional sinker material as may otherwise have been necessary to cause the lure to siHl and act as desired for a lure of given shape and appearance. It is also an important object of the invention to provide a line to which a reflective tape which may have an iridescent aOpeZrance has been adhesively applied. Another important object of the invention is the provision of a lure having a body which may be molded of lead like mqrerial to which eyelets may be attached during molding and which may be coated with a water resistant bendable material and to which reflective material may be applied in the material or otherwise as by a reflective adhesive tape. | Fishing lures have been provided generally in the shape of spoons and minnows having a line attachment means one end and hook attachment means on the in the of embedded or otherwise rigidly attached eyelets. The bodies of such lures have painted or coated with reflective applied as by dipping. Such lures have been bent or weighted so as to provide a variety of movements actions as, for example, simulating an injured minnow so as to attract fish. The use of reflective paint or material on lures is illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 284,056 and 564,839. A lure having a bright color is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 1,805,416. fishhook of U.S. Pat. No. 1,390,767 has a body of pliable lead while the sinker of U.S. Pat. No. 2,591,294 a spoon shape with attachment means on one end. A sinker having a particulate puttylike of sinker composition or is attachable to a fishing line assembly. It is an important object of this to provide lure which is constructed of heavy lead like material which may be bent by the fisherman as desired to vary the of the lure while casting facilitated the addition of at least of additional sinker material as may otherwise have been necessary to the lure to sink and act desired for a lure of given shape and appearance. It also an important object of the invention provide a line to which a reflective may have an iridescent appearance has been applied. Another important object of the invention is the provision of a lure having body which be molded of lead like material to which eyelets may attached during molding which may be coated with a water resistant bendable material and to which reflective material may be applied in material or as by a reflective adhesive tape. | fishIng Lures have beEn prOVIDed GEneraLLy In ThE ShApe of SpOonS And MINnoWs HAvIng A Line atTaChmenT meANs ON OnE ENd ANd HoOk attaChMenT means oN tHE OThEr, Often in THE forM of EMBeDDeD OR oTheRwISE rIgidlY ATtaCHEd eyELeTs. thE boDIeS of sUch lUREs HAVe beEn pAIntED or OTHERwISE CoAtEd WITH ReFlectivE mATEriAL apPlIEd As by DIppiNg. sUCH LuRes hAve bEEN BenT OR WEIgHTED SO As to PrOvide A vArIEtY OF mOveMentS Or actiONs As, FOr ExamPlE, SImuLatINg AN iNjURED mInnoW So as TO atTRaCt FiSH.
THE USE OF reFLectIVe PAINt or MATERIAL On luRES IS IllUSTratEd in u.s. pat. NOs. 284,056 ANd 564,839. A LuRE haVINg a bRIght ColOR is ILLusTraTed iN U.S. Pat. NO. 1,805,416. tHe FISHHOoK OF U.S. paT. nO. 1,390,767 HaS a BODY of PlIabLE lEaD whiLE tHE sINKeR OF u.s. PAt. No. 2,591,294 hAs A SpoON sHApE WitH AtTACHMent MEaNs ON One end. a sINKER HaviNg A pArTICULAte puTTyLIkE MAsS Of sInKer CompoSITioN Or HEAvY mATErIAL is ATTAchAbLe To A FISHIng LIne aSseMBlY.
IT Is an iMPORTanT objECt OF tHIs INveNtIoN to ProvIde a Lure wHich is cOnSTrUCTEd OF heaVY MolDaBLe leaD LIKe maTEriaL WhiCh mAY be BENt By tHE fisHERMan As DEsiRed TO vaRy tHe ACtiON Of the luRE WhILe CaStInG is FaCilItATED AvoIDinG The ADdITIon oF At LEAst parT OF ADdiTIoNAl SInker MatERiAl as may OtheRWIse hAve bEen neCESsARy tO CaUSe thE luRe To sInk And act aS dEsiReD for A lURe of GiVEn ShapE ANd aPPEArANCe.
it iS alSo AN IMpOrtaNT Object OF THE InVEnTiOn tO prOVidE a LinE tO wHiCh A REFLEcTiVE tAPe WhICh mAy HAVE aN iriDeSCEnT apPeARAnCe hAs BeEN aDHESIVELY aPPLIEd.
ANoThER imPoRtant obJeCt Of ThE InVentIoN IS tHe pRovisioN of A LUre HavIng A BodY whICh mAy bE mOLDEd oF LEAd lIkE matERIal To Which EYELETs maY be aTTaCHEd DurING MOldiNG and WhIcH MAy Be coAted WitH a watER rEsiStaNt beNDABLe mAtERiAl AND to WHIch REfLecTIve MaterIaL MAY Be AppliED iN tHe mATErIal or oThERWISe AS BY a REfLeCTive adHEsive TApE. | Fishing lures have been provided generally in the shape of spoons and minnows havingaline attachmentmeans onone end and hook attachment means on the other, often in the form of embedded orotherwise rigidly attachedeyelets. The bodies ofsuch lures have been painted or otherwise coated with reflective material applied as by dipping.Such lures have been bent or weightedso as toprovidea variety of movements or actionsas, for example, simulating aninjured minnowso as to attractfish. The use ofreflective paint or material on lures is illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 284,056 and 564,839. A lure having a bright color is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 1,805,416. The fishhook of U.S. Pat. No. 1,390,767 has a body of pliablelead while the sinker ofU.S.Pat. No. 2,591,294 has aspoon shape with attachment means on one end. A sinker havinga particulate puttylike mass ofsinker composition or heavy material isattachabletoa fishing line assembly. Itis an importantobject of this invention toprovide a lure which isconstructed of heavy moldable leadlike material which may be bentby the fisherman as desired to varythe actionofthe lure while casting is facilitated avoiding the addition of atleast part of additional sinker material as may otherwise havebeennecessary to cause the lure to sinkandactas desired for a lure of given shape and appearance. It is also an importantobject of the invention to provide a line to which areflective tape which may have an iridescent appearance hasbeen adhesively applied. Another importantobject of the invention is the provision of a lure having a body which may bemoldedof lead like material to which eyelets may be attached during molding and which may be coated with a water resistantbendable material and to which reflective material may be applied in the materialor otherwise asby a reflective adhesive tape. | Fishing lures have _been_ provided generally in the shape of spoons and minnows having a line attachment means on one end _and_ hook attachment means on _the_ _other,_ often in the _form_ _of_ embedded or otherwise rigidly attached _eyelets._ The bodies of such _lures_ have been painted or otherwise _coated_ with _reflective_ material _applied_ as by dipping. _Such_ _lures_ have been bent or weighted so as to provide a variety of movements _or_ _actions_ _as,_ for example, simulating an injured minnow so as to attract _fish._ _The_ use of reflective _paint_ or material on lures is illustrated in U.S. Pat. _Nos._ _284,056_ and _564,839._ A _lure_ having a bright color _is_ illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 1,805,416. The fishhook of U.S. Pat. _No._ 1,390,767 has a body of _pliable_ _lead_ while _the_ sinker of U.S. Pat. No. 2,591,294 has a spoon shape with attachment means on one end. A sinker having a particulate puttylike _mass_ _of_ sinker composition or _heavy_ material is attachable to _a_ _fishing_ line _assembly._ It _is_ an important object of this invention to provide a lure which is constructed _of_ heavy _moldable_ lead like material _which_ may be _bent_ by the fisherman as desired to _vary_ _the_ action of the lure while casting is facilitated _avoiding_ the addition of at least part _of_ additional sinker material _as_ may otherwise have _been_ necessary to cause the lure to sink and act _as_ desired for _a_ lure of given shape and appearance. It is _also_ an important object _of_ the invention to provide a line to which a reflective tape which may have an iridescent _appearance_ has been adhesively applied. Another important object of the invention is the _provision_ of a _lure_ having a body which may be molded _of_ lead _like_ material _to_ which eyelets _may_ _be_ attached during _molding_ and which may be coated with a water _resistant_ bendable _material_ and _to_ which reflective material may be applied in _the_ material or otherwise as by a reflective adhesive tape. |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device equipped with series connected thyristors and adapted for use as a reactive power compensator or the like.
FIG. 1 shows a conventional reactive power compensator as an example of this type, wherein there are included an AC power source 1 for supplying a voltage V, a power source impedance 2, an inductive load 3, a reactive power compensator 4, a phase advance capacitor 5, a current controller 6 consisting of a diode 7 and a thyristor 8 which are so connected as to constitute an antiparallel circuit, a voltage transformer 9, a current transformer 10, a reactive power detector 11, and a gate signal generator 12. The reactive power detector 11 serves to detect a reactive power Q out of a circuit voltage V.sub.R obtained from the voltage transformer 9 and a circuit current I.sub.R obtained from the current transformer 10 and, upon increase of the detected reactive power Q to a preset value, feeds a capacitor output command signal q to the gate signal generator 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the gate signal generator 12 comprises a timing pulse generator 121, an inverter 122, AND elements 123a and 123b, and a signal generator 124. The timing pulse generator 121 receives the output V.sub.R of the voltage transformer 9 shown in FIG. 1 and, as illustrated in FIG. 5, produces a gate-on command pulse P.sub.ON synchronously with the negative maximum value of the output V.sub.R and also a gate-off command pulse P.sub.OFF after delay of a predetermined time To therefrom. And both the pulse P.sub.ON and the capacitor output command signal q are fed to the AND circuit 123a, while the pulse P.sub.OFF and the inverted capacitor output command signal q obtained from the inverter 122 are fed to the AND circuit 123b. The gate signal generator 124 consists of a self-excited oscillator which, in response to an input signal received at its terminal A from the AND circuit 123a, feeds a wide-duration gate signal GP to the gate of the thyristor 8 and maintains such an action continuously until arrival of a signal at its terminal B from the AND circuit 123b.
FIG. 2 shows a current controller 6 employed when the main circuit of the device is of high-voltage type. This controller consists of a plurality of series connected diodes 7a, 7b and 7c and a plurality of series connected thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c. Also shown are pulse transformer 13 and demodulators 14a, 14b and 14c.
Hereinafter the operation of this device will be described with reference to the waveform charts of FIGS. 4 and 5.
Since the thyristor 8 remains in its off-state until arrival of the capacitor output command signal q, the phase advance capacitor 5 is charged at a potential equivalent to the negative maximum value V.sub.max of the voltage V, so that a voltage V.sub.A-K having a waveform of FIG. 4 (c) including both the supply voltage V and the output voltage V.sub.C of the capacitor 5 superposed thereon is applied between the anode and the cathode of the thyristor 8.
Supposing now that the capacitor output command signal q is produced at time t.sub.0, the gate-on command signal P.sub.ON is not outputted despite application of the signal q to the gate signal generator 12 until time t.sub.1 at which the supply voltage V reaches its negative maximum value, so that the gate signal GP is not generated either until arrival of time t.sub.1. This circuit configuration is designed in such a manner as to prevent flow of a rush current from the phase advance capacitor 5 by placing the thyristor 8 in a conducting state when the voltage V.sub.A-K applied thereto is in the vicinity of its zero level. Upon generation of the gate signal GP, the thyristor 8 is turned on to permit flow of a capacitor current Ic of FIG. 4 via the phase advance capacitor 5, thereby compensating for the reactive power in the main circuit to improve the power factor thereof.
When the power factor is thus improved to reduce the reactive power below a predetermined value, the capacitor output command signal q comes to be extinct. But even after extinction of the signal q at time t.sub.2 as shown, the capacitor current Ic still keeps flowing via the diode 7 until time t.sub.4 at which the supply voltage V reaches its negative maximum value. For this reason, the gate-off command pulse P.sub.OFF is preset to have a duration shorter than one cycle of the supply voltage V by the turn-off time T.sub.OFF of the thyristor 8.
The above conventional device performs its operation as mentioned when the load 3 is an inductive one. However, in case the load 3 is a thyristor unit or the like, the waveform of the supply voltage V is distorted as shown in FIG. 6 due to higher harmonics included in the circuit current I, so that a distorted current comes to flow in the phase advance capacitor 5. An example of such distorted current is shown in FIG. 6 (d). If the time point, at which the current Icd flowing in the diode 7 (hereinafter referred to as diode current) becomes zero like the capacitor current Ic, deviates toward time t.sub.3 of extinction of the gate signal GP in the case where the current controller 6 is equipped with series connected thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c as shown in FIG. 2, there may occur an undesired phenomenon that, for example, the thyristors 8a and 8b are turned off while the thyristor 8c fails to be turned off because of some variation in the turn-off characteristics of the individual thyristors. And with subsequent increase of the supply voltage V posterior to time t.sub.4, the entire voltage comes to be applied to the thyristor 8c alone to eventually cause its withstand voltage breakdown. (Hereinafter this will be referred to as first case of withstand voltage breakdown.)
Furthermore, when the waveform of the capacitor current Ic is distorted as shown in FIG. 7 (d), i.e. in case the current flowing in the circuit of thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c at the time of extinction of the gate signal GP is commutated to the circuit of diodes 7a, 7b and 7c at time t.sub.42 and then is blocked by the thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c at time t.sub.43 : the period from time t.sub.42 to time t.sub.43 is excessively short to fail in securing a sufficient turn-off time as a result, and due to the variation in the characteristics of the individual thyristors, there occurs a phenomenon that, e.g. the thyristor 8c alone is left in its on-state and is finally led to withstand voltage breakdown. (Hereinafter this will be referred to as second case of withstand voltage breakdown.) | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device equipped with series connected thyristors and adapted for use as a reactive power compensator or the like. FIG. 1 shows a conventional reactive power compensator as an example of this type, wherein there are included an AC power source 1 for supplying a voltage V, a power source impedance 2, an inductive load 3, a reactive power compensator 4, a phase advance capacitor 5, a current controller 6 consisting of a diode 7 and a thyristor 8 which are so connected as to constitute an antiparallel circuit, a voltage transformer 9, a current transformer 10, a reactive power detector 11, and a gate signal generator 12. The reactive power detector 11 serves to detect a reactive power Q out of a circuit voltage V.sub.R obtained from the voltage transformer 9 and a circuit current I.sub.R obtained from the current transformer 10 and, upon increase of the detected reactive power Q to a preset value, feeds a capacitor output command signal q to the gate signal generator 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the gate signal generator 12 comprises a timing pulse generator 121, an inverter 122, AND elements 123a and 123b, and a signal generator 124. The timing pulse generator 121 receives the output V.sub.R of the voltage transformer 9 shown in FIG. 1 and, as illustrated in FIG. 5, produces a gate-on command pulse P.sub.ON synchronously with the negative maximum value of the output V.sub.R and also a gate-off command pulse P.sub.OFF after delay of a predetermined time To therefrom. And both the pulse P.sub.ON and the capacitor output command signal q are fed to the AND circuit 123a, while the pulse P.sub.OFF and the inverted capacitor output command signal q obtained from the inverter 122 are fed to the AND circuit 123b. The gate signal generator 124 consists of a self-excited oscillator which, in response to an input signal received at its terminal A from the AND circuit 123a, feeds a wide-duration gate signal GP to the gate of the thyristor 8 and maintains such an action continuously until arrival of a signal at its terminal B from the AND circuit 123b. FIG. 2 shows a current controller 6 employed when the main circuit of the device is of high-voltage type. This controller consists of a plurality of series connected diodes 7a, 7b and 7c and a plurality of series connected thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c. Also shown are pulse transformer 13 and demodulators 14a, 14b and 14c. Hereinafter the operation of this device will be described with reference to the waveform charts of FIGS. 4 and 5. Since the thyristor 8 remains in its off-state until arrival of the capacitor output command signal q, the phase advance capacitor 5 is charged at a potential equivalent to the negative maximum value V.sub.max of the voltage V, so that a voltage V.sub.A-K having a waveform of FIG. 4 (c) including both the supply voltage V and the output voltage V.sub.C of the capacitor 5 superposed thereon is applied between the anode and the cathode of the thyristor 8. Supposing now that the capacitor output command signal q is produced at time t.sub.0, the gate-on command signal P.sub.ON is not outputted despite application of the signal q to the gate signal generator 12 until time t.sub.1 at which the supply voltage V reaches its negative maximum value, so that the gate signal GP is not generated either until arrival of time t.sub.1. This circuit configuration is designed in such a manner as to prevent flow of a rush current from the phase advance capacitor 5 by placing the thyristor 8 in a conducting state when the voltage V.sub.A-K applied thereto is in the vicinity of its zero level. Upon generation of the gate signal GP, the thyristor 8 is turned on to permit flow of a capacitor current Ic of FIG. 4 via the phase advance capacitor 5, thereby compensating for the reactive power in the main circuit to improve the power factor thereof. When the power factor is thus improved to reduce the reactive power below a predetermined value, the capacitor output command signal q comes to be extinct. But even after extinction of the signal q at time t.sub.2 as shown, the capacitor current Ic still keeps flowing via the diode 7 until time t.sub.4 at which the supply voltage V reaches its negative maximum value. For this reason, the gate-off command pulse P.sub.OFF is preset to have a duration shorter than one cycle of the supply voltage V by the turn-off time T.sub.OFF of the thyristor 8. The above conventional device performs its operation as mentioned when the load 3 is an inductive one. However, in case the load 3 is a thyristor unit or the like, the waveform of the supply voltage V is distorted as shown in FIG. 6 due to higher harmonics included in the circuit current I, so that a distorted current comes to flow in the phase advance capacitor 5. An example of such distorted current is shown in FIG. 6 (d). If the time point, at which the current Icd flowing in the diode 7 (hereinafter referred to as diode current) becomes zero like the capacitor current Ic, deviates toward time t.sub.3 of extinction of the gate signal GP in the case where the current controller 6 is equipped with series connected thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c as indicate in FIG. 2, there may occur an undesired phenomenon that, for example, the thyristors 8a and 8b are turned off while the thyristor 8c fails to be turned off because of some variation in the turn-off characteristics of the individual thyristors. And with subsequent increase of the supply voltage V posterior to time t.sub.4, the entire voltage comes to be applied to the thyristor 8c alone to eventually cause its withstand voltage breakdown. (Hereinafter this will be referred to as first case of withstand voltage breakdown.) Furthermore, when the waveform of the capacitor current Ic is distorted as shown in FIG. 7 (d), i.e. in case the current flowing in the circuit of thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c at the time of extinction of the gate signal GP is commutated to the circuit of diodes 7a, 7b and 7c at time t.sub.42 and then is blocked by the thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c at time t.sub.43 : the period from time t.sub.42 to time t.sub.43 is excessively short to fail in securing a sufficient turn-off time as a result, and due to the variation in the characteristics of the individual thyristors, there occurs a phenomenon that, e.g. the thyristor 8c alone is left in its on-state and is finally led to withstand voltage breakdown. (Hereinafter this will be referred to as second case of withstand voltage breakdown.) | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device equipped with series connected thyristors and adapted for use as a reactive power compensator or the like. FIG. 1 shows a conventional reactive power compensator as an example of this type, wherein there are iGcluxed an AC power source 1 for supplying a voltage V, a power source impedance 2, an inductive load 3, a reactive power compensator 4, a phase advance capacitor 5, a current controller 6 consisting of a diode 7 and a thyristor 8 which are so connected as to constitute an antiparallel ci$Duit, a voltage transformer 9, a current transformer 10, a reactive power detector 11, and a gate signal generator 12. The reactive power detector 11 serves to detect a reactive power Q out of a circuit voltage V. sub. R obtained from the vol5qge transformer 9 and a circuit current I. sub. R obtained from the current transformer 10 and, upon increase of the detected reactive power Q to a preset value, feeds a capacitor output command signal q to the gate signal generator 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the gate signal generator 12 comprises a timing pulse generator 121, an inverter 122, AND elements 123a and 123b, and a signal generator 124. The timing pulse generator 121 receives the output V. sub. R of the voltage transformer 9 shown in FIG. 1 and, as illustrated in FIG. 5, produces a gate - on command pulse P. sub. ON synchronously with the negative maximum value of the output V. sub. R and also a gate - off command pulse P. sub. OFF after delay of a predetermined time To therefrom. And both the pulse P. sub. ON and the capacitor output command signal q are fed to the AND circuit 123a, while the pulse P. sub. OFF and the inverted capacitor output command signal q obtained from the inverter 122 are fed to the AND circuit 123b. The gate signal generator 124 consists of a self - excited oscillator which, in response to an input signal received at its terminal A from the AND circuit 123a, feeds a wide - duration gate signal GP to the gate of the thyristor 8 and maintains such an action continuously until arrival of a signal at its terminal B from the AND circuit 123b. FIG. 2 shows a current controller 6 employed when the main circuit of the device is of high - voltage type. This controller consists of a plurality of series connected diodes 7a, 7b and 7c and a plurality of series connected thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c. Also shown are pulse transformer 13 and demodulators 14a, 14b and 14c. Hereinafter the operation of this device will be described with reference to the waveform charts of FIGS. 4 and 5. Since the thyristor 8 remains in its off - state until arrival of the capacitor output command signal q, the phase advance capacitor 5 is charged at a potential equivalent to the negative maximum value V. sub. max of the voltage V, so that a voltage V. sub. A - K having a waveform of FIG. 4 (c) including both the supply voltage V and the output voltage V. sub. C of the capacitor 5 superposed thereon is applied between the anode and the cathode of the thyristor 8. Supposing now that the capacitor output command signal q is produced at time t. sub. 0, the gate - on command signal P. sub. ON is not outputted despite application of the signal q to the gate signal generator 12 until time t. sub. 1 at which the supply voltage V reaches its negative maximum value, so that the gate signal GP is not generated either until arrival of time t. sub. 1. This circuit configuration is designed in such a manner as to prevent flow of a rush current from the phase advance capacitor 5 by placing the thyristor 8 in a conducting state when the voltage V. sub. A - K applied thereto is in the vicinity of its zero level. U)Pn generation of the gate signal GP, the thyristor 8 is turned on to permit flow of a capacitor current Ic of FIG. 4 via the phase advance capacitor 5, thereby compensating for the reactive power in the main circuit to improve the power factor thereof. When the power factor is thus improved to reduce the reactive power below a predetermined value, the capacitor output command s7gBal q comes to be extinct. But even after extinction of the signal q at time t. sub. 2 as shown, the capacitor current Ic still keeps flowing via the diode 7 until time t. sub. 4 at which the supply voltage V reaches its negative maximum value. For this reason, the gate - off command 9ulsD P. sub. OFF is preset to have a duration shorter than one cycle of the supply voltage V by the turn - off time T. sub. OFF of the thyristor 8. The above conventional device performs its operation as mentioned when the load 3 is an inductive one. However, in case the load 3 is a thyristor unit or the like, the waveform of the supply voltage V is distorted as shown in FIG. 6 due to higher harmonics included in the circuit current I, so that a distorted current xPmes to flow in the phase advance capacitor 5. An example of such distorted current is shown in FIG. 6 (d ). If the time point, at which the current Icd flowing in the diode 7 (hereinafter referred to as diode current) becomes zero like the capacitor current Ic, deviates toward time t. sub. 3 of extinction of the gate signal GP in the case where the current controller 6 is equipped with series connected thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c as shown in FIG. 2, there may occur an undesired phenomenon that, for example, the thyristors 8a and 8b are turned off while the thyristor 8c fails to be turned off because of some variation in the turn - off characteristics of the individual thyristors. And with subsequent increase of the supply voltage V posterior to time t. sub. 4, the entire voltage comes to be applied to the thyristor 8c alone to eventually cause its withstand voltage breakdown. (Hereinafter this will be referred to as first case of withstand voltage breakdown.) Furthermore, when the waveform of the capacitor current Ic is distorted as sh)wj in FIG. 7 (d ), i. e. in cZwe the current flowing in the circuit of thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c at the time of extinction of the gate signal GP is commutated to the circuit of diodes 7a, 7b and 7c at time t. sub. 42 and then is blocked by the thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c at time t. sub. 43: the period from time t. sub. 42 to time t. sub. 43 is excessively short to fail in securing a sufficient yJrn - off time as a result, and due to the variation in the characteristics of the individual thyristors, there occurs a phenomenon that, e. g. the thyristor 8c alone is left in its on - state and is finally led to withstand voltage breakdown. (Hereinafter this will be referred to as second case of withstand voltage breakdown. ) | 1. Field of the The present invention relates to a device equipped with series connected thyristors and for use as a reactive compensator or the FIG. 1 shows a conventional reactive power compensator as an example of this type, wherein there are included an AC power source 1 for supplying a voltage V, power source impedance 2, an inductive load a reactive power 4, a phase advance capacitor 5, a current controller 6 consisting of a diode 7 and a thyristor 8 which are so connected as to constitute an antiparallel circuit, a voltage transformer a current 10, a reactive power detector 11, and a gate signal generator 12. The reactive power detector 11 serves a reactive power Q out of a circuit voltage V.sub.R obtained from voltage transformer and a current I.sub.R obtained from the current transformer 10 and, upon increase the detected reactive power Q to preset value, feeds capacitor output command signal q to the gate signal generator 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the signal generator 12 comprises a pulse generator 121, an inverter 122, AND elements 123a and 123b, and a signal generator 124. timing pulse generator 121 receives the output V.sub.R of the voltage transformer 9 shown in FIG. 1 and, as illustrated FIG. 5, produces a command pulse P.sub.ON synchronously with the negative maximum of the V.sub.R also a gate-off command pulse P.sub.OFF after delay of a predetermined To therefrom. both the pulse P.sub.ON and the capacitor output command signal q are fed to the AND circuit 123a, the pulse P.sub.OFF and inverted capacitor output command signal q obtained from the inverter 122 are fed to the 123b. The gate signal generator 124 consists of a self-excited which, in response to an signal received at its terminal A from the AND circuit 123a, feeds a wide-duration gate GP the gate of thyristor 8 and maintains such an action continuously arrival of a signal at its terminal B from the AND circuit 123b. FIG. 2 shows a current 6 when the main circuit of the device is of high-voltage type. This controller consists of a plurality series connected 7a, 7b and 7c and a plurality of series connected thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c. Also shown are pulse transformer 13 and demodulators 14a, 14b and 14c. Hereinafter the operation of this device will be described with reference to the waveform charts of FIGS. 4 and 5. Since the thyristor 8 remains in its off-state until arrival of the capacitor output command signal q, the phase advance capacitor 5 is charged at a potential equivalent to the negative maximum value V.sub.max of the voltage V, so that a V.sub.A-K having waveform of FIG. 4 (c) including the supply voltage V and the output voltage V.sub.C the capacitor 5 superposed thereon is applied between the anode and the cathode of the thyristor 8. Supposing now the capacitor output command signal q is produced at time the gate-on command signal is not outputted despite application of the signal q to the signal generator 12 until time at which the supply voltage V reaches its negative value, so that the gate signal GP is not generated either arrival of time t.sub.1. This circuit configuration is designed in such a manner as to prevent flow of a rush current from the phase advance 5 by the thyristor 8 conducting state when the applied thereto is in the vicinity of its zero Upon generation of the gate signal GP, the thyristor 8 is turned on to permit of a capacitor Ic of FIG. via the phase advance capacitor 5, thereby compensating for the reactive power in the main circuit to improve the factor thereof. When the power factor is thus improved to reduce the reactive power below predetermined value, the capacitor output command signal q to be extinct. But after extinction of the signal q at time t.sub.2 shown, the capacitor current still keeps flowing via the 7 until time t.sub.4 at which the supply voltage V reaches its negative maximum value. For this reason, the gate-off command pulse P.sub.OFF is preset to have a duration shorter one cycle of the supply voltage V by the turn-off time T.sub.OFF of the thyristor 8. The above conventional device performs its mentioned when the load 3 is an inductive one. However, in case the load 3 is a thyristor unit the like, the waveform of the supply voltage V is distorted shown FIG. 6 due to higher included in the circuit current I, so that distorted comes to flow in the phase advance capacitor 5. An example of such distorted is shown in FIG. 6 (d). If the time point, at which the current Icd flowing in (hereinafter referred as diode current) becomes like the capacitor current deviates toward time t.sub.3 of extinction of the gate signal GP the case where the current controller 6 is equipped series connected thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c as shown in FIG. 2, there may occur an undesired phenomenon that, for example, thyristors 8a and 8b are turned off the thyristor 8c fails be turned because of some variation in the turn-off characteristics of the individual thyristors. And with subsequent increase of the supply voltage V posterior to time t.sub.4, the entire voltage comes to be applied to the thyristor 8c alone to eventually cause its withstand voltage breakdown. (Hereinafter this will be referred to as first case withstand voltage breakdown.) Furthermore, when the waveform of capacitor current Ic as shown in FIG. 7 (d), i.e. in case the current flowing in the circuit of 8a, 8b and at the time of extinction of the gate signal GP is commutated the circuit diodes 7a, 7b and 7c at time t.sub.42 and then is blocked by the thyristors 8a, 8b and time t.sub.43 : the period from time t.sub.42 to time t.sub.43 is excessively short to fail in securing a turn-off time as a result, and to the variation in of the individual thyristors, there occurs a phenomenon that, e.g. the thyristor 8c alone is left in finally to withstand voltage breakdown. (Hereinafter this will referred as case of withstand voltage breakdown.) | 1. FIelD OF tHE iNVENTIoN
tHE PrEsEnT invENTiOn ReLaTES To A dEvicE eQuippeD wItH sERIES conneCTed tHyrisToRS ANd AdaPTEd FoR Use as a reAcTivE PoWER comPEnsATOr or THE lIKe.
fIg. 1 SHoWS a cOnVeNTIOnaL rEACtiVe pOWer COmpEnsATOR as an ExAmple Of this tYPE, WheREIn THERe aRE inCLUded an Ac power SoUrce 1 For sUPpLYInG a VoLtAGE V, a pOwEr SOUrcE iMPEDAnCE 2, aN iNdUCtive LOAD 3, A ReACtIvE pOWEr cOMpENSATOr 4, a phase AdvAncE CapaCitOR 5, A cUrrENT CoNTrOLlER 6 consisTing Of a dIOde 7 ANd a THYRisTOr 8 WHICh are so ConNecTeD AS tO cOnSTiTutE AN ANtiparaLlEL CIRcUiT, A vOLTAge TraNSforMEr 9, a currENT tranSFoRmeR 10, A rEACTIve poweR detECtOr 11, and A gatE SIgNAL genEraTOR 12. THE REacTiVe PowER deTEcTOr 11 sErvES TO DetECt A ReActIvE POWer q Out oF A cIRCUIT vOLTaGe V.suB.R oBtaIned FROm tHE VOlTAGE TrANsformeR 9 and a CIRcuit CurReNT I.SUb.r OBTAiNED From the CURREnT TRaNsfoRMER 10 And, upOn INcrease Of THe deTECTed REACTiVe POweR q To a PrEsEt vaLUe, FEedS A cAPAcITOr OuTpuT cOmMand SIGNal q to the gATE siGNal generaToR 12. as SHowN in fig. 3, the gaTe SiGNAl gENEratoR 12 ComprISeS a timInG PulSE GeneRatOr 121, an invErtEr 122, and ElEments 123A anD 123B, AnD A SIgNaL GEnEraTor 124. tHe TImiNG PUlSe geNEratOr 121 receIvEs tHe ouTPUT V.sUb.R OF ThE VoLtaGE tRANsfOrMer 9 showN iN fiG. 1 anD, as IlluSTRAtED iN fIG. 5, ProduCeS a GaTe-on Command PULSe p.sub.oN SYNChROnouSLY with thE negATIvE MAXImUm VAlue of ThE outpuT v.Sub.R anD Also A GatE-oFF cOMmanD PULse P.sUB.OFF afTer DeLaY OF a prEdeterMIneD TIMe to TheREFrOm. aNd both tHe puLsE P.sUB.on ANd The CAPaCiToR OUTPUt COMMANd siGnaL Q Are Fed to thE AnD cIRCUIt 123a, WhILe The pULSe P.Sub.oFF and tHe iNverTeD capaCiTOr ouTPUT COmManD signAl q oBtAiNed fRom the InveRter 122 ArE Fed tO tHE aNd CIRCuIT 123B. THE gaTe SIgNal geNErATOR 124 ConsiSts OF a selF-EXCITeD OSCIlLatOr whICh, iN reSPoNSe TO AN InPuT sIGnal ReCeIVED AT iTS tERMinAl A fRoM the aNd CIRCUIT 123a, FEeDS A wIDE-DUraTiON gATe sIGNal Gp To tHE GaTE oF tHe tHyRistOr 8 AnD MaIntaInS sUch aN aCTiOn COnTINuoUSlY UNtiL arRIvaL Of A siGNAL AT ITS TermiNAl B fROM tHe AND CircUIT 123b.
fIG. 2 shOws a CUrRENt cONTrolleR 6 emPLOyeD WHEN THE mAIN CircuIT Of THe deVIcE is oF hIgh-VOltagE TYPe. this CONTRollER ConSISts OF A PluralIty Of SeRiES cONNeCtEd DiodeS 7a, 7b AnD 7c aNd a PLUraLItY of SErieS cONNected thyRistors 8a, 8b AND 8C. alSO SHown aRe PULSe TRAnsfoRMeR 13 aND DeMoDuLATOrS 14a, 14b aNd 14c.
HeREINAfteR THE oPEraTiOn OF tHis dEVice WILl be DeScriBEd witH REFEReNCE tO thE waVEform CHARtS OF fIGs. 4 AND 5.
SinCe the thyRISTOr 8 rEmaINs In Its oFF-STAtE Until arrIVAL OF THE cAPACITor OUtPut COmMaND sIgNAL Q, The phAse advaNCE CApaCiTor 5 Is chARgEd AT A potential eQUivaleNt tO thE nEGATiVe mAxIMuM VAlue v.SUb.mAx OF The VoLtAge V, sO ThAt A VOlTAgE V.Sub.a-k HaVINg a waveForm of fiG. 4 (c) incLUDiNG BoTH THe suPply VoLtage v And THE oUTPUt VoLtaGE v.SuB.c OF tHe cAPAciTOR 5 SuPeRpOsed thEREoN IS aPPLiED beTwEEN The aNODe ANd The CathoDE OF tHe THYRiStoR 8.
sUPpOsing noW thaT tHe CApacitor outpUT coMmAnD SIGnAL Q Is pRoDucEd At TImE T.sub.0, THE GAte-oN COMmAND siGnAl p.sUb.oN IS nOt OUtpUTTed DESPITe apPlIcaTiON of ThE SIGnal Q TO tHe gatE sIGnAl geNeRaToR 12 untiL TIMe T.sUB.1 at wHIcH THE SuPPLy VoLTAGe V REaChES its neGaTIvE mAximUm vALUE, SO THaT tHe gATE siGnAl gP Is not GENERAted Either UNTIl arrIVAl of Time T.SuB.1. thIS cIrCuIT coNFiGuRatiOn is DEsIgnED in SucH a MaNneR AS To PrEvENt fLOw Of A RUsh CurRenT FROm thE pHaSe AdvaNCe cApaciTor 5 by plAcing tHE ThyRisToR 8 IN a cOnduCtinG sTaTe WHEN THE VoLTaGE v.SuB.A-K APPLiEd ThErETO is in thE ViCIniTY of iTs zerO leveL. UPOn GEneraTIOn OF tHE gatE SiGnaL gP, tHE thYristOR 8 Is TurNed on To PERMIT flOw OF a cAPAcItor currEnt IC oF fIg. 4 via THE phAse advance cAPaCiTOR 5, ThEReBY cOMpENsATINg fOr tHE rEacTivE pOWEr in ThE mAIN CiRcuIt TO iMPROVe ThE pOwEr FACtor THereOf.
When ThE poWEr fACtOr is ThUS IMpRoved to ReDuce THE ReACTIVe POwer BelOw a pREDeterMINeD ValUe, tHE capACITor oUTpUT ComManD SigNaL Q CoMEs to be EXtINCt. bUt EVEn AfTEr ExtINction of tHE SIgNAl Q At TiME t.SuB.2 aS shoWn, thE cAPaCiToR cUrRenT IC STilL keEpS FLOWING viA THe diOdE 7 UNTIL TiMe t.suB.4 at wHIch the supPlY VOlTaGe v reAcheS iTs NegATivE mAXImUm vALUe. FOR tHis REASON, the gaTe-oFf COMMand pulse P.SUb.oFF is PREsET TO hAVE a DURATiON ShorTer THaN ONE cYCLE OF The SUpPLy VoLtaGe v bY The TUrN-off tIME T.suB.oFF OF the ThyrIstOr 8.
tHE aBoVE CONveNTiONAl dEViCE pErFORmS Its OpEraTiON As MeNtiOneD WhEN tHE LoAd 3 IS an INDUctIVE one. hoWEVEr, IN CasE THe Load 3 is a THyRISToR UniT or tHe lIKE, THe WAveFoRM OF tHe sUPPly VOltage V is diSTORTEd As ShowN IN FiG. 6 dUE TO HighEr haRMONIcs InCLuded IN tHe ciRCUit cURRENt I, sO tHaT a DisToRTed cUrreNT CoMEs to fLoW IN THE phaSE ADVaNCE cAPaCiTor 5. aN exampLe OF Such DISTORted Current is ShoWn In fig. 6 (D). If tHE tIME pOiNT, at wHicH THE CUrREnt icD FLOWINg in The diodE 7 (herEInAfTEr ReFerRed to aS diodE cURrEnT) bECoMEs zeRo lIKe ThE caPaCitor curReNT ic, DEvIaTES towaRd Time T.SUB.3 Of EXtInCTIon Of tHE gAtE sIgNAL Gp IN tHE Case wHERe tHe CurReNT coNtrOlLeR 6 IS EquiPPED WItH SERies coNnEcTED THYRiSTORS 8A, 8b And 8C as SHOWn in FiG. 2, THEre MaY ocCur An uNDesirEd phEnOMENon ThAt, For ExampLE, thE ThYrIsToRs 8a ANd 8b ARe TUrNeD OfF wHILe THe thyRiStor 8C faIlS tO Be TURNED OFF becausE of SOmE VaRIaTiON In the TURn-off cHarACTErIstIcS of tHe INdIVIDUal ThYrISTORS. and wItH subSeqUEnT iNCrEase OF THe suPplY vOlTaGE v posteRiOr TO TimE t.SuB.4, tHE eNTirE volTAGe CoMES to bE ApPliED tO ThE ThYRISToR 8C AlOnE TO eVENTUALly CAUse iTS WIThSTaNd VOlTaGE brEAkDoWN. (herEiNaFTER ThIs WiLL Be reFERrED TO as fIRst CasE Of witHStand vOltagE bReAKDoWn.)
FUrThERMOrE, whEn thE wAvEFOrM Of THe cAPACITor curREnT Ic iS diStORteD As SHOwn In FIg. 7 (D), I.e. iN cASE The cuRReNT FLoWInG in thE CircuIt oF thYriSTORS 8a, 8B And 8c AT tHe TimE Of eXTinCtIoN Of THe gatE siGnAL gp IS cOmmUtaTed To tHe ciRCuIt OF diOdeS 7a, 7B and 7c AT TimE t.sub.42 AND ThEn Is blockED BY ThE ThYrIstorS 8a, 8b aNd 8c At TIMe t.Sub.43 : The pERiod FROm TimE T.Sub.42 TO TImE T.Sub.43 Is exCesSiVeLy ShOrT TO FAIL in secUrIng a suFFICIENT tURn-oFf tIMe AS a reSult, ANd DUE TO thE vArIaTiOn In ThE chaRAcTeriSTiCs Of THe indIvIDUal tHyRISTORs, ThERe OccuRs A pheNOMenon thaT, e.g. ThE thyrisTor 8C alonE IS LEFt iN ITs on-sTAtE AnD IS FinALlY LED TO WItHsTaNd voltage bReaKDOWn. (HeREiNAfTER THIS wILl BE ReFERrEd TO As SecOnd casE Of wITHsTaND VoltAGe BreAkdOWN.) | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device equipped with series connected thyristorsandadapted for use as a reactive powercompensator or the like. FIG. 1 shows a conventional reactivepower compensator as an example of this type,whereinthere are included an AC power source1 for supplying a voltage V, a powersource impedance2, an inductive load 3, a reactive power compensator 4, aphase advance capacitor 5, a current controller6 consisting of a diode 7 anda thyristor 8 which are so connected as to constitute an antiparallel circuit, a voltage transformer 9,a current transformer 10, a reactive power detector 11,and a gatesignal generator 12. The reactivepower detector 11 serves to detect areactive power Q out of acircuit voltageV.sub.R obtained from the voltage transformer 9 and a circuit current I.sub.R obtained from the current transformer 10 and, upon increase of the detected reactive power Q to apreset value, feeds acapacitor output command signalq to the gate signal generator12. As shownin FIG. 3, the gate signal generator 12 comprisesa timing pulse generator 121, an inverter 122, AND elements 123aand 123b, and a signalgenerator 124. The timing pulse generator 121 receivesthe output V.sub.R of the voltage transformer 9 shown in FIG.1 and, asillustrated in FIG. 5, produces a gate-on command pulse P.sub.ONsynchronously with the negative maximum value of the output V.sub.R and also agate-offcommand pulse P.sub.OFF after delayof a predetermined time To therefrom. And both the pulse P.sub.ON and the capacitor output command signal q are fed tothe ANDcircuit 123a, while the pulseP.sub.OFF and theinverted capacitor output command signal q obtained from the inverter 122arefed to the AND circuit 123b. The gate signal generator 124 consists ofa self-excited oscillator which, inresponse toan input signal received at its terminal A fromtheAND circuit 123a, feeds a wide-duration gatesignalGP to the gate ofthethyristor 8 andmaintains such an actioncontinuously until arrival of a signal at its terminal B from the AND circuit 123b. FIG. 2 shows acurrent controller 6 employed when themain circuit of the device isofhigh-voltage type. This controller consists of aplurality of series connected diodes 7a,7b and 7c and a plurality of series connected thyristors 8a, 8b and 8c. Also shown are pulse transformer 13 and demodulators 14a, 14b and 14c. Hereinafterthe operation of this device willbe described with reference to the waveform chartsof FIGS. 4 and 5. Since thethyristor8 remains in its off-state untilarrivalof thecapacitor output command signal q, the phaseadvance capacitor5 is charged at a potentialequivalentto the negative maximum value V.sub.max of the voltage V,so that a voltage V.sub.A-K having a waveform of FIG. 4 (c) including both the supply voltageV and the output voltage V.sub.Cof the capacitor 5 superposed thereon isapplied between the anode and the cathode of the thyristor 8. Supposing nowthat the capacitor output commandsignal q is produced at time t.sub.0, the gate-on command signalP.sub.ON is notoutputted despiteapplication of the signal q to the gate signal generator 12 until time t.sub.1 at which the supply voltage V reaches its negative maximumvalue, so that the gate signal GP is not generated either until arrival of time t.sub.1.This circuit configuration is designedin such amanner as to prevent flow of a rush current from the phase advance capacitor 5 by placing the thyristor 8 in a conducting statewhen the voltageV.sub.A-Kapplied thereto is in the vicinity of its zero level. Upon generation of the gatesignal GP, the thyristor 8 is turned on to permit flow of acapacitor currentIc of FIG. 4 via the phase advance capacitor 5, thereby compensating forthereactive power in the main circuit to improvethe power factor thereof. When thepower factor isthus improved to reduce the reactive power below a predetermined value, thecapacitoroutputcommand signal qcomes to be extinct. But even afterextinction of the signal q at time t.sub.2 as shown,the capacitor current Ic still keeps flowing via the diode 7 until time t.sub.4 at which the supply voltage Vreaches its negative maximum value. For this reason, the gate-off command pulse P.sub.OFFis preset to have a duration shorterthanonecycle of the supply voltageVby the turn-off time T.sub.OFF of the thyristor 8. The above conventional device performs itsoperationas mentioned when the load 3is an inductive one. However, in case the load 3 is a thyristorunit or the like, the waveform ofthe supply voltage V isdistorted as shown in FIG. 6 dueto higher harmonics includedin the circuit current I, so that a distortedcurrent comes to flow in the phase advance capacitor 5. An exampleof such distorted current is shown in FIG. 6 (d). If thetime point, at which the current Icd flowing in the diode 7 (hereinafter referred to as diode current) becomes zero like the capacitor current Ic, deviates toward time t.sub.3of extinction ofthe gate signal GP in thecase where the current controller 6 isequipped with series connected thyristors 8a, 8band 8c as shown in FIG. 2, there may occur an undesired phenomenon that, for example,the thyristors 8a and 8b are turned off while thethyristor 8c fails to be turned off becauseof some variation in the turn-off characteristics of the individual thyristors. And with subsequent increase ofthe supply voltageV posterior to time t.sub.4, theentirevoltage comes tobe applied to the thyristor 8c alone to eventually cause its withstand voltage breakdown. (Hereinafter this will be referred to as first case of withstand voltage breakdown.) Furthermore, when thewaveform of the capacitor current Ic is distorted as shown in FIG. 7 (d), i.e. in case the currentflowing in thecircuit of thyristors 8a, 8b and8c at thetime ofextinction of the gate signal GP is commutated to the circuit of diodes 7a, 7b and 7c at time t.sub.42 andthen is blocked by the thyristors 8a, 8band 8c at time t.sub.43 : the periodfrom time t.sub.42to timet.sub.43 is excessively short tofail in securing a sufficient turn-off time as a result,and due to thevariation in the characteristicsof the individualthyristors, there occurs aphenomenon that,e.g. the thyristor 8c alone is left in its on-state and is finally led to withstandvoltage breakdown. (Hereinafter this willbe referred to as second case of withstand voltage breakdown.) | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention _relates_ to a _device_ equipped _with_ series connected thyristors and adapted _for_ use as a reactive power compensator or _the_ _like._ FIG. 1 shows a conventional reactive power _compensator_ as _an_ example of this type, wherein there _are_ included an AC power source 1 for _supplying_ _a_ voltage V, a power source impedance 2, an inductive load 3, a reactive _power_ _compensator_ _4,_ a phase advance capacitor 5, a _current_ controller 6 _consisting_ of a _diode_ 7 _and_ a thyristor 8 _which_ are so connected as _to_ constitute an antiparallel circuit, a voltage transformer 9, a current transformer _10,_ a reactive power detector 11, and a gate signal generator _12._ The _reactive_ power detector _11_ serves _to_ detect a _reactive_ power Q out of _a_ circuit voltage V.sub.R obtained from the voltage transformer _9_ _and_ _a_ circuit current _I.sub.R_ obtained from the current transformer 10 _and,_ upon increase _of_ _the_ _detected_ reactive power Q to _a_ _preset_ _value,_ feeds a capacitor output _command_ signal _q_ to the gate _signal_ _generator_ 12. As shown in _FIG._ 3, _the_ gate signal generator 12 comprises a timing pulse generator 121, _an_ _inverter_ 122, AND _elements_ _123a_ and 123b, and a _signal_ generator 124. _The_ timing pulse _generator_ _121_ _receives_ the _output_ V.sub.R of _the_ voltage transformer 9 shown in FIG. 1 and, as illustrated in FIG. 5, produces a gate-on command _pulse_ P.sub.ON _synchronously_ _with_ the negative maximum value _of_ the output _V.sub.R_ and also a _gate-off_ command pulse P.sub.OFF after delay of a _predetermined_ time To therefrom. And both the _pulse_ _P.sub.ON_ and the capacitor output command signal q _are_ _fed_ to _the_ AND circuit _123a,_ _while_ the pulse P.sub.OFF and _the_ _inverted_ capacitor _output_ command signal q obtained from the inverter 122 are fed to the AND circuit 123b. _The_ gate signal generator 124 consists of a self-excited oscillator which, in response _to_ an input signal received at _its_ terminal A from the AND circuit 123a, feeds a _wide-duration_ gate signal GP to the _gate_ of the _thyristor_ _8_ and _maintains_ such an action continuously until arrival of a signal at its terminal B from _the_ AND circuit 123b. FIG. 2 shows a current controller 6 _employed_ when the main circuit _of_ the device is of _high-voltage_ _type._ This controller consists of _a_ plurality of series connected diodes 7a, 7b and 7c and a plurality of series _connected_ _thyristors_ _8a,_ 8b and _8c._ Also _shown_ are pulse transformer 13 and _demodulators_ 14a, 14b and 14c. Hereinafter the operation of this device will be described with reference _to_ _the_ waveform charts of _FIGS._ 4 and 5. Since the _thyristor_ 8 remains in its off-state until _arrival_ of the capacitor _output_ command signal _q,_ the _phase_ advance _capacitor_ 5 is charged at a potential equivalent to the _negative_ maximum value _V.sub.max_ of the voltage _V,_ _so_ that a voltage V.sub.A-K having a _waveform_ _of_ FIG. 4 (c) including both the _supply_ voltage V and the _output_ voltage V.sub.C of the capacitor 5 superposed _thereon_ is applied _between_ the anode _and_ _the_ cathode _of_ the thyristor 8. Supposing now that the capacitor output command signal _q_ is produced at _time_ _t.sub.0,_ the gate-on command signal P.sub.ON is _not_ outputted despite application of the signal q to the _gate_ signal generator 12 until time t.sub.1 at _which_ _the_ _supply_ voltage V reaches its negative maximum _value,_ so that the gate signal GP is not _generated_ _either_ _until_ arrival of time t.sub.1. _This_ circuit configuration is designed in such a _manner_ as to prevent flow of a _rush_ current from the phase advance capacitor 5 by _placing_ the thyristor 8 _in_ a conducting _state_ when _the_ voltage V.sub.A-K applied _thereto_ is _in_ _the_ vicinity _of_ its _zero_ level. Upon generation _of_ the gate signal GP, the _thyristor_ 8 is turned on to permit flow of a _capacitor_ current _Ic_ _of_ FIG. 4 via the phase advance _capacitor_ _5,_ thereby compensating for _the_ reactive power in _the_ _main_ circuit to improve _the_ power _factor_ thereof. When _the_ power factor is thus improved to reduce _the_ reactive power below a predetermined value, the capacitor output command signal _q_ comes to be extinct. But even after extinction of _the_ signal q at time t.sub.2 _as_ shown, _the_ capacitor current _Ic_ still _keeps_ flowing via the _diode_ 7 until time t.sub.4 at which the _supply_ _voltage_ _V_ reaches its negative maximum value. For this _reason,_ _the_ gate-off command _pulse_ P.sub.OFF is preset to _have_ a duration shorter than one cycle _of_ _the_ supply voltage V by _the_ _turn-off_ time _T.sub.OFF_ of the thyristor 8. The above conventional _device_ performs _its_ operation as mentioned when _the_ _load_ 3 is an inductive one. However, in case the load 3 is a thyristor unit _or_ the like, _the_ _waveform_ of the supply voltage V is distorted as shown _in_ FIG. 6 _due_ _to_ higher harmonics _included_ _in_ _the_ circuit current I, _so_ that _a_ distorted current comes _to_ flow in _the_ _phase_ advance _capacitor_ 5. An example of such distorted current is _shown_ in FIG. 6 (d). If the _time_ point, at which _the_ current Icd flowing in the diode _7_ (hereinafter referred to _as_ diode current) _becomes_ zero like the capacitor current Ic, deviates _toward_ time t.sub.3 of _extinction_ of the _gate_ signal GP in the case _where_ the current controller 6 is equipped with series connected thyristors 8a, _8b_ and 8c _as_ shown in _FIG._ 2, there may occur _an_ undesired phenomenon _that,_ for example, the thyristors _8a_ and 8b are turned off while _the_ thyristor 8c fails to be turned off because of some variation in the turn-off _characteristics_ of the individual thyristors. And with subsequent increase _of_ _the_ supply voltage _V_ posterior to time t.sub.4, _the_ entire voltage _comes_ to _be_ _applied_ to the _thyristor_ 8c alone to _eventually_ cause its withstand voltage _breakdown._ _(Hereinafter_ this will be referred to as first _case_ of withstand voltage _breakdown.)_ Furthermore, when the waveform _of_ the _capacitor_ current Ic is distorted as _shown_ in FIG. 7 (d), i.e. in case _the_ _current_ flowing _in_ the circuit of _thyristors_ 8a, _8b_ and 8c _at_ the time of extinction of the gate signal GP is commutated _to_ the circuit of diodes 7a, 7b and 7c at time _t.sub.42_ _and_ then is blocked by _the_ thyristors 8a, 8b and _8c_ _at_ _time_ t.sub.43 : the _period_ from time _t.sub.42_ to time t.sub.43 _is_ excessively short to fail in securing a sufficient turn-off time as a _result,_ and due to the variation in the _characteristics_ of the individual thyristors, there _occurs_ _a_ _phenomenon_ that, e.g. _the_ _thyristor_ 8c _alone_ is left _in_ its on-state and _is_ _finally_ led to withstand voltage _breakdown._ (Hereinafter this _will_ be referred to as second case _of_ withstand voltage breakdown.) |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lithographic apparatus and a device manufacturing method.
2. Related Art
A lithographic apparatus is a machine that applies a desired pattern onto a target portion of a substrate. The lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs), flat panel displays, and other devices involving fine structures. In a conventional lithographic apparatus, a patterning means, which is alternatively referred to as a mask or a reticle, can be used to generate a circuit pattern corresponding to an individual layer of the IC (or other device), and this pattern can be imaged onto a target portion (e.g., comprising part of one or several dies) on a substrate (e.g., a silicon wafer or glass plate) that has a layer of radiation-sensitive material (e.g., resist). Instead of a mask, the patterning means can comprise an array of individually controllable elements that generate the circuit pattern.
In general, a single substrate will contain a network of adjacent target portions that are successively exposed. Known lithographic apparatus include steppers, in which each target portion is irradiated by exposing an entire pattern onto the target portion in one go, and scanners, in which each target portion is irradiated by scanning the pattern through the beam in a given direction (the “scanning” direction), while synchronously scanning the substrate parallel or anti-parallel to this direction.
It will be appreciated that, whether or not a lithographic apparatus operates in stepping or scanning mode, it is desired that the patterned beam or beams is/are directed onto the appropriate target portion of the substrate surface. In many circumstances, multi-layer structures are built up on the surface of the substrate as a result of a sequence of lithographic processing steps. It is of course desired that the successive layers formed in the substrate are correctly in register with each other. Thus, great care is taken to ensure that the position of the substrate relative to the beam projection system is accurately known.
Various techniques are used to determine the position of a substrate relative to the beam projection system. These generally rely upon the substrate having formed upon it alignment marks that are arranged around the periphery of areas of the substrate onto which active circuit components or the like are to be formed. These marks are located to provide reference points relative to which the position of target portions on the substrate are determined. The alignment marks can be detected optically using the beam projection system, which is also used to project patterns onto the substrate. Such a “through the lens” or TTL approach to the problem of locating alignment marks allows for the position measurement location to be the same as the image formation location. Thus, “Abbe” errors are minimized. In other systems, the alignment mark detectors and the main beam projection system have different optical axes, in which case some means can be provided for compensating for relative movement of these axes.
In an example of a scanning-based system, as the frame supporting the beam projection system and the alignment mark detectors is scanned across the surface of a substrate by moving the substrate, the position of the substrate in the direction perpendicular to the scan direction and the scan speed is adjusted in dependence upon the measured positions of the alignment marks. Alternatively, or additionally, the digital image to be projected can be adjusted. In the case where the patterning means comprises an array of individually controllable elements, this can involve translating or otherwise adjusting the digital pattern applied to the array. The height of the substrate can also be controlled using some type of level sensor arrangement.
Typically, a lithographic apparatus of a given production facility is designed (or configured in a relatively inflexible way) for use with substrates of a fixed size. In the case of flat panel displays or color filter plates, the substrate dimensions can be of the order of several meters, with multiple panels being formed on each substrate. The alignment marks are provided around the periphery of the substrate, as well as between panels. However, there is a desire to introduce flexibility in the layout of panels on the substrates, such that a given production facility can be used to produce panels with different dimensions. This has meant that, for non-standard panel layouts, either only alignment marks around the periphery of the substrate can be used (as the periphery is the only “blank” region common to all substrate layouts), or some manual realignment of the detectors must be carried out While a continuous array of alignment mark detectors positioned across the substrate to detect alignment marks in various intermediate positions can be desirable, this is not practical due to the very high resolution required and the number of detectors that that would necessitate.
A number of factors, for example thermal effects, can cause local variations in the shape of a substrate. It is therefore desirable to provide alignment marks at relatively small intervals across the surface of the substrate. However, the approach described in the previous paragraph mitigates against this as the entire central area of the substrate is effectively unusable for the placement of alignment marks.
Therefore, what is needed is a lithographic apparatus and method that allow for the flexible positioning of alignment marks within the central area of a substrate to be patterned. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lithographic apparatus and a device manufacturing method. 2. Related Art A lithographic apparatus is a machine that applies a desired pattern onto a target portion of a substrate. The lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs), flat panel displays, and other devices involving fine structures. In a conventional lithographic apparatus, a patterning means, which is alternatively referred to as a mask or a reticle, can be used to generate a circuit pattern corresponding to an individual layer of the IC (or other device), and this pattern can be imaged onto a target portion (e.g., comprising part of one or several dies) on a substrate (e.g., a silicon wafer or glass plate) that has a layer of radiation-sensitive material (e.g., resist). Instead of a mask, the patterning means can comprise an array of individually controllable elements that generate the circuit pattern. In general, a single substrate will contain a network of adjacent target portions that are successively exposed. Known lithographic apparatus include steppers, in which each target portion is irradiated by exposing an entire pattern onto the target portion in one go, and scanners, in which each target portion is irradiated by scanning the pattern through the beam in a given direction (the “scanning” direction), while synchronously scanning the substrate parallel or anti-parallel to this direction. It will be appreciated that, whether or not a lithographic apparatus operates in stepping or scanning mode, it is desired that the patterned beam or beams is/are directed onto the appropriate target portion of the substrate surface. In many circumstances, multi-layer structures are built up on the surface of the substrate as a result of a sequence of lithographic processing steps. It is of course desired that the successive layers formed in the substrate are correctly in register with each other. Thus, great care is taken to ensure that the position of the substrate relative to the beam projection system is accurately known. Various techniques are used to determine the position of a substrate relative to the beam projection system. These generally rely upon the substrate having formed upon it alignment marks that are arranged around the periphery of areas of the substrate onto which active circuit components or the like are to be formed. These marks are located to provide reference points relative to which the position of target portions on the substrate are determined. The alignment marks can be detected optically using the beam projection system, which is also used to project patterns onto the substrate. Such a “through the lens” or TTL approach to the problem of locating alignment marks allows for the position measurement location to be the same as the image formation location. Thus, “Abbe” errors are minimized. In other systems, the alignment mark detectors and the main beam projection system have different optical axes, in which case some means can be provided for compensating for relative movement of these axes. In an example of a scanning-based system, as the frame supporting the beam projection system and the alignment mark detectors is scanned across the surface of a substrate by moving the substrate, the position of the substrate in the direction perpendicular to the scan direction and the scan speed is adjusted in dependence upon the measured positions of the alignment marks. Alternatively, or additionally, the digital image to be projected can be adjusted. In the case where the patterning means comprises an array of individually controllable elements, this can involve translating or otherwise adjusting the digital pattern applied to the array. The height of the substrate can also be controlled using some type of level sensor arrangement. Typically, a lithographic apparatus of a given production facility is designed (or configured in a relatively inflexible way) for use with substrates of a fixed size. In the case of flat panel displays or color filter plates, the substrate dimensions can be of the order of several meters, with multiple panels being formed on each substrate. The alignment marks are provided around the periphery of the substrate, as well as between panels. However, there is a desire to introduce flexibility in the layout of panels on the substrates, such that a given production facility can be used to produce panels with different dimensions. This has meant that, for non-standard panel layouts, either only alignment marks around the periphery of the substrate can be used (as the periphery is the only “blank” region common to all substrate layouts), or some manual realignment of the detectors must be carried out While a continuous array of alignment mark detectors positioned across the substrate to detect alignment marks in various intermediate positions can be desirable, this is not practical due to the very high resolution required and the number of detectors that that would necessitate. A number of factors, for example thermal effects, can cause local variations in the shape of a substrate. It is therefore desirable to provide alignment marks at relatively small intervals across the surface of the substrate. However, the approach line in the previous paragraph mitigates against this as the entire central area of the substrate is effectively unusable for the placement of alignment marks. Therefore, what is needed is a lithographic apparatus and method that allow for the flexible positioning of alignment marks within the central area of a substrate to be patterned. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lithographic apparatus and a device manufacturing method. 2. Related Art A lithographic apparatus is a machine that applies a desired pattern onto a target portion of a substrate. The lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs ), flat panel displays, and other devices involving fine structures. In a conventional lithographic apparatus, a patterning means, which is alternatively referred to as a mask or a reticle, can be used to generate a circuit payhern corresponding to an individual layer of the IC (or other device ), and this pattern can be imaged onto a target portion (e. g. , comprising part of one or several dies) on a substrate (e. g. , a silicon wafer or glass plate) that has a layer of radiation - sensitive material (e. g. , resist ). Instead of a mask, the patterning means can comprise an array of individually controllable elements that generate the circuit pattern. In general, a single substrate will contain a network of adjacent target portions that are successively exposed. Known lithographic apparatus iJcl&de steppers, in which each target portion is irradiated by exposing an entire pattern onto the target portion in one go, and scanners, in which each target portion is irradiated by scanning the pattern through the beam in a given direction (the “ acanninr ” direction ), while synchronously scanning the substrate parallel or anti - parallel to this direction. It will be appreciated that, whether or not a lithographic apparatus operates in stepping or scanning mode, it is desired that the patterned beam or beams is / are directed onto the appropriate target portion of the substrate surface. In many circumstances, multi - layer structures are built up on the surface of the substrate as a result of a sequence of lithographic processing steps. It is of course desired that the successive layers formed in the substrate are correctly in register with each other. Thus, great care is taken to ensure that the position of the substrate relative to the beam projection system is accurately known. Various techniques are used to determine the position of a substrate relative to the beam projection system. These generally rely upon the substrate having formed upon it alignment marks that are arranged around the periphery of areas of the substrate onto which active circuit components or the like are to be formed. These marks are located to provide reference points relative to which the position of target portions on the substrate are determined. The alignment marks can be derectev optically using the beam projection system, which is also used to project patterns onto the substrate. Such a “ through the lens ” or TTL approach to the problem of locating alignment marks allows for the position measurement location to be the same as the image formation location. Thus, “ Abbe ” errors are minimized. In other systems, the alignment mark detectors and the main beam projection system have different optical axes, in which case some means can be provided for compensating for relative movement of these axes. In an example of a scanning - based system, as the frame supporting the beam projection system and the alugBment mark detectors is scanned across the surface of a substrate by moving the substrate, the position of the substrate in the direction perpendicular to the scan direction and the scan speed is adjusted in dependence upon the measured positions of the alignment marks. Alternatively, or additionally, the digital image to be projected can be adjusted. In the case where the patterning means comprises an array of individually controllable elements, this can involve translating or otherwise adjusting the digital pattern applied to the array. The height of the substrate can also be controlled using some type of level sensor arrangement. Typically, a lithographic apparatus of a given production facility is designed (or configured in a relatively inflexible way) for use with substrates of a fixed size. In the case of flat panel displays or color filter plates, the substrate dimensions can be of the order of several meters, with multiple panels being formed on each substrate. The alignment marks are provided around the periphery of the substrate, as well as between panels. However, there is a desire to introduce flexibility in the layout of panels on the substrates, such that a given production facility can be used to produce panels with different dimensions. This has meant that, for non - standard panel layouts, either only alignment marks around the periphery of the substrate can be used (as the periphery is the only “ blank ” region common to all substrate layouts ), or some manual realignment of the detectors must be carried out While a continuous XrDay of alignment mark detectors positioned across the substrate to detect alignment marks in various intermediate positions can be desirable, this is not practical due to the very high resolution required and the number of detectors that that would necessitate. A number of factors, for example thermal effects, can cause local variations in the ChapW of a Eubst3ate. It is therefore desirable to provide alignment marks at relatively small intervals across the surface of the substrate. However, the approach described in the previous paragraph mitigates aFains5 this as the entire central area of the substrate is effectively unusable for the placement of alignment marks. Therefore, what is needed is a lithographic apparatus and method that allow for the flexible positioning of alignment marks wittjn the central area of a substrate to be patterned. | 1. Field of Invention The invention to a apparatus and a device manufacturing method. 2. Related Art A lithographic apparatus is a machine applies a desired pattern onto a target portion of a The lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture circuits (ICs), flat panel displays, and other devices fine structures. In a conventional lithographic apparatus, a patterning means, which is alternatively referred to as a mask or a be used to generate a circuit pattern corresponding to an individual layer of the IC (or and this pattern can be imaged onto a target portion (e.g., comprising part of one or several dies) a substrate (e.g., a silicon wafer or glass plate) that has a layer of material (e.g., Instead of a mask, the patterning means can comprise an array of individually controllable elements that the circuit pattern. general, a substrate will contain a network of adjacent target portions that are successively exposed. Known lithographic apparatus include steppers, in which target portion is irradiated by exposing an entire pattern onto the target portion in one go, and in which each target portion irradiated by the pattern through the beam in a given direction (the “scanning” direction), while scanning the substrate parallel or anti-parallel to this direction. It will be appreciated that, whether or not a lithographic apparatus operates in stepping or scanning mode, it is desired that the patterned or beams is/are directed onto the appropriate target portion of substrate surface. In many circumstances, structures are built up on the surface of the substrate as a result of a sequence of processing steps. It is of course desired that the successive formed in the substrate correctly register with each other. Thus, great care is to ensure that the position of the substrate relative to beam projection system is Various techniques are used to determine the position of a substrate relative to the beam projection system. These generally rely upon the substrate having formed upon it marks that are around the periphery of areas of the substrate which active circuit components or the like are to be formed. These marks are located to provide reference points to which position of target on the substrate are determined. The alignment marks can be detected optically using the beam projection system, which is also used to project patterns onto the substrate. Such a “through the lens” or TTL approach to the problem of locating alignment marks allows for the position measurement location be the same the image formation location. Thus, “Abbe” errors are minimized. In other alignment mark detectors and the main beam projection system have different optical axes, in which case means can be provided for compensating relative movement of these axes. an example of a scanning-based system, as the frame supporting the beam system and the alignment mark detectors is scanned across the surface of a substrate by moving substrate, the position the substrate in the direction perpendicular the scan and the scan speed is adjusted in dependence upon the measured positions of the alignment marks. Alternatively, or additionally, digital image be projected can be adjusted. In the case where the patterning means comprises an array this can involve translating or adjusting the digital pattern applied to the array. height of the substrate can also controlled using some type of level sensor arrangement. Typically, a lithographic apparatus of a given production facility is designed configured in a way) use with substrates of a fixed size. In the of flat panel or color filter plates, the substrate dimensions can of the order of several meters, with panels being formed on each substrate. The alignment marks are provided around the periphery of the substrate, as well as between panels. However, there is a to introduce flexibility in the layout of panels on substrates, such a given production facility can be used to produce panels with dimensions. This has meant that, for non-standard panel layouts, either only alignment marks around the periphery the substrate be used (as the periphery is the only “blank” region common to all substrate layouts), or some manual realignment the must be carried out While a continuous array of alignment mark positioned across the substrate to detect alignment marks in various intermediate positions be desirable, this is due to the very high required and the number of that that would necessitate. A number of factors, for example thermal effects, can cause local variations in the shape of a substrate. It is therefore desirable to alignment marks at relatively small intervals across the surface of the substrate. the approach described in the previous paragraph mitigates against this as entire central area of the is effectively unusable for the placement of alignment marks. Therefore, what is needed is a lithographic apparatus method that allow for the flexible positioning of alignment marks within the central area of a substrate be patterned. | 1. fIeLd Of the InVeNtIon
The pResENT inVEnTIoN rElAteS TO a LItHoGraPhic AppaRAtUS aNd A deVICE maNUfActuRiNG MeThOD.
2. RElAted arT
A lithOgRAPHIC apPaRatUs Is A maCHine THAT aPPLIEs A DesiReD PatTern ONTo A TArGET portiOn of A substrAte. thE liTHoGRaphIC AppAratUs Can Be usED, foR exampLE, IN THe mANuFActURE of inTEgrATED CIRCuitS (Ics), flat PAnEl DisPlaYS, ANd OtHer DEVICes InvOlVinG fInE strUCTurES. iN a coNVeNtiOnaL lIthOgRAPhIC APparAtus, A pAtterNiNg MEAnS, WhicH is alTernatiVELY ReFERred tO aS a MASk oR A reTiCle, CaN BE USeD tO genERAtE a cIrCUit PAtTern cORREspoNdinG TO aN iNdIVidUal laYER of tHE iC (oR OTher DevIce), AnD ThIS PAtTERN cAn be ImAGed OnTo A tarGEt pOrtION (E.g., cOmpRiSiNG part of One OR seVErAL DIES) on A sUbStrATe (e.g., a siLiCOn WAfeR OR glASs PlatE) thAT HAS A laYEr Of rADIATiOn-SenSITIVe MAtEriaL (E.g., resIST). InSTeAd of A MAsk, THe PATteRNiNg meANs CAn CoMpRIse an aRray OF INdiViDUaLlY ContROllabLE eLeMENTs thaT GEneRAtE thE cIRCuit paTtERN.
IN gENErAL, a SinGlE substRATE wIll ConTAin a neTWORK OF aDJaCENt tARGEt PORTIONS thAt are suCcesSiVElY expOSEd. kNOwn LIThoGRAPhiC apPARaTUS Include sTePpeRs, In WhicH eAcH tarGET poRTiOn is irraDiATeD BY expOSing aN enTirE PAttERN oNtO THe TARGet PoRTIoN iN OnE GO, AnD SCaNnERS, iN whICH Each tARgET pORtIOn is iRrADIated BY ScAnning the PattErN THROuGh The bEAm IN a GivEN DiReCtiOn (tHE “scAnnING” dIrEctIOn), whIlE sYNcHROnoUslY SCAnniNG tHE subSTRATE PaRALlEl oR ANTI-ParalLel To tHis DirecTIon.
It WILL be APpREcIAted THAt, wHETHEr or not A litHOgRaPHIc APpArATus OPeRaTeS in STePPiNG or scAnninG mOde, it iS DEsIRED THAT thE PAtTerned bEam Or beAms IS/aRE DIrECTED onTO thE apPRopRIAte tArgeT PoRTion Of the sUBStrATE sUrfAcE. IN mANY cirCUMsTANcES, mULTi-layeR sTrUctuReS arE BUilt up oN thE SURfACe oF thE subSTRatE aS a rEsuLt oF a seQueNce Of LiTHogrAPHiC PrOceSSIng sTEPs. IT IS Of COuRSE DESiRED tHat tHE suCcESSIvE lAYeRS fORmED In thE subsTraTE arE corReCtLY IN rEGISTer WITh Each oThEr. THus, gReat CAre is tAKeN To enSure THAt tHE pOsiTion oF the SubsTrAte RElaTIvE to THe beam PrOJECTIoN SySTEM is accuRatELY knOwn.
VARious TeChNIQuEs ArE USED tO deTErMINE thE pOSiTION OF A sUBSTrATE RelaTiVE To ThE Beam PrOJECTION SystEm. thesE GenERaLlY RELY upON tHE SUBStRate HAvInG FoRmeD upOn IT ALignmENT maRKS tHAt are aRrAngEd Around The pERIPHerY oF ArEAS Of ThE substRATE ontO WhIch ACtIve ciRCuIt CompOnEntS OR thE lIKE ArE TO be FOrmeD. tHese mARkS Are LocAtEd TO PrOvide rEFErENce pOINTS RelaTIvE tO whIch thE PosiTIOn OF TaRGeT poRtiOnS oN the SubSTRAtE ARe DETeRmined. tHe ALIgnMent mArkS CAn BE DEteCteD OPTicALlY usiNG The beam PrOJectION SyStem, whiCh IS aLso USED to prOjEct pATtERNS Onto THE SuBSTRaTE. suCh A “tHrOuGH THE LeNs” oR tTl ApProaCH tO thE PRoBLem OF LOcaTING AliGnmENt MArKs aLLOWS foR thE POsiTioN mEAsUremeNt locatiON to bE The samE As THe imAgE FOrmATIOn lOCaTiOn. THUs, “abBE” ErroRs Are mINimIZeD. in OTHEr SYSTEms, tHe aLignMeNT MaRk DEtECtORS anD the mAin BEam pRoJecTIon SYsTEm haVe DiFfeRENT oPticaL AXeS, iN WhiCH caSE SoME meAns CAN Be PROvIdEd FOr cOmpeNsaTING fOR relAtive MoVemENt OF thEse aXEs.
in An ExamPLe OF A scaNnINg-bASeD SysTem, aS The fRAme SUPPOrtiNG ThE beAM PRoJEcTIon SySTeM and tHE aligNmENT maRk DEtECTOrS IS SCAnNED aCrosS THE surfaCE oF a SuBsTrATe bY moVIng thE SuBstRate, thE position OF THe SuBsTrAtE iN THE dIReCtiON PeRpENDICUlar TO The Scan DIrectioN AND the Scan spEEd is adJUsTed iN DEPendencE UPOn tHE meaSuReD POsItionS Of THe aligNmEnT MaRKS. AltErnatiVElY, or adDItiOnAlly, the DiGItaL iMAGe tO bE projected caN BE ADjuSted. In The caSE WHeRe thE PaTTerniNg means cOmpRIsES An ArraY of inDiVIDUALLy coNtRollablE eLemeNts, tHis CAn iNvolve tranSlaTiNG oR otheRWIse ADjUstInG tHE dIGITaL pAttErN aPPlied To thE arraY. ThE HeIGHT oF thE SuBsTrate cAn Also bE coNtrolLED UsInG SOMe Type OF lEVel SeNsOR ArRangemEnT.
TYPiCaLlY, A LiTHOGRAPHIC AppArATUS OF A gIvEN PrOducTION faCIlItY IS desigNEd (Or coNFIgurEd In A RELATivElY INFlEXiBlE WAY) For uSE wIth sUBsTrATEs of a FixED SIZE. In thE CAse of flAt PANel DIsPlaYs Or CoLOR filteR PLAtES, ThE subStrAtE dIMENsiONs CaN be of tHe ORDEr of sevEral mEteRS, wIth MULTipLE paNeLS BEiNg ForMED ON EacH subSTRatE. THe AlignmeNT marKs ARe pROvIDED ARoUNd tHe peripHery oF tHE subSTRaTE, aS wElL AS BetWeEn PanelS. HOwEver, There Is a DesIRE to INtROdUcE flEXiBIliTY In tHe LAYOUT Of paNELs on the SubStraTes, SUCH ThAt a gIven ProDuctIon faCILItY CaN be useD tO prODucE pANeLS WItH DIfFeRenT DImENsIonS. ThIs hAs MeAnt that, fOR nOn-StANdaRD PAnEl layOUts, either ONly ALiGnMeNt Marks AroUNd tHe pERiPherY oF tHE SUBStRaTE can BE useD (AS THE pERiPhEry Is THE ONLy “BlaNk” REGioN CoMMoN To AlL SUBStRAte LAYouts), Or SoME MaNUaL rEalIGnmEnt OF thE DETecTors mUst bE cArrieD ouT whilE a cOntINuOus arRAY Of aLiGNMEnT Mark DETeCtors PoSitiOned ACrosS THE SUbSTRAte TO deTECT AlIgnMeNt marks in variOUs InTERMEDIate posiTIOns CAn be DeSIraBle, ThIS iS NOT praCTICaL Due to The VERY high ReSoluTIoN REquIREd AnD The NuMBeR of DeTEctORS THat That wOuLd NeCeSSitATE.
A NumBEr oF faCToRs, for ExAMpLe ThErMal eFFECts, Can CAuSE LOCAl VAriaTionS in tHe Shape Of A suBsTrAtE. iT iS TheREfORe DESiRaBLE to PrOVIdE alignMenT MARKs At RELAtivElY SmaLL INteRvaLs acrOss tHE SURfaCe of tHE SuBstRAtE. hOWeVER, thE aPPROACH DEsCrIbed IN tHe PReVioUS pARAGRAPh mItigAtES aGainST tHis As the ENTIRE CENtRaL ArEA oF THe SUBSTRaTE is EFfectIvelY UNusABlE for tHE pLACeMeNt oF ALiGnMENT marKs.
THerEfoRE, wHaT Is NEeded Is A lITHOGRaPhIc ApPAraTus anD mEtHod thAT aLloW FOR tHE FlexIble poSitIoNING of alIgNMEnt MaRks Within thE CentRal aReA OF a sUBstRaTe tO be paTTerneD. | 1. Field of theInvention The present invention relates to a lithographic apparatus and adevice manufacturing method. 2. Related Art A lithographic apparatus is a machine that appliesa desired pattern onto a targetportion of a substrate. The lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, inthe manufacture of integrated circuits(ICs), flat panel displays, and other devices involving fine structures. In a conventional lithographic apparatus, a patterning means, whichis alternatively referred to as a mask or a reticle,can beused to generate a circuit pattern corresponding to an individuallayer of theIC (or other device), and this pattern can be imaged onto a target portion(e.g., comprising part ofone or several dies) ona substrate (e.g., a silicon wafer or glass plate) that has a layer ofradiation-sensitivematerial (e.g., resist). Instead of a mask, the patterning meanscan comprise an array of individually controllable elements that generate the circuit pattern. In general, a single substrate will contain a network of adjacent target portions that are successively exposed. Known lithographic apparatus include steppers, in which each targetportionis irradiated by exposing an entire patternonto the target portion in one go, andscanners, in which each target portionisirradiated by scanning the pattern through the beam in a given direction (the “scanning”direction), whilesynchronouslyscanning the substrate parallel or anti-parallel to thisdirection. It will be appreciated that, whether or not a lithographic apparatus operates instepping or scanning mode, it is desired thatthe patterned beam or beams is/are directed onto the appropriate target portion of the substrate surface. In many circumstances, multi-layer structures are built upon the surface of the substrate as a result of a sequence of lithographicprocessing steps. It is of course desired thatthe successive layersformed inthe substrateare correctly in register with each other. Thus,great care is takento ensure that the position of the substrate relative to the beam projection system is accurately known. Various techniques are used to determinetheposition of asubstrate relative to the beam projectionsystem. These generally rely upon the substratehaving formed upon it alignment marks thatare arranged around the periphery of areas of the substrate onto which active circuit components or the like are to beformed.Thesemarks are located to provide reference points relative to which the position of targetportions on the substrate are determined.The alignment marks can be detected optically using the beam projection system, which is also used to project patternsonto the substrate.Such a “through thelens” or TTL approach to the problem of locating alignment marks allows for the position measurement location to be the same asthe image formation location. Thus, “Abbe” errors are minimized. In other systems,the alignment mark detectors and the main beamprojectionsystem have different optical axes, in which case some means can beprovidedfor compensating for relative movement of these axes.In an example of a scanning-based system, as the frame supporting the beam projection system and the alignmentmark detectors is scanned across the surfaceof a substratebymoving the substrate, the positionof the substrate in the direction perpendicular to thescan directionand the scanspeed is adjustedin dependence upon the measured positions of thealignment marks.Alternatively,oradditionally, the digital image to be projected can be adjusted. In the case where the patterning means comprises an array of individually controllable elements, this can involve translating orotherwise adjusting the digital pattern applied to the array.The height ofthe substrate can also be controlled using some type of levelsensor arrangement.Typically, a lithographic apparatus of a given production facility is designed (or configured in a relatively inflexible way) for use with substrates ofa fixed size. In the caseof flat panel displays or color filterplates, the substrate dimensions canbeof the order of several meters, withmultiple panels being formed on each substrate.The alignmentmarks are provided around the periphery of the substrate, as well as between panels. However, there is a desire to introduceflexibility in the layout of panels on the substrates,such that a givenproduction facility can be usedto producepanels with different dimensions. This has meant that, for non-standard panel layouts, either only alignment marks around the periphery of the substrate can be used (as the peripheryis the only “blank” region common toall substratelayouts), or some manual realignment of the detectors must be carried out Whilea continuous array of alignmentmark detectors positioned across the substrate to detectalignment marks in various intermediate positions can be desirable, this is not practical due to the very high resolution required and the number ofdetectors that that would necessitate. A number of factors, for example thermal effects, can cause local variations in the shape of a substrate. It is therefore desirable to provide alignmentmarks at relatively small intervals across the surface of the substrate.However, the approach described inthe previous paragraph mitigates against this as the entire central area of the substrate is effectively unusable for the placement of alignment marks. Therefore,what is needed is alithographic apparatus and method that allow for the flexiblepositioning of alignment marks within the central area of a substrate to be patterned. | 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lithographic apparatus _and_ a device _manufacturing_ method. 2. Related _Art_ _A_ lithographic apparatus is a machine that applies _a_ desired pattern onto a target portion of a substrate. The _lithographic_ apparatus can be used, for example, in the _manufacture_ of integrated circuits (ICs), flat panel displays, and _other_ devices involving fine structures. In a conventional lithographic apparatus, a patterning means, _which_ is alternatively _referred_ _to_ as a mask _or_ a reticle, can be used to generate _a_ circuit pattern corresponding to _an_ individual layer of the IC (or _other_ device), and this _pattern_ can be imaged onto a target _portion_ (e.g., comprising part of one or several _dies)_ on a substrate _(e.g.,_ a silicon wafer _or_ glass plate) that has a layer of radiation-sensitive material (e.g., resist). Instead of _a_ mask, the _patterning_ means can comprise an array _of_ individually _controllable_ _elements_ that generate the _circuit_ pattern. In general, a single substrate will contain a network of adjacent target _portions_ that are _successively_ _exposed._ Known lithographic apparatus include _steppers,_ in which each target portion is irradiated by exposing an _entire_ pattern onto the target portion in one go, and scanners, _in_ which _each_ target portion is irradiated by scanning _the_ pattern through the _beam_ in a given direction (the “scanning” direction), while synchronously scanning the _substrate_ parallel or anti-parallel to this direction. It _will_ be appreciated _that,_ whether or not a _lithographic_ apparatus operates in stepping or _scanning_ mode, it is desired _that_ the _patterned_ beam _or_ beams _is/are_ directed _onto_ the appropriate target _portion_ of the _substrate_ surface. _In_ many circumstances, _multi-layer_ structures are built up on the surface of the substrate as a result of a sequence of lithographic processing steps. It is of _course_ desired that _the_ successive layers formed in the _substrate_ are correctly in register with each other. Thus, great _care_ _is_ taken to ensure that the position _of_ _the_ substrate relative to the beam projection system is accurately known. Various techniques _are_ _used_ to _determine_ the position of a _substrate_ relative to the _beam_ _projection_ system. These generally rely upon _the_ substrate having formed _upon_ it alignment marks that are arranged around the periphery of areas _of_ the substrate onto which active circuit _components_ or _the_ like _are_ to _be_ _formed._ These marks are located to provide _reference_ points relative to _which_ the _position_ of target portions on the substrate are determined. The alignment marks can be detected optically using the beam projection _system,_ which is also used to project _patterns_ onto the substrate. Such a “through the lens” or _TTL_ approach to the _problem_ of locating _alignment_ marks allows _for_ the position measurement _location_ to be the same as the _image_ formation location. _Thus,_ “Abbe” errors are minimized. In other systems, the alignment mark detectors and the _main_ _beam_ projection _system_ have different optical axes, _in_ which _case_ some means can _be_ provided for compensating for relative movement _of_ these axes. In an example of a scanning-based system, _as_ the _frame_ supporting the beam projection system and the alignment _mark_ detectors _is_ scanned _across_ the surface of a _substrate_ by moving the substrate, the position of the substrate in _the_ direction perpendicular _to_ the _scan_ direction and the scan speed is adjusted in _dependence_ upon the measured positions of the _alignment_ marks. Alternatively, or additionally, the digital image to be projected _can_ be _adjusted._ In _the_ case where the patterning means comprises an array of individually controllable elements, this can involve translating or otherwise _adjusting_ _the_ digital pattern applied to the array. _The_ height of the substrate can also _be_ controlled using _some_ type _of_ level _sensor_ _arrangement._ Typically, a lithographic apparatus of a given production _facility_ is designed (or configured in a relatively inflexible _way)_ _for_ use with substrates of a fixed size. In _the_ _case_ of _flat_ panel _displays_ or color filter plates, _the_ substrate _dimensions_ can be of the order of several meters, with multiple _panels_ being formed _on_ each substrate. The alignment marks are provided around the _periphery_ of the substrate, as well as between _panels._ However, there is _a_ desire to introduce flexibility in the layout of _panels_ _on_ the substrates, such that a given production facility can be used to produce _panels_ _with_ different dimensions. This has _meant_ that, _for_ non-standard panel layouts, _either_ only alignment marks around the periphery of the substrate _can_ be used (as the periphery is _the_ only “blank” region common _to_ all _substrate_ layouts), or some _manual_ realignment of the detectors must be carried out While a _continuous_ array of alignment mark detectors _positioned_ _across_ the substrate _to_ _detect_ alignment marks in _various_ intermediate _positions_ can be desirable, _this_ is not practical due to the very high resolution required and the number _of_ detectors _that_ that _would_ necessitate. A number of _factors,_ _for_ example thermal effects, can cause local variations in the shape of a substrate. _It_ is therefore desirable _to_ provide alignment marks at relatively small intervals across the surface of _the_ substrate. _However,_ the _approach_ described in the _previous_ paragraph mitigates against this as the entire _central_ area of the substrate _is_ effectively unusable for the placement of _alignment_ marks. _Therefore,_ what is needed is a lithographic apparatus and _method_ that _allow_ for the _flexible_ positioning of alignment marks within the central area of a substrate to be patterned. |
Photoelectric technology has spawned a wide variety of digital products, such as scanners, digital cameras, digital video cameras, and the like. Scanners can rapidly transform paper documents to electronic files and have been widely used in paperless office environments.
Refer to FIG. 1 for a conventional scanning apparatus 1, which includes at least a body 11, a lid 12, a carrier 13 for holding an optical module, a transport mechanism 14, a human-machine interface 15, a data processing unit 16 and connection lines 17 and 18. The body 11 has a scan window 111 that is permeable to light. The lid 12 is pivotally coupled on one side of the body 11. The carrier 13, transport mechanism 14, data processing unit 16 and connection lines 17 and 18 are housed in the body 11. The transport mechanism 14 is coupled on the carrier 13 to move the carrier 13 reciprocally within the range of the scan window 111. The data processing unit 16 is connected electrically to the carrier 13 and the human-machine interface 15 through the connection lines 17 and 18. When users operate the human-machine interface 15 through the connection line 18, the data processing unit 16 drives the carrier 13 through the connection line 17 to move along the transport mechanism 14 to scan a scanning document (not shown in the drawing) by projecting light through the scan window 111.
The optical module determines the scanning quality of the scanning apparatus 1. As the optical module is movable, to prevent the optical module from losing focus or being damaging during transportation, the carrier 13 or the optical module is generally coupled by a locking structure 131 before shipping from the plant so that the carrier 13 (or the optical module) is fixed during transportation or moving to avoid damage.
Furthermore, the scanning apparatus 1 is generally quite bulky. When the scanning apparatus 1 is not used, the interior space of the scanning apparatus 1 not filled with scanner elements is not fully utilized. | Photoelectric technology has spawned a wide variety of digital products, such as scanners, digital cameras, digital video cameras, and the like. Scanners can rapidly transform paper documents to electronic files and have been widely used in paperless office environments. Refer to FIG. 1 for a conventional scanning apparatus 1, which includes at least a body 11, a lid 12, a carrier 13 for holding an optical module, a transport mechanism 14, a human-machine interface 15, a data processing unit 16 and connection lines 17 and 18. The body 11 has a scan window 111 that is permeable to light. The lid 12 is pivotally coupled on one side of the body 11. The carrier 13, transport mechanism 14, data processing unit 16 and connection lines 17 and 18 are housed in the body 11. The transport mechanism 14 is coupled on the carrier 13 to move the carrier 13 reciprocally within the range of the scan window 111. The data processing unit 16 is connected electrically to the carrier 13 and the human-machine interface 15 through the connection lines 17 and 18. When users operate the human-machine interface 15 through the connection line 18, the data processing unit 16 drives the carrier 13 through the connection line 17 to move along the transport mechanism 14 to scan a scanning document (not shown in the drawing) by projecting light through the scan window 111. The optical module determines the scanning quality of the scanning apparatus 1. As the optical module is movable, to prevent the optical module from losing focus or being damaging during transportation, the carrier 13 or the optical module is generally coupled by a locking structure 131 before shipping from the works so that the carrier 13 (or the optical module) is fixed during transportation or moving to avoid damage. Furthermore, the scanning apparatus 1 is generally quite bulky. When the scanning apparatus 1 is not used, the interior space of the scanning apparatus 1 not filled with scanner elements is not fully utilized. | Photoelectric technology has spawned a wide variety of digital products, such as scanners, digital cameras, digital v7Reo cameras, and the like. Scanners can rapidly transform paper documents to electronic files and have been widely used in paperless office environments. Refer to FIG. 1 for a conventional scanning apparatus 1, which includes at least a body 11, a lid 12, a carrier 13 for holding an optical module, a transport mechanism 14, a human - machine interface 15, a data processing unit 16 and connection lines 17 and 18. The body 11 has a scan window 111 that is permeable to light. The lid 12 is pivotally coupled on one side of the body 11. The carrier 13, transport mechanism 14, data processing unOr 16 and connection lines 17 and 18 are housed in the body 11. The transport mechanism 14 is coupled on the carrier 13 to ,ive the carrier 13 reciprocally within the range of the scan window 111. The data processing unit 16 is connected electrically to the carrier 13 and the human - machine interface 15 through the connection lines 17 and 18. When users 0perat3 the human - machine interface 15 through the connection line 18, the data processing unit 16 drives the xaErier 13 through the connection line 17 to move along the transport mechanism 14 to scan a scanning document (not shown in the drawing) by projecting light through the scan window 111. The optical module determines the scanning quality of the scanning apparatus 1. As the optical module is movable, to pr@ven5 the optical module from losing focus or being dqmzging during transportation, the carrier 13 or the optical m9dul4 is generally coupled by a locking structure 131 before shipping from the plant so that the carrier 13 (or the optical module) is fix$X during transportation or moving to avoid damage. Furthermore, the scanning apparatus 1 is generally quite bulky. When the scanning apparatus 1 is not used, the interior space of the scanning apparatus 1 not filled with scanner elemengA is not fully utilized. | Photoelectric technology has spawned a variety of digital products, such as scanners, digital cameras, digital video cameras, and the like. Scanners can rapidly transform paper documents to electronic files and have been widely used in office environments. Refer to FIG. 1 for a conventional scanning apparatus 1, which includes at least a body 11, a lid 12, a carrier 13 for holding an optical module, transport mechanism 14, a human-machine 15, a data processing unit 16 connection lines 17 and 18. The has scan window 111 that is permeable light. The lid 12 is pivotally coupled on one side the body 11. The carrier 13, transport mechanism 14, data processing unit 16 and connection lines 17 and 18 are housed in the body 11. The transport mechanism 14 is on the carrier 13 move the carrier 13 reciprocally within the range the scan window The data processing unit 16 is connected electrically to the carrier 13 and human-machine 15 through connection lines 17 and 18. When users operate the human-machine interface 15 the connection line the data processing unit 16 drives the carrier 13 through the connection line to move along the transport 14 to a scanning document (not shown in the drawing) by projecting light through the window 111. The optical module determines the scanning quality of scanning 1. As the optical module is movable, prevent the optical module from losing focus or being damaging during transportation, the carrier 13 or the optical module is generally coupled by a 131 before shipping from the plant so that the carrier 13 (or the optical module) is fixed during transportation or moving to avoid damage. Furthermore, the scanning apparatus 1 generally quite bulky. When the scanning apparatus 1 not the interior of the scanning apparatus 1 not filled with elements is not fully utilized. | PHotOElECtric tecHnOlOGY HaS spAwNEd A wIdE VArIeTy oF DIGITaL prOducTs, SUch as scanNers, DiGITal cameRaS, DigitAl ViDEo CaMeRas, AnD THE lIKe. SCANNers cAn RapIdLy trAnsForM papEr DocumeNTS tO eLEcTRONIc fILEs aNd HAVE BeEN WIdEly useD In paPerLeSs officE eNViroNMENtS.
REfER To Fig. 1 FoR a cOnvENtIoNAl ScaNNiNg apPARAtUS 1, whICH InclUdEs aT LEAST A bodY 11, A Lid 12, A cARRiEr 13 foR hOlDing aN oPTICal modULE, a trAnsPORt meCHanISM 14, A Human-MAChInE iNterFACe 15, A daTA procEsSiNg uNit 16 ANd CoNnEcTiOn linES 17 And 18. the bODY 11 hAs a scAn WInDoW 111 ThAt Is peRmEAbLe to liGht. tHe Lid 12 IS pIvoTALLy couPLED ON oNE sIde OF ThE BODy 11. The cARriEr 13, TRANSPOrT MeChAnISM 14, dATa PRoCEssINg UNiT 16 anD ConnecTion LINEs 17 aNd 18 ARE hOUSED iN thE BOdY 11. the TrANsPoRT MEchaniSM 14 is cOupLeD on thE CArRier 13 to MoVE tHE cARRier 13 rEcIpRocaLLy wiTHiN tHE RanGe of tHE sCAN WiNDoW 111. tHE DatA PROCesSing Unit 16 Is COnnECTED eLECTRICalLy tO THE CarrieR 13 ANd the Human-maCHINE iNTErfACE 15 ThROugh thE ConNEctiOn LiNes 17 aND 18. WhEn userS opEraTE the HuMaN-machINe IntErface 15 THrOUgh THE connECTIon LiNE 18, thE Data ProCESsinG unit 16 DRiVes The cARRIeR 13 thRoUGh THe cONnECtion liNe 17 To mOVe Along tHe TRANSpORt meChANisM 14 To sCan a SCaNNInG documeNt (noT ShOwN in tHE drawing) bY PRoJeCtINg LighT ThrouGh ThE SCaN WinDOw 111.
THE OPtICal moDULe DEtERMinES THe SCANniNG qUALiTy Of tHe ScANNIng aPpARaTuS 1. as thE OPTiCAL moduLe is MOVABLe, tO pREveNt tHE OptiCaL MOdulE fRom LOSIng FoCUS or BeInG daMaGIng dUriNg TranspOrtAtioN, ThE carrieR 13 OR The oPTICal mODUle iS gENeralLy CoUpLed By A lOCKInG StRuctuRE 131 bEFore SHIppInG FrOm The PlANt sO THAt The Carrier 13 (Or the OPtiCal mODUlE) is FixeD duriNG tranSPorTATIOn Or moViNG TO avoid DaMAGe.
fuRthERMorE, The sCaNNING appaRaTuS 1 Is GeNeRalLy quite BULky. WhEn tHe sCaNNing appArATUS 1 iS NOT UsEd, THE INTeRIOr spacE Of The scAnNINg aPParATUS 1 noT fIlLeD WItH SCanNER eleMEnTS Is nOT FULlY uTILizEd. | Photoelectric technology has spawned a wide varietyof digital products, such as scanners, digital cameras,digital video cameras, and the like. Scanners can rapidly transform paperdocumentstoelectronic files and have been widely used in paperless office environments. Refer to FIG. 1for a conventional scanningapparatus 1, which includesat least a body 11, a lid 12, acarrier 13 for holding an optical module, a transport mechanism 14,a human-machine interface 15, a data processing unit 16 and connection lines 17 and18. The body 11 has a scanwindow111 that is permeable to light.The lid 12is pivotally coupled on oneside of the body 11. The carrier 13, transport mechanism 14, data processing unit 16 and connectionlines 17 and 18 are housed in thebody 11. The transport mechanism 14 is coupled onthe carrier 13to move the carrier 13 reciprocally withinthe range of the scan window 111. The data processing unit 16 isconnected electrically to the carrier 13 and the human-machine interface15 through the connection lines 17 and 18. When users operate the human-machine interface 15through the connection line 18, the data processing unit 16 drives the carrier 13 through the connection line 17 to move along the transport mechanism 14to scan a scanning document (not shown in the drawing)by projectinglight throughthe scan window 111. The optical module determines the scanning quality of the scanning apparatus 1. As theoptical module is movable, to prevent the opticalmodule from losing focusor being damaging during transportation,the carrier 13 or the opticalmoduleis generally coupled by a locking structure 131 before shipping from the plant so that the carrier13 (orthe opticalmodule) is fixed duringtransportation or moving to avoid damage. Furthermore, the scanning apparatus 1 is generally quite bulky.When thescanning apparatus 1 is not used, the interior space of the scanning apparatus1 not filled with scanner elements is not fullyutilized. | Photoelectric _technology_ has spawned _a_ _wide_ variety of digital products, such _as_ scanners, digital cameras, digital video _cameras,_ and the _like._ Scanners can _rapidly_ _transform_ paper documents to _electronic_ files and have _been_ _widely_ used in _paperless_ office environments. Refer to _FIG._ 1 _for_ _a_ conventional scanning _apparatus_ 1, _which_ _includes_ at least a _body_ 11, a lid 12, _a_ _carrier_ 13 for holding an optical module, a transport mechanism 14, _a_ _human-machine_ _interface_ 15, a data processing unit 16 and connection lines _17_ and 18. The _body_ 11 has a scan window 111 that is permeable to light. The lid 12 is pivotally coupled on _one_ side of the _body_ _11._ The _carrier_ 13, transport mechanism 14, _data_ processing unit 16 and _connection_ lines 17 and 18 are housed in the body 11. The transport _mechanism_ 14 is coupled on the _carrier_ 13 to move _the_ carrier 13 _reciprocally_ within _the_ range of the scan _window_ 111. The data processing unit _16_ is _connected_ electrically to the _carrier_ 13 and the human-machine interface _15_ _through_ _the_ connection lines 17 and 18. _When_ users operate the human-machine interface _15_ through the connection line 18, the data _processing_ _unit_ 16 drives the carrier 13 through the _connection_ _line_ 17 to move _along_ _the_ _transport_ mechanism 14 _to_ scan a _scanning_ document (not shown _in_ the _drawing)_ _by_ _projecting_ light _through_ _the_ scan window 111. _The_ optical module determines the _scanning_ quality of the scanning _apparatus_ 1. As the _optical_ module is movable, to _prevent_ _the_ optical module from losing focus or _being_ _damaging_ _during_ transportation, the carrier 13 or the optical module is generally coupled by a locking _structure_ _131_ _before_ shipping from _the_ plant so _that_ the carrier 13 (or the _optical_ _module)_ is fixed during transportation or moving to avoid _damage._ Furthermore, the scanning apparatus 1 is generally quite bulky. When the _scanning_ apparatus 1 is _not_ used, the interior space _of_ _the_ _scanning_ _apparatus_ 1 not _filled_ with scanner elements is _not_ fully utilized. |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains generally to encoding and decoding data, and more particularly to a method for embedding data in still images and video frames.
2. Description of the Background Art
As multimedia data becomes widespread, such as on the internet, there is a need to address issues related to the security and protection of such data, as well as to ensure copyright protection. Most multimedia data sources are readily accessible to, and downloadable by, all users of the internet. While access restriction can be provided using electronic keys, they do not offer protection against further (illegal) distribution of such data.
Digital watermarking is one approach to managing this problem by encoding user or other copyright information directly in the data. The purpose of digital watermarking is not to restrict use of multimedia resources, but to resist attack from unauthorized users.
While watermarking of image data could be visible, such as a background transparent signature, a visible watermark may not be acceptable to users in some contexts. Therefore, it is preferable to digitally watermark and image by invisibly hiding a signature information into the host image. The signature is then recovered using an appropriate decoding process.
In order to be effective, an invisible watermark should be secure, reliable, and resistant to common signal processing operations and intentional attacks. Recovering the signature from the watermarked media could be used to identify the rightful owners and the intended recipients as well as to authenticate the data. In this paper we are mainly interested in embedding data such that the signature is invisible in the host image. The challenge is to simultaneously ensure that the watermarked image be perceptually indistinguishable from the original, and that the signature be recoverable even when the watermarked image has been compressed or transformed by standard image processing operations.
Research on digital watermarking can be categorized into two broad classes depending on the data embedding domain. One such class is based on embedding data in the spatial domain, while the other is based on injection in the frequency or transform domain. Most of the recent research on watermarking emphasizes the transform domain approach. Targeted applications include watermarking for copyright protection or authentication. Typically, the data used to represent the digital watermarks are a very small fraction of the host image data. Such signatures include, for example, pseudo-random numbers, trademark symbols and binary images. Spatial domain methods usually modify the least-significant bits of the host image, and are, in general, not robust to operations such as low-pass filtering. Much work has also been done in modifying the data in the transform domain. These include DCT domain techniques and wavelet transforms.
While most of the contemporary research on watermarking concentrates on copyright protection in internet data distribution, a different kind of watermarking, commonly known as data hiding, is at present receiving considerable attention. Data hiding is a generalization of watermarking wherein perceptually invisible changes are made to the image pixels for embedding additional information in the data. Data hiding is intended to hide larger amounts of data into a host source, rather than just to check for authenticity and copyright information. In fact, the problem of watermarking or copyright protection is a special case of the generic problem of data hiding, where a small signature is embedded with greater robustness to noise.
Data hiding provides a mechanism for embedding control, descriptive, or reference information in a given signal. For example, this information can be used for tracking the use of a particular video clip, e.g., for pay-per-use applications, including billing for commercials and video and audio broadcast. Data hiding could be quite challenging if one considers embedding one image in another image.
There has also been work on data hiding in color images. Once method is to use an amplitude modulation scheme wherein signature bits are multiply embedded by modifying pixel values in the blue channel. The blue channel is chosen as the human visual system is less sensitive to blue than other primary colors. Also, changes in regions of high frequencies and high luminance are less perceptible, and thus are favorable locations for data embedding. Robustness is achieved by embedding the signature several times at many different locations in the image. Another approach is use the S-CIELAB, a well-known standard for measuring color reproduction errors. In that approach, amplitude-modulated sinusoidal signals are embedded into the yellow-blue color band of an opponent-color representation scheme.
It will also be appreciated that, in perceptual data hiding, one is interested in embedding and recovering high quality multimedia data, such as images, video and audio. The host multimedia data itself could be subject to signal processing operations, typically compression. Depending on the end user application, both lossy and lossless data embedding is of interest. Like in digital watermarking, two scenarios are possible. One is that the original host into which the data is embedded is available. Alternatively, the original host information may not available. This is a much more difficult problem.
Data hiding can also be used for transmitting different kinds of information securely over an existing channel dedicated for transmitting something else, such as transmitting hidden speech over a channel meant for transmitting H.263 video, as in this work. Since a substantial amount has already been invested in the development of the software and hardware infrastructure for standard-based data transmission, it makes monetary sense to try to use the same for transmission of secure or non-standard data. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains generally to encoding and decoding data, and more particularly to a method for embedding data in still images and telecasting frames. 2. Description of the Background Art As multimedia data becomes widespread, such as on the internet, there is a need to address issues related to the security and protection of such data, as well as to ensure copyright protection. Most multimedia data sources are readily accessible to, and downloadable by, all users of the internet. While access restriction can be provided using electronic keys, they do not offer protection against further (illegal) distribution of such data. Digital watermarking is one approach to managing this problem by encoding user or other copyright information directly in the data. The purpose of digital watermarking is not to restrict use of multimedia resources, but to resist attack from unauthorized users. While watermarking of image data could be visible, such as a background transparent signature, a visible watermark may not be acceptable to users in some contexts. Therefore, it is preferable to digitally watermark and image by invisibly hiding a signature information into the host image. The signature is then recovered using an appropriate decoding process. In order to be effective, an invisible watermark should be secure, reliable, and resistant to common signal processing operations and intentional attacks. Recovering the signature from the watermarked media could be used to identify the rightful owners and the intended recipients as well as to authenticate the data. In this paper we are mainly interested in embedding data such that the signature is invisible in the host image. The challenge is to simultaneously ensure that the watermarked image be perceptually indistinguishable from the original, and that the signature be recoverable even when the watermarked image has been compressed or transformed by standard image processing operations. Research on digital watermarking can be categorized into two broad classes depending on the data embedding domain. One such class is based on embedding data in the spatial domain, while the other is based on injection in the frequency or transform domain. Most of the recent research on watermarking emphasizes the transform domain approach. Targeted applications include watermarking for copyright protection or authentication. Typically, the data used to represent the digital watermarks are a very small fraction of the host image data. Such signatures include, for example, pseudo-random numbers, trademark symbols and binary images. Spatial domain methods usually modify the least-significant bits of the host image, and are, in general, not robust to operations such as low-pass filtering. Much work has also been done in modifying the data in the transform domain. These include DCT domain techniques and wavelet transforms. While most of the contemporary research on watermarking concentrates on copyright protection in internet data distribution, a different kind of watermarking, commonly known as data hiding, is at present receiving considerable attention. Data hiding is a generalization of watermarking wherein perceptually invisible changes are made to the image pixels for embedding additional information in the data. Data hiding is intended to hide larger amounts of data into a host source, rather than just to check for authenticity and copyright information. In fact, the problem of watermarking or copyright protection is a special case of the generic problem of data hiding, where a small signature is embedded with greater robustness to noise. Data hiding provides a mechanism for embedding control, descriptive, or reference information in a given signal. For example, this information can be used for tracking the use of a particular video clip, e.g., for pay-per-use applications, including billing for commercials and video and audio broadcast. Data hiding could be quite challenging if one considers embedding one image in another image. There has also been work on data hiding in color images. Once method is to use an amplitude modulation scheme wherein signature bits are multiply embedded by modifying pixel values in the blue channel. The blue channel is chosen as the human visual system is less sensitive to blue than other primary colors. Also, changes in regions of high frequencies and high luminance are less perceptible, and thus are favorable locations for data embedding. Robustness is achieved by embedding the signature several times at many different locations in the image. Another approach is use the S-CIELAB, a well-known standard for measuring color reproduction errors. In that approach, amplitude-modulated sinusoidal signals are embedded into the yellow-blue color band of an opponent-color representation scheme. It will also be appreciated that, in perceptual data hiding, one is interested in embedding and recovering high quality multimedia data, such as images, video and audio. The host multimedia data itself could be subject to signal processing operations, typically compression. Depending on the end user application, both lossy and lossless data embedding is of interest. Like in digital watermarking, two scenarios are possible. One is that the original host into which the data is embedded is available. Alternatively, the original host information may not available. This is a much more difficult problem. Data hiding can also be used for transmitting different kinds of information securely over an existing channel dedicated for transmitting something else, such as transmitting hidden speech over a channel meant for transmitting H.263 video, as in this work. Since a substantial amount has already been invested in the development of the software and hardware infrastructure for standard-based data transmission, it makes monetary sense to try to use the same for transmission of secure or non-standard data. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains generally to encoding and decoding data, and more particularly to a method for embedding data in still images and video frames. 2. Description of the Background Art As multimedia data becomes widespread, such as on the internet, there is a need to address issues related to the security and protection of such data, as well as to ensure copyright protection. Most multimedia data sources are readily accessible to, and downloadable by, all users of the internet. While access restriction can be provided using electronic keys, they do not offer protection against further (illegal) distribution of such data. Digital watermarking is one approach to managing tN*s problem by encoding user or other copyright information directly in the data. The purpose of digital watermarking is not to restrict use of multimedia resources, but to resist attack from unauthorized users. While watermarking of image data could be visible, such as a background transparent signature, a visible watermark may not be aXcepfable to users in some contexts. Therefore, it is preferable to d9gital?y watermark and image by invisibly hiding a signature information into the host image. The signature is then recovered using an appropriate decoding process. In order to be effective, an invisible watermark should be secure, reliable, and resistant to common signal processing operations and intentional attacks. Recovering the signature from the watermarked media could be used to identify the rightful owners and the intended recipients as well as to authenticate the data. In this paper we are mainly interested in embedding data such that the signature is invisible in the host image. The challenge is to simultaneously ensure that the watermarked image be perceptually indisting tishaNle from the original, and that the signature be recoverable even when the watermarked image has been compressed or transformed by standard image processing operations. Research on digital watermarking can be categorized into two broad classes depending on the data embedding domain. One such class is based on embedding data in the spatial domain, while the other is based on injection in the frequency or transform domain. Most of the recent research on watermarking emphasizes the transform domain approach. TZrget3d applications include watermarking for copyright protection or authentication. Typically, the data used to represent the digital watermarks are a very small fraction of the host image data. Such signatures include, for example, pseudo - random numbers, trademark symbols and binary images. Spatial domain methods usually modify the least - significant bits of the host image, and are, in general, not robust to operations such as low - pass filtering. Much work has also been done in modifying the data in the transform domain. These include DCT domain techniques and wavelet transforms. While most of the contemporary research on watermarking concentrates on copyright protection in internet data distribution, a different kind of watermarking, commonly known as data hiding, is at present receiving considerable attention. Data hiding is a generalization of watermarking wherein perceptually invisible changes are made to the image pixels for embedding additional information in the data. Data hiding is intended to hide larger amounts of data into a host source, rather than just to check for authenticity and copyright information. In fact, the problem of watermarking or copyright protection is a special case of the generic problem of data hiding, where a small signature is embedded with greater robustness to noise. Data hiding provides a mechanism for embedding control, descriptive, or reference information in a given signal. For example, this information can be used for tracking the use of a particular video clip, e. g. , for pay - per - use applications, including billing for commercials and video and audio broadcast. Data hiding could be quite challenging if one considers embedding one image in another image. There has also been work on data hiding in color images. Once method is to use an amplitude modulation scheme wherein signature bits are multiply embedded by modifying pixel values in the blue channel. The blue channel is chosen as the human visual system is less sensitive to blue than other primary colors. Also, changes in regions of high frequencies and high luminance are less perceptible, and thus are favorable locations for data embedding. Robustness is achieved by embefdihg the signature several times at many different locations in the image. Another approach is use the S - CIELAB, a well - known standard for measuring color reproduction errors. In that approach, amplitude - modulated sinusoidal signals are embedded into the yellow - blue color band of an opponent - color representation scheme. It will also be appreciated that, in perceptual data hiding, one is interested in embedding and recovering high quality multimedia data, such as images, video and audio. The host multimedia data itself could be subject to signal prlcessijg operations, typically compression. Depending on the end user application, both lossy and lossless data embedding is of interest. Like in digital watermarking, two scenarios are possible. One is that the original host (nt8 which the data is embedded is available. Alternatively, the original host information may not available. This is a much more difficult problem. Data hiding can zOso be used for transmitting different kinds of information securely over an existing channel dedicated for transmitting something else, such as transmitting hidden speech over a channel meant for transmitting H. 263 video, as in this work. Since a substantial amount has already been invested in the development of the software and hardware infrastructure for standard - based data transmission, it makes monetary sense to try to use the same for transmission of secure or non - Xtandarx data. | 1. Field of Invention invention pertains generally to encoding and data, and more particularly to a method for in still images and video frames. 2. Description of the Background As multimedia data becomes widespread, such as on the internet, there is a to address issues related to the security and protection of data, as well as to ensure copyright protection. multimedia data sources are readily accessible to, and downloadable by, all users of the internet. While access restriction be provided using keys, they do not offer protection against further (illegal) distribution of such data. Digital watermarking is one approach to managing this problem by encoding user other copyright information directly in the data. The purpose of digital watermarking is to restrict use of multimedia resources, to resist attack from unauthorized While watermarking of image data could be visible, as a background transparent signature, a visible watermark not be acceptable to users some contexts. Therefore, it is preferable to digitally watermark and image by invisibly hiding a signature information into the host The signature is then recovered using an appropriate decoding process. order to effective, an invisible watermark should be secure, reliable, and resistant to common signal processing operations and attacks. Recovering the signature from the watermarked could be used to identify the rightful owners and the intended recipients as well as to authenticate the data. In this paper we are mainly interested in embedding data such that the signature invisible in the host image. The challenge is to simultaneously ensure that the watermarked image be perceptually indistinguishable from the original, and that the signature be recoverable even when watermarked image has been compressed transformed by standard image processing operations. Research on digital watermarking can be categorized into two broad classes depending the data embedding domain. One such class is based embedding data in the spatial domain, while the other is on injection in the frequency or transform domain. Most of the recent on watermarking emphasizes the transform domain approach. Targeted applications include watermarking for copyright protection or authentication. Typically, the data used to represent the watermarks are a very of the host data. Such signatures for example, pseudo-random numbers, trademark symbols and binary images. Spatial domain methods usually modify least-significant bits the image, and are, in general, not robust to operations such as low-pass filtering. Much work also been done in modifying the data in transform domain. These include DCT domain techniques and wavelet transforms. While most of the contemporary research on watermarking concentrates on copyright protection in internet data distribution, a different kind of watermarking, commonly known as data hiding, is at present considerable attention. Data hiding a generalization of wherein perceptually invisible changes are made to the pixels for embedding additional information in the data. hiding is intended to hide larger amounts of data host source, rather than just to check for and copyright information. fact, the problem of watermarking or copyright protection is a special case the generic problem of data hiding, where a signature is embedded with greater robustness to noise. Data hiding provides a mechanism for embedding control, or reference information in a given signal. For example, this information can be used for tracking the use of a particular video clip, for pay-per-use applications, including billing for commercials video and audio Data hiding could be quite challenging if one considers embedding one in another image. There has also been work on data hiding in color images. Once method is use amplitude modulation scheme wherein signature bits are embedded by modifying pixel values in blue The blue channel is chosen as the human visual system is sensitive than other primary colors. Also, changes in regions of high frequencies and high luminance are less perceptible, and thus are favorable locations for data embedding. Robustness is achieved by the signature several times at many different locations in the image. Another approach is use the S-CIELAB, a well-known standard for measuring color errors. In that approach, amplitude-modulated sinusoidal signals are into the yellow-blue color band an opponent-color representation scheme. It will also be appreciated that, in perceptual data hiding, one interested in embedding and recovering high multimedia data, as images, video and The host multimedia data itself could be subject to signal processing operations, typically compression. on the end user application, both lossy and lossless data embedding is of interest. Like in digital scenarios are possible. One the original host into which the data is embedded is available. Alternatively, the original may not This is a much more difficult problem. Data hiding can also be used for different of information securely an existing channel dedicated for transmitting something else, such as transmitting speech over a channel meant for transmitting H.263 video, as in work. Since a substantial amount has been invested in the development of the software hardware infrastructure for standard-based data transmission, it makes monetary sense to try to same for transmission of secure or data. | 1. fiElD oF The InvENtioN
THis iNveNtIoN perTainS geNERAlly tO ENCodIng aND deCodiNG DATA, aND more PaRtIculaRLy tO A meThod for EmBeDdING dATA in STIlL iMAGes aND vIDEO fRAmES.
2. dEsCrIpTioN OF thE backgROund Art
As muLTimEdIA dATA BeComes WIDeSPreAD, SUCH AS oN THE InTerneT, thERE iS A NeEd tO aDdresS iSsUeS RelaTeD to tHE SecuRItY aNd pROTEcTiON of sucH dAtA, as weLl as to ensure CoPyrIGhT PROtEctION. MOST muLTimedIA dATa SOurcES are READily aCCEsSIbLE TO, aNd dOwNLoadAble BY, aLL uSeRs of The inTERnET. WHIle AcceSS rEstRictIOn can be PrOvidEd USing ElECtRONic Keys, tHeY Do NOt OFFeR PrOtECtIon AGainsT FUrTheR (ILLegAL) diSTRiBution Of such DAtA.
DigitAL WatermaRkIng is ONe aPPRoACH to maNagInG thiS PRoBlEm by encODiNG uSer OR OTher CopYrigHT InFoRMAtION DirectLY in THE datA. thE pURPosE oF diGiTaL WATERMarkiNg IS NoT TO rEStRicT uSE oF muLTIMeDiA RESourCes, but TO RESisT atTaCk FROm UnautHORIZed USers.
whiLe waTerMaRking OF image DatA coUld Be visIBLe, SUcH aS a BACKGrouND TRAnspaRent sIGnaTURe, A VISIble wAtErmARK maY NOt bE aCCeptable to usErs in SOMe conteXts. thErEForE, IT IS pRefERablE tO dIGitAlLy WaTERMARk aND ImAgE BY INvIsIbly hiDInG A signaTUre InFOrmatiON iNTO THE HoST ImAGe. thE sIGnAtUrE iS TheN RECOveRed usINg An APProPrIaTE decodINg PRoCESs.
iN OrDEr tO be efFEctIVe, an iNVISIBlE wAteRMaRK sHould Be SeCure, RELIAbLe, AND resISTANt TO coMmoN sigNAL PROcESSiNG oPeRATions AnD iNtentIonaL AtTackS. recOVeriNg THe SiGnaturE FRoM thE wATeRmARkeD mEDIA cOULD BE used To IdeNTiFy the RigHTFUL oWNeRS AnD ThE IntEnDED rEciPIeNTs As weLL As TO AUThENtiCaTE thE dATA. in THis PAper wE ARe maINLY INTereSTED in EmBEDdiNg dAtA suCh ThAt tHE sIgNaTurE IS INVISiBlE In the HOst iMagE. thE cHaLLENge Is to sIMUlTAnEousLy EnSURE tHaT the waterMaRKed ImAGe BE perCEPTuALLY IndIstINguishaBLE fRoM thE ORIgINAl, ANd tHat thE SIGNAturE Be recoVERaBle eveN wHEn ThE WateRmaRkED iMAgE haS beEn cOmpresseD or tRANsFoRMeD bY staNdARD imAGe prOcessInG opeRaTIOnS.
reSEarCh oN dIgiTaL WatermarkiNG CAN be CATEgOrIZED INTo tWO broaD ClaSSes dePEndIng On the dAta emBEdding dOmAIn. OnE sUCh ClAss IS BASed ON embeDdiNG data IN ThE sPATIaL domaIN, wHILe the OTheR IS BAsEd On injEcTIOn IN the FReqUeNcy or trAnSFORM DOmAin. MOSt OF the recenT rESeArch On waTERMARKing eMpHAsIZes ThE TRaNsFORM dOmAIN ApprOACh. TArgetED appLicATiOnS INCLUDe WAtERmARkiNG fOR CoPyrIghT PrOTECtiON OR autHeNTicaTIon. tyPIcaLLY, THE DatA uSEd tO rEpREseNT The DiGiTal WatermArkS ARe a vErY sMalL fRACtIon oF the Host iMagE dAta. sUch siGNatUREs INCluDe, For EXample, pSeUDO-RaNDOM NUMBErs, TRaDEmARk symBoLS anD biNary images. sPATiAl dOMaiN METHoDS UsUALLy ModiFY the leaSt-SIgNiFIcaNT biTs Of THE HOst IMAGe, aNd are, in gEnERAL, NoT rOBUST tO OpERAtIoNs sUcH aS LOW-pASS fiLTeRING. mUcH WoRk has alsO beEn done In mOdIFyiNG thE dATa IN tHe TRaNsfoRm dOmAin. tHEsE InclUde DCT domAin teCHNIQueS And wavELeT tRansformS.
WHIle MoSt OF tHE COnTEmPOraRY ResEarCH on wateRmARkIng cOncENTRATEs oN CopyrIGhT prOtecTIon in inTERNEt DatA diSTribUTION, A difFeRENT KinD of watErMaRkInG, COMmoNly known As Data HidINg, iS At preSENT reCeivINg CONsIDERaBlE attENTIOn. Data hIdING Is a gEnERALiZaTIon of waTERmarking WhErEIN peRCeptuALLy INvISIbLe CHanGes arE MaDE To the iMaGE piXELS fOR EMBEddING ADDITionaL iNfORmatIon iN tHE data. dAtA HIdIng is INtEndEd TO hiDe LArgeR aMoUNts oF dAta INTO A HOst SOUrCE, ratHEr tHan jUst TO cheCK for aUTHeNTicitY And CoPYriGhT INFORMAtioN. IN fAct, tHE proBleM oF waTErMaRKiNG oR CopYRigHt prOTecTION Is a sPEcIAL CAsE OF tHe GENErIC prOblEM Of DaTA hIDInG, WhEre A SmALl SiGnAtUre Is EMBEdDeD wiTH GreaTEr rObuSTnEss TO noiSE.
dAtA hIdiNg pROViDes a MEChANiSM for eMbEdDing CONtRol, DESCriPTIVE, OR refeRENcE iNfORmATioN in A GiVeN siGNal. fOr exampLE, tHis iNfORMAtION can be uSed fOR tRACKiNG thE usE oF A pArtIcUlaR vIDeo Clip, E.G., foR pAy-PEr-uSe APplICATIonS, InCLUdiNg BIllINg foR cOmmerCIalS aND vIdeO aNd aUDio bROaDcaST. data HIDiNg coulD Be QUITE ChAllenGINg If one COnSiDerS emBEDdIng One ImaGe iN AnoTHER ImaGe.
thERe HAs alsO BEEN WOrK oN dAta HIdinG In coloR iMaGeS. ONcE METHoD iS tO uSe An aMPliTUDE MODulatiOn sChEME whEreIN SiGNaTUre Bits ARe mUlTiply EmBeddeD by mODIfyIng PixeL VAlUEs in THE Blue ChANnel. The BluE chanNEl IS chOSeN aS the HUman viSuaL sYSteM is LESs SensItivE To BLUE THan oTHEr pRiMaRY CoLorS. aLSo, CHANgEs iN regIonS OF HIGH FrEQueNCIeS aND HIgh LuminaNCe ARe LesS PERcEpTIBlE, AND THUS aRe fAvoRaBLe loCATiONS For DaTa eMbEDDinG. RobuSTneSs iS ACHiEVed BY eMBEDDiNg the SigNatUre sevEraL times AT MANY dIffEreNT locaTiONs in the imAGe. ANOtHer apPrOACh is uSe tHE S-CIeLaB, A welL-KnOWN STAnDard FOr MeAsURING ColOR RepRoDUCtIon ErRORS. In THAT APPROACh, amPlITudE-MODULateD SiNuSOidAl siGNaLs ARE emBedDEd iNto tHE yElLoW-bLuE Color baND oF AN opPoNeNt-cOlOr rEpresentaTIoN ScHemE.
iT wILl aLsO BE APPrECiateD tHat, IN pErCepTuAl dAta hiDInG, oNE IS intEReStEd iN emBEDDINg AnD ReCOVEring hIGh qUaLitY mULtiMEDIa dAtA, SUCH AS IMAGes, vidEO aNd AUDio. ThE hosT MULTIMediA DaTa itseLF cOULd Be suBjEct to SiGNaL prOceSsING operAtIONs, TyPicallY cOMpReSSIoN. DepeNdinG On tHe end USeR APplication, botH LOSSY and LoSslESs dATa EmbeddInG iS of IntERest. liKe iN digitaL WaTeRmArkIng, TwO scEnaRIOS arE POsSIBle. oNE iS thAt ThE oRiGInAl HOsT iNtO WHIch tHe Data iS EmBeDdeD is AvaIlAble. ALterNatIvELy, tHE OrigInaL HoSt InfOrmaTion may NOT AVaiLAble. tHIS IS A MUcH mOrE diffIcULt PRoblem.
dATA hIDING cAn aLSo Be USED FoR tRaNSmITTInG DiFFErenT KInDS OF infORmAtIOn seCuRElY over aN eXISTING channEl deDIcATed For transmITTIng SOMEthiNg eLse, SUch as tranSmittiNg hiDdEN Speech OveR a ChaNNeL MEaNT fOR trAnsMIttInG h.263 viDEO, As In This wORk. sinCE a subSTaNTial AMOUnt HaS AlReADy BEen iNvEstEd IN tHE DEvElOPmenT Of tHE SOfTwaRE And hArDwaRE inFrastrUctURe foR STAnDard-bASeD datA traNsMissiOn, It MaKES mOnETARY SeNSE To try TO UsE the SaME fOr TRansMiSsion of sEcurE or non-StandArD daTa. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains generally toencoding and decoding data, and more particularly to a methodfor embedding data in still imagesand video frames.2. Description of the Background Art Asmultimediadata becomes widespread, such as onthe internet, there is a need to address issues related to the security and protection of such data, as well as to ensure copyright protection. Most multimedia data sources are readily accessible to, and downloadable by, all users of the internet.While access restriction can be provided using electronic keys, they donot offer protection against further (illegal) distribution of such data. Digital watermarking is one approach to managing this problem by encoding user or other copyright information directly in the data. The purpose of digitalwatermarking is not torestrict useof multimedia resources, but to resist attack fromunauthorized users. While watermarking of imagedata could be visible, such as a background transparent signature, a visible watermark may not beacceptable to users in some contexts. Therefore, it ispreferable to digitally watermark and image byinvisibly hiding a signatureinformation into the host image. The signature isthen recovered using an appropriate decoding process. In order to beeffective, an invisible watermark should be secure, reliable,andresistant to common signal processing operations andintentional attacks. Recovering the signature from the watermarked mediacould be used to identify therightfulowners and the intended recipients as well as to authenticatethe data. In this paper we are mainlyinterested in embedding data such that the signature is invisible in the hostimage. The challenge is tosimultaneously ensure thatthe watermarked image be perceptually indistinguishable from the original, and that the signature berecoverableevenwhen the watermarked image has been compressed or transformed by standard image processing operations. Research on digital watermarking can be categorized into two broad classes depending on the data embedding domain. One such class is based onembedding data inthe spatial domain, while the other is based on injection inthefrequency or transformdomain.Most of the recent research on watermarking emphasizes the transform domain approach. Targeted applications include watermarking for copyright protection or authentication. Typically, the data used to represent thedigitalwatermarksare a very small fraction of the hostimage data. Such signatures include, for example, pseudo-random numbers, trademark symbols and binary images. Spatial domain methods usually modify the least-significant bits of the host image, andare,in general,not robust to operations such as low-pass filtering. Much work has also been done in modifyingthe data in the transform domain. Theseinclude DCT domain techniques and wavelet transforms. While most ofthe contemporary research on watermarking concentrates on copyright protection in internet data distribution,a different kind of watermarking, commonly known as data hiding, is atpresent receiving considerableattention. Data hiding isa generalization of watermarkingwherein perceptually invisible changes are made to the image pixels for embeddingadditional information in the data. Data hiding is intendedtohidelarger amounts of data into a host source, rather than just tocheck for authenticity and copyright information.In fact, the problem of watermarking or copyright protectionis a special case of the generic problem of data hiding, where asmall signature isembedded withgreater robustness to noise. Data hiding provides a mechanism for embedding control, descriptive, or referenceinformation in a given signal.For example, this information canbe used fortrackingthe use of a particularvideo clip, e.g., for pay-per-useapplications, including billing for commercials and video and audio broadcast.Data hiding could be quite challenging if one considers embedding one image in another image. There has also been workon data hiding in color images.Oncemethod is to use an amplitude modulationschemewhereinsignature bitsaremultiplyembedded by modifying pixel values in the blue channel. The blue channel is chosen as the human visual systemisless sensitive to blue than other primary colors. Also, changes in regions of high frequencies andhigh luminance areless perceptible, and thus are favorable locations for data embedding. Robustness is achieved by embedding the signature severaltimes at many different locations in the image. Another approach is use the S-CIELAB, a well-known standard for measuring color reproduction errors. In that approach, amplitude-modulated sinusoidal signals are embeddedinto the yellow-bluecolor band of an opponent-color representation scheme. It will also be appreciated that, in perceptual data hiding,one is interested in embedding and recovering high quality multimediadata, suchas images,video and audio. The hostmultimedia dataitselfcould be subject tosignal processing operations, typically compression. Depending on the end user application, both lossy and losslessdata embedding is of interest. Likein digital watermarking, twoscenarios are possible. One is that the original host into whichthe data is embedded is available. Alternatively, the originalhost information may not available. This isa much more difficultproblem. Data hiding can also be used fortransmitting different kinds of information securely over an existingchannel dedicated for transmitting something else,such as transmitting hidden speech over a channel meant for transmitting H.263 video, as in thiswork. Since a substantial amount has already been investedin the development of the software and hardware infrastructure for standard-based datatransmission, it makes monetary sense to try to use the same for transmission of secure or non-standarddata. | 1. Field _of_ the _Invention_ This invention _pertains_ generally to encoding and decoding data, and more particularly to a method for embedding data in _still_ images and video frames. _2._ Description of the Background _Art_ _As_ multimedia _data_ becomes widespread, such as _on_ the _internet,_ there is a need to address issues _related_ to the security and protection of such data, _as_ well _as_ to ensure copyright protection. Most multimedia _data_ sources _are_ readily accessible _to,_ and downloadable by, all users of the internet. _While_ _access_ restriction can be provided _using_ electronic keys, _they_ do not offer protection _against_ _further_ _(illegal)_ distribution _of_ _such_ data. Digital watermarking _is_ _one_ approach to managing this problem _by_ _encoding_ user or other copyright _information_ directly in the data. The purpose of digital watermarking _is_ _not_ _to_ restrict use of _multimedia_ resources, but to resist attack from unauthorized _users._ While _watermarking_ of image data could be visible, such as a background transparent signature, a _visible_ watermark may _not_ be acceptable to users in some contexts. Therefore, it _is_ preferable to digitally watermark _and_ image by _invisibly_ _hiding_ a _signature_ information _into_ the host image. The signature is then recovered using an appropriate _decoding_ _process._ _In_ _order_ _to_ be _effective,_ an invisible watermark should be secure, reliable, and resistant _to_ common signal processing operations and _intentional_ _attacks._ Recovering the signature from the watermarked media _could_ be used to identify the _rightful_ _owners_ and the intended recipients as well _as_ to _authenticate_ the data. _In_ _this_ _paper_ we are mainly _interested_ _in_ embedding _data_ _such_ that the signature is invisible in the host image. The challenge is to _simultaneously_ ensure that _the_ _watermarked_ _image_ be perceptually _indistinguishable_ from the original, _and_ that _the_ signature be recoverable even _when_ the _watermarked_ image has been compressed or transformed by standard image _processing_ operations. Research on _digital_ watermarking can be categorized into two broad _classes_ depending on the data embedding domain. One _such_ _class_ is based on embedding _data_ in the spatial domain, while _the_ other _is_ based on _injection_ in the frequency _or_ transform domain. Most of the recent research on watermarking emphasizes the transform domain approach. Targeted applications include watermarking for copyright protection or authentication. Typically, the data _used_ _to_ represent _the_ digital _watermarks_ _are_ a _very_ small fraction of the host _image_ data. Such _signatures_ _include,_ for example, pseudo-random numbers, trademark _symbols_ and binary _images._ _Spatial_ domain methods usually modify the least-significant bits of the host image, and are, in general, not robust to operations such as low-pass filtering. Much work has also _been_ done in modifying the data in the transform domain. _These_ include _DCT_ _domain_ _techniques_ and wavelet transforms. While most _of_ the contemporary _research_ on watermarking concentrates on copyright protection in internet data distribution, _a_ different kind of _watermarking,_ commonly _known_ as data hiding, is _at_ present receiving considerable _attention._ Data hiding is _a_ generalization _of_ watermarking wherein perceptually invisible changes are made to the image pixels for _embedding_ _additional_ information in the data. Data _hiding_ is intended to hide _larger_ amounts _of_ data into _a_ _host_ source, rather _than_ just _to_ check for _authenticity_ and _copyright_ information. In _fact,_ _the_ _problem_ of watermarking or copyright protection is _a_ _special_ _case_ of the generic _problem_ of data hiding, _where_ a small signature is embedded with greater robustness to noise. Data hiding _provides_ a _mechanism_ _for_ embedding control, descriptive, or reference information in a given signal. For example, this information _can_ be used for tracking the use of a particular video _clip,_ e.g., for pay-per-use _applications,_ _including_ billing _for_ commercials _and_ video and _audio_ broadcast. Data hiding could be quite challenging if one considers _embedding_ one image in another image. There has also been work on data hiding in color images. _Once_ method is to use an amplitude _modulation_ scheme wherein signature bits are _multiply_ embedded by modifying pixel values _in_ the blue channel. The blue channel is chosen as the _human_ visual system _is_ less sensitive to blue than other primary colors. Also, changes in regions of high frequencies and high luminance are less perceptible, and _thus_ are favorable _locations_ for data embedding. Robustness is achieved by _embedding_ the signature several times at many different locations in the image. Another approach is use _the_ _S-CIELAB,_ a well-known standard _for_ measuring _color_ reproduction _errors._ _In_ _that_ _approach,_ amplitude-modulated sinusoidal signals are _embedded_ into the yellow-blue color band of an opponent-color representation scheme. _It_ will also be appreciated that, in perceptual data _hiding,_ _one_ is interested in embedding and recovering _high_ quality multimedia data, _such_ _as_ images, video and _audio._ The host _multimedia_ data itself could be subject to _signal_ processing operations, typically compression. _Depending_ _on_ the end _user_ application, both lossy and _lossless_ _data_ embedding is of interest. Like in digital watermarking, two scenarios are possible. One is _that_ the original host into which the data is embedded is available. Alternatively, the original host information may _not_ available. This is _a_ much more difficult problem. _Data_ hiding can also be _used_ for transmitting _different_ _kinds_ _of_ information securely over an _existing_ channel dedicated for transmitting _something_ else, such as transmitting hidden speech over a channel meant for transmitting H.263 video, as in this work. Since a substantial _amount_ has already been invested in _the_ development of _the_ software and hardware infrastructure for standard-based data _transmission,_ it _makes_ monetary _sense_ to _try_ to use the same for transmission _of_ _secure_ _or_ non-standard data. |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a novel system and methodology for providing information with respect to electronic entertainment and more particularly to an information program content guide which provides for related services.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various text based systems for providing information on television shows and the like are now available. However, these devices and/or printed publications are rather limited in their scope. Systems such as the VCR+(trademark) system which employs information found in a local newspaper, provides a code based system which requires that the manual codes printed in a newspaper be entered into a VCR to allow automatic programming of the VCR. This system however, does not allow for an interactive link of the flexibility that is demanded or needed by users at the present time. This invention expands upon, and provides a significant improvement over, the text based preprinted information systems and further provides a mechanism by which additional related services and information can be provided to a user.
Other computer and electronic based systems, such as would be found on a cable system, suffer from various other problems, such as a lack of interactivity and the ability to provide interactive links or for the information to be updated in an easy manner.
A computer based system is provided in this invention which may use, for example, a personal computer which extracts, consolidates and provides a display mechanism for displaying the various types of information to access from multiple sources of electronic signals and sources for use by an individual. Although this computer system is primarily designed to incorporate a large screen monitor capable for viewing at a distance, this invention should not be considered so limited in its use and in fact be used in conjunction with monitors of all sizes. The computer system of this invention incorporates integrated hardware and functionality in which electronic signals from a plurality of sources and of various types can be acquired by the computer system""s central processing unit. The system interprets and processes information which is played back and displayed to the user. These signals may be acquired from an analog signal or from a digital signal. Just some of the examples of the signal sources might be standard analog television transmission, which occurs over the air, cable analog television transmissions, digital cable television transmissions, and direct broadcast satellites, either digital or analog. Additional digital information can be carried as part of an analog television signal for example, as part of the vertical blanking interval (VBI) or in other portions of the video and audio wave form, including in the picture portion itself. Digital data may also be acquired by the central processor by cable modem, satellite digital video transmission or over standard telephone lines, including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), wireless transmission, AM/FM radio broadcasts, digital media such as CD ROM, CDI, magnetic diskettes or the like. Further additional information can be acquired from prerecorded items such as would be used in video cassette recorders, audio CD players or the like. This information would then be converted either from its native analog format or reformatted from its stored digital format or transmittal digital format into a data format by which the computer may use this information.
The presentation of this information in a manner which is usable by an average user, is one of the significant features and advantages of this invention. Specifically, the computer system acquires information from a multiplicity of electronic signals and provides a coherent mechanism of presenting this information to a user in a format which is easy to understand and suitable for usage. For example, in the case of broadcast television signals, these signals are received and converted into a moving digital graphical display and the processed signals can then be displayed on a system monitor with the accompanying audio signals being received and converted to digital samples and then replayed through the digital display to analog converters provided in the system. Obviously, the signal acquisition method and apparatus and its processing used to present the signal, either visual or aural, will vary depending upon the type of signal source that is received and the manner in which it is received.
In the case of digital signal sources, the processing method used to interpret and present the signal obviously depends upon the type of digital information. One of the concerns is how the information is contained within the data stream or on the context in which the data is received. The mechanism by which the signal arrives at the computer system obviously may vary as set forth above and this invention should not be limited to the specific methodology of receiving the signal.
In any complex computer system which is capable of receiving and displaying or playing back audio signals, there is obviously a rich and diverse source of signals for entertainment and for content. However, it is difficult for an individual user to select from the wide selection of possible programs and content types in an easy and expeditious manner. In conventional approaches, once a selection is made or in use, it is difficult or time consuming to change to or investigate other signal/content sources without entering complex commands. In the case of searching and finding content delivered over different means (for example, switching from a television broadcast signal and a modem data signal), it may be necessary to consult multiple sources of information or xe2x80x9ccontent guidesxe2x80x9d to determine what material might be of interest to the user and what is available.
Another problem that is present in prior art systems is the ease with which actions can be prompted to the user on a given signal type and carried out using another signal type. An example of this is an advertisement on television containing a telephone number for placing an order to purchase goods, or a world wide web address, which is displayed as part of a television program. The conventional method of taking action would be for the user to note the telephone number, pick up a telephone, dial the telephone number, request the specific merchandise and provide credit card information or billing information to the operator. If a world wide web address is provided on the television show, it may require several displays of this address before the user can note the exact syntax of the address, copy it down, enter it into his web browser and communicate with this web page.
One of the unique advantages of this invention is an integrated content guide (ICG) with associated features is provided. This content guide provides an integrated method for searching and finding content of interest both within and across pluralities of signal types and programming and provides an integrated approach for the presentation of this information and of advertising information which is sent along with this signal.
An additional advantage of this invention is a mechanism by which links and/or related information, which are (is) kept in the context of the program being viewed or listened to, may be used as part of the content guide. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a novel system and methodology for providing information with respect to electronic entertainment and more particularly to an information program content guide which provides for related services. 2. Description of the Related Art Various text based systems for providing information on television shows and the like are now available. However, these devices and/or printed publications are rather limited in their scope. Systems such as the VCR+(trademark) system which employs information found in a local newspaper, provides a code based system which requires that the manual codes printed in a newspaper be entered into a VCR to allow automatic programming of the VCR. This system however, does not allow for an interactive link of the flexibility that is demanded or needed by users at the present time. This invention expands upon, and provides a significant improvement over, the text based preprinted information systems and further provides a mechanism by which additional related services and information can be provided to a user. Other computer and electronic based systems, such as would be found on a cable system, suffer from various other problems, such as a lack of interactivity and the ability to provide interactive links or for the information to be updated in an easy manner. A computer based system is provided in this invention which may use, for example, a personal computer which extracts, consolidates and provides a display mechanism for displaying the various types of information to access from multiple sources of electronic signals and sources for use by an individual. Although this computer system is primarily designed to incorporate a large screen monitor capable for viewing at a distance, this invention should not be considered so limited in its use and in fact be used in conjunction with monitors of all sizes. The computer system of this invention incorporates integrated hardware and functionality in which electronic signals from a plurality of sources and of various types can be acquired by the computer system""s central processing unit. The system interprets and processes information which is played back and displayed to the user. These signals may be acquired from an analog signal or from a digital signal. Just some of the examples of the signal sources might be standard analog television transmission, which occurs over the air, cable analog television transmissions, digital cable television transmissions, and direct broadcast satellites, either digital or analog. Additional digital information can be carried as part of an analog television signal for example, as part of the vertical blanking interval (VBI) or in other portions of the video and audio wave form, including in the picture portion itself. Digital data may also be acquired by the central processor by cable modem, satellite digital video transmission or over standard telephone lines, including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), wireless transmission, AM/FM radio broadcasts, digital media such as CD ROM, CDI, magnetic diskettes or the like. Further additional information can be acquired from prerecorded items such as would be used in video cassette recorders, audio CD players or the like. This information would then be converted either from its native analog format or reformatted from its stored digital format or transmittal digital format into a data format by which the computer may use this information. The presentation of this information in a manner which is usable by an average user, is one of the significant features and advantages of this invention. Specifically, the computer system acquires information from a multiplicity of electronic signals and provides a coherent mechanism of presenting this information to a user in a format which is easy to understand and suitable for usage. For example, in the case of broadcast television signals, these signals are received and converted into a moving digital graphical display and the processed signals can then be displayed on a system monitor with the accompanying audio signals being received and converted to digital samples and then replayed through the digital display to analog converters provided in the system. Obviously, the signal acquisition method and apparatus and its processing used to present the signal, either visual or aural, will vary depending upon the type of signal source that is received and the manner in which it is received. In the case of digital signal sources, the processing method used to interpret and present the signal obviously depends upon the type of digital information. One of the concerns is how the information is contained within the data stream or on the context in which the data is received. The mechanism by which the signal arrives at the computer system obviously may vary as set forth above and this invention should not be limited to the specific methodology of receiving the signal. In any complex computer system which is capable of receiving and displaying or playing back audio signals, there is obviously a rich and diverse source of signals for entertainment and for content. However, it is difficult for an individual user to select from the wide selection of possible programs and content types in an prosperous and expeditious manner. In conventional approaches, once a selection is made or in use, it is difficult or time consuming to change to or investigate other signal/content sources without entering complex commands. In the case of searching and finding content delivered over different means (for example, switching from a television broadcast signal and a modem data signal), it may be necessary to consult multiple sources of information or xe2x80x9ccontent guidesxe2x80x9d to determine what material might be of interest to the user and what is available. Another problem that is present in prior art systems is the ease with which actions can be prompted to the user on a given signal type and carried out using another signal type. An example of this is an advertisement on television containing a telephone number for placing an order to purchase goods, or a world wide web address, which is displayed as part of a television program. The conventional method of taking action would be for the user to note the telephone number, pick up a telephone, dial the telephone number, request the specific merchandise and provide credit card information or billing information to the operator. If a world wide web address is provided on the television show, it may require several displays of this address before the user can note the exact syntax of the address, copy it down, enter it into his web browser and communicate with this web page. One of the unique advantages of this invention is an integrated content guide (ICG) with associated features is provided. This content guide provides an integrated method for searching and finding content of interest both within and across pluralities of signal types and programming and provides an integrated approach for the presentation of this information and of advertising information which is sent along with this signal. An additional advantage of this invention is a mechanism by which links and/or related information, which are (is) kept in the context of the program being viewed or listened to, may be used as part of the content guide. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a novel system and methodology for providing information with respect to electronic entertainment and more particularly to an information program content guide which provides for related services. 2. Description of the Related Art Various text based systems for providing information on television shows and the like are now available. However, these devices and / or printed publications are rather limited in their scope. Systems such as the VCR + (trademark) system which employs information found in a local newspaper, provides a code based system which requires that the manual codes printed in a newspaper be entered into a VCR to allow automatic programming of the VCR. This system however, does not allow for an interactive link of the flexibility that is demanded or needed by users at the present time. This invention expands upon, and provides a significant improvement over, the text based preprinted information systems and further provides a mechanism by which additional related services and information can be provided to a user. Other computer and electronic based systems, such as would be found on a cable system, suffer from various other problems, such as a lack of interactivity and the ability to provide interactive links or for the information to be updated in an easy maJneg. A computer based system is provided in this invention which may use, for example, a personal computer which extracts, consolidates and provides a display mechanism for displaying the various types of information to access from multiple sources of electronic signals and sources for use by an individual. Although this computer system is primarily designed to incorporate a large screen monitor capable for viewing at a fistancr, Rhus invention should not be considered so limited in its use and in fact be used in conjunction with monitors of all sizes. The computer system of this invention incorporates integrated hardware and functionality in which electronic signals from a plurality of sources and of various types can be acquired by the computer system " " s central processing unit. The system interprets and processes information which is played back and displayed to the user. These signals may be acquired from an analog signal or from a digital signal. Just some of the examples of the signal sources might be standard analog television transmission, which occurs over the air, cable analog television transmissions, digital cable television transmissions, and direct broadcast satellites, either digital or analog. Additional digital information can be carried as part of an analog television signal for example, as part of the vertical blanking interval (VBI) or in other portions of the video and QudJo wave form, including in the picture portion itself. Digital data may also be acquired by the central processor by cable modem, satellite digital video transmission or over standard telephone lines, including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN ), wireless transmission, AM / FM radio broadcasts, digital media such as CD ROM, CDI, magnetic diskettes or the like. Further additional information can be acquired from prerecorded items such as would be used in video cassette recorders, audio CD players or the like. This information would then be converted either from its native analog format or reformatted from its stored digital format or transmittal digital format into a data format by which the computer may use this information. The presentation of this information in a manner which is usable by an average user, is one of the significant features and advantages of this invention. Specifically, the computer system acquires information from a multiplicity of electronic signals and provides a coherent mechanism of presenting this information to a user in a format which is easy to understand and suitable for 8sagS. For example, in the case of broadcast television signals, these signals are received and converted into a moving digital graphical display and the processed signals can then be displayed on a system monitor with the accompanying audio signals being received and converted to digital samples and then replayed through the digital display to analog converters provided in the system. Obviously, the signal acquisition method and apparatus and its processing used to present the signal, either visual or aural, will vary depending upon the type of signal source that is received and the manner in which it is received. In the case of digital signal sources, the processing method used to interpret and present the signal obviously depends upon the type of digital information. One of the concerns is how the information is contained within the data stream or on the context in which the data is received. The mechanism by which the signal arrives at the computer system obviously may vary as set forth above and this invention should not be limited to the specific methodology of receiving the signal. In any complex computer system which is capable of receiving and displaying or playing back audio signals, there is obviously a rich and diverse source of signals for entertainment and for content. However, it is difficult for an individual user to select from the wide selection of possible programs and content types in an easy and expeditious manner. In conventional approaches, once a selection is made or in use, it is difficult or time consuming to change to or investigate other signal / content sources without entering complex commands. In the case of searching and finding content delivered over different means (for example, switching from a television broadcast signal and a modem data signal ), it may be neveasary to consult multiple sources of information or xe2x80x9ccontent guidesxe2x80x9d to determine what material might be of interest to the user and what is available. Another problem that is present in prior art systems is the ease with which actions can be prompted to the user on a given signal type and carried out using another signal type. An example of this is an advertisement on television containing a telephone number for placjnf an order to purchase goods, or a world wide web address, which is displayed as part of a television program. The conventional method of taking action would be for the user to note the telephone number, pick up a telephone, dial the telephone number, request the specific merchandise and provide credit card information or billing information to the operator. If a world wide web address is provided on the television show, it may require several displays of this address before the user can note the exact syntax of the address, copy it down, enter it ig5o his web browser and communicate with this web page. One of the unique advantages of 5hiE invention is an integrated content guide (ICG) with associated features is provided. This content guide provides an integrated method for searching and finding content of interest both within and across pluralities of signal types and programming and provides an integrated approach for the presentation of 6hiC information and of advertising information which is sent along with this signal. An additional advantage of this invention is a mechanism by which links and / or related information, which are (is) kept in the context of the program being viewed or listened to, may be used as part of the content guide. | 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a and methodology for providing information with respect to electronic entertainment and more particularly to an information program content guide which provides for related services. 2. Description of the Related Art Various text based systems for providing information television and are now available. However, these devices and/or printed are rather limited in their scope. Systems such as the VCR+(trademark) system which employs in a local newspaper, provides a code based requires that the manual codes printed in a newspaper be entered into a VCR to allow automatic of the system does not allow for an link of the flexibility that demanded or needed by users at the present time. This invention expands upon, and provides a significant improvement over, the text based preprinted information systems and further provides a mechanism by which additional related services and information be provided to a user. Other computer and electronic based systems, such as would be found cable system, suffer from various other problems, such as a lack of interactivity and the ability to provide interactive links or for the information to be updated in an easy manner. A computer based system is provided in this invention which may use, for example, a personal which extracts, consolidates and provides a display mechanism displaying various of information to from multiple of electronic signals and sources for use by an individual. Although computer system is primarily designed to incorporate a large screen monitor capable for viewing at a distance, invention should not be considered so limited in its use and fact be used conjunction with monitors of all sizes. The computer system of this invention incorporates integrated hardware and functionality in which electronic signals from plurality of sources and of various types can be acquired by the computer system""s central processing unit. The system interprets and processes information which is played back and displayed to the user. These signals may be acquired an analog signal or from a digital signal. some of the examples of sources be standard analog television transmission, which occurs over the air, analog transmissions, digital cable television transmissions, and direct broadcast either digital or analog. information can be carried as part of an signal for example, as of the vertical blanking (VBI) or in other portions of the video and audio form, including in the picture portion itself. Digital data may also be acquired by central processor by cable modem, satellite digital video transmission or standard telephone including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), wireless transmission, radio broadcasts, media such as CD ROM, CDI, magnetic diskettes or the like. Further additional information can acquired prerecorded such as would used in video cassette recorders, audio CD or the like. information would then be converted either from its native analog format or reformatted from its stored or transmittal digital format into a data format the computer may use this information. presentation of this information in a manner which is usable an user, is one of the significant features and of this invention. Specifically, the computer system acquires information from a multiplicity of electronic signals provides a coherent mechanism of presenting this information a user a format which is easy to understand and suitable for usage. For example, in the case of broadcast television signals, these signals are and converted into moving digital graphical display and the processed signals can then be displayed on a system monitor the accompanying signals received and converted to digital samples and then replayed the digital display to analog converters provided in the system. Obviously, the acquisition method apparatus and its processing used to present the signal, either visual or aural, will vary upon the type of signal source that is received and the manner in which it is received. In the case of digital signal sources, the processing method used to interpret and present the signal obviously depends upon the type of digital information. One of concerns is how the information is contained within the stream or on the context in which the data is received. The mechanism by which the signal arrives at the computer system obviously may vary as forth above and this invention should not be limited to the specific methodology receiving the signal. In any computer system which is receiving and displaying or playing back signals, there is obviously a rich and diverse source of signals entertainment and for content. However, it is difficult for an individual user to select from the wide selection of possible programs content types in an and expeditious In conventional approaches, once a selection is made in use, it is difficult or time consuming to change or investigate signal/content sources without entering complex commands. In the case of searching finding content delivered over different means (for example, switching from a television broadcast signal and a modem data signal), it may be necessary to multiple sources of information or xe2x80x9ccontent guidesxe2x80x9d to determine what material might be of interest to user and what is available. Another problem that is present in prior art is the ease with which actions can be prompted to the user on a given signal type and carried out using another signal type. An example of this is an advertisement on television containing a telephone number for placing an order to purchase goods, a wide web address, which is displayed as part of a television program. The method taking action would be for the to note the telephone number, pick up a dial the telephone number, request the specific merchandise and provide credit information or billing information to the operator. If a world wide address is provided on the show, it may require displays of this address before the can note the exact syntax of the address, copy it down, enter it into his web browser and communicate with this web page. One of the unique advantages of this invention is an integrated content with associated features is This content guide provides an integrated method for searching and finding content of interest both within and across of signal types and programming and provides an integrated approach for the presentation of this information and of advertising information which is sent along with this An additional advantage of this invention is a mechanism by links and/or information, which are kept in the context of the program being viewed or listened may used part of the content guide. | 1. FIEld of thE iNVEnTioN
thIs iNVeNtIOn rElAtES TO a novEl sYsTEM AND METhOdoLOgY FOr prOViDiNG INfOrMaTIOn With REspECT tO ELECtroNiC ENTertaInmeNt AND MOre PartiCulArLy To an iNfoRmatiON PROGram CONtENT guIDe WhiCH ProvidES For RelATed sErViCES.
2. desCRIPtioN of the RELATED aRT
vaRioUS TEXt baSED systeMS FoR ProVIdIng InForMAtion On TELEvIsiON SHOWS And The liKE aRE NOw aVaILabLe. hoWeveR, theSE DEVIces AnD/OR PriNTEd pUblicaTions Are RAThER LImiTeD iN THeIR SCOpE. Systems SuCH AS THe VCR+(TraDEMaRK) SYSteM wHiCh EMPLOys InForMaTION FOunD IN a locAl NEwsPApEr, PROvIdEs A Code baSEd SYstEM Which rEqUiRes tHAT the mANUal cODeS PRinTED iN A nEWSpApeR be ENtErEd INto a VCR tO Allow autoMatIC ProgrammInG of tHe vcr. tHis sYSTeM hOWEVeR, DoEs nOt alLOW FoR AN interAcTive LINK OF The fLexIBiLitY tHaT IS DeMandED Or neEDed By USeRs aT THE pRESEnT TiME. thiS InvEntiON eXPandS UpoN, and prOVIdES a SIGnifIcANt imprOVEMenT OvER, the TeXt bAseD PrEPRINTeD InforMAtioN systEMs anD fUrThER PROVideS A mecHANISM by wHIcH aDdiTIONaL ReLAtEd servicES AND inFOrMatiOn caN Be PrOVIDEd To A UsEr.
other COMPuTer aNd eLEcTroNiC BAsED SyStEmS, sUCH as WOuLd Be fOund on A CABLE System, SUFFer FROm VArIouS OtheR PrOblEms, SuCh AS A LacK of INTEraCtiVity aNd THE ABIlIty to pRoviDE INTErACTiVe lInkS oR fOr THE INfoRMatiOn to be uPDATED in AN eaSy mANnER.
A CoMPuter bAsEd systEM is PRovIDeD in ThIs InVeNTIon whiCh MAy UsE, FoR eXAMPle, A PErSoNal COmpuTER WHIcH EXtRActs, cOnsOLiDATEs AnD pRoVIdeS A DIsplAy mEChANism FoR dIsPLAYiNG The variOus TypES OF infOrMaTIon TO aCcEsS froM mulTIPlE sources oF elECTRonic SIGNaLS and sOURcES fOR UsE BY AN iNDIViDUAl. aLtHOugh THis ComPUteR SYsTEm Is PRIMArILY DeSiGNeD to INCOrpORAtE A lARgE ScREen MONITOR capaBLE fOr viewINg AT A DiStaNCe, tHis InvENtIon ShOuld nOt bE cONsIdErED SO liMITEd In iTs usE aNd IN fAcT Be uSED IN CONjuNCtIOn wITh mONITorS of ALl siZeS. tHE COmPuTER systeM of ThIs InVentION INCorPoRaTes inTeGraTED hArdwaRE AnD FUnctiONALiTy in whIch eleCTrONIc SIGnALS FrOM a pLUrALITY OF sOuRCEs aND OF variOUs TyPeS can Be acqUIREd by THE CompuTEr sYstEM""s centRaL pRoCEsSInG uNIt. thE sysTEm iNteRprETS and ProceSseS iNforMAtion WHIch is PlAYEd baCK AND displAYEd tO THE usER. tHesE sIGnals mAy Be aCQUireD from aN AnaloG SiGnaL Or FRoM A diGItal sIGNAl. JuST sOMe Of The ExaMpLES of THE SignaL soUrCeS might bE StAnDARd aNALoG tELEviSiOn traNsmISSiOn, WHicH OCCUrS oVEr THe AiR, CabLE AnaloG TeleViSioN trANsmIssions, DIgiTAl CabLE TELEvISION tRANSMiSSIoNS, AnD DIREct BrOAdcaST SaTElliTES, eITHEr dIgiTAl or ANalOg. adDItional dIGItaL InFORMAtION CaN BE caRRieD aS PaRT oF aN ANALOG telEvISiON SiGnAl fOR eXaMple, as pART Of The VeRtiCaL blanKiNg intErvAL (vBI) Or in OThEr pORtIoNs of THE VidEO and AUDIO wavE FoRM, INCLUDiNg iN tHE pICture poRtIOn itSeLf. DiGiTaL DATA maY also be acQUireD By tHe centrAl ProCEssoR by Cable MOdem, SAtEllitE digITaL ViDeO tRanSmISsiON Or OVer standaRD TElepHoNE Lines, InCludInG iNTegRATeD SERVIcEs DIGItaL NETworK (iSDn), WiRELesS TRansmISSiON, Am/fM raDiO bRoaDcAsTS, DigITaL mEdia sucH as Cd ROm, cDI, MAgnEtiC DIskETTES or THE liKe. fURthEr ADditionAL iNforMAtiOn cAN bE AcquirED fROM PrerEcOrded Items SUch as WouLd BE USed In videO caSsettE rEcoRDers, audIo cd PLAYerS oR thE LiKE. tHis InfoRMaTiON woULd thEn Be COnVeRTeD eIthEr from iTS NATIve ANalOG fOrMAt or rEFORmATted frOM ITS stOReD diGITaL FORmaT or TRAnSmitTaL DIgitaL forMat iNto a dAta FOrMAt By WhICH the coMputER maY uSe tHIs infOrmATIon.
tHe PResEntAtIon OF THiS INFoRmAtioN In a MANnER whiCh Is Usable By an AvErAge user, IS ONe OF the sIGniFIcant fEaTUrES and adVantaGes oF THIS INventiOn. SPecIfIcaLlY, tHe ComPUter SyStem ACquirEs infOrmaTiON from a MultiPliCiTY OF eLECTRoNIC sIGNAlS and PRovIdes A cOHEReNT mecHaNISm of PrEsENTinG THIS iNforMATiON to A usER iN A FORmAt WhIcH is Easy To uNdErsTAnd anD sUiTAblE for usAge. FOR ExAmplE, IN tHe caSe Of brOaDcast TELevIsiOn SIgNAls, THESE sigNaLs ArE RECEIVeD aNd COnvErTeD intO a mOViNg DIGItaL grapHIcAl DiSPLay AnD the pRoceSSeD SigNalS cAN ThEN be DIsPLaYEd on a sYSTEM mOniToR WiTh The ACcoMpAnYInG auDio sIgnALs BeINg rEceiveD aND COnVeRTed To diGiTAL saMPleS anD theN RepLAYed THROuGH the dIGITaL DiSPLay TO analOG CoNveRters PRovIDed iN THe SYSTEM. obVIoUsly, tHe SIgnal AcquISitiON mETHOD AnD aPParaTuS aND ITS procEssing uSED TO PResEnt The SignaL, eitHer vISUAl Or aURAL, wIll varY depENDing uPOn tHE TYpE OF sIgnal sOurce ThAt is RECeivEd aND The mANner iN wHiCH IT Is ReCeIVEd.
In the caSE oF dIGItaL SignAL SourCes, THE PRoCeSsIng METHOD usED tO inteRprET AND prEsent tHE signal ObVIOUSLy dEpeNds UpOn tHE TyPe of dIgITAL inFORMatiOn. OnE OF THE cOnCerNS iS hOw tHE INFORMatiON is coNTained WiThIn tHE dAta stReAm OR On tHe conTEXt in wHIcH thE DaTa iS RECeIvED. thE MEcHANISM bY WHicH THe SigNaL ARRIvES at tHE computeR system obviOusly may VaRY AS Set fOrTh abOVe and tHiS iNVeNtION ShOULD noT Be lImited tO thE SPeCIfiC MeThodoLogY of ReceIViNG The sIgnAl.
In AnY CoMplEX COmpUTer sYSteM whiCh iS CAPAbLe OF receiVING and DiSPLAYinG OR pLAyInG BACk AUDIo SIgNaLs, tHErE is ObvIOUSly a RIcH AND DiveRse sOUrCE OF sIGnALS FoR EntERTAInmEnt AND for ConTeNT. hOweVEr, iT iS diFfiCULt fOR an INdIVidUaL useR tO seleCt fROM THE Wide SelEctIOn Of POSSibLE proGraMS and COntENT TYPeS In an EAsY AnD ExpEdITIOuS MAnneR. In CONveNtIOnaL APproacheS, Once A selECTIon IS mADE oR in USe, It Is DIFfiCult or tiME ConSUmInG to CHANGe TO or INVEstiGate OTHeR sIGnal/coNteNt SoURCeS WiTHoUT enteriNg ComPlex CoMmAnds. IN thE caSE of SearCHinG And fInDING coNTenT DeLivERED OVeR dIFFeReNT MeANs (FOr EXamPLe, SWiTChInG FROM a TELEVIsIon broADCast sigNal aNd A MOdEm datA SiGNAl), IT May be neCESsARY to conSULT mULtipLe SoURCES oF InfORmaTioN oR XE2X80X9ccOnTeNT GuideSXe2X80x9D To DEtERminE WhaT matEriAL MiGHt bE OF InterEst TO thE useR AnD whAT iS AvAiLaBlE.
anotHER PRoblEm ThAT is Present IN prioR ARt SYSteMS IS THE eASE WiTh wHiCH AcTIons cAn BE PROmptEd TO THE useR on A giVEN siGNaL tYPe AND CArRiED oUT USING ANOTheR SIGNaL tyPe. an EXAmpLE of ThIs is AN aDVErtISeMEnt oN TELEVIsion cOntainInG a tElepHOne NUmber FoR plaCiNG an ordeR tO pURCHASE goODS, oR A WorlD widE WeB AdDrESS, WhICh IS DiSplaYED AS Part OF a tELevIsiOn pRoGrAM. ThE CONveNtiONAl meTHOd OF TAkINg action WOuld bE FOR The USeR TO NOTe thE telepHonE nuMBeR, pICK Up a tELEpHone, dIaL the TeLePhoNE NUmBEr, rEquESt the speciFic MErChaNDise And ProvIDe cRedIT carD iNFormatiON OR BiLLIng INFoRMATiON TO THE OpeRATOR. if A WOrld WIDE wEB AdDrESs is pRovIDed ON ThE TelEvisiOn SHoW, It MAy REqUiRe sEvErAL DISPLaYS oF thiS ADDrESs befOrE THe UsEr CaN note the eXaCT SYNTAx of The AddRESS, cOPY IT doWN, entEr iT iNTO HIs WEb BrOWsER aND CommUNICatE WiTh THiS WeB pAGe.
oNE oF tHe uNIQuE ADvaNtaGes oF thIs INvENtIOn IS An iNTeGRateD CoNTenT GUIde (ICG) wItH assoCiATeD fEatURes IS pROvIDed. thiS coNtent GuiDe pROvidES an INTeGraTeD MEtHOD fOr SEArCHING aNd fINdING cONtEnt Of inteReST bOTh withiN and aCROSs plurAliTIeS OF SIgnAl typES AND pROgRAMmING and PROVidES An InTEgratED APprOaCh For the pReSENTaTiON of This INformATION And of AdvErtIsING InfOrMATiOn WHich iS sENt ALong witH THis siGnal.
an aDdiTIonAL AdVAnTage of THis InveNtIon is A MeChaNISM BY wHIch lInks AND/or rELATED iNFORmaTIoN, WHIch are (is) KePt IN tHE cOnTexT OF THE ProGrAm Being viEWeD Or LiSTEneD to, may be uSeD aS PaRt oF The COnTEnt GuiDe. | 1. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates to a novel system and methodology forproviding information with respect toelectronic entertainmentandmore particularly to an information program content guide whichprovides for related services. 2. Description of the Related Art Various text based systems for providing information on television shows and thelike are now available. However, these devices and/or printed publications are rather limited in their scope.Systems such as the VCR+(trademark) system which employs information found in a local newspaper,provides a code based system which requires that the manual codes printed in a newspaper be enteredinto a VCR toallow automatic programming of the VCR. This system however, does not allow foran interactivelink of the flexibility that is demanded or needed by usersat thepresent time.This invention expands upon,and provides a significant improvement over, the text basedpreprinted information systems andfurther provides a mechanism by which additional related services and information can beprovidedto a user.Other computer and electronicbased systems, such as would befound on a cable system, suffer fromvarious other problems, such as a lack of interactivityand the ability to provide interactive links or for the information to beupdated in an easy manner. A computer based systemis provided in this invention which may use, for example, a personal computer which extracts,consolidates and provides a display mechanism fordisplaying the various types of information to access from multiple sources ofelectronic signals and sources for use by an individual. Although this computer system isprimarily designed toincorporate a large screen monitor capable for viewing at a distance, thisinventionshould not be considered so limited in its use and in fact be used in conjunctionwith monitors of all sizes. The computersystem of this invention incorporates integrated hardware and functionality in which electronicsignals from a plurality of sources and of various types can be acquired by the computer system""s central processing unit.The system interprets and processes information which is played back and displayed to theuser. These signals may be acquired from ananalog signal or from a digital signal. Just some of the examples of the signal sources might be standard analog television transmission, which occurs over the air, cableanalog television transmissions, digital cable television transmissions, and direct broadcast satellites, either digital or analog. Additional digital information can be carried as part ofan analog television signal for example, as part of the vertical blankinginterval (VBI) or in other portions of the video and audio wave form, including in the picture portion itself. Digital datamay also be acquired bythe centralprocessor by cable modem, satellite digital video transmissionor over standard telephone lines, including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), wireless transmission, AM/FM radio broadcasts, digital media such as CD ROM, CDI, magnetic diskettes or the like. Further additional informationcan be acquired from prerecorded items such aswould be used in video cassette recorders, audio CD players orthe like. This information wouldthenbeconverted either from its nativeanalog formatorreformatted from its stored digital format or transmittal digital format into a data format by whichthe computer may use this information. The presentation of this informationina manner which is usable by an average user, is one of the significantfeatures andadvantages of this invention.Specifically, the computersystem acquires information from a multiplicity of electronic signals and provides a coherent mechanism ofpresenting thisinformation to a user in a formatwhich is easy to understandand suitable for usage. For example, inthe caseof broadcast televisionsignals, these signals are received and converted into a moving digital graphical display and the processed signalscan then be displayed ona system monitor with the accompanying audio signals being received and convertedto digital samples andthen replayedthroughthe digital display to analog converters provided in the system. Obviously, thesignal acquisition method and apparatus and its processing used to present the signal,either visual or aural, will varydepending upon the type of signal source that isreceived and the manner in which it is received.In the case of digital signal sources, theprocessing method used to interpret and present the signalobviously depends upon the typeof digital information. One of the concerns is how the information is containedwithin the data stream or on the context inwhich the data is received. The mechanism bywhich the signal arrives at the computer system obviously mayvary as set forth above and this invention shouldnot be limited to the specific methodology of receiving the signal. Inany complex computer system which iscapable of receiving and displayingor playing backaudio signals, there is obviously a rich and diversesource of signalsfor entertainment andforcontent. However, it isdifficult for an individualuser to select from the wideselection of possible programs and content types in an easy and expeditious manner. In conventional approaches, once a selection is made or in use, it is difficult or time consuming to change to or investigate other signal/content sourceswithout enteringcomplex commands. In the case of searchingand findingcontent delivered over different means (for example,switching from a television broadcast signal and a modem data signal), it may be necessary to consult multiple sources of information or xe2x80x9ccontent guidesxe2x80x9d to determine what materialmight be of interest to the userand what is available.Another problem that is present in prior artsystems isthe ease with which actions can be prompted tothe user on a given signal typeand carried out using another signal type. An example of thisis an advertisement on television containinga telephone number for placing an order to purchase goods, or a world wide web address, which is displayed as part of a televisionprogram. The conventional method oftaking action would be for the user to note the telephone number, pick up a telephone, dialthe telephone number, request the specific merchandise and provide credit card information or billing information to the operator.If a world wideweb address is provided on the television show, it may require several displays of this addressbefore the usercan note the exact syntaxof theaddress, copy it down, enter it into his web browser and communicate with this web page. One of the unique advantages of this invention is anintegrated content guide(ICG) with associated features is provided.This contentguide provides an integrated method for searching and finding content of interestboth within and across pluralitiesof signal types andprogramming andprovides an integrated approach for the presentation of this information and of advertisinginformation whichis sent along with this signal. An additional advantage ofthisinvention is a mechanism by which links and/or related information, which are(is) kept in the context of the program being viewed or listened to, may beused as part of the content guide. | 1. _Field_ of _the_ Invention This invention relates to a _novel_ system and methodology for providing _information_ with respect _to_ electronic _entertainment_ and more _particularly_ to _an_ information program content guide which _provides_ for related services. _2._ Description of the Related _Art_ Various text _based_ systems for providing information on television _shows_ and _the_ like _are_ now available. _However,_ _these_ devices and/or printed publications are rather limited in their scope. Systems such as the VCR+(trademark) system which employs information found in a local newspaper, provides a code _based_ system which requires _that_ the manual codes printed in _a_ newspaper _be_ entered _into_ a VCR to allow automatic programming of the VCR. This system however, does not _allow_ _for_ an interactive link of the flexibility that is demanded or needed _by_ users at the present time. _This_ invention expands upon, and _provides_ _a_ significant _improvement_ over, the text based preprinted information systems and further provides _a_ mechanism by which additional related services and _information_ can be provided to a user. Other _computer_ and _electronic_ based _systems,_ such as would be _found_ _on_ a _cable_ system, suffer from various other problems, such as _a_ lack of interactivity and the ability _to_ provide interactive links or for _the_ _information_ to _be_ updated in an easy manner. A computer based system is provided in _this_ invention which may use, for example, a personal computer which extracts, consolidates and provides a display mechanism for _displaying_ the _various_ types of _information_ to access from multiple sources of electronic _signals_ and sources for use by _an_ _individual._ _Although_ this _computer_ system is primarily designed _to_ incorporate a large screen monitor capable for viewing at a distance, this invention _should_ not be _considered_ so limited in its _use_ and in fact be used in conjunction with monitors of all sizes. The computer _system_ of this invention incorporates _integrated_ _hardware_ and functionality in which electronic signals from a plurality of _sources_ and of _various_ types can be acquired by _the_ computer system""s central processing unit. The _system_ _interprets_ and processes _information_ which is played _back_ and displayed to _the_ user. These signals may be _acquired_ _from_ an analog signal or from a digital signal. _Just_ some of the _examples_ _of_ the signal sources might be _standard_ _analog_ television transmission, _which_ _occurs_ over _the_ air, cable analog television transmissions, digital _cable_ _television_ transmissions, _and_ direct broadcast satellites, either digital _or_ analog. _Additional_ digital information can be carried as _part_ of an analog television _signal_ _for_ example, as part of the vertical blanking interval (VBI) or in _other_ portions of the video and _audio_ wave _form,_ including in the picture portion itself. Digital data may also _be_ acquired by the central processor by cable _modem,_ satellite digital video transmission _or_ _over_ standard telephone lines, including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), _wireless_ transmission, _AM/FM_ radio broadcasts, _digital_ media _such_ as CD ROM, CDI, magnetic diskettes or the like. Further additional _information_ can be acquired from _prerecorded_ _items_ such as would be used _in_ video cassette _recorders,_ audio CD players _or_ the like. This information would then be converted either from its native analog format or reformatted from its stored digital format _or_ transmittal digital format into a data format by which the computer may _use_ this _information._ The presentation of this information in a _manner_ which is usable _by_ an average user, is one of the significant _features_ and advantages of this _invention._ Specifically, the computer system acquires _information_ from a _multiplicity_ of _electronic_ signals and provides a coherent mechanism of presenting _this_ information to _a_ user _in_ a format which is easy to understand and suitable for usage. For example, in the case of broadcast television signals, these signals are received and converted into a moving digital _graphical_ display _and_ the processed _signals_ can then _be_ displayed on _a_ system monitor _with_ the accompanying audio signals being _received_ _and_ converted to _digital_ samples and then _replayed_ through the digital display to analog converters _provided_ in the system. _Obviously,_ _the_ signal _acquisition_ method and apparatus and its processing _used_ to _present_ the signal, either visual _or_ _aural,_ will vary _depending_ upon the type of signal _source_ that is _received_ and the manner in which it _is_ received. In the case _of_ digital signal _sources,_ _the_ processing method _used_ to _interpret_ and present the signal obviously depends upon _the_ type _of_ digital information. One _of_ the _concerns_ is how the information is contained within the data stream or _on_ the context _in_ _which_ the data is _received._ _The_ mechanism by which the signal arrives _at_ the computer system obviously may vary as set forth above _and_ this invention should not be limited to the specific _methodology_ of receiving the _signal._ _In_ any complex computer system which is capable _of_ receiving and displaying _or_ _playing_ back audio _signals,_ there is obviously a rich _and_ diverse source of signals for entertainment and for content. However, it is difficult _for_ _an_ individual user to select _from_ the wide selection of _possible_ _programs_ and content types _in_ an easy and _expeditious_ _manner._ In _conventional_ approaches, _once_ a _selection_ is made _or_ in _use,_ it is difficult or time consuming to change to or investigate other signal/content sources without _entering_ _complex_ commands. In the case of _searching_ _and_ finding content delivered over different _means_ (for example, switching from a television broadcast signal and a modem data signal), it may be _necessary_ _to_ consult multiple sources of information or xe2x80x9ccontent guidesxe2x80x9d to determine what _material_ might be of interest to _the_ _user_ and what is available. _Another_ problem that is present in prior art _systems_ is _the_ _ease_ with which actions can be _prompted_ to the user on a given signal type _and_ carried out _using_ another _signal_ type. An _example_ of this is an _advertisement_ on _television_ containing a telephone number for placing _an_ order to purchase goods, or a world wide web address, _which_ _is_ displayed as part of _a_ television program. The conventional method of taking _action_ _would_ be for the user to note the telephone number, pick up a telephone, dial the telephone number, request _the_ specific _merchandise_ and _provide_ credit card information _or_ billing information to the operator. If a world _wide_ web address is provided on the television show, it may require several _displays_ of _this_ address before _the_ _user_ can note the exact _syntax_ of the address, copy it down, _enter_ it into _his_ web browser and _communicate_ with this web _page._ One _of_ the _unique_ _advantages_ of this _invention_ is an integrated _content_ guide (ICG) _with_ associated features is _provided._ _This_ content guide provides an integrated method _for_ searching and finding content of interest both within and across pluralities of signal types _and_ programming and provides an integrated _approach_ for the presentation of this information and of advertising information which is sent along with _this_ signal. An _additional_ advantage of this invention _is_ a mechanism by _which_ links and/or related information, which are (is) kept in the context of the program being viewed or listened to, may be used _as_ part of the _content_ guide. |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.